READING ABOUT ALL THE GREAT ways to enjoy Florida definitely gives me the itch to get outdoors! In the Kirkland family, to say we are water enthusiasts would be an understatement. My wife, Dot, and I are both Certified Advanced Scuba Divers. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to dive […]
Publisher Letter: Quality time with the family Read More »
A MAN ONCE TOLD ME you can go broke on good deals. I try to learn and remember from the older generations in the agricultural community. I often reflect on this statement when a price that is appealing tempts me.
How a ‘good deal’ sometimes can be more risk than it’s worth Read More »
THERE IS NO DOUBT that these tough economic times seem to be affecting just about every industry in the country. Instead of rolling up their sleeves and putting in extra hard work, however, some individuals choose the path of dishonor and disgrace. Across Polk County, there recently has been a surge in thefts of orange
A citrus thief in our midst Read More »
I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE it’s September already! Imagine, less than three months from now, we’ll be hanging up the mistletoe and wrapping presents that we plan to present to loved ones on Christmas day. Before I get too far ahead of myself, however, we’ve got some great stories wrapped up for you in the pages
Editor’s Blog: Wrapped up in the pages of this R&R edition Read More »
HORSES, AS WELL AS HUMANS, benefit from preventative medicine. It is often a better practice to enlist a preventative health-care program with your veterinarian rather than resorting to corrective treatment. That’s why at Polk Equine, we offer the Equine Wellness Program with the highest quality preventative care.
Covering the bases with an equine wellness program Read More »
THIRD-PARTY AUDITORS are independent, industry audit certification bodies that verify all aspects of self-policing and adherence to standards. These audits cost thousands of dollars to engage, disrupt normal business operations, and costs thousands of additional dollars in overtime, “tweaking” systems, and preparation. Third-party audits are not only necessary (and in many cases mandatory by customers),
Third-party audits — insuring the cold chain Read More »
WHEN IT COMES to your small business, there is usually no such thing as too much analysis or planning. It’s essential to always be open and honest about the way your business is being handled by all those involved in its success. That is especially true for those family members who are given opportunities to
Insights for the family-owned operation Read More »
WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED this season in the citrus industry, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to start streamlining the harvesting process. Specifically, there are tools available to make the ticketing and CitraNet process easier. Make sure that you manage your demand, crew schedules, and generate harvesting tickets in the field or on
Citrus season preparedness: Harvesting and labor compliance Read More »
IT SEEMS HARD to believe that the summer is already winding down. However, with some great weather ahead of us, now is the time to start some planting for the fall. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your lawn and garden looking beautiful and healthy.
Summer winding down means winding up for planting Read More »
IT’S BEEN ONE YEAR since the Florida Legislature transferred the responsibilities of the state’s Energy Office to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and I have been working closely with industry and legislative leaders to create a sustainable energy future for Florida. As soon as the department took over, we began assessing all
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Never a day’s rest for Florida’s energy Read More »
