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The continued educational goals of Polk County Farm Bureau’s Ag Program of the Year In an era where the number of farms are diminishing, the Ag program at Kathleen High School is not only growing, but flourishing. Its teaching team is expanding to meet the demand for instruction in classes like Ag Foundations, Ag Communications, […]

Whether on the trail or on the ranch, a long ride deserves the right training and conditioning Whether the endurance needed is for races, competitive trail-riding, or a long day on the ranch, endurance horseback riding is a popular pastime in the United States. Despite the oversight of several committees and organizations like the American

Donating funds for research to help eradicate greening On August 19, 2014 the University of Florida announced Coca-Cola’s plans to donate a generous 1.5 million dollars for citrus research. Coca-Cola is the world’s largest beverage producer, and they have promised to distribute a 1.5 million dollar gift in increments of $500,000 over the next three years. The Citrus Research and Development Foundation

Growers experimenting with soil-less, protected cultures, and new crops A Winter Haven ministry is growing food for the poor using vertical plant towers. The hydroponic/aeroponic system produces vegetables and fruits faster, without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. “Instead of cultivating the soil, we cultivate the water,” says David Berry, executive pastor of The Mission.

UF/IFAS Extension Agents offer a fountain of knowledge for equine lovers Mark your calendars horse lovers, because the UF/IFAS Extension Office of Osceola County is offering a Horse Short Course and Trade Show this November, 18 at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach. It will be of special benefit for those concerned with

What ranchers need to know about the official individual identification process The Florida Cattle Identification Rule went live on September 4, which means all cattle operations need to understand the new requirements for cattle tagging. This rule came after years of discussion at over 60 public meetings between the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer

Polk County student shoots for the Olympics On the outside, it seems as though Ryan Waldman is an average 16-year-old boy from Haines City. However, he is more than just a typical high school student. Ryan is a champion. Member of the Bullseye 4-H Club in Winter Haven, Ryan recently represented Polk County in the

What cattle ranch operations need to know The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has released two new limpograss cultivars, both of which show superior traits over the current industry standard, according to UF Associate Professor and Forage Specialist Joao Vendramini.

What you can catch— by casting a line or holding a camera— on Florida’s waterways With 900 named lakes in Polk County, the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Central Florida is a fisherman’s paradise. Some catch bass. Some catch speckled perch. And some… catch memories.

What to consider in a horse for recreation Many people dream of owning a horse, envision riding around trails, cleaning and currying and connecting with a noble creature that has shared a special bond with mankind throughout history. There are some important considerations you should factor in if you are thinking of buying your first