Agri-Fest – Agri-Fest is a cooperative venture between
Polk County Public Schools and the local agriculture industry.
Annually, more than 225 teachers and 5,500 Polk County fourth
graders learn about the area’s major agriculture
commodities. Students and their teachers explore interactive
exhibits and attend hands-on workshops on citrus, beef
cattle, beekeeping, horticulture, forestry and
soil and water conservation.
YF&R – The YF&R program's primary goal is to
enable and encourage young adults to become active participating
members of Farm Bureau. The YF&R Committee includes
both men and women between the ages of 18 and 35. The committee
members participate in legislative, membership, youth and
public relations activities.
Hayride – The Young Farmer & Rancher Committee
annually offers a hayride for families to enjoy the neighborhood
holiday decorations. The Hayride begins at the Farm Bureau
office and tours the city of Bartow. Proceeds from the
hayride are used for a college scholarship awarded each
year to a deserving Polk County high school student who
chooses agriculture as a career.
Youth Speech Contest - Each year the Florida
Farm Bureau Federation sponsors a Youth Speech Contest,
which begins at the county level. The Polk County Farm
Bureau Women’s
Committee organizes this. The goals of the contest are
to promote a stronger interest and clearer understanding
of the many aspects of agriculture, and to provide opportunities
for youth to gain knowledge, appreciation, and understanding
of agriculture. Application
Legislative Wrap-Up - The Legislative Wrap-Up is an annual Polk County Farm Bureau event held in June.
The Wrap-Up allows members of the Polk County delegation
to comment on the legislation that passed and failed during
the 60-day session and is followed by a question and answer
period.
Legislative Appreciation Dinner – The Legislative Appreciation
Dinner is hosted annually with the Polk County Cattlemen’s
Association. Legislative Appreciation Dinner allows local,
state and congressional leaders to visit with the leaders
of the agriculture industry in Polk County. Polk County
agriculturalists have the opportunity to thank the elected
officials for their efforts, and meet one on one with them
about pertinent issues.
Harvest Celebration – The Harvest Celebration is an
annual event, and a great way to support Polk County Farm
Bureau. The evening’s festivities include a silent
auction, elimination drawing, and dinner. The proceeds
from Harvest Celebration help offset the cost of Agri-Fest,
legislative events and tours, and protecting your business
rights.
Polk County Ag Tour – The Agriculture Tour is hosted
by Polk County Farm Bureau, Polk County Cattlemen’s
Association and the Polk County Extension Office. The annual
tour visits agriculture operations throughout the county.
County leaders and staff participate in the tour to learn
more about the diverse and complex industry.
Bartow Taste of Ag - This annual event is scheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2008 from 6-9pm at Leland Young's Barn. Ticket cost is $35.00 per person.Call the Bartow Chamber of Commerce with any
questions: 863-533-7125.
PCFB Annual Meeting -Polk County Farm Bureau (PCFB) members will have a chance to hear from candidates on the November Ballot at the PCFB Annual meeting and political forum scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd in Bartow at the W.H. Stuart Conference Center.
Candidates running for federal, state and countywide offices will be invited to attend, discuss their platform and answer questions about agriculture industry issues.
“Polk County Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting is a chance for candidates running for office to personally meet with more than 250 farmers, growers, ranchers and representatives of the agriculture industry in Polk County,” Kenny DeVane, president of Polk County Farm Bureau.
Candidates will visit with members at 5:00 PM as they enjoy an old-fashioned corn boil. A political forum follows at 5:45 PM. A Texas Cattle Co. steak dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. PCFB Active members ($69 dues) may reserve two $5 steak dinners. Associate members ($54 dues) and others pay $15 for each steak dinner. The Annual Membership Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM with an annual report and the election of directors for 2008-09.
Invitations will be mailed to active farmer and rancher members. Members should call the PCFB office at 863-533-0561 or email hnedley@verizon.net to purchase tickets before the Friday, September 26th deadline.
Please contact us
for
more information or questions about these programs.
