Every cycle, American Farm Bureau partners with the states to evaluate and consider members of Congress who have supported our agricultural priorities, through their voting records and other means. The following 13 members of the Florida delegation were designated as Friends of Farm Bureau for the 116th Congress:
Sen. Marco Rubio
Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02)
Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-03)
Rep. John Rutherford (FL-04)
Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05)
Rep. Stephanie Murphy (FL-07)
Rep. Bill Posey (Fl-08)
Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09)
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12)
Rep. Ross Spano (FL-15)
Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16)
Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17)
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25)
Florida Farm Bureau looks forward to working with county leaders in the coming weeks to present these awards in person
Jessica Bright McMullen is a chef who works closely with the farmers in the Tallahassee region, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
While in Tallahassee in December to attend Florida Farm Bureau Day, the Duval County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee had a chance to learn more about Jessica’s commitment to those growers, particularly those who have joined together in the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance. The committee was invited to a reception at KitchenAble Cooking School, a charming cottage at Lake Ella. Jessica, the chef and owner of KitchenAble is the daughter of Duval County Farm Bureau members Greg and Joy Tison.
Jessica’s loyalty to locally grown food is rooted in her childhood, growing up on a small farm in Ayden, North Carolina. She learned early on to appreciate the role of agriculture in our state and she loves to share her passion for cooking with home cooks.
The name of her cooking school, KitchenAble, identifies her mission statement — enabling students to have the knowledge and culinary skills they need to prepare meals in their home kitchens. She stresses finding the best quality ingredients instead of resorting to processed or packaged foods.
After initially visiting her cooking school at Lake Ella, the Duval County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee enjoyed a private cooking class with Jessica. The menu included a welcoming antipasto of roasted vegetables, sausage, cheese and crackers, followed by a hands-on class featuring a meal of focaccia bread, a classic Italian salad, fettuccini Alfredo and torta meringata al limone (lemon meringue cake).
Jessica’s recipes incorporated fresh herbs from her garden, eggs, honey, vegetables and fruit. Throughout the cooking class, Jessica offered tips for using herbs to enhance her dishes. She offered other suggestions as well, such as using vanilla paste instead of vanilla extract for depth of flavor, and sharing the secret to making really delicious coffee — using a French press and adding a pinch of salt — just to name a few.
Jessica’s passion for hosting was obvious from the time the Farm Bureau Ladies arrived. No one is a stranger in her kitchen and it is hands-on for everyone in the class. Jessica usually has just the right music playing to accompany the meal or dish being prepared.
The committee appreciated her knack for simplifying even complicated recipes. She walked us through making homemade pasta and let us mix, cut and prepare the dough, and other dishes. Her 13-year-old daughter, Madeline, was Jessica’s right-hand helper, pitching in and lending a hand to make the day fun as well as educational.
For our private lesson, Jessica slowed down to our pace and let us enjoy the day — cooking, learning, tasting and eating, especially eating.
It was good to see a young woman who has followed her passion to own a business, doing what she loves best with the support and teamwork of her family.
One of our committee members summarized the day by saying that the camaraderie of women working together to achieve a common goal reminded her of her grandmother, mother and sisters working together in her grandma’s kitchen preparing a meal. It was a fun, informative and delicious day!
If you are interested in scheduling a private cooking class with Chef Jessica, or joining one of her open classes, she can be reached at: KitchenAble Cooking School & Catering, Cottages of Lake Ella, 1635 North Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303; (850) 264-2308.
Fifth generation Floridian, Rex Clonts, comes from a long line of vegetable farmers in Central Florida. He and his wife, Denise, own and operate “BigDaddy’s Farm,” named after Rex’s grandfather, in Seminole County.
BigDaddy’s Farm raises over 80 different vegetables and flowers for their 300-member Community Organized Agriculture (CSA) as well as restaurant sales and other outlets in Central Florida. In addition, Rex and Denise are very excited about the success of their newest venture of growing diversified vegetables for the locally-grown organic market.
“The look on our neighbors’ faces each week when they get their vegetable boxes is priceless,” he exclaimed. “It was raised in that field right over there.”
He spent his hot Florida summers working on his family’s farm and couldn’t wait to leave for college to begin a non-agriculture career.
“It didn’t take long for me to realize that my brightest opportunity was taking the farm to the next level, and the older I get, the more passionate I become about the future of Florida agriculture,” he said.
Clonts was elected as the Seminole County Farm Bureau (SCFB) President at the county’s annual meeting last fall and is proud to represent the local organization with more than 2,000 members.
“For over 20 years, Seminole County Farm Bureau has helped sponsor the annual Spring Ranch & Pasture Forum at the Yarborough Ranch in Geneva along with co-sponsors Florida Cattlemen’s Association, UF/IFAS and many others,” Clonts said. “It is held annually on the third Thursday of March, the event is open to the public and is the largest on-ranch educational forum in the state.”
Members of the Yarborough family, along with Central Florida Livestock Agents from UF/IFAS present a program of hands-on training and education in all aspects of cattle ranching including sessions tailored for youth interested in animal care and feeding.
