AGRICULTURE UNIT
Corporal James Manning
Agricultural Deputy
Corporal Steven Struble
Agricultural Deputy
According to the Florida Agriculture Crime Intelligence Unit, Marion County produces approximately $188 million in agricultural exports annually, the highest in North Central Florida and many surrounding counties, and as a result, deputies work some type of agricultural call during their shift almost weekly. Because of this, Sheriff Billy Woods has created an Agricultural Deputy position at the MCSO.
The Agricultural Deputies are responsible for following up on criminal, agricultural-related cases generated by patrol, assist in missing or loose livestock incidents, and will work alongside Marion County Animal Control as needed. One of the main missions is focusing on establishing and maintaining MCSO's new Ag Watch program, a program where farm and ranch owners can register their properties in order to assist the Sheriff's Office in returning their at-large livestock in the case of fence failure or other incidents.
The MCSO provides Ag Watch signs to each participant to be placed on the fences of their properties in order to assist deputies or civilians if livestock are loose in the area. Anyone looking to report loose livestock can call the number for the MCSO non-emergency number listed on the sign (352-732-9111) and relay the specific farm number on that sign to the dispatcher. This will allow the Communications Center to communicate with the property owner and alert them to the impending issues with their livestock and/or farm.