By Tacy Callies “I went to college so I wouldn’t be a farmer,” says Rex Clonts. After earning a business degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1972, Rex had several job offers and wasn’t sure which one to accept. He asked his father if it would be OK if he came home and worked on the …
Small U-Pick Farm Expands by Adding New Products for Customers
By Frank Giles Beginning farmers face obstacles when there is no land, equipment and expertise being handed down from one generation to the next. But many multigenerational farms face similar challenges when family transitions take place. The Casey family in Hernando County has dealt with those issues as the younger generation sought to keep the farming tradition alive. Jeff Casey, …
Finding a Fit for Blackberries in Florida
By Frank Giles Blackberries have been produced in Florida for some time, but new efforts have been made to learn more about the crop to grow production and markets in the state. Blackberries have been proven to be a popular item at U-pick operations. For farmers who grow U-pick strawberries and blueberries, blackberries offer a way to extend the picking …
Why Beck Bros. Believe in the Future of Florida Citrus
Planting and confidence in a strong back-to-basics production plan pave the path forward.