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FAMILY RANCH
RECEIVES AUDUBON’S ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
FEATURE | c a t t l e
A story by KELSEY TRESSLER photo by SCOTT TAYLOR
AUDUBON FLORIDA recently named 4th-generation cattle business, Adams Ranch, the recipient of its 2014 Sustainable Rancher Award. The award is given annually to a ranch operation that demonstrates unparalleled concern and advocacy for the environment. Adams Ranch works hard to preserve the natural vegetation and wildlife on its 50,000 acres, which span through St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Osceola counties.
SMART MARKETING FOR SMALL FARMS To establish your small agricultural operation among competitors, it’s crucial to plan and put into action smart marketing strategies. Local farmers’ markets are exploding in popularity across Florida and serve as a great fit for smaller agri-businesses
lacking the time or resources to invest in an on-farm market. Participating in local farmers’ markets is a smart way to sell more of your produce and products. Furthermore, it allows you to engage with consumers more directly, which facilitates deeper connections and greater customer loyalty. Plus, it’s a stage to educate the public about where and how your food is grown, and it’s a great way to receive instant feedback, so you know what’s
working and what’s not.
To succeed in this realm, it’s important to create an experience
for your customer and provide only the best quality produce. Also, keep in mind that location matters. Successful farmers’ markets tend to be in closer proximity to heavily populated centers. As a vendor, go out of your way to be helpful. Answer questions. Provide samples. And after customers are done picking or shopping, direct them to other market activities (i.e., hayrides, corn mazes, demos, etc.). Finally, ask customers to follow you on social media to stay abreast of your new produce, deals, and special events.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) provides an informal listing of local markets for consumers. Check it out to start your market
success!
If you need funding to support your small agricultural
operation, investigate the farm loan options here at Bankers South or give us a call. We offer agricultural loans to support all facets of farming in Florida and beyond, and would love to assist you with your financing
Adams Ranch has also partnered with conservation groups to champion for conservation restrictions that protect Florida ranch properties, as well as cherished Florida lands, including the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge. The ranch has also helped other ranchers protect their own farms from the push for development.
While focusing on environmental conservation, Adams Ranch has also become a very successful cattle operation, coming 13th in the nation and fifth in the state of Florida in the 2013 rankings of Cow-
For all its achievements, the ranch started with humble beginnings, when Alto Adams, Sr. purchased a plot of untamed land in St. Lucie County. That was 1937.
Calf Operations based on the size of its herd. Adams Ranch developed a specific breed of cow, as well, called the Braford breed. For all its achievements, the ranch started with humble beginnings, when Alto Adams, Sr. purchased a plot of untamed land in St. Lucie County. That was 1937.
The farm has been passed down in the family
since then, coming into the hands of 4th generation members Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr., Zachary Adams, LeeAnn Adams Simmons, and Stewart Adams.
In the photograph attached to the Sustainable Rancher Award, Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr. stands on that same land, surrounded by the natural environment Adams Ranch works to protect. Bud Adams also put together a book of photographs focusing on his family’s ranch to help preserve Florida’s cattle history.
The Audubon society presents this award each year to ranches and ranchers that
make a concerted effort to pro-
tect the environment while run-
ning their businesses. Adams Ranch family members received the award from Audubon’s Di- rector of Advocacy, Charles Lee, at the Florida Cattleman’s Association Convention. “Bud Adams and his family were protecting wetlands and wild- life long before any regulations or government programs came about,” Lee states. “They have done it because they truly be- lieve in conservation.” ag
needs!
by LEIGH ANN WYNN
This column is sponsored by Bankers South Lending & Finance.
BIO: Leigh Ann Wynn is the Sr. VP of business development for Bankers South. Adding mortgage loan originator to her title, Leigh Ann is actively working with the AgAmerica Lending Program by Bankers South, offering low interest ag loans. As an active member of the ag community and a seventh generation Floridian, Leigh Ann understands your ag needs and is here to answer your questions. She can be reached at leighann@bankerssouth.com or (863) 607-9500.
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