Legends & Leaders

The Florida Cattlemen’s Association's Legends and Leaders page honors the individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have helped shape the legacy and future of Florida’s cattle industry. Included in the Hall of Fame are Past Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents, who have steered FCA through decades of growth and change. Honorary Directors and Cowman/Cowwoman awardees are recognized for their support and service to their local communities. Finally, the Hall of Fame includes a complete listing of the ranches who have been inducted into the National Environmental Stewardship Award Program as either a Region II or National Winner and all FCLA class graduates.

Each of our Past Presidents have played a vital role in shaping the FCA into the fruitful grassroots organization it is today. They are organized by decades and the year they entered into service. Beginning in the 2000s, FCA Presidents began having "themes" for their convention, which eventually turned into themes for their year of service. Additionally, each President from 2022 on has a logo to accompany their theme, which can be viewed by hovering over their portrait.

1934-1949

G. H. Prather

1934

Kissimmee

P. E. Williams

1935-40, 1943-46

Davenport

Dave Turner

1941-42

Bradley Junction

Irlo Bronson, Sr.

1947-50

Kissimmee

1950-1959

C. S. Radebaugh

1951-52

Orlando

J. O. Pearce, Jr.

1957, 1959-60

Okeechobee

Ben Hill Griffin, Jr.

1953-54

Frostproof

J. B. Starkey, Sr.

1955

St. Petersburg

B. J. Alderman

1956

Grandin

Alto Adams, Jr.

1958

Ft. Pierce

1960-1969

Louis Gilbreath

1961-62

Ocala

Latimer H. Turner

1967-68

Sarasota

George Kempfer

1962

Deer Park

Charles Lykes

1968-70

Tampa

Ralph Cellon, Sr.

1963-64

Gainesville

W. D. Roberts

1965-66

Immokalee

1970-1979

R. D. Bennett

1970-1972

Greenwood

Cedrick M. Smith, Jr.

1977-78

Micanopy

Thomas L. Sloan

1972-73

Ft. Pierce

Henry C. Douglas

1978-79

Zephyrhills

Pat Wilson

1973-75

Frostproof

Harvey A. Dahl

1979-80

Deeth, Nevada

1980-1989

Gilbert A. Tucker

1975-77

Cocoa

W. G. "Kayo" Welles

1980-81

Arcadia

Joe Marlin Hilliard

1984

Clewiston

E. D. Neel

1981-82

Chipley

Derrill S. McAteer

1985-86

Brooksville

Ralph W. Cellon, Jr.

1982-83

Alachua

Arky Rogers

1986-87

Lake City

Al Bellotto

1983-84

Lakeland

Dan B. Childs

1987-88

Lake Placid

Tommy Clay, Jr.

1989

Grandin

1990-1999

Andy Tucker

1990

Rockledge

Kay Richardson

1994

Evinston

Bert Tucker

1998

Rockledge

Leroy Baldwin

1991

Ocala

Paul Genho

1992

St. Cloud

Billy Kempfer

1995

Deer Park

Edgar Stokes

1996

Lorida

2000-2009

Larry Barthle

1999

Dade City

Joe Pearce

1993

Okeechobee

Marty Smith

1997

Wacahoota

Tom Kibler

2000

Lakeland

Jim Alderman

2001

Okeechobee

Wayne Godwin

2002

Lake Placid

"The Cattle Industy. Men and Women of Vision."

Roger West

2003

Gainesville

"Planning our future together, so that we all have a 'steak' in it."

Mike Milicevic

2004

Okeechobee

"Be part of the solution. Get involved."

Joe M. Hilliard II

2005

Clewiston

"Florida's Cattle Industry. A Family Tradition."

Hal Phillips

2006

Morriston

"Faith, Family, Friends. Standing on the Promises."

Larry Rooks

2007

Inverness

"Water, Land, Cattle. Working to Preserve our Heritage."

Robert "Bo" Hobby

2008

Williston

"Show up. Stand up. Speak up. Proud Cowboy Activism."

Wade Grigsby

2009

Venus

"Holding the High Ground."

