ABOUT MCELHANEY FARMS

McElhaney Farms been in operation in Escambia County since 1921 and were the first family to begin growing peanuts in the county.  Today, Jimmy and Jerry McElhaney grow cotton, peanuts and corn on 1,300 acres of land in Florida and 110 acres in Alabama. 

In 2016, they enrolled in Best Management Practices with the goal of reducing water and nutrient use and improving water quality.  Their BMPs work together to protect local natural resources.  Some of the BMPs implemented include installing two soil moisture sensors to better determine irrigation needs as well as a surface water pond to recycle water.  In order to reduce nutrient use, the McElhaney’s use GPS and variable rate applications for spraying and fertilizing applications.  These two BMPs alone have helped them reduce their fertilizer use by 50% as well as their use of lime.  Planting cover crops, using conservation tillage and terracing their fields are BMPs that all work together to prevent soil erosion, increase crop yields and improve soil health. 

The McElhaney brothers have a true love of the land and work daily to be environmentally- friendly in all of their practices.  They believe that when they take care of the land, it will take care of them in return.  With more than 20 grand kids that they cherish, Jimmy and Jerry McElhaney exemplify what it means to be a farm that cares about the environment and people.  

Florida Farm Bureau Federation is proud to award a 2018 CARES designation and sign to Jimmy and Jerry McElhaney for their dedication in being outstanding environmental stewards.