Livestock Launchpad: A Beginner’s Guide to Raising Goats


February 19, 2026

Welcome to a new series: Livestock Launchpad! Each month, I will be highlighting different livestock species and sharing what you need to know to get started. Whether you are new to agriculture, managing a small farm, or simply interested ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Animal Science, DeSoto County, Extension Education, Goats, Livestock, Small Farms, Smart Farming, UF/IFAS Extension
Spiral stone well in Peru with a winding ramp leading down to an underground water channel.

Science‑based plant defense so your crops perform better


January 21, 2026

Research-backed tools to help crops defend, adapt, and thrive are often overlooked. Understanding plant defense and adaptation enhances crop performance. Here, we aim to highlight several natural tools for combating pests and diseases while ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
Tags: Agriculture, Citrus Extension, Citrus Grove Management, UF/IFAS Extension
Rebar-on-stem

It’s Not a Magic wand: A Simple Step to Protect Your Citrus Trees


January 16, 2026

Introduction One interesting thing I have frequently observed is that the wire stake often remains in the orchard for years! It is commonly accepted that when establishing a new citrus grove or caring for young trees, providing support is an ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Agriculture, Citrus, Florida Citrus, Nursery

The soil analyses as your bloodwork! Both requires preliminary knowledge and considerations


November 24, 2025

Understanding the Basics Just as bloodwork requires fasting or the avoidance of certain medications to yield accurate results, soil analysis necessitates careful preparation to reflect true field conditions. Preliminary knowledge includes understanding ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Horticulture, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Nutrients, Smart Farming, Soil, Soil Sampling
Mosquito sucking blood

Winged Menaces: Mosquitoes, Pets, and Growing Risk of Disease, Series 6


September 22, 2025

Mosquitoes are more than just a summertime winged menace; they can have a lethal impact on humans and our pets. Known for spreading diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika among humans, these tiny insects also pose serious threats to our pets ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Home Landscapes, Livestock, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Tags: Control Mosquitoes, Dog Heartworm Prevention, Mosquitoes, Pets And Mosquitoes, Potbellied Pigs And Mosquitoes, Prevention, Sentinel Chicken Program
Beef cattle

Hurricane Season Readiness for Livestock Producers


September 22, 2025

Hurricane season can be unpredictable – but preparedness doesn’t have to be! Storms can bring flooding, damage, and prolonged power outages that can put both animals and operations at risk. A little planning today can make a big difference ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Disaster Preparation, Livestock, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Agriculture, DeSoto County, Hurricane Preparedness, Livestock, SFBF, SFBFP

Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories