Thursday, January 31, 2013

Polk County FCS Position now posted; closed February 19

Be advised that the Polk County Family and Consumer Sciences agent position is now posted on the IFAS Human Resources website, at http://personnel.ifas.ufl.edu/jobs_countyvacancies_status.shtml.

 

The announcement closing date is February 19. If you have any questions about the application process, those may be directed to Dana LeCuyer, HR Coordinator, at dlecuyer@ufl.edu, or 352-392-3226.

 

Thanks,

 

Nicole

 

Nicole Walker

Extension Director and 4-H Youth Development

UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Service

P: 863.519.8677, ext. 103

W: http://polkextension.com

E: naw@ufl.edu

 

IFAS in the news, 1/31

Good morning! Today’s IFAS news, some of it prompted by UF or IFAS Communications news releases:

 

My apologies for yesterday’s bad link for the Ask This Old House episode. This one (Scene 4) should work (I hope).

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,20665197,00.html

 

U.S. Water Supply Not as Threatened as Believed, Study Finds

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130130184031.htm

 

Study: U.S. water shortage is not so dire

http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2013/01/30/Study-US-water-shortage-is-not-so-dire/UPI-86981359590529/

 

Garden Q&A: March usually the time to cut back hibiscus (Duval)

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/home-and-garden/2013-02-02/story/garden-qa-march-usually-time-cut-back-hibiscus

 

Pine Grove Elementary harvests learning and vegetables (Hernando)

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/pine-grove-elementary-harvests-learning-and-vegetables/1272960

 

Citrus Greening Will Ruin Morning OJ, No Matter How You Slice It


http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2013/01/citrus-greening-will-ruin-morning-oj-no-matter-how-you-slice-it/

‘Grubbing around’ for the problem with your lawn (Clay)

http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20130131_002_art_0/grubbing-around-for-the-problem-with-your-lawn

This January was on-the-charts hot in Southwest Florida

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130131/NEWS01/301310024/This-January-charts-hot-Southwest-Florida

 

 

Get outdoors this February at Weedon Island Preserve (Pinellas – multiple IFAS briefs)

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/outdoors/content_articles/013113_out-01.txt

 

Brooker Creek Preserve welcomes 2013 (more Pinellas IFAS mentions)

 

http://www.tbnweekly.com/editorial/outdoors/content_articles/013113_out-05.txt

 

 

 

UF, local and other news:

Harn exhibit features more than 100 original prints by Rembrandt and others

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130131/ENT/130129524/1006/NEWS?Title=Harn-exhibit-features-more-than-100-original-prints-by-Rembrandt-and-others

 

Patty Andrews dies at 94; Andrews Sisters' last surviving member

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-patty-andrews-20130131,0,4952137.story

 

Campus construction would cut down trees

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_aee75740-6b69-11e2-b291-0019bb2963f4.html

 

Universities are part of legislators' 5-point agenda

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130130/ARTICLES/130139941?tc=cr

 

UFmobile developer shuts down popular iPhone app

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_80a9f93c-6b69-11e2-9251-0019bb2963f4.html

 

Students debate outcome of Harry Potter, Luke Skywalker duel

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_5863d9e0-6b67-11e2-8cc8-0019bb2963f4.html

 

UF smothers South Carolina for ninth straight win

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130130/ARTICLES/130139935?tc=cr

 

Freeze expected tonight

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130131/ARTICLES/130139919/1183?Title=Freeze-expected-tonight

 

 

 

IFAS in the news, 1/30

Good morning! Here is today’s IFAS news – some of it prompted by IFAS Communications news releases:

 

This Old House – check out Dr. Lance Osborne (sporting his IFAS shirt) in scene 4:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,,00.html

Report: Cougars saved their cat cousins, the Florida panthers

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130128/NEWS01/301280035/Report-Cougars-saved-their-cat-cousins-Florida-panthers?gcheck=1

 

The Florida Panther Was Saved By Its Cougar Cousin From Texas, Report Says

http://wlrn.org/post/florida-panther-was-saved-its-cougar-cousin-texas-report-says

 

Apps also an aid in gardens

http://www2.highlandstoday.com/business/agri-leader/2013/jan/30/lrnewso1-apps-also-an-aid-in-gardens-ar-619652/

