January 17, 2019
Jake and Melissa Raburn of Hinton Farms Produce in Hillsborough County won the Excellence in Agriculture Award at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in New Orleans on Jan. 14, 2019.
The couple placed first in the nation for their impressive agricultural careers and community service.
The Raburns will receive a new Ford truck, courtesy of Ford. They will also receive paid registration to the AFBF FUSION Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 15-18.
“We are so proud of Jake and Melissa,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick. “They are outstanding representatives of our Young Farmers and Ranchers. Taking home this national honor is truly an accomplishment for them and our entire state.”
The Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes young farmers and ranchers who do not derive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation, but who actively contribute to their communities and grow through their involvement in agriculture, their leadership ability and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations.
The Raburns advanced to the national competition after placing first in the Excellence in Agriculture state competition at the Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting in October 2018.