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West Nile Virus is a virus spread by mosquitoes and can infect multiple animal species including humans. The virus persists in wild birds, and mosquitoes biting the infected birds can transmit the virus to other animals and humans. Humans and horses are considered “dead-end hosts,” meaning when a mosquito bites an infected horse they cannot […]

Let’s face it: It’s tough to be in the Florida citrus industry these days. As if the battle with HLB wasn’t enough, the past 12 months have given us two freeze events, another devastating hurricane, and rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Add to that, the USDA citrus forecast in mid-January, which projected 18 million boxes

4R nutrient stewardship is key to the Best Management Practices for fertilizer applications to achieve the sweet spot where the environmental, social, and economical sustainability of commercial crop production all come together. Similar to BMPs, the 4Rs aim to match crop requirements with the best-suited nutrient, minimize nutrient losses from fields, and maximize operation profitability.

At one time, a drive through the Florida countryside could leave you in awe of the vast expanse of citrus groves that blanketed the land. Now, that same ride inspires a different kind of awe — except this new awe leaves a sadness deep in the pit of your stomach.  That feeling gets worse and

There are people who are optimistic about a cure for citrus greening, and then there are those who feel utterly defeated. Regardless of which camp you’re in, the decline of one of Florida’s greatest industries is leaving a vacuum, and that puts landowners in a bind. While scientists feverishly search for a greening cure —

A thorough annual health exam is a way to keep your horse healthy and stay ahead of any issues that may develop. Generally, the exam is performed at the same time as your horse’s annual vaccinations and Coggins test. This exam allows your veterinarian to closely evaluate your horse’s health and assist in the early

For five years, Dr. Fernando Alferez and his UF/IFAS research group in Immokalee have been working with TreeDefender IPCs, studying how to help newly planted citrus trees in an area of widespread HLB. The results have been clear: Protecting the trees with IPCs from the moment they are planted keeps them free from HLB. IPCs

Citrus reset management is necessary for maximum efficiency in Florida citrus growers as citrus trees can decline and become unproductive for a number of reasons. This means removing and replacing citrus trees that are declining and have become unprofitable with resets. It also means ensuring that the resets live and thrive to become profitable parts

Friends, as this year comes to a close, I am grateful for those of you who supported Higgenbotham Auctioneers and attended our auctions. We have been blessed with meeting many people from many paths in life.  We don’t know everything, but we listen to our clients’ goals and needs. We are not in the business

As the year comes to a close, I’m giddy with excitement like my teenage daughter Holly Kate on Christmas Eve. Even though it’s the right time of year, there’s a different reason. Longtime readers of this column know the Florida agriculture industry has long been a central focus of mine. Twelve years ago, I started