Ford Farms, Jackson County
Larry and Elizabeth Ford own and operate Ford Farms in Jackson County. The 4th generation farm started in October of 1970 and produced peanuts, corn and soybeans. Since then, the farm expanded to include purebred Brahman on the property. Ford Farms is a family-run business with all members of the family having an active role in the prosperity of the farm. Ford Farms has implemented BMPS for the past 35 years. 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. Some of the BMPs that have been implemented include the use of cover crop, strip tilling, terracing and grass waterways. Ford Farms has also used GPS guided systems since 2008 and converted irrigation wells from diesel to electric power to save on operating expense in 2012. These practices ensure that their land will remain productive and viable for future generations. Ford is actively involved in his community by serving as a Deacon at his home church; First Baptist Church of Malone. He is also a chairman of the Panhandle Youth Expo Committee, represents the Florida Peanut Producers Association on the American Peanut Council, is the President of the Florida Brahman Association and he serves as a director for the American Brahman Breeders Association. When asked what he enjoys most about farming, Ford responded, “I enjoy the dawn of each new day and the setting of the sun to know that I have given my best to the land.”
