Despite concerns from the Florida League of Cities, a Senate committee Tuesday approved a bill that would largely prevent local governments from regulating homeowners’ vegetable gardens. The Senate Community Affairs Committee unanimously backed the measure (SB 82), which Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has filed for the legislative session that starts March 5. The Senate passed a similar bill during …
UF Researchers to Breed a New Variety of Florida-Friendly Hops
Researchers with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have been awarded a two-year grant for $194,000 to breed varieties of hops that can grow in Florida. The researchers, based at the UF/IFAS Mid Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, Florida, said the grant will help continue their work to bring an alternative crop to the …
Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount Ends January 10
Thursday, January 10th is the deadline for the early registration discount for Commodity Classic—America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused agricultural and educational experience. The 2019 Commodity Classic will be held Thursday, February 28 through Saturday, March 2 in Orlando, Fla. To register, reserve hotel rooms and sign up for email updates, visit Commodity Classic.com. A complete schedule of events is also available on the …
Planning Ahead for Your Spring Garden
It is time to get your gardening hat on. Cathy Isom has a few great tips for you to start the new year by planning ahead for your spring garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. January is a great time to start planning for your spring garden. While we may still have plenty of time before the actual …
UF ‘Plant Whisperer’ Helps Floridians Keep Produce Lush, Green and Safe
Liz Felter gazes at the tomato plant and considers it quietly for a few seconds. Stroking the discolored leaves, she sticks two fingers in the soil and pushes the dirt down. “My gut tells me it’s not Erwinia,” says Felter, a University of Florida IFAS Extension regional specialized agent. The visitor to the UF/IFAS Diagnostic Plant Clinic in Apopka merely …
Various Ag Events Coming Up
A variety of meetings and events for agriculture are coming up over the next few weeks. As Tyron Spearman reports, some start this week. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application of Herbicides or …
Unique Ways to Showcase Your Herb Garden
Your green thumb is itching to grow a garden, but you just don’t have the space. Cathy Isom gives you some unique ways to showcase your herb garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Long gone are the days of just growing herbs out of mini pots and placing them next to a sunny window. There are a number …
The Growth of a Marketing Order
Nearing year two of operation, the American Pecan Council is finding its stride in serving its industry both in short and long-term marketing plans and programs. Rod Bain reports. Sponsored ContentCIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2026FL Cattle Enhancement Board Wraps up Funding YearJune 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Awarded Researcher Discusses New World Screwworm OverviewJune 19, 2026Verdant Robotics Offers Growers Targeted Application …
Vegetable Gardens Issue Pops Up in House
An effort to keep local governments out of homeowners’ vegetable gardens has returned to the House. Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff, R-DeLand, filed a measure (HB 145) Wednesday intended to prevent local governments from regulating homeowners’ vegetable gardens. The measure mirrors a bill (SB 82) by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, that is scheduled to be heard Tuesday in the Senate Community …
DIY Mini Greenhouse for the Patio or Balcony
Cathy Isom continues her series of building mini greenhouses by telling you about a do it yourself mini greenhouse ideal for a patio or balcony. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Building your own greenhouse doesn’t have to be a lot of work or cost a lot of money. And if you are short on space, such as only …