A cattle and peanut producer, D.A. Lewis, Jr. continued the passon for farming he received from his father. A native of Marion County, Lewis participated in 4-H and FFA and earned a degree in Agriculture at The University of Florida. Mr. Lewis served on the Marion County Farm Bureau Board, The National Peanut Council and supported youth education through the Southeastern Youth Fair.

Known as one of the most honored and respected figures in Florida’s history, Mayo served as the state’s commissioner of agriculture for 37 years. He is best remembered for establishing Florida’s citrus commission, eradicating the tick population, improving Brahma cattle, the promotion of Florida as a tourist state, and as the founder of farmers’ markets.

Owner of the historic Ocala Stud Farm, O’Farrell has dedicated his life’s work to the promotion and improvement of Florida’s thoroughbred industry. He is recognized as a National leading commercial breeder and locally as a leading consignor of two-year-old sales, and as a leading contributor to Marion County’s reign as “Horse Capital of the World.”

Grant was a successful cattle and dry peanut producer, farming as much as 1,000 acres at one time. Her industry service involved in numerous agricultural and civic organizations at both the local and State level. She has devoted much time to help youth in ag-related programs and in 1996, Grant was elected the 1st woman president of the Marion County Farm Bureau.

Kay Richardson is known for having one of the top producing cow/calf production operations in the nation.  He has been involved in numerous agricultural organizations at all levels of government, including serving on both the County and State Farm Bureaus, the Florida Beef Cattle and Improvement Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef association, and CattleFax.

Founder of GreenBriar Nurseries, Reese has dedicated over 30 years to the horticulture industry at local, state and National levels. He was instrumental in bring the Ocala Pride and Bloom program to the city and has served in a number of leadership positions including as President of the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association. 

Recognized for his work with the local cattle and timber industry and for his leadership roles in agriculture, civic and youth organizations, including the State and local farm bureau, the state and local cattlemen’s association, the Florida Forestry Association, and the Southeastern Youth Fair in producing “blue ribbon youngsters.”

Recognized for his lifetime commitment to the promotion, improvement and protection of the cattle industry in Marion County, Strickland has served on the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, as chairman of the Ocala bull Sales, president of the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association, and tirelessly supports the Southeastern Youth Fair.

Recognized for the breed-improvement and promotion of the American Quarter Horse, Harris is most noted for her work with her horse, Rugged Lark - A two-time Superhorse winner and the first Superhorse in history to produce a Superhorse. Lark performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics and was best known nationally for his bridleless performances.

A pioneer of the Florida thoroughbred industry, Heubeck managed the 1st thoroughbred operation in the area and developed his own farm, Quail Roost, into a highly successful thoroughbred and angus operation. He developed horse training patterns and schedules; and was a member of numerous Florida thoroughbred organizations.

Founder and owner of Ocala Stud Farm, OFarrell organized the 1st Two-Year-Olds in Training Sales in Hialeah. He was a National leading commercial breeder, promoter of the Florida Thoroughbred industry and was responsible for bringing the legendary sire, Rough’N Tumble, to Marion County.

Smith served as founding chair of the cattlemens beef promotion & research board, and was instrumental in the adoption of the Beef Checkoff by a nationwide referendum. she was the first female president of the National Cattlemens Association and served as assistant secretary of USDA, heading up the marketing & inspection division.

For over 40 years, Glisson has promoted agriculture in Marion County through his involvement in ag-related industries. He helped improve cattle breeding, serving 15+ years with the Ocala Bull Sale and S.E. Livestock Association and is a strong supporter of youth-in-agriculture programs. In 1982, the Southeastern Youth Fair was dedicated in his honor.

A farmer for over 40 years, Grant was one of the largest dry peanut producers in the area. His industry service included involvement in the State and County Farm Bureau, IFAS research, Florida Peanut Council and many others. He was one of the founders of the Southeastern Youth Fair; and in 1999, the fair was dedicated in his honor.

