Blueberry farming, sod production and small-scale cattle ranching are already underway as agricultural production ramps up on Clear Springs land. As owned farming operations are being developed, Clear Springs encourages other farmers in the region to explore potential collaborative projects and develop affiliated relationships that utilize all that Clear Springs has to offer.

Blueberry Farming

The Clear Springs agricultural production initiative launched with an initial 50 acres of blueberry production planted and ready for harvest during Spring 2007. Already another 150 acres is being prepared for planting with fully 1,000 acres devoted to blueberry production by 2008.

Blueberry farming on Clear Springs soils makes perfect sense. According to the University of Florida/IFAS (Document HS 742; April 2004), the Florida blueberry industry has flourished mainly because Florida growers produce high-quality fruit when few fresh berries are available. Florida growers, exclusive as suppliers of the first berries to ripen in North America, have an ideal market window from April 1st to May 20th (with high prices remaining through the end of May). According to the University of Florida, Central Florida—out of all Florida production points—is the best-suited for production during this key market window.

Clear Springs’ dedication to smart farming and best agricultural practices are evident in the new blueberry operations. A double-line irrigation system provides water and fertilizers to each plant thereby vastly reducing water use and run off from plant feeding. Laser guided construction and planting methods ensure maximum use of the land and underlying irrigation support systems.

Sod Production

According to the University of Florida’s Institute for Food and Agriculture Science the outlook for Florida’s sod production business is excellent. Demand from contractors for instant turf continues to trend upward within the state and beyond. Florida growers are responding with increased production. Sod is already being harvested and shipped from Clear Springs land with over 3,000 acres planned for sod production. There are major markets for fresh sod within 100 miles of Clear Springs; they include contractors, home garden centers, real estate developers and commercial development operations.

Sod production requires consistent and careful irrigation and moisture management. Clear Springs sod acreage utilizes an alternative, environmentally friendly sub-surface watering system. Energy usage, water consumption and fertilizer run-off are all lessened while the sod receives calibrated moisture from the root level up. And since there is no aboveground spray system, the natural beauty of the land and its growth are retained.

Cattle Ranching

Ranching is important to Florida’s economy and environment. According to the University of Florida, about 10 million acres (one third of the State) is used as farmland with the majority used either in part or in total for cattle production. Ranching helps protect water resources, provides natural greenways for wildlife and recreation, and preserves many components of the natural landscape.

The mix of native habitats found on ranchlands (marshes, swamps, woodlands, etc.) is key to providing food and cover supporting a diversity of species each with particular needs. Furthermore, ranchlands are rarely fertilized and, left in their natural state. Clear Springs recognizes the business value of cattle ranching and the value to nature.

Clear Springs cattle ranching has commenced on a limited scale with a current herd size of 100 head. The aim is to grow the herd size by leasing grazing lands for cattle ranching to outside independent ranchers. In keeping with the Clear Springs nature-friendly mission, the herd size and availability of land up for lease for such purposes will be closely monitored and handled.