Alachua County residents win Florida Farm Bureau awards
Press release from the Florida Farm Bureau
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Farm Bureau has announced the finalists for its 2026 Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet competition, Achievement in Agriculture Award, and Excellence in Agriculture Awards. These programs recognize outstanding young farmers and ranchers ages 18-36 for their leadership, agricultural accomplishments, advocacy efforts, and service to Farm Bureau and their communities.
Finalists will compete for state titles during the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Orlando, Oct. 28-30, 2026.
Discussion Meet
The Discussion Meet is a competition designed to simulate a committee meeting where contestants are evaluated on their ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively to address challenges facing agriculture.
The 2026 Discussion Meet finalists are:
- Lainey Francisco, St. Lucie County: Attorney whose practice includes representing agricultural businesses in commercial litigation, land use and government matters
- Kyle Mendes, Alachua County: Lecturer in UF’s Animal Science Department and owner and operator of a show pig operation
- Carly Montuani, Jackson County: Business owner and consultant with a background in healthcare and agricultural communications
- Wesley Thomas, Union County: Third-generation beef farmer in Florida who works in the poultry industry
The finalists will compete in the Final Four round during Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in October. The winner will receive:
- An expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 8-13, 2027
- A utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Company
- A $500 cash prize
Achievement in Agriculture Award
The Achievement in Agriculture Award recognizes members of Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program who excel in their farming operations while demonstrating strong leadership and active involvement in Farm Bureau and other civic and service organizations.
The 2026 Achievement in Agriculture Award finalists are:
- Jacob and Katelyn Nixon, Okaloosa County: Operate a fifth-generation row crop and agritourism farm that includes an apiary, sunflower field, corn maze, petting zoo and more
- Alex and Emily Murphy, Hamilton County: Operate a multi-generational row-crop farm, where they grow, clean and ship grains
- David and Libby Torbert, Dade County: Manage a large-scale vegetable farm that supplies major grocery chains and meal kit services across the Eastern U.S.
The Achievement in Agriculture Award winner will receive:
- A $45,000 cash prize, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Companies
- A $500 cash prize
- An expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 8-13, 2027
Excellence in Agriculture Award
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers for their involvement in agriculture, leadership abilities, and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations. Finalists will present their agricultural experiences, leadership accomplishments, and community involvement to a panel of judges during Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting.
The 2026 Excellence in Agriculture Award finalists are:
- Matt and Kayla Gonzales, Jackson County: First-generation cattle ranchers
- Sarah Luther, Alachua County: Owner and operator of a working Angus-Wagyu beef ranch
- Victoria Register, Volusia County: Seventh-generation Floridian and agriculturalist
The Excellence in Agriculture Award winner will receive:
- A utility vehicle, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
- A $500 cash prize
- An expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 8-13, 2027