Future farmers take the wheel of pint-sized equipment at the Colusa Farm Show. Photo by Susan Meeker

COLUSA, CA (MPG) - Three days of warm, clear weather helped draw thousands to the Colusa Farm Show, which concluded Feb. 5 at the Colusa County Fairgrounds.

The 61st Farm Show drew growers, equipment dealers and agricultural professionals to what organizers describe as the region’s largest winter showcase of farm technology.

More than 300 exhibitors filled the fairgrounds with equipment displays, irrigation systems, seed varieties and emerging ag tech tools aimed at improving efficiency for farms across the Sacramento Valley. While the show often reflects grower sentiment heading into planting season, this year’s event highlighted both optimism and caution as producers continue to face high input costs and uncertain water supplies.

“Farming is a tough business,” said Gil Tomlison, a Yolo County partner in multiple crops, including rice and tomatoes. “Every year, you need to evaluate everything and gather ideas before making major investments. This year, I’m optimistic, but not blindly, about where farming is heading. People still need to eat.”

Colusa County Jr. Fair Board members greet visitors to the 2026 Colusa Farm Show on Feb. 4. From right, Stephanie Gonzalez, Evelyn Guevara, Cade Smith, Miss Colusa County Makenna Dunlap, and Whitney Traynham. Photo by Susan Meeker

In that purpose, the Colusa Farm Show each year helps growers compare options and speak directly with manufacturers about what might work best for their operations. With sunny weather throughout the exposition, visitors, including students, moved steadily through the fairgrounds as vendors showcased tractors, implements, irrigation systems, banking services and other cost-saving technologies. Exhibitors reported strong interest from growers seeking tools to help manage rising expenses and ongoing resource challenges.

Bob Boucke, owner of BB’s Bees in Yuba City, made his first appearance as a vendor at this year’s show. Recently retired from running Johnson’s Bait and Tackle and JBT Marine, Boucke has shifted his focus to beekeeping, a hobby that has grown into a small but expanding business selling honey, producing beeswax candles, providing bee removal services and renting hives to growers.

Yuba City Beekeeper Bob Boucke makes his first appearance at the 2026 Colusa County Farm Show, saying the sunny weather brought great traffic to his outdoor space for selling honey. Photo by Susan Meeker

Boucke, who manages 20 hives with plans to expand to 50, said beekeepers continue to face significant challenges, particularly the threat of varroa mites, which have caused heavy losses in bee populations statewide. New organic treatments recently approved in California offer hope for better control, and Boucke said he is optimistic about the coming season.

Now moving into its seventh decade, attendees said the 2026 Colusa Farm Show served as a key meeting point for the region’s agricultural community, offering opportunities to exchange ideas and preview tools and services that help shape the industry.