Escambia County's long-time leader
Merwyn Barrineau has lifetime of achievements
Merwyn Barrineau poses outside his residence and adjoining cattle ranch in the Northwest Florida community of Molino. He is joined by his wife, Sharon, and family member "Smokey" who willingly perked his ears on cue.
Ed Albanesi,
Editor
It speaks volumes about a man when he's able to make people smile just by showing up. And the grins were deafening when FloridAgriculture visited with Merwyn Barrineau in early December.
Barrineau, a cattle rancher in the northwestern Florida town of Molino, has been president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau for a good many years. When Ronald Reagan was first elected president of the United States, Barrineau was president of the local Farm Bureau.
Come to think of it, Barrineau was president when Jimmy Carter was elected in 1976. Ditto for Richard Nixon in 1968, Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and John F. Kennedy in 1960.
You have to go back to 1956 and the second term of President Dwight D. Eisenhower to mark the beginning of Barrineau's 46-year tenure as president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau. He's just the third president in the organization's history.
"I served on the county Farm Bureau board for two years before I was elected president," Barrineau recalled. "My dad (W.C.) had been on the board but resigned when I came on."
The Escambia County Farm Bureau Building was dedicated to Merwyn Barrineau in September 2002. A new sign is being prepared. Thanks to Barrineau's leadership, the building is fully paid for and generating income for the Farm Bureau from three tenants.
When asked why he has continually been reelected as county Farm Bureau president, Barrineau had a simple answer: "I never had any opposition."
Maybe it's his unaffected honesty that makes people around him smile.
When Sharon Barrineau welcomed this writer into the home she shares with her husband, you could sense the warmth of feelings that exist between the two.
She left us alone for awhile but it wasn't long before she returned to ensure that I had taken note of the wall of plaques and other honors that had been awarded to Barrineau over the years.
"You can start at one end of the room and work your way in a circle around to the other side," Sharon said with a smile. "And here's one that was given to Merwyn recently that we've got to find a place for."
She showed me an engraved plaque that was dated September 2002. It officially dedicated the 6,000-square-foot Escambia County Farm Bureau Agricultural Service Center in Molino to Merwyn Barrineau.
Under Barrineau's leadership the service center building was bought and paid for years ago. "Sometimes I think I might be a little too conservative," a somewhat sheepish Barrineau confided. "But I always thought there was value in staying out of debt."
Not only does the county Farm Bureau hold title to the building, but it rents space to three tenants, including the county tax assessor, the Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency.
Merwyn Barrineau is joined by several smiling friends outside the building that was dedicated to him. On Barrineau's left are Escambia County Farm Bureau secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson and agency manager Ronnie Day.
Barrineau is proud of his Escambia County Farm Bureau, the fifth largest in the state. "We have more than 5,300 members and an excellent board," boasted Barrineau. "Sometimes other county boards will get into squabbles, but we're mighty fortunate in that most of the time all of us agree on what needs to be done."
Barrineau raises registered Angus cattle. Up until a few years ago he also grew about 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans. Barrineau's grandfather came to the area (from Georgia) in the early part of the last century.
"My granddad came down here in the turpentine business and when that dried up, began raising cattle and row crops," recalled Barrineau. "My dad continued with the cattle and row cropping and there was never a doubt that farming was going to be my calling."
Barrineau's mother was a schoolteacher and he said school began early for both of them. He would tend to farm chores when he got home from school in the late afternoon and early evening.
"Back in those days it was all mules," said Barrineau. "Dad got his first tractor right after World War II.
"I would work the mules or get on the tractor after we got one. I would feed and water the cattle and pretty much do whatever needed to be done."
Barrineau noted that his dad was on the Escambia County Farm Bureau board when it was first organized in the 1940s. The younger Barrineau graduated from Pensacola Junior College in 1952 and attended the University of Florida the following year.
An active member of the Navy Reserves, Barrineau formed a partnership with his dad in 1953, the same year that he became active in Farm Bureau.
Merwyn Barrineau sits atop the new tractor that he and his dad bought in the late 1950s. The price they paid for it (including a large disk) was $3,300.
"I thought then, as I do now, that Farm Bureau was the organization that best represents agriculture," said Barrineau. " Not only does Farm Bureau work the issues in Tallahassee and Washington, its local presence can't be overlooked. If we don't speak up, someone else will."
Barrineau said that the Escambia County Farm Bureau has been active in local issues, many of them relating to taxes. But, as many other rural and agricultural communities are discovering, there are other issues on the table that need addressing.
"There were some folks in Pensacola not too long ago who were pushing a tree ordinance that was unfriendly to agricultural interests," he said. "I'm not even sure that these people knew that agriculture existed in our county."
Making sure that agriculture's voice is heard is one of the primary reasons for Farm Bureau's existence. And Barrineau has worked to ensure that this voice has been audible in his county for nearly 50 years.
While Farm Bureau has been an advocate for farmers' interests over the years, there are still some things that are beyond the control of the grassroots organization.
"This has been one of the worst years ever for our cotton and peanut farmers," Barrineau lamente
d. "The weather has ruined them and there probably will be many who will not be able to overcome it."
Barrineau also worries that family farmers might be an endangered species in Florida. "You used to be able to buy a tractor for $3,500," said Barrineau. "Now you might have to spend $135,000.
"At the same time, our farmers are getting the same price they did for grain 35 years ago. I just don't think a lot of young people are going to want to get involved in farming."
Like many Florida farmers, Barrineau recognizes the growing world marketplace as a contributor to the problem. "Mexican and South American farmers can produce their crops cheaper than we can because of cheap labor and the fact that they don't face the same tough environmental standards that we do," he said.
Barrineau recognizes that if the American farmers are to succeed, innovation might be the key. "I read about farmers who grew apples and decided to start growing peaches. Then they started selling peach pies. Times are changing and it means you might have to start doing things differently," he declared.
Barrineau has changed the way he markets his bulls. Previously he would sell his two-year old Angus bulls to individuals. About three years ago, he got involved with a company in Alabama. He now sends many of his weaned calves to Alabama where they are fed out to two-year-olds before being sold. This new method seems to be working out.
In 1998, Florida Farm Bureau bestowed its highest honor on Barrineau by making him the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. It was the same award that his father had received 20 years earlier, and W.C. and Merwyn remain the only father-son recipients of this most prestigious award.
One reason that Barrineau received the honor was due to his well-rounded contributions to the Florida agriculture industry. In addition to his long service to Farm Bureau, Barrineau was active in both the Florida and Alabama Cattlemen's Associations and helped found the Florida Soybean Association before serving as its first president.
After concluding a visit at Barrineau's home, we decided to take a ride over to the building that was recently dedicated in his honor. Sharon took a separate vehicle while Merwyn and constant companion Smokey (a genteel Chihuahua) rode with this writer. Barrineau's arrival at the Farm Bureau offices generated another bouquet of smiles.
With Sharon's (and Smokey's) approval, secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson greeted Merwyn with a "smooch" on the cheek. Agency manager Ronnie Day extended his hand and welcomed Merwyn into "his" building. There was genuine affection in the air and it was the kind of thing that couldn't be faked.
Merwyn Barrineau has provided 46 years (and counting) of leadership to the Escambia County Farm Bureau. His stewardship and service may be a major reason why he never has had any opposition when he was up for reelection.
But those smiles betray a much deeper reason.
Merwyn Barrineau has lifetime of achievements
Merwyn Barrineau poses outside his residence and adjoining cattle ranch in the Northwest Florida community of Molino. He is joined by his wife, Sharon, and family member "Smokey" who willingly perked his ears on cue.
Ed Albanesi,
Editor
It speaks volumes about a man when he's able to make people smile just by showing up. And the grins were deafening when FloridAgriculture visited with Merwyn Barrineau in early December.
Barrineau, a cattle rancher in the northwestern Florida town of Molino, has been president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau for a good many years. When Ronald Reagan was first elected president of the United States, Barrineau was president of the local Farm Bureau.
Come to think of it, Barrineau was president when Jimmy Carter was elected in 1976. Ditto for Richard Nixon in 1968, Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and John F. Kennedy in 1960.
You have to go back to 1956 and the second term of President Dwight D. Eisenhower to mark the beginning of Barrineau's 46-year tenure as president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau. He's just the third president in the organization's history.
"I served on the county Farm Bureau board for two years before I was elected president," Barrineau recalled. "My dad (W.C.) had been on the board but resigned when I came on."
