ABOUT PETTEWAY CITRUS & CATTLE

Petteway Citrus & Cattle is a family- owned business that began in 1900 and has since grown into a premier citrus and cattle enterprise in Hardee and Polk counties. 

Roy L. Petteway is a 5th generation cattleman and grower and is proud to work alongside his son, Roy, who now makes the 6th generation.  This father/ son duo work together to not only grow high- quality products for consumers but to also preserve their family’s heritage and land. 

Since the mid- 2000s they have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to reduce water and nutrient use and improve water quality throughout their property.  Some of the BMPs implemented include installing micro- jet irrigation in all of their oranges groves and moisture monitors to prevent over watering and leaching of fertilizer beyond the root zone.  Through soil tests, leaf analyses, fertigation applications, and computer- operated sprayers, they apply nutrients and chemicals efficiently and only apply what is truly needed. 

Protecting local water quality is extremely important to this family.  For over 20 years, they have rotated cattle daily to graze on fresh, tender grass and reduce impacts on the land.  Water troughs are also rotated to ensure adequate space between cattle and their water source.  This prevents nutrient build- up and reduces the risk of erosion.  Through these two practices, the Petteway’s have been able to improve soil health reducing fertilizer and herbicide use. 

To protect wildlife habitats, they maintain wildlife corridors on the perimeters of the property and also use prescribed burning on native pastures.  This allows a variety of birds and small game to build thriving habitats. The Petteway family strives to maintain the natural wildlife and beauty of their property, while still earning an honest living.  They work to protect local natural resources so that future generations of their family can enjoy farming and ranching as they do today. 

When they aren’t out in the grove or working cattle, the Petteway’s can be found educating the public and working in their community.  They host chefs from large urban areas for a pasture to plate luncheon and teach them how beef cattle are raised.  They partner with Extension to teach local ranchers about intense grazing practices, herd management and Artificial Insemination (AI). 

Roy L. Petteway participates in the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative by speaking to ranchers from around the US about their family’s business and conservation program.  It is important to this family that they continually educate themselves through local programs and are involved in advocacy efforts for ranchers.  Both father and son are involved on numerous boards such as the Soil and Water Conservation Service and Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association. 

Florida Farm Bureau Federation is proud to award a 2018 CARES designation and sign to Roy L. & Roy Petteway for their dedication in being outstanding environmental stewards.