Tag Archives: YF&R

Cultivating Tomorrow: County President Spotlight

Uncategorized, , ,

November FloridAgriculture e-Newsletter

Jared Smith
Flagler County Farm Bureau, District 4

Jared Smith may be the new Flagler County Farm Bureau President but he is certainly not new to the Florida Farm Bureau Family. Smith grew up in Hastings on his family’s sixth generation farm. His father and granddad both served Florida Farm Bureau on the state and local levels.

Upon graduating high school, Smith attended Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College where he graduated with a degree in general diversified agriculture in December 2017. “I graduated on a Thursday and by the following Monday, I was working as assistant farm manager at Greene’s Farms in Bunnell growing cabbage,” he said.

“When I first started I was running the harvest side of the operation,” he said. “I began to branch out and learn every aspect of the farm so I can plug in wherever I am needed.” Smith explained that his job at Greene’s Farms is very diverse.

“Some days I’m on the tractor watching the soil turn, sometimes I help with spraying,” he said. “I’m a plumber, a mechanic and an errand boy. Some days I will stand out there in the field making the decisions on harvest and then some days I just haul cabbage. I enjoy what I do because there is never a year that is exactly the same.”

Smith decided to follow in his family’s footsteps when he joined the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program when he was 19 years old. Smith was elected last month as Flagler County Farm Bureau President during the county’s annual meeting. He one of the youngest president to serve.

Prior to becoming president, he served on the Flagler County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. Smith met his fiancé, Kamryn, a Clay County Young Farmer and Rancher, at the FFB YF&R Conference in Daytona Beach in July of 2019. The two plan to be married next June.

Kamyrn has a strong FFA background and has a goal to be an Ag teacher. Both Kamyrn and Jared’s fathers are pastors and the two share the same lifelong beliefs and interests.

Smith grew up in 4-H where he learned leadership skills that “paved my way to where I am today,” he said. He enjoys working with young people and is passionate about encouraging youth to be involved in agriculture.

He explained that Flagler County Farm Bureau partners with youth organizations such as FFA and 4-H to sponsor projects year-round. Although the county fair was cancelled this year due to COVID-19, Flagler County Farm Bureau was still able to donate funds to the 4-H County Council and those showing livestock.

“I am particularly proud of the food donation we made to help members of our local community get back on their feet during the pandemic,” he said. “My hope is that our relationships with community organizations will only strengthen in the future.”

Smith wants to contribute to “cultivating tomorrow” by spreading the word of the FFB Young Farmers and Ranchers Program. “We are preparing our youth through programs like 4-H and FFA but we are also helping them prepare for their future,” said Smith.

“Sometimes there is an awkward period of time in between graduating from programs like 4-H and FFA and finding our place in the real world and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program is the perfect place to plant your feet.” Smith plans to encourage participation in Flagler County Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program by emphasizing the impact one’s membership has in the grassroots organization.

“To be part of an organization like Farm Bureau where we have a true voice in the Ag industry is rewarding,” he said. “It is nice to have folks in Florida Farm Bureau who you know will advocate on behalf of Florida agriculture.”

 

YF&R Toolkit: Natural Resources

Uncategorized, , , , ,

YF&R Toolkit, Florida farm Bureau, forestry, environment

The main objective of the Friends of Forestry event is to spotlight the use of renewable resources and communicate to the general public the economic and environmental benefits of using paper versus plastic bags.

Download the Friends of Forestry toolkit here.

Other Resources

Florida Forestry Facts

Goods from the Woods

Benefits of Paper Bags

Advantages of Paper Bags vs. Plastic Bags

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services – Florida Forest Service

Arbor Day Information

YF&R Toolkit: Advocacy

Uncategorized, , , , ,

YF&R Toolkit, Florida Farm Bureau, Advocacy

 

The main objective for using this social media campaign is to maximize the educational reach of a county Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) program while creating a conversational platform through social media which promotes local Florida commodities while they are in season. County YF&R programs are encouraged to use the hashtags provided. For seasonal agricultural products, this toolkit provides a method for users to highlight Florida products in season throughout the year.

