Opportunities for Youth at Expo

While the Sunbelt Ag Expo serves as a central hub during the third week of October for those in the agricultural industry to conduct business, it also serves as a place for students and young adults with a particular interest in the field of study to learn from the leaders in the industry.  Aside from seeing equipment work on the research farm, visiting with agribusiness companies, and gandering at the livestock on site, young people have the opportunity to visit with some of the many colleges and universities that are set up in their permanent spaces at the Expo.  In addition, students can earn cash prizes for competing in three different Youth Educational Opportunities offered during the show.  

1. The Advocacy in Action Contest sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau is for high school and college students.  This team event challenges teams to create a video based on a presented topic.  Teams submit videos prior to the Expo. Finalists then attend the Expo to participate in a second experience while working with policy makers in the industry, all in an effort to Advocate for Agriculture.  
2. The Ag Mechanics Contest sponsored by Farm Credit is for middle and high school students.  This individual event allows students to create and submit intricate and technical masterpieces that are judged and then displayed during the Expo for the public to see.  
3. The Youth Educational Challenges sponsored by Country Financial is for middle and high school students.  These individual contests test student knowledge in 5 areas.  In addition, students will be able to challenge their ag teachers…who has the most ag knowledge?  Participants receive a meal sponsored by Agri-Supply and Coca-Cola.
   1. Content Area Contests
      1. Ag Business
      2. Ag Mechanics
      3. Animal Science
      4. Forestry & ENR
      5. Plant Science
   2. The GAUNTLET
      1. A contest for students and teachers to test knowledge on all content areas.

If you aren’t already registered, DO IT NOW!  Visit sunbeltexpo.com/highlighted-events/yeo/  for all of the details and to register you and your team.