HENDRY COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced a significant expansion of the state’s agricultural land preservation efforts.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program will now include Howard Cattle Corporation, a 754-acre cattle operation in Hendry County. The land will be protected through a rural land easement valued at $4.145 million.
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“Today, we’re proud to announce another critical step from our Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to safeguard our state and nation’s food security while also preserving Florida’s invaluable natural resources,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “By permanently preserving Howard Cattle Corporation’s land from future development, we’re not only supporting Florida agriculture but also protecting natural landscapes that sustain our wildlife and water resources.”
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program aims to protect agricultural lands from future development by purchasing development rights through voluntary easements. This initiative allows farming and ranching operations to continue contributing to Florida’s economy while preserving the state’s natural resources and wildlife habitats.
About Howard Cattle Corporation
The Howard Cattle Corporation, operated by the second and third generations of the Howard family, is a commercial cattle and quarter horse breeding operation in Hendry County. The 754-acre property, adjacent to the Spirit of the Wild Wildlife Management Area and the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, supports diverse wildlife, including the Florida panther, and lies within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The operation includes approximately 250 cattle grazing on improved pasture lands, with areas of mature pine, cabbage palms, and oak trees. The property is part of the Twelvemile Slough Florida Forever Project, contributing to the broader conservation landscape of citrus groves, pastures, and wetlands.
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About the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
Established in 2001, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program recognizes the importance of working agricultural lands to Florida’s economic future, especially as these lands face increasing pressure from urban development. The program partners with farmers and ranchers to promote sustainable production practices while preserving vital natural resources.
In the 2024 Legislative Session, Commissioner Simpson secured a $100 million appropriation for the program, with an additional $100 million per fiscal year allocated under SB 1638 to support the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This funding will help acquire rural land protection easements and enhance conservation efforts statewide.
Land Conservation Milestone and Legislative Achievements
Commissioner Simpson recently celebrated a major milestone, marking 100,000 acres of agricultural land preserved under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. As a former Senate President, Simpson played a key role in the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and secured a $300 million legislative appropriation for land conservation, further demonstrating his commitment to protecting Florida’s natural areas and agricultural heritage.
With this latest announcement, Commissioner Simpson continues to lead efforts in land conservation, ensuring that Florida’s agricultural lands remain productive and protected for future generations.
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