Dade County Farm Bureau honored the Kenneth St. Germain Family as “Farm Family of the Year” during its annual membership meeting luncheon on Oct. 5 at the Redland Golf and Country Club.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell performed the installation of officers and directors ceremony, and immediate past president Larry Dunagan was honored.
Farm Bureau announced Alice Pena as president and Jessica Borek as treasurer. Ivonne Alexander recommitted to the office of president-elect, and Phil Marraccini as secretary. George Butler also will continue to serve as second vice president.
Pena presented Miami-Dade County Commissioners Lynda Bell and Javier Souto with Ag Advocate awards for their favorable consideration of agriculture in the recent budget process.
Miami-Dade agricultural manager Charles LaPradd provided a “State of the County in Agriculture” address and Andrew Walmsley of Florida Farm Bureau updated the Farm Bureau membership with policy information.
Miami-Dade 4-H students presented the Farm Bureau with a farm-themed handmade quilt to mark the occasion.
Agency manager Ray Timmons shared the history of the St. Germain Farming Family and presented them with the annual award. Jessica Borek, chair of the Women’s Committee presented past-chair Carolann Swanson with the Women’s Leadership Award for her years of dedication and leadership with the Women’s Committee.
Debbie Zimmerman of U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen’s office presented outgoing president Larry Dunagan with an American Flag that was flown over nation’s Capitol, and delivered a special message from the congresswoman to Dunagan.
Dade County Farm Bureau represents more than 3,200 members, over 700 of whom are actively involved in agribusiness and represent over 900 agricultural operations. Dade County farmers provide an economic impact of over $2.57 billion to the local and state economy.
Visit on the Internet at www.dade-agriculture.org.
