Category: Natural Resources

Picture credit: Tyler Lenin, University of Florida.

Un Viejo Enemigo en el Horizonte: El Gusano Barrenador del Nuevo Mundo

by Jonael Bosques
September 22, 2025

Durante gran parte de la primera y mediados del siglo 20, los ganaderos en Florida se enfrentaron a un adversario persistente: el gusano barrenador del Nuevo Mundo (Cochliomyia hominivorax). Esta plaga, una mosca que se alimenta de carne ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Livestock, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Agricultura, Barrenador, Ciervos, Enfermedad, Florida, Ganadería, Ganado, Gusano Barrenador, Insecto, Manejo Integrado De Plagas, Plaga, Tecnología, Vacas, Venados

An Old Enemy in the Horizon: New World Screwworm in Sight

by Jonael Bosques
September 22, 2025

For much of the early to mid-1900s, Florida cattle ranchers faced a persistent adversary: the New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax). This pest, a flesh-eating fly, was infamous for its ability to cause devastating losses across livestock ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Livestock, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Beef Cattle, Cattle Health, Florida Agriculture, Florida Cattle Industry, Livestock Biosecurity, Livestock Pests, New World Screwworm, Outbreak, Pest And Disease Scouting, Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife, Wildlife Health
Mosquito sucking blood

Florida’s Flying Menace: What You Need to Know About Mosquitoes and the Diseases They Spread Series 4

by Lisa Hickey and Jonael Bosques
August 27, 2025

Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise not just for people—but also for mosquitoes. These tiny pests are more than just a nuisance; they can carry serious diseases that affect humans, pets, and wildlife. Understanding which species ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Coasts & Marine, Farm Management, Home Landscapes, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Water
Tags: #FloridaHealth, #MosquitoAwareness, #MosquitoSeason, #PublicHealthFlorida, #VectorControl, #WestNileVirus, #ZikaPrevention
Picture credit: Tyler Lenin, University of Florida.

Tácticas Climático-Inteligentes para Ganado en medio de una ola de calor

by Jonael Bosques
July 30, 2025

El verano en Florida no es para los débiles, y las olas de calor implacables de este año nos tienen a todos pendiente al desempeño de nuestro ganado y las pasturas de cerca. Cuando el mercurio sube a los altos 90 °F (35–37 °C) ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension, , Water
Tags: Bahia, Calor, Clima, Extremo, Florida, Ganado, Reproducción, Suelo, Toros, Universidad, Vacas

Back-to-School with Calves and Cowboys

by cclarson
July 22, 2025

The supply lists are out, the sales are on, and afternoon storms are in full swing: this can only mean one thing--it's back-to-school in Florida! This year, when students return to school, they might get to meet someone much more interesting ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Conservation, Curriculum, Events, Health & Nutrition, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Agriculture, Beef, Cattle, Dairy, Dairy Nutrition, Environment, Livestock, School, SFBF, Youth
Sunflowers

Plant Survival in Hardee County: Understanding Water, Nutrients, and Smart Plant Choices

by Jonael Bosques
July 14, 2025

Welcome to the summer rainy season in Hardee County! Geographically, your home sits on a unique blend environmental zones with a diverse subtropical weather puzzle —hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms punctuated by dry spells ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Livestock, Natural Resources, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension,
Tags: Biology, Crops, Extension, Farm, Fertilizer, Florida, Ifas, Nutrients, Plants, Water
Picture credit: Tyler Lenin, University of Florida.

Un Plato con Propósito: ¿Por qué Comprar Carne de Res Producida Localmente?

by Jonael Bosques
September 4, 2024

Los beneficios directos son muchos. Las comunidades rurales, como Hardee County, son favorecidas por la producción de ganado bovino de muchas maneras. Estas operaciones brindan empleos, crean espacios seguros para la vida silvestre y sirven ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Farm Management, Livestock, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Agricultor, Beneficios, Carne, Comunidad, Espanol, Florida, Ganadero, Ganado, Local, Productor, Rancho, Rural, Saludable, Sustentable
Picture Credit: Tyler Lenin, University of Florida

A Cut Above: Supporting Local Beef Producers

by Jonael Bosques
September 3, 2024

The direct benefits are many. Rural communities such as Hardee County benefit from beef cattle production in many ways. These operations provide jobs, create safe spaces for wildlife, and serve as areas where opportunities are created ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Farm Management, Livestock, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Beef, Beef Cattle, Community, Economy, Extension, Florida, Local Food, Sustainable Living

Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu and its potential impact on Florida Livestock

by Jonael Bosques
May 3, 2024

The production of food and fiber is an extremely risky endeavor. Farmers and ranchers are at the mercy of the elements. Mark Twain said it best: “Farming is simply gambling with dirt”. Taking calculated risks and preventive measures can ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Livestock, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: Agriculture, Beef, Cattle, Extension, Farming, Florida, Health, Livestock, Ranch, UF/IFAS, Zoonotic Diseases

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