Cary Lightsey is a sixth-generation Florida cattle rancher who married his high school sweetheart, Marcia, in 1973. Together, they not only saved the family ranch during hard economic times, they also expanded and diversified the operations and became leaders in the conservation arena.
The Lightseys strongly believe in landowners participating in strategies that benefit all of society. They strive to highlight the stewardship ranchers provide for wildlife and water. They have committed 80 percent of their land to conservation easements. In doing so, they have preserved thousands of environmentally sensitive acres, wetlands and areas populated by endangered plant and animal species, creating a vast holding of lands that will allow generations of Floridians to see landscapes much like those of centuries ago. This includes the notable Brama Island, home to bald eagles, caracaras, snail kites and dozens of other rare and endangered species.
The Lightseys are also passionate about sharing the conservation story. They have been featured in several documentaries, media pieces, and social media posts throughout the years. Their latest focus is working with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and its “The Path of the Panther” project. They have also hosted numerous tours of their ranches and ecological sites to allow students and other groups to see the operations firsthand for a better appreciation of their impacts.
Cary and Marcia are also active in mentoring Florida’s youth. Among other activities, Cary has shared his experience and expertise at Warner University’s Agricultural Program while Marcia has served as a volunteer teacher for Florida’s Agriculture in the Classroom program since 1999.
The couple is involved with a multitude of organizations including the local, state and national Cattlemen’s Association and CattleWomen, Inc., the local and state Farm Bureau, the Nature Conservancy, Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, the Florida State Fair, Florida Cattle Ranchers, Warner University, and more.
Previous recognitions and awards include Southeast Expo/Swisher Sweets Farmer of the Year, Florida Agriculture Commissioner’s Ag-Environmental Leadership Award, Florida Wildlife Federation Land Conservationist of the Year, Conservation Legacy Award from Conservation Florida and the Audubon of Florida Sustainable Rancher of the Year, among others. Notably, Marcia was also honored as Florida’s 2009 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.
Cary and Marcia work the ranches with their children and grandchildren, passing their legacy on to the seventh and eighth generations of Florida cattle ranchers.
