Twenty-eight Auburn University (AU) students will experience a special spring break this year, thanks to an Alabama agriculture tour sponsored by the Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers.

The Alabama Ag Expedition will cover over 1,200 miles and 19 tour stops, from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf of Mexico, March 11-16. The AU College of Agriculture students will learn about row crops, cattle, catfish, forestry, horticulture, niche industries and more during the 6-day trip.

“Agriculture is Alabama’s largest industry, with an over $70 billion economic impact. We wanted to show students the diversity of the state’s agriculture,” said Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Committee Chair Scott Saucer of Monroe County. “Our hope is this trip helps familiarizes these students with on-farm production and related industries and encourages them to seek career paths in our state. The opportunities in agriculture are endless, whether you want to farm, work for an ag lender or educate others through Extension and ag education.”

Follow the expedition on the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels.

Alabama Ag Expedition Tour Stops:

• Sunday, March 11 — McMichen Farm, Cherokee Gin & Cotton Co. and Tate Farms
• Monday, March 12 — Alabama Farmers Cooperative, Red Land Cotton, Mark Byrd’s farm and Haynes Farms
• Tuesday, March 13 — Drury Farms, West Fraser Mills and Parnell, Inc.
• Wednesday, March 14 — CK Cattle Co., Priester’s Pecans, Conecuh Sausage and Tri-County Peanut
• Thursday, March 15 — Port of Mobile and Waters’ Nursery LLC
• Friday, March 16 — 4C Land & Cattle Co. and Bonnie Plants

Students earned a spot on the tour by applying through AU College of Agriculture advisers. In preparation for the trip, students compiled information about the farms and industries on the agenda. Following the tour, they will present to fellow students and other groups about what they learned.