Oct. 30, 2015
Dan Buchanan of Madison County received the Pat Cockrell Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct. 28 for his lifelong dedication to serving agriculture and Florida Farm Bureau.
Buchanan began his career with Florida Farm Bureau Federation in 1974 as a District Field Representative for Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties. Over his career, Buchanan worked tirelessly to strengthen the county Farm Bureaus in north Florida and always provided exceptional service to members.
“Dan has always been 100 percent Farm Bureau and spent his entire career recruiting and cultivating leaders for our organization. His legacy will live on for many years,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick.
Buchanan was instrumental in creating the Suwannee CARES reception, an annual event that recognizes farmers for their excellent environmental stewardship. The event attracts more than 1,000 people in north Florida each year. Buchanan received the 2010 UF/IFAS Friend of Extension award for his determination and forward-thinking.
Buchanan resides in Madison County with his wife Paulette. He has two children, Geoffrey and Sara.
The Cockrell award was established in 2011 to honor the late Pat Cockrell, a dedicated Florida Farm Bureau employee who spent 35 years working for Florida Farm Bureau on behalf of farm families’ interests.