In 1992, Craig Bishop turned a lifelong passion into reality when he began farming on just seventeen acres of peanuts through a sharecropping arrangement with a local farmer in Marianna, Florida. Although Craig was not raised on a farm, agriculture had always been his dream. Through hard work, determination, and commitment, Craig steadily expanded his operation year after year, adding acreage, investing in equipment, and building a successful farming enterprise. Today, he manages 5,000 acres of peanuts, cotton, and corn, reflecting more than three decades of dedication to Florida agriculture with the help of his wife and kids. Bishop Farms has won “Corn Farmer of the Year” through the Jackson County Farm City celebration numerous times. This award represents the farmer with the highest corn yield each year. Along with this award comes plenty more. Bishop Farms has won multiple categories for the state of Florida within the National Corn Growers Association over the last 12 years. Overall, Bishop Farms takes pride in their crops and conservation. 

Side-dress Express

Bishop Farms has adopted a multitude of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Most recently they started side-dressing/Y-dropping the corn they grow which is around 2,000 acres. This practice is commonly used in alignment with BMAP (Basin Management Action Plan) areas and is becoming more popular for each growing season. Side-dressing/Y-dropping corn means to apply fertilizer by the corn plant rows at the root zone vs top dressing/broadcasting fertilizer over the whole field. This is important for young corn plants when the root zone is small. The 4 R’s, Rate, Timing, Placement, and Source are key takeaways when side-dressing/Y-dropping. These components will ensure the corn is up taking the fertilizer when it is needed and that it is readily available at peak growth stages. Overall, this targeted nutrient management approach can enhance crop yields, minimize fertilizer waste, and reduce environmental impacts compared to broadcasting all fertilizers in one application at planting.

In 2025, the Bishops decided to retrofit a piece of equipment to be able to Y-drop. They took a cotton layby sprayer and retrofitted hydraulic hoses on to it to place the liquid nitrogen right next to the corn plant. Craig and his son Marcus Bishop say that economics and conservation are big factors when it comes to Y-dropping on younger corn. When fertigating through a pivot, Marcus observed that up to 40% of nitrogen was lost. They recognized that they could reduce nitrogen loss, cut back on costs, and be reassured that the corn is getting what it needs by Y-dropping. Another practice that helps the Bishops conserve nutrients is using humic acid. Humic acid helps with nutrient uptake and longevity, along with root growth and soil health when used correctly. This allows them to cut back around 20% of their total nitrogen application. 

Continuing Forward

For this year’s growing season, the Bishops now have two Y-dropping machines for the corn they are growing and eventually want to try Y-dropping their cotton. The BMPs that they have adopted, like side-dressing, cover cropping, soil moisture sensors, and strip tilling, represent the stewardship of their operation. Being able to adapt to the evolving agriculture industry is an important take away for Bishop Farms moving forward. Between the relationships with the Bishop farm crew, UF/IFAS Extension and other agencies, Bishop Farms is in good hands.

Authors: Kelsey Crain, Kevin Athearn, Ethan Carter, and Joel Love

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

Most Common BMP:

Like field crop BMPs, the most common and widely used category of BMPs for protected agriculture is Nutrient Management. This is because it has an influence on crop quality, plant health, and environmental sustainability. There are several ways to implement these nutrient management practices. A few examples are testing potting media to evaluate nutrient levels, calibrating fertilizer equipment, and testing plant tissue to allow for nutrient adjustments. Having a trusted drainage collection system is also an important BMP to take into consideration; installing a leachate collection system for a drain to waste system or utilizing a recirculation system is ideal for water conservation in protected agriculture structures.
Shown in Figure 1 is a practice commonly used in the protected ag industry by using an automated proportional dosing pump system, in this case, Dosatron injectors. These pumps accurately and precisely dose fertilizer into the plants through irrigation water. This ensures proper application rates, prevents over-fertilization and over-irrigation; they help maintain consistency throughout the growing season, and help growers reduce costs while conserving inputs.

