Frankie "Bubba" Hall (middle) received the Florida Farm Bureau Federation Pat Cockrell Lifetime Achievement award at the organization's 84th annual meeting in Daytona Beach on Oct. 27. The award was presented by Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb Smith and state board member Henry McCrone. /Photo special to Alachua County Today

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DAYTONA BEACH – A familiar name in Florida agriculture, Frankie “Bubba” Hall of Alachua County, has been honored with one of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s highest recognitions — the 2025 Pat Cockrell Lifetime Achievement Award.

Hall received the honor during the President’s Awards Banquet at the Florida Farm Bureau’s 84th Annual Meeting, held Oct. 27 at the Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

The prestigious award recognizes Florida Farm Bureau employees who have provided exemplary, long-term service to the organization and to the state’s agricultural community.

Hall dedicated more than 30 years to the Florida Farm Bureau Federation as Director of Agricultural Policy, where he championed legislation and initiatives designed to increase farmers’ and ranchers’ net income and improve the quality of rural life across the state.

His work was instrumental in developing policies that strengthened the voice of Florida’s producers and ensured that agriculture remained at the forefront of statewide economic and environmental discussions.

Even after his retirement, Hall has remained active in the agricultural community, continuing to mentor, advise, and advocate for the industry. He currently serves in consulting roles with Highlands Precision Ag, Vanguard Renewables, and Sustain RNG, companies focused on advancing sustainable agricultural practices and renewable energy solutions.

Throughout his career, Hall has been known for his deep understanding of agricultural issues, his approachable leadership style, and his commitment to collaboration among producers, legislators, and advocacy groups.

In addition to his Farm Bureau service, Hall has devoted time to youth agricultural programs, remaining actively involved with both the Florida Farm Bureau and FFA. His dedication to mentoring future leaders reflects his belief in the importance of preparing the next generation to sustain and innovate within Florida’s farming industry.

Hall’s long record of achievement also includes recognition beyond Farm Bureau. A U.S. Army veteran, he was honored by the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences with its Award of Distinction in 2010 — one of the highest honors presented to alumni who have made significant contributions to UF/IFAS, the agricultural industry, and natural resource management.

The Pat Cockrell Achievement Award, named in honor of the late Pat Cockrell, celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication and long-term service to the Farm Bureau’s mission.

Cockrell himself served more than 35 years with the organization, where his deep agricultural expertise and mentorship left a lasting impact on Florida’s farming community. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in February 2011, shortly before losing a year-long battle with cancer.

Like Cockrell, Hall’s career has been defined by his commitment to the values and people at the heart of Florida agriculture. His decades of leadership have contributed to shaping policies that support farmers, protect natural resources, and strengthen rural economies.

Florida Farm Bureau leaders described Hall’s contributions as a lasting example of how sustained commitment and advocacy can make a measurable difference in the lives of agricultural producers.

The organization, which represents more than 133,000 member-families, continues to recognize individuals whose work has strengthened the foundation of Florida agriculture through leadership, innovation, and service.

Through his ongoing consulting work and involvement in agricultural education, Hall remains a vital voice for farmers and rural communities across the state. His lifetime of dedication to agriculture continues to inspire new generations of producers who share his passion for the land and the people who work it.

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