Farm City Day is Friday

Farm City Day is set for 7 a.m. on Nov. 13, the second Friday of the month. It will be held at the Jackson County Agriculture Center on Penn Avenue in Marianna.
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has adopted this event in recent years, moving it from an evening affair to the morning as part of the “Power Breakfast” monthly get-together.
This month, it replaces that usual First Friday event.
Farm City Day is a tradition of 36 years.
It highlights and celebrates the interdependence of those who farm, and those who contribute to the economy in city-based agricultural pursuits. Agriculture is a vital part of the local economy,  providing jobs, income spent in other sectors of the community, and fresh food for the consumption of all.
Farmers and their families, along with other business and community leaders, elected official and citizens interested in agriculture are encouraged to attend.
Each year the “downtown” business community and the agricultural community come together to recognize the importance of agriculture to Jackson County, and to learn about trends affecting the agricultural community and, ultimately, consumers and other businesses.
Corporate sponsor of the event this year is Farm Credit. Other sponsors are the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners; the cities of Marianna, Graceville, Cottondale, Grand Ridge and Sneads; the Florida Farm Bureau; and the East Jackson County Development Council.
Youth in agriculture is a focus of Farm City Day, and the theme this year is Growing Toward the Future.
The recipient of the 2009 Ed Jowers Farm City Day Scholarship to Chipola College will be introduced and recognized Friday.
This scholarship was created to help children of farm families, and students pursuing degrees in agriculture related fields to achieve their goals.
It was also created to inspire a new generation of leaders in the field of agriculture.
Special recognition will also be made to outstanding FFA and 4H members who have made significant accomplishments through those organizations.
New Extension Director Doug Mayo will make his debut as Agriculture Awards Emcee, as he introduces this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Farm Family Award. He will also present individual awards for Cattleman, Conservationist, Tree Farmer, Peanut Farmer, Cotton Farmer, Quality Hay Producer, and High Corn Yield Producer of the Year.
See today’s edition of the Floridan for profiles on all of this year’s winners.