Two of my worlds are colliding this week. After spending the summer in Atlanta working for the Georgia Department of Agriculture Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin, I headed back to Tifton to finish my last year of college. Now, as a Sunbelt Ag Expo intern, I am met with working them again, but in a different role. I am thankful for the world of agriculture and how roots run deep within connections that are made. Nothing sounds tastier than some of Chef Holly’s peanut brittle and being able to enjoy it in Moultrie this week. I am eagerly anticipating working with Georgia Grown and many other sponsors and exhibitors during the 2021 Expo. – Ava Jane Teasley
The trucks are coming in, booths are going up, and this intern is getting excited! There are many things this agriculture student finds interesting that will be going on during the week, but the one thing that has me counting down the hours is that my favorite TikTok star will be on-site for this year’s Expo. Hannah Dasher, known for her Stand by your Pan cooking series on TikTok, will be doing live cooking demonstrations sponsored by the Georgia Peanut Commission on Tuesday afternoon. Dasher will also hold a meet-and-greet from 3:30-5:00 on the same day at the Georgia Peanut building. – Charley Lollis
After a year of canceled and online events, I am ecstatic about being involved in the expo this year in person. As a first-year intern last fall, I had the opportunity to write blog posts for the expo. However, as a very social person, I cannot wait to meet new people every day and attend multiple daily events at the expo this year. Combining my passion for the agriculture industry and my love for meeting new people has definitely allowed the expo to steal a piece of my heart. – Bridget Dixon
The American Stock Dog trials are always a big hit at the Expo. I am excited to watch all dogs compete each day this week. This event is always a crowd-pleaser, but I have never experienced the trials at the expo. Dogs will compete in the Pro Novice and Open trial divisions, and a division winner will be chosen every day. A final winner in the open division will be chosen on Thursday based on a combined number of points for all three days. Join me each day to watch these dogs compete in the American Stock Dog trials. – Kerstin Hall
I’ve always looked forward to seeing what state the Sunbelt Ag Expo will showcase. The Expo is constantly changing and evolving. This year I covered Virginia, the 2021 spotlight state, for the Expo’s show program. After hearing their plans for the booth, I was eager to see it come to life. Needless to say, Virginia has lived up to the hype and absolutely transformed the spotlight state building. From their mobile learning lab to their interactive displays, Virginia agriculture has shown it has something for everyone. – Gabi Ius
As the Sunbelt Ag Expo goes into full swing, I am excited for the multitude of networking opportunities. From college officials to industry leaders, the expo provides all visitors the chance to create contacts in every building and tent. Each exhibit boasts a personal touch for each visitor. You will probably be asked, “Now, where are you from?” These connections show us that our connection to other people reaches beyond our hometown and into each sector of agriculture. Hopefully, I will even add some more connections to my LinkedIn. – Lizzy Parks