Farm Bureau Annual Conference

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

The 2021 Annual Conference for Florida Farm Bureau was held on Oct. 27 and 28 at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. This year, among the many awards given, Jefferson County received the President's Award for earning all five awards of excellence, as well as meeting their membership goal. In addition, the Jefferson County Farm Bureau received the prestigious award of Highest Percentage Gain in Membership for 2021, and the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Women's Committee received recognition for their efforts and contributions for the Women's Fund.
The Women's Fund supports organizations that focus on the community, health and well-being of Florida residents, particularly those that affect women and children. County Farm Bureaus voluntarily contribute 10 cents per member to help support the fund, enabling the Farm Bureau to exemplify the compassion of the agricultural community.
Clay and Kari Fulford were nominated this year in the top three for Florida for the Achievement in Agriculture Award, which is one of three competitions held each year at the state and national level by the Young Farmer and Rancher group, for those who are between the ages of 18 and 35. The Achievement in Agriculture Award recognizes participants in the group who go above and beyond in their agricultural involvement, leadership skills and participation in both Farm Bureau and other service organizations.
With over 134 thousand members, Florida Farm Bureau is the largest agricultural organization in Florida. 60 county Farm Bureaus constitute the grassroots structure of the organization, which represents farm owners who produce all 300 of Florida's agricultural commodities. This representation is given regardless of a farm owner's scope of operations or location.
Sarah Fulford, of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Women's Chair, and her husband, Ernest, who serves as Jefferson County Farm Bureau President, attended this year's conference with their son, Clay and his wife Kari. Clay serves as the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Chair and is also on the Florida Farm Bureau State Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Group. Kari is a member of the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Women's Committee and the Florida Farm Bureau State Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Group.
“It truly was wonderful to attend this year's convention in person,” Fulford states, continuing to say that last year's conference was held virtually, due to COVID restrictions. “Although this year was condensed, with less people and such, it was great to see our Farm Bureau family in person again!” The Fulford's agricultural goal for the next year is to stay the course, and continue to strive for excellence. They hope to earn the President's Award again next year as well as continue to spread the word about agriculture and educate kids and adults alike on where their food comes from.
Farm Bureau members support families that produce products like food and fiber in their communities. This support is important in preserving the job that farmers and ranchers do daily to produce their products. While this support network is important for farms, you don't need to be involved in agriculture to join. The bureau welcomes anyone who would like to join, and says, “If you eat, you can be a Farm Bureau member!” It is a great way to learn about the farming industry as well as the farmers who grow our nation's food. For those wanting to more information or to join, visit the Jefferson County Farm Bureau Office or online at floridafarmbureau.org.
The Fulfords look forward to welcoming new members to the bureau, and offer some encouragement to anyone who is new to farming or ranching. “The best advice I can give is to never give up,” says Sarah Fulford, “Farming is a ton of hard work and you will have good days and bad days, but perseverance is key. It is a true honor to take care of the land God has given us. Providing food and fiber for our country comes with great responsibility, but it also comes with a lot of joy. You must have an abundance of faith to be a steward of the land.”
At this year's conference, Florida Farm Bureau voting delegates elected Jeb Smith of St. Johns County as the organization's new president. Voting delegates discussed and approved policy resolutions that were submitted by county Farm Bureaus throughout the state, and resolutions were adopted as policy for 2021. Next year's conference will also be held at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, during the month of October. Specific dates to be announced.