2010-2019

Jim Strickland

2010

Myakka City

"Real Families. Real Florida. A Real Future."

Don Quincey

2011

Chiefland

"Blazing New Trails"

Woody Larson

2012

Okeechobee

"Get A Grip"

Wes Williamson

2013

Okeechobee

"Tell Our Story"

Henry Kempfer

2014

Deer Park

"Circle the Herd"

Erik Jacobsen

2015

St. Cloud

"Developing leaders for the future"

Ned Waters

2016

Bartow

"Our Roots Run Deep"

Ken Griner

2017

Chiefland

"Find A Way"

Alex Johns

2018

Okeechobee

#ShowYourPassion

Matt Pearce

2019

Okeechobee

#ShareYourHeritage

2020-2023

Gene Lollis

2020

Lake Placid

#OpenGatesOpenMinds

Cliff Coddington

2021

Bradenton

#LetsRideTogether

Wes Carlton

2022

Ft. Pierce

#PreservingOurHeritage

#PreservingOurLands

Pat Durden

2023

Quincy

#CowsKeepFloridaGreen

Dale Carlton

2024

Wauchula

#LoyalToTheLand

FCA's Past Executive Vice Presidents were a central role in getting the organization off the ground and in its day-to-day operations. They were the bridge between FCA leadership and staff, provided guidance for the association's long-term goals, and remained committed to pushing for Florida to remain a prominent name in the cattle industry.

E. M. Walker

1934

J. R. Gunn

1934-1965

Art Higbie

1960-1969

Tommy L. Keith

1969-1971

Wayne Stephens

1971-1974

Jim Luttrell

1974-1975

Jim Mummey

1976-1979

Ron Stephens

1980-1983

Jim Flanagan

1983-1985

Bob Price

1986-1987

Bobbie Lollis

1988-1998

Jim Handley

1998-2025

The title of Honorary Director is a distinguished recognition awarded to senior members who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership within both their County and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. These individuals have spent a lifetime supporting and advancing the mission of FCA, contributing meaningfully at the local and state levels.

To receive this honor, a member must be nominated by their county association, be past the generally recognized retirement age of 65, and have demonstrated a record of active and prominent service. While Honorary Directors do not hold voting power, they retain the privilege to participate in discussions and offer valuable insight during Board of Directors meetings.

1952

D.R. "Dave" Crum, Hillsborough

1953

J. F. Sumner, Hillsborough

1954

Jesse A. Landrum, Citrus

1955

A. C. "Ab" Wright, DeSoto

1956

Columbus Fulford, Okeechobee

Wright W. Carlton, St. Lucie

1957

R. Roberts, Collier

S.A. Snyder, St. Johns

W. F. Tilton, Putnam

1958

J. R. Hendry, Hillsborough

1959

W. Henry Folks, Citrus

1960

Dr. Edgar Austin, Hillsborough

E. R. Graham, Dade

George C. Bronson, Osceola

1961

Charles L. Morgan, Gulf

E. Vernon Whidden, Polk

J.D. Williams, Marion

Jasper Q. Thompson, Hillsborough

T. W. "Tom" Brown, Sumter

W. M. O'Dell, Sr., Sumter

1962

B. E. Alderman, St. Lucie

George C. Perry, Sumter

Henry O. Partin, Osceola

James Durrance, Okeechobee

Nathan Holmes, St. Lucie

Walter F. Bronson, Orange

1963

Cedrick M. Smith, Sr., Marion

H. E. Wolfe, St. Johns

J.J. Bronson, Lake

John B. "Bert" Daugharty, Volusia

P.P. Fore, Sumter

W. M. Larkin, Pasco

1964

Charles S. Lee, Seminole

I. A. Krusen, Pasco

R. Barney Beck, Seminole

1965

A. B. "Lon" Folks, Marion

D. E. Cannon, Pasco

Gilbert E. Barkoskie, Indian River

J. A. Barthle, Pasco

J. O. Pearce, Sr., Okeechobee

V. E. Whitehurst, Levy

W. F. Ward, Polk

1966

A. B. Merritt, Lake

C. H. Downs, Sarasota

Henry D. Perry, Broward

John Norman, Okeechobee

L. R. Becker, St. Lucie

Luther S. Remsburg, Broward

N. B. Jackson, Highlands

R. E. Maxwell, Lake

W. M. Bridges, Lake

1967

Dr. Tom P. Charles, Manatee

Herman E. Turner, Sarasota

John N. McClure, Manatee

Ralph L. Griggs, Sumter

1968

Dr. Ralph W. Kidder, Palm Beach

Dr. W. G. Kirk, Hardee

George Sewell, Jackson

Henry D. Ryals, DeSoto

James F. Hammett, Pasco

Mel A. Smith, Highlands

R. H. "Bob" Ochiltree, Sumter

R. L. "Sarge" Gainer

1969

F. Marion Platt, Brevard

George L. Hindery, Volusia

Leroy E. Everett, Pasco

Lyman L. Gage, Flagler

1970

John F. Hayes, Sumter

John R. Norvell, Sr., St. Lucie

L. H. "Buck" Hawkins, Sarasota

T. Mabry "Jack" Carlton, Hardee

1971

Horace Miley, Hillsborough

Lacy L. Doke, Alachua

O. W. Dixon, Hillsborough

Ralph Redding, Marion

Russell Farmer, Hardee

1972

Arthur F. Raulerson, Okeechobee

Clyde Bailey, Sumter

Dewey Wilbanks, Hillsborough

E. D. Gregory, Duval

Eric Watson, Volusia

Francis R. "Frank" Edwards, Hillsborough

George A. Cross, Sarasota

J. O. Armor, Hillsborough

John L. Ayers, Hernando

Lett Maxey, Polk

M. A. Schack, Jackson

Marlin Hilliard, Hendry

R. E. Hamerick, Okeechobee

Roy Platt, Brevard

Samuel Davis, Jr., Hillsborough

1973

Albert R. Zetrouer, Marion

Alto Adams, Sr., St. Lucie

Carl R. McIntyre, Highlands

Colin Donaln Gunn, Putnam

Cushman S. Radebaugh, Sr., Orange

E. L. Yates, Sr., Orange

Herman Beville, Sumter

J. Carlisle Rogers, Lake

J. Elbert Zetrouer, Marion

James Lonnie Terrell, Sr., Nassau

James M. Hearndon, Brevard

M. M. "Mack" Overstreet, Osceola

Pete Micheloni, Lake

William H. Stuart, Polk

1974

C. Andrew Baker, Volusia

D. L. "Roy" Thigpen, DeSoto

F. E. "Hunkey" Pearce, Okeechobee

