By Clint Thompson
The dawn of another Sunbelt Ag Expo means a new Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year will soon be named.
The annual Willie B. Withers Luncheon and 30th annual farmer of the year announcement is still scheduled for noon on Tuesday, Oct. 19, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, says Chip Blalock, Sunbelt Ag Expo Executive Director.
“More than likely, we’re going to have a smaller crowd this year, so we’ll be able to spread out,” Blalock said.
Ten states participate in the program: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
This year’s state winners are:
Alabama – Thomas Ellis
Arkansas – Jamie Anderson
Florida – Raymond R. “Rick” Roth, Jr.
Georgia – Samuel L. Nunn
Kentucky – Stephen J. Kelley
Mississippi – Joe Edmondson
North Carolina – James L. Lamb
South Carolina – Robert “Bob” Martin Hall
Tennessee – Jay Yeargin
Virginia – Charles Edwin Isbell, Jr.
More than 1,200 exhibitors and thousands of visitors are expected to visit the 100-acre show site during the three days; Oct. 19-21. Gates will open at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.