Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Feb. Chemically Speaking

The second issue of 2013 Chemically Speaking has been posted at:

http://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/newsletters/2013-02/Chemically_Speaking_Feb_25_2013.pdf

 

UF/IFAS Agronomy Dept.

Pesticide Information Office

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

News Release - NRCS Now Accepting Applications for Conservation Innovation Grant

For Immediate Release

NRCS Now Accepting Grant Applications
Conservation Innovation Grant Applications due March 22, 2013

GAINESVILLE, February 25, 2013 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will provide up to $25 million in grants to help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to improve conservation on private lands. Of particular interest are applications for innovative demonstration partnerships on energy conservation, nutrient management, soil health, wildlife habitat and adaptive management.

Conservation Innovation Grants are available for state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-governmental and educational organizations, private businesses and individuals. Applications are due Friday, March 22, 2013.

“These grants are critical for developing and demonstrating out-of-the-box ideas for conservation on America’s private lands and strengthening rural communities,” NRCS Acting State Conservationist Roney Gutierrez said. “They inspire creative problem-solving that boosts the production of our farmers and ranchers and ultimately improves our water, air and soil.”

NRCS has offered this grant program since 2004, investing in ways to demonstrate and transfer efficient and environmentally friendly farming and ranching. For example, in the past eight years, the grants have helped develop trading markets for water quality and have shown precise ways to farm that use fertilizer, water and energy more efficiently.

The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and are awarded through a competitive process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient.

For more on this grant opportunity, visit http://go.usa.gov/4Kvx. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov . Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, or programs is available on the web at www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA - NRCS office http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.

 

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).

 





This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

News Release - Apply Now to Protect Your Farm and Ranch Lands

Apply Now to Protect Your Farm and Ranch Lands

Proposals Must Be Submitted by March 25, 2013

Gainesville, FL., February 25, 2013 – If you have farm or ranch lands you want to protect from development, now is the time to apply for help.  The USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is accepting proposals now from sponsoring entities for funding opportunities for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP).

USDA-NRCS, in partnership with such sponsoring entities as State, Tribal, or local governments, and non-governmental organizations, acquires conservation easements or other interests in land from landowners. FRPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farms and ranch lands in agricultural use and to protect historic or archeological resources. NRCS provides up to 50 percent of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

The 2008 Farm Bill provided for a continuous signup to allow eligible entities more opportunities to sign up, but a batching date has been established for fiscal year 2013 funds.  Applications must be submitted on or before March  25, 2013. Proposals should be submitted to the attention of Crenel Francis, USDA-NRCS, 2614 NW 43rd Street, Gainesville, FL, 32606. NRCS will obligate funding for the selected parcels in a cooperative agreement with the eligible entities that submitted the selected parcel.

Land proposed for the FRPP must meet one of three eligibility categories: 1. Have prime, unique or other productive soil; 2. Contain historic or archeological resources; or 3. Further State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program.

 Eligible entities must secure the appraisal, survey, and title search, prepare the conservation easement deed, and pay for the closing.

Owners of the parcels must have an adjusted gross income of less than one million dollars and be in compliance with the USDA highly erodible land and wetland compliance requirements.

The proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the entity’s eligibility, land eligibility, and the extent to which the proposal supports FRPP objectives. Proposals must include adequate proof of a pending offer for the subject land. Adequate proof includes a written bid, contract, commitment, or option extended to a landowner. Pending offers based upon appraisals completed and signed by State-certified general appraisers will receive higher priority for FRPP funding.

The proposal shall also contain the following:

·      Acreage of the proposed project area (acreage needing protection);

·      Acreage of prime, unique, and/or locally important farm land soils that is estimated to be protected;

·      Number or acreage of historic and archaeological sites estimated to be protected on farm or ranch lands;

·      FRPP cost per acre;

·      Rate of land conversion within the County;

·      Percentage of funding guaranteed to be provided by cooperating entities;

·      History of cooperating entities' experience with acquiring, managing, holding, and enforcing easements (including average annual farmland protection easement expenditures over the past five years, accomplishments, and staff);

·      Amount of FRPP funding requested; and

·      Participating entities’ estimated unfunded backlog of conservation easements on acres eligible for FRPP assistance.

For more information check out the FRPP website, www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/flfrpp.html or contact Crenel Francis, (352) 338-9508, Crenel.Francis@fl.usda.gov                          

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This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.

Mid Florida Citrus Foundation Field Day - Thursday, February 28, 2013

Greetings,

 

If you plan to attend the mid Florida Citrus Foundation Field Day on Thursday, February 28, 2013 and have not pre-registered, please do so by Tuesday, February 26 to give us a count for lunches.  You can view the Agenda and pre-register by following the link below:

 

http://lake.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/citrus/documents/MidFloridaCitrusFoundationFieldDay-Agenda022813v1_000.pdf

 

Thank you,

 

Gary K. England

Multi-County Extension Agent III – Fruit Crops

Lake County Extension

1951 Woodlea Road

Tavares, FL 32778

(352) 343-4101 Ext. 2729

(352) 343-2767 Fax

gke@ufl.edu

 

 

Upcoming Hydroponic Short Course in March at Live Oak

Please pass this press release on to potential attendees in your counties and post in your calendar of events please.

Who: University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
What: Short Course "Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business"
When: March 18-19 or March 22-23, 2013
Where: Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center, Live Oak, Florida

***************************
Bob Hochmuth
Multi County Extension Agent
Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center
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, 2/26

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

 

UF Environmental Horticulture Chairman Named

 

http://southeastagnet.com/2013/02/25/uf-environmental-horticulture-chairman-named/

EXTENSION CONNECTION: Celebrate America Saves Week (Okaloosa)

http://www.crestviewbulletin.com/lifestyle/extension-connection-celebrate-america-saves-week-1.101900

 

Sweet UF strawberry gets nod from tasters at berry expo

http://www2.tbo.com/news/business/2013/feb/26/sweet-uf-strawberry-gets-nod-from-tasters-at-berry-ar-643396/

 

Florida Horse EHV-1 Outbreak Information

 

http://southeastagnet.com/2013/02/25/florida-horse-ehv-1-outbreak-information/

 

Learn Watering Tips at Landcaping 101 Seminar (Hillsborough)

http://southtampa.patch.com/articles/learn-watering-tips-at-landcaping-101-seminar-57eec9d1

 

Palm trees not pruned correctly can be costly (Collier/Lee)

http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2013-02-25/Palm-trees-not-pruned-correctly-can-be-costly#.USy0_Wf-Ics

 

 

Other news of note:

 

18 killed as hot air balloon explodes, plummets in Egypt

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/26/world/africa/egypt-balloon-deaths/?hpt=hp_t1

Hialeah sugar firm Banah files for bankruptcy

http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/26/3254216/hialeah-sugar-firm-banah-files.html

Adults Are Flocking to College That Paved Way for Flexibility

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/25/education/25degree.html?pagewanted=all

Mediterranean-style diets found to cut heart risks

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130225/WIRE/130229682?tc=cr

 

 

 

Ornamental Newsletter

Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

 

It's Not Too Late To Register

2013 32nd Annual Tree & Landscape Short Course

This one day program is packed with up to date information that imapcts your landscape or tree care business.

Click here to register:
http://2013tlsc.eventbrite.com/#


Speakers from accross the state have expert knowledge in managing landscapes and trees in the residential and urban environment.

CEUs: FDACS, FNGLA, ISA

Topics include:

  • Managing landscapes in light of fertilizer & water restrictions
  • Improving urban tree choices
  • Managing stormwater retention ponds
  • Why landscapes fail
  • Critical Whitefly management - new species affecting central Florida
  • Restoration tree pruning
  • Hazardous/pesticide spill cleanup
  • Pesticide safety
  • Challenges of moving a large tree 












*|RSS:RECENT|*

Our mailing address is:

Hillsborough Extension Office

5339 County Rd 579

Seffner, Florida 33584-3334



Copyright (C) 2013 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.

