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If you want to start a farm, you probably already know it’s going to take much more than seeds, dirt, and a dream. While you might be envisioning rows of crops under a bright blue sky or the satisfaction of raising healthy heifers, you also need a solid business plan and some practical know-how to […]

As the tests, trials, lab work, and field work continue to march forward in the Florida citrus industry’s decades-long battle with citrus greening, now is a good time to reflect on the importance of the work of the budwood program. Current Director Justin Ezell, former Director Ben Rosson, and their staff should be credited for

Florida citrus growers participating in the Cycle 7 field trials of the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) recently received a boost of financial support.    At a recent Florida Citrus Commission meeting, the FDOC’s Scientific Research Department proposed the allotment of $2 million in non-recurring general revenue funds to reimburse participating growers for a portion

The freeze event that hit Florida at the end of January and the beginning of February has left the agriculture industry reeling, including the citrus industry. While many growers may be chomping at the bit to jump into recovery mode, the official word from the experts at the University of Florida Institute of Food and

Fair season is in full swing, and F1 Meat is once again at the heart of the action. This stretch is one of the busiest and most impactful times of the year for our team as we handle the influx of animals from local fairs across Central Florida.  F1Meat just recently processed 150 hogs and

If you’re brushing your horse and notice a wet manure along the legs and tail, you may wonder what’s going on. Even when the manure in the stall looks normal, the hind limbs can still be damp, stained, and irritated. This pattern points to a condition known as Fecal Water Syndrome (FWS). It’s not the

Spray drift is when a sprayed pesticide, herbicide, or fungicide reaches areas beyond the targeted crop — and it has a number of undesirable effects. Spray drift can cause damage to nontargeted crops and wildlife areas, kill beneficial insects like pollinators, waste product, pose a danger to humans and animals, and more! Your “Best Practices”

It’s officially fair season here in Central Florida, and Polk County’s youths — we like to call them the future of ag — are about to kick into high gear at the Polk County Youth Fair later this month.  While the students have been prepping for months, now it’s your turn to step up. When

Colic is a general term used to describe abdominal pain in horses and is one of the most common medical emergencies in equine practice. While some cases are mild and resolve quickly, others can become life-threatening in a short period of time. Knowing the early warning signs, how to reduce risk, and when to involve

Innovation is no longer a future aspiration for Polk County – it is happening now. At the heart of this momentum is the Central Florida Innovation District (CFID), a 3,000-acre hub where research, technology and talent converge to drive economic growth and global competitiveness.  From autonomous transportation to next-generation flavors science, CFID is shaping industries