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FUSION Conference Unites Young Farmers, Ranchers and Women in Agriculture

Nearly 400 young farmers, ranchers and women in agriculture from across the state gathered at Florida Farm Bureau’s FUSION Conference July 10-12 in Orlando. The event brought together agriculture enthusiasts for leadership development and hands-on learning opportunities aimed at strengthening the future of Florida agriculture. Attendees participated in local farm…

Florida Farmers Help Provide Free Summer Meals for Kids

Summer break can leave children without access to regular, healthy meals. Many Florida Farm Bureau farmers and ranchers help fill the gap by providing nutritious food to children statewide through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Summer Food Service Programs. One…

Painted wooden sign with images of watermelons, flowers, birds and butterflies that reads

Rural Recharge Ep 39: LaDonna LaValle- Agricultural Advocacy & the Arts

In episode 39 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith is joined by LaDonna LaValle, District 3 Women’s Leadership Committee Chair for Florida Farm Bureau, to share how her family’s story of recovery after devastating hurricanes hit their farm, why communication matters…

Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith with agricultural advocate LaDonna Lavelle during a Rural Recharge podcast interview in Florida

A Soil Scientist’s Legacy

Frank Watts of Jacksonville dedicated his life to helping people understand the importance of the ground beneath their feet. Through decades of leadership and scientific contributions, he helped shape how Florida studies, maps and values its soils, a legacy that will continue to enrich the state for generations to come.  Raised on a six-acre farm in western Kentucky,…

Teacher Appreciation Week: How Florida Ag Ventures Connect Students to Agriculture

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…

Two youth sit on horseback behind a fence with an “Okeechobee Ag-Venture Beef” sign at an agricultural event.

Celebrating Florida Farm Bureau Volunteers | National Volunteer Week 2026

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…

The Florida Farm Behind St. Patrick’s Day Cabbage

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…

Members of the Barnes family standing in front of a Barnes Farms container at Barnes Farms in St. Johns County

County Food Check-Out Week Events Showcase Farm Service

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…

Preserving Working Lands in Baker County

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…

More Than $47,000 Invested in Florida Classrooms Through Mini-Grant Program

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…

Highlighting 2025 Farm-City Week Celebrations

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…

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