Featured

Shepherds of Polk City

38 Years Strong in a Field of Their Own by REBEKAH PIERCE Central Florida is known for its thriving cattle industry, as well as for crops like citrus, tomatoes, watermelon, and bell peppers. While agriculture has been the name of the game since the area was settled, all the way back in the mid-1800s, sheep […]

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Bridging the Gap

Harvest Collective Helping Area Farmers Connect With Consumers by MAGGIE THARP There’s a new business that’s making it easier than ever for residents to support farms, ranches, and other local businesses.  Founded by Lakeland native Mikaela Booth in late 2024, The Harvest Collective works with farmers and other local producers to get their products to

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Stars of the Citrus Industry

Meet the 2025 Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees The Selection Committee for The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame has announced the selection of Dr. Charles W. Adams (deceased), formerly of Auburndale, Dr. James H. “Jim” Graham of Lake Alfred, and Daniel R. “Dan” Richey of Vero Beach as the Class of 2025 inductees. The

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 $5 Million USDA Grant

UF/IFAS Team Secures Funds to Expand Avocado Production Into Central Florida, Combat Laurel Wilt Disease by LOURDES MEDEROS, UF/IFAS Scientists with the University of Florida have secured a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to combat the lethal Laurel wilt disease and the redbay ambrosia beetles

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Education & Collaboration

Florida’s Farm to School Program Aims to Connect Local Farmers With the Classroom by RYAN MILEJCZAK You’ve likely heard of farm to table—but what about farm to school? Florida’s Farm to School initiative aims to connect our schools with growers around the state, improving nutrition for our students and building their connection to agriculture.  “Florida’s

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The Legacy of Leu Gardens

Orlando Oasis Showcases Botanical Beauty With a Nod to Rare, Endangered Plants by REBEKAH PIERCE photos by HARRY P. LEU GARDENS When most people think of the city of Orlando, camellias, cycads, and agaves probably don’t come to mind first. Yet within the bustling hub of the downtown area, on the calm shores of Lake

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