Features

Features

PCFB Members at Lakeland Downtown Farmers Market

photo provided by POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU Polk Young Farmer and Rancher members Peyton Putnam...

Coming Together

Homeland Community Farm Becoming a Reality by JULIE BUTTERFIELD Homeland Community Farm started as a...

Resources & Researchers Rally to Save State’s Iconic Crop

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida The orange has long been...

Ag Lessons Become Life Lessons

ESE Educators Use Ag to Teach Transferable Skills by PAUL CATALA The school days can...

Dedication & Commitment

3 Ag Teachers Leave Lasting Legacies by PAUL CATALA From 2001 to 2013, David Byrd...

In Her Genes

Lakeland Teen a Rising Star in Cattle Breeding by RYAN MILEJCZAK Right here in the...

El Niño Winter Complicates Caladium Harvest for Some

by JULIE BUTTERFIELD The caladium harvest season is always a bustling time filled with challenges...

Time to Warm Up for Run the Ranch 5K

by MICHELLE GREENE In the heart of Highlands County, where agriculture and ranching are not...

Are You Pickin’?

With Florida’s strawberry season in full swing, many farms are holding u-pick events. This is...

From Treetops to Rooftops

Report Sounds Alarm on Projected Effect of Development on Florida Agriculture by PAUL CATALA When...

Re-Elected FSGA President Raburn on Advocacy and the Season

by REBEKAH PIERCE  As the Florida strawberry season is in full swing, the industry stands...

Chill Helps Sweeten the Season

High Demand, Cool Temps Have Strawberry Growers Smiling This Season by RYAN MILEJCZAK It’s February...

Florida Continues to Dominate the Strawberry Market

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida is a major agricultural...

Future Agvocates

Two Ag Students Named Recipients of Warner University Scholarship by K. MICHELE TRICE Florida Farm...

2024 Polk County Youth Fair / Bartow, Florida

photos by THOMAS HAGERTYClick here for the 2024 Polk County Youth Fair Parade of Champions...

Signs of the Season: Florida Knows Winter … Winter Vegetables, That Is

by RYAN MILEJCZAK  Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida While strawberries often steal the spotlight...

Boomin’ Blooms

Florida a Powerhouse for Horticulture, Landscape Industries by REBEKAH PIERCE Have you ever taken the...

The Wait Is Almost Over

Polk County Youth Fair Just Weeks Away by PAUL CATALAphotos by TOM HAGERTY (2023) The...

Highlands County Ag Tours Start in February

by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County Agriculture is Central Florida’s largest industry. We are...

Water Wise & Florida Friendly

Smart Landscaping Choices Can Help Save Water While Still Keeping Your Lawn Lush by RYAN...

From Armed Forces to Work Forces

Program Trains Veterans in Ag Industries to Ease Transition to Civilian Life by PAUL CATALA...

Highlands 4-H Youth Mean Business 

by KATI LAWSON, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County Small, shaky hands charged by excitement worked to...

Where Has All the Citrus Gone? 

(Figure 1) What appears to be a healthy row of trees is most likely infected...

Inspiration & Direction

Reflections From the National FFA Convention by SARAH TRUE, Polk County Farm Bureau Last month...

‘Invisible Fences’

New Project Keeps Cattle on Ranch, Helps Protect Environment story and photos by BRAD BUCK...

Cream of the Crop

Polk County’s Jason Watts of Florida Best Farms Named Florida Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farmer of...

Ag Amplified

Research on Controlled Environment Agriculture Reaching New Heights With Vertical Farming Labs by PAUL CATALA...

Florida Bell Pepper Production Is Better Than Ever / Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida When it comes to Florida...

Leveling the Playing Field

UF Agriculture Economist Using AgTools to Give Growers an Edge by K. MICHELE TRICE Dr...

Sebring Gears Up for Nov. 18 Let It Grow Garden Festival & Plant Sale

by JUDI BENTLEY photos by DAVID AUSTIN The Master Gardener Volunteers 2023 Let It Grow...

 Distinguished Career

2023 Woman of the Year in Ag Reflects on Service, Giving Back by PAUL CATALA...

Mind Your Melon

Marshal Sewell’s Pain and Loss Become a Lifeline for Others by Ryan Milejczak Farming is...

‘Grounded in the Land’

Painter Blair Updike Uses Art to Advance Conservation by K. MICHELE TRICE photos by LEXI...

Florida Leads the Nation in Cucumber Production 

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida When it comes to vegetables...

Honoring Our Ag Heritage

Murals Memorialize Florida’s Roots in Ag by PAUL CATALA Throughout much of Florida’s history, agriculture...

South Florida State College Alum Following Her Dreams in FWC

by PAUL CATALA Angela Shope says “from day one” she’s known she wanted to get...

Growing Interest

Culinary Initiative Poised to Pick Up Steam as Awareness Spreads by PAUL CATALA Polk County...

Ag Program of the Year

Westwood Middle Teacher Says Students Rose to the Challenge by K. MICHELE TRICE With more...

Ag Teacher of the Year

Bartow High’s Lexi Sanchez: It Never Feels Like Work by K. MICHELE TRICE Lexi Sanchez...

Signs of the Season: Despite Greening, Florida Citrus Industry Remains Resilient

by RYAN MILEJCZAK Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Citrus is, without a doubt...

2023-24 Citrus Season Forecast

Expectations in Industry Remain Mixed, but OTC Injections and Mild Hurricane Season Foster Optimism by...

Signs of the Season: Florida Panhandle a Powerhouse for Peanut Crop / Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida What makes peanuts so unbelievably...

Welcome Kati Lawson!

New Highlands County Extension Director and 4-H Agent Brings a Passion for Education by TERESA...

Does Macadamia Have a Future in Florida?

by JESS McDONALD As Florida growers try their hand at new crops, some are testing...

Rooting for Success

Lake Wales Creating Grove Community Garden to Harvest Food, Fellowship by  PAUL CATALA When Dorothy...

Florida Roots

Former Extension Director Hill Inducted into Florida 4-h Hall of Fame by TERESA SCHIFFER William...

Embracing Growth

Bartow High Graduate Emma Self Elected State FFA Area IV Vice President by K. MICHELE...

New Opportunity

Two Polk Schools Get Aquaponics Systems Through FDACS by K. MICHELE TRICE Support from the...

Florida Panhandle a Powerhouse for Peanut Crop

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida What makes peanuts so unbelievably...

Open to Opportunity

A Look at Florida’s Emerging Crops by PAUL CATALA In the midst of a lengthy...

The Flower and the Honey Bee: A Vital Bond

by AMANDA JOHNSON, president, Heartland Beekeepers Association In the mesmerizing world of nature’s intricate relationships...

Scorching Summer

Florida’s Extreme Heat Presents Challenges for Growers, Ranchers, and Animals by K. MICHELE TRICE  Most...

End of an Era

Bradenton’s Iconic Mixon Fruit Farms Shuts Doors After 84 Years by PAUL CATALA photos provided...

Reconnect, Recharge, Repeat

Backpacking Puts You In Touch With Nature and Yourself by K. MICHELE TRICE Photos by...

Great Guavas! Florida’s Steamy Climate Nurtures the Tropical Treat

by TERESA SCHIFFERSponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it...

Adorabull Agritourism

Highland Cattle a Hit at Plant City’s Cow Creek Farm by RYAN MILEJCZAKphotos provided by...

Farm-to-Fork Mission

Sponsored by Visit Central Florida From grapefruit pie to pork belly wraps, fresh produce to...

District 8 Women’s Leadership Conference

Members of the Highlands County ag community attended the District 8 Women’s Leadership Conference at...

Crowned and Ready

Meet Newly Crowned Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Whitnie Yoder by RYAN MILEJCZAK The Florida Cattlemen’s Association...

Shining Bright

Three Recent Graduates Receive Will Putnam Young Farmer and Rancher Scholarship by K. MICHELE TRICE...

Good Stewards

Island Grove Receives Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award by K. MICHELE TRICE photos provided by ISLAND GROVE...

2023 Citrus Achievement Award

Glenn Beck Honored for His Contributions to the industry, Fight Against Greening by PAUL CATALA...

Annual Citrus Report 2023

Hurricanes, Greening Deal Devastating Blow to Growers by PAUL CATALA Despite a minute uptick in...

Signs of the Season

Mangoes Thrive in South Florida’s Tropical Climate by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of...

2023 Annual Highlands County Farm Bureau Cracker Shoot

April 29, 2023Quail Creek Sporting Ranch, Okeechobee...

Researchers Have One Caveat for Us of UV Light on Strawberry Pest

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent Growers can use ultraviolet light and predatory mites to help...

Two Teachers Headed to National Ag in the Classroom Conference

by K. MICHELE TRICE Teaching students the value of agriculture and the variety of forms...

Agri-News

New Study Discovers Human Interaction May Reduce Calves’ Stress During Important Life Stage by STELLA...

Going for the Green

Frostproof Grower Trades Citrus for Avocados by TERESA SCHIFFER photos by MICHAEL WILSON Mitch McLellan...

Red, White, and Blueberries

From Migrant Workers to Farm Owners: Castro Family Is Proof of the American Dream by...

The Future of Farming is Here

Autonomous Electric Monarch Tractor Brings the Latest Advancements to the Fields by PAUL CATALA Growers...

2023 Blueberry Roundup

Hurricanes Made This Year’s Harvest a Trying Time for Some Growers by PAUL CATALADuring the...

Right Now, Right Here: Florida Cantaloupe Ripe for the Picking

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida When it comes to summer...

We Have a Winner!

American National CattleWomen Foundation Names Peyton Chandley as 1 of 2 Scholarship Recipients by JULIE...

Florida’s Warm Temps Make for Mouth-Watering Watermelon

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida What goes great with long...

2023 Annual Highlands County Farm Bureau Cracker Shoot

April 29, 2023 | Quail Creek Sporting Ranch, Okeechobee...

Taking It to the Hill

Christian Spinosa, Other Ag Leaders Discuss Top Issues With Lawmakers by PAUL CATALA Fifth-generation Florida...

Digging In

Warner University Ag Program Gives Students Hands-On Experience and an Edge on Careers by TERESA...

Young & Buzzworthy

Teen With 10 Years of Experience Serves as President of Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association by...

The Ultimate Agvocate

Rising Leader Kateland Raney Is Passionate About Ag by K. MICHELE TRICE photos by IMAGES...

Heart & Horsepower

Sheriff’s Mounted Division Essential for Polk County by TERESA SCHIFER photos provided by the Polk...

Protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor

$46.6 Million Approved to Conserve More Than 21,000 Acres Across Florida With Earth Day quickly...

Signs of the Season

Florida Leads the Nation With Early Blueberry Harvest Window by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm...

Save Time and Energy With a Florida-Friendly Yard

by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension, Highlands County Is your yard and landscaping a joy or...

FWC Hosting Florida WildQuest From April 28-May 7

https://floridanaturetrackers.com/wildquest/ From April 28-May 7, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting the...

Leaving Hoofprints on Hearts

Heartland Horses Harnesses the Power of Community to Provide Therapeutic Riding by KENZIE CARLSON  photos...

Agri-Update

From U-Pick to the Grocery Store, Florida’s Blueberries Make for a Tasty Treat by BRAD...

More Than a Crown and a Sash

Newly Named Miss Florida Citrus Casana Fink Immerses Herself in Advocacy by MICHELE K. TRICE...

Equine Health Emergency on the Horizon

Veterinary Crisis Looms With Shortage of Equine Specialists by TERESA SCHIFFER A crisis is brewing...

Cattle Industry Outlook

Polk Ranchers Wrestle Development, Rising Costs to Meet Demand by PAUL CATALA Regardless of the...

Signs of The Season

Florida a Heavy Hitter in U.S. Tomato Production by TERESA SCHIFFERSponsored by Farm Credit of...

Feeding the Community, Feeding Young Minds

Students Make RISE Institute’s Urban Farm Sustainable by TERESA SCHIFFER photos provided by MATTHEW CROXTON ...

The Power of ‘Can’

Frostproof Boy Doesn’t Let Condition Limit His Drive by PAUL CATALA photos by MICHAEL WILSON...

Struggle, Not Surrender

Florida’s Citrus Industry Still a Vital Economic Force by RUTH BORGER, UF/IFAS correspondent Despite challenges...

UF/IFAS to Evaluate Lessons Learned From Hurricane Ian

by RUTH BORGER, UF/IFAS correspondent While Hurricane Ian lasted just a few days, a University...

