Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Map invasive species

It’s free; it’s fun – check it out.

EDDMapS - Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System

Invasive Species Mapping Made Easy!

·         Real time tracking of invasive species occurrences

·         Local and national distribution maps

·         Electronic early detection reporting tools

·         Library of identification and management information

Overview

EDDMapS is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive species distribution. It is fast, easy to use and doesn't require Geographic Information Systems experience. Launched in 2005 by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia, it was originally designed as a tool for state Exotic Pest Plant Councils to develop more complete distribution data of invasive species.

EDDMapS goal is to maximize the effectiveness and accessibility of the immense numbers of invasive species observations recorded each year. As of June 2011, EDDMapS has over 1.3 million records.

EDDMapS combines data from other databases and organizations as well as volunteer observations to create a national network of invasive species distribution data that is shared with educators, land managers, conservation biologists, and beyond. This data will become the foundation for a better understanding of invasive species distribution around the world.

 

 

Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns EDSI publication

The newly revised "Zoysiagrass for Florida Lawns" publication is now available on EDIS (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/LH/LH01100.pdf). Special thanks to Celeste White, Tom MacCubbin, and Dr. Kevin Kenworthy for their suggestions for improving the document. Also, thanks to Amanda Aubuchon, EDIS Plant Sciences Editor, for getting this document loaded into the authoring tool and online!

Bryan
J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D.
Associate Center Director and Professor
West Florida Research and Education Center University of Florida
4253 Experiment Drive, Hwy. 182
Jay, FL 32565
Email: jbu@ufl.edu<mailto:jbu@ufl.edu>
Mobile: (850) 982-7951
Phone: (850) 995-3720 ext. 108
FAX: (850) 995-3723
http://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/<blocked::http://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/>
http://turf.ufl.edu/<blocked::http://turf.ufl.edu/>

Mark you calendar for the Third Biennial UF Water Institute Symposium!!

 

If you have trouble viewing this email please click here

 

 

The University of Florida and Progress Energy partner to host

The 3rd UF Water Institute Symposium
February 15 - 16, 2012
J. Wayne Reitz Union, University of Florida Campus
Gainesville, Florida

We invite you to participate in the 3rd UF Water Institute Symposium focused on Complex Challenges and Integrated Solutions for Nutrient Management in Watersheds. This symposium will bring together scientists, engineers, academics, non-governmental organizations, policy makers, water managers, industry and utility representatives, lawyers, students, and the public to explore emerging issues related to nutrient sources, dynamics, management, and policy from multiple perspectives.

Presentations, posters sessions and panel discussions will focus on integrating new research, education, policy, and technology developments in the following areas:

  • Understanding natural, anthropogenic and  legacy sources of nutrients
  • Nutrient dynamics and enrichment impacts in aquatic ecosystems
  • Efficacy of nutrient source control strategies 
  • Innovative biological, physical, and chemical nutrient reduction & recovery technologies
  • Social, behavioral, and economic aspects of nutrient management
  • Governance approaches to nutrient management  

 

 In addition to the topics above student poster presentations will be accepted on any subject pertaining to water.  Student poster authors are eligible to compete for "Best Poster" awards based on the quality of the abstract, poster, and discussion. Three poster winners will receive prizes of $1000 each to be used as funding to support future participation at a national conference.  

 

Dates of Interest:

*Call for Abstracts

August 16, 2011

*Abstract Submission Deadline

October 10, 2011

*On-Line Registration Opens

November 8, 2011

*On-Line Registration Deadline

January 31, 2012

 

                                                                                                                                                                      

 

Wendy Graham, Ph.D. 
Carl S. Swisher Chair in Water Resources
Director UF Water Institute
PO Box 116601
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida 32611-6601

Phone 352-392-5893 x 2113
Email  wgraham@ufl.edu
www.waterinstitute.ufl.edu 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

                                                 

 

 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Peach Economics and Acreage Survey

Hello All,

 

I hope that your summer has been going well thus far!  I think that we have finally gotten into the pattern of the afternoon thunderstorms, which will help our drought situation. 

 

Well, I am writing with a request for some data to get a better idea of the size of the peach industry in Florida.  Dr. Kim Morgan and I received some funding from the FDACS Specialty Crop Block Grant program to conduct a study on orchard establishment and production costs, and this is the first step to finding out about the size of the industry. 

 

If you have a peach orchard (any size), or are thinking of putting one in, please fill out the online survey at: http://survey.morganstrategies.com/.  All responses will be held confidential. 

 

We will not only use this information for our publication, which will end up as a budget of yearly costs, but also for making our case to USDA-RMA to expand the current area for crop insurance. 

 

Thank you for your time, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail or call myself or Dr. Kim Morgan (http://www.agecon.msstate.edu/people/facultydetail.php?faculty=morgan). 

 

Take care!

Mercy

 

Mercy Olmstead, PhD

Stone Fruit Extension Specialist

University of Florida-IFAS

2135 Fifield Hall

Gainesville, FL  32611-0690

352-273-4772

mercy1@ufl.edu

http://hos.ufl.edu/stonefruit

 

IFAS in the news, 6/27

Good morning -- Here is today's IFAS news:

Too much of a good thing can kill a tree (Okaloosa) http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/mulch-41257-thing-today.html

Will Grapegrowers and Consumers Accept GMO Wines?
http://palatepress.com/2011/06/wine/will-grapegrowers-and-consumers-accept-gmo-wines/

Mango skips fruiting a year (Miami-Dade) http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/26/2280559/mango-skips-fruiting-a-year.html

Great weather for chinch bugs (Marion)
http://www.ocala.com/article/20110625/COLUMNISTS/110629898/1162/sitemaps05

Palm Beach County budget squeeze could cost 4-H clubs
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-06-26/news/fl-4h-cuts-palm-20110626_1_budget-cuts-budget-squeeze-spending-cuts/2

USDA Funds Research to Reduce Foodborne Illness http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/06/usda-funds-research-to-reduce-foodborne-illness/

Gardening advice: Container will help cold-sensitive bougainvillea survive (Duval) http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/home-and-garden/2011-06-27/story/gardening-advice-container-will-help-cold-sensitive

Lovely to look at, basketgrass is a weed (Hillsborough) http://www2.tbo.com/lifestyles/life/2011/jun/26/BANEWSO5-lovely-to-look-at-basketgrass-is-a-weed-ar-239770/

Local/science news:

What happened to the family doctor?
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-primary-care-doctors-20110627,0,6006400.story

Hemophilia Is Target of Therapy on Genome http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/27/us/27therapy.html

The (light) show must go on
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110625/ARTICLES/110629703/1002/sitemaps05

SEC East foes play for national title
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110626/ARTICLES/110629635?tc=cr

Summer storms could bring strong winds
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110626/ARTICLES/110629642?tc=cr

Posts from Agent's Update--Online Magazine for 06/27/2011

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

Ornamental Production Newsletter

 

Jun 24, 2011 04:15 pm | noreply@blogger.com (Ornamental Hort. Agent)

The FNGLA Carl F. Cowgill Youth Scholarship is available from the FNGLA.  If you know somebody who is a college student from Hillsborough County that is pursuing a degree that will lead to employment within the environmental horticulture industry, this scholarship would apply to them.  The FNGLA awards up to 5 scholarships each year based upon the merit and needs of the students.  The FNGLA holds

Like FNGLA Tampa Chapter Carl Cowgill Scholarship on Facebook  share on Google Buzz  share on Twitter

 

Jun 24, 2011 10:07 am | noreply@blogger.com (Ornamental Hort. Agent)

Mr. Billie Green has about 10,000 drip emmiters for pots available for purchase.  He picked them up at an auction.  I asked him the price and he said make him an offer!  His phone number is 863-537-5127.

Like Need Drippers? on Facebook  share on Google Buzz  share on Twitter

 

Jun 23, 2011 09:54 am | noreply@blogger.com (Ornamental Hort. Agent)

To Everyone Interested in Florida's Small Farms, Become an active part of the fastest growing segment of all Florida agriculture, that is....the small farms industry. If you desire local food systems that support family farms, conserve natural resources and provide affordable, healthy and delicious food for your family's table, stand up and be counted! Never before has the future looked

Like Small Farms/Alternative Enterprise Conference on Facebook  share on Google Buzz  share on Twitter

 

Jun 21, 2011 10:37 am | noreply@blogger.com (Ornamental Hort. Agent)

