Brandon White became the new commercial fruit crop agent for Lake and Orange counties on Aug. 16, working at the Lake County Extension office in Tavares.
White was born and raised in Florida and lives in Ocoee. “Not having grown up in agriculture, I have been in it to some capacity for over a decade since I changed my major to landscape design and management in my junior year of college,” the agent wrote. “For me, agriculture is one of those things I am just drawn to. I like plants. I like food. I appreciate good landscapes. I like the earthiness of the industry. I like the people. I like the science … Extension, for me, is a good mix of all those things.”
White worked the past three years as a biological scientist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. He worked with the farm crew and was heavily involved with horticultural research.
“I would say my interest in agriculture as a career really started when I got a job working at the Small Fruit and Viticulture Center of Florida A&M when I was working on my undergraduate degree,” White added. “From there, I ended up in Baton Rouge at Louisiana State University where I got a master’s in soil fertility and plant nutrition. I never dreamed I would end up studying soil at such great length, but I am grateful I did. It has provided a very useful insight to crop production and led to a greater interest in proper soil health as a great starting place for healthy and productive crops.”
White said he can be reached at 352-343-4101, extension 2729 or by email. “Or drop by the office anytime at 1951 Woodlea Rd, Tavares, FL 32778,” he said.
Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
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