Column

If you’ve had your ear to the ground lately, you’ve likely noticed that there is a newly ignited excitement around locally raised beef.  There’s more behind local beef’s surging popularity than just Instagram trends and hashtags.  It’s a real phenomenon highlighting the value of meat from local farms and local butchers, from flavor to economics.  […]

The Central Florida Development Council’s mission is to attract quality businesses to Polk and help existing companies expand, enhancing our tax base and increasing the availability of jobs – a mission that in some ways grew from impacts to the citrus industry in the mid-80’s. In 1985, 300 business leaders met at the Bartow Civic

As cold weather sets in, horse owners often prioritize warm stalls and blankets. However, one critical aspect that can easily be overlooked is water intake. Maintaining proper hydration in winter is just as vital as it is during the hot summer months. Failing to do so can put your horse at risk for impaction colic—a

The suspicions and fears of even the most hopeful in the Florida ag sector came to a head this month with the announcement that Alico is pulling out of the citrus industry. The company, one of the largest growers in the nation and a major supplier to Tropicana, said the combination of citrus greening and

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP), which oversees the Florida Best Management Practices (BMP) program, intends to expand the BMP Cost Share Program this year. It’s a program that focuses on the “most effective and practicable on-location means…for improving water quality in agricultural and urban discharges.” The

When it comes to the health of horses, eye injuries should never be taken lightly. Even a seemingly minor symptom, like a slightly watery eye, can signal a more serious underlying issue. The eyes of a horse are not only essential for their daily activities but are also incredibly sensitive. Here’s a closer look at

“Isn’t this just a bag over a tree?” When we started Tree Defender in 2014 and introduced the IPC as our first commercial product, we heard that question more than once. Tree Defender’s initial goal was simple: Protect young citrus trees from HLB until a permanent solution was found. And while that goal has remained

Back pain is a common issue that can greatly impact a horse’s well-being and performance. Just like with humans, identifying the causes and implementing solutions is crucial for alleviating discomfort and ensuring the overall health of your horse. Poor Saddle Fit One of the primary culprits behind back pain in horses is an improperly fitting

In November, our rural and urban communities came together to celebrate Farm-City Week. This observance, usually the week leading up to Thanksgiving, recognizes the interdependence of rural and urban communities. This year’s Farm-City week (November 21-27) included festivities across the state, including award banquets, industry panels, farm tours, essay and poster contests, hands-on agricultural activities

Taking time during the winter months for forage and soil testing is a gift that will keep giving and improving your operation. There are numerous benefits to testing both soil and forages, especially when it comes to fertilizer applications you’ll make in the future. If testing shows that you need to make some changes, those