OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Two new members will be inducted into the Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Dr. Harrell Phillips and Scott Seiler will be honored for their work in the agricultural industry in Marion County Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Marion County UF/IFAS Extension Auditorium, Rowan Agriculture Center, located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Rd., Ocala. This recognition is part of the Farm-City Week celebrations running from Nov. 17 to Nov. 24.

Scott Seiler and Dr. Harrell Phillips will be inducted into the Marion County Agricultural Hall of Fame on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. Courtesy: Marion County Agriculture Hall of Fame

Phillips, a former Florida Cattlemen’s Association president and third-generation cattleman, found his passion early on his family’s Morriston farm. Now 64, he is a large animal veterinarian with experience in the beef, cattle, equine, and crop industries and owns Phillips Ranch in northwestern Marion County.

“Serving on the Farm-City Week and Hall of Fame committee is a highlight of my year as we recognize the high standards set forth by the Hall of Fame recipients,” says Tammy Gantt, associate vice president of member services and events for the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA).

Scott Seiler’s family has grown peanuts in Marion County for four generations, beginning in the 1930s alongside crops like squash, okra, and peas. In 2006, Seiler, now 62, renamed the family business Seiler Farm and expanded it to 1,000 acres, specializing in Valencia peanuts for boiled peanuts. He also enjoys team roping.

“Farm-City Week is so important here in our county and it’s a great time to recognize the impact agriculturists have on our community by providing food for our tables,” says Lynn Nobles, Marion County extension director.

Farm City Week Activities
Youth and adults are encouraged to enter the FTBOA Farm-City photo contest, open now through Nov. 30. Details are available on the Marion County Farm-City Week Facebook page.

Phillips and Seiler will be honored with bronze plaques in a permanent Hall of Fame exhibit in the extension service auditorium foyer. Each plaque will display their photo and a summary of their contributions to agriculture. They will also be celebrated in a Hall of Fame video released during Farm-City Week.