Connections key part of SC AgriBiz & Farm ExpoConnections key part of SC AgriBiz & Farm Expo

The upcoming SC AgriBiz & Farm Expo set for Jan. 13-14 at the Florence Civic Center in Florence, S.C. is shaping up to be one of the top farm conferences and trade shows in the Southeast.

“The 2016 SC AgriBiz & Farm Expo is unique in that it is a balance between education, connections and innovation.  They are all intermingled together to allow attendees to participate in their areas of interest,” said Jody Martin, the Expo’s executive director. “It’s the kind of farm meeting that a farmer will be willing to drive more than two hours to hear a speaker and then stay for the expo.”

The 2016 expo will feature nationally and regionally known speakers who will address key farm topics including precision agriculture, agriculture biotechnology and unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. Speakers will also address the use of cover crops for good soil health as well as “agriculture, today and tomorrow.” The Small Farmer Symposium and Youth Ag Day return for the 2016 expo.

“The expo will host more than 25 educational sessions in addition to more than eight optimization clinics that will give growers interactive sessions with manufacturers,” Martin said.  “The expo is all about how to do more with less by capitalizing on the innovations in agriculture.  Attendees will get the see and learn about cutting edge technology in agriculture.”  

“The expo is a must attend event for farmers and agribusiness making plans for the new crop year,” Martin said. “The educational offerings are important but the opportunity to connect and network with others is just as important.”

Martin said “connections” is a key theme of the expo.

“Attendees will be able to network with the best in agriculture under one roof,” Martin said. “We are expecting more than 150 key agricultural company exhibitors both inside and outside.  These exhibits will cover everything from large row crop equipment, precession agricultural tools, small farmer supplies, cattle producers needs, agricultural drones, agronomic supplies and much more.”

Great food is always an important part of the Expo with the Taste of SC returning in 2016. “The taste will take place in the Expo ballroom at 6:30 pm on Wednesday evening.  This is a great opportunity to enjoy great foods provided by South Carolina commodity groups   and prepared by the South Carolina chef ambassadors,” Martin said.

The Commissioner’s Breakfast returns and will be held Thursday at 8 a.m. where Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers will present an agricultural update. The breakfast is a fund raiser for the Commissioner’s School of Agriculture.

In addition, the South Carolina Food Truck Rodeo will feature lunches on site with local products.

To learn more, access the expo website at www.SCAgriBizExpo.com.