Tag Archives: YF&R Leadership Group

Tied to Ag: Bobby Floyd, Hardee County

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September 2024 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

Sixth generation Floridian Bobby Floyd grew up on his family’s cow/calf operation in Zolfo Springs. Throughout his life he has helped run cattle on the farm and has played an active role in the farm’s day-to-day operation.

After graduating from Hardee High School, Floyd attended the University of Florida and received his Bachelor of Science degree in food and resource economics.  He worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for two years before switching careers. During his time at FDACS, Floyd worked as a nematode inspector. He collected soil samples and inspected nurseries to ensure their plants were safe to ship to other states. Floyd now works as a high school Algebra 1 teacher in Hardee County.

Floyd was first introduced to Florida Farm Bureau by one of his high school friends who was interested in starting a Young Farmers and Ranchers group. When Floyd learned of the numerous leadership and networking opportunities available through Farm Bureau, he was hooked. Joining the state YF&R Leadership Group has helped Floyd grow his network and agricultural knowledge.

“I enjoy networking with different people,” said Floyd. “When we went to Omaha earlier this year, I met so many likeminded people from across the country. Everyone does something different in agriculture and it was neat to learn about.”

Through the YF&R Leadership Group and teaching high school students, Floyd enjoys helping others find their tie to agriculture and strengthening his personal tie. He continues to help on his family’s farm and enjoys connecting with his roots.

“I am staying tied to ag by teaching others where our food comes from and by encouraging young people to learn more about agriculture.”

 

Tied to Ag: Tyler and Emily Shadrick, Madison County

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July 2024 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter 

Tyler and Emily Shadrick are first generation blueberry growers in Madison County. Growing up in a small, rural town, their families were friends long before the two became a couple. Although they did not grow up on farms, the couple enjoys being part of the agriculture community and starting a farm of their own. 

Tyler learned a lot about farming during his employment on various farms. After taking a step back, he decided to start farming for himself. In 2019, Shadrick Farms was founded. 

In addition to running Shadrick Farms, Tyler is the facility manager for Madison Youth Ranch North Campus of Residing Hope Children’s Home and Emily is a third-grade teacher.  

Although Farm Bureau has always been a part of the Shadricks’ life from an insurance perspective, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Tyler and Emily became involved with the Madison County YF&R Program. Buck Carpenter, an active Farm Bureau member in the county, encouraged the couple to attend the group’s meetings and later helped them earn scholarships to attend the YF&R Leadership Conference.  

“I have really enjoyed getting to meet new people through Farm Bureau and learning that there’s a lot more agriculture in Florida than what my county brings to the table,” said Tyler Shadrick. “We had no idea about all the leadership opportunities that the leadership group would offer us when we joined.”  

As members of the YF&R state leadership group, Tyler and Emily have had the opportunity to learn about agriculture on a state and national level. Tyler serves as the Class X President, which gives him a seat on the Florida Farm Bureau state board. This has been an eye-opening experience as they continue to strengthen their tie to agriculture. 

“I stay tied to ag by connecting national issues with my county,” said Tyler. “I have gotten to go to Washington, D.C. and learn about big issues that aren’t being talked about on a county level. I try to bring what I’ve learned to my county and help create a solution.”  

Tied to Ag: Katie Quincey, Gilchrist County

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May 2024 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

Katie Quincey is a proud fifth generation agriculturalist from Trenton. Her family’s cow/calf operation, Hines Cattle Co., is on the Gilchrist/Alachua County line in North Central Florida.  In addition to commercial beef cattle, her family produces grass seed and hay.

“My great-grandfather on my dad’s side was a range rider,” said Quincey. “He would drive peoples’ cows to dipping vats and then drive them back to the farms. I think that’s neat.”

Quincey was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA throughout her childhood. She was an FFA state star finalist in her senior year of high school, managing her own small herd of purebred angus cattle. She and her family are still involved with FFA and donate steers to students showing at the state fair. Additionally, Quincey coaches the Bell FFA livestock judging team.

After earning her degree in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, Quincey taught high school agriculture for seven years. She has transitioned from the classrooms to the fields as a technician for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, having been in her new role for one year.

