Perdido River Farms
Agriculture is a way of life for many people in the South. And here at Perdido River Farms (PRF), it’s no different. As the agricultural arm of the Poarch Creek Indians, PRF oversees large lots of Tribally-owned agricultural property and manages a commercial cow/calf operation. PRF also hosts youth events, such as the Escambia County Youth Livestock Association Steer & Heifer Show and the Alabama South District FFA Fall Eliminations.
Cattle Production
PRF manages more than 700 head of momma cows and 35 bulls. With a spring calving season, staff are able to wean calves in the fall. Heifers are sorted for replacement females that will either go back into the PRF herd or be sold. Currently finishing 150 head of steers to be processed and sold. The remaining steers will be sorted and weighed to be marketed as truckload lots consisting of 50,000 pounds. Improvement efforts in cattle quality are reached through bull selection and artificial insemination on replacement heifers.
Efforts
Perdido River Farms is very conscientious of maintaining, protecting and preserving “Mother Earth.” PRF works closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Tribal office to implement best stewardship practices for the farm. In 2014, PRF was recognized with the State Environmental Stewardship Award by the Alabama Cattleman’s Association.
PRF partners with USDA agencies, state agencies and other organizations to provide educational venues and training opportunities to inform Tribal Members, landowners and agency staff of the various programs available to assist them in best management practices of their natural resources.
Farming Operations
Perdido River Farms manages 3,400 acres of Tribal agricultural properties, consisting of 800 acres that are planted with summer and winter crops for cattle grazing and 500 acres of hay ground. Good conservation of Tribal lands through soil testing, proper fertilization, and rotational grazing produces good quality grazing forage and hay.
Steer Program
The Poarch Creek Steer Program is a youth centered, educational program that is provided by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians through Perdido River Farms. Through this Program, each participant will work with a selected steer that will weigh approximately 500-600 pounds at the start of the Program. Participants will learn animal husbandry, feeding requirements, and record keeping for their steer. The Program will run from September through to the show in March. The Steer Program is open to Tribal member, 1st generation, 2nd generation, and TMH youth. Youth must be 9 years old by December 31st of the Program year in order to participate.