By Whitnie Yoder, ABAC Agricultural Communication, May 2025 graduate
In the northeastern corner of the Sunbelt Expo grounds, you can find cowboy hats and farmer caps in their conversations under the beef barn. Lined with booths and a variety of stock, even the smell of the pine shavings draws all to see the proceedings under the Bill Patton Beef Pavilion. There, you will meet industry advocates and producers of all backgrounds.
As many can attest, cattle inventory numbers are shrinking, and the issues of market stability and cattle prices present themselves faithfully in every element of an operation. In efforts to best approach these perpetual subjects, industry experts provide these needed answers.
Educational seminars and vendors provide insight to these occasions. Many find answers to inquiries, such as which dewormer brand is most effective, what trailer company provides the most options, and when the best age is to wean their calves. Dynamic seminars offer insight that many find helpful to implement in their operations.
“Put yourself out there and ask the questions you need answers to,” said Jason King, executive director of the pavilion. “These conversations could be the missing piece to profitability in your herd.”
Beef industry experts, professors and extension agents give these seminars annually. A highlight this year is a talk called ‘The State of the Cattle Industry’ where producers will gain a better understanding of how best to market cattle in their area.
These seminars are carefully chosen to benefit the majority. New topics are rolled out each year, and valuable information and knowledge is always gleaned.
A variety of vendors will also provide comparable services. Most southeastern land grant and agricultural colleges can be found at the beef barn, as well as state cattlemen’s associations, equipment companies and many similar entities. This knowledge is easily accessible and readily available, so visitors are strongly encouraged to ask questions and interact.
Making these connections and getting questions answered here at the Sunbelt Expo can add value to your operation in a way one may not find elsewhere.
“You can spend your entire day at the barn, because there is always something to do. You’re surrounded inside and outside by folks involved in the beef industry one way or another,” King said.
He enjoys visiting with returning visitors, as well as new ones. King looks forward to the vendor participation, continual growth and the authentic community found each year.
Debuting in 2023, the live cattle fitting demonstrations are expanding this year. This addition to the schedule was met with such support last year; you can now find additional fitting demonstrations for both sheep and goats. Anyone can attend. A schedule can be found in this Show Guide. Along with this, watch the annual Southeastern Hay Contest under the barn on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. The winner of this year’s premium hay will be announced.
As always, the Priefert booth is set up directly outside the pavilion. Visitors can stop by for Top Hand Training and the All-American Sunbelt Chute Out each day. This is an excellent opportunity to observe Priefert equipment in use, get inquiries squared away, and visit with individuals who can offer resources and connections.
