News & Press Releases

Florida Farm Bureau Federation, in conjunction with American Farm Bureau Federation, hosted a successful two-day Candidate School in August. The school was designed to help individuals considering public service gain the tools and insight needed to run effective campaigns. 

Grassroots members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation will gather at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort for the organization's 84th state annual meeting October 27-29, 2025.  

Florida Farm Bureau has announced the three finalists for the 2026 Florida Farmer of the Year. The winner will be announced on October 29 at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s 84th State Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach.

The federal government shut down today at 12:01 a.m., leaving Florida’s farmers and ranchers facing more uncertainty of government support. Florida Farm Bureau is calling on the Senate to act immediately by passing the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026 to restore government operations.

Over the past month, three major national regulatory actions have been announced that directly impact Florida farmers. These developments will help reduce burdens, modernize standards and create a more competitive future for members.

In his October column, Dr. Scott Angle recognizes Dr. Ron Rice, the 2025 UF/IFAS Extension Professional of the Year. Dr. Rice is the Extension Director for Palm Beach County and will be recognized at the Florida Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting on October 28.

A federal court in Louisiana has vacated the Department of Labor’s 2023 Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology rule.

The Florida citrus industry has seen some promising investments in the 2025 Legislative Session. With nearly $140 million budgeted toward the industry, United States citrus growers will see a positive impact in programs dedicated to the industry.

In his September column, Dr. Angle highlights a new project called Optimizing IFAS, a two-year scientific effort led by the PIE Center at the University of Florida. This effort will weave gathered data on how UF/IFAS is perceived and what Floridians and agriculturalists need from the IFAS.

The United States has advanced multiple trade agreements since May 2025 that directly affect agriculture in Florida. This comprehensive overview highlights key details and links to learn more.

Florida Farm Bureau members Chase and Amber Cannady represented Florida at the USDA's Great American Farmers Market, held during National Farmers Market Week, in Washington, D.C.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is in the process of updating administrative rules related to the Limited Poultry and Egg Farm Operation Permit. The proposed amendments address both procedural and technical aspects of the program.

On July 21, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins met with Florida farmers and ranchers to announce additional USDA assistance to help farmers and ranchers recover from Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton.

With more than 240 attendees, the 2025 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference provided an opportunity for agriculturalists to come together, enhancing both their leadership skills and farming scope. The conference, hosted July 11-13 at the World Golf Village Renaissance St. Augustine Resort, included inspirational panelists, discussion meets and a friendly outdoor sports tournament.  

United States Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that agricultural producers who suffered eligible crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for $16 billion in assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program.

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the landmark “One Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping budget and tax package with major implications for agriculture.

The Florida Farm Bureau Classroom Mini-Grant applications are now open. Florida educators engaged in agriculture education in the classroom for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade levels are eligible to apply for a $250 classroom mini-grant.

Nominations are now being accepted for farmers and ranchers to serve on local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. All nomination forms for the 2025 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2025.    

New World Screwworm (NWS) is a devastating pest which can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. To continue combatting NWS movement toward the U.S., USDA announced a 5-pronged plan on June 18, 2025.

The 2025 legislative session was a standout year for Florida agriculture—fueled by decisive legislative leadership, the unwavering commitment of Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the strong approval of Governor Ron DeSantis, and the relentless advocacy of Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural champions.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division announced it is suspending enforcement of the Biden Administration’s burdensome 2024 farmworker rule, effective June 20, 2025. The decision provides clarity for American farmers navigating the H-2A program.

Having Bob inducted into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame at its annual conference in June means we have a national treasure running our research and demonstration farm in Suwannee Valley.

Families celebrating the Fourth of July holiday continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey. An Independence Day cookout will cost $70.92 for 10 guests this year.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall today expressed concern over reports that immigration enforcement focus will resume on farms and ranches.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024.

Yesterday, Florida Farmer of the Year, Jim Alderman, owner of Alderman Farms in Boynton Beach, Fla., provided testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to address the impact of the aging agricultural workforce and its impact on food security.

Boynton Beach farmer Jim Alderman, owner of Alderman Farms will provide testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. The Committee Hearing will air June 4 at 4:15 p.m. EST. 

A new statewide mental health report released by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with the UF/IFAS Center for Leadership and Mind Your Melon Foundation, finds that Florida farmers and ranchers are facing emotional distress, worsened by financial pressures and natural disasters—including hurricanes.

On April 17, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and NOAA proposed a major change to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by seeking to eliminate the regulatory definition of “harm.” Florida Farm Bureau Federation will continue to follow this issue and provide comments to the Services, in support of eliminating “harm” from the definition.

