Jason Watts of Florida Best Farms in Polk County has been named the 2024 Florida Farmer of the Year by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.
Watts, along with his wife Amanda, and their four children, Cole, Rusty, Morgan and Savannah, farm blueberries, muscadine grapes and raise beef cattle. The family has also expanded their operation to include a packing house and an exotic vegetation removal service for state and federal government entities.
Sustainability on the farm is advanced through the adoption of efficient practices, including rain gauges, micro jet irrigation and a comprehensive waste management plan.
“I am honored to be named the 2024 Florida Farmer of the Year and represent the Florida Farm Bureau,” said Watts. “It is very humbling to be part of such an elite group of farmers who have received this award. I grew up, aspiring to be like many of the past recipients, and am looking forward to representing Farm Bureau and helping to educate more people about agriculture and its importance to our state.”
Outside of the farm, the Watts family is actively involved in their community through their involvement in church activities, high school sporting events and ranch rodeos.
As the 2024 Florida Farmer of the Year, Watts will compete for the Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga. in October 2024. Ten states participate in the program: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
