Agricultural Innovator: Holmes County

On Friday August 9, 2013, 13 Innovative Farmers and Ranchers were recognized by University of Florida IFAS Extension and Farm Credit of Northwest Florida at the Jackson County Agricultural Conference Center in Marianna. This is the third year these two organizations have teamed up to honor a selection of the most innovative farmers from the Florida Panhandle.

The purpose of the Agriculture Innovator Recognition Program is to annually recognize innovative farmers and ranchers from 16 Florida Panhandle counties, from Jefferson west to Escambia County. In 2013, County Agriculture Extension Agents from 13 counties selected an Agricultural Innovator to recognize from each of the counties where they serve.

(From Left to Right) Rhonda Barton, Shep Eubanks of Holmes County Extension, and Ken Barton.

The 2013 Holmes County Agricultural Innovator is Ken Barton. Ken and his wife Rhonda own and operate Barton Family Farm. The Barton’s were nominated by Shep Eubanks, the Holmes County Extension Director and Agriculture Agent. Read the Bartons’ story below. Links are provided at the end of the article for other Ag Innovators previously highlighted. Additional award winners will be featured in Panhandle Ag e-News in the coming weeks.