Bees and other pollinators are central to the success of our agriculture industry, so it’s always good news when steps are being taken to help bees and pollinators. Such an example is the recent partnership between The Wildlife Society and the Feed a Bee program, operated by life-science group Bayer: Science for A Better Life, that [...]
There’s no denying that bees and other insects are vastly important to our lives. From pollinating the bulk of our agriculture crops to benefiting the environment, bees and other beneficial bugs are vital to our way of life. In an effort to protect pollinators like bees and other beneficial insects, one study looked into using [...]
The craft beer industry is growing quickly, and a UF/IFAS research team is exploring whether Florida growers could benefit from the growth of this niche industry through supplying this much-needed crop to large and small breweries. The research was started in the backyard of UF horticulturist Brian Pearson, who wanted to see if he could [...]
Agritourism is one of the fastest growing segments in Florida agriculture today. Agritourism operations in The Sunshine State are about to get some serious backup from the newly-formed Florida AgriTourism Association. It likely won’t be long before other states follow suit. The benefits of the Association are sure to be felt by the state’s agritourism [...]
Florida agriculture may be one of the strongest in the nation, but the tropical climate, abundant sunshine and plentiful rains (barring drought!) that created a land so favorable to agriculture also welcome a lion’s share of pests and pathogens to attack the fruits of The Sunshine State’s labors (and the vegetables, nuts, livestock and so [...]
The Polk County Youth Fair wrapped up its latest annual ag event at the end of January. Youth from all over the county had the opportunity to show off the fruits of their labors, representing weeks and months of hard work. From dog showmanship and archery to showing hand-raised livestock and displaying horse handling skills, [...]
Farming and ranching are ventures fraught with pitfalls, and Florida has its fair share of difficulties and hardships. Considering factors such as fickle weather that can be hot as a furnace, dry as a bone, wet as a fish or downright dangerous, and Florida’s host of pathogens and pests, being in agriculture in Florida is [...]
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 [...]
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 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 [...]
