Stitt Ranch, Hendry County
John Stitt has been growing sugar cane, citrus, sweet corn, green beans and cabbage for 75 years. John feels that Stitt Ranch plays a crucial role in conserving, protecting, and restoring natural resources, mitigating environmental impacts, and improving the overall ecosystem.
Some of the Best Management Practices implemented include crop rotation and reduced tillage to help prevent soil erosion, cover crops to enhance soil health and land leveling and precision agriculture to minimize water waste.
Additionally, Stitt Ranch uses integrated pest management to reduce chemical use and maintains field borders and natural vegetation to preserve wildlife corridors and help filter agricultural runoff, which reduces nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. The ranch has started using grid sampling and variable rate technology for the application of inputs and has seen tremendous improvements.
John Stitt is the true definition environmental stewardship. To John, environmental stewardship is about leaving the land better than how he found it, -protecting soil health, conserving water, and protecting our environment. He values environmental protection because it ensures the long-term viability of our farm, supports our community, and preserves it for future generations. Farming and nature are deeply connected, and by being good stewards, we sustain not just our crops, but the environment we all depend on. It's both a responsibility and a privilege to farm in harmony with nature.
