July 2022
The finalists have been selected for Florida Farm Bureau’s 2022 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. 26-Oct. 28, 2022.
The 2022 Achievement in Agriculture Award finalists are:
- John Peterson, Baker County
- Lee Bigham, Jackson County
- Amanda Borek, Gilchrist County
The Achievement in Agriculture Award winner will receive a new Ford® F-150 pick-up truck, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Companies, a $500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the 2023 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jan. 6-11, 2023.
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 2022 Excellence in Agriculture Award finalists are:
- K’Leigh Combs, Duval County
- Marshal Sewell, Hillsborough County
- Erin Jones, Gilchrist County
The Excellence Award winner will receive a John Deere XUV 560E, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, $500 in cash and an expense-paid trip to the 2023 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jan. 6-11, 2023.
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.
The 2022 Discussion Meet finalists are:
- Stephen Singleton, Putnam/St. Johns County
- Rachel Garland, Hamilton County
- Erin Jones, Gilchrist County
- Bernie Lefils, Volusia County
The Discussion Meet winner will receive a John Deere XUV 560E, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Company, $500 in cash and an expense paid trip to the 2023 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jan. 6-11, 2023.
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.