McCracken Farms

 McCracken Farms

                                            The McCracken Boys

 

 

In  1982, McCracken's moved from Minnesota to Florida.  We bought the current land in 1985 and have developed the land into its present form.  Highlands County is in the center of the citrus belt, so it was an obvious choice as our first crop.  After 15 years of citrus production, we expanded our operation to include blueberries.  Within the last four years, we have introduced hydroponic farming.  We continue to improve with new technologies and varieties so that you, the consumer, will reap the benefit.

John McCracken

Born in Iowa, John was the oldest of four.  Growing up on a family farm, he learned early on the importance of farming.  This lead him to pursue a degree from South Dakota State University.  After completion with a BS in Animal Science, John worked several jobs but settled down teaching Vocational Agriculture.  After 20 years of teaching and various awards, including National Agrisciece Teacher of the Year (runner-up), he decided to use his teachings on his farm.  John has continued to change with the times.  Starting with domestic livestock and continuing to the current date, he has also tried to stay one foot ahead of the rest

Lois McCracken

Born in South Dakota, Lois was not a farmed raised child.  Nevertheless, after meeting John at SDSU, the teaching process began.  Lois received her BS in Nurseing and spent her most of her life catering to the sick.  When the U-Pick farm began to expand, Lois took on more duties on the farm.  Even though she tries to keep a low profile, Lois can always be found helping out customers.

Mike McCracken

The youngest of two children, Mike always benefited from his father's guidance.  Spending his school years involved with the FFA, Mike increased his knowledge the farming industry.  After high school, Mike served a year as a state office in FFA serving central and south Florida.  Obviously with the background, Mike would attend the University of Florida.  While at the university, Mike joind Alpha Gamma Rho, an agriculture fraternity and was elected to various leadership positions.  After college, Mike returned home to the family farm.  Mike, Shannon and the boys reside in Avon Park.