Sifting for the silver lining amid the challenges of Florida’s blue gold FLORIDA BLUEBERRY GROWERS had a tough season, coming into the marketplace late, with about 30 percent of their usual crop. Some harvest workers moved north, which left many growers turning to offer u-pick to harvest their crop or leave berries on the bushes.
The 2016 blueberry season roundup Read More »
Be ready with these before, during, and after storm-prep reminders FOR GROWERS, RANCHERS, AND PET AND LIVESTOCK OWNERS, hurricane preparedness begins long before the storm makes landfall and continues even after the final tree stops swaying. From maintaining grove tree size and keeping tools on-hand for repairing and resetting, to having pets micro-chipped and the
Hurricane preparedness for crops and livestock large and small Read More »
Overcoming challenges and researching the way to future success AN UNUSUALLY WARM WINTER is putting the bite on peach growers across the South. Harvests came in late throughout Florida, where many growers saw zero chill hours and record-breaking warm temperatures according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Florida’s 2016 peach season Read More »
How Megan Handley has been — and plans to stay — involved in agriculture AGRICULTURE is a most important industry, but statistics show women are underrepresented in leadership roles in agriculture across the United States. Programs like 4-H and FFA provide a framework for encouraging young girls to take on leadership roles in agriculture, which
Raising a woman in ag Read More »
Article sponsored by Southern Citrus Nurseries, 5600 Lake Trask Road, Dundee, FL 33838 863-439-3694 • www.TreeDefender.com Southern Citrus Nurseries of Dundee develops tree cover for young citrus trees THOMAS “TOMMY” THAYER, JR., AND SCOTT “SCOTTY” THOMPSON, the creators of The Tree Defender, have an analogy they like to share when they talk about their innovative
The best defense is a good offense — with The Tree Defender Read More »
UF agriculture specialist sheds light on new developments in livestock and forage practices ASHLEY FLUKE is the UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Agent who was in charge of the recent Forage Field Day, held on April 1 in Kenansville, Florida. Central Florida Ag News asked her to discuss recent developments and trial results, which could enhance
Q&A on the Forage Field Day Read More »
Recent study reveals potential for not-from-concentrate juice WITH 1.36 BILLION residents, China is the most populated country in the world. It may come as a surprise, however, to learn that such a high value market for U.S. agriculture does not include a single glass of fresh Florida orange juice — at least, not yet. Dr.
Is opportunity knocking for fresh Florida OJ in the Chinese market? Read More »
THE SCENE IS is a young cattleman riding his stock horse, leaping off the side of a mountain after the wild brumbies in “The Man from Snowy River,” a film based on ranch life in the 1880s of unsettled Australia. It’s dramatic, it’s exhilarating, and it’s a beautiful scene of horseman and horse, and though
Looking for a recreation horse? Consider these five breeds found on the ranch Read More »
THE END OF APRIL marks the beginning of watermelon harvest season in Central Florida, and for growers like Andy McDonald, it’s especially sweet. That’s because McDonald double crops, planting the watermelon seedlings in his Plant City strawberry fields. McDonald takes advantage of any lull in strawberry picking in early February to place the plants into
Harvest time: Double cropping — a watermelon season preview Read More »
Scientists start a new hops yard with the hope of creating a new Florida agricultural commodity THE HUNT for the next great Florida agriculture success story is unfolding in Wimauma. The storybook ending the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences hopes to write is one in which our state becomes a major
Scribbling away at Florida’s next big crop potential Read More »
