The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is working: LFW Farms, a 1,014-acre cattle ranch in Okeechobee County, Florida, has been permanently preserved from development through a rural lands protection easement. The property is mainly used as a cow/calf operation. Bahia grass is periodically cut and sold as pastures are rotated. Approximately 10% of the ranch serves as functional wetlands for the area ecosystem, the remainder is improved pasture. This project is located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

This #FarmerFriday, we’re recognizing the Thomas family of Diamond 99. Located in Bell, Florida, the family produces both red‑seeded and seedless watermelons, supplying fresh Florida fruit throughout the season. Join us in celebrating Diamond 99 for their continued commitment to growing high‑quality Florida watermelons. 🍉 Website: d99watermelons.com Facebook & Instagram: @diamond99watermelons

Over a year ago, when we heard the New World Screwworm could be a threat to the U.S., FDACS started modernizing traps that our trained scientists can use to help with fly detection. I am pleased to report our traps work and are being used today in Texas and New Mexico. Our staff will be placing these traps strategically throughout Florida as well. Detection is a major key in response efforts, and Florida will continue to be a strong partner with the USDA and our other states in combatting and eradicating the NWS. We have no reports of NWS in Florida at this time. Let’s all stay vigilant to keep it out of Florida.

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is working: Syfrett Farm & Ranch, a 1,183-acre cow/calf operation in Highlands County, Florida, has been permanently preserved from development through a rural lands protection easement. The ranch supports a large herd of cattle and is engaged in a sustainable cow/calf operation. In addition to livestock grazing, the ranch utilizes a portion of its fertile uplands for sod production. The wetland areas provide valuable ecological benefits, such as water filtration and habitat for local wildlife, and the property has improvements to optimize water retention to reduce runoff and enhance water quality flowing into Lake Okeechobee. Syfrett Farm & Ranch is entirely located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

We are doing everything we can to keep your pets safe. The new Emergency Rule issued today by Commissioner Wilton Simpson prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed New World Screwworm detections. Many monthly flea and tick medications can be effective in protecting against New World Screwworm. Approved treatment for NWS (this page will be updated as information is received): tinyurl.com/4zcd8zcx

Investments in the trades impact real folks and our economy. Proud to stand with Governor DeSantis in Brooksville this week to deliver a significant workforce training grant to Pasco Hernando State College for a state-of-the-art aeronautics and power plant program that will be housed at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay regional airport.

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program is working: Thundercloud Ranch, a 1,042-acre cow/calf operation with hay production in Manatee County, Florida, will be permanently preserved from development through a rural lands protection easement, in aquatic partnership with Manatee County. This property is part of the headwaters for Gilley Creek which is a major tributary to the Manatee River and consists of natural mesic flatwoods and scrub habitat with improved pasture. Thundercloud provides a connection between Little Manatee River Southfork Tract owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Edward W. Chance Reserve, which protects Lake Manatee flowing into the Manatee River. Thundercloud Ranch is located within the Florida Ecological Greenways Network.

Honored to have Governor Ron DeSantis on the Team! The Governor has been supportive of our mission to stand with Florida’s farmers and I am proud to have his endorsement.

When an electric utility decommissions a solar site, that land must be restored to its original state, and the Ag Department gets the first right of refusal to buy it. The Department will then strip the development rights and sell the property to local farmers, guaranteeing that land stays in production agriculture in perpetuity.

The 2026 Farm Bill provides new protection against overdevelopment for small rural communities with less than 5000 residents and 2500 acres - protecting 135 cities across the state. We’re putting the power back in local hands by requiring a unanimous local vote to zoning changes for new development.

Florida Forestry Association Leaders Endorsement: Leaders of the Florida Forestry Association, including current Executive Committee members, board members and former Association presidents, today announced their endorsement of Wilton Simpson for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The group cited Simpson’s longstanding support for Florida agriculture, working forests and rural communities, as well as his record on issues affecting forestry and natural resource stewardship. “Florida’s forestry community needs leaders who value the long-term importance of working forests to our state’s economy, environment and rural way of life,” said Association President Avery C. Roberts. “Wilton Simpson has demonstrated that commitment throughout his public service career, and we are proud to support his campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture.” Forestry leaders also noted that Simpson has served as a strong champion for the Florida Forest Service. He has expanded the division’s access to advanced technology including drones, GPS and other equipment, while also helping improve compensation for personnel to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts.

The Volusia County "Trump Golden Age of America Dinner" brought together some of the hardest working warriors of the Florida GOP grassroots tonight. What an honor to talk about the good work we're doing on behalf of Florida's farmers!

We have a new Fresh From Florida radio ad that is about to hit the waves this Summer. We tapped into some “Fresh” talent during our recent Bring Your Child To Work Day. Enjoy a behind the scenes sneak peek. In the meantime, look for the Fresh From Florida label at your local stores and markets so you can enjoy a little sunshine in every Summer bite! Click here to listen to the full radio ad: followfreshfromflorida.com/2… (followfreshfromflorida.com/2…)

UPDATE: Following the detection of the New World Screwworm in South Texas, I’ve issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas. Learn more: tinyurl.com/59zncxhn

This #FarmerFriday, we’re recognizing The Dakin Family (Grant, Ethan, Garrett, & Jason Dakin) with Dakin Dairy Farms as we celebrate National Dairy Month. Home to more than 6,500 dairy cows, Dakin Dairy Farms produces Florida‑bottled milk and fresh cheese curds while also growing corn, grass, and hay on‑site to feed their herd. Join us in celebrating Dakin Dairy Farms for their continued commitment to Florida’s dairy industry and high‑quality dairy products. 🥛🐄 Follow them here: @Dakin Dairy Farms Instagram: @ DakinDairyFarms

Few of our lives have not been touched by the devastating impacts that come with a cancer diagnosis. God bless those who have made it their life's work to find a cure.

New World Screwworm Update:

Citrus is part of our Florida history - and it’s worth saving. Thanks to the vision of President Ben Albritton, we have been a part of historic investments that will keep our groves fruitful for generations to come.

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program works with willing farmers and ranchers to prevent future development of working land through rural lands protection easements. By permanently protecting working lands from development, Florida is supporting agricultural operations that contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida.

The hard working Floridians who quietly and humbly feed our communities, fuel our economy, and protect our natural resources faced a difficult year marked by devastating freezes, wildfires, and other serious challenges. In response, we worked with the Florida Legislature to deliver a budget that makes 2026 “The Year of the Farmer”