Watermelon is an iconic staple during hot summer months. It is grown in the western part of Florida, spanning from north Collier County all the way to Columbia County. The refreshing fruit available from late March until mid-July and again from October to December.
Florida is the top watermelon producing state in the U.S. It is responsible for 907 million pounds of watermelon produced annually, which accounts for 36% of the country’s domestic supply. In 2022, 25,000 acres of watermelon were planted in Florida and brought an estimated $192 million to the state’s economy.
Watermelon is a great summer treat but has also been a contributor to Guinness World Records. The largest watermelon ever grown weighed 350.5 pounds, surpassing the previous record holder by 42 pounds. A fifteen-pound watermelon was consumed in 23 minutes and 7.08 seconds.
The 2023 Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference brought together more than 200 agriculturalists from across the state. Themed Growing Forward, the conference focused on equipping participants with leadership skills, industry insights and networking opportunities.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a series of breakout sessions and farm tours. The session topics ranged from integrating AI in pest management, estate planning, the importance of personal branding, a legislative update on the 2023 farm bill and more. The conference featured keynote speakers Cody and Erika Archie, owners of Bar 7 Ranch in Gatesville, Texas. The couple spoke on the importance of being the voice of agriculture and meeting people where they are to share the story of agriculture.
Conference attendees had the opportunity to test their industry knowledge and skills through various competitive events like Achievement in Agriculture, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet. The finalist for each competition will compete at Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in October. From there, the state winner from each category will compete at the national level at American Farm Bureau’s annual conference in January 2024.
The Achievement in Agriculture finalists are Buck and NoraBeth Carpenter of Madison County, Brandt and Samantha Hendricks of Santa Rosa County and John and Emilee Peterson of Baker County.
The Excellence in Agriculture finalists are Jaime Jerrels of Levy County, Rebecca Hall of Alachua County and Bernie and Avery LeFils of Volusia County.
The final four Discussion Meet finalists are Erin Jones of Gilchrist County, Chad Haas of Volusia County, Sarah Luther of Suwannee County and Jesse Cone of Madison County.
Young Farmers and Ranchers between the ages of 18-35 who are interested in honing in on their leadership skills and expanding their network are encouraged to join their local county Young Farmers and Ranchers group. Next year’s conference is set for July 12-14, 2024 in Palm Beach.
Erin Jones is a fifth generation Gilchrist County resident. Growing up, her family had cattle, hay and peanuts on their family farm in Bell. Her family has approximately 60 commercial beef cows and a Simmental Angus bull. Jones was actively involved in 4-H and FFA during her youth.
Jones attended Florida Gateway College for her associate’s degree and transferred to the University of Florida where she received a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. She is currently working on her master’s in agronomy from UF and works for UF/IFAS Extension as the Suwannee County Livestock Agent.
Although her parents have been Farm Bureau members for decades, Jones began her own journey with the organization when she started school at UF. She was a founding member of the Levy/Gilchrist County Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R). Jones has served as the chair of the Gilchrist County YF&R committee since 2017 and attained a position on the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau board in 2018. She currently serves as president of board.
Jones is a proud advocate for agriculture in her county and loves educating others about the benefits of being a Farm Bureau member. She enjoys participating in numerous outreach opportunities throughout the year, but particularly enjoys the Christmas parade in Bell every December and the Quilt Festival held in Trenton in March.
“We table at the Quilt Festival because there’s such a variety of people that come to the event,” said Jones. “I feel like we get the most exposure for agriculture at that event.”
The Gilchrist County Farm Bureau board is heavily focused on youth education and development. Jones believes in the future of the young people in her community and is continuously looking for ways to engage them in agriculture.
“Growing forward for us is being able to invest in the younger generation. They are the future of our organization,” said Jones. “If we can continue to educate young people we can continue to grow agriculture in our county.”
Stormie Bigham Women’s Leadership Committee , District 1
Although she did not grow up on a farm, Stormie Bigham has been welcomed with open arms in the agricultural community. After marrying a rancher, Bigham worked as the bookkeeper for the family farm. In 2006, they sold the farm in Sumter County, and over the span of three years, moved their beef cattle operation to Jackson County. After the move, Bigham worked as the bookkeeper for the Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association. In addition to cattle, the farm grew hay and seed.
Although Bigham and her family had been Farm Bureau members for years, they did not become as actively involved until their move to Jackson County. Bigham was approached by her Farm Bureau district field representative about joining the Women’s Leadership Committee and started her new role in January 2020. Due to COVID-19, Bigham was unable to meet her fellow committee members in person until December 2020. The committee met quarterly over virtual Zoom meetings and by the time they were able to meet face-to-face Bigham felt like she already knew everyone and felt connected with her fellow committee members. She relishes the opportunities Farm Bureau has provided her to grow her knowledge of agriculture and hone her leadership skills.
