IFAS In Your Corner

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

by WAEL ELWAKIL, UF/IFAS EXTENSION HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Aerial imaging technology has revolutionized the world of agricultural research, from basic cameras with RGB sensors to advanced devices capable of measuring specific light wavelengths, such as NDVI, multispectral and hyperspectral sensors. The applications of these sensing technologies are as diverse as the fields they serve. They empower

by ANDREA NIKOLAI, family and consumer sciences agent, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County I moved here from Minnesota, and I was very excited to see that Florida grows peanuts. Most of Florida’s peanuts are grown in North Florida, especially the Florida Panhandle, but they can also be grown all the way down to Florida’s southern tip.

by ANNE YASALONIS, residential horticulture agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator,UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Hurricane season started June 1. You are probably aware of preparations you need to make inside the home, but what do you need to do in your landscape? Survey your property now, and look for things that may be an issue

by ALLIE WILLIAMS, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Consumer demand tends to drive marketing decisions for small-scale farmers. There has been increasing interest in locally grown food in recent years. Farmers can use these trends as an opportunity to evaluate and refine their marketing strategies. The question is, how can small-scale farmers implement successful marketing strategies