Monday, February 25, 2013

ARS Newslink

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
February 22, 2013
___________________________________________

Studying plant roots:
A USDA scientist and his colleague at Cornell University have developed a new tool for studying how roots take shape in the soil. The three-dimensional imaging system and software package allows scientists to collect data on root systems faster than ever before, and to study root architecture in unprecedented detail. (2/19) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130219.htm

Tracking soil microbes in manure:
As part of ongoing efforts to improve food safety, USDA scientists are studying the microbes that dwell in cattle manure--what these microbes are, where they thrive, where they struggle, and where they can end up. (2/22) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130222.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-219319-84528.9cd57c6e1af7d57c7b4ca2b2c824e5ca@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

Friday, February 22, 2013

IFAS in the news, 2/22

Good morning! Hope you have a wonderful weekend, but first, here is your Friday IFAS news roundup:

 

Tourists’ photos could help scientists study whale sharks, UF/IFAS expert says

http://news.ufl.edu/2013/02/21/whale-shark/

Lee farm tour takes visitors on trip to goat farm and hydroponic operation

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/feb/22/lee-farm-tour-visitors-trip-goat-hydroponic-grower/

 

The Garden Scribe: Avoid the mulch gulch (Palm Beach)

http://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/lifestyles/home/avoid-the-mulch-gulch/nWWDD/

 

Organically Grown Tomatoes Have Higher Levels of Vitamin C

http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/5096/20130221/organically-grown-tomatoes-higher-levels-vitamin-c.htm

 

 

Local and other news:

 

Otto: These farmers should be a part of Florida's future (Tampa Trib metro columnist)

http://www2.tbo.com/news/opinion/2013/feb/22/memeto1-otto-these-farmers-should-be-a-part-of-flo-ar-640793/

 

Children in U.S. Are Eating Fewer Calories, Study Finds

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/us/children-in-us-are-eating-fewer-calories-study-finds.html?_r=0

 

UF faculty Senate OKs African-American studies major

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130221/ARTICLES/130229863

 

Thomas OK'd for spot as UF trustee

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130221/ARTICLES/130229862

 

Malaria Can Be Defeated Without a Globally Led Eradication Program, Experts Say

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130221143756.htm

 

City closer to acquiring shuttered prison for homeless center (Gainesville)

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130221/ARTICLES/130229847/1182?Title=City-closer-to-acquiring-shuttered-prison-for-homeless-center

 

 

 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

IFAS in the News

Good morning. Here is IFAS in the News for Thursday, Feb. 21


IFAS-Related...

Water Quality Crucial to Floridians, UF Survey Finds
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130220/ARTICLES/130229923?tc=cr

UF Helps Assess How Climate Change Affects Southeast
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130220/ARTICLES/130229921

What Makes a Tomato Taste Sweet?
http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/what-makes-a-tomato-taste-sweet

Smaller But Better? Organic Tomatoes May Pack More Nutritional Punch http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/02/19/172416458/smaller-but-better-organic-tomatoes-may-pack-more-nutritional-punch

Understanding Termite Digestion Could Help Biofuels http://www.ethanolproducer.com/articles/9587/understanding-termite-digestion-could-help-biofuels

Garden Q&A: Enjoy Valentine's Tulips, But They Don't Transplant Well in Your Garden http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/home-and-garden/2013-02-20/story/garden-qa-enjoy-valentines-tulips-they-dont

Nothing Chintzy About Chinch Bugs
http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20130221_002_art_0/nothing-chintzy-about-chinch-bugs

UF Plans Certification Course on Agricultural Pesticide Applications http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2013/feb/20/uf-plans-certification-course-on-agricultural-pest/

Cold and Warm Weather Can Affect Florida Agriculture http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Cold-and-Warm-Weather-can-Cause-Damage-with-Agriculture--191963891.html



Of Interest...

Powerful Explosion Rocks Syrian Capital
http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-powerful-explosion-rocks-syrian-capital-20130221,0,7967568.story

Gov. Scott Supports Medicaid Expansion
http://www.thefloridacurrent.com/article.cfm?id=31646116

A "Go Local" Focus Is Used to Resolve Unpaid Wages
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/us/a-go-local-focus-is-used-to-resolve-unpaid-wages.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Plains Storm Gathers Strength, Cited in Road Death http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Plains-storm-gathers-strength-cited-in-road-death-4296132.php

Beloved Kansas City Eatery Now a Symbol of Loss http://www.wdtimes.com/news/national/image_dbac5e05-b50b-5305-9f4b-a895f0c18f0c.html

Bird-Friendly Farms Catching on in California http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/02/130220-birds-california-conservation-cranes-farmers-science/

Many Find YouTube Video on EHS Offensive (Alachua County) http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130220/ARTICLES/130229909?tc=cr

Errors Cost Gators in Home Loss to Ga. Southern (Baseball) http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130220/ARTICLES/130229913/0/FRONTPAGE

Tom Nordlie
IFAS News
Bldg. 116, UF main campus
tnordlie@ufl.edu
(352) 273-3567

Brown's Plant File: Classes, Fertilizer Leaching Findings, Senna Rust, Starburst, Whitefly/c

Good Morning All:

Here are some upcoming classes you may want to attend.

