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Bee-Haven Honey Company Delivers Raw Taste of Florida by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Visit Central Florida Tucked into the trees of North Lakeland, Bee-Haven Honey Company is doing more than bottling honey — it’s capturing the flavor of Florida. The company, which specializes in raw, unprocessed honey, is educating the community and collecting new customers […]

University Partnership Focuses on New Possibilities for Citrus by RYAN MILEJCZAK The flavors and aromas of citrus are some of the most prized of any fruit. Lemon and orange scents are nearly synonymous with cleaning products, while citrus plays a starring role in the flavors of popular beverages, snacks, candies, and foods. Despite this, there’s

School Named 2024 Polk County Farm Bureau Ag Program of the Year by SHAYLYNN MARKS Congratulations to Kathleen Middle School for earning the designation of 2024 Polk County Farm Bureau Agriculture Program of the Year!  At Kathleen Middle, the award marks a milestone moment for agriculture teacher Julianne Ream, who has spent the past three

Gelb Named 2024 Polk County Farm Bureau Ag Teacher of the Year by SHAYLYNN MARKS Hats off to Mulberry High School’s Kathryn Gelb, who was named the 2024 Polk County Farm Bureau Agriculture Teacher of the Year! The seeds of Gelb’s journey into agriculture education were planted when she was in middle school, thanks to

by REBEKAH PIERCE Marcia Lightsey is a cattle rancher, mother, grandmother, and tireless advocate for all things agriculture and conservation in the state of Florida. Described by her daughter, Leigh Ann Wynn, as “one of the most selfless people” she knows, and by Carole McKenzie, Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director as a “get things

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for some sweet, juicy peaches. While they’re most often associated with our northern neighbor Georgia, peaches are also widely cultivated right here in Florida.  The peach tree, Prunus persica, was first domesticated in China

Fort Pierce Teen on a Mission to Raise Awareness by SHAYLYNN MARKS At just 18 years old, Paige Cruse has already become a powerful voice for agriculture, and it all began with a nickname from her grandfather. “He was very sick when my mom found out she was pregnant with me,” Cruse says. “When she

Polk Youths Soraya Lopidas and Danielle Tamayo Honored for Dedication & Commitment by SHAYLYNN MARKS Two students from Central Florida are proving that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to try something new can plant the seeds of lasting success. Soraya Lopidas, a senior at Davenport High School, was named Polk County’s Career & Technical Education

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida is an agricultural powerhouse, growing a wide range of crops. One crop that is currently in its harvest prime is the blueberry.  While blueberry production in the U.S. got its start in the early 1900s, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Florida blueberry production

Plant City’s Gus Trent Is Putting Rodeo Within Reach for Inner-City Youth by REBEKAH PIERCE If there’s one symbol of rural America that has stood the test of time, it’s the rodeo. There are more than 600 rodeos sanctioned yearly in the United States by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. For many, rodeo isn’t just