At the May industry/agriculture Waters of the United States (WOTUS) listening session and in written comments from Florida Farm Bureau Federation, along with other Farm Bureau’s across the country, the agricultural community has asked for changes and clarity in WOTUS definitions.

Florida’s farmers drive our state’s prosperity, and in Washington, D.C., bold policies are paving the way for agricultural success. From securing strong trade deals to slashing taxes and reining in government overreach, here is a snapshot of recent developments putting American farmers first.

In his June column, Dr. Angle shares the importance of international collaboration and early intervention in research to strengthen Florida's agricultural defenses while also opening future markets for farmers.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will start June 1 and last until November 30. Florida Farm Bureau encourages Floridians to take all the necessary precautions when it comes to preparing for a hurricane.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation commends Governor Ron DeSantis for signing legislation that will expand healthcare access for Florida residents, especially for those in rural and agricultural areas.

Florida Farm Bureau submitted comments to the Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the review of atrazine. Atrazine is the first herbicide to be reviewed under the scopes of the EPA's Final Herbicide Strategy.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation in conjunction with American Farm Bureau will hold its second bi-annual Candidate School August 26-27 at Goodwood Museum & Gardens in Tallahassee.  The two day program will provide nonpartisan training to anyone interested in running for public office at the local, state, and federal levels. 

In late 2021 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) published proposed changes to their trapping regulations, many of which would have proven detrimental to farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to control feral hogs and other nuisance wildlife. After extensive public comment received from Farm Bureau and others, the FWC postponed their planned trapping regulations update.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has been required to update all Basin Management Action Plans (BMAP) by July 1, 2025. As part of this requirement, they are adding 5-year milestones to each BMAP, where they didn’t previously exist.

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced its intent to withdraw from the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. This termination is set to become effective on July 14th, 2025, reinstating 20.91% tariffs on all imported fresh and chilled tomatoes from Mexico.

Now is a moment when we have lawmakers’ attention on rural needs. UF/IFAS and the Florida Farm Bureau have long worked together to serve rural communities. It’s important that we tell our stories in Tallahassee. Thank you to all who came to the Capitol for Farm Bureau Day this year.

Eleven farm families were honored for their sustainability efforts with a County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) award during the 24th Annual Suwannee CARES Celebration at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center- Suwannee Valley. The event drew a record-breaking attendance with more than 700 farmers, ranchers, elected officials and members of surrounding counties.  

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2025 Communications Award winners named at this year’s Communications Conference, include 16 standout states.

96 women from across the state gathered for the annual Women’s Leadership Conference in St. Augustine. The 2025 conference provided women with a unique opportunity to grow in their leadership skills, learn how to become stronger advocates for agriculture and showcase diverse farming operations.

Florida Farm Bureau leaders, county presidents, Women’s Committee members and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group engaged with policy makers and other leaders on important issues impacting Florida farms during the organization's annual trip to Washington, D.C. Priority topics included the Farm Bill, farm labor, trade and tax relief.

The USDA has opened Economic Assistance through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) with sign-up lasting through August 15th, 2025. Pre-filled applications will be sent to producers who certified their acres with the Farm Service Agency during Crop Year 2024.

More than 350 grassroots members gathered at the state Capitol on March 18 to meet with legislators during Florida Farm Bureau’s annual Farm Bureau Day.

Florida Farm Bureau took top honors for donating the most food, with 26 million pounds, in 2024 through Farm Bureau’s “Harvest for All” program, 26 million pounds. This included a variety of volunteer and food donation activities to supplement Farmers Feeding Florida product recovery initiatives.

Brandt and Samantha Hendricks of Santa Rosa County placed in the top 10 of the American Farm Bureau Achievement in Agriculture competition at the organization's convention last week in San Antonio, Texas. 

Jeff Parker Farms, a fourth-generation farming family from St. Johns County will be featured in a Super Bowl commercial scheduled to be broadcast in the 3rd quarter of the game on Sunday, February 9.

Commissioner Wilton Simpson today announced legislation that would strengthen Florida agriculture, a $180 billion industry that supports 2.5 million jobs and provides the food, fiber and foliage Americans depend on.

More than 75 Florida Farm Bureau members traveled to San Antonio, Texas to attend the 106th annual American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention. Many Florida members received national recognition for a variety of awards.

Marshal and Taylor Sewell of Levy County were named the 2025 Excellence in Agriculture award winners by American Farm Bureau at the organization’s annual convention on Jan. 27.