Event Preview

Seminar to Shed Light on Beekeeping in Florida by LOUIS RODRIGUEZ ROSADO Introduction to the...

In The Heartland

Photos provided by HIGHLANDS COUNTY CATTLEWOMEN On Saturday, March 4, the Highlands County Cattlewomen hosted...

Event Highlight

2023 Polk County Agri-Fest photos provided by POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU...

2023 Florida Strawberry Festival

Photos by TOM HAGERTY...

2023 Florida State Fair

Photos by TOM HAGERTY...

Equine Veterinarian Holds Camps for Aspiring Youths

by TERESA SCHIFFER Many children express the desire to become veterinarians when they grow up...

Ag Perspective: A Trip Down South

Ever since I studied geography in fifth grade, I have had an interest in visiting...

UF/IFAS Rethinks Food Possibilities With 3D Food Printer

by STELLA CANFIELD, UF/IFAS correspondent For years, 3D printers have become an increasingly useful technology...

Looking for the Sweet Spot

Delays, Disease Have Strawberry Growers Hoping Season Picks Up by PAUL CATALA The outlook so...

Check Out What’s in Store for this year’s Strawberry Festival

by KRISTEN GUEVARA It’s a berry exciting time of year! The 88th Florida Strawberry Festival...

Signs of the season

Florida’s Strawberry Success More Than a Century in the Making by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by...

Florida Roots

Peggy Parke Celebrates 50 Years With Iconic Farm by K. MICHELE TRICE photos by MICHAEL...

Agri-News

Researchers Hope to Change How Homeowners Think of Irrigation by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS You set...

Angler Breaks Two State Saltwater Fishing Records in One Day

myfwc.com/news/all-news/saltwater-records-1222/ When Matthew Marovich set out fishing on August 26, 2022, he didn’t know he...

Equal in the Ring

Central Florida Youth in Ag to Debut Adaptive Showmanship Class for Kids With Special Needs...

Three Highlands County Teachers Receive Mini-Grants to Fund Lessons

by JULIE GMITTER Each year, the Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee awards $250 Mini-Grants...

Event Preview

Polk County Youth Fair Ready for Action by PAUL CATALA photos by THOMAS HAGERTY (2022)...

Keeping it Local

New Meat Processing Facility Aims to Rewire Supply Chain by JESSICA McDONALD & PAUL CATALA...

Worldly Fare

Winter Haven Nursery Brings Globe’s Rare Edible Plants to Central Florida by TERESA SCHIFFER When...

Yard & Garden

A Look at the Top Trends in Central Florida Landscaping by GRACE HIRDES Landscaping and...

Signs of the Season

Avocados Have a Long History, Even Longer Fan List by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm...

Agri-Update

UF Study Uses UV Lamps to Control Strawberry Pest by UF/IFAS With about 11,000 acres...

Agri-News

UF/IFAS Research Fuels the Future, Feeds the Less Fortunate by UF/IFAS UF/IFAS research and education...

In the Heartland

Ag Angels’ Success Makes Way for Even More Opportunities For the last 15 years, Scott...

FWC Proposes Rule to Improve Survival of Reslea

https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/desc-devices-comm-1222/ At its Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Commission meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission...

In Search of Solutions

Citrus Greening Bacteria’s Complex Relationship With Tree Defense System Creates Challenges by UF/IFAS At the...

New Hope for Citrus

Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride Injections Stir New Hope in the Industry by PAUL CATALA Although not yet...

Little Chef Makes it Big

Lakeland’s Emmersyn Smith Takes Second Place in Lunchroom Wars Student Chef Cookoff By KRISTEN GUEVARA...

Fresh From the Farm

AdventHealth Celebration’s Freight Farm Prioritizes Nutrition and Sustainability by PAUL CATALA While most of us...

Signs of the Season

Sugarcane a Sweet Infusion for Florida Economy by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of...

Feeding the Bees

Emergency Donation Event Organized to Help Florida Beekeepers Affected by Hurricane Ian story and photos...

Leveraging Technology

AI Center to Provide a Boost for Agriculture by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent Agriculture is...

Memories to Masterpieces

Highlands County Painter Brings Florida Scenes to Life  by TERESA SCHIFFERphotos by JESSICA McDONALD The...

Ag Academics

Elementary Agriculture Science Program Off to a Strong Start at Willow Oak story and photos...

At the Intersection of Art, Science, and Conservation

Photographer Carlton Ward Jr. Uses His Work to Emphasize the Importance of Conservation by KRISTEN...

Signs of the Season

Florida Grapefruit Production Down, but Not Out  by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of...

Leading the Future

Auburndale High School’s Kimberly Shaske Named Polk County Farm Bureau 2022 Ag Teacher of the...

A Program of Pride and Passion

Dundee Ridge Middle FFA Takes Title of Polk County Farm Bureau 2022 Program of the...

Building on Success

Dundee Citrus Growers Association Expanding CUPS Acreage by TERESA SCHIFFER Steve Callaham and the Dundee...

2022-23 Citrus Forecast

Growers’ Early Optimism, Resilience Shine Despite Hurricane Ian by TERESA SCHIFFER photo by MONGI ZEKRI/SWFREC...

A Lifetime of Service

Gene McAvoy Is No Stranger to the Ag Community, but His Vast Experience Might Still...

Florida Citrus Industry Perseveres Despite Challenges / Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Nothing says “Florida” quite like...

2022 Woman of the Year in Agriculture

Glades Crop Care’s Madeline Mellinger Honored as Innovator in Integrated Pest Management  by JULIE GMITTER  For...

In the Heartland

Conservation Easement for Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch Approved by JULIE GMITTER Just 15 miles northwest...

Get Your Trek On

Polk County’s Trek Ten Trails Program an Easy Way to Explore Parks, Nature by GRACE...

A Mission of Trust

Lakeland Nonprofit Offers Equine Therapy to Help Veterans by TIM CRAIG photos provided by THE...

New Digs

Children’s Museum Will Teach About Florida Ecology and Agriculture  by PAUL CATALA The new Bonnet...

A Breath of Fresh Air

New Bonnet Springs Park to Bring Touch of Ag to Lakeland by PAUL CATALA photos...

Not a Huge Producer of Pumpkins, Florida Still Grows Its Share; Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida The days are growing shorter...

Event Highlight: The Landscape Show

by TERESA SCHIFFER From August 24-26, Central Florida landscapers, nursery growers, and other professional horticulturalists...

Sebring’s Lala Land Exotic Animal Educates About Conservation

by PAUL CATALAphotos provided by LALA LAND It all started with a box and a...

Ag Roots Run Deep for New Highlands Farm Bureau Coordinator

by TERESA SCHIFFER Central Florida Ag News would like to welcome the new coordinator for...

Two UF Startups Join the Effort to Help Citrus Growers

by TIM CRAIG A pair of start-up companies housed in one of the University of...

Wine & Sunshine

Clermont’s Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards Offers Education, Tours, and Tastings by PAUL CATALA photos provided...

True Florida Shines Through Agritourism

by ANNABEL ROCHA For most tourists, Florida — especially Central Florida — is almost synonymous...

Signs of the Season / Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Ranks Second Only to California in Avocado Production by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm...

Colorful Creations

UF Releases Four New Varieties of Caladium ...

Agri-News

Can Tea Become Florida’s Next Commodity?...

Florida Roots

Hunt Bros. Packinghouse Closure Leaves Only 13 in Operation in Florida...

Signs of the Season / Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Leads the Nation in Watermelon Production...

Safety First

Common Sense, Caution Go a Long Way in Prevention...

Microgreens Go Macro

Zolfo Springs’ Florida Grows Expands to Wauchula as Business Booms...

Citrus Season Roundup

After Disappointing Season, Growers Hope Research Will Slow the Slide...

Struggle & Sweet Reward

Florida Watermelon Growers Fighting Inflation, Pests...

A Growing Interest

Research Sheds Light on Which Compact Tomatoes Grow Well Indoors...

Equipped to Adapt

Mechanical Harvesting Gaining Popularity Amid Increased Imports, Labor Woes...

Investing in the Future

Warner University Student Payton Ogburn Receives Farm Bureau Scholarship...

Signs of the Season / Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Drives the Early Domestic Blueberry Market...

Blueberry Harvest Solid in 2022

Florida Growers Produce 21.5 Million Pounds, but Some Counties Suffered Losses...

FFA Corner: Polk Gears Up for State Convention, Welcomes New Officers

by JESSICA ANDERSON As the school year comes to a close, FFA members are excited...

Sowing Seeds for the Future 

Jessica Anderson Helps to Create Avenues for Teachers, Students...

The Woman Behind Central Florida Youth in Agriculture 

Laura Taylor Recognized a Need That She and Her Husband Knew They Could Fill...

Inflation Nation

Naples Farmer Talks About the Toll of Rising Prices...

Signs of the Season, sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Poultry Operations Help Drive the Economy...

Taking Texas by Storm

Polk County Teen Wins Grand Champion Bull at Houston Show ...

FFA Corner: Students Excel in Career Development Events

by JESSICA ANDERSON Polk County FFA students have been working hard in the past month...

Dream in Progress

With a Decade of Experience Under Her Belt, Teen Sets Her Sights on the Future...

Holding Steady

Polk County Cattle Industry Doing Well Despite Challenges With Growth, Inflation by PAUL CATALA Even...

Rescue, Rehabilitate, Re-Home

RVR Horse Rescue Helps Horses in Need Get Back on Their Feet by PAUL CATALA...

Signs of the Season: Cattle Are an Integral Part of Florida Economy

sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by TERESA SCHIFFER When people think of cattle...

Meet the New PCCA Sweetheart

Peyton Chandley Talks About the Beef Industry and Her Goals  by ANNABEL ROCHA   Eighth-generation...

Setting a Path for the Future

Scarlett Jackson Working on Establishing Ag Education Standards by PAMELA PALONGUE Where do the farmers...

Buzzing With Bees Day Camp

Youths to Learn Why Bees Are So Important by LUIS R. RODRIGUEZ, Small Farms Agent, ...

In the Heartland: Avon Park’s Bullock Farms Expanding Into Produce

by PAUL CATALA Since 2013, things have been fishy for Rob Bullock. But since Feb...

FFA Corner: Polk County Celebrates National FFA Week 2022

by JESSICA ANDERSON   National FFA Week 2022 proved to be a fun and exciting...

The Critical Need for Youth Leaders

Sarah Rogers runs a bit of a livestock library for her fellow 4-Hers and FFAers...

Signs of the Season: Florida Leads Nation in Tangerine Production

sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Tangerines are a sweet, succulent treat that can...

New Florida Farm Bureau District 5 Field Rep

Ellen Cruz Eager to Use Ag Background and Degree in Role by TERESA SCHIFFER   ...

Three Decades and Thriving

Agri-Fest Adapts to Stay Relevant Over the Years After a year of virtual-only events, Polk...

FFA Corner

Polk FFA Starts the Year Off Right by JESSICA ANDERSON Polk County FFA Federation has...

UF Plant Breeding Program Draws Top Talent to Help Florida Growers

A reigning Big Ten Conference track and field champion is training on the front lawn...

Signs of the Season: Florida a Key Player in Nation’s Strawberry Production

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida   Each winter, we get...

Spotlight on Small Farmers

New Micro Farm Crop Insurance Now Available by MATT COBBLE The dawn of 2022 is...

Ensuring a Sweet Future

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative’s Patrick Arnold Works to Keep Sugar Industry Sustainable, Eco-friendly by PAUL...

Innovation in the Fields

Harvest CROO Technology Helps Growers Overcome Challenges by TERESA SCHIFFER One of the biggest challenges...

Food for the Masses

Brick Street Farms Takes Hydroponic Vertical Farming to Urban Communities    by TERESA SCHIFFER   ...

Florida’s Agricultural Innovations Ensure More Food Choices and an Economic Boost

by J. SCOTT ANGLE Last summer’s historic heat in the West scorched our food supply...

Signs of the Season: Ornamental, Horticulture Industries Play Big Role in State’s Economy

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Florida’s subtropical climate means the...

An Eye Toward the Future

Woman of the Year in Ag Angela TenBroeck Focusing on Sustainability by PAUL CATALA  ...

Polk Gears Up for Youth Fair

This year’s event, set for January 22-28, will have familiar favorites and a new event...

Family Trees

Father’s Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Dream Blossoms Under Daughter’s Direction by TIM CRAIG  In a way...

