Hugh Fred Dietrich III and his family owns Dietrich’s Flying D Ranch in Orlando, Florida. Dietrich is one of three winners for this year’s Innovative Farmer Award. Congratulations!!

The ranch is a 600 acres family operation that was established during World War II, and has maintained a herd of Santa Gertrudis Cattle since 1957. The ranch is now recognized as one of leading herds in the breed. The ranch is operated with low inputs but high technology is used for breeding selection. Timber is harvested from time to time keeping the best habitat for wildlife while providing income for the ranch.

The ranch management programs have always promoted Wildlife Habitat Conservation. The ranch includes a portion of the Econlockhatchee River and its associated hardwood swamp. It also includes a portion of the hardwood wetlands associated with Long Branch, a named tributary of the Econlockhatchee River. These areas provide habitat for many species of wildlife. The water ways are managed to optimize native submergent, emergent, and other aquatic vegetation.

Dietrich worked for 30 years as an Agribusiness Educator. For many years he has served in the leadership of multiple important organizations across the state including the Orange County Farm Bureau, Orange County Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. The National Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association recognized Dietrich as Outstanding Teacher in 1986 and awarded him with its Life Time Achievement in 2000.

Take the time to congratulate Fred Dietrich at the conference and learn more from him!

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