 

St. Lucie County Extension Office’s multi-county citrus agent Timothy Gaver recognized for service to citrus industry

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2013/jan/29/st-lucie-county-extension-offices-multi-county-cit/

 

UF IFAS professors discover one-phase rice-growing technique

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_3cf0d7f8-6a9f-11e2-a913-0019bb2963f4.html

Rice grown without paddies can feed drought-stricken communities, expert says

http://phys.org/news/2013-01-rice-grown-paddies-drought-stricken-expert.html

 

 

USDA Announces Winners of 2013 Agricultural Outlook Forum Student Diversity Program (graduate winner)

http://politicalnews.me/?id=20849&keys=STUDENTS-GRANTS-FORUM-AGRICULTURE

4th International Symposium on Tomato Diseases

http://www.thegrower.com/events/4th-International-Symposium-on-Tomato-Diseases-188847841.html?ref=841

Locals agree immigration reform needed

http://www2.highlandstoday.com/news/news/2013/jan/30/locals-agree-immigration-reform-needed-ar-619702/

 

News & Notes (St. Johns – under “landscape design”)

http://staugustine.com/living/community/2013-01-29/news-notes#.UQkbMmf-Ics

 

Ceremony honoring the Four Chaplains, urban farming seminar, book drive among events (Pinellas – 4th item in string)

http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/ceremony-honoring-the-four-chaplains-urban-farming-seminar-book-drive/1272755

 

VIDEO: Cute Poem About 2013 Florida State Fair!  (Hillsborough – 4-H)

http://newtampa.patch.com/articles/vdeo-cute-poem-about-2013-florida-state-fair#video-13128907

 

 

 

 

Other news:

 

Transplant Recipient Describes New Arms as 'Amazing'

http://www.voanews.com/content/double-arm-transplant-recipient-amazing/1593466.html

 

Cats kill up to 3.7B birds annually

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/01/29/cats-wild-birds-mammals-study/1873871/

 

January MarketMaker Newsletter - Florida

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Happy New Year from MarketMaker!

The January 2013 edition of the Food MarketMaker Newsletter is posted and ready to read. We hope you enjoy it!

Thank you for being part of our Florida MarketMaker website. We encourage you to check your business profile to make sure it is accurate and up-to-date.

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This month you can read about:
* Business in the Spotlight – LoCo Food Distribution, Colorado
* Autumn Berries – Become “Aware of the Rare” with Autumn Berry Inspired
* What is the MarketMaker Buy & Sell Forum?
* MarketMaker Buy & Sell Forum Ads

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Tuesday, January 29, 2013

2013 Florida Berry Expo at UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research

For the 2013 Florida Berry Expo  you can receive 2.0 Private Applicator and 2.0 Ag Row Crop for pesticide CEUs and for CCA credits 1 Soil & Water, 1.0 Pest Managment, and 0.5 Crop Manag.

 

Register today at www.2013floridaberryexpo.eventbrite.com

 

 

Christine Cooley

Office Assistant/Media Coordinator

Univ. of Florida/IFAS/Gulf Coast REC

14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL  33598

(813) 633-4132
ccooley@ufl.edu

http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu

 

Monday, January 28, 2013

2013 Tree and Landscape Short Course - 2nd notice

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

 

For 32 years the University of Florida IFAS and the Hillsborough County Extension Service have organized and presented a daylong workshop on landscape maintenance and the care of trees and shrubs. This year, the 2013 Tree and Landscape Short Course will take place at the state of the art Trinkle Conference Center on the campus of Hillsborough Community College in Plant City FL (please see attached brochure).

 

The program is packed with classes that present the latest science and technology associated with arboriculture and professional landscape management. The theme of the Short Course is ‘Sustainable Urban Landscapes’ and the ongoing need for water quantity conservation and water quality protection.

 

The classes provide practical and useable information and training that support technical and professional certification through the award of Continuing Education Credits from the International Society of Arboriculture (certified arborists), Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (landscaping professionals) and Florida DOACS (pesticide operators). We anticipate that each attendee can receive up to 5 CEUs from the ISA in arboriculture, 6-pesticide operator CEU’s from FL DOACS, plus 4 FNGLA CEUs.

