Bart Gieger, Geiger Farms, Gilchrist
Bart and Gina Geiger own and operate Geiger Farms in Gilchrist County. The farm began in 2004 and raises cattle. Geiger Farms is a family-run business with all members of the family having an active role in the prosperity of the farm. Geiger Farms has implemented BMPS since 2007. BMPs are a set of guidelines that advise producers on how to manage the water, nutrient, and pesticides they are using to reduce agriculture’s impact on the state’s natural resources. Some of the BMPs that have been implemented include rotational grazing, moving of feed and mineral troughs, and hay rings. Rotational grazing utilizes cross fencing or fencing of sensitive areas to allow for animal rotation and protection of waterbodies. By rotating the herd from pasture to pasture, it gives the grass enough time to grow tender leaves for cattle grazing and enhances efficiency to the pastures’ growth. These practices ensure that their land will remain productive and viable for future generations.
Geiger is an active member in their community as members to the First Baptist Church, allow the youth to exhibit their heifers, and compete at the County Cow Show. Bart has also spent many years involved with operations of family cattle ranch in Yeehaw Junction. Geiger enjoys farming mostly due to his fascination with and expertise in artificial insemination; “I love spending time working with the cows and A.I. certain heifers and cows and seeing what type of calves we can produce.” When asked why he believes it is important to protect our environment, Geiger responded, “We need to be good stewards of our land to pass down many lessons”.
