Spring Head Ranch, Columbia County
Spring Head Ranch uses a unique combination of cattle and pasture-raised laying hens to improve efficiency and sustainability. The hens not only produce high-quality eggs for local markets but also help control flies for the cattle, while the cattle provide some level of protection for the hens.
Over the years, the ranch has also stayed involved in agricultural educational research, hosting international agricultural leaders partnered with UF/IFAS on long-term studies focused on pasture management and soil health.
The ranch prioritized environmental stewardship by following BMPs and participating in programs like FDACS and USDA-NRCS. These efforts include invasive species control, improved watering system to protect natural water sources, and conservation easements to preserve land. By applying practices like the “Four R’s”- right source, right rate, right time, and right place- has improved soil health, forage quality, and overall profitability showing that sustainable agriculture and be both environmentally and economically beneficial.
