November 2023
Florida Farm Bureau has selected its 2023-2025 Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group. The leadership group consists of young men and women from across the state who represent Florida agriculture commodities such as beef, apiculture, citrus, sugar, blueberries and caladiums.
The Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Program is a two-year leadership development program that allows participants to develop and refine their leadership abilities by focusing on personal growth, public speaking, media training, legislative awareness, issue advocacy, business management and service leadership.
“We are excited to begin the tenth class of the YF&R Leadership Program,” said Florida Farm Bureau Leadership Programs Coordinator Michele Curts. “We are looking forward to working with each member of this team to help develop them into confident and experienced leaders to become successful advocates for Florida agriculture and Florida Farm Bureau Federation.”
Members of the 2023-2025 Leadership Group are: Jared Freeman, Alachua County; John & Emilee Peterson, Baker County; Jared & Kamryn Smith, Flagler County; Bobby Floyd, Hardee County; Jake Pendergrass, Hardee County; Hunter Horne, Jefferson County; Katie Quincey, Levy County; Cody & Cierra Ledford, Madison County; Tyler & Emily Shadrick, Madison County; Benjamin Putnam, Polk County; Erin Jones, Suwannee County; Dallas Hull, Volusia County; Matthew & Blaire Fisher, Washington County and Jorin Ouwinga, Western Palm Beach County.
To be eligible for the Farm Bureau Leadership Program, participants must be between 18-35 years of age and be a member of their local county Farm Bureau for at least one year. To learn more about the Leadership Group, visit www.floridafarmbureau.org/programs/young-farmers-and-ranchers/.