Delegates at the 103^rd American Farm Bureau Convention have elected Jeb Smith of St. Johns County to a two-year term on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s board of directors.  Smith is the newly elected president of Florida Farm Bureau Federation and previously served on the Putnam/St. Johns County Farm Bureau board of directors.

“I am honored to serve at the national level on behalf of farmers and ranchers from across the southeastern portion of the United States.  Farm families across each of these states face critical issues daily and I am prepared to be their voice at the federal level, especially when making decision on policy,” said Smith.

A lifelong resident and business owner in St. Johns County, Smith and his family produce cattle, hay and sod. Smith’s family has farmed the land in St. Johns County for more than one-hundred years. His current family farm will be recognized as a Century Pioneer Family Farm in March of this year.

Smith began his Farm Bureau career as a local volunteer leader and has received the Florida Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farmer and Rancher Achievement Award and Discussion Meet Award. He has also served on American Farm Bureau’s advisory committees.

Locally, Smith has served on the St. Johns County Commission for District 2 and he currently serves on the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Board of Directors. He has served on multiple local boards, including the Hastings Drainage District, the Farm Service Agency, St. Johns County Overall Extension Advisory Committee and the 4-H Association Board of Directors. Smith studied at Ambassador Baptist College in Shelby, NC and is the founding pastor of God’s Way Baptist Church in Hastings.

Jeb and his wife, Wendy, have been married for more than 27 years. They have four grown children: Jared (m. Kamryn), Cady, Jeremy, and Cayla.