Hillsborough Co. Farm Bureau

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau is the Voice of Agriculture. As part of American Farm Bureau and Florida Farm Bureau, we are farm and ranch families working together to build a sustainable future of safe and abundant food, fiber and renewable fuel for our nation and the world. We advocate for farm and ranch families on

issues and topics that impact agriculture.

At Farm Bureau, we are proud of agriculture’s sustainability story, and

we believe the future of agriculture is bright as we work together to further solutions and policies that protect our resources, farms and communities.

2024 - 2025 board of directors

Dennis carlton Jr.

CASEY RUNKLES

CLAY JOYNER

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

TREASURER

Carlton Ranch

Simmons Farms

Farm Credit of Central Florida

Travis Council

Council Growers Sod

Tiffany Dale

Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc.

Drew Futch

Hardeman Landscape

Tommy Hubble

Fresh Pak Produce

Steve Neely

Adent Mills

Jim Romkey

Magic Greens

Carl Bauman

Lykes Bros.

Jake Cremer

Sterns Weaver Miller

Brittany Coleman

Ag Teacher + FFA Advisor

Kaylee Poppell, Executive Director

MAdison Astin Salter

SECRETARY

Astin Farms

Brian Shoop

Shoop Cattle Co.

Michelle Williamson

G&F Farms

About our organization

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau strives to connect with our legislative delegations at the local, state, and national levels regarding all things agriculture. The collective effort among the county, state, and national Farm Bureaus lead to solutions for agriculturists and rural communities in economic, educational, and social fields. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is active in the community, legislature, and grassroots of agriculture production, educating and working in various ways to serve as the Voice of Agriculture.

Our Mission

Together, we work to protect and promote the interests of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in Hillsborough County. We advocate for policies that preserve our agricultural heritage, support rural economies, and ensure a sustainable future for agriculture. Through education, outreach, and collective action, we empower our members to be effective advocates for agriculture and to thrive in an ever-changing industry. We are the Voice of Agriculture.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be the premier advocate for Hillsborough County farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture practices and advancing the interests of our members at the local, state, and national levels. We will work tirelessly to ensure the success and prosperity of our agricultural community, while enhancing public awareness and understanding of the vital role that agriculture plays in our daily lives. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, we will lead the way in shaping the future of agriculture in Hillsborough County and beyond.

A letter from our President

Greetings,

With summertime drawing near and family vacations right around the corner, I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the varied benefits available to Farm Bureau members. Among those many benefits are discounts for car rental and lodging along with reduced costs for various, popular family-oriented entertainment venues. When you consider all of those discounts with the many others available to Farm Bureau members, membership in our organization is really an economical investment for your family that also enables us to support our industry. Visit myffbf.org to see a full list of all member benefits. Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting. It will take place September 19th at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. More information will be provided to our member families as that date draws near.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board Member Michelle Williamson. She was just named chairman of the Governing Board for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. In my estimation, Michelle epitomizes the very best qualities of a volunteer who supports both her industry and community in many different ways. She has helped with outreach through her involvement with the Women’s Committee and countless instances of grassroots educational initiatives. We are fortunate to have Michelle as an active Farm Bureau member.

If you are not a Farm Bureau member, please consider joining so that you can help us advocate and educate on behalf of agriculture with our varied audiences. If you are a member, please volunteer at whatever level is practical for you.

Thank you for your continued support of our industry, and again congratulations and our appreciation to Michelle Williamson!

Dennis Carlton, Jr.

Agriculture in Hillsborough County

A rich history, unlike any other.

1,992

Farms in Hillsborough County

$704M

Market value of agricultural products sold

14%

land is used for agricultural production

Photo by Ranch Revival Photography

Membership

means more.

Membership in the Florida Farm Bureau means that you are part of a growing community of families who support agriculture in our state. Your membership is one of the most economical investments you make each year. Your membership provides you with valuable benefits and resources to help you save money and stay connected to pertinent issues affecting agriculture in our state.

3,696

member families in Hillsborough Co.

Member benefits include:

Travel Discounts

Home/Auto

Health and Wellness

Farm/Business

Family Entertainment

Financial/Insurance

JOIN TODAY

As a thank you for your membership, you and your family can save:

Access to FAMA’s

Buyer Club

Discounted HEALTH

Benefits

Rental car savings

30%

UF/FSU Sports Tickets

FREE!

Hotel Discounts

up to 20%

Car Seats

as low as

$15

Ford Discount

$500

And MORE!

Annual Programs

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY AND THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE

Ag-Venture

A hands-on learning experience designed to teach third grade students about agriculture and where their food comes from. From bees to beef to soil, there is always something to touch, taste or see!

Ag-Abilities

A one day “competition” for Exceptional Education students to showcase their agriculture knowledge

Outrun Hunger 5k

A 5K race, hosted during Farm City Week, connecting our urban communities with agriculture, while raising awareness for food insecurity in our county

Field to the hill

Each year Farm Bureau members travel to both Tallahassee and Washington D.C. to advocate for agriculture and shape policy, while educating our elected officials on the importance of agriculture

Agriculture Education

The mission of Ag-Venture is to teach third grade students about the importance of agriculture. Students develop an understanding of the impact of agriculture in their everyday lives through a hands-on learning experiences. Students learn about an array of agricultural topics such as beef, strawberries, forestry and more.

Ag-Abilities is a program designed specifically for exceptional education students. A hands-on Curriculum is provided to the teachers each year, then the students come together to showcase their agricultural knowledge during a one day “competition”.

Advocating for Agriculture

Farm Bureau advocates on behalf of farm families on the local, state and national levels. We represent farmers and the rural communities. By advocating for the programs and policies that help farmers and ranchers prosper, we help to protect domestic food production and Florida’s natural resources. Farmers and ranchers help to generate an annual statewide economic impact of $149 billion. They maintain greenspace, conserve water and preserve wildlife habitat. Our members are instrumental in helping us work together to accomplish our legislative goals that benefit all Floridians.

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Young Farmers & Ranchers are between the ages of 18-35 who have a desire to network, share ideas, participate in community projects and hone their leadership skills. The Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Program provides many opportunities for young agriculturists to be involved at the community, local, state and national level. Various events and award programs recognize the importance of young farmers’ and ranchers’ contributions to agriculture.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Farm Bureau Women are dedicated to educating the public with programs and events that promote a positive image of agriculture. These activities provide opportunities for leadership, communication, political involvement and networking.

Telling the story of agriculture in a factual and engaging manner is an ongoing effort of Farm Bureau Women. The Women’s programs provide funding for scholarships, Ag in the Classroom and charitable projects around the state.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

From Ag-Venture and Ag-Abilities to Ag Literacy Day, Food Checkout Week and Farm City Week, Farm Bureau offers numerous ways to serve your community and share the story. Whether you are a full-time farmer or someone who just loves agriculture, there is a spot for you in Farm Bureau! If you are interested in volunteering or joining a committee please reach out to Kaylee Poppell at kaylee.poppell@ffbf.org or call our office at 813-685-9121.

Our Promise

Our grassroots approach is what makes Farm Bureau, the Voice of Agriculture. This includes engaging consumers to build trust in, and share the story of, agriculture. We vow to always be the voice for the American farmer, ensuring our way of life is preserved for generations to come.