This in from SWFWMD Community Affairs... The Southwest Florida Water Management District's new regulatory rules took effect today for existing and future water use permit holders in the Dover/Plant City area with crops that require frost/freeze protection. The District developed the new rules in response to the unprecedented 11-day January 2010 freeze event, which resulted in more than 750 dry

Like SWFWMD New Rules for Frost/Freeze Irrigation in Dover/Plant City Area on Facebook  share on Google Buzz  share on Twitter

 

Jun 20, 2011 01:54 pm | noreply@blogger.com (Ornamental Hort. Agent)

This in from the USDA... If you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. You may be eligible if: 1. you sought a farm loan or farm-loan servicing from USDA during that period; and 2. the loan was denied,

Like USDA Compensation for Discrimination on Facebook  share on Google Buzz  share on Twitter

 

Jun 20, 2011 11:04 am | noreply@blogger.com (Ornamental Hort. Agent)

Two new classes will be offered at HCC this summer from Sean Nordquist.  One will be a Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Certified Horticultural Professional.  The other will be Design Your Own Landscape: Introducing Circles, Curves and Color.  Both classes will be offered at the Plant City Campus of HCC.  If you are interested please give Mr. Nordquist a call 813-757-2186.

Like New Horticulture Classes at Hillsborough Community College on Facebook  share on Google Buzz  share on Twitter

Our mailing address is:

Hillsborough Extension Office

5339 County Rd 579

Seffner, Florida 33584-3334



Copyright (C) 2011 Hillsborough Extension Office All rights reserved.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.






Sent to mbhenry@ufl.edu why did I get this?
unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences
Hillsborough Extension Office · 5339 County Rd 579 · Seffner, Florida 33584-3334

Friday, June 24, 2011

Two AWR 151 Course Offerings in July - Daytona Beach and Davie, FL

Good Afternoon Agricultural and Domestic Security Partners:

 

We will send a formal announcement out next week, but I wanted to let you know that two new AWR 151 course offerings for July have been posted on the Western Institute of Food Safety and Security (WIFSS) website.

 

For those of you who missed this first course in the WIFSS series, this is your chance to complete AWR 151 Understanding the Dangers of Agroterrorism.

 

To register for either of the course offerings below, use the following link:  http://dhs.wifss.ucdavis.edu/agroterrorism/classes/classesbydate.php

 

Ø  July 20, 2011 in Daytona Beach, FL  AWR 151 Awareness:  Understanding the Dangers of Agroterrorism

Ø  July 21, 2011 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL  AWR 151 Awareness:  Understanding the Dangers of Agroterrorism

Sincerely,

 

Art

 

 

Art Johnstone, Program Planning Coordinator

Office of Agricultural Emergency Preparedness

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Art.Johnstone@freshfromflorida.com

Office - (850) 245-1322

Mobile - (850) 251-4184

 

Please update your records with my new e-mail address and phone number.  Thanks!

 

ARS Newslink

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
June 24, 2011
___________________________________________

Blueberries and bone health:
Compounds in blueberries might turn out to have a powerful effect on formation of strong, healthy bones, if results from studies with laboratory rats turn out to hold true for humans. (6/21) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2011/110621.htm

Sugar crystal quality examined:
Like diamonds, sugar crystals ideally are very pure and low in color. Now studies led by an ARS scientist have provided a better understanding of the source of undesirable color in factory sugar. (6/23) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2011/110623.htm
___________________________________________

Newslink is the weekly e-mail pointer for web links to stories issued by the Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

* Send feedback and questions to the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov
* You are subscribed to "Newslink" as mbhenry@ufl.edu.
* To change the address, please notify the ARS News Service at NewsService@ars.usda.gov.
* To unsubscribe, send a blank email to leave-199593-84528.9cd57c6e1af7d57c7b4ca2b2c824e5ca@ls.ars.usda.gov.
* Other ARS news products are available by e-mail. For details about them or to subscribe, please contact the ARS News Service or visit http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/lists.htm.
__________________________________________
ARS News Service, Information Staff, Agricultural Research Service
5601 Sunnyside Ave., Room 1-2251, Beltsville MD 20705-5128 NewsService@ars.usda.gov | www.ars.usda.gov/news Phone (301) 504-1636 | fax (301) 504-1486

Florida Small Farms Conference Farmer Scholarships, We need Help!

