| Peach and pomegranate crops are gaining popularity in the Sunshine State | CLINT UPDIKE GREW UP in the citrus industry. He’s a grower and caretaker. As president of Altura-based Updike Citrus Services, he caretakes some 2,300 acres of citrus. But an increasing number of growers are trying their hands at other crops.
Hot alternative crops for Florida growers Read More »
| Company constructs new plant to meet the needs of its customers | For Florida-based KeyPlex, business necessity met with opportune timing and formed an almost-perfect union last year. The beneficiaries today include the many customers, in the United States and 12 other markets, that use the micronutrient and biopesticide products KeyPlex develops and manufacturers
KeyPlex in the business of plant health Read More »
| Local families keep backyard coops for homegrown eggs | There’s a new chicken in town, and you’ll probably find it in your neighbor’s backyard. A growing trend in Central Florida is the owning and tending of your own backyard chicken coop to collect your own eggs. There are a few movements that have contributed
There’s a new chicken in town Read More »
| Citrus annual conference has become industry staple | More than 650 people attended the eighth Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in June at the Coconut Point Hyatt in Bonita Springs, making it a smashing success.
Peeling back to the good stuff Read More »
IN THE PHOTOS: Left, Dominique “Mingy” Ercoli bales hay on his 90th birthday. Mingy recently passed and left the family farm to his son, Richard Ercoli. Right, Richard Ercoli is pictured with his son, Carson. THIS IS THE STORY of one family’s rise from the damp, darkened and eerie tunnels of the underground coal mines
Florida roots: One family’s history in Florida hay Read More »
In the photo: Larry Black with wife Jenny and kids Julia and Varn are among many Florida citrus growers who are in it for the long haul. | Growers making gains against greening | VIC STORY JR. grew up in the middle of an orange grove his father planted. So, in his 66 years he’s
In the citrus business for the long haul Read More »
Caption: On June 27, 2012, the flooding in some areas of Florida was 3 to 4 feet deep, as shown in the photos here. | Assessing the potential devastation to Florida agriculture | In late June, Tropical Storm Debby stalled over Apalachicola Bay for more than 24 hours, unloading several inches of rain on Florida’s
The impact of Tropical Storm Debby Read More »
A horse can startle, spook, or shy from a surprising or strange sight, smell, or sound based on his characteristic reactivity. There are many facets that contribute to the severity of a horse’s reaction, such as the temperance of breed, personality, experiences, trainer or owner management, and medical conditions.
DOs and DON’Ts for when your horse gets startled Read More »
| One rancher’s life pursuit to stay on top of Florida’s cattle commerce while meeting consumer demand | Keeping up with the cattle commerce and pleasing consumers is an ongoing challenge for Florida’s rancher, thus making his paycheck defenseless. What breed brought the highest price the last two or three years may not be the
Getting the right breed at the right time Read More »
It is estimated by experts that the U.S. honeybee industry is responsible for pollinating almost $15 billion worth of crops each year. This important little bee is an essential part of Florida’s precious ecosystem. Much of the food we eat depends on the health and vitality of these little honeybees. That is why the discovery
@griTech: Colony Collapse Disorder causing concern for apiaries Read More »
