Date:
8/4/2003 12:00:00 AM
Title:
Florida Ranch is ESAP Region II Honoree
Carlton 2x4 Ranch Wins NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award
Washington, D.C. (August 5, 2003) – Dr. Barbara C. Carlton, owner, and Patrick Carlton, managing partner of the Carlton 2x4 Ranch are regional recipients of the Environmental Stewardship Award, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced today. The Carlton 2x4 Ranch is one of seven regional winners nationwide, and represents NCBA’s Region II, which includes eight southeastern states.
Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) recognizes cattle producers whose stewardship practices are inventive, cost-effective and contribute to environmental conservation. The recipients of this top U.S. beef industry environmental award are selected by a committee of representatives from university faculty, federal and state government agencies, and conservation and environmental organizations.
“We’re so proud of our ESAP winners and the philosophies they embody,” says NCBA President Eric Davis. “Ranchers like the Carlton’s have an innate love for the land that benefits the environment, their communities, their businesses, and serves as an example for all of us.”
The Carlton 2x4 Ranch is essentially a commercial cow-calf operation, but also relies on its citrus and timber enterprise. It is split among three ranches located in the Peace River Valley in South Central Florida. The ranch has been in the Carlton family since the mid 1800s, allowing the now eighth generation to continue to farm the lands.
Spread over 3 counties, the ranch comprises 7,978 acres in total, with 1,000 head of commercial Brangus cow-calf stock and a smaller steer backgrounding lot. There are 875 acres of citrus for fresh fruit sales and juice making, and 500 acres of timber.
“The ranch managers have always tried to balance three things: economic viability, wildlife and regulatory obligations,” explains LeRoy Crockett, a soil conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. “The cattle and citrus operations have been managed to work best with the land. “The Carlton’s attention to detail is also evident in their grazing management. They were one of the first to try rotational grazing.”
All land under the Carlton 2x4 Ranch has been managed using all known Best Management Practices (BMP) and Integrated Resource Management (IRM). Surrounded by Hardwood Creek swamps, cypress and pine stands, pastures and citrus groves, the Carlton Ranch livestock, wildlife, and natural habitats flourish.
Water management is a main focus of the ranch. In a sub-tropical climate, proper irrigation amounts and times are critical. Brady Pfeil, natural resource manager for Carlton 2x4 Ranch, takes this job seriously by utilizing the latest technology and BMPs, not only when it comes to irrigation but fertilizer and pesticide application as well. Energy conservation through the use of solar charged fencing and wildlife habitat development and preservation are also top priorities.
“Dr. Barbara C. Carlton carries on her husband’s tradition of responsible land stewardship,” says Patrick Carlton, his son and managing partner for Carlton 2x4 Ranch. “We are all committed to making the land better than it was environmentally while keeping the operation financially sound. Renewable resources are to be managed for the highest return in balance with maintaining sustainable ecosystems. Bio-diversity is encouraged whenever possible allowing for more wildlife of all types.”
The Carlton family, over their many years in business, have established and maintained many lasting relationships with such agencies as: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Society for Range Management, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Stewardship America, Peace River Citrus Growers and the Nature Conservancy.
The Carlton’s will be formally recognized for their regional ESAP award at the 2004 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz., next January, when the national award winner will be announced.
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For additional information, news releases and fact sheets on individual winners, contact NCBA’s Washington office at 202-347-0228.
Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is the trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry.