What the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Is
The Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is the statewide gathering of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, held each fall. The 85th State Annual Meeting ran October 28-30, 2026, at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Farm Bureau calls it the pinnacle of its grassroots advocacy: volunteer members are celebrated, and delegate members discuss and set the policy that guides the organization for the next year.
It is a member event. Farmers, ranchers and producers from across Florida come together to vote on resolutions, honor their peers, compete in leadership contests and meet the businesses that serve agriculture.
What Happens: The Three-Day Program
Wednesday, October 28
- Registration opened at 9:00 a.m. in the Coquina Foyer and ran until 6:30 p.m.
- Discussion Meet Final Four rounds for the Collegiate and Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) divisions, plus a Council of Presidents meeting.
- Excellence in Agriculture Award presentations from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
- The Annual Meeting Showcase opened at 1:00 p.m., followed by the 3:00 p.m. Opening Session with the first reading of resolutions and a Welcome Reception at 4:00 p.m.
- The President's Celebration and Awards Banquet, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., presented County Recognition Program awards, Membership awards, the Membership Innovation Award, the Extension Professional of the Year Award, Young Farmers and Ranchers awards, the 2026 Florida Farmer of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards.
Thursday, October 29
- A 7:30 a.m. Member Breakfast recognized Local Farm Families of the Year and handed out the FAMA Awards, County Agent Recognition, Team Player of the Year, Excellence in Crop Advising, Newsperson of the Year and Volunteer Communicator of the Year.
- Youth Speech Contest Finals at 9:15 a.m., and two rounds of breakout sessions.
- The "A Land Remembered" Luncheon, 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with keynote speaker Todd Wiseman, producer for A Land Remembered. The Youth Speech Contest winner was presented at the luncheon.
- The General Session at 2:15 p.m.: Legislator of the Year Awards, the Credentials Committee report, the President's Annual Address and the second reading of resolutions.
- The Women's Annual Meeting followed, with County Women's Fund awards, the Women's Fund financial report and election of a vice chair. A Member Appreciation Reception ran 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. on the Oceanview Terrace.
Friday, October 30
- The Commissioner's Ag-Environmental Leadership Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. recognized the Ag Environmental Leadership Award and announced the 2027 Florida Farmer of the Year.
- The Closing General Session at 9:15 a.m. covered the district caucus report, the Treasurer's report, final consideration of resolutions, the election of a vice president, donation drawing winners and adjournment.
- The State Board of Directors met immediately after adjournment.
Who Takes Part
The meeting is built around Florida Farm Bureau members. County delegates debate and vote on resolutions, which are read twice, on Wednesday and Thursday, before a final vote on Friday. Young Farmers and Ranchers compete in the Discussion Meet, and youth speakers compete in the Youth Speech Contest. Collegiate competitors take part in a separate Discussion Meet division. The Annual Meeting Showcase gives exhibitors a place in the Coquina Foyer, with a networking session on Thursday from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Key Dates
| Item | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Registration desk | Oct. 28, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Oct. 29, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Oct. 30, 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. |
| Opening Session | Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3:00 p.m. |
| Awards Banquet | Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:00 p.m. |
| General Session and President's Address | Thursday, Oct. 29, 2:15 p.m. |
| Closing General Session | Friday, Oct. 30, 9:15 a.m. |
Where
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, 100 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118. Sessions were held in the hotel's Coquina rooms, Ponce de Leon and Manatee meeting rooms. Farm Bureau offered an online registration form and a dedicated hotel booking link for attendees.
Questions
Who sets the policy at this meeting?
Delegate members discuss and set the policy that guides Florida Farm Bureau for the next year. Resolutions get a first reading on Wednesday, a second reading on Thursday and final consideration on Friday.
Are there contests for young people?
Yes. The Youth Speech Contest finals were Thursday at 9:15 a.m., with the winner presented at the luncheon, and the Discussion Meet Final Four was held on Wednesday.
Who is the keynote speaker?
Todd Wiseman, producer for A Land Remembered, spoke at the Thursday luncheon.
Who do I call?
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation office in Gainesville: (352) 378-8100.
Official Links
- 2026 Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting: event page, registration and hotel links
- 2026 Annual Meeting agenda (PDF): full three-day schedule
- Registration form
- Hilton group booking page
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