For more than 50 years , Imogene Yarborough , or “ Momma Gene ,” of Geneva has been an active supporter of Florida agriculture . Her leadership roles and her dedication to agriculture youth education have given her the honor of being named the 2012 Woman of the Year in Agriculture .

The award , now in its 28th year , recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services . Yarborough believes in the importance of community and is continuously lending a hand to improve the quality of life for those around her .

“ The ladies that receive this honor are devoted to preserving our culture , our traditions and the heritage that each of us has received ,” Yarborough said .

Although born in Ocala with a ranching heritage in 1935 , Yarborough didn ’ t develop a love for ranching until she married her husband , Edward Yarborough , in 1954 . Yarborough Ranch , an 8,000 acre ranch , is where she has called home for the last 58 years . While raising their four children , she became an active supporter of 4-H and FFA .

Yarborough joined Farm Bureau in 1952 and later served as the president of the Seminole County Farm Bureau for eight years . In support of her husband and their livelihood , she joined the CowBelles in 1979 . During her reign as president , she helped transition the organization into the Florida CattleWomen ’ s Association . She was named Outstanding Florida State CowBelle in 1984 .

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Top photo : Yarborough , with her daughter , Lynn , walking on their family ranch . ( Photo courtesy of FDACS )

Middle photo : ( Photo courtesy of FDACS )

Bottom photo : Yarborough , founding member of the Florida Agricultural Museum , stopped for a picture in front of the sign . ( Photo courtesy of FDACS )