CATTLE RANCHING in Florida has a long and storied past that may surprise you. The first cattle were brought here with Ponce De Leon and the Spanish explorers in 1521. Those seven Andalusians were likely the ancestors of the Florida scrub cattle that later became the herds of both Seminole natives and pioneer settlers.
Florida roots: Handing down the cattle-ranching heritage Read More »
AS FLORIDA’S COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, directing more locally grown products to Florida’s school cafeterias and encouraging healthy eating habits is one of my top priorities.
Summer BreakSpot: Spreading Florida’s agricultural bounty when school is out 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 »
FOR CENTURIES, Florida’s farmers and ranchers have served as Florida’s original conservationists and great stewards of our natural resources. In recognition of these contributions, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has collaborated with our state’s ranchers and farmers to protect important agricultural lands, and their immeasurable environmental benefits, for generations to come.
FARMS AND RANCHERS have long acted as stewards of the environment, with the majority taking care of the land, air, and water to the best of their abilities and current knowledge. However, agriculture has come under attack on a variety of fronts from people with an alternative agenda to folks who are not knowledgeable when
A positive report on farmer perception of the general public Read More »
“Farming looks mighty easy when your plow is a pencil, and you’re a thousand miles from the corn field.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower THE WORDS OF OUR 34th president of the United States ring more true today than when they were spoken in 1956 during an address to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Our world
Farm-time fun for all with crop mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and more RANCHERS TED AND DONNA SMITH have operated their 450-acre farm in North Lakeland for decades, and are proud of the family business located on the edge of the Green Swamp. Originally set up as a cattle ranch, the family-owned and family-operated Smith Family
More agritourism for educational recreation Read More »
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
From the Editor’s Desk: Congrats, Youth Speech Contest winners Read More »
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.
Expert lending advice for diversification or alternative farming Read More »
“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