“I love the fellowship we have in Farm Bureau and the opportunity to work with other women and educate them about the importance of agriculture,” said Bigham.
One of Bigham’s favorite events that her county Farm Bureau participates in is the two-day Panhandle Watermelon Festival. Hosted in late June, the festival offers free entertainment for families, including a concert. Bigham’s county Farm Bureau has a booth every year to recruit new members and educate attendees about the benefits of being a Farn Bureau member.
“We set out FAMA products and a photo booth with a tractor and flowers,” said Bigham. “We had over 10,000 people attend last year, and a lot of traffic come through our booth.”
Bigham is continuously educating those around her about the many benefits of Farm Bureau and the importance of agriculture in their community through various outreach opportunities and events.
“I am growing forward by not only expanding my knowledge of agriculture in our state but educating others and helping them grow forward in their knowledge and understanding as well.”
In a state where Farm Bureau members are so good at producing just about any kind of food, it’s bewildering that weimport upwards of 80 percent of our seafood.
I believe we’re at a moment where we have the potential to change that. The latest USDADietary Guidelinesfor Americans basically call on us to double our seafood consumption. How are we going to meet the demand if Americans actually act on this advice? The shutdown of wild harvesting of oysters in Apalachicola Bay makes this an even heavier lift.
Leslie Sturmer of UF/IFASExtension and the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, who has a history of helping turn fishers into farmers, believes we can still be a great oyster-producing state, and we can do it through oyster farming.
Three years ago theUF/IFAS research office set up a starter fund to incentivize investigation into what it calls emerging enterprises, and Sturmer’s oyster work was one of the first projects it funded.
Sturmer built on that early funding and is currently seeking ways to reduce oyster mortality by working with oyster farmers in the Pensacola Bay, Indian River Lagoon, Alligator Harbor, Oyster Bay, and Mosquito Lagoon as well as Apalachicola Bay.
More recently, we launched another starter fund aimed at developing applications of artificial intelligence to help farmers, and again seafood made the list. Aquaculture scientistHuiping Yanghas teamed up with two of our recent faculty hires with expertise in AI in hopes of accelerating the breeding of new improved hard clam varieties.
That kind of partnering of scientists is essential to finding solutions to complex challenges.
So is partnering with stakeholders. That’s why Sturmer serves as technical adviser to the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Aquaculture Advisory Committee.
Matt DiMaggio, the new director of the UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin, does as well. DiMaggio has big plans to expand the Lab’s traditional portfolio focused on ornamental fish to include food fish. I like his plan and intend to support the additional scientists needed as I can find the resources to do so.
Aquaculture doesn’t always have to mean shooting for the center of the plate. We have scientists investigating how to grow coral as a way to restore ecosystems. We’ve looked at baitfish. We even have a biogeochemist working on the prospects for harvesting seaweed.
She sees potential for seaweed as an ingredient in cattle feed that would reduce the animals’ methane emissions.
But we have to do more than see whether it can be done. We need to know if can be done profitably. That’s why we economists Bachir Kassas, John Lai, and Andrew Ropicki of the Food and Resource Economics Departmentexploring whether consumers would pay more for milk and beef with a smaller carbon footprint, the kind you might get from seaweed-fed cows.
Ropicki again is also our connection to an exciting company growing delicious, and environmentally friendly Atlantic salmon right here in Florida. As we continue to build on our expertise in fin fish as food, we’ve turned toAtlantic Sapphire.
Atlantic Sapphire showcasing its Florida farm-raised salmon at the UF/IFAS Flavors of Florida event in March 2023.
I can attest to the quality of the product. One of the notable foods at our recentFlavors of Floridashowcase of locally produced products was Atlantic Sapphire’s Bluehouse Salmon grown in Homestead.
Company leaders have also come to campus to give a seminar on their experience on the frontier of fin fish farming in Florida. Florida Sea Grant and Ropicki are currently helping to arrange internships at the company. To grow fish in Florida, we’ll have to grow the talent to do it.
J. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
SUMMARY: Coordinates Florida Farm Bureau’s national affairs programs and serves as liaison with our 29 congressional offices and staff. Coordinates FFB’s Political Action Committee, including fundraising and other political activities. Provides support to the Ag Policy Division with policy development and implementation efforts through regulatory and legislative involvement. Is responsible for supporting and organizing county legislative programs.
Works closely with assigned advisory committees, sets meeting dates and agendas, maintains accurate minutes of the meetings. Must have the ability to build consensus among members to reach policy objectives.
