OKEECHOBEE — The Okeechobee County Farm Bureau has earned a coveted award for its achievements in the past year. The local organization received the Apex Award at the 2022 Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.

The apex Award is bestowed to the Farm Bureau exhibiting the highest level of innovation program effectiveness, involvement of volunteers, and goal achievements in each of the six membership group sizes.

Farm Bureau members support families producing food and fiber in their communities. Agriculture and related enterprises in our county provide an economic impact of 31.0% Gross Regional Product; $352 Million in gross regional product each year and supports 5,927 jobs in Okeechobee County. (UF/IFAS for specific data as of 2019)

Our members are also positive contributors to our community. They serve as volunteers in various civic and charitable projects, including; Rotary Club of Okeechobee, Economic Council of Okeechobee, Okeechobee Cattlemen, Okeechobee Cattlewomen, Okeechobee Area-Agri Council, Kiwanis of Okeechobee.

Okeechobee County Farm Bureau President Mickey Bandi, said members have worked together to earn the award, devoting time and dedication toward achieving common goals. “Our volunteers create the strength of our organization and they reflect its grassroots structure, “Mickey said. “I appreciate their service on behalf of our farm families as well as our larger community. “

Okeechobee County Farm Bureau members will join their fellow volunteers across the state to lead various activities and programs in the next year.

For more information about the Okeechobee County Farm Bureau contact Charlene.dewey@ffbic.com. The Okeechobee County Farm Bureau is affiliated with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Information about the state organization is available at www.floridafarmbureau.org.