IFAS Insight

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food continues to increase rapidly. Unfortunately, the agricultural land that is needed to produce food is shrinking due to urbanization and environmental pressures. Farmers and agricultural innovators are now exploring solutions to address this challenge, and one approach gaining […]

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension As farmers seek new ways to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and boost crop yields, fertigation may be an effective method to achieve these goals. What Is Fertigation? Fertigation, by definition, is the process of applying fertilizer through an irrigation system. This method is increasing in popularity as a solution

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Successful crop production depends on maintaining soil that can supply plants with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. However, soil fertility varies widely depending on factors such as soil type, farm management practices, and environmental conditions, including weather. To achieve production goals, farmers and ranchers may need to supplement

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Farming is more than just a way of living; it’s a business. While the rewards of working outdoors and producing food for the nation are immense, long-term success in agriculture depends on careful planning and strategic management of the farm operation. A well-designed farm business plan is essential for

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Each year, the availability of agricultural land in Florida continues to decline. One of the reasons is the expansion of urban development. This trend presents increasing challenges for farmers seeking land to cultivate crops. According to the 2020 United States Census, Florida recorded a population of 21,538,187 in

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Agritourism offers agricultural businesses a valuable opportunity to engage with the local community by welcoming visitors to the farm, fostering stronger relationships with customers. In Florida, many farmers who participate in agritourism also sell products directly from their farms as a way to expand their customer base and increase

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS Imagine using a generative AI platform similar to ChatGPT to get crop-damage information after a hurricane. That’s what University of Florida artificial intelligence (AI) scientist Nikolaos Tziolas plans to provide to farmers statewide. With a new $297,000 grant from the USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Tziolas plans to develop an

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Beekeepers play an essential role in modern agriculture as their managed honey bee colonies are responsible for pollinating approximately 85% of the crops consumed today. However, the health and productivity of these colonies are increasingly threatened by a variety of pests. If not properly managed, these pests can spread

by MEREDITH BAUER, UF/IFAS The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is urging veterinarians, livestock producers and animal health professionals to remain vigilant about recognizing signs and symptoms of the New World screwworm as the threat of its spread to the U.S. increases.   The screwworm could pose a threat to U.S. livestock, wildlife

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Honey bees play a critical role in Florida’s agricultural industry. To ensure the sustainability of their colonies, beekeepers must continuously monitor the colony health, as various stressors, both internal and external, can adversely impact bee behavior and physiology. If left unmanaged, these stressors can compromise colony resilience, increasing susceptibility