Download the #NowInSeason toolkit here.

Other Resources

Social Media Tips to Help Boost Post Performance

Fast Facts on Agriculture to Add Impact to Your Posts

FDACS-Crops in Season

YF&R Toolkit: Community Service

Uncategorized, , , ,

YF&R Toolkit, Florida Farm Bureau, Community Service

The main objective for the Harvest For All event is to help provide food for those in need by organizing a gleaning or a donation of non-marketable produce. You can also include a food collection or donation during your #GrowingOurLeaders educational events. There are also national competitions based on participation in Harvest for All programs.

Download the Harvest for All toolkit here.

Other Resources

Harvest for All flyer

Maps for Feeding Florida Food Banks

Information on Volunteering at Food Banks

Young Farmer and Rancher Representative to Women’s Leadership Committee

Uncategorized, , ,

Women’s Committee Handbook

The Young Farmer and Rancher (YF&R) Representative to the State Women’s Leadership Committee is the vital link between women, ages 18-35 and the State Women’s Leadership Committee. She is the spokesperson for her YF&R Leadership team and should represent them at Farm Bureau functions. The YF&R Representative to the State Women’s Leadership Committee is voted on by her YF&R Leadership Team for a one-year term at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting in October.

  • Be knowledgeable in all aspects of the total Farm Bureau Program, particularly YF&R
  • Attend all scheduled meetings of the State Women’s Leadership Committee during her one-year appointment as the YF&R representative.
  • Contribute to the determination of the annual women’s program of work based on local, state, and national issues and concerns.
  • Work alongside District Chairmen to develop and assist in annual planning/training meetings.
  • Contact and update other YF&R Leadership Team members on a regular basis. It is her responsibility to keep YF&R women informed on issues and events concerning the state program.
  • Report State Women’s Leadership Committee activities to the YF&R Leadership Team
  • Help surface Women’s Committee and YF&R leaders for the organization
  • Support efforts to publicize State Women’s Leadership Conference and other statewide meetings in individual districts.
  • Assist in planning and implementation of women’s activities at FFBF Annual Meeting
  • Participate in AFBF meetings as needed
  • Seek the assistance of their district women’s chairman and state program coordinator when appropriate and necessary.

Farm Raised Farm Proud

Uncategorized, , , , , , ,
Jake and Tiffany Sache, Sache Farms, JS Custom Harvesting, Levy County

Jake and Tiffany Sache were recognized as the 2019 Florida Farm Bureau Achievement in Agriculture Award winners at the FFB Annual Meeting in Orlando on Oct. 30.

This high honor recognizes Young Farmers and Ranchers for their skill at farm production, development of their agricultural enterprise and service to Farm Bureau as well as the local community.

The Saches raise beef cattle, grow hay and operate a custom grass seed harvesting business on land in Levy County and surrounding counties.

Now a fourth-generation farmer, Jake carries on his family’s tradition with his wife, Tiffany, also a fourth-generation farmer and Chiefland native.

The Saches are high school sweethearts who married in 2010. Prior to being a stay-at-home mom to their three children, Emily (7), Sadie (5) and Kade (3), Tiffany worked as a medical assistant and phlebotomist in a pediatric office in Gainesville.

The couple serve as members of the Levy-Gilchrist County Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. In 2011, they earned Florida Farm Bureau’s CARES Award for their superior accomplishments in natural resource conservation.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Jake serves on Florida Farm Bureau’s Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee as well as the Levy County Farm Bureau State Board of Directors, while Tiffany serves on the Women’s Committee.

“We are just so thankful to have the opportunity to network with other farmers our age and learn about their operations and ideas.”

The couple will compete for the National Achievement in Agriculture Competition at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in January in Austin, TX.

FARM RAISED | FARM PROUD

Uncategorized, , , , , , , ,

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

Uncategorized, , , ,

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

Uncategorized, , , ,

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

Uncategorized, , , , , ,

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.