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Dade City Farms Turns Ag Interactions Into Learning Opportunities by RYAN MILEJCZAK Every time you enjoy a meal, everything on your plate is there thanks to a hardworking farmer. And when you can see firsthand just how hard that farmer works, it changes your perspective on the food you eat. But actually getting that firsthand […]

5 Recent Grads Receive $1,000 Will Putnam Scholarships  by SHAYLYNN MARKS The Polk County Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee awarded the Will Putnam Young Farmer and Rancher Scholarship to five recent high school graduates pursuing higher education in agriculture. Named in memory of longtime ag advocate Will Putnam, the scholarship supports students who demonstrate leadership,

Anna Conroy Champions Ranching With Grit and Grace by SHAYLYNN MARKS Ask Anna Conroy about her new title as the 2025–26 Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart and she’ll be the first to tell you: It’s not a beauty pageant. “Even as a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be able to somehow help the industry out.

by REAGAN RICHARDS, UF/IFAS Highlands County Sounds of laughter, new friendships, and chatter about the day filled the halls of the Highlands County Extension Office this summer. After four weeks of summer camps, Operation Summer Fun was officially a success. Cloverbud Camp I (June 2-6) & Cloverbud Camp II (July 28- August 1) welcomed campers

by PAUL CATALA Sponsored by Visit Central Florida Sitting alongside the busy thoroughfare of US Hwy 17-92 in Davenport is a building that has some tales to tell. Built in 1911 by the Whoolery family, the second-oldest home in the area has served as a hotel, boarding house, tea room, and flower shop. These days,

Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual Florida citrus is a living legacy that has shaped the identity of the Sunshine State – a legacy passed down through hardworking Florida families for more than a century. Among these Centennial Citrus Growers who have helped to build and sustain this industry is the Snively family.   For more than

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida’s humid, subtropical climate makes it the perfect place to grow a wide variety of fruits, including some that are difficult or impossible to grow in most other states. One of the tastiest and best looking examples is the guava.  There are several varieties of

Jody Anderson – Ward’s Nursery, Inc. and Ward’s Groves Florida’s citrus industry is a cornerstone of the Sunshine State – its legacy has been passed down in hardworking Florida families for more than a century. Among these Centennial Citrus Growers who have helped to build and sustain this industry is the Ward Family – owners

by PAUL CATALA Since 1990, the annual Caladium Festival has blossomed into one of Florida’s most colorful annual events. The 34th Annual Caladium Festival & Annual Car & Bike Show is July 25 to 27 in Lake Placid. Each year, the festival shows why the small Central Florida town is known as the “Caladium Capital

by PAUL CATALA Sponsored by Visit Central Florida It was the fact Jennifer Smurr is Florida born and bred that helped lead to Born + Bread Bakehouse. A Winter Haven native who grew up in Auburndale, Smurr is the founder and owner of Lakeland’s Born + Bread. Since starting at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb