As Florida Conservation Group’s Landowner Assistance Coordinator, Courtney Darling conducts outreach and provides technical assistance to landowners throughout the state. She has extensive knowledge in plant-livestock interactions, including plant identification and management, as well as cost share and conservation easement programs.
She has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Weed Science from the University of Florida. Courtney began her career as the UF/IFAS Suwannee County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, where she concentrated on livestock, forages, and natural resource management. She later joined the Florida Farm Bureau Federation as Communications Manager, where she led the statewide County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program. In this role, she championed Florida farmers and ranchers who protect the state’s natural resources through best management practices.
As a native Floridian and agriculturalist, she is motivated to support FCG’s initiatives focused on the conservation of natural and working lands. In her role she develops prescribed management plans for producers that incorporate practices such as rotational grazing, silvopasture systems, herbaceous weed control, prescribed fire, and nutrient management. Courtney also provides outreach and educations to landowners who are interested in learning about cost-share and conservation easement programs.
Courtney lives in Suwannee County with her husband and two daughters on their perennial peanut hay farm. Her work and lifestyle reflect a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and rural community development.