April 2023 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

James Sutton
Sumter County President, District 11

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.”

With hurricane season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what can be done to minimize mosquito populations and protect Florida residents from harm.

Dr. Eva Buckner, an Extension specialist at UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach, reports that an increase in mosquito numbers can most likely be expected in the weeks following a hurricane.

While the flooding from hurricanes can stimulate the hatching of mosquito eggs harboring in the soil, these mosquitoes, termed floodwater mosquitoes, are considered a nuisance but do not pose a risk of transmitting viruses to people.

However, when floodwaters do not recede, standing water mosquitoes may start laying eggs on the standing water. These types of mosquitoes have been associated with the transmission of the West Nile virus. It is critical to have a hurricane recovery plan that address standing water and protection from mosquito bites.

Dr. Buckner provides tips to keep consumers from getting bitten, eliminate breeding grounds during hurricane recovery and dispel myths about mosquito-borne diseases. Read more in her blog about mosquitoes and hurricane recovery here.

Additionally, the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (PIE Center) has released a Mosquito Control Toolkit. This toolkit has education information on mosquito control and the negative impact mosquitoes can have in local communities. The toolkit includes social media posts, print media resources, infographics, videos and more.

March 2023 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

Danielle Daum
Women’s Leadership Committee Chair

Danielle Daum has spent her whole life immersed in agriculture. Having grown up on her family’s caladium farm in Highlands County, Happiness Farms, she has been involved in every aspect of the operation. Danielle is the third generation to work her family’s farm, providing top quality caladiums since 1964. Happiness Farms has since diversified into citrus production and is currently the world’s largest commercial caladium farm.

She has done everything on the farm, “From pulling weeds and packing bulbs after school to managing the office.” said Daum. She is now in charge of making sure the operation is within compliance and that both retail and wholesale customers are taken care of.

Much like farming, being a part of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation is a family affair. Danielle’s father was highly active in Farm Bureau and served on advisory committees. Naturally, Danielle found herself involved with the Young Farmers and Ranchers program in her home county, which eventually led to participation with the Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She is one of the founders and chairwomen of the Highlands County Ag-Venture, an event that started 24 years ago and educates 1,200 third graders about agriculture every year. This event has been so successful that it has been modeled by other county and state Farm Bureaus. Danielle is happy to serve as a mentor for those looking to grow their County Farm Bureaus with such events.

When asked what she enjoys most about Farm Bureau, Daum answered “I love the people and getting the opportunity to work with like-minded individuals that also have a passion for the industry. I see the value in agriculture, and I want to encourage others to see the value in it as well.”

Having received a degree in elementary and special education from Florida Southern College, it is no surprise that Danielle has utilized her education and passion to help others understand the importance of agriculture and Farm Bureau. She currently serves as the chair of the Florida Farm Bureau State Women’s Leadership Committee, where she uses this role to continue to be a champion for the agriculture industry.

“Growing forward to me means persevering through the challenges both big and small. It’s about continuing to push forward despite challenges.” Danielle said. “Looking for the positive in every situation and always trying to do your best.”

March FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

By J. Scott Angle
[email protected]
@IFAS_VP

When you use fertilizer, would you rather have science or politics as the guide for how much?

I know how your president comes down on this. Because of his testimony in Tallahassee last month, members of the Florida Senate Agriculture Committee do, too.

“We need good, solid scientific data generated by our land-grant institution,” Smith told the committee (he starts at 22:07 here). So not just science, but land-grant science. Because UF/IFAS, as your land-grant institution, gathers data so it can address your challenges.

It’s been that way for longer than any of us can remember. A few days after Smith went to Tallahassee, I was in Belle Glade to mark the centennial of the Everglades Research and Education Center. I used the occasion to highlight data that shows that over the past quarter century, local growers using farming practices guided by UF/IFAS science has cut the nutrient loads in the water coming off those farms by more than half.

That’s the kind of success story we need to replicate statewide. The timing is right, as water quality continues as one of the state’s top political priorities. President Smith’s validation of UF/IFAS science makes it more likely that evidence, not intuition, will shape the policies on how farmers fertilize.

“I just want to say that supporting funding for UF/IFAS best management practices fertilizer rate application studies is imperative. Our members and producers support sound science and its implementation,” Smith told the committee.

About 18 months ago, we started research projects across the state and in various commodities. Some of our fertilization recommendations are decades old. It’s a huge and expensive task to come up with fertilizer recommendations for so many crops in so many locations with so many different climates and soil conditions.

Last year, with the help of the Farm Bureau’s advocacy, we received substantial state support to tackle as much of this as we can. This can’t be done in a year, though, so we’re seeking a continuation of that support, and again, the Farm Bureau is there championing science.

