Stormy weather could not deter a large crowd of approximately 800 to 900 farmers, their families, and friends from enjoying an evening of fellowship and entertainment at Dwight Stansel’s farm located on CR 49 several miles southeast of Live Oak. The event was the seventh annual CARES Recognition Dinner which commenced at 5:30 p.m., on Thursday, June 28, and ended several hours later.

The attendants were guests from the counties of Lafayette, Suwannee, Madison, Gilchrist, Jefferson, Leon, Hamilton, and other surrounding farming communities. Everyone enjoyed a home cooked meal consisting of steak, potatoes, rolls, dessert, sweet tea, and other tasty delicacies. They also ate corn on the cob, boiled peanuts, and watermelon.

Also in attendance were several guest speakers: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson; Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick; Mike Sole, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary; Niles Glasgow, State Conservationist of the Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service; Dr. Jimmy Cheek, Vice President of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Services at the University of Florida; and Louis Shiver, Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board Member. These individuals stressed the importance of agriculture in our community and also praised the farmers and their families for their hard work and dedication to the profession.

A total of 57 farmers were recognized and honored for their outstanding achievements in farming practices. Each recipient received a certificate of achievement from Bronson and Hoblick. “The old adage that farmers are the best environmentalists is proven by this event. I congratulate all of this year’s winners. Like these fine producers, Florida Farm Bureau is committed to the CARES program for the long-term. What we have accomplished shows that farmers and ranchers are outstanding stewards of our land—our basic resource,” Hoblick said.

Among those honored were five Lafayette County farmers, Bryan Prine, Terry Folsom, Scott Prine, Randy Moses, and Fred Moses.

The acronym CARES stands for “County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship.” In order to receive a CARES certificate, applicants are required to be excellent stewards of the land and implement effective farming practices that protect the environment. They also receive a sign on their property that designates them as a “This Farm Cares.”