John Williams, Salt Lick Ranch, Highlands
John Williams and his family own and operate Salt Lick Ranch in Brighton, Florida. The farm has been in the family for over 80 years and was started in 1927. They proudly produce cattle. Mr. Williams has been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm for a decade. BMPs are a set of guidelines that advise producers on how to manage the water, nutrient, and pesticides they are using to reduce agriculture’s impact on the state’s natural resources. Salt Lick Ranch has designated settle-ponds to capture phosphorous run off. A culvert is used with risers to slow the flow of water and allow more time for the pond to capture the runoff. Mr. Williams uses a rotational grazing system to improve pasture longevity, allow more timely utilization of forage, conserve the surplus of forage, and to increase the stocking rates. He has also installed solar wells for his cattle to have a fresh source of water.
Mr. Williams is actively involved in his local community, serving as a Florida Farm Bureau member and a member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. He is also involved in the local Kiwanis Club, the Okeechobee Area Ag Council and a part of the Indian River State College Foundation Board. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Williams responded, “it is the only environment we have.”
