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AFBF Announces FARM 250 Photo Contest

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…

Participate in the AFBF July 4th Cookout Survey

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 commonly found foods including ground beef, American cheese, hamburger buns, chicken breasts, pork…

YF&R Program Prepares Next Generation of Young Farmers

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…

A Soil Scientist’s Legacy

Frank Watts of Jacksonville dedicated his life to helping people understand the importance of the ground beneath their feet. Through decades of leadership and scientific contributions, he helped shape how Florida studies, maps and values its soils, a legacy that will continue to enrich the state for generations to come.  Raised on a six-acre farm in western Kentucky,…

Protect Your Land from Florida Wildfires

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…

North Florida Farmers Recognized for Environmental Stewardship

Nine farmers and ranchers were honored for their environmental stewardship with a County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) award on May 7 at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center- Suwannee Valley during the 25th Annual Suwannee CARES Celebration. Families recognized have demonstrated sustainability practices…

Rural Recharge Ep 38: Nathan Palardy – A Guide to Conservation Easements

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…

Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith and Dr. Nathan Palardy stand side by side indoors, posing for a photo in an office setting with framed artwork and a door in the background.

National Mental Health Awareness Week

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…

Hand holding a sticker with a tractor icon and the message “Call or text 988 – It’s OK to ask for help,” with a blurred green tractor in the background.

Prepare for the 2026 Hurricane Season

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,…

National Hurricane Center forecast map showing Hurricane Milton’s projected path through the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida, with a cone of uncertainty extending from October 8–13, labeled storm positions, tropical storm and hurricane warnings, and color-coded areas indicating forecast wind intensity.

Teacher Appreciation Week: How Florida Ag Ventures Connect Students to Agriculture

Youth agricultural education is a core priority for each of Florida’s 60 county Farm Bureaus. Agricultural educators play a vital role in planting the seeds of knowledge that shape future leaders and informed consumers. One meaningful way educators connect students to Florida agriculture is through county Ag Ventures.  These hands-on learning events introduce students to the people, practices and products that power Florida agriculture. Each year, county Farm Bureaus partner…

Two youth sit on horseback behind a fence with an “Okeechobee Ag-Venture Beef” sign at an agricultural event.

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