The Escambia County Farm Bureau Building was dedicated to Merwyn Barrineau in September 2002. A new sign is being prepared. Thanks to Barrineau's leadership, the building is fully paid for and generating income for the Farm Bureau from three tenants.
When asked why he has continually been reelected as county Farm Bureau president, Barrineau had a simple answer: "I never had any opposition."
Maybe it's his unaffected honesty that makes people around him smile.
When Sharon Barrineau welcomed this writer into the home she shares with her husband, you could sense the warmth of feelings that exist between the two.
She left us alone for awhile but it wasn't long before she returned to ensure that I had taken note of the wall of plaques and other honors that had been awarded to Barrineau over the years.
"You can start at one end of the room and work your way in a circle around to the other side," Sharon said with a smile. "And here's one that was given to Merwyn recently that we've got to find a place for."
She showed me an engraved plaque that was dated September 2002. It officially dedicated the 6,000-square-foot Escambia County Farm Bureau Agricultural Service Center in Molino to Merwyn Barrineau.
Under Barrineau's leadership the service center building was bought and paid for years ago. "Sometimes I think I might be a little too conservative," a somewhat sheepish Barrineau confided. "But I always thought there was value in staying out of debt."
Not only does the county Farm Bureau hold title to the building, but it rents space to three tenants, including the county tax assessor, the Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency.
Merwyn Barrineau is joined by several smiling friends outside the building that was dedicated to him. On Barrineau's left are Escambia County Farm Bureau secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson and agency manager Ronnie Day.
Barrineau is proud of his Escambia County Farm Bureau, the fifth largest in the state. "We have more than 5,300 members and an excellent board," boasted Barrineau. "Sometimes other county boards will get into squabbles, but we're mighty fortunate in that most of the time all of us agree on what needs to be done."
Barrineau raises registered Angus cattle. Up until a few years ago he also grew about 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans. Barrineau's grandfather came to the area (from Georgia) in the early part of the last century.
"My granddad came down here in the turpentine business and when that dried up, began raising cattle and row crops," recalled Barrineau. "My dad continued with the cattle and row cropping and there was never a doubt that farming was going to be my calling."
Barrineau's mother was a schoolteacher and he said school began early for both of them. He would tend to farm chores when he got home from school in the late afternoon and early evening.
"Back in those days it was all mules," said Barrineau. "Dad got his first tractor right after World War II.
"I would work the mules or get on the tractor after we got one. I would feed and water the cattle and pretty much do whatever needed to be done."
Barrineau noted that his dad was on the Escambia County Farm Bureau board when it was first organized in the 1940s. The younger Barrineau graduated from Pensacola Junior College in 1952 and attended the University of Florida the following year.
An active member of the Navy Reserves, Barrineau formed a partnership with his dad in 1953, the same year that he became active in Farm Bureau.
Merwyn Barrineau sits atop the new tractor that he and his dad bought in the late 1950s. The price they paid for it (including a large disk) was $3,300.
"I thought then, as I do now, that Farm Bureau was the organization that best represents agriculture," said Barrineau. " Not only does Farm Bureau work the issues in Tallahassee and Washington, its local presence can't be overlooked. If we don't speak up, someone else will."
Barrineau said that the Escambia County Farm Bureau has been active in local issues, many of them relating to taxes. But, as many other rural and agricultural communities are discovering, there are other issues on the table that need addressing.
"There were some folks in Pensacola not too long ago who were pushing a tree ordinance that was unfriendly to agricultural interests," he said. "I'm not even sure that these people knew that agriculture existed in our county."
Making sure that agriculture's voice is heard is one of the primary reasons for Farm Bureau's existence. And Barrineau has worked to ensure that this voice has been audible in his county for nearly 50 years.
While Farm Bureau has been an advocate for farmers' interests over the years, there are still some things that are beyond the control of the grassroots organization.
"This has been one of the worst years ever for our cotton and peanut farmers," Barrineau lamente
d. "The weather has ruined them and there probably will be many who will not be able to overcome it."
Barrineau also worries that family farmers might be an endangered species in Florida. "You used to be able to buy a tractor for $3,500," said Barrineau. "Now you might have to spend $135,000.
