The annual Northeast Regional Ag Expo is fast approaching, with this year’s event slated for Nov. 2.

Each year, the Ag Expo has welcomed various exhibitors and students from across eastern North Carolina. Exhibitors range from college representatives and the Small Grain Growers Association, to NASCAR Tech and local, homemade ice cream booths, according to Sarah Stalls, a planning team member. Students who participate must be enrolled in an agriculture class and/or a member of Future Farmers of America.

“We are excited to bring back some exhibitors that have been with us from the beginning and glad to report we are still attracting new exhibitors each year,” Stalls said. “We want students to see there are opportunities for them to work in agriculture-related fields, be successful and do all of that right here at home or at least nearby.”​

She said this year’s event will return to the Sen. Bob Martin Eastern Ag Center in Williamston, and is expanding once again by including students from Craven County. Stalls estimated that the 2017 expo could see more than 1,400 students.

“This event is designed for students with a documented interest in agriculture. Many may know about agriculture in their county or community, but the dynamic may be completely different one county over,” Stalls said.

The continued expansion of the Ag Expo can be largely attributed to Beaufort County Farm Bureau, whose support has led to Farm Bureau backing from other chapters in the northeast part of the state, according to Stalls.

Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County Farm Bureau partnered to host the inaugural Ag Expo in 2013 at Northside High School. The event then expanded into a regional event in 2015.

“We want to expose our students to as many agriculture-related professions as possible. Contacts made during this event can lead to internships and even employment for our students,” Stalls said.

Stalls said there are still a few spots for exhibitors, and the only requirement for the interested business or organization is that it has ties to agriculture. There is no cost to be an exhibitor.

“We are interested in telling the history behind local agriculture,” Stalls said.

For more information, visit www.beaufort.k12.nc.us/community/northeast-regional-ag-expo-2017, or call Sarah Stalls at 252-792-0241.