Clonts explained that before COVID-19 derailed the SCFB plans for their county annual meeting, they had planned to hold a showcase of Seminole County agriculture with booths for local farms, nurseries, county Extension, the local forestry division as well as other allied businesses. The event has been rescheduled for the fall of 2021.
President Clonts shared with us that his favorite recipe is collard greens with Italian sausage. “It’s savory, hearty and simple,” he said. Yum!
Glenn Whitworth, Jr., President Palm Beach County Farm Bureau
Whitworth and his fiancé, Nicole, pictured at Stewart Bosley, Jr.’s farm, Henrietta Bridge Farm.
Palm Beach County Farm Bureau President Glenn Whitworth, Jr. has deep roots in South Florida agriculture. The seventh generation Floridian and third generation farmer has a goal to help change the modern food system into something that is much more logical, sustainable and educational for the consumer.
Whitworth’s grandfather began farming in the Fort Lauderdale area and gradually moved northwest with the county line. In time, he finally settled in western Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida.
Whitworth Farms grew a variety of nightshade vegetables like green bell pepper, long hots, serranos, poblanos, finger hots, jalapenos and cubanelles, along with seasonal summer vegetables like tomatoes, squash, zucchini, watermelon and eggplant.
“I have always been involved in produce,” he said. “I started working in the fields when I was young-and all through high school.” After receiving a film degree, Whitworth returned to the family farm for work where he served in nearly every position from shipper and receiver to sales.
Unfortunately, after 70 years in business, Whitworth Farms was forced to close shop due to the effects of unfair trade practices with Mexico and chain store abuse.
“It became impossible for my family to make a profit,” he said. “Our farm was once yielding an average of 44,000 pounds of produce per acre off of a 640-acre farm. We were able to feed an entire community in just a day’s worth of production, and it was a great honor to be entrusted with this responsibility to the community.”
Today, the Whitworth family leases their land to other local farmers with hopes of being able to make a profit. Whitworth lives in Lake Worth and works for Joy 4 Greens, a company which focuses on delivering produce that is high in quality and nutrition to the consumer through the use of meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with local farms and a focus on sustainable, innovative and environmentally efficient farming practices.
With a wedding on hold due to COVID-19, Whitworth and his fiancé, Nicole, had to re-schedule their special day for the near future.
Whitworth has been involved in the Palm Beach County Farm Bureau for five years, serving two years as President. He previously served as a member of the Florida Farm Bureau Trade Advisory Committee as well.
One of his favorite agricultural events is the Sundy Feed Store exhibit at the South Florida Fair. “The program has been instrumental to Palm Beach County because it attracts people from all over the county and beyond who come to the fair and meet local farmers that provide their food,” Whitworth said.
“The Sundy Feed Store teaches visitors about agricultural commodities in Palm Beach County from exotic fruits and veggies to honey. It offers an insight into how livestock is taken care of, and the difference between milking cows and beef cows. Fair attendees can even visit with newly born baby cows and their mothers.” he said.
At the back end of the Sundy Feed store, you can buy produce, farmer’s market style. Proceeds go towards area youth scholarships. “It’s great for people of all ages,” he said. “I find that the visitors really enjoy meeting the farmers in the area and are fascinated by the fun facts!”
Favorite recipe: Egg Stuffed Poblano Pepper
Ingredients
1 poblano pepper
1 egg
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Cheese and salsa optional
Directions
Cut the poblano pepper in half lengthwise, clear out seeds, rub with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place oven on 350 degrees, crack an egg into the poblano pepper. Bake in a foil lined baking sheet for 5-8 minutes for a runny egg. If you prefer scrambled eggs, bake for 12 minutes. Add salsa and cheese to spice it up. It’s a great healthy meal or snack!
Florida Farm Bureau Federation will contribute 120,960 jars of peanut butter to Florida food banks statewide to help families facing hunger due to the pandemic.
“We are proud to provide a non-perishable food item such as peanut butter to food-insecure families across Florida,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick. “This comes at a time when children are going back to school and peanut butter is a nutritious lunchtime staple.”
Florida Farm Bureau is working with Peanut Proud to deliver 84 pallets of peanut butter valued at $120,960 to Feeding Florida food banks. The first shipment will be at the Feeding the Gulf Coast and Second Harvest of the Big Bend, covering 18 counties stretching from Escambia to Taylor.
“Protein is critical for the health of our families,” said Robin Safley, Executive Director of Feeding Florida. “This generous donation to our network is such a blessing. The need for food resources is twice as high as it was pre-pandemic, so nearly 121,000 jars of peanut butter will go a long way.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has strained hunger-relief efforts around the state, increasing the number of food insecure Floridians by 38%. The donation will help serve more than 3.8 million hungry Floridians, the latest projections due to the pandemic
In Florida, there are approximately 7,500 peanut farmers and the annual production value of peanuts is $145 million. More than 670 million pounds of peanuts are grown annually in the Suwannee Valley and the Panhandle.