Creative Teaching Methods- “The Tubs of Torture”:

Another nutrient management practice used for educational and demonstration purposes is a project called “Tubs of Torture”. This project provides a visual representation of how plants respond to nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. At NFREC-SV, this project is used as an instructional tool to help demonstrate the importance of proper nutrient management in protected agriculture systems. The process begins with five-gallon tubs filled with water, where specific nutrients such as potassium, phosphor, calcium, or micronutrients such as copper or zinc can be added or omitted to create targeted deficiency or toxicity conditions. The type and amount of each nutrient selected will determine the response being demonstrated. Once the nutrient solution is prepared, plants are placed into the tubs and monitored over time as visual symptoms of nutrient imbalance begin to develop. This hands-on approach allows growers and industry professionals to better recognize and understand how to identify deficiencies and toxicities, as well as the effects of improper nutrient management on plant health. The figure below represents the “Tubs of Torture”.

Authors: Kelsey Crain, Wanda Laughlin, Bob Hochmuth

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

Cost share programs in the Suwannee Valley exist to support more sustainable farming practices that conserve water and reduce nutrient runoff or leaching into the region’s aquifer. These programs help farmers adopt advanced best management practices, navigate water use and environmental resource permitting, and stay compliant with regulations all while remaining economically viable. Through financial and technical support from agencies like the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), producers are better equipped to protect and preserve the areas with valuable water and natural resources. Not only does cost-share benefit the grower, but state agencies are also eager to provide cost-share because it’s an effective and proven way to implement BMPs. The cost-share programs help speed up the rate of adoption of BMPs with the support of UF/IFAS.

Suwannee River Water Management:

Located in Live Oak, Florida, the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) office serves fifteen counties in North Florida. To be eligible for cost share through SRWMD, applicants must meet three simple qualifications. Applicants must be enrolled in the FDACS BMP program. This is a regulatory program for producers that provide commitment to implementing BMPs and are compliant with regulations to protect water quality. The producer must have control of the property whether it is owned or leased and must be in compliance with SRWMD permits. Most of the funding for the cost-share comes from three primary sources: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), FDACS, and SRWMD. Over the last five years, SRWMD has used a total of $8 million dollars in cost-share funds. The ag cost-share team places this funding into two categories. The first, Water Quality, is focused on nutrient management and accounts for approximately $2.6 million. The second category, Water Quantity, is developed for water conservation, and it totals approximately $5.4 million in cost-share funds.

When speaking with the ag cost-share team at the SRWMD, they pointed out that the dairy farms are the highest funded due to the amount of expenses they have and the special funded grants allocated to them. The row crop farms take the next spot in line with the number of acres farmed in the Suwannee Valley at approximately 88,000 acres. After row crops are the plant and tree nurseries. Several of the most popular cost-shared items include Soil Moisture Sensor Probes, Fertilizer Side Dressing Equipment, Pivot Irrigation Retrofits, Grid Soil Sampling, and Variable Rate Fertilizer Application.

To get started in the cost-share process, first the farmer would need to fill out an application with the items they want cost-share on. Second, the ag cost-share team would approve the application and write a contract with agreement on the cost and reimbursement of the items. Then, the farmer would purchase those items upfront, send in proof of payment, and have the ag cost-share team come perform a site visit for verification of the items purchased. Lastly, the SRWMD would then reimburse on a percentage basis from 75 percent to 90 percent of the cost on the item(s) Agricultural Cost Share Program | Suwannee River Water Management District. Project Managers for the ag cost-share, Savannah Atkins and Jonathan Crain, both say that the farmers benefit from cost-share and that it is a way to help them improve nutrient management while conserving natural resources and lowering input costs.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

FDACS works similarly to SRWMD, although most cost share is distributed through the soil and water conservation districts. A majority of the funding for cost-share comes from in-house but supporting agencies like NRCS and FDEP help supplement additional costs. The qualifications for FDACS cost-share differs from the SRWMD. Applicant property must be in production one year prior to applying. The applicant must have a Notice of Intent (NOI) to implement BMPs. An implementation verification site visit must be performed by an FDACS technician within two years preceding the application, and the applicants must provide a statement regarding any previous or current compliances with other state agencies.

