25thAnnual CARES event awards farmers
Suwannee County - Sunset Specialty Groundcover. -CARES Photo
Columbia County - Spring Head Ranch -CARES Photo
Madison County - Windy Ridge Ranch -CARES Photo
Staff Reports
During the 25th Annual Suwannee County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) Celebration, held earlier this month at UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center - Suwannee Valley, nine farmers and ranchers were honored for their environmental stewardship. Families recognized have demonstrated sustainability practices that provide open spaces, fresh air, wildlife habitat and water recharge for Florida aquifers.
Those awarded received a “This Farm CARES” sign to place at their farm gate to help bring awareness to their commitment to sustainability.
The nine recipients recognized, according to the release, were: AAA Hay in Bradford County, Clemons Farm in Bradford County, Spring Head Ranch in Columbia County, JCF Farm in Gilchrist County, Murphy Farm in Hamilton County, Fulford Family Farms, LLC in Jefferson County, Windy Ridge Ranch in Madison County, Sunset Specialty Groundcover in Suwannee County and M&S Fertilizer and Farm, LLC in Union County.
“Florida farmers and ranchers are among the most responsible stewards of our natural resources,” said President Jeb S. Smith, Florida Farm Bureau. “We are proud to recognize these farm families and their accomplishments.”
Suwannee County recipient, Sunset Specialty Groundcover, improves environmental quality using ornamental perennial peanut, a drought-tolerant and low-maintenance groundcover. This reduces the need for water, mowing and chemical inputs while helping improve soil and water quality. Overall, these practices support long-term resource conservation and sustainable landscaping.
Since its establishment, Owner Jerry Stageman has incorporated BMPs by using precision technologies like GPS, grid sampling and water monitoring. Their participation in FDACS cost-share programs shows a continued commitment to conservation practices. These efforts highlight a proactive approach to improving efficiency while protecting natural resources.
Columbia County recipient, Spring Head Ranch, uses a unique combination of cattle and pasture-raised laying hens to improve efficiency and sustainability. The hens not only produce high-quality eggs for local markets but also help control flies for the cattle, while the cattle provide some level of protection for the hens.
Over the years, the ranch has also stayed involved in agricultural educational research, hosting international agricultural leaders partnered with UF/IFAS on long-term studies focused on pasture management and soil health.
The ranch prioritized environmental stewardship by following BMPs and participating in programs like FDACS and USDA-NRCS. These efforts include invasive species control, improved watering system to protect natural water sources, and conservation easements to preserve land. By applying practices like the “Four R’s”- right source, right rate, right time, and right place- has improved soil health, forage quality, and overall profitability showing that sustainable agriculture and be both environmentally and economically beneficial.
Madison County recipient, Windy Ridge Ranch, started with rotational grazing practices and have since moved to managed intensive grazing. By controlling when and how cattle graze, the land is given time to recover, which helps improve the soil, allows for better water infiltration, and reduces water runoff. This improves their soil health that results in resilience of the entire operation.
The Adams have been actively involved in Florida’s BMP program since 2018 and have continued to build on their conservation efforts over time. They have implemented practices like improved drainage systems, better water distribution, and planting legumes to naturally reduce the need for nitrogen inputs.
The CARES program was established by Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership in 2001 to recognize superior natural resource conservation by agricultural producers. The program relies on action by farmers and ranchers to implement state-of-the-art natural resource management systems, or Best Management Practices, on their properties. More than 900 agriculturists statewide have received the CARES award since the program was established.
