December 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.
The national committee is comprised of 16 positions representing all regions of the U.S. An individual or couple between the ages of 18-35 can hold each committee appointment. Members are responsible for helping to plan innovative farm programs and events at the national level.
Plair is the farm manager for U.S. Sugar in Clewiston and has been involved in agriculture since his childhood. He currently serves on the Hendry/Glades County Farm Bureau YF&R Committee and the Florida Farm Bureau State YF&R Leadership Group. “The networking and leadership confidence I’ve gained through my involvement in YF&R has prepared me to take the next step,” said Plair. “By serving on the national committee, I can help strengthen the connections of our county, state and national programs.”
As an AFBF committee member, Plair would like to develop resources to assist farmers and ranchers in adapting to the aftermath of COVID-19. “While the full effects of the pandemic are still unraveling, farmers and ranchers throughout the country have found new ways to market and sell their products to remain profitable,” he said. “I want to build upon those lessons learned to help other farmers and ranchers in their journey to adapting as they start their own operation.”
“We are proud to be part of cultivating tomorrow’s leaders,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick. “Being part of the national YF&R committee gives Jarad the opportunity to represent young agriculturists across Florida and continue to grow his leadership skills.”
Plair has a B.S. in Diversified Agriculture from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and a Masters of Business Administration from Warner University. He is secretary of the Hendry/Glades County Farm Bureau board and is a technical advisor on the Florida Farm Bureau Sugar Advisory Committee.
In addition to his Farm Bureau leadership involvement, Plair is a member of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technology, Hendry County Construction Licensing Board, Alpha Gamma Rho Gamma Delta Chapter Active Alumni, an advisor to Trail Life USA and attends the First Baptist Church of LaBelle.
Plair is the second consecutive Florida Farm Bureau member to serve on the AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. Morgan Norris of Desoto/Charlotte County served on the 2018-2020 committee.