Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Kelsey is sixth-generation Floridian and cattle producer in Hawthorne. Growing up around cattle, she and her husband, Tyler, connected over a love of agriculture and developed an idea for a first-generation business – W.D. Cattle Co., launched in 2023. Tyler and Kelsey raise and finish beef cattle, selling USDA-inspected beef directly to consumers. This quickly expanded to include the raising, harvesting, and sale of corn and soy-free chickens for consumers, as well as their own line of tallow products and pet treats.

Jake Pendergrass works for The Groves of Peace River, a family‑owned citrus operation based in Zolfo Springs. The Groves of Peace River produces a diverse selection of citrus varieties, including grapefruit, navels, and Hamlin and Valencia oranges. In addition to his work in citrus, Jake owns and operates Pendergrass Farms, a cow–calf operation specializing in Brangus and South Poll cattle. He also serves as treasurer for the Highlands County Young Farmers & Ranchers. Jake earned his bachelor’s degree in citrus and horticulture science from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. Outside of work, he enjoys checking cows with his wife, Miranda, as well as hunting, playing golf and watching college football.

Growing up around his grandfather’s vegetable farm in Brazil was a pivotal role in Murilo’s decision to pursue a career in agriculture. He has been working in the industry for 20 years and is currently a sales representative for BioTrop, a biologicals company working to increase farmer profitability, sustainability and keep agriculture thriving.

Murilo lives in the Florida Panhandle with his wife Jessi and two daughters.

Originally from Arkansas, Hartley works for the University of Florida as a 4-H Extension Agent in the Florida Panhandle. Growing up around agriculture, Hartley has developed a strong passion and love for the industry, leading her to advocate for it across the South with her “Women in Ag” initiative. Her passion for educating the next generation about agriculture inspired her to write her children’s book “What is Ag?”.

Hartley received her bachelor’s degree in agriculture business from the University of Arkansas and master’s in agriculture from Southern Arkansas University. She resides in the Panhandle with her fiancé, Jack.

Chad is a third-generation farmer at his family’s cotton and peanut farm. He has been a full-time producer for ten years and is passionate about molding the next generation into young men and women that can be proud of their farm roots.

Chad and his wife Somer have two sons, Cooper (6) and Barrett (3).

Ben is a fourth-generation farmer at Neal’s Landing. His great-grandfather purchased land in Jackson County in the early 1900’s and started farming sugar cane, cotton and turpentine. Ben currently raises beef cattle and grows peanuts, corn and bahia grass.

Kylie is a seventh-generation Florida farmer. She is an instructor for North Florida College in Agribusiness Management and grows cut flowers and produce at Goose Downs Homestead.

Kylie is passionate about agritourism and education. She received a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and MBA from Austin Peay State University.

Tyler is a first-generation farmer from Ohio, moving to Florida during his service with the U.S. Navy. Tyler has been around farming and agriculture since childhood. He worked as a farmhand for multiple neighbors while growing up, focusing mostly on horses, hay production and farm maintenance. Kelsey is sixth-generation Floridian and cattle producer in Hawthorne. Growing up around cattle, she and Tyler connected over a love of agriculture and developed an idea for a first-generation business – W.D. Cattle Co.

W.D. Cattle Co. was launched just after their wedding in 2023. Tyler and Kelsey raise and finish beef cattle, selling USDA-inspected beef directly to consumers. This quickly expanded to include the raising, harvesting, and sale of corn and soy-free chickens for consumers, as well as their own line of tallow products and pet treats.

Emma Lee is an Environmental Specialist for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She spends her time in the field protecting Florida’s natural resources by assisting producers to implement best management practices to improve water quality and conservation.

Driven by a love for the land, Emma Lee is passionate about advocating for agriculture and working with farmers to ensure clean water for the next generation. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College; agricultural business and livestock production.

Emily Quincey is a proud sixth-generation Floridian, rooted in her family’s multi-generational farming operation in Trenton. Her family farm specializes in watermelon production and Charolais cattle.

