Charles H. Bronson is a fifth-generation Florida cattle rancher and was Florida’s 10th Agriculture Commissioner, serving from 2001 to 2010. As Commissioner, Bronson left a proud legacy. Under his leadership the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services implemented innovative programs to promote Florida agricultural products, protect the state’s natural resources, and safeguard Florida agriculture...

Gerald Mixon was born in Waycross, Ga., attended The Citadel, majoring in electrical engineering, and began his agricultural career as a weekend citrus grower and cattle rancher before he defied the experts and established a viable and profitable blueberry operation in Central Florida. Employing his engineering knowledge, Gerald eventually bought and headed his own very...

Sid Sumner has served the Florida beef cattle and agriculture industry for more than 40 years. His dedication to the industry is evident in his involvement at the local, state and national levels. Sid is a beef producer, consultant, industry representative, former extension agent, and a strong supporter of youth agriculture programs. His dedication, straight-shooting...

Bill Carey was a leader in the Florida cattle and dairy industries, and his wife Trudy continues to play an important role in Florida agriculture today. Together Bill and Trudy founded the Carey Cattle Company, Russell’s Dairy, Carey Beef, Inc., Carey Feedlot, Inc., and Carey Agri-International. In addition, the Careys generously volunteered their time with...

Kay Richardson is the president and general manager of Richardson Brothers, Inc., one of the top-performing cow-calf operations in Florida. He is known for the advances he has made in cattle production and for his marketing innovations. He is a strong supporter of cattle research at the University of Florida and has held many volunteer...

Third-generation citrus grower Mason Smoak accomplished an unbelievable amount in his short 33 years. He managed sprawling cattle ranches and citrus groves and lent his leadership skills to a long list of industry trade associations. He was involved in everything from agriculture education to conservation, and he embraced each new project with energy, optimism, and...

Fritz Stein owns and operates a 3,300-acre cattle ranch in Highlands County and a 750-acre sugarcane farm in Palm Beach County’s Everglades Agricultural Area.  That would be enough to keep most people busy, but for Stein it is just the tip of the iceberg.  A mind-boggling array of industry groups and civic organizations benefit from...