FFA and 4-H take on Expo
By Bryce Roland, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
Each year students with a passion for agriculture flood the Sunbelt Ag Expo to learn about what new innovations the agricultural industry has to offer. FFA, 4-H, and other groups with a passion for the ag industry can be found sporting shirts with their respective emblems on them. As a former FFA member I fondly remember the first time I visited the expo. I ran around the grounds getting as many free swag items as possible before my teacher told us it was time to go. In addition to visiting with exhibitors, students have the opportunity to compete in various contests like the Youth Educational Challenges sponsored by Country Financial, or the Advocacy in Action contest sponsored by Georgia Farm Bureau. No matter what brings a young person to the expo, you can bet they are leaving with memories that will last!
Get Ready to Advocate for Agriculture!
By Lizzy Parks, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
Policy greatly impacts the work of agriculturalists. Farm Bureau partners with the expo to sponsor the Advocacy in Action competition. Students from colleges and high schools across the southeast competed for cash prizes. The team from the University of Georgia won the collegiate division, and Morgan County High School won the high school division. In the preliminary rounds, the students made videos on agricultural policy. In the live competition, they presented their knowledge on supply chain issues to key stakeholders. It’s so great to see young agriculturalists advocating for current issues!
Buckle up, and Drive
By Darby Masters, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
Today, the Sunbelt Ag Expo hosted many youth challenges. One of those challenges was the 2022 State FFA Tractor Driving Career Development Event (CDE). Students that placed in the top two at the Area level of the FFA Tractor Driving CDE were in attendance to put their skills to work. Students demonstrated their ability to operate tractors and multiple pieces of equipment safely with friends and family in attendance to cheer them on. After a tough competition, Ware County FFA’s Grayson McPhaul took home 1st place and became the 2022 State FFA Tractor Driving CDE Winner. Thank you John Deere for sponsoring this CDE and providing the tractors for the students to compete with.
All-American Chute Out
By Maddie Frost, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
Priefert put on an All-American Chute Out during live demos today at the 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo. The chute out consisted of five different brands of cattle chutes. Representatives from each brand were there to work their brand’s chute. Two bulls were then ran through the chute where the representatives had to get the cattle in, use their head-catch, use their squeeze, use their side access point, use their tailgates, open the side exit, and then release the cow. They had to complete that process twice, with two different bulls. The representatives all got the chance to explain the chutes and the assets they had. There were multiple different brands such as WW, Priefert, Palco, Blattner, and For-Most. This was a chance for people visiting the expo to see the chutes in action.
Become a Lineman
By Rylee Grazulis, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
Greystone Power Corporation, located right in front of Georgia’s EMC tent is giving kids of all ages the opportunity to try out being a lineman. Students are given a belt and a chance to strap up to the pole. Perfect for a photo op and can get you introduced to the life of a lineman. Greystone Power Corporation is also hosting multiple High Voltage Shows demonstrating the proper procedures to follow when live wires are down. Here at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, we are extremely thankful for our linemen and everything they do for us.
Eat Georgia Grown
By Bridget Dixon, 2022 Sunbelt Ag Expo Intern
The Georgia Grown Cooking Stage, located in the Family Living Building, is where everyone can learn how to create delicious meals with food grown right here in Georgia. Businesses throughout the state use this opportunity to show off the delicious foods they produce. Attendees of the expo can take this time to learn how to make creative and yummy meals that their whole family will enjoy!
Be sure to stop by the Family Living building and visit the Georgia Grown Cooking Stage for live cooking demonstrations during the last day of the Expo!