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Wade Purvis of Purvis Farms in Immokalee has been named the 2023 Florida Farmer of the Year by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Purvis Farms spans more than 2,000 acres planted in green beans, specialty beans, peas and watermelon. Purvis was inspired by his grandfather to…

February 2023 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter Steven Dicks Columbia County President, District 3 Farming has been a part of Steven Dicks’ family since August 3, 1900, when his great-grandfather purchased his first piece of land. Growing up on a 160-acre farm just ten miles south of Lake City, his family grew tobacco…

February FloridAgriculture eNewsletter By J. Scott Angle [email protected] @IFAS_VP Kayla and Matt Gonzales are unicorns in the herd. They’re first-generation agriculturalists. Just the fact that a young couple with neither family farming history nor inherited land runs 300 commercial Brangus is reason enough for optimism about Florida farming’s future. In…

[caption id="attachment_22299" align="alignleft" width="200"] FFBF President Jeb Smith carried the Florida flag across the convention stage during the Opening General Session.[/caption] A Florida Farm Bureau delegation of 61 members and staff attended the 104th American Farm Bureau Convention held in Puerto Rico, January 6-11. Members participated in professional development sessions,…

January FloridAgriculture eNewsletter By J. Scott Angle [email protected] @IFAS_VP The future of Florida farming depends on turning data into decisions and getting you credit for environmental stewardship. UF/IFAS will help you achieve the first part by developing agricultural applications for artificial intelligence (AI)—think smart sprayers, counting tree canopies through aerial…

January 2023 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter Olivia Pope YF&R State Leadership Group, District 8 Olivia Pope is a proud fourth-generation agriculturalist in the rural town of Pahokee. Her great-grandfather moved their family to Palm Beach County in 1926 after he worked as a produce salesman and realized the abundant farming opportunities. Since…

January 2023 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have discovered that these nanobodies can be used to prevent and treat citrus greening disease. Through continued research, scientists have also found that they can aid in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 by blocking the virus’…

Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the Sunshine State’s oldest and largest general agriculture organization. We pride ourselves in being the voice of Florida’s farmers and ranchers and keeping their traditions, values and heritage alive for generations to come. Since our founding in 1941, the District Field Representative has been an…

Since its invention in 1858, the Mason jar has found itself a useful everyday item. From canning to décor to drinkware, people have found it to be very versatile. Invented and patented over 150 years ago by John Landis Mason, the unique glass jar features a screw threaded lid. Since…

December 2022 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter Kayla Thomason YF&R State Leadership Group, District 7 Agriculture runs deep in Kayla Thomason’s blood. Her father managed a fresh citrus packing house for 40 years in St. Lucie County which introduced her to agriculture at a young age. Thomason has fond memories riding around citrus…

December FloridAgriculture eNewsletter By J. Scott Angle [email protected] @IFAS_VP The October annual meeting fostered the continuing development of Maddie Dvorak and Bernie LeFils as Florida agriculture leaders. They brought talent to Orlando. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) gave them opportunity. Maddie, a senior in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural…

[caption id="attachment_21552" align="alignleft" width="300"] Lee Bigham of Jackson County, Achievement in Agriculture Award finalist.[/caption] Florida Farm Bureau is looking forward to supporting our outstanding young farmer and rancher state winners as they advance to the national competitions next month in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the American Farm Bureau Annual…