World Ag Expo will kick off its 46th annual show tomorrow, February 12, 2013 in Tulare, California.

Gates open at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, and the playing of the National Anthem will be followed by a two-plane flyover, expected shortly before 10:00 a.m.

The largest annual agricultural exposition of its kind, World Ag Expo touts more than 1,400 exhibitors who display cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show grounds.

If you look at baby Eli Emmanuel of Visalia, he looks like any happy, smiling baby boy.

But, he was born in November with severe hearing loss-- his right ear, worse than his left.

Now, his parents need your help!

Unfortunately his insurance will not cover his hearing aids-- and the state can't help either.

"We unfortunately can't afford the price of the hearing aid," says Jessica Lozano, Baby Eli's mother.

Baby Eli needs a Phonak Naida III H20 and accessories. The cost? Around $4,500. The family has set up a website to take donations, with a simple click of the mouse.

"We really appreciate everyone helping us in so many ways. Eli is our miracle baby and I am so lucky to be his mother," writes Lozano. "Please help us to help Eli hear.

CONTEST OFFERS $150 AWARD TO FOURTH-GRADE STUDENT     

Some lucky fourth-grader will win $150 if he or she is the winner of the 14th Annual Farm Water Poster Contest sponsored by the California Farm Water Coalition. Teachers of the top three entries will each receive a $100 cash award for classroom supplies.

The contest recognizes "Water Awareness Month" and emphasizes how California farmers use water to produce food and fiber.

"It has been amazing to view the entries over the years and realize that these students have grasped the importance of water to California farmers," said Mike Wade, Coalition Executive Director. "The posters have not only portrayed the use of water on the farm but also its source."