By Clint Thompson
The Sunbelt Ag Expo’s annual field day on July 23 will have a different look this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the strict rules regarding social distancing, this year’s event will feature a drive-thru component for attendees, said Chip Blalock, executive director of the Sunbelt Ag Expo.
“Our field day will go on as planned this year on July 23. It’s going to be a little different this year with all of the COVID-19 regulations and protocols in place. We just thought at this point it was best to do a drive-thru field day where the farmers can enjoy the tour from the comforts of their air-conditioned vehicle,” Blalock said. “We have about 30 stops and we’ll have about 30 videos of each of the presenters downloaded on our website, which you will also be able to access through the Sunbelt Ag Expo mobile app and our YouTube channel.”
The tour will begin at 8 a.m. At each plot, visitors will stop and listen to watch a pre-recorded segment hosted on the Expo website, app and YouTube channel using their cell phone. Researchers and vendors can choose to be at their respective plots for question and answer opportunities from farmers and industry leaders. The tour is scheduled to end at 11:30 p.m.
“Here we are almost in the middle of June and even though things are loosening up somewhat, we still weren’t sure what the protocols would be in July. We seem to think this was the best decision moving forward. This is no reflection on the Sunbelt Ag Expo in October. We are planning on moving forward with it,” Blalock said.
Another important rule to consider this year is that breakfast and lunch will not be served at the field day this year.
The Sunbelt Ag Expo is scheduled for Oct. 20-22.