Recognizing Citrus Giants

Three Chosen for 2022 Citrus Hall of Fame by HEATHER MACHOVINA The Florida Citrus Hall...

THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IS COMING

The increasing cost of production is on everyone’s mind this year. Farm income is expected...

Alternative Power

Floating Solar Panels Introduce New Possibilities for Ag by PAMELA PALONGUE   Many people, including...

The Future Is Taking Shape Right Now

The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center demonstrated once again at the recent Florida Ag...

Signs of the Season: Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida   When we think of...

Polk County Farm Bureau 2021 Outstanding Ag Program of the Year

Southwest Middle School Katrina Lynn, Ag Teacher story by CAROLE MCKENZIE, Polk County Farm Bureau...

Read the Fine Print

Who Owns and Controls Farm Data? by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent With the rapid development...

Agriculture Advocate

Scarlett Jackson Moves On to National Competition for Excellence Award by TIM CRAIG For Scarlett...

Polk County Farm Bureau 2021 Outstanding Ag Teacher of the Year Selena Paul of Kathleen Middle School

story by CAROLE MCKENZIE, Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director photos by MACI MAY, Bartow...

New IFAS Dean Plans to Modernize Extension

Dr. Andra Johnson, who started as dean of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Is Second-Largest Producer of Bell Peppers in U.S. by TERESA SCHIFFER   Sponsored by...

Plant This, Not That

UF/IFAS Extension’s Guide Identifies Invasive Plants by TORY MOORE, UF/IFAS correspondent Florida’s climate makes a...

The Beauty of Bok Tower

Intricate, Carefully Planned Details Make Carillon Tower One of a Kind by TIM CRAIG  ...

‘Bitter Is Better’ for Craft Beer Enthusiasts

UF/IFAS Researchers Try Their Hand at 22 Hops Varieties  by BRAD BUCK,  UF/IFAS correspondent  ...

A Learning Process

Florida Hemp Farmers Use Lessons of Previous Years to Forge Ahead by TERESA SCHIFFER When...

Capturing a Fleeting Scene

Lakeland artist Daniel Butler works to preserve the disappearing natural Florida landscape. story by PAUL...

Florida Ag Expo to Bring Cutting-Edge Science to Growers

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida  When it comes to naming...

Embracing Her Role

Intermediate Florida Beef Ambassador Excited to Share Her Passion by TERESA SCHIFFER It’s only natural...

Inspired to Overcome

Equine Therapy Program Reaches Teens, Adults With Disabilities On a New Level by PAUL CATALA...

2021-2022 Citrus Forecast

Growers Cautiously Eye Weather, Drop Rate Heading Into New Season by TIM CRAIG As the...

Advances Against Greening

Fungal Pathogen Effective Control for Insect Associated With Citrus Greening   by ROBIN KOESTOYO, UF/IFAS correspondent...

New Highlands Extension Agent

Lourdes Pérez Cordero Brings Her Knowledge of Entomology to the Team by RUTH BORGER, UF/IFAS...

Turning Property to Profit Sponsored by Ag America Lending

Three Ways to Generate Revenue on Your Recreational Land Rural land is a long-term and...

More Than a Ride

Airboat Tours Offer Lessons in History and Florida Ecology by PAUL CATALA photos by MICHAEL...

Tropical Aquaculture Lab a Pillar in the Industry

by Erika Aldrich One of the great surprises of my first year as leader of...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Mushrooms an Important Part of Florida’s Agriculture by ERIKA ALDRICH Many crops are grown year-round...

Fighting Disease

Newest Tool May Be Found in Citrus Microbiome  by RUTH BORGER, UF/IFAS correspondent The next...

Stepping Up

Senior Beef Ambassador Takes On Challenge of Awareness, Education   by TERESA SCHIFFER   Emile...

Florida Roots

St. Cloud’s Deseret Cattle & Citrus Wins 2021 BQA Cow-Calf Award provided to CENTRAL FLORIDA...

No Rest for the Weary

Inflation and Supply Challenges Are Tough, but Those in Florida Ag Industry Are Tougher  by...

Signs of the Season

Florida Taps Into the Tropics With Guava by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of...

Challenging Conventional Wisdom Uncovers Deeper Truths

One of the jobs of UF/IFAS scientists is to challenge conventional wisdom. You don’t want...

Hitting the Mark

4-H Shooting Clubs Help Keep Life Goals On Target by TIM CRAIG For Diane Sharp...

Guidance for Small Farmers

Help Us Welcome New Extension Agent Luis Rodriguez Rosado by TERESA SCHIFFER The UF/IFAS Extension...

Home-Grown Taste

Weeki Wachee Distillery Offers Tours, Tastings, Outdoor Fun by PAUL CATALA photos by Jessica and...

The Right Way to See Florida

Great Climate, Crops Mean Opportunities for Agritourism Abound by TERESA SCHIFFER Central Florida is a...

Five Factors Impacting Florida Citrus

SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUP TIONS • With consumers engaging in pandemic pantry preparation, the demand for...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Temperature, Humidity Ideal for Watermelon by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central...

CUPS Runneth Over

Brothers Jerry and Keith Mixon Keep Trees Thriving With Citrus Under Protective Screens by PAUL...

Florida Roots

Larry Black Receives Citrus Achievement Award by TERESA SCHIFFER For Larry Black, Florida citrus isn’t...

Getting It Right With the 4Rs

Griffin Fertilizer Forum Promotes Crop Nutrient Stewardship story and photo by PAUL CATALA In elementary...

Annual Citrus Report

Growers Faced Familiar Challenges as Late Rally Holds Hope for the Future by TIM CRAIG...

Building Premier Blueberry Breeding Headquarters

by SCOTT ANGLE To build a better blueberry, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food...

Minor Scores Major Win

Longwood Boy Places Second in Inaugural Cooking Competition by PAUL CATALA Nathaniel Forkin could’ve made...

Blueberry Rebound

2021 Harvest Up 4.9 Million Pounds From Last Year by PAUL CATALA Blueberry grower Kyle...

The Greening Challenge

Executive Director of CRDF Tweaks Approach to Research by HEATHER MACHOVINA Rick Dantzler, executive director...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Cantaloupe Thrive in Florida’s Warm Climate  by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central...

Florida Blueberries Prized for Health Benefits, Freshness

sponsored by FARM CREDIT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA by ERIKA ALDRICH It’s that time of year...

Cultivating Female Talent

Natalia Peres worked more than a decade as the only female faculty researcher at the...

Fair Play, Fair Work

Florida State Fair Executive Director Cheryl Flood Maintains Balance Between Education, Entertainment by PAUL CATALA...

Out of the Spotlight

Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director Carole McKenzie Talks About Her Work Behind the Scenes...

Networking Opportunity

Florida Industrial Hemp Conference to Offer Education, Guidance, Community by HEATHER MACHOVINA The industrial hemp...

Solid Roots

7th-Generation Rancher Leigh Ann Wynn Talks About Female Role Models, Her Future as Next PCFB...

All in the Family

From Steer to Blueberries and Citrus, Lausanne Walter’s Family Knows Agriculture  by TERESA SCHIFFER Lausanne...

Five Ways To Improve Land Profitability

Sponsored by Ag America Lending Agriculture is a resourceful industry and farmers understand the potential...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Climate Perfect for Peanuts by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida...

More Than Academics

Warner University’s Ag Program Tailored for Potential by TERESA SCHIFFER When Warner Southern College opened...

New Hope for Citrus?

UF Researchers Discover a Potential Way to Control Greening by HEATHER MACHOVINA UF researchers have...

Taking the Reins

Polk County’s Special Olympics Equestrian Team Builds More Than Skill by PAUL CATALA When Angel...

Back to Normalcy?

Beef Industry Taking Ups and Downs in Stride by TIM CRAIG For the Florida livestock...

Oh, the Places They’ve Gone!

Polk Graduates Talk About the Ag Programs That Sparked Their Careers...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

You Say Tomato, We Say Florida’s Finest...

Branching Out

Daniel Jenkins Academy Teacher Incorporates Hands-On Lessons in Agriculture, Sustainability and More...

Is Olive the New Orange?

Florida Growers Court a New Alternative Crop...

New Avenue for Kids

Organization Offers Education, Opportunity and Support for Community by HEATHER MACHOVINA The need for an...

Planting the Seed for Our Future

Highlands County Youth Citrus Project Teaches Kids About the Industry by HEATHER MACHOVINA The Highlands...

U-Pick, U-Eat, U-Love

Take Advantage of the Freshest Berries Around by GRACE BOGGESS HIRDES  Did you know that...

Sweet Success

After Almost a Century, Plant City-Based Astin Farms Continues to Expand Acreage, Variety by PAUL...

Beat the Heat

Try These Tips to Keep Your Horse Cool as Temperatures Rise by MATT COBBLE While...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Strawberries Have Rich History by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida...

Florida Roots

Longtime Citrus Advocate Bobby McKown Talks About His Career, the Future of Citrus, and His...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Cruciferous Vegetables an Important Crop for Florida  by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of...

Industry’s Best

Florida Citrus Hall of Fame Names 2021 Inductees By GRACE BOGGESS HIRDES The Florida Citrus...

A Growing Industry

Hemp Acreage Expected to Soar as Florida Gains Experience With Crop by HEATHER MACHOVINA The...

Waiting Out the Storm

USDA Revises Citrus Forecast, but Growers Taking It In Stride by TERESA SCHIFFER In December...

No Experience Needed

Experienced Plant Enthusiasts Share Their Tips and Favorite Plants by LEXI BROWN According to a...

The Polk County Youth Fair is Still Happening

After many meetings with District Schools, the Youth Fair Board and the County Health Department...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Bell Peppers, Cucumbers and Eggplants Thrive During Florida Winters by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm...

Mistletoe Musings

There’s More to This Plant Than Movies Will Tell You by TIM CRAIG Every December...

Precision Farming

U.S. Sugar Is Home to the Largest, Contiguous, Privately Owned Wi-Fi Network in America by...

Harvesting the Holiday

Dade City’s Ergle Christmas Tree Farm helps the holiday spirit bloom by PAUL CATALA For...

The Power of Aquaponics

Traders Hill Farm Takes Sustainable Farming to Another Level by TERESA SCHIFFER Farming is changing...

Worth a Thousand Words

Lake Wales Photographer Adam Strang Bass Captures Images of Old Florida by PAUL CATALA It’s...

Nurturing Young Minds

Polk County Farm Bureau Recognizes Ag Teacher and Ag Program of the Year by TERESA...

Alternative Treatment

Acupuncture Can Help Variety of Ailments in Horses, Dogs by TORY MOORE, UF/IFAS correspondent Acupuncture...

Renaissance Man

Brad Phares: The Businessman, the Artist, the Cowboy by MARY TOOTHMAN He majored in agriculture...

Signs of the Season Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Citrus Struggling, but Still a Leading Crop by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit...

From the Ground Up

Umatilla’s Treadwell Farms Harvests First Hemp Crop by HEATHER MACHOVINA In June of 2019, Florida...

Signs of the Season

Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida Celebrating Fall With Florida Pumpkins and Squash by...

2020-2021 Citrus Forecast

  Despite Expected Drop in Production, Growers Encouraged That Mexico, Brazil Face Same Challenges by...

Florida Agriculture Literacy Program Modifies Events for Safety

By TERESA SCHIFFER We all rely on agriculture every single day of our lives for...

Citrus Challenge

Researchers Try to Crack Greening With Comparative Genomics by HEATHER MACHOVINA Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)...

Making Lemonade From Lemons

As Greening Battle Continues, Florida Citrus Growers Turn to Hardy Lemons as Alternative by PAUL...

Florida Roots

Plant City Saw Mill Has Been Supporting Local Families for 50 Years by PAUL CATALA...

Signs of the Season

Legumes, Especially Snap Beans, Big Business in Florida    by TERESA SCHIFFER    Sponsored by...

Open-Air ATVentures

Bone Valley ATV Park Uses Old Phosphate Mining Land to Make Way for Families, Fun...

Into the Deep

Florida Spearfishing Adds Element of Adventure to Favorite Pastime by MATT COBBLE In Florida, nearly...

A Deeper Look

Scientist Studying How Water Sources Influence Conservation Behaviors by HEATHER MACHOVINA Did you know as...

The Original Entertainment Park

Hidden Gem Grape Hammock Is a Fantastic Destination for Ag-Recreation by TERESA  SCHIFFER Central Florida...

