Darrell Williams Research Farm

Darrell Williams Research Farm

The Darrell Williams Research Farm is an extension of the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is known as “North America’s Premier Farm Show.” Farmers travel from around the country to experience this three-day event to further their knowledge of the leading technologies in the agricutlural industry. Sponsorships and partnerships allow the Sunbelt Ag Expo to offer interactive demonstrations throughout the show.

The Darrell Williams Research Farm partnered with Magnolia Loom and Support Georgia Agriculture to further their mission of keeping products local. Beginning with the 2023 show, Support Georgia Agriculture and Magnolia Loom will offered t-shirts produced from the cotton grown on the research farm. Each shirt sold at the Expo is produced from cotton grown at the Darrell Williams Research Farm and sewn in Georgia.

Farm Manager Cody Mitchell has been with the Sunbelt Ag Expo since he graduated from ABAC in 2014 with a degree in Turf Grass Management. Cody joined the team by recommendation of a professor who did plot research for the research farm. In August 2016, Cody received the promotion to Farm Manager, and, today, he continues to work alongside the farm crew every day.

The Expo originated from the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Ag Engineering Technology Club Dealer Days in 1964. The Expo has evolved from its original form to include more than just traditional equipment; today, it includes equipment, demonstrations, seminars, and something for the entire family.

Additionally, the Darrell Williams Research Farm is housed at the Sunbelt Ag Expo grounds. The Research Farm is 530 acres right beside the 93-acre exhibit area. The research farm works with a variety of crops, including cotton, peanuts, corn, grain sorghum, sunflowers, and forage. The work conducted on the farm is in partnership with universities and private companies. The work can range from research trials on fertilizer studies, seed varieties, crop protection studies, irrigation patterns, and drone work. The researchers present their findings at the annual Field Day in July and the big show in October.