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It seems there has been a faint song of optimism about the Florida citrus industry these days. With some recent research breakthroughs and a steady chorus of “not if, but when,” it can be tempting to hold tight and wait for a proven HLB-resistant tree to save the day. However, if you listen closely, there’s another […]

In our ongoing struggle with citrus greening, growers are on the lookout for two potential beacons of hope — escape trees and survivor trees. Escape trees are trees that have somehow avoided infection by citrus greening disease despite being in an area where the disease is prevalent. They might be often found in the same

As summer quickly approaches, ensuring your horses are well-prepared to handle the heat and humidity is crucial. From hydration to hoof care, taking a few extra steps can make all the difference in keeping your horse happy and healthy. Here’s a guide to preparing your horses for the sizzling summer months. 1. Hydration Is Key

Soil pH plays a huge role in nutrient availability, and it’s especially important when it comes to citrus trees affected by citrus greening, also known as HLB. HLB causes citrus trees to have smaller root systems that are weakened by the disease. Since the root systems are not able to uptake water and nutrients as

When you’re shopping for meat, you might notice labels like “Prime,” “Choice,” or “Select” on the packaging. These labels are USDA meat grades, and they give you important information about the quality of the meat you’re buying.  What do these grades mean, and how do they affect your meals?  The Basics of USDA Meat Grades

To paraphrase a quote from citrus grower James Shinn, the current HLB-ravaged environment is forcing us to “rewrite the book on growing citrus.” This month, Tree Defender introduces our latest chapter; a new weapon in the story of the war on greening. For some high-end fresh fruit growers, CUPS has become a successful chapter in

In the past 20 years, the Florida citrus industry has been devastated by greening disease, intense hurricanes, and a global pandemic that widely affected nearly every industry in the state. Through it all, Florida citrus growers demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Despite growers’ best efforts, production has plummeted, with estimates for the current season at

Allergies present a significant challenge for horse owners, impacting the health and well-being of their horses. As insect and pollen levels increase, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of allergies and take proactive steps to manage them effectively. Common Allergies in Horses Respiratory allergies are very common and are often triggered

You see a lot of praise for the hard work Florida farmers and ranchers do to provide the food and fibers we use as a nation and their economic contribution to the state. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there were 44,703 ag operations farming 9.7 million acres and producing $10.2 billion in agricultural

No one in the field of agriculture has ever claimed that farming is easy, yet growers push on because it’s in their blood. Unfavorable weather conditions, variable yields, diseases, pests, and market fluctuations are nothing new. In fact, most Florida farmers effectively say, “Been there, done that.” Florida growers are resilient and resourceful, well versed