Harrell Reid, Reid Family Partnership, Hamilton
Harrell Reid and his family own and operate Reid Family Partnership in Jasper, Florida. The farm has been in the family for over 50 years and was started by his father, Harry T. Reid, in 1957. They proudly produce carrots, corn, cattle, green beans, peanuts and soybeans. Mr. Reid has been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm since the early 1990’s. 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. Reid Family Partnership uses a Global Positioning System (GPS) to guide the tractors when applying crop protection tools. Using GPS allows for increased yields and efficiency. A low flow and low volume center pivot irrigation system is used to reduce water loss and provide irrigation to the crops. Mr. Reid uses a rotational grazing system for the cattle to improve pasture longevity, allow for timely utilization of forage and increase the stocking rates. He also has installed water troughs for a reliable freshwater source to keep the cattle from disturbing the natural wetlands.
Mr. Reid is actively involved in his local community, serving as the Hamilton County Sheriff since 1988 and a Farm Bureau Member. He and his family attend First Baptist Church of Jasper. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Reid responded, “I was blessed with the land and feel it is important to take care of the land given to me. America was founded on family farming, and I would like to keep it going.”