Do you know someone or a business who you think would like to help with this request below?  If so, can you simply forward it on to them?  Or, do you have other financial resources you would like to use to help us?  We have nearly 50 scholarship requests from farmers this year.  I plan to add some $$ to this effort and hope you will too. 

Thanks,

Bob Hochmuth 

................................................................................................................................

Can You Help Support the Florida Small Farmer Scholarship Fund?

During each of the previous years of the conference, we have been able to provide financial support for several small farmers who requested financial help (registration scholarship) to attend.  This year, we have nearly 50 applicants we want to help, more than ever before. 

Each donation of only $130 will help support one Florida small farmer who otherwise may not be able to attend the 2011 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference. Your gift of $130 or more will be applied to the cost of their registration thereby enabling the fasrmer to participate in this wonderful education program. 
Those donors of $260 or above will be recognized in the program and on the conference web site.

Applicants for the registration scholarship have to meet certain criteria in order to be selected. (Example: low-income, beginning farmer/rancher) and based on past experience, these request represent real needs.

 

So, would you consider helping us help fellow small farmers?  If so, let me know your plans and then go to the link below.  If you plan to attend the conference yourself, you can add the donation as you register.

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/contribute.html

 

***************************

Bob Hochmuth

Multi County Extension Agent

North Florida REC - Suwannee Valley

7580 County Road 136

Live Oak FL 32060

386-362-1725 x103

386-362-3067 fax

bobhoch@ufl.edu

http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu

http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu

 

IFAS in the news, 6/24

Good morning! Before you get to the weekend, here's the week's last IFAS news roundup:

Buzzin' Around: Lee County Extension class 'Introduction to Beekeeping' offers sweet success http://www.marconews.com/news/2011/jun/23/lee-county-extension-class-beekeeping-intro/

Ag chancellor hired (2nd item)
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/jun/24/trustees-elect-new-vice-chairman/

Snake predator may benefit endangered bird, UF study finds http://news.ufl.edu/2011/06/23/woodpecker/

Learn how rain barrel can help your yard (2nd item - Hernando)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/family-freedom-fest-july-1-4-will-benefit-wounded-warrior-project/11769


Local/health/sports:

City living affects brain structure
http://www.tgdaily.com/general-sciences-features/56837-city-living-affects-brain-structure

TV and soda: Small habits cause excess pounds http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43501352/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

UCF's O'Leary says he didn't order trainers, water out of fieldhouse http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110624/SPORTS/106240332/UCF-s-O-Leary-says-he-didn-t-order-trainers-water-out-fieldhouse?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Sports

City looks at shoring up its roam towing laws http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110623/ARTICLES/110629754/1002/sitemaps

Man, 43, is fatally shot by deputies outside house (Alachua) http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110623/ARTICLES/110629770?tc=cr

Gators must go through 'Dores for trip to CWS championship series
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110624/ARTICLES/110629744

Thursday, June 23, 2011

FW: Alert!- FL Small Farms Conference Early Bird Registration Before June 27th

Hi Previous Hydroponics Small Farms Academy attendees,

 

    Just wanted you to know there is more hydroponics aspects at the Small Farms Conference than ever before.  It will include a Pre-conference tour of a local hydroponic farm, two full days of sessions on Protected Ag, and an open forum discussion about the future of Protected Ag and Hydroponics in Florida, in addition to many exhibitors in the trade show area.

http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/agenda_glance.html

 

   See the message below which describes your options to attend one, two or all three days.  2011 Small Farms Conference is a hydroponic jackpot for attendees.

Register before June 27th.

 

***************************

Bob Hochmuth

Multi County Extension Agent

North Florida REC - Suwannee Valley

7580 County Road 136

Live Oak FL 32060

386-362-1725 x103

386-362-3067 fax

bobhoch@ufl.edu

http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu

http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

To Everyone Interested in Florida’s Small Farms,

 

      Become an active part of the fastest growing segment of all Florida agriculture, that is....the small farms industry. If you desire local food systems that support family farms, conserve natural resources and provide affordable, healthy and delicious food for your family's table,  stand up and be counted! Never before has the future looked brighter, but your participation is critical to make progress.  Don't sit on the sidelines and watch, be a player!  Great things are happening so fast for small farmers throughout the state.  Come and be a part of the signature event for Florida small farms.  We hope you can participate all three days, but did you know you we offer a special one-day only registration for Saturday? That's right! Gather your friends, rise from your own bed early, attend the full day's event and return to your own bed that night for only a $110 registration fee! It is not as fully rewarding as the entire conference, but rather than sitting on the sidelines, it is a choice you will be glad you made.

