A 7th generation Manatee County man has been named 2014 Agriculturist of the Year.
On Tuesday, during the annual Farm City Week Luncheon, hosted by the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, Callon C. “Buddy” Keen, was recognized as the Manatee County Agriculturist of the Year for 2014.
Keen was selected for the award for his lifetime contributions in leadership and service to agriculture and youth.
Keen, a Manatee County native, has developed his love of the land into a successful family business.
His agriculture business endeavors include crop production in the area of citrus and farm and grove management services.
He is also a big supporter of 4-H and FFA programs and is frequently seen at the county fair waving his number in the youth livestock auctions.
He actively supports the Florida Baptist Children’s home, has served as president and co-founder of the Palmetto Little League, and is a longtime member of Palm View First Baptist Church.
He is a past president of the Palmetto Rotary Club and has served as a District Supervisor of the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation Board.
Keen is the father of five children, and six grandchildren. He lost his beloved wife, Susan, to cancer in 2009.
With the help of family and friends, they established a scholarship in her memory honoring their shared love of children and agriculture.