Author Archives: Darby Emery

In episode 38 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith sits down with Dr. Nathan Palardy, a UF/IFAS assistant professor in the Food and Resource Economics department and Extension economist, to explore agricultural conservation easements in Florida. Listen to the episode to learn more about why conservation easements matter, how easements work and the programs available to help farmers and ranchers…

Mental health challenges affect people of all ages and backgrounds, in rural and urban communities alike. However, there is no shortage of people who care and are ready to help.   From financial stress and natural disasters to long, isolating hours and uncertainty about the future, the pressures of…

Youth agricultural education is a core priority for each of Florida’s 60 county Farm Bureaus. Agricultural educators play a vital role in planting the seeds of knowledge that shape future leaders and informed consumers. One meaningful way educators connect students to Florida agriculture is through county Ag Ventures.  These hands-on learning events introduce students to the people, practices and products that power Florida agriculture. Each year, county Farm Bureaus partner…

In episode 37 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith sits down with …

Volunteer leadership is central to Florida Farm Bureau’s grassroots structure. This National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, we celebrate the individuals who generously give their time and talents to support Florida agriculture and their communities. Our volunteers’ impact is amplified across a variety of programs and groups within Florida Farm…

St. Patrick’s Day is the biggest holiday for green cabbage consumption in the U.S., a tradition rooted in the vegetable’s affordability to early Irish American communities. At the heart of every holiday meal is the year-round work of farmers and ranchers who make these traditions possible. Barnes Farms in St. Johns County has been family owned and operated for 65 years. The farm harvests…

County Farm Bureaus celebrated Food Check-Out Week from Feb. 16-20, recognizing Florida’s farmers and ranchers for providing a nutritious, affordable food supply throughout the year. Farmers and ranchers maintain a stable food supply despite challenging market conditions, weather extremes, land loss and plant and animal pests…

As Jacksonville continues to expand, surrounding rural communities face growing pressure to develop agricultural land. Located less than an hour from Jacksonville’s metropolis, Baker County’s cultural and economic identity is rooted in generations of working lands.  [caption id="attachment_27137" align="alignleft" width="300"] South Prong Plantation in Baker County.[/caption] South…

In episode 35 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith sits down with Trevor Williams, host of the Farm Traveler podcast and YouTube channel, to discuss how digital tools are transforming the relationship between farmers and consumers and the…

Florida Farm Bureau distributed a total of $47,346 to fund meaningful, hands-on agricultural learning experiences in the 2025-26 school year through its Classroom Mini-Grant program.  Florida Farm Bureau county leaders and Women’s Leadership Committee members delivered 194 mini-grant checks to 168 schools across Florida-- the largest amount of mini-grants awarded in a single year.  The Mini-Grant program was created to help teachers build awareness in…

In episode 34 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith has a conversation with Christy Chiarelli, the director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute, to discuss the institute’s role in shaping future leaders.  [caption id="attachment_26948" align="alignleft" width="300"] Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith with Christy Chiarelli, director of the…

The 2025 Farm-City Week celebrations united rural and urban communities and recognized the partnerships that provide an abundance of safe and nutritious food supply worldwide.   This year, 43 Farm-City Week events across Florida connected farmers, ranchers, elected officials, consumers and community members. Award ceremonies, farm-to-table meals, farm tours, proclamation readings, parades and community service activities fostered appreciation for the contributions of both urban…