by MARY TOOTHMAN Since Michaela Grace McLean was awarded the title of Miss Florida Citrus Queen earlier this year, her dance card has been filling up quickly. The 21-year old from Clermont has had a very full schedule of late. After being named Citrus Queen March 23, she graduated from college, then moved. And now
by ERIKA ALDRICH photo by MARC HELLER/E&E News There’s no mistaking that The Sunshine State sees its share of hot weather, and Florida beef cattle feel the heat too. Recent studies have confirmed that both beef and dairy cattle are healthier and more productive at cooler temperatures, and there are many ways that beef producers
by TIM CRAIG From her office, Keitha Bennett gets one of best glimpses at the growth and future of Florida agriculture. As coordinator of the Agricultural Education Services and Technology (AEST) certification program, the Haines City native sits at the nexus of education and industry and is able to help shape both. Yet, her perspective
by TERESA SCHIFFER For Scarlett Jackson, agriculture isn’t just a vocation, it’s a way of life. Jackson’s life has been intertwined with agriculture since her earliest days. She was raised on a farm and retains precious memories of that lifestyle. Nowadays she is devoted to helping support the next generation of agriculturists as they find
by MATT COBBLE Photo courtesy of agclassroom.org When the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) announced the 2019 winners of their National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture award, one winner stood out from the pack. A team of teachers from Millennia Gardens Elementary School in Orlando – Dawn Chehab, Joshua Garrett, John Martinez, Erica
by J.P. SMITH What brought world travelers and water skiers, Rob and Carol Bemman, to settle in Polk County on Eagle Lake and establish a horse trail? Their journey to this place in time, is waft with reminiscent sights, smells, and sensory delight, of beautiful Cypress Gardens, where it is their memories that still
Bringing Together Florida Agri-Business and Florida Law Enforcement to Protect the State’s Rural & Agricultural Communities by DAPHNE RENELUS We often hear quotes that emphasize the importance of coming together to accomplish a goal, but rarely do we make a conscious effort to really follow these quotes’ messages. When it comes to the value of
Florida Cattle & Livestock Industries Giving States Economy a Boost by TIM CRAIG Carlton Taylor, the president of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, leads a group of ranchers who impact the state economy in ways the general public may not readily see. Together with the state and the national association, Taylor wants to spread the
A Look at Research Being Done to Understand Equine Genetics by MATT COBBLE Every living organism on this planet is built by a set of genes. Genes that people have been influencing (or, if you prefer, ‘encouraging strategic traits’) since Gregor Mendel first discovered them while hybridizing pea plants in the mid nineteenth century. And
Hannah Cline Ready for New Role to Fight for the Beef Industry by MARY TOOTHMAN Hannah Cline has her cowgirl boots on, a smile on her face, and her plans and goals set for 2019. The true-blue cowgirl is the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association’s new Sweetheart. The youngest child of Dan and Sheri Cline, she