October 24, 2006

Jackson County Property Recognized As A Century Pioneer Family Farm

Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced that a farm in Jackson County has qualified for recognition as a Century Pioneer Family Farm. Recognition in this program means the families have maintained continuous ownership of the property for at least 100 years.

The family that qualified is Wayne and Stacey Reese, whose farm is located on Reesefields Lane in Eastern Jackson County.

“We are really proud to be a part of a family that has farmed the property for 100 years,” said Stacey Reese, who works for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Ms. Reese also said that all of their children and grandchildren have homesteads on the 75-acre property. Agricultural products that have been produced on this property range from cattle, swine, goats, corn, cotton and peanuts. The property is currently used for hay production and cattle/calf operations.

“This family has been able to retain ownership of their land through the Depression, diseases, droughts, freezes and the urbanization of Florida,” Bronson said. “That is a great tribute to the many generations of this family.”

Since the program began 25 years ago, 124 family farms have received the Century Pioneer Family Farm designation. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with assistance of the Florida Agricultural Museum.

For information, contact Richard Gunnels at gunnelr@doacs.state.fl.us or (850) 488-3022, or visit www.florida-agriculture.com/marketing/century_pioneers.htm.

For more information:
Richard Gunnels
(850) 488-3022
gunnelr@floridatomatoes.org