By MARTY STEINER
Georgia Correspondent MOULTRIE, Ga. — Less than one week after Hurricane Michael followed a track just minutes to the west of Moultrie, the 41st Sunbelt Ag Expo opened its gates to visitors. Setup was already underway when Michael hit, and was only suspended for 36 hours. The potential was there for significant damage to the 100-acre Expo site with its permanent structures and the adjacent 600-acre research farm with crops in the field for planned demonstrations, as well as a great deal of vendor farm equipment already onsite. The most noticeable result at the show was the essentially subdued attitude by show management, vendors, exhibitors and attendees. Executive Director Chip Blalock said, “Although we considered cancelling the Expo, the decision to continue was considered part of a much-needed return to normal. Returning to normal is regarded by experts as essential after trauma and disasters.” He observed that some of the show’s campers would be going home to rebuild. Many arrived early with their trailers or motor homes, which are now their only residence. The 2018 Sunbelt Ag Expo became a symbol of the farmer’s resilience, with total devastation – including disastrous crop damage – just miles away. Speaker USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, a former Georgia governor, is no stranger to either the Expo or farming. He was introduced by Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau and former head of the Georgia Farm Bureau. Duvall joked about the “two Georgia boys in Washington – Zippy and Sonny.” But Perdue’s arrival turned into a warm-up to Vice President Mike Pence’s unscheduled speech while he was already in the area viewing hurricane damage, which included total crop and livestock loss for some farmers, as well as homes, outbuildings and equipment. “It’s just an incredible time to think about this generational storm through which so many of you gathered here have just passed,” Pence said. “And seeing you here today, seeing your smiling faces, it just reminds me – coming from a heartland state, as I do – of the strength, the resilience, the character and the faith that is synonymous with agriculture. He, Perdue, Duvall and Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black then left the Expo to continue their survey of hurricane damage. The program continued with the introduction of the Farmers of the Year from each of the 10 participating states. Kentucky’s Darren Luttrell is a third-generation farmer from Beaver Dam. Farming since he was 17, he and his family produce broiler chickens and grow corn and soybeans on 3,700 acres. Tennessee’s Farmer of the Year, John Verell III, is a new farmer. Only 35, he and his family operate more than 5,000 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat in Jackson. Verell also owns a soil sampling company. The 2018 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the year, from Ridge Spring, S.C., is Kevin Yon. The Yon Family Farms operate a nationally recognized Angus seedstock herd. They also raise pecans, soybeans, corn and Bermuda grass on more than 4,250 acres. This year also saw a woman Farmer of the Year, Lynetta Usher Griner from Chiefland, Fla. While not the first woman to be a state’s Farmer of the Year, her accomplishments are notable – with beef cattle and timber as her primary enterprises, she also produces forage, sorghum and hay on 9,500 acres and is a member of the White House Farmer’s Roundtable Discussion. This was the 29th Farmer of the Year recognition. A variety of prizes including cash, use of tractors and merchandise are presented to all 10 finalists. Each year the Expo features a “spotlight” state, and 2018 was Kentucky’s turn. The permanent Expo Spotlight State building presented Kentucky crops and agriculture-related products. Other Expo activities include the American Stock Dog Grand Finals trials, the Southeast Hay Contest and numerous youth educational competitions. In addition, the Sunbelt Ag Expo enterprise presents a Field Day each July during which attendees tour the 600-acre Darrell Williams Research Farm and view presentations in the field. These are hosted by various state universities and also commercial product development teams. The universities involved operate permanent research facilities on the research farm. The 2018 July Field Day presented drones as tools to gather information. The 2019 Field Day is scheduled for July 23, and the Sunbelt Ag Expo will be Oct. 15-17. The Expo website at www.sunbeltexpo.com provides full information and access to a regular newsletter, and the office may be reached at 229-985-1968 or info@sunbeltexpo.com |
