Stafford's Prairie Ranch Williston, Florida

In 1844,Newton Blitch was born at Stafford's Pond to James and Martha Blitch.  He enlisted in the Florida Cavalry in 1863 and later served in a variety of elected and appointed State offices.  Continuing the family tradition 178 years later, Newton's great, great granddaughter Sherry Crossman and her husband Scott have one of the largest remaining herds of registered Florida Cracker Cattle on the Prairie at Stafford's Pond.  

Florida Cracker Cattle became the foundation of the American cattle industry as descendants of Andalusian cattle brought by Juan Ponce De Leon in 1521.  Ranching was born when Jesuit and Franciscan Friars set up a system of missions across north Florida and taught the Native Americans to tend livestock and crops.  The Spanish herds, as well as those kept by the Native Americans flourished on the prairies and rangelands of Florida. Over the years, the cattle population grew with thousands roaming wild across the state.  The animals that survived developed a natural tolerance for Florida’s heat as well as resistance to pests and diseases.  Cracker cattle are small, live long and are productive on low quality forage.

Cracker beef is unique in that it is leaner than other breeds and is lower in saturated fats. Packed full of flavor, Cracker beef is a great source of protein, zinc, Vitamin B12, iron and selenium, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and enhance the body’s ability to fight infections.  It is our goal to develop the market for Cracker beef which helps preserve the legacy of this breed and honors our family heritage.  Our beef is served at Klaw Restaurant in Miami, Florida