Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 7210 S G M A G A Z I N E | FA L L 2 0 1 6 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 11 Plowing Money Back Into the Economy Sunbelt Ag Expo Highlights Georgia’s Commitment to Agribusiness Known as North America’s Premier Farm Show®, it is no surprise that an estimated 80,000 people visit the Sunbelt Ag Expo each year. Held in Colquitt County—the largest vegetable and row crop producing county in Georgia— more than 1,200 vendors from across the U.S. converge on the Expo’s expansive 100-acre exhibition site and 600-acre research farm. Agribusiness is Georgia’s leading industry and represents more than $74.3 billion annually in total economic impact and approximately 411,500 jobs. According to Georgia’s Center of Innovation for Agribusiness, the state leads the nation in the production of poultry- related products, pecans, peanuts, and blueberries. Major agricultural equipment manufacturers have operations in Georgia, and the state has a robust agritourism market with its “Georgia Grown” brand. Now in its 39th year, the Sunbelt Ag Expo—with an estimated $20 million annual economic impact—has a mission to provide agriculture-related information, as well as host exhibits and demonstrations that feature the latest agribusiness technology, research, and equipment. “The Expo’s regional impact is significant,” said Tommie Beth Willis, interim president of the Moultrie- Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce. “During the three days, thousands of vendors and visitors stay in Moultrie and neighboring communities throughout South Georgia, and they eat in the restaurants, buy gas, and shop in our stores.” Held each year on the third week in October, at Spence Field in Moultrie, Georgia, the Expo has 1.6 million square feet of exhibit space filled with vendors representing every imaginable product and service that benefits agribusiness, as well as the average family. “At the annual show, we provide an environment through which the exhibitors and farmers can come together and share ideas and ultimately establish long lasting business relationships,” said Chip Blalock, executive director of the Sunbelt Ag Expo PHOTOS: SUNBELT AG EXPO Sunbelt Ag Expo. “Throughout the year, we have indoor classroom space where the manufacturers can explain the latest farming technology and then within five minutes can demonstrate their equipment on our 600-acre research farm.” In addition to the indoor space, visitors can tour the working research farm where cotton, peanuts, corn, soybeans, and hay are grown. Harvesting presentations are a highlight of the Expo’s schedule and provide farmers the opportunity to learn about new research and watch equipment demonstrations in a field setting. The three-day schedule not only includes the latest in agriculture technology and equipment, but is packed with more than 300 seminars and demonstrations focused on everything from cooking to gardening, along with backyard safety, fish and pond management, hunting and fishing, family living, and even stock dog trials. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is also an active year-round research facility that provides resources for industry representatives and university researchers to collaborate in finding solutions to a variety of challenges facing farmers through the planting, growing, and harvesting process. “We work with ag companies and university researchers on a variety of trials for seeds in cotton, peanut, corn, and soybean, as well as crop protection,” said Blalock. “Soil fertility, irrigation, precision ag…everything we do is geared toward making life better on the farm. It is our goal to help farmers become more efficient and improve their bottom line.” In addition to the Expo in October, a Field Day is held in July, and two arts and crafts shows, three car shows, and a variety of agricultural equipment demonstrations for dealers and farmers are scheduled throughout the year. “With our research and daily farm operation we are plowing money back into the community every day,” said Blalock. “Our economic impact is really 365 days a year and upwards of $40 million annually.” B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 11