President Smith’s endorsement of science is so important because it reflects a political reality. Lawmakers want to know that there’s a return on investment from their spending. They heard that there is from the leader of 130,000+ members of the state’s agriculture community and a longtime farmer himself.

I have no crystal ball that tells me whether funding for fertilizer rate research or any other agricultural science will get approved in the legislative session that just started. But it’s gratifying to know Farm Bureau leaders see science as crucial to agriculture’s success.

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).

March FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process has become popular as a method to reducing our carbon footprint and it has been taken a step further with the development of a carbon economy. Low carbon economy refers to the ecological economy based on low energy consumption and low pollution. The concept behind the creating and trading of carbon credits is to incentivize the implementation of management practices focused on the storage of carbon in the soil.

The ability to store carbon in the soil helps remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, through a process called carbon sequestration. Agriculture and natural resource management practices can facilitate carbon sequestration. These practices often align with current Best Management Practices (BMPs) including cover cropping, crop rotation, no-till and refined nutrient management.

Farmers and ranchers can generate soil carbon credits by adopting conservation practices that result in quantifiable carbon sequestration. Carbon credits are exchanged through carbon markets and payments vary by many factors, including biophysical characteristics and management practices.

A recent UF/IFAS publication on Florida’s agricultural carbon economy and the potential role of farmers and ranchers can be found here.

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.

Apply Now

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.

APPLY NOW 

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: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sumter.

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.

Classification:
Exempt, Grade 10

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.

Apply Now 

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.

Classification:
Exempt, Grade 10

March FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

Florida Farm Bureau’s CARES program publicly recognizes Florida farmers and ranchers who demonstrate exemplary efforts to protect Florida’s natural resources by implementing Best Management Practices.

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 and corn, in addition to raising beef cattle and chickens. Dicks began farming around the age of 10 when his father taught him how to drive a tractor.

Dicks started growing his own crop of tobacco when he was 14 years old and put his profits toward his college education. After receiving his bachelors in agricultural education from the University of Florida, Dicks continued to farm until the 1980’s recession. He began working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farmers Home Administration as a county supervisor. He fulfilled that role for more than 12 years before accepting a position with the USDA in rural development.

Although he has been a Florida Farm Bureau member since 1974, it was difficult for Dicks to be an engaged member due to time constraints from his job. After retiring 11 years ago, he was eager to become more involved with his local Columbia County Farm Bureau.

“I was involved in a program that is similar to the YF&R program now and was a semi-finalist in one of the contests in 1978,” said Dicks. “The ability to participate was limited due to conflict of interest concerns with my employer. Now that I’m retired, I can do whatever I want to.”

Since his retirement, Dicks has reunited with his love for farming by growing hay and grass seed, and raising beef cattle. His goal is to continue clearing acreage left to him by his parents, with the hope to plant row crops in the future. Additionally, he has immersed himself in Columbia County Farm Bureau by serving as the county president and volunteering for various other activities, including serving as the state board of director, representing Columbia, Hamilton and Suwannee counties.

“My favorite thing about Farm Bureau has been meeting the most interesting people,” said Dicks. “I enjoy talking with them, listening to their stories and to their experiences and things they’ve had to endure. You can learn a lot from Farm Bureau members.”

Dicks is proud of all the work his county board does for the community, but he is especially proud of its Leadership Academy. Working alongside Greg Harden, the district 3 field representative, his county has successfully created a program dedicated to growing the leadership skills of FFA and 4-H students. The program provides students a chance to take various trips to places like the Florida State Capitol and Columbia County Court House.

“Most of them have never been out of the county, so for us to take them to Tallahassee and go to the top floor and look out over the city, that’s fascinating to these young people,” said Dicks. “We take them into the chambers and Florida’s state representatives will stop what they’re doing to spend some time with them. The students don’t forget that.”

Another event that Dicks is proud of is the Columbia County Farm Bureau’s annual public official’s appreciation supper. Held during the summer, this dinner is an opportunity for elected officials and farmers in the area to get to know one another.

“We look forward to any opportunity to discuss local issues with our elected officials,” said Dicks. “We encourage them to talk to us about issues they think we can help them with.”

As Columbia County continues to welcome new residents, Dicks encourages his fellow board members to look at new ways to grow forward and engage with potential new members, including those that do not farm full-time.

“I’m encouraging our board to look at the part-time farmer because there’s a whole lot more part-time farmers than full-time. We need to be tailoring our message to the part-time farmer who may not have a large farm in acreage, but still loves agriculture.”