On Friday August 17^th, 13 Innovative Farmers and Ranchers were recognized by University of Florida IFAS Extension and Farm Credit of Northwest Florida at the Jay Community Center in Santa Rosa County. This is the second year these two organizations have teamed up to honor a selection of the most innovative farmers in the Florida Panhandle.

The purpose of the Agriculture Innovator Recognition Program is to annually recognize innovative farmers and ranchers from 16 Florida Panhandle counties, from Jefferson west to Escambia County. In 2012, County Agriculture Extension Agents from 13 counties selected an Agricultural Innovator to recognize from each of the counties where they serve. Doug Mayo, Jackson County Extension Director who chaired this year’s event, said “County Agents in the Panhandle honored their brightest farmers at the awards luncheon. We hope that bringing these top-notch farmers all together in one place will help stimulate future innovation. Highlighting these creative and successful farmers will also help increase awareness of the diversity and innovation of today’s modern agriculture located right here in our area.”

Renne Savary — Holmes County Extention Director, Shep Eubanks, presenting the award to Renee Savary

Renee Savary, of Bonifay, FL, was recognized as Holmes County’s Agricultural Innovator for 2012. To read more about Renee and Twin Oaks Farm click here.

Washington County Extension Dirtector, Andy Andreason, presenting the award to Byron Biddle of Three Oaks Winery

Byron Biddle, of Vernon, FL, was recognized as Washington County’s Agricultural Innovator for 2012. To read more about Byron and Three Oaks Winery click here.

Over the next several weeks Panhandle Ag e-News will feature each of the NW Florida Innovators from Escambia county to Jefferson County.

Agricultural Innovators highlighted in previous issues:

Larry Ford, Jackson County

Mark Casson, Escambia County

Bruce Holland, Santa Rosa County

James and Nick Marshall, Okaloosa County

Donnie Richardson, Walton County

Holmes County

Narrower Topics

Holmes County Soil and Water

Agricultural Innovator: Holmes County

NW Florida Agricultural Innovators – Holmes and Washington Counties

Hurricane Preparedness – UF/IFAS Solutions for Your Life