FULFORD’S BEEN RAISING CATTLE IN FLORIDA FOR 24 YEARS, ALONGSIDE HER HUSBAND, MATT. IT WAS MATT WHO FIRST INTRODUCED HER TO THE CATTLE INDUSTRY AND FROM THERE HER LIFE’S PASSION BEGAN. At left, Fulford gets supplies ready to pull blood for a cow's pregnancy check. Right, she holds up the cow's tail so Jerrels can pull blood.
Fulford also uses a Global Positioning System when using weed killers and fertilizers to ensure proper usage, location and amount. These chemicals are strictly monitored to make sure they do not contaminate any water sources, thus protecting water quality. Like many ranches in Florida, the land she raises cattle on provides a home for countless wildlife in addition to the cows. Whitetail deer and Osceola turkeys are just a few of the animals that also call Rocking K Cattle Company home. Without these grazing lands, this diverse natural Florida habitat would be lost to development and industry. It is no surprise that Fulford was a recipient of the 2016 “This Farm CARES Award” from the Florida Farm Bureau. “CARES” stands for County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship. The award recognizes farmers and ranchers who have implemented BMPs and exemplify a strong commitment to protecting Florida’s natural resources.
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The farm or ranch enrolls in Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ BMP program to implement practices that help them reduce water and nutrient use as well as improve water quality. Department staff work with producers to ensure their BMP program is working well and accomplishing their goals for natural resource protection. More than 800 farmers and ranchers have been recognized for their efforts to be good environmental stewards. Fulford plans to continue providing the best-quality cattle possible while caring for Florida’s natural resources. With the constant threat of development in the Sunshine State, she believes firmly that Florida lands must be protected for future generations. “Being a livestock producer is not easy,” she says. “It is seven days a week, all hours of the day and night. You never know what the day will bring. It is exhausting—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Katey McClenny, a Florida native, is an advocate for agriculture with a strong passion for the cattle industry. In addition to writing and photography, she loves being outdoors and spending time with her dogs and horses.
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rotated frequently around pastures so there is no overgrazing. “There’s always good fresh grass coming up, which is good for the land and it’s good for my cattle,” she states.