The Future of Agriculture at the Sunbelt Ag Expo | by Tyler Fields

Tyler with his nephew,
the "future" of ag, at Sunbelt Ag Expo.

It was just another day in paradise! That was the outlook at the Sunbelt Ag Expo this past October in south Georgia, which some (myself that is) would even say God’s country!
I love the time of year when I see young kids and older adults walking around looking at the future of agriculture. Future isn’t just the new equipment and new technology, but it is also the young kids that are growing up and learning to live that demanding life in agriculture. 

Valley Water Management (VWM) uses new, cutting-edge technology to bring sustainability to your farm. Through our Variable Frequency Drives, custom telemetry and custom-engineered pump stations we are “Conserving Resources. Improving Life.” Think about that! I believe it means that in order for farms to grow and succeed for the younger generations, we need to use less to do more.

As you go throughout your day and the rest of the year, remember that VWM can integrate multiple systems on your farm to make your work less demanding and give you more time to spend with the younger “future” generation. Contact your local Valley Dealer with additional questions.

Meanwhile, I would like to wish you and your “futures” a Happy Thanksgiving!

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R. Tyler Fields Agricultural Engineer Tyler, an agricultural engineer specializing in land and water resources, joined Valley Water Management in April 2013. He had worked in the Valley network for many years, enabling him to work closely with the agricultural irrigation community in assessing the needs of the farm and other Ag industries. Tyler grew up on a dairy farm in south Florida and also has been involved in the daily operations of ranches and row crop farms. Working for VWM allows him to pair his education and his love for agriculture.

Kickin’ It Down South at Sunbelt Ag Expo | by Kelly Cox

Taken outside during the Southern boil

In the chicken booth

At sunrise

I love the South. I just do, and I always have. Great food, great landscape, great people. In fact, the South is the only place on this planet where I am OK with being called “ma’am” (people in all other places can only “ma’am” me when I’m either 30 or a mother, whichever comes first).

Though I’ve spent plenty of time down South in my lifetime, last week was my first visit to Moultrie, GA. It was also my first time trying boiled peanuts (…very salty experience…), my first time eating dinner at a Southern boil, and my first time attending the Sunbelt Ag Expo.

Now, I didn’t know what to expect at this farm show, since it was my first time attending. But, I’ve got to say, I had an absolute whirlwind of a time! It was hot (90 degrees, humid), but it was preferable to what my husband described as “stupidly cold” back home in Omaha, NE (I even returned home with a suntan – who else in Nebraska can say that in mid-October?).

Three things stand out to me about this farm show:

1. Our dealers who attended the show were among the most hospitable people I’ve ever met. Thank you all for showing a Mid-Western girl how a farm show is done in the South!
2. There was food everywhere, ranging from homemade ice cream to pulled pork to (you guessed it) boiled peanuts.
3. Chickens, chickens, and more chickens. I found a booth showcasing various kinds of chickens, and, I must say, I’ve never been that close to a live chicken! To be honest, I think chickens are awesomely lurky and I took a ton of pictures.

A surprise from this show was the beautiful Valley® Precision Corner® on cotton just outside the show grounds. One early morning, a few of us got up early and took some photos of the field with the sun rising behind it – what an awesome, yet peaceful, impromptu photo shoot!

For those of you who attended one of our farm show booths this year in California, Kentucky, Illinois, Nebraska, or Georgia – thank you. Thank you for visiting us. Thank you for supporting center pivot irrigation. And thank you for feeding the world.

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Kelly Cox Global Digital Marketing Manager Kelly joined the Valley Irrigation Global Marketing Department in 2008. Her love of all things geek (steampunk furniture, anime, Doctor Who, and science fiction/fantasy literature, just to name a few) helped shape her appreciation for technology and the web. Kelly is a newlywed and new homeowner, where she shares her geekery with her husband and cat Kiba. She considers herself a wine connoisseur (though, 3 buck Chuck is delicious!) and has a love of painting, dance, and singing.