New Professor Looks to Help Florida Grapefruit Industry by TIM CRAIG A new hire for the University of Florida’s Indian River Research and Education Center should have an impact on the state’s ailing grapefruit industry as part of her research. Sandra Guzman, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, will lead the
On Saturday, February 16, the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association held their annual Trade Show and Ranch Rode in partnership with the UF/IFAS Extension of Polk County. Held at the Bartow Horse Arena, this event featured various booths, local artists, and craftsmen. Additionally, attendees were treated to a spectacular rodeo while cheering on their favorite local
Money Being Pumped Back into Florida Citrus by MATT COBBLE NO ONE WHO works in agriculture is afraid of hard work. That being said, between three major hurricanes in as many years and the continuing struggle against citrus greening, the past few years have been especially hard. But there is good news on the
Local Program Uses Books to Unite Children and Rescued Horses by MATT NORMAN Have you ever considered the benefits of reading to a horse? Have you ever considered that it would actually benefit both the horse and the reader? A local group is seeing those benefits first hand. The Reading with Rescues program is giving
Florida Citrus Volumes Rebounding in 2019 by BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Last fall, the USDA released their 2019 Citrus Forecast and predicted a nice rebound year for the state’s citrus and grapefruit industries. So far early into the 2019 crop, those predictions look to be accurate. The USDA forecast for Florida’s all orange output was set
This Year’s Outlook, New Varieties, and the Future of Florida’s Strawberries by ERIKA ALDRICH Strawberries have been rising in the ranks of Florida crops over the years and have become one of the more prominent crops in The Sunshine State. Consequently, the strawberry outlook for 2018-2019 is shaping up to be a good one, and
Hoof Care Cautions & Tips for Your Equine by MARY TOOTHMAN Horse hoof care is vital to healthy, happy horses and impacts the horse’s ability to run, jump, do farm work, compete, ride trails, and interact with owners and other horses. Hooves must be tended to properly for overall good equine health. Environmental and weather
Get to Know the Face of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association by JULIE GMITTER While most Florida residents (and fruit lovers from around the country) are well aware of just how sweet, red, and juicy our Florida strawberries are, they may not be familiar with Jammer – the adorable talking, singing, animated strawberry! Jammer is
by JULIE GMITTER Florida is an oasis for gardeners, farmers, and plant lovers alike, with unique species and a sunny, warm climate which is just perfect for America’s most popular pastime. Since 1979, the Florida Master Gardener Program has trained thousands of volunteers in Florida who have worked to provide nearly $10 million dollars of
Bok Tower Gardens is home to the Rare Plant Conservation Program. Tasked with preserving the genetic diversity of Florida’s flora, they work with some of the rarest plants in the world. by TERESA SCHIFFER Cheryl Peterson doesn’t wear a cape, and she can’t fly or see through walls, but the work she does is
Citrus’ Best of the Best by ERIKA ALDRICH Citrus has a truly rich heritage in The Sunshine State. Citrus has been in Florida since the Spanish arrived in the 1500s and positioned as a major facet of the ag industry since the 1800s. The Citrus Hall of Fame has been honoring those who have made
Spreading Equine Knowledge by MATT NORMAN Horses are beautiful and powerful animals. For a great many years the relationship between horses and humans has been strong. While horses are capable of great work and are often kept for the work they can due, they are so much more than simple beasts of burdens. For many
by TERESA SCHIFFER Technology is omnipresent in modern society, and with it we have seen monumental improvements across many sectors of industry. We can track the pizza we ordered, monitor work floors, and communicate with friends and coworkers around the world. It only stands to reason that new technology would also affect our food supply