“My focus is on Best Management Practices (BMPs),” said Quincey. “I work with the farmers directly and am the middleman between the state and production agriculture. I’m the voice for them, to get their needs across and help them conserve water.”

Growing up in agriculture, Quincey has always had a strong passion for the beef industry. Her passion continued to grow when she was introduced to the Young Farmers and Ranchers program offered through Florida Farm Bureau. Although her family has always been Farm Bureau members, she is the first to be actively involved in the organization.

“Farm Bureau has given me opportunities to thrive as an individual, “said Quincey. “It has endless opportunities to make yourself better and to promote agriculture. I think if you don’t have people speaking out for agriculture then it’s going to die, and Farm Bureau gives you that voice.”

Quincey recently moved back to Gilchrist County and is excited to revitalize the Young Farmers and Ranchers program locally. She serves as the Gilchrist County Women’s Chair and is optimistic about the many ideas of the committee to promote agriculture in the community.

Throughout her career and continued leadership growth, Quincey tries to stay tied to agriculture in every aspect of her life. She often reminds herself of her roots and where she came from.

“I have a love and passion for my family’s farm and hope to take it over one day,” said Quincey.” I always keep that in mind as I create goals for the future.”

Tied to Ag: Jorin Ouwinga

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April 2024 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

Jorin Ouwinga
YF&R Leadership Group, Western Palm Beach County, District 9

Jorin Ouwinga grew up in northern Michigan’s Missaukee county, where he was surrounded by farms and rural life. His grandparents on both sides were farmers, which influenced his interest and involvement in farming. He started working on the farm when he was thirteen and has stayed connected to it ever since. 

He got his Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management from Michigan State University, then moved to Florida to pursue his MBA at the University of Florida. 

After spending two years in Gainesville, Ouwinga relocated to Loxahatchee, a small community in western Palm Beach County. He works as a supply chain manager for Florida Crystals in the procurement department, using his skills to handle the challenges of the agricultural industry. 

Besides his professional work, Ouwinga has also enjoyed the fellowship of Farm Bureau. 

“I like interacting with others who have a common goal; to educate the community about agriculture,” said Ouwinga. 

His involvement with Farm Bureau goes back to his childhood; his parents were active members, creating an early connection to the organization. 

During his college years at Michigan State University, Ouwinga kept his involvement going by joining the collegiate Farm Bureau. When he moved to Florida, he was introduced to the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program when he met Kevin Lussier, an active member of the Alachua County YF&R Leadership Group, during a sales call. 

As members of the Alachua County YF&R group, Ouwinga and his wife, Gabi, helped with the establishment of the Alachua County Food & Agriculture Festival, held in downtown Gainesville at the Cade Museum in the fall. 

“We were part of the first group that organized it,” said Ouwinga. “Gabi and I were pretty involved in that.” 

Despite the demands of his professional life, Ouwinga remains close to agriculture in different ways. From having a backyard farm with chickens and bees to selling products at the office, he actively raises awareness about agriculture’s essential role in our daily lives. Even within an agricultural company, he understands the need to educate others about where their food comes from.  

Tied to Ag: Dallas Hull

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March 2024 FloridAgriculture eNewsletter

Dallas Hull grew up in New Smyrna Beach where she was involved in her local 4-H and FFA programs. Her father was a Volusia County Fair Association Director during Hull’s childhood, which led to her involvement showing livestock at the county fair. She has always been around agriculture in some facet, and over the last few years, has truly grown into a strong advocate and leader in her county.  

Hull attended college in Gainesville on a softball scholarship before continuing her education at the University of Central Florida. There, she received her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Hull is currently working on her second degree in Public Administration with a minor in homeland security. 

“I’m a crime analyst for Volusia Sheriff’s Office,” said Hull. “I’m hoping my second degree will one day help me in my professional career and on the agricultural side with food security.” 

After moving back home, she started volunteering at the county fair and became involved with the cattlewomen’s association. She was introduced to Florida Farm Bureau in 2020 by Victoria Hunter, Florida Farm Bureau State Women’s Leadership Committee Chair, and has been very involved since. She serves as the Volusia County Young Farmers & Ranchers committee chair and has been a driving force behind the Taste of Volusia, a successful event that was started with funding from Farm Bureau’s County Action Program.  

