In 1922, The Uihlein family, founders of the Schlitz Brewing Company, acquired over 48 square miles of land east of I-75 in Manatee and Sarasota counties, at the southern reaches of the greater Tampa Bay area. The Uihleins pursued timber and ranching activities on the property creating what is today Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. (SMR). Over the intervening years, SMR has expanded to include the award-winning master-planned community of Lakewood Ranch, SMR Aggregates, The Sarasota Polo Club, and the diversified agricultural operations of SMR Farms (f/k/a SMR Turf & Trees).
At SMR Farms, we grow Florida better than anyone else! As part of SMR, we have more than 80 years of experience as a leader in Florida agribusiness. With over 31,000 acres as a starting point, SMR Farms produces sod and improved turfgrasses, containerized and field-grown trees, premium Brangus and hybrid cattle, and citrus for both the juice and fresh-fruit markets. Over those years, SMR Farms has earned a reputation for quality in everything it does, and our customers buy with the confidence that comes from knowing that we have the experience, resources and personnel to stand behind our products and services.
Beyond the business, SMR Farms has been a leader in environmental stewardship and water management. Whether it is preservation of sensitive habitat, extensive use of alternative water sources or implementation of Best Management Practices, SMR Farms has been well out front in making natural resource management a part of every land-management decision.