Agriculture provides food, clothing, and shelter, all of which are critical to society. However, agriculture is often cited as one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gasses. Improving grazing land management, increasing forage production and soil carbon stocks, and manure management may offer new opportunities for agriculture to play an important role in climate change mitigation. Scientists are currently working to better understand and...
Defoliating cotton creates the beautiful white snowy look of a cotton field. Cotton defoliation occurs when the mature plant sheds its leaves. Ethan Carter, the Regional Row Crop University of Florida IFAS Extension agent in Jackson County, FL published an article discussing two primary techniques used to gauge when it is time to defoliate the cotton field. To learn more visit the Panhandle UF Extension website
Biotechnology helps farmers grow more food using practices that are environmentally sustainable. Corn, cotton and soybeans grown in the US have been improved through biotechnology. To learn more about biotechnology in production agriculture visit the American Farm Bureau website. Biotechnology (fb.org)
Researchers at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, FL, are working to develop blackberry varieties that grow in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Blackberries do not grow and produce well without adequate chilling hours. To learn more, read the article written by the Editor of the VSCNews Magazine, Abbey Taylor, "Creating Blackberry Varieties for Florida...
A negative Coggins test is required to travel out of state and at most equine facilities, but do you know what the Coggins test is screens? A Coggins test is simple blood test that screens for EIA antibodies only present in an infected animal. To learn more about the Coggins test and tips on how to prevent exposure visit the Central Florida AgNews website and read the article written by Dr. Katie Hennessy, “What is a Coggins Test?”
The USDA New Farmers website offers resources for youth to discover exciting science and technology job opportunities in agriculture. There are many different innovative ways to grow food and fiber, and modern farming is full of opportunities for agriculture and science to meet. Innovations at Work in Agriculture is a resource that shares research information, the history of science in agriculture, and how technology is used on farms today....
Florida is home to nearly 1,000 certified aquaculture farms who grow over 1,500 aquatic crops using a variety of production systems. To learn more about Florida Aquaculture read the Florida Farm & Family article written by Cathy Lockman, "Florida Aquaculture Teaches the Art of Raising Fish." Florida Aquaculture Teaches the Art of Raising Fish - Florida Farm & Family (floridafarmfamily.com)
As the cost of fertilizer, animal feed, and fuel continue to rise many cow/calf producers are searching for ways to increase revenue to off-set the rising costs. Agriculture and Natural Resources UF IFAS extension agent Mark Mauldin in Washington County has developed a series that shares ways to increase revenue in cow/calf operations. Upcoming articles include Sire Selection - Using genetics to Increase Revenue and Maximizing Revenue Through...
2021 has been a better year for Florida Blueberry Growers. Some growers credit the rebound to the use of agricultural technological innovations and mechanized harvesters. Florida growers share how the use of harvesting technology has allowed for more Florida blueberries to reach more U.S. markets this growing season in the article “2021 Harvest Up 4.9 Million Pounds From Last Year,” written by Paul Catala posted by Central Florida Ag News...
Florida commercial strawberry growers report an increase in fungal disease outbreaks. Neopestalotiopsis, also referred to as Pestalotpsis, is a fungal pathogen that has been present throughout the years, but reports indicate cases have increased in Florida strawberry production in recent years. The fungus causes poor establishment and stunting after transplanting, eventually causing the fruit to rot. To learn more about the fungus that is...
