LIVE OAK, FLA., July 21, 2017 – The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board approved a 147-acre land donation to the Dixie County School Board on July 13. The 147-acre tract is located near Dixie County High School and Ruth Rains Middle School. The land is intended for use by the Dixie FFA Chapter for agricultural operations, teaching, and research. Students from the Dixie FFA Chapter attended the Governing Board meeting on July 13 to express their appreciation to District officials.

Dixie FFA Alumni Treasurer Becky Bussard shared her excitement at the board meeting, describing the many benefits provided by the new land resource. The chapter looks forward to raising more animals for the local fair, hosting district competitions such as land judging, and setting up learning facilities for aquaponics, silviculture, forestry production, and timber management. The chapter will have the opportunity to raise a small beef herd and use what they learn to compete in Supervised Agricultural Experience contests on a state level. Additionally, the chapter intends to collect and sell pine straw from pine trees on the property as a chapter fundraiser.

Bussard ended her statements with, “community members are very excited about this opportunity for Dixie FFA and many have already made plans to assist in the work necessary for this to become a reality by offering the use of equipment and products. We are very fortunate to live in such a community and we would like to thank Suwannee River Water Management District for their generosity!”

District Governing Board Member Virginia Sanchez commented on the donation, stating, “as a water management district that serves a predominantly agricultural region, we are proud to support the education of future agriculturalists, land managers, and foresters who will become the next-generation stewards of our water resources.”

The District intends to complete the land transfer to Dixie County School Board within the coming week. For further information, you may direct questions to Keith Rowell by calling the District at 386.362.1001.

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.

For more information about the District, visit www.mysuwanneeriver.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, search @SRWMD.