On September 1, 2009, twelve Polk County FFA members competed in the Polk County Farm Bureau Youth Speech contest. Students were judged on their speech content and speech delivery. The topic of the speech contest was, “What challenges will affect the sustainability of Florida Agriculture for the future?”


Michele Perez of Mulberry High School placed first followed by Crystal Meadows of Lake Region High School and Alexis Booher of Haines City High School. The top three contestants received a cash award.

The Polk County Cattlewomen's market steer record book has been posted. Download the record book in pdf format or visit the youth fair page for information about other contests.

On May 1st and 2nd the Horticulture Students of Lake Gibson Sr., Haines City Sr., and Bartow Sr. High School attended the second annual Spring Horticulture Field Trip. Over thirty students participated in this two day event. This trip was sponsored by a grant written by these three schools to increase membership in their Horticulture classes and to familiarize students with the Horticulture Industry. Business owners were made aware that students have an interest in Horticulture and will be certified by the time they graduate high school.    Read More...

On Februrary 18th, Polk FFA students had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Adam Putnam at the Old Courthouse Building in Bartow when Putnam announced his bid for Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture.

Pictured left to right:  Michael Roberts - Bartow High School Reporter; Shelby Freeman - Polk County FFA Federation Reporter; Congressman Adam Putnam; Lindsey Lunsford - Polk County FFA Student Advisor; Jacob Durrance - Polk County FFA Treasurer.