Category: Agriculture

National Dairy Month: Nourishing Bodies, Supporting Wellness

by Felicia Marable-Williams
June 30, 2026

June is National Dairy Month, a time to recognize the important role dairy foods can play in a healthy eating pattern. Dairy products provide a variety of essential nutrients that support growth, bone health, muscle function, and overall wellness. What ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Dairy, Fruits And Veggies; Nutrition; Food Waste; Healthy Eating; Shopping And Budgeting; Wellness; Well Being; Chronic Diseases; Heart Health; Inflammation; Antioxidants

Thistle in the Field

by Rachel Fernandez
June 2, 2026

Managing Thistle in Your Pasture As spring comes to an end and summer begins, weed control is on the minds of many livestock producers. Farming comes with a long to-do list, but managing weeds is something you can’t skip. If you raise ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Livestock
Tags: SFBF

Fall Fun on Osceola County Farms

by Jessica Sullivan
September 23, 2025

Osceola County farms and ranches have plenty of entertainment options this season, from fuzzy farm animals to hay rides to getting the bejeebers scared out of you. Here are some tips for getting the most out of these fall farm attractions: ... READ MORE

Category: 4-H & Youth, Agribusiness, Agriculture
Tags: Agritourism, Corn Maze, Fall Festival, Haunted Trail, Osceola County, Pumpkins

Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers

by Grantly Ricketts
April 11, 2025

Recently, I went for a troll along the UF/IFAS, St Lucie County Extension Nature Walk, when I came across some beautiful Eastern Lubber Grasshopper (Romalea microptera) nymph. The nymphs have a red variation, showing a blood-red coloration ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease
Tags: Lubber Grasshopper

Blueberries & Strawberries – Nature’s Delicious Superfoods!

by Felicia Marable-Williams
April 7, 2025

If you’re looking for a way to boost your health while satisfying your sweet tooth, blueberries and strawberries are the ideal pair! These colorful berries are packed with nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits. Let’s dive into ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Food Safety, Fruits & Vegetables, Health & Nutrition, Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension, WORK & LIFE
Tags: Fruits And Veggies; Nutrition; Food Waste; Healthy Eating; Shopping And Budgeting; Wellness; Well Being; Chronic Diseases; Heart Health; Inflammation; Antioxidants, Health

Bird Flu in Backyard Chickens

by Grantly Ricketts
March 27, 2025

Understanding avian influenza, transmission methods, including direct contact, contaminated equipment, and airborne spread. According to the CDC, it’s natural for Avian Influenza viruses to be among waterfowl such as ducks and geese. ... READ MORE

Category: Livestock, Pests & Disease,
Tags: Bird Flu In Backyard Chickens

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EGG

by Grantly Ricketts
March 27, 2025

I recently conducted a backyard chicken class, and many questions were asked, which led me to compile the questions and answers below. As an Extension Agent, I have been asked numerous questions about eggs. From experience, over the years, people ... READ MORE

Category: Livestock
Tags: Eggs

Let the Plants stay in their USDA Zone

by Grantly Ricketts
March 27, 2025

I recently took an out-of-state family trip, and a family member was gifted with many plants. I knew one of the plants would not do well in my county because of the preferred USDA plant hardiness zone 10a. I explained why the plant would not ... READ MORE

Category: Horticulture,
Tags: Right Plant Right Zone

Raised Garden Bed

by Grantly Ricketts
February 12, 2025

Many people are interested in planting vegetable gardens but are discouraged by sandy, infertile soil and limited planting space in their backyards. The good news is that making raised beds can eliminate those hindrances Advantages of raised ... READ MORE

Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Horticulture
Tags: Raised Garden Bed

Chicken Keeping Class

by Jessica Sullivan
December 18, 2024

In-person class in Osceola County, FL: Keeping Backyard Chickens Saturday, January 25, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm Peghorn Nature Park, 2101 Peghorn Way Saint Cloud, FL 34769 Learn how to keep chickens for fun and egg production. Topics ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Events, Livestock
Tags: Chickens, Homesteading, Poultry, Urban Farming

Subscribe For More Great Content