Sustainable Forestry

Farmton’s roots and heart are in agriculture.

Timber

In 1925, Miami Corporation officers visited the site around Farmton and Maytown in Volusia and Brevard Counties in search of agricultural land. The initial purchase of forty-five thousand acres has grown over the past century to be a seventy-thousand-acre property known as the Farmton Tract, or Farmton Tree Farm.

Growing and cultivating trees began in the early 1950s. From 1954 to 1967, fourteen million seedlings were planted, and cutting began in 1974. Since that time, forestry operations have continued using best management practices for planting and sustainable harvesting of southern yellow pine.

Cattle

In 2018, Adams Ranch - Farmton LLC, a business venture that brings together two venerable, multi-generational agricultural companies, was created to fulfill the vision to expand Adams Ranch’s sustainable cattle production efforts, which began on their St. Lucie County ranch in 1937, to Volusia and Brevard Counties.

The current herd of 140 head of Adams Ranch ABEEF cattle graze on approximately 1,150 acres of land owned by Farmton Deering Park, LLC, located within the City of Edgewater. The ABEEF composite is a unique breed of cattle that uses Adams Ranch heat-adapted Brafords, adds Red Angus for marbling and Gelbvieh for muscling. ABEEF cattle possess qualities that allow for open range ranching in Florida’s sunny, tropical climate and are among the most heat-tolerant animals in the southeast.

As timber continues to be harvested on Farmton as it has been since the 1930s, portions of the land will be converted to pasture for additional Adams Ranch ABEEF cattle.

For more information about Adams Ranch cattle click here to visit the Adams Ranch website.

Sod

Farmton’s approach to pasture establishment is patient, planned, and precise so expanding to sod fields was a perfect fit as another agriculture investment. After completion, Farmton will have 300 acres of sod that will consist of high-quality grass specifically selected to survive and thrive in Florida’s climate.

Hunting

Sustainability and respect for wildlife and the environment are watchwords for the Farmton Hunt Club. Strict rules ensure hunters have an enjoyable experience while remaining safe and protecting the environment.

The Farmton Hunt Club is a membership club, with all hunting on the property managed in accordance with an approved wildlife management plan and state game laws. Reduced hunting pressure has allowed a rebound in the wildlife population. Game management and landowner-imposed restrictions on the taking of wildlife are stricter than State limits. Hunters are a beneficial presence on Farmton; among other activities, they volunteer as fire lookouts during the fire season. This not only protects a natural resource, but surrounding communities as well.

For further information visit www.farmtonhuntclub.com

Bees

Honeybee populations are imperative to how ecosystems survive, including ours. Honeybee keepers are constantly moving beehives around the country following blooms, searching for nectar, and ensuring successful pollination networks. At Farmton, we are home to seasonal apiaries where honeybees pollinate this complex pine flatwoods ecosystem. The product of this pollination is gallberry honey and honeycomb. This is a popular honey known for its rich and unique taste.