Sunbelt Ag Expo 2017
Videos from the Expo...
Celebrate Fall with a Visit to the Sunbelt Ag Expo!
L. Scott Jackson, Sea Grant Agent
UF/IFAS Extension Bay County
UF/IFAS Extension Agents Julie McConnell (Bay County) and Dan Fenneman
(Madison County) greet and share research information with visitors at the last year’s Sunbelt Expo.
The Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia is the largest agricultural expo in the Southeast U.S., attended by over 100,000 visitors annually. In addition to more than 1,200 commercial vendors and exhibitors, guests can also visit many university displays located throughout the expo. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has its own permanent building for educational displays featured at the Expo. At peak times during the three-day Expo, nearly 1,400 visitors per hour will view the UF/IFAS exhibits, for a total of over 15,000 visitors each year.
The Expo provides an opportunity to learn about the latest agricultural innovations in a fun, informal setting where you can catch up with old friends and make new ones. If you have not attended the Sunbelt Ag Expo in the past, please come visit us October 17-19. Driving and travel directions can be found at http://sunbeltexpo.com/visitors/how-to-get-here
This year, the UF/IFAS exhibit theme is Growing Plants for a Growing World. Seven interactive display areas will showcase the diversity and abundance of Florida’s plant agriculture and horticulture, examining the role that UF/IFAS Extension and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) play in solving issues critical to growers in the sunshine state.
Fruit & Vegetable Production—Florida might be famous for its citrus, but you might be surprised by how abundant and diverse our agriculture really is.
Florida’s Citrus—Citrus is vital to Florida’s economy, but citrus greening disease has taken a toll on the industry. Learn about the latest UF/IFAS research to combat greening on a number of fronts.
Environmental Services of Pastures and Rangeland—Pastures and rangeland not only support livestock, but they also provide a number of other benefits to people and the environment, called “ecosystem services.”
Healthy Eating with Florida Fruits and Vegetables—Whether you’re young or old, eating fruits and vegetables is important for optimal growth, weight management and healthy living. UF/IFAS Extension has simple tips to help you get the nutrition you need.
Florida 4-H Honey Bee Challenge—Honey bees are responsible for pollinating about 25% of the U.S. food supply. Learn more about these fascinating social insects and how they keep our food system going.
Environmental Horticulture—Florida’s environmental or “green” industry is one of the largest in the nation. This exhibit shows how UF/IFAS Extension is helping to grow the horticulture industry in Florida.
University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Ambassadors—This exhibit is part of the Sunbelt experience each year and features the CALS Ambassadors. They are on hand to answer any questions you may have about becoming a student at the University of Florida!
In addition to the educational displays, we share Florida’s hospitality and flavors with our guests as we pass out Florida peanuts and orange juice.
If you have questions about the Sunbelt Expo visit http://sunbeltexpo.com or contact the UF/IFAS Extension Bay County office for assistance at 850-784-6105.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.
(Photos by Author)