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 …
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 ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril …
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 …
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 …
Desantis Urged to Help Farmers on Trade Deal
Incoming Gov. Ron DeSantis is being urged to use his close ties with President Donald Trump to bolster efforts to help Florida farmers fend off low-priced crop imports that weren’t addressed in the rewrite of the North American Free Trade Agreement. During a conference call last week, several members of DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources & …
Ag Calendar Upcoming Events
There are several important conferences coming up on the ag calendar. Tyron Spearman has a look at a few of these upcoming events. Sponsored ContentStrong Relationship Exists Between the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board and UF-IFASApril 17, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Funding For Quicker Response to Research QuestionsApril 10, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Opportunities That Spark Research ProjectsApril 3, …