Florida

Florida is well known for its thriving agriculture industry, which plays a significant role in both the state’s economy and the nation’s food supply. With its warm climate, rich soil, and long growing seasons, Florida is one of the top agricultural states in the U.S., producing a diverse range of crops and livestock. From citrus groves to cattle ranches, Florida’s farming industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars annually.

Agriculture is one of Florida’s most important industries, contributing billions annually to the state’s economy. The industry supports millions of jobs, including those in farming, food processing, transportation, and distribution. Florida is a key supplier of fresh produce to the U.S., particularly during the winter months when many other states cannot grow crops due to cold temperatures.

Dairy farming is another significant agricultural sector in Florida. The state’s dairy farms produce millions of gallons of milk annually, supplying dairy products to local and national markets. The majority of Florida’s dairy farms are located in the northern and central parts of the state.

Tag Archive for: Florida

Persimmons: Native Flavor, Southern Charm

08/25/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Persimmon trees offer significant benefits to local ecosystems, attracting bees and other pollinators with their spring flowers and providing fall fruit that deer, birds, and small mammals enjoy. Their shade and vibrant fall color also make them an excellent addition to native plant gardens and food forests. When it comes to eating, persimmons—whether from wild American trees or cultivated Asian varieties—offer rich flavor and nutrients. The Fuyu type can be sliced and eaten raw like an apple or added to salads, while the Hachiya should be fully soft before being used in puddings, muffins, or smoothies. American persimmons are best when ripened on the tree or picked when jelly-soft, ideal for traditional Southern dishes like persimmon pudding or cookies. For storage, keep ripe persimmons in the fridge for up to a week, freeze the pulp for baking or smoothies, or dry slices into chewy, candy-like snacks.

5 Easy Crops Anyone Can Grow

08/18/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Faith

Living in Jacksonville, Florida offers more than just beautiful beaches and bustling city life—it also provides a great climate for growing your own food right in your backyard. Whether you’re in a small bungalow in Riverside, a suburban home in Mandarin, or even an apartment with container space on the Southside, Jacksonville’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it possible to grow a variety of crops with minimal fuss. Here are five easy crops that just about anyone can grow in their backyard garden (or even on a sunny patio) in Jacksonville.

Edible Flowers A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden

08/11/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Cultivating edible flowers in Florida is a rewarding way to combine an abundant garden with culinary adventure. Thanks to the state’s warm, often humid climate and lengthy growing seasons, gardeners have the unique opportunity to grow a dazzling variety of blooms that aren’t just beautiful, but also safe to eat and delicious. Focusing on the process of growing these flowers highlights the joy and simplicity of turning your own backyard into a vibrant, edible landscape.

The ink has dried in this chapter of our journal

06/12/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Faith and I relocated from the Jacksonville area to rural Tallahassee, Florida in the fall of 2021. We worked jobs we thought were very boring and repetitive. The two of us wanted to chase a little more adventure and what we saw as an uncomplicated life. This drew us to an area known as the Big Bend part of the state. Average people can still buy a decent chunk of land in the state of Florida without being celebrity rich. We dreamt of starting a hobby farm where we would produce our own high-quality, real food. Be a little more self-sufficient and live a more outdoor, agricultural lifestyle as well.

Creating Your Dream Homestead Haven

02/16/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Jill

Retirement offers a unique opportunity to redefine your lifestyle, focusing on what truly brings you joy. For those passionate about homesteading, this phase of life can be the perfect time to cultivate a space that nurtures personal interests and family connections. By carefully considering your needs and aspirations, you can create a homestead that supports your hobbies and welcomes family gatherings. This thoughtful approach ensures a retirement filled with purpose and satisfaction, where personal fulfillment and family engagement coexist harmoniously.

Porterhouse Meat Market

12/14/2023/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Walking into a small-town business like Porterhouse is always an experience. The door’s entrance bell dings when we walk in. A moment later, Fawzi stepped out from the back and with a sincere smile greeted us like friends. You just don’t get that in some random grocery store or even the specialty stores in bigger cities. We catch up from the last visit and make small talk for a while. Eventually, I made my way to the back of the store to check out his fresh cuts.

Piglets born at TnF Farms

11/11/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

To our surprise, early this morning, she released her hostages. “Minnie” is a very stout female named for very short legs and when she’s not being instinctually protective of her babies, she is a sweetheart. Her past piglets have been very healthy and grow into muscular linebackers that integrate well into our herd. If you are interested in getting registered or unregistered piglets to start your own pig farm or to grow out, piglets should be ready for purchase as soon as mid-January of 2024. Please contact us to start the conversation of how you want your pig(s).

You need one of everything

11/04/2023/in Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Then the farm bug bit my wife and really sunk its teeth in. One of our neighbors really inspired her to farm way more than I ever imagined. All that existing farm stuff now needed to be repaired and modified to work with the new plan. Then we were off and going. Almost daily trips to Tractor Supply, Home Depot and Lowes, not to mention all the things being bought on Amazon. My dad and his brothers grew up on a farm. When one of my uncles came to visit and see our progress, he chuckled and said “You’re new farmers. You’re going to need one of everything.”

Non-GMO Free-Range Eggs

10/13/2023/in Farm Animals, Farmer's Market, Florida Living, Poultry/by Tim

TnF Farms is located just outside the idyllic town of Havana, Florida. Local residents and visitors are embracing a healthier and more sustainable way of life by seeking out non-GMO, free-range farm-fresh eggs. In this post, we’ll explore the quest for these premium eggs, highlighting the benefits of non-GMO and free-range practices, and where you can find these exceptional gems in Havana.

Florida gets cold too

10/11/2023/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

When Faith and I decided to relocate to Jacksonville, Florida, we donated most of our winter gear instead of packing it. We both figured most days we’d be in shorts and soaking up the sun at the beach. The first year we were in Florida, it was a pretty mild winter and there were a few jeans and light jacket days. Then we acclimated and understood our second Florida winter, why we saw people in quilted coats. But we still spent Thanksgiving at Key West and Christmas on the beach.