Polk County Farm Bureau

Polk County Farm Bureau held its 34th annual multi-day Agri-Fest event for 4th graders. Students and their teachers explore interactive exhibits and attend hands on workshops each day on citrus, beef cattle, horticulture, forestry, blueberries, phosphate and soil and water conservation. This is an opportunity to educate the youth on the importance of agriculture in our county and promote the betterment of agriculutre.

In February 2023, Polk County YF&R members participated in the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market where their exhibit booth invited event attendees to spin the quiz wheel to answer a question regarding agriculture production and its value to the community. Participation in this event was part of Polk County Farm Bureaus Food Check-Out week activities. The booth set-up consisted of a spin-thewheel true or false game. Consumers spun the wheel and answer a true or false agriculture fact. This simple game opened the door to having conversations with consumers about the common misconceptions geared toward the agricultural industry.

Polk County Farm Bureau members and industry leaders saw a need for a four year agricultural degree in our county. We encouraged and facilitated the development of Warner Universitys Agricultural Studies Program. The project-based courses provide students with marketable experience through internships, field trips, mentorships, capstone projects, and guest lectures led by industry leaders. Innovative courses in specialty crops, animal science, soils, plant science, conservation, sustainability, global agriculture, and agribusiness will help prepare students to enter the agricultural industry as knowledgeable and trained professionals.