Hello and well wishes from Polk County Farm Bureau.
We held our annual Youth Speech Contest on August 26 with an excellent group of participants at both the high school and middle school levels. Participants presented their speeches on the topic “What obstacles threaten Florida agriculture’s economic viability, and how do we address them?” Bellamy Howell of Lake Gibson High School placed first in the Senior Division, with Mary Grace Durrance of Lake Wales High School placing second, and Maddie Fountain of Lakeland Christian School placing third. The Junior Division winners were Isabell McKeon of Bok Academy North, Adrianna Marin of Bartow Middle School, and Sawyer Anderson of Fort Meade Middle School Bellamy Howell and Isabell McKeon will advance to the District Youth Speech Contest to represent Polk County. We are proud of each student who participated in the event!
We also want to say congratulations to Debra Lucas, our Winter Haven branch customer service representative for being selected as the Florida Farm Bureau Team player of the Quarter winner. Team Player award recipients are selected based on the number of positive feedback comments received from members. The Team Player of the Year is an incentive program designed to recognize county staff persons who go above and beyond for our members and help further Farm Bureau relationship goals. Congratulations Debra!
Registration is still open for our 83rd Annual Meeting and Membership Celebration to be held October 9, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. at The Barn at Lazy P Ranch in Bartow. Members and agriculture community friends are invited to join us for a steak dinner, fellowship, and great entertainment from comedian “Tim the Dairy Farmer.” There is no charge for Farm Bureau members to attend. Seating is limited and farm families and agriculture supporting business members will be given seating priority. To RSVP to attend contact Sarah Waldman at saraht@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561, ext. 112. You can also register to attend through the QR code link below.
We would like to say a special thanks to this year’s event sponsors, Central Florida Development Council, Citizens Bank & Trust, Cutrale Citrus Juices, Golden Ridge Groves, The Mosaic Company, Nucor Florida, and Visit Central Florida.
Sincerely,
Michael Matteson
President