The University of Florida/IFAS Extension Collier County once again hosted the Annual Collier County Agricultural Bus Tour in 2026, continuing a program that has connected residents and visitors to local agriculture for more than six decades.
This annual tour provides participants with firsthand access to the stories, flavors, and sights of farm life shared directly by farmers, ranchers, researchers, and local agricultural professionals.
Residents, part-time residents, and visitors from across Collier County hopped aboard a bus on a chilly and windy day for a behind-the-scenes look at why agriculture remains vital to the county’s economy, environment, and quality of life.
Throughout the day, tour participants visited a variety of agricultural operations showcasing the diversity of farming in Collier County. Stops highlighted how local producers use innovation, stewardship, and science-based practices to supply food locally and nationally, protect natural resources, and adapt to the challenges of farming in Southwest Florida.
The Collier County Agricultural Bus Tour also serves as an important outreach effort for UF/IFAS Extension, strengthening the connection between the community and the people who produce its food and manage its land. By bringing agriculture directly to the public, the tour helps foster a greater understanding of local food systems and the role agriculture plays in Collier County today and for generations to come.
Below are the 2026 tour stops:
Estrada Vegetable Farm
Mr. Robert Estrada began farming in Collier County in 2009. In 2010, a severe freeze threatened his operation, but his lifelong passion for agriculture kept him farming. Robert grew up in Ag and spent his childhood traveling with his family from Florida to North Carolina growing fruits and vegetables. Today, he farms former citrus land that now produces tomatoes, peppers, and watermelons.
Cattle Rancher Jack Johnson
Mr. Jack Johnson and his wife Ms. Ann are longtime cattle ranchers and owners of Jack & Ann’s Feed Store in Immokalee. Jack was raised in Collier County and has been ranching for over 40 years. He and his wife Ann opened their feed store in 1987. Mr. & Mrs. Johnson are pillars of the community, with Jack serving as a member of multiple county planning boards, local fire department, supporter of 4-H Youth Development programs, and is a longtime advocate for agriculture. The Johnsons are also the 2026 Family Honored Family of the Immokalee Cattle Drive & Jamboree. The Johnsons shared how ranching has changed in SW Florida over the years, what it takes to get protein to the American dinner table, and the future of agriculture in our region.
Collier County Cattleman’s Association
This year we had the ultimate farm to table lunch—a 16 oz ribeye grilled to perfection by Florida Cowboys and Cowgirls. The Collier County Cattlemen’s Association is a local nonprofit organization representing cattle producers throughout Collier County. The association provides a unified voice for the local ranching community and supports the cattle industry through leadership, education, and advocacy. They also support youth development in agriculture and protection of ranch lands as natural resources. A special thanks to Mr. Ricky Garcia, Ms. Toni Garcia, Ms. Jessica Standcheva, Mr. Gene McAvoy, and Sgt. David Estes for preparing and their skills on the grill.
UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWREC) Citrus Groves
The UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center conducts cutting edge research focused on improving sustainability of farming in Florida. The citrus teams works to improve grove health and productivity. Their work includes developing sustainable strategies to manage citrus greening (HLB), advancing citrus horticulture and pathology, and testing innovative tools such as protective covers, precision agriculture technologies, and nutritional therapies to support Florida’s citrus growers. Citrus programs are led by Dr. Ozgur Batuman, Dr. Ute Albrecht , and Dr. Fernando Alferez.
Martins Food Technology
Martins Food Technology is a Naples based indoor lettuce farm. Founded in 2016, the company uses advanced food production technologies including hydroponic systems and integrated pest management. This family owned and operated farm is led by Mr. Saint Clair Martins and during the tour Saint Clair shared information about hydroponic lettuce production, the challenges and opportunities of growing indoors, and his experience farming over the years.
Our Guides:
Our participants were guided by local experts, Dr. Fritz Roka, Director of FGCU’s Center for Agribusiness shared information about the complex food supply system, commercial food production, and the important economic and business aspects of farming in our region. Ryan Czaplewski, Commercial Horticulture Agent and Interim County Extension Director, who discussed fertilizer, pest, and soil management of commercial vegetable farms. Dr. Stephanie Brown, UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research & Education Center, State Specialized Agent Food Science who shared how farmers integrate food safety into their production in the field and in the packinghouse. Kamila Perez, UF/IFAS Extension Residential Horticulture Agent provided information on the Collier County Master Gardener Program, and Jessica Ryals, UF/IFAS Extension Agriculture & Sustainable Food Systems Agent who provided information on the food supply chain, how crops our grown in our region, and our local agricultural community. Clark Ryals of the Florida Forest Service also shared information about fire management and drought conditions and $29 billion timber industry in the state of Florida.
We also thank the Collier County Master Gardener Volunteers and Trisha Aldridge with the Collier Family & Consumer Sciences program for assisting with our lunch, and Collier County 4-H youth for making the delicious blueberry and mango cobbler, the UF/IFAS SWREC for hosting participants for lunch and tours, and Collier County Public Utilities department for supporting us in making this year’s tour possible.
As a result of the Ag Tour, participants (94 survey responses) said:
They learned something new about:
- 100% local agricultural products
- 98% production types and systems
- 96% Diversity of farmers, producers, and farm workers
- 94% Food safety practices in Florida
- 96% Technology in agriculture
Participants said they appreciate:
- 95% the ecosystem services ag lands provide
- 94% The cultural values of agriculture
Participants intend to:
- 94% pay higher prices for Florida agricultural products
- 96% purchase products from farmers markets, directly from farmers or look for the Fresh from Florida label at stores
My favorite part about the tour was…
“The knowledge of the UF/IFAS guides and the farmers. Excellent education.”
“Learning about tomatoes in Florida. Planting and picking of crop and what it takes to get to market.”
“Very informative guides. I loved learning about foods produced in Florida and all that is involved. But that steak lunch….OMG!”
“Great guides, very knowledgeable people throughout tour, especially enjoyed the cattle ranch.”
“It was fascinating to see in the same day, truly traditional Florida life and high technology food supplies of the future. The steaks were a wonderful treat and the 4-H cooks did a great job on the dessert! Thanks again, it was a good week for us and you made it a terrific one!”
We hope to see some new faces join us next year!
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