4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. It is a non-formal, practical educational program for youth and uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and life skills they need to be productive, responsible ... READ MORE
Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Events, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension
The color of an egg shell has influence on people's buying choices. Some believe that brown, green, blue, or pink eggs are healthier than white chicken eggs. The truth is, there is no nutritional difference between colorful chicken eggs and ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture
Purple martins are the largest swallows in North America and are known for their aerial acrobatics and the glossy purple feathers adoring the males of this species. Purples martins are migratory and arrive in Collier County in early February. ... READ MORE
Category: Conservation, Wildlife
In Florida, inspections have begun for large produce growers under the Food Safety Modernization Act, Produce Safety Rule (FSMA, PSR). While many small farms fall under a qualified exemption under the rule, it's still a good idea to take advantage ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension
The News-Press - 09/30/2021 Jessica Ryals Guest Columnist USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA Just like other lines of work, building and maintaining relationships is critical for farmers’ professional success. Participating in professional ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension
In the U.S, carambolas, or star fruit, are grown commercially in southern Florida and Hawaii. Commercial growers can be found in Dade, Lee, Broward, Palm Beach and small producers popping up in Collier County. Star fruit can be known as ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension
Of Florida’s 47,000 farms, 93% are considered small farms. According the the latest USDA data, in Collier County there are 322 farms, 139 new and beginning farmers and 4% of total farms in the county that sell direct to consumer ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture
Mango season is coming to an end here in Southwest Florida, but the longans are ready to harvest! Longan tree at the UF/IFAS Collier County Extension Grove, Ryals, J. 2021 This delicious fruit tree is well adapted to tropical climates ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Home Landscapes
Have backyard chickens or thinking about raising some? Biosecurity is also known as "Health & Sanitation" and in the video below I outline 10 things you can do keep a healthy flock. The main goals of biosecurity are to help ... READ MORE
Category: Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Work & Life
Are you wondering if you can use home-grown tropical fruit from your farm or yard to make allowable or baked Cottage Food items? The short answer is yes. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) notes Cottage Food ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Fruits & Vegetables, UF/IFAS Extension