"At the same time, our farmers are getting the same price they did for grain 35 years ago. I just don't think a lot of young people are going to want to get involved in farming."
Like many Florida farmers, Barrineau recognizes the growing world marketplace as a contributor to the problem. "Mexican and South American farmers can produce their crops cheaper than we can because of cheap labor and the fact that they don't face the same tough environmental standards that we do," he said.
Barrineau recognizes that if the American farmers are to succeed, innovation might be the key. "I read about farmers who grew apples and decided to start growing peaches. Then they started selling peach pies. Times are changing and it means you might have to start doing things differently," he declared.
Barrineau has changed the way he markets his bulls. Previously he would sell his two-year old Angus bulls to individuals. About three years ago, he got involved with a company in Alabama. He now sends many of his weaned calves to Alabama where they are fed out to two-year-olds before being sold. This new method seems to be working out.
In 1998, Florida Farm Bureau bestowed its highest honor on Barrineau by making him the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. It was the same award that his father had received 20 years earlier, and W.C. and Merwyn remain the only father-son recipients of this most prestigious award.
One reason that Barrineau received the honor was due to his well-rounded contributions to the Florida agriculture industry. In addition to his long service to Farm Bureau, Barrineau was active in both the Florida and Alabama Cattlemen's Associations and helped found the Florida Soybean Association before serving as its first president.
After concluding a visit at Barrineau's home, we decided to take a ride over to the building that was recently dedicated in his honor. Sharon took a separate vehicle while Merwyn and constant companion Smokey (a genteel Chihuahua) rode with this writer. Barrineau's arrival at the Farm Bureau offices generated another bouquet of smiles.
With Sharon's (and Smokey's) approval, secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson greeted Merwyn with a "smooch" on the cheek. Agency manager Ronnie Day extended his hand and welcomed Merwyn into "his" building. There was genuine affection in the air and it was the kind of thing that couldn't be faked.
Merwyn Barrineau has provided 46 years (and counting) of leadership to the Escambia County Farm Bureau. His stewardship and service may be a major reason why he never has had any opposition when he was up for reelection.
But those smiles betray a much deeper reason.
Escambia County's long-time leader
Merwyn Barrineau has lifetime of achievements
Merwyn Barrineau poses outside his residence and adjoining cattle ranch in the Northwest Florida community of Molino. He is joined by his wife, Sharon, and family member "Smokey" who willingly perked his ears on cue.
Ed Albanesi,
Editor
It speaks volumes about a man when he's able to make people smile just by showing up. And the grins were deafening when FloridAgriculture visited with Merwyn Barrineau in early December.
Barrineau, a cattle rancher in the northwestern Florida town of Molino, has been president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau for a good many years. When Ronald Reagan was first elected president of the United States, Barrineau was president of the local Farm Bureau.
Come to think of it, Barrineau was president when Jimmy Carter was elected in 1976. Ditto for Richard Nixon in 1968, Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and John F. Kennedy in 1960.
You have to go back to 1956 and the second term of President Dwight D. Eisenhower to mark the beginning of Barrineau's 46-year tenure as president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau. He's just the third president in the organization's history.
"I served on the county Farm Bureau board for two years before I was elected president," Barrineau recalled. "My dad (W.C.) had been on the board but resigned when I came on."
The Escambia County Farm Bureau Building was dedicated to Merwyn Barrineau in September 2002. A new sign is being prepared. Thanks to Barrineau's leadership, the building is fully paid for and generating income for the Farm Bureau from three tenants.
When asked why he has continually been reelected as county Farm Bureau president, Barrineau had a simple answer: "I never had any opposition."
Maybe it's his unaffected honesty that makes people around him smile.
When Sharon Barrineau welcomed this writer into the home she shares with her husband, you could sense the warmth of feelings that exist between the two.
She left us alone for awhile but it wasn't long before she returned to ensure that I had taken note of the wall of plaques and other honors that had been awarded to Barrineau over the years.
"You can start at one end of the room and work your way in a circle around to the other side," Sharon said with a smile. "And here's one that was given to Merwyn recently that we've got to find a place for."
She showed me an engraved plaque that was dated September 2002. It officially dedicated the 6,000-square-foot Escambia County Farm Bureau Agricultural Service Center in Molino to Merwyn Barrineau.
