July 2022
Jerry Dakin, owner of Dakin Dairy Farms and the 2022 Florida Farmer of the Year, has been selected as the state winner of the Swisher/Sunbelt Ag Expo Award. Dakin will compete against nine other states for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year award in Moultrie, Ga., Oct. 18-20.
Dakin is a second-generation dairy farmer in Myakka City. The family farm operates on 1,700 acres with more than 4500 dairy cows and heifers. The farm produces 52 million pounds of retail and wholesale milk each year
Dakin was recognized as the 2022 Florida Farmer of the Year and Swisher/Sunbelt Ag Expo state winner because of his innovation in sustainable farming practices. Some of these environmentally-friendly methods include composting, recycling water for irrigation, reduced water and fertilizer use and rotational grazing. The farm also processes its own milk, delivering milk to the grocery shelf in two days. Dakin Dairy offers a diverse line of products including cheese, cheese curds, eggnog and cream.
Dakin is passionate about educating the general public about the importance of agriculture. He has a Farm Market and Café open to the public where customers can enjoy a home-cooked farm fresh meal and tour the farm.
As the state winner of the Swisher/Sunbelt Ag Expo award, Dakin will receive a $2,500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Ag Expo from Swisher International of Jacksonville. In addition, Syngenta will donate $500 to Dakin’s charity of choice and the Moultrie Colquitt Co. Chamber of Commerce will give each state winner a local keepsake.
Read more about Jerry Dakin and the Swisher Farmer of the Year award here.