The winner of the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year award is Sirius, a 6-year-old Maremma sheepdog owned by Florida Farm Bureau members Jorge and Debbie Garcia-Bengochea.

Three Florida Farm Bureau industry leaders will be inducted into the 2025 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame at the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet February 11, 2025. Florida Farm Bureau applauds its members for their commitment to agriculture.

Grassroots members hosted a variety of events last week to celebrate the valuable partnerships between urban and rural communities that ensure food travels from the farm gate to the dinner plate.

According to a recent survey done by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the average price of a12-item Thanksgiving basket for 10 people is $58.08 or about $5.80 per person. This is a 5% decrease from 2023, which was 4.5% lower than 2022.  

Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers state award winners have been named for the Achievement in Agriculture, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion meet competitions. The winners will compete on a national level at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX in January 2025.  

Eva Webb has been named the 2024 recipient of the Pat Cockrell Lifetime Achievement Award for her exemplary service to the organization and her community during her tenure. She was honored at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.  

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson of Pasco County, Rod and Brenda Gayle Land of Lafayette County and Jerry Davis of Santa Rosa County were recognized with Florida Farm Bureaus highest service award for their service to agriculture. 

Jim Alderman of Alderman Farms in Palm Beach County has been named the 2025 Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year. Alderman has been an organic vegetable farmer since 1979, growing an array of fresh vegetables, ranging from tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber, eggplant, cabbage and fresh herbs.

More than 400 grassroots members gathered in Miramar Beach Oct. 30-Nov. 1 for Florida Farm Bureau’s 2024 State Annual Meeting.  Voting delegates discussed and approved policy resolutions that were adopted as the organization’s policy for 2025. 

On Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene barreled through Florida, devastating Florida’s Big Bend region. Farmers and ranchers in North Florida suffered the most losses. Many families were still rebuilding after Hurricane Idalia and Hurricane Debby, both striking within the past 13 months. Florida Farm Bureau has been working with its grassroots members, agency partners and elected officials to assess agricultural damages and be a voice for much needed funding relief for farmers and ranchers statewide.    

Florida’s agricultural industry will be featured at the 2024 Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie Georgia from October 15-17. At this year’s Spotlight State building, attendees will be greeted by an immersive “Fresh From Florida” experience as visitors step through Florida agriculture’s past, present, and future. 

Sumter County Farm Bureau has been selected as a winner in the American Farm Bureau Federation County Activities of Excellence (CAE) program with the “988 It's OK" Mental Health Initiative. With more than 200 entries, AFBF selected the top 24 activities to be showcased at the 2025 American Farm Bureau Convention in San Antonio, Texas. 

Florida Farm Bureau has created a hurricane relief fund that will assist Florida farmers and ranchers affected by the 2024 hurricane season.

Florida farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for interest-free loans through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.

Every two years, Florida Farm Bureau evaluates and selects members of Congress for an American Farm Bureau “Friend of Farm Bureau” award. Members selected for this award have demonstrated a commitment to Florida agriculture’s legislative priorities by way of their voting record.  

Florida Farm Bureau Federation has announced a statewide mental health initiative to help better understand the challenges and needs of Florida farmers and ranchers. Together, we can reduce the stigma and ensure Florida farmers and ranchers live full, healthy lives.   

With a hunger to grow their leadership skills and desire to meet other young professionals, more than 200 agriculturalists gathered in West Palm Beach for the 2024 Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference July 12-14.

The Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence is a new recognition program launched by the American Farm Bureau Federation with support from Farm Credit. AFBF and Farm Credit will recognize one individual who has served or is currently serving in the U.S. military and is actively involved in agriculture and their community.

Families celebrating the 4th of July holiday will continue to find stubbornly high prices at the grocery store. An Independence Day cookout will cost $71.22 for 10 guests this year, based on the 2024 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey.

Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith has been appointed by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to serve on the Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.

American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers committee chair and Alachua County dairy farmer Kevin Lussier testified to the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on commodities, risk management and trade on Tuesday, June 4 in Washington, D.C.  

After an exhilarating experience at the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) conference, we eagerly returned to Gainesville for session four of our YF&R leadership training. This session was brimming with insightful lessons, camaraderie and invaluable experiences that further fueled our passion for agriculture and leadership.

The 2024 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference (YF&R), held in Omaha, Nebraska, was not just an event; it was an immersive experience that left a lasting impact on attendees, particularly the Class 10 Leadership Group.  

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House Agriculture Committee markup and passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act.