There are three cost-share project categories for FDACS. The first is Nutrient Management, these would be items like: Conservation Tillage/No-Till Drill, and Precision Nutrient Application/Nutrient Applicator. Second, Irrigation Management project types include items such as Precision Irrigation/Soil Moisture Sensor, Irrigation Upgrades, and more. Third, would be Water Resource Protection, this category would consist of: Water Conservation/Water Storage and Retention, Fencing, Soil Management. The application process would be the same no matter what category. To initiate the cost-share practice the producer would start by filling out an application of the items wanted. Once the producer has an approved cost-share agreement from FDACS then the applicant can purchase the item(s) upfront, send in correct documents, and receive reimbursement. BMP Cost Share Program / Agricultural Water Field Services / Water / Home – Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. FDACS will reimburse up to 75 percent of the total cost of the project. FDACS can also help with filling out the application. The FDACS technicians say that this is another effective way for farmers to adapt and implement BMPs into their operations.

Natural Resource Conservation Services:

NRCS works side by side with producers to create conservation plans tailored to their operations and specific challenges. By putting these plans into practice, farmers can improve water and air quality, build healthier soils, and create better wildlife habitats all while making their farms more efficient. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) | Natural Resources Conservation Service helps make it possible by offering financial assistance, and in some cases advanced payments. To be eligible for EQUIP you must control or own land, meet Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and payment limitation provision, and must be complaint with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements.

EQUIP is funded through the USDA as part of the annual U.S Farm Bill and provides financial support to help producers adopt conservation practices. NRCS typically reimburses up to 75 percent of the cost, while beginning and underserved producers may qualify for up to 90 percent. Popular practices include installing fencing for rotational grazing, building high tunnels, transitioning to organic production, improving irrigation and livestock watering systems, adopting low- or no-till methods, and using more natural approaches to fertilizers and pest management. Overall, EQUIP is another way growers can get support to implement BMPs on their farms. The application process may take three to six months, producers can apply anytime, and there is no set deadline, but applications are batched for consideration each year. The NRCS that is local to your area will have technicians that will help and support producers through the cost-share application process. The technician collaborates with the producer to develop a conservation plan that outlines specific practices and activities designed to address on-farm challenges. In Florida, the following priorities guide EQIP application selections are Water Quality Degradation, Insufficient Water, Soil Health, Plant and Animal Health, Inadequate Habitat for Fish and Wildlife.

Along with EQUIP, the NRCS also has the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Conservation Stewardship Program – Florida | Natural Resources Conservation Service. This program takes the steps the producer is already making within conservation and enhancing them to find new ways to meet the producers’ goals. It’s a five-year contract, with potential for renewals. Within CSP there are three payment methods, these methods will offer annual payments for implementing conservation practices. The first method is Annual contract payments that are based on additional conservation practices and maintaining current conservation practices. Supplemental payments are based on crop rotation and grazing management. The third being Minimum Contract payments, which is common for most of the active contracts. Similar to EQUIP an NRCS conservation planner will work closely with the grower throughout the process for CSP.

Cost-share in conclusion:

In regions like the Suwannee Valley, where natural resources are closely tied to agriculture’s success, cost-share initiatives help protect water quality, improve technology, and ensure long-term productivity. It also helps develop partnerships with producers and agencies like SRWMD, FDACS, NRCS, and UF/IFAS. Overall, these programs are a popular tool for producers to participate in.

Author: Kelsey Crain

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

In the heart of Suwannee County sits four generations of farmers, guided by tradition and dedicated to protecting the land that sustains us. Back in the 1940’s, Raymond Jackson and his son Billy Jackson started growing tobacco and corn. Now, fast-forward to today, Billy, his son Bill, and Billy’s grandson Wyatt Jackson are farming 3400 acres consisting of 1200 acres of peanuts, 1300 acres of grain corn, silage corn, 900 acres of iron clay peas, cover crops, 300 acres of soybeans and a couple of hundred heads of cattle. The Jacksons generational investment in farming offers a positive outlook for the future of agriculture.

