b'Polk County Farm BureauPolk County Farm BureauProtecting & PromotingProtecting & PromotingPolk Agriculture since 1942p r e s i d e n t s c o l u m nPolk Agriculture since 1942www.pcfb.orgwww.pcfb.orgPhone: 863.533.0561Phone: 863.533.0561Member ServicesMember ServicesCarole McKenzieCarole McKenzieExecutive DirectorExecutive DirectorSarah WaldmanSarah WaldmanProgram CoordinatorProgram Coordinator2025-2026 Board of Directors2025-2026 Board of DirectorsChristian P. Spinosa Larry BlackChristian P. Spinosa Larry BlackPresident Brett CostinePresident Brett CostineDean T. Evans Daniel Lanier Dean T. Evans Daniel Lanier Nelson KirklandVice-President Nelson KirklandVice-President Ed LassiterEd Lassiter Corby Myers David Lawson, Jr. Hello, members and friends. Happy New Year from Polk CountyCorby MyersTreasurer David Lawson, Jr.Treasurer Michael MattesonScarlett Jackson Michael Matteson Farm Bureau. Our agriculture community has many exciting events Ben Putnam Scarlett Jackson Ben PutnamSecretary Kyle R. Story Secretary Kyle R. Storycoming up over the next few months. Les Dunson Matt Story Les Dunson Matt StoryAdvisor John W. StrangAdvisor John W. StrangBen PutnamLaura Lee Taylor The Polk County Youth Fair will take place at the Polk Agriculture Laura Lee TaylorBen PutnamKateland Raney YF&R Chair Kateland RaneyCenter in Bartow, January 2331. A schedule of daily events can be found at www.pcyf.net. We encourage you to YF&R ChairWaite WaiteScarlett Jackson Keith WalterScarlett Jackson Keith Walter visit the fair and support youth participants who have worked hard on their projects all year.WomensJB Wynn WomensJB WynnCommittee Chair Committee Chair The Florida State Fair will run February 516. A preview of fair events can be found at www.floridastatefair.Location com. Location1350 E. Main St, Bldg A, Suite 4The Florida Strawberry Festival will be held February 26March 8. You can find more information at www.1350 E. Main St, Bldg A, Suite 4 Bartow, FL 33830Bartow, FL 33830 flstrawberryfestival.com. Of ce HoursOf ce HoursMonday-Friday Polk County Agri-Fest will take place March 26 and March 913. We are seeking volunteers to help with Monday-Friday9 a.m. to 5 p.m.9 a.m. to 5 p.m. another successful year as we host thousands of Polk fourth-grade students with interactive sessions on local agriculture commodity production. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact Sarah Waldman at Jimmy Williams saraht@pcfb.org. Jimmy WilliamsAgency ManagerAgency Manager The Central Florida Youth in Agriculture livestock show is scheduled for March 2528 at the Polk Agriculture Center. More information on this event can be found on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CFYIAgriculture.Bartow Of ce AgentsBartow Of ce Agents As a reminder, the Will Putnam Young Farmer and Rancher Scholarships are being administered through Phone: 863.533.0561Phone: 863.533.0561Jimmy Williams the Polk Education Foundation, and the application process is now open. Up to five (5) scholarships of $1,000 Jimmy Williams will be awarded to graduating high school seniors pursuing a career in agriculture. To apply, visit www.Haines City Of ce Agent polkeducationfoundation.org. Haines City Of ce Agent203 S Dixie Drive203 S Dixie Drive As a reminder, dont forget to take advantage of your Farm Bureau membership benefits this year. One good way Phone: 863.421.4545Phone: 863.421.4545 to start out the new year is with new work apparel or equipment. WorkBoots.com is devoted to outfitting American Rhonda AmbroseRhonda Ambrose workers with shoes, boots, clothing and equipment that can handle the toughest tasks and job sites, so check out their inventory today. Florida Farm Bureau members receive a special 10% discount on equipment, apparel and Winter Haven Of ce AgentsWinter Haven Of ce Agents 3039 Cypress Gardens Road footwear at WorkBoots.com.3039 Cypress Gardens RoadPhone: 863.299.3892Phone: 863.299.3892 Finally, make sure you are following our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to stay current on PCFB Jason YatesJason YatesJoe Flood news and happenings. Joe FloodBest wishes from Polk County Farm Bureau for a safe and prosperous new year. Calling from Lake WalesCalling from Lake Wales863.676.3187863.676.3187 Sincerely,www.facebook.com/PolkCountyFarmBureauwww.facebook.com/PolkCountyFarmBureauInstagram @polkcountyfarmbureauCHRISTIAN SPINOSA Instagram @polkcountyfarmbureauPresident, Polk County Farm BureauFloridaAgNews.com CFAN | 7'