Hope for a Cure

University of California Scientists Find Treatment They Say Will Effectively Kill Citrus Greening by HEATHER...

Signs of the Season

Avocados’ Popularity Helps Drive Florida Production Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by ERIKA...

Exploring Agritourism

Pennsylvania Researchers Join Florida in Examining Industry With $500,000 Grant by MARY TOOTHMAN Farmers in...

A Call to the Country

Southern Hill Farms Grows in Popularity as Public Turns Focus to Rural Fun by TERESA...

Where the Blues Yield Green

Island Grove Wine Company Rounds Out Offerings of Blueberry Nursery by MATT COBBLE photos provided...

Signs of the Season – sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by ERIKA ALDRICH Citrus is one of the oldest...

Citrus Roundup

Season Ends on Satisfactory Note for Florida Growers By TERESA SCHIFFER Summer is here and...

In Celebration of Dad!

Farmers Shine in Florida CattleWomen’s ‘Ultimate Ranch Dad’ Contest Last month in honor of Father’s...

Florida Roots

Steven Callaham Wins 2020 Citrus Achievement Award By PAUL CATALA As a Polk County native...

Sweet Win

Leila Sabet Crowned Miss Florida Citrus After Virtual Pageant By MARY TOOTHMAN When Leila Sabet...

Industrial Hemp the Latest Tool for Bioremediation

Hemp4Water Making Progress in Mission to Clean Lake Okeechobee...

Signs of the Season – sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida’s Climate Is Perfect for Growing Watermelon  Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by ERIKA...

Florida’s Rich Blueberry History

Decades of Hard Work by Agricultural Pioneers Made Industry What It Is Today  by HEATHER...

Up Against the Odds

Florida Blueberry Growers Work Through Pandemic by PAUL CATALA In late March, blueberry farmer Bobby...

Coordinated Research

Industrial Hemp Pilot Project Expands to On-Farm Trials by TORY MOORE, UF/IFAS correspondent  As the...

A Hunger for Homegrown

COVID-19 Gives Unexpected Boost to Demand American Grown Campaign by TERESA SCHIFFER It is not...

Signs of the Season – sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Stone Fruits Round Out Florida’s Sweet Offerings Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by...

Keep things running in the toughest conditions-Sponsored by Perkins Power

Farming as a career isn’t always an easy road. No one signs up for it...

Queen Bee

Alecia Crauswell’s Business Buzzing at Lakeland’s Red Roof Farms by MARY TOOTHMAN After 24 years...

Grassroots Efforts

Florida Young Farmers and Ranchers compiling online directory of farms selling directly to consumers. by...

Field of Dreams

Florida Sun Grown Tobacco Farm Works to Bring Tobacco Growing Back to Florida by HEATHER...

An Unlikely Path

Lori Proctor’s Goat Farm a Story of Success Born From New Adventure by TERESA SCHIFFER...

The Green Light

USDA’s Blessing Sets Florida Hemp Program Into Action by TIM CRAIG As the USDA formally...

COVID-19: Understanding Our Farmers’ Struggle

by GENE McAVOY, Associate Director for Stakeholder Relations at UF/IFAS SWREC and Regional Vegetable Extension...

Uncertain Times

Florida Cattlemen Open Up About Riding Out Fluctuations by TIM CRAIG It would be nearly...

Ways Ranchers Can Overcome the Challenges Faced During Covid-19

In March, the COVID-19 pandemic effected industries, businesses, and millions of people across the U.S...

Signs of the Season – sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida’s Livestock Industry a Powerhouse for the Country Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida...

History & Heartache

Beleaguered Lakeland Dairy Farm Among Many  in Struggle to Survive Virus Fallout by MARY TOOTHMAN...

Interactive Education

Agri-Fest Has a Strong History of Introducing Youth to Florida Agriculture by TERESA SCHIFFER In...

On A Mission

Florida Beef Ambassador Hopes to Get More Youth Involved in Industry by CATHERINE CERVONE For...

Tell the FFVA what produce you have available for purchase

Is your farm selling produce direct to consumers? If so, FFVA wants to help spread...

FDACS Creating Online Database for Produce and Seafood

FDACS Creating Online Database for Produce and Seafood On Monday afternoon, the Florida Department of...

Finding Her Way

Young Rancher Credits UF/IFAS Extension for Much of Her Success by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent...

Florida Grown

Food Check-Out Week Spreads Farm-to-Table Awareness by PAUL CATALA For most of her life, Scarlett...

Feeling the Squeeze

Researchers Turn to New Cultivars to Rebound From Greening by MARY TOOTHMAN The Sunshine State...

Signs of the Season sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Blueberries a Booming Business Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by TERESA SCHIFFER...

Signs of the Season sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Is the Second-Highest Strawberry-Producing State Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida by ERIKA...

Strawberry Fields Forever

Andy McDonald of Sweet Life Farms Describes Why Advocacy Efforts Are More Important Than Ever...

Sunnier Skies for Citrus

Latest Forecast Gives a More Optimistic Outlook for Grapefruit by TIM CRAIG Florida citrus growers...

Sweet Pursuit

The State of the 2020 Strawberry Season and What It Means for Florida Growers by...

Signs of the Season sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

Ornamental, Horticulture Industries Significant to Florida Economy Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida The...

Garden Respite

Lakeland’s 1.2-Acre Hollis Garden Delights and Mesmerizes by MARY TOOTHMAN The city of Lakeland has...

Industry’s Best

Meet the 2020 Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees The Citrus Hall of Fame has announced...

Healing Power of Nature

University of Florida Teaching Horticulture Therapy by TERESA SCHIFFER In this technologically driven world we...

Cultivating Communication

Auburndale FFA Member Jacquelyn Edler Wins Essay Contest Connecting Agriculture Consumers, Producers by PAUL CATALA...

Taste of Something New

UF/IFAS Scientists Developing Recipe for Growing Vanilla in South Florida by LOURDES RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS correspondent...

Business in Bloom

Sunshine Growers’ Versatility Is Behind Record Poinsettia Crop Walk into a Publix during the holiday...

Drone’s-Eye View

Aerobotics Brings Technological Edge to Agriculture by TERESA SCHIFFER There is a new technology being...

A Greater Good

Michelle Stagner Offers Glimpse Into How White Horse Ranch CARES by PAUL CATALA Since the...

In Search of the Great Pumpkin

UF/IFAS Researching New Breeds of Pumpkins and Calabazas as Next Niche Crop by LOURDES RODRIGUEZ...

Nutrient Stewardship

New 4R Certification Program Launches With Help of Major Ag Players Water quality is a...

Advances in Agriculture

Data Monitoring Technology Gives Farmers a New Advantage by TERESA SCHIFFER Modern technology is changing...

Honoring the Herd

Artists Paint Fiberglass Cattle in Campaign for Great Florida Cattle Drive by MATT COBBLE On...

Natural Beauty

Tarpon Springs Artist Captures Floridian Culture and History by MARY TOOTHMAN Christopher Still’s art serves...

Hope for the Holidays

Ag Angels Program Thriving in 13th Year Serving Children in Hardee and Highlands Counties by...

Growing Awareness

UF/IFAS Experts Help Farmers Cope with Mental Stress by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS Correspondent When some...

Florida Roots

From Family Farm to County Extension Director, Citrus Is in Laurie Hurner’s Blood by BRAD...

Adventures in Agriculture

Highlands County Ag-Venture Teaches Children the Importance of Agriculture by TERESA SCHIFFER It’s never too...

2020 Citrus Forecast

Area Growers Optimistic, Though Accepting of a New Normal by TIM CRAIG It’s October and...

Giving Back to One Who Gave

Kubota Presents Lithia Veteran and Farmer With Tractor Through Geared to Give Program U.S. Marine...

Barking Up the Right Tree

Citrus Industry Enlists Help of Dogs Trained to Detect Greening Anyone with a four-legged friend...

Planting the Seeds

Polk County Farm Bureau Names Outstanding Agriculture Program and Teacher of the Year by MARY...

The Great Outdoors

A guide to taking advantage of ag-recreation in Central Florida by J.P. SMITH “In all...

Hoofing It

Florida Trails Offer Horseback Riders a Different Way to Experience Nature by TERESA SCHIFFER photos...

Choose Your Own Adventure

Richloam Wildlife Management Area Prime Area for Hunters, Hikers, Bicyclists by MARY TOOTHMAN photos provided...

Not Your Mother’s Wedding

Rustic Wedding Venues Draw Couples in Rising Numbers by MARY TOOTHMAN photo by JOE LEDUC...

A Taste of Rural Florida

Agritourism introduces visitors to homegrown attractions Florida may be known for its theme parks and...

A Total Team Effort

New UF/IFAS Center Focused on Water, Land Use Issues by ERIKA ALDRICH Did you know...

Fighting Back

Citrus Task Force Ready to Help the Industry by J.P. SMITH Orange juice has historically...

Adapt and Overcome

Despite Greening, Citrus is still King in Highlands County by RACHEL CHRISTIAN Highlands County has...

Celebrating Caladiums

Previewing the 2019 Caladium Festival by DAPHNE RENELUS If you live in the Lake Placid...

Citrus Roundup

State’s Citrus Crop Rebounded, Growers Optimistic for Future by TERESA SCHIFFER It’s no secret that...

Algorithm Assistance

Florida Poly Research Sets Sights on Citrus Greening by MATT COBBLE photo courtesy of Florida...

Hoof-ing a Good Time

Florida Sport Horse Club is a Natural Fit for These Locals by MARY TOOTHMAN It’s...

FFA Alumni Spotlight: Meet Keri Greenwood

By Abby Crawford   Though she’s from Hillsborough County, Keri Greenwood has called Polk County...

Sarasota County Schools Celebrate Florida Food

by MARY TOOTHMAN   In today’s dining culture —  with all the modern commonalities of...

H.E.A.R.T. Village: A Local Organization With Global Ambitions

by TIM CRAIG   For over 30 years, sustainability has been an integral part of...

Florida’s Blueberry Harvest Recap

Solid Production Overshadowed By Falling Prices by TERES SCHIFFER Since the early 1990s, Florida has...

David Weber is No Stranger to Blueberries

by DAPHNE RENELUIS   A central Florida resident since 1980, David Weber has become a...

Q&A with Miss Florida Citrus Queen, Michaela McLean

by MARY TOOTHMAN Since Michaela Grace McLean was awarded the title of Miss Florida Citrus...

Beef Cattle Getting Genetic Makeover

by ERIKA ALDRICH photo by MARC HELLER/E&E News There’s no mistaking that The Sunshine State...

Keitha Bennett is Helping to Shape the Next Generation of Agriculture

by TIM CRAIG From her office, Keitha Bennett gets one of best glimpses at the...

Scarlett Jackson is One Powerful Woman in Ag

by TERESA SCHIFFER For Scarlett Jackson, agriculture isn’t just a vocation, it’s a way of...

Florida Team Part of 2019 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture

by MATT COBBLE Photo courtesy of agclassroom.org When the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization...

Riding Equines at Crystal Beach Farms

by J.P. SMITH   What brought world travelers and water skiers, Rob and Carol Bemman...

2019 Central Florida Ag Alliance Luncheon

Bringing Together Florida Agri-Business and Florida Law Enforcement to Protect the State’s Rural & Agricultural...

That’s a Lot of Beef

Florida Cattle & Livestock Industries Giving States Economy a Boost by TIM CRAIG Carlton Taylor...

Putting On Horse Genes

A Look at Research Being Done to Understand Equine Genetics by MATT COBBLE Every living...

Meet the New PCCA Sweetheart

Hannah Cline Ready for New Role to Fight for the Beef Industry by MARY TOOTHMAN...

Bringing GRAPEFRUIT Back

New Professor Looks to Help Florida Grapefruit Industry by TIM CRAIG   A new hire...

2019 PCCA Trade Show & Ranch Rodeo

On Saturday, February 16, the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association held their annual Trade Show and...

Assistance Coming for Florida Citrus

Money Being Pumped Back into Florida Citrus by MATT COBBLE   NO ONE WHO works...

Reading With Rescues

Local Program Uses Books to Unite Children and Rescued Horses by MATT NORMAN Have you...
orangecitrus

Citrus is Boomin’ in 2019

Florida Citrus Volumes Rebounding in 2019 by BRENDA EGGERT BRADER Last fall, the USDA released...
brilliancestrawberry

Brilliant! 2019 Florida Strawberry Update

This Year’s Outlook, New Varieties, and the Future of Florida’s Strawberries by ERIKA ALDRICH Strawberries...
horsehoof

Horse Hoof Health

Hoof Care Cautions & Tips for Your Equine by MARY TOOTHMAN Horse hoof care is...
jammer

Meet Jammer!