Taste of Volusia is a farm-to-table style social highlighting Volusia County farms, ranches and other agricultural organizations and businesses. Attendees visit with local farmers and ranchers while sampling and learning about different Volusia County agriculture commodities and the farms or ranches that they are grown on. The YF&R committee was recognized by American Farm Bureau for its inaugural event in 2022. Committee members attended the American Farm Bureau Convention in Puerto Rico, where they had a trade show booth and were able to share the success of the event and exchange ideas with other Farm Bureau members from around the country.  

“I am so proud of the Taste of Volusia,” said Hull. “We’ve grown this event so much and are going on year three. It keeps getting bigger and better and it is great seeing how much our community loves it and looks forward to it. The best part is that it helps ensure our local food supply, our farmers and ranchers really appreciate it.” 

Hull currently lives in Seville with her fiancé, Franklin Nolan, where they own a small cow/calf operation. Her fiancé is a welder and uses his trade to support agriculture in their area. This year, the couple is hoping to offer heifers to 4-H and FFA kids to lease and show to help them get involved in agriculture.

“Franklin’s granddad won the achievement in agriculture award in 1980,” said Hull. “We would love to one day apply for that award as well and hopefully have two achievements in agriculture award recipients in the family.” 

Hull continues to strengthen her tie to agriculture through her community involvement and sharing her passion for the industry with whomever she can. 

FARM RAISED | FARM PROUD

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Ben and Katie Morris have been active members of Florida Farm Bureau since they first set foot in the Sunshine State. They have taken every opportunity to grow, learn and network with other agricultural producers.

Ben spent his adolescence on his family’s beef cattle and chicken farm in north Georgia. His passion for agriculture led him to study agribusiness at the University of Georgia. Katie dug up her Central Illinois roots to pursue a career with AgSouth Farm Credit in Georgia. During her time there, she was introduced to the agriculture in that state and everything it had to offer.

After accepting jobs with the University of Florida, the two moved to Gainesville, Florida, where they were introduced to FFBF President John Hoblick. President Hoblick welcomed the couple with open arms and encouraged them to participate in every aspect of Florida agriculture and Florida Farm Bureau.

During their time as Florida residents, the couple has relocated to Wellington, Florida with their two kids James, 4 years-old, and Virginia Ruth, 1.5 years-old. Ben is completing his PhD in Agricultural Leadership through the University of Florida’s online program and Katie is working for Wedgworth’s Inc., the state’s largest fertilizer distributor. In addition, Katie also works with the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida. Although they don’t farm themselves, their professional roles allow the two to work closely with growers across the state.

“As parents, we consider ourselves lucky and honored to work alongside the hardworking farmers who provide healthy, fresh food both for our family and our nation,” Katie said.

Being active Farm Bureau members, they look forward to the various district and statewide events where they have the opportunity to network with other young professionals from around the state. They always leave events with a fresh perspective and a new appreciation for Florida agriculture.

One of their favorite agricultural events in West Palm Beach is the Sweet Corn Fiesta. Celebrating its 20th year in April 2020, this event is a celebration of the hardworking farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area and an opportunity to educate area consumers about the production of sweet corn.

Jared Plair, District 8 YF&R Leadership Committee

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Jared Plair serves counties in District 8 on the Florida Farm Bureau State Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Committee. Counties in his district include Glades, Hendry, Palm Beach, Collier, Broward and Dade.

The twenty-six year old is from LaBelle and is active in Farm Bureau at the local level as well as the state level. Plair serves as secretary of the Hendry/Glades County Farm Bureau (HGCFB) Board of Directors, chair of the HGCFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee and is a technical advisor on FFB’s Sugar Advisory Committee.

Plair is a farm manager for the United States Sugar Corporation where he manages more than 18,000 acres of farmland, primarily sugar, daily.

He is a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where he received a bachelor’s degree in diversified agriculture. Currently, Plair is working on obtaining a M.B.A. from Warner University.

