News

Florida Farm Bureau distributed a total of $47,346 to fund meaningful, hands-on agricultural learning experiences in the 2025-26 school year through its Classroom Mini-Grant program.  Florida Farm Bureau county leaders and Women’s Leadership Committee members delivered 194 mini-grant checks to 168 schools across Florida-- the largest amount of mini-grants awarded in a single year.  The Mini-Grant program was created to help teachers build awareness in…

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) currently has two grant programs accepting applications, from January 13, 2026, until March 27, 2026, for forestry operations. The objective of the Enhancing Gulf Waters Forestry Landowner Incentive Program is to increase the acreage of healthy pine ecosystems in…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it is seeking nominations for individuals willing to serve on the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC).   The FRRCC serves as an advisory board that addresses specific topics of relevance to agriculture as identified by the EPA Administrator. These topics cover…

Maybe you’ve heard piecemeal about incentives available to keep your farm a farm. Commissioner Simpson is the loudest and proudest champion for conserving ag land through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. There are federal programs that fund agricultural conservation easements, too. In a few places,…

FieldClock, an official Florida Farm Bureau member benefit, in partnership with Agri Placements International, is hosting a webinar for farmers and ranchers interested in learning more about the services offered by this benefit. The webinar, titled "The Florida Challenge: Putting Policy into Practice Without a Compliance Department", will take place…

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Brian Aungst Jr. to the Southwest Florida Water Management District on January 8. About Brian Aungst Jr. Aungst is an Attorney and Shareholder at Macfarlane Ferguson and McMullen, P.A. Active in his community, he serves on the Pinellas County Charter Review Board and…

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the appointment of five leaders in agriculture to serve on the Florida USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee. Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and, in support of the Trump Administration’s…

More than 400 grassroots members spent a day in Tallahassee to meet with elected officials at the state level during Farm Bureau Day. The day featured a legislative breakfast briefing, where members heard from key policymakers representing the Florida House and Senate and UF/IFAS leadership. The day concluded with a Taste of Florida Agriculture reception that celebrated Florida’s farmers and ranchers. Members shared their story and discussed key policy issues that…

More than 4,000 farmers and ranchers from across the country gathered in Anaheim, Calif. for the 107th American Farm Bureau Convention January 9-14. Florida members participated in competitive events, the voting delegate policy session and breakout workshops.   Young Farmers and Ranchers members Sarah Luther (Alachua County), Katie Quincey (Gilchrist County) and Tyler Shadrick (Madison County) competed in the Discussion Meet,…

Farmers and ranchers from across Florida will gather at the state Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 27, for Farm Bureau Day, an annual event that connects farmers and ranchers with state lawmakers to discuss key policy issues. Agriculturalists will share firsthand perspectives on priority issues, including protecting private property rights, safeguarding…

Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Federal Political Action Committee (FedPAC) announced its endorsement of Senator Ashley Moody in her campaign to return to the U.S. Senate. Through the years, FedPAC has supported its agricultural champions in the halls of Congress and has helped to elect and support leaders who prioritize Florida’s…

In episode 34 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith has a conversation with Christy Chiarelli, the director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute, to discuss the institute’s role in shaping future leaders.  [caption id="attachment_26948" align="alignleft" width="300"] Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith with Christy Chiarelli, director of the…