Data show that Polk County has some of the highest production rates for citrus and livestock in the state.

Agriculture has always been a booming industry in the county and those that live there take pride in that — much like Tyler Kelley, at GMC Buick in Bartow.

“We firmly believe that the kids that are involved in agriculture are the future leaders so, that’s where we invest our money,” he said. “The community that serves us, we serve them.”

Years ago, Kelley’s dad started a raffle program called 20 Buck Truck, where they raffle off a brand new Buick for $20 a ticket. All the proceeds raised in the program go towards teaching our youth how to work the land–raising livestock and growing produce.

“So, through the 20 Buck Truck, they raise money so they can buy animals like mine and I can keep doing what I’m doing and invest in my future,” said Polk County senior Payge Dupre.

Dupre has been sponsored by Kelley Buick GMC for several years.

“They bought my first pig and from there I was able to start buying breed heifers,” said Dupre. “And I showed those heifers, I would then breed them — they have calves and I then I can choose to keep that calf and that be my next show prospect, or I can sell it and make money, in order to buy my next one. It grows my heard — now I’m able to sell calves to other kids.”

Dupre said her days have started before sunrise since she was 8 years old. Now at just 17, she’s raised more than $50,000 selling her livestock.

“I’ll be going to college next fall — that’ll help me pay for my college,” she said. “I’ll also be able to get scholarships because I’ve been showing my whole life.”

Kelley Buick GMC in Bartow will draw the winner for the 20 Buck Truck on Oct. 12, National Farmers Day.

For more information, visit the 20 Buck Truck website.