A diversity of technology, products, and interactive educational exhibits will greet visitors to the 31st Sunbelt Ag Expo, Oct. 14-16, in Moultrie, Ga.The Expo attracts more than 1,200 exhibitors and 100,000 attendees.”The Expo is a central location where agricultural researchers and educators are addressing important issues for today’s farmer,” says Chip Blalock, executive director of the Expo. “Our commercial exhibitors feature the latest goods and services which can save farmers a lot of time and gas that they otherwise would have to spend traveling to different vendors to comparison shop. In one day, visitors can evaluate models and brands that might not be readily available in their area through state-of-the-art field machinery demonstrations as well as view cutting-edge research practices and interactive educational exhibits. Expo really offers the most efficient means of finding it all in one place at one time.”New tractors equipped with auto-steer and similar global positioning systems will be demonstrated in the always popular ride-and-drive area. Field demonstrations that illustrate recent technology are on the schedule as well.Animal agriculture displays expand each year at the Expo, and attendees will be able to take in demonstrations, exhibits and seminars for beef cattle, dairy, poultry and aquaculture. Horse- and equine-related activities have expanded in recent years to include a variety of horse and rider competitions.Agricultural researchers and educators from land grant colleges and universities throughout the Southeast are helping to enhance the efficiency and profitability of agriculture and related industries.The University of Georgia’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Science will highlight water conservation, and topics will range from rainwater harvesting to alternative water supply options for outdoor use to solar-powered drip irrigation systems. Auburn University will feature sources of renewable energy such as bio-gas, bio-diesel and ethanol.This year’s Expo spotlight state exhibit is Kentucky whose diverse agriculture will be celebrated through a collaboration of the Department of Agriculture, Governor’s Office of Ag Policy, Kentucky Farm Bureau and the University of Kentucky. Special highlights will include a quarter-scale tractor constructed by the Wildcat Pulling Team, live Bluegrass music, and for college basketball fans, the chance to make a shot for some great prizes.For the 19th consecutive year, Swisher International and the Sunbelt Expo are honored to salute the agriculture community and industry with the most prestigious award in agriculture, the Southeastern Farmer of the Year. Ten outstanding farmers, including the first woman to be named as state winner, will be recognized at this year’s luncheon when the overall winner will be announced.Gardening enthusiasts can learn from the masters — a wide range of green thumb topics will include organic fruit and vegetable production and the planting and care of camellias, one of the South’s best-known landscape plants.The Expo’s permanent home is Spence Field, a former airbase on 1,680 acres. The Expo is four miles southeast of U.S. Highway 319 on Georgia Highway 133. Show hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8:30 a.m.-4p.m. on Thursday. Admission is $7 per person, per day, with children ages 12 and under admitted free with a parent. For more information, visit www.sunbeltexpo.com, e-mail info@sunbeltexpo.com or phone (229) 985-1968.