Many Americans choose to adorn their homes over the holidays with a Christmas tree, and many of those are real trees. While the American Christmas Tree Association suggests that 80% of U.S. households choose an artificial tree, the USDA Census of Agriculture statistics show that over 17 million trees were harvested in 2012 (the latest [...]
The Florida Everglades encompass thousands of square miles of South Florida real estate that are vastly important to the Sunshine State. Water flows south from Central Florida in a “River of Grass,” essentially recycling and recharging the water and providing a unique ecosystem for hundreds of different species, many of them endangered. However, the Everglades once [...]
The U.S. has not had diplomatic ties with Cuba since 1961, but the recent efforts by the Obama Administration to renew governmental relations with the Caribbean island nation have put Cuba-U.S. ties on the front burner. It’s front-page news, and the U.S. agriculture industry—especially in Florida—has taken notice. Recently, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack was part [...]
Agriculture is steeped in history and tradition, but it also utilizes technology to improve, increase production and stay relevant in a global market. Apps simply require a smartphone—which are now pretty inexpensive these days and can be useful in the field—and many will work with computers as well. Try these apps to improve your agribusiness: [...]
If you look at any ag operator/owner statistics, you’ll find that the overall number of individuals in agriculture is dropping and the average age or operators is rising. Essentially, if we are going to have all the warm bodies required to meet our country’s ag needs—and that of the world’s—in the future, then we need [...]
If you live in Florida, and work in the Florida ag industry or enjoy nature, then you’re likely used to creepy-crawly things like bugs, arachnids and various reptiles. The tropical nature of Florida’s climate certainly invites a broad spectrum of snakes, spiders and other less-than-welcome creatures. Compared with other states, it seems Florida gets the [...]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, is an organization that wears many hats, and one of those that many don’t know of is a protector of the American water supply. It’s true that agriculture uses a good amount of water, but it’s all in the name of feeding and clothing our nation and providing [...]
The Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, has made major headlines lately, and those stories that focus on the partnership’s benefits for the country’s agricultural industry have been favorable, including those concerning Florida agriculture. Representing more than 40 percent of global trade, the USDA maintains that the “TPP is an opportunity to advance U.S. economic interests in [...]
October is National Seafood Month, which makes it a great time to highlight this unique section of the Sunshine State’s agricultural endeavors: Florida seafood. Few states can boast as many agrarian endeavors as Florida can. According to data compiled by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Florida is first in produce like [...]
Farmers 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 unknowledgeable when it [...]
