Young Rancher Excels Statewide

Oct. 30, 2015

Christian Spinosa of Polk County was named the winner of Florida Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Agriculture competition. This competition is open to farmers and ranchers between the ages of 18 and 35 who do not derive the majority of their income from an owned farm operation.

The winner was announced during the President’s Awards Banquet at Florida Farm Bureau’s 2015 Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach on Oct. 28. Finalists in the competition also included Tamara Wood of Pasco County and Kevin Wright of Suwannee County.

Contestants were judged on the basis of their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, participation in Farm Bureau and community service. In addition to receiving an ATV 4-wheeler, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life, and a $500 cash award, Spinosa received an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Orlando Jan. 8-13, where he will compete in the national competition.

Christian Spinosa is a 5th generation farmer who is a production manager for a citrus and beef cattle company. Spinosa has served as “Captain Citrus,” a superhero who appeals to young people, and is actively involved in agriculture at the local and state level.

Florida Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 144,000 member-families. We serve to enhance farm enterprise and improve rural communities.