Must have the ability to grasp agricultural related policy initiatives, programs and/or agency rules and communicate effectively with other staff and/or members. Must be capable of working with volunteers to achieve policy and legislative goals.
Should have sound communications skills including both speaking and written types of delivery. Must be capable of developing, preparing and presenting reports to staff, membership or others on various agricultural related issues. Must possess necessary computer skills to compile and present data in a variety of formats.
Should have ability to deal with the media through interviews and written comments.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are
representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or University with 1 to 3 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, members, and the general public.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical business problems and interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, or other forms.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Travel by automobile and air are required to perform this job. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.
They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all the essential duties, responsibilities and requirements of personnel.
by Joe Brent Gilmore
Too little rain and too much heat,
Scrambled eggs and smoked pork meat.
Flies, manure, and not much shade,
GOOD says he, if a dollar he’s made.
Up hours before down, still work’n at dusk,
Can’t take time out or he’ll go bust.
Truck needs tires and tractor’s broke,
The constant need for cash is no joke.
Breakfast at four, lunch in the field,
To hope he’ll be done by dark just not real.
Wife says dinner might be late,
Cause PTA won’t be over ’till eight.
Crop was in early but battered by frost,
Have to sow it again, or all will be lost.
Sun up Sun down, each days the same.
Its all up to the banker, what’s his name?
Dry fields, cloudless skys,
Long hours, potato pies,
Chicken feed and doggie doo,
Horses, cattle, and grandkids too.
Black birds caw and rabbits hop,
Dog just lets em eat the crop.
Fence is down the cows are out.
What the hecks it all about?
Feed prices up and stock prices down,
Gas so expensive can’t get to town.
Haven’t had a vacation in many-a-year,
But can’t go now, harvest times almost here.
Pants are torn, shirt needs mend’n,
Banker says foreclosure pend’n.
Sun up, Sun down, each days the same.
It’s all up to the banker, What his name?
Barn in shambles and needs a new door,
Could pay loan low interest, but banker wants more.
House needs paint’n, roof leaks too,
With all its more than man can do.
Daughters in college, tuition is due,
Sons gett’n married and leave’n too.
Could have used more help this year,
But thru it all he’ll persever.
Be it wise, be it foolish, he’ll do it again,
Cause he loves the land as if his best friend.
And he loves God and country, and do’n what’s right.
And he’ll go help his neightbor, if it takes him all night.
So out of bed early and do’n his best,
Much work to be done before he can rest.
Sun up, Sund down, each days the same.
But it’s up to the banker, WHAT’S HIS NAME?
James Sutton grew up in Pasco County but moved to Sumter County when he was young. He grew up on his father’s cow/calf ranch and inherited it alongside his uncles and cousins.
Sutton attended Hillsborough Community College where he studied emergency services. He served for thirty years on the Sumter County Fire Department and continued to have cattle during his time of service. After retiring three years ago, he has been focused on the growth of his ranch. In addition to cattle, he has a timber operation in Georgia.
Sutton grew up hearing about Farm Bureau throughout high school, and after moving to Sumter County, had a conversation with the Sumter County President about becoming a member. After two years of membership, Sutton was elected to their board as vice president and has served as president for 11 years. He is now completing his second year as a state board member.
“Staff across the state are dedicated to the agricultural industry of Florida,” said Sutton. “We all come together for one common goal and that’s the survival of ag. Whether it’s a small farm or 1,000 acres, each member is treated the same way. We are always looking for the best for each one of them and are always striving to be better at farming and being the voice of agriculture.”
One of Sutton’s favorite ways to be the voice of agriculture is during Farm-City Week in November. His county board and members focus on showcasing agriculture through educational farm tours and a showcase in the Villages Town Center.
“We have a big community called The Villages and always try to bridge the gap to help them understand our way of life,” said Sutton. “This event is the best and most productive way to get others to understand.”
As the population continues to grow in Sumter County, Sutton continues to look for ways to educate members of their community about the importance of agriculture and telling the story of farmers.
“I’m growing forward in trying to maintain the way of life of the Florida farmer. Whatever it takes, that is what I’m growing in.”
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 integral part of the success of our organization. Our District Field Representatives work closely with the volunteers of each county Farm Bureau within their assigned area to accomplish the goals and objectives of our organization. This career requires a person with a deep passion for agriculture, a servant leader’s heart and motivation to succeed.
As a member of the Field Services team, everyone is expected to personally exhibit, at all times, three standards: uncompromising integrity, unyielding work ethic and a positive attitude. Furthermore, our team members are energetic, high achievers with a genuine love for people and seek to consistently improve our personal and professional abilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is expected to work autonomously with minimal instruction or direction and be able to accomplish the following:
● Serve as a conduit between Florida Farm Bureau and the county Farm Bureaus in the district.
