News & Updates

My Agroecology Journey

I started my journey as a farmer four years ago without experience (I have a bachelor’s in industrial design), but I knew I needed to find a way to do it right. Having all your money between soil, sun, and water is a considerable risk. Even though I didn’t have knowledge of how to make…

Overcoming Chicken Challenges through Effective Coordination

The Burkinabe poultry sector can become safer and more productive by improved farm and market practices. This is not easy and does not happen overnight. However, this challenge does not stop a dedicated team of researchers under the leadership of Dr. Michel Dione from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) from taking on this challenge.…

Keeping Your Budget and Health on Track

When shopping for groceries you have a variety of food options to choose from that range in food costs. You may select healthy foods, for family or cultural preferences, or cost. With food costs continually on the rise you may think to yourself, can I eat healthy on a budget? The answer is yes you…

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Ferns

Dating back to 360 million years ago, ferns are one of the oldest plant lineages. They are a lovely choice for filling out shaded areas of the landscape. Keep reading to learn about some ferns that require minimal watering and care in Sarasota County. Note: The following information is adapted from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Plant Guide. Legend Apart…

Celebrate Spring: Participate in No Mow March

No Mow March: A Celebration of Spring March is usually the start of a gentle transition from the chill of Florida’s winter to the warmth of spring. It’s also the time when homeowners may find themselves contemplating their landscaping routines. For many, the urge to mow and groom may be strong, but this year, let’s pause and consider a different…

Avocado Alarm–Laurel Wilt

In early 2002, somewhere near the meandering Savannah River, Georgia, a tiny female ambrosia beetle emerged from a wooden packing crate and flew inland towards a small stand of native redbay trees and began to drill. Two decades later and that tiny beetle introduction has caused us to lose well over half a billion native…

We Are Developing a Game-Changing Technique to Save Strawberries

A warm welcome to Jingyi ‘Kini’ Cheng, the latest guest in our FSHN Research Journeys series, which follows graduate students’ research in the Food Science and Human Nutrition program at The University of Florida. Kini is a food science master’s degree student who is passionate about sharing the health-promoting benefits of fruits by extending their shelf-life and reducing food waste. Read about her…

Design a Spring Basket Workshop

Hop into Spring with an egg-citing horticulture experience led by UF/IFAS Extension Levy County Master Gardener volunteers. This unique journey into creativity and nature provides hands-on instruction intertwined with horticulture and artistic exploration. March 13, 2024 10 am – NOON or 1 pm – 3 pm Levy Extension Center, 625 North Hathaway Avenue, Bronson. What’s in Store: Embellish…

Cat’s-claw vine

At last, spring is here!* With the warming weather and longer day lengths, plants that have been dormant over the winter start to wake up. New leaves are growing on the trees, flowers are beginning to bloom, and if you have a loved one with allergies, you will have noticed that oak tree pollen is…

Virginia Pepperweed – Wild Weeds

Wild Weeds – Weed of the Month Virginia Pepperweed Lepidium virginicum Virginia Pepperweed begins growing in a low-growing rosette, yet soon enough branching stems emerge with elongated racemes of tiny whitish flowers. You can easily spot this plant by looking for wispy white “bottle brushes” on the ground. The flowers are hermaphroditic, meaning they have…

Reduce Food Waste: 10 Ways to Use Rotisserie Chicken

Why reduce food waste? This simple procedure can save you money and help the environment. It takes the farming and agriculture industry a lot of time and resources to grow/raise, produce, and bring food to your table. It is economical to avoid wasting food in your home and it feels good too. Check your refrigerator…

Love Food? Check Out “Food Check-Out Week”

I will admit it.  I am not really one to “celebrate” all these new week-labels we’ve added to our calendars.  But I do like food and food statistics.  When I heard about “Food Check-Out Week” I knew I had to learn more. Food Check-Out Week is the time in the new year when the average American…
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