What the Registration Fees Include:

Full Conference Attendee ($130 by June 27): Provides full participation in all Saturday and Sunday educational conference activities. It also includes all conference networking and social functions with exhibitors, attendees and speakers. Functions begin with the Friday evening Exhibit Preview and Opening Reception, the Saturday morning, midday and afternoon refreshment breaks, Saturday lunch featuring locally-produced food, Saturday evening Networking Social, the Sunday breakfast and end with the farmer to farmer roundtable.

 

One Day Fee - Saturday ($110 by June 27, includes the Friday Evening Exhibitor Preview and Reception): Provides full participation in all Saturday educational conference activities. It also includes all Friday and Saturday networking and social functions with exhibitors, attendees and speakers. Functions begin with the Friday evening Exhibit Preview and Opening Reception, the Saturday morning, midday and afternoon refreshment breaks, Saturday lunch featuring locally-produced food, and end with the Saturday evening Networking Social.

 

One Day Fee - Sunday ($50 by June 27): Provides full participation in Sunday educational conference activities. It also includes Sundays networking functions, the Sunday breakfast and the farmer to farmer roundtable.

 

A wide variety of businesses and organizations will be showcasing their information and products during the conference. Take a moment to preview our conference exhibitors!  

 

Conference Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with exhibitors Friday evening during the exhibit preview and conference opening reception, and all day Saturday. See the conference agenda for details. 

 

Conference Details and Quick Links

Use the below links to view session details, agenda-at-a-glance and the optional  pre-conference activities.  

 

Conference Educational Sessions  

 

Agenda-at-a-Glance 

 

Optional Food Safety Plan Workshop
Limited availability, early registration advisable.

 

Optional Beginning Farmer Workshop
Limited availability, early registration advisable.

 

Optional Horticulture Tour
Visit two farms: Kissimmee's Green Place for Natural and Organic Vegetables and Organic Country Farms; Limited availability, early registration advisable.

 

Optional Livestock Tour
Visit two farms: Foshee Farms and Lake Meadow Naturals, Limited availability, early registration advisable.

 

Registration Information 

Save $50 by registering before June 27.

 

 

Additional Conference Highlights

In addition to the educational sessions and optional pre-conference activities, highlights include:  

·    Featured Florida farmers

·    Livestock Arena with Live Animal Exhibits

·    Lunch Featuring Local Foods 

·    Saturday Social with Music and Local Foods 

·    Large Exhibition Showcasing Products and Technologies

 

For More Information, You may contact Bob Hochmuth directly (see below)

***************************

Bob Hochmuth

Multi County Extension Agent

North Florida REC - Suwannee Valley

7580 County Road 136

Live Oak FL 32060

386-362-1725 x103

386-362-3067 fax

bobhoch@ufl.edu

http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu

http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu

 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

4-H agent position has been posted; July 15 closing date

Colleagues:

 

The position that Bill is vacating is now posted on the IFAS jobs website at http://personnel.ifas.ufl.edu/jobs_countyvacancies_status.shtml. We are looking for an excellent slate of applicants, so please feel free to advertise this opportunity far and wide to potentially qualified candidates.

 

Thanks,

 

Nicole

 

Nicole Walker~Extension Director and 4-H Youth Development~UF/IFAS Polk County Extension, a division of the Polk County BoCC~863.519.8677~naw@ufl.edu~www.polkextension.com

 

Are you interested in sharing feedback with the IFAS Extension Service? We are in the process of planning the role of Extension in the coming decade and want your opinion! Click here to be taken to our Community Input Survey. Thank you for all your input.

 

 

REMINDER: June 27th Meeting of SWFSFN in Lee County

Hello, members and supporters of the SW FL Small Farmers Network (SWFSFN).  This is a friendly reminder for our Monday, June 27th meeting – see announcement and details below.

We look forward to getting together again  and this time learning about mango production on a diversified small farm on Pine Island.

Feel free to invite your neighbor and/or associate who may be interested in small farming in SW FL . . .

Thanks,

robert

Robert A. Kluson, Ph.D.

