Joshua Citrus Inc

the oldest family grove in DeSoto County, per the family record

Founded

1887

Evidence class

publicly verified operating

Place

Arcadia, DeSoto County

District

Peace River valley

Status as of 12 September 2026

Operating; about 300 acres of groves, a packinghouse and a retail store under the fifth and sixth Shelfer generations.

Connections

4 edges, 4 distinct neighbours · betweenness 0.068 (rank 22 of 243) · location and lineage only 0.000 (rank 97) · outside share 0.75

Confidence

High · sources: [JCA] [FCH] [TFCJ] (register)

James Shelfer settles at Joshua Creek near Arcadia in 1887 and plants the first orange grove; the family holds the state's Century Pioneer Family Farm designation and continues through the greening era on fresh fruit [JCA][FCH][TFCJ].

Connections

Location and lineage

• tied venture or seatArcadiathe family grove, packinghouse and store near the county seat1887 to present

Programs, permits and leases

• under program, permit or lease ofFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesCentury Pioneer Family Farm designation for more than 100 years of operationongoing
• under program, permit or lease ofFlorida Farm Bureau and the county farm bureausThis Farm CARES designation2018

Support

• supported byFarm Credit of Floridathe lender profiles the family operation among its customersongoing