b'crafted, and grown in Georgia. Visitors can also watch cookingSunbelt Ag Expos economic reach spans beyond Moultrie and demonstrations from celebrity chefs, including Georgia GrownColquitt County. The 20-county economic impact includes $11 Chef Holly Chute, who whips up delicious meals using locallymillion in state and local taxes, 187 full and part-time jobs, and sourced products.$5.10 million associated income generated for employees and During the expo, visitors can stroll through the Darrell Williamsproprietors.Research Farm, where more than 600 acres of cotton,In addition to the Sunbelt Ag Expo and Field Day, activities at peanuts, corn, soybeans, and hay are grown and harvested.Spence Field include two Calico Arts and Craft Shows (spring Operating all year, the farm serves as an outdoor lab for world- and fall), multiple car events, and various agricultural equipment class agricultural research.demonstrations.Field Knowledge sunbeltexpo.comThe research farm also welcomes more than 300 farmers during the annual Field Day. Serving as a precursor to the Sunbelt Ag Expo, the half-day eventusually held in Julygives farmers an upfront look at the latest in technology and research advancement. Field day is a sneak preview of the expo, and its when we show crops in various growing stages, Blalock says. Farmers can look at new seed varieties and pest control techniques, soil fertility, precision ag, and irrigation. Field day is what starts the wheels turning for agronomic decisions the farmers make for the following year. When last years COVID 19 situation remained uncertain, expo organizers adjusted the Field Day format. We typically put farmers on trollies and take them to each site, Blalock says. There was no way to socially distance on the trollies, so we developed a drive-thru tour.From the convenience and safety of their vehicle, farmers drove to each of the 30 sites and listened to pre-recorded CONTRIBUTEDsegments highlighting various research projects. Farmers needing more information could pull to the side of the plot for one-on-one discussions with the researcher or vendor.Farmer Fredo: Fredando Jackson shares his tips on The best part is the videos stay on our website, he says.community gardening to expo visitors.Farmers who didnt attend or needed a refresher could watch the video again. Feeding Economic GrowthAfter more than four decades of expansion, its no surpriseCheck Us Out On Social Media!that the Sunbelt Ag Expo is one of Georgias largest agricultural events and generates more than $16 million in/SouthGeorgiaMagazine/economic impact. /SouthGAMagA study conducted by the University of Georgia Center for/SouthGeorgiaMagazine/Agribusiness and Economic Development identified that the BUSINESS + CULTURE 13'