Column

As farmers work tirelessly to recover from the impacts of the citrus greening disease, and doing so in the wake of multiple hurricanes that have further exacerbated their losses, researchers, too, are working diligently to develop innovative solutions. Lukasz Steliniski and his team at UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center are testing a new citrus […]

While the title of this column may seem like an alphabet soup of complex acronyms, it’s actually a nod to Dr. Sandra Guzman, assistant professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Smart Irrigation and Hydrology at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce. Guzman conducted research on the possibility of individual protective

UF/IFAS researchers want citrus growers to know that “Managing weeds in citrus groves isn’t just about what you spray; it’s about when you spray.” This is because the age of the weeds affects the effectiveness of herbicides. Similarly, the age of your citrus trees can also have an effect on how the herbicides affect your citrus.  Getting Weed Management

If you thought social media was just for recipe videos and dancing influencers, think again. Whether you’re growing citrus, raising hogs, or running a ranch, social media can be one of the most powerful tools to help you grow your business and tackle misinformation about agriculture head-on. Combat Misinformation: It Starts With a Simple Post

Polk County is cultivating a robust pipeline of qualified talent to support its vital and evolving agricultural sector, thanks to strong partnerships between higher education and industry.  At the forefront is Warner University in Lake Wales, offering a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies. Located in the heart of citrus country, Warner blends classroom learning

The recent confirmation of a strangles case in Polk County has heightened awareness and concern among local horse owners. As with any contagious disease, prevention is always better than a cure. Understanding what strangles is, how it spreads, and what measures to take can help protect your horses. What Is Strangles? Strangles is a highly

The end of March to the beginning of April is the time when young citrus fruitlets really start to be susceptible to citrus canker; it’s made worse by a warm, rainy spring as the bacteria that causes it thrives in such weather. While drier weather is in the forecast for Florida, experts say it does

Flies are more than just a nuisance for horses; they pose significant health and welfare concerns that can affect the well-being of horses. Understanding the impact of flies and effective management strategies is essential for horse owners. There are several types of flies that are particularly problematic for horses: 1. Stable Flies: These are often

When Florida Ag Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the 2025 Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award, the recipient was no surprise. Wish Farms, a fourth-generation family business from Plant City, took the well-deserved spotlight. Wish Farms is known for its prowess growing strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and pineberries. But this fruit producer is doing far more than just

Polk County continues to be a significant driver of Florida’s economy, emerging as a dynamic hub of opportunity and an ideal location for both new and established businesses looking to expand. While the county’s economy is still anchored on traditional industries such as citrus, cattle, agriculture and mining – industries that have been instrumental in