The History of A. Duda & Sons, Inc. and Cocoa Ranch
During the 1940s, as the country was sending young men overseas to fight for our freedoms, farmers back home were expanding their production to help feed the nation, our troops and our allies during the world war effort. The Federal government ordered the development of new farmlands, and DUDA joined the effort, moving beyond Slavia's borders to new locations in Central Florida such as Zellwood. Due to the urgency to produce greater volumes of food, farmers rose to the task of developing better production, packing and shipping methods to begin the abundant harvests that our country has since enjoyed.
In the 1940s, the three Duda brothers also saw an opportunity to purchase prime pasture and woodlands on Florida's east coast to begin a cattle operation. The property, which was named Cocoa Ranch, was one of the first of many moves the company would make to diversify its agricultural products. It also became home to several members of the Duda family.
At one time, the Cocoa Ranch was home of one of the country’s top show herds of champion pure bred Brahman cattle. Today, the cattle program at Cocoa is a “cow/calf” operation. The Ranch breeds cattle, weans the calves to sell, or retains them to breed or sell in the future. Currently, the Ranch handles from 3,500 to 5,000 head of cattle.
While much of the cattle operation has become more sophisticated, some work remains virtually unchanged. There’s about one cowboy for every 1,000 head of cattle at the Ranch, and you’ll find them on horseback most days, checking on the cattle and the condition of the pastures.
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