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AI Center to Provide a Boost for Agriculture by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent Agriculture is an integral part of Florida’s economy, directly contributing more than $10 billion in sales revenues annually and supporting more than 133,000 jobs. But farmers face numerous challenges: pests, diseases, labor, rising costs, and more.  To protect crop yields and the […]

Highlands County Painter Brings Florida Scenes to Life  by TERESA SCHIFFERphotos by JESSICA McDONALD The natural world has long been a fertile source of inspiration for artists. Even in this modern age, there is a serene beauty to be found in scenes of greenery, a primal thrill in seeing the hunter take his prey, and

Elementary Agriculture Science Program Off to a Strong Start at Willow Oak story and photos by PAUL CATALA The children in Danielle Emmons’ fourth-grade class walk to their seats at the tables. A few minutes after sitting down, they begin to line up for the delicious mouths-on lesson of the day: homemade vegetable soup. “Welcome

Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. Uses His Work to Emphasize the Importance of Conservation by KRISTEN GUEVARA Carlton Ward Jr. discovered his calling to the art of conservation by accident while studying abroad. The eighth-generation Floridian and conservation photographer was studying biology and anthropology at Wake Forest University when an opportunity arose to study abroad in

Florida Grapefruit Production Down, but Not Out  by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Grapefruit, the black sheep of the citrus family, is Florida’s lovable oddball. What other fruit is so deliciously sour and cheerfully bitter while simultaneously presenting remarkable nutritional benefits? Only the plump and hearty grapefruit! A Mysterious History Grapefruit

Auburndale High School’s Kimberly Shaske Named Polk County Farm Bureau 2022 Ag Teacher of the Year by PAUL CATALA Since standing in front of her first students 26 years ago, Kimberly Shaske has continued to maintain her focus: keeping the relevance and importance of Florida agriculture at the forefront.  It is that dedication and desire

Dundee Ridge Middle FFA Takes Title of Polk County Farm Bureau 2022 Program of the Year story and photo by PAUL CATALA For Bella Dykes, it is hands-on classroom experiences that have encouraged her to pursue her goal of becoming a veterinarian. For the time being, she’s focusing on learning about the basics of agriculture,

Dundee Citrus Growers Association Expanding CUPS Acreage by TERESA SCHIFFER Steve Callaham and the Dundee Citrus Growers Association are so pleased with the success of their citrus grown under protective screens — or CUPS —  that they recently announced they are expanding the project to nearly double their current acreage. They currently have 300 acres

Growers’ Early Optimism, Resilience Shine Despite Hurricane Ian by TERESA SCHIFFER photo by MONGI ZEKRI/SWFREC Despite the continued losses due to greening and a decrease in plantings of new citrus trees, this year was looking pretty good for Florida citrus growers – until Hurricane Ian swept through the state in the last days of September.