Bridget Dixson, junior Agriculture Communication major from Kite, Ga, is enjoying her time at this year’s Sunbelt Ag Expo. If you were around Spence Field this morning you heard her beautiful voice singing our National Anthem. Dixson is not only serving as the reigning Ms. ABAC, but also serving on this year’s Expo social media team. She has enjoyed meeting everyone at this year’s Expo and getting to work behind the scenes on things like the show program. Although her 2021 Expo experience has come to an end, she is excited to see what the 2022 Expo brings. – Kerstin Hall
As the expo comes to a close, we finish out a week of family fun and new experiences. Many children attending the expo witnessed the agriculture industry for the first time and hopefully formed a passion for it. Today, at the Priefert Arena, the stands were packed as many people came to see one of the exhibitors perform her trick riding routine. After many heart pounding tricks, the routine ended, and the rider talked with the audience about her life. The children and adults attending this event will have that memory until they can create more at next year’s event. – Bridget Dixon
Waving goodbye, handshakes, and hugs are the many ways exhibitors, guests, and workers part ways on the last day of the Sunbelt Ag Expo. Though it’s bittersweet, it has been a full three days of fun. The Expo’s positive impact on the agriculture industry, local community, and attendees goes far beyond the show’s three-day span. It’s hard saying goodbye but come next October we will get to reunite once again for the 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo. This is my last year serving a social media intern for the Expo, and I already know I’ll be back for future events. – Gabrielle Ius
Perhaps one of the most special aspects of the expo is the way it brings so many knowledgeable people together. From all over the southeast, people came to be emersed in agriculture. My main takeaway from the week is the importance of listening. The experts at the expo have a lot of information to give away. If we just stop for a minute and ask questions, then a wealth of knowledge is unlocked. Each time I have attended the expo, I have grown to appreciate the value of learning in such a hands-on environment. I can not wait to come back next year and learn even more. – Elizabeth Parks
The Sunbelt Ag Expo is deeply rooted in tradition, and one of my favorites that is carried on year after year is the hot air balloon that flies over the grounds while the national anthem plays. The last day of the 2021 Sunbelt Ag Expo was no different. The flag was buckled to the basket, they lighted the flame, and Miss ABAC, one of the 2021 Expo Social Media interns, Bridget Dixon, covered the grounds with her voice. With a beautiful sunrise behind the colorful balloon, many visitors watched the sky as they walked into the gates. This was an excellent way to start the morning and end the 2021 Sunbelt Ag Expo week. – Charley Lollis
Expo is wrapping up and I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be here on a “media” level. By being an intern, I have captured people, companies, and schools in agriculture through the lens of my camera. People’s stories have been shared through social media and blog posts. Children are learning the basics of agriculture and participating in research that will change our industry. There are many things that make up the agriculture industry, and they have all been on display the past three days. But what is on display year-round, is the exceptional dedication of the people in the industry. The people are who bring food to our table, cutting edge technology, and education for all. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is an entity for the people of the industry to be on display for all to see. – Ava Jane Teasley