Second-generation rancher Moe Ebanks raises Black Angus cattle at L&M Ponderosa Ranch, named after his parents. Photo credit: Carlos Amoedo Second-generation cattleman Mauricio “Moe” Ebanks can relate to the 4-H and FFA students who come to his ranch in search of a quality calf to raise. Like many of the students, Ebanks grew up in an agriculture family. Ebanks’ father, Leslie, was also a cattleman, raising Herefords, Beefmaster and Brangus cattle on the ranch he started in 1988. It was teenage Moe’s job to get up early every morning before school to feed the cows. “I did not like that too ..read more

Tracy Nazzaro, Traders Hill Farm president and general manager, oversees the 54,000-square-foot aquaponic farm in Hilliard. Photo credit: Rick WilsonAquaponic systems use the nutrients in aquaculture wastewater to nourish the plants, creating a regenerative cycle for year-round production. Photo credit: Rick Wilson Every time an employee pinches off the first yellowed leaves of a lettuce plant in the greenhouse at Traders Hill Farm, they toss them into a bin for a local veterinarian. “He comes by every week, sometimes twice a week, to pick up dinner for his tortoises,” says Tracy Nazzaro, pres ..read more

Florida may be known for its relaxing beaches and exhilarating theme parks, but for couples and families seeking a more pastoral respite, picturesque farms are worth exploring. Florida farms are opening their barn doors for couples, families and other travelers. Here’s a roundup of Florida-based farms ideal for weddings, overnight stays and other gatherings. See more: Step Back in Time at These Charming Florida Country Stores Weddings Welcome Belle Oaks Barn; Photo credit: Chris WatkinsBelle Oaks Barn Run by lovebirds Doug and Michelle Green, this scenic retreat is a charming place to pro ..read more

[caption id="attachment_5860" width="1000"]Summer in Florida is the perfect time to enjoy delicious seafood recipes. Photo credit: Rebecca Denton[/caption] When it comes to fresh seafood, it’s hard to beat the quality and variety the Sunshine State provides. From shrimp, oysters and sea scallops to crab, grouper, flounder, mahi-mahi and much more, Florida fishermen harvest a whopping 80-plus types of seafood off the state’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts throughout the year. Whether you’re out on the water angling for your own this summer or picking up the freshest offerings at your local seafood ma ..read more

Photo credit: iStock/georgeclerk Summer brings longer days, warmer temperatures and, hopefully, vacations. But what should you do with your plants while you are away? Unfortunately, you can’t pack them up and bring them with you. However, with a little planning and prep, your plants will be healthy while you are at the beach, in the mountains or beyond. See more: Whoopsie Daisy: How to Avoid Common Landscape Mistakes Photo credit: blackred/Getty Images Signature via Canva.comIndoor Plants For your indoor plants, consider using a special type of pot called a self-watering container. These ..read more

Photo credit: Stream2SeaStream2Sea founder Autumn Blum; Photo credit: Stream2Sea Stream2Sea in Wauchula is making waves when it comes to protecting the adventurer’s skin while keeping aquatic environments safe. After a dive trip to Palau, CEO and founder Autumn Blum realized the sun protection products we commonly use are highly toxic to the aquatic ecosystem. To protect the fragile environment, she utilized her knowledge as a cosmetic chemist and life-long ocean advocate to create Stream2Sea. From sunscreen to hair care and more, all ingredients are proven safe for fish – from freshwater to s ..read more

We asked Abshier Blueberry Farm how they incorporate sustainable practices to help preserve Florida’s natural resources. Photo credit: Florida Farm Bureau Abshier Blueberry Farm is committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources. At our blueberry farm, we’ve adopted several modern technologies to conserve water. Remote access weather stations schedule irrigation and freeze protection, and drip irrigation systems optimize crop moisture. Our agritourism destination embraces natural areas through native pollinators and vegetative buffers, providing a habitat for wildlife. They also plant ..read more

Photo credit: Florida Farm BureauFlorida Women Give Cash for Classrooms The Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Committee awarded 117 classroom mini-grants totaling $28,000 to teachers around the state in 2023. The mini-grants are awarded to Florida teachers who are engaged in classroom instruction at the pre-K to 12th grade levels. Grants are up to $250 each and are awarded for programs that increase the understanding of agriculture among students. Applications for 2024 mini-grants will open July 1 and close Sept. 15. For more information and to apply, visit floridafarmbureau.org/education-outreach ..read more

Thanks to Florida’s warm weather, tropical fruits abound, and these mango recipes are perfect for the summer season. Enjoy a little mango madness with these marvelous recipes.  1. Blackberry Mango Ginger Marmalade Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht This spreadable marmalade tastes great on freshly baked biscuits. Or try it in your next recipe for jam thumbprint cookies for a winning combination. The post 8 Marvelous Mango Recipes appeared first on Florida Farm & Family ..read more

Lionel Morales, Michael Mogollon and Rafael Morales produce tilapia year-round, utilizing greenhouses to house the fish. Photo credit: James Jackman In the warm, sunny climate of southern Florida, a unique product is growing. At EarthCare Aquaculture in Clewiston, farm-raised tilapia thrive in tanks where their natural environment is meticulously re-created, resulting in tastier, healthier fish for customers local to Florida and across North America. A Healthier Fish Photo credit: James Jackman Michael Mogollon, CEO of SunCoast Aquafarms, started EarthCare as a saltwater shrimp operation in 20 ..read more