Honoring a Florida Trailblazer

There is something special about women lifting each other up, and I get to do just that for one powerhouse agricultural figure in the state of Florida. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has named Dr. LuJean Waters the 2026 Florida Woman of the Year in Agriculture.

A seventh-generation Florida cattle rancher and veterinarian, Dr. Waters is the owner of Heartland Large Animal Services, supporting livestock producers across Central Florida. She also teaches animal science and beef cattle production classes at Warner University in Lake Wales.

Commissioner Simpson says, “Dr. LuJean Waters has dedicated her life to serving Florida agriculture and the people who keep it strong.”

Dr. Waters has served in key leadership roles, including the Florida Beef Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board, and made history as the first female president of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association.

She is also deeply committed to mentoring students and supporting youth agriculture programs.

Since 1985, this award has honored women shaping Florida agriculture, and Dr. Waters is a proud part of that tradition.