Agriculture

Adams Ranch Expands to 50,000 Acres, Continues Family Tradition into Fifth Generation

By TOI World Desk

What began as a small cattle operation in Florida in 1937 has grown into a sprawling ranch spanning approximately 50,000 acres across several counties. At Adams Ranch in Fort Pierce, four generations of the same family have worked the land, and a fifth generation is now growing up amid the cattle, open pastures and traditions that have defined the family business for nearly nine decades. Founded by the grandfather of current ranch president Mike Adams, the ranch has grown into one of the country's largest cow‑calf operations. Yet, despite the expansion of cities and residential developments across Florida, much of daily life at Adams Ranch continues to follow the rhythms established generations ago.

Mike Adams told CBS 12 News that the ranch was started in 1937 by his grandfather. Ranch foreman Billy Adams, who began working there as a child, recalled starting on the property when he was five years old. Today the ranch continues to operate through hands‑on work, with cowboys riding horses to move cattle between pastures and herding dogs helping guide the animals. The workday begins early, often before sunrise, reflecting the demanding routine that comes with managing a large cattle operation.

For Billy, ranching is not simply an occupation but a way of life that has shaped his understanding of family and hard work. "It's just a way of life," he said. "And it's a good way of life. Good way to bring up your family."

The history of Adams Ranch can be seen throughout the property, where family photographs and old artifacts document the lives of those who helped establish and maintain the operation. The ranch also houses a museum featuring objects collected on the property over the years, offering a glimpse into an older Florida and preserving memories of a time when vast stretches of open land and cattle ranches played a more visible role in the state's landscape.

The family says that development is putting pressure on the land available for traditional ranching. "It's squeezing some of the land in a lot of different areas of Florida," Mike Adams said. The family sees preserving ranch land as important not only for the future of cattle ranching but also for maintaining open spaces, supporting wildlife and protecting the state's natural landscape. They also believe Florida should retain the ability to produce food for its own residents rather than become increasingly dependent on supplies from elsewhere. "We really do not want to become in a position where we don't provide our own food for our people," Adams said.

Adams Ranch sells its own beef directly to the community, maintaining a connection between the operation and local consumers. After nearly 90 years, the ranch remains under the hands‑on management of the Adams family. Its continued operation reflects the work of generations who have maintained the land and passed their knowledge down to their children and grandchildren. For Billy Adams, the lessons learned on the ranch have stayed with him throughout his life. "It taught me that hard work won't kill you," he said.

The family is now raising the fifth generation on the property, hoping that the children will continue the traditions that have sustained the operation since its founding. At a time when much of Florida is being reshaped by development, Adams Ranch remains a link to the state's agricultural past.