 

Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (Friday, 2/22)

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/HortClasses/Limited_Comm_2013.pdf

 

Mangrove Symposium (Thursday, 2/28)

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/HortClasses/Mangroves_2013.pdf

 

Soils, Fertilizers, Plant Nutrition Seminar (Tuesday, 3/5)

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/HortClasses/Soils.pdf

 

GI-BMP Class in Spanish (Tuesday, 3/19)

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/HortClasses/BMP_2013_Calendar.pdf

 

GI-BMP Class in English (Tuesday, 3/26)

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/HortClasses/BMP_2013_Calendar.pdf

 

 

These Video clips tackle the issues of fertilizer leaching during the summer/rainy season.

Based on UF Research 1)Very little summertime leaching 2)Summertime ban could threaten health and quality of turf 3)Nutrient leaching may be more prevalent in the dry than rainy season.

http://training.ifas.ufl.edu/research/turfgrass_nutrient_symp2013/index.html

 

 

Here are some New Fact Sheets

Senna/Cassia Rust Disease

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/GardenPubsAZ/Senna_Cassia_Rust.pdf

 

Starburst Clerodendrum (Flowering Tree)

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/GardenPubsAZ/Starburst_Clerodendrum.pdf

 

Tropical Almond Tree

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/GardenPubsAZ/tropical_almond.pdf

 

Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/GardenPubsAZ/Sansevieria.pdf

 

And a new power point on Whitefly Basic.

http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu/Hort/Videos_and_Powerpoints/Whitefly_Intro.pdf

 

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email.

 

Stephen H. Brown

County Extension Director & Horticulture Program Leader

UF/IFAS Lee County Extension

Parks and Recreation Division

3406 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916

Office: (239) 533-7513   Cell: (239) 850-4184

 

Email: brownsh@leegov.com

Brown's web page:  http://lee.ifas.ufl.edu//hort/GardenHome.shtml

Solutions For Your Life:" http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/TOPIC_SFYL_Start

 

 

 


Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from County Employees and officials regarding County business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communication may be subject to public disclosure.

Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Surveys, Awards, Conferences, and More!

Nationwide Survey of Urban and Peri-Urban Farms

A national study led by New York University, The Pennsylvania State University, and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (ATTRA) are seeking urban and peri-urban farmers to take part in an online survey. The study seeks to examine the state of urban and peri-urban farming in the United States, including the: (1) technical assistance and information needs on the part of urban farms that can be met through outreach programs; (2) production, management, and marketing risks for urban farms and the development of programs to address those risks; and (3) increased awareness on the part of policymakers and communities of the benefits of urban farming. A national outreach and technical assistance program will be developed based on the results of this research.

 

The online survey for farmers (not in Philadelphia) should take approximately 20 minutes to complete and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/urbanfarms. Because of the importance of this project, by completing the survey, respondents (farmers) will qualify for a drawing to win one of 10 gift cards worth $75. If you would prefer to complete a paper version of the survey or have any questions, contact Lydia Oberholtzer, Penn State, at 301-891-0470 or lso3@psu.edu.

 

Seeking Applications for Sustainable Agriculture Search for Excellence Award
The National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) is now accepting applications for the 2013 Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture award, which recognizes outstanding educational programs in sustainable agriculture. The award comes with a $500 honorarium and a requirement to present during the NACAA Annual Meeting/Professional Improvement Conference*. All NACAA members in good standing with their state associations are eligible to apply.

 

Applications for the 2013 Search for Excellence award are due March 15. The award, open to individuals and teams, recognizes one winner from each of SARE's four geographic regions. All NACAA members in good standing with their state associations are eligible to apply. In the case of team entries, all team members need not be a current member of NACAA. Find complete application information online.

 

*The Florida SARE program will offer a scholarship to sponsor the required travel to the NACAA Annual Meeting for any Florida Extension faculty member selected for this award.  

