President’s Message

Our mission is to increase the net income of farmers and ranchers and to improve the quality of rural life.

Every success we achieved through the 2024-25 membership year was reflected in this mission. As one collective voice, we advanced policies that protect the livelihood of farmers and ranchers, expanded awareness of key issues that impact rural communities and invested in the next generation of leaders. Throughout this annual report, we share key highlights that demonstrate the power of our grassroots members.

Jeb S. Smith
President

Major Victories

• Terminated the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement–bringing immediate relief to Florida tomato growers
• Secured $675.9M USDA block grant for disaster relief
• Advanced “One Big Beautiful Bill” with $66B allocated to Farm Bill programs
• Vacated the 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) Methodology rule to bring wage relief for agricultural employers
• Testified before Congress on challenges from farm succession to regulatory burdens
• Advocated for exemptions for U.S. forests from European Union Deforestation Act
• Supported reforms strengthening the Packers and Stockyards Act for fairer markets

Major Victories

• Wrote letters of support on pesticide emergency exemptions and expedited rootstock approval to aid in citrus greening and EPA use of dicamba

• Advocated for passage of Florida Farm Bill, including the right to build farmworker housing

• Assisted in state permit updates for poultry and egg farms

• Backed constitutional amendment to eliminate tangible, personable property taxes on farm equipment (2026 ballot)

• Supported Feeding Florida funding to provide locally sourced food to aid in hunger relief

• Formed Lake Okeechobee Partnership to champion water quality and conservation

• Advanced health coverage options for farmers and ranchers

• Voiced updates for Florida DEP Basin Management Action Plan and FDACS Best Management Practices manuals

Measurable results from our advocacy efforts

Advisory Leadership

Sharing authentic stories of Florida farm families

We published 60+ articles on key issues, resulting in a total reach of 2.25 billion and garnering more than 833+ press mentions.

Prioritizing the well-being of our farm families

Florida Farm Bureau helped to break down the stigma around mental health by partnering with industry, local communities and academia on developing resources for farm families.

From classrooms and farm tours to service projects and storm recovery, our members demonstrated that service is at the heart of what we do.

Our Annual Meeting is a time to celebrate the leadership, innovation and stewardship that defines Florida agriculture. Throughout the 2024-25 membership year, County Farm Bureaus were recognized for their excellent programs and activities in the County Recognition Program.

   H-2A document filing assistance

   FieldClock payroll and labor management app

   60% discount on hearing aids through Start Hearing

Executive Committee

President

Jeb S. Smith

Vice President

Steve Johnson

Treasurer

Christian Spinosa

Secretary

Clay Archey

District Directors

District 1

Brett Ward

District 2

Jeff Pittman

District 3

Henry McCrone

District 4

Pat Durden

District 5

Jeffery Hamrick

District 6

Steven Dicks

District 7

Randolph Padgett

District 8

Glenn Ritch

District 9

Adam Cook

District 10

Pat Duane

District 11

Michael Nutt

District 12

Clay Archey

District 13

John White

District 14

Christian Spinosa

District 15

Michelle Williamson

District 16

Ken Harrison

District 17

Keith Wedgworth

District 18

Reed Hartman

Building a stronger future for Florida agriculture

To be the most effective, influential and respected Farm Bureau in the nation and be truly recognized as Florida’s Voice of Agriculture.

• Continue advocating for policies that support farmers and ranchers
• Expand member benefits and services
• Develop the next generation of agricultural leaders
• Strengthen partnerships across the agricultural community
• Promote sustainable farming practices