Jackson County AgVocator of the Year – Dr. Dan Gorbet
The AgVocator Award was designed to recognize exemplary leadership, dedication, and service to agriculture in our region. Tonight’s recipient is a man whose work has truly made an impact — Dr. Dan Gorbet.
Dr. Gorbet’s career is distinguished by decades of dedication to agricultural research, education, and youth development. After joining the peanut-breeding program at the University of Florida in 1970, he devoted his professional life to developing disease-resistant and high-oleic peanut varieties that have become foundational in the southeastern peanut industry. His work at the North Florida Research and Education Center for nearly four decades laid the groundwork for peanut cultivars that dominate acreage across the Southeast today.
Beyond the lab and field, Dr. Gorbet’s contributions reach into the very heart of our agricultural community. He has long been an advocate for agricultural education among high school students — helping ensure that tomorrow’s producers, researchers and ag-leaders have access and opportunity. While official profiles focus most on his peanut-breeding accomplishments, his local footprint tells a richer story. For many years, Dr. Gorbet has donated cattle to FFA chapters in Jackson and Houston counties, making it possible for students who might not otherwise have access to quality steers or heifers to get into the show ring and learn first-hand the skills and responsibilities of livestock production. Dr. Gorbet also served as a committee member for the Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association steer show, showing his willingness to serve at the grassroots level of youth development. In addition, he has also supported events like the Panhandle Youth Expo— always quietly, always committed to the idea that agriculture is strengthened when the next generation is prepared, engaged, and empowered.
In awarding Dr. Gorbet the AgVocator Award, we recognize not only the scientific and technical advances he has brought to local agriculture, but perhaps more importantly, the “people-side” of his work: his mentorship, his willingness to invest in young talent, and his belief that one of the greatest legacies we can leave is a new crop of agriculturalists who are prepared to carry our industry forward.
Because here’s the reality, cultivating the next generation of ag professionals is more than a nice idea—it’s essential to our future. It’s those young men and women who will take our industry into the next 20, 30, 40 years. We need minds trained, hearts committed, values rooted in service, and hands ready to do the work. Dr. Gorbet, through his actions and advocacy, has helped make that happen in numerous young lives in our county.
Tonight, on behalf of Farm Credit of Northwest Florida, our members and staff, and the many young lives you’ve touched — thank you, Dr. Gorbet. Please join me in honoring a man who truly embodies the spirit of the AgVocator Award.
The AgVocator awards are sponsored by Farm Credit of Northwest Florida. Nominations of award recipients were received from local agricultural organizations.