About Loran Brookins Farm:
For all of his life, Loran Brookins has been involved in farming. The importance of Best Management Practices has been known to him for at least 65 years; before they had a name they were known as “just being smart”, as he says. Today, he owns a 350 acre farm that produces mainly watermelons, with cattle and hay produced at a smaller scale. Brookins’ Farm is a one man show, besides when his two sons and two grandsons are able to lend a hand.
Mr. Brookins sets an example of environmental stewardship for his younger generations. Implementing practices that reduce water output has cut down on nutrient runoff and soil testing has offered several additional benefits. Controlled release nitrogen fertilizer has not only restricted the amount required but has aided his efficiency of producing watermelons. Mr. Brookins expresses his view on the benefits of BMP projects, “a little is better sometimes, especially in the case of water and fertilizer”, he says when asked about managing production costs.
Brookins’ Farm is located in Levy County, where he is very involved in youth programs and other activities. For the past 16 years, he has led as President of the Suwanee River Fair. He is also very involved in FFA alumni. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is excited to honor Mr. Loran Brookins as a 2023 CARES recipient for his dedication to natural resource protection.
