Several local farmers were recognized for participating in the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program. The annual appreciation dinner took place at State Rep. Dwight Stansel’s farm and nursery near Live Oak June 29. The Suwannee River Partnership and Florida Farm Bureau sponsored the event.

Farmers from Suwannee, Lafayette, Hamilton, Madison and Jefferson counties were awarded. Live Oak farmers Lacy Benjamin Jr. and Jimmie Green were recognized at the event.

The event was truly fit for a farmer. About an hour before supper participants were served tasty hors d’oeuvres such as boiled peanuts, corn on the cob and watermelon. Bails of hay surrounded the stage where a Blue Grass band entertained.

Dinner featured steak, brisket, pulled pork and barbeque chicken, with all sorts of vegetables, some of which came out of Stansel’s garden.

Many dignitaries attended the event, including Farm Bureau representatives, Department of Agriculture representatives, Department of Environmental Protection representatives, Suwannee River Water Management representatives, elected officials, state officials and state representatives.