 

We continue to provide a mix of general sessions and breakout sessions to allow participants the flexibility to focus on topics specific to their work responsibilities and to increase their ability to obtain the most appropriate CEUs.

 

Registration, which includes lunch and a morning break, is $35/person. Money is tight across the board and like you we are making every effort to provide high quality educational opportunities that support governments, industry and our Extension employees at the lowest cost possible.

 

As noted in the attached brochure registration can best be handled through our on-line service at http://2013tlsc.eventbrite.com that will take most major credit cards. If you need to use a check, please follow the directions found on the web site … we look forward to seeing you next month … Rob and Susan

 

P.S. Please forgive us for duplicate email announcements as we work on cleaning up our contact lists.

 

Rob Northrop
Extension Forester

Urban and Community Forestry
University of Florida/ Hillsborough Co. Extension
5339 County Road 579
Seffner, Florida  33584

813-744-5519 x54106

 

Value the Individual - Enrich the Community - Restore the Forest

Sod Production Program February 26

I would like to invite you to attend a program I have put together.  Attached is event information for the Sod Production Program in Osceola County, February 26, 2013 at the Silver Spurs Clubhouse in Kenansville.  The Eventbrite link to register may be found at http://sodproduction.eventbrite.com.    Thanks.

 

Jim

 

James Fletcher

Osceola County Extension Director | University of Florida | Website:www.osceola.ifas.ufl.edu

phone: 321.697.3000| email: jhfr@ufl.edu |

1921 Kissimmee Valley Ln Kissimmee, FL 34744

              

 

 

 



Please Note: Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. E-mails to this entity or its employees may be considered a public record. Your e-mail communication, including your email address may be disclosed to the public and media at any time.

Green lacewing & other attack bugs for south Florida pests on national t.v.

HI everyone.

 

Here's the Ask This Old House episode that I helped with last year (as a consultant and co-writer of the script). It aired nationally last week.

 

It's about using biological control to manage some of the new landscape pests we are dealing with in south Florida.

 

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/ask-toh/video/0,,,00.html

 

It's episode #1116.

 

If you want to see only the pest section, fast forward to 12:30.

 

Please share this with others who may be interested.

 

Enjoy and go gators!

 

Adrian

 

 

Adrian Hunsberger, M.S.
Urban Horticulture Agent
Entomologist
Master Gardener Coordinator
University of Florida/IFAS  Miami-Dade County Extension
18710 SW 288th Street
Homestead, FL  33030
305 248-3311

Visit our website!

http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/

 

 

Oyster Collapse

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

 

I have written earlier about the large-scale collapse of oyster reefs in Apalachicola Bay and surrounding coastal habitats.  To address the problem and assist our state agencies with their efforts, IFAS created a task force of aquatic scientists and Extension specialists.  Also involved are IFAS experts in community development, who are working with the families of oystermen who have lost their jobs.  Please find in the web link below an update on the problem.  Make sure to catch the video at the end of the article which features Dr. Karl Havens.  I had asked Karl to chair this Task Force and he and fellow task force members have accomplished much in the short time they have been together.  Last week Karl was asked to provide testimony before Senator Mumford’s Agriculture Committee in Tallahassee.

 

http://flseagrant.org/component/content/article/8-healthy-coastal-and-marine-ecosystems/333-tackling-the-oyster-collapse-in-apalachicola-bay

 

Jack

 

 

__________________________________________________________

Jack M. Payne, Senior Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources

1008 McCarty Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0180

(352-392-1971;*jackpayne@ufl.edu; www.ifas.ufl.edu

 

 


Please note that Florida has a broad public records law, and that all correspondence to or from College employees via email may be subject to disclosure.

