Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison County had a large contingent of participants during the recent Florida Farm Bureau Young Farm and Rancher (YF&R) Conference. Over the weekend of July 14-16, nearly 300 participants gathered in Punta Gorda, Fl. for a weekend of meetings, workshops and social events.
Among those from Madison who attended the conference were Buck and NoraBeth Carpenter. Buck and NoraBeth both serve on the State YF&R Leadership Group. According to NoraBeth, they have a goal of establishing a YF&R group in each county. The Young Farmers and Ranchers program of Florida Farm Bureau is open to all Florida Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18 and 35 who share an interest in farming and agribusiness. In addition to providing opportunities for networking and participating in community events, the YF&R also sponsors the Harvest for All food donation program. So far, Florida YF&R members have donated nearly 17 million pounds of fresh produce and food to help feed hungry Americans.
Madison was well represented at the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farm and Rancher Conference in Punta Gorda, Fl. Pictured, from left to right, are: Brindle Ledford, Cody Ledford, Cierra Ledford holding Wacey Ledford, Tyler Shadrick, Emily Shadrick, Buck Carpenter, NoraBeth Carpenter, Jonnie Carpenter, John Cone, and Kelly Paulk.
With more than 145,000 members across the state, Florida Farm Bureau seeks to “increase the net income of farmers and ranchers, and to improve the quality of rural life.” Florida Farm Bureau is celebrating 75 years of service to Florida's farmers and ranchers this year. Florida Farm Bureau not only helps families save money on insurance for vehicles and more, but they also help members save money in a variety of ways such as travel discounts, entertainment discounts, and much more. Anyone wanting more information about joining Florida Farm Bureau can call them at (850) 973-4071, or come by the office at 233 W Base St., in Madison.