ABOUT JOSHUA CITRUS, INC.

Joshua Citrus, Inc. is a family- owned operation that has been in business for more than 130 years!  In 1887, Kevin Shelfer’s, great, great- grandfather settled in Arcadia and planted his first citrus tree.  Since then, the enterprise has grown to also include beef cattle.  

Together, Kevin and Lynn Shelfer, own and operate Joshua Citrus, Inc. and it is their goal to preserve their family’s land and the available resources by implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs). Some of the BMPs implemented include tree tee-pees, a micro-jet irrigation system, and the innovative Farm Log rain detector app so that only the exact amounts of water needed are applied right at the root zone.  Leaf sampling, soil testing, bi- monthly surveys and the use of the seeing- eye sprayer reduces their overall nutrient and chemical use. Improving the quality of water that leaves their land and re- enters the groundwater supply is accomplished through injecting liquid fertilizer that is applied right at the root ball of each tree.  This BMP also prevents runoff.

The Shelfer family loves giving back to their community.  Their farm hosts numerous school field trips and farm tours each year.  They created an annual scholarship given to a graduating agriculture student.  They also partner with the DeSoto/ Charlotte County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers program as well as both the DeSoto and Charlotte County Agventure events. Mrs. Lynn Shelfer serves on the Mason G. Smoak Foundation Scholarship Board.  This faith- based foundation supports education, environmental stewardship, and fosters leadership opportunities for young people. 

Florida Farm Bureau Federation is proud to award a 2018 CARES designation and sign to Kevin and Lynn Shelfer and family for their dedication in being outstanding environmental stewards.