Hello and well wishes from Polk County Farm Bureau. Summer is here and agriculture convention and expo events are heating up. Here are just a few that are coming soon:
The State FFA Convention will take place June 10 – 14 in Orlando. Polk County Farm Bureau congratulates all Polk and Florida FFA students on their accomplishments and sends our wishes for an exciting and productive convention experience.
The Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference will be held July 12 – 14 in Palm Beach with a “Tied to Ag” programming theme that will offer great break-out session education opportunities, competitions, and networking activities.
The Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference and Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention also take place in June, and many of us are looking forward to attending those events.
Summer is also the time when Florida Farm Bureau hosts its Advisory Committee meetings to discuss policy development that will guide the FFBF state board on issues important to agriculture producers statewide. Polk County Farm Bureau members serve on the Apiculture, Aquaculture, Beef, Budget/Economy, Citrus, Fruit & Vegetable, Labor, Trade, Water & Natural Resources, and Oversight Committees. We thank these members for their time in service on these vital committees.
Polk students are encouraged to begin their preparations for the Polk County Farm Bureau Annual Speech Contest scheduled for August 20 beginning at 4 p.m. in the Brenneman room at the Polk County Extension Office. This year’s topic is: “How does Florida Farm Bureau Federation help connect youth with the agriculture industry?” 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. The speech packet and application can be found at www.floridafarmbureau.org. Applications are due to Sarah Waldman at SarahT@pcfb.org by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 16. Call Sarah at 863-533-0561, ext. 112 for further information.
All active Florida Farm Bureau members should be receiving Florida Farm Bureau’s quarterly magazine, Florida Farm & Family. Florida Farm Bureau is asking that members take a brief survey to provide input on what readers would like to see more of in the magazine. Please take a quick moment to take the brief survey by visiting https://floridafarmfamily.com/living/florida-farm-family-reader-survey/.
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of your Farm Bureau membership benefits this summer! To review a list of benefits, visit www.floridafarmbureau.org or download the Florida Farm Bureau app from your app store. Have a great 4th of July with friends and family!
Sincerely,
Michael Matteson
President
