History of Cattle Grazing in Florida
Cattle grazing has been an integral part of our culture and economic growth, ever since Spanish explorers began to settle on Florida’s coasts in the 1500s. The explorers brought their cattle with them for food, and later on began increasing cattle production ultimately turning the industry into a profitable trade for Florida. According to Jorge R. Rey, “This (cattle grazing) was the first true commercial industry to develop in the New World…” (Rey, J. (n.d.). Florida Cracker Cattle. In Publication #AN240. Retrieved March 13, 2012, from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an240.) Rey explains that early on, cattle were traded with Cuba and during the Civil War; Florida was the number one supplier of beef for both the Confederate and Union sides. After the war, pioneer families continued trading cattle with Cuba which helped refinance the war torn economy, ultimately turning Florida into America’s leading exporter.
In 2009, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services stated, "Nationally, Florida ranked 10th in beef cows and 18th in total cattle" (http://www.florida-agriculture.com/agfacts.htm). The United States Department of Agriculture states, "During the last 20 years, the number of all cattle operations in the United States has fallen 28 percent, while beef cow operations have declined by 21 percent" (http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/USCatSup/USCatSup-12-17-2010.pdf). Oddly enough, in 2011, the U.S. regained the topspot over Brazil as the leading beef exporter in the world and the U.S. is still the largest beef producer.
Cattle Leases
Many of the preserves with cattle leases, located all over the county, consist of overgrown agricultural fields or improved/unimproved pastures installed by previous landowners. Where & when feasible, the goal for these "altered" areas is to eventually restore them to more “natural” plant communities; to become part of a viable functioning ecosystem. Until restoration work can begin, grazing in these areas is a useful management tool to help reduce the overgrown vegetation (aka: fuels) that can make a wildfire more devastating to native vegetation and wildlife. Cattle graze on several different plant species; some of these include invasive exotic plants that compete with native plants which often serve as food and/or shelter for some of our native animal species. Grazing assists in keeping exotic vegetation at a more manageable level so less herbicide is required to control it.
Another introduced animal species by the Spanish explorers are feral hogs (Sus scrofa). They are also known as wild pigs, feral swine and wild boar. Feral hogs are destructive to natural communities, native wildlife, agricultural industry, commercial growers, and homeowners yards. Hog trapping by our cattle licensees has recently been added to our cattle leases (See generic License Agreement for Cattle Grazing document in section 6d). As long as hog trapping has been approved by the land stewardship coordinator and the cattleperson/licensee holds the necessary permits and follows set procedures, they may trap to remove feral hogs. Primarily, the cattleperson's ability to remove feral hogs helps reduce damage to the vegetation necessary for their cattle to feed on. Additional benefits include (but not limited to): a). reduce the spread of invasive exotic plants, b). reduce feral hog populations on these lands and neighboring properties, c). reduce management budget expendature for hired trappers, and d). decrease the potential of spreading parasites & bloodborne diseases (i.e. brucellosis) that hogs carry to other livestock & humans. See bottom page on additional information to obtain a state permit.
All preserves with appropriate public access (containing at least a pedestrian gate) are open to hikers whether there is a cattle lease on the site or not. Preserves with an active cattle lease and a pedestrian access gate will have a sign identifying it as such to forewarn hikers. Please do not feed or harass the livestock and watch your step. Locations without pedestrian gates require the public to schedule an on-site visit with a land stewardship coordinator.
Cattle grazing requirements and fees on Conservation 20/20 land:
Contact Information for Cattle Grazing on Conservation 20/20 land:
Although there are currently no unleased parcels available for grazing, we contact cattlepersons that are listed on our waiting list (currently over 20) as properties open up for cattle grazing. Depending on your requirements (size, location, vegetation type, condition of fence, etc.) and your position on the waiting list, you could remain on this list for awhile before a suitable grazing parcel becomes available. For any questions or interest in being added to our current cattle lease waiting list, please contact:
Jessica Lowery
Sr. Maintenance Specialist
Conservation 20/20
(239) 707-4280
jlowery@leegov.com
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Feral Hog Trapping Information
*For interest in hog trapping click the following link for instructions on obtaining a permit from the state of Florida: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/ai/pdf/brochures/DACS-P-01510_Swine_Trappers.pdf
*For more info on obtaining a permit and registering to become a feral swine dealer in Lee County, call the listed phone number for FDACS Lee County Hog Trapping Permit information: (863) 993-4732.