Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced late last week the permanent protection of more than 3,200 acres of agricultural land across three properties in Hardee, Okeechobee and Levy counties through the state’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services secured conservation easements totaling approximately $10 million, preventing future development while allowing existing cattle, timber and other agricultural operations to continue.
“Florida is fortunate to have farmers and ranchers who are dedicated to keeping their land in production,” Simpson said. “I appreciate the landowners who have partnered with us through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to permanently protect these properties while allowing their agricultural operations to continue.”
The protected properties include D.T. Davis Ranch, a 522-acre cattle operation in Hardee County, secured through a $2.95 million easement, and Micco Bluff Ranch, a 180-acre cattle operation in Okeechobee County, protected through a $2.17 million easement.
The largest property, The Flatwoods in Levy County, encompasses approximately 2,572 acres of timber and cattle operations and was preserved through two easements totaling $4.9 million.
All three properties fall within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and participate in the department’s Best Management Practices program.
Since its establishment in 2001, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has preserved more than 257,000 acres statewide, including over 191,000 acres during Simpson’s administration.