Region II
Deer Park, FL
FLORIDA OPERATION HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Kempfer Cattle Company is a 25,000-acre diversified ranch in central Florida. Since 1898, six generations of the family have implemented stewardship practices to conserve land and water resources. The purebred Brahman and commercial cattle operation also includes a variety of ventures including a sod company and sawmill. The Kempfer family collects and stores rainwater in stock tanks, which reduces the strain on natural water bodies, particularly during drought conditions. They also prevent overgrazing and soil erosion around rivers and streams, preserving ecological balance and protecting riparian areas. By actively managing and controlling the spread of invasive plants, the ranch preserves biodiversity, protects sensitive ecosystems, and maintains the integrity of native plant communities. The ranch’s location to a large metropolitan area also provides an opportunity to share their stewardship practices with visitors from across the country and around the world.
“It is incredibly important to us to be good stewards, and when we see healthy pastures and healthy land, we feel cattle are the biggest reason for that,” said Henry Kempfer with Kempfer Cattle Company. “It makes us feel good that we are creating an environment not just for the wildlife but also better pastures for the cattle at the same time.”