“My passion for agriculture really came to light in middle school when I began working for a local citrus producer,” he said. “That passion was broadened as I reached my high school years while working for various cattle operations in Hendry/Glades County.”

Agriculture was a natural fit for Plair’s future given his involvement and work experience at a young age. He explained that networking with other farmers and ranchers has been one of Farm Bureau’s greatest rewards.

“Through Florida Farm Bureau I’ve been able to meet and build relationships with people across the state,” he said. “People who are involved in various other industries, but who face obstacles similar to the ones we face in South Florida.”

Each year in October, HGCFB holds its annual meeting. “This dinner brings people together,” he said. “It gives everyone a chance to catch up with one another and see other members of the county Farm Bureau that wouldn’t normally get to see otherwise.”

Farm Raised | Farm Proud: Kyle Patterson, District 7

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Kyle Patterson represents counties in district 7 on the State Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Committee. Counties in his district include Orange, Brevard, Osceola, Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Martin.

Patterson grew up in Christmas, a small town in Orange County. He became involved in agriculture at a young age by joining his local 4-H club. “I grew up in 4-H and FFA showing steers and heifers,” he said.

“I also worked at my grandfather’s horse stable.” Patterson started raising cattle when he was ten years old, showing at the local fair. “I started my herd when I was working cows with my grandfather and I took in an orphan calf and bottle-fed her,” he said.

The summer of his 15th year Patterson worked for a local rancher and instead of paying him in monetary value, he gifted him a heifer calf, which he still has today. “She has had 15 calves and is still going strong,” Patterson mentioned.

Patterson developed a passion for raising and showing cattle and he started his own Simmental herd. Today, Patterson resides in Fort Pierce, FL. with his wife, Alisha, and their two children, Kole and Kinsley. Patterson currently serves on the board of directors for the St. Lucie County Farm Bureau.

“My wife and I have a registered Simmental herd and a commercial herd. We raise show cattle for the youth to show at their local fairs as well as prospect shows. I also help local ranchers manage their cattle herds,” he said.

Kyle and Alisha enjoy being members actively involved in Farm Bureau at the state and local level especially because it provides a platform for them to share their passion for agriculture. “I like being involved in Farm Bureau because they share the same Christian beliefs as I do,” he mentioned.

Every year during the local fair, a special “buyers dinner” takes place. Kyle explained that, “it is a way for me to educate buyers as well as show appreciation to them for supporting the youth.”

The Pattersons would like to instill in their children the same passion for agriculture that they share so that they always know where their food comes from and the hard work comes from the people who provide it.

Adam Cook, FARM RAISED | FARM PROUD

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Adam Cook, YF&R Leadership Class President 2018-2020

Adam Cook is a fifth-generation farmer from Gilchrist County and is the new president of Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Class of 2018-2020.

He and his wife, Ashley, operate Cook Farms which provides custom harvesting, fertilizer application services and produces corn, hay, Bahia grass seed, small grains and cattle on 1,400 acres in Gilchrist, Alachua and Levy counties.

The Cooks received FFB’s 2018 Achievement in Agriculture Award at the state Annual Meeting in October and will travel to New Orleans in January to represent Florida at AFBF’s National Young Farmers and Ranchers Competition.

The Gilchrist County native began farming when he was just 16 years old. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is farm,” he said. “My parents provided me a base to start with and I would not be where I am today without them.”

Adam and Ashley along with their daughter, Blakely, live on the farm which has been in Adam’s mother’s family for more than 100 years. Since receiving a County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) award in 2014, the Cooks have nearly tripled their operation in size and diversity.

The couple has entered into the outdoor recreational industry by developing two unique enterprises: guided turkey hunts and deer corn sales. Adam explained that hardwood bottoms and merchantable timbers create an oasis for Osceola turkey on their properties.

The Cooks book around 10 hunts per year bringing in a considerable revenue for the farm. “Although the farm has grown in size, custom harvesting remains our most viable enterprise,” Adam said.

Cook Farms typically harvests 2,500 acres of Bahia grass seed annually and has established a customer base that extends throughout a 75-mile radius.