Harrell Farms, Jackson County
James and Kathy Harrell own and operate Harrell Farms in Jackson County, Florida. The third-generation farm started in 1930s and produces peanuts, cotton, watermelons, wheat, satsuma orchards, and beef cattle. Harrell Farms also has properties in Houston County and Geneva County, Alabama. They have implemented BMPs since the addition of the third generation. 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 GPS guided application of fertilizer and maintaining terraces and waterways. James Harrell is an active member of the Rehobeth Baptist Church, Houston County Farmers Federation and of the Alabama and Florida Peanut Producers. When asked why he believes it is important to protect our environment he responded, “To leave land like we found it for future generations. If you take care of the land, it will take care of you.”
