University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers have discovered a new invasive ant species in south Florida that can have dire consequences for homeowners and for surrounding ecosystems. The yellow ant, Plagiolepis alluaudi, is native to Madagascar and is already invasive in several Caribbean Islands, including Barbados, St. Lucia and Nevis, among others, said Thomas Chouvenc, UF/IFAS …
Soil Moisture Sensors Help Suwannee Valley Growers Manage Irrigation
Soil Moisture Sensors (or SMS) are a precision agriculture technology on the rise in North Florida. Using electronic sensors at various depths, moisture readings are taken continuously throughout the day. By using this technology, growers are now able to “see underground” and at a distance through cell phone transmission of data. UF/IFAS Extension, as part of the land grant system, …
Mark Wilson Named 2017 Florida Farmer of the Year
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that Mark Wilson of Greendale Nursery in Homestead, Florida, was recognized as the 2017 Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Florida Farmer of the Year. Since 1990, the Southeastern Ag Expo Farmer of the Year Award has recognized exceptional agricultural practices, innovators, and pioneers from 10 southeastern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, …
USDA Designates 19 Counties in Florida as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 19 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by Hurricane Irma that occurred from Sept. 9, 2017, through Sept.12, 2017. Those counties are: Alachua Gilchrist Indian River Monroe Bradford Glades Lake Osceola Broward Hendry Lee Palm Beach Charlotte Highlands Marion Sumter Collier Hillsborough Miami-Dade Farmers …
Sunbelt Expo Hosts Southeastern Farmer of the Year Luncheon
The Swisher Sweets Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year luncheon took place today during the annual Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia. This year’s selection was chosen from representatives in 10 southeastern farming states. This year’s winner was Robert Mills Jr. from Callands, Virginia. But Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman talked with the representatives from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Alabama – Chris …
Florida Beef Council Hires New Team Member
The Florida Beef Council (FBC) just added a new person to its team to help with promoting the beef message to consumers across the state. Sarah Krieger, who comes on board as a registered dietician, has details about her new position with FBC. Sponsored ContentFlorida Senator Shares Origins of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardNovember 14, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsNovember 8, 2025Florida …
More than 2,500 Acres of Environmentally Sensitive Okeechobee Ranch Preserved
The Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of 2,523 acres of environmentally sensitive land within Corona Ranch in Okeechobee County through cost-effective conservation easements, which prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchase is part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, where the state partners with Florida’s …
UF, Invasive Species Centre Draw International Crowd to Invasive Pests Conference
Researchers from around the world will gather at what many consider to be a perfect storm for invasive aquatic plants. With 28 ports of entry and a tropical environment, Florida ranks first among states for invasive species. Thus, 250 scientists from 13 countries will gather at the 20th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species from Oct. 22 to 26 in …
USDA Holds Disaster Assistance and Hurricane Recovery Workshops
USDA Service Centers in Florida are holding disaster assistance and hurricane recovery workshops in 48 counties for farmers and ranchers impacted by Hurricane Irma during the next few weeks. The event is free and open to the public. To find meeting dates and locations, go to https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Florida/state-events/index. Representatives from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) …
UF/IFAS-Led Team Wins National Award for Research on Heat-Tolerant Field Corn
Field corn is one of the world’s most important cereal grains, and efforts to develop new heat-tolerant varieties of this crop have earned national recognition for a scientific team led by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences molecular geneticist Curt Hannah. On Thursday, Oct. 12, representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and …