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4-H Shooting Clubs Help Keep Life Goals On Target by TIM CRAIG For Diane Sharp and Melissa Stockenberg, the 4-H shooting clubs in Central Florida started out as an activity for their children, but it turned into a family affair.   “Growing up, I always thought that 4-H was just about raising cattle and those […]

Help Us Welcome New Extension Agent Luis Rodriguez Rosado by TERESA SCHIFFER The UF/IFAS Extension Polk County office has a new agent, and he’s excited to help farmers and growers here make a positive impact on their community, environment and economy! Luis Rodriguez Rosado is serving as Small Farms and Pesticide Education Extension Agent, filling

Weeki Wachee Distillery Offers Tours, Tastings, Outdoor Fun by PAUL CATALA photos by Jessica and Bobby McDonald The Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area is known around Florida and beyond as a refuge for approximately 250 species of birds, more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 25 different species of mammals.  It’s also

Great Climate, Crops Mean Opportunities for Agritourism Abound by TERESA SCHIFFER Central Florida is a hotspot for agritourism. Our state government recognizes the value of agritourism here and since 2007 has created laws protecting the farmers who wish to open their property to the public for various activities. Since visiting any farm has some inherent

SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUP TIONS • With consumers engaging in pandemic pantry preparation, the demand for OJ surged 13 percent in mid-March 2020. • While demand is there, increasing costs of fertilizer, insecticides, and transportation are creating higher input costs for Florida growers and making it harder for them to compete with global competitors. GLOBAL COMPETITION

Florida Temperature, Humidity Ideal for Watermelon by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Few things say “summer” like fresh, juicy watermelon! Luckily for Florida residents, no one grows tastier watermelons than the Sunshine State! Florida is a leading producer of watermelons, and you can find them at your grocery store, at roadside

Brothers Jerry and Keith Mixon Keep Trees Thriving With Citrus Under Protective Screens by PAUL CATALA While growers throughout the state battle citrus greening, there are at least two growers who are giddy with excitement as their crop matures. It may not be a matter of how they are growing their crop that gives them

Larry Black Receives Citrus Achievement Award by TERESA SCHIFFER For Larry Black, Florida citrus isn’t just a career, it’s a culture he’s been entrenched in since birth. Black, the general manager of Polk County’s Peace River Packing Co., was recently named as the recipient of the Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award. With a long family

Griffin Fertilizer Forum Promotes Crop Nutrient Stewardship story and photo by PAUL CATALA In elementary school, children are taught the 3 R’s — reading, writing and ‘rithmetic. But in agriculture, it’s the 4Rs that are important – the right source, right rate, right time and right place. Right source: Match the fertilizer type to the

Growers Faced Familiar Challenges as Late Rally Holds Hope for the Future by TIM CRAIG July marks the end of the 2020-2021 Florida citrus season, and for some growers, it’s been a season of both surprises and challenges. While there was a possible ray of positive news late in the season, there are long-term issues