On April 29, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith’s family farm was recognized as a Century Pioneer Family Farm by the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. This award honors 100 years of farming by the Smith and Johns Family Farm in Hastings, Fla.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation continues to monitor the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in cattle. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has issued that cattle exposed to or infected with Bovine Associated Influenza A Syndrome may not be imported into Florida.  

On Saturday, May 4, in a groundbreaking initiative, Sumter County Farm Bureau and Everglades Equipment Group partnered to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention in the agricultural community.

Join thousands of people across Sunshine State, in celebrating our organization’s volunteers. Our Farm Bureau members spend countless hours giving back to charity organizations, donating to programs like Harvest for All, taking part in Ag-in-the Classroom events, providing scholarships to young people to pursue agriculture and serving their communities at various events.

Celebrate Earth Day with the 14th episode of Rural Recharge. This episode features Pat Durden, president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and owner of Durden Red Angus. Durden’s family has been farming and ranching for more than 15 decades and practices conservation and preservation on his family’s land. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy herds in six states: Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Idaho, Michigan and Ohio. Florida Farm Bureau is monitoring the situation and will communicate any updates directly to its members.   

Florida Farm Bureau Federation hosted its second annual Ag Policy and Commodity Forum on Wednesday, March 27 in Gainesville, Fla. The forum brought together more than 150 industry experts that serve on Florida Farm Bureau’s state advisory committees.

Florida Farm Bureau YF&R took top honors in the Harvest for All program with most pounds of food donated and most volunteer hours. Combined with other states, the monetary and food donations totaled the equivalent of 26 million meals.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) last week announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, spanning more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them down to the county level.

To celebrate National FFA Week this year, the Culver's is announcing the FFA Ambassador Program, a new initiative that allows guests to nominate standout FFA members in their communities to represent Culver’s and their FFA chapter, as well as have the opportunity to earn additional prizes.

Farm Bureau volunteer members statewide celebrated Food Check-Out Week Feb. 12-16, 2024. This week is used to highlight Florida agriculture and the healthy and nutritious food that farmers and ranchers provide Florida citizens throughout the year. 

More than 300 Farm Bureau members, staff, 4-H and FFA students gathered in Tallahassee on January 16 for the organization’s annual Farm Bureau Day. Grassroots members spent the day meeting with their elected officials to discuss key issues affecting agriculture. Those issues included affordable healthcare for farm families and labor reform. 

In the heart of Tallahassee, Florida, the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group embarked on a two-day journey, leaving an indelible mark on the 2024 Farm Bureau Day at the Florida State Capitol.

Florida Farm Bureau is excited to offer the second annual Ag Policy and Commodity Forum. The forum will take place Wednesday, March 27, 2024, in Gainesville, Florida. 

Dr. Saundra TenBroeck, an associate professor for the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida and the State Extension Horse Specialist, joins Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith for the 12th episode of Rural Recharge.  

More than 80 Florida Farm Bureau grassroots members and staff traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah for the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Convention. Florida received many accolades. 

Farmers and ranchers from across the Sunshine State will gather at the state Capitol on Tuesday, January 16 to discuss key policy issues with Florida lawmakers as part of Farm Bureau Day. 

Due to pressures regarding the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a series of pesticide framework strategies to minimize ecological impacts on endangered species and their habitats.

In this episode, FFBF President Jeb S. Smith sat down with the Florida Farm Bureau Florida Farmer of the Year, Jason Watts, and his wife, Amanda Watts. Watts provides a complete overview of their family farm along with history, wisdom and a positive outlook for the future of agriculture in Florida.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that farmers can apply for the Florida Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) Card beginning January 1, 2024.

The new class of the Young Farmers & Ranchers leadership team attended their first leadership seminar in November. Team members Dallas Hull and Erin Jones provide a recap of key takeaways from the seminar and what the class is most looking forward to in 2024.

Florida Farm Bureau had representation at the 2023 U.S. CattleTrace Symposium in Kansas City, MO, Nov.14-15. The focus of the two-day symposium was to learn about the current response plan that the U.S. has for a potential foreign animal disease outbreak and to participate in an immersion experience through a tabletop simulation. 

Jason Watts of Florida Best Farms in Polk County has been named the 2024 Florida Farmer of the Year. Watts, along with his wife Amanda, and their four children, Cole, Rusty, Morgan and Savannah, farm blueberries, muscadine grapes and raise beef cattle. The family has also expanded their operation to include a packing house and an exotic vegetation removal service for state and federal government entities.  

In this episode, FFBF President Jeb S. Smith sat down with Stephen Monroe of Jefferson County for a conversation about Florida history and Florida cracker cattle. After much time spent in the saddle, Monroe became quite knowledgeable about the genre of Cowboy Poetry and has shared his talent on stage at the National Cowboy Poetry gathering in Elko, NV.

Florida Farm Bureau is looking forward to supporting our outstanding young farmer and rancher state winners as they advance to the national competitions next month in Salt Lake City, Utah at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention, Jan. 19-24, 2024.

This Thanksgiving, Americans can expect to spend less on their Thanksgiving meal. According to a recent survey done by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the average price of a 12-item Thanksgiving basket for ten people this year is $61.17, which is down about 4.5% from 2022 prices.  

Farm-City Week is a time to give thanks for the valuable partnerships between urban and rural residents. This year Farm Bureau members will mark the occasion with local events held throughout Florida, Nov. 15-22. 

Florida Farm Bureau Federation has selected its 2023-2025 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group. The new group will participate in a two-year leadership development program that focuses on personal growth, public speaking, media training, legislative awareness, issue advocacy, business management and service leadership.

Florida Farm Bureau members traveled to Tallahassee to speak during the Florida Legislature special session. The special session focused on legislation affecting disaster relief from Hurricane Idalia. Members that experienced significant loss came to speak in support of House Bill 1-C and Senate Bill 2-C.

Florida Farm Bureau has presented John and Emilee Peterson of Baker County with the organization’s 2023 Achievement in Agriculture Award. This high honor recognizes Young Farmers and Ranchers for their skill at farm production, development of their agricultural enterprise and service to Farm Bureau as well as the local community.

Erin Jones of Gilchrist County was named the state winner of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet at Florida Farm Bureau’s 82nd Annual Meeting in Orlando.

A dedicated and influential figure in Florida agriculture, Kirouac has been named a recipient of the state organization’s 2023 Distinguished Service Award. The award was announced during Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Orlando on Oct. 25 at the President’s Celebration & Awards Banquet.

State Rep. Kaylee Tuck (District 83) has earned Florida Farm Bureau’s 2023 Legislator of the Year award for her outstanding leadership during the 2023 legislative session.  

Jim Strickland, owner of Strickland Ranch in Manatee County has been recognized for his dedication to Florida agriculture. He is Florida Farm Bureau’s 2023 Volunteer Communicator of the Year.

Bernie and Avery LeFils of Volusia County were awarded the state Excellence in Agriculture Award at the Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Orlando on Oct. 25.

In this episode, FFBF President Jeb S. Smith sat down with Brad and Sam Phares for a conversation about generational agriculture, Florida history and listened to some of Brad’s original cowboy poetry.

Hurricane Idalia’s unrelenting fury devastated property and disrupted the lives of thousands of people in North Florida. Hundreds of family homes and business structures suffered damage or were lost as a result of the August storm.

More than 400 grassroots members gathered at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Oct. 25-27, 2023. The meeting included award and recognition programs to honor outstanding young farmers and ranchers, state lawmakers and the accomplishments of county Farm Bureaus and individual members for their distinguished service to agriculture.

Finalists for Florida Farm Bureau's 2023 Achievement in Agriculture, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet awards will compete for the statewide title at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Orlando, Oct. 25-27, 2023. The winner of each competition will advance to the national level.

Thousands of football fans celebrated Florida agriculture at the third annual Home Field AGvantage tailgate on Oct. 7 as the University of Florida Gators took on the Vanderbilt Commodores. Florida Farm Bureau Federation provided fans the ultimate tailgate experience and showcased the role agriculture plays in football and how everyone contributes to the industry.

In this episode, Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb Smith sat down with Lynetta Griner and Eric Handley of USHER Land & Timber for a conversation about Florida forestry, conservation practices, and the legacy that Griner and Handley hope to leave behind. 

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the 2023 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees. Three Florida Farm Bureau members will join more than 170 other inductees in the Hall of Fame.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation welcomed thousands of football fans to the third annual Home Field AGvantage tailgate at the Sept. 9 Florida State University vs. Southern Miss football game. The tailgate celebrated the role agriculture plays in football and how everyone contributes to the industry.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation has established a Disaster Relief Response Committee to coordinate and assist in relief efforts at the grassroots level.

The Hurricane Idalia Relief Fund will provide support for the recovery from agriculture-related losses. All donations will be tax deductible. Donations can be made via check or through the relief fund webpage. 

