Agriculture

The relationship between the land and water has never been more important. To protect our environment and our future, it is important to reduce the nitrogen-load on our land and reduce our water use. Agriculture is one of many segments with solutions to do just that. By farmers and homeowners implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs), we will be able to reach the goals laid out by the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), together.

How We Help Our Partners

BMP Implementation

The goal of implementing Best Management Practices is to conserve and protect our water while also being economically feasible. With help from our researchers at UF/IFAS, the partnership has worked with farmers to advance those BMPs.

BMP INFORMATION

Agriculture testing by two professionals

On-farm Technical Assistance

Working directly with farmers on their farm, we help identify Best Management Practice opportunities and offer technical assistance to implement them directly on site. This ranges from Soil Moisture Sensors to Precision Nutrient Application tools.

Assistance Opportunities

Cost-Sharing

Several partners in the Suwannee River Partnership offer cost-share programs to farmers implementing Best Management Practices.

FDACS COST-
SHARE PROGRAM

SRWMD Cost-
Share Program

USDA NRCS Cost-
Share Program

FEATURED PROJECTS

Lee Peanut Farms

BMPs Implemented:

Soil moisture sensors, controlled release fertilizer, and y-drops on fertilizer applicators

Reduced yearly nitrogen use by 250,000 pounds and has saved 200 million gallons of water using precision nutrient application techniques and soil moisture sensors

Operation:

Corn, peanuts, and carrots

Jackson Farms

BMPs Implemented:

Soil moisture sensors and cover crops

By using cover crops, Jackson Farms improved their soil’s health, reduced the amount of nutrients needed, lowered disease and pests, and increased crop yield.

Operation:

Corn, peanuts, soybeans, and beef cattle

Stonewall Farms

BMPs Implemented:

Rotational grazing and conservation tillage

Stonewall’s practices revolve around cattle operation. To improve soil-health, they have peanut and perennial grasses planted in all of their non-irrigated acreage.

Operation:

Cattle, peanut sod-based rotation, grass seed, and hay