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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced the preservation of more Florida agricultural land through their Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). Howard Cattle Corporation, a 754-acre cattle operation in Hendry County, is being preserved through a rural land protection easement for $4,145,000.
Howard Cattle is a 754-acre commercial cow/calf and quarter horse breeding operation in Hendry County. The property is adjacent to Spirit of the Wild Wildlife Management Area to the north and Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest to the east. A variety of wetland and large landscape species including the Florida panther are found on this property, which lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
This property is operated by the 2nd generation of Howards and the 3rd generation is upcoming. The operation raises approximately 250 cattle on grasslands primarily composed of improved pasture with pockets of mature pines, cabbage palms, and oaks. It is located entirely within the Twelvemile Slough Florida Forever Project, and other surrounding lands include citrus, pasture, and wetlands.
The RFLPP purchases the development rights to the agricultural properties through voluntary rural land protection easements, which prevent the future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.
“Today, we’re proud to announce another critical step from our Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to safeguard our state and nation’s food security while also preserving Florida’s invaluable natural resources,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By permanently preserving Howard Cattle Corporation’s land from future development, we’re not only supporting Florida agriculture but also protecting natural landscapes that sustain our wildlife and water resources.”
Established in 2001, RFLPP recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the program partners with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.