Florida Agriculture Hall Of Fame Celebrates 4 New Members
October 21, 2016 The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation has revealed the latest honorees who will be inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame for 2017.
According to State Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, these individuals have made outstanding contributions to Florida’s agriculture industry and mentored future leaders in this field. “It’s my privilege to recognize these honorees for their outstanding contributions to Florida Agriculture, and I look forward to their official induction into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame,” Putnam states.
The induction ceremony is slated to be held Feb. 14, 2017 at the Special Event Center, Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
Let’s learn more about the Class of 2017.
Eugene Badger
Born in Hastings, Eugene Badger grew up on his family’s potato farm. This early connection to agriculture grew into a lifelong commitment of advancing and advocating on behalf of Florida agriculture.
Though not a farmer, Badger’s selfless mission has always been to mentor farmers to be spokesmen of the industry on local, state and national issues.
George W. Bush selected Badger as head of the state Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, now known as the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
Badger worked diligently to honor and serve Florida farmers by identifying pitfalls in the Federal Corp Insurance Program and pursuing opportunities to showcase Florida’s specialty crops. Badger’s strong advocacy and dedication to Florida farmers was underscored in 2008 by Senate Resolution 1366, recognizing Badger for his lifetime accomplishments in agricultural leadership and service to the residents of Florida.
Joe Marlin Hilliard
Growing up in Hendry County, Joe Marlin Hilliard began worked on Hilliard Brothers Cattle Ranch, which was founded by his grandfather in 1906, and later owned by his father and uncle in the 1920s.
Hilliard implemented numerous innovative practices to propel his operation forward. After joining his uncle and father in managing the ranch, Hilliard developed thousands of acres of native pine and palmetto woods into pasture by allowing farmers to clear and farm the land for two years, then planting improved grass. He also collaborated with UF/IFAS to educate farmers in South Florida about the tropical soda apple weed.
Hilliard was one of the first producers to grow sugarcane on sandy soil. Beginning in 1961, he created research projects with the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center to advance his knowledge on this endeavor, and helped form the South Florida Agricultural Council. Hilliard revolutionized the industry by introducing mechanical harvesting to the area through the Sugarland Harvesting Cooperative, ultimately resulting in an industrywide adoption of the practice.
Hilliard’s leadership skills have provided major advances in cattle, citrus, and sugarcane industries.
Dr. W. Bernard Lester
In the mid 1960’s, Dr. W. Bernard Lester began his career as a research economist with the Florida Department of Citrus. Lester was named Economic Research Director for FDOC in 1969, where he was responsible for administering and conducting all economic research activities for Florida citrus products, and was promoted to deputy executive director then executive director in 1979.
In 1986, Lester took a position with Alico Inc. Board of Directors until 2005. During this time, he joined the Gulf Citrus Growers’ Association and was actively involved in all aspects of the association’s mission. He also served on the board for Orange-Co Inc., Agri-Insurance Company, International Fruit Inc., Florida Fresh-Pak, Saddlebag Lake Resorts, and the Sugarland Harvesting Co.
William Cook
Since joining his family’s logging business 70 years ago, William Cook has seen the operation evolve from hand-loading trucks to leading the way in cutting-edge technology, diversification, and integration. Cook has shared his passion for forestry by playing a crucial role in increasing the industry’s involvement in securing legislation and improving public outreach.
Cook was instrumental in the creation of the Florida Forestry Foundation, which provides ongoing financial backing for 45 teachers from across the state to participate in the Florida Forestry Teachers’ Tour to educate kids about forestry. In an ongoing effort to move the industry forward, Cook has continuously served on the Florida Forestry Association’s Board of Directors since he was elected to the position in 1974.
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