IFAS Insight

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension& ALISSA HEVESH, UF/IFAS Highlands Extension Citrus greening, or Huanglongbing (HLB), is a bacterial disease spread by a vector called the Asian citrus psyllid, which infects citrus trees and causes yellowing leaves, poor fruit development, and tree decline, leading eventually to the death of the tree. Citrus greening is a […]

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Blueberries are one of Florida’s most valuable agricultural commodities. From commercial operations to U-pick farms, success in this industry can be determined by one specific decision: selecting the right blueberry cultivar for a particular farm. Florida’s mild winters and short market windows have transformed the industry into the adoption

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension The Worker Protection Standard, or WPS for short, is a federal regulation originally issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Its primary purpose is to reduce the risk of illness or injury to agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from possible exposure to pesticides used in agricultural operations and

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Body condition scoring (BCS) is one of the most practical and cost-effective tools available to livestock producers. Whether managing beef cattle, sheep, or goats, understanding and constantly evaluating body condition scores can help producers make informed management decisions within their operations. Unlike body weight, which can change with eating

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension Agricultural crops are susceptible to damage from a wide range of pests, including weeds. Among the most troublesome weed species are purple and yellow nutsedge, which can significantly reduce yield efficiency in many crops, including strawberries. What Are Purple and Yellow Nutsedge?  As their names indicate, purple and yellow

by HANNAH BAKER, UF/IFAS Extension, Beef & Forage Economics This article is a summary of the Annual Florida Cattle Market Report that is put together at the beginning of each year. The purpose of the report is to summarize the different sectors of the cattle and beef industries to provide an outlook for the year.

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