Hello, members and friends.
At the time of this writing, Farm Bureau members are closely monitoring legislative and policy processes at both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, the “Farm Bill,” has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. However, we still await a timeline for the bill to be considered by the U.S. Senate, prior to the expiration of the most recent extension that will occur at the end of September. We also had an opportunity recently to host the USDA Risk Management Agency Secretary Pat Swanson and a number of RMA staff at a local farm. President Smith and members of Farm Bureau across multiple counties and commodities were on hand to discuss RMA program challenges and opportunities. At the Florida legislative level, we have of course monitored the congressional redistricting and budget special sessions. To stay current on both national and state legislative news, members can sign up to receive updates by visiting the Florida Farm Bureau Legislative Action Center at www.floridafarmbureau.org.
We recently held our Central Florida Ag Deputy Luncheon where members heard from Sheriff Grady Judd and our agriculture deputies on the importance of communications between agriculture producers and Polk deputies. With much of Polk’s rural lands held in agriculture, preventing crime on farm and ranch lands is essential to the safety of our community. We are fortunate in Polk to have the law enforcement workforce that we do and greatly appreciate their service each and every day. A special thanks to this year’s event sponsors: Agrilliance Crop Insurance, Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club, Hunt Brothers, Inc., James W Scarborough LLC, Kelly Buick GMC, Lightsey Cattle Company, Magnatronix Corporation, The Mosaic Company, and the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association.
Florida Farm Bureau has announced this year’s Youth Speech Contest topic, “What are some of the proactive, collaborative steps that farmers, ranchers, local communities and organizations like Farm Bureau can take to help guard against invasive species threatening Florida agriculture?” The contest is open to students ages 14 – 18 and is sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Leadership Program. The purpose of this contest is to promote a stronger interest and clearer understanding of the many aspects of agriculture; to provide opportunities for our youth to gain knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of agriculture; and help to promote agriculture’s many values and virtues. Students compete at the county level first, winners proceed to the district level, and district winners to the state competition. Polk County Farm Bureau’s Youth Speech Contest will be held on Tuesday, August 25, beginning at 4 p.m. in the Brenneman room at the Polk County Extension Office. To register or for more information, contact Sarah Waldman at saraht@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561, ext. 112.
During this month of graduation ceremonies, we send our congratulations to all Polk County graduating students and their families!
Finally, we hope you will remember to take advantage of Farm Bureau membership benefits as you are planning your summer vacations. There are many travel and lodging benefits for farm bureau members to be found at www.floridafarmbureau.org/membership.
Sincerely,
Christian Spinosa
President