The 48th Sunbelt Ag Expo commenced Tuesday morning, October 20, in Moultrie, starting with its Opening Ceremony and the presentation of significant agricultural awards, drawing farmers and industry professionals from across the South Georgia region and beyond. The day concluded with the announcement of the Southeastern Farmer of the Year and the Georgia Farm Bureau Georgia Farm Dog of the Year at the Annual Willie B. Withers Luncheon, highlighting innovation and dedication in agriculture that directly impacts food production and farming practices important to local communities.
Florida dairyman Woody Larson was named the Southeastern Farmer of the Year, marking the 36th year for this prestigious award. Also recognized at the luncheon was Riggs, the Georgia Farm Bureau Georgia Farm Dog of the Year, owned by Kelly Smith of Shadow Lane Farm in Morgan County. Smith, an FFA advisor and agricultural teacher at Putnam High School, utilizes Riggs to assist in her teaching, demonstrating the practical role farm animals play in agricultural education. The Farm Dog of the Year award was first presented at the 2024 Willie B. Withers Luncheon.
Tuesday’s events also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for this year’s Spotlight State, South Carolina. Visitors can explore its exhibit, titled “Growing SC Ag to Z,” which showcases the state’s top commodities, agriculture industry, and culinary traditions, offering insights into regional agricultural diversity relevant to farmers and consumers.
Sunbelt Expo Executive Director Chip Blalock stated in the show program that the event features 800 exhibitors and more than 300 interactive educational displays and demonstrations spread across 93 acres of exhibit space. Attendees can find a wide range of daily events and demonstrations, including the Cow Milking Contest at the Dairy Pavilion, introductions of the Sunbelt Expo Rodeo Queen and Princess at the Priefert Horse Arena, and Farmer Fredo’s presentation in the Flint River Fresh Backyard Garden. Other popular attractions include the Antique Tractor Parade, the Slo-Jo Tractor Pull, and the EMC High Voltage Safety Demonstration, providing both entertainment and practical insights into agricultural equipment and safety.
Out in the show’s fields, the expo hosts various demonstrations covering harvesting and tillage, hay production, and advanced technology. These technology demonstrations include the use of drones and autonomous tractors, showcasing the future of farming and efficiency improvements that can benefit local agricultural operations.
The PCOM South Georgia Rural Health Initiative Building offers visitors health education resources and a variety of free health screenings, addressing community health needs. This building also features the “Simbulance,” an ambulance converted into a simulation laboratory, providing a unique educational experience. New to the expo this year is the Medical Rural Outreach Van (MedROVer), a mobile unit designed for PCOM faculty and students to travel throughout the region, facilitating the expansion of healthcare services to rural areas.
For those interested in agricultural education and career paths, several universities maintain permanent exhibit buildings at the Sunbelt Expo, including the University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University, Clemson University, Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College, the University of Florida, and Auburn University. Additional schools with exhibits this year are Florida A&M University, North Georgia College and State University, South Georgia Technical College, Southern Regional Technical College, and Tuskegee Institute of Technology, providing extensive information on academic programs and research.
To ensure visitors remain energized, numerous food vendors are on-site, offering options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. These include 3 Beards BBQ, Armando’s Taco and Grill on Wheels, Lawson Peach Shed, The Chuckwagon, Country Cabin Sweets and Treats, Scoop Dawgs, and the Colquitt County FFA, offering a taste of local and regional fare.
The Sunbelt Ag Expo continues Wednesday, with show hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and concludes on Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $15 per person per day, with children aged 10 and under admitted free when accompanied by a parent.
