By Ben Adams, Jr. On June 1st, the Atlantic Hurricane season officially began. While that might be an afterthought for many seasoned Floridians, natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods shouldn’t be taken lightly. At Adams Cold Storage, we literally cannot afford to be unprepared in the event of a hurricane or severe weather
Tens of millions of people all over the world know our great state of Florida by its very-fitting nickname, “The Sunshine State,” officially adopted by the Legislature in 1970. By comparison, it’s probably accurate to say that only a few people know Florida by its agricultural identifier. That would be “specialty crop state.” How does
by MIKE ROBERTS Citrus Tristeza Virus was once a major citrus pathogen in Florida and outside, killing nearly 100 million trees worldwide. Citrus Tristeza Virus causes a disease called Tristeza decline, which reduces the production of citrus trees and eventually kills them, similar to citrus greening. The impact of the disease was mitigated by growing citrus scions on rootstock
by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY There are two kinds of sunshine — the radiant kind and the liquid kind — and we get plenty of both this time of the year in Central Florida. If they come in the proper proportion, we have ideal conditions for grass planting and patching, tasks that leads our lawn and
By John Baxter Even though sulfur is sometimes called a secondary nutrient, that doesn’t mean it plays a secondary role in citrus plant growth and development. Sulfur is an essential nutrient for healthy plant growth. A sulfur deficiency can have a major effect on crop production and quality because of its impact on protein synthesis,
By Dr. Katie Hennessy Summer is almost here and along with the fun comes the heat! As the weather heats up, we need to employ a few management techniques and learn to recognize the signs of heatstroke. When assessing the management side, consider ventilation to maximize air flow, encourage water intake, coordinate exercise at the
Lawyers don’t fix tractors, plant seed, or pull calves, but they are an important component of any ag operation. On the outside, agriculture seems pretty cut-and-dry: you grow a crop or you raise livestock, sell it, and start again next year. However, those in agriculture know that it’s a complex industry with many different aspects
By Phillip Rucks, Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery Creating a citrus-greening resistant plant has been at the forefront of agricultural research since the disease was first diagnosed in 2005. Greening has ravaged the Florida citrus crop, which has been impacted by the disease for more than a decade. This year’s USDA forecast of 86.9 million boxes
by JOHN BAXTER Even though sulfur is sometimes called a secondary nutrient, that doesn’t mean it plays a secondary role in citrus plant growth and development. Sulfur is an essential nutrient for healthy plant growth. A sulfur deficiency can have a major effect on crop production and quality because of its impact on protein synthesis,
by MARIA ANCHUNDIA, MD With the recent (and very early season) heat wave here in Central Florida, we wanted to share some important reminders for protecting your kids from the extreme heat. It’s not often that it feels like the month of August and we are only in June! That being said, remember these heat
By Phillip Rucks, Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery Whether you are a professional, are thinking about it, or just want fresh citrus on the weekends, when it comes to planting a citrus tree, it is important to consider the appropriate rootstock in order to maximize your investment. Luckily, the new Custom Query Option for the Citrus
by MICK PICKOS, RPh Among our 13 convenient locations in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties, we have eight that include an in-house clinical pharmacy. Those locations include Avon Park in Highlands; as well as Dundee, Haines City, Lakeland, Lakeland Pediatrics, Lake Wales, Mulberry and Winter Haven in Polk County. We will also be adding a
by MIKE ROBERTS Florida citrus growers routinely spray their citrus groves, targeting the Asian citrus psyllid, a tiny insect that is the vector for citrus greening, also called HLB. It’s a management strategy that is necessary, and, unfortunately, also has a high price tag. However, according to a University of Florida Institute of Food and
By Baxter Troutman The folks at the U.S. departments of Labor and Agriculture keep track of a lot of information, and some of it deals with the nation’s farmers. Current information isn’t what leaders in government and agriculture want to see or hear: The average age of farmers and ranchers is 58, and the number
By John Baxter Sticker/spreaders are a type of adjuvant that you can mix in a sprayer tank with insecticides, fungicides, or foliar fertilizers to make the product stick to the plant you are spraying and also disperse evenly over your plants. Many sticker/spreaders help reduce drifting, where most of your product blows away with the
