Beef Producers Rise Above the Challenges to Preserve and Prosper the Ranching Way of Life Florida born-and-bred beef has made its way into the grocery under the brand name Florida Cattle Ranchers, LLC. In response to consumers’ interest in locally-grown food, 13 ranchers have banded together to develop this Florida beef brand. “Millennials, they care […]
Cattle Industry Update from the Florida Ranchers’ Perspective Read More »
A Ranch Where a Variety of Equine Training Methods and Cultures Converge If you’re looking for an example of diversity in a field, look no further than Spring Lane Ranch in south Lakeland. Owners Heather and Darrel Shea have brought together a team of horse trainers who exemplify the notion that a variety of styles
Diversity in Action at the Spring Lane Ranch Read More »
Youth and Ranchers Are Gearing Up for the Commercial Steer Show Agricultural fairs have a rich legacy in Polk County. It was in the 1940s that the community came together to fund a pavilion in Bartow specifically for young people to compete in agricultural and domestic projects. Over the years, the Polk County Youth Fair
Steering Students to a New Venture Read More »
Florida Ag Industry Sees a Rising Trend in African-American Farmers Seventy-nine-year-old Herman Hargrett Sr., a retired ag teacher, is one of the few black farmers in Florida. But their numbers are growing.
Celebrating Women in Ag and Female Leadership at UF/IFAS Agriculture is in Dr. Jeanna Mastrodicasa’s blood. Each year, her grandfather would plant a robust garden for the family to enjoy in the Massachusetts town she grew up in. On the other side of her family, her great grandmother packed grapefruit in Indian River County. Dr.
What They Bring to the Table Read More »
CATTLE RANCHING in Florida has a long and storied past that may surprise you. The first cattle were brought here with Ponce De Leon and the Spanish explorers in 1521. Those seven Andalusians were likely the ancestors of the Florida scrub cattle that later became the herds of both Seminole natives and pioneer settlers.
Florida roots: Handing down the cattle-ranching heritage Read More »
RECENTLY, FOUR TITANS of agriculture were inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Among them was W. Bernard Lester, age 78, who was born in Havana and graduated from UF CALS. Lester has been described by John Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau, as a “tireless advocate on behalf of Florida agriculture for
Cassidy Polston joins family in cattle-raising tradition CASSIDY POLSTON AND her family were living a typical suburban lifestyle. As a little girl, she was thinking about becoming a lawyer or a chef. But something changed when her oldest sister Brittany bought a cow while attending Lakeland High School.
From suburan life to aglife Read More »
THE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER, a rare variation of its three-leaf counterpart, has long been recognized as a symbol of good luck. If a person stumbles upon this treasure, then the holder is sure to be the recipient of a most fortuitous blessing. As if she had that lucky charm in her pocket all along, one 4-H
The first time’s a charm: McKenzie Webb wins Grand Champion with her prize Zebu Read More »
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT signing up your child for horseback riding lessons? Before they get in the saddle, make sure your young, novice rider is prepared, and remember these three things:
Three things every novice horseback rider should know before starting lessons Read More »
