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photos by THOMAS HAGERTYClick here for the 2024 Polk County Youth Fair Parade of Champions

by RYAN MILEJCZAK  Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida While strawberries often steal the spotlight when it comes to winter crops, it’s also a season when many popular Florida vegetables are ripe for the picking. Some of these include bell peppers, cruciferous vegetables, and squash.  Bell Peppers Easily the king of Florida winter vegetable production

Florida a Powerhouse for Horticulture, Landscape Industries by REBEKAH PIERCE Have you ever taken the time to appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant colors that adorn Florida’s landscapes and gardens? If you have, then you’ve probably unknowingly admired the work of Florida’s horticulture industry.  This sector, which includes nurseries, landscapers, and greenhouses, generates more than

Polk County Youth Fair Just Weeks Away by PAUL CATALAphotos by TOM HAGERTY (2023) The gates to the 2024 Polk County Youth Fair swing open soon with just a few minor changes in store for its 77th year. There have been some alterations to some of the livestock judging events and shows, but otherwise it

by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County Agriculture is Central Florida’s largest industry. We are known for the many citrus groves and cattle ranches that are the central agriculture vein throughout our county. Most of you may be familiar with caladiums. Highlands County hosts more than 90% of all caladium farms in the world. The

Smart Landscaping Choices Can Help Save Water While Still Keeping Your Lawn Lush by RYAN MILEJCZAK photos by JESSICA MCDONALD Water is one of the most precious resources we have. But with ever increasing growth and development here in Florida, our natural water resources are more strained than ever. Due to this, organizations throughout the

Program Trains Veterans in Ag Industries to Ease Transition to Civilian Life by PAUL CATALA For the program’s participants, it’s the chance to lay down their weapons and pick up their shovels. Through the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program, thousands of military veterans have trained, learned the ropes, and become successful farmers, cattle ranchers, citrus growers

by KATI LAWSON, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County Small, shaky hands charged by excitement worked to display crafts and products before customers started to enter the 4-H Kids Business Fair in December. 4-H members practiced their good manners, customer greetings, and change-counting skills with 4-H leaders and parents as they prepared to open the doors to

(Figure 1) What appears to be a healthy row of trees is most likely infected with HLB but is not showingsigns yet. Keeping trees healthy long-term takes diligent care. Photo by David Austin Where Has All the Citrus Gone? Understanding Greening and the Future of Citrus by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County It is