H. S. Camp, Marion

Jesse T. Simmons, Alachua

Leon T. Stephens, Hardee

N. H. "Doc" McQueen, Charlotte

S. L. "Sid" Crochet, Hendry

1975

E. B. Larkin, Pasco

Mrs. Edna Carlton, DeSoto

Mrs. Katie L. Durrance, Polk

Orian Edgar Wilkins, Highlands

Ralph E. Sumner, Hillsborough

Robert L. Griffin, St. Lucie

1976

Charles Lamar Anderson, Polk

George Martin Hancock, Polk

John Henry Turner, DeSoto

John L. Ayers, Hernando

Mrs. Mart Lou McFadden, Alachua

Mrs. Vernon Hill, Alachua

Roy Thomas, St. Lucie

Woodrow Peeples, Glades

1977

A. E. Summers, Alachua

Charles F. Trimble, Volusia

Colan Beville, Sumter

Jesse R. Thomas, Escambia

Park T. Weeks, Pasco

1978

J. B. "Bunk" McMullen, Hernando

Robert Turner, DeSoto

1979

Earl Carlton, DeSoto

Henry B. Parrish, Manatee

John D. Brown, Sumter

T. G. Lee, Orange

1980

Arch Whidden, Glades

Charlie Clark, Volusia

H. Guy Thompson, Sumter

James E. "Nick" Conner, Citrus

Marvin M. Gamble, Taylor

Mrs. A. E. Cayson, Calhoun

Peter Monroe Fussell, Polk

Thomas Seth Alderman, Hillsborough

1981

Angelo Massaro, Hillsborough

Boyd Cowart, Hardee

Charles W. Beck, Sr., Volusia

Dr. W. W. Matthews, DeSoto

Fred Waldron, Sumter

Howard Wise, Okeechobee

Mrs. Ruby Montague, Citrus

S. E. "Eddie" Sapp, Hendry

Sam D. Saunders, Clay

Vick Blackstone, Manatee

1982

Claude Willis Yelvington, Volusia

Daniel R. Smith, Jr., Palm Beach

Frank Lester "Judge" Platt, Brevard

Frank Wesley Williamson, Sr., Okeechobee

J. H. "Bill" Nichols, Sumter

J. R. "Jack" Spratt, Hendry

John Macrae Hood, Manatee

Maurice L. Hollins, Citrus

Ned Brock, Washington

Robert Ezell, Taylor

W. J. "Robbie" Robinson, Hendry

1983

Alvaro Sanchez, Jr., Palm Beach

Bruce Blount, Highlands

Cecil A. Tucker, Orange

Elmer R. McDonald, Volusia

Leo Boney, Okeechobee

Louie M. Sumner, Hillsborough

V. J. Collins, Washington

W. C. Ward, Holmes

1984

A. Ray Carlton, Hardee

Cletus Andrews, Holmes

Curtiss Quarrier, Nassau

Farrell Nelson, Jackson

George Dewey Jernigan, Santa Rosa

Guy S. Carlton, Hardee

Robert Elmer Teague, Sr., St. Lucie

W. T. "Bill" Stitt, Hendry

1985

A. David "Dave" Baille, Marion

Albert Triay, St. Johns

Charles Wilson Ward, Sr., Lee

Ernest O. Nowak, Escambia

Harold L. Williams, Hillsborough

Henry H. "Doc" Partin, Osceola

Joe Henry Peeples, Jr., Sarasota

Raymon F. Tucker, Flagler

Wendell B. "Wendy" Batey, Hardee

1986

Bert Edwards, Pasco

Earl Alexander Gilbert, Jackson

Elvin Daugharty, Volusia

Joe A. Hilliard, Hendry

M. E. "Max" Hammond, Polk

Mrs. Edna Pearce Lockett, Okeechobee

Ulysse S. Harrison, Jackson

1987

Bob McGarity, Volusia

E. D. "Buddy" Neel, Jackson

Fred Clark, Alachua

Harvey W. Benschoter, Sarasota

Henry A. Tanner, Lake

J. P. Sandlin, Levy

James Quincey Lee, Holmes

Mitchell Hauff, Pasco

1988

Benjamin Williard Redditt, Orange

Cecil Edwin Whaley, Osceola

Charles W. Flint, Lee

Edward Louis "Geech" Partin, Osceola

Everett "Hub" Boney, Highlands

