January 10, 2001

Helen Houck Named Woman Of The Year In Agriculture For 2000

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford today announced that Helen Houck has been selected to receive the "Woman of the Year in Agriculture" award for 2000.

Houck, of Perry, is the 17th recipient of the award, which recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.

"For more than 40 years, Helen Houck has displayed the true spirit of a volunteer," Crawford said. "A lifelong advocate of agriculture, she has worked energetically to educate young people about the importance of agriculture in their daily lives. She is an inspiration to all those with whom she has worked over the years."

A native of Florida, Houck grew up on her family’s cattle ranch in Taylor County. She and her husband, Ernest, own and operate a 1,200-acre farm and ranch, with 100 acres of hay, 300 acres of pasture and approximately 500 cows.

Houck has been active in numerous activities representing agriculture on the county, district, state and national levels. Through the years, she and her husband have hosted many school groups on their farm for tours. In addition, she has visited numerous classrooms over the years to discuss topics relating to agriculture and works with 4-H clubs.

Houck is a charter member of the Taylor County Farm Bureau, which was organized in 1957. She has been a member of the board of directors since 1970, served two terms as the organization’s president, and has been women’s chairman since 1974.

She has served on the Florida Farm Bureau’s board of directors, served as district women’s chairman for 10 counties since 1970, and served on the State Women’s Committee since 1975.

Houck has also served on the board of directors of the Taylor County Adult Meals Program for more than 10 years.

The "Woman of the Year in Agriculture" award is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Fair Authority. Crawford is scheduled to present the award to Houck on February 8 during the opening-day luncheon at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. Tickets for the event are available by calling the fairgrounds at 1-800-345-3247.

Previous winners of the "Woman of the Year in Agriculture" award are:

1999 Vina Jean Banks, of Balm

1998 Nancy Gurnett Hardy, of Winter Haven

1997 Gertrude "Trudy" Carey, of Hillsborough County

1996 Norma Stokes, of Highlands County

1995 Louve "Vee" Frierson Platt, of Clewiston, and Patricia Robbins, of Miami

1994 Anne Wardlaw Dickinson, of Frostproof

1993 Sarah W. Bailey, of St. Johns County

1992 Carol C. Murphy, of Volusia County

1991 Ruth M. Tucker, of Brevard County

1990 Jeanette Barthle, of Pasco County

1989 Belle Jeffords, of Alachua County

1988 Carolyn Reed Kempfer, of Osceola-Brevard counties

1987 Dorothy Conner Shipes, of Lake County

1986 Ruth Wedgworth, of Belle Glade

1985 Jo Ann Smith, of Marion County

For more information:

Richard Gunnels
(850) 488-3022
gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us