Dr. Hal Phillips of Levy County has been named Florida Farm Bureau‘s 2027 Florida Farmer of the Year. The winner was announced at Florida Farm Bureau’s 85th Annual Meeting on Oct. 30 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.
Phillips will serve as an ambassador for Florida agriculture, promoting farming and ranching’s contributions to local communities and the state’s economy. The recipient participates in outreach efforts and activities with Florida Farm Bureau throughout the year to advocate for the future of farming.
“Over the last 50 years, Farm Bureau has given me opportunities to stand up for Florida agriculture, expand my understanding of agricultural leadership and represent farmers in the halls of Tallahassee and Washington,” Phillips said. “What I’ve learned is that if you don’t tell your story, somebody else will. We need to tell our story.”
Phillips is a lifelong cattleman, veterinarian and agricultural leader from Morriston. He practiced veterinary medicine for 20 years before transitioning full-time to Phillips Ranch, a diversified operation that raises cattle and produces hay, sod, seed, small grains and timber.
Phillips has served as president of both the Florida and Marion County Cattlemen’s Associations and as a director of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Farm Credit of Florida. In 2024, he was inducted into the Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame, honoring his lifelong commitment to agriculture, land stewardship and service.
As the 2027 Florida Farmer of the Year, Phillips will represent the state in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition in Moultrie, Ga., where he will compete against top farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
