We love seeing NRLI alumni at graduation! If you'll be in the Gainesville area on Saturday, April 20th, please join us at the Cade Museum. RSVP below.

If you can't make it to the graduation banquet in person but still want to see it, we have you covered! You can watch it on Facebook Live starting at 7:45 pm on April 20th.

The Dairy Dilemma: Change and Challenge

By Jessica Ferris & Laura Reynolds, NRLI Class 23 Fellows

For Class 23’s last full session of the NRLI program, we embarked on a deep dive into the complexities of multi-stakeholder processes and nuanced ways in which power dynamics influence collaboration and conflict. The focus natural resource issue was the dairy industry in the Suwannee River Basin, where springs and their water quality are incredibly important. Depending on the perspective, dairies are seen either as contributors to water quality challenges or as committed allies in the effort to safeguard and enhance our water resources.

During our session, Ben Glass, the Administration Chief at the Suwannee River Water Management District and alumnus of NRLI Class 19, kicked things off by charting the evolution of dairies in the region. He highlighted a significant shift over the past two decades, where the number of dairies dwindled from 45 to just 15, mirroring the trend of broader agricultural consolidation. Importantly, the number of cattle have remained constant, so the sizes of the farms have increased. This shift not only has economic ramifications but also opens avenues for a more unified approach to environmental challenges, particularly concerning water quality in the basin.

The crux of our discussion then shifted to how dairy operations are proactively addressing these environmental challenges. A vivid illustration of this commitment was our visit to Full Circle Dairy. Here, Gregg Watts, the Owner/Operator, guided us through their intricate milk production and manure processing systems. He showcased the diligent efforts made to enhance efficiency and ensure the welfare of the cows. Remarkably, the dairy has embarked on a pioneering partnership with FPU Renewables to transform manure waste into renewable natural gas, a venture that not only benefits the dairy but also contributes to the power grid, underscoring a sustainable approach to dairy farming.

The complexity of balancing the dairy industry's responsibilities with environmental sustainability was further explored through a dynamic panel discussion. Representatives from the Suwannee River Partnership, FDACS/OAWP, Alachua County Land Trust, and United Dairy Farmers of Florida came together to share insights on their collective endeavors to protect our water resources. Each of these agencies have unique powers (e.g. regulatory power or fundraising power), and thus working together is important. The class learned in some detail the efforts of FDACS to enroll agricultural producers within Basin Management Action Plans (BMAP) areas in best management practices (BMPs). BMPs are guidelines that if implemented correctly can benefit soil and water resources while qualifying the producer for cost share opportunities. This engaging dialogue underscored the collaborative spirit needed to navigate the intricacies of agricultural business and environmental stewardship, highlighting the essential role of innovation, regulation, and community engagement in fostering a sustainable future for the dairy industry and our natural resources.

Amidst the rich curriculum and insightful session content, our class found moments of camaraderie around campfires, savoring marshmallows, and indulging in fire-cooked cobbler and corn dip, (many thanks, Jeff Smith!) These gatherings under the stars created the perfect setting for our concluding session. They offered us a chance to reflect not only on the invaluable lessons we've absorbed but also on the deep connections we've forged.

This final session illustrated the potential that arises when we unite to address environmental challenges with an open and collaborative spirit. As we move forward, let's carry with us the spirit of dialogue, the readiness to embrace change, and a commitment to working side by side. Here's to the continued efforts to support the prosperity of our farmers, safeguard the purity of our waterways, and enhance the well-being of our broader community. Together, we can face the challenges ahead, drawing on the strength of our collective resolve and the innovative strategies we've developed.

Robby Creech

Major, NW Regional Commander, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Robby began his career in 2002 after graduating from FWC's Law Enforcement Academy as part of Class 3. Over his 22-year career, Robby has served in leadership positions in both patrol and investigations throughout the Northeast, Southwest, and North Central Regions. As part of his journey outside of FWC, Robby served in the Army National Guard, where he recently retired after having served 23 years and deployed to multiple countries in service to his country. In his current position as FWC's Northwest Regional Commander, Robby oversees law enforcement operations throughout the panhandle. He's responsible for 159 members within the Division of Law Enforcement. He supervises multiple disciplines, including uniform patrol, undercover investigations, critical incident investigations, K9, the off-shore patrol program, and other administrative functions. In his spare time, Robby enjoys spending time with his family, and he does his best to keep up with his youngest daughter's newest hobby, dirt bike racing.

Michele Curts

Leadership Programs Coordinator, Florida Farm Bureau Federation

Michele Curts is the Leadership Programs Coordinator for Florida Farm Bureau Federation. She develops and implements leadership training for the State Women’s Leadership Committee and the State Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Group. Her other responsibilities include working with the Collegiate Farm Bureau, FFA and 4H programs; planning the Women’s and YF&R Leadership Conferences, and the Florida Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting.

She is a double graduate of the University of Florida and holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication and a master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership.

Michele is originally from Dover, Florida where she grew up on a strawberry farm and raised show cattle. Michele serves as the board vice chair for Florida Ag in the Classroom, and is a past president of the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association. With her passion for the agriculture industry, she hopes to leave a legacy by developing the future leaders of Florida agriculture. 

Andrea Albertin Regional Specialized Agent in Water Resources, UF/IFAS Extension

Stephanie Armstrong Environmental Scientist IV, Suwannee River Water Mgmt District 

Steven Beck Biologist IV, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission 

Ben Butler Partner & Vice President, Butler Oaks Farm, Inc.

Allegra Buyer Natural Resources Program Coordinator, Seminole County Lands Program 

Robby Creech Captain, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Michele Curts Leadership Programs Coordinator, Florida Farm Bureau Federation

Chris Denmark Environmental Administrator, Florida Dept of Ag & Consumer Services 

Rianna Elliott Director of Land Stewardship, North Florida Land Trust, Inc. 

Samuel Erikson Natural Resources Specialist, Highlands County 

Jessica Ferris Government Consultant; Carr, Riggs, and Ingram, LLC

Gregory Garis Program Administrator, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Erica Hall Volunteer Executive Committee Vice Chair, Sierra Club Chapter

Daniel Lamson Executive Director, Indian River Neighborhood Association 

Lindsey Pavao Senior Environmental Specialist, Alachua County Env Protection Dept

Callie Register Senior Hydrologist, St Johns River Water Management District

Laura Reynolds Assistant Professor, University of Florida

Rachel Rhode Manager, Climate Resilient Coasts & Watersheds, Environmental Defense Fund 

Jeffrey Smith Senior Environmental Specialist, Florida Power & Light Company

Tarana Solaiman Lead Project Manager, South Florida Water Management District

Stephanie Verhulst Biologist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers