From the Editor’s Desk

Tucked into lush greenery at Polk County’s Eagle Haven Ranch, a sign boasts renderings for a planned luxury resort. But that’s the furthest the development will advance thanks to a joint effort by conservation buyers Arnie and Lauren Bellini. On September 3, Conservation Florida announced it had helped secure permanent protection of 2,317 acres along […]

You have no doubt heard me champion the countless benefits of agritourism over the years, so you likely won’t be shocked by this hat tip to the Manatee County commissioners. Two years ago, Central Florida Ag News brought you a feature on East Bradenton’s iconic Mixon Fruit Farms shutting its doors after 84 years in

If you’re anything like me, then there’s nothing more captivating than listening to someone who is not only knowledgeable but also has firsthand experience take a deep dive into a topic they are passionate about. It’s akin to getting a front-row seat at the best TED Talk, minus the predictable formulaic structure.  That’s probably why

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.