Volusia County Farm Bureau

06/03/2026

Join us for our upcoming Equine Farm Field Day, where participants will gain practical knowledge and resources to support equine and farm management. Topics will include manure composting, fertilizer fundamentals, equine nutrition, and body condition scoring. Attendees will also learn about the various analytical services available through the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, including soil, forage (hay), and w**d testing programs that can help improve pasture and horse management decisions. This educational event is designed for horse owners, farm managers, and anyone interested in enhancing the health and productivity of their equine operation.

https://Equine-Farm-Field-Day.eventbrite.com

05/29/2026

Volusia County Offers Free Summer Meals for Kids at 57 Sites

VOLUSIA COUNTY – Children 18 and under can receive free breakfast and lunch at 57 locations across Volusia County through a federally funded summer meals program running from June 1 through Aug. 7.

There are no income restrictions, and parents do not need to apply or register their children to receive meals. For more information, call Volusia County Community Assistance at 386-736-5956.

The following sites will participate in Volusia County’s Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be served Monday through Friday unless otherwise indicated. All sites will be closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

DAYTONA BEACH

Boys & Girls Club John Dickerson, 308 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (June 1 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Cherry Sr. Cultural & Education Center, 925 George Engram Blvd. (June 1 through Aug. 1) - Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m., lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Hope Place Public Library, 1310 Wright St. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Islamic Center of Daytona Beach, 825 Derbyshire Road (June 8 through July 31; closed June 18 and Fridays) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

John H. Dickerson Heritage Library, 411 S. Keech St. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1:30 p.m.

LCE Summer Camp, 1825 Dunn Ave. (June 8 through June 25; closed Fridays) - Breakfast: 9 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Mount Bethel Baptist Church, 700 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Salvation Army Daytona Beach, 1555 LPGA Blvd. (June 1 through Aug. 5) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave. (June 1 through July 31) - Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Sunnyland Park, 825 Washington St. (June 1 through July 31) - Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural Center, 1000 Vine St. (June 1 through July 31) - Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

DEBARY

DeBary Hall Summer Camp, 198 Sunrise Blvd. (June 8 through July 24) - Breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

DeBary Public Library, 200 N. Charles R. Beall Blvd. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

DELAND

African American Museum of Arts, 325 S. Clara Ave. (June 8 through June 26; closed June 19) - Breakfast: 10 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch: noon to 12:30 p.m.

BHCFL Learning Center, 1609 S. State Road 15A, Suite 1 (June 1 through July 24) - Breakfast: 9 to 9:45 a.m.; lunch: noon to 12:45 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club Spring Hill, 935 Adelle Ave. (June 1 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Chisholm Community Center, 520 S. Clara Ave. (June 8 through July 24) - Breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

DeLand Church of Nazarene, 913 E. New York Ave. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry Ave. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch: 1 to 2 p.m.

First Christian Church, 1401 W. New York Ave. (June 8 through July 31) - Breakfast: 8:15 to 9:15 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Possible Ministries, 355 N. Kepler Road (June 8 through July 31) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m. to noon

Salvation Army of West Volusia, 1240 S. High St. (June 8 through July 24) - Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m.; lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Sports Tyme Summer Camp, 1400 Aquarius Ave. (June 1 through July 31) - Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

DELTONA

Boys & Girls Club Harris Saxon, 2329 California St. (June 1 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Catalyst Summer Leadership Academy, 100 Wolf Pack Run (June 8 through July 17, closed Fridays) - Breakfast: 8 to 8:30 a.m. and noon to 12:30 p.m.

Cornerstone Church, 2813 Howland Blvd. (June 1 through June 26) - Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch: 1 to 2 p.m.

Dewey O. Boster Park, 1200 Saxon Blvd. (June 8 through July 31) - Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Festival Park, 191 Howland Blvd. (June 8 through July 31) - Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Firefighters Memorial Park, 1426 E. Lombardy Drive (June 8 through July 31) - Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Iglesia Cristiana de Deltona (Deltona Christian), 960 E. Normandy Blvd. (June 1 through June 26; closed Wednesdays) - Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Life Fellowship Church, 1420 Courtland Blvd. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.; lunch: 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

EDGEWATER

Boys & Girls Club Edgewater, 650 Roberts Road (June 3 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Edgewater Public Library, 103 W. Indian River Blvd. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

HOLLY HILL

Boys & Girls Club Holly Hill, 1044 Daytona Ave. (June 1 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

LAKE HELEN

Boys & Girls Club Lake Helen, 493 S. Lakeview Drive (June 1 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Lake Helen Public Library, 221 N. Euclid Ave. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch: 2 to 3 p.m.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH

Babe James Community Center, 201 N. Myrtle Ave. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Daytona State College NSB Campus, 940 10th St. (June 1 through 18) - Breakfast: 8 to 8:30 a.m.; lunch: noon to 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.

New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

OAK HILL

Burns Science and Technology School, 160 Ridge Road (June 22 through July 16; closed Fridays) - Breakfast: 7:45 to 8:45 a.m.; lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

ORANGE CITY

All Around Kidcare, 123 W. Rhode Island Ave. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Everybody is Somebody (Mt. Barrien Church), 289 E. Blue Springs Ave. (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Orange City Public Library, 148 Albertus Way (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast: 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch: 2 to 3 p.m.

ORMOND BEACH

Camp Destiny, 1060 W. Granada Blvd. (June 15 through July 23; closed Fridays) - Breakfast: 8 to 8:30 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

First Responders Fostering Futures, 1681 W. Granada Blvd. (June 1 through July 10) - Breakfast: 8 to 8:30 a.m.; lunch: 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Nova Community Center, 440 N. Nova Road (June 15 through July 23; closed Fridays) - Lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. (June 1 through Aug 7) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

South Ormond Neighborhood Center, 176 Division Ave. (June 8 through July 31) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: noon to 1 p.m.

SOUTH DAYTONA

James Street Park, 170 James St. (June 8 through July 24) - Breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

PIERSON

Pierson Public Library*, 116 W. First Ave., Building 6 (June 1 through Aug. 7) - Breakfast and lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This site will provide grab-and-go bags.


RESTRICTED SITES

Additionally, Volusia County’s Summer Food Service Program will provide meals only to children who are enrolled at these sites:

Atlas Academy #3,152 Fairview Ave., Daytona Beach (June 1 through July 24) - Breakfast: 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Bethel Christian Academy Preschool, 312 N. Duss St., New Smyrna Beach (June 1 through Aug 7) - Breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club Oretha Bell, 813 Mary Ave., New Smyrna Beach (June 1 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3) - Breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Little Explorers Montessori, 408 N. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater (June 1 through July 31) - Breakfast: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Warner Christian Academy, 1730 S. Ridgewood Ave., South Daytona (June 1 through Aug 7) - Breakfast: 8 to 9:30 a.m.; lunch: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In addition to the County sites, Volusia County Schools will administer the program at participating public schools.

For more information, call Volusia County’s Human Services Office at 386-736-5955.

05/26/2026

Two programs. One powerful future.

Gainesville, FL - Join Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers and Women’s Leadership Committee for one dynamic conference experience.

REGISTER NOW!

The 2026 FUSION Leadership Conference is designed to bring together passionate agricultural leaders from across the Sunshine State to connect generations, strengthen relationships and build the future of agriculture, from the ground up.

Whether you’re growing your farm, your influence or your network, the FUSION Leadership Conference delivers:

Inspiring speakers, including keynote speaker Temple Grandin
Professional and leadership development sessions
Advocacy and policy updates
Networking opportunities
Celebrations of volunteer members
Competitive events

REGISTRATION

Registration covers most meals, sessions, social activities, a complementary t-shirt and all conference materials.

Standard Adult Registration: $150

Children (ages 3-11): $75

Children 2 and under: Free

Register here - https://floridafarmbureau.formstack.com/forms/2026fusionlc

HOTEL

A special group rate is available at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

Group Rate: $159.00 per night plus applicable taxes and fees (single or double occupancy)
Triple and quad occupancy rooms are available at $189.00 and $219.00 per night, respectively.
Reservation Deadline: June 12, 2026
Rooms within the group block are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One night’s room and tax will be charged at the time of booking.

REFUND POLICY

Refunds for cancellations will be issued only if requested by 5:00 PM EST on June 12, 2026. Refunds cannot be processed after this deadline.

For further assistance, please contact Jared Lanier at [email protected].

05/18/2026

The latest Rural Recharge episode is ready to be watched. Learn more about conservation easements with Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith and Dr. Nathan Palardy, a UF/IFAS assistant professor in the Food and Resource Economics department and Extension economist.

Learn how conservation easements help protect Florida farmland with Dr. Nathan Palardy and Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith.

05/07/2026

CARES nomination deadline is June 30

Nominate a farmer or rancher today. CARES recognizes farmers who have demonstrated exemplary efforts in protecting Florida’s natural resources. Nominations are open for those enrolled in a Best Management Practice program for a minimum of two years. Nominations close Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Go to Thisfarmcares.org

04/30/2026

Farm Bureau Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026 – American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the House of Representatives vote to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

“Farmers and ranchers applaud the House of Representatives for passing a new, modernized farm bill. We appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson’s leadership to get this done. After three years of extensions and eight years since a farm bill was passed, we’re grateful the House found a bipartisan path forward. Important updates to research and conservation, as well as increased loan limits and clarity on interstate commerce, will help farmers survive today’s challenges and give them the tools to thrive in the future.

“We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and move this important bipartisan legislation forward. Food security is national security, and investing in America’s farmers and ranchers is an investment in America’s families. We all benefit from a reliable and affordable food supply.”

04/27/2026

Calling all Women in Agriculture

Washington DC - In celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership program, together with a strong coalition of U.S. agrifood system stakeholders, is proud to host a landmark national gathering honoring the vital role women play in agriculture and the supply chain.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit will take place in Washington, D.C. June 1–3, 2026. This signature event—held in recognition of IYWF—will empower, equip, and connect women farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals. Through skill-building sessions, high-impact networking, and advocacy-focused programming, attendees will strengthen their voices and leadership within the agricultural community.

Calling all women in agriculture to join us in the nation’s capital for an experience that honors your impact and fuels your leadership journey.

Sign up by May 6 at

The International Year of the Woman Farmer ACE (Advocate, Cultivate, Empower) Summit will take place in Washington, D.C. June 1–3, 2026. This signature event—held in. Online registration by Cvent

04/14/2026

Nationwide Survey: Most Farmers Can’t Afford Fertilizer

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2026 – An overwhelming majority of America’s farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. The percentage who pre-purchased fertilizer varies significantly by region.

Conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation April 3-11, the survey shows 70% of respondents say fertilizer is so expensive that they will not be able to buy all the fertilizer they need.

More than 5,700 farmers, both Farm Bureau members and non-members, from every state and Puerto Rico took the survey. Farm Bureau economists analyzed the results in the latest Market Intel.

The analysis reveals that almost 8 in 10 farmers in the southern U.S. say they can’t afford all needed supplies this year, followed by the Northeast and West at 69% and 66%, respectively, compared to 48% of the farmers in the Midwest.

Just 19% of farmers in the South prebooked fertilizer purchases in advance of planting season. In the Northeast, only 30% of farmers prebooked, followed by 31% in the West, and 67% in the Midwest. Even with higher pre-booking rates, almost one in three Midwestern farmers still report entering the season without securing all of their fertilizer needs.

The conflict in the Middle East sent fertilizer and fuel prices soaring. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is keeping critical fertilizer supplies and crude oil from reaching global markets, putting a squeeze on supplies around the world.

“Spring planting decisions depend heavily on access to fertilizer and diesel fuel, both of which have been impacted by geopolitical risks that have disrupted global markets,” the Market Intel states. “Since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, nitrogen fertilizer prices have risen more than 30%, while combined fuel and fertilizer costs have increased roughly 20% to 40%. Urea prices have increased by 47% since the end of February, marking the largest month-to-month percentage increase in the price of urea. These increases are occurring when many producers were already facing tight margins for many consecutive years.”

Many of the farmers surveyed said they will forego applying fertilizer this spring in hopes that prices will return to an affordable level later in the growing season.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “The skyrocketing cost of fuel and fertilizer is creating more economic hardships for farmers who have already endured years of losses. Without the necessary fertilizers, we’ll face lower yields and some farmers will reduce acres altogether, which will impact food and feed supplies. It’s too early to know how this will affect food availability and prices in the long run, but it’s a warning light that we’ve shared with leaders in Washington. We look forward to working with them to find solutions so farmers can continue to feed families across America.”

According to the survey, 94% of respondents reported their financial situation has worsened or remained the same since last year, while only 6% reported improvement.

Get more survey results and read the full Market Intel at fb.org.

04/14/2026

Extension services is hosting another Annie’s Project: 6 to 8 p.m. April 30 and May 7 and 16 at the Volusia County Extension Office, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand. Extension Agent Ashley Stonecipher will instruct these classes, which will empower women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks, and resources. The cost is $12 per class. Register at https://annies-project.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ashley Stonecipher at 386-822-5778 or [email protected].

03/30/2026

Ag Innovation Challenge Opens: $100K for Top Entrepreneur

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2026 – The American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is accepting online applications from entrepreneurs for the 2027 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge through June 5. Now in its 13th year, this national business competition showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.

“Encouraging innovation is essential to keeping American agriculture strong,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “If you’re building a business that can help farmers and rural communities thrive, don’t wait, apply today.”

Farm Bureau is offering a total of $145,000 in startup funds throughout the course of the competition. After the application period closes on June 5, 10 semi-finalist teams will be selected and announced on Sept. 2. Next, the 10 semi-finalist teams will pitch virtually to compete for a spot in the final four round of the contest.

The final four teams will be awarded $10,000 each and participate in a live pitch competition in front of Farm Bureau members, investors and industry representatives at the AFBF Convention in January 2027 in Charlotte, North Carolina, to win:

Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Winner, $90,000 (total of $100,000)
Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge Runner-up, $15,000 (total of $25,000)

Farm Bureau is proud to recognize these innovative businesses, in partnership with sponsors Farm Credit, Bayer, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services, ClearPath and T-Mobile.

Recent winners of the Ag Innovation Challenge include FarmMind (2026), a company that unifies farm workflows from GIS to compliance and agronomic insights, and Gripp (2025), a company that provides an operator‑focused tool for asset tracking and team communication. Other examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge participants, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at fb.org/challenge.

Entrepreneurs must be members of a county or parish Farm Bureau within their state of residence to qualify as top 10 semi-finalists. Applicants who are not Farm Bureau members can visit https://www.fb.org/about/get-involved to learn about becoming a member.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on June 5

Become a member by joining your local Farm Bureau. As a member, you can participate in the organization's activities and initiatives, such as advocacy efforts, educational programs, and community service projects.