Hello and well wishes from Polk County Farm Bureau.
We held our annual Youth Speech Contest on August 20 with an excellent group of participants at both the high school and middle school levels. Participants presented their speeches on the topic “How does Florida Farm Bureau Federation help connect youth with the agriculture industry?” Jessie Whitehead of Lake Gibson High School placed first in the Senior Division, with Clayton Keene of Lake Wales High School placing second, and Autumn McMahan of Mulberry High School placing third. The Junior Division winners were Emily McNutt of Bok Academy North, Savannah DeLeon of Bartow Middle School, and Briella Gulbeau of Roosevelt Academy. Jessie Whitehead and Emily McNutt advanced to the District Youth Speech Contest to represent Polk County. We are proud of each student who participated in the event!
The Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation (CRAFT) has announced the opening of the application process for New Tree Planting Cycle Six and CRAFT Existing Tree Therapies Round Three. Growers may apply for either, or both of the programs. The applications and further information can be found at https://craftfdn.org/apply-now/. Applications will close at 5 p.m. on November 1, 2024.
Registration is still open for the 82nd Polk County Farm Bureau Annual Membership Meeting and Political Candidate Forum scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Polk Extension Office W.H. Stuart Center in Bartow. The program will include a Political Rally, Political Forum, Dinner and Fellowship, Award Recognitions, and a brief Member Business Meeting.
5 – 6 p.m. Political Rally – Mingle with candidates, members, and guests
6 – 7 p.m. Political Forum – Candidates present their platform
7 p.m. Dinner and Annual Membership Meeting
Farm Bureau members now receive a complimentary admission to this event. The non-member admission cost is $10 per person. If you are not a member, you can become a member today by visiting https://floridafarmbureau.org/membership/. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including a reserved table. To register, follow the QR code below, or contact Sarah at Saraht@pcfb.org, 863-533-0561, Ext. 112.
We would like to say a special thanks to the sponsors of this year’s event, Central Florida Development Council, Chemical Containers, Inc., Cutrale Citrus Juices, The Mosaic Company, Nucor Florida, Peterson & Myers, P.A., SVN Saunders Ralston Dantzler, and Visit Central Florida.
Sincerely,
Michael Matteson
President
