Sydney L. Sumner
Sid Sumner has served the Florida beef cattle and agriculture industry for more than 40 years. Mr. Sumner’s dedication to the industry is evident in his involvement at the local, state and national levels. Sid is a beef producer, consultant, industry representative, former Extension agent, and a strong supporter of youth agriculture programs. His dedication, straight-shooting honesty, and friendly nature are qualities that have made Sid an outstanding representative of Florida agriculture.
Born in the quiet town of Wimauma in 1940, Mr. Sumner is a fifth generation cattle rancher and manages his own purebred and commercial herds. Majoring in Animal Science, Sid earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1963 and his Master of Science degree in Agriculture the following year from the University of Florida. Following graduation, Mr. Sumner developed and conducted educational programs on beef cattle and forage management as a University of Florida Extension Service Professor in Polk County. He is the author and co-author of numerous articles and papers on topics related to the field of beef cattle and forage management. After 30 years with the Extension Service, Mr. Sumner is the President of Florida Agricultural Consultants, Inc. assisting cattlemen with ranch and forage management decisions and cattle selection, sales and appraisals.
Always involved in the industry, Mr. Sumner can be found at almost every beef industry meeting or program throughout the state and frequently the nation. Mr. Sumner’s devotion to the Florida agriculture industry has made a lasting positive impact.
