Say Hello to the New President of Florida Farm Bureau Federation
November 5, 2021 Delegates at the recently held 2021 Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting have elected Jeb Smith of St. Johns County to a two-year term as President of the organization. Smith has served on the state board continuously since 2012 and currently serves on the Putnam/St. Johns County Farm Bureau board of directors.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as your president,” Smith says. “This position will be pursued and fulfilled with prayer, fervor, and enthusiasm. I appreciate your support and am humbled to assist you and our beloved industry.”
A lifelong resident and business owner in St. Johns County, Smith and his family produce cattle, hay, and sod. Smith’s family has farmed the land in St. Johns County for more than 100 years. His current family farm will be recognized as a Century Pioneer Family Farm in March 2022.
Smith began his Farm Bureau career as a local volunteer leader and has received the Florida Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award and Discussion Meet Award. He also has served on American Farm Bureau’s advisory committees.
Locally, Smith served as St. Johns County Commissioner for District 2 (resigning to take the Farm Bureau post) and serves on the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Board of Directors. He has served on multiple local boards including, the Hastings Drainage District, the Farm Service Agency, St. Johns County Overall Extension Advisory Committee, and the 4-H Association Board of Directors.
Smith is taking the reins of Florida Farm Bureau following longtime leader John Hoblick who announced his retirement in July and whose term officially concluded at the annual conference.
“I am so appreciative of everyone who has supported my wife Kara and me over the last 15 years in my role as President,” Hoblick says. “After 25 years of service to the state’s largest and most influential general agricultural organization, it is time for me to return to the farm and spend time with the family who stood by me as I pursued my passion for agriculture in serving Florida farm families as the voice of agriculture.”