Sustainable Living
Farm Animals
What you can raise, how many, and how to do it right in Montura.
Montura is an agricultural community — horses, cattle, goats, chickens, and hogs are part of life here. But even in a rural area there are rules on how many animals you can keep, how they must be housed, and what health programs you need. This page covers Florida regulations, USDA best management practices, and the NPIP certification process for poultry.
What You're Allowed to Do
Under Florida's Right-to-Farm Act (FS 823.14), agricultural operations are protected from nuisance lawsuits when following generally accepted practices. In Montura, zoning allows livestock on most lots, but setbacks, well distances, and waste management still apply. Keep animals at least 100 feet from drinking water wells, maintain fences that prevent livestock from entering county roads, and never let manure runoff enter drainage canals. Check Hendry County's animal unit rules if you plan to keep large numbers.
USDA Best Management Practices
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) publishes science-based guidelines for pasture rotation, manure management, water protection, and feed storage. Key practices include: rotating pastures to prevent overgrazing, composting manure at least 200 feet from water bodies, using covered feed storage to reduce waste, and installing heavy-use area pads around troughs and gates to stop mud and erosion. Cost-share programs are available through EQIP for qualified improvements.
NPIP Certification for Poultry
The National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) is a voluntary federal-state program that certifies flocks are free of certain diseases. If you sell hatching eggs, chicks, or live birds, many buyers and shows require NPIP status. Certification involves annual testing by a state-accredited veterinarian and clean biosecurity practices. Even backyard flocks benefit — NPIP status protects your birds and increases resale value.
Health & Biosecurity Basics
Isolate new animals for 30 days before introducing them to your herd or flock. Keep a written health log with vaccination dates, deworming, and any illness. Control visitors and vehicle traffic near pens. Report unusual deaths or neurologic signs to the Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry immediately.
Helpful Links
Have information to add to this page? Email monturaciviccoalition@gmail.com