Author Archives: Darby Emery

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…

Cake auctions are a beloved tradition for County Farm Bureau events across Florida. Attendees donate desserts to be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting local charities or community programs. These auctions showcase the counties' creativity and generosity, with the excitement of friendly competition often fetching bids well into…

Emma Self, a sophomore at Warner University, was awarded first place in the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Collegiate Discussion Meet. The discussion meet took place at the organization’s 84th state Annual Meeting on Oct. 27.   [caption id="attachment_26661" align="alignleft" width="300"] Emma Self, a sophomore…

Gayward Hendry, president of Clay County Farm Bureau, was named the 2025 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. He was honored during the President’s Celebration Banquet on Oct. 27 at the Florida Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting…

Nadia Rivera of Lake County won first place in the Florida Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest at Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting on Oct. 28. An active member of Lake County 4-H for three years, Rivera impressed judges with a compelling five-minute speech addressing the topic:…

Janyel Taylor of Manatee County received the Florida Farm Bureau’s 2025 Volunteer Communicator of the Year award during the organization’s 84th Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach.  [caption id="attachment_26599" align="alignleft" width="800"] Janyel Taylor was awarded the 2025 Volunteer Communicator of the Year award by Florida Farm Bureau Federation.