Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Friday, Oct. 13, Governor Ron DeSantis launched the Great Outdoors Initiative. This initiative aims to encourage Floridians to explore the state’s natural resources, including its “award-winning parks, vast…
Category: Farm & Outdoors
Farming industry devastated by Idalia
Lee Trawick reporter2@riverbendnews.org It’s undeniable that Hurricane Idalia has caused significant damage to residential properties across Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette Counties. Residents are still clearing debris from their yards, and some have…
Get your bass in the boat after dark
Rick Patrick reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com While there’s never a really bad time to go fishing, the summer months can provide an opportune time to try your luck at catching the big one at night….
Is it ripe? How do I know?
Rick Patrick reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com With summer gardens in maturity, some folks may be wondering when is it time to pick some of the more popular fruits and vegetables. Sometimes it’s easy to tell….
Are your plants harming your pets?
Alexa Duarte: reporter1@riverbendnews.org Did you know there are some plants that are poisonous or toxic to your pets? A few poisonous plants include: daffodil, castor bean, Easter lily, sago palm, star gazer…
Food for thought on the apricot
Laura Young reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Winter recipes often include dried fruits, and none is tastier in my opinion than the bright, slightly fuzzy apricot. Fresh apricots are also seen in grocery stores this time…
Time to remember the work of our farmers
Amy Croft Contributor Thanksgiving season is a time that many Americans gather with their families and reflect upon many blessings. One of those blessings is a nutritious and diverse food supply produced…
The legen-dairy cows of White Oak
Lee TrawickReporter2@riverbendnews.org White Oak Dairy in Lafayette County was established in 2002 by Jody and JoAnn Sullivan, Ryan and Ashley Sullivan, and Jared and Kelli Moseley. White Oak Dairy opened with 100…
Scallop season officially opens
Danny Federico, Reporter3@riverbendnews.org The dates for bay scallop season on the Gulf Coast have been announced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The season varies depending on the section…
Lafayette FFA teams climb the ranks
Chad Lyons Contributor Livestock team finishes third The 2022 Florida FFA Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE) State Finals took place at the Horse Teaching Unit on the campus of the University…
Does growing your own veggies encourage more vegetable consumption?
Carolyn Saft, Suwannee County UF/IFAS Extension Contributor We are nearing the end of freezing cold snaps and many gardeners are anxious to get their plants in the ground if they haven’t already….
Allison Acres, a decade of organic farming
Lee Trawick Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Tucked away atop the rolling hills of the rural community of Pinetta in Madison County is a 218-acre organic farm that is more than meets the eye. Allison Acres…
National FFA Week: Brent Long’s journey to greatness
Christian Peterson Reporter@riverbendnews.org Brent Long was born on May 30, 2002, in Gainesville, Fla.,and grew up on a small farm in Live Oak, cultivating a love for agriculture. He graduated from Suwannee…
Life lessons from the livestock show
Katie Jones Contributor We’ve reached that time of year in Florida when livestock shows are happening almost every week. Most of the youth participants won’t choose livestock production as a career. So,…
Lafayette FFA comes out on top
Chad Lyons Contributor Lafayette FFA competes in Sub-District Competition The Lafayette Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter competed in the Florida FFA District 3, Sub-District 3 contest on Dec. 14, 2021, at…
Give Valentines gifts with lasting memories
Carolyn Saft UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension Contributor Our stores are filled with heart-shaped boxes of chocolates sold as symbols of love. Are they though? One piece of chocolate is about 75 calories,…