Rural/Farm

Sumter County is home to some of the best cooks, canners and bakers than can be found anywhere.  Our climate allows us to grow almost any fruit, vegetable, dairy, poultry or meat product in abundance.  What is missing in this area is a commercial kitchen that can be used to legally produce food products and sell them.

Tim Manning, state executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Florida, announced Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has set general signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to begin on March 14, and continue through April 15.
During the signup period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land for CRP’s competitive general signup at their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.
Land currently not enrolled in CRP may be offered in this signup provided all eligibility requirements are met.

Ann Holt, a partner in Twin H Farms of Belle Glade, has been selected to receive the "Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award" for 2010. The award, now in its 26th year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. It is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Fair Authority. The award will be presented on February 10, 2011, during the opening-day luncheon at the Florida State Fair in Tampa.