By Ashley Christman, Agribusiness and Applied Economics Undergraduate Student
The Ohio State Agribusiness Club embarked on their annual trip over the 2013 winter break. This year they journeyed to Savannah, GA, with stops in Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN.
Outside of Charlotte, the Club met with Allan Baucom of A.L. Baucom Inc. who hosted them for the day. Mr. Baucom took the Club members on a tour of a local egg farm, Simpson’s Eggs Inc., where the students were able to view the production practices for the facility. The students then journeyed to Edwards Wood Products where they were given a tour of the largest pallet producer in the Southeastern United States. Club members were happy to discover that none of the wood used at the facility is wasted as excess product is converted to sawdust or mulch. Mr. Baucom also gave the students a tour of his cotton gin, teaching them the process for cotton production.
The students then arrived in Savannah where they started their time in the city with a dolphin tour in Savannah’s harbor. While on the tour they learned about the harbor, including the aquatic life and industry that share the space, including the shrimp fishing industry in the region. The group then toured Tybee Island Lighthouse and ate at celebrity chef Paula Dean’s restaurant, Lady and Sons. The next morning the students toured the Port of Savannah, which they learned is the third largest port in the nation and seventh largest in the world. On their second evening in Savannah, the students were able to get a real feel for Savannah culture by going to The Savannah Theatre, the oldest operating theatre in the U.S., to watch a show.
The next stop for the Club members was the World of Coke in Atlanta. At this visit the students learned about Coke’s history and products, as well as taste-tested Coke fountain drinks from around the world.
Lastly, the Club visited Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville. Belle Meade is a former thoroughbred horse breading plantation. At this stop the students learned about the family that owned the plantation as well as some of the famous horses that were bred there.
The Agribusiness Club would like to thank the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association for their sponsorship of the trip. Additionally, they would like to extend their thanks to Allan Baucom for his time in Charlotte. During their Southern adventure the group learned about many different aspects of agriculture and had a very memorable experience.
January 17, 2014