by MARY TOOTHMAN Postbloom fruit drop can appear explosively in a bad season, seemingly infecting every flower on a tree. A new forecasting system — a web tool to help growers control postbloom fruit drop — has been developed by University of Florida experts. Growers have with online tools available to help determine the best times
by J.P. SMITH In the heart of Florida, through the pulsing strip of the the High-Tech Corridor, is the renowned STEM college, Florida Polytechnic University. It is the home of the award winning and one of the 16 “Most Breathtaking” Buildings, the iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building. The unique location of FL Poly
by TIM CRAIG A massive multi-use equestrian facility is sprouting up on over 3,000 acres in northwest Marion County, and its growth may solidify the county’s and Ocala’s billing as “Horse Capital of the World.” The World Equestrian Center Ocala, reportedly set for a 2019 opening, is a state-of-the-art development that includes sports and recreational
Local Family-Owned Business Puts Quality Craftsmanship in Every Blade Made In a shop out back on Hickory Hammock Road in Lake Wales, a family business is thriving. Stephenson Knives creates knives that are as beautiful as they are functional. Three generations are working together to hand-craft these unique blades for a variety of purposes. Shawn
By Abby Crawford Every school year is different from the year before. Changes to curriculum, new policies, upgraded facilities, new alpacas…..wait, what? That’s exactly what happened this year for FFA members in the Haines City Senior FFA Chapter. At the close of the 2017 – 2018 school year, the chapter received six alpacas to start
Q & A with Local Livestock Agent on Florida Cattle by Tim Craig Laura H. Bennett is the Multi-County Livestock Agent for Pasco, Sumter, and Hernando counties. She shared her expertise in cattle handling at the 2018 Alvin C. Warnick Reproductive Management School in Manatee County in early November. In between sessions, she sat down
By Erika Aldrich They say the nut doesn’t fall too far from the tree, and in Central Florida that usually means you have cattle ranching in your DNA. That’s true for Kayla and her father Waters, but it also means the cattle ranch finds its way into their artistic expressions. Mr. Waters runs cow-calf operations
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
At Hope Equine Rescue Group, as many as 40 neglected horses are taken in and cared for each year, and eventually placed in good homes. President Dani Horton says the group, which she founded about four years ago, runs on donations and volunteer efforts. Sharing and gathering information from other rescue groups is a great
By Grace Boggess There are plenty of renovations that can be quick and easy which can turn your regular backyard into a beautiful relaxation area. Backyard ponds can help improve the overall habitat of various animals in your area, such as various insects, birds, and of course – your fish! A pond can really add
By Abby Crawford Let’s talk business, and I’m talking bees-ness. The bee industry has been facing a difficult time here lately. I wanted to take this time to talk about bees and learn a little more. There are invasive pests and predators, such as beetles and mites, that are bringing diseases into our beehives and
by TIM CRAIG What started as a way to get involved in the community has turned into a competitive sport as Warner University will field its first-ever Sporting Clay Shooting team set to compete during the 2018-2019 season. The school started sending students to hosted events around the area as a unique way to get
By Mary Toothman Put on your cowboy boots and get ready for a rodeo reunion. The 2018 Florida Cattlemen’s Associations Florida Ranch Rodeo & Free Cowboy Heritage Festival is coming up in a few short weeks. Dusty Holley, director of field services for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, has been really busy the past few months,
By Cheryl Rogers Many people enjoy fishing because it’s relaxing. But for Kyle Stafford and Evan Wieber — and others like them — fishing is a competitive sport. Many people consider fishing a recreational past-time. When they fish, it’s a time to relax and commune with nature. Whether they catch any fish is immaterial. But
By Matt Cobble Veterans in the United States are some of the bravest individuals on the planet. These noble men and women voluntarily sign up for a career that could send them anywhere in the world. For six years (four years of active duty, followed by two years of inactive duty, or Individual Ready Reserve
