2J Farms, Sarasota County
Chuck & Peggy Johnston own and operate 2J Farms in Sarasota, Florida. The farm was started by Mr. Johnston and his wife in the early 1970’s. They proudly produce cattle. 2J Farms have been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm since 2012. BMPs are a set of guidelines that advise producers on how to manage the water, nutrient, and pesticides they are using to reduce agriculture’s impact on the state’s natural resources. 2J Farms practices a rotational grazing system that improves pasture longevity, allows for more timely utilization of forage and increases the stocking rates. Mr. Johnston has installed solar wells to give the cattle a reliable source of drinking water and keep them from disturbing the natural wetlands. Manure from the local cows and horses is composted and recycled as a natural fertilizer for the pasture land. Soil samples are taken regularly to ensure the proper amount of nutrients are being applied to each pasture. Mr. Johnston is actively involved in his local community. He is currently on the Beef Advisory Council for the Florida Farm Bureau as well as a vice chair for the Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Sarasota County. He is also a cattlemen’s director for the Sarasota Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Mr. Johnston often invites elected officials to the farm to show them the successful impact of BMP’s on the land. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Mr. Johnston responded, “to let our government know that we as farmers are the true stewards of the land.”
