There’s no denying that Florida has great tropical weather featuring a lot of sunshine that’s advantageous for Agriculture, tourism and outdoor recreation. However, all those weather and climate-related characteristics about the Sunshine State that reel in vacationers in droves also attract more than a fair share of nasty diseases and pests. Those pests then attack [...]
Hurricane season is in full force with the official season lasting through November, but hurricanes and other natural disasters can affect the Sunshine State and Florida Agriculture at just about any time of the year. It’s important that you are prepared for bad weather. […]
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% to $100.3 billion, due to lower crop and livestock receipts. Net Farm Income is projected to be down by 26%, to $58.3 billion [...]
The age-old Agriculture tool, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been around since 1792 predicting the weather and charting natural events like the tides and the cycles of the moon to keep those in Agriculture and folks in general in the know. Even in this technology-driven age we live in, The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s forecasts and [...]
Man’s best friend has long been a trusted hand on the farm or ranch, but did you know that a group of lovable canines also work hard every day at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, FDACS, to protect the Sunshine State’s $120-billion dollar industry? Five different dogs utilize their sensitive noses and [...]
The United States Department of Agriculture enjoys world-wide recognition, but it is usually for their programs and incentives that are directly tied to farming and ranching. However, the USDA is tasked with providing many other services; one important service the USDA provides is ensuring that all Americans have access to healthy food. One area of [...]
The organic agriculture industry is booming in the U.S. and around the globe, despite the fact that conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables are as safe and as healthy as their organic counterparts. Some in the produce business might perceive the organic industry as an opponent or adversary, but the truth of the matter is that organics [...]
Science is a beloved aspect of Agriculture, as it has long influenced Agriculture in such a positive way. A shining example of Science’s positive impact would be all the research that is ongoing on curing Citrus Greening. From Biology to Chemistry to Earth Science, Science has helped Agriculture to grow and raise more food with [...]
The availability of information in this digital age has made it very easy to spread facts and data. However, it also makes it very easy to spread misinformation as well. When it comes to some Ag topics—such as fertilizers—the misinformation runs a bit deeper. […]
It’s National Pollinator Week, and it’s an excellent time to take steps to help pollinators in your community. If you haven’t heard, many of our go-to pollinators—bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats and so on—are declining in number or out-and-out dying in droves. Pollinators help flowers exchange pollen, which in turn allows the plants to produce [...]