In this episode, FFB President Jeb Smith sat down with Wade Purvis, the 2023 Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year, and his wife Karen, to share their family’s passion for farming and the importance of understanding the rising challenge of having a strong domestic food supply.

Hurricane Idalia has already impacted areas of the Sunshine State with wind and rain and is expected to make landfall early Wednesday morning. In preparation for the storm, Florida Farm Bureau has created a hurricane resource page, to assist farm families.

National Water Quality Month is celebrated in August every year to highlight the importance of water conservation. Florida growers use Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their farms and ranches to improve water quality while also growing what we eat, wear and use.

Since 2020, the UF Collegiate Farm Bureau has partnered with the University of Florida College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Sigma Alpha sorority to host the annual philanthropy event, ExtravaCANza.

Florida Farm Bureau’s grassroots members will meet at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Oct. 25-27, 2023 for the organization’s 82nd annual meeting, themed “Growing Forward”.

Twenty groups representing agricultural, environmental, forestry, wildlife, nutrition and hunger advocates have launched the “Farm Bill for America’s Families: Sustaining Our Future” campaign to urge passage of the 2023 farm bill this year.

This episode features Kelly Mosley, co-owner and operator of Amazing Grace Crop Maze in Green Cove Springs. Her and her husband, Justin, completed the two-year leadership development program with Florida Farm Bureau and were named the 2010 Young Farmers & Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture award winners.

The Florida Cotton Marketing Order was passed on July 11 with 79% of producers voting yes and 89.5% of total acreage represented. This order will allow cotton producers to financially contribute to the research, expansion, regulation, promotion and marketing in the cotton industry.

President Smith sat down with Dr. J. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources at UF/IFAS. In this episode, Dr. Angle shares what AI is, what the future of agriculture and AI looks like and how UF is the leader in AI technology.  

The finalists have been selected for Florida Farm Bureau's 2023 Achievement in Agriculture, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet awards. The awards honor young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18-35 for their hard work, innovation and ability to solve top agricultural challenges.

Florida Farm Bureau hosted 165 Iowa Farm Bureau members for their annual Membership Incentive Trip June 22-25, 2023. Members toured a variety of places in Northeast Florida and were able to visit with county Farm Bureau leaders from Duval, Putnam-St. Johns, Nassau, Clay and Baker counties.

Florida Farm Bureau held its inaugural 2023 Candidate School, May 23-24, at its Tallahassee office. The school was designed to give potential candidates the foundational skills to campaign management.  Topics included budgeting, fundraising, media training, messaging and tips on winning an election. 

The Florida Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee (WLC) awarded ten scholarships to Florida teachers to attend the National Ag in the Classroom Conference held in Orlando on June 26-29, 2023.  

Every five years, lawmakers in Washington, D.C. review, change and vote on the farm bill. This piece of legislation is crucial to ensure our nation’s food supply remains secure. The farm bill provides essential tools to help farmers and ranchers manage risk on their operations.

Since 1985, The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has honored those women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida Agriculture with the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award. The nomination form for this award is now open to applicants.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation has released the fourth episode of its new monthly podcast, Rural Recharge. In this episode, President Smith sits down with Michelle Williamson, a Florida native and huge voice for Florida agriculture.

June is National Dairy Month, which is a great time to learn about and taste delicious dairy products.

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts June 1 and lasts through November 30. Forecasters at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center are predicting near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this season.

Seven farm families were honored for their sustainability efforts with a County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) award during the 22nd Annual Suwannee CARES Celebration at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center- Suwannee Valley. 

Young farmers and ranchers from across the state will gather in Orlando for the 2023 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference July 7-9 at the Orlando World Center Marriot.

Florida Farm Bureau members participated in an official Farm Bill listening session on April 24, in Newberry, Fla. FFBF President Jeb S. Smith led off the nearly 50 producers, researchers and industry leaders who provided remarks to the panel regarding agriculture’s priorities in the Farm Bill.  More than 400 agriculturists from around the Sunshine State attended the event.

Florida Farm Bureau leaders, county presidents and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group engaged with legislators on important issues that impact Florida farms during the 2023 FFBF Field to the Hill in Washington D.C.

Communities will gather in celebration of Earth Day on April 22 and participate in activities to help raise awareness of the importance of taking care of the Earth. While people gather on this day, farmers and ranchers work year round to take care of the land and its natural resources.

Florida Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation has recognized Rep. Kat Cammack (R.-Fla.) with the Outstanding New Member of Congress Award. This award is given to a member of Congress who has completed their first term and has shown they are a reliable friend to agriculture.