By Ben Adams, Jr. In business, we deal with numbers — financial tallies, customer data, inventory counts, product variety and identification, order accuracy etc. — and, more often than not, positive numbers translate into successful business. A business also is known by its numbers — numbers that identify it and make it unique. Below are
By Eric Greenhow If you’ve been investing money for any length of time, you might be familiar with municipal bonds. You may also be aware that if you invest in a municipal bond, the interest you receive is – generally – federal income tax free. It would seem appealing to most investors to receive interest
By BILL DOTY Backyard vegetable gardening in Central Florida is more than just exercise; it’s an exercise in transition, with each month providing better conditions for growing some plants rather than others. Now that we’re in the heart of May, we can recommend okra, cowpeas, collard greens, mustard, cherry tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and eggplant as
By Dr. Katie Hennessy Like ourselves, horse’s need regular dental care for their 36- 40 teeth. Horses have 12 incisors, but past the large gap (where the bit is placed) are premolars and molars. Horses chew in a circular pattern to maintain an occlusive surface and their teeth are hypsodont which means they erupt from
By Clark, Campbell, Lancaster & Munson, P.A. It is a litigious world we live in, and if you own a business—including an agricultural operation—then it is in your best interest to have a seasoned commercial litigation lawyer looking out for you and your company’s best interests. Both state and federal law govern the operation of
Florida citrus growers have a lot on their plates these days, but recent research from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) shows that drones, also called unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), can make some of those tasks more efficient. The research shows thus far that drones can accurately detect and count
Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system into producing antibodies against a specific disease without actually causing the disease. The antibodies “prime” the body for potential infection and result in a faster immune response against the disease compared to a naïve animal. Vaccines are primarily directed against viruses but there are some against bacteria. High-risk
Spring is here, and, in Florida, that means several things: It means many farm workers are busy harvesting; that backyard growers and gardeners are in full swing; and outdoor enthusiasts are taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. However, the coming of spring also means that a lot of allergens are out there, where you
April’s warmer temperatures and typically dry weather signal spring is here, meaning it’s time to prune branches damaged by the winter cold and prepare for the growing season. When flowering shrubs finish blooming, it’s time to shape them. Mulch your garden now to control weeds, retain moisture, and protect roots from that hot summer sun.
Fertilizer is vital for crops to produce sufficient yields. Without adequate fertilizer, we wouldn’t be able to produce the amount of viable produce necessary to satisfy the market. That’s why it’s so important that we ensure our crops are getting the right amount of fertilizer at the right times. The 4Rs of nutrient stewardship are
Family farms—those that operate as “a sole proprietorship, partnership, or family corporations” according to the USDA—make up nearly 96 percent of the over two million farms in the country. Family farms are much more likely to have two or more generations involved in the day-to-day processes of the farm, and are likely to be passed
As investors, it feels like we spend a lot of our time thinking about “worst-case scenarios.” We don’t want our money and our asset values to go down! As such, we’re constantly worried about a potential event that would cause us to lose money. Planning for a financial downturn is necessary You do have to
With this being the Livestock Edition of Central Florida Ag News, I thought I would focus on an organization that likely isn’t well known outside the world of agriculture. That’s The Livestock Conservancy. The mission of the conservancy is succinct in words but grand in scope: “To protect endangered livestock breeds from extinction.” The Livestock
I’ve written recently about the changing landscape in public refrigerated warehousing, especially the cold food chain segment, and how PRW companies are expanding their services to be more competitive, more diversified, and more helpful to their customers. One of the services being offered more frequently by PRWs is tempering. Basically, it’s a well-controlled and closely
As citrus season progresses, let’s take a moment to talk about windbreaks and their importance to citrus trees. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service defines windbreaks as “plantings of single or multiple rows of trees and shrubs that are established for environmental purposes.” Here are a few different types of windbreaks;
