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OTC Injections and Improved Tree Health Are Instilling Hope in Growers by PAUL CATALA The final USDA citrus forecast for Florida’s 2023-24 season turned out to be exactly what growers expected, and that’s not a bad thing. The July report for production of all oranges was up 1 percent from June at 17.96 million boxes […]

by BRAD BUCK Every 15 minutes, 365 days a year, University of Florida scientists can see how and where many coyotes move at two locations in the Sunshine state. Those images show coyotes in two different landscapes in Florida: pine flatwoods in North Florida and the rangeland in Central Florida. The movements tell researchers about

EVENT: Cultivate a Food Forest in Your Yard WHEN: June, 15 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. WHERE: Bert J. Harris Agricultural Center, Sebring 4509 George Blvd. in Sebring 863-402-6540 Registration: $10 in advance at the Extension Office, $12.51 online by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension, Highlands County To grow your food is to know your

Sandra Moore a Staunch Advocate of the Tropical Fish Industry by PAUL CATALA Since she was 7 years old, Sandra Moore knew there was something a little fishy about her life. That hunch was right and what began as a little girl catching mollies and other tropical fish in ditches in southern Hillsborough County pooled

Promising Trunk Injection Results Show Increased Size, Better Juice Quality, and Lower Fruit Drop Rate by TIM CRAIG The Florida citrus industry is approaching its 20th year of greening with a glimmer of hope as new research results from trials of trunk injections have yielded positive results and may have provided the industry with a

Price Drop Closes an Otherwise Strong Season by RYAN MILEJCZAK As Florida blueberry growers reflect on the close of the season, they’re sharing reports of ideal weather, high yields, and a mid- to late-season supply swell that tanked market prices. Overall, the state had a strong season until some growers were forced to leave berries

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit Central Florida The tomato is a favorite of chefs and gardeners around the world thanks to its delicious flavor, great nutrition, and ease of cultivation. The U.S. is a leading producer of tomatoes, and Florida is the second-largest producer, second only to California. In fact, we’re home to

Bok Academy North’s FFA Program Rebuilding After Devastating Loss by REBEKAH PIERCE For students in the Bok Academy North Middle School FFA program, life has always been about growth and change. Despite being a fledgling program chartered just four years ago, it’s been wildly successful, with students participating in everything from citrus identification to livestock

Emma Self Wins Warner University’s Royal Cup Scholarship by LILY DUCE Emma Self, a 2023 graduate of Bartow High School and Florida FFA Area IV Vice President, has been awarded the 2024 Warner University Royal Cup. This is a very prestigious accomplishment that boasts a four-year full scholarship to the university. Self will be pursuing

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS When you look at your yard, you probably see a few plants such as grass, shrubs and trees. But you might not notice all the species.  New University of Florida research shows far more plant species in urban landscapes than meet the eye, and this makes scientists more interested in learning