IFAS in the news, 1/25

Good morning! Lots of IFAS folks in the news today:

UF’s College of Design, Construction and Planning’s research showcase to honor the 150th anniversary of Morrill Act

http://news.ufl.edu/2013/01/24/dcp-showcase-3/

UF’s CALS, Engineering and Military Science Students Tackle Future of Land-Grant Universities

http://growingfl.com/features/2013/01/ufs-cals-engineering-and-military-science-students-tackle-future-land-grant-universities/?utm_source=Growing+Florida&utm_campaign=136ede208f-growingfl-daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email

 

History helps Floridians solve identity crisis, Putnam says

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130124/ARTICLES/130129755/1109/sports?p=1&tc=pg

Study shows parental financial support can lower GPA

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_8b2a0dd0-66b3-11e2-95d1-001a4bcf887a.html

Opinion: Florida’s Great Snake Hunt Is a Cheap Stunt

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/22/120122-florida-python-hunt-opinion-science-invasive-species/

Green disease squeezes citrus farmers

http://www.sunherald.com/2013/01/24/4426823/green-disease-squeezes-citrus.html

Jackson column: Versatile kumquat has its day (Hillsborough)

http://www2.tbo.com/news/pasco/2013/jan/25/panewso1-jackson-column-versatile-kumquat-has-its-ar-615893/

Brown returns for gardeners lecture (Lee)

http://www.island-reporter.com/page/content.detail/id/521063/Brown-returns-for-gardeners-lecture.html?nav=5051

Sinkhole swallows tree, fence in West Volusia

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20130124/NEWS/130129860?Title=Sinkhole-swallows-tree-fence-in-West-Volusia

Pasco County in Brief (under “Port Richey”)

http://www2.tbo.com/news/pasco/2013/jan/25/panewso2-pasco-county-in-brief-ar-615836/

Hernando County community events (fourth brief in string)

http://www.tampabay.com/features/events/hernando-county-community-events/1272127

Help dig on Arbor Day (Leon – may be behind paywall, if so, apologies)

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130124/TLHLOCAL05/301240055/Help-dig-Arbor-Day

DOUG CALDWELL: Fungus causing rust disease in cassia trees (Collier)

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jan/25/doug-caldwell-fungus-causing-rust-disease-in/

Local Veterinarians Collaborate on Book, Sales to Benefit No-Kill Shelter (Hillsborough)

http://bloomingdale.patch.com/articles/local-veterinarians-collaborate-on-book-sales-to-benefit-no-kill-shelter

 

 

 

Local, health and ag news:

 

New Strain of Stomach Bug Spreading Across US

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/cdc-version-stomach-bug-causing-us-illness-18303641

Quitting smoking prolongs life at any age

http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jan/23/science/la-sci-smoking-risks-20130124

Tomato industry faces "extinction" while Florida waits for trade decision limiting Mexican commerce

http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/25/4365464/tomato-industry-faces-extinction.html

Scott visits GHS, touts raise for teachers

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130124/ARTICLES/130129804

Gainesville goes medieval

http://www.alligator.org/news/local/article_2e154ce0-66b3-11e2-a075-001a4bcf887a.html

Female inmates at Alachua County jail join Paws on Parole program

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130124/ARTICLES/130129788?p=1&tc=pg

 

 

ARS Newslink

ARS NEWSLINK:
Web links to stories issued January 21-25, 2013 ___________________________________________

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
January 25, 2013
___________________________________________

The effects of climate change on plants:
Plants can adapt to extreme shifts in water availability, such as drought and flooding, but their ability to withstand these extreme patterns will be tested by future climate change, according to a study by USDA scientists and their cooperators. (1/22) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130122.htm

Treating soils with biosolids:
Treated wastewater solids called biosolids are sometimes used by farmers to boost soil nutrient levels. Now research by a USDA scientist provides new information about how long those plant nutrients remain after biosolids have been applied to the soil. (1/23) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130123.htm

A better way to grow biopesticides:
Biopesticides containing beneficial fungi are often grown on grains or other solids, but USDA scientists have shown a liquid diet can work better. The approach, dubbed "liquid culture fermentation," offers several benefits, including lower material costs and increased yields of certain forms of insect-killing fungi that can serve as biobased alternatives to synthetic pesticides. (1/24) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130124.htm

Fighting back against citrus greening:
USDA scientists are helping citrus growers and juice processors address the threat posed by citrus greening, a disease that is costing the citrus industry millions of dollars each year. Infected citrus trees usually die within five to 10 years. Fruit on infected trees often falls to the ground before harvest, and fruit that remains on trees may become misshapen and sometimes only partially ripen. (1/25) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130125.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-218263-84528.9cd57c6e1af7d57c7b4ca2b2c824e5ca@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

Jan. Newsletter

Please view the January edition of Chemically Speaking at:

http://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/

 

UF Pesticide Information Office

Open Position-Valent USA

Please send any questions about the following post to Dr. Mike Riffle at 850-566-9070.