J. O. Pearce, Jr., Okeechobee

Jack Revels, Sumter

John W. Gray, St. Lucie

Leo Barthle, Pasco

T. L. Mack, Marion

William Eugene Mitchell, Volusia

1989

C. M. Payne, Sr., Highlands

Clifford Fertic, Osceola

Doug Oswald, Marion

Rubin Carlton, St. Lucie

Snead Y. Davis, Alachua

1990

Gene Felton, Hendry

J. Persing Platt, Hardee

Jeannette & Henry Chitty, Alachua

Lawrence N. Journigan, Glades

Manuel Lopez, Hillsborough

R. A. "Bobby" Roberts, Collier

W. F. "Mike" VanNess, Citrus

1991

Alfred R. Tucker, Sr., Flagler

Alpha Jane Bridges, Lake

Bert H. Harris, Jr., Highlands

James R. "Ray" Thompson, Hillsborough

Ruth Kaune Baucom, Lee

Valentine M. Rooks, Citrus

1992

Clyde Hart, Volusia

Doyle Carlton, Jr., Hardee

Edsel Rowan, Marion

F. Earl Brooks, Citrus

J. E. "Ed" Kummer, Putnam

Joseph Barthle, Pasco

Robert Maxwell, Polk

1993

Claude G. Davis, NorthWest

Frank "Sloan" Baker, Jr., Jackson

G. T. Stack, Hillsborough

Glenn C. Key, NorthWest

Harris Fussell, Polk

J. B. Sloan, Lake

Ralph Sexton, Indian River

William Peeples, Glades

1994

Cecil W. Perry, Marion

Doyle Parker, Hardee

Dr. A.. E. Whaley, Osceola

E. H. "Ed" Finlayson, Jefferson

Harry L. Flint, Lee

1995

Deke Wood, Lake

E. J. Cowen, NorthWest

George C. Perry, Jr., Marion

John E. "Jack" Price Jr., Collier

Mrs. Rudy S. Welch, Dixie

Zeb A. Browning, DeSoto

1996

A. O. "Pete" McKendree, Pasco

Carl L. Johnson, Hillsborough

F. Bayard Toussaint, Charlotte

Helen Pleterski, Volusia

J. Pat Corrigan, Indian River

William Clay Wing, Sumter

1997

B. T. "Buster" Longino, Sarasota

Belle Jeffords, Alachua

Clyde Crutchfield, Jackson

Don Wakeman, UF Block & Bridle

F. Carlyle Platt, Brevard

Herb Rogers, Suwannee

James Webb, Jr., NorthWest

Leon Shell, NorthWest

Phil Turner, DeSoto

1998

Aubrey Caruthers, Sumter

C. H. "Shang" Bronson, Osceola

Donald LeFils, Sr., Volusia

Gilbert Slaughter, Pasco

Hugh Teuton, Marion

Joder Cameron, Volusia

John Hannon, Pasco

Leo Fertic, Osceola

Luther Bohanon, Highlands

Oscar Bass, Okeechobee

Owen J. Keen, Highlands

S. E. Moore, Manatee

W. G. Kilbee, Seminole

William N. Inman, Gadsden

1999

Doyle Conner, Jefferson

Edward Yarborough, Seminole

Edwin Rohde, Osceola

Howard Lerch, Jackson

Woodrow Story, Orange

2000

Bill Stragis, Pasco

Dr. Elver Hodges, Hardee

Dr. Joe Crockett, Hendry

James Todd, Sumter

Laverne Yates, Orange

Sanford Hartt, Highlands

2001

Donald Bronson, Lake

Dr. Frank G. Handley, DVM, Highlands

Edward McClelland, Hardee

James Mason Pasteur, Marion

Leo Delouie Wells, Sr., Sumter

Mildred R. Sherrod, Hendry

Norman Ray Stokes, Okeechobee

Walter J. Rentz, Columbia

2002

Dr. Donald Smith, Marion

Earl Partin, Osceola

Estella Barthle, Pasco

J. Persing Platt, Hardee

2003

Clifford Tyson, Indian River

G. W. "Buck" Mann, Polk

Jay Hebert, Orange

John Sixma, Volusia

Wilma S. Overstreet, Osceola

2004

Don Plagge, Hillsborough

J. Ben Rowe, Alachua

Jennings Overstreet, Osceola

