sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by TERESA SCHIFFER When people think of cattle, not too many envision Florida as a major producer of livestock. However, Florida has a long history with the cattle industry and is currently ranked number 13 in the U.S. for numbers of cattle. More than 5.4 million acres of […]
Signs of the Season: Cattle Are an Integral Part of Florida Economy Read More »
Peyton Chandley Talks About the Beef Industry and Her Goals by ANNABEL ROCHA Eighth-generation cattle rancher Peyton Chandley is proud to represent Polk County as the 2022-2023 Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart. Raised by Barrett and Lori Chandley, the 19-year-old says ranching is in her blood, and she is extremely passionate about conservation and the beef
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Scarlett Jackson Working on Establishing Ag Education Standards by PAMELA PALONGUE Where do the farmers of tomorrow learn the skills needed for contemporary agriculture, which may involve business management skills and even the analysis of complex data to ensure the most productive crop? It starts with awareness of farming as a highly skilled profession in
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Youths to Learn Why Bees Are So Important by LUIS R. RODRIGUEZ, Small Farms Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, & SHREEMOYEE GHOSH, 4-H Youth Development Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is the practice of maintaining bee colonies to achieve desired objectives. Honeybees are the most common domesticated bee species. They are
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by PAUL CATALA Since 2013, things have been fishy for Rob Bullock. But since Feb. 1, 2022, Bullock, owner of Avon Park’s Bullock Farms, has been “vegging out” as he has starts to diversify his successful aquaponics and fish farm into a viable produce and row crop venture, with the possibility of adding livestock in
In the Heartland: Avon Park’s Bullock Farms Expanding Into Produce Read More »
by JESSICA ANDERSON National FFA Week 2022 proved to be a fun and exciting week for FFA members from various chapters to gather together and encourage each other in the largest student-led youth organization in the country. February 19-26, 2022, was designated as National FFA Week. This time each year allows students to share
FFA Corner: Polk County Celebrates National FFA Week 2022 Read More »
Sarah Rogers runs a bit of a livestock library for her fellow 4-Hers and FFAers in Plant City. The youngest users pet and cuddle Rogers’ rabbits, getting their first chance to learn how to handle an animal properly. Those who are a few years older work with the sheep she keeps at her family’s
The Critical Need for Youth Leaders Read More »
sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Tangerines are a sweet, succulent treat that can be easily peeled for a fun and healthy snack. Florida is the number one producer of tangerines in the U.S., which are available from September through April, peaking around mid-November. These delightful little citrus fruits are delicious on their own,
Signs of the Season: Florida Leads Nation in Tangerine Production Read More »
Ellen Cruz Eager to Use Ag Background and Degree in Role by TERESA SCHIFFER Central Florida Ag News welcomes new Florida Farm Bureau District 5 Field Representative Ellen Cruz! She will be serving the Central Florida agricultural community in Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, and Lake counties. While she’s a new
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Agri-Fest Adapts to Stay Relevant Over the Years After a year of virtual-only events, Polk County Agri-Fest returns in 2022 with both in-person and virtual opportunities for students to become better aware of how vital the agricultural industry is to Polk County. Agri-Fest started in 1989 as a one-day event at the Winter Haven
Three Decades and Thriving Read More »
