Richardson Cattle, Madison County
Epp Richardson and his family own and operate Richardson Cattle in Pinetta, Florida. The farm was purchased by Mr. Richardson in 2004 and later expanded and fenced for cattle. Mr. Richardson has been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm for a decade now. 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. Richardson Cattle uses a rotational grazing system to reduce non-point pollution and reduce the buildup of manure on a single pasture. When buildups occur, Mr. Richardson uses a dragging system to scatter the manure and to aerate the soil. Mr. Richardson has taken proactive steps to fence off wetlands to keep cattle out of environmentally sensitive areas. He has also put in water troughs in various pastures for fresh water source for the cattle. Mr. Richardson is actively involved in his local community. He is currently the Under Sheriff at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and an active member and supporter of the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches. He and his family attend Pinetta Baptist Church. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Richardson responded, “to leave behind for future generations and to leave the same qualities I have enjoyed.”
