The 2023 Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day will be July 20 starting at 8 a.m. in Moultrie, Ga., and it is a driving experience for those interested in learning more about the new research being performed by private companies and universities.

Several years ago, the Expo modified its annual field day format to allow attendees to drive their own automobiles on a mapped-out tour of the Darrell Williams Research Farm where top agricultural scientists and industry reps will be. While on the driving tour, attendees can watch pre-produced videos and presentations about each stop on the tour, plus they can speak with the reps and researchers firsthand about the work at their plots. Attendees can also watch spray drone demonstrations at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Registration is free for anyone who works in agriculture. Visitors should arrive thru Gate 2 anytime between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to begin the tour. Certified Crop Consultant credits as well as Georgia private pesticide credits are available for onsite attendees.

University of Georgia researchers, Extension specialists, and ag chemical representatives conduct numerous trials at the Sunbelt farm for all major southern agronomic crops.

“We have the unique ability to work with university and corporate researchers on our Darrell Williams Research Farm, where we continue to conduct cotton, peanut, corn, grain sorghum and forage research — all aimed at improving the farmer’s bottom line. We look at the latest seed varieties, crop protection methods, soil fertility, irrigation and precision ag technology,” said Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Ag Expo executive director.

“Each year, our mission is to provide a place where research can be done to benefit all row crop and forage farmers — especially those who might not have the resources or land to just go out and try a new variety or technology on a hunch,” said Cody Mitchell, Sunbelt Ag Expo farm manager.

"We strive to have the best-looking farm around. We want the Expo farm to showcase what a farm should look like,” Mitchell said. “We work hard all year to ensure that we make a lifelong impression on the guests who come to see us during Sunbelt Ag Expo in October. When they visit here, we want it to be an eye-opening experience that’s worth their time.”

Here are a few tips help make field day an enjoyable success: