DATE:    9/16/97
CONTACT: Elwyn Deal, (864) 656-3384
WRITER:  Bill Baker,    (864) 656-3875

Expanded Clemson Exhibit Planned
For Sunbelt Agricultural Expo

     CLEMSON -- An interactive computer area, video displays and
a wide range of exhibits with a natural resources theme will be
included in this year's Clemson University exhibit at the
Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in Moultrie, Ga.
     This will be Clemson's largest-ever exhibit at the Sunbelt
Expo, which marks its 20th anniversary with this year's event,
scheduled for Oct. 14-16 at Spence Field. The Expo attracted
more than 1,100 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors last year, making
it the largest farm show in North America.
     "Clemson University is committed to agricultural
productivity and profitability through our land grant mission. We
are greatly appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the
largest farm show in the country," said John Kelly, Clemson's
vice president for public service and agriculture.
     "Thousands of South Carolinians visit Sunbelt every year, a
testament to the educational opportunity it offers anyone who has
an association with agriculture and natural resources," said
Elwyn Deal, Clemson Extension's assistant director for
agriculture and natural resources.
     The Clemson exhibit will include information and displays on 
a variety of subjects including the ecology and history of the
long-leaf pine, natural and artificial regeneration, pine
straw production, fish and game species, non-game and endangered
species, and soil and water resources.
     In addition, the exhibit will include information on Clemson
environmental programs for youth such as Teaching Kids About The
Environment (Teaching KATE), which has offered thousands of
elementary and middle school students a hands-on chance to
experience nature through experiments and outdoor classes. 
     The event "gives South Carolina forest and agricultural
producers and landowners the opportunity of not only surveying
the latest technology and equipment, but also of interacting
with others who have a common interest in natural resource and
agriculture production in the South," said Allen Dunn, director
of Clemson's School of Natural Resources.
     The exhibit will be housed in a 36-foot by 45-foot building
in Area B-5, beside the Kelly Manufacturing Co. site. A group of
Clemson Extension specialists and agents will be on hand
throughout the three-day Expo to discuss environmental topics and
answer questions. Also, an assortment of Clemson Extension free
and for-sale publications will be available.
     In a separate food booth in the Food Court Area of Spence
Field, the Clemson Extension Agents Association will be selling 
American Classic Tea, which is produced in Charleston, as
well as other snack items.
     Also at the Expo, the 1997 Lancaster/Sunbelt Farmer of the
Year for South Carolina, David W. Drew of Mullins, will be
competing for the title of Southeastern Farmer of the Year.
Drew joins seven other outstanding southeastern farmers chosen to
represent their home states. The Southeastern winner will be
announced  on Oct. 14 during the Willie B. Withers Luncheon.
                              END