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Lake County citrus farmers bracing for coldest temps of the season

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Published  January 7, 2025 10:41pm EST
Lake County
FOX 35 Orlando

Citrus farmers bracing for coldest temps of the season

After enduring back-to-back hurricanes, citrus farmers in central Florida are bracing for the season's coldest temperatures. At Showcase of Citrus, Tara Boshell, said they have been keeping a watchful eye on the forecast in order to keep their 100 acres of groves healthy and alive.

The Brief

    • Central Florida citrus farmers, like those at Showcase of Citrus, are closely monitoring temperatures, preparing irrigation to protect groves from potential freezes.
    • Citrus trees can temporarily withstand freezing, but farmers use mist irrigation to insulate and safeguard produce during cold spells.
    • Showcase of Citrus also ensures its diverse animals, including kangaroos and capybaras, stay warm with extra hay and heat lamps during cold weather.

CLERMONT Fla. - After enduring back-to-back hurricanes, citrus farmers in central Florida are bracing for the season's coldest temperatures.

At Showcase of Citrus, Tara Boshell, said they have been keeping a watchful eye on the forecast in order to keep their 100 acres of groves healthy and alive.

"Currently, we’re only supposed to get to 36, maybe 35 degrees," Boshell said. "We don’t panic at that temperature yet – we have had our panic moments, and we have lost trees in previous years."

Citrus trees can withstand freezing temperatures – temporarily, said Boshell, but when the temps are forecast to hold in the low 30s, Boshell said they protect their produce with extra irrigation. It may sound counterintuitive, but Boshell said the science makes sense.

"The spray [the mist] freezes, and it will actually insulate the leaves, the trunk and protect the tree," Boshell said.

It’s not just produce on the property; various animals call Showcase of Citrus home.

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"Right now, our kangaroos are hopping about, grazing, loving it," said animal keeper Ryan McKenna. "Number one for us is to monitor our animals’ behavior closely and give them what they need."

From Hugo and Honey, the Australian Red kangaroos, to five capybaras, a zebra, camels, and birds, each animal has its own cold-weather care plan, said McKenna.

"Just for an extra precaution, we overstock our enclosures with extra hay for them," McKenna said. "If it does drop any cooler, we also hook up heat lamps for them as well."

It may not be this cold system, but when the freezing weather does hit, Showcase of Citrus said they’ll be ready.

"Freezes are intimidating, there’s no doubt. In 1989, when it wiped out a majority of Florida citrus, that’s always in the back of our heads, but we don’t quit," Boshell said. "We keep pushing, we keep trying, and we don’t give up."

When they do irrigate the groves, it can be quite a fascinating sight to see the crystalized trees, Boshell said.

"It’s gorgeous, but yet scary as farmers," Boshell added. "It’s beautiful to see, but in your heart, you’re like oh, please… you hope for the best!"

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Showcase of Citrus and the FOX 35 Storm Team.

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