October, 2014 - Central Florida Ag News

Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Woman of the Year in Agriculture

For 30 years, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have recognized outstanding women who played a critical role in the history and success of agriculture in Florida. This year’s recipient has not only made significant contributions to agriculture, she has worked faithfully to grow Florida’s next generation of …

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Preventing sand colic

All horses in Florida eat sand, and while it’s not always intentional, it happens. Horses will inevitably consume a certain amount of sand while grazing on sandy soil or eating feed from the ground.

The 2014-15 Citrus Forecast

Despite a likely smaller crop this year, growers keep hope alive Experts are expecting a smaller Florida citrus crop next season— despite a uniform bloom. “Without a [citrus] greening solution, we’re going to see continued reduction in the crop,” says Les Dunson, president of Winter Haven’s Dunson Harvesting. As a small relief to growers and …

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Grab-and-go citrus smoothies to help you get-up-and-go

I’m late. I’m late for a very important… These hectic days it seems like we are all modeled after the White Rabbit from the novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. But being in a hurry is no excuse to start your day with a cup of black coffee and a doughnut at work.

Ag instructor practices what he teaches

Polk County Farm Bureau Ag Teacher of the Year recognized for 31 years of service Fifty-three-year-old Pete Gordon grew up on a cattle ranch. So when it came time to choose a career, he didn’t want to wear a suit to work. “Teaching ag was a good fit for me,” he recalls.

Must-have smartphone apps for farmers, part I

There are an estimated 4.55 billion smartphone users in the world and that includes many farmers. Smartphone technology is a big support to the farming industry and app developers are recognizing opportunities to help advance agriculture through technology. In this two-part series, we look at smartphone apps and how they are changing the way America …

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Opening young eyes to the diversity of ag

The continued educational goals of Polk County Farm Bureau’s Ag Program of the Year In an era where the number of farms are diminishing, the Ag program at Kathleen High School is not only growing, but flourishing. Its teaching team is expanding to meet the demand for instruction in classes like Ag Foundations, Ag Communications, …

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FFA Corner: Ag Time with Abby – Serving the community, protecting your show animals

“Living to Serve” is the last phrase in the FFA motto, and Florida FFA members have truly taken it to heart this past year. One chapter in particular, Auburndale High School (AHS) FFA, has gone above and beyond to help their fellow classmates and neighbors.

Year-end tax planning for individuals

With another year winding down, we have a lot on our minds. Beginning to plan for your income taxes now will help alleviate some of the stress at the end of the year.

How to prep for fall calving season

There isn’t a universal “calving season.” Thanks to modern breeding management, calving can occur at any point in the year, anytime a cow is ready to give birth. The timing is up to the cow-calf operation. But one thing is universal: Whenever it does happen, ranch resources, including labor, feed, and equipment, should be readily …

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October 2014