 

Opportunity: FoodCorps is Recruiting for Next Class –Apply by March 24!
Now is your chance to become part of the FoodCorps movement! FoodCorps is currently recruiting for their next class and they are looking for 130 leaders who are interested in fighting childhood obesity. FoodCorps is involved in amazing work on the child nutrition scene through their “3 ingredient recipe for change” which includes: teaching children about healthy food and where it comes from, growing school gardens, and setting up farm to school programs. If becoming a service member is of interest to you, click
here to learn more about how to apply. FoodCorps is currently in 12 states, but may expand into 3 more next year. If you are interested in learning about host site eligibility, click here.

 

 

Webinars  

On-Farm Food Safety and Access to Larger Markets

Thursday, February 21, 3:30pm ET

Free! Register Now

Join the National Good Food Network for a webinar on news and analysis of the latest Food Safety Modernization Act (FMSA) guidelines released for comment from FDA, the work the Wallace Center NGFN has been doing to support the development of a USDA group GAP audit protocol, and more.

 

USDA Farm to School Grants

A series of webinars will be offered to assist eligible entities applying for one of the USDA Farm to School Grants in preparing proposals:

·         March 5, 2013, 1:00 EST – Planning Grants

·         March 6, 2013, 1:00 EST – Implementation Grants

·         March 7, 2013, 1:00 EST – Support Service Grants

More information on these grants can be found below under “Funding Opportunities”.

 

 

Resources 

Building a Better System with No-Till and Cover Crops

SARE grants enable research to develop tools for farmers. The “roll crimper” is discussed in this SARE highlight. The tool is a drum with blades mounted to the front- or back-end of a tractor that is used to roll down, crimp, and kill cover crops, creating thick, weed suppressing mulch. Many SARE grants focus on the use of cover crops and conservation tillage methods. Join the conversation and access all the resources SARE has on this topic by visiting the Cover Crops Topic Room.

 

Conferences & Workshops

Donate/Sell Product to the 2013 Florida Small Farms Conference!

Each year participants of the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference enjoy product provided by Florida farmers. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your products! The conference will be held August 2-4, 2013 at the Osceola Heritage Park Conference Center in Kissimmee, Florida. For more information about how to supply your product for this conference see the attached information. Note: In order to be considered you must complete the instructions outlined in the attachment by March 15. Information received after that date will be considered for the 2014 conference.

 

American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control

May 20-22, 2013

Fort Valley State University, GA

The American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control invites you to participate in its 10th Integrated Parasite Management Train-the-Trainer Symposium at the Fort Valley State University. This conference will educate stakeholders in the small ruminant industry on the most up-to-date methods and recommendations for parasite control as well as provide training and certification in integrated pest management. For further details, and to register, please visit us as www.fvsu.edu/acsrpc_registration.

 

Registration Information:

·         Two-Day Conference: May 20-21 = $250 ($300 after May 1)

·         One-Day Conference: May 22 = $125 ($150 after May 1)

 

Contact Dr. Thomas T. Terrill, ACSRPC Coordinator for more information: terrillt@fvsu.edu; (478) 825-6814.

 

2nd Vegetable and Small Fruit Protected Ag Field Day

March 12, 2013, 8am – 4pm

UF/IFAS, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, FL

This is a free event, but spaces are very limited. To attend you need to register online. To register go to: http://protectedagfieldday-es2001.eventbrite.com/?rank=1. There will be local and invited speakers in the morning and a field tour in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided. This program seeks to present the latest research efforts on protected culture of tomato, pepper, strawberry, blackberry, and herbs using international and local speakers who will show their experiences on protected culture of vegetables and small fruit crops. A detailed agenda can be found on the registration page using the link above.

 

3rd Annual Organic Conference

March 1-2, 2013

Berea, KY

Visit their website: http://oak-ky.org/ for more information.

 

4th Annual Sustainable Living Conference and Mississippi Food Summit

March 1-3, 2013

Oxford, MS

Visit their website: http://www.ggsim.org/ for more information.

 

South Carolina Organic Growing Conference

March 2, 2013

Columbia, S.C.

Visit their website: http://www.scorganicliving.com/2013_Conference.html for more information.

