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Report Sounds Alarm on Projected Effect of Development on Florida Agriculture by PAUL CATALA When Christian Spinosa’s family began cultivating and caretaking citrus in Bartow more than 70 years ago, the groves in the region went on for miles and miles, acre upon acre.  In his lifetime of working and caretaking in the citrus industry, […]

by REBEKAH PIERCE  As the Florida strawberry season is in full swing, the industry stands poised for the future.  It’s already been a standout season, with growers citing exceptional flavor and quality. Now, the season is about to get even sweeter, as Jake Raburn has been re-elected as president of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. 

High Demand, Cool Temps Have Strawberry Growers Smiling This Season by RYAN MILEJCZAK It’s February, and that means that the 2024 Florida strawberry season is in full swing. Florida’s dominance of the winter strawberry market continues this year, with this year’s colder weather having some unique (and delicious) effects on this year’s crop. We talked

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida is a major agricultural state. Even though oranges are our best known crop, Florida shines when people crave something sweet — like strawberries — in winter. Our own Plant City reigns as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World! Strawberries 101 The strawberry we

Two Ag Students Named Recipients of Warner University Scholarship by K. MICHELE TRICE Florida Farm Bureau has long been a staunch supporter of young and budding scholars, and Warner University students Ashlyn Hood of LaBelle and Jacey Langford of Alva are the latest to benefit from that support. Hood and Langford recently were named the

photos by THOMAS HAGERTYClick here for the 2024 Polk County Youth Fair Parade of Champions

by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County Agriculture is Central Florida’s largest industry. We are known for the many citrus groves and cattle ranches that are the central agriculture vein throughout our county. Most of you may be familiar with caladiums. Highlands County hosts more than 90% of all caladium farms in the world. The

by RYAN MILEJCZAK  Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida While strawberries often steal the spotlight when it comes to winter crops, it’s also a season when many popular Florida vegetables are ripe for the picking. Some of these include bell peppers, cruciferous vegetables, and squash.  Bell Peppers Easily the king of Florida winter vegetable production

Florida a Powerhouse for Horticulture, Landscape Industries by REBEKAH PIERCE Have you ever taken the time to appreciate the lush greenery and vibrant colors that adorn Florida’s landscapes and gardens? If you have, then you’ve probably unknowingly admired the work of Florida’s horticulture industry.  This sector, which includes nurseries, landscapers, and greenhouses, generates more than