There is new trouble at the ranch. The worsening financial crisis is making it harder and more expensive for farmers and cattlemen to borrow money to pay for feed, land and salaries. While the credit squeeze on the agricultural sector is buffered somewhat by subsidies and other federal assistance, the timing is bad: the costs of fertilizer, fuel, seed and equipment have all risen sharply in recent years, and a global recession is on the horizon. ...more

October 18, 2008

When Ray Clark began teaching agriculture classes at Plant City High, there was one tractor, all the planting records were written longhand and only eight girls took the time to learn farming skills. ...more

September 10, 2008

Farmers, ranchers and horse owners have to take precautions to safeguard large animals and property during storms. ...more

May 28, 2008

The nearly 40-year effort to guarantee a wild and scenic future for the Myakka River resumes this week. ...more

October 15, 2007