By GARETT VALCOURT
Holmes County District 2 Commissioner and local agricultural producer Wade Ellenberg has been recognized among Florida’s top farmers after being selected as a finalist for the 2027 Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year Award, one of the state’s highest honors for agricultural excellence.
According to a letter from the Florida Farm Bureau Federation dated July 13, Ellenberg was chosen as a finalist in recognition of his leadership, innovation and commitment to agriculture, as well as his contributions to his community and the environment.
“Your application is a great testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Florida’s farmers and ranchers,” the letter states. “More than ever, Florida agriculture needs an ambassador that epitomizes the values and traditions inherent within our industry. Your dedication to your farm, the local community, and the environment shows you are a deserving finalist for this prestigious award.”
As part of the selection process, Ellenberg’s farming operation will undergo an on-site evaluation by a panel of three judges with expertise in agricultural production, finance and marketing. The judges are scheduled to visit his farm on Wednesday, August 26, where they will spend approximately three hours learning about the operation.
The visit will begin with an opportunity for the judges to meet Ellenberg and his family before touring the farm and discussing the management, production practices and overall operation.
The recipient of the 2027 Florida Farmer of the Year Award will be announced during the Commissioner’s Ag-Environmental Leadership Award Breakfast on October 30, 2026, as part of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s 85th Annual Meeting at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.
The Farmer of the Year program recognizes producers who demonstrate excellence in agricultural production while serving as leaders within their communities and ambassadors for Florida agriculture.
For Holmes County, Ellenberg’s selection as a statewide finalist highlights the continued importance of agriculture to the local economy and showcases the innovation and stewardship found among the county’s farming community.
Ellenberg, who also serves as Holmes County’s District 2 commissioner, has long been involved in both public service and agriculture. His selection places him among an elite group of producers competing for one of Florida Farm Bureau’s most prestigious agricultural honors.
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation noted that Ellenberg and his family will be honored during the annual meeting, where the state’s 2027 Farmer of the Year will be announced.
AMBER PATINO 
Staff Report 