Life Lessons Take Root at Rocking Horse Ranch by DEMI GUILLORY Photos provided by Rocking Horse Ranch For nearly a decade, Rocking Horse Ranch in Avon Park has served as a place where horseback riding means saddling up for a unique and meaningful life experience. Jessie Freire and her husband, Sam, own the ranch that […]
From First Ride to Lifelong Confidence Read More »
by SHAYLYNN MARKS Sponsored by Visit Central Florida Barbecue fans in Central Florida will have a new way to dig into the region’s growing food scene when Pitmasters in Paradise debuts at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Auburndale. As the third and final leg of the Florida Triple Crown of BBQ, the event adds a resort-style
Pitmasters in Paradise Brings BBQ Triple Crown to Auburndale Read More »
Citrus Research and Development Foundation COO Dantzler to Retire Effective June 30 by TIM CRAIG Rick Dantzler, the chief operating officer of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation and a driving force in Florida citrus, has announced his retirement effective June 30. The announcement came on the heels of the decision by the state legislature,
CRDF, CRAFT to Merge as Florida Farm Bill Brings Change to Citrus Industry by TIM CRAIG When Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the massive Florida Farm Bill into law March 23, he not only strengthened Florida’s agricultural industry, he also shaped the future of the Florida citrus industry and its fight for an HLB-free existence. The
Change On the Horizon Read More »
Property Appraiser’s Office Donates to Polk County 4-H by REBEKAH PIERCE In a move that speaks volumes about the power of giving back, the Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office has donated $5,452.20 to the Polk County 4-H. This substantial contribution marks the successful conclusion of the office’s 2025–2026 fundraising campaign. The funds will stay right
Investing in Tomorrow by Changing Lives Today Read More »
by RYAN MILEJCZAKSponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida When it comes to Florida agriculture, a lot of the conversation is focused on fruits and vegetables. But that leaves out a big part of the picture: Florida’s livestock! In fact, Florida has a vibrant animal agriculture industry, especially when it comes to cattle. Cattle Cattle
From Pastures to Production: Livestock Holds Its Ground in Florida Agriculture Read More »
Industry Experts Say Ranchers Still Grappling With High Costs, Years of Tight Margins by SHAYLYNN MARKS In Polk County and across Florida, cattle producers are finally seeing the strong prices they have waited years for, but the relief comes with an asterisk. A recent UF/IFAS market summary reported that Florida’s total cattle inventory rose to
Cattle Prices Strong, but Is That Enough? Read More »
by REBEKAH PIERCE Sponsored by Visit Central Florida Just a mile from Lakeland city limits and tucked between industrial warehouses, you might not expect to find a u-pick farm and market. Yet that’s right where fresh flavors and family tradition thrive. Fancy Farms Market, born from four generations of Florida strawberry farmers, offers a profound
Farm Fresh, Family First: The Fancy Farms Market Journey Read More »
Ned Hancock Speaks on Challenges, Purpose, and Drive Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual Florida’s citrus industry is a cornerstone of the Sunshine State – its legacy has been passed down in hardworking Florida families for more than a century. Among these centennial citrus growers who have helped to build and sustain this industry is the
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Experts Advise Growers to Act Quickly & Document Meticulously by REBEKAH PIERCE The 2026 Florida freeze may have lasted just a few days, but its impacts will likely be felt for years. For growers, the thaw marked the beginning of a new challenge: how to make sense of the maze of disaster relief programs to
From Freeze to Funding Read More »
