Dakin Dairy Farms & East Manatee Preservation Present a Panel Discussion on the Future of Agriculture in Manatee County

MYAKKA CITY — East Manatee Preservation is excited to announce a Panel Discussion on the Future of Agriculture in Manatee County on Saturday, February 10, from 3-5 PM at Dakin Dairy Farms (30771 Betts Road, Myakka).

The landscape of Manatee County is changing. As growth expands eastward in our county—one that once boasted the second most agricultural land in the state—we are proud to have partnered with one of Florida’s last local dairy farms to host a conversation with farmers about the future of agriculture in Manatee County. We’ve brought together a panel of distinguished local farmers and ranchers who represent the different sectors of our county’s agricultural heritage.

Our confirmed panelists include Jerry Dakin, Jim Strickland, and Gary Reeder.

The Dakin family has been milking cows in Manatee County since 1973. Jerry Dakin purchased his current property in 2001. It is the only family dairy farm in Florida that is open to the public and produces and bottles its own milk right on the farm.

Jim Strickland has six decades of ranching experience and comes from a family that has been ranching in Florida since the Civil War. Jim is the owner of Strickland Ranch and managing partner of Big Red Cattle Company and Blackbeard’s Ranch.

Gary Reeder is the president of the Manatee County Farm Bureau and a fourth-generation tomato producer. Gary has been immersed in agriculture his entire life and dedicated his nearly 40-year career to growing tomatoes.

Panelists will share their own experiences in farming over the last few decades, the challenges they continue to face, and ways they have adapted to the ever-changing realities of farming in Florida.
A complimentary wine and cheese tasting is included in the event.

Organizers ask that those planning to attend the free event register in advance at this link.

East Manatee Preservation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on educating and engaging the local community on the importance of our agricultural and rural lands.