AG/NR Extension Agent

UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension

6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL  34241

(941) 232-3090; FAX (941) 861-9886

http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu

 

"There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” . . . Bobby Kennedy

 

New Image

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Kluson [mailto:rkluson@scgov.net]
Sent: Mon 6/13/2011 5:28 PM
To: Robert Kluson
Subject: SAVE THIS DATE: June 27th  Meeting of SWFSFN  in Lee County

Hello members & supporters of the SW FL Small Farmer Network (SWFSFN)!   I am very pleased to send you this announcement and invitation to the next meeting of SWFSFN on June 27, 2011..  Following up our very successful April 25th meeting at the Roy Batty Nursery and Inyoni Organics Farm in Naples, we are continuing to provide you another opportunity for a farm visit to a sustainable, small farmer in SW FL.  It will be hosted by Grove Manager Steve Cucura at the Treehouse Nursery on Pine Island. Treehouse offers a wide variety of tropical fruit tree seedlings and is a great location to see the mature trees and even taste some exotic fruits, given that summer is here.

For more information including directions to Treehouse nursery, visit the link at http://realtreehousenursery.com/

I am sure that you will not want to miss this opportunity for another very worthwhile SWFSFN event and an opportunity for social networking with your fellow small farmers in SW Florida.  Come meet your colleagues who are making our local food systems a reality!   Remember to bring seeds to share for our Seed Swap activity as one demonstration of the benefits of our collective actions in the SWFSFN.  Finally, we are planning to have another spectacular pot lunch so bring your locally-grown foods prepared with your special recipes!

In addition, this is your friendly reminder that early bird registration deadline for the 2011 FL Small Farms Conference is June 27, 2011.  For registration and program information, go to the conference website at http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/index.html.  Also, please, consider contributing to the small farmer scholarship fund for this conference.  This year, we have nearly 50 applicants we want to help, more than ever before. Each donation of only $130 will help support one Florida small farmer who otherwise may not be able to attend the 2011 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference. Your gift of $130 or more will be applied to the cost of their registration thereby enabling the farmer to participate in this wonderful education program. Those donors of $260 or above will be recognized in the program and on the conference web site.

Applicants for the registration scholarship have to meet certain criteria in order to be selected. (Example: low-income, beginning farmer/rancher) and based on past experience, these request represent real needs. So, would you consider helping us help FL small farmers?  If so, go to the following link.  If you plan to attend the conference yourself, you can add the donation as you register. http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/contribute.html

For your reference, here 's our meetings details and agenda:

Date:                            June 27, 2011
Time:                            9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Host:                            Mr. Steve Cucura
Place:                           the Treehouse Nursery on Pine Island - 6330 Hubbard Drive, Bokeelia, FL 33922
Directions:                   To get to Treehouse Nursery on Pine Island from I-75, exit at 143 (Bayshore/Pine Island Road) and go west. Go all the way to Pine Island and turn right (North)                                      at Stringfellow Road. Go about three miles and take a right onto  Harbor Boulevard. Look for the Treehouse Nursery sign on the right.
Phone:                        (239) 283-3688

Cost:                            NONE
RSVP:                          YES, please
Note:                            Bring your own folding chair and utensils/plates for the pot luck lunch !


AGENDA

9:30 to 10:00 am -         registration and welcome

10:00 am to 11:30 am - Tour of the Treehouse Nursery

11:30 am to 12:30 pm - pot luck lunch & seed swap

12:30 to 1:30 pm -         growers meeting - introductions & announcements
                                    a)  introduction of county SWFSFN grower leaders
                                    b)  reports of conferences/field days that have been attended recently
                                    c)  input for future SWFSFN events

1:30 to 2:30 pm -          County Extension agents presentations
                                    a)   descriptions of upcoming education events at local county Extension offices
                                    b)  update of 2011 FL Small Farms Conference

 . . . please, feel free to pass along this announcement to your fellow small farmers who would be interested in our activities.  If they are not familiar with SWFSFN, please, refer them to both our webpage (see http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/AG/swfsfn.shtml) and Yahoo Group (see http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/SW_FL_Small_Farms/)

Thanks,

Robert

Robert A. Kluson, Ph.D.
Agriculture/Natural Resources Extension Agent II
UF/IFAS - Sarasota County Extension
6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL  34241
(941) 232-3090;     FAX (941) 861-9886