 

From: Petta, Jim [mailto:Jim.Petta@valent.com]
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2013 12:59 PM

As of February 1, I will be joining a different group within Valent. Therefore, Valent has just announced an opening for a new aquatics territory manager (see attached position description). This position will be filled as soon as possible in order to continue to support the growth of the aquatics industry, including both Clipper and Tradewind herbicides. Valent continues to be a strong supporter of APMS and the regional chapters as well as the aquatics industry in general.

 

Information on this role and Valent in general should be directed to Dr. Mike Riffle at 850-566-9070.  The direct link for more information may be found at www.valent.com under the “Careers” tab and “Open Positions”. Please follow the guidelines from the website for posting resumes and applications.

 

Kindest regards,

 

Jim   

 

 

James F. Petta
Territory Manager, Aquatics

Valent U.S.A. Corporation

5221 River Oaks Drive Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Mobile (361) 563-3799

 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

IFAS in the News, 1/23

Good morning. Here is IFAS in the News for Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013.

IFAS-Related…

Commissioner Adam Putnam Hosts Panel About 500 Years of Florida Agriculture
http://blogs.tallahassee.com/commisioner-adam-putnam-hosts-panel-about-500-years-of-florida-agriculture/


Researchers Prepare to Release UF914, a New Grapefruit That May Not Cause “Grapefruit Effect”
http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_polk/lake_alfred/researchers-prepare-to-release-uf914-a-new-grapefruit-that-may-not-cause-grapefruit-effect


Citrus Research Foundation Lobbying for $9 From Legislature
http://www.theledger.com/article/20130122/NEWS/130129754


AGRItunity in Hernando Geared to Small Farmers
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/agriculture/agritunity-in-hernando-geared-to-small-farmers/1271785


Python Patrol Plans to Keep Invasive Snakes Out of Treasure Coast
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2013/jan/22/python-patrol-plans-to-keep-invasive-snakes-out/

 

Of Interest…

Florida Gov. Rick Scott Calls for Teacher Raises
http://www.bradenton.com/2013/01/23/4362466/florida-gov-rick-scott-calls-for.html


Growers Want 30-Year No-Bid Access to Everglades Land
http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/growers-want-30-year-no-bid-access-to-everglades-land/1271732


Alcohol Intake Disrupts Normal Sleep
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Alcohol-intake-disrupts-normal-sleep/articleshow/18148745.cms  


Deep Space Industries: The Company That Wants to Mine Space
http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/01/23/deep-space-industries-the-company-that-wants-to-mine-space/


NIH Group Calls for Retiring Most Research Chimps
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/nih-50-research-chimps-retired-18289649


New Test Could Be NFL’s Breakthrough in Battle Against Concussions
http://www.wired.com/playbook/2013/01/pet-scan-cte-test/

 

Follow UF/IFAS News on Facebook and Twitter.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

2013 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference

2013 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference April 3 – 4, 2013 Pre-Conference Seminar – April 2, 2013 The Westin Westminster Denver, CO

The goal of this conference is to broaden risk management education programming for agricultural producers, to encourage new programming efforts, and to strengthen existing programs.


Call for Concurrent Session and Poster Presentations

Proposals due January 17th, 2013

The 2013 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference will bring together private and public sector educators, crop insurance agents, lenders, and other agricultural professionals to share ongoing and emerging successful risk management education efforts which target agricultural producers and their families. Conference participants will learn about what is working to help producers effectively manage the financial, production, marketing, legal and human resource risks associated with their agribusinesses.

A Pre-Conference Seminar will be held on Tuesday afternoon, April 2nd. The conference planning committee recognizes that recently risk has been transferred from crop production, which has strong prices and effective crop insurance, to animal agriculture. With that in mind, the pre-conference subject matter will focus on Risk Management for Animal Agriculture.

Concurrent Session and Poster Proposals

Concurrent session presentations are being solicited which highlight successful risk management education programming. Abstract submission is encouraged from any public or private entity involved in risk management education for agricultural producers, regardless of whether the project was funded through a regional Extension Risk Management Education Center. Proposals for panel presentations, professional improvement sessions, and/or multi-region presentations are also encouraged.

