ARS NEWSLINK:
Web links to stories issued August 26-30, 2013 ___________________________________________
ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
August 30, 2013
___________________________________________
Battling an avocado threat:
An experimental foam containing insect-killing fungi is being tested by USDA scientists in the fight against ambrosia beetles, wood-boring pests that threaten the nation's $322 million avocado crop. (8/26) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130826.htm
Study shows benefits of weaning calves early:
It pays to wean calves early when severe weather conditions like drought hinder beef cattle production, USDA studies confirm. During drought, limited forage for livestock grazing can restrict calf growth, resulting in lighter calf weaning weights. (8/29) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2013/130829.htm
___________________________________________
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Friday, August 30, 2013
On-Demand Featured Videos - Week of August 26, 2013
Week of August 26, 2013
You may not realize just how convenient it is to watch videos about Polk County meetings, programs and services right at your computer and now on any mobile device or tablet. Here are video links to recent and upcoming meetings, shows and features. Just click and watch!
MEETINGS
Board of Adjustment – August 22 (http://ec4.cc/hca8fb7b)
Board of County Commissioners Public Hearings – August 20 (http://ec4.cc/hc5dd5c6)
Board of County Commissioners Regular Session – August 20 (http://ec4.cc/hc9ee964)
FEATURES
Today's Veteran #017: Purple Heart Dedication & Homer Allem Medals
Central Florida Water Initiative: Regional Water Supply Planning Seminar
Polk Works Best Places To Work 2013 Awards (Stacy Campbell-Domineck, Lori Walsh, Governor Rick Scott)
Sports Central #206 – August 23
Que Pasa Polk? Show #21 – August 22
Dateline Polk #176 – August 20
Tax Collector Kids Tag Art Kick Off – August 16
Athlete Spotlight: Derek Peeples, Santa Fe Catholic HS swimming
Athlete Spotlight: Kevin Cruz, Haines City HS baseball
PCTSM NSA Fast Pitch World Series – July 17
Polk Place: Explorations V Financial Fitness for Families (Brenda Paul)
Polk Place: Theatre Winter Haven 2013/14 Season (Katrina Ploof)
Polk Place: ACS Cancer Prevention Study (Mallory McLean)
Polk Place: Central Florida Development Council (Greg Littleton, David Petr, Tracy Garcia)
Polk Place: Polk County Property Appraiser (Marsha Faux)
Polk Place: Crime Stoppers (Chip Brown)
Polk Place: Health Department WIC Program (Suzanne Wright, Kathy Oliver)
Polk Place: EVAC After-School Art Programs (Jane Waters Thomas)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Polk Place: kidsPACK BBQ Fundraiser (Randy Browning, Shawna Butler, Jared Hatcher) – September 7
Polk Place: Servapalooza Polk – September 7
Polk Place: Honoring Our Heroes, Remembering the Day (Jamie Brown) – September 7
Polk Place: LE/AD Cardboard Boat Challenge – September 14
Polk Place: Food Truck Wars – September 14
Polk Place: Polk Museum of Art Family Day (Sandy Horan) – September 21
UPCOMING LIVE TV PROGRAMS
Watch on TV Bright House 622, Comcast 5, Verizon 20 or online at PGTV LIVE.
Tuesday, September 3, at 9:00 a.m. – Board of County Commissioners Regular Session
Tuesday, September 3, at 1:30 p.m. – Board of County Commissioners Public Hearings
Wednesday, September 4, at 9:00 a.m. – Planning Commission
Thursday, September 5, at 6:00 p.m. – Public Hearing for FY 13/14 Budget
Friday, September 6, at 12:00 p.m. – Sports Central #207
Each week, we’ll be sending you a list of current video links. But for a complete listing of archive board meetings and other feature videos, go to Polk-County.net/pgtv. For DVD copies, please email katewest@polk-county.net or call the Communications office, (863) 534-5997.
