Information about livestock and forage crops, soil, vegetable and row crops, and commercial horticulture and ornamental production.

Livestock and Forage Crops

This program provides Manatee County residents with research-based solutions and information related to animal science and livestock. 

Areas of Expertise and Service to Manatee County

• Animal Science
• Agronomy
• Fertilization and herbicide use and application
• Irrigation
• Insect and disease control
• State regulations
• Nuisance animals
• County Fair livestock programs

Further Resources

Livestock Web Resources - Dropbox 

UF/IFAS Animal Sciences Department  

Soils Unit

The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service Soils Unit, in partnership with the NRCS/USDA and the Manatee River Soil & Water Conservation District, assists Manatee County's land owners with conserving their soil, water and other natural resources. The majority of conservation applications are accomplished with local partners. Local, state and federal agencies and policy makers also rely on our expertise. We deliver technical assistance based on sound science, suited to a customer's specific needs. Cost shares and financial incentives are available in some cases. Participation in our program is voluntary.

If any of the below programs are of interest please contact us at (941)907-0011 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected] 

• Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
• Longleaf Pine Initiative

Further Resources: 

Florida | Natural Resources Conservation Service  

Web Soil Survey - Home 

Fruit and Vegetable Crops

Vegetable production and marketing in Manatee County is a $290 million dollar industry encompassing approximately 30,000 acres and including a variety of crops. The largest acreages are devoted to tomatoes, snap beans, watermelons, cucumbers, and potatoes. Other crops include pepper, cantaloupe, squash, oriental vegetables and other minor and specialty crops.

Areas of Expertise and Service to Manatee County

• General fruit & vegetable production
• Crop fertilization
• Crop irrigation management
• Integrated Pest Management
• Pesticide licensing information

Further Resources

2025 Florida’s Agriculture and Food System Fast Facts 

UF IFAS Food Systems Directory  

Commercial Horticulture / Ornamental Production

This program supports the local nursery, greenhouse, and sod industries by promoting pest management, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and research-based solutions to ensure their ongoing success.

Areas of Expertise and Service to Manatee County

• Commercial Horticulture Production
• Nursery and Greenhouse Production
• Plant Disease and Insect Pest ID
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Irrigation and Water Conservation
• Salinity and pH
• Pesticide Training & Licensing
• Federal & State Regulations 
• Industrial Hemp Questions
• 4H/FFA FNGLA Plant Project (Manatee County Fair Plant Show & Sale)

Further Resources

Commercial Horticulture Newsletter