Martin County Farm Bureau (MCFB) President Reed Hartman has had a connection to American agriculture as long as he can remember. “When I was little, I remember my dad taking me to different agricultural events and my first job was walking beans and baling hay on a farm in central Illinois,” he said. Hartman comes from a long line of Floridians who have lived in present-day Martin County for over 100 years.
A career change by his parents prompted them to move from Florida to Southern Indiana, which is where Hartman was born. The family later moved to Bloomington, Illinois, where Hartman spent most of childhood before returning to his Florida roots in 2002.
Today, Hartman and his wife Elizabeth live in Stuart with their two children, Lilly-Kate, 7 and Hunter, 5. In a partnership with his father, Rick, Hartman owns C-23 Cattle Company where he runs a 200+ head of cattle for a cow-calf operation. Hartman also runs his own real estate and auction business and holds a contractor’s license.
Hartman served on the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers State Leadership Group from 2012-2014, serving as president in 2014. Previous County President Rob Taylor and retired District 7 Field Rep. Tom Hill inspired Hartman to join.
“The relationships I formed and connections I made with other young agriculturalists across our state was such a valuable experience,” he said. “My time on the Florida Farm Bureau State Board of Directors provided an unforgettable educational experience and served as a great opportunity to hear other perspectives on issues affecting agriculture in Florida.”
His dedication to agriculture in his community lead Hartman to being elected as MCFB president in April of 2019 during the county Farm Bureau’s annual meeting. Every year during the fall, MCFB holds their annual Farm-City Week Luncheon.
Hartman explained that MCFB partners with One Martin, a group of large land owners and agricultural producers in Martin County to host the luncheon where local beef, swamp cabbage and vegetables are served.
“The event is a huge success, last year we had 180 people in attendance including local business owners and Commissioner Nikki Fried as our guest speaker,” Hartman stated.
The theme for Florida Farm Bureau’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting is “Be the Voice, Live the Legacy.” When asked about a legacy he would like to leave behind Hartman responded, “I hope my children remember me for being a man who was not perfect, but does his best to live with integrity in everything I do.”
Hartman shared with us that his favorite meal his a ribeye steak, home fries and fried okra, yum!
Jeff Williams
Highlands County Farm Bureau President
Jeff Williams was elected as the new Highlands County Farm Bureau (HCFB) President at the county’s annual meeting last fall. He and his family own and operate W A Williams Citrus Nursery, Inc. in Highlands County. The third generation farmer comes from a long line of nursery producers and citrus growers.
“I am homegrown in Avon Park and was born into the citrus business,” Williams said. The business is named after Williams’ late grandfather.
In 1984 citrus canker struck the family operation, and four years later, W A Williams passed away. “He lost his livelihood and we lost him,” Williams recalls. The family endured another tragedy when Williams’ father suffered a stroke.
Williams has carried the torch in the family business for 20 years now. Along with being a full-time citrus nursery producer, Williams is a part-time officer to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Department.
W A Williams Citrus Nursery, Inc. currently runs and oversees two greenhouses, each one measuring 108′ X 34′ and holds approximately ten thousand citrus trees per house.
“In doing so, I was able to continue my grandfather’s legacy by operating under his original license and name, W A Williams Citrus Nursery, Inc.,” Williams mentioned. “This means the world to me.”
Williams has recently diversified into hemp production. “The site has been approved by Commissioner Nikki Fried, we got the license and permit to cultivate and we are excited about this venture,” he said.
Williams has been married to his wife Becky for 27 years. They have two children, a daughter, Alexis, and a son, Joshua. “We are expecting our first grandchild any day now,” Williams said excitedly. His son, Joshua, is finishing up courses to obtain his commercial pilot’s license at just 22 years old.
Williams is following in his father’s footsteps in serving on the Highlands County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He also serves as a board member on the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association. He expressed his appreciation for both the active board and Highlands County Young Farmers and Ranchers. “I am very proud of them and what they put their sights on,” he said.
Highlands County Farm Bureau supports youth education. They host an annual dinner each spring that honors the local FFA youth who participate in the fair. “We recognize the kids that show in the fair and feed the families,” explained Williams. The students get to network with the local Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee while enjoying a recognition dinner with their families.
HCFB holds an annual Cracker Shoot that welcomes 150 visitors. “We serve breakfast and lunch, promote Farm Bureau and keep relationships up with members,” he said. “It’s a really great time.”
Williams hopes that his son will one day take part in the family business and hopes to leave a legacy of faith to his children. “There is power in prayer and I am proof of it,” he said. He explained that after losing 1,000 acres of citrus groves to greening, he doesn’t feel like he deserves to still be in business. He credits his success to the grace of God.
When asked for his favorite recipe, Williams replied, “There aren’t too many recipes I don’t like. You can’t beat some country fried chicken with corn bread (he credits his wife Becky) and fresh vegetables.” His dessert of choice is peach cobbler.
