BY PATRICIA NOBLES, UF/IFAS EXTENSION
OCALA, FL—Dr. Harrell Phillips and Scott Seiler will be inducted into the Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame at an induction ceremony and banquet on Thurs., Nov. 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. EDT at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala. The banquet is part of the annual Farm City Week activities held Nov. 20-27.
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.
Dr. Harrell Phillips
Born and raised on the Marion-Levy County line, Dr. Harrell Phillips is a third-generation cattleman involved in the commercial beef cattle, equine and crop industries from an early age. As a large animal veterinarian and the owner and operator of Phillips Ranch, he has continued the legacy of Fresh from Florida food production and livestock stewardship that his grandfather and father began in Northwest Marion County decades before. Committed to faith and family, Dr. Phillips and his wife of nearly 35 years, have raised two sons and instilled a love for agriculture in multiple generations. He has dedicated his life to preserving the heritage of both land and livestock. Dr. Phillips gives back to the youth of tomorrow and the agriculturalists of today through his labor, expertise and time.
Dr. Phillips has served in numerous professional organizations such as the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Secure Beef Supply Plan National Steering Committee, Pfizer Beef Ambassador, Farm Credit of Florida, Florida Farm Bureau, Southeastern Youth Fair Board and the Southeastern Youth Fair general board.
He was recognized with the CARES award presented by Florida Farm Bureau, Outstanding Rancher and Leader award presented by Farm Credit, NCBA Leadership award, NCBA Top Hand award, Cattleman of The Year presented by the Alachua Lions Club, All Florida Junior Rodeo Association support and generosity to youth, and recognized with honorary chapter Future Farmer of America degrees by Williston High School, Belleview High School and Vanguard High School.
Scott Seiler
Scott Seiler, has produced peanuts and cattle in Marion County since he started full-time in the family business after high school graduation. He grows peanuts and markets them throughout the Southeast, New York and California. He specializes in green peanuts, ensuring their quality and freshness. Those last two entities are his utmost important goal. His ability to enhance the processing line and ensure a cleaner and less perishable product helps make the Seiler brand one of the industry standards in green peanuts. Seiler also used some industry contacts to assist in bringing in a green peanut picking machine that has assisted in labor shortages. This has not only assisted him but also the farmers he works with.
He has worked diligently to help other young farmers get their start by lending advice or a helping hand when needed to insure they have the equipment or knowledge they need. Though he specializes in peanuts, his agricultural industry knowledge is vast because of the other crops he has grown. These crops include strawberries, peas, watermelons, cantaloupes, corn, hay and cattle. His prior service on the USDA/FSA board also assisted in keeping other producers and farmers aware of all the current programs offered to help Ocala farms stay operating and profitable during trying times. Scott has continued to use his knowledge and experience to pay it forward to the people and the land that has blessed him so much.
Seiler served in numerous professional organizations, such as the Marion County Farm Bureau, USDA/FSA board member and past president, the Florida Jr. Rodeo director, the Southeastern Youth Fair Rodeo chair and the Southeastern Youth Fair general board.
The 2017 Southeastern Youth Fair was dedicated to Seiler. He received the BFI Businessman’s Roping Champion, The Southeastern Gold Plus Champion and the PRCA Southeastern Circuit Finals Qualifier.
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.
