Recognizing Reba Y. Mazak

Floor Speech

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Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize my friend, Reba Y. Mazak as the 2025 Woman of the Year in Agriculture for the State of Florida. Today, she was honored at the Florida State Fair--America's Sunniest Celebration--during the annual Woman of the Year in Agriculture Luncheon.

Since 1985, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in partnership with the Florida State Fair Authority, has recognized an outstanding Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Last March, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson bestowed this distinguished honor upon Reba Y. Mazak in recognition of her lifelong dedication to advancing Florida agriculture.

Reba is a fifth-generation Florida cattle producer with deep roots in agriculture. She was born into the Yarborough pioneer ranching family in Sanford, Florida, where she was raised with a deep respect for the land and livestock, learning the ranching lifestyle through hard work alongside her parents.

In 1985, she married her high school sweetheart and late husband, Paul Mazak. Based in Sumter County and starting with just seven acres and a mobile home, they built both a ranch and a family--raising two daughters, Rebecca and Audra--while transforming their modest beginnings into a thriving cattle operation spanning thousands of acres. Together, they built Mazak Ranch into a successful cattle operation with land in both Florida and Texas.

From attending Florida CowBelles events with her mother as a young girl, Reba has been a dedicated advocate for the beef industry from the very beginning. She has been active in Florida Cattle Women for more than 40 years and served as its President in 2004. She also served as President of the American National Cattle Women in 2022 during the organization's 70th anniversary. Reba has completed the Masters of Beef Advocacy Program and is Beef Quality Assurance certified.

Reba does not just represent a legacy of Florida ranching, she is actively shaping its future. She is deeply passionate about mentoring youth in agriculture and remains active in Farm Bureau leadership. Through her advocacy and hand-on mentorship, Reba has made a lasting impact on the next generation, including her four grandsons--Mayland, Myles, Waylon, and Warren--who are already learning the values of hard work, stewardship, and service that she lives every day.

Florida agriculture is stronger because of leaders like Reba. I am deeply grateful for her commitment, her example, and her lifelong service to our agricultural community. I congratulate Reba.

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