Dean Ashley Stokes to Join UC Davis Agricultural Experts at World Ag Expo

Dean Ashley M. Stokes from the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, or CA&ES, will gather with fellow scientists, staff and students in Tulare at the 2026 World Ag Expo. 

The event, which is Feb. 10-12, is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind and brings together farmers, growers, ranchers, prospective students, alumni and leaders throughout the agricultural industry.

The theme this year is “Grounds for Innovation.” 

Organizers expect the event to draw more than 100,000 people to the 2.6 million-square-feet International Agri-Center for seminars, tours, demonstrations, test-drives and scholarship events. An estimated 1,200 exhibitors will also display the latest technology, farm equipment, chemical innovations and other advancements as part of the 3-day event. 

This is Stokes first trip to the World Ag Expo as dean. 

“I am looking forward to exploring all that the World Ag Expo has to offer,” Stokes said. “This is a great opportunity to connect with partners, alumni, students, industry members and others; and to share our expertise while learning about the latest in agricultural innovation.” 

After attending the World Ag Expo Leadership Breakfast, Stokes will be at the UC Davis booth — located in the Ag Career and Education Center — from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 12 and invites alumni, students and others to stop by and say hello. She’ll also attend the 2026 Kern County Alumni Dinner at the Wool Growers Restaurant that evening.

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic Programs Susan Ebeler, Associate Dean of Agricultural Sciences Anne Todgham and Assistant Dean of Development Annie Roser are joining the dean. 

College experts in animal science, agricultural economics, horticulture and other topics will be available to meet and visit with attendees. Other CA&ES experts are participating in seminar and panel sessions addressing topics in the dairy industry, including screwworm, labor policy and management operations. 

Aggie Ambassadors and undergraduate student advisors will also be on hand to answer questions about UC Davis majors and campus life, as well as host activities including a human slot machine, trivia wheel and memory game. 

“We always enjoy meeting with prospective students at the Expo and learning about their interests,” said Ebeler, who will be at the UC Davis booth on Feb. 12. “We are excited to share information about the many opportunities for students in our college to explore their passions, gain cutting-edge skills and prepare for exciting careers in agricultural, environmental and human and social sciences.”  

Other college experts attending the expo include:

• Ashley Chum, CLEAR Center digital communications specialist
• Mohamed Embaby, CLEAR Center postdoctoral researcher
• Kristin Kiesel, associate professor of teaching in agricultural and resource economics
• Deanne Meyer, livestock waste management Cooperative Extension specialist
• Frank Mitloehner, air quality specialist and CLEAR Center director
• Joyce Pexton, staff research associate in diary management
• Joe Proudman, CLEAR Center associate director for communications
• Tracy Sellers, CLEAR Center senior content writer and media strategist
• Vanessa Talavera, outreach coordinator for Undergraduate Academic Programs
• Jennifer Taylor-Grimes, senior career advisor in agricultural and environmental sciences
• Astrid Volder, professor of plant sciences
• Thai Vue, associate director of undergraduate admissions 

UC Davis is ranked first in the nation for agriculture, plant sciences, animal science and agricultural economics. In fall 2025, the campus enrolled 39,414 students, with more than 7,500 undergraduates housed in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The campus offers more than 100 majors and students may choose from a variety of disciplines in agricultural, environmental and social and human sciences.