September 2024 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter
Sixth generation Floridian Bobby Floyd grew up on his family’s cow/calf operation in Zolfo Springs. Throughout his life he has helped run cattle on the farm and has played an active role in the farm’s day-to-day operation.
After graduating from Hardee High School, Floyd attended the University of Florida and received his Bachelor of Science degree in food and resource economics. He worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for two years before switching careers. During his time at FDACS, Floyd worked as a nematode inspector. He collected soil samples and inspected nurseries to ensure their plants were safe to ship to other states. Floyd now works as a high school Algebra 1 teacher in Hardee County.
Floyd was first introduced to Florida Farm Bureau by one of his high school friends who was interested in starting a Young Farmers and Ranchers group. When Floyd learned of the numerous leadership and networking opportunities available through Farm Bureau, he was hooked. Joining the state YF&R Leadership Group has helped Floyd grow his network and agricultural knowledge.
“I enjoy networking with different people,” said Floyd. “When we went to Omaha earlier this year, I met so many likeminded people from across the country. Everyone does something different in agriculture and it was neat to learn about.”
Through the YF&R Leadership Group and teaching high school students, Floyd enjoys helping others find their tie to agriculture and strengthening his personal tie. He continues to help on his family’s farm and enjoys connecting with his roots.
“I am staying tied to ag by teaching others where our food comes from and by encouraging young people to learn more about agriculture.”
That’s where knowledge comes in. Sometimes, it’s from our faculty who glean from data incremental ways to reduce costs or increase yields. Sometimes it’s wisdom from people like our farm manager Greg Kimmons, who brings 44 years of observations at WFREC to conversations with Diamond.
On July 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced their recommended decision to amend the 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders across the U.S. Included in the proposed changes are some top priorities for Florida Farm Bureau, such as reverting to the ‘Higher-of’ formula for fluid milk pricing (utilizing the higher monthly price of either cdheese or milk powder, vs. the current formula utilizing the average of these products plus a $.74 adjustment), and increasing location differentials (a portion of the milk price formula that varies based on where the milk is being bottled).
As the agriculture industry becomes more advanced and complex, new challenges arise. For the livestock sector, animal disease traceability has received greater attention over the last several decades as domestic and international movement of live cattle and fresh beef has increased. For this reason, in 2013 USDA enacted rules related to official identification of certain classes of cattle and bison. Earlier this year, USDA finalized an amendment to this rule, requiring that official identification be readable both visually and electronically.
On July 2, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a proposed rule which they believe will help protect workers from extreme heat. If the rule is finalized, the agency estimates it could help protect more than 36 million workers in outdoor and indoor settings and help reduce heat related injuries, illnesses and deaths in the workplace.
Kevin Lussi