Rufus Ogden

Rufus Ogden, Rufus Ogden Farm, Columbia

Rufus and Margie Ogden own and operate Rufus Ogden Farm in Columbia County. The 3rd generation farm started in the late 1800s originally producing peanuts, watermelons, corn, and soybeans. Today, the farm is a cow/calf operation. Rufus Ogden Farm has implemented BMPS since the late 1960s. 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. Some of the BMPs that have been implemented include use of Trimble GPS guided application for applying fertilizer. By using GPS guided applications, calibration and adjustments to fertilizers can ensure an efficient growth rate. These practices ensure that their land will remain productive and viable for future generations.

Ogden has been actively involved in his community as a member of the Santa Fe Soil and Water Board for 36 years, Suwannee River RC & D Board member for 12 years, and served on the Trustees Committee for 6 years. Ogden is also a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Lake City. When asked why he believes it is important to protect our environment, Ogden simply responded, “To preserve for future generations.”