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Spotted a tiny, colorful critter hopping on a leaf and wondered what it was up to? Meet the hoppers — leafhoppers, planthoppers and treehoppers. These tiny acrobatic insects aren’t just charming to watch; they are economically important, and scientists need to know more about them.…
Read More UF/IFAS Launches ‘Hopper Heroes’ Initiative To Track Leafhoppers, Planthoppers, And Treehoppers
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is conducting prescribed burns in Pasco County to reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires. These controlled burns will take place from now through March at three locations: Starkey Wilderness Preserve, Conner Preserve, and Cypress…
Read More Pasco County Prescribed Burns Aim To Reduce Wildfire Risk
University of Florida scientists have secured a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to address one of South Florida’s most pressing environmental challenges: excess phosphorus in freshwater ecosystems such as the Everglades. The two-year project will focus on identifying and advancing treatment technologies to…
Read More University Of Florida Secures $300K NSF Grant To Address Phosphorus Pollution In South Florida Ecosystems
Sakata Seed America Inc. shares the same water as urban residents in Southwest Florida. So, farm manager Cory Dombrowski wanted to see if he could irrigate more efficiently at the research farm east of Fort Myers. He did. With the help of UF/IFAS Extension, Sakata…
Read More UF/IFAS Extension Helps Florida Farmers Reduce Water Use By 40%
Florida’s beleaguered citrus industry received a mixed bag of news this week, with a stable production forecast offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing challenges of hurricane damage and disease. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released an updated forecast on Friday, maintaining its projections…
Read More Florida Citrus Industry Faces Grim Forecast Despite Stable Projections
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County is gearing up to celebrate Arbor Day with a free tree giveaway for residents. In partnership with Keep Pasco Beautiful and the Florida Forest Service, Urban & Community Forestry Grant, the county will distribute over 150 native trees in…
Read More Pasco County To Celebrate Arbor Day With Free Tree Giveaway
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Do you have a passion for plants and a desire to share your gardening knowledge with others? If so, the UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service wants you! They’re seeking applicants for their 2025 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class, and it…
Read More Calling All Green Thumbs! Become A Master Gardener In Pasco County
Hurricane Milton caused agricultural production losses with an estimated value between $190.4 million and $642.7 million in Florida, according to a preliminary report by the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP). The report is based on a diverse set of baseline data and surveys UF/IFAS…
Read More Hurricane Milton: Florida Agricultural Production Losses Top $190M, UF Economists Estimate
Florida’s citrus industry, once a cornerstone of the state’s economy and identity, is facing a steep decline, according to a new report by Florida TaxWatch. The report, The Continuing Decline of Florida’s Citrus Industry, sheds light on the challenges threatening the sector, including diseases, natural…
Read More Florida TaxWatch Highlights Alarming Decline Of State’s Citrus Industry
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the opening of the application cycle for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, inviting farmers and ranchers to apply for easements aimed at preserving working agricultural operations. Landowners can submit applications online through January 29, 2025, as…
Read More Application Cycle Open In Florida For Rural And Family Lands Protection Program