Ep 3. Farming the Florida Way

As the third episode of the popular series 'We Bought the Farm' begins, the series' stars - families who have traded in their suburban lifestyles to start new lives as farmers - set off on a journey to the sunshine state of Florida. In this episode, titled 'Farming the Florida Way', the focus is on citrus farming, with the families getting an up-close look at what it takes to grow oranges in the Sunshine State.

The first stop of the episode is at a commercial orange grove where the families meet with a farm owner to discuss the logistics of running a citrus operation. They learn about the process of grafting, which is used to selectively breed new varieties of fruit trees, and the challenges the industry has faced in recent years due to disease. The families also get a chance to pick and sample some of the fruit.

From there, the families head to an organic citrus farm where they get a chance to see the difference between conventional and organic farming practices. They learn about the importance of maintaining the health of the soil, the use of natural pest control methods, and the benefits of growing in a sustainable manner. They also get to taste some of the delicious citrus grown on the farm and see how it is used in the farm's juice products.

Next, the families travel to a farm that specializes in exotic fruits, including mangoes and dragon fruit. Here, they learn about the unique challenges of growing fruit that is not native to the area, such as managing pests and finding the right balance of water and sun exposure. They also get a chance to taste some of the fruits and learn about the health benefits they provide.

The final stop of the episode is at a small family farm that grows a variety of fruits and vegetables. Here, the families learn about the importance of diversifying their crops, as well as the challenges of managing a smaller, family-run operation. They get a chance to get their hands dirty and help with some of the day-to-day tasks on the farm, such as weeding and planting.

Throughout the episode, the families also reflect on how the lessons they have learned from the farmers they have met on their journey can be applied to their own farms. They discuss the importance of staying informed about industry trends and the latest research, as well as the value of networking and sharing knowledge with other farmers.

Overall, 'Farming the Florida Way' provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of citrus farming in one of the largest producers and consumers of oranges in the United States. The families' enthusiasm and eagerness to learn make for an engaging watch, and viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and expertise that goes into growing the fruits and vegetables we take for granted every day.