More than just a symbol of hope, growers keep up the fight against citrus greening THE ROUNDUP of news on the most recent harvesting season is in keeping with the citrus forecast’s unsteady tempo of up-and-down, down-and-up — but with the steady “can-do” attitude of growers. Things can get better, industry leaders say — but […]
Annual citrus report 2015 Read More »
Embarking on a study to analyze the economic impact of agribusiness in the area IN 1974, a Hillsborough County government report predicted the demise of local agriculture by the turn of the century. It couldn’t have been more wrong. Hillsborough agriculture actually grew in value from $40 million annually at the time of the report
Helping to write the next chapter of Hillsborough County agriculture Read More »
Unique traits of the Ona White Angus herd [date today] THERE’S A NEW BREED of cattle in town, and it might be coming to a pasture near you; the University of Florida will be auctioning off its herd of Ona White Angus this fall or winter. Identified as a mixture of breeds dominated by
A new cattle breed emerges with the tough stuff for Florida’s climate Read More »
BLUEBERRY GROWERS in eight more Florida counties are now eligible to purchase insurance through the federal government for the blueberry crop that will come to harvest in 2016. The announcement came July 8 in a memo from Brandon C. Willis, administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).
Eight more Florida counties now eligible for blueberry crop insurance Read More »
In the business realm of blueberries, experiences vary THIS WAS A PRETTY GOOD YEAR to be in the Florida blueberry business, industry insiders say, with fairly cooperative weather, a long season, and fair pricing. Dudley Calfee, a grower and president of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association, reports that the latest numbers show the state harvest
Growers grapple with unique encounters amidst a good harvest Read More »
IN THE GAME OF GROWING BERRIES in Central Florida, Jorge Salmeron is a switch hitter. The Plant City part-time farmer, full-time teacher, had 10 acres of blueberries in production. Now, because of a foray into blueberries and blackberries, he has devoted about three acres to a nursery that holds 100,000-plus in plant inventory to meet
Recipe Spotlight: Berries — from the crop to the kitchen Read More »
Florida blueberry pioneer is recognized for his contributions THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences prides itself on growing blueberries all over the state. More than 95 percent of the state’s 5,000 acres of the fruit are planted in cultivars developed by UF/IFAS. Blueberries have also helped us with a crucial crop
The house that blueberries built Read More »
State officials and experts laud new legislation FLORIDA HAS A reputation as a horse-loving state and is home of a “Horse Capital of the World” title contender; Florida House Bill 239 proves there is also a lot of “horse sense” in the state government when it comes to the Sunshine State’s equestrian pursuits. Sponsored by
The Florida equine industry and HB 239 Read More »
Incentive programs and cutting-edge research keep growers planting EVEN THOUGH it is predicted that Florida’s orange crops will decrease by millions this year, industry leaders remain optimistic about the future.
Industry reactions on the latest citrus crop estimate Read More »
RECENTLY, POLK COUNTY native farmer and exemplary part of the citrus industry, Victor B. “Vic” Story, Jr., was named the 2015 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Florida Farmer of the Year. The award has been granted for the last 25 years to the top innovators and businessmen in the agricultural industry; it honors farmers who are exemplary
Florida Roots: The story of Vic Story — Florida Farmer of the Year Read More »