By Teresa Schiffer Many people enjoy getting off the beaten path in their spare time with a drive on an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or OHV (off-highway vehicle). Hey, it’s fun to get out there and get dirty zipping around on a 4-wheeler! It’s also nice to take that long, leisurely ride through the woods, enjoying
by CHERYL ROGERS Brian Armstrong, the executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, is bringing together people and organizations to prepare for a growing demand for water. Since the Southwest Florida Water Management District was created to mitigate flood control in the wake of Hurricane Donna in 1960, its role has expanded to
by MARY TOOTHMAN One of the hottest new trends in the world of healthy eating today is the consumption of microgreens – which are the seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs. Once the seed of an herb or vegetable begins to grow, it is considered a sprout. Once the sprout begins to grow, the baby
by TIM CRAIG Central Florida farmers may expect the extension of research funding dollars and support programs after the U.S. Senate passed the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 in July, which would re-authorize the Farm Bill for five years. The Senate-passed bill and a similar House version, will now go to conference. As of August
by TERESA SCHIFFER By now, you’ve probably heard of the crisis off Florida’s coasts. Sea turtles, manatees, and other wildlife are dying off in record numbers, victims of huge blooms of toxic blue-green algae and red tide. People are outraged at the state of our waters, as it’s not only an ecological disaster, but an
by ERIKA ALDRICH The image of riding across a beach atop a horse is a common romantic depiction, but it’s also one that is totally possible to achieve. Whether you’re looking for a company that offers beach-based horse riding, or you’re thinking about giving it a try with your own horse, the golden beaches of
By ABBY CRAWFORD Each year members of the Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers program compete for the Achievement in Agriculture Award. This prestigious award recognizes one member each year who has gone above and beyond in their agriculture involvement on their operation and who exemplifies premier leadership skills both in Farm Bureau and
by MATT NORMAN Could a fungus be the answer to an invasive insect that is attacking Florida’s $8.63 billion citrus industry? On the surface this sounds strange, but scientists at the University of Florida think that one fungus in particular can help fight the Asian citrus psyllid, and help improve the future for citrus growers
On June 28, the UF/IFAS extension office in Lake Alfred hosted more than 70 individuals at their Citrus Youth Day to learn some science and gain better insight into the citrus industry. The Citrus Youth Day, now in its second year, had double the number of students who attended its debut last year. Students from
Florida Citrus Growers Fighting Greening with Plant Nutrition, Newer Varieties The Florida citrus industry is holding on, relying on nutritional methods and newer varieties to buy time until more effective solutions to citrus greening are found. A company with deep roots in the industry, Tamiami Citrus LLC has recommitted to citrus in spite of greening,
Local Teen, Emily Turner, Knows What it Takes to Be a Barrel Racing Champion Emily Turner has a lot of good influences in her life, and she credits those good influences with helping her and her horse—Honey Blossom Wonder, or Belle for short—to win the 2017-2018 Florida High School Rodeo Association Barrel Racing Championship. “I’m
Getting to Know Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart, Paxton Evans Each year young ladies around the state have a chance to apply for their county Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart, where if selected, they will represent their county’s cattle industry for a full year and compete in the State Cattlemen’s Sweetheart pageant that is held during the
Pat Schirard Becomes Newest Member of FL Citrus Commission Meet Governor Scott’s appointment to the Florida Citrus Commission, Pat Schirard. In mid-May, Governor Rick Scott appointed new member, Pat Schirard, to the Florida Citrus Commission, filling a vacant seat previously held by Lee Bouldin. Schirard’s term will span from his appointment date on May 24