Format of Proposals: Proposals will be accepted online, beginning November 15, 2012. To submit a proposal for a concurrent session presentation or a poster display, please go to the Extension Risk Management Education website (http://www.extensionrme.org/conferences/2013/) and click the link for submitting a proposal. There you will be able to register your proposal and provide an abstract (maximum of 250 words) describing your educational effort, and how it was of benefit to producers involved in agricultural production.

Length of sessions: 30 minute or 60 minute Concurrent Sessions are available, depending upon the time required to adequately present the educational material. As you consider which length to choose, please bear in mind that we would like presenters to allow 5-10 minutes at the end the session for questions and interaction. Professional Improvement Sessions will be scheduled for 90 minutes.

Poster exhibits: Tables and poster walls will both be available to exhibit posters. Exhibitors utilizing tables will be responsible for providing a structure, such as a display board, to secure and exhibit the poster. Conference participants will have an opportunity to interact with the poster authors during an evening reception on April 3rd.

Topics for Proposals

Concurrent Session and Poster Exhibit topics may include programming related to any of the five areas of risk addressed by agricultural RME including: financial, production, marketing, legal and human resource. The Conference Planning Committee encourages all concurrent session and poster presenters to focus on the risk management results that producers gained through participation in their educational projects. Given the pre-conference topic of risk management for animal production, educators who work in the area of animal agriculture may consider submitting abstracts that lend themselves to focusing on risk management for livestock producers.

Professional Improvement Sessions will also focus on agricultural RME, but rather than describing specific results-based programs, topics will be presented from a professional improvement perspective. Examples of track sessions might include topics such as (but not limited to):
· estate planning
· leadership roles in agriculture
· reaching out to new audiences

A limited number of professional improvement session presentations will be chosen. We encourage a team approach (2 -3 person team) to present material to help the participants improve their understanding and increase their confidence for their future programming efforts.

Audience Groups

The Planning Committee also invites proposals from projects that targeted audience groups which are identified for special emphasis in Section 12026 of the 2008 Farm Bill. These include:
· Beginning farmers and ranchers
· Legal immigrant farmers and ranchers who are attempting to become established in the U.S.
· Socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers
· Farmers or ranchers who
a. Are preparing to retire; and
b. Are using transitions strategies to help new farmers or ranchers get started
· New or established farmers or ranchers who are converting production and marketing systems to pursue new markets

Review of Proposals

A peer review committee will consider each proposal that is submitted by the deadline of January 17, 2013. Decisions will be made in late January, at which time presenters will be notified.

Guidelines for Concurrent Session Presenters and Poster Authors

Workshop and poster presenters will be expected to register, pay, and participate in the entire Conference (April 3 – 4, 2013). The Conference will begin early on the morning of April 3rd and will conclude at noon on April 4th. The Pre-Conference Seminar, for those who choose to attend, will take place on the afternoon of April 2nd.

Travel assistance will be available through the regional Extension RME Centers. More information and details will be available on the Conference website, but please note, you must register for and attend the entire conference in order to be eligible. Expenses will be reimbursed upon submission of a travel expense report, receipts, and airline boarding passes.

Concurrent session and professional improvement session presenters should be prepared to submit an electronic copy of their presentation prior to the conference. Further instructions will be provided at a later date.

If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Wolinski (lgw@udel.edu, 302-831-2538) or Susan Olson (sbolson@udel.edu, 302-831-6540).

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Weekly Harvest, January 16, 2013

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Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - January 16, 2013

Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.

