Tickets are now available for the 45th annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet, scheduled to honor four individuals who have significantly contributed to Florida's agricultural sector. The induction ceremony will be held on February 11 at the Entertainment Hall, located within the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. The event will commence with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a program at 7 p.m.
Individual tickets are priced at $85, with tables for eight also offered. Mentor sponsorship tickets are available to enable young people involved in agriculture to attend free of charge and interact with industry leaders. Tickets can be purchased online until February 4.
Ray Hodge, president of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about recognizing this year's honorees: "It is exciting to come together to recognize four outstanding honorees who have made significant and lasting contributions to Florida agriculture." The inductees include Cary and Marcia Lightsey, Madeline Mellinger, and Jim Strickland.
Cary and Marcia Lightsey are noted for their work as sixth-generation cattle ranchers who expanded their family business while focusing on conservation efforts. They have dedicated much of their land to conservation easements, preserving thousands of acres that support endangered species. They actively participate in various organizations related to agriculture and conservation.
Madeline Mellinger has been a leader in integrated pest management and sustainable systems production for over five decades. She founded Glades Crop Care, Inc., which revolutionized pest control practices among farmers in Florida. Her work has earned her several advisory roles with national organizations and numerous accolades within the agricultural community.
Jim Strickland brings six decades of experience in ranching, having taken over his family's operations as a teenager. He is involved in initiatives addressing climate change impacts through land conservation and holds leadership positions in several agricultural associations. His ranching efforts have been recognized nationally for environmental stewardship.
The event marks another chapter in celebrating those who have left an indelible mark on Florida's agricultural landscape by bringing the total number of honored individuals to 185.