Under Barrineau's leadership the service center building was bought and paid for years ago. "Sometimes I think I might be a little too conservative," a somewhat sheepish Barrineau confided. "But I always thought there was value in staying out of debt."
Not only does the county Farm Bureau hold title to the building, but it rents space to three tenants, including the county tax assessor, the Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency.
Merwyn Barrineau is joined by several smiling friends outside the building that was dedicated to him. On Barrineau's left are Escambia County Farm Bureau secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson and agency manager Ronnie Day.
Barrineau is proud of his Escambia County Farm Bureau, the fifth largest in the state. "We have more than 5,300 members and an excellent board," boasted Barrineau. "Sometimes other county boards will get into squabbles, but we're mighty fortunate in that most of the time all of us agree on what needs to be done."
Barrineau raises registered Angus cattle. Up until a few years ago he also grew about 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans. Barrineau's grandfather came to the area (from Georgia) in the early part of the last century.
"My granddad came down here in the turpentine business and when that dried up, began raising cattle and row crops," recalled Barrineau. "My dad continued with the cattle and row cropping and there was never a doubt that farming was going to be my calling."
Barrineau's mother was a schoolteacher and he said school began early for both of them. He would tend to farm chores when he got home from school in the late afternoon and early evening.
"Back in those days it was all mules," said Barrineau. "Dad got his first tractor right after World War II.
"I would work the mules or get on the tractor after we got one. I would feed and water the cattle and pretty much do whatever needed to be done."
Barrineau noted that his dad was on the Escambia County Farm Bureau board when it was first organized in the 1940s. The younger Barrineau graduated from Pensacola Junior College in 1952 and attended the University of Florida the following year.
An active member of the Navy Reserves, Barrineau formed a partnership with his dad in 1953, the same year that he became active in Farm Bureau.
Merwyn Barrineau sits atop the new tractor that he and his dad bought in the late 1950s. The price they paid for it (including a large disk) was $3,300.
"I thought then, as I do now, that Farm Bureau was the organization that best represents agriculture," said Barrineau. " Not only does Farm Bureau work the issues in Tallahassee and Washington, its local presence can't be overlooked. If we don't speak up, someone else will."
Barrineau said that the Escambia County Farm Bureau has been active in local issues, many of them relating to taxes. But, as many other rural and agricultural communities are discovering, there are other issues on the table that need addressing.
"There were some folks in Pensacola not too long ago who were pushing a tree ordinance that was unfriendly to agricultural interests," he said. "I'm not even sure that these people knew that agriculture existed in our county."
Making sure that agriculture's voice is heard is one of the primary reasons for Farm Bureau's existence. And Barrineau has worked to ensure that this voice has been audible in his county for nearly 50 years.
While Farm Bureau has been an advocate for farmers' interests over the years, there are still some things that are beyond the control of the grassroots organization.
"This has been one of the worst years ever for our cotton and peanut farmers," Barrineau lamente
d. "The weather has ruined them and there probably will be many who will not be able to overcome it."
Barrineau also worries that family farmers might be an endangered species in Florida. "You used to be able to buy a tractor for $3,500," said Barrineau. "Now you might have to spend $135,000.
"At the same time, our farmers are getting the same price they did for grain 35 years ago. I just don't think a lot of young people are going to want to get involved in farming."
Like many Florida farmers, Barrineau recognizes the growing world marketplace as a contributor to the problem. "Mexican and South American farmers can produce their crops cheaper than we can because of cheap labor and the fact that they don't face the same tough environmental standards that we do," he said.
Barrineau recognizes that if the American farmers are to succeed, innovation might be the key. "I read about farmers who grew apples and decided to start growing peaches. Then they started selling peach pies. Times are changing and it means you might have to start doing things differently," he declared.
Barrineau has changed the way he markets his bulls. Previously he would sell his two-year old Angus bulls to individuals. About three years ago, he got involved with a company in Alabama. He now sends many of his weaned calves to Alabama where they are fed out to two-year-olds before being sold. This new method seems to be working out.
In 1998, Florida Farm Bureau bestowed its highest honor on Barrineau by making him the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. It was the same award that his father had received 20 years earlier, and W.C. and Merwyn remain the only father-son recipients of this most prestigious award.
