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Florida Farm Bureau Continues Tradition of Supporting Ag Education at Warner University

The Florida Farm Bureau’s state board of directors approved a $24,500 scholarship a year (for two years) to provide a student the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Studies at Warner University.

This scholarship will help provide a student enrolled in the Ag program the opportunity to gain hands-on agricultural experience by managing the various aspects of the Swindle Ag complex on campus, including the Hunt Bros. greenhouse, land lab with heifers, citrus test plot, chicken coop, welding units, workshop, new John Deere tractor, raised vegetable beds, and more.

“We are delighted to help students achieve their dreams as they pursue their agricultural career,” said Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith. “It is a Farm Bureau tradition to support the next generation of agrarian leaders.”

Florida Farm Bureau has granted $40,000 in scholarships towards students’ tuition at Warner University over the past few years. It has been a regular supporter of the Apples of Gold women’s scholarship fund and the organization donated $25,000 towards the construction of the college’s Swindle Agriculture Complex in 2015.

The first recipient to be chosen for this scholarship and manager position is Mr. Payton Ogburn from Frostproof, Fla. After interviewing multiple students and reading through letters of recommendations and resumes, the committee at Warner chose Payton for his ability to think on the spot and work hard to get the job done, all while keeping up his grades.

“Warner University appreciates the partnership that Florida Farm Bureau has entered into with us,” says Leigh Ann Wynn, Asst. Vice President of Advancement at Warner. “Payton has already hit the ground running with his new position and the financial assistance is a real blessing to him.”

“Our Warner Collegiate Farm Bureau club is one of the fastest growing clubs on campus,” says Wynn. “We’re excited to see where these students end up being employed within the Ag industry.”