BY TRACY LEE TATE
Special to the Times
On Nov. 20, 2024, the annual Union County Farm City events were held at the Union County Agricultural Education Center.
The day began early with about 190 3rd graders (10 third-grade classes) from Lake Butler Elementary School who participated in a series of learning stations about agricultural topics.
Three University of Florida graduate students brought instruments and supplies to cover topics in engineering, aquatic engineering, and invasive plants, including a screen viewed with virtual reality goggles.
Also on hand were stations staffed by members of the Union County Beekeepers Club and Six Petal Flower Company.
Lunch grown on Union County farm
Soon, it was time for lunch, prepared by Michael Dukes, consisting of smoked chicken, cornbread, corn on the cob and mustard greens. Dessert was strawberry shortcake. All of the produce was grown on the Dukes Family Farm. More than 65 people attended the lunch and program.
After everyone had their plates and a little time to eat the program was opened by UF IFAS Extension Agent Jim DeValerio, who welcomed everyone to the event.
The Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H pledge were led by Emily Parrish and Cadence Duniven, members of the Union County 4-H Bunny Buddies Club. The Invocation was given by Raylan Dyal, member of the Union County 4-H Homeschool Club, then Latoya Hampton, member of the Pig Tails and Pony Tails 4-H Club, gave a short talk about “What is 4-H?”
Bailey Varnes, Lake Butler Senior FFA, then gave a presentation titled “Women in Agriculture,” followed by the recognition of the Community Partners at Farm Bureau (who sponsored the event along with the Dukes Family Farm and Six Petal Flower Company).
The CARES (County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship) recognition of Bielling Family was awarded to them last March by the commissioner of agriculture, but the farm was recognized at the event as well, with Cathy Bielling representing the farm as a CARES Farmer.
Dukes awarded Farm Family bronze plaque
Next, it was time for the Keynote Speaker, Melissa Dukes McNeal. She talked about the history of the Dukes Family Farm, which has been in Union County since the 1860’s. She is a fifth-generation member of the farm family. She also spoke about growing up and working on a multi-generational farm and what like lessons it has taught her to pass on to the next generation.
DeValerio then took the podium to announce the presentation of the Union County Farm Family Award. The award was presented Dukes Family Farm by Promised Land Family Ministries Director John Hall, who had nominated the family but did not know the winner until just before he spoke.
He wasn’t the only one who was kept in the dark about the winner. Although they brought most of the food, prepared it, helped sponsor the event and provided the Keynote Speaker, none of the members of the Dukes family knew they were to receive the award – except for Robin Dukes, who was sworn to secrecy but tasked with getting as many members of the family as possible to attend the event. The family received a bronze plaque and were both pleased and surprised.
The event ended on this happy note, and attendees stayed and talked for a while before returning home or to work to complete their day. All seemed to have enjoyed the food and the program, especially the newest best-kept-secret in Union County.
