July 7, 2014
A Ft. Pierce-based family farm operation that has maintained outstanding wildlife habitats and wetlands for decades is the recipient of a new statewide honor from Audubon Florida. The organization presented the Adams Ranch with its 2014 Sustainable Rancher award at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s Convention in June.
The ranch has previously earned much recognition for superior natural resource management, including the Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Landowner of the Year Award. Adams family members are leading advocates for the use of conservation easements as tools for preserving farms and ranches in Florida.
Under the leadership of Bud Adams Sr., the ranch has developed into a one of the top cow-calf producers in the nation. It is also a stellar example of the successful conservation of land and water resources achieved by farm owners throughout the state. They practice conservation as part of their daily lives and work.
“Bud Adams and his family were protecting wetlands and wildlife long before any regulations or government programs came about,” said Charles Lee, Audubon Florida’s director of advocacy. “They have done it because they truly believe in conservation.”