b'PUBLISHER LETTERTo a Prosperous 2026AS WE STEP INTO 2026, it is time to offer a long- The millions of people who call Florida home, overdue tribute to the backbone of the Sunshineandthemillionsmorewhovisitourshores, Stateour Florida farmers, ranchers, and theirdepend on your resilience. Whether it is a glass hardworking families. While most of the worldof orange juice in the morning or the beef and celebrates the New Year with a pause, the rhythmvegetables served at dinner, your labor is the silent of the farm never stops. guest at every meal.NELSON KIRKLAND,To the families who rise before the sun in theItisajobthatrequiresnotjustskill,butanelson@centralfloridamediagroup.comcitrus groves of Central Florida, the cattle ranchersprofound level of grit and devotion to the land. Publisherstewarding the vast grasslands of the south, andThis year, we want you to know that your work the row-crop growers of the PanhandleHappydoes not go unnoticed. You deserve the utmost New Year! respect and gratitude of every citizen. Yours is a Yourprofessionisoftenanunheraldedone.noblecalling,preservingFloridasagricultural You work at the mercy of unpredictable weather,heritage while securing our future food supply.fluctuatingmarkets,andthegruelingphysicalTo the men, women, and children of Floridas demands of the land. Yet, despite these challenges,agriculturalcommunity:Thankyouforyour you remain the quiet engine of our states economytirelessservice.Maythisyearbringyoufair and the primary reason our tables are filled withweather,bountifulharvests,andtheprosperity fresh, local produce and high-quality proteins. you so richly deserve. ag Polk County Farm Bureau is excited to announce the upcoming release of ourFarms Rooted in Faith podcast!This podcast will focus on bringing together farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community to help educate consumers about the agricultural way of life and what it takes to get food to the table. Designed to cut through the noise of misinformation, it will feature real conversations on challenges faced by the farmers and ranchers who are producing what we eat, wear, and use every day.""Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7Want to join the "Farms Rooted in Faith" community?Contact Sarah Waldman at SarahW@farmsrootedinfaith.orgFloridaAgNews.com CFAN | 5'