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Large Animal Vet Shortage Overwhelming Polk County Providers by RYAN MILEJCZAK Large animal vets are crucial for the livestock industry and our food supply. Despite this, we’re facing an issue here in Polk County and the nation at large: a severe shortage of large animal vets. Dr. LuJean Waters, a large animal vet with 12 […]

Free Florida-Friendly Landscaping Talk & TourThursday, April 1810 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Robbins Nursery: 4803 US 27 S, SebringCall (863) 402-6540 for registration link by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Highlands County You’ve most likely heard of the adage of killing something with kindness. Have you ever killed a plant with kindness? I find people are more likely

photo provided by POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU Polk Young Farmer and Rancher members Peyton Putnam, Alex Spinosa, Kerrie Costine, Allie Williams, and Ben Putnam celebrate Food Check-Out Week as part of a community outreach event at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Market on February 10.

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 RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida The orange has long been Florida’s most iconic agricultural product. Originating in Asia, the orange first made its way to the New World in 1493 aboard the ships of Christopher Columbus. It wasn’t long before the Spanish brought them to Florida, and by the time

ESE Educators Use Ag to Teach Transferable Skills by PAUL CATALA The school days can be challenging, but among the guidance, lessons, and direction sprout an affinity for agriculture and a love of learning about it. Seeing that passion for Florida agriculture take root is exactly what teachers Robert Parmer and Barbara Clayton say makes

3 Ag Teachers Leave Lasting Legacies by PAUL CATALA From 2001 to 2013, David Byrd saw firsthand the amount of dedication, attention, and genuine care that Donna Oliver, Jimmy Sweeney and Kyle Carlton had for their agriculture students. Byrd was the Polk County School District teacher resource specialist for 12 years. He was in that

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

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