University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences faculty will be sharing their expertise on the theme of Florida’s animal agriculture at the 39th annual Sunbelt Ag Expo — the largest agricultural expo in the southeast.
About 80,000 people are expected to attend the expo, held Oct. 18 to 20 in Moultrie, Georgia.
“Our experts in UF/IFAS Extension are thrilled to represent our programs, and we are proud to participate in such an important event. It is a great opportunity to meet others who are as passionate about agriculture as we are,” said Nick Place, dean of UF/IFAS Extension.
Visitors come to the expo to learn about the latest agricultural research, technology and marketing tools, according to the expo web site.
At the permanent UF/IFAS building, displays and exhibits will tell the story of Florida’s animal industries, starting with the resources that go into raising animals and ending with the safe preparation of animal proteins. In addition, attendees can hear presentations on livestock forages and poisonous plants by UF/IFAS researchers in the expo’s Beef Barn, or head over to the pond section to learn more about Florida’s fisheries.
Visitors to the UF/IFAS building will also get a chance to sample some “Gator Giveaways,” such as peanuts from the Florida Peanut Growers Association and Florida Orange Juice from Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company.
Representatives from the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) will host a booth where high school students and their families can learn about the wide range of degrees and educational opportunities in the college.
The Sunbelt Ag Expo is held at Spence Field, 4 miles southeast of U.S. 319 (Veteran’s Parkway) on Georgia Highway 133 near Moultrie. Expo hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is $10 a person per day, or $20 for a three-day pass. Children 10 and under and accompanied by a parent get in free.
For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com.
By: Samantha Grenrock, 352-294-3307, grenrosa@ufl.edu
Source: Nick Place, 352-392-1761, nplace@ufl.edu
0
