Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam joined Governor Rick Scott to discuss the recent agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Irma and to request federal assistance. The following are excerpts from his remarks: “The Florida delegation has a long history of coming together in the aftermath of these types of disasters and bringing the full weight of the third largest …
Grow Kale in the Winter
Cathy Isom has some interesting tips about the green veggie you can grow in the winter. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. When cold winter temperatures set in, there is one green vegetable that doesn’t mind the chill. Kale, and other members of the Brassica oleracea family like broccoli and cabbage, thrive in colder weather. Kale can …
Heat-Tolerant Broccoli for the Future
Traditionally, broccoli is a cool-weather crop. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are looking to change that by developing new varieties that grow in warm temperatures. ARS plant geneticist Mark Farnham and his team in Charleston, South Carolina, have developed and characterized the genetic sources of broccoli’s heat tolerance. Theoretical and Applied Genetics published these results in March 2017. The team, led by ARS geneticist Sandra …
Putnam Says Agriculture Industry Hammered by Irma
Parts of Florida’s agriculture industry are in “tatters” as rural communities throughout the state continue to face severe conditions after Hurricane Irma, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam said Thursday. Putnam said the storm hammered citrus, vegetable and sugarcane growers, though he didn’t put a cost estimate on the damage. And as many farmers and residents of Florida’s rural counties wait for …
National Acorn Squash Day
Cathy Isom tells you about a national food holiday for one hardy vegetable that will have you thinking about winter. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Winter is still several months away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream about it a little. And, also celebrate a vegetable that is considered a winter squash. Today is …
Autumn Vegetable Planting
Cathy Isom checks out some plants to start thinking about for Autumn gardening. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Fall is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about what to plant on the farm or in that garden. When we think of Autumn, pumpkin, and squash might come to mind. Some popular squash …
Grow Veggies Differently-Hydroponics
Cathy Isom dives into a different way to grow veggies, or just about any plant, with very little space or soil. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. You may be hearing the word Hydroponics a lot these days. It’s because it’s becoming quite popular for farmers and gardeners and urban garden designers who can grow plants vertically. Hydroponics …
Agri View: Florida Carrots
Everett Griner talks about Florida farmers growing carrots in today’s Agri View. If you wrote down the 10 healthiest vegetables grown in America carrots would certainly be in that group. If you want to know where the most carrots are grown. Well, you can say California. Although Texas and a couple of other states do produce …
Plant Now for Fall Harvest
Cathy Isom fills us in about some things to plant right now for the fall harvest. That’s coming up on “This Land of Ours.” Now that school is back in session and summer is beginning to wind down, it’s time to think about all of the goodies that you’ll want cropping up in your fall garden. Consider things …
Reasons to Buy Local
Cathy Isom has some important reasons why you should buy local when it comes to your favorite produce. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Sure, the one-stop shopping can be convenient, but not if you’re looking for fresh, local produce. You won’t always find local fresh fruits and veggies at those big box chain stores. And with all …