 

Southern University 3rd Louisiana Small Farmer Conference

March 14-16, 2013

Baton Rouge, LA

Visit their website: http://www.suagcenter.com/LAsmallfarmconf2013/index.html for more information.

 

Agroecology Symposium: “Food Security and the Next Green Revolution”

March 4, 2013

Florida International University

This one day symposium will feature sessions from Michael Dimock, president of Roots of Change, Charles LaPradd, Miami-Dade County Agricultural Manager and Farmer, as well as presentations from current agroecology students at Florida International University.

 

Farm to School In-Service Training

March 13-15, 2013

Gainesville, FL

The Florida Farm to School team is excited to announce their Spring In-Service Training March 13-15, 2013 in Gainesville, FL. This three-day training will allow agents to enhance or begin Farm to School efforts in their programming. If you are a faculty member who is actively working with farms and/or schools in our state, this is the training for you. Total attendance caps at 75, and includes some meals and refreshments. In addition a limited number of agents will receive funding to support their lodging and per diem expenses during the training, so an early RSVP is key! Priority for lodging and per diem will be given to agents who will participate for the full 3 days, as they will be best prepared with new skills to cross-train clientele (farmers, school food authorities, teachers, parents) in their county/region. RSVP's are due no later than February 14, 2013.  Notification for spots/funding will be sent February 15th. You can find the training on PDEC by searching: Florida Farm to School: Sourcing Local/Serving in Smarter Lunchrooms – IST #30665.

 

Graduate Student Grant Writing Workshop

April 4 & 11; 5:30 – 7:30pm

McCarty Hall D, room 1031 A/B or via Polycom

This two part hands-on workshop sponsored by the Florida Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program is open to any graduate student interested in improving their grant proposal writing skills. Dr. Mickie Swisher of the Family, Youth, and Community Sciences department will discuss the keys to writing a successful grant proposal. Students will have the opportunity to work on their own proposals at the workshop as well. Each session of the workshop will cover different aspects of proposal writing –everything from literature reviews to budgeting will be discussed, so students should plan to attend both sessions if possible. Students from any department are encouraged to attend –polycom will be available for those not located on UF’s main campus or from another university. This workshop is free to all graduate students. To register for this workshop please go to http://gradstudentgrantwriting.eventbrite.com/. See the Southern SARE funding opportunity for graduate students described below.

 

Beekeeping in the Panhandle

March 4, 11

Leon County Extension Center or Interactive Video at Select Locations

A four-session course will be offered by UF/IFAS Extension in Leon county. If you are not in Leon County you can also register to participate via interactive video at your local county extension office. See the attached flyer for a list of locations. The course has four sessions on consecutive Monday nights, 6:30-9:00pm, starting February 18, ending March 11. Session at the Leon County Extension Center will begin promptly at 6:30pm. The instructor is UF/IFAS Extension Apiculture Specialist Dr. Jamie Ellis. Hose is Extension Agent Will Sheftall. Apalachee Beekeeping Association President Bob Livingston will be doing Beekeeping Q&A at the beginning of each class, 6:30 – 7:00pm. Cost for the series is $25/person or $40 for a family. Fee covers course materials and refreshments. To register for “Beekeeping in the Panhandle 2013” at the Leon County site, please go to: http://leonbeekeeping2013.eventbrite.com/.

·         March 4 – IPM for Disease/Pest Control

·         March 11 – History and Theory of Honey Production

 

Introduction to Beekeeping

February 23, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Leon County Extension Center

This one-day short course is offered by the Apalachee Beekeepers Association and will be held at the Leon County Extension Center. The ABA’s shortcourse provides opportunity for participants to rotate through a series of outdoor hands-on demonstration stations, which introduce the basics of successfully caring for a honeybee colony. Sessions include: hive assembly, nutrition, forage, bee health, open hives demonstration, tools and safety, management, pests and integrated pest management. Registration is limited to 100 attendees. Cost is $50 ($35 for ABA members), and just $25 for attendees 14 years or younger when accompanied by an adult attendee. To download a registration form, or to register and pay on-line, go to: https://sites.google.com/site/apalacheebee/.

