More than 500 attendees from schools and businesses across the Southeast gathered on April 8 for the Ag Career Expo, hosted by Wiregrass RC&D in partnership with Southeast Region Alabama Extension. Now in its third year, the event is made possible through a $27,000 investment from Wiregrass RC&D, demonstrating the organization’s continued commitment to workforce development and agricultural education across the region.
Held at both the Wiregrass Research Extension Center and Dothan’s Landmark Park, the Expo offered students a dynamic, hands-on look at careers in agriculture. Rotating between locations, students experienced a wide variety of exhibits, including a college fair, raptor demonstrations, calf pulling, drone flight observation, transport vehicles, and more—all designed to showcase the many opportunities within the agriculture industry.
“The Ag Career Expo is one of the most impactful ways we can invest in the future of our region,” said Ronnie Davis, Executive Director of Wiregrass RC&D. “By connecting students directly with industry professionals and hands-on experiences, we’re helping them see the wide range of opportunities available right here in the Wiregrass.”
Throughout the day, Alabama 4-H agents guided student groups as they moved through interactive stations led by Extension specialists, industry professionals, and local businesses. Popular stops included a farm safety demonstration, a beehive visualization, and the Wiregrass Electric Lineman tabletop competition, each giving students a closer look at both traditional and emerging agricultural careers.
Students also had the opportunity to hear directly from industry representatives about their experiences. Southeast Alabama Regional FFA Representative Jack Harris noted the value of bringing so many opportunities into one place, sharing that the event allows students to see just how much agriculture is evolving. Alabama Forestry Commission representative Thomas Moss echoed that sentiment, pointing out that many students are surprised by the level of technology used in forestry today, from drones to GIS mapping and fire detection tools.
Industry professionals like Capitol Tractor’s Nathan McCall and Alabama Poultry and Egg Association’s Ray Hilburn spent time engaging directly with students, answering questions and offering insight into their careers. Hilburn emphasized the importance of helping students understand the size and scope of the agriculture industry, while also encouraging them to explore internships as a way to discover their interests.
The Expo also highlighted non-traditional pathways in agriculture. Will Meadows of Alabama Young Farmers shared how his work in agricultural social media and outreach has created new opportunities to educate consumers and connect people to where their food comes from, reinforcing the idea that agriculture continues to grow beyond its traditional roles.
As the day concluded, students reflected on their experiences, with many highlighting hands-on demonstrations, interactions with professionals, and new knowledge about safety and technology in agriculture. From learning how emergency responders handle farm-related incidents to exploring careers in veterinary services and forestry, the event left a lasting impression.
With such a wide range of experiences, Wiregrass RC&D and Alabama Extension hope to see a new generation of agricultural professionals emerge across the Wiregrass region. Wiregrass RC&D extends its appreciation to the many partners, educators, and industry leaders who contributed to the success of this event, as well as to local and state legislators whose continued support makes investments like this possible and strengthens rural communities across Southeast Alabama.
