Jerry Quincey Farms, Levy County
Jerry and Pam Quincey own and operate Jerry Quincey Farms in Levy & Gilchrist County. The farm was established in 1843 and began producing mainly tobacco. Since 1975 up to today, the farm has expanded to produce watermelons, peanuts, corn, hay, and raise Charolaise cattle. It is a 6th generation family-run business with all members of the family having an active role in the prosperity of the farm. Jerry Quincey Farms has implemented BMPs since 1990. 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 sod-Based rotation with watermelons, peanuts and corn planted in successive years followed by at least 5 years of Bahia or Bermuda grass. Quincey utilizes Mobile Irrigation Lab service and retrofits to maintain efficiency on center-pivot irrigation systems. Soil moisture sensors along with tissue sampling are used on watermelon acreage to monitor nutrient levels and water movement through the root zone. GPS guidance is used when applying nutrients to hay and row crop acreage. These practices ensure that their land will remain productive and viable for future generations. Quincey is involved in his community as a member to the Ebenezer Baptist Church and supports many youth organizations in the Tri-County area. Quincey enjoys farming mostly because he loves seeing crops grow and observing the different growth stages of his cattle. When asked why he thinks it is important to protect the environment, Quincey responded, “The sources will be available for future generations. The goal is to leave it better than you found it.”