 

Landscape and Vegetable Garden Soils Lab Open House

March 16, 11:00am – 3:00pm

Soil Testing Lab –Gainesville, FL

Come visit the UF/IFAS Extension Soils Lab at the University of Florida Gainesville campus for FREE soil pH testing and receive expert advice from IFAS professionals. Please bring at least ½ cup of representative soil sample from the top 6 inches. Topics include: soil and nutrition management, lawn information from the Urban turfgrass program, Florida Friendly Landscaping, organic and sustainable vegetable production, Master Gardeners, plant disease clinic, and nematode assay clinic. Refreshments will be served. See the attached flyer for more information.

 

 

Funding Opportunities

USDA New Microloan Program for Small Farmers, Veterans, and Disadvantage Producers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created a new micro-loan program geared towards helping small and family operations and beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers by supporting progress through start-up years. The program will provide secure loans under $35,000 and is said to have a simplified application process that is less burdensome than traditional farm loans. Producers can apply for up to $35,000 to pay for start-up expenses such as hoop houses to extend the growing season, tools, irrigation, delivery vehicles, and annual expenses like seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents, marketing and distributing.  Producers interested in applying for these loans should contact their local Farm Service Agency Office. To learn more about the microloan program, click here.

USDA Farm to School Grants for FY 2014

The request for applications (RFA) for the latest round of USDA’s Farm to School grants has been released! These grants help eligible schools improve the health and wellbeing of their students and connect with local agricultural producers. Three different kinds of grants will be available. Planning grants are intended for schools just getting started on farm to school activities. Implementation grants are available for schools seeking to augment or expand existing efforts. Support Service grants are also available for eligible non-profit entities, Indian tribal organizations, state and local agencies, and agriculture producers or groups of producers to conduct trainings, create complementary curriculum, or further develop supply chains, among other activities. Proposals are due at midnight EST, April 24, 2013. A series of webinars will be offered to assist eligible entities in preparing proposals:

·         March 5, 2013, 1:00 EST – Planning Grants

·         March 6, 2013, 1:00 EST – Implementation Grants

·         March 7, 2013, 1:00 EST – Support Service Grants

For more information and to view the RFA please visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/f2s/f2_2013_grant_program.htm.

 

NIFA Grant Opportunities

Information about all of the grants listed below can be found by visiting www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/funding.cfm.

 

Small Business Innovation Research Program –Phase II, Due 2/28/13

1890 Capacity, Due 3/5/13

Higher Education Challenge, Due 2/8/13

Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education, Due 2/11/13

1890 Facilities, Due 2/11/13

FP: Agriculture Systems and Technology, AFRI, Due 2/13/13

Tribal Colleges Research, Due 2/14/13

Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program, Due 2/15/13

FP: Plant Health and Production and Plant Products, AFRI, Due 2/19/13

Children, Youth, Families: Sustainable Community Projects, Due 2/20/13

FP: Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment, AFRI, 2/21/13

Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy, Due 2/25/13

Distance Education, Due 3/1/13

Fellowships Grant Program, AFRI, Due 3/14/13

Sustainable Bioenergy, AFRI, Due 4/3/13

Climate Variability and Change, AFRI, Due 4/15/13

Agriculture Economics and Rural Communities, AFRI, Due 5/22/13

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, Due 5/22/13

Foundational Program, AFRI, Due 5/22/13

 

SARE Grants to be released soon! Be prepared!

Southern SARE will release the Calls for Proposals for the Research & Education, Professional Development Program, and Graduate Student Grant Programs in March –start planning your proposal today! Proposals take a lot of time and energy to write and require the applicant show collaboration with multiple partners, don’t wait to plan your proposal until it’s too late! Information about these grants and eligibility requirements can be found by visiting www.southernsare.org/grants/grant-deadlines. Previous year’s calls for proposals are available for your to view. SARE also offers information on writing a successful grant: http://www.southernsare.org/Grants/Writing-a-Successful-Grant. A graduate student grant writing workshop will be offered April 4 & April 11 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Register at http://gradstudentgrantwriting.eventbrite.com/#.  

 

 

Kelly Monaghan

Center for Sustainable and Organic Food Systems

Program Assistant, Florida SARE Program, UF/FAMU

3031 Mc Carty Hall D, PO Box 110310, Gainesville, FL 32611

Ph:(352)273-3508; Fax: (352)392-8196

kmon913@ufl.edu; www.southernsare.org/florida

 

Please note: My schedule is Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

I will respond to phone calls and emails during this time only.