October 2025
Katie Quincey of Gilchrist County was awarded first place in Florida Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture competition. The award was presented at the Florida Farm Bureau’s 84th state Annual Meeting on Oct. 27.
Quincey is a fifth-generation agriculturalist and former middle and high school agriculture teacher. She is currently a field technician for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She played a key role in developing Florida’s Small Farms Best Management Practices (BMPs) manual. Quincey is actively involved in Farm Bureau, where she serves as the Gilchrist County women’s chair, on the county board and as a member of the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Team.
“Winning the Excellence in Agriculture award is a major honor,” said Quincey. “It’s not just about the work I’ve done; it’s about how others have poured into me and how I can make a positive impact on agriculture in return. I can’t wait to represent Florida with American Farm Bureau Federation in January. We’re bringing some sunshine to the Golden State.”
The Excellence in Agriculture award finalists deliver a presentation on their leadership abilities and involvement in Farm Bureau and other civic organizations to a panel of judges. Runners-up for the award were Kalan Royal of Hardee County and Erin Jones Dasher of Suwannee County.
Quincey received a utility vehicle courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Company, $500 in cash and an expense-paid trip to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Anaheim, Calif., January 2026, where she will represent Florida and compete with other states for the national Discussion Meet title.