October 7, 2005
Bronson To Present Environmental Leadership Awards In Orlando
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will present awards to three agricultural operations in recognition of their leadership in promoting progressive environmental practices.
The 2005 Commissioner’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Awards will be presented during a breakfast ceremony at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting in Orlando on Friday, October 14. The awards program is now in its 12th year and has recognized a total of 38 winners.
“The Ag-Environmental Leadership Award program spotlights the environmentally innovative farming practices of our state’s growers and ranchers,” Bronson said. “Nominees for the awards come from different parts of Florida’s agricultural industry, but they all share a commitment to protect and preserve Florida’s resources while continuing to provide agricultural products for our people.”
This year's winners (click on name to view story):
Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery in Homestead
Larson Dairy, Inc. in Okeechobee
Richard N. Raid, Ph.D. in Royal Palm Beach
Nominations for the awards were received earlier this year by a screening committee composed of scientific and technical experts with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which selected the finalists. The three winners were then selected from the group of finalists by a selection committee made up of representatives from The Nature Conservancy, the state’s Water Management Districts, the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Dairy Association, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Forestry Association, and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.
Contact information: The 2005 Agricultural-Environmental Awards will be presented during a breakfast ceremony held during the
Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting.
Date: Friday, October 14, 2005
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando
Contact/credentials: Scott Christmas, Florida Farm Bureau, (352) 378-8100 ext. 1030
Video available: A broadcast-quality Beta SP videotape outlining the accomplishments of the three winners is available from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Television news organizations interested in obtaining a copy of the videotape should contact Walt Land or Gary Seamans at (850) 487-8000.
Photos - Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery
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Kerry Herndon, owner of Kerry’s Bromeliads.
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Work area inside the Kerry’s Bromeliads facility in Homestead.
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Nursery at Kerry’s Bromeliads facility in Homestead.
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A worker plants bromeliads in flats at Kerry’s Bromeliads facility in Homestead.
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Orchid produced at Kerry’s Bromeliads facility in Homestead.
Photos - Larson Dairy, Inc.
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Louis E. “Red” Larson, owner of Larson Dairy, Inc.
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Milking facility at Larson Dairy, Inc., in Okeechobee.
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Louis E. “Red” Larson, owner of Larson Dairy, Inc.
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Dairy cows at Larson Dairy, Inc., facility in Okeechobee.
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Dairy cow barns feature fans, water misters and lined stalls.
Photos - Richard N. Raid, Ph.D.
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Dr. Richard Raid founded SOAR “Sharing Our Agricultural Roots”
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Barn Owls consume rodents that damage South Florida sugar cane fields.
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Dr. Richard Raid with students during the "Owl Prowl."
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Barn Owl nesting box in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
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Dr. Richard Raid, professor of plant pathology, is based at the UF Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade.
