Molly Jameson UF/IFAS Extension Leon County Has a large, flashy, bright red-orange, fuzzy ant-like creature ever captured your attention? It may have been the infamous velvet ant, otherwise fittingly known as “cow…
Category: Farm & Outdoors
Farmers, ranchers: apply for COVID assistance
Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. The COVID-19 pandemic struck every industry with a fervor, and farmers and ranchers have not been left untouched by the financial devastation that a pandemic like this…
Help us conserve beach nesting birds
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Contributor The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding the public that it’s waterbird nesting season. Many Floridians and guests are returning to the…
Bay scallop season open in Franklin-Jefferson, a portion of Taylor County and Levy-Hernando
Florida Wildlife Commission Contributor Recreational bay scallop season for Franklin through the northwestern portion of Taylor County, as well as Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties opened on Wednesday, July 1 and will…
Simpson Nurseries: 118-year-old nursery continues to grow
Lina Nissley ECB Publishing, Inc. Florida’s oldest nursery, Simpson Nurseries, was started in 1902 as a family business and later became known as the largest watermelon seed and pecan tree producer in…
On the water and regarding wildlife Chamber’s Junior Leadership Class holds final day of activities
Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. Every year, the Monticello-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce sponsors and hosts an opportunity for local youth to develop leadership skills, learn about the career avenues available locally…
Wild about Wildlife – 100 free slots for Jefferson County families
Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. A limited-space summer camp is reserving 100 spots for Jefferson County families. This camp, which begins on July 6 and will conclude with its final weekly session…
2020 Southeastern Hay Contest
Hay season is here! Hay production is a large part of our economy here in Jefferson County and now is the time to focus on quality hay production. The first step…
‘Orangedog’ caterpillar today, giant swallowtail tomorrow
The giant swallowtail, Papilio cresphontes is one of the largest, and in my opinion, most beautiful butterflies found in our area. I’ve seen several flying through the county this spring. The larval…
Scallop Season to start soon!!
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has set the dates for this summer’s bay scallop season on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The season varies depending…
Family fun in local waters
Jefferson County lakes and rivers offer outdoor activities for adventurous families Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. COVID-19 can’t ruin the natural beauty of North Florida’s panhandle region. While theme parks are limiting…
Milk crisis: local dairy endeavors to survive pandemic
Debbie Snapp ECB Publishing, Inc. Douglas Walker and Ronnie Walker, Jefferson County dairy farmers, produce milk for the milk market in Florida, and they produce it by the gallons. The milk produced…
Old Farmer’s Almanac: Guiding farmers for over 200 years
Rick Patrick ECB Publishing, Inc. During this time of year, anyone interested in planting, from full-time farmers to weekend gardeners, would consult the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Whether it was in Jefferson County…
Considerations for planting citrus
Citrus is not only a vital part of our economy in Florida but it’s also a major component in our landscapes. With many folks spending more time outdoors and working in the…
Asian Giant Hornet AKA “Murder Hornet” FAQ
You may have seen recent news about the Asian giant hornet being found in the United States. This insect has recently been called the “murder hornet,” though that name is not used…
Grow hemp: Local farmers can now apply for permit license
Savannah Reams ECB Publishing, Inc. On Monday, April 27, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) launched the online Hemp Cultivation Licensing Portal, allowing local farmers to apply for licenses….
Pick your own blueberries at Kinsey U-Pick Blueberry Farm
Debbie Snapp ECB Publishing, Inc. The Kinsey U-Pick Blueberry Farm continues to operate in Jefferson County, even after 40-years of hard work and much success. Wayne Kinsey works and watches over the…
Young Farmers: join the Farm Foundation’s Young Farmer Accelerator Program
Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. Young Farmers are invited to take part in a year-long series of interactive learning and networking experiences that will be offered by the Farm Foundation’s Young Farmer…
Cattleman on the up-and-coming: Hunter Horne
Ashley Hunter ECB Publishing, Inc. Hunter Horne is one of Jefferson County’s local ranchers whose career is focused around keeping his community (and country) fed. But Horne has also gone above-and-beyond in…
Arbor Day: How to take care of your trees
MetroMedia Lawns and gardens tend to draw the bulk of homeowners’ attention come spring and summer. But it’s important that property owners tend to the trees that dot their property as well….