This article was published in the October 2012 edition of Central Florida AgNews Magazine

Eucalyptus, Sugar Cane and Other Crops Get an Agritechnology Makeover

by CHERYL ROGERS

In Frostproof, Phillip Rucks Nursery is growing half a million Eucalyptus trees.  Although Eucalyptus trees currently are marketed for garden mulch, the fast-growing hardwood is poised for a potential broad new market . . . as biomass for an electrical generating facility.

In the Lake Placid area, London-based British Petroleum is cultivating 1700 acres of high-fiber/low sugar, sugar cane as well as Elephant grass in preparation for “one of the nation’s first commercial-scale cellulosic biofuels facilities,” company officials say. They are expecting to plant 2,000 more acres this fall in advance of the 36-million gallon plant.

This article was published in the October 2012 edition of Central Florida AgNews Magazine

Modern Tools for Monitoring Your Equine’s Health

by J.P. Smith

Equines communicate through various physical and behavioral signs.  From the position of the ears to nervous nibbling and gait are all signals that indicate their emotions or physical wellbeing.  Your horse is always trying to tell you something.  Are you ready to hear what your horse has to say?