Get to Know the Face of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association by JULIE GMITTER While...
Master gardeners

Florida-Friendly Landscaping & Gardening Tips from the Masters

by JULIE GMITTER Florida is an oasis for gardeners, farmers, and plant lovers alike, with...
Bok Tower

Preserving Florida’s Beauty: A Look At Bok Tower Gardens’ Rare Plant Conservation Program

Bok Tower Gardens is home to the Rare Plant Conservation Program. Tasked with preserving the...
Oranges

Meet the 2019 Citrus Hall of Fame Inductees

Citrus’ Best of the Best by ERIKA ALDRICH Citrus has a truly rich heritage in...
Horse hooves

Upcoming 2019 UF/IFAS Horse Workshop

Spreading Equine Knowledge by MATT NORMAN Horses are beautiful and powerful animals. For a great...

Innovations in the Food Supply Chain Help Keep Our Food Safe

by TERESA SCHIFFER Technology is omnipresent in modern society, and with it we have seen...

New Tool Helps Growers with Postbloom Fruit Drop Challenges

by MARY TOOTHMAN Postbloom fruit drop can appear explosively in a bad season, seemingly infecting...

Florida Polytechnic’s Intelligent Garden Could Be the Future of Ag

by J.P. SMITH In the heart of Florida, through the pulsing strip of the the...

New State-Of-The-Art World Equestrian Center Coming Soon

by TIM CRAIG A massive multi-use equestrian facility is sprouting up on over 3,000 acres...

A Cut Above

Local Family-Owned Business Puts Quality Craftsmanship in Every Blade Made In a shop out back...

New Adventures at Haines City High School

By Abby Crawford Every school year is different from the year before. Changes to curriculum...

The Art of Cattle Handling

Q & A with Local Livestock Agent on Florida Cattle by Tim Craig Laura H...

Father and Daughter’s Passion for Agriculture Highlighted in their Artwork

By Erika Aldrich They say the nut doesn’t fall too far from the tree, and...
William "Bill" Doty

Falling in Love with Your Lawn & Garden

In Florida, the fall season means something very different than in other areas of the...

Equine Rescue Groups Gather to Network and Learn

At Hope Equine Rescue Group, as many as 40 neglected horses are taken in and...

Helpful Tips for a Beautiful Backyard Pond

By Grace Boggess There are plenty of renovations that can be quick and easy which...

Eichar Apiary: Saving the Bees One Hive at a Time

By Abby Crawford Let’s talk business, and I’m talking bees-ness. The bee industry has been...

Warner Clay Shooting Team Aiming to Compete in 2018

by TIM CRAIG What started as a way to get involved in the community has...

Q&A About Upcoming Ranch Rodeo & Cowboy Heritage Festival

By Mary Toothman Put on your cowboy boots and get ready for a rodeo reunion...

Taking Fishing to the Next Level: Competitive Fishing More than a Relaxing Past-Time

By Cheryl Rogers Many people enjoy fishing because it’s relaxing. But for Kyle Stafford and...

State-Funded Program Provides Outlet for Florida Veterans

By Matt Cobble Veterans in the United States are some of the bravest individuals on...

Best Public Lands to Ride Your ATV in Florida

By Teresa Schiffer Many people enjoy getting off the beaten path in their spare time...

Brian Armstrong: The Man Behind Plans to Meet Future Water Needs

by CHERYL ROGERS Brian Armstrong, the executive director of the Southwest Florida Water Management District...

Microgreens: the Latest in Healthy Eating Trends

by MARY TOOTHMAN One of the hottest new trends in the world of healthy eating...

Recently Passed Farm Bill Includes Greening Research Funding, New Water Legislation

by TIM CRAIG Central Florida farmers may expect the extension of research funding dollars and...

Environmental Group Host International Competition to Clean Our Waters

by TERESA SCHIFFER By now, you’ve probably heard of the crisis off Florida’s coasts. Sea...

Bringing the Horse to the Beach

by ERIKA ALDRICH The image of riding across a beach atop a horse is a...

Two Cattle Ranchers Compete For Prestigious Young Farmers and Ranchers Award Program

By ABBY CRAWFORD Each year members of the Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers...

Scientists Using Fungus to Manage Asian Citrus Psyllid

by MATT NORMAN Could a fungus be the answer to an invasive insect that is...

Local Youth Learn About the State’s Citrus Industry

On June 28, the UF/IFAS extension office in Lake Alfred hosted more than 70 individuals...

2018 Florida Citrus Update

Florida Citrus Growers Fighting Greening with Plant Nutrition, Newer Varieties The Florida citrus industry is...

Bringing Home the Gold

Local Teen, Emily Turner, Knows What it Takes to Be a Barrel Racing Champion Emily...

Polk County’s Sweetheart

Getting to Know Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart, Paxton Evans Each year young ladies around...

Giving Florida Citrus Some Juice

Pat Schirard Becomes Newest Member of FL Citrus Commission Meet Governor Scott’s appointment to the...

Team BEEF Florida

Proving the Power of Beef One Race at a Time by MATT COBBLE  For a...

Blueberry Season Recap

Blueberry Production Up In Spite of Environmental Obstacles by CHERYL ROGERS Environmental challenges shed some...

Horses vs Rain

Tips for Managing Your Equine’s Health During the Rainy Season by TERESA SCHIFFER  Rainy season...

Living the Dream: A Woman with Many Hats and a Heart for Cattle

Dr. LuJean Waters is a big animal veterinarian making a living in what used to...

A Family Business: Emily McKenna Lassiter Grew up in the Citrus Groves

Emily McKenna Lassiter is a woman deeply dedicated to her family, and the family citrus...

Ag Woman Pioneer: Dr. Martha Rhodes Roberts: Advancing Florida Agriculture

Meet Dr. Martha Rhodes Roberts, a leader in Florida agriculture. Agriculture is a leading industry...

What’s Your Ag Story

My Ag Story started very early in life, I was born and raised in the...

Dr. Katie Hennessy is All Business When it Comes to Helping Animials

Katie Hennessy is an extraordinary asset to Polk County’s agricultural community. She is an equine...

Post Irma: Ranchers May Face Longer Term Repercussions

Ranchers facing post-Irma challenges, but recovery may take awhile for stressed cattle. By Cheryl Rogers...

Mules vs. Horses

What Side Are You Riding With? by TERESA SCHIFFER Mules versus horses, which is the...

Home is Where the Heart Is

Raising Goats and Chickens on AM Acres by MARY TOOTHMAN When Maria and Tony Iannucci...

Piecing Together the Puzzle of the Citrus Genome

Researchers are Working Together to Remodel the Citrus Genome in Hopes of Fighting HLB by...

Road to Recovery for Groves

Congress Finally Passes Bill to Help Florida Farmers in Wake of Irma by REPRESENTATIVE TOM...

Lake Wales High School Horse Judging Team Heads to State

There is No Horsing Around When it Comes to This Group of Dedicated Students By...

Polk County FFA Members Are MAD

How Local Members Are Making A Difference in Central Florida by THE POLK COUNTY FFA...

Fair Survival 101

Friendships can be Formed, Lessons Learned and Time Management Skills Developed with Fair Experiences by...

Polk County Youth Fair

If you have never been to the Polk County Youth Fair, or any youth fair...

Citrus Report: Halfway Through the Citrus Season

Growers are hoping the forecast will stay on its steady course by ERIKA ALDRICH If...

Five Fun Facts about the Miniature Horse

Whether for Show, Breeding, or Recreation, there are Many Reasons to Consider Owning this Breed...

Strawberry AgriUpdate

Growers Looking Forward to Good Season by CHERYL ROGERS Damage to the Plant City area...

Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart Offers Tips on Teaching Youth About the Industry

by MARY TOOTHMAN We asked Sweetheart Milli Jones, 21 and a junior agricultural education and...

Teaching Teachers at Plant Camp

UF/IFAS Plant Camp Offers Florida Educators a Close Look at Florida Flora and Fauna by...

The First of Many Winners

Local Citrus Grower Named 2018 4R Advocate by TFI by ERIKA ALDRICH Fertilizer has always...

Landscaping and Gardening Trends of 2018

Homeowners Get Growing with Plants for Pollinators, Succulents, Foodscaping, and More story by CHERYL ROGERS...

Looks Can be Deceiving

Beautiful Ornamentals that are Dangerous for Livestock by TERESA SCHIFFER Raising livestock can be a...

On the Watch for Strangles

Florida Equine Community Reported More Than 40 Cases in Past Year by MARY TOOTHMAN The...

Commissioner’s AgriCorner: A Permanent Commitment

by COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE ADAM H. PUTNAM Florida is home to more than 1.5 million...

Can Precision Ag Impact Potential Profits?

IF YOU’RE WORKING in ag, you’d be hard-pressed not to have heard of precision agriculture...

Weather Stations in the Field Help Farmers Make Split-Second, Smart Irrigation Decisions

Florida Growers have been installing their own weather stations in increasing numbers. With help from...

Every Second Counts in the Rodeo

Polk County Team Competes for State Ranch Rodeo Championship Title by, ERIKA ALDRICH Hurricane Irma...

A Way to Grow Sales through Exporting

A new program hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center is helping local farmers...

Recipe Spotlight

Southern Staples For Your Farmhouse Table There’s nothing like good, old Southern cookin’ to make...

Dr. Robert Gukich Honored for Excellence in His Field

Local Large Animal Vet Specializing in Bovine and Equine Species Recognized for his Service When...

The Plan for Recovery, Post Hurricane Irma

Grove Owners Take in the Damage and Map Out a Strategy for Bringing Fields Back...

Ag Voices Speak Up on Natural Resources

Agriculture Taking its Position as Region Plans to Meet Future Water Needs Florida is surrounded...

Keeping the Land Alive

Florida Cattle Ranchers Work To Preserve Natural Resources   From goldfish to formalized best management...

Keeping the Ranch Rodeo Tradition Alive with Florida Cattlemen

A Tradition as Old as Time, Florida Cowboys Compete to Show the Public What it...

If Mama Cow Ain’t Happy, Ain’t Nobody Happy!

Florida Dairy Farmers, Take Note: A Hot Cow is an Unhappy Cow If your dairy...

Citrus Growing Project Helps Students Understand Agriculture

The Citrus Growing Project of the Polk County Youth Fair is teaching young people responsibility...

Q&A on High Tunnels

An Alternative to the Traditional Greenhouse Has Been Getting Attention from Growers Across the State...

Annual Citrus Report

Some Growers Go Undercover, While Others Look to Fresh Fruit Production to Diversify   Facing...

Equine Summer Camp Safety Tips for Young Riders

Barn Manager at the Florida Agricultural Museum Offers These Reminders for Parents and Kids Now...

Tree Assistance Program Taps into Industry Needs

  Farmer Encourages Fellow Growers to Apply for Tree Assistance Program (TAP) and Replant Ask...

Blueberry industry update

Florida Blueberry Growers Vying with Competitors for Lucrative Spring Marketing Window AS FLORIDA’S BLUEBERRY industry...

Students Will Get the Squeeze on the Industry During Citrus Youth Day

Event Offers Unique Insight into Relevant Topics and Career Opportunities On Thursday, June 22, 2017...

It’s all about dairy in the month of June

University of Florida nutrition expert says a glass of milk packs a ‘nutritious punch’ HEALTH-CONSCIOUS...
Day42

Cattle Industry Update from the Florida Ranchers’ Perspective

Beef Producers Rise Above the Challenges to Preserve and Prosper the Ranching Way of Life...

Diversity in Action at the Spring Lane Ranch

A Ranch Where a Variety of Equine Training Methods and Cultures Converge If you’re looking...

Steering Students to a New Venture

 Youth and Ranchers Are Gearing Up for the Commercial Steer Show Agricultural fairs have a...

Down on the Farm

Florida Ag Industry Sees a Rising Trend in African-American Farmers Seventy-nine-year-old Herman Hargrett Sr., a...

What They Bring to the Table

Celebrating Women in Ag and Female Leadership at UF/IFAS Agriculture is in Dr. Jeanna Mastrodicasa’s...

Florida roots: Handing down the cattle-ranching heritage

CATTLE RANCHING in Florida has a long and storied past that may surprise you. The...

