International Crop Expo to be held in Grand Forks, ND

Dale Hoff expected good things when the International Crop Expo was launched 10 years ago at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

But the show — which combined three smaller annual farm events sponsored by small grain, potato and soybean groups — has surpassed those expectations.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised. We know the potential was there. Things have worked out well,” says Hoff, president of K &D Enterprises in Crookston, Minnesota. He’s been associated with the expo from the beginning and serves as exhibit manager this year.

The 2011 Expo — themed “Beyond Our Agricultural Borders” — is set for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 16 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 17.

An estimated 175 to 200 companies will have exhibits at this year’s event.

Last year, 5,000 people attended. Organizers hope for comparable or better attendance this year.