The Florida Farm Bureau Federation presented Lennon Grove Service, Inc. with a This Farm CARES award on Oct. 6 at the Orange County Farm Bureau annual meeting. The grove was recognized for sustainable farming practices. The award is given to farmers and ranchers enrolled in best management practices.
Established in 2000, Lennon Grove Service focuses on citrus production as well as hay and beef cattle. It strives to improve water quality and reduce nitrogen leaching. The business works with the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation to implement effective citrus greening management practices in commercial groves.
Lennon Grove Service uses automated weather and rain gauge technology to prevent overirrigation, soil sampling to prevent overfertilizing and routinely inspects diesel fuel tanks used in the grove.
Bill Lennon said, “Being a good steward of the land is the right thing to do to — to preserve it for the future, which goes hand in hand with being economically sound.”
The CARES award was created to recognize Florida’s farmers and ranchers for their efforts to drastically reduce water use and effectively manage nutrient programs. Those efforts are used to protect water quality through the latest innovative technology to accomplish conservation goals.
The farm families recognized are awarded a sign to display at their farm entrance to showcase their commitment to conserving and preserving Florida’s natural resources.
The CARES program was created in partnership by Florida Farm Bureau, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Since the program’s establishment in 2001, more than 900 farms and ranches have been recognized across Florida.
Source: Florida Farm Bureau Federation
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