July 2025
With more than 240 attendees, the 2025 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference provided an opportunity for agriculturalists to come together, enhancing both their leadership skills and farming scope. The conference, hosted July 11-13 at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort included inspirational panelists, discussion meets and a friendly outdoor sports tournament.
The YF&R Leadership Group, under the leadership of Jake Pendergrass, fostered an uplifting learning environment for attendees, highlighting the team’s hard work, preparation and dedication to the success of this weekend. Their hand-tailored breakout sessions offered insight on a wide range of agricultural topics from financial planning to policy making.
Members participated in a service project with Feeding Florida, packing potatoes and creating 6,400 meals for a statewide network of food banks. They also had the option to participate in a farm tour, learning more about potato harvesting with Singleton & Sons Farms and viewing Brahman cattle at the Cracker Swamp Cattle Company ranch.
The keynote speaker was Amanda Radke who is a fifth-generation rancher from Mitchell, South Dakota, author of ten children’s books and the host of her weekly podcast called, “The Heart of Rural America.” Radke gave an inspiring keynote and encouraged conference attendees to serve those in their community.
“What really drives most of us in agriculture is to serve people,” Radke said, “and to serve them well.”
Finalists were chosen for the Achievement in Agriculture Award, Excellence in Agriculture Award and the Discussion Meet. All finalists will compete at the Florida Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach, Oct. 27- 29, 2025, for the state title.
The 2025 Achievement in Agriculture Award finalists are:
David and Libby Torbert, Dade County
Tyler Shadrick, Madison County
Jacob and Katelyn Nixon, Okaloosa County
The Achievement in Agriculture Award recognizes members who physically and financially excel in their farming operation, leadership abilities and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic and service organizations. Each Achievement in Agriculture award finalist will undergo an on-site farm visit by a team of qualified judges as part of the final selection process. The winner will be announced at the state annual meeting in October.
The 2025 Excellence in Agriculture Award finalists are:
Katie Quincey, Gilchrist County
Kalan Royal, Hardee County
Erin Jones Dasher, Suwannee County
The Excellence in Agriculture Award is based on an applicant’s involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic organizations. Each Excellence in Agriculture award finalist will make a presentation to a panel of qualified judges at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.
The 2025 Discussion Meet finalists are:
Sarah Luther, Alachua County
John Jones, Gilchrist County
Caroline Chappell, Jackson County
Aaron Bruce, Manatee County
The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting during which discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic.
The discussion meet finalists will compete in a Final Four discussion at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.
Sixteen counties went above and beyond to qualify for the 2025 Young Farmers and Ranchers Activity Award. This award recognizes counties that provide opportunities for members to grow their leadership capabilities, give back to the community and educate others about agriculture.
Award recipients were Alachua, Bradford Clay, Duval, Gilchrist, Hernando/Citrus, Highlands, Jackson, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Okaloosa, Polk, Putnam/St. Johns, Seminole and Union
Additionally, young farmers and ranchers raised $1,820 at the conference to donate to the Putnam County Fair Youth Programs.
Click here to view conference photos.