Harvest CROO Technology Helps Growers Overcome Challenges by TERESA SCHIFFER One of the biggest challenges any type of grower in Florida faces right now is a shortage of manual labor. Finding enough hands to harvest a crop is imperative to prevent massive food waste, but sometimes that is practically impossible to do. If a farmer […]
Innovation in the Fields Read More »
Brick Street Farms Takes Hydroponic Vertical Farming to Urban Communities by TERESA SCHIFFER With a global population now nearly 8 billion with no signs of slowing any time soon, each passing year it becomes more imperative that we develop the most efficient methods of providing nutritious food for people in a sustainable fashion.
Food for the Masses Read More »
by J. SCOTT ANGLE Last summer’s historic heat in the West scorched our food supply. It threatened workers’ health, shriveled crops, and stressed water resources. More frequent extreme weather events like the heat wave mean we must change the future of farming if we want to be a nation that feeds itself. Florida
Florida’s Agricultural Innovations Ensure More Food Choices and an Economic Boost Read More »
by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida’s subtropical climate means the state is well-suited for the mass cultivation of ornamental and tropical plants for the rest of the country. In fact, the state is the second-largest producer of ornamental and horticultural products in the country. The environmental horticulture industry generated roughly
Woman of the Year in Ag Angela TenBroeck Focusing on Sustainability by PAUL CATALA Angela TenBroeck’s agricultural roots stem back to the 18th century when her ancestors began working as sharecroppers in Georgia. Farm life has sustained her family for generations since, and now TenBroeck’s varied accomplishments and contributions to agriculture have earned her
An Eye Toward the Future Read More »
This year’s event, set for January 22-28, will have familiar favorites and a new event. by CATHERINE CERVONE photo by TOM HAGERTY (2020) The Polk County Youth Fair is quickly approaching, and it’s sure to be bigger and better than ever this year. The 2022 event is set to run from January 22-28
Polk Gears Up for Youth Fair Read More »
Father’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Dream Blossoms Under Daughter’s Direction by TIM CRAIG In a way, Alexis Caffrey was raised into her role. Caffrey, in her 11th year as director of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, has had a front-row seat to the creation, development, and growth of the location into one of the premier
Three Chosen for 2022 Citrus Hall of Fame by HEATHER MACHOVINA The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame honors prominent leaders in the Florida citrus industry who have made significant contributions to its resilience and sustainability. The Selection Committee recently announced three individuals —one living, two deceased — to be inducted later this year. George
Recognizing Citrus Giants Read More »
The increasing cost of production is on everyone’s mind this year. Farm income is expected to reach $113 billion in 2021, due mostly to strong market prices and global demand. But this year isn’t all smooth sailing for American farmers and ranchers. Logistic bottlenecks and various shortages are leading to higher input expenses and difficulty
THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IS COMING Read More »
Floating Solar Panels Introduce New Possibilities for Ag by PAMELA PALONGUE Many people, including those in the agriculture sector, are embracing a new type of solar power technology that harnesses the sun’s rays without taking up valuable space on land. That’s just fine with D3Energy, a solar developer of floating solar projects. The
