Spring farm tour offers folks a chance to see places in East Manatee they might never go

Char-O-Lot Ranch Appaloosa  (provided photo)

Really interesting things to see down on the farm.

The 100 or so folks who took the Spring Conservation Farm Tour recently can attest to that.

First stop was at Venus II citrus grove in Duette, owned by Claude Melli of FLM Inc. Jay Pearson, assisting Melli, explained the operation and the water savings from a 34-acre irrigation reservoir, partially funded by Southwest Florida Water Management District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. 

The reservoir allows savings in groundwater withdrawals used to water Hamlin and Valencia oranges.

Next up, was Char-O-Lot Ranch in  Myakka City, where Appaloosa horses are trained and bred. Attendees saw the exercise routine of the horses and learned about breeding procedures. The Schembri family has been breeding, showing, buying, and selling horses for over 35 years. 

Char-O-Lot is well known beyond Myakka City. The Schembris have won the Leading Breeder Award at the Appaloosa World Show several times, most recently in 2011.

 Lunch was served at the Myakka City Community Center by the Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association.

 At Enza Zaden Research Center on Crosby Road, participants were able to learn about the Dutch-owned vegetable breeding operation from farm manager Moody Whiddon and product specialist Skeeter Bethea.
 
Finally, many local products such as strawberries, corn, cucumbers, local honey, eggs, and clams were available for purchase at the King Family Farm and Market where Ben and Shelby King showcased the family operation off Caruso Road.

The tour is organized by the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District. Gail Somodi, Manatee County soil conservation supervisor, does a great job keeping the public informed and provided the details and the photos of the tour. Thanks Gail!


For a gallery of photos from the tour, visit


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