Featured

Price Drop Closes an Otherwise Strong Season by RYAN MILEJCZAK As Florida blueberry growers reflect on the close of the season, they’re sharing reports of ideal weather, high yields, and a mid- to late-season supply swell that tanked market prices. Overall, the state had a strong season until some growers were forced to leave berries […]

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit Central Florida The tomato is a favorite of chefs and gardeners around the world thanks to its delicious flavor, great nutrition, and ease of cultivation. The U.S. is a leading producer of tomatoes, and Florida is the second-largest producer, second only to California. In fact, we’re home to

Bok Academy North’s FFA Program Rebuilding After Devastating Loss by REBEKAH PIERCE For students in the Bok Academy North Middle School FFA program, life has always been about growth and change. Despite being a fledgling program chartered just four years ago, it’s been wildly successful, with students participating in everything from citrus identification to livestock

Emma Self Wins Warner University’s Royal Cup Scholarship by LILY DUCE Emma Self, a 2023 graduate of Bartow High School and Florida FFA Area IV Vice President, has been awarded the 2024 Warner University Royal Cup. This is a very prestigious accomplishment that boasts a four-year full scholarship to the university. Self will be pursuing

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS When you look at your yard, you probably see a few plants such as grass, shrubs and trees. But you might not notice all the species.  New University of Florida research shows far more plant species in urban landscapes than meet the eye, and this makes scientists more interested in learning

Photos provided by DANIELLE DAUM Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Highlands County Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest!  Maria Swaford took first place and went on to win the District 8 contest, too! She will now compete in the state contest in October. Here is a list of the winners at the

by PAUL CATALA photo provided For decades, Cary Lightsey and his wife, Marcia, have been stalwart in their efforts and commitments to conserving wild Florida. Conservation Florida, an Orlando-based nonprofit working to protect Florida’s natural and agricultural landscapes, recently bestowed the Lake Wales couple with the Conservation Legacy Award for their commitment to conserving wild

Charleigh Wood a Rising Star With Sights Set on a Future in Ag by RYAN MILEJCZAK FFA was founded in 1925 to promote and support agricultural education in middle schools and high schools across the country. Now, nearly 100 years later, it continues to be a leading organization for youth in agriculture. One young FFA

by RYAN MILEJCZAKphotos by TOM HAGERTY Every year, each Florida county names a passionate and deserving young woman as Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. These individuals dedicate themselves to representing and raising awareness of the Florida beef industry. Cattlemen’s Sweethearts go on to represent their county in the competition to be crowned Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart.  This year, Bailey

Nicole Walker & Bridget Stice May Work Behind the Scenes, but Their Impact Is Front and Center by REBEKAH PIERCE This month, Central Florida Ag News is celebrating women in agriculture. Here in Polk County, we’re especially blessed to have such strong female leaders at the UF/IFAS Extension office to thank for their hard work