MOULTRIE — As the nation’s leader in farm equipment, John Deere and the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, the nation’s largest outdoor agricultural expo, go hand in hand with each other. The two have been together for all 30 years of Expo being held in Moultrie.

Barry Nelson, public relations manager for John Deere, said the company and Expo have a great tradition with each other. Being at Expo gives the company a chance to show new equipment and to meet with its customers.

This year, Nelson said John Deere has unveiled several new lineups of farm equipment, including its largest tractor ever. The company also showed off its new sprayers, row crop tractors, mower conditioners, self-propelled harvesters and its I-Tech guidance system.

The biggest piece of farm equipment being displayed at this year’s Expo, however, was the latest John Deer cotton picker, Nelson said. The cotton picker was the featured item being shown at John Deere’s exhibit. It will allow farmers to bail and wrap cotton as it is being harvested.

Nelson said being a part of Expo for all 30 years helps solidify John Deere’s reputation as the leader in farm equipment. Customers can come and learn about all the equipment and ask representatives any questions they may have. The two names will be linked for as long as the other is in existence, he said.

“People know if they come to Sunbelt,” Nelson said, “they know John Deere will be here. Being a part of Expo goes hand-in-hand with our history, and it’s a good place for us to be.”