[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 27 (Monday, February 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING REBA Y. MAZAK

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                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 9, 2026

  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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