Emerson's Little Dam Farm

Emerson’s Little Dam Farm

Emerson’s Little Dam Farm has been in operation since 1936. C.Q. Emerson, originally from Virginia, was an accomplished tobacco farmer. He moved his family from South Carolina to Florida in 1927 to serve as a Tobacco Demonstrator instructing farmers how to plant and harvest tobacco. In 1936, his son, Ralph Emerson, purchased his first 80 acres in Bland, FL and grew the farm to more than 450 acres.

Scott Emerson, with the help of his sister, Lisa, Uncle Wade, and cousin, Duke, implemented a conservation program that is not only extensive but highly effective.  Through implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on each parcel of land they accomplish their goals of reducing water, nutrient and chemical use, improving water quality and protecting surrounding wildlife habitats. 

They implement BMPs, such as prescribed grazing to reduce soil erosion and the need for herbicides, nutrient management to improve soil fertility and alternative water sources in order to reduce trips to natural water sources and increase water storage capacity. By using cross fencing for grazing rotation, acreage for grazing has increased. Conservation buffers are also used on their operation to help improve surface water quality as a nutrient and sediment filter. This also improves the stability of the soil in marginal areas.

In regards to leadership, Scott Emerson has served as the chairman for Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, the chairman of The University of Florida Agriculture Alumni and Friends, the chairman of the Florida chapter of the National AgriMarketing Association. He also served on the board of superintendents for the Alachua Soil and Water Conservation District.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation is proud to award a 2021 CARES designation and sign to Scott Emerson and family for their dedication in being outstanding environmental stewards.