Andy McDonald of Sweet Life Farms Describes Why Advocacy Efforts Are More Important Than Ever Before by TERESA SCHIFFER Sweet Life Farms in Plant City might be relatively new in terms of established farms, but General Manager and partner Andy McDonald is a seasoned pro when it comes to growing strawberries. McDonald is a fifth-generation […]
Strawberry Fields Forever Read More »
Latest Forecast Gives a More Optimistic Outlook for Grapefruit by TIM CRAIG Florida citrus growers, particularly those who grow grapefruit, got a slice of good news in January when the U.S. Department of Agriculture increased one of its indicators during the monthly projection update for the 2019-2020 season. In its January forecast, the USDA
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The State of the 2020 Strawberry Season and What It Means for Florida Growers by TERESA SCHIFFER The strawberry season got off to a slow start in November, but volume is picking up and growers are smiling. While the quality level has been acceptable, berry size has been on the small side. Growers are expecting
Ornamental, Horticulture Industries Significant to Florida Economy Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida The horticulture and ornamental industry is a large part of Florida’s robust agriculture industry, and The Sunshine State is the second-largest producer of ornamental and horticulture products in the country. It’s a broad industry, encompassing everything from flowers destined for floral
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Lakeland’s 1.2-Acre Hollis Garden Delights and Mesmerizes by MARY TOOTHMAN The city of Lakeland has its share of treasures, and one that is a particular point of pride is the lovely Hollis Garden. The unique, formal garden has 16 rooms, more than 10,000 flowers, shade trees and ornamental shrubs and hosts nuptials with dozens of
Meet the 2020 Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees The Citrus Hall of Fame has announced its latest round of inductees to add to the long list of distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Florida citrus industry. The Citrus Hall of Fame was started in 1962 to pay homage to the great contributors
University of Florida Teaching Horticulture Therapy by TERESA SCHIFFER In this technologically driven world we live in now, where information moves at the speed of light and we often feel compelled to keep up or fall behind, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the pace and complexity of modern life. We all have
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Auburndale FFA Member Jacquelyn Edler Wins Essay Contest Connecting Agriculture Consumers, Producers by PAUL CATALA Jacquelyn Edler hopes to someday land a career in the creative fields of animation or storyboarding for cartoons and movies. But for the time-being, Edler is delving into other fields, in a more literal sense. A junior at Auburndale High
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UF/IFAS Scientists Developing Recipe for Growing Vanilla in South Florida by LOURDES RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS correspondent A tablespoon of vanilla goes a long way. As a key spice in baking, the intoxicating aromatic bean that reminds folks of delicious holiday desserts has a variety of uses throughout the year. As a bean, it is used to
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Sunshine Growers’ Versatility Is Behind Record Poinsettia Crop Walk into a Publix during the holiday season and you’ll pass a display of beautiful red and white poinsettias. If you look closer, you’ll see varieties that can’t be found anywhere else, including “Cinnamon,” with its whimsical pink and yellowish orange tint, and “Marble,” with its light-colored