Advice from a Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee for the next generation of ag leaders

RECENTLY, FOUR TITANS of agriculture were inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.  Among...

From suburan life to aglife

Cassidy Polston joins family in cattle-raising tradition CASSIDY POLSTON AND her family were living a...

The first time’s a charm: McKenzie Webb wins Grand Champion with her prize Zebu

THE FOUR-LEAF CLOVER, a rare variation of its three-leaf counterpart, has long been recognized as...

Three things every novice horseback rider should know before starting lessons

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT signing up your child for horseback riding lessons? Before they get...

Strawberry-harvesting robots, more of the sweeter varieties, and new U-picks

A ROBOT THAT CAN PICK strawberries may ease the industry’s labor problem and revolutionize the...

On the go for Florida citrus

Miss Florida Citrus Stephanie Capon wrapping up an exciting and industry-promoting year STEPHANIE CAPON has...

75 years at Range Cattle REC in Ona marks more change on the horizon

THE RANGE CATTLE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER in Ona recently held its 75th Anniversary Celebration...

A staple of agricultural stewardship

USDA program gives boost to farmers and the conservation cause STEWARDSHIP of our natural resources...

Equines of the dwarf kind

Miniature horses have their own special care and considerations FOR ANYONE who’s ever dreamed about...

Citrus labels go on tour: Historic brands make a comeback in the region

MANY YEARS AGO, Florida citrus was sold in dimly lit warehouses around 3 or 4...

A model ag program for Polk

Frostproof Middle-Senior High School Ag Department Earns Polk County Farm Bureau honor THE FROSTPROOF MIDDLE-SENIOR...

Inspired to teach ag to others

Polk County Farm Bureau honors Paul Reed as the year’s outstanding agriculture teacher PAUL REED’S...

Citrus feature: What’s in a number?

Citrus growers are committed to replanting and all-in on the numbers game against greening SOME...

Recreation and agriculture come together at the agritourism crossroads

More Florida farms and ranches open doors to the public with retreats, attractions, events, and...

Holding the reigns of victory with ‘Change of Heart’

Olivia Glenn and her mount compete at the Southern Regional 4-H Championships IF YOU’VE BEEN...

Turning a new leaf for the love of gardening: Bok Tower Gardens inspires visitors with new attraction

BOK TOWER GARDENS and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)...

Getting a head start on potential threats to ag

Scientists and growers get ready for the Florida Ag Expo THE AGENDA for the Florida...

Frank M. Hunt, III, receives Florida Citrus Packers’ highest honor

FLORIDA CITRUS PACKERS, INC.. named Frank M. Hunt, III, the 2016 recipient of the John...

Harvest Time: How Restaurants Against Hunger Community Farm has taken root

LIKE A PLANT STARTS as a seed, sometimes an idea starts as an initiative before...

Getting the support to replant and rebound

U.S. senators sponsor legislation for the citrus industry AS FLORIDA CITRUS growers continue to battle...

Nothing to moo at: Taking proper precautions to avoid heat stress for your show cattle

YOU WANT TO BE AS COOL as a cucumber when working with your show cattle...

A tale of caution for backyard chicken owners

Recent cases of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to backyard flocks WHETHER IT’S DUE to the high...

EEE update: Preventing Eastern Equine Encephalitis for your horse

EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS (EEE) has claimed its third victim of the year in Polk County...

Is the quest for a remedy to citrus greening near completion?

Two CREC professors map out how certain varieties could hold the key to more HLB-tolerant...

The 2016 blueberry season roundup

Sifting for the silver lining amid the challenges of Florida’s blue gold FLORIDA BLUEBERRY GROWERS...

Hurricane preparedness for crops and livestock large and small

Be ready with these before, during, and after storm-prep reminders FOR GROWERS, RANCHERS, AND PET...

Florida’s 2016 peach season

Overcoming challenges and researching the way to future success AN UNUSUALLY WARM WINTER is putting...

Raising a woman in ag

How Megan Handley has been — and plans to stay — involved in agriculture AGRICULTURE...

The best defense is a good offense — with The Tree Defender

Article sponsored by Southern Citrus Nurseries, 5600 Lake Trask Road, Dundee, FL 33838 863-439-3694 •...

Q&A on the Forage Field Day

UF agriculture specialist sheds light on new developments in livestock and forage practices ASHLEY FLUKE...

Is opportunity knocking for fresh Florida OJ in the Chinese market?

Recent study reveals potential for not-from-concentrate juice WITH 1.36 BILLION residents, China is the most...

Looking for a recreation horse? Consider these five breeds found on the ranch

THE SCENE IS is a young cattleman riding his stock horse, leaping off the side...

Harvest time: Double cropping — a watermelon season preview

THE END OF APRIL marks the beginning of watermelon harvest season in Central Florida, and...

Scribbling away at Florida’s next big crop potential

Scientists start a new hops yard with the hope of creating a new Florida agricultural...

#AgLife lessons from the ‘barn’

Student and Polk County Youth Fair participant, Paige Gebhardt, shares her 4-H journey THERE’S A...

Three men inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

Vic Story, Jr., Bill Castle and Jack Norris make it easy to understand why we...

Keeping the wheels in motion for the CRDF

Florida Citrus Mutual encourages growers to vote ‘Yes’ FROM NOW until February 11, 2016, citrus...

Preserving the present to protect the future

How one recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award is conserving our state’s resources THOSE IN...

What do genetically modified citrus trees mean for the Florida industry?

Still years out from a fix for HLB, biotechnology offers a possible solution IT’S NOT...

Research that goes beyond the lab for citrus, avocados, and bell peppers

How biotechnology, drones, and plant breeding are advancing agriculture TECHNOLOGY has the ability to change...

Herd sale for new Ona White Angus cattle breed is canceled

THE PLANNNED SALE of a herd of Ona White Angus cattle, a new and Central...

Getting a hold of the reins on horse judging

Students get ready for contests through school offered by the UF Department of Animal Sciences...

Dinner of Distinction award recipient, Rep. Jake Raburn

Supporting UF/IFAS innovation and research through legislative leadership HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Representative Jake Raburn has now...

Encouraging the new generation of farmers through story-telling

Fellow farmers talk sustainable agriculture and share tried-and-true recipes in Forrest Pritchard’s new book SUSTAINABLE...

Celebrating the beauty of Florida with Daniel Butler

Son of the Highwayman artist finds his calling and captures it through painting HE GREW...

Q&A with the PCCA Sweetheart on upholding the cattle tradition

BAILEY BUCHANON, the current Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart, is proud to call herself a...

A legal thriller with a vein of agriculture that reads like a hometown map

History, good vs. evil, and twists of fate combine in this fictional novel DO YOU...

GCREC 90 years young and still growing

Research center celebrates anniversary and expansion at the Florida Ag Expo WE’RE OLD, BUT WE’RE...

2015-16 Citrus Forecast: Experts take a look down the path of this year’s harvest season

JUST AS CITRUS GROWERS have done for many years, area industry folks gathered together to...

Agritechnology Academy teaches youth of the suburbs

Polk County Farm Bureau’s Ag Program of the Year award goes to Auburndale High School...

State of emergency due to Oriental fruit fly

Florida Department of Agriculture works to eradicate pest in Miami-Dade AN AGRICULTURAL STATE of emergency...

The ripple effects of an ag instructor

Polk County Farm Bureau names the Ag Teacher of the Year: Kyle Carlton THERE ARE...

Commissioner’s AgriCorner: The newest additions to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

FAMILIES FROM 70 operational ranches and farms from 30 Florida counties recently gathered in Central...

Building strong gates with a strong agribusiness — Southern Livestock Systems delivers

ANYONE WONDERING about the state of manufacturing in Central Florida ought to take a brief...

Equine funnies for kids

MULLIKIN THE HORSE AND FRIENDS ENJOY SOME AGRIRECREATION by JANET DELCASTILLO About the Author/Illustrator: Janet...

Q&A on hunting wild game

Two of Central Florida’s hunting enthusiasts reveal their hunting preferences and experience FALL IS PRIME...

More agritourism for educational recreation

Farm-time fun for all with crop mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and more RANCHERS TED AND...

Shooting to skill: Teaching 4-H students firearm safety and responsibility

WHILE FFA CHAPTERS are high school-affiliated and operated programs whose primary focus is on the...

Venturing into the pampered world of blackberries

Frontier farmers take a step back to black with this alternative crop TOO MUCH HANDLING...

Taking a teamwork approach to science

UF/IFAS rebuilding research ranks with new funding POLK, HILLSBOROUGH and surrounding Florida farmers and natural...

Not just a border tree — possibilities with eucalyptus crops

IF THERE’S ONE THING local citrus growers are paying close attention to of late, it’s...

Equine funnies for kids

MULLIKIN THE HORSE AND FRIENDS by JANET DELCASTILLO About the Author/Illustrator: Janet DelCastillo is a...

Harvest Time: One fish, two fish

Can Florida’s seafood industry help start a new chapter in America’s seafood intake? “ONE FISH...

New study shows how HLB bacterium changes bug behavior patterns

Citrus greening promotes its own spread, according to researchers SOMETIMES, Mother Nature is just not...

Florida Roots: Colton Matthews’ past, present, and future in ag

THOMAS EDISON — the inventor of the light bulb, among many other important things —...

Florida cracker calf needs a name

Florida Agricultural Museum welcomes newest member ON JULY 24, 2015, a stunning red cracker calf...

AgriGov: The water policy that wasn’t

What’s setting the tone for next year’s legislative session AT THE OUTSET of the 2015...

Florida roots: A farmer; a superhero — or both?

Christian Spinosa as the voice of Captain Citrus MANY YOUNG KIDS dream of growing up...

Annual citrus report 2015

More than just a symbol of hope, growers keep up the fight against citrus greening...

Helping to write the next chapter of Hillsborough County agriculture

Embarking on a study to analyze the economic impact of agribusiness in the area IN...

A new cattle breed emerges with the tough stuff for Florida’s climate

Unique traits of the Ona White Angus herd   THERE’S A NEW BREED of...

Eight more Florida counties now eligible for blueberry crop insurance

BLUEBERRY GROWERS in eight more Florida counties are now eligible to purchase insurance through the...

Growers grapple with unique encounters amidst a good harvest

In the business realm of blueberries, experiences vary THIS WAS A PRETTY GOOD YEAR to...

Recipe Spotlight: Berries — from the crop to the kitchen

IN THE GAME OF GROWING BERRIES in Central Florida, Jorge Salmeron is a switch hitter...

The house that blueberries built

Florida blueberry pioneer is recognized for his contributions THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S Institute of Food...

The Florida equine industry and HB 239

State officials and experts laud new legislation FLORIDA HAS A reputation as a horse-loving state...

Industry reactions on the latest citrus crop estimate

Incentive programs and cutting-edge research keep growers planting EVEN THOUGH it is predicted that Florida’s...

Florida Roots: The story of Vic Story — Florida Farmer of the Year

RECENTLY, POLK COUNTY native farmer and exemplary part of the citrus industry, Victor B. “Vic”...

Proposed cattle grazing in state parks

Ranchers and cattle industry experts weigh in on the how and why ALDO LEOPOLD —...

Orchard update: A growing alternative crop in the Sunshine State

MOTHER NATURE may hand Central Florida fruit growers plenty of problems and obstacles, but they...

Harvest time: Hope Now provides alternative living through alternative crops

ANY FARMER worth his or her salt knows that if you want something to grow...

Leaders must be a signature crop

How the Legacy Leadership program is helping ensure the future of Florida agriculture WE KNOW...

Where youth can meet their meat and more

Eighth Annual Youth Field Day promises engaging and educational range cattle demonstrations EVERY YEAR in...

Little Hannah, get your saddle

When dedication rules out the limits of age and size in the rodeo WHEN THEN-FOUR-YEAR-OLD...

A Florida citrus crown for the Miss America preliminaries

EXPENSIVE GOWNS, sparkly crowns, and hairspray galore … these are just a few things that...

Agriliving: Combining old traditions with new trends

Innovations in home building for life on the farm LIFE ON THE FARM or ranch...

It’s a good time to be a cattleman in Florida

THE CATTLE RANCHING business in Florida supports more than 50,000 jobs and brings more than...

The science of Southern living

Flavors of Florida showcases the Plant Innovation Center and the UF/IFAS plant breeding Program WE’RE...

New home sweet home for your equine

Getting ready to move your horse to the new ranch or boarding barn DESPITE BEING...

#AgLife in action: Students teaching students on Ag Literacy Day

STUDENTS FROM HAINES CITY High School’s Future Farmers of America (Haines City-FFA) program will be...

A solution to citrus greening with a little help from spinach

Scientists study genetically modified trees to potentially win the war on HLB RESEARCHERS have been...

Lending a hand to local schools

Rob Harper and Land South Group donate 70 head of zebu cattle for Polk County...

New weather station helps teach kids agriscience

| Dundee Elementary Academy uses WeatherSTEM data to expand students’ horizons | DUNDEE ELEMENTARY ACADEMY...

Citrus Hall of Fame welcomes three new inductees

THE FLORIDA Citrus Hall of Fame honored three new inductees on March 6 at the...

What’s new at Agri-Fest?

| Teaching kids about agriculture through hands-on training gets a new twist this year |...

Study results shed light on agriculture’s economic significance

| The Polk Agriculture Economic Impact Study reveals ag as an economic pillar | NEARLY...

High-tech alerts and the quest for a better berry

| Strawberry growers look to technology to help save money and increase production | Sixty-five-year-old...

Showing steer for more than just show

| What participants learned at the Polk County Youth Fair’s Commercial Steer Show | EVERY...

Citrus forecast projects slight decline; HLB funding announced

THE GOVERNMENT is intensifying the war on Huanglongbing, or HLB, as the disease tightens its...

An expo for the equine lover

| Featured vendors and events at the 2015 Equine Innovations Expo | HORSE ENTHUSIASTS love...

AgriGov: Taking a look at the Cuban factor

| Recent UF/IFAS webinar discusses opportunities and challenges of agricultural trade with Cuba | THIS...

A Sweet Sensation™ for growers

| How Vance Whitaker invented a better berry | In Vance Whitaker’s office in Wimauma...

Cultivation, NOT construction, at Bok Tower Gardens

| New partnership between attraction and UF/IFAS expands horticulture horizons for the public | A...

Meet Dr. Sandy Wilson of UF/IFAS

| New leadership for UF/IFAS Horticulture to strengthen the industry and research ties | UF/IFAS...

Cattle Feature: Why Brangus?

| Advantages for selecting Brangus beef cattle for your next Youth Beef Cattle Show |...

Technology: Solid ground under hoof

| EcoRaster provides mud solution for equine, cattle, and landscaping industries | IT’S NO SECRET...

A healthy reason to love Florida OJ 10 times more than before

| New study finds more OJ antioxidant benefits than scientists initially believed | GOOD NEWS...

Soldiers and saddles: Veterans ride for therapy

In the photos: Above left, a local veteran saddles up for his Thursday morning ride...

Aid in the wake of greening

| Citrus Growers Offered Financial Incentive to Remove Diseased Trees | Joe L. Davis Jr...

Harnessing the power of technology for better production and environmental responsibility

IN THE PHOTOS: (Left) Ty Strode, vice president, and Randy Strode, owner of Agri-Starts. (Middle)...

Kids learn agriscience through the study of STEM

| Dundee Elementary Academy helps students embrace agriculture with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering...

Turning resets into assets for biofuel

| Jacksonville company recycling citrus wood | AT A TIME when dead citrus wood seems...

@griTech: Unmanned aerial vehicle update!

EARLIER THIS YEAR, in the February 2014 edition, Central Florida Ag News published an article...

Developing and disseminating technologies for ag

| Research coming out of UF/IFAS that is helping propel Florida agriculture into the future...

Waldman siblings master the art of whip cracking

One Family’s Story of Carrying on an Ag Tradition Florida’s roots are planted deep in...

From beer to beef

Finding feed from fermentation If you’re a rancher and you haven’t already done so, visit...

Local artists honor 100 years of agriculture in Lake Alfred

City Hall focuses on agricultural roots through an art show as part of its centennial...

Opening our eyes to the real Everglades

Mac Stone captures Florida’s wetland in an unforgettable photo collection For many, the Everglades have...

Cultivating an industry

Tracking the growth of agritourism for Florida farms. Creating an industry takes hard work and...

Florida artist paints windows to the past in House Chambers

Larger-than-life art by Christopher Still Florida artist Christopher Still told his mother at four years...

2014 PCFB Ag Tour Close Up

Polk County Farm Bureau, in collaboration with UF/IFAS Extension, held its biennial Ag Tour. This...

Are calves falling prey to Florida panthers?

Two-year study reveals some panther attack habits on cattle ranches A recently completed study on...

The 2014-15 Citrus Forecast

Despite a likely smaller crop this year, growers keep hope alive Experts are expecting a...

Ag instructor practices what he teaches

Polk County Farm Bureau Ag Teacher of the Year recognized for 31 years of service...

Opening young eyes to the diversity of ag

The continued educational goals of Polk County Farm Bureau’s Ag Program of the Year In...

Top health concerns for endurance riding

Whether on the trail or on the ranch, a long ride deserves the right training...

Big time beverage name invests more in the future of Florida Citrus

Donating funds for research to help eradicate greening On August 19, 2014 the University of Florida announced Coca-Cola’s plans to donate a...

Small farms on a Mission to grow alternative

Growers experimenting with soil-less, protected cultures, and new crops A Winter Haven ministry is growing...

Hot topics at the upcoming Horse Short Course and Trade Show

UF/IFAS Extension Agents offer a fountain of knowledge for equine lovers Mark your calendars horse...

Final Florida Cattle ID Rule kicks in

What ranchers need to know about the official individual identification process The Florida Cattle Identification...

From 4-H to five rings

Polk County student shoots for the Olympics On the outside, it seems as though Ryan...

New limpograss cultivars

What cattle ranch operations need to know The University of Florida Institute of Food and...

Outdoor Traditions

What you can catch— by casting a line or holding a camera— on Florida’s waterways...

Before you hit the happy riding trail

What to consider in a horse for recreation Many people dream of owning a horse...

Mapping the citrus genome

Understanding the citrus species’ past to unlock a more disease-tolerant future  Citrus was first domesticated...

Agritourism Update: Public enjoying life on the farm—from tours to weddings

In an era of increasing urbanization, farmers and ranchers are finding people still love the...

More than just farmers with benefits

Members talk shop on being a part of the ‘voice of agriculture’ Some people join...

Students and stallions get an education

Champion breeds from 14th Annual Performance Horse Sale Horses are all-around good, but a great...

2014 Annual Citrus Report

With more arsenal against greening comes new plantings As Florida’s citrus growers battle greening, fourth...

Family ranch receives Audubon’s environmental award

Audubon Florida recently named 4th-generation cattle business Adams Ranch the recipient of its 2014 Sustainable...

Rounding up youth at Range Cattle REC

Q&A with Andrea Dunlap on the 7th annual Youth Field Day Of all the attractions...

Finding a silver lining amidst the blue factors

Blueberry profits down after some of the crop misses the marketing window Florida’s blueberry production...

New findings for a greening ‘trap plant’

Promising lab studies show how to stop psyllids in their tracks Citrus greening, also known...

Will jump for food

Ridge Riders 4-H Group puts on horse shows to help feed local kids On May...

Protecting and conserving through best management practices

Why four million acres of Florida farm and ranch lands are already enrolled Agriculture has...

Two sisters learn the ropes of ag

Bailey and Blair Buchanon carry on family traditions as Junior Cattlewomen In most households with...

Queens of Ag

2014 American Honey Queen Hometown: Orlando, Florida Royal Duties: Promotes and raises awareness of the...

Remembering a lover of groves

Honoring the life and work of Jan G. Valk The citrus industry recently lost a...

Peaches of Florida

Industry update: Groves give way to orchards as growers look to spring markets. In some...

Harvest time

Eating blueberries and naming a new princess were among the activities at this year’s Florida...

Horse Camps: A Short, Heavenly Slice of Summer

Upcoming Riding Programs at the Florida Agricultural Museum The calendar shows that June is almost...

Through the Lens of a Rancher’s Wife

Lynn Scarborough Talks About Her Love of the Landscape Lynn Scarborough was raised in Fort...

Coyote-Calf Interactions in the Pasture

Q&A with Dr. Raoul Boughton on New Research Ranchers will tell you they’re seeing more...

BMPs, Have You Enrolled?

Farmers and Ranchers’ Role in Protecting Florida’s Water Quality Agriculture has been in the spotlight...

Food Legends at the FFA Beast Feast

A Celebration of Florida Fun and Food at the Annual Fundraiser From fried dill pickles...

Live. Love. Livestock.

Family Life for the Lasseters at Triple L Farms Elijah Lasseter was seven years old...

Riding Through Life on a Trusted Breed

Barthle Brothers Ranch and the American Quarter Horse Sometimes “good” is a way of life...

Students Turned Teachers

The Spirit of Service in Two 4-H Volunteers Earlier this year, Polk County 4-H recognized...

Expanding Young Riders’ Horsemanship Horizons

At the Polk County 4-H Open Horse Show Responsibility. Confidence. Devotion to excellence. Every parent...

Florida Ranching by the Numbers

Q&A with Industry Experts on the latest USDA Cattle Inventory Report The USDA’s National Agriculture...

Technology brings many uses for citrus peels

| Adding freshness and flavor to otherwise ordinary items | Your unwanted citrus peels can...

An Action Plan for Environmental Stewardship

The What, How, and Why of BMAPs Acronyms, acronyms! We are always hearing acronyms from...

Cultivating Character in Our AgriYouth

Why 4-H, FFA, and Other Programs Are More than Just Ag Projects Training tomorrow’s leaders...

Opening Doors for Students

Citrus Growers Teach the Skills of Trade to Highlands’ Youth As Florida growers explore alternatives...

Solar Pumps for Watering Cattle

Delivering the Key Nutrient with More Convenience and Less Cost Water – the Key Nutrient...

A House a Horse Can Call Home

Florida TRAC and other equine retirement homes give aging thoroughbreds a new lease on life...

More than Just a Labor of Love

Growers Talk Worker Shortages, Weather Challenges and More Like other Florida fruit and vegetable growers...
Greening Heat Treatment

What’s Spelled Out in the Farm Bill for Florida Citrus

Fight Against Greening Rages on with Continued Research Citrus lobbyists had been searching for four...

An Environmental Steward in a Business World

Nominations are being currently accepted for the 2014 Environmental Stewardship Awards Program. Doing one’s part...

What’s Blooming and What’s Not?

How Nurseries are Changing in 2014 to Keep Business Growing Potted roses used to be...

Q&A: Horse Showmanship Classes at the Polk County Youth Fair

Horse Committee Chair Jessica Slaughter Shares What’s on Tap for this Year Since 1947, the...

Nourishing the Roots of the Community

Growing Much More than Citrus as Florida’s Natural Growers Foundation Focuses on Local Charities The...

Running for Legacy

Participants met the challenge at the Run-A-Muck Mud Run to help raise funds for the...

The Birth of an Industry, Part II of Conclusion

Preserving the Future of Citrus through Environmental Stewardship (Featured Photo: Bok Tower (also known as...

Picking Up the Scent on Mosaic’s Good Will Toward Men

New Sheriff’s K9 to be Named Matrix The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is getting a...

Walking in an AgriWonderland

Florida is full of agricultural wonders, so in this edition, we asked five different and...

A Farmer’s Hands at Work on Canvas

How Robert Harper Captures Natural Florida Seventy-two-year-old Robert Harper likes a challenge. In his lifetime...

4-H Poster Art Contest Winner

Morgan Turney’s Art and Future Ambissions Lake Region High School senior Morgan Turney loves to...

The Birth of an Industry, Part I of Conclusion

Preserving the Future of Citrus through Environmental Stewardship The 21st century dawned on a citrus...

Capturing the Equine Spirit

Central Florida equine artist Mindy Z. Colton merges her love of horses and sculpture into...

Painting Wildlife in Agriculture

Winter Haven Native Paul Schulz Shares his Labor of Love Paul Schulz is an artist...

PCFB’s Ag Program of the Year

Lots of ‘Fishy’ Business at Crystal Lake Middle School The Polk County Farm Bureau awarded...

The Birth of an Industry, Part IV

The Rise of Nutrient Application Technology and the Market for Juice When the citrus industry...

PCFB’s Ag Teacher of the Year

Challenging Kids Through Ag Education In some ways Erica Morse has been preparing to be...

Science that’s Propelling Ag into the Future

Technologies that Conserve Water, Monitor Weather, and Aid in the Fight against Citrus Greening Technology...
Trail Riding

Trail Riding Through History

A Unique Horse Riding Experience at the Florida Agricultural Museum It’s prime riding season, and...

