Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) field representative Rusty Wiygul is preparing to retire after 48 years. For nearly half a century, he talked to growers in their groves, listened to their concerns, helped solved problems and built relationships.
“Rusty’s career has spanned some of the most significant changes and challenges Florida citrus has ever faced,” FCM stated. “He joined the team at Florida Citrus Mutual at a time when Florida had hundreds of thousands of acres of citrus, and generations of growers were building their operations for the future. Over the course of his career, he witnessed devastating freezes, hurricanes, land-use changes, regulatory battles, market challenges and, ultimately, the arrival of citrus greening. Through it all, Rusty remained a constant presence in the field.”
The grower association noted that Wiygul attended countless grower meetings, field days, disaster recovery efforts and industry gatherings. He often arrived early and stayed late.
“If you have attended enough Florida citrus events over the years, there is a good chance you have also experienced another Rusty tradition: his cooking,” FCM stated. “From barbecue at grower meetings to meals at industry field days, Rusty has earned a reputation … as one of the people who knows how to bring a group of citrus folks together around a good meal.”
Wiygul has watched an entirely new generation of growers take the reins from their parents and grandparents. He has been a source of institutional knowledge and industry history.
“For many growers, Rusty is much more than a Mutual employee,” FCM stated. “He is a friend, a neighbor, a familiar voice on the phone and someone they know they can call when they need help. His departure marks the end of an era for Florida Citrus Mutual.
“The industry he leaves behind looks very different from the one he entered 48 years ago. But one thing has remained constant: the importance of people who are willing to stand alongside growers and fight for the future of Florida citrus. Rusty has done exactly that for nearly half a century.”
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