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
Citrus irrigation scheduling is a must-do for Florida citrus growers to walk that fine line between adequately irrigating their citrus groves and maintaining water conservation efforts. There are many different considerations concerning irrigation scheduling for citrus, and those factors also affect nutrition and fertilizer management, so citrus producers will want to ensure they are checking
By JOHN BAXTER With water being absolutely the key resource in farming — cropland without it practically has no value — and water conservation a high priority in agriculture, a question among farmers and growers is this: “How can I get the most and best use out of every drop of water available to me?”
Having been a financial advisor for nearly two decades, I’ve helped with planning retirement for people from all walks of life: agriculture business owners, medical professionals, school teachers, firefighters, and many others. Some people have been planning for years, with a large retirement nest egg to show for it. Others haven’t asked themselves the tough
Here at Adams Cold Storage (ACS) in Auburndale, we have a lot of confidence in the emergency plan we’ve developed for severe weather and other disaster scenarios. You might be surprised to learn, several weeks now into the Atlantic hurricane season, that the plan has already been activated once this year — and that it
Those of us who have lived and worked under the Florida sun know first-hand what the summer heat is like. Working outdoors in the summer heat may require taking some extra precautions to protect yourself from the possibility of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat stroke is a very serious medical condition that occurs in
It’s summer time in Central Florida, which means it is hot, humid, and (this year) wet. Besides staying hydrated while working in the yard, there are several things you should be thinking about when it comes to summer lawn and garden care. Now is the time for summer fertilization. Repairing, renovating, or planting are also
Horses are remarkable for many things — one of them being their ability to adapt to weather extremes including the summertime heat and humidity of Central Florida. If you own a horse or horses, it is important to provide shelter — natural or constructed — so your horses are able to regulate their temperature by
June 1st was the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season. While some climatologists are backing off the active hurricane prediction, it is still important to be prepared, especially for the high winds and flooding that are common with a hurricane. We shared two blogs with UF/IFAS tips on hurricane preparation for your farm or
Here’s a fact that tends to bring cheers: due in large part to better science, technology, and horticultural practices, U.S. farming productivity and efficiency rates today are the best they’ve ever been. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the level of farm output in 2015 was 2.7 times greater than its 1948 level. That’s
The Wild Game Food Bank is committed to serving our community through a partnership with local hunters and area food banks. A great example of how this is applied is our relationship with the Mission of Winter Haven. This Christian organization seeks to lend a hand to those in need, and serves roughly 100-150 meals
What are adjuvants, and how do they help your operation? Adjuvants are inputs that aid the activity and/or modify the physical characteristics of a spray mixture. In other words, they simplify ease of use and improve the application performance of what you are spraying. Adjuvants are a relatively small cost for helping you get more
Citrus greening disease, also known as HLB, has impacted more than 80 percent of Florida’s citrus trees, according to UF/IFAS research. It has been present in Florida groves since 2005. With such a challenge before them, growers are asking whether it is a wise financial investment to plant new trees or reset groves. And, it’s
Making money can be very simple. Most folks over complicate the process or think that making money is overly complex. Of course, it can be – but doesn’t need to be, at least not 100% of the time. Understanding the buying and selling investment cycle with a focus on “selling high” may have potential benefits
When signed into law by President Barack Obama on Jan. 4, 2011, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was so massive in scope and so broad and deep in its regulatory reach, it wasn’t practical or even possible to roll out all of its mandates at one time. Instead, the timetable for review, implementation, and
As negotiations are underway on the North American Free Trade Agreement, the concerns of the Florida blueberry growers, and of all Florida farmers, should have heavy weight and prominence in the discussions. Issues that are top-of-mind for U.S. farmers include competition and labor, particularly when it comes to imports from Mexico. Letters from Florida Commissioner
When you go out hunting or fishing, you are participating in the ancient traditions of food acquisition. At Wild Game Food Bank, we always appreciate your donations when thrill of the hunt outweighs the need for fresh meat, but there are also some great reasons to enjoy that meat yourself. The benefits of eating wild
The goal of Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC, has always been clear: to utilize our people, products, and knowledge to bring about the ultimate end result of our customer’s success. In other words, we care about whether you successfully grow a profitable crop each year. Helena is one of the foremost agronomic solutions providers in the United
In keeping with the theme of this month’s issue of Central Florida Ag News, the Blueberry Roundup Edition, I thought I would share what I’ve heard about how the just-completed Florida blueberry harvesting season went this past year. The word I’ve heard most to describe the blueberry season — from the growing season to the
Hurricane season has arrived and officially runs from June 1 through November 30. The hurricane season of 2017 should have been a “wake up” call that we need to be prepared and the best time to do that is now. There is plenty of information out there for preparing your homes, property, and human family
Gardening ‘To Do’ List in June After a Wet May! May was one of the wettest months on record for Florida this year so it makes June a critical month to plant new lawns and repair existing ones. You can use Palmetto plugs to fill those empty spots during the continuation of our rainy season,
The link between the health of our soil and the health of the foods grown in that soil has been proven time and again. The connection between the health of the foods we eat and our overall health—including our risk for developing diseases—is a no-brainer. At Guardian Soil Solutions we know that healing our soil,
June 1st was the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season. NOAA has predicted that we could be in store for another active hurricane season this year. On our website, GriffinFertilizer.com, we have already published two online articles sharing tips from UF/IFAS on getting your farm or ranch ready. Make sure to go online and
It’s a tradition that no doubt will continue and keep agriculture going strong. EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK in agriculture, there are stories of the strength of our country’s family farming traditions. Whether it’s a story of two daughters continuing their late father’s legacy on the family ranch or the lessons learned on a five-generation cattle and
ALL HORSES require regular maintenance and preventive care for the best possible health. As a horse owner it is your responsibility to provide regular health care for your horse. Fortunately, many equine health problems can be prevented or minimized with regular wellness care and/or treatment by a qualified veterinarian. Four key areas of health-care concern
WHAT DID YOU have to eat today? Maybe some toast and eggs for breakfast, or a bowl of cereal. Maybe you skipped breakfast and had a big lunch. Dinner might range from a light salad to a hearty steak and potatoes meal. Whatever it was, we’re sure you were grateful for what you had.
CITRUS GREENING has been at work for more than a decade in Florida citrus groves, and the devastation it has brought to the Sunshine State’s citrus industry is enormous. Citrus greening also threatens the citrus industries of other citrus-growing states; the pathogen was detected in residential citrus in California in 2012 and 2017. The best
IN MARCH’S COLUMN, I began a discussion of the Adams Cold Storage (ACS) Caribbean connection — its link to the cruise liner industry and food exporting to the islands in the region. That link is the role ACS plays in the cold supply chain that helps to keep many cruise ships and some of the
REVERSING THE DAMAGE caused by an herbicide is the solution to citrus greening disease, a researcher says.
I’VE SAID IT BEFORE, but it merits repeating: Florida agriculture is big. Make that HUGE. It’s huge in scope, in numbers, and importance — importance not only to those of us fortunate to live here but also to people across the nation and around the world.
MOST FAMILIES that have farm or ranch operations have worked hard for many years to ensure the financial success of their business. A big part of many farm business plans is the prudent management of land-based assets.
NOW THAT MAY has arrived, we’re here to provide some helpful tips and thoughts on how to make sure your flowers, plants, and trees continue to thrive.
Large tracts of ranch land are one of the biggest requirements for a successful cattle operation, and that invariably opens up the timeless debate of whether it’s more beneficial to own or rent your pasture. Some cattle operators in Florida choose to take the “rent” path, and for good reason. However, before you completely disregard
April generally starts the spring working season when cows and calves undergo vaccinations and parasite control. If you’re not planning on doing so, make sure deworming your beef calves is part of the process. Research proves a good parasite-control program leads to weight gains and improved overall health, and that deworming should get as much
Given the success many ranchers and farmers have experienced over the past few years, we often hear of families or organizations looking to expand their agricultural business. Many factors go into making sound financial decisions about your farm or other operation, which today include concerns like: increasing land values, higher interest rates on equipment
In the last decade, Florida citrus has been devastated by the Asian citrus psyllid. Since 2005, this non-native insect has spread a bacterial disease (citrus greening) throughout the citrus industry in all Florida and now to Alabama, Texas, and California. The economic loss has been estimated by the University of Florida to be well over
Contagious equine metritis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis. Unless you are importing horses or semen from other countries, Contagious equine metritis (CEM) shouldn’t be a concern. CEM does not exist in the United States, but preventing its entry is important and requires some stringent rules to be enforced. All
Wild hogs are the second most popular hunting game in Florida (second only to the white-tailed deer), but you may be surprised to learn that these hogs that are so common throughout the state are not native to the area. In fact, no real pigs or hogs are indigenous to North America. Hogs came to this continent
Our early Spring and late Winter weather were turned upside down this year. February felt like March and March felt like February except with mid-70 and 80-degree temperatures and drier weather. However, April is here and it is one of the better months to be outside and working in a Central Florida lawn and garden.