● Collaborate and work effectively with all members of the Florida Farm Bureau team to accomplish goals and objectives as assigned.
● Work closely with the county Farm Bureaus, regularly attend county events, represent the organization at activities, and increase engagement within county boards.
● Build and develop productive relationships with your county Farm Bureau leaders and members.
● Assist county Farm Bureaus in the promotion of agriculture within their respective communities.
● Assist county Farm Bureaus in the marketing of membership in order to increase recruitment and retention.
● Work closely with the Leadership Programs Coordinator in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Young Farmers and Ranchers and Women’s Leadership Programs within their respective district.
● Help in surfacing and developing effective leaders. Examples are state advisory committee members, YF&R and Women’s participants.
● Speak on behalf of Florida Farm Bureau at various events throughout the district.
● Write articles on behalf of agriculture and Farm Bureau to newspapers, legislators, and others.
● Proficient in the operation of Microsoft Office applications (ie. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
In order to perform the job successfully, the District Field Representative must be able to perform all the aforementioned duties, while being required to plan, conduct and attend various evening and weekend activities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
The District Field Representative is required to live within one of the following counties: Franklin, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor’s degree in an agricultural related field from a four-year college or university, and two years of work experience or master’s degree required.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
A District Field Representative must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. They also must be effective in writing reports, articles, and business correspondence to a variety of audiences. They should be proficient in presenting information in a professional manner and to competently respond to questions from groups, members, and the general public.
REASONING ABILITY:
A District Field Representative is able to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, and other forms. Emotional intelligence is necessary to achieve productive relationships with our members and county Farm Bureaus.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to travel extensively by automobile, during all hours and in various weather conditions.
2. Will be required to aid and assist in setting up meetings, moving tables, plants and other materials moving weights up to 50-60 lbs.
3. May be required to drive a truck or van.
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 integral part of the success of our organization. Our District Field Representatives work closely with the volunteers of each county Farm Bureau within their assigned area to accomplish the goals and objectives of our organization. This career requires a person with a deep passion for agriculture, a servant leader’s heart and motivation to succeed.
As a member of the Field Services team, everyone is expected to personally exhibit, at all times, three standards: uncompromising integrity, unyielding work ethic and a positive attitude. Furthermore, our team members are energetic, high achievers with a genuine love for people and seek to consistently improve our personal and professional abilities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is expected to work autonomously with minimal instruction or direction and be able to accomplish the following:
● Serve as a conduit between Florida Farm Bureau and the county Farm Bureaus in the district.
● Collaborate and work effectively with all members of the Florida Farm Bureau team to accomplish goals and objectives as assigned.
● Work closely with the county Farm Bureaus, regularly attend county events, represent the organization at activities, and increase engagement within county boards.
● Build and develop productive relationships with your county Farm Bureau leaders and members.
● Assist county Farm Bureaus in the promotion of agriculture within their respective communities.
● Assist county Farm Bureaus in the marketing of membership in order to increase recruitment and retention.
● Work closely with the Leadership Programs Coordinator in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Young Farmers and Ranchers and Women’s Leadership Programs within their respective district.
● Help in surfacing and developing effective leaders. Examples are state advisory committee members, YF&R and Women’s participants.
● Speak on behalf of Florida Farm Bureau at various events throughout the district.
● Write articles on behalf of agriculture and Farm Bureau to newspapers, legislators, and others.
● Proficient in the operation of Microsoft Office applications (ie. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
In order to perform the job successfully, the District Field Representative must be able to perform all the aforementioned duties, while being required to plan, conduct and attend various evening and weekend activities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
The District Field Representative is required to live within one of the following counties: Alachua, Flagler, Gilchrist, Levy, Marion, Seminole and Volusia.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
A bachelor’s degree in an agricultural related field from a four-year college or university, and two years of work experience or master’s degree required.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
A District Field Representative must have the ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. They also must be effective in writing reports, articles, and business correspondence to a variety of audiences. They should be proficient in presenting information in a professional manner and to competently respond to questions from groups, members, and the general public.
REASONING ABILITY:
A District Field Representative is able to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions and information furnished in written, oral, and other forms. Emotional intelligence is necessary to achieve productive relationships with our members and county Farm Bureaus.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to travel extensively by automobile, during all hours and in various weather conditions.
2. Will be required to aid and assist in setting up meetings, moving tables, plants and other materials moving weights up to 50-60 lbs.
3. May be required to drive a truck or van.