MANY YEARS AGO, Florida citrus was sold in dimly lit warehouses around 3 or 4 a.m. It was packed in wooden crates with bright, colorful labels that attracted the buyers’ eyes and helped sell the fruit. “The label was the first thing they would see,” says Brenda Eubanks Burnette, executive director of Florida Citrus Hall […]
Citrus labels go on tour: Historic brands make a comeback in the region Read More »
THE 2015-2016 school year is well under way! We have a lot of exciting events going on in different Ag departments as a way to recruit new members into the local FFA chapters! But before we can see what each chapter is doing, we need to meet some of our awesome agriculture teachers.
Ag Time with Abby: Local agri-educators and why teaching is their passion Read More »
We held our Polk Agriculture Economic Summit event on February 26, and by all accounts the event was a huge success. I believe the Polk Agriculture Economic Impact Study results presented at the event will continue to be a useful resource for years to come. The results of the study can be viewed on our
PCFB President’s Column: Ag impact study will be a useful resource for years Read More »
IT SHOULDN’T come as a surprise to you that agriculture is counted among the top economic drivers in our great state of Florida. If it does, then the information I’m about to share is all the more important for you to read. The agriculture industry is a multibillion-dollar trade, supporting jobs for many of our
YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD me say before that agriculture is one of the “sweet spots” of Florida’s economy. As an economic powerhouse, the state’s agriculture industry is a multibillion-dollar trade, supporting jobs for many of our residents across all of its 67 counties.
Publisher Letter: The local economy and agriculture’s major impact Read More »
| Season’s surprises keep Florida blueberry growers on their toes as they continue to diversify | Florida’s blueberry crop was lighter than anticipated this year, which meant higher prices overall for the state’s blueberry growers. With gross prices averaging $5 a pound, some growers had a pretty good year; but returns were mixed. “This is
Commercial harvests, u-picks operations, & making wine Read More »
| Lauren Lewis laying the foundation for tomorrow’s industry | After earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Alabama and Texas, Lauren Lewis, a graduate of Haines City High School’s class of 2006, has returned to Polk County to head Lake Wales-based Warner University’s new agricultural studies program. The program is expected to help train
At the helm of Warner’s ag program Read More »
| Couple is feeling at home at Lake Howard Heights | Bill Adams grew his citrus nursery business into one of the largest in the state — until canker decimated the industry and agriculture officials ordered his trees burned. “When the canker problem struck the industry (in the mid 1980s), I was doing very well
Life after farming: Bill and Maxi Adams Read More »
If you are a city water customer, you may be eligible for a free landscape and irrigation system evaluation to help you conserve water. The cities of Lakeland, Winter Haven, Haines City, Auburndale, and Polk City are offering the free evaluation in conjunction with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Polk County Utilities. [emember_protected
Conserving Water Just Got Easier Read More »
500th Anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s Arrival Sparks Renewed Interest in Heritage Floridians across the state are honoring their roots this year as the state marks the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s arrival. With a Viva Florida 500 initiative, there will be a flurry of exhibits showcasing the cultures that make up the state’s
Celebrating Florida’s Roots Read More »
