Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Tuesday that Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved conservation easements protecting more than 6,200 acres of working agricultural land from future development.
The approvals cover four farm and ranch properties in Okeechobee, Manatee and Highlands counties through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program allows the state to purchase development rights from landowners while keeping the property in private ownership and agricultural production. State officials say the approach helps preserve farms and ranches, protect water resources and wildlife habitat, and limit development pressure on rural land.
These properties aren’t just acres on a map. They’re family operations that produce food, support jobs, protect water resources, and provide vital habitat for Florida wildlife,” said Simpson. “I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis and my fellow members of the Florida Cabinet for continuing to support this mission. With today’s approval, more than 6,200 additional acres or working agricultural land will remain in production and protected from future development, ensuring Florida’s rural heritage remains a part of our future, not just our past.”
The largest approved project is Dixie Ranch West, a 2,996-acre cow-calf operation in Okeechobee County. The easement totals $14.2 million, including $2.3 million from the U.S. Air Force through a program tied to the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape.
The Cabinet also approved an $11.7 million easement for Thundercloud Ranch, a 1,042-acre cattle and hay operation in Manatee County, with $1.5 million provided by Manatee County.
In Highlands County, Syfrett Farm & Ranch, a 1,183-acre cow-calf and sod operation, was approved for a $5.3 million easement. LFW Farms, a 1,014-acre cattle ranch in Okeechobee County, was approved for a $6.6 million easement.
The department said the properties are enrolled in best management practices and are located within either the Florida Ecological Greenways Network or the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Since its creation, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has preserved more than 240,000 acres of agricultural land, including nearly 175,000 acres during Simpson’s tenure as agriculture commissioner.