She serves as co-chair of the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau YF&R program, where she helps coordinate community outreach, youth involvement and local agricultural engagement efforts. Emily also leads the Gilchrist County Student Ag Ambassador Program, a new youth leadership initiative designed to connect high school students with hands-on agricultural experiences, Farm Bureau involvement and mentorship opportunities. This program reflects her commitment to building a stronger pipeline between local youth and the agriculture industry.

Jackson is a fourth-generation cattle rancher, running a cow/calf operation and growing timber and a variety of vegetables alongside his family. Additionally, he runs a custom ag service spreading fertilizer and lime for farmers and ranchers.

Jackson attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and agriculture, with a focus in livestock production.

Wesley and Shelby are third-generation agriculturalists. Wesley is the maintenance manager at Pilgrim’s in Live Oak and assists with his family’s cattle operation. He is particularly passionate about feeding the world and knowing the chickens he helped produce are going to American families.

Shelby owns a branding and marketing company that mainly focuses on agriculture and small businesses and assists with the family farm when she can.

The couple is passionate about ensuring the future of agriculture for Floridians and generations to come, including for their daughter Jude.

Abby is the agriculture programming coordinator at Warner University. She works with middle and high school students to guide them in their future agriculture careers. She is passionate about continuing the family heritage and growing her family’s ranch as well as encouraging and raising up the future generation and giving students the tools they need to succeed.

Samantha works for Charter Next Generation where her role is to travel primarily across the southeast selling products to and supporting specialty crop farmers. Originally from South Carolina, Samantha was raised on a beef cattle and hay operation, and her family owns the last dairy farm in Saluda County.

Samantha is a graduate and former division one athlete from Clemson University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She continued her education at Texas Tech University where she earned her Master’s of Science in Agricultural Communications.

Evan and Lainey are lifelong residents of Saint Lucie County with longstanding ties to Florida’s agricultural sector. Evan is a seventh-generation Florida farmer whose family has operated on the Treasure Coast since the 1880s. A graduate of the University of Florida, he serves as part of the management team for a commercial citrus operation with groves in both Indian River and Saint Lucie Counties.

Lainey is also a University of Florida graduate and an attorney whose practice includes representing agricultural businesses in commercial, land use and government matters. She serves as President of the Saint Lucie Bar Association and is actively engaged in local civic leadership.

Together, Evan and Lainey are dedicated to advancing Florida agriculture and supporting the rural communities in which they were raised.

Laine is a third-generation farmer, with family history in farming dating back to the early 1800’s. He has been actively involved in the YF&R program for 11 years and has served as treasurer, vice chair and chair for the Highlands County YF&R committee. Currently, Laine serves on the Highlands County Farm Bureau board and on the Highlands County Ag-Venture board.

Laine works as a sale representative for Triangle Chemical Company, where he is intimately involved with his customers’ farm operations. In his role, Laine consults with his customers to ensure they are making the best agronomic decisions possible. Additionally, Laine works part time on the family citrus grove in Lake Placid.

He graduated from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with a Bachelor of Science in Crop Production. Laine and his wife, Makayla, live in Lake Placid.

Landon is a fourth-generation citrus grower and cattle rancher. He works full time for Helena Agri Enterprises as and agriculture intelligence technician/salesman and part time on his family’s farm. He has previously served as the Highlands County YF&R secretary and currently serves as co-chair.

Landon graduated from Warner University in 2025 with a degree in agricultural studies.

Garrett is a fourth-generation Floridian, working with citrus, cattle and commercial fishing. He owns and operates an agricultural equipment business, Southern Welding & Equipment Repair and runs a small cattle ranch.

Garrett resides in Bradenton with his wife Desirae and two children, Garrett and Rayna.

Austin is a first-generation agriculturalist. He has been a production supervisor for US Sugar for three years, where he oversees the process of growing sugar cane from planting to harvest across about 39,000 acres. He is passionate about facing and overcoming different challenges the agriculture industry faces and is proud to play a role in the food security of the United States.

Austin received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural operations Management from the University of Florida.