Story & Photos by Karen Lee

Over 60 dairy producers and allied industry converged on south Florida, Jan. 20-22, for a one-of-a-kind learning and networking experience. Participants of Managers Academy spent two days of MBA-level business training that focused on understanding dairy markets, protecting the freedom to operate, discovering success as a CEO and learning profitable negotiation skills. One day was spent in Florida’s unseasonably cold weather touring the diversity of the state’s agriculture. Tour stops in the Okeechobee area included Larson Dairy, Inc., a 2,000-cow, three-generation dairy; McArthur Farms, 8,500-cow dairy, beef herd and citrus plantation; Calcaterra Alligator Farm, vertically integrated from eggs to leather boots; and Williamson Cattle Company, a diversified beef, citrus and catfish operation. PD

Above: Jim Green, left, shares how Larson Dairy Inc. has dealt with Florida’s environmental regulations with owner, Red Larson, center, nearby.

Above: Members of the dairy industry enjoyed seeing a different side of agriculture when they stopped at the Calcaterra Alligator Farm. Many in the group took their turn handling a 4-foot gator.

Above: As the sun began to set on South Florida, Managers Academy participants learned about Florida’s large beef industry while at the Williamson Cattle Company’s ranch and citrus groves. The Williamson family also treated the group to a delicious beef dinner with fried gator for an appetizer.