DAYTONA BEACH – Okeechobee’s Woody Larson was named 2026 Farmer of the Year by Florida Farm Bureau during the annual Florida Farm Bureau Convention, held Oct. 27-29 in Daytona Beach.

Woody Larson joined the family business, Larson Dairy Inc., in 1973 after graduating from The University of Florida.  Starting as a barn manager, he advanced to general manager and led the operation’s growth to more than 12,000 milking cows. In 2001, Larson and his wife Grace, founded Family Tree Enterprises, a diversified agriculture business specializing in dairy and beef operations along with hay, sod and nursery sales.   

Larson’s leadership extends across numerous agricultural organizations, including serving as officer of Southeast Milk Inc., for more than 20 years, board chairman of Farm Credit of Florida, and president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Nationally, he has represented Florida on the National Milk Producers Federation and the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. 

The Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year award is open to any farmer or member of a farming family actively involved in agriculture and is at least 21 years old. The winner will serve a one-year term beginning January 1 and concluding October 2026. 

The Florida Farmer of the Year will represent Florida Farm Bureau and champion agriculture at various agricultural-related events during their term. Additionally, the Florida Farmer of the Year will compete for the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year in Moultrie, Ga. against farmers from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.