One reason that Barrineau received the honor was due to his well-rounded contributions to the Florida agriculture industry. In addition to his long service to Farm Bureau, Barrineau was active in both the Florida and Alabama Cattlemen's Associations and helped found the Florida Soybean Association before serving as its first president.
After concluding a visit at Barrineau's home, we decided to take a ride over to the building that was recently dedicated in his honor. Sharon took a separate vehicle while Merwyn and constant companion Smokey (a genteel Chihuahua) rode with this writer. Barrineau's arrival at the Farm Bureau offices generated another bouquet of smiles.
With Sharon's (and Smokey's) approval, secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson greeted Merwyn with a "smooch" on the cheek. Agency manager Ronnie Day extended his hand and welcomed Merwyn into "his" building. There was genuine affection in the air and it was the kind of thing that couldn't be faked.
Merwyn Barrineau has provided 46 years (and counting) of leadership to the Escambia County Farm Bureau. His stewardship and service may be a major reason why he never has had any opposition when he was up for reelection.
But those smiles betray a much deeper reason.
Merwyn Barrineau has lifetime of achievements
Merwyn Barrineau poses outside his residence and adjoining cattle ranch in the Northwest Florida community of Molino. He is joined by his wife, Sharon, and family member "Smokey" who willingly perked his ears on cue.
Ed Albanesi,
Editor
It speaks volumes about a man when he's able to make people smile just by showing up. And the grins were deafening when FloridAgriculture visited with Merwyn Barrineau in early December.
Barrineau, a cattle rancher in the northwestern Florida town of Molino, has been president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau for a good many years. When Ronald Reagan was first elected president of the United States, Barrineau was president of the local Farm Bureau.
Come to think of it, Barrineau was president when Jimmy Carter was elected in 1976. Ditto for Richard Nixon in 1968, Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and John F. Kennedy in 1960.
You have to go back to 1956 and the second term of President Dwight D. Eisenhower to mark the beginning of Barrineau's 46-year tenure as president of the Escambia County Farm Bureau. He's just the third president in the organization's history.
"I served on the county Farm Bureau board for two years before I was elected president," Barrineau recalled. "My dad (W.C.) had been on the board but resigned when I came on."
The Escambia County Farm Bureau Building was dedicated to Merwyn Barrineau in September 2002. A new sign is being prepared. Thanks to Barrineau's leadership, the building is fully paid for and generating income for the Farm Bureau from three tenants.
When asked why he has continually been reelected as county Farm Bureau president, Barrineau had a simple answer: "I never had any opposition."
Maybe it's his unaffected honesty that makes people around him smile.
When Sharon Barrineau welcomed this writer into the home she shares with her husband, you could sense the warmth of feelings that exist between the two.
She left us alone for awhile but it wasn't long before she returned to ensure that I had taken note of the wall of plaques and other honors that had been awarded to Barrineau over the years.
"You can start at one end of the room and work your way in a circle around to the other side," Sharon said with a smile. "And here's one that was given to Merwyn recently that we've got to find a place for."
She showed me an engraved plaque that was dated September 2002. It officially dedicated the 6,000-square-foot Escambia County Farm Bureau Agricultural Service Center in Molino to Merwyn Barrineau.
Under Barrineau's leadership the service center building was bought and paid for years ago. "Sometimes I think I might be a little too conservative," a somewhat sheepish Barrineau confided. "But I always thought there was value in staying out of debt."
Not only does the county Farm Bureau hold title to the building, but it rents space to three tenants, including the county tax assessor, the Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency.
Merwyn Barrineau is joined by several smiling friends outside the building that was dedicated to him. On Barrineau's left are Escambia County Farm Bureau secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson and agency manager Ronnie Day.
Barrineau is proud of his Escambia County Farm Bureau, the fifth largest in the state. "We have more than 5,300 members and an excellent board," boasted Barrineau. "Sometimes other county boards will get into squabbles, but we're mighty fortunate in that most of the time all of us agree on what needs to be done."
Barrineau raises registered Angus cattle. Up until a few years ago he also grew about 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans. Barrineau's grandfather came to the area (from Georgia) in the early part of the last century.
"My granddad came down here in the turpentine business and when that dried up, began raising cattle and row crops," recalled Barrineau. "My dad continued with the cattle and row cropping and there was never a doubt that farming was going to be my calling."