Island Grove Winery has collaborated with Whole Foods Market and the University of Florida/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department to develop a new line of sparkling wine. The line features four new flavors; Sparkling Berry Sangria, Sparkling Peach Moscato, Sparkling Blueberry Moscato and Sparkling Strawberry Moscato. 

More than 250 Florida Farm Bureau members from across the state convened at the state Capitol on March 8, the second day of session, to meet with legislators during Florida Farm Bureau’s annual Farm Bureau Day.

Hendry/Glades county Farm Bureau member Katherine English participated in a national panel of small business owners to discuss the implications of the federal government’s WOTUS overreach.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation has launched a new monthly podcast, Rural Recharge. The podcast is hosted by Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith and provides listeners genuine conversations with farmers and ranchers on real issues impacting agriculture.

Florida’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Group took home top honors at the American Farm Bureau FUSION Conference in Jacksonville last weekend. They received the Harvest for All awards in two categories: the most pounds of food donated, with 18.7 million pounds, and the most volunteer hours, with 6,400 hours.

Farmers and ranchers from across the Sunshine State will convene at the
state Capitol on March 8 to discuss key state policy issues with Florida lawmakers.

The Block Grant Assistance Act allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide improved disaster relief funding to farm families. We commend the leadership of Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio for their commitment to Florida agriculture.

According to the most recent report from the University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida agriculture sustained $1.03 billion in damages from Hurricane Ian, with citrus, vegetable and horticultural growers taking the biggest hit.

Farm leaders from across the state have been selected to serve on seven of the ten 2023 American Farm Bureau Issue Advisory Committees, These committees give members the opportunity to lend their expertise on important issues that impact agriculture.

Wade Purvis of Purvis Farms in Immokalee has been named the 2023 Florida Farmer of the Year by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Purvis Farms spans more than 2,000 acres planted in green beans, specialty beans, peas and watermelon.  

Florida Farm Bureau is looking forward to supporting our outstanding young farmers and ranchers finalists as they advance to the national competitions next month in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention, Jan. 6-11, 2023.

On a recent Saturday in October, families and youth across North Central Florida attended the Faith & Family Ag Festival in Union County for a fun day outdoors, learning about the land, life lessons, and love of industry and common faith.

Farm-City Week is a time to give thanks for the valuable partnerships between urban and rural residents. This year, Farm Bureau members will mark the occasion with local events held throughout Florida, Nov. 16-23.   

Florida Farm Bureau has presented Lee Bigham with the organization’s 2022 Achievement in Agriculture Award. This high honor recognizes Young Farmers and Ranchers for their skill at farm production, development of their agricultural enterprise and service to Farm Bureau as well as the local community.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced the 2023 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees. Dr. John T. Woeste (Alachua County) and Donald J. Quincey (Levy County) are both Farm Bureau members who will join 171 other inductees in the Hall of Fame. The 2022 honorees will be inducted at the Florida State Fair’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet on Feb. 14, 2023.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has rejected a formal 301 investigation against Mexico for unfair trade practices involving fresh fruits and vegetables.

Florida Farm Bureau members participated in the first ever industry-wide Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) Forum in Kansas City, MO from Oct. 14-16.

Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage to farmers and ranchers across the state to determine their needs. What we do know is that the resiliency of our farm families is evident in the aftermath of the category 4 Hurricane Ian that ripped through Southwest Florida.

Florida Farm Bureau hosted its second annual Ag Day on Saturday, September 17, as the University of Florida Gators took on the University of South Florida Bulls.

 On Sept. 8, 2022, a bipartisan group of Florida’s congressional delegation, led by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Al Lawson, filed a Section 301 petition on behalf of Florida’s fruit and vegetable producers.

Florida farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) were praised for their accomplishments in protecting water quality at the South Florida Water Management district meeting on Aug.11.

Jerry Dakin, owner of Dakin Dairy Farms and the 2022 Florida Farmer of the Year, has been selected as the state winner of the Swisher/Sunbelt Ag Expo Award. Dakin will compete against nine other states for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year award in Moultrie, Ga., Oct. 18-20. 

Florida Farm Bureau Federation will celebrate Florida agriculture and football with two Ag Day celebrations this fall.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation has launched a new membership portal to provide Farm Bureau members a unified member experience. The user-friendly portal is a central-hub for members’ needs.

Nominations are open for the 2023 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame induction. This recognition honors members of the agriculture community who have made a lasting contribution to the industry.

Florida Farm Bureau’s Public Relations staff received top honors in three categories at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national communications award contest in Omaha, NE on June 8.

