Veterans and the Sunbelt Ag Expo
By Bryce Roland, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
On the east side of the expo, almost bordering the runway of the airport was a small tent selling drinks. This small tent was run by veterans from most of the branches of our nation’s military. I stopped by to say hello and grab a few pictures and it turned out to be a highlight of my Expo experience this year. I talked to the group briefly about where they had served and thanked them for their service and one quote specifically stuck with me all day. A man who introduced himself to me simply as “Sarge”. Sarge said “What we make selling these drinks is nothing compared to the cost of those lives that were given for this country.” As we leave the Sunbelt Ag Expo and head to our homes, let’s be mindful of what sacrifices were made to ensure that we could live our lives freely.
Got Milk?
By Lizzy Parks, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
This morning I talked with Nicole Duvall, who operates the Mobile Dairy Classroom at the expo. In my classes at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, I have been taking an animal science class. Some small children were in the front row, and she made them comfortable by opening up her presentation with a few jokes. It was really interesting to watch her demonstrate the milking machines to the crowd. I’ve enjoyed hearing from experts in agriculture across the industry. It’s always so great to see community members learn more about agriculture, and the Mobile Dairy Classroom is an interactive way to do just that!
Know What You Grow
By Darby Masters, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
Since 2019, Flint River Fresh has made its mission to educate expo attendees on how to grow varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables in their backyards. Visitors are able to get a first-hand look at how raised garden beds, in-ground garden plots, and fruit trees are planted, as well as their new container gardening types. This specific type is great for someone who lives in an urban area and has access to limited space. Flint River Fresh also had signs posted throughout the backyard garden educating visitors on food insecurity throughout Georgia. If someone is food insecure it means they may not know when their next meal will be. They discussed the ratios of how many Georgians, children in Georgia and seniors in Georgia are food insecure.
Go Nuts for Donuts
By Maddie Frost, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
If you attended the Sunbelt Ag Expo and you didn’t get a Yodee’s donut, you missed out. Yodee’s infamous donuts are made fresh in the food truck. The long line to wait was well worth it once you took a bite of the warm, gooey goodness. The aroma filled the air and grabbed the attention of those passing by, it was a smell you could not deny. You then got to choose your flavor. You had the choice of peanut butter, chocolate, or glazed. The donuts made for a good breakfast or even an afternoon snack after spending the day walking through the grounds of the expo. Donuts were not the only thing Yodee’s had to offer though. You could get a hot or iced coffee for a quick pick-me-up to continue wandering around.
The Work Never Ends
By Rylee Grazulis, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
Even though the Sunbelt Ag Expo is wrapping up, the work on the farm never ends. Live field presentations gave attendees the chance to watch some of the newest technology being put to use. Demonstrations for hay included tedding, cutting, raking, baling, and bundling. Peanut harvesting and tillage were also live demonstrations that were available to the visitors of the Expo. These field presentations were the perfect way to get a glimpse into the action of an everyday farmer.
Balloon Over Expo
By Bridget Dixon, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
After two days of windy weather, The Touchstone Energy Cooperative hot air balloon was finally able to make its appearance in the sky above the expo. Over the past few years, the EMC hot air balloon has been an attendee favorite as they watch it bring the American Flag over the grounds of the expo during the National Anthem.
After two days of not seeing the balloon, expo guests and staff were patiently waiting to see if it would make its appearance today. Finally, at 9:00 am, everyone was pleased to see the balloon make its way across the sky.