New Research Dean for UF/IFAS

Florida agriculture has what Jack Payne, University of Florida/IFAS senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, calls a new head of R&D, or the IFAS research dean. Rob Gilbert started that position last week. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida …

Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida invites everyone to attend the Flatwoods Fire and Nature Festival, January 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the University of Florida’s Austin Cary Forest off Waldo Road in Gainesville, FL. During the family-friendly festival, you can enjoy prescribed fire demonstrations, fire ecology tours, live wildlife, live music, food trucks, exhibits, quail mascot Burner …

USDA’s San Antonio Service Center Moves to Brooksville, FL

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) San Antonio Service Center serving Pasco and Hernando counties moved Jan. 1 to 17030 Ayers Rd., Brooksville, Fla. 34604. The new phone number is 352-277-3761. Source: USDA/NRCS Florida Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or Beneficials through SharpShooter™June 16, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement …

Notice of Investigation and Product Withdrawal Related to Cattle Deaths

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services this week received multiple reports related to acute deaths in cattle. These deaths are being investigated by both the Division of Agricultural Environmental Services and the Division of Animal Industry. Local law enforcement agencies and veterinarians have also been involved in the ongoing investigation.  While the specific cause has not yet been …

Applying Performance Data for Bull Selection

On Tuesday, January 15th Understanding and Applying Performance Data for Bull Selection will be presented at the Washington County Agricultural Center, in Chipley. The primary goal of this class is to help commercial cattlemen decipher all of the performance data available and develop a practical plan for utilizing these resources when selecting bulls for their own operations.The catalog form the Florida Bull Test …

Governor Ron DeSantis Calls for Resignations of Governing Board Members of South Florida Water Management District

Governor Ron DeSantis called for the immediate resignations of all governing board members of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The announcement was made during a stop in Stuart to discuss the Governor’s major water policy reforms to protect and improve Florida’s water resources. “One of the recommendations that Congressman Mast has provided to me was that we really …

DeSantis Offers ‘Bold’ Plan to Address Water Woes

Gov. Ron DeSantis, appearing in areas hit hard by outbreaks of toxic algae and red tide, signed an executive order Thursday expanding state efforts to improve Florida’s troubled waters. And while he took shots from environmentalists on the campaign trail last year when arguing that climate change is not a problem for state government to alleviate, DeSantis said Thursday his …

New “Ask NRCS” Brochure for Organic Farmers

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida wants organic producers to know there is a new booklet that was developed to assist in communicating about NRCS programs organic production. The new “Ask NRCS” brochure covers a variety of natural resource concerns and conservation practices including soils, water, air, plants, animals and energy.  Conservation technical assistance through NRCS helps farmers and ranchers address …