From the Editor’s Desk

Just as the nation geared up to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Polk County celebrated its own 165th anniversary by honoring the cattle heritage that helped shape its legacy. On July 1, Polk County and the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association hosted a special cattle drive and cow camp rededication ceremony at Circle B Bar Reserve in […]

If you haven’t tapped into the multitude of resources offered by the UF/IFAS Extension, you’re missing out! Regular readers of our publication already know that Extension Agent Luis Rodriguez writes the IFAS Insight article that appears on page 16 each month covering topics of interest to small farms, growers, and even home gardeners. But that

The creep of New World screwworm just outside U.S. borders has livestock producers on high alert. The fly, whose larvae burrow into the flesh of living animals, causes serious and often fatal damage. Cattle are among the most vulnerable animals, making the pest a major threat to the beef and dairy industries in particular.  Though

The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and just like usual this time of year, pollen is raining down. But that’s not all! Springtime in Central Florida means the blueberries are bursting into the fields! Unfortunately, the devastating freeze earlier this year resulted in many farms canceling their u-picks this season. But don’t fear:

Florida’s ag industry is nothing if not creative and resourceful. Present a problem to a farmer, and their solution will often involve some unconventional thinking. That ingenuity is what continues to open the door to new possibilities across the industry.  During the recent Highlands County Ag Tour, that mindset was on full display. Zack Farr,

They say there is always a silver lining … that the challenge lies in finding it. In the wake of a severe freeze that brought significant losses to Florida growers, that idea may seem hard to grasp. Yet even amid the devastation, the response to the event has revealed something more meaningful.  During the past

Much like November is a slippery slope into the holidays, January marks the start of the fleeting whirlwind that is fair season here in Central Florida. Ag parents can likely attest that even though preparation began long ago, one blink at the turn of the new year and suddenly it’s April. For many kids in

As the end of 2025 draws near, I can’t help but be proud of the stories we’ve shared with readers. Looking back through our editions, it’s easy to see just how quickly the ag industry is adapting and growing, and we’re here for it.  Here’s a quick recap of just some of the stories that

What a wild ride the past month has been. For many residents throughout the state and the nation, the federal government shutdown has brought more than a minor inconvenience; it has meant an abrupt halt to food assistance programs that families rely on.  The uncertainty and anxiety that reverberate throughout Florida’s communities do, however, underscore

This time of year, I’m usually oohing and aahing over the fall festivals that are popping up around Central Florida. (I’ll still be stalking the festivals, just not writing another column on them! But make sure to watch for next month’s edition, which will offer a sneak peek of Golden Ridge Groves!) I’d be remiss