Columns

17 Jan
Our Commitment to Providing Care for Farm Workers, Migrant Patients, and the Local Community

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

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17 Jan
Prepping the Soil for Watermelons

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

17 Jan
The Economy: Form Your Own Opinion

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

17 Jan
High-Density Citrus Plantings Could be Path to Increased Profits

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

17 Jan
Being Proactive in Food Protection

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

17 Jan
Getting Ready for a Great Year in Your Yard and in Your Garden

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

17 Jan
New Year, New Horse!

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

12 Dec
The Results of a UF/IFAS Study on Controlled-Release Fertilizer

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

12 Dec
Deck the Lawns with These Care Tips

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

12 Dec
Planting the First Seed

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

12 Dec
The Right People, Protection, and Equipment for Cold Storage

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

12 Dec
Drone Use in Agriculture

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

12 Dec
Why Asset Titling Is Important

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

12 Dec
Florida Strawberries and Fertigation— ‘It’s the Hard that Makes it Great’

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)

12 Dec
Common problems seen in Central Florida Camelids

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

26 Nov
Health Care for You and Your Family— Getting Covered

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

26 Nov
Lasers Could be New Treatment for Citrus Greening

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

26 Nov
Thank A Farmer

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

26 Nov
Strong Economy Boosting Cold Storage Market

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

26 Nov
Long Term Care Insurance: Assessing Cost and Needs

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

26 Nov
The Role of Phosphite for Your Citrus and Other Crops

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

26 Nov
November Means it’s Time to Feed Your Lawn

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

26 Nov
Clean life, healthy life!

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

14 Nov
Imagery Captures Florida Cattle Ranchers at Daylight

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

22 Oct
Is the Citrus Commodity Due for a Comeback this Harvest

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

22 Oct
Falling in Love with Your Lawn & Garden

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

22 Oct
Annuities: Two Most Frequently Asked Questions

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

22 Oct
Deadline for Assistance Through NRCS EQIP Approaching

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

22 Oct
ACS and Food Safety Technology

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

22 Oct
A Solution for Your Child’s Health Coverage

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.

22 Oct
HLB Effects on Citrus Tree Root Mass

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

22 Oct
Fighting Ag Labor Shortages Through FFA

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

22 Oct
Pythiosis and Your Equine

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

17 Oct
Is the Citrus Commodity Due for a Comeback this Harvest?

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,

19 Sep
Along with Harvest Season Comes Flu Season

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

14 Sep
Benefits of Food Plots on Your Recreational Land

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

14 Sep
ACS – A Global Connection

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

14 Sep
Pay Off Debt, Refinance, or Keep It?

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

14 Sep
How to Manage Your Horse In Rainy Weather

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

14 Sep
Back to Basics – What Nutrients Are Essential?

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

14 Sep
Benefits of Keeping Cattle Cool

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

14 Sep
Hunting Wild Hogs

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

14 Sep
Getting in the Gardening Game with a Good Offensive Plan for Your Plants

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

14 Aug
Why bother having disability insurance?

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

14 Aug
ACS – Prepared for Anything

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

14 Aug
Take Advantage of What Florida Has to Offer

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

14 Aug
Safety Reminders for Work on the Farm

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

14 Aug
Eastern Equine Encephalitis

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

14 Aug
Cost Share Programs Promote Ag Conservation

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

14 Aug
Beat the Heat for a Lawn Budding with Beauty

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

14 Aug
The Story of Agriculture

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

14 Aug
Citrus Irrigation Scheduling

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

14 Aug
The Benefits of Hydra-Hume

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?”

20 Jul
What Do I Need to Retire?

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

20 Jul
The ACS Emergency Plan

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

20 Jul
Reduce Your Risk of Heat Stroke While Working Outdoors

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

20 Jul
Beat the Heat— and the Pests— in Your Lawn this Month

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

20 Jul
Summer Heat and Your Horse

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

20 Jul
Hurricane Preparation to be Ready for the Next Storm

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

19 Jul
The Future of Our Farms

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

19 Jul
Hunters on a Mission

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

19 Jul
Adjuvants and Your Operation

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

13 Jul
Florida Citrus— Solutions for Replanting or Resetting Your Grove

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

08 Jun
The Potential Benefits of Selling High

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

08 Jun
The ACS Food Defense Plan

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

08 Jun
Florida Blueberry Growers Fighting for Fairness in NAFTA

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

08 Jun
The Benefits of Eating Wild Game

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

08 Jun
The Ultimate Goal of Our People, Products, and Knowledge

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

08 Jun
Looking Back at This Year’s Blueberry Harvest

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

08 Jun
Hurricane Season Tips for Your Animals

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

08 Jun
Bill Doty Gardening Tips for June

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,

08 Jun
Glyphosate Class-Action Lawsuit Asserts the Dangers of Unhealthy Soil

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,

08 Jun
A Hurricane Preparedness Summary to Get You Started on Storm Readiness

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

16 May
Lessons Learned from the Family Farming Tradition

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

16 May
Don’t Let Small Problems with Your Horse Turn into Big Problems

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

16 May
Hunger: The Preventable Tragedy

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.

15 May
Citrus Greening Research Highlights Cooperation and Women in Ag Leadership

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

15 May
Maintaining the Cold Supply Chain in the Caribbean

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

15 May
Florida Agriculture Is Putting Up Big Numbers

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.

09 Apr
Owning Versus Renting Ranch Land

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

09 Apr
Don’t Forget This as Part of Preconditioning Beef Calves

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

09 Apr
Financial Tips for Growing Your Agricultural Business

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

09 Apr
Psyllid Problem or Soil Problem?

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

09 Apr
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)

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

09 Apr
Hunting Facts on Wild Hogs

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

09 Apr
Before the Hot Florida Summer, There’s April — and a Lot To Do Outdoors

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.

09 Apr
FATA — Great Opportunity for Florida Ag Operators

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

09 Apr
The Cold Standard: Exceeding Regulations

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

14 Mar
Nutrition Farming, the Future of Agriculture

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

14 Mar
The Attraction of Authentic Cattle Drives

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

14 Mar
Go Greenhow: Important Financial Tips

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

14 Mar
Keeping it Cool in the Caribbean

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 —

14 Mar
Springtime with these Gardening Steps

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

14 Mar
Teaching Our Children the Hunting Tradition

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

14 Mar
Simple Ways to Support Your Local Farming Community

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

14 Mar
Finding Equine Facts

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,