BRANDING FLORIDA'S CATTLE HISTORY

NEW RESTAURANT PAYS TRIBUTE TO STATE'S AGRICULTURAL ROOTS

Written by: Jenna Dawson

The tradition of cattle branding is ages old, dating back to ancient times when livestock was first domesticated. It was used to distinguish between herds and to identify individual animals’ ranch affiliation and ownership. The practice of branding cattle became common in the American West during the 19th century, as ranchers needed a way to identify their livestock when it was commingled with other herds on open ranges. The practice became a crucial way to prevent theft and to ensure that each rancher could claim his own cattle.

Florida itself has been home to cattle ranching since the 16th century, when Ponce de Leon brought Spanish livestock to the St. Augustine area. The first actual cattle ranch was established in the late 1700s, and the industry has since become an integral part of Florida's agricultural landscape.

So it is no surprise that the launch of the Florida Cracker Feed Lot in Webster Florida was not just another restaurant opening - it was a celebration of cattle branding’s local history and culture. The specialty eatery, located on the grounds of the Sumter County Farmers Market, paid tribute to the community’s roots at its pre-opening party by inviting local ranchers to burn their Florida cattle brands into the Feed Lot’s newly installed wooden breakfast bar. Livestock farmers from around the area came to leave their mark for all to see.

FLORIDA CRACKER FEED LOT CELEBRATES CATTLE BRANDING’S LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE.

“The Florida Cracker brand is excited to pay tribute to this integral part of the agriculture of our state” says Blair Hensley, who owns the new restaurant along with brother Ethan. “By showcasing so many individual brands, we proudly honor our local ranchers and bring their stories to our guests.”

Dozens of ranchers left their mark on the bar, including singer/songwriter and guitarist Howard Bellamy of the legendary Bellamy Brothers country music duo, who is a local cattleman himself.

By allowing these ranchers to leave a lasting impression with their cattle brands, the restaurant is creating a physical record of this story that future generations can appreciate and learn from. It is a reminder that the account of Florida's agricultural industry is not just one of hard work and determination, but also of innovation and adaptation - one worth telling and preserving.

Look for a full description of the new Florida Cracker Feed Lot coming in a future issue of Florida Country Magazine. In the meantime, stop in for a bite and see how many cattle brands you can count!

FCM