Tiger Head Ranch, Marion County
George and David MacKay own and operate Tiger Head Ranch in Wiersdale, Florida. The ranch was started by George’s father, Kenneth H. MacKay, in the 1940s. They proudly produce cattle. Tiger Head Ranch has been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm for decades. 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. Tiger Head Ranch practices a rotational grazing system that improves pasture longevity, allows for more timely utilization of forage and increases the stocking rates. Mr. MacKay has installed various wells to give the cattle a reliable source of drinking water and keep them from disturbing the natural wetlands. Mineral boxes are moved regularly and kept away from any wetlands to avoid excess leaching of the minerals into the groundwater/soil. George and David MacKay are actively involved in their local community. Mr. George Mackay was formerly on the board for Second Harvest Food Bank and a current Florida Farm Bureau member. Mr. David MacKay serves on various advisory boards and both MacKays are involved in their local churches. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Mr. George MacKay responded, “the environment is the future of our food source and economy and it is our job to protect it for future generations to come.”