For over 30 years, Rowan worked with the UF/IFAS Extension Service, dedicating much of his life to serving the public. He was director of both the Florida and Marion County Cattlemens Association. He served as secretary to the Ocala Bull Sales for over 20 years. And in 1982, the Marion County Agricultural Center complex was renamed in his honor.

A 3rd generation farmer from Ocala, Seiler is most noted for promotion the green peanut industry in Marion County and was bestowed the Florida Peanut Producer Associations High Yield award. He was a member of both the Farm Service Agent committee and the Marion County Farm Bureau.

A veterinarian in Marion County for over 50 years, Brawner was a pioneer in equine reproduction. He was awarded Lifetime Membership to the Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club in 1990 and was inducted into the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners associations Hall of Fame in 2004.

A horse farm owner in Marion County, Dudley helped bring attention to the thoroughbred industry in Marion County through his part ownership of Needles, Floridas first Kentucky Derby winner in 1956. He was a long-time member of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association.

A 3rd generation cattlemen and vegetable grower from Dunnellon, Folks served 12 years as a Marion County Commissioner. Served as president of the Marion County Cattlemens Assoc., and was a long-time member of both the Florida Farm Bureau and Florida Agricultural Stabilization & Conservation Board.

A Produce Broker and citrus producer from McIntosh, Huff was a leader in opening new markets, engaging in innovative advertising/promotional programs. He is noted for his unmatched service to the citrus industry. He served on the Florida Citrus commission and was inducted into the 1981 Florida Citrus Hall of Fame.

Owner of Rosemere Farm, Rose is one of the early pioneers in the thoroughbred industry in Marion County. Throughout his life, Rose promoted agriculture through improving pasture grasses, promotion of purebred cattle, organizing the Southeastern Livestock Show and Sale, and working with FFA and 4-H clubs.

A nationally noted cattlemen and owner of Baldwin Angus Ranch, Leroy Baldwin received many honors in agriculture. An innovator, he developed drought resistant clover, new methods for silage storage and improvements to Angus breeding. He served as 2002 American Angus Association President, 1993 Lancaster/Sunbelt Farmer of the year, and was inducted into the 1995 Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame.

A native of Marion County, University of Florida graduate Richard Barber worked in agriculture growing peanuts and watermelon and raising cattle. His industry service included involvement in Farm Bureau, IFAS Share Council, National Peanut Council and many others. Richard was selected 1995 at the Lancaster/Sunbelt Farmer of the year.

A pioneer of Florida’s Thoroughbred industry, Bonnie Heath is noted as the co-breeder/owner to Needles, Floridas first Kentucky Derby winner in 1956. Owner of Bonnie Heath Farm, Heath served as the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association and worked tirelessly to promote the industry. He was also a strong supporter of the United Way of Marion County.

Founder and chairman of the Ocala Bull Sale, University of Florida graduate Doug Oswald was the first full-time agricultural banker in Florida. Much of his career centered on helping potential horse farm developers select quality soil on which to raise their horses. Oswald served on the State Assoc. of Soil Conservation District Supervisors and was Mayor of Ocala in 1976.

University of Florida graduate Bob Rennerserved as Marion County 4-H Agent from 1973-2003. He influenced many 4-H youth by teaching them skills that benefited them throughout their lives. Bob coached the Forestry Judging Teams to state championships 29 straight years and provided leadership in the National Junior Horticulture Assoc. The 2004 Southeastern Youth Fair was dedicated in his honor.

Marion Roche began his career in Marion County in 1936 as a teacher of vocational agriculture. During his 27 year tenure, the FFA Chapter under his direction won every state award possible. Appointed director of vocational education in 1963, Roche served in the capacity until 1987. In 1991, the Southeastern Youth Fair was dedicated in his honor.

David Baillie came to Marion County in 1943, when he was appointed assistant county agricultural agent. Following his appointment as Marion County sheriff during the 1950’s, Baillie operated a plant nursery. A substantial contributor to the Southeastern Youth Fair, the 1973 Youth Fair was dedicated in his honor.