Mac Carraway of SMR Farms honored as AgVocate of the Year

October 10 – Mac Carraway, president of SMR Farms, LLC in Bradenton has been selected as the 2012 AgVocate of the Year by the Agriculture Communicators of FL. The honor recognizes individuals who effectively communicate with opinion leaders and the general public to increase the recognition and appreciation of the important contributions agriculture makes to Florida’s economy and environment.  The award was presented at the Ag Institute’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 10 at the Holiday Inn at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

McClellan, Kress named 2013 AG-Vocates

Dairy farmer Dale McClellan and Rick Kress, president of Southern Gardens Citrus, were named 2013 AG-Vocates by the Agriculture Communicators of FL for their efforts to increase the recognition and appreciation of the important contributions agriculture makes to Florida’s economy and environment.  The awards were announced at the Ag Institute’s annual meeting in Orlando.

In accepting his award, McClellan said, “Guys like me need to make ourselves available to represent ourselves. And the more you speak, the less nervous you are.” Kress was recognized for his work to raise the profile of the citrus industry’s battle against the deadly disease of citrus greening.

Carraway of SMR Farms honored for outreach efforts

Mac Carraway, president of SMR Farms, LLC, Bradenton, Fla., was named the Ag Institute’s AgVocate of the Year at the organization’s annual meeting held on Oct. 10, 2012, at the Holiday Inn, Walt Disney World Resort. The honor recognizes individuals who effectively communicate with opinion leaders and the general public to increase the recognition and appreciation of the important contributions agriculture makes to Florida’s economy and environment.

Carraway was chosen for his tireless advocacy during the past year on behalf of the turfgrass/sod industry.  Carraway actively engaged with county commissioners, the general public and environmental advocates in three counties considering ordinances regulating landscape fertilizer use.  In one-on-one meetings and public hearings, Carraway offered information and support for science-based, common sense solutions that would bring mutually beneficial and measurable results.

“Mac’s firm, fair, dedicated and solution-oriented approach has been a tremendous asset for our industry, as he has been able to persuade regulators to slow down, dig deeper, and understand more as we work toward mutually beneficial solutions to the challenges Florida is facing,” said Betsy McGill, executive director of Florida Sod Growers Cooperative.

McGill added that Carraway has long been an excellent communicator for not only the turfgrass and sod industry, but for the entire Florida agriculture industry, during both his on-the-job and personal time.

Carraway currently serves as the Florida Turfgrass Association’s representative on the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Agricultural Advisory Committee as vice chairman, is a board member of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, and serves on FFVA’s Natural Resources Committee.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of Third Party Registrations, Inc.  Carraway is a graduate of Florida State University.

SMR Farms produces sod and improved turfgrasses, containerized and field-grown trees, premium Brangus and hybrid cattle, and citrus for both the juice and fresh-fruit markets.