IFAS In Your Corner

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ In Florida, many organisms are plant pests. Among these are arthropods. Arthropods include a vast group including centipedes, millipedes, spiders, mites, horseshoe crabs, scorpions, insects, and crustaceans. Not all arthropods are pests, but those that are pests could cause serious problems to our crops if not controlled properly. The most common arthropod […]

by HANNAH BAKER, State Specialized Agent, Beef & Forage Economics One decision that has to be made every year by cattle producers is what to do with open cows. Culling season is about to be in full swing as calves are being weaned and shipped off and cows are being evaluated on whether they should

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ photo by TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS Many farmers are considering agritourism as a new source of revenue for their farms aside from their regular agricultural activities. An “agritourism activity” means any agricultural-related activity consistent with a “bona fide” farm, livestock operation, ranch, or in a working forest that allows members of the general

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