County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) Recognitions – Hill Cattle and Mill Creek Farms

Farm Bureau is honored to recognize two outstanding farm families who have gone the extra mile in preserving, improving and caring for our state’s natural resources.

We are proud to recognize these environmental stewards with a “This Farm CARES” award. The County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship, or CARES, was created in 2001 by the Florida Farm Bureau to publicly recognize farmers and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented Best Management Practices, or BMPs, and promote these sustainable farm practices on farms statewide.

BMPs are state-of-the art, science-based, field-tested, conservation methods validated by state agencies. These practices have saved more than 4.8 million gallons of water per day while improving water quality. Public benefits include open spaces, fresh air, wildlife habitat, and water recharge for our aquifers.

I am proud to share that the 2025 Jackson County CARES recipients are Hill Cattle and Mill Creek Farms. They now join more than 900 land stewards across the state who proudly display a “This Farm CARES” sign at farm gate.

Our first recipient is Hill Cattle. Owned by John Hill, Hill Cattle is committed to conservation and environmental stewardship. A peanut and cattle producer, John implements sustainable practices that conserve natural resources and protect soil and water quality.

John utilizes no-till production, which minimizes soil disturbance and reduces erosion, leading to improved soil structure and long-term fertility. He uses cover crops to further improve soil health and promote biodiversity within his cropping system.

John exemplifies the values of the This Farm CARES program-showing that responsible agricultural production and natural resource conservation go hand in hand. He works tirelessly to strengthen community awareness about protecting our natural resources and has shown how innovation and stewardship work together to create a sustainable and viable future for Florida agriculture.  It is my honor to award the Hill Cattle a 2025 This Farm CARES award.

Our second recipient is Mill Creek Farms. Owned and operated by Landon Tharpe, Mill Creek Farms is a diversified family farm that produces cotton, peanuts, corn and soybeans. Landon implements BMPs like strip tilling to reduce soil erosion and conserve soil moisture, which promotes healthier soil and supports crop growth. He also utilizes GPS guided technology to aid in precise planting and fertilizer applications. This technology boosts efficiency on the farm by providing significant savings on fuel, fertilizer and chemical costs. Mill Creek Farms takes advantage of conservation program cost-share opportunities to help offset expenses.

Landon represents the next generation of innovative and conservation-minded farmers. He is continuously looking for ways to improve his operation and is a role model for other farm families in the community.  It is my honor to award Mill Creek Farms a 2025 This Farm CARES award.

On behalf of Jackson County Farm Bureau, please join me in congratulating these individualswho inspire others with their dedication to protecting Florida’s beauty and natural resources for future generations.

Florida Farm Bureau annually recognizes farms with the “This Farm CARES” recognition.  Recipients are selected with the help of the Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District, and the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Office of Ag Water Policy.  Please join with me in congratulating John Hill, and Landon Tharpe, because these farmers really do care about the natural resources they manage.