Welcome To Buckingham Farms
What began as a humble hog farm in the 1950s later became part of the Galman Ranch, an expansive orange grove that thrived for years before eventually dissolving, allowing native trees and oaks to reclaim the land. In 2009, our family purchased the property out of bankruptcy with a vision to bring something meaningful to the community. We started small, a produce stand offering fresh, locally grown vegetables. But we quickly realized that many customers didn’t know how to cook less common crops like kale, leaving some of our best produce untouched. That sparked an idea, a demonstration kitchen where we could show people how to prepare the food we grew. Before long, customers wanted more than a demo, they wanted the meals themselves. Just like that, the Buckingham Farms café was born.
As we grew, so did our vision. Inspired by the natural beauty around us, we imagined a place where people could celebrate life’s most important moments. In 2013, the Rustic Barn at Buckingham Farms hosted its first wedding. With its classic charm, Edison lights, antler chandeliers, and flowing curtains, the space quickly became one of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after event venues, offering chef-prepared menus in a countryside setting unlike any other.
Today, Buckingham Farms spans nearly 85 acres and includes hydroponic growing systems, pasture space for our Dexter cattle, over 200 egg-laying chickens, a farm-to-table café, country store, and full-service event venue. Still family owned and operated, we remain committed to responsible farming, community connection, and serving fresh, local food with heart.
Thank you for being a part of our journey, we look forward to welcoming you to the farm.
Meet Booger
Hi, I’m Booger, an African Spur-Thigh tortoise and proud resident of Buckingham Farms! I belong to the world’s largest mainland tortoise species, and we can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh well over 100 pounds. Some of the big guys in my family even top 200 pounds! Only the giant island tortoises from the Galápagos and Aldabra outsize us.
Tortoises like me have been roaming the Earth for over 220 million years, yep, we’re ancient! Our shells are made of 59 to 61 bones and covered in hard plates called scutes (they’re made of keratin, just like your fingernails). My shell is part of my body, so no, I can’t crawl out of it. It’s attached to my spine and ribs, and I can feel pressure and even pain through it, just like you can through your nails.
Where I come from, the desert heat can reach a scorching 120°F (49°C). To stay cool, I dig deep burrows, sometimes as deep as 10 feet! Down there, the temperature is much more comfortable in the 70s. These burrows aren’t just for me, other animals love using my old dens as shady hideouts.
I’m most active during the rainy season from July to October and prefer cooler parts of the day; dawn and dusk. That makes me crepuscular (fancy word, huh?). I like to soak up the morning sun to warm up, then head out for snacks. When it gets too hot or too cold, you’ll find me tucked away in my cozy underground retreat.
Come by and say hi, I’ll be the big guy lounging in the shade or munching away with a slow, satisfied smile.
