THE END OF APRIL marks the beginning of watermelon harvest season in Central Florida, and for growers like Andy McDonald, it’s especially sweet. That’s because McDonald double crops, planting the watermelon seedlings in his Plant City strawberry fields. McDonald takes advantage of any lull in strawberry picking in early February to place the plants into […]
Harvest time: Double cropping — a watermelon season preview Read More »
THIS PAST WINTER, if we want to call it that, was nearly nonexistent in Central Florida. That said, this doesn’t change the fact that there are several key items that need to be completed now to keep your lawn in tip-top shape.
Maintenance and upkeep of your lawn Read More »
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE will begin its annual 60-day legislative session on January 12, and I’m working closely with members of the Legislature to address one of the state’s greatest challenges: water.
Commissioner’s AgriCorner: Water is top priority this legislative session Read More »
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 »
THE USDA’s ANNUAL Farm Income Forecast has been released, and it predicts that profitability will continue a weakening trend that started in 2014. Net cash income is projected to fall by 21 percent to $100.3 billion, due to lower crop and livestock receipts. Net farm income is projected to be down by 26 percent to
2015 Farm Income Forecast: Profitability expected to weaken, but with a ‘however’ Read More »
Embarking on a study to analyze the economic impact of agribusiness in the area IN 1974, a Hillsborough County government report predicted the demise of local agriculture by the turn of the century. It couldn’t have been more wrong. Hillsborough agriculture actually grew in value from $40 million annually at the time of the report
Helping to write the next chapter of Hillsborough County agriculture Read More »
SUMMER IS A BUSY time for Florida blueberry growers, and it’s one where growers should pay close attention to irrigation and water usage. Since berry picking is over, plants are pruned to encourage important new growth that will carry next year’s berries. It’s a crucial time for water management, according to a study conducted by
Summer irrigation checkup Read More »
ANY FARMER worth his or her salt knows that if you want something to grow, you have to give it everything it needs. Essentials include a good foundation of soil, the warmth of sunlight, and clean water. It’s the same thought behind Hope Preserve and Farm, a farm and visitor center that is in the
Harvest time: Hope Now provides alternative living through alternative crops Read More »
| Teaching kids about agriculture through hands-on training gets a new twist this year | BEING HELD this year on April 6-10 and April 13-17 in Bartow, one event hosts 6,000 fourth-graders for hands-on agriculture fun and learning. This year, Agri-Fest offers time-honored traditions and new insights, showing what agriculture in Polk County is all
What’s new at Agri-Fest? Read More »
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 »
