Farm | Farm Life

Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Honors Ag Leaders and Promotes the Future of Farming

Ray Hodge welcomes guests to one of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquets
Ray Hodge, president of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, welcomes guests at one of the annual banquets held in February at the Florida State Fair. Photo credit: Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation believes in giving credit where credit is due. A volunteer organization established in 1979 by three dedicated agriculturists, Elton Hinton, Robert Morris and Richard Kelly, the foundation strives to honor industry influencers who have significantly contributed to preserving and nurturing the legacy of agriculture throughout the Sunshine State and beyond.

“It’s so easy to take for granted convenient access to food, which is why we need to understand the substantial trials and triumphs of our agriculture’s history and future,” says Ray Hodge, president of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation. “It is because of past and present trailblazers that Florida’s ag industry continues to thrive.”

Dr. John T. Woeste and Don Quincey headshots
The 2023 Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees, Don Quincey and Dr. John T. Woeste will be inducted at the banquet in February. Photo credit: Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation

Introducing the Inductees

At the 43rd annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet on Feb. 14 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, two new inductees will be honored as members of the Foundation’s Class of 2023: Don Quincey and Dr. John T. Woeste.

Advertisement

More than 500 ceremonial attendees – including important industry members and previously inducted hall of famers – are expected to attend and  acknowledge the ample impact of these new inductees. A video production by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be shared during the program highlighting the meaningful careers of both Quincey and Woeste.

Based in Chiefland, Quincey founded the Quincey Cattle Company in 1992. A fifth-generation cattleman, Quincey strengthened the roots of Florida’s cattle industry and also advanced statewide feeding programs.

Woeste, who served as the dean and director for the Extension Service at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences for nearly two decades in Gainesville, tirelessly communicated the best science and information to individuals entering and excelling in the agriculture industry and the community at large.

The addition of Quincey and Woeste brings the Hall of Fame’s collective total to 178.

Exhibits at the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet and Florida State Fair
During the banquet and the state fair, exhibits showcase the diversity of Florida agriculture, such as the Everglades area. Photo credit: Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation

Agriculture Devotees

Contrary to assumption, the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame is not exclusive to farmers and ranchers. This esteemed group consists of educators, cattlemen, growers, inventors, researchers and other agriculturists.

“The Hall of Fame is a diverse collection of legendary agriculture devotees. The Foundation values the impact of production-related leaders and, of course, way beyond that aspect to celebrate the varied facets of this multibillion-dollar industry,” says Hodge, who’s served on the board of the foundation for over a decade. “It’s been the foundation’s honor, for more than 40 years, to tell the evolving story of our state’s agriculture in an effort to educate and empower this generation and future generations of agriculturists.”

See more: Farm to School Program Promotes Florida Ag Commodities in School Meals

FFA representative leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the hall of fame banquet
The Hall of Fame’s Youth Mentorship Program allows 4-H and FFA members to attend and network with ag professionals. Photo credit: Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation

The Future of Farming

In fact, supporting up-and-coming ag front-runners with the potential to advance the industry is a top priority. A portion of the Hall of Fame banquet proceeds funds youth scholarships and other mentoring opportunities.

Plus, each year, the Hall of Fame’s Youth Mentor Program affords select youth, such as 4-H and FFA members, complimentary attendance to the banquet so they can directly engage with industry leaders.

“I got to attend the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet as a youth thanks to the mentor program, so I can attest that it is impactful,” says Hodge. “It’s a rare opportunity to mingle with and be inspired by industry-specific change-makers.”

The current round of 10 $500 scholarships was also announced at the banquet. Within the foundation’s building at the Florida State Fairgrounds, the general public – including state fair attendees – got a glimpse of the work of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees. An informative exhibit showcased their achievements from the past four decades.

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation is already accepting nominations for the class of 2024. To review the application and submit an online nomination by the Sept. 1 deadline, visit floridaaghalloffame.org.

See more: Shedrick McGriff Works to Sustain the Environment and His Family Legacy