Information and Resources You Can Use When Considering Starting an Agricultural Enterprise

by Qingchun Liu
November 2, 2026

The Homestead area is the hub for agriculture-related businesses in Miami-Dade County. Agricultural sales contributed more than $1 billion to the County's economy, according to the most recent data. Of this, $0.95 billion came from the ornamental ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, , Farm Management
Tags: AgFTAP, Agricultural Business, Business Marketing, Business Planning, Farm Management
Photo of sliced okra.

Okra Spotlight

by Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez
October 22, 2026

November is Miami-Dade Farmers Month There is plenty to be grateful for in November, including our farmers and their contributions to feeding our community. As we recognize their impact on local agriculture, let's learn about a vegetable you ... READ MORE

Category: , Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: #UFIFASExtension, FCS, Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, Miami-Dade, Nutrition, Okra, South Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade, Vegetable
Slices of starfruit.

Starfruit Spotlight

by Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez
October 12, 2026

Did you know November is Miami-Dade Farmers Month? In November, Miami-Dade County observes Miami-Dade Farmers Month, spotlighting our local farms and recognizing the rich agricultural experiences found throughout South Dade. South Dade farming ... READ MORE

Category: , Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Carambola, FCS, Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, Miami-Dade, Miami-Dade Agriculture, Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension, Nutrition, South Dade, Starfruit, Tropical Fruit

Regulatory Status and Compliance Agreement for Two-spot Cotton Leafhopper (Amrasca biguttula)

by Qingchun Liu
October 7, 2026

The two-spot cotton leafhopper (TSCL), also called cotton jassid, was detected on okra in Homestead in December 2024. TSCL was later on found on hibiscus in nurseries, which belongs to the same family as okra, Malvaceae. Hibiscus is an important ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Horticulture, Pests & Disease
Tags: Hibiscus, Ornamental Crop Production, Two-spot Cotton Leafhopper
Four-panel collage showing a roasted turkey being prepared, a candlelit Thanksgiving table, a family carving turkey, and people serving a festive meal.

4 Simple Food Safety Steps for this Holiday Season

by Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez
September 9, 2026

September brings fall festivities, cozy attire, pumpkin spice lattes, and the upcoming holidays. Gatherings with friends and family are around the corner, which makes this a good time to discuss safe food handling to create a safe environment ... READ MORE

Category: Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Home Management, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Family & Consumer Sciences, Food, Food Safety, Health, Holidays, Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, Miami-Dade, Miami-Dade Extension, South Florida
A collage of four images depicting grocery shopping: a mother and daughter selecting produce, a top view of fresh groceries, a young man examining items in a store, and a woman with a child holding shopping bags.

Back-to-School Meals and Snacks: Part 3 – Becoming a Savvy Shopper

by Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez
August 26, 2026

Becoming a Savvy Shopper Grocery shopping can be a balancing act between figuring out which options are healthier, navigating rising food costs, and being in a time crunch. Today, I want to share some smart shopping strategies that prioritize ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Health & Nutrition, Home Management, Money Matters, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Family & Consumer Sciences, Food, Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, Miami-Dade, Miami-Dade Extension, Nutrition, Nutrition Facts Label, Parents, South Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade
A woman examines a jar in a grocery store, followed by a close-up of a nutrition label, and another woman checks a product while holding an orange basket in a colorful aisle.

Back-to-School Meals and Snacks: Part 2 – Decoding the Nutrition Facts Label

by Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez
August 17, 2026

Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label Picture this: You are at the grocery store with only 20 minutes to grab everything you need to select your ingredients for the week. You've got your grocery list ready to go, but are feeling unsure ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Health & Nutrition, Home Management, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Family & Consumer Sciences, Food, Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, Miami-Dade, Miami-Dade Extension, Nutrition, Nutrition Facts Label, Parents, South Florida, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade
A collage of children's lunches, featuring a colorful lunchbox, smiling children, a tasty sandwich with fruits, and a close-up of a child eating a blueberry.

Back-to-School Meals and Snacks: Part 1 – Keeping Nutrition in Mind

by Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez
August 13, 2026

Welcome to the Back-to-School Season!                 Back-to-school time can be an exciting time, as we jump back into our typical routine, but it can also be quite overwhelming. ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Health & Nutrition, Relationships & Family, UF/IFAS Extension, Work & Life
Tags: Family & Consumer Sciences, Food, Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, Miami-Dade, Nutrition, Parents, South Florida, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension

Subscribe For More Great Content

IFAS Blogs Categories