John Hoblick , FFBF President

Since the beginning of the year I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel across our state and visit with hundreds of Farm Bureau members in informal meetings . These “ tailgate ” gatherings at hometown locations allowed me to talk with our farmers , ranchers and other members at length about our organization .

During our local meetings I outlined Florida Farm Bureau ’ s policy agenda for both the Legislature and the Congress this year . In my comments I emphasized the challenges ahead as well as the importance of citizen participation in the development of public policy .

Farm Bureau members give us the power of influence . Our grassroots membership defines Farm Bureau , giving us direction and the strength in numbers .

I also did a lot of listening at the tailgate meetings . Many members talked about their livelihoods and the challenges they face in making a living from the soil . They also expressed their views about a number of issues that we must pursue as the Voice of Agriculture .

Their comments will help guide our organization in the future . We will respond to their issues of concern and help develop common sense solutions that will benefit them .

One other topic of significance emerged in clear terms . I received an overwhelmingly positive evaluation of what Florida Farm Bureau does . I cannot express enough how pleased I am to know that our members value their organization and its work on behalf of Florida agriculture .

Our members are especially appreciative of Farm Bureau ’ s leadership in representing farmers and ranchers before regulatory agencies and in the legislative process . The use of sound scientific evidence and the formulation of practical strategies stand as hallmarks of our public policy service . These signature principles will continue to guide all that we do in support of production agriculture .

Our members also recognize Florida Farm Bureau ’ s many other accomplishments to date .

They know the scope of our ambitions for the future . And they appreciate the work of our state board , our staff and our county Farm Bureau volunteers , as well as the dedication we all share in pursuing a common purpose .

I want to thank the Farm Bureau members who participated in the tailgate meetings . They made these informal times of fellowship successful . They interrupted their busy schedules , making a commitment to take an active role in shaping the direction of our organization .

Our tailgate meetings and other goal-oriented activities we sponsor are designed to make sure that our grassroots organization remains as influential tomorrow as it is today . Thanks to our members , I know that Florida Farm Bureau will always be the Voice of Agriculture in our state .

Officers

President ......................................... John Hoblick Vice President .................... Brantley Schirard Jr . Secretary .............................................. Mark Byrd Treasurer ............................................... Rod Land

Directors

District 1 ............................................. Jerry Davis District 2 ............................................ Jeff Pittman District 3 .................................... Henry McCrone District 4 .................................... Michael Dooner District 5 ............................................... Rod Land District 6 ................................................. Jon Deas District 7 ....................................... Dalton Dowdy District 8 ................................................ Ed Shadd District 9 ...................................... Brad Etheridge District 10 .............................................. Jeb Smith District 11 ............................................. Kelly Rice District 12 ............................... J . Daniel Peterson District 13 ............................................ Mark Byrd District 14 ...................................... Steve Johnson District 15 .............................. Ron Wetherington District 16 ....................................... Ken Harrison District 17 ...................................... Mark Sodders District 18 ........................................ Jacob Larson District 19 ....................................... Mark Wilson

State Women ’ s Leadership Committee

Chair ........................................... Ginny Paarlberg Vice Chair .......................................... Sarah Carte

State YF & R Leadership Group

President ............................................ Brad Austin Immediate Past President .......... Kelvin Moreno

Staff

Editor ............................................ G . B . Crawford Communications Manager ........ Rachael Smith Communications Specialist .............. Mary Ficek Advertising Manager ................ Joey Mazzaferro

FLORIDAGRICULTURE ( ISSN 0015-3869 ) is published monthly for $ 3.25 per year in member dues by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation , 5700 SW 34th Street , Gainesville , FL 32608 . Non-member subscriptions are not available . Periodical postage paid at Macon , GA and additional mailing offices . It was established in 1943 .

Copyright 2013 by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation . Main phone : ( 352 ) 378-8100 . Printed by Panaprint - Macon , GA .

POSTMASTER Send address changes to :

FLORIDAGRICULTURE

P . O . Box 147030 Gainesville , FL 32614-7030

FOR ADVERTISING questions contact our advertising manager at ( 352 ) 374-1523 , by e-mail to joey . mazzaferro @ ffbf . org or by mail to :

FLORIDAGRICULTURE

Joey Mazzaferro P . O . Box 147030 Gainesville , FL 32614-7030

April 30 Florida Ag Literacy Day . For more information , visit www . flagintheclassroom . com / agliteracyday .