Reflections From the National FFA Convention by SARAH TRUE, Polk County Farm Bureau Last month, the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo was held in Indianapolis, Indiana. As an FFA member, I was privileged enough to attend and compete at the National FFA convention for multiple years in a row. This year, I had the …
New Project Keeps Cattle on Ranch, Helps Protect Environment story and photos by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS For decades, Jim Strickland has managed and operated Blackbeard’s Ranch in Myakka City. As much as he cares about his cattle, he sees himself as an environmental steward. Strickland, 68, has been in the cattle business since he was …
Polk County’s Jason Watts of Florida Best Farms Named Florida Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farmer of the Year by REBEKAH PIERCE Polk County Farmer Jason Watts of Florida Best Farms in Haines City has been named the Florida Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farmer of the Year in recognition of his exceptional skills and achievements in agriculture. This …
Research on Controlled Environment Agriculture Reaching New Heights With Vertical Farming Labs by PAUL CATALA As the human population and global development continue to increase, the availability of land for agriculture decreases and the need to grow up rather than out increases. That’s why vertical farming, the practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, …
by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida When it comes to Florida agriculture, it’s our fruit that gets most of the attention, including our world famous citrus, as well as other fruits like strawberries and blueberries. But what isn’t as well known is we’re a major producer of veggies as well, including …
UF Agriculture Economist Using AgTools to Give Growers an Edge by K. MICHELE TRICE Dr. Kimberly Morgan, associate professor and extension agricultural economist with the University of Florida, is using innovative software to help Florida farmers and growers increase their access to vital data and improve their negotiating abilities. Morgan is using AgTools, a worldwide …
by JUDI BENTLEY photos by DAVID AUSTIN The Master Gardener Volunteers 2023 Let It Grow Garden Festival and Plant Sale is just around the corner! This is the fifth year for the event, and it keeps getting bigger and better each year. The festival is set for Saturday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. until 4 …
Sebring Gears Up for Nov. 18 Let It Grow Garden Festival & Plant Sale Read More »
2023 Woman of the Year in Ag Reflects on Service, Giving Back by PAUL CATALA On Oct. 18, Saundra TenBroeck was diligently doing what she’s done for the past 28 years — teaching, guiding, and mentoring students at the University of Florida. A day later, the UF/IFAS State Extension Horse Specialist and associate professor for …
Marshal Sewell’s Pain and Loss Become a Lifeline for Others by Ryan Milejczak Farming is one of the most important jobs in our society. Any time you eat a meal, you have numerous farmers and agricultural workers to thank for making it all possible. Despite the importance of this work, however, many people aren’t aware …
