Cracker Creek Family Farm
Cracker Creek Family Farm has been in operation since 2009 when Jason and Kristen began their own operation raising cattle and a mix of crops. The land that the Beutkes currently farm on has been in their family for over 100 years. They chose the name “Cracker Creek Family Farm” to highlight their heritage as both Florida crackers and Kristen being a Creek Indian.
The Beutkes farm on 153 acres and have an extensive and effective conservation program in place on their operation. Through implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their land, they are able to accomplish their goals of not only maintaining the land but improving it.
Some of their most effective BMPs include the use of no-till planting of annual forages, this cuts down on erosion as well as reduces moisture loss and allowed for a transition to more year around grazing. Additionally, they are able to provide nitrogen to the soil by incorporating both warm and cool season legumes on their operation. Adaptive grazing is also used on the farm to prevent overgrazing, allow for animal waste to be spread over an area more evenly, and increase the amount of forage produced and increase organic matter. Over 6,700 foot of buried water lines were placed throughout the farm. This provides much more flexibility in grazing management by providing animals to access water in various paddocks around the farm. It also allows for the avoidance of the use of natural water sources (ponds, branch, etc.) and having to building lanes back to water sources.
In regards to leadership, Jason has served as the Vice President of Alachua County Cattleman’s Association, Board member and previous chair of the Alachua county Agricultural Education Advisory Board and is an active member and serves on the Stewardship Committee at his church, Providence Village Baptist Church.
Florida Farm Bureau Federation is proud to award a 2021 CARES designation and sign to Jason and Kristen Beutke for their dedication in being outstanding environmental stewards.