Proving the Power of Beef One Race at a Time by MATT COBBLE For a long time, beef was considered the king of meats. A certain fast food chain once asked its competitors “where’s the beef?” A particular grocery chain proudly proclaimed themselves as “the beef people.” The Yeoman Warders, guards at the Tower of
Blueberry Production Up In Spite of Environmental Obstacles by CHERYL ROGERS Environmental challenges shed some Florida blueberry growers’ hopes for an abundant crop this year, slashing anticipated yields statewide by about 30 percent. But overall, about 20 million pounds of blueberries were picked, up from about 19 million pounds in 2017, says Brittany Lee, president
Tips for Managing Your Equine’s Health During the Rainy Season by TERESA SCHIFFER Rainy season is here in Central Florida, and for horse owners, that can mean more time in the stable and less time in the saddle. Thunderstorms, muddy fields, and mosquitoes can all mean problems for horses. So what should you do when
Dr. LuJean Waters is a big animal veterinarian making a living in what used to be a man’s profession. Just two miles from her family’s old homestead, LuJean Waters practices veterinarian medicine on large animals, including cattle, horses, sheep and goats. A 7th generation Floridian, descended from a family that migrated to the Lake Garfield
Emily McKenna Lassiter is a woman deeply dedicated to her family, and the family citrus business. She also has a strong affection for citrus groves. And no wonder; her childhood and family memories center around the groves, and now she makes her living in the business. “One of the things I love is driving down
Meet Dr. Martha Rhodes Roberts, a leader in Florida agriculture. Agriculture is a leading industry in Florida, and The Sunshine State’s ag industry wouldn’t be where it is today without the leadership of Dr. Martha Rhodes Roberts. With an entire career dedicated to agriculture in Florida, Dr. Roberts has long been an icon in Florida
My Ag Story started very early in life, I was born and raised in the cattle industry. My family has been involved in the cattle industry in Florida for over 60 years- owning and operating Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market in Lakeland, Fl, while also running our cow/calf operation. I owe my knowledge of the cattle
Katie Hennessy is an extraordinary asset to Polk County’s agricultural community. She is an equine and large animal veterinarian who operates the Polk Equine mobile clinic in Lake Wales. Hennessy is a compassionate caretaker of these great creatures with a long history of involvement with horses and other animals. Hennessy grew up in Illinois, in
Ranchers facing post-Irma challenges, but recovery may take awhile for stressed cattle. By Cheryl Rogers Hurricane Irma caused some immediate damage to Polk County area farms and ranches, where owners and caretakers initially were kept busy repairing fences, damaged roofs, and culverts. But, in the long term, the most serious effects may have been to
What Side Are You Riding With? by TERESA SCHIFFER Mules versus horses, which is the better beast? There are folks on either side of the argument that can make a passionate case for each. Let’s take a look at some of the attributes of mules so you can decide where you land in this debate.
Raising Goats and Chickens on AM Acres by MARY TOOTHMAN When Maria and Tony Iannucci began to look for property and the lifestyle change that would come with it, they knew they’d found it at the five-acre Lake Wales site now known as AM Acres. “We wanted out of the zero-lot-line environment and found the
Researchers are Working Together to Remodel the Citrus Genome in Hopes of Fighting HLB by ERIKA ALDRICH If you’re a scientist associated with the citrus industry, your efforts are likely geared towards finding a workable solution to huánglóngbìng (HLB), otherwise known as citrus greening. If your research also happens to have applications in other areas
Congress Finally Passes Bill to Help Florida Farmers in Wake of Irma by REPRESENTATIVE TOM ROONEY When Florida citrus growers looked ahead to their crop projections last year, the future looked bright. This was going to be the year – the year citrus production would finally rebound from citrus greening. But in September, disaster struck Florida’s Heartland.
There is No Horsing Around When it Comes to This Group of Dedicated Students By Teresa Schiffer In an age of social media obsession and digital absorption, sometimes it seems that all the kids do is play with their gadgets. A dedicated group of young people at Lake Wales High School is breaking that stereotype
How Local Members Are Making A Difference in Central Florida by THE POLK COUNTY FFA FEDERATION OFFICERS Hi there, we are the Polk County FFA Federation officer team! We have the opportunity to work with students across Polk County through chapter programs, the Polk County Youth Fair, and at leadership conferences. This year as
Friendships can be Formed, Lessons Learned and Time Management Skills Developed with Fair Experiences by MARY TOOTHMAN To fair visitors, it may be all about the yummy food, petting animals, and viewing the neat displays. However, behind the scenes, fair days and showing animals can be a lot of work and a way for youth
If you have never been to the Polk County Youth Fair, or any youth fair in our region, you’re missing a one-of-a-kind experience. It is a must-do for any person— from the young to young-at-heart. Kids and youth from all around gather under one roof to show their livestock, crafts, plants, and more. Here’s your
Growers are hoping the forecast will stay on its steady course by ERIKA ALDRICH If the latest USDA Citrus forecast is any indication, the Florida citrus industry continues to be adversely affected by long-term challenges—citrus greening—and recent disasters—Hurricane Irma. With four months’ worth of citrus forecasts in the history books, it’s easy to see the
Whether for Show, Breeding, or Recreation, there are Many Reasons to Consider Owning this Breed by TERESA SCHIFFER If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a horse, a Miniature Horse could be your dream come true. Whether you are a first-time horse owner or a veteran breeder, the modern American Miniature Horse is an excellent breed
Growers Looking Forward to Good Season by CHERYL ROGERS Damage to the Plant City area strawberry crop appears to have been minimal when temperatures dipped below freezing in January. “We’re not at peak production, but we’re pretty close,” says Joel Connell, production manager at Grimes Farms, where temperatures dipped to 22 degrees Fahrenheit. “Our freeze
by MARY TOOTHMAN We asked Sweetheart Milli Jones, 21 and a junior agricultural education and communications major at the University of Florida, for suggestions on getting young people psyched about the cattle industry. Her recent experience working as a substitute teacher has enhanced her insight into how to give young people positive ideas about the industry.
UF/IFAS Plant Camp Offers Florida Educators a Close Look at Florida Flora and Fauna by GRACE BOGGESS The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has opened applications for its popular and free 2018 Plant Camp and will be accepted until February 18. The five-day workshop takes place from June 11 to
Local Citrus Grower Named 2018 4R Advocate by TFI by ERIKA ALDRICH Fertilizer has always played an important role in agriculture, and it’s more important than ever with a growing world population and the need to grow more on less land. It’s also become apparent that the unsystematic use of fertilizers is bad for the
Homeowners Get Growing with Plants for Pollinators, Succulents, Foodscaping, and More story by CHERYL ROGERS photos by LUIS BETANCOURT HEDGES out of rosemary? Purple cabbage interspersed with croton shrubs? Don’t be surprised. People seem to be looking for something healthy— and something different— in the landscaping and gardening scene. Vegetable gardening, a long-term trend, continues
Beautiful Ornamentals that are Dangerous for Livestock by TERESA SCHIFFER Raising livestock can be a tricky business. There are a lot of details to attend to, especially when it comes to proper nutrition. It can be tempting to simply turn creatures out into the field and let them rummage on their own, but this can
Florida Equine Community Reported More Than 40 Cases in Past Year by MARY TOOTHMAN The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has confirmed several recent additional premises with strangles in the state — bringing the total number to 42 in the past year. Strangles, a highly contagious upper respiratory disease found in horses, was
by COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ADAM H. PUTNAM Florida is home to more than 1.5 million veterans and more than 20 military bases, and my goal is for the Sunshine State to be the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. While there truly is not enough that we can do to show our gratitude, we should
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
Florida Growers have been installing their own weather stations in increasing numbers. With help from the UF/IFAS Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), they have been able to more accurately determine when to irrigate to protect their crops from freezes. “The onsite data is exponentially more useful,” explains Rick Lusher, FAWN director. But this fiscal year,
THERE ARE SOME pairings that take no thought at all. If someone asked you to say the first thing that came to your mind after the words “peanut butter,” odds are you would immediately reply, “jelly.” Along those same lines, if someone said, “citrus, ”you more than likely would reply, “Sunshine State,” or if someone
