Brent Sellers, Sellers Farm, Hardee
Brent and Mary Shannon Sellers own and operate Sellers Farms in Bowling Green, Florida. The farm has been in Mary Shannon’s family since the 1950s, but became their official farm in 2011. It is a family-run business with all members of the family having an active role in the prosperity of the farm. Sellers Farms has implemented BMPs for the past 5-6 years. 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 cross fencing, GPS guided herbicide applications and conduct soil and tissue testing. Utilizing GPS guided applicators help indicate when and where to apply fertilizer and nutrients for optimal growth and efficient production. Cross fencing or fencing of sensitive areas allows for animal rotation and protection of waterbodies. These practices ensure that their land will remain productive and viable for future generations.
The Sellers are involved in their community as members to the Oak Grove Baptist Church worship team in Wauchula. Brent is a member of the Church Youth Advisory Team while his wife assists with the Music Minister in their kids programming, M&M Kids Club. Brent is also a member of the Hardee County Cloverleaf Foundation, has served as the UF/IFAS Representative on the Hardee County Cattlemen’s Board of Directors, just as Mary Shannon assists with 4-H County Council. Their son is involved in Hardee County 4-H, FFA, and Hardee County Sports as well. When asked why they believe it is important to protect our environment, Sellers responded, “We believe it is important to continue to maintain green space and to take care of the land so that our resources are protected for future generations.”
