Category: 4-H & Youth

Hydration: The Quiet Super Power of Wellness

by Nelly Nelson
April 30, 2026

When we think of a wellness routine, exercise, balanced nutrition, and meditation often take center stage. Yet one of the simplest acts a glass of water reveals a quiet super‑power. Water is not just a neutral backdrop; it is a vital solvent, ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Camp, , Clubs & Volunteers, Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Recreation
Tags: Dehydration, Fluids Intake, Hydration, Mental Clarity, Physical Performance

UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County 2025 Farm City Week Agricultural Tour: Keeping Agriculture Alive in 2025.

by Caitlin Sollazzo
October 31, 2025

The 34th Annual Farm City Week Agricultural Tour in Manatee County is a fun-filled, day-long, chartered bus tour that will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Attendees will get a rare opportunity to go behind-the-scenes ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agribusiness, Agriculture, , Coasts & Marine, Disaster Preparation, Events, Farm Management, Horticulture, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: AP Bell, ManateeFarms, Orban's, WestCoastTomato

Antlion Insects as Pets?

by Caitlin Sollazzo
September 6, 2025

My Story One day on a walk, I noticed a cluster of tiny funnel-shaped pits in the sand. I knew right away who made them … an antlion larva, also called a “doodlebug.” These little predators are masters at building some of the most ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, , Conservation, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Wildlife
Tags: 4-H, Antlions, Insects, Manatee County Extension

Infographic: Market Hog Cuts and Percentages.

by David Outerbridge
March 26, 2025

Ah, the humble hog, nature’s generous provider of deliciousness. From snout to tail, this animal offers a staggering variety of cuts, as illustrated in the Market Hog Cuts and Percentages infographic below. However, before we dive into the ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension,

2025 Manatee County Land Judging Competition

by Gail Somodi
March 10, 2025

The 64th annual Manatee County Land Judging competition, hosted by the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (MRSWCD), was held on February 20th at the Southwest Florida Water Management District Ed Chance Reserve Gilley Creek Tract. ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, , Conservation
Tags: 4-H, Land Judging, NRCS

Infographic: What Do I Get When I Buy a Market Steer from an Auction or Fair?

by David Outerbridge
January 17, 2025

Purchasing a market steer at an auction or fair can be a rewarding experience, but many buyers wonder exactly how much meat they will receive from the processor. Understanding the journey from live steer to packaged cuts of meat is helpful in ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, , Events, Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Market Steer

Conservation Awards Presented at Year End Banquets

by Gail Somodi
June 12, 2024

Conservation Awards At the end of each school year, the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (MRSWCD) sponsors a Conservation Award for one student from each FFA or 4-H chapter who participated in one of the board’s events. ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, , Conservation, Forests, Natural Resources, Water
Tags: Conservation, Soil And Water Conservation District

Local Teams Named Champions at State Land Judging Contest

by Gail Somodi
April 17, 2024

The State Land Judging Contest was held in early April in Manatee County. Thirty-eight FFA and 4-H teams from across the state competed, with 23 teams in the FFA high school division, 12 teams in the FFA middle school division, and three Manatee ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth
Tags: 4-H, Volunteers

2024 Manatee County Land Judging Competition

by Gail Somodi
February 26, 2024

The 63rd annual Manatee County Land Judging competition, sponsored by the Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (MRSWCD), was held on February 22nd at Duette Preserve. Fifty-three students answered a variety of questions concerning ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agriculture, Conservation
Tags: 4-H, Land Judging, NRCS

Forests are Topic of Farm City Week Speech Contest

by Gail Somodi
November 20, 2023

About the contest Manatee County students in grades six through 12 were eligible to compete in the annual Farm City Week Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (MRSWCD) speech contest on November 13th. Designed to develop ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, , Forests, Natural Resources
Tags: Forests, Soil And Water Conservation District

Subscribe For More Great Content