High-tech agriculture will take center stage in Salina as the Mid America Farm Expo opens its doors next week at the Bicentennial Center.

Tom Maxwell with the Kansas State Extension Office tells KSAL News that the ‘love of the land’ brings many young farmers back to the family farm – but the pull of technology also plays a role.

“I think the technology is increasingly drawing young people back to agriculture because of the technical expertise it takes to analyze data,” he said.

“We’re on the cusp of seeing huge changes in the way data is analyzed and used on the family farm.”

The Expo began 51 years ago and now boasts about 350 exhibits and over 200 companies from around the United States expected to take part.

The Expo is headquartered in the Bicentennial Center, with additional displays in Agricultural Hall, and Exhibition Barn at the Saline County Livestock & Expo Center.

In addition, outside exhibits are located in front of Ag Hall and on the Bicentennial Center west parking lot.

Hours are 9am-5pm on Tuesday March 29th, 9am-5pm on Wednesday March 30th, and 9am-4pm on Thursday March 31st.

There is no charge for admission and parking is free.

https://soundcloud.com/ksal-radio/k-state-ext-office-carl-garten-and-tom-maxwell-3-23-16