The Women Behind Florida’s Beef Story

Since 1961, Florida CattleWomen have championed the beef industry through education, community outreach, and youth programs — connecting every Floridian to the ranches behind their meals.

Explore Programs

◆ Ag in the Classroom ◆ State Fair Booth ◆ Youth Ambassadors ◆ Florida Ranching Heritage ◆ County Chapters ◆ Legislative Visits ◆ Cooking Demonstrations ◆ Beef Promotion ◆ Ag in the Classroom ◆ State Fair Booth ◆ Youth Ambassadors ◆ Florida Ranching Heritage ◆ County Chapters ◆ Legislative Visits ◆ Cooking Demonstrations ◆ Beef Promotion

A Message From Our President, Debora Whaley

WELCOME to our Florida CattleWomen family page~ we are so happy you rode our way. As I ride ahead to open the gate as 26-27 Florida CattleWomen President, I do so with gratitude for those that rode before me, confidence in those riding beside me, and unwavering faith in those who will follow. When we show up, we are shaping perception and perception shapes the future of our Florida Cattle Industry.

You may have the perception that you need to be a cattle owner, or live on a ranch, because I hear this often! You most certainly do not! You don’t have to be born in it; you just have to believe in it! Always remember Psalm 50-10, “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills”. It all belongs to God our creator; we are here to care for the cattle. If you are passionate about the beef industry you belong here. Help us help those that don’t understand why cows matter. Help us educate, advocate, explain why our brand is essential in making our foundation stronger. Through leaders such as yourself, we will continue to shape who we are and our purpose. By elevating our voice, we strengthen our impact in agriculture and our BEEF industry.

We carry heritage and tradition, we feed the world with high-quality protein, we protect and manage our lands, and we fuel our economy.
The bigger picture is, if we take cattle out of the equation, we don’t just lose beef we lose land, livelihoods and a way of life. This is too precious to us to not hold our ground and take a stand. This is where you are essential to join and ride along with us. Every event, every conversation, every handshake, you carry this industry with you. Make sure the story of BEEF is told correctly. Just think of the impact you will make.

Connect with your County Associations to help strengthen their impact locally. Our counties are the lifeline to the state level. Please invite our FCW Executive Committee to your county so we can see firsthand the impactful ways you’re connecting with your BEEF consumers.

Another way to recognize our younger generations is an awards program I have presented as “FCW BEEF BRAND BUILDERS ELITE 10”, age 30 and under. The applications were released during our recent annual convention. Applications and guidelines are available on the website and also by reaching out to your county affiliates. These young patriots of agriculture and cattle are rising steadily toward the pinnacle of their fields. They should be recognized!

Hats off to my fellow FCW Executive Committee, Committee Chairs and Membership. You are the heartbeat behind our mission – pumping life, trust and leadership into every word we speak with purpose!

You are not here by accident; BEEF BUILDS YOUR BRAND as you represent and elevate an entire industry.

~ ‘I’ll be ridin’ where I’m needed next but I’ll be looking back to encourage each of you to ride through the gate with me.

Love, God, Family, Country and Beef

Debora Whaley, 26-27 FCW President

#beefbuildsyourbrand

About The President

Programs That Make An Impact

Beef Ambassador

The Florida Beef Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for youth to become spokespersons and future leaders for the beef industry.

Florida State Fair

Each year the Florida CattleWomen man a booth at the Florida State Fair, different counties volunteer to help run the booth for each days of the fair.

Beef Short Course

Beef Smarts & Savvy Starts. Hosted By: Kylie Philips & Deanne Maples, When: August 16th 9am – 2pm, Where: Silver Spurs Kenansville Clubhouse 589 1st Ave., Kenansville, FL

Wreaths Across America

“As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, one special way we can remember those who fought for our great country is to buy a wreath to place over their grave.

Come Together Over Beef

Every program, event, and outreach activity flows from our core purpose: to foster the well-being of the beef industry through education and promotion.

Join Us

Education

Telling the story of the beef industry.

Promotion

Built around one idea: come together over beef.

Community

Showing up for the local community.

Youth

Investing in the next generation.

Leadership

Building connections and creating opportunities for others.

Events

Events that celebrate beef and shared experiences.

Our Story

Honoring Florida’s
Ranching Heritage

Founded in 1961 as the Florida Cow Belles, Inc., Florida Cattle Women, Inc. (FCW) has grown into a statewide network of women united by their passion for the beef industry.

“Florida Cattle Women came about out of necessity. It came because we believe in our product and needed to help others see what we saw in our cattle here.”

— Eden Yarborough, 2024–25 FCW President

We work alongside the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Florida Beef Council to promote beef through education and outreach across all 67 Florida counties. As an affiliate of the American National Cattle Women, our voice reaches from local school classrooms to the national stage.