More than 300 agriculture students from high schools in Newton, Henry, Jasper and Butts counties had the chance to learn about potential careers in agriculture during the 3rd Annual Ag Career & College Expo held March 17 at the FFA Camp in Covington. The event, organized by the Newton County Farm Bureau, gave students the chance to meet with representatives of 12 colleges and representatives of 16 agribusinesses in Newton and surrounding counties.

Some of Newton County’s businesses/ governmental agencies participating in the event included: Berry’s Tree Farm, Mitcham Farms and the Newton County Cooperative Extension, Newton County Animal Control, Snapping Shoals, and Hy- Line International. Many other vendors from surrounding counties attended.

Students attending the event rotated through three sessions. One session focused on career opportunities and gave the students a chance to meet with potential employers to learn about career options in agriculture and the education and training these jobs require. The second session featured colleges that offer agriculture related degrees. During the third session, the students watched an abridged version of the documentary Farmland that shows a year in the life of six young farmers and their families from across the country.

Some of the colleges participating in the expo were: UGA, Clemson University, Troy University, ABAC, Auburn University, Fort Valley State University, University of North Georgia, and South GA Technical College.

The Henry, Jasper and Butts County Farm Bureaus provided monetary donations to cover the cost for the students from their counties who attended the event.