by Cathy Lockman
April 17, 2022
Jim Strickland, owner of Strickland Ranch, is a cowboy and a conservationist. A Manatee County native, he grew up ranching with his father on Florida’s west coast. He bought his first cows when he was 13 and took over the family ranch four years later when his father died unexpectedly. For six decades, he has been committed to the cattle, the woods and the wildlife.
“I’ve been a rancher my whole life. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” he says. “To me, doing it well means taking a big picture view that includes not only a strong passion for the work but also a love of and appreciation for the land.”
For Strickland, that obligation to the land begins with his commitment to sustainable practices and advocacy for the Florida ranching industry.
