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...
Hurricane Ida has made it difficult for U.S. farmers as they face supply shortages and higher costs. Ida's destruction has hindered the production of some products and made it difficult logistically to move material across the US. To learn more visit, AgWeb and read the Reuters article, “U.S. Farmers Face Supply Shortages, Higher Costs After Hurricane...
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....
Rayonier land managers and technical analysts share how they use drones to gain a new perspective in forestry operations. The "Flying Foresters: Meet Rayonier's Drone Pilots" article features multiple drone pilots who are continuously preparing for what's next and working to stay on top of future technological advances. Visit the Rayonier article to learn more:
The USDA shares information on practicing good biosecurity to reduce the risk of infection and spreading disease to poultry. The Defend the Flock education program provides resources to help those who handle poultry follow proper biosecurity practices. Visit the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Website to learn more! Basics of biosecurity and best practices Know the signs of illness How you can prepare for and prevent disease...
The Brooksville Plant Materials Center is working on research to build soil health for Florida farmers and ranchers. The practice of no-till farming and using cover crops is a national movement that reduces the use of fertilizer and pesticides. The USDA National Resources Conservation Service Florida features a News Release on soil health research at the center in Brooksville. Visit the News Release article to learn more: Study Helps Florida...
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)
