Wayne Warren, 5W Cattle, Hardee
Wayne and Pam Warren own and operate 5W Cattle LLC in Zolfo Springs, Florida. The farm started many years ago and since then continues to be a commercial cow/calf operation, full of Charolaise, Maine Angus, and Brangus cattle. 5W Cattle LLC has implemented BMPS for the past 5 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 fencing out wetlands, rotational grazing and solar watering stations that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) were able to provide. Rotational grazing is a system that improves pasture longevity, allows for more timely utilization of forage and increases the stocking rates without a negative impact on the land. 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.
Warren is actively involved in his community as a member of the United Methodist Church in Wauchula, as well as a member to the Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Farm Bureau. When asked why he thinks it is important to protect our environment, Warren responded, “We have to let people know that we are the care takers of the land and God has given us this land to borrow and pass it on to the next generation.”
