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Commissioner’s AgriCorner
Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award Recipients
by COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ADAM H. PUTNAM
FLORIDA’S FARMERS AND RANCHERS have not only fueled our people and economy for the last five centuries, they have proven themselves as responsible and innovative stewards of our land. Today, Florida farms and ranches produce nearly 300 different agricultural commodities on 10 million acres of land. And at the same time, agricultural operations are preserving natural habitats and protecting our natural resources from development.
suppliers of tissue culture starter plants. As the nursery grew, so did its need for water. Randy installed a system that enabled his nursery to capture and re-use rainwater for 100 percent of its production needs.
Sutton and Kris Rucks, third generation owners of Milking R Dairy in Okeechobee, are the final recipients of this year’s award. The Rucks implemented best management practices to capture, store, reuse, and treat 100 percent of the wastewater produced on their farm, which now serves as a model for resource conservation. Not only have their efforts reduced phosphorus runoff, but they’re also saving money on the cost of operations.
Whether it’s producing milk, growing potatoes, or cultivating nursery plants, these winners have all implemented best
WHETHER IT’S
producing milk, growing potatoes, or cultivating nurs-
ery plants, these
winners have all implemented best management prac- tices that help them reduce runoff and reuse water, while producing high- quality agricultural products.
Each year, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recognizes Florida farmers and ranchers who demonstrate a sustained commitment to conserving Florida’s natural resources and improving our environment. The Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award goes to three Florida businesses that stand out for their efforts.
Bryan Jones received the award for im- plementing innovative irrigation methods and equipment at Riverdale Potato Farms
in Elkton. Riverdale is a successful family enterprise that has produced hearty potato varieties for almost 30 years. As a result of an improved subsurface drip irrigation system, he has increased water efficiency by 90 percent, reduced fertilizer use by more than 60 tons, reduced operating costs, and improved crop yields.
Randy Strode, owner and operator of Agri-Starts, Inc. in Apopka, is the second recipient this year. This nursery has become one of the world’s leading
management practices that help them re- duce runoff and reuse water, while pro- ducing high-quality agricultural products. All three recipients of this year’s Agricul- tural-Environmental Leadership Awards are proof of agriculture’s longstanding commitment to conserving Florida’s pre- cious natural resources.
I’m proud to recognize these Floridians for implementing innovative, business- savvy farming practices to conserve and protect our state’s diverse, world- renowned, and economically important environment. ag
FARMING INDUSTRY GETS SOCIAL WITH ‘FELFIES’
FA R M I N G is a very rewarding occupation, but it can also be very lonely, especially for small family-owned farms. Their days can be isolating. Their audience of animals may be great listeners, but they aren’t known for carrying on a conversation.
Farmers begin their day before many of us would even consider rising from bed. Their days are long and tiring and there is no rest for the weary. While farmers are out in the field creating our next meal, they are also looking to social media to reconnect to the world.
The new rage is called the “Felfie.” It’s a selfie picture taken by farmers of their farm life. Farmingselfie.com is a blog that was set up to collect felfies from all over the world. It’s a draw for all animal lovers because the site
FloridaAgNews.com
gives visitors a look at a career many of us know nothing about, and a sneak peek at beautiful farm animals.
Farming is a visual industry. There are many opportunities to capture nature through photos and videos. The felfies and videos show the personality of the farmers, but also the quirky personality
of many of their animals. It’s turning into a medium that connects farmers with other farmers, combatting the typical solitude of the profession, and allows us to partake in agriculture all over the world.
by MIKE MARTIN
BIO: Michael Martin of Martin Law Office in Lakeland specializes in agriculture and environmental legal representation. A native of Polk County, Mike attended college at Sewanee in Tennessee, before obtaining a doctorate in law from the University of Florida and has tried numerous cases nationwide since that time. Mike also serves as the director of the FFA Foundation and is the author of the novel, The Crestfallen Rose.
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