From the Editor’s Desk

In his Publisher’s Letter this month, Nelson discusses the substantial role UF/IFAS plays in Florida’s blueberry industry. I thought this would be a good time for a reminder that while undoubtedly integral in the research realm, the scope of UF/IFAS’s work and mission extends far beyond. In fact, the UF/IFAS Extension exists to make knowledge […]

When it comes to politicians and their platforms, I’ve always had the mindset of “don’t tell me, show me.” If you’re going to make a change, I’m holding my appreciation until it happens. Does that attitude result in more disappointment? Maybe. Does it save me from the drama of broken promises? Definitely. But when the

If our article about Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm has you dreaming of a u-pick adventure and a basket full of sweet fruit, you’re in luck! Blueberry season is ramping up across Central Florida, so local farms are brimming with berries. Whether you’re a seasoned picker or a u-pick newbie, there’s likely a farm just around the

Renowned author Jess Lair once wrote, “Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.” While there is truth to that, I’d also argue that the individuals who help them unfold play a formative role in the people those children turn out to be.  I’ll admit that when I started at

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen the issue of mental health for farmers and ranchers come into the spotlight. One of the driving forces behind that increased awareness is Marshal Sewell. He and his wife, Taylor, founded the Mind Your Melon Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health advocacy and awareness for individuals

’Tis the season … no, not that season. That one has passed. That’s the one where the kids are nestled all snug in their beds. I’m talking about Youth Fair season, when those kids are not nestled in their beds, but they are out in force showing up and showing off their skills. You never

This was a tough year for many growers here in Florida. Let’s face it, farming is hard enough to begin with. Now add multiple hurricanes to the multitude of challenges, and profit and yield become even more volatile. Thankfully, there’s good news coming out of Washington as we head into the holidays and new year.

I often share my sense of appreciation for the individuals I meet at expos and events, and the recent Florida Blueberry Growers Association 2024 Hall of Fame Banquet at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland did not disappoint. The association honored the accomplishments of three inductees who helped to shape the Florida blueberry industry and beyond. 

At Central Florida Ag News, we’re huge advocates of youth getting involved in agriculture, so of course we love to highlight FFA activity and achievements. But if you think FFA is the only option for getting your child involved in agriculture, your kids could be missing out on other great opportunities.  4-H, which is America’s

The people we come across in life can either boost our spirit and widen our eyes or sap our energy and drain our positivity. I met and listened to people from all aspects of the industry at the recent Citrus Expo in Tampa, and needless to say … every single one of them fell into