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.
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 »
Students get ready for contests through school offered by the UF Department of Animal Sciences EACH YEAR, The University of Florida’s Department of Animal Sciences operates informational and competitive youth programs for students within a 4-H Club or FFA Chapter. The UF/DAS recently held its annual 4-H/FFA Horse-Judging School, where students learned about judging at …
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 …
{Amp•li•fy — increase of volume} THE THEME of the 2014-15 National FFA year was to amplify our voice, not just in our FFA career but in our lives, families, and communities. In the opening session of the 88th National FFA Convention, Andy Paul, 2014-15 National FFA president, stated that “in order to chase our dreams, …
Ag Time with Abby: FFA wants to amplify on ag causes and careers Read More »
Polk County Farm Bureau’s Ag Program of the Year award goes to Auburndale High School AGRICULTURE IS IN NEED of young people interested in stepping in and picking up the tools of the industry — both on the farms and in the research labs — and working hard. It’s something Kimberly Shaske knows well. She …
Agritechnology Academy teaches youth of the suburbs Read More »
Eighth Annual Youth Field Day promises engaging and educational range cattle demonstrations EVERY YEAR in June, the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Florida, hosts its annual Youth Field Day event. This event provides students ages eight to 18 who are interested in agriculture, more specifically range cattle, with a unique hands-on opportunity …
During the school year, Melissa Gulvin organizes school trips to agricultural locations, so students attending Polk County schools can see for themselves how these farms operate. It’s proven, she has found, to be an eye-opening experience for the kids. [emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”] But Gulvin’s central …
@griTech: Students learn the value of water through science Read More »
WHILE MANY OTHER industries have suffered during difficult economic times, Florida agriculture remains one of the strongest pillars in the state’s economy and continues to grow. During the last year, Florida agriculture grew by $150 million in cash receipts, creating an additional 5,000 jobs for Floridians and generating $20 million in tax revenues.
