AGRICULTURE HAS BEEN a way of life for Suzanne Churchwell, a science teacher at Plant City High School. Teaching has enabled Churchwell to combine her love of love of agriculture, science, and everyday life. “My brother and I took odd jobs picking peanuts, oranges, and strawberries, and we were able to save some money so […]
Combining dairy farming, science, and teaching Read More »
IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, many problems present themselves on a yearly basis once the wet season arrives. The challenge of managing the Everglades and the natural systems of the area was one that desperately needed a touch of innovation. That is why South Florida Water Management District Principal Engineer Alaa Ali has developed a
@griTech: What computers can do for the Florida Everglades Read More »
MOVE OVER GEORGIA. Florida is on the way to a peachy crop. The trouble with growing peaches in Florida has always been that the Sunshine State can’t give peaches the cold shoulder. The fuzzy fruit needs a certain number of chilly hours to rest and relax and regenerate to produce a crop.
Recipe Spotlight: Sweet satisfaction of a Florida peach Read More »
Three Methods for Farmers on the Road to Maximizing Production Farming has made tremendous strides and advancements since the pioneer days, when crops were at the mercy of Mother Nature and the ability of farmers and animals to handle the labor. Today, such options as greenhouses, hoophouses (also known as high tunnels), and hydroponic farming
Greenhouses, Hoophouses, and Hydroponics, OH MY! Read More »
Sewing and Reaping the Knowledge for Success Small farms have always existed, but in Florida, they historically represented a less visible portion of the agriculture industry. Demand has sparked new opportunities, however, and a more definitive view of this agricultural segment has surfaced. Small farmers have new opportunities from consumer demand, experts say, and support
Small Farmers Mean BIG Business Read More »
The Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) was established in 1998 in response to the discontinuation of the National Weather Service (NWS) agricultural weather forecast products. What began as a network of 11 Cooperative Extension Service sites in Lake and Orange counties is now a statewide system of 36 sites located from Homestead to Jay, near
FAWN: Providing the Tools for Weather Preparedness Read More »
1. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION – “Be part of the industry that sustains mankind,” says David Byrd, an Agricultural Resource Specialist for Polk County Schools and Future Farmers of America’s District Advisor, citing the need to provide food for the Earth’s growing population.
Top 10 Reasons to Join FFA Read More »
According to the expert team at AccuWeather.com and Joe Bastardi, the Chief Long-Range Meteorologist and Hurricane Forecaster, the 2010 Hurricane season has the potential to be “extreme” and “much more like 2008 than 2009 as far as the overall threat to the United States’ East and Gulf coasts. ” Fortunately, threats to inland Polk County
Worst Case Scenario: Be Prepared for Hurricane Season Read More »
The gentle nature of the horse has made it a much sought-after creature for therapy, especially among children. The movement of the horse has addressed many physical disabilities, giving experts a special interest in these animals. Heike Reeves, a physical therapist at Our Children’s Academy in Lake Wales, explains, “A horse has the same rhythm
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Jerry Newlin has weathered many disease outbreaks in the citrus industry, from canker to Tristeza and Blossom Blight, but citrus greening has proven the worst outbreak he’s seen, and the worst the Florida citrus industry has had to face. Newlin is vice president of citrus operations for Orange-Co, a citrus grove near Arcadia that, like
The Green Monster: At War with a Potentially Devastating Citrus Disease Read More »
