When you think of Florida, you might imagine beaches, theme parks and swamplands, but just 50 miles southeast of Orlando lies 25,000 acres of protected open space known as Kempfer Cattle Company. 
USING CATTLE GRAZING TO MANAGE LAND
At Kempfer Cattle Company, cattle play a vital role in land management. By utilizing rotational grazing, the ranch maximizes the land’s health while promoting a sustainable cycle. Cattle naturally graze the grass, which helps to reduce invasive species and promotes the growth of native plants that are crucial for both cattle and wildlife habitats.“Cattle do a great job in helping us manage the land,” says George. “We see healthy pastures and we feel that cattle are the biggest reason for that.”Cattle grazing improves soil health by increasing organic matter and enhancing the soil’s ability to absorb water. This means healthier pastures and more resilient ecosystems long term. Additionally, it’s a natural way to sequester carbon, buffering against the impacts of climate change. Their cattle grazing system also puts nitrogen back into the soil, which reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.Henry likens cattle grazing to using a lawn mower on a yard. By shortening the grass and plants in their pastures, grazing maintains healthy root systems and allows the plants to flourish.
While cattle graze the pastures of Kempfer Cattle Company, they are not the only inhabitants. The ranch is home to diverse wildlife that thrive due to the family’s practices. By carefully managing the pastures and leaving habitat areas undisturbed, the Kempfers provide a sanctuary for native bird species like cattle egrets, storks, quail and ducks. The ranch is also home to larger wildlife like deer, who are often seen in the pastures alongside the cattle. “It makes you feel good that you are creating an environment not just for the wildlife, but better pastures for the cattle at the same time,” says Henry. The family’s commitment to preserving the ranch as an ecosystem has made it an important part of the local environmental landscape.
IMPROVING LOCAL WATER QUALITY
In Florida, where water quality is critical, Kempfer Cattle Company makes a significant impact on local drinking water. The Kempfer family understands the importance of maintaining healthy water systems, especially with Florida’s diverse wetlands and waterways. The St. Johns River runs through the family ranch, which supplies drinking water to the nearby town of Melbourne. A large swamp area sits in the middle of the ranch, fed by rainfall from over 300 square miles, and serves as a natural filtration system that cleans water before it enters the river. The ranch also has a 600-acre water holding area that can supplement the surrounding water systems, including the St. Johns River, in dryer times. In preserving this ecosystem, the Kempfers protect and provide a stable, safe water supply for their local community. “We take a lot of pride in how clean our water is when it leaves the ranch,” says Henry.
RANCHING FOR THE FUTURE
The Kempfer family has shown that with mindful management and a deep respect for the land, cattle ranching coexists with environmental stewardship. Some would call it a Kempfer family tradition.“I feel a big responsibility, as do all of my cousins and brothers, to manage this land and take care of it properly,” says George. “It is incredibly important for us to do a good job, be good stewards and leave this place better than it was the day we got here.”As the family looks to the future, they remain committed to continuing these practices. Much of the ranch is protected in conservation easements, which will allow the land to stay as open space and avoid development.“Our family wants to be here for many more generations. We are sincere about being part of the equation to help feed the country,” says Henry “It is neat to see part of the 7th generation already beginning to grow up here, work and have a passion for it.”