Blackbeard's Ranch, Manatee County
Jim Strickland and his family own and operate Blackbeard’s Ranch in Myakka City. The ranch was started by Mr. Strickland’s father, Hiram Strickland, in 1938. They proudly produce beef cattle.
Blackbeard’s Ranch has been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the ranch for decades. Mr. Strickland practices a rotational grazing system that improves pasture longevity, allows for more timely utilization of forage and increases the stocking rates. Strickland Ranch has installed wells to provide a reliable source of drinking water for the cattle and keep them from disturbing the natural wetlands. Soil samples are taken regularly to ensure the precise amount of fertilizer is being applied to each pasture. The Strickland’s have also fenced off natural wetlands, installed lagoons and implemented several other BMP’s to protect precious natural resources.
