Column

The anticipation was palpable. For most readers of this magazine, the lead-up to the approval of the Florida budget – and its financial boost for Florida citrus – was the subject of much attention and speculation. But if you’re reading this, you already know how that turned out. Anything I say on the matter is […]

We all know that farming is a labor of love. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes an overwhelming one. With long days, nonstop demands, and pressure from every angle, the stress piles up quickly. If you’re suffering from burnout, know this: It doesn’t make you weak. Instead, it’s a signal that it’s time to reset your approach. In

The Coalition for Urban Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES) has created a series of videos for growers looking to up their game when it comes to nutrients; each video focuses on the 4Rs of nitrogen management—Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place, and Right Source—and how to use that information to guide nitrogen applications for a handful

Through the Central Florida Development Council, Polk County takes a proactive approach to business recruitment. By responding to promising leads and cultivating strategic partnerships, Polk continues to welcome new companies – producing a ripple effect that benefits our entire community. From new job creation to expanded tax bases, these efforts support vital services like education,

Summertime in Florida is renowned for its sweltering heat and high humidity, creating a challenging environment for humans and horses. Understanding how to recognize, prevent, and manage heat stress is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your horses during the hot months. Understanding Heat Stress in Horses Heat stress occurs when a horse’s

The Florida citrus industry is celebrating nearly $140 million dollars of investments Gov. Ron DeSantis approved in the 2025-2026 State Budget to help revitalize the industry.  The bulk of this money ($104.5 million) will be devoted to the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, which is dedicated to large scale field trials for citrus research. 

by SCOTT THOMPSON There is no magic bullet. That’s one of the messages UF/IFAS Professor Ozgur Batuman told an audience at a recent seminar in mid-May. He also said that the development of an HLB-resistant, genetically modified citrus tree is progressing, but it’s still at least eight years away — and even then, HLB will

We live in a world of misinformation, and the U.S. beef industry has seen its share. Those in the Florida and U.S. ag industry are not just stewards of the land; we all also have to be advocates for the industry. One of the main problems, according to the experts at UF/IFAS, is that many

Access to quality, affordable healthcare has long been a challenge for Florida’s farmers and ranchers, especially for those in rural communities.  But this is all about to change, thanks to newly signed legislation aimed at making healthcare coverage more accessible for the people who play a pivotal role in maintaining the country’s food supply. What

Polk County’s long agricultural history remains a point of pride and today’s landowners are increasingly exploring new opportunities for growth and reinvestment. As traditional farming models shift due to technology, climate and market dynamics, many are reimagining what the future of their land could look like – and CFDC is here to help offer opportunities.