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Our Work - Farmers Feeding Florida

Beef Recovery

Ranchers Feeding Florida

Feeding Florida set out to expand our programs to include Florida-produced proteins, recognizing that the state’s cattle ranchers have both resources and expertise to make a meaningful difference for the 2.3 million Floridians facing hunger. Protein remains one of the most needed and least donated food items, making access to high-quality beef especially impactful for families. Beef is a protein powerhouse and the nutrition it provides is undeniable.

Through our partnership with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA), we developed a beef recovery program that utilizes mature Florida beef and dairy cattle no longer in production. This initiative provides ranchers with a responsible, community-focused option by allowing them to donate cattle that are then humanely processed into ground beef at inspected facilities.

Once processed and packaged, Feeding Florida’s network of nine food banks distributes the beef to local communities across the state, ensuring families have access to nutritious, Florida-raised protein. By connecting ranchers to neighbors in need, the program strengthens agricultural sustainability while transforming a transition point in the production cycle into nourishment for thousands of households.

Become a Beef Recovery Partner

This donation-based program looks for ranchers who can provide mature, Florida beef and dairy cattle in good health. When herd management decisions are being made, ranchers will work carefully with our Ag Relations team to donate the cattle, schedule drop of options for processing, and receive a donation receipt.

  1. Donate Cattle– Ranchers can fully donate cattle phasing out of production.
  2. Cost-Share Cattle– Ranchers can be reimbursed for a portion of the animal’s value based on current market price.

In both options, cattle are considered donated and producers will receive a charitable tax deduction for the market value of the animal.

Feeding Florida’s Ag Relations team will work with you ahead of dropping off donated animals to either a livestock market or processor, as well as identifying the best frequency and schedule.

Beef Recovery Program Application

Florida processor partners for drop-off include:

  • FM Meats- Ft. McCoy 
  • Jerkins Angus Farm- Bristol, FL 
  • Arrowhead Beef- Chipley, FL 
  • Nettles- Lake City, FL

Livestock market partners for drop off include:

  • Okeechobee Livestock Market- Okeechobee, FL 
  • Arcadia Stockyard- Arcadia, FL 
  • Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction- Lakeland, FL  
  • Ocala Stockyard- Ocala, FL 
  • Columbia Livestock Market- Lake City, FL 
  • Sumter County Livestock Market- Webster, FL  
  • Townsend Livestock Market- Madison, FL 
  • Dothan Livestock Company- Dothan, AL
  • Seminole Stockyard, Inc.- Donalsonville, GA

For general donation information or program questions: