farmers - Central Florida Ag News

From the Editor’s Desk: Congrats, Youth Speech Contest winners

Pictured, from left: Scarlett Jackson, Warner University; Kaylee Norris, Warner University; Jamie Lang, PNC Bank; Taylor Ladd, Auburndale High School; Lacee Richardson, Kathleen High School; and Amelia Parsons, Ridge Community High School. As the first-place winner at the county level, Lacee Richardson will represent Polk County in the District contest on September 17. She also […]

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Expert lending advice for diversification or alternative farming

FLORIDA’S FARMERS, growers, and ranchers increasingly are changing up and adding to the mix of the crops they produce, the livestock they raise and the forage they provide. Some call it agricultural diversification. Some call it alternative farming. Many call it smart business.

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PCFB President’s Column: Many deserve thanks for giving ag a boost in legislative session

“WHY DO YOU FARM?” This is a question that most farmers and ranchers hear over and over, year after year. One short answer is “Family,” and not just for our own families. In reality, the pursuit of agriculture production can at times present challenges to fulfilling our responsibilities to our own families — and the

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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 orange crops will decrease by millions this year, industry leaders remain optimistic about the future.

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Stewards of the land and our environment

OFTENTIMES, FARMERS, RANCHERS and other ag folks are portrayed as being at odds with environmentalists and conservationists. Nothing could be further from the truth. As an agriculture and environmental lawyer, I can attest that there are few people who care as much about the land they live and work on and their animals as do

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What statistics say about the ‘agrilifestyle’

WHEN THE FOLKS from Central Florida Ag News told me that this was the magazine’s annual “AgriLiving” issue, I thought to myself: “I sure have been ‘agriliving’ for quite a while.” By that, I mean that people who become farmers and ranchers tend to stay farmers and ranchers for their entire lives. Their families also

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Lending a hand to local schools

Rob Harper and Land South Group donate 70 head of zebu cattle for Polk County students to learn the ropes of showing steer EDUCATION IN AGRICULTURE isn’t just about book learning. It’s often more about getting your fingers in the soil, your hands on the tractor wheel, and your arms around livestock. It’s more about

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A look back at the roots of National FFA Week

AGRICULTURE has been a part of this country from its inception during the American Revolution, and by its very nature agriculture must remain a vital part of America. National FFA Week was the last week in February, and it affords us the opportunity to look at the history and the future of farming and agriculture.

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AgriGov: Taking a look at the Cuban factor

| Recent UF/IFAS webinar discusses opportunities and challenges of agricultural trade with Cuba | THIS PAST DECEMBER, President Obama made a televised speech regarding Cuba that caused everyone to pay attention; those in Florida agriculture should take special note. On December 17, President Obama announced a move toward normalized relations between the U.S. and the

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Water, water everywhere, but is there enough?

Blueberries need a lot of water. Water leaches quickly through pine mulch beds during Florida’s hot summer days, and Florida’s winter requires overhead sprinklers to protect new buds and blooms from getting freeze damage. Drip irrigation helps reduce water usage, but freeze protection requires overhead irrigation that may apply a lot of water within a

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