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 […]
by JULIE BUTTERFIELD The caladium harvest season is always a bustling time filled with challenges, such as wet soil or temperatures that are a detriment to a bulb just plucked from the warm blanket of the ground. Dr. Robert Hartman’s farm — Classic Caladiums — yields 80 varieties of caladiums, but cold temperatures and rain
El Niño Winter Complicates Caladium Harvest for Some Read More »
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
by MICHELLE GREENE In the heart of Highlands County, where agriculture and ranching are not just occupations but a way of life, the Highlands County Cattlewomen’s Association is gearing up for an event that promises to lace up community spirit with the love for the great outdoors. “Run the Ranch 5K” is set to take
Time to Warm Up for Run the Ranch 5K Read More »
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
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,
From Treetops to Rooftops Read More »
by REBEKAH PIERCE As the Florida strawberry season is in full swing, the industry stands poised for the future. It’s already been a standout season, with growers citing exceptional flavor and quality. Now, the season is about to get even sweeter, as Jake Raburn has been re-elected as president of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.
Re-Elected FSGA President Raburn on Advocacy and the Season Read More »
High Demand, Cool Temps Have Strawberry Growers Smiling This Season by RYAN MILEJCZAK It’s February, and that means that the 2024 Florida strawberry season is in full swing. Florida’s dominance of the winter strawberry market continues this year, with this year’s colder weather having some unique (and delicious) effects on this year’s crop. We talked
Chill Helps Sweeten the Season Read More »
by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida is a major agricultural state. Even though oranges are our best known crop, Florida shines when people crave something sweet — like strawberries — in winter. Our own Plant City reigns as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World! Strawberries 101 The strawberry we
Florida Continues to Dominate the Strawberry Market Read More »
Two Ag Students Named Recipients of Warner University Scholarship by K. MICHELE TRICE Florida Farm Bureau has long been a staunch supporter of young and budding scholars, and Warner University students Ashlyn Hood of LaBelle and Jacey Langford of Alva are the latest to benefit from that support. Hood and Langford recently were named the
