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)
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...
The emerging industry of growing microgreens influenced the University of Arkansas to create an online survey to determine food safety practices and growing techniques. A total of 176 small size farms (less than $10,000 annual revenue) participated in the survey. To learn more visit the Food Safety News article written by Jonan Pilet Survey shows larger microgreens growers exercise more food safety practices.
The Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota, FL is using new technology in fish farming that filters and reuses the water in the tanks. The Research Park is 20 miles away from the coast but has seawater running through the tanks constantly. The water goes through a filtration process and is reused. To learn more visit the CBS This Morning article by CBS News New sustainable advances help reimagine fish farming: "It's really the wave of...
