Award winning author and speaker Michele Payn will educate and inspire throughout the SC AgriBiz & Farm Expo set for Jan. 23-24 at the Florence Center in Florence, S.C.

Known as one of North America’s leading experts in connecting farm and food, Payn will explore how to celebrate and champion agriculture, says Expo Manager Jody Martin.

“In an interactive program, Michele will discuss the importance of collaboration in farming and present an action plan to help farmers engage in more productive conversations with non-farm audiences on topics such as: Sustainability, chemicals, and GMOs,” Martin explains.

Also, as part of the Women in Ag educational track offered at the expo this year, Payn will present “Farm Like a Girl.” The program will take a fun look at the unique role of women on the farm, how to use those special farm stories to connect with those off the farm and how to protect your family from the downfalls of agriculture.

This program will include a consumer panel for the women to learn from non-agriculture viewpoints. “Comprised of local folks selected by ag organizations, the panel will answer questions about how they select food, their perspective on today’s farming techniques and what they really want to know about food/farming/family,” Martin says.

As principal of Cause Matters Corp., Payn connects the people and science of food and farming. She is known for being a community catalyst, a passionate advocate for global agriculture — and antagonizing people into action.

She has worked with farmers in more than 25 countries, raised over $5 million in sponsorships for the National FFA Foundation and founded AgChat and FoodChat on Twitter. She is the author of two books, No More Food Fights! and Food Truths from Farm to Table, an IPPY bronze medal winner and Amazon No. 1 best seller.

“Michele’s national acclaim and expertise matches the top quality of the presenters throughout the SC AgriBiz & Farm Expo. Established to serve as an umbrella event for all aspects of agriculture and agribusiness, the expo offers a robust schedule of training and networking opportunities,” Martin says.

In addition to Payn’s presentations, the expo will include two full days of education. Additional seminars will be held on maximizing corn and soybean yields, growing industrial hemp in South Carolina plus trade and the farm bill.

Sessions are also targeted to livestock producers and fruit and vegetable growers.

“The expo also includes a farm show with a wide variety of equipment, farm products and educational components.

The event represents all aspects of agriculture, both large and small. It features innovations in agricultural; equipment, education, commodity spotlights, feedstocks, special guest speakers, economic developers, producers, value-added enterprises, youth development, related exhibits, agricultural activities and much more,” Martin says.

For a full schedule and more information, access the expo website at https://www.scagribizexpo.com/.

Michelle Payn