UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County had the pleasure of organizing tours on April 12 of local ranches and farms to educate participants about agriculture.
The Vision Leadership Osceola Class of 2023 consisted of 32 participants that attended the tour. This yearly program is aimed at growing community leaders to be knowledgeable, engaged, and civic minded. Our first stop during the tour was to Doc Partin Ranch, where the ranchers shared their stories and wealth of knowledge with the Vision Leadership Osceola Class. The Doc Partin Ranch family members discussed the Florida’s cow-calf industry, and participants saw and learned how ranches play a role in flood control of urban areas.
The ranch gave a demonstration of how they work their cows in the cow pens and the class got up close and personal with their ranch horses. At the next stop, Heart D Farm, a working cattle farm and agritourism operation, showed off its stunning venue and hosted the class for a delicious steak lunch during the stop. During the lunch cooked by the Osceola County Cattlemen’s Association, the class had the opportunity to learn about the Silver Spurs Rodeo, Osceola County Cattlemen’s Association, Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show/Osceola County Fair, Farm Bureau, Women’s Leadership Committee, and Young Farmers & Ranchers.
Finally, the class traveled to Mick Farms to pick some strawberries, shop their farm stand, and learn all about the crops they grow, including southern peas, sunflowers, cauliflower, and collards. It was a great day full of fun and information for the class. The Leadership Osceola Class is better informed about the agricultural industry in Osceola, which will help those in it make better informed decisions to improve the future of our community and the agricultural industry.
Source : OsceolaNews