Double W Farms, Union County
Doyle and Karl Williams own and operate Double W Farms in Lake Butler, Florida. The farm was started by the Williams brother’s father Walter F. Williams, in the late 1950’s. They proudly produce butter beans, cattle, peas, sweetcorn, watermelons and other produce. The Williams brothers have been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm since the early 1990’s. 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. Double W Farms uses a nutrient and irrigation management program to protect water quality and minimize the loss of nutrients to the environment. Drip zone irrigation is used beneath the plastic to accurately apply water at the root zone and simplify the fertigation and chemigation process for the crops. The Williams brothers also use an Integrated Pest Management system throughout the farm to reduce farm expenses, conserve energy and protect the environment. In addition, Sap Tests are taken from the petiole of the plant to determine the correct amount of nitrogen needed for the crop, which increases the efficiency of fertilization. Doyle and Karl Williams are actively involved in their local church as well as committee members of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Both brothers are members of the Florida Farm Bureau and enjoy farming. When asked why they are a farmer who CARES, the Williams brothers responded, “so future generations can enjoy the land.”
