AAA Farm, Jackson County
Andy Andreasen and his family own and operate AAA Farm in Marianna, Florida. The farm was established in the early 1900’s when his grandfather, Andrew Andreasen, moved down from Nebraska to Jackson County. They proudly produce beef cattle, hay and small grains. AAA Farm has been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm for decades. 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. AAA Farm practices a rotational grazing system that improves pasture longevity, allows for more timely utilization of forage and increases the stocking rates. No-till planting of cool season forages is utilized to compliment summer perennial forages and to reduce the need for hay that is needed for winter feeding. Soil samples are taken prior to applying fertilizer, to ensure the precise amount is applied to the pastures. Mr. Andreasen has installed water troughs to give the cattle a reliable source of drinking water and keep them from disturbing the natural wetlands. Integrated pest management and scouting is also utilized to minimize pesticide applications and maximize profits. Mr. Andreasen is actively involved in his local community. He is a member of the Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and serves as a volunteer for the local 4-H club by helping train livestock judging teams. Mr. Andreasen is also the vice president of the Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association and serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for the First Baptist Church of Marianna. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Mr. Andreasen responded, “good management of our natural resources is essential to profitability as well as ensuring there will be a bright future for generations to come in agriculture.”
