Families planning a Fourth of July cookout to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday will continue to find high prices at the grocery store, based on the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Summer Cookout Cost Survey. This year, the cost of an Independence Day cookout in Florida will be $84.36 for 10 guests. At $8.44 per person,…
The invasive Pasture Mealybug has recently been detected in Florida, raising concerns for pasture, hay, turfgrass and sugarcane producers. Pasture Mealybugs feed on plant sap, stressing grasses and causing symptoms that resemble drought or nutrient deficiency, including leaf yellowing, red or purple discoloration, stunting, poor root growth, and dieback.
The history of the United States is written in every row of crops, pasture and dairy barn from sea to sea. The American Farm Bureau Federation is marking the nation’s 250th anniversary through FARM 250, a celebration of the contributions of America’s farmers in helping to grow America into…
The election of pork producer delegate candidates for the 2027 National Pork Producers (Pork Act) Delegate Body will take place at 10:00am on Thursday, July 23, 2026 in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting of the Florida Pork Improvement Group at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation office, 5700 SW…
Grassroots Farm Bureau members are invited to participate June 1-7 in American Farm Bureau’s Summer Cookout Survey of retail food prices commonly used to prepare a cookout meal for 10 people. The survey tracks prices on foods including ground beef, American cheese, hamburger buns, chicken breasts, pork chops, potatoes,…
In my own research, hauling buckets of soil samples reminds me that farming should be a young man’s game. But I share Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group President Kelsey Waters-David’s observation that it’s becoming an old man’s game. The increasing average age of the Florida farmer presents…
Firebreaks are one of the most effective ways to protect your ranch from wildfires, according to Sarasota cattle rancher and disaster response veteran Chuck Johnston. “If I had any one tool that I’d tell ranchers, make sure your firebreaks are in good shape so you can be proactive rather…
In episode 38 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith sits down with Dr. Nathan Palardy, a UF/IFAS assistant professor in the Food and Resource Economics department and Extension economist, to explore agricultural conservation easements in Florida. Listen to the episode to learn more about why conservation easements matter, how easements work and the programs available to help farmers and ranchers…
Mental health challenges affect people of all ages and backgrounds, in rural and urban communities alike. However, there is no shortage of people who care and are ready to help. From financial stress and natural disasters to long, isolating hours and uncertainty about the future, the pressures of…
Florida residents should prepare for a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service. [caption id="attachment_27270" align="alignleft" width="300"] Cone Graphic image courtesy of the National Hurricane Center[/caption] In addition to a below-normal hurricane season,…
In episode 37 of the Rural Recharge podcast, Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith sits down with …
More than 4 in 10 Florida farmers are at least 65 years old. Collecting Social Security is not the future of Florida farming. We’ve got an aging workforce challenge on our hands. UF/IFAS can’t make you younger (give us a few more years to work…
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