Jackson Farms honored as This Farm CARES recipient

A Graceville family was recently recognized by the Holmes County Farm Bureau. Jackson Farms, owned by Lance and Briana Jackson, earned the recognition of being one of two Holmes County Farms to be a This Farm CARES recipient. The family was recognized at the Holmes County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting earlier in the year. According to the Florida Farm Bureau’s website its “CARES program publicly recognizes Florida farmers and ranchers who demonstrate exemplary efforts to protect Florida’s natural resources by implementing Best Management Practices. Recipients are awarded a This Farm CARES sign to demonstrate to all Floridians that agricultural producers are fully committed to protecting Florida’s environment.”

Lance Jackson has been farming for 23 years. He commented on his humble upbringing and why he chose this career path stating, “I went into farming because I grew up on a small farm and I watched my dad's cousin as he grew peanuts. I realized I could grow food for all people, besides just my family.” Jackson currently grows peanuts and cotton every year on a crop rotation as well as a small herd of cattle to “utilize the land that cannot be row cropped.”

Jackson doesn’t just grow crops he also works diligently on educating and conserving land and soil for future generations. He spoke about this specific study of agriculture stating, “I went into the specific sector of conservation, that I received an award for, to slow erosion by cutting back on tillage and the use of proper terraces for adequate water flow and cutting back on fertilize and only using what is needed to produce the crop.” He went to add, “I'm protecting the land for our future generations.”

Jackson commented on being a CARES recipient stating, “When I learned I was going to receive This Farm Cares award, I was so excited. It feels good to be recognized for showing my care for the land.” He continued that he and his wife of four years, Briana, have a two-year-old son, Dallas, and “are so excited to raise our family” on their farm. Jackson also sits on several boards including, Holmes County Farm Bureau Board, Holmes County Soil and Water Conservation Board, Florida Cotton Growers Association Board, Florida Cotton Advisory Council, and National Cotton Council Board.

Jackson finished speaking on the future of Jackson Farms stating, “My future plans for Jackson Farms is to use more precision farming and Ag technology available to hopefully pass it onto my son one day.”

PHOTO CUTLINE: Lance Jackson with wife Briana and son Dallas

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