The Jackson Family Farms operation is managed by the Jackson boys themselves, with inputs from all three, Billy, Bill, and Wyatt. The day-to-day tasks, for example, tilling, planting, spraying, harvesting, and irrigating, are done by Bill and Wyatt, with one extra hired hand. It also wouldn’t be strange to see Papa Billy around piddling on something or even on tractor somewhere. The Jackson ladies are an essential part of the farm’s success, helping keep operations running smoothly from behind the scenes. Faye Jackson (Papa’s wife), Nikki Jackson (Bill’s wife), and Mallory Jackson (Wyatt’s wife) play vital roles in the daily office operations, ensuring the farm stays organized, financially sound, and running efficiently. Their dedication and attention to detail help keep everything on track. The Jacksons take pride in their work and in their community, so much so that they were awarded the 2024 Farm Family of the Year from Suwannee County Farm Bureau.

Right Resources

The Jacksons value being good stewards of the land. Along with that comes learning, understanding, and adapting to how agriculture is evolving. They utilize as many resources as possible when it comes to agency funding, such as the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), Florida Department of Agriculture, Consumer Services (FDACS), and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). These agencies cost-share items that focus on Best Management Practices (BMPs). Along with these agencies, the Jacksons work closely with UF IFAS Extension in Suwannee County and the North Florida Research and Education Center of Suwannee Valley. Over the past six years, the Jacksons have participated in numerous on-farm trials and have attended plenty of field days to better understand how better management practices could, in-turn, better themselves as farmers.

In 2021, the Jacksons participated in the SRWMD and FDACS 4Rs principle of nutrient management project – Right time, Right rate, Right source, and Right placement of nitrogen in corn on their family farm. This project consisted of using a Miller Highboy sprayer and y-drops to side-dress nitrogen near the root zone of the corn, implemented by the NFREC-SV team. The goal is to improve nitrogen-use efficiency and reduce nitrate leaching risks in the sandy soil while implementing best management practices. The yield ended up being comparable to the way the Jacksons traditionally grow their corn. Normally they would side dress at planting, broadcast two dry applications then fertigate the rest. For the on-farm project, they ended up making four applications of liquid by row. At the time, this project still had four more years’ worth of research. The SRWMD has since decided it would be useful for growers to be able to cost-share on an applicator like the one used for the project due to the positive differences in nitrogen efficiency, yield, and cost as a whole.

What’s in store

Wyatt Jackson is a firm believer in the idea that what you put into your land is what you’ll get out of it. Because of the success with the 4Rs project in previous years in 2025, Wyatt, his dad, and Papa decided to purchase a Massey Ferguson 530RS self-propelled nitrogen applicator with the help of the Ag Cost Share program at the SRWMD. Along with the best management practices the Jacksons have already adopted, such as different tillage practices, soil moisture sensors, grid soil sampling, and cover cropping, having the sprayer adds to the goal of maximizing yields and minimizing cost. Before y-dropping, their nitrogen use efficiency was 1.05 units of nitrogen to one bushel of corn across the board. Wyatts’ goal is to get his Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) below 1.0 units of nitrogen to one bushel of corn by utilizing the sprayer. Wyatt hopes the use of the sprayer will allow him to decrease time spent on fertigation, freeing up time for more efficient irrigation events.

The Jacksons want to be able to succeed in all areas of farming. They are on the right track when it comes to BMPs and how agriculture is evolving. The end goal is to have healthy land for the next four generations to come. The Jacksons believe that farming is built on more than crops and equipment; it’s built on tradition and deep respect for the land. They represent tradition and innovation, working side by side, which ensures that agriculture remains strong and sustainable for years to come. Being open-minded and willing to learn is a strong trait the Jacksons carry, Suwannee County is proud to have them apart of the farming community.

Author: Kelsey Crain

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

Rooted in Suwannee County, Florida, Putnal Farms is a multi-generational farm led by father and son Jack and Riley Putnal. Together, they bring nearly six decades of farming experience, with Jack beginning his career in the 1970’s and Riley later following in his footsteps. Their 4000-acre farm includes a rotation of cattle, pasture, peanuts, iron clay peas, watermelons, and even sweet corn. Today, the operation is still managed by Jack and Riley with support from Riley’s twin daughters, Brooke and Britney, and Riley’s sister Jennifer who runs the farm office.

Master Drip Irrigators:

In 2025, the Master Irrigator Drip Irrigation Short Course was introduced by Jay Capasso, Northeast Florida Regional Specialized Extension Agent for Water Resources in collaboration with local county Extension agents. This course is designed to bring together industry professionals, hands-on demonstrations, and funding programs that assist growers with implementing practices and technologies to enhance irrigation efficiency. This short course is specifically targeting watermelon growers in the Suwannee Valley area, which is right up the Putnal’s alley with 600 acres of watermelon grown every year.

The Putnals themselves are creative when it comes to irrigation; it wouldn’t be odd to see an overhead pivot being taken apart and moved from field to field or Riley designing his own automation system for the watermelon season. This creativity has made the Putnals leaders in implementing innovative irrigation practices. Riley is on track to become a certified Master Irrigator; he attended the first workshop that was held back in November of 2025. The long-term goal is for growers to get an added incentive or benefit from vendors or agriculture agencies once the certificate is completed. Although the Florida Master Irrigator Program does not currently offer a financial incentive, similar programs in other states provide cost-share or additional benefits to certified growers. The goal is to build partnerships with vendors and agricultural agencies that could support incentives for Florida growers in the future.

Practices by the Putnals:

The Putnal family is very active in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their farm. They utilize the Agricultural Cost Share Program through the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) by applying for and contracting items such as drip irrigation automation systems, soil moisture sensors, and stationary fertigation systems. These items are key components when it comes to irrigating and fertilizing not only watermelons, but other crops as well, while also conserving water and protecting Florida’s natural resources.

Along with SRWMD, the Putnals also work closely with UF/IFAS Extension. One practice that the Putnals have used to inform their nutrient management program for many years is the use of petiole sap meters (LAQUA Meters). Petiole sap meters are used to determine the amount of nitrate-nitrogen and potassium levels that are detected in the plant. These two nutrients are required in large amounts to support adequate crop nutrition, but they can also readily leach through Florida’s sandy soils, making proper management essential. Because the Putnals have fine-tuned the use of the sap meters into their watermelon program, they have been able to deliver a high yielding and good quality crop while using nutrients in the recommended ranges from UF/IFAS.

More on the Meters:

The petiole sap testing meters help growers monitor nutrient levels and maintain compliance with BMP nutrient management guidelines, while also reducing the risk of leaching and helping achieve maximum crop yield. Petiole sap testing is already making a measurable difference for watermelon growers in the Suwannee Valley. Extension agents from seven different counties reported in February of 2024 that the region grows around 8,000 acres of watermelons each growing season.

Growers who participated in the UF/IFAS petiole sap testing program have confidently been able to adjust their fertigation schedules using real-time nutrient data. As a result, they have been able to reduce fertigation by an average of one full week, cutting nutrient applications by about 1.75 pounds per acre per day during that time. Across the 5,640 acers involved in the program, these adjustments have resulted in an estimated seasonal reduction of more than 69,000 pounds of nitrogen, demonstrating how informed nutrient management can lead to meaningful conversation gains.

Going Forward:

The Putnals’ commitment to BMPs reflects the true meaning of good land stewardship. With the path they are going, they will easily be able to adapt to new, best management practices and agricultural technologies. The goal is for Riley to hold the title of a Master Irrigator, which proves how aware he is of water conservation and BMPs. Overall, the Putnal family understands what it takes to be successful and environmentally conscious in farming.

Authors: Kelsey Crain, Bob Hochmuth, and Jay Capasso

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

Rooted in Suwannee County, Florida, Putnal Farms is a multi-generational farm led by father and son Jack and Riley Putnal. Together, they bring nearly six decades of farming experience, with Jack beginning his career in the 1970’s and Riley later following in his footsteps. Their 4000-acre farm includes a rotation of cattle, pasture, peanuts, iron clay peas, watermelons, and even sweet corn. Today, the operation is still managed by Jack and Riley with support from Riley’s twin daughters, Brooke and Britney, and Riley’s sister Jennifer who runs the farm office.

Master Drip Irrigators:

In 2025, the Master Irrigator Drip Irrigation Short Course was introduced by Jay Capasso, Northeast Florida Regional Specialized Extension Agent for Water Resources in collaboration with local county Extension agents. This course is designed to bring together industry professionals, hands-on demonstrations, and funding programs that assist growers with implementing practices and technologies to enhance irrigation efficiency. This short course is specifically targeting watermelon growers in the Suwannee Valley area, which is right up the Putnal’s alley with 600 acres of watermelon grown every year.

The Putnals themselves are creative when it comes to irrigation; it wouldn’t be odd to see an overhead pivot being taken apart and moved from field to field or Riley designing his own automation system for the watermelon season. This creativity has made the Putnals leaders in implementing innovative irrigation practices. Riley is on track to become a certified Master Irrigator; he attended the first workshop that was held back in November of 2025. The long-term goal is for growers to get an added incentive or benefit from vendors or agriculture agencies once the certificate is completed. Although the Florida Master Irrigator Program does not currently offer a financial incentive, similar programs in other states provide cost-share or additional benefits to certified growers. The goal is to build partnerships with vendors and agricultural agencies that could support incentives for Florida growers in the future.

Practices by the Putnals:

The Putnal family is very active in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their farm. They utilize the Agricultural Cost Share Program through the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) by applying for and contracting items such as drip irrigation automation systems, soil moisture sensors, and stationary fertigation systems. These items are key components when it comes to irrigating and fertilizing not only watermelons, but other crops as well, while also conserving water and protecting Florida’s natural resources.

Along with SRWMD, the Putnals also work closely with UF/IFAS Extension. One practice that the Putnals have used to inform their nutrient management program for many years is the use of petiole sap meters (LAQUA Meters). Petiole sap meters are used to determine the amount of nitrate-nitrogen and potassium levels that are detected in the plant. These two nutrients are required in large amounts to support adequate crop nutrition, but they can also readily leach through Florida’s sandy soils, making proper management essential. Because the Putnals have fine-tuned the use of the sap meters into their watermelon program, they have been able to deliver a high yielding and good quality crop while using nutrients in the recommended ranges from UF/IFAS.

More on the Meters:

The petiole sap testing meters help growers monitor nutrient levels and maintain compliance with BMP nutrient management guidelines, while also reducing the risk of leaching and helping achieve maximum crop yield. Petiole sap testing is already making a measurable difference for watermelon growers in the Suwannee Valley. Extension agents from seven different counties reported in February of 2024 that the region grows around 8,000 acres of watermelons each growing season.

Growers who participated in the UF/IFAS petiole sap testing program have confidently been able to adjust their fertigation schedules using real-time nutrient data. As a result, they have been able to reduce fertigation by an average of one full week, cutting nutrient applications by about 1.75 pounds per acre per day during that time. Across the 5,640 acers involved in the program, these adjustments have resulted in an estimated seasonal reduction of more than 69,000 pounds of nitrogen, demonstrating how informed nutrient management can lead to meaningful conversation gains.

Going Forward:

The Putnals’ commitment to BMPs reflects the true meaning of good land stewardship. With the path they are going, they will easily be able to adapt to new, best management practices and agricultural technologies. The goal is for Riley to hold the title of a Master Irrigator, which proves how aware he is of water conservation and BMPs. Overall, the Putnal family understands what it takes to be successful and environmentally conscious in farming.

Authors: Kelsey Crain, Bob Hochmuth, and Jay Capasso

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

Established in 1965, Quincey Farms II is an 800-acre operation outside of Trenton, Florida that has been passed from father to sons. The Quincey brothers, Zane and Kelly, have recently taken over for their father but have continued in his footsteps when it comes to tillage of the soil, with a dense crop rotation of corn, peanuts, watermelons, hay, Bahia grass, oats, sesame and even some cattle. The brothers are no strangers when it comes to farming.

Some of the Best at Better Management:

The Quincey brothers have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) for more than ten years and have worked closely with UF/IFAS and Extension to gain knowledge in certain aspects of better management. Whether it be grid soil sampling, soil moisture probes, and an overall practice of water conservation, Quincey Farms II serves as a strong example of BMP implementation in action.

Their commitment to better management earned the brothers’ recognition by the Florida Farm Bureau CARES program back in 2024. This program recognizes Florida farmers who demonstrate great efforts in protecting Florida’s natural resources by using BMPs. In addition, the Quincey brothers also earned a first-place award through the UF/IFAS Florida Stakeholder Engagement Program (STEPS) Florida Stakeholder Engagement Program (STEP) – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS in 2025 for growing corn. This program gives farmers a way to test various management strategies, new technologies, nutrients, and water efficiency practices while maximizing profitability. It also allows for peer-to-peer interaction and supports collaborations within the agriculture communities.

Sweet Blue Lupine:

Sweet Blue Lupine is a legume known as Lupinus angustifolius and is frequently used for food plots to attract wildlife, but at Quincey Farms II it’s used as a nitrogen fixation cover crop. Cover crops are grown to help protect and improve soil quality, increase soil organic matter, prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and potentially improve yields by acting as an organic nitrogen source. In some cases, it can even be harvested for seeds to be sold and generate revenue. This past corn growing season Zane Quincey, who manages the agronomic row crop side of the operation, had great things to say about the Sweet Blue Lupine.

Planted in mid-October, the lupine served both as a cover crop and seed crop. By May, Quincey harvested the Blue Lupine after reaching maturity and planted corn directly behind it. Between the nitrogen contribution from Blue Lupine and the use of best management practices, the Quinceys were able to get a 6-bushel-per-acre yield increase in their corn crop compared to other corn fields that did not have blue lupine as a cover crop all while reducing their nitrogen inputs and actually being under the recommended nitrogen rate from UF/IFAS.

Keeping the Blues Around:

Although Sweet Blue Lupine has not yet gained widespread popularity in the Suwannee Valley; the Quincey brothers plan to keep it within their rotation if it continues to deliver results. Through cover cropping, reduced nitrogen inputs, and consistent BMP use, Quincey Farms II is paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Zane expressed his philosophy on farming by saying “Sometimes we need to rotate our thinking just as much as we rotate our fields.” With the knowledge, experience, and commitment to conservation, the Quincey brothers are well positioned and will embrace working with modern agricultural technologies and how it all evolves to add to their family farming legacy.

Authors: Kelsey Crain, Sydney Williams, Mark Warren, and Beth Cannon

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

Established in 1965, Quincey Farms II is an 800-acre operation outside of Trenton, Florida that has been passed from father to sons. The Quincey brothers, Zane and Kelly, have recently taken over for their father but have continued in his footsteps when it comes to tillage of the soil, with a dense crop rotation of corn, peanuts, watermelons, hay, Bahia grass, oats, sesame and even some cattle. The brothers are no strangers when it comes to farming.

Some of the Best at Better Management:

The Quincey brothers have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) for more than ten years and have worked closely with UF/IFAS and Extension to gain knowledge in certain aspects of better management. Whether it be grid soil sampling, soil moisture probes, and an overall practice of water conservation, Quincey Farms II serves as a strong example of BMP implementation in action.

Their commitment to better management earned the brothers’ recognition by the Florida Farm Bureau CARES program back in 2024. This program recognizes Florida farmers who demonstrate great efforts in protecting Florida’s natural resources by using BMPs. In addition, the Quincey brothers also earned a first-place award through the UF/IFAS Florida Stakeholder Engagement Program (STEPS) Florida Stakeholder Engagement Program (STEP) – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS in 2025 for growing corn. This program gives farmers a way to test various management strategies, new technologies, nutrients, and water efficiency practices while maximizing profitability. It also allows for peer-to-peer interaction and supports collaborations within the agriculture communities.

Sweet Blue Lupine:

Sweet Blue Lupine is a legume known as Lupinus angustifolius and is frequently used for food plots to attract wildlife, but at Quincey Farms II it’s used as a nitrogen fixation cover crop. Cover crops are grown to help protect and improve soil quality, increase soil organic matter, prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and potentially improve yields by acting as an organic nitrogen source. In some cases, it can even be harvested for seeds to be sold and generate revenue. This past corn growing season Zane Quincey, who manages the agronomic row crop side of the operation, had great things to say about the Sweet Blue Lupine.

Planted in mid-October, the lupine served both as a cover crop and seed crop. By May, Quincey harvested the Blue Lupine after reaching maturity and planted corn directly behind it. Between the nitrogen contribution from Blue Lupine and the use of best management practices, the Quinceys were able to get a 6-bushel-per-acre yield increase in their corn crop compared to other corn fields that did not have blue lupine as a cover crop all while reducing their nitrogen inputs and actually being under the recommended nitrogen rate from UF/IFAS.

Keeping the Blues Around:

Although Sweet Blue Lupine has not yet gained widespread popularity in the Suwannee Valley; the Quincey brothers plan to keep it within their rotation if it continues to deliver results. Through cover cropping, reduced nitrogen inputs, and consistent BMP use, Quincey Farms II is paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Zane expressed his philosophy on farming by saying “Sometimes we need to rotate our thinking just as much as we rotate our fields.” With the knowledge, experience, and commitment to conservation, the Quincey brothers are well positioned and will embrace working with modern agricultural technologies and how it all evolves to add to their family farming legacy.

Authors: Kelsey Crain, Sydney Williams, Mark Warren, and Beth Cannon

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley

Established in 1965, Quincey Farms II is an 800-acre operation outside of Trenton, Florida that has been passed from father to sons. The Quincey brothers, Zane and Kelly, have recently taken over for their father but have continued in his footsteps when it comes to tillage of the soil, with a dense crop rotation of corn, peanuts, watermelons, hay, Bahia grass, oats, sesame and even some cattle. The brothers are no strangers when it comes to farming.

Some of the Best at Better Management:

The Quincey brothers have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) for more than ten years and have worked closely with UF/IFAS and Extension to gain knowledge in certain aspects of better management. Whether it be grid soil sampling, soil moisture probes, and an overall practice of water conservation, Quincey Farms II serves as a strong example of BMP implementation in action.

Their commitment to better management earned the brothers’ recognition by the Florida Farm Bureau CARES program back in 2024. This program recognizes Florida farmers who demonstrate great efforts in protecting Florida’s natural resources by using BMPs. In addition, the Quincey brothers also earned a first-place award through the UF/IFAS Florida Stakeholder Engagement Program (STEPS) Florida Stakeholder Engagement Program (STEP) – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – UF/IFAS in 2025 for growing corn. This program gives farmers a way to test various management strategies, new technologies, nutrients, and water efficiency practices while maximizing profitability. It also allows for peer-to-peer interaction and supports collaborations within the agriculture communities.

Sweet Blue Lupine:

Sweet Blue Lupine is a legume known as Lupinus angustifolius and is frequently used for food plots to attract wildlife, but at Quincey Farms II it’s used as a nitrogen fixation cover crop. Cover crops are grown to help protect and improve soil quality, increase soil organic matter, prevent soil erosion, suppress weeds, and potentially improve yields by acting as an organic nitrogen source. In some cases, it can even be harvested for seeds to be sold and generate revenue. This past corn growing season Zane Quincey, who manages the agronomic row crop side of the operation, had great things to say about the Sweet Blue Lupine.

Planted in mid-October, the lupine served both as a cover crop and seed crop. By May, Quincey harvested the Blue Lupine after reaching maturity and planted corn directly behind it. Between the nitrogen contribution from Blue Lupine and the use of best management practices, the Quinceys were able to get a 6-bushel-per-acre yield increase in their corn crop compared to other corn fields that did not have blue lupine as a cover crop all while reducing their nitrogen inputs and actually being under the recommended nitrogen rate from UF/IFAS.

Keeping the Blues Around:

Although Sweet Blue Lupine has not yet gained widespread popularity in the Suwannee Valley; the Quincey brothers plan to keep it within their rotation if it continues to deliver results. Through cover cropping, reduced nitrogen inputs, and consistent BMP use, Quincey Farms II is paving the way toward a more sustainable future. Zane expressed his philosophy on farming by saying “Sometimes we need to rotate our thinking just as much as we rotate our fields.” With the knowledge, experience, and commitment to conservation, the Quincey brothers are well positioned and will embrace working with modern agricultural technologies and how it all evolves to add to their family farming legacy.

Authors: Kelsey Crain, Sydney Williams, Mark Warren, and Beth Cannon

University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley