Wedgworth Leaders Learn About Thoroughbred Significance in Florida – FTBOA

The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources held its annual Straughn Seminar at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association on July 18. FTBOA Associate Vice President of Membership Services and Events Tammy A. Gantt shared the economic impact of the industry with participants, its importance when approaching legislators and how the economics of a racetrack and incentive programs work for breeders, owners and stakeholders. 

Prior to the program at the FTBOA offices and museum, the class attended a session with FTBOA board president George Isaacs at Bridlewood Farm. They next visited FTBOA board member Paul Bulmahn’s Goldmark Farm where he focused on investment in land and operations for the industry. The group also toured his Triple Crown museum. 

FTBOA immediate past president Valerie Dailey presented, “Understanding Trends of Marion County Real Estate and Land Values.” 

The class of select agriculture leaders from across the state also toured the World Equestrian Center where Jim Wolf, president of Wolf Sports Group, discussed the economic impact of the facility and the opening of its new hotel, The Riding Academy. 

The two-day program included sessions on Civil Discourse, Deliberative Engagement, and Leading with Humility; Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: A Discussion of Forever Chemicals; Understanding Partisanship in Agriculture & Natural Resources; Florida Commodity Legislative Issues and Navigating the Process; The University of Florida Artificial Intelligence Initiative and The Future of Florida Agriculture; Leadership, Hardiness and Anti-Fragility; and a tour of the Dollar Tree Distribution Center, with the topic An Introduction to the Logistics Industry. 

The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources develops leaders to ensure a strong and adaptable Florida agriculture and natural resources industry for generations to come. 

The institute’s next stops are Washington, D.C. and an international trip to Nairobi, Kenya.

Return to the July 23 issue of Wire to Wire