Buck Strickland Named the 2011 Agriculturalist of the Year

(from left) Strickland, wife Vera Jo and presenter Buddy Keen

BRADENTON --  William Lee ”Buck“ Strickland was named the 2011 Agriculturalist of the year and inducted into the Manatee County Agriculture Hall of Fame at the annual Farm City Week Luncheon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton this week. Mr. Strickland began his agricultural career in 1958, working for C.R. Burnett and Sons where he grew vegetables and citrus. In 1967, Buck began farming with Palmetto Tomato Growers, and then in 1981 he started farming in his own operation, Shiloh Farms. 

Buck has been a regular in terms of his involvement in local agricultural and community activities. Among them, he served with the Florida Tomato Committee, which promotes the industry and advises growers on issues impacting their businesses.  Part of his success as a grower has been owed to his willingness to experiment with new practices. Strickland was one of the first farmers to use plastic mulch and to grow crops in multiple rows in his vegetable production operations. He was also an early adopter of using drip irrigation in his citrus grove.

Strickland's community service has been impressive to say the least. He has served on the Manatee County Extension Service Advisory Committee, as a Director for Manatee County Farm Bureau, and continues to assist 4-H Youth with livestock and agriculture projects. He and his family have been strong supporters of Palmetto High School's Football Boosters and for many years hosted a cookout to benefit the program. Buck has been a member of both Gillette Baptist and Palmetto First Baptist Churches where he has been a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for over 50 years. He is described by those who know him best as a ”quiet leader, who draws people to him“ and as ”a good listener and wise advisor.“

Strickland, a lifetime Manatee County resident was born September 7, 1937 in Palmetto and graduated from Manatee County High School in 1955. He lives in Parrish with his bride of 55 years, Vera Jo Burnett.  The couple have four grown children. Stickland was inducted by long-time friend Buddy Keen.