Mervin Hines

Mervin Hines, Mervin Hines Farm, Gilchrist

Mervin Hines and his family own and operate Mervin Hines Farm in High Springs, Florida. The farm was founded in the 1950’s when Mr. Hines cleared the land and made it available to farm. They proudly produce cattle and hay. Mr. Hines has been implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs) on the farm since he started farming. 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. Mervin Hines Farm has placed three well water troughs throughout the land to keep the cattle from disturbing natural wetlands nearby. Mr. Hines also uses a rotational grazing system to improve the pastures longevity, utilize forage and to conserve the surplus of forage. He also uses a dragging system to disperse high concentrations of manure around the pasture.

Mr. Hines is actively involved in his local community, serving as a member of the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau and a member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. He and his family regularly attend Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in High Springs where Mr. Hines serves as a deacon. When asked why he is a farmer who CARES, Hines responded, “if we do not protect the environment now we will not have a future later, nor will our kids.”