IFAS In Your Corner

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Many things can be considered pests. Some of these pests include arthropods (insects and mites), weeds, mammals like birds or wild hogs, plant diseases, and nematodes. This last one could be overlooked because we cannot see them without a microscope. What Are Nematodes? Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that […]

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS Many craft brewers prefer to make their product using hops pellets because of several advantages they provide over whole cone hops. To address a request by Tampa Bay-area craft brewers, University of Florida scientists are converting the crop they grow into pellets. “Brewers use several forms of hops to make beer,

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Cover crops are used to improve soil fertility in farms or agricultural operations, and some of them are also used to control root-knot nematodes. Cover crops are traditionally used to cover bare land to protect the soil and/or improve soil characteristics between cash-crop cycles or planted alongside the

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension We know that farming and ranching is not an easy task. It requires plenty of effort, capital, and resources. Sometimes farmers may lack these resources and don’t know where to find them. The good news is that farmers and ranchers can find help and resources from multiple agencies across

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Although pesticides are an effective method for pest control, when using pesticides incorrectly, these chemicals can negatively affect the environment and human health.  What Is the Environment?  The environment is composed of everything that surrounds us. This includes natural areas as well as indoor spaces and living spaces.

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Every year, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Polk County Farm Bureau, and Polk County School Board collaborate on Agri-Fest. Agri-fest is an agricultural event catered to teach fourth-grade students about agriculture in Florida and its importance. The event is divided into six stations, and the students rotated within three

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS Did you know you can plant artichokes in your garden or landscape as well as eat them? That’s because the artichokes you eat are, in fact, immature flower buds. It’s a timely topic because Florida’s artichoke harvesting season runs from January through May, depending on your location.  “Many home gardeners love

by LUIS O. RODRIGUEZ ROSADO Pesticides are a common effective method for pest control in farming and ranching. On the other hand, pesticides are chemicals designed to kill living organisms, which means applicators must be careful when using them to avoid unnecessary exposure to humans, domestic or wild animals, plant life, and the environment.  The

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ-ROSADO Florida is a state where environmental protection is taken very seriously. Pesticides used for commercial or agricultural purposes are highly regulated by the government to ensure proper applications to avoid non-source pollution. Because of this, growers and ranchers need to obtain their pesticide license in order to use a Restricted Use Pesticide

by ANDREA NIKOLAI, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Right now, somewhere north of here and maybe even here, it is cold; therefore, it is time for soup and chili! Here in Florida, we can adapt and enjoy soup all year long, but this is the time when it shines. Soup can soothe the soul, warm the