Gwinn Brothers Farm owner receives Outstanding Agriculturalist of the year award

L-R: Robert and Donell Gwinn of Gwinn Brothers Farm in Suwannee County.
-Photo: Courtesy Suwannee County Farm Bureau

By Tami Stevenson

Live Oak, Fla., – In a September 14, 2020 release by the Florida Peanut Federation, Donell Gwinn was recognized by Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents with the Outstanding Agriculturalist of the year award.

Donell and Robert Gwinn are brothers who have owned and operated Gwinn Brothers Farm in Suwannee County for over 25 years. The Gwinn Brothers have a rich farming heritage and are highly esteemed, well respected farmers throughout the farming community of Suwannee County, as well as numerous other farming communities throughout Florida and South Georgia. They produce peanuts, iron clay peas, bahia grass seed, hay, and beef cattle on a 1,137 acre farm, but they are best known for their premium watermelons, which are sold locally and throughout the eastern United States.

During watermelon season the brothers operate a packinghouse in McAlpin, where they employ local workers, and high school students.

Gwinn is well known throughout Florida and South Georgia for his farming expertise, mentorship of others and conservation efforts. He’s been a leader in Best Management Practices, sponsored by UF/IFAS, and continues to assist other growers in learning these practices.

The Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) holds fast to its mission “strive to improve and develop a thriving and sustainable peanut industry, ensuring all of Florida’s peanut producers and allied partners have the greatest opportunity to be successful.” This year, FPF’s Secretary & Treasurer Donell Gwinn, was recognized by Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents with the Outstanding Agriculturalist of the year award.

“It is because of members like Mr. Donell, that we are able to further our mission every day,” says FPF Executive Director Laura Fowler Goss. “He is a founding member and we are so proud to call him one of our own.”

The Florida Peanut Federation is a farmer-driven organization, whose purpose is to improve the business conditions of Florida’s peanut producers and to promote a healthy peanut market. FPF funds and promotes research projects based on real-time needs of producers in Florida’s peanut growing region. Florida Peanut Federation focuses on public relations and advertising to result in the further development, promotion, sale, and use of Florida grown peanuts.