Robert Ray Smith, Sr., Hardee

Sam Raulerson, Volusia

2005

Cecil "Guzie" Whaley, Osceola

James L. Murphy, Sarasota

2006

Bill Adkinson, Polk

Carl E. Askins, Sarasota

Doris Daughtry, Volusia

Elwyn Bass, Okeechobee

Ham Brown, Osceola

J. C. Bass, Okeechobee

Jim Pruett, Marion

Pete Clemons, Okeechobee

Robert Beiersdorfer, Hernando

2007

Al Johnson, Orange

Al Smith, Orange

Ann Keyser, Hernando

Anthony G/ "Tony" Carlton, Sarasota

Frank Bullock, Levy

James C. Peebles, Marion

Murray McDonald, Sr., Flagler

Tom H. Braddock, Duval

Wendell M. Smith, Hardee

2008

Joe B. Forshee, Duval

John M. Albritton, Sarasota

Willard K. Durance, Hardee

2009

Cecil Tucker II, Orange

Dr. Jerry Spears, Marion

Edgar Stokes, Highlands

Ernest Cone, Volusia

Eugene Carter, Levy

Wilbur "Wild Bill"Robertson, Hardee

2010

Henry Clay "Sonny Boy" Whaley, Osceola

James Alton Clemmons, Washington

Richard Llewellyn, Orange

Vivian Ann Norvell, St. Lucie

2011

Bernard Lewis, Gadsden

E. L. Strickland, Marion

Frank W. "Sonny" Williamson, Okeechobee

Gerald D. Simmons, Orange

Joe Jordan, Suwannee

Mrs. Rosa Lee Hull, Hendry

2012

Arlin Taylor, Manatee

Chuck Downs, Sarasota

Dub Cotton, Hendry

Earl Raulerson, Okeechobee

Fred Burnett, Orange

Herb Harbin, Osceola

Ormond Simmons, Seminole

Thomas Peterson, Sumter

2013

Dr. Al Warnick, Alachua

Fred Dietrich, Orange

Jim Fielder, Hendry

Sam Sikes, Hernando

2014

Frank Markham, Marion

John Stitt, Hendry

John Thomas, Citrus

Norman West, Osceola

2015

Bill Brown, Polk

Etter Usher, Levy

Jim Byrd, Okeechobee

Richard S. Kersey, Manatee

Richard S. Kellwy, Martin

William Poston, Gadsden

Woody Tilton, Putnam

2016

Charles "Manny" Flint, Jr., Lee

Jerry E. Willis, Hendry

Sidney "Sid" Lanier Sumner, Polk

2017

Herman Laramore, Jackson

James Edward "Jim" Parks, Manatee

2018

Joe Walter, Orange

2019

None

2020

None

2021

Bill Hood, Hillsborough

2022

Clyde Winston "Mann" Bailey, Sumter

Fred Waters, Polk

Larry Swindle, Hillsborough

2023

Benjamin "Wade" Redditt, Orange

Corbett "Mitchell" John, Manatee

Dallas Townsend, Hendry

Earlow Costine, Polk

Richard W. Joyner, Hillsborough

2024

Bobby Ray Durden, Gadsden

Dewey Fussell, Polk

Faye Mann, Manatee

Greg Corson, Seminole

Greg Woodard, Hillsborough

Michael Revels, Sumter

2025

Mack Glass, Jackson

Dr. Robert Gukich, Polk

Gary Revels, Sumter

The Cowman/Cowwoman award recognizes, honors, and aims to preserve the memory of members

who made substantial and lasting contributions to Florida’s cattle industry. These individuals, though never having served as a Past President or Honorary Director, left a meaningful legacy through their lifetime of service, leadership, and dedication to the ranching community. This award ensures their impact is remembered and celebrated by future generations. Each honoree represents the values, work ethic, and spirit that define the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the industry it serves.

