OKEECHOBEE COUNTY AGRICULTURE
Since the early 1900's, the area around Lake Okeechobee has been an important provider of agricultural products.  Okeechobee County is historically known for its cattle ranches
but also is a  thriving community of many diverse agribusiness interests.

Beef Industry
Okeechobee County is home to many of Florida's traditional cattle ranching families who have proven to be both tough and adaptable.  There are 65,000 head of beef cattle in the county, and the industry hinges on the production of feeder calves-animals sold when they are 6 to 10 months in age and weighing  400-600 pounds.  Ranchers practice the customary cow calf method of operation but have benefited from industry enhancements such as improved breeder stock, superior grasses, better health practices, and an ever expanding delivery system.

The Okeechobee Livestock Market was built in the 1930's by the local Cattlemen's Association to meet the industry's need for a regional trading center.  Now locally owned & operated, the Okeechobee Livestock Market is the largest volume market in Florida, selling around 150,000 head of cattle through the auction ring annually.

Okeechobee County Cattlemen's Association Rodeo Events In celebration of the rich heritage of the beef cattle ranching industry in Okeechobee, the Okeechobee County Cattlemen's Association presents two professional rodeo events a year. These events take place the second weekend in March and Labor Day weekend now at the Okeechobee County AGRI-CIVIC Center..   Cattle ranching is the oldest industry in Okeechobee County. The Cattlemen's Association professional rodeo events have been a part of celebrating and honoring beef cattle ranching in this community for well over 50 years. Over 150 families make up the membership of the Okeechobee Cattlemen's Association and twice a year they take a break from their ranch work and bring what many describe as the "wildest rodeo east of the Mississippi". These family oriented rodeo events include a complete line up of Mutton Bustin' and Calf Scramble for kids, Special Guest Acts along with exciting professional cowboys & cowgirls competing in Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing, Wild Horse Races and the ever favorite Bull Riding.

We are proud of our ranching and rodeo tradition and hope your will join us to enjoy the 
All American sport of Rodeo at the Okeechobee County Cattlemen's Association Rodeo Arena.

Dairy
The rapid urbanization of South Florida's coastal region moved the dairy industry in to Okeechobee County.  Today it impacts the local economy by $100 million dollars annually and is an important provider of jobs, both on the farm and in support industries.

Okeechobee area dairies rank among the largest in the United States, with an average herd size of over 1,000 cows.  The 36,000 dairy cows in Okeechobee produce 61,000,000 gallons of milk annually, equal to 1/4 of the states production. 

In 1987 the dairy rule forced many dairy farmers to relocate again or cease operation.  Those who stayed have spent over $30 million dollars to comply with the legislation.  Their newly designed or remodeled facilities have environmentally sound waste management systems that can generate tons of top soil for their urban neighbors.  An industry in transition, diary farmers continue to meet the challenge.

Citrus
The citrus industry has been a vital part of Okeechobee's agribusiness community for any years.  Today, land moving into citrus production is on the upswing as part of a growing statewide trend brought on by the severe freeze of the 1980's in central Florida.  Currently there are 12,170 acres of citrus groves in the county.

Citrus is part of the diversification of the area land from cattle and dairy into other agribusiness interests.  These interests include vegetable and sod farming, ornamentals, and even exotic animal and alligator farming.