Research is critical to addressing the needs within the cattle industry, and the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board (FCEB) is playing a pivotal role in driving timely and responsive research. This targeted approach is helping producers across the state remain both economically viable and environmentally responsible, ensuring that Florida beef stays competitive and relevant.
We spoke with Dusty Holley of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, who highlighted the unique value the FCEB brings to research, promotion, and education:
“I think it allows us to stay really on topic with the type of research that we do. Stuff that folks want to hear about and learn about and be involved with right now. Or promotional things that are not stale. It’s not a long-term agreement where folks got years to roll something out. You got to get it started now and you got to get it done now.”
Unlike traditional research funding mechanisms that may take years to deploy, the FCEB offers fast-access funding to address emerging challenges in Florida’s cattle industry.
“That’s a neat opportunity to kind of build some data sets to grow it for some other industry funding, governmental funding, institutional funding. This money that we spend here is really like a catalyst. It’s like a, hey, we didn’t know more about this current problem we have right now. We can get money fast and see if it’s something to look into more or not.”
The Board’s model is designed to bridge the gap between real-world issues and research action, keeping producers and the broader agricultural economy agile:
“I think that’s a role in the research world that this Cattle Enhancement Board really fits well — staying on top of issues right now. This research is helping us economically stay viable. That’s helping our products and our production have the best, most positive economic impact on the people that own it.”
Beyond the economic gains, Holley emphasizes that this research also strengthens environmental outcomes:
“It also provides the best environmental impact to everybody in the state of Florida.”
From water quality to herd health and consumer awareness, the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board is a catalyst for sustainable innovation in Florida beef production.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.
This is a segment from the Grazing The Facts Podcast where we take a look within the Florida Cattle Industry. To listen to the full interview, search your favorite podcast platform for Grazing The Facts.