Featured

100 Years

Miss Florida Citrus Celebrates Centennial With the Crowning of Alana Scheuerer by RYAN MILEJCZAK Back in 1924, the Miss Florida Citrus title, then known as Florida Citrus Queen, began with the crowning of Dorothy Williams in Winter Haven. Now, 100 years later, the tradition continues with the crowning of the latest Miss Florida Citrus, Alana […]

100 Years Read More »

Bigger & Better

Bone Valley Visitors Can Preview 300-Acre Expansion at Rally in the Valley on May 4  by JEFF FOLEY, Polk County Communications Division Many throttle-gripping thrill-seekers would say there’s nothing better than 200 acres of all-terrain vehicle riding trails, especially when those trails include rocky hillsides and Instagram-worthy scenery. But 500 acres is definitely better than

Bigger & Better Read More »

Riding High

Polk & Florida Cattle Ranchers Say Market Is Highest They’ve Seen by REBEKAH PIERCE The cattle industry in Polk County is a testament to the agricultural spirit and profuse grit of the people in the Sunshine State.  Through market fluctuation, land scarcity, and environmental challenges, the farmers and ranchers here have continued to rise to

Riding High Read More »

Care Crisis

Large Animal Vet Shortage Overwhelming Polk County Providers by RYAN MILEJCZAK Large animal vets are crucial for the livestock industry and our food supply. Despite this, we’re facing an issue here in Polk County and the nation at large: a severe shortage of large animal vets. Dr. LuJean Waters, a large animal vet with 12

Care Crisis Read More »

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

Coming Together Read More »

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

Ag Lessons Become Life Lessons Read More »

Accessibility Toolbar