News & Resources

  • USDA Finalizes New Microloan Program
  • Cover Crops Survey Seeking Participants
  • University of Maine Launches Beginning Farmer Website
  • Cornell Team Works to Develop East Coast Broccoli Industry
  • Food Tank: The Food Think Tank Launched
  • Videos Promote Utilizing Cover Crops in Integrated Crop-Livestock System

Funding Opportunities

  • Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program
  • Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Investments
  • New York Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants

Coming Events

  • Georgia Organics Conference
  • Business of Farming Conference
  • Nevada Small Farm Conference

News & Resources

USDA Finalizes New Microloan Program
A new microloan program from USDA is designed to help small and family operations, beginning, and socially disadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000. The new program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations. Producers interested in applying for a microloan may contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

Cover Crops Survey Seeking Participants
NCR-SARE is collaborating with the Conservation Technology Information Center to distribute a survey to farmers who have been growing cover crops. One of the goals of the survey is to determine the impact of cover crops on cash crop yields under drought conditions. The organizations are also gathering information about factors influencing cover crop adoption, perceived benefits from cover crops, and the amount farmers are willing to pay for both cover crop seed and establishment. Farmers who have been growing cover crops are asked to take the survey online.

University of Maine Launches Beginning Farmer Website
University of Maine Cooperative Extension has introduced a new Beginning Farmer Resource Network and a question-and-answer website. Developed by a group of agricultural service providers, the Beginning Farmer Resource Network is a collaborative online effort to address concerns among beginning farmers about available services and to provide answers to commonly asked questions.

Cornell Team Works to Develop East Coast Broccoli Industry
A Cornell-led team of researchers is working to make East Coast broccoli production a year-round market worth $100 million a year. A team that includes researchers from public and private broccoli-breeding programs, production specialists, and economists is building a regional food network for broccoli. The team has been developing hybrid varieties that perform well in hot, humid summers. The team says additional expense involved in producing broccoli in the East can be offset by savings in transportation costs.

Food Tank: The Food Think Tank Launched
Food Tank: The Food Think Tank is bringing attention to the issues of obesity and malnutrition. Food Tank is planning a Change the Food System summit in 2013, conducting on-the-ground research, preparing research reports and books, highlighting road maps for sustainable agricultural systems, and building an innovations database. The Food Tank website will be posting new research and insights daily.

Videos Promote Utilizing Cover Crops in Integrated Crop-Livestock System
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has initiated a project to create more interest in utilizing cover crops as part of an integrated system that maximizes land use and promotes soil health. Eleven short videos have been posted online, featuring the systems used by several North Dakota producers and the Integrated Crop-Livestock Study at the Dickinson Research Extension Center. The project is seeking additional producers and researchers who will participate in developing short videos.
Related ATTRA Publication: No-Till Case Study, Miller Farm: Restoring Grazing Land with Cover Crops

>> More Breaking News

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Funding Opportunities

Source Reduction Assistance Grant Program
EPA's Regional Pollution Prevention Program Offices anticipate having up to $147,000 per region to issue Source Reduction Assistance awards in 2013. The awards help fund environmental projects that reduce or eliminate pollution at the source. Grant projects may demonstrate pollution prevention techniques through innovative practices, surveys or studies, research, investigation, experimentation, or education and training.
Proposals are due by February 5, 2013.

Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Investments
The Working Lands Initiative is investing in and assisting local agricultural and forestry product enterprises while conserving Vermont's working lands for generations to come. Enterprise investments of $3,000 to $15,000 per project are offered. Applicants must provide a minimum 25% cash match.
Applications are due by January 24, 2013.

New York Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting applications for more than $1 million in Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants. Awards will range from $2,500 to $50,000 to help local organizations with projects that address environmental and/or public health concerns. Ten percent of the grants will be "Green Gems Grants" that award $2,500 to $10,000 to be used for community-based monitoring, stewardship, and education projects involving community gardens, parks, and other open space.
Grant applications are due April 5, 2013.

>> More Funding Opportunities

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Coming Events

Georgia Organics Conference
February 22-23, 2013
Atlanta, Georgia

This annual conference includes eight farm tours, eight in-depth workshops, and eight educational tracks, as well as keynote speakers and exhibits. This year's theme is "Farm Rx: A Prescription for Better Health."

Business of Farming Conference
February 23, 2013
Swannanoa, North Carolina

Join Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, local farmers, agriculture professionals, and business and marketing specialists for this day-long conference with 90-minute learning sessions. The event also offers opportunities to meet with restaurant and wholesale buyers.

Nevada Small Farm Conference
February 21-23, 2013
Sparks, Nevada

The event includes four pre-conference workshops, four tracks, and 20 sessions on livestock, soil, vegetable production, and farm business topics.

>> More Events

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