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Coming Together

Homeland Community Farm Becoming a Reality by JULIE BUTTERFIELD Homeland Community Farm started as a sparkle in Jessica Anderson’s eye when she started her career as an ag teacher at Polk County Public Schools 14 years ago.  At that time, the 180 acres off CR 640 between Bartow and Fort Meade was used to house

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Ag Lessons Become Life Lessons

ESE Educators Use Ag to Teach Transferable Skills by PAUL CATALA The school days can be challenging, but among the guidance, lessons, and direction sprout an affinity for agriculture and a love of learning about it. Seeing that passion for Florida agriculture take root is exactly what teachers Robert Parmer and Barbara Clayton say makes

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Dedication & Commitment

3 Ag Teachers Leave Lasting Legacies by PAUL CATALA From 2001 to 2013, David Byrd saw firsthand the amount of dedication, attention, and genuine care that Donna Oliver, Jimmy Sweeney and Kyle Carlton had for their agriculture students. Byrd was the Polk County School District teacher resource specialist for 12 years. He was in that

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In Her Genes

Lakeland Teen a Rising Star in Cattle Breeding by RYAN MILEJCZAK Right here in the heart of Florida, a young agricultural enthusiast in Lakeland has been making waves in the world of cattle showing. At only 15, Carlee Taylor has already received several prestigious honors at events across the country.  Mom Laura Taylor, whose family

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Are You Pickin’?

With Florida’s strawberry season in full swing, many farms are holding u-pick events. This is not an exhaustive list of farms offering u-pick. Call or visit the websites before you go as some dates and availability will change. Now let’s get picking! Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farmskeelfarms.com5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, FLAmber Brook

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From Treetops to Rooftops

Report Sounds Alarm on Projected Effect of Development on Florida Agriculture by PAUL CATALA When Christian Spinosa’s family began cultivating and caretaking citrus in Bartow more than 70 years ago, the groves in the region went on for miles and miles, acre upon acre.  In his lifetime of working and caretaking in the citrus industry,

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