Barrineau's mother was a schoolteacher and he said school began early for both of them. He would tend to farm chores when he got home from school in the late afternoon and early evening.
"Back in those days it was all mules," said Barrineau. "Dad got his first tractor right after World War II.
"I would work the mules or get on the tractor after we got one. I would feed and water the cattle and pretty much do whatever needed to be done."
Barrineau noted that his dad was on the Escambia County Farm Bureau board when it was first organized in the 1940s. The younger Barrineau graduated from Pensacola Junior College in 1952 and attended the University of Florida the following year.
An active member of the Navy Reserves, Barrineau formed a partnership with his dad in 1953, the same year that he became active in Farm Bureau.
Merwyn Barrineau sits atop the new tractor that he and his dad bought in the late 1950s. The price they paid for it (including a large disk) was $3,300.
"I thought then, as I do now, that Farm Bureau was the organization that best represents agriculture," said Barrineau. " Not only does Farm Bureau work the issues in Tallahassee and Washington, its local presence can't be overlooked. If we don't speak up, someone else will."
Barrineau said that the Escambia County Farm Bureau has been active in local issues, many of them relating to taxes. But, as many other rural and agricultural communities are discovering, there are other issues on the table that need addressing.
"There were some folks in Pensacola not too long ago who were pushing a tree ordinance that was unfriendly to agricultural interests," he said. "I'm not even sure that these people knew that agriculture existed in our county."
Making sure that agriculture's voice is heard is one of the primary reasons for Farm Bureau's existence. And Barrineau has worked to ensure that this voice has been audible in his county for nearly 50 years.
While Farm Bureau has been an advocate for farmers' interests over the years, there are still some things that are beyond the control of the grassroots organization.
"This has been one of the worst years ever for our cotton and peanut farmers," Barrineau lamente
d. "The weather has ruined them and there probably will be many who will not be able to overcome it."
Barrineau also worries that family farmers might be an endangered species in Florida. "You used to be able to buy a tractor for $3,500," said Barrineau. "Now you might have to spend $135,000.
"At the same time, our farmers are getting the same price they did for grain 35 years ago. I just don't think a lot of young people are going to want to get involved in farming."
Like many Florida farmers, Barrineau recognizes the growing world marketplace as a contributor to the problem. "Mexican and South American farmers can produce their crops cheaper than we can because of cheap labor and the fact that they don't face the same tough environmental standards that we do," he said.
Barrineau recognizes that if the American farmers are to succeed, innovation might be the key. "I read about farmers who grew apples and decided to start growing peaches. Then they started selling peach pies. Times are changing and it means you might have to start doing things differently," he declared.
Barrineau has changed the way he markets his bulls. Previously he would sell his two-year old Angus bulls to individuals. About three years ago, he got involved with a company in Alabama. He now sends many of his weaned calves to Alabama where they are fed out to two-year-olds before being sold. This new method seems to be working out.
In 1998, Florida Farm Bureau bestowed its highest honor on Barrineau by making him the recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. It was the same award that his father had received 20 years earlier, and W.C. and Merwyn remain the only father-son recipients of this most prestigious award.
One reason that Barrineau received the honor was due to his well-rounded contributions to the Florida agriculture industry. In addition to his long service to Farm Bureau, Barrineau was active in both the Florida and Alabama Cattlemen's Associations and helped found the Florida Soybean Association before serving as its first president.
After concluding a visit at Barrineau's home, we decided to take a ride over to the building that was recently dedicated in his honor. Sharon took a separate vehicle while Merwyn and constant companion Smokey (a genteel Chihuahua) rode with this writer. Barrineau's arrival at the Farm Bureau offices generated another bouquet of smiles.
With Sharon's (and Smokey's) approval, secretaries Katrina Sanford and Tena Dunson greeted Merwyn with a "smooch" on the cheek. Agency manager Ronnie Day extended his hand and welcomed Merwyn into "his" building. There was genuine affection in the air and it was the kind of thing that couldn't be faked.
Merwyn Barrineau has provided 46 years (and counting) of leadership to the Escambia County Farm Bureau. His stewardship and service may be a major reason why he never has had any opposition when he was up for reelection.
But those smiles betray a much deeper reason.
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Married to Sharon on 14 February 2002
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