Central Florida AgNews

01/02/2026

For the Polk County history buffs out there:

Children on a float for Pipkin Dairy
Rodeo Parade
Lakeland, Florida
1/1/1950
Courtesy State of Florida Archives

01/02/2026

For everyone who was interested after reading our article, here's your chance to register and join!

We’ve extended registration one last time — but January 4 is the FINAL closing date.
If you’ve been dreaming about riding open trails, honoring Florida’s cow culture, and being part of something truly special, this is your moment. Don’t miss your chance at the ride of a lifetime — get registered now and ride into history with us.

12/30/2025

Think cauliflower is bland (or have someone at the dinner table who does)? Sure, its flavor may not be as explosive as a good tomato, but that makes it the perfect canvas for big, bold flavors that will have even the most skeptical eaters asking for more.
https://centralfloridaagnews.com/cauliflowers-understated-flavor-opens-up-recipe-possibilities/

12/29/2025

What started as one couple's prepping venture during the pandemic evolved into something much greater. Now, five years later, Patsy and Wayne Rogers' thriving microgreen business — My Tiny Greens — partners with multiple Lakeland restaurants and businesses.
https://centralfloridaagnews.com/lakeland-microgreens-business-partners-with-local-restaurants/

12/29/2025

As the end of 2025 draws near, I can’t help but be proud of the stories we’ve shared with readers. Looking back through our editions, it’s easy to see just how quickly the ag industry is adapting and growing, and we’re here for it.

As the end of 2025 draws near, I can’t help but be proud of the stories we’ve shared with readers. Looking back through our editions, it’s easy to see just how quickly the ag industry is adapting and growing, and we’re here for it. Here’s a quick recap of just some of the stories that

12/26/2025

Abby Crawford of Winter Haven and Samantha Nichols of Lakeland will join 17 others in the Florida Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers 2025-2027 Leadership Group. Crawford, who serves as the Coordinator of Advancement and Ag Programming at Warner University in Lake Wales, says the contacts she will make will assist her throughout her career. For Nichols, the Leadership experience will provide a way to meet the farmers, ranchers, and growers of Florida.

Polk County’s Abby Crawford and Samantha Nichols Are Part of the 2025-2027 Class by TIM CRAIG Two women from Polk County were among those selected to be a part of the prestigious 2025-2027 Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership group. Abby Crawford of Winter Haven and Samantha Nic...

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the team here at Central Florida Ag News.

12/24/2025

As farmers seek new ways to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and boost crop yields, fertigation may be an effective method to achieve these goals. UF IFAS Extension Polk County agent Luis Rodriguez discusses the benefits and disadvantages.

by LUIS RODRIGUEZ, UF/IFAS Polk Extension As farmers seek new ways to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and boost crop yields, fertigation may be an effective method to achieve these goals. What Is Fertigation? Fertigation, by definition, is the process of applying fertilizer through an irrigation...

12/23/2025

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Helen Parke. She and her husband were pioneers in the Plant City strawberry industry and founded Parkesdale Farms. She was 100 years old.

Mrs. Helen Parke, a matriarch of the Florida Strawberry Festival family, went to her eternal home this morning. For decades, she and her husband Roy dedicated countless hours of service to the Festival and were trailblazers in Plant City’s strawberry industry through Parkesdale Farms and Parkesdale Farm Market. Her bright presence greeting guests at the Parkesdale booth will be greatly missed at the upcoming Festival.

Mrs. Helen was a true lady, beautiful both on the outside and even more on the inside. Her 100 years in this world were marked by grace, humility, and service to her family and her Lord. Her life impacted a whole community, and we thank God for the legacy Helen Parke leaves behind.

12/23/2025

Keep your eyes open, horse owners.

A highly infectious horse disease has spread to Tampa Bay. Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 is a virus among horses that can cause respiratory illness, abortion in pregnant mares, and in severe cases, neurological disease. http://specne.ws/yDnhmq

12/22/2025

Polk FFA chapters had a big November at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Polk County FFA Federation Cagen Wood has all the details in this month's FFA Corner!
https://centralfloridaagnews.com/polk-chapters-compete-at-national-convention/

12/20/2025

Central Florida Ag News has spent the past 15 years serving the ag community. We like to think we have a good feel for what our community cares about, but we also know there’s always room to grow.

Central Florida Ag News has spent the past 15 years serving the ag community, sharing the stories that matter and keeping our readers informed. Along the way, we’ve forged invaluable partnerships with readers, advertisers, schools, the Polk County Farm Bureau leadership and members, and so many mo...