Sifting for the silver lining amid the challenges of Florida’s blue gold FLORIDA BLUEBERRY GROWERS had a tough season, coming into the marketplace late, with about 30 percent of their usual crop. Some harvest workers moved north, which left many growers turning to offer u-pick to harvest their crop or leave berries on the bushes.
The 2016 blueberry season roundup Read More »
IF YOU KNOW where to find it, if you know how to access it, and if you meet certain qualifications, government funds are available to help your citrus operation. For that matter, government funds, at both the federal and state levels, are available to help a wide variety of agriculture-related enterprises.
Government funds available to help your operation Read More »
THE USE of cover crops has grown like — ahem — a weed in the agriculture industry. Cover crops offer a lot of advantages and benefits to both farmers and ranchers, but it’s a good idea to do your research before choosing one to plant.
Sowing benefits with cover crops Read More »
IN RECENT REPORTS, there has been talk of doing away with agriculture education due to budget cuts. Personally, I don’t see why agriculture is not a mandated class. Back in the day, there were classes like home economics and shop that taught us some life skills, but again, due to budget cuts, those classes are
Ag Time with Abby: What does ag education actually teach? Read More »
AS WE ARE KICKING OFF our new year, I am sure most, if not all, of us have created our list of resolutions. Was a new career on your list of changes you wish to see happen this year?
Ag Time with Abby: Careers in ag — Top 10 fields of interest Read More »
How one recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award is conserving our state’s resources THOSE IN AGRICULTURE have long been stewards of the lands that they utilize to raise a crop or turn out livestock to pasture, but some go above and beyond the norm. In Florida, ag producers who utilize “environmentally innovative farming practices” are
Preserving the present to protect the future Read More »
How biotechnology, drones, and plant breeding are advancing agriculture TECHNOLOGY has the ability to change the world, and it will likely be needed to protect it too. It’s a sentiment that those in Florida agriculture know all too well. With challenges like citrus greening, laurel wilt in avocados, and high consumer expectations for fruits and
Research that goes beyond the lab for citrus, avocados, and bell peppers Read More »
AGRICULTURE is steeped in history and tradition, but it also utilizes technology to improve, increase production, and stay relevant in a global market. Apps simply require a smartphone — which are now pretty inexpensive these days and can be useful in the field — and many will work with computers as well. Try these apps
Try these ag apps to improve your farm or ranch Read More »
IT IS ALWAYS exciting to have a new chapter established in the FFA, especially when it is one right here in Polk County! Winter Haven Christian School was founded in 1965, and it added a high school in 2013. This year, they introduced Agriculture as one of the academies for their high school students. I
Ag Time with Abby: New FFA chapter takes root Read More »
THE MEDIA would like us to think that the family farm is almost a thing of the past. But, we did our own research and, not surprisingly, the opposite is true. After surveying 530 growers who represent almost 30 different commodities, our team at AgAmerica Lending found out that over 74 percent said their agriculture
End-of-the-year considerations for the family farm Read More »
