Chabo Ranch & Putnam Groves, Inc. Polk County
Will Putnam and multiple generations of the Putnam family own and operate Chabo Ranch and Putnam Groves, Inc. The ranch was established in 2009 after the family added an adjoining property to their existing ranches, which cover parts of Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. The new addition has made it more convenient to manage their properties and has increased their overall efficiency. They proudly produce cattle, seed, hay and citrus on their five ranches. Putnam and his family have been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the ranch for five years. BMPs are a set of guidelines that advise producers on how to manage their water, nutrients, and pesticide applications to reduce agriculture’s impact on Florida’s natural resources. Chabo Ranch practices rotational grazing that improves pasture longevity, reduces soil erosion, and helps maintain soil moisture levels. Putnam also implemented prescribed drainage projects to manage onsite water and has fenced off wetland areas to help prevent contamination. Putnam is actively involved in his local community. He is a church vestry member and a member of the Board of Directors for Florida’s Natural Growers. Putnam also sits on the Board of Directors for Polk County Farm Bureau. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Putnam responded,” The environment feeds all of us. It has to be treated as the most important piece of the farming puzzle.”
