Central Florida AgNews

11/14/2025

UF IFAS Extension Highlands County Director Kati Lawson knew the 4-H barns needed repair, but she didn't know how to raise the funds or manpower needed. That's when members of the community showed up in force to help.

By KATI LAWSON, UF/IFAS Highlands Extension Kati Lawson, Highlands County Extension Director and 4-H agent II, knew the two 4-H barns behind the Extension office needed repair, but she wasn’t sure how to raise the funds needed to renovate the animal stalls when she came to Highlands in the summer ...

11/14/2025

11/13/2025

For many residents throughout the state and the nation, the federal government shutdown has brought more than a minor inconvenience; it has meant an abrupt halt to food assistance programs. The uncertainty underscores the importance of initiatives that actively combat food insecurity every day.

What a wild ride the past month has been. For many residents throughout the state and the nation, the federal government shutdown has brought more than a minor inconvenience; it has meant an abrupt halt to food assistance programs that families rely on. The uncertainty and anxiety that reverberate t...

11/13/2025

The road to a robust career in agriculture just became more accessible with Polk State College 's launch of the AgriPolk initiative. The first of the school’s kind, the program is aimed at students committed to studying all aspects of agriculture–allowing them to gain hands-on training and education through specialized coursework, opening doors to more opportunities in the field.

College Says Initiative's Creation Was 'Data-Driven' Decision by DEMI GUILLORY The road to a robust career in agriculture just became more accessible here in Central Florida, where Polk State College recently announced the launch of its AgriPolk initiative. The first of the school’s kind, the prog...

11/12/2025

Fresh From Florida’s Jr. Chef University Program is now live!

This self-paced, online culinary curriculum for children ages 8 to 13 and a parent/guardian, was designed with young chefs in mind. It’s full of exciting recipes and features Florida’s freshest produce!

Be sure to register early to snag some exciting goodies! Each quarter, the first 300 participants will receive a Jr. Chef Cooking Kit—perfect for jumpstarting their culinary adventure (limit 2 kits per household). And even if you’re not among the first, you can still participate! Every Jr. Chef will receive a fun kitchen item for inspiration.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your aprons, and let the cooking adventures begin!

Update - Great News! Our Jr. Chef kits were a hit and are all claimed this quarter! Come back next quarter for more fun! Meanwhile, all Jr. Chefs can still complete the program and every Jr. Chef will receive a kitchen gift!

Head to https://www.followfreshfromflorida.com/junior-chef to register today!

11/12/2025

Heads up, Polk County FFA Federation and Polk County Public Schools ! 3,000+ copies of the November edition of Ag News are rollin' out to you! Enjoy!

11/12/2025

For more than a decade, our November edition has been dedicated to exploring the many ways art intersects with agriculture. At first glance, it may seem like a light topic. But as we’ve learned over the years, there’s far more depth to it than meets the eye.

For more than a decade, our November edition has been dedicated to exploring the many ways art intersects with agriculture. At first glance, it may seem like a light topic. But as we’ve learned over the years, there’s far more depth to it than meets the eye. At our core, we are champions of all

11/11/2025

Even before Disney World opened its gates in 1971, Glen Davidson was already giving travelers a reason to stop and savor the Sunshine State. Glen knew candy — but he also knew citrus. Combining the two by creating Davidson of Dundee was a recipe for something special.
*Sponsored by Visit Central Florida *

by SHAYLYNN MARKS Sponsored by Visit Central Florida Even before Walt Disney World opened its gates in 1971, Glen Davidson was already giving travelers a reason to stop and savor the Sunshine State. A World War II veteran and former Sunline Candy Co. employee (creators of Pixy Stix and SweeTARTS), G...

11/11/2025

Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. Thank you from all of us here at Central Florida Media Group. Your service will not be forgotten.

11/11/2025

Save the date!

Get Tickets for Great Grapefruit Extravaganza.

11/10/2025

The Master Gardener Volunteers’ 2025 Let It Grow Garden Festival and Plant Sale is just around the corner on Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bert J. Harris Jr. Agricultural Center in Sebring. Here's what you can expect.

by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension Highlands County The Master Gardener Volunteers’ 2025 “Let It Grow” Garden Festival and Plant Sale is just around the corner. It’s the eighth year as a festival, and it continues to grow and improve each year. This year, it will take place on Saturday, Nov....

11/10/2025

The proposal to import more beef from Argentina is meant to be a short-term fix to ease consumer costs while giving ranchers time to rebuild their herds. Labor Solutions, Inc. ’ Baxter Troutman takes a closer look and explains what he considers a more viable option that would be easier and more effective.

President Trump’s recent proposal to increase beef imports from Argentina has sparked a heated debate, particularly among Florida’s ranchers and farmers. The plan is to quadruple the tariff rate quota for Argentinian beef to 80,000 metric tons, with the ultimate goal of lowering skyrocketing bee...