John Hoblick , FFBF President

Thomas Jefferson once wrote that “ the right of our fellow citizens to represent to the public functionaries their opinion on proceedings interesting to them is unquestionably a constitutional right .”

Florida Farm Bureau members in the 21st century exercise this right as something more than a weapon of self-preservation . It is an opportunity to reach out to our larger society with a positive message about the value of agriculture to everyone .

We know that agriculture is the foundation of our quality of life . We also know that because of contemporary farm productivity and efficiency , most of our fellow citizens are free to pursue other callings .

One of our central tasks must be to remind non-farmers of what the production of food , fiber and fuel means to them . We must always be prepared to explain why farms , ranches and forestry operations benefit all Floridians – often in ways non-farm residents do not immediately understand .

Farm Bureau Day activities , scheduled at our state capital from

March 18 through March 19 , provide us with an immediate opportunity to exercise the basic right Jefferson described . We will follow our great national tradition .

Our members will participate in discussions with our lawmakers and executive staff department officials to discuss a wide range of subjects that affect the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers . We will have repeated opportunities to visit with executive department officials about proposed policies and the implementation of current ones .

At our gala reception on March 18 at the civic center we will host one of the most popular public gatherings held during the legislative session .

All of these activities exemplify how Farm Bureau operates as a grassroots organization . We join together to express our unified views on important public issues . We all participate as citizens who exercise their right to help direct our government .

By doing so we are shaping the future for us , for our families and for all Floridians .

I have recently had the pleasure of visiting with a number of you in your local communities during our informal “ tailgate ” meetings . There are still more to come .

I want you to know that I have never been more proud of Farm Bureau . I have enjoyed the privilege of seeing all that you do , of being able to witness how hard you work for your community and your calling . I have also observed your dedication to participating in the public policy making process .

I hope to see each one of you in Tallahassee later this month . Together , we will be sure to exercise the Voice of Agriculture in our state ’ s government .

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 .

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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 :

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March 2013

March 14 Hamilton County Youth Ag Day , Jasper . For more details , contact Dan Buchanan at 352-538-9850 .