Leaders of Agriculture

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors men and women who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in this state and to mentoring of our youth, who represent the future of agriculture in Florida.

2025 Inductees

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has honored more than 170 inductees since 1980.

Cary and Marcia Lightsey

Cary Lightsey is a sixth-generation Florida cattle rancher who married his high school sweetheart, Marcia, in 1973. Together, they not only saved the family ranch during hard economic times, they also expanded and diversified the operations and became leaders in the conservation arena. The Lightseys strongly believe in landowners participating in strategies that benefit all...
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Madeline Mellinger

Madeline Mellinger is an innovator in the field of integrated pest management and sustainable systems production who has dedicated more than 50 years to Florida agriculture. As a business owner, scientist and mentor, she has contributed greatly to the agricultural industry and to the development of its next generation of growers. Madeline Mellinger founded Glades...
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Jim Strickland

James Arthur “Jim” Strickland, Sr., has six decades of ranching experience. Born into a family that has been ranching in Florida since the 1800s, Jim grew up working with his father along the west coast of Florida. When his father died in the 1970s, Jim took over the family cattle operations at the age of...
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Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame

Banquet

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation and the Florida State Fair Authority invite you to attend the next Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet.

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Nominate

Anyone can nominate an agriculture veteran for consideration to be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Nominators are encouraged to submit a thorough, well-developed submission that shows the magnitude of a nominee’s contributions to the industry.

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Mentoring and Scholarship

Young people involved in agriculture are a key part of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet. It is those young agriculturalists that will pave the way for the future of this great industry.

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Inductees

Florida Agriculture's Greatest Pioneers, Innovators, and Heros

2024 2023 2021
2022 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Joseph A. Duda, 2015 Inductee 2015 2014 2013 Gerald Mixon, 2012 Inductee 2012 Bill and Trudy Carey, 2011 Inductees 2011 Ben Hill Griffin III, 2010 Inductee 2010 Mason Smoak, 2009 Inductee 2009 Dr. Alto Alfred Straughn, 2008 Inductee 2008

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