The 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts June 1 and lasts through November 30. Forecasters at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center are predicting above-average hurricane activity this season.

“Resilience? I’ve done pretty good at that,” Straughn said. “It means hanging in there, that’s what it means to me. Both at watermelons and blueberries, I’ve been pretty resilient and successful at both. We never made much money on any one crop in any one year, but there were two or three years we would make a little extra and that would help us accumulate money to get started in blueberries."

Eight farmers and ranchers were honored for their exceptional natural resource conservation with a CARES award on May 5 at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center- Suwannee Valley during the 21st Annual Suwannee CARES Celebration.

More than 100 women from across the state gathered for the 2022 Women’s Leadership Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Melbourne, March 24-26.The conference featured keynote speakers, an awards banquet, breakout sessions and farm tours.  

National Ag Day is being celebrated on March 22, 2022 during National Ag Week. It is a day to recognize and celebrate the abundant food supply provided by our nation’s farmers and ranchers.

The Taste of Volusia is a first-year farm to table style social highlighting Volusia County farmers and ranchers.

Youth agricultural education is dear to Brenda Gayle’s heart and she actively takes part in helping to share information to members in her community.

Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers received top honors for donating 30.5 million pounds of fresh produce and other foods to assist hungry Floridians as part of American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) “Harvest for All” program in 2021.

Florida women representing 16 county Farm Bureaus will receive the Women’s Activity Award Thursday, March 24, at the Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Conference Awards Banquet from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Melbourne.

Farm Bureau volunteers statewide celebrated Food Check-Out Week, Feb. 14-18. The celebrations spotlighted the healthy, nutritious food supply that farmers and ranchers provide throughout the year.

Florida Farm Bureau member Charles “Bill” Waller recalls spending the day with his family on their boat on Shell Island just three days before Michael’s landfall.

Shelby and Kevin Lussier placed among the Top Ten of the American Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement in Agriculture competitive event. 

Five-year old Fit, a border collie from Lake County, is the  American Farm Bureau's 2022 Farm Dog of the Year.

Tickets are now on sale for the 43rd annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, which will honor five inductees who have made invaluable contributions to Florida agriculture.

Broward County Farm Bureau (BCFB) set-up two COVID-19 drive-thru testing centers for its members to utilize during the pandemic.

Due to unforeseen circumstances with COVID-19, HCFB pivoted to create “Ag-Venture in a Box” and bring their popular Ag-Ventures directly to local students so that they didn’t miss out on the event.

The 20th annual Suwannee CARES celebration was held Nov. 18, 2021 at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak. Nearly 200 people were in attendance for the event that recognized 20 farm families for their exemplary environmental stewardship efforts.

Alachua County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers hosted the annual Food and Agriculture Festival at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Innovation in Gainesville on Nov. 20.

The summit  will provide a platform to increase dialogue and to strengthen cooperation in the global fight to end hunger and malnutrition.

Jerry Dakin of Manatee County has received a prestigious honor for his business success and contributions to his community.

Florida Farm Bureau has presented Shelby and Kevin Lussier with the organization’s 2021 Achievement in Agriculture Award.

Keith Wedgworth, a fourth-generation farmer in South Florida, was named Florida Farm Bureau’s 2021 Volunteer Communicator of the Year.

Delegates at the 2021 Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting have elected Jeb Smith of St. Johns County to a two-year term as president of the organization.

Pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school teachers are eligible to receive funding for hands-on learning by teaching their students about Florida agriculture.  

Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick issued this statement today after Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 88, Farming Operations, a historic bill that modernizes Florida’s Right to Farm Act.

Six new presentations are now available on the UF/IFAS Extension citrus agents’ website.

Help strengthen agriculture in our rural communities during County Leader Week, April 19-23, 2021. County Leader Week was launched three years ago as a way to honor the foundation of Farm Bureau – its members.

Florida's Young Farmers & Ranchers were nationally awarded at the American Farm Bureau Federation's FUSION Conference for their benevolence in 2020.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall weighs in on right to farm laws and protecting the livelihood of American farmers and ranchers.

Farmers and landowners in four Florida counties – Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton – can now apply for additional relief in the wake of Hurricane Sally which made landfall along the Florida Panhandle in September of 2020.

Jarad Plair of LaBelle has been selected to serve on the 2021-23 American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Committee.

Researchers at UF/IFAS have a made a new discovery in their study of vanilla. A tool has been developed that unlocks the genetic traits that identify the vanilla variety that produces the fastest with the most consumer-friendly approved taste.