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Solid Production Overshadowed By Falling Prices by TERES SCHIFFER Since the early 1990s, Florida has had the blueberry market cornered for a few precious weeks in late March and early April. During that time, Florida blueberries drew a premium price as the only blueberries available in that particular time frame. That’s starting to change now, […]

by DAPHNE RENELUIS   A central Florida resident since 1980, David Weber has become a staple in the central Florida blueberry industry. Weber developed an interest in blueberries and agriculture at a young age because he grew up near a small blueberry patch in New York as a child. This early exposure to blueberries and

by MARY TOOTHMAN Since Michaela Grace McLean was awarded the title of Miss Florida Citrus Queen earlier this year, her dance card has been filling up quickly. The 21-year old from Clermont has had a very full schedule of late. After being named Citrus Queen March 23, she graduated from college, then moved. And now

by ERIKA ALDRICH photo by MARC HELLER/E&E News There’s no mistaking that The Sunshine State sees its share of hot weather, and Florida beef cattle feel the heat too. Recent studies have confirmed that both beef and dairy cattle are healthier and more productive at cooler temperatures, and there are many ways that beef producers

by TIM CRAIG From her office, Keitha Bennett gets one of best glimpses at the growth and future of Florida agriculture. As coordinator of the Agricultural Education Services and Technology (AEST) certification program, the Haines City native sits at the nexus of education and industry and is able to help shape both. Yet, her perspective

by TERESA SCHIFFER For Scarlett Jackson, agriculture isn’t just a vocation, it’s a way of life. Jackson’s life has been intertwined with agriculture since her earliest days. She was raised on a farm and retains precious memories of that lifestyle. Nowadays she is devoted to helping support the next generation of agriculturists as they find

by MATT COBBLE Photo courtesy of agclassroom.org When the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) announced the 2019 winners of their National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture award, one winner stood out from the pack. A team of teachers from Millennia Gardens Elementary School in Orlando – Dawn Chehab, Joshua Garrett, John Martinez, Erica

by J.P. SMITH   What brought world travelers and water skiers, Rob and Carol Bemman, to settle in Polk County on Eagle Lake and establish a horse trail? Their journey to this place in time, is waft with reminiscent sights, smells, and sensory delight, of beautiful Cypress Gardens, where it is their memories that still

Bringing Together Florida Agri-Business and Florida Law Enforcement to Protect the State’s Rural & Agricultural Communities by DAPHNE RENELUS We often hear quotes that emphasize the importance of coming together to accomplish a goal, but rarely do we make a conscious effort to really follow these quotes’ messages. When it comes to the value of

Florida Cattle & Livestock Industries Giving States Economy a Boost by TIM CRAIG Carlton Taylor, the president of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, leads a group of ranchers who impact the state economy in ways the general public may not readily see. Together with the state and the national association, Taylor wants to spread the