Launched in 2001, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is a landmark initiative by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Since its inception, the program has protected more than 200,000 acres of agricultural land through conservation easements.
By partnering with farmers and ranchers, RFLPP ensures that Florida’s agricultural heritage thrives while protecting its natural resources from the imminent threat of urban sprawl.
And, as Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson explains, the program ensures that farming remains viable for generations to come.
For the 2025 project cycle, RFLPP is reviewing 402 properties, including several in Polk County. Here’s an overview of some of the Polk lands:
- Kuder Ranch: This 525-acre property is a cross-bred cattle operation located near the Green Swamp. Its diverse landscape features improved pastures, wetlands, and remnants of pine flatwoods. Beyond agriculture, the ranch hosts guided hunts for wounded veterans to enjoy, along with wildlife viewing for species like indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, and sandhill cranes.
- Backbone Grove – Alico: This scenic property, one of many in Alico’s 51,300 acres of land statewide, is known for its grove operations and commitment to sustainable practices. Other projects in the Alico portfolio under RFLPP review include Babson Park, Lake Patrick/Lost Grove, and Oak/Pittsburg.
- Butler Tree Farm: A wholesale nursery in Lakeland, Butler specializes in trees and large shrubs from its location in the Green Swamp of North Polk County.
- Broken Arrow Ranch: This diverse farm balances cattle operations with natural preservation.
- G-3 Ranch: Roughly six miles from Frostproof, G-3 Ranch is primarily a Brangus cow/calf operation positioned within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Spanning 3,634 acres, the ranch’s conservation easement works hard to support populations of eastern indigo snakes, gopher tortoises, and other threatened species.
- Walter Farms: Located in Bartow, Walter Farms is known for blueberry production (including u-pick) and also raises cattle while balancing the needs of the surrounding environment.
- Weeping Creek Ranches: A family-owned and operated cattle and hay operation, Weeping Creek is located in Dover and has a profound commitment to ecological preservation statewide.
Overall, these properties highlight the importance of RFLPP in preserving Florida’s agricultural and ecological legacy for decades to come.
This article is sponsored by Labor Solutions, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of Central Florida Ag News or of its advertisers.
BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Arcadia, and Plant City. You also can visit his Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch online at www.DH-LR.com. A cattle rancher and citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.