THERE’S A GRAND OPPORTUNITY in Florida for every farmer, rancher, grower, or forester with an open mind and a willingness to make a modest investment. It’s an opportunity to maximize the value of every acre you own and/or manage. How is this possible? It’s possible — actually, more probable than possible — with a first
In last month’s column, we began a discussion about our efforts in supporting the cold-chain supply lines between our customers and the cruise lines in the Caribbean islands. I’m going to pause on this subject because we just received the formal renewal certification of our British Retail Consortium-International (BRC-I) Audit for Storage & Distribution, conducted
The future of agriculture is now. Over the last 70 years, farmers have been taught to farm using monoculture, fumigants, expensive high salt fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and now antibiotics to grow our crops. Under this system, we have unknowingly lost our soil’s natural ability to defend itself. Year after year of using these methods has
On Saturday, March 10th, the public was able to see a band of authentic cowboys and cowgirls on an as-real-as-it-can-get cattle drive down Main Street in Immokalee, Florida. It’s a short drive from our Griffin Fertilizer office in La Belle. The event included 200 head of cattle heading to the current Immokalee Pioneer Museum at
IRA? Now’s the Time! The recent stock market volatility has been an interesting ride for everyone – but within the changes lie financial opportunities. For example, it’s an excellent time for those who have not yet made IRA and retirement plan contributions for last year (2017) to consider doing so! Why contribute to an IRA
The friendly city of Auburndale, located in the very heart of Central Florida and the home of Adams Cold Storage (ACS), is about as landlocked as a city can be in the Sunshine State, but that hasn’t kept our company from being in the mix of things in a business based in deep water —
Now that the warm weather has arrived, 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
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it is easy to let our traditions, like hunting together, get lost and forgotten. Children especially may not appreciate the skill and patience required to successfully bag a deer if they’ve never been taken on a hunting trip. In fact, statistics say that for every 100 adult
March 20th is National Ag Day, and it’s the perfect time to discuss how we can support the local farming community, not just on this day, but all year. The Agriculture Council of America hosts National Ag Day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of agriculture, big and small. The focus is three-fold: to help
You can find a lot of misleading, incorrect or opinion tainted information searching on the internet. Have you thought about where you might look on the internet to find factual data or information? When you have agriculture or equine disease questions, visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website, FreshFromFlorida.com. For horse lovers,
The opportunities for children and teenagers in Florida to learn about the interesting, important, and wonderful world of agriculture are plentiful. Programs such as FFA in the schools and 4H provide many of those opportunities in a structured format, exposing young people to the ways agriculture affects us all, teaching them the work and ways
An exceedingly strong link in the food cold-supply chain can be a flexible one as well. That’s what a multi-temperature public refrigerated warehousing business can provide for its customers— flexibility in the kinds of perishable products it can safely accept, store, and help to distribute. Our business, Adams Cold Storage (ACS) in Auburndale, is one
The principles and benefits of composting can be traced back to the beginning of time. Nature has always demonstrated the benefits of using death to restore life. In addition to being mentioned many times in the Bible, composting was also written about by the Greeks, Romans, and Israelites. It was written about coming out of
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in all mammals. Humans and animals can become infected through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is endemic in wildlife such as bats, raccoons, and foxes. While these animals do transmit the disease, dogs, cats, and even horses can become infected through the
Few people understand the needs of the land and wildlife like hunters do. After all, without healthy ecosystems, game populations dwindle, and hunting becomes impossible. If you are a property owner looking to foster a healthy wildlife population on your plot of land, here are some reminders that will be helpful in your efforts: Plant
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
Hurricane Irma did a lot of damage to Florida agriculture in the first half of September 2017. Damages to Florida agriculture by Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around $2.5 billion, with sectors like citrus, the nursery industry, cattle, and sugar hit the hardest. Growers and producers are awaiting federal disaster relief, but The Florida
by DON HARDEN As a family farmer myself, the status of the family farm and its impact on the future of agriculture is not lost on me. With the average age of farmers on the rise, family farms are also the focus of USDA’s Economic Research Service’s (ERS) recently released a report on the subject:
