Rancher recognized for outstanding service by Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame
PALATKA, Fla., Feb. 10, 2016 — Brevard County rancher and chair of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Agricultural Advisory Committee Billy Kempfer is now officially a member of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place Tuesday evening. Below is a copy of the letter sent by District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle commending Kempfer’s service.
Reggie Brown
President
Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame
100 South Mulrennan Road
Valrico, FL 33594
Dear Mr. Brown:
On behalf of the St. Johns River Water Management District, I would like to thank you for recognizing the exceptional work of Billy Kempfer by inducting him into the Agricultural Hall of Fame.
Mr. Kempfer chairs our agency’s Agricultural Advisory Committee and has served on this committee since 1988. He understands the needs of the region’s ranchers and growers. He also has a keen understanding of water use regulation and policies regulating agriculture. Time and again, he has shown exceptional leadership, knowledge and diplomacy needed to reach solutions that satisfy all sides.
In December, Mr. Kempfer was kind enough to provide me with a tour of his Deer Park Ranch. His enthusiasm was evident throughout the tour as he explained how his family’s cattle, timber and sod operations have evolved over the decades to rely on sustainable water use practices. He is truly a steward of the land and we have enjoyed working with him over the years.
Thank you again for recognizing the great contributions Mr. Kempfer has made to agriculture in the area.
Sincerely,
Ann B. Shortelle, Ph.D.
Executive Director
St. Johns River Water Management District
Click here for additional information about Kempfer.