by RONALD LUND Do you frequent local farmers’ markets? Are you a fan of Florida-grown fruits and vegetables? (There are over 300 of them grown here.) Are you trying to cook healthier meals, but not sure where to begin? As part of our service to the community, our free monthly Teaching Kitchen class is here
by MIKE ROBERTS The Florida Citrus Show in Fort Pierce saw an update from Mark Ritenour, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) post-harvest Extension specialist, on upcoming changes to the Produce Safety Rule. A recent Citrus Industry article gave a recap of his presentation at the show. The Food Safety
by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY It’s time for the gardening tips for March. We have some great suggestions this month to make anyone a lawn and gardening pro. Your yard needs some much-needed attention during this month. Ensure that you fertilize your lawn now. Many problems are caused by lack of food. A quality 16-4-8 formulation
by PATRICK SPINOSA According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the average age of the American farmer is approximately 58 years old, with 33% of farmers 65 and older managing approximately 320 million acres of farmland. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimating 500,000 farmers will retire in the next 20 years, the question
It’s a given that crops need fertilizer in order to produce successful yields. That’s no secret. However, improper fertilization can actually decrease yields, costing you money and potentially harming the environment in the process. That’s what makes 4R nutrient stewardship so important. In case you aren’t familiar, 4R stands for the Right fertilizer source at
IN THA LAST MONTH’S column, I began a conversation about the considerable changes in public refrigerated warehousing (PRW) during the past couple of decades — the evolution of a mostly “pallet-in, pallet-out” business to a more complex 3PL enterprise offering many more services to PRW customers. I promised more on the topic for this month’s
Believe it or not, there is such a thing as “good” debt! Fixed rate, low-interest debt can allow you access to money that you can reinvest. Using a mortgage to buy a house is a great example. Of course, there is “bad” debt – floating-rate and high-interest loans such as credit cards are often not
By Michael E. Workman Purchasing farmland in Florida, or any farmland in general, comes with its own unique challenges and risks. On top of it being a huge financial decision, there are a variety of different factors to determine throughout the land-buying process. Here are some recommendations to consider helping make the process go as
Strangles (Streptococcus equi subspecies equi) is always a concerning buzz word around the horse community. The bacteria causes an upper respiratory infection which results in swelling of the lymph nodes in the upper neck and head region. The strangles bacteria is extremely resilient and contagious. It can survive on buckets, water troughs, equipment, and in
Florida is second in the U.S. for commercial strawberry production and has a farm-gate value of approximately $300 million (USDA 2015). What most people don’t know— and what every Florida strawberry grower knows all too well— is that this commodity is one of the costliest to grow in Florida. For example, in a 2017 UF/IFAS
It’s February, which means it’s planting time in your garden. Get busy by putting your tender annuals in the ground now, as well as fertilize your fruit and shade trees. Before you go plant-crazy for the impending spring season, however, you’ll want to have your soil pH checked. Most plants like a pH of 5.5
Florida citrus growers have been hoping for a “silver bullet” to take down citrus greening disease (aka HLB). However, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher and plant pathologist, Ozgur Batuman, shared that there isn’t one yet, and he doesn’t think there ever will be, according to a recent Citrus Industry
Last edition, Dr. Kimber Vasquez, one of our general practice physicians here at Central Florida Health Care, Inc., talked about our roots in agriculture. Since the 1972 founding of the first practice location in Frostproof, we have come a long way in helping provide affordable healthcare services for farmworkers and all of the local community
A thorough examination of a potential new horse is always a great idea! Your veterinarian’s pre-purchase examination can help you to make the best decision about your prospective new equine companion. A pre-purchase examination is not a pass/fail test, nor can it predict the long term prospects and health of the horse, but it can
A few weeks back, I was reading an industry trade article that quoted a longtime public refrigerated warehousing (PRW) veteran about the changes he’s seen in the business since he first got into it many years ago. The way the fellow described it, PRW was a simple business way back then, “mostly pallet-in, pallet-out.” He
Have you had an appraisal done on your properties lately to determine their current market value? Have you done your own research? If not, right now is a great opportunity for you to do so! Many investors keep a close eye on the value of their stock and bond portfolios on a frequent basis, partially
