December 2022
In true Farm Bureau spirit, Florida Farm Bureau members pulled together to assist fellow-members after Hurricane Ian’s wrath in September 2022.
Several Florida Panhandle and North Florida members who were impacted by Hurricane Michael in 2018, united to send more than five truckloads of fencing supplies to counties in SW and Central Florida that were impacted by Hurricane Ian. More than $55,500 was raised between 25 county Farm Bureaus. The band of goodwill was coordinated by Holmes and Columbia County Farm Bureaus and stretched from Escambia across to Duval to Putnam/St. Johns County.
Highlands County Farm Bureau raised more than $10,000 from its annual meeting cake auction. Proceeds went directly to the Hurricane Ian Agricultural Relief Fund. Pinellas County Farm Bureau received more than $500 from members to assist farmers and ranchers in their community. Funds were also donated to the hurricane relief fund.
Manatee County Farm Bureau dairyman, Jerry Dakin worked with Sarasota County Farm Bureau to open his farm up for community donations to help neighbors impacted by the hurricane. Even though his own dairy took a devastating hit, Dakin wanted to do what he could to help others who were impacted. His dairy served as a hub for the truckloads of donations from northern county Farm Bureaus.
Pasco, Hernando/Citrus and Sumter County Farm Bureaus raised $10,000 to purchase 22 tons of cattle cubes to help farmers and ranchers impacted by the Hurricane Ian.
These are just some examples of how county Farm Bureaus helped fellow members. Follow along on your county Farm Bureaus social media channels to see more examples of extraordinary goodwill. For information on donating to the Florida Farm Bureau Hurricane Ian Relief Fund or to apply for disaster relief, visit the Hurricane Relief Fund for Agriculture page.