Polk County Team Competes for State Ranch Rodeo Championship Title by, ERIKA ALDRICH Hurricane Irma changed a lot of folks’ plans in Florida in the month of September, but the not the Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals. With many different events closing or being postponed, there were fears the storm may have affected the holding of
A new program hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center is helping local farmers and producers to maximize their growth potential through export sales! This program provides a scholarship to qualified recipients, which facilities the development of a uniquely customized Agribusiness Export Marketing Plan. These plans assist “new-to-export” and “currently exporting” growers and value-added
Southern Staples For Your Farmhouse Table There’s nothing like good, old Southern cookin’ to make a body feel satisfied – physically and mentally. You just want to kick back and put your feet up for a while. Some of it is the raw ingredients that say stability and love – chicken, green beans, sweet potatoes
Local Large Animal Vet Specializing in Bovine and Equine Species Recognized for his Service When Dr. Robert “Doc” Gukich was honored with a prestigious award recently, he said he was taken aback because he didn’t realize anyone had particularly noticed what he was doing at his veterinary practice. But people had indeed noticed. In recognition
Grove Owners Take in the Damage and Map Out a Strategy for Bringing Fields Back to Full Health It was supposed to be a good year for Florida’s citrus growers. With post bloom fruit drop under control, some growers were expecting a rebound— despite the dreaded citrus greening disease. But then came Hurricane Irma, wreaking
Agriculture Taking its Position as Region Plans to Meet Future Water Needs Florida is surrounded by water, but, with current resources, it’s not expected to meet future demands for some 1,100 million gallons a day in Central Florida. So government leaders and landowners are attempting to iron out their differences, among the administrative complications that
Florida Cattle Ranchers Work To Preserve Natural Resources From goldfish to formalized best management practices, farmers and ranchers are working together to save resources that the land has provided. According to thisfarmcares.org: Best Management Practices are a set of guidelines that advises producers on how to manage the water, nutrient, and pesticides they are
A Tradition as Old as Time, Florida Cowboys Compete to Show the Public What it is Like on a Working Cattle Operation The Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo is not your typical bull riding, entertainment rodeo. It’s a fun way to present Florida ranching, and the unique Cracker Cowman way of life to the
Florida Dairy Farmers, Take Note: A Hot Cow is an Unhappy Cow If your dairy cows are not meeting your expectations, you may want to invest in an air-conditioning unit for the cow clubhouse— especially for the females who are expecting and keep that thermostat set fairly low. The results may be well worth any
The Citrus Growing Project of the Polk County Youth Fair is teaching young people responsibility and agricultural lessons through raising citrus trees. Passing knowledge on to the next generation is important in any field, and it’s especially vital to the citrus industry in Florida. With the many innovations that are taking place in growing citrus,
An Alternative to the Traditional Greenhouse Has Been Getting Attention from Growers Across the State by Providing More Environmental Control than an Open Field High tunnels are considered an intermediary between greenhouses and open fields. Most growers use high tunnels in conjunction with growing in the ground as opposed to the hydroponics often found in
Some Growers Go Undercover, While Others Look to Fresh Fruit Production to Diversify Facing a decline in citrus production in the wake of citrus greening, some of Florida’s growers are turning to protective coverings to block the Asian psyllid that spreads the dreaded Huanglongbing or HLB virus. Ten Florida citrus growers have banded together
Barn Manager at the Florida Agricultural Museum Offers These Reminders for Parents and Kids Now that school is out and summer is here, the kids are going to need something to do to keep them busy. Many kids love horses, so equine summer camp is very popular. While they are generally safe for kids to
Farmer Encourages Fellow Growers to Apply for Tree Assistance Program (TAP) and Replant Ask anyone in the business and they will tell you: making a living in the citrus industry is not for the faint of heart. Growers have battled Mother Nature throughout history, struggling to stay in business after experiencing damages left by
Florida Blueberry Growers Vying with Competitors for Lucrative Spring Marketing Window AS FLORIDA’S BLUEBERRY industry matures, increased competition is making it harder for growers to realize dreams of blue gold. “I think there’s going to be a bit of a shakeout in the blueberry business going forward,” asserts Ryan Atwood, a blueberry grower with about
Event Offers Unique Insight into Relevant Topics and Career Opportunities On Thursday, June 22, 2017, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30p.m., students 8-18 years old will have the opportunity to learn about Florida citrus during the Citrus Youth Day.
University of Florida nutrition expert says a glass of milk packs a ‘nutritious punch’ HEALTH-CONSCIOUS PEOPLE may fire up special juicers or buy prepared beverages that are touted to benefit the body— but a strong case can also be made for a good, old-fashioned glass of milk. As National Dairy Month is recognized in June,
Beef Producers Rise Above the Challenges to Preserve and Prosper the Ranching Way of Life Florida born-and-bred beef has made its way into the grocery under the brand name Florida Cattle Ranchers, LLC. In response to consumers’ interest in locally-grown food, 13 ranchers have banded together to develop this Florida beef brand. “Millennials, they care
A Ranch Where a Variety of Equine Training Methods and Cultures Converge If you’re looking for an example of diversity in a field, look no further than Spring Lane Ranch in south Lakeland. Owners Heather and Darrel Shea have brought together a team of horse trainers who exemplify the notion that a variety of styles
Youth and Ranchers Are Gearing Up for the Commercial Steer Show Agricultural fairs have a rich legacy in Polk County. It was in the 1940s that the community came together to fund a pavilion in Bartow specifically for young people to compete in agricultural and domestic projects. Over the years, the Polk County Youth Fair
Florida Ag Industry Sees a Rising Trend in African-American Farmers Seventy-nine-year-old Herman Hargrett Sr., a retired ag teacher, is one of the few black farmers in Florida. But their numbers are growing.
Celebrating Women in Ag and Female Leadership at UF/IFAS Agriculture is in Dr. Jeanna Mastrodicasa’s blood. Each year, her grandfather would plant a robust garden for the family to enjoy in the Massachusetts town she grew up in. On the other side of her family, her great grandmother packed grapefruit in Indian River County. Dr.
CATTLE RANCHING in Florida has a long and storied past that may surprise you. The first cattle were brought here with Ponce De Leon and the Spanish explorers in 1521. Those seven Andalusians were likely the ancestors of the Florida scrub cattle that later became the herds of both Seminole natives and pioneer settlers.
RECENTLY, FOUR TITANS of agriculture were inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Among them was W. Bernard Lester, age 78, who was born in Havana and graduated from UF CALS. Lester has been described by John Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau, as a “tireless advocate on behalf of Florida agriculture for
Cassidy Polston joins family in cattle-raising tradition CASSIDY POLSTON AND her family were living a typical suburban lifestyle. As a little girl, she was thinking about becoming a lawyer or a chef. But something changed when her oldest sister Brittany bought a cow while attending Lakeland High School.
THE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER, a rare variation of its three-leaf counterpart, has long been recognized as a symbol of good luck. If a person stumbles upon this treasure, then the holder is sure to be the recipient of a most fortuitous blessing. As if she had that lucky charm in her pocket all along, one 4-H
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT signing up your child for horseback riding lessons? Before they get in the saddle, make sure your young, novice rider is prepared, and remember these three things:
A ROBOT THAT CAN PICK strawberries may ease the industry’s labor problem and revolutionize the way crops are harvested. “This machine itself is being designed specifically for the strawberry,” says Gary Wishnatzki, a third-generation family-owner of Plant City’s Wish Farms, who is partnering in the project. “We’re not going to stop with strawberries … There’s
Miss Florida Citrus Stephanie Capon wrapping up an exciting and industry-promoting year STEPHANIE CAPON has only two more months left in her role as Miss Florida Citrus 2016, but she will forever be part of a unique group of women who have worked side by side with the industry to help market Florida’s citrus throughout
