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The $.2.50 Leadership Lesson | How to Pick the Right Avocado
What an Avocado Teaches Us About Health, Attention, and Small Decisions An avocado is more than just a fruit. It’s one of the most nutrient-rich foods we eat—filled with healthy fats, fiber, potassium, and essential vitamins that support the heart, brain, and overall well-being. What was once a simple staple has now become a premium…
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What is Dr. Mani’s Magic? A story of soil, science, family, and the quiet innovations that grew from necessity.
By Mani Skaria, PhD ABRACADABRA People often ask me a simple question: “What is Dr. Mani’s Magic?” Some people even imagine that I must be a magician. I do not mind the thought of wearing a magician’s hat—especially now that my hair has graciously receded enough to make room for one. But the truth is…
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Rethinking the Journey of Grapefruit: From Grove to Home
Mani Skaria, PhD Have you ever tasted grapefruit straight from the grove? If you have, you know the difference immediately. Fresh.Vibrant.Full of natural flavor. In the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, grapefruit grows under unique geographic and climatic conditions that give it a distinctive taste and quality. For generations, this region has produced some of the finest…
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Thinking Outside the Box: From Biochemistry to Bloodline
By Mani Skaria, PhD In the last week of February 2026, I was at the University of California, Riverside, serving in an advisory capacity and speaking with a group of young scientists from across the country. They were serious, disciplined, deeply engaged in laboratory precision — mapping genes, refining biochemical pathways, advancing discovery through controlled…
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World Ag Expo 2026: Where Innovation, Soil, and Legacy Converge–Intelligently
World Ag Expo 2026: Where Innovation, Soil, and Legacy Converge — Intelligently By Mani Skaria, PhD After a decade, I returned to the World Ag Expo in Tulare County — this time as an invited guest. As a Professor Emeritus in Agriculture in Texas, I have observed agricultural progress over many decades. What I witnessed…
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People Find a Way
My good friend Jim Tour was on Fox Business to discuss recycling rare earth minerals. Take a look!
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An Academic Case Study in Captive Service Pricing: Lessons from an Industrial Fan Installation
Insight No. 13 “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”—Warren Buffet Author: Mani Skaria, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M–KingsvillePresident & CEO, US CitrusProduction Date: September 12, 2025 1. Introduction: The Promise of Turnkey Service Industrial installations are expected to deliver both performance and peace of mind. Yet, when service pricing becomes fragmented, even…
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The Power of Boring: Why It Succeeds and Builds Businesses That Last
Insight No. 12 “The first thing is character, before money or anything else. Money cannot buy it.”— J.P. Morgan Author: Mani Skaria, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M–KingsvillePresident & CEO, US CitrusProduction Date: September 12, 2025 A Sign That Made Me Think At one of my banks, I noticed a simple sign that said:“Boring helps your business…
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From County Agent to Digital Coach: The Rise, Decline and Renewal of U.S. Extension
Insight No. 9 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”— Nelson Mandela Author: Mani Skaria, Ph.D.Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M–KingsvillePresident & CEO, US Citrus Production Date: September 08, 2025 IntroductionThe Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is one of the most significant educational experiments in American history. Born from the Smith–Lever…
