July 2023
The finalists have been selected for Florida Farm Bureau’s 2023 Achievement in Agriculture, Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet awards. The awards honor young farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18-35 for their hard work, innovation and ability to solve top agricultural challenges. The finalists will compete for the top statewide honor at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Orlando, Oct. 25-Oct. 27, 2023.
The 2023 Achievement in Agriculture Award finalists are:
• John & Emilee Peterson, Baker County
• Buck & NoraBeth Carpenter, Madison County
• Brandt & Samantha Hendricks, Santa Rosa County
The Achievement in Agriculture Award winner will receive a $45,000 cash prize, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Companies, a $500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jan. 19-22, 2024.
The Achievement in Agriculture Award recognizes members of Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program who excel in their involvement in agriculture, leadership abilities and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic and service organizations. Each Achievement in Agriculture award finalist will undergo an on-site farm visit by a team of qualified judges as part of the final selection process.
The 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Award finalists are:
• Rebecca Hall, Alachua County
• Jaime Jerrels, Levy County
• Bernie & Avery LeFils, Volusia County
The Excellence in Agriculture Award winner will receive a utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, $500 in cash and an expense-paid trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jan. 19-22, 2024.
The Excellence in Agriculture Award is based on an applicant’s involvement in agriculture, leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other civic organizations. Each Excellence in Agriculture award finalist will make a presentation to a panel of qualified judges at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.
The 2023 Discussion Meet finalists are:
• Erin Jones, Gilchrist County
• Jesse Cone, Madison County
• Sarah Luther, Suwannee County
• Chad Haas, Volusia County
The Discussion Meet winner will receive a utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Company, $500 in cash and an expense paid trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jan. 19-22, 2024. The finalists will compete in the Final Four round at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.
The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting during which discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic.