Twenty-six Suwannee and Santa Fe River Basin farmers and ranchers will be recognized for their superior natural resource stewardship during the 9th Annual CARES dinner that will be held at the Dwight Stansel farm in Suwannee County on June 25.

These agricultural producers have implemented verifiable state-of-the-art management strategies known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their properties in the basin. BMPS are often designed

CARES - the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship - was initiated by Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership to highlight efforts by farm owners to improve natural resource management in the Suwannee River Basin. Ichetucknee Partnership The partnership includes local, regional, state and federal agencies, research institutions, industry associations, businesses and conservation groups.

Farm owners who have met verifiable standards of excellence in resource management receive a CARES designation and earn the privilege of posting a sign on their properties identifying them as award winners for their good work. One of the keys to the success of the program involves site visits by public officials who assess the implementation of state-of-the-art resource management techniques at the farm property.

Examples of BMPs include water conservation efforts, animal waste management and the strategic use of fertilizer.

“Farmers have long been good stewards of the land,” Scot Eubanks, assistant director of agricultural policy for Florida Farm Bureau said. “Now with new information and technology available, farmers are able to be even more proactive when it comes to protecting the environment.”

Eubanks said it is important to recognize those involved in the CARES program for their role in maintaining Florida's natural resources.

“Farmers are the first environmentalists,” said John Hoblick, president of Florida Farm Bureau. “Each of these award recipients deserves our applause and our appreciation for their skilled efforts at managing our natural resources. Florida Farm Bureau is proud that they exemplify the work of this state’s farmers and ranchers to produce safe, abundant food while being excellent stewards of our land and water.”