Oden Farm, Bradford County
Oden Farm has been hay farming since 1986 and has implemented Best Management Practices since 2016. He continues to work towards increasing his knowledge and implementation of BMPs. Planting hay and cover crops throughout the year allows for continuous buildup of soil, organic matter, and water holding capacity which reduces erosion and runoff. These practices help keep nutrients in the field instead of in our waterways. By implementing these BMPs, Mr. Oden is protecting important environmental features, like New River, which sits approximately half a mile from his main field site. Additionally, Mr. Oden recently completed a cost share project with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Best Management Practices program for a GPS unit, which will promote natural resource protection. The new GPS unit will help minimize the potential for fertilizer overlaps during application and minimize overapplication. Oden wants to keep his land safe so he can maintain it, continue to grow, and ensure future generations can continue the practice.
