By COLLIN BREAUX
R.W.E. Farms in Westville and Jackson Farms in Graceville received awards from Holmes County Farm Bureau in recognition of preserving natural resources during an annual Farm Bureau meeting on March 7.
The award “publicly recognizes farmers and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented best management practices,” said Hannah Love, industry relations manager for AEST–a subsidy of Florida Farm Bureau Federation.
“The public benefits of these conservation practices include fresh air, wildlife habitat, and water recharge for our aquifers,” Love said. “Both of these families are committed to sustaining the quality of life we all enjoy and protecting Florida’s land legacy for future generations.”
R.W.E. Farms were represented by married couple Wade and Nikki Ellenburg.
“Wade and his father grow a variety of vegetables, peanuts, corn, and cotton in the northwest side of the county near the Alabama state line,” Love said. “They’ve been using cover crops and natural vegetation to plant crops for more than 15 years.”
Jackson Farms were represented by married couple Lance and Briana Jackson.
“Lance works to revamp terraces to slow down watershed, which plays an immense role in preventing soil erosion,” Love said. “He maintains accurate soil fertility records to prevent over fertilizing, which limits nutrients from entering our local streams, creeks, and rivers.”
In other news from the meeting, Holmes County Farm Bureau President Jeremy Rolling said they gave away seven $1,000 scholarships last year to Holmes County seniors.
“We were part of the process to be able to help after Hurricane Idalia,” Rolling said. “In 2023, $69,810 was raised for 27 counties throughout the state.”
Holmes County Farm Bureau partnered with lumber companies to send supplies.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Jim Saunders 
Dara Kam 