2002

Harrell Phillips, Marion

2003

Jackie W. Bass, Highlands

Diane Clark, Osceola

Albert Barthle, Pasco

2004

C. E. "Buster" Bradshaw, Lake

Jim Smith, Osceola

Floramayne Rohde, Osceola

2005

V. E. "Elliott" Whitehurst, Levy

Luther M. White, Levy

Henry E. Ramsey, Osceola

2006

Albert Josh "AJ" McCall, Taylor

Bennie Marcus Rivenbark, Hernando

Calvin Oscar & Ethel Willis, Hendry

Charles V. Hardee, Levy

Eddie Eugene "Gene" White, Osceola

Eileen "Bill" Johnston Chapman, Osceola

Harris Fussell, Polk

Raymond Bronson, Lake

2007

Clifton (C. R.) Bowen, Hardee

Dr. Kenneth Keen, Hendry

Howard Freeman Barnett, Hernando

2008

Dr. Harold Eugene Henderson, Hardee

Mr. & Mrs. Hoe Tootle, Lake

2009

Carolyn Kempfer, Brevard

Juanell Pearce Peeples, Glades

Richard "Dick" Kelly, DeSoto

2010

Dennis L. Wynn, Polk

Doug Partin, Osceola

Emory Mills, Marion

2011

Dottie Mae "Katie" Nail, Brevard

James E. Williams, Jr., Collier

Jesse T. "Jack" Simmons, Levy

Ovida Smith Roberts, Hardee

2012

Betty Yarborough Schulsemeyer, Seminole

Doyle E, Carlton, Jr., Hardee

John E. "Bud" Whidden, Jr., Hendry

2013

Bryan "Tommy" Clark, Hernando

Emory Walker, Okeechobee

Tommy McGill, Hendry

2014

Doyle Alfred Story, Lake

R. A. Bobby Roberts, Hendry

2015

Boxham Lynn Lewis, Gadsden

Don H. Robertson, Okeechobee

James Walter Mann, Manatee

2016

Bobby F. Paige, Hendry

MaryAnn Tucker, Brevard

2017

A. H. "Hank" Varnum, Hillsborough

Allan "Randy" Ballard, Manatee

2018

None

2019

Alton Lee Langforg, DeSoto

Jerry Lee Shoop, Hillsborough

Nick Armeda, Lee

2020

None

2021

A. L. "Buddy" McCullough, Hillsborough

Danny Monroe, Jefferson

Earli Malcolm Sullivan, Polk

J. B. Simmons, Hillsborough

Marian E. Ramsey, Osceola

Robert L. Riedel, Jr., Okeechobee

2022

M. A. Shack, Jackson

Wayne "Bud" C. Greenwood, Jr., Polk

2023

Bill Barthle, Pasco

Cliston Sumner, Hillsborough

Mack Padgett, Polk

Reuben Wayne Carlton, St. Lucie

2024

Kerry Lee Hammock, Polk

2025

Dr. L.Bennett Flanders , Polk

Since its establishment in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program has honored cattle producers who go above and beyond in the preservation and enhancement of natural resources. Now in its 34th year, the award continues to bring positive public attention to the environmental contributions of the cattle industry. All nominees must be enrolled in and actively implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for nutrient management in cow/calf operations. These stewards of the land lead by example, showing how sound environmental practices and successful ranching go hand-in-hand. Florida is proud to be home to 16 Region II winners and 3 National winners.

Adams Ranch | Mike Adams

Fort Pierce

1991 Region II ESAP Winner

Crescent B Ranch | Fred C Babcock

Punta Gorda

1992 Region II ESAP Winner

Rafter T Ranch | James Wohl

Avon Park

1994 Region II ESAP Winner

Lykes Bros Inc | Michael A Milicevic

Lake Placid

1999 Region II ESAP Winner

Barthle Brothers | Larry Barthle

San Antonio

2001 Region II ESAP Winner

Carlton 2X4 Ranch | Barbara Carlton

Arcadia

2003 Region II ESAP Winner

Williamson Cattle Co. | Wes Williamson

Okeechobee

2004 National ESAP Winner

Lightsey Cattle Co. | Cary Lightsey

Lake Wales

2005 National ESAP Winner

Deseret Cattle & Citrus | Erik Jacobsen

Saint Cloud

2010 Region II ESAP Winner

Circle Square Ranch | E. L. Strickland

Ocala

2012 Region II ESAP Winner

Kissimmee Park Properties | J. Shane Platt, Carol Platt and Family

St. Cloud

2013 Region II ESAP Winner

Two Rivers Ranch | Robert M. Thomas

and Family

Thonotosassa

2014 Region II ESAP Winner

Bull Hammock Ranch | Wes Carlton, Mary Anne Cruse & Family, and Wayne Carlton

Ft. Pierce

2015 Region II ESAP Winner

Blackbeard's Ranch | Jim Strickland

Myakka City

2019 National ESAP Winner

JB Ranch | Russell and Liesa Priddy

Immokalee

2023 Region II ESAP Winner

Kempfer Cattle Co. | The Kempfer Family

Deer Park

2024 Region II ESAP Winner

M & D Overstreet Ranch | Mark Overstreet

Kathleen

2025 Region II ESAP Winner

The Florida Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy (FCLA) is a year-long program of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association that equips young cattle producers and industry professionals with the skills, knowledge, and connections to become strong leaders and advocates for Florida’s cattle industry. Through hands-on tours, educational sessions, and leadership training, participants gain a deeper understanding of industry challenges and opportunities. Graduates leave prepared to serve their communities, strengthen FCA, and help guide the future of Florida cattle ranching.

