OCALA, Fla. – Dr. Harrell Phillips and Scott Seiler will be inducted into the Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Auditorium, Rowan Agriculture Center at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, as part of Farm City Week activities from November 17 through 24. Past living Hall of Fame recipients will also be a part of the ceremonies with each receiving an emblazoned, limited-edition jacket to honor their achievements.
“Farm City Week is so important here in our county and it’s a great time to recognize the impact agriculturists have on our community by providing food for our tables,” said Lynn Nobles, the county extension director.
Phillips’ and Seiler’s achievements will be commemorated with bronze plaques as part of a permanent Hall of Fame exhibit in the foyer of the extension service auditorium. The plaques will feature their photo and a summary of their achievements in agriculture. They will also be recognized with a Hall of Fame video released during Farm City Week.
“Serving on the Farm City Week and Hall of Fame committee is a highlight of my year as we recognize the high standards set forth by the Hall of Fame recipients,” Tammy Gantt, AVP of membership and events at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association said.
“This year is especially important because all of our living Hall of Fame members have been invited back to be honored as a group in front of the entire audience,” she added, “It will be a memorable experience to see such a group of inspiring leaders gathered all in one place.”
In addition to the banquet, a Vintage Farm Field Day will be held Monday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the College of Central Florida’s farm.
A Farm City week proclamation ceremony will be held on Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting and the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research Center is sponsoring an open house on Wed., Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Ocala Downtown Market will host a scavenger hunt on Sat., Nov. 23 and both youth and adults can submit photos for the FTBOA’s Farm City photo contest, now underway with the entry deadline Nov. 30. Visit the Marion County Farm City Week Facebook page to enter and for details.
Since its inception in 2003, the Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame has recognized individuals who have made tremendous contributions to the furtherance of agriculture in the community. Previous Hall of Fame honorees include 38 men and three women credited for their advancement in Marion County’s agricultural history.
Previous inductees include Bill Phillips, Terry Teuton, Mark Shuffitt, Gus Gray, Jerry Arthur, Russ Randall, Bud Boyer, Jim Williams, Franklin Walter “Frank” Smith, Adolph “Al” Kunz, Harry Mangurian, Jr., Arlen Jumper, D.A. Lewis, Jr., Nathan Mayo, Michael and Joseph O’Farrell, Marilyn Grant, Kay Richardson, Bill Reese, Carey Robbins, E.L. Strickland, Carol Harris, Elmer Heubeck, Jo Ann Smith, James M. ‘Jimmie’ Glisson, Barnard Grant, Edsel W. Rowan, Charles Seiler, Jr., Dr. William R. Brawner, Jackson C. Dudley, Carl Rose, Ned H. Folks, O.D. “Buddy” Huff, Carl G. Rose, Leroy Baldwin, T. Richard Barber, Jr., Bonnie M. Heath II, Douglas H. Oswald, Robert Renner, David Baillie, Jr., and Marion Roche.
For information about induction ceremony sponsorships or to purchase tickets, contact Patricia Nobles, County Extension Director and Extension Agent III, M.Ed., at (352) 671-8400 or noblesp@ufl.edu.
