What we stand for –
Volusia County Farm Bureau is a wholesome family-friendly non-profit organization that supports and represents local agriculture producers in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. It also runs the Wednesday Farmers Market at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, supports public education of agriculture by giving scholarships to students and gives mini-grants to educators. Members can be both farming and non-farming.
Assisting local farmers –
Local farmers can join together inside the Volusia County Farm Bureau. Working together, they gain valuable knowledge about their industry. Unlike years past where everyone knew which farmers grew what and most people bought their produce locally, today’s consumer needs to be educated.
The Volusia County Farm Bureau helps ag producers learn how to communicate with consumers through various meetings with industry experts. Members can also participate in educational meetings given by the Florida Farm Bureau.
Legislation –
In local government issues, in Tallahassee and in Washington DC, the Volusia County Farm Bureau tackles legislation that affects local farmers. The Volusia County Farm Bureau helps detail problems particular to the county’s agriculture producers to elected government officials. They also actively educate Volusia County Farm Bureau members on important legislative decisions as each comes up.
Education –
Besides working for the local agriculture producers, the Volusia County Farm Bureau focuses on supporting the next generation of farmers. They give mini-grants to agriculture educators in the school system and the Volusia County Farm Bureau provides scholarships to college-bound students. Representatives of the Volusia County Farm Bureau volunteer their time to read to elementary school students in the annual state-wide Ag. Literacy Day program.
Farmers Market –
On Wednesdays, the Volusia County Farm Bureau organizes and directs the Wednesday Farmers Market held at the Volusia County Fairgrounds. The largest and possibly oldest market in Volusia County is filled with vendors selling locally-grown produce. Locals and tourists alike enjoy shopping the fresh selection at better-than-grocery-store prices.
Non-farmers benefit too –
While agriculture is always highlighted, you don’t have to be a farmer to benefit from being a member of the Volusia County Farm Bureau. Members who don’t make their living on the land get discounts on everything from theme park tickets and special food items, to discounts on new vehicles. The Volusia County Farm Bureau promotes a rural way of life, centered around old-fashioned family values. It’s a great place for non-farm families to be. (See the membership section on this website for everything Volusia County Farm Bureau offers its non-farming members.)
Explore the Volusia County Farm Bureau’s website and enjoy learning more about your food and who grows it.
History
The history of the Volusia County Farm Bureau has not been documented very well throughout the years.
Executive Director Bill Hester began researching the history. He uncovered minutes from board meetings dating back to June 9, 1944. At that time, A. Spalding was the Volusia County Farm Bureau president. When Mr. Spalding stepped down for health reasons on Dec. 8, 1944, Ben Nordman took his place as president.
At the 1945 Annual Meeting, the board voted to change the number of directors from 19 to 9.
Gene Kepler served as president from 1945-46. Joe Morres served in 1947, and Tom Stewart in 1948. Then the record suddenly stops with no reason stated in the final minutes.
The records pick up again beginning in February, 1956 when Clyde Hart and Clarence Carter moved and seconded for the renewed Volusia County Farm Bureau. In those meeting minutes, the reason for the inactive years is accounted for. George Fullerton of Oak Hill stated the problem as poor travel facilities and lack of interest during the war years.
The 1956 board members included Ira Barrow, George Fullerton, Clyde Hart, Walter Dobbin, Johnny Sixma and Paul Fearington.
Past Volusia County Farm Bureau presidents are noted as; Clyde Hart (1957-58), Earl Ziebarth, Sr. (1959-67), Elvin Daugharty (1967-68) Tommy Lawrence, Sr. (1969-71), Leo Nordman (1972-73), Bill Hester (1974-76), Larry Hagstrom (1976-78), Michael Braddock (1979-80). Bill Hester (1981-82), Ken Hoblick (1982), J. Daniel Peterson (1985-86), Winkie LeFils (1987-88), Leo Nordman (1989-90)
Leo Nordman was introduced as a new board member in on Feb. 1, 1966. William McDonald was elected to the board Sept. 6, 1966. Bill Hester came on the board April 4, 1967. Michael Braddock joined the board in December 1970.
There are many more names that have entered and exited the various positions with the Volusia County Farm Bureau over the years. Each one has made a mark. But there has to be more behind-the-scenes history other than these brief notes from meeting minutes. Can you help?
Share your knowledge of the history of this organization. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Please send an e-mail detailing what you know, including any photos to vcfbnews@yahoo.com.
Contact –
Volusia County Farm Bureau
Steve Crump
Executive Director
386-734-1612
e-mail – Steve.Crump@ffbf.org
Volusia County Farm Bureau
3090 E. New York Ave.
DeLand, Florida 32724
Farm Bureau Insurance
Tony Stilling
Agency Manager
386-734-1612
e-mail – Tony.Stilling@ffbic.com
Volusia County Farm Bureau Insurance Services
3090 E. New York Ave.
DeLand, Florida 32724