To the everyday person, potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for physical health. What the grower knows, is this chemical element— the same one that is good for the human body— is also one of the most important nutrients for Florida citrus trees and is applied as fertilizer in the groves. On a fertilizer label,
Agriculture has deep roots in our Central Florida community and there are many different groups that work to make agriculture one of our leading industries. Adequate healthcare is a key component in overall health and wellness and our organization was started to ensure all groups, including those in the agricultural community, have access to healthcare
Everyone loves the sweet, juicy treats that summertime brings in the form of watermelons. If you plan on having a healthy harvest of melons this summer, now is the time to consider your soil. Watermelons can grow well in most soils, from clay to sand, but management is key. The ideal soil for watermelon is
There is certainly a lot of negative news on television and on the internet these days. Notably, regarding the trade war, Chinese tariffs, the government shutdown, and the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates…just to name a few. However, going into the new year I’d encourage you to look around you and form your own opinion
Florida citrus growers have seen harvests decrease and production costs increase ever since citrus greening was discovered in south Florida in 2005. Profits have decreased due to the damage caused by the disease, but researchers with UF/IFAS advise that high-density plantings could possibly allow citrus growers to increase profits, until a more viable treatment or
Public refrigerated warehousing (PRW) — cold storage — is about much more than large buildings, floor space, storage racks, dimensions, a refrigerated or frozen environment, and thousands of bundled, boxed or cased packages or storage containers on pallets. In a word, it’s about protection. When it comes to food and food ingredients, PRW is the
The New Year has arrived, it’s time for new year’s resolutions and you should include plant and garden resolutions too. Resolutions that will add life to your outdoor space. Here are the gardening tips for the month of January to get your lawn and garden started off the right way. One of the first things
It’s that time of year again, when we all think about, getting healthier and being more organized. This is also a great time to evaluate your horse supplies and daily activities. Checking expiration dates on medications, refreshing your first aid kid, cleaning out cobwebs and feed bins. Starting fresh will allow you to toss unusable
by HEATHER MCKENTLY, MD, FAAP A cold or similar virus for a child is not treated the same way as an adult. As parents, when our children are sick, our immediate instinct is to get them seen by a doctor. While not all viruses call for a doctor visit, some can cause concern. Here are
by MIKE ROBERTS Nutrition is a major force in the fight to combat the citrus production losses caused by citrus greening. A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) horticulturist, Tripti Vashisth, shares the results of a recent study that indicates that citrus yield and fruit quality can be improved with constant
by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY Like the holiday song says, most people indoors at this time of year decking the halls with boughs of holly and decorations. What it doesn’t tell us— and most homeowners wish it was spelled out as easy as the lyrics to a song— is how to deck our lawns with just
By Baxter Troutman What is farming? I can give you some dictionary definitions — the practice of agriculture or aquaculture, or the activity or business of growing crops and raising livestock — and I can list some synonyms from the thesaurus — agriculture, cultivation, ranching, husbandry, and agronomy, just to name a few — but
By Ben Adams, Jr Like Santa Claus and his elves at their toy-making tasks in the bitter cold of the North Pole, it takes hardy souls to help keep food products “on ice” and safe for future preparation and consumption. It also takes highly protected transport equipment to help them do their jobs. I’m referring
By Patrick Spinosa The use of technology in agriculture is becoming a more common method to efficiently keep ag operations running smoothly. The rise of agriculture technology can be seen in the increasing popularity of drone use on the farm. The advanced sensors and digital imaging capabilities of drones make them ideal for gathering information
By Eric Greenhow Asset titling is of the utmost importance for you and your family – but you might be asking why. Do you have your children listed on any of your accounts as a joint owner? Do your parents or other individuals have you listed on some of their accounts as a joint
by JOHN BAXTER It’s no secret that Florida strawberries are delicious. You would be hard-pressed to meet someone who doesn’t agree. It’s also no secret, at least among Florida growers and members of the industry, that Florida strawberries are one of the costliest crops to produce. Whenever I think about the cost (and potential return)
