by ALEXANDRIA BASTIEN, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County
On January 29, Highlands County Extension hosted its annual Livestock Ag Tour, an educational event designed to connect community members with the importance of Florida’s livestock industry. The tour highlights agriculture’s vital role in Highlands County, including its economic impact, environmental stewardship, and contributions to conservation and wildlife preservation. Participants also learned practical ways to support local agriculture, such as purchasing locally produced livestock products and advocating for Florida ranchers and farmers.
The Livestock Ag Tour provides a hands-on learning experience that allows participants to engage directly with producers and see livestock operations in action. This year’s tour included visits to Perry Cattle Ranch, Lykes Bros. Cattle, Milking R Dairy, and Cattlemen’s Market of Okeechobee. At each stop, producers shared insight into daily management practices, animal care and welfare, land stewardship, and the challenges and opportunities facing today’s livestock industry.
Throughout the tour, participants gained a broader understanding of how different segments of the livestock industry work together—from beef cattle production and dairy operations to livestock marketing and distribution. Discussions focused on how cattle move through the market system, the role of livestock markets in price discovery, and how these processes influence both producers and consumers. Participants also learned how income diversification can contribute to long-term ranch viability, helping operations remain resilient through market fluctuations, weather challenges, and changing economic conditions. This comprehensive view helped participants better understand the full scope of the beef and dairy industries beyond the ranch.
A key focus of the tour was highlighting the role livestock producers play in conservation and wildlife preservation. Participants learned how Florida ranchers actively manage land in ways that protect natural resources, support native wildlife, and promote long-term sustainability while continuing to produce high-quality food. These real-world examples helped demonstrate the balance between agricultural production and environmental responsibility.
The educational impact of the tour was evident through participant feedback and evaluations. On average, participants reported a 71% increase in knowledge related to the topics covered throughout the tour, including livestock production, economic contributions of agriculture, conservation practices, cattle marketing, and ways to support local agriculture. This measurable knowledge gain reflects the value of learning opportunities that connect consumers directly with the people and practices behind their food.
Highlands County Extension is incredibly grateful to the producers who opened their gates and generously shared their time, knowledge, and passion for the livestock industry. A special thank you is also extended to the Master Gardener Volunteers and the Highlands County Cattlemen for their support, along with event sponsors including Glades Electric Cooperative, Howard Fertilizer, Terri Conley – State Farm, Farm Credit, and Emily Jones – RE/MAX. Their support and involvement played an essential role in making the 2026 Livestock Ag Tour a successful and impactful educational experience for the community.