Rylan Turner’s tree was crowned Grand Champion of the Highlands County Youth Citrus Project, and Christopher Garrison’s tree garnered the Reserve Grand Champion award. Those two trees were sold in a live auction during the livestock auction night at the Highlands County Fair on Feb. 18. Lykes Bros. purchased the Grand Champion tree for $1,400 and Big T Tire bought the Reserve Grand Champion tree for $800.
The remaining trees grown for the project were placed up for sale through the silent auction process at the fair, with minimum starting bids of $50. A number of other companies bought silent auction trees and provided add-ons.
The Highlands County Youth Citrus Project, which is run through the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension 4-H Program, teaches local students aged 8 to 18 how to successfully grow citrus in Florida. Forty-four citrus trees (Pixie Mandarin on rootstock X-639) were entered into the program this year. All of the trees were grown for the entirety of the project in a protective cover. They were all tested for HLB by the state of Florida and found to be negative before being displayed at the fair.
Registration for the 2021-2022 Highlands County Youth Citrus Project is underway through 5 p.m. on April 9. Young people interested can register here. They can also call Alexis Cooper at 863-402-6540 and speak with her about getting involved.
Source: Highlands County Citrus Growers Association
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