By Dr Katie Hennessy Camelids (llamas and alpacas) are becoming increasingly popular pets in central Florida. These animals are native to the high altitudes and relatively dry climates in South America where the days are hot and the nights are sub-zero. Central Florida, however, has a much more humid climate and it rarely freezes, which
by CINDY DeBORD, Director of Patient Finance Here at Central Florida Health Care, Inc., we understand that there are many health care coverage options out there and that many families may not be able to afford private health insurance. For this reason, we have Patient Navigators on staff here to help you and your family
by MIKE ROBERTS Citrus greening bacteria gets into the very fiber of citrus trees, and getting treatments and cures into those internal cells has proven a struggle up to now. UF/IFAS horticultural sciences professor, Ed Etxeberria, recently shared how lasers have proven effective during recent testing in helping spray treatments like bactericides to penetrate
By Baxter Troutman With the holiday season upon us, I have a request from the heart — a couple of them, actually. First, when you’re sitting around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends and before you enjoy the fine feast, please do take time to count your blessings. Like the stars that shine more
By Ben Adams, Jr. By and large, Americans are enjoying a robust U.S. economy, and its impact seems to have been highly positive for a wide swath of industries. From where I sit, it’s clear that the economy has been good for the cold chain industry and the public refrigerated warehouses (PRWs) that operate within
By Eric Greenhow Have you had an elderly family member who has entered a nursing home or assisted living facility? Or possibly a parent or grandparent who requires long term care, provided by a nurse, physical therapist or caregiver in-home? If you haven’t yet, you may be unaware of just how costly these services can
by JOHN BAXTER Phosphorous (P). It might be a single word, but it has a complex meaning for Florida growers. Part of that meaning includes how it enhances nutrient uptake and translocation. However, it does much more than that. When a tree or plant has the right nutrient balance, it is able to correct
by WILLIAM “BILL” DOTY It’s time for the most important fertilization of the year. For a green lawn this winter and quick take-off next spring, feed it now. A combination of weed and feed may be advisable, especially if your lawn is weedy. Winterizer fertilizer would follow 2 – 4 weeks later. Tips for
By Dr. Katie Hennessy Our horses love to get dirty, but one area we should strive to maintain as clean a condition as possible is their stalls. A clean stall and barn can help prevent disease and maintain your horse’s health. Not only will you keep their coat clean, you can also keep ammonia and
Story Behind AgAmerica’s Award Winning Cattle Rancher Photo American farmers and ranchers dedicate every hour of their day to running their operation – whether its late nights harvesting crops or early mornings feeding cattle – their job is never done. AgAmerica understands the commitment and resilience it takes to be a farmer or rancher and
As the Industry Prepares to Hear the First USDA Florida Citrus Crop Estimate in Early October, Experts Are Making Their Own Predictions IT’S NO SECRET that Hurricane Irma had a devastating effect on the 2017-2018 Florida citrus harvest. After Irma plowed through the center of the state, making landfall on September 10, 2017, the subsequent citrus
In Florida, the fall season means something very different than in other areas of the country. For us, it means a break from the relentless heat and an opportunity to fall in love with being outside among the plants and flowers. This time of year also means special care for your landscape. Here at Doty
I’ve noticed over the years – with many clients throughout my career – that there are many concerns among investors specific to annuities. While it’s true that annuities are not an appropriate investment for everyone, there are many concerns and misconceptions that deserve to have a little light shed on them! A good place to
There’s a lot of thought and planning that goes into farming, and that includes the four Rs of nutrient stewardship (right fertilizer source, at the right rate, in the right time, and in the right place). As a farmer or rancher in Florida, you understand what it takes to match nutrient supply with crop requirements
When Congress passes far-reaching legislation, it often triggers American ingenuity in developing better methods and tools to meet new regulations. Such was the case with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). I’ve previously written about the FSMA, and the topic list for this Act is almost endless. Signed into law in 2011, FSMA was
If your child is uninsured or you’re spending too much on a job-based family insurance plan, then you need to know about your option to apply for Florida KidCare. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the state of Florida is called Florida KidCare. Florida’s CHIP program consists of Medicaid, MediKids, Healthy Kids, and CMS.
