Publisher’s Letter

Let’s face it: Politics are always a mixed bag. There are always hot-button topics that prove difficult to navigate, but when the good outweighs the bad like it overwhelmingly did in this 2023 Florida Legislative session, I’d call that a win.  An estimated 1,700 bills were filed, only roughly 300 of which passed. Fortunately, the […]

I think it’s fair to say that most Florida growers and ranchers would be pleased with less red tape and fewer hoops to jump through for aid and assistance.  In fact, that’s part of what those in the industry are hoping a renewed Farm Bill would accomplish. Christian Spinosa talked about that with us for

The cattle industry has long been a key part of Florida’s economy. In fact, the state just recently celebrated its rich 500-year history with the 2022 Great Florida Cattle Drive. As the centuries have passed, the state has seen a lot of change, still cattle ranching remains an important part of the Florida heritage. Florida

It seems like just last week we were picking up the pieces after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole upended our lives. To be fair, even though the storms made landfall late last year, officials are just now learning the exact extent of the damage and loss the agriculture industry suffered in the storms. The good news

If you recently felt more excitement in the air but you weren’t quite sure why, I think I can explain.  The Central Florida ag community was abuzz this past month as students from all corners of the area came together for the Polk County Youth Fair. The much-anticipated event gives kids a chance to test

The new year is upon us, and I, for one, am looking forward with optimism.  Sure, one of the most intense hurricanes in Florida history cleaved a path across the state just three months ago. Many of our farmers and ranchers are still reeling from the damage and subsequent fallout of that disaster. Sure, the

During this time each year, I find myself reflecting on the spirit of giving and the meaning of Christmas. The sentiment is perhaps best summed up in the classic article (and a favorite of mine) that I thought I would share.  Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s The Sun,

For a lot of folks in the ag community, a perfectly kept farm or ranch is a distinct thing of beauty.If you’re like me, you can envision one of God’s artistic agricultural masterpieces in your mind’s eye as you’re reading this. We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge all the intentional artwork that highlights the

For generations, my family has called Florida home. My ancestors homesteaded in Medulla (aka Southwest Lakeland) in 1883, which means I have learned how to take full advantage of the recreational opportunities the great state of Florida and our moderate climate offer.  From fishing in Charlotte harbor every chance I get to an annual trip

If there’s one thing we love about agritourism (although let’s face it, there is a lot more than just one thing to love!) it’s the fact that it gives our farmers and ranchers the chance to shine. There’s so much more to our state than the sprawling concrete tourist destinations that typically pull in the