Major Themes from the Small Farms Conference

Growers Looking to Diversify with Alternative Crops Some small farmers are looking to hydroponics to...

Grazin’ a New Trail

The Grazing Management School will hold its Sixth Annual Event this October For two days...

Ocean Farming Brought to Land

A New Eco-Friendly Venture Hopes to Make Big Impact on Florida’s Economy As the population...

The New Crop on the Block

Growers Continue to Study Pomegranate as an Alternative Crop Growers are continuing to experiment with...

Equine Papers, Please

A More Convenient Option for Supporting Documents During Intrastate and Interstate Travel For many Florida...

The Birth of an Industry, Part III

A Look Back at Citrus Variety Development and Disease Management Citrus varieties have changed through...

An Equestrian Sport on the Rise

Q&A on Cowboy Mounted Shooting Cowboy mounted shooting is a popular equestrian sport, which is...

Bows vs. Guns: Choosing Your Personal Hunting Style

Local Hunters Share the Appreciation for their Sport and the Skills Involved Pokey Rogers, foreman...

The Birth of an Industry, Part II

A Look at Irrigation Methods and Cold Protection from Past to Present The northeastern citrus...

Florida Roots

LEGOLAND Honors Florida’s Deep Connection to Agriculture What do Legos have to do with agriculture?...

Don’t Be a Victim of Theft on the Ranch

Prevention Tips from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to Help Keep Thieves at Bay Theft...

Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and species

| Sergeant Reckless: A hero among horses and men | George Washington, Martin Luther King...

Combatting disease with faith, science, and determination

| Growers dig deep as greening takes its toll | Early fruit drop jarred the...

The Agriculture Unit: Protecting a billion dollar industry

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd values Polk County’s agricultural community, and believes serving their needs...

Has the blue gold of Florida run dry?

| A tough 2010 harvest has blueberry growers talking | The state of Florida has...

Top 10 highlights of the 2010 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention

The Turnout – The FCA Convention was just held in June at the Marco Island...

The Birth of an Industry

Traveling back 500 years to the beginning of Florida citrus To taste citrus today and...

FCA Convention round up

| Highlights from the recent event for Florida cowboys at Marco Island | The theme...

Helping horses with a troubled past

| Q&A on adopting rescued or rehabilitated equines | It’s not just adoption; it’s saving...

Obtaining official identification devices for cattle

| How Florida is implementing the federal Cattle Identification Rule | The rancher community is...

Commercial harvests, u-picks operations, & making wine

| Season’s surprises keep Florida blueberry growers on their toes as they continue to diversify...

New leadership, same educational goal: Rising to the challenge as the new Polk FFA District Advisor

The baton has been passed to the new Polk FFA District Advisor, William Paul Webb...

A welcome development for growers

| Coca-Cola company invests in Florida’s citrus-growing future | It might sound contradictory that the...

Cattleman’s best friend

| Cow dogs bred and trained for life and work on the ranch | The...

In the company of citrus history

| Florida Citrus Hall of Fame’s 2013 Fellowship Students help preserve significant industry artifacts and...

Developing the future of horsemanship

| Instructing local students while strengthening the relationship between rider and equine | The location...

A ‘sweet heart’ for agriculture

| Harley Zoeckler: Inspiring a thirst for knowledge about beef and agriculture | The sash...

Artifacts of a bygone era

| Preserving the history of Florida’s citrus industry | The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame...

Travelin’ with your equine

| Safety tips for before, during and after your trip | The spring weather seems...

Fourth-grade introduction to beef cattle

| Agri-Fest: Where kids see and experience Florida’s cattle industry firsthand | Seeing a cowboy...

Using her head, heart, hands and health for others

| Local teen forms 4-H club for disabled children | Chain of Lakes Collegiate High...

Learning new equine skills through competition

| Preview: UF horse-judging contest slated in April | A 17-year old Lake Wales girl...

Being in hog heaven

| One man’s pigpen is Emily Heuer’s treasure | Her older sister seemed to have...

HLB Report: Attacking the Problem on Three Fronts

Scientists Get Creative to Come up with Manageable Solutions to Citrus Disease There’s no cure...

Little-Known Facts on the Clydesdale

Unique Aspects of an Already-Unique Breed Since the repeal of Prohibition, Clydesdale horses have become...

Strawberry Growers are Seeing Red this Season

It’s halfway through the harvest and the public is now starting to enjoy (this month...

All in the Family of Citrus Growers

A Farming Tradition of Bill Green and His Sons At 85 years-old (86 the day...

2013 Legislature Concerns for Agricluture

From Labor Issues to HLB Research: A Look at Ongoing Challenges for the Year Florida’s...

More Than Men of Citrus

Two Things Each You Might NOT Know About the 2013 Florida Citrus Hall of Fame...

Cattle: Preventing the Spread of Disease Among Herds

The USDA Establishes a New Animal Traceability Rule A new form of protection will be...

Celebrating Florida’s Roots

500th Anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s Arrival Sparks Renewed Interest in Heritage Floridians across the...

AgriEdu: A Championship Team Set Apart

Taking Top Honors at the State FFA Citrus Career Development Event Florida leads the country...

More Trade Opportunity for Florida Beef

Opening New Doors with the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement A “new deal” recently has...

The ‘Neigh’-ing Truth: What Your Horse is Telling You

What is your horse trying to tell you? It might be easier to determine than...

Citrus Crop Update: USDA Predicts Slimmer Harvest for Valencia Variety

Florida’s citrus crop will be smaller than last year, according to the latest estimates by...

Getting Into the Equine Spirit

TiAnViCa Volunteer Shares her Joy of Helping Others Only one visit to TiAnViCa Riding Academy...

Florida Roots: Cinderic Preserving History Through Photographs

There is a lot more to Florida than beautiful beaches and amusement parks. That’s the...

Giving Back to the Land Through Stewardship

The Agriculture Way of Life: Guarding Water Quality and Preserving Wildlife At one time, the...

Island Family Fun in the Name of Agriculture

An event to support the founding of a world-class education program Warner University is determined...

Cultivating the Land and the Heart

Service to the Community On and Off the Groves Their workplaces are the groves of...

Embracing the Majestic Beauty of Horses

Equine Artist Mary Verrandeaux Uses Her Horse-Show Background and Love of Animals to Bring Her...

Introduction to Featured Artists

Chad Anderson: Watching the Prairie Disappear “In this photo I was seeking to capture the...

Chad Anderson: Working to Preserve Natural Florida

By day, Chad Anderson is a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in...

Susan Harrell and Almost Famous LeatherWorks

Crafting a Pioneer Art with a Modern-Day Look “There’s just something special about a custom...

Rick Pezzimenti: Capturing the Essence of Florida at Bok Tower Gardens

Nestled between Tampa and Orlando is an 83-year-old garden that attracts people from Florida and...

Modern tools for monitoring your equine’s health

Equines communicate through various physical and behavioral signs. From the position of the ears to...

A trio of excellence in teaching

| Polk County Farm Bureau recognizes outstanding educators in agriculture | Excellence comes in many...

The red thread that binds: What connects UF/IFAS with Florida farmers

TEACHING, RESEARCH AND OUTREACH are the core of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural...

Taking a look at the use of RFID technology on the ranch

FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) has been around for some time. It is wireless technology that uses...

’Tis the season for strawberries: Strategy and work that go into a crop

As you enjoy a sweet bowl of strawberry shortcake this season, know that many weeks...

New uses for old crops

| Eucalyptus, sugar cane and other crops get an agritechnology makeover | In Frostproof, Phillip...

Ask the Expert: Q&A on getting the most out of hunting

BAXTER TROUTMAN is a fourth-generation Florida cracker with a long history of success in the...

Ag gone fishing: R&R for anglers spells big bucks in Florida

GARY MCKENZIE LOVES THE CHALLENGE of catching redfish. He enjoys stealthily creeping upon and tricking...

Getting your equine away from the daily grind

| Fun day ideas for you and your horse | THE UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP between horse...

One man’s hard work is the same man’s pleasure

| Recreational time is a precious commodity for this citrus grower | WORKING LONG HOURS...

Florida recreation at its greenest

| A look at the economic impact of agriculture and nature-based tourism | FLORIDA IS...

Grooming safety for new horse owners

| Four rules to put into practice | During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the...

Packing a hefty economic punch

| Plant breeding and other research that helps small farms | FLORIDA – THE OLIVE...

Cattle course helps breed success on the ranch

| UF/IFAS offers beef cattle reproductive management school | REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY has long been recognized...

Florida Club update

| A longstanding ag tradition is diversifying its membership | THE 64-YEAR-OLD FLORIDA CLUB, a...

Florida — and Florida foods — around the world

| State chef creates culinary masterpieces with Gulf seafood at the Olympics | JUSTIN PATRICK...

Hot alternative crops for Florida growers

| Peach and pomegranate crops are gaining popularity in the Sunshine State | CLINT UPDIKE...

KeyPlex in the business of plant health

| Company constructs new plant to meet the needs of its customers | For Florida-based...

There’s a new chicken in town

| Local families keep backyard coops for homegrown eggs | There’s a new chicken in...

Peeling back to the good stuff

| Citrus annual conference has become industry staple | More than 650 people attended the...

Florida roots: One family’s history in Florida hay

IN THE PHOTOS: Left, Dominique “Mingy” Ercoli bales hay on his 90th birthday. Mingy recently...

In the citrus business for the long haul

In the photo: Larry Black with wife Jenny and kids Julia and Varn are among...

The impact of Tropical Storm Debby

Caption: On June 27, 2012, the flooding in some areas of Florida was 3 to...

DOs and DON’Ts for when your horse gets startled

A horse can startle, spook, or shy from a surprising or strange sight, smell, or...

Getting the right breed at the right time

| One rancher’s life pursuit to stay on top of Florida’s cattle commerce while meeting...

@griTech: Colony Collapse Disorder causing concern for apiaries

It is estimated by experts that the U.S. honeybee industry is responsible for pollinating almost...

The latest story on Mr. Story

| Recognized for putting the world of Florida citrus above himself | Here at Central...

Quinn Carter an exhibitor to be reckoned with

High school student has Brangus in the blood Quinn Carter grew up barrel racing, hunting...

A lifelong career with Florida agriculture

In the photo: At the Polk County Farm Bureau Harvest Celebration, Ray Crawford, left and...

Warning signs of heat stress in horses

| Recognize the symptoms and know what to do | “We’re having a heat wave...

A lifelong career with Florida agriculture

Ray Crawford on ‘retired’ life USUALLY, the phrase “hit the ground running” is used to...

Agribiz: Beekeepers learn the value of stings

Apitherapy on the table at the May 2012 Beekeeping Seminar YOU WOULD THINK everyone would...

Florida Roots: One man’s courage to protect our way of life

As we celebrate our freedom on Independence Day with family and fireworks, as well as...

Annual Blueberry Roundup: Florida growers expanding markets for blue gold

WHEN LIFE gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or so the saying goes. But what do...

Combining dairy farming, science, and teaching

AGRICULTURE HAS BEEN a way of life for Suzanne Churchwell, a science teacher at Plant...

@griTech: What computers can do for the Florida Everglades

IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, many problems present themselves on a yearly basis once the...

Recipe Spotlight: Sweet satisfaction of a Florida peach

MOVE OVER GEORGIA. Florida is on the way to a peachy crop. The trouble with...

Greenhouses, Hoophouses, and Hydroponics, OH MY!

Three Methods for Farmers on the Road to Maximizing Production Farming has made tremendous strides...

Small Farmers Mean BIG Business

Sewing and Reaping the Knowledge for Success Small farms have always existed, but in Florida...

FAWN: Providing the Tools for Weather Preparedness

The Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) was established in 1998 in response to the discontinuation...

Top 10 Reasons to Join FFA

1. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION – “Be part of the industry that sustains mankind,”...

Worst Case Scenario: Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

According to the expert team at AccuWeather.com and Joe Bastardi, the Chief Long-Range Meteorologist and...

The Power of Healing in Therapeutic Riding

The gentle nature of the horse has made it a much sought-after creature for therapy...

The Green Monster: At War with a Potentially Devastating Citrus Disease

Jerry Newlin has weathered many disease outbreaks in the citrus industry, from canker to Tristeza...

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, New Fish

| What Crystal Lake Middle School is teaching students with their Aquaculture Program | Crystal...

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