Class I

Jim Burnette

Phillip Clark

Chance Clay

Jason Conrad

Mike Facente

Bernie LeFils

Joshua McLendon

Jeremy Waters

LuJean Waters-Stein

Michael Woodham

Class II

Chris Fluke

Philip Grigsby

Rick Hartman

Steve John

Carl D. McKettrick, Jr,

Geoffrey Patterson

Tyler Pugh

Jay Ryals

Scott Shoupe

Justin Story

Drew Tucker

Beaver Yoder

Class III

Trampus Bellamy

Ralph Cahoon

Danielle Carothers

Matt Davis

Justin Feagle

Lint Jerrels II

Ricky Mercer

Will Moncrief

Payton Tilton

Chris Tuten

Class IV

Zach Adams

Breely Barthle

Lee Bigham

Will Butler

Clifton Chapman

Heith Crum

Chad Flint

Hunter Holley

Josh Lea

Kevin Lussier

Seth Poppell

April Walker

Class V

Pat Carlton

Taylor Davis

Wes Fussell

Korey Griner

Travis Larson

Laurent Lollis

Bobby Lott

Clint McWaters

Cole Russell

Hailey Tomkow

Robert Tripson

Justin Williams

Class VI

Derek Beaty

Jonael Bosques

Jane Cant

CJ Carter

Pete Dola

Matt Gonzales

Hunter Horne

Dave Mertz

Logan Perry

Aaron Weaver

JK Yarborough

Class VII

Mikayla Allison

Ty Bennett

Billy Bevers

Megan Bevers

Beverly Bronson McQuillen

Brad Carter

Cliff Coddington

Antonio Corona

Garrett Edmond

Bear McCullough

Nick Swain

Eden Yarborough

Class VIII

Peter Cline

Kevin Escobar

Moriah Johns

Eric Klein

Ashton Mears

Erik Mortuzzo

Clay Newsome

Cody Peck

Stephanie Peleaz

Charlotte Rutledge

Ben White

Clay Whitehead

Class IX

Martin Basford

Bailey Buchanon

Lauren Butler

Parker Carlton

Wyatt Carlton

Kemp Caudill

Stephanie Conrad

Kayla Gonzales

Jarrett Griffin

Zeb Griffin

Dusty Harbin

Nick Simmons

Class X

Hamilton Bishop

Jacob Bolin

Blair Buchanon

Rachel Butler

Samantha Dailey

Mary-Margaret Hardee

Quin Johnson

Chris McMaster

Kalan Royal

David Thomas

Justin White

Class XI

Emily Beaty

Darrylin Cannon

Lacy Griffin

Rana Hilliard

Hyatt Kempfer

Blake King

Newt Mattson

Tyler McAlister

Bryan McHargue

Jacob Ming

John Olsen

Class XII

Coming Soon!

The Florida Cattlemen’s Association Top Hand Award recognizes members who go above and beyond in growing our association. Each member who recruits 10 or more new members during the annual membership cycle (June 1–May 31) earns the distinction of Top Hand and receives a custom FCA Top Hand buckle in appreciation of their efforts to strengthen and expand our cattlemen’s network.

2024

Alan Baldwin, Marion

Doyle E. Carlton III, Hardee

2025

Alan Baldwin, Marion

Tom Bryant, North FL

Lisa Carlton, Sarasota

Sam Cone, Marion

Robert Kupke, Orange

Liesa Priddy, Collier

Dusty Rowland, Pasco

David Thomas, Jackson

2026

This could be you! Recruit 10 new FCA or Allied members by May 31st!