Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District

04/23/2026

Please be prepared.

⚠️ 4/23: FLSERT, local emergency management officials & the Florida Forest Service are actively monitoring wildfires throughout the state.

Your area may be experiencing smoky conditions due to nearby wildfires.

Dry & breezy conditions are expected to continue today, which will encourage erratic & dangerous wildfire behavior.

To protect yourself & your loved ones, be sure to:
🚨 Monitor local alerts & evacuate if ordered by officials
😷 Be cautious of poor air quality—limit outdoor activity & wear a mask
📦 Keep a go bag ready with essentials
🏠 Close windows, doors & vents to keep smoke out
🚗 Know multiple evacuation routes
⛽ Keep your gas tank at least half full

Stay ready so you don't have to get ready! FloridaDisaster.org/Wildfire

04/18/2026

Please be aware.

04/15/2026

We wanted to take a moment and share this special memory of Buck Bird and the incredible legacy he leaves behind.

In 2018, Buck was honored by the Association of Florida Conservation Districts with a plaque recognizing over 50 years of volunteer service to the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District.

He was recognized as the longest-standing member of any Soil and Water Conservation District board in the State of Florida and the only person to receive this distinction.

This recognition is a true testament to Buck’s extraordinary dedication, not only to conservation, but to the people and land of our rural community. His decades of service reflect a level of commitment that is both rare and deeply appreciated.

We are proud to honor his legacy and grateful for the lasting impact he has made.

04/15/2026

The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District is deeply saddened by the loss of our longtime board member, Buck Bird.

For about 60 years, Buck Bird faithfully served our District with dedication, wisdom, and true passion for conservation. His steady leadership and commitment to protecting our natural resources made a lasting difference in our community and will continue to guide our work for years to come.

We are grateful for his decades of service and the impact he leaves behind. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him.

We send our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

You can read his full obituary here:

View Thomas Buckingham Bird Jr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

04/10/2026

Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District hosting a very successful farm tour for key personnel from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including the Director and Assistant Director of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy, along with State Representative Allison Tant.

We visited several local operations, highlighting the variety of agricultural operations in our community and giving a firsthand look at the work our farmers do every single day.

It’s incredibly important for decision-makers to see agriculture up close and not just from reports or meetings, but in the field. Farmers are on the front lines of conservation, implementing best management practices, protecting our water resources, and caring for the land in ways that benefit all of us.

These conversations matter. When leaders understand the realities of farming, they are better equipped to support policies that protect both our environment and our agricultural community.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story and showcase the stewardship happening right here in Jefferson County.

03/23/2026

Today I signed SB 290, the Florida Farm Bill.

Not only does this legislation reinforce our commitment to the success of Florida agriculture; its provisions also protect the health, security, and freedom of Floridians.

02/27/2026

🦌🌽 Deer Damaging Your Crops? We Want to Hear From You!

As part of my UF/IFAS thesis research, we’re inviting growers to share their experiences with deer damage and management strategies.

📝 Statewide Florida Grower Survey
⏱️ Takes just a few minutes
🔒 Anonymous & voluntary

🎤 Panhandle Grower Interviews (North Florida focus)
⏱️ 15–45 minutes, depending on your input
📍 In-person, phone, or Zoom options available

Choose ONE option: survey OR interview

Your perspective matters whether deer damage is severe, occasional, or not an issue on your farm. The more growers who participate, the stronger the recommendations for practical, producer-informed deer management.

📅 Open through April 30, 2026
🔗 Links below:
Survey: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bp7AIrHdSy4E47k
Interview: https://forms.gle/tugkZK4L5DRuVjyU8

Please share with a Florida grower you know!

02/04/2026

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that beginning February 25, 2026, Florida’s agricultural producers can apply for more than $600 million in disaster assistance for impacts from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. In addition, Commissioner Simpson is asking the federal government for approval to use Florida’s disaster block grant program to immediately fund relief for agricultural producers impacted by the historic 2026 ice storm.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/bdzedav5

01/19/2026

Check out the latest Florida Cattle Market Update, ‘Beef Production: Past, Present, Future' provided by Hannah Baker, a State Specialized Agent in Beef Cattle and Forage Economics, at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Ona. https://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/about/directory/staff/hannah-baker/

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the Jefferson County Soil & Water Conservation District!
As we welcome the new year, we thank our community, partners, and landowners for helping us protect and conserve our natural resources. Wishing you a year filled with growth, stewardship, and success! 🌱💧