LaToya O’Neal and others at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are trying to ensure that all people can buy nutritious food and, in turn, curb obesity among those with limited daily access to healthy food. Those who go day to day with little to no access to nutritious food are food-insecure, O’Neal said. About 13 …
Cabinet Weighs Highlands Conservation Plan
Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet next week will consider a proposal to spend $1.58 million to help conserve about 1,000 acres of land in Highlands County. The proposal involves buying what is known as a “perpetual conservation easement” on 1,034 acres of ranch land owned by S.Y. Hartt & Son, Inc. The Hartt family bought the northern Highlands …
Florida Farmers to Visit Elected Officials in Washington
Florida farmers, ranchers and small business owners will speak up for agriculture when they visit with the Florida Congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., May 23-25. More than 80 Farm Bureau members from across the Sunshine State will travel to the nation’s capital to discuss various federal policies that affect agriculture and rural land. The agenda includes a series of informal …
Florida Beef Council Pleased with Social Media Campaign
Nationwide sales of fresh beef at retail got a boost earlier this year as the result of a beef industry partnership with the mobile rebates app Ibotta. According to a release from the Federation of State Beef Councils, the partnership also significantly increased consumer engagements with beef through videos, recipes and messages on the app. Overall, the Federation of State …
Caldwell Kicks Off Agriculture Commissioner Campaign
from: The News Service of Florida State Rep. Matt Caldwell on Monday formally launched his 2018 campaign for Florida agriculture commissioner, saying he plans to build a grass-roots campaign across the state. Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, made the announcement at Sun Harvest Citrus in Lee County. He touted his conservative credentials and discussed his family’s deep roots in Florida. He …
Two Florida NRCS Sign-up Deadlines This Week
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners interested in restoring a longleaf pine forest and build habitat for northern bobwhite quail habitat, you have until this Friday, May 19, to apply for financial assistance. Funding is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Contact your local USDA service center for more information. Plus, agricultural …
“ Pretty ” Termites do the Most Damage
Termites may be “pretty” in the eyes of a scientist, but don’t let good looks fool you: The prettier termites are more destructive than their uglier counterparts, a University of Florida researcher says. Scientists who deem subterranean termites as “pretty” say they sport symmetrical traits and are more likely to come from mature colonies, said Thomas Chouvenc, a research assistant …
Eight Counties in Florida Designated as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
In response to a request from Debbie Folsom, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Florida, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 8 counties in Florida as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Those counties are: Charlotte Glades Highlands Osceola DeSoto Hardee Okeechobee Polk Farmers and ranchers in the …
‘This Week in Agribusiness’ Host Visits Central Florida
Max Armstrong, host and anchor of nationally syndicated ‘This Week in Agribusiness’ television program, begins a quick two-day visit to Central Florida at Paquette’s Farmall Tractor Museum near Leesburg. AgNet Media Founder and President Gary Cooper is helping show Max around. Armstrong is presently president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), and Cooper currently serves on the board …
Funding Helps Ranchers Conserve Florida Panther Habitat
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is providing technical and financial assistance for conservation practices for ranchers in southwest Florida to get financial assistance for managing their property for wildlife, including the Florida panther. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Critical Funding To Enhance Brahman GeneticsApril 24, 2026Strong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and …