Now that the New Year has arrived, it’s time to make some plant and garden 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 to do is fertilize Bermuda
Much of the USA began 2018 on an extremely cold and icy footing, quickly bringing to mind Disney’s “Frozen,” the highly popular animated film. At Adams Cold Storage (ACS), we’re blessed with the opportunity to make a living in the real world of frozen and to do our part to secure critical links in the
We need a paradigm shift in agriculture. I know that’s a bold statement, but let me tell you a quick story about why I feel this way. Over the holidays, I had the pleasure of touring citrus groves in Avon Park. What I witnessed was a beautiful landscape and a proud agricultural community. I
In addition to proper land management of your pasture, genetics is an important topic when it comes to the health and marketability of your beef herd. The technology of genetics, however, has advanced so rapidly in recent years that it can be hard to keep up. A two-day lectureship, the Application of Advanced Genetic Technology
When you discuss the big players in Florida agriculture, citrus and beef cattle are usually the topic of conversation, but there’s another sector that deserves recognition for bringing a lot of jobs and revenue to The Sunshine State: The Forest Industry. I have a great deal of experience in land purchasing and forestry management, so
It’s a new year, and many people are looking to improve themselves in some way or another. It’s a time for reflection, for considering our paths and resolving to do more for ourselves and our communities. Here at the Wild Game Food Bank, we are committed to connecting hunters with the needy by making it
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that is primarily a bird disease but can infect any mammal, including horses and humans. It’s maintained by infected birds in the wild as they contain a high level of the virus in their blood. Humans and horses are considered “dead-end hosts” since mosquitoes appear unable to
If, heading into 2018, you made resolutions for the new year, I hope that at this point in January you’re still keeping them— or at least most of them. A few of them, maybe? I know some folks who list goals for a new year rather than make resolutions. They say it’s more practical to do
Hurricane Irma did a significant amount of damage to Florida agriculture with few industries escaping damages of some kind. If it wasn’t damaging to ripening or new crops, it was damage to soil beds, water sources, or infrastructure. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is working to get relief for Florida farmers and ranchers from
Here at Guardian Soil Solutions, we have discovered that taking care of the soil helps crops and groves grow and produce— even if they’re suffering from citrus greening. But our philosophy didn’t originate here; it came from another part of the world where it’s already being religiously followed. Graeme Sait is an evangelist of sorts.
If you’re working in ag, you’d be hard-pressed not to have heard of precision agriculture. Whether it’s the latest piece of technology or a review of the benefits of precision ag, the topic is front and center in agriculture news. One benefit that is often discussed is the potential for profits and what do they
Meeting food production demand in the 21st century will depend on groundwater in many parts of the world. Did you know that in the United States irrigated agriculture pumps an average of 49.5 billion gallons of groundwater every day? Sustaining our groundwater resources to meet agricultural needs requires wise use, pumping efficiency, and resource monitoring.
Here at Guardian Soil Solutions, we have discovered that taking care of the soil helps crops and groves grow and produce— even if they’re suffering from citrus greening. But our philosophy didn’t originate here; it came from another part of the world where it’s already being religiously followed. Graeme Sait is an evangelist of sorts.
Nature has a specific design! All life on Earth works together in a symbiotic relationship to serve a better purpose. Soil contains trillions of living organisms, each with a specific role in mining minerals, processing sugars, and protecting the roots of whichever plant species is growing above them. With such a heavy workload, life can
Art can be found in many different elements of agriculture, most of which perform some kind of function. Creative artisans can take a tool as common as a cow whip and craft it into a work of art. I can think of no other artisan who makes them so beautifully as KJ Smith. He makes
With their guns sighted-in and bows tuned, hunting enthusiasts will soon be loading up their hunting gear and climbing into a tree stand or blind. Whether hunting public or private land, a hunting license and a $5 Deer Permit is required for the expedition.
While Florida agriculture works to recover from the damage left behind by Hurricane Irma, the industry has turned its attention to citrus with the monthly Citrus Forecast from the USDA. From this forecast, which was first released on October 12, you’ll hear a lot about oranges and grapefruit, but not Florida lemons and limes. The
