Jonael Bosques, Agriculture Agent

08/24/2026

The UF/IFAS South Florida Beef-Forage Program invites cattle producers to participate in an educational program focused on selecting and managing herd bulls for improved profitability and reproductive success. This collaborative program is presented in conjunction with UF/IFAS Extension agents, state specialists, and experienced cattle producers, providing participants with practical, research-based information and real-world perspectives.

Program Topics Include:

Bull Selection Do's and Don'ts – Learn proven practices for selecting herd sires while avoiding common purchasing mistakes.
Visual Bull Selection – Evaluate structural soundness, muscling, body condition, and other physical traits that influence longevity and performance.
Economics of Bull Buying – Understand the financial value of a herd bull investment and strategies to maximize return on investment.
Bull Reproductive Strategies – Review breeding soundness, fertility management, and management practices that support a successful breeding season.
Understanding Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) – Gain confidence in interpreting EPDs and using genetic information to select bulls that fit your herd's production and marketing goals.

Click the link below for more details and registration:

Join us for an educational program designed to help cattle producers make informed, profitable bull purchasing and management decisions.

08/21/2026

We are extremely happy to introduce our newest addition to UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County: Ms. Deanna Bigio.
Deanna is serving as our Residential Horticulture Agent. She is hired with a Master’s in Horticulture Science from UGA and extensive experience with home dooryard fruit production.
Deanna also brings experience from NC State Extension where she coordinated the Wake County Master Gardener Program. In this role she acquired a great deal of knowledge in edible landscaping, vegetable gardening, backyard pest management, among many other valuable skills.
She is looking forward to interacting with you and establishing our very first Hardee County Master Gardener program.

So, drop by 507 Civic Center Drive, in Wauchula to personally meet her and make her feel welcomed in our community. Bring your bugs and diseased plants with you, while you are at it.

07/31/2026

Did you know the New World screwworm can complete its entire life cycle in as fast as 21 days?

A female fly lays eggs in a wound… they hatch in 24–48 hours… larvae feed for about a week… then drop to the ground to pupate for another week before emerging as flies. Then the cycle starts all over again.

That’s why USDA and partners are flooding the area with sterile male flies. When female screwworm flies mate with these sterile males, the eggs never hatch, breaking the cycle and stopping the pest in its tracks.

Science, speed, and sterile flies =

07/16/2026

Understanding Pasture Mealybug: Science, Management & What We Know So Far
Friday, July 17, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. EDT

Hosted by the UF/IFAS Forage Team, this educational webinar will provide the latest information on the emerging pasture mealybug issue, including its biology, identification, management strategies, and currently available insecticide options. Speakers will discuss what researchers and industry professionals know so far and answer questions as time allows.

Featured Speakers:
-Dr. Marcelo Wallau, UF/IFAS Forage Extension Specialist
-Dr. Erin Powell, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
-Dr. Isaac Esquivel, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center
-Dr. De-Fen Mou, UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center

Registration: Not required
Join via Zoom: https://ufl.zoom.us/j/97806711502
Learn More: https://go.ufl.edu/pasturemealybugs

07/13/2026

Florida's newest invader is called the Pasture Mealybug. Here is a great blog on what we know.

And yes, it is harming pastures in our area.

A new invasive pest is threatening Florida pastures. Learn how to recognize pasture mealybug damage, scout fields, and report suspected infestations.

05/29/2026

05/14/2026

A day-long class to gain practical knowledge for productive pasture and healthy livestock in Brevard County. All producers welcome.

05/11/2026

Calling Hardee County farmers and ranchers:
The University of Florida is conducting a research study on mosquito-borne diseases that may affect farmers and farm workers.

If you are interested in participating on this study, please access the
following survey: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42Rzkt2u84VpBzM?Q_CHL=qr

Farmers, Ranchers and Farm workers will be compensated with a $50.00 gift card if eligible.

For registration and further information, please contact the research team at: [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18dE4eTynx/

04/24/2026

En términos sencillos, el presupuesto de nutrientes consiste en llevar un control de los elementos que tienes en tu sistema, lo que necesita tu cultivo y lo que sale del campo. No se trata de aplicar más fertilizante, sino de aplicar la cantidad correcta en el momento adecuado.
Sigue leyendo....

Email 0 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 X Linkedin 0 Stumbleupon 0 El clima dinámico de Florida nunca deja de sorprendernos. La sequía histórica que estamos experimentando, luego de heladas extremas que no se veían en décadas, definitivamente ha hecho de esta primavera una bastante inusual. Hemos...

04/23/2026

A simple explanation for nutrient budgeting is the action of keeping track of what nutrients are in your system, what your crop needs, and what leaves the field. It’s not about applying more fertilizer—it’s about applying the right amount at the right time....

Nutrient budgeting is a strategic management process designed to track the flow of minerals within an agricultural system to maximize efficiency and protect the environment.