It’s a somewhat obvious fact of biology and botany: The healthier a plant is below the ground, the healthier it tends to be above the ground. In the case of a fruit-bearing plant or tree — like a Florida citrus tree — the healthier its fruit tends to be. A big and dense root system
Like their counterparts in the U.S. construction industry, leaders and producers in U.S. agriculture are telling anyone who will listen that they need more help to get their work done. In a nutshell, there’s a labor shortage in key industries in this booming economy. In addition to agriculture, the number of people who can do
Pythiosis or otherwise known as “Swamp Cancer” is caused by Pythium insidiosum which has long been regarded as a fungus. This tropical disease is contracted after exposure to the spores which are found in stagnant water (swamps, ponds, lakes, and wet fields). Most often the spores infect damaged skin thru sores or mucosa where they
As the Industry Prepares to Hear the First USDA Florida Citrus Crop Estimate in Early October, Experts Are Marking Their Own Predictions by PATRICK SPINOSA It’s no secret that Hurricane Irma had a devastating effect on the 2017-2018 Florida citrus harvest. After Irma plowed through the center of the state, making landfall on September 10,
by Guerson Guerrier, MD Last year’s flu season was one of the worst outbreaks we have seen in a long time. Traditionally, flu season in Central Florida starts around September, picks up speed in October, and then peaks around January. However, the 2017-18 outbreak of influenza hit early, hit hard, and lasted well into the
Hunting, whether enjoyed solely by the landowners’ family and friends or if the landowner hosts hunts on his private property to bring in supplemental income, is a longstanding cultural way of life for the rural and farming family. The state of Florida is known for the wide range of animals available to hunt. The animals
All the ongoing news reports about foreign trade, tariffs, and the related political maneuverings in Washington and capital cities around the world have us thinking about trade, too. That would be the international trade that comes right through our warehouse doors here at Adams Cold Storage in Auburndale. It really is interesting to consider the
The term “debt” often has a negative connotation. Many business owners or farmers I meet with aim to be completely debt-free, or couples looking to retire soon, want to have their home mortgage paid off prior to retirement. Why? Should we be debt-free? There can certainly be a “peace of mind” factor that comes with
There has been a lot of rain this summer in Central Florida and there’s a feeling it could be close to a record. When it rains, humans have many ways to escape it — like ducking into a vehicle, a house, or an office building — but what about our grazing horses in the
Did you know there are 17 essential elements? Without any one of these essential elements, some aspect of plant development will suffer, and no other nutrient can make up for the deficient element. The first group of essential elements are the non-mineral elements—hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. These elements account for the majority of the dry
A recent UF/IFAS study revealed that heat and agitation has an impact on meat and milk production in our cattle. Cooler cows maintain a lower body temperature, and having cooler dispositions allows for increased meat and milk production when compared to cows who are hot and agitated. Raluca Mateescu, an associate professor of animal sciences
Hunting is a favorite pastime in Florida, and the second-most popular, large animal hunted in Florida is the wild hog, also called wild boars, wild pigs, and feral pigs. Second in popularity behind only the White-tailed deer, wild hogs are so popular with hunters due to two factors: the prevalence of the animal and the
Football isn’t the only thing that kicks off in September; so does our fall gardening season. Now is the time to think differently about your garden and landscape’s health. It’s time to plant annual flowers and vegetable plants. Also, if you’re looking to transplant any trees and shrubs, now is a good time. Here are
I get it—nobody looks forward to paying their disability insurance premiums every year! It’s not exactly an exciting expense that people enjoy having to pay. However, think of the ramifications of an unexpected or tragic event occurring without this protection in place. Here’s some examples of why it’s so important. Disability insurance can protect you
By Ben Adams, Jr Two months ago, the headline for this column was “The ACS Food Defense Plan.” The focus was on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and the act’s most recent shoe to drop — the element dealing with “malicious contamination” or “intentional adulteration” of food and how businesses in the food supply
Hunting is a pastime enjoyed by many. It offers the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy nature while bonding with friends and family. Plus, if things go well, there will be plenty of fresh, locally-sourced meat afterwards. Florida has some excellent hunting grounds that can be enjoyed by those new to the sport or seasoned
by Andrew Hein, DO There’s no doubt about it— working in the agricultural industry can be one of the hardest (albeit one of the most rewarding) jobs on the planet. Members of the farming community are the first to point this out, but with that truth, there are also plenty of hazards associated with working
By Dr. Katie Hennessy “Triple E,” or EEE, is a mosquito spread virus that is spread to animals — most often to horses — and also to humans by infected mosquitoes. In horses, EEE causes inflammation or swelling of the brain and spinal cord, and in 70 to 95 percent of all cases, the disease
By Patrck Spinosa Farmers, ranchers, and ag landowners in Florida know how important our natural resources are in running a successful operation and take their roles as environmental stewards very seriously. Increasing operational efficiencies and improving conservation and management practices can be expensive, though. Fortunately, there are programs in place that offer financial assistance to encourage
by BILL DOTY It’s August, and while the heat comes as no surprise, the rainfall we’ve had so far this season puts us ahead of the average, and that’s affecting our lawns and gardens. Here are some helpful tips to keep your garden and lawn healthy and beautiful. First, during this month it’s important to
The story about agriculture, in Florida and across the nation, is a great story. It’s a story worth telling — a story with sharing with people of all ages and from all walks of life. I’m among those who think it’s important to get out the good word about agriculture to our children — if