Please Note: Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. Most written communications to or from State and Local Officials regarding State or Local business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
IFAS in the News, 8/30
Good morning! Here is IFAS in the News for Friday, Aug. 30, 2013.
IFAS-Related…
UF/IFAS study finds algal cells create fat more quickly than thought, could aid biofuel research
New study finds algal cells create fat more quickly than thought, could aid biofuel research
http://www.nanowerk.com/news2/green/newsid=31996.php
Citrus Greening Forces Florida Growers To Trust A Controversial Savior
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/30/citrus-greening_n_3780984.html
Loren Stover: Grandfather of the Florida grape industry
http://www.dailycommercial.com/life/article_ec5432d5-2f28-51be-9d4d-ba01067bef04.html
NMB offers mango-handling advice to importers, wholesalers and brokers
Of Interest…
FDA, academia and industry team up to end hepatitis C
http://news.ufl.edu/2013/08/29/hcv-target-2/
Yale legal scholar to discuss public perceptions of science
Human Microbiome May Be Seeded Before Birth
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/science/human-microbiome-may-be-seeded-before-birth.html?_r=0
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Thursday, August 29, 2013
IFAS in the News, 8/29
Good morning! Here is IFAS in the News for Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013.
IFAS-Related...
Asian termites on the move, new threat to parts of South Florida
http://www.wptv.com/dpp/news/region_c_palm_beach_county/asian-termites-on-the-move-new-threat-to-parts-of-south-florida
Opinion: Restoring Tomato Flavor
http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/37271/title/Opinion--Restoring-Tomato-Flavor/
Rain Barrel Workshop offered in Titusville (Brevard County)
http://news.brevardtimes.com/2013/08/rain-barrel-workshop-offered-in.html
General Certification Standards training, testing scheduled for agricultural pesticide applicators Sept. 4 (St. Lucie County)
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2013/aug/28/general-certification-standards-training-testing-s/
White and Bright Garden Plants
http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20130829_023_art_0/white-and-bright-garden-plants
Review: A Practical Guide to Estuary Friendly Living
http://www.examiner.com/review/review-a-practical-guide-to-estuary-friendly-living
Of Interest...
NASA enlists UF faculty to develop small satellite technology
http://news.ufl.edu/2013/08/28/uf-nasa-project/
International scientists at UF this week for epidemiology workshop
http://news.ufl.edu/2013/08/28/epidemiology-workshop/
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Weekly Harvest, August 28, 2013
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Python Patrol responder trainings Oct. 1st at Dupuis WEA
If you are interested in training in how to safely and humanely capture Burmese pythons and other invasive exotic constrictors to help with EDRR, there will be two trainings held on 10/1/13 at the Dupuis WEA in Okeechobee County. For the AM training (8am-noon), the link to sign up is pythonpatrol100113AM.eventbrite.com and for the PM training (1-5pm), it’s pythonpatrol100113PM.eventbrite.com . There is a more detailed description of the training on the webpage, but it will basically consist of an indoor interactive classroom training about Burmese pythons and other exotic animals followed by outdoor capture practice. All the info I think you need is on there (e.g., it explains how to do the online REDDy training as a prerequisite, has a link to the required permission slip, and has the location on a Google map). There is only room for 12 participants in each class, so only sign up as a participant if you are willing to help with python response by using the skills you practice if needed. There is room for an additional 28 observers (who participate in everything except the capture practice), so if you are not willing to capture a python after the class, sign up as an observer.
Contact me if you have any questions and know that this will likely fill up quickly, so don’t delay in signing up if you’re interested.
| Cheryl Millett (863) 604-3352 (Cell) Download our Nature Conservancy magazine App FREE for exclusive digital content. | | The Nature Conservancy | |
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Events and announcements
2013 Joint Tomato Conference:
** Please note all Tomato conference activities are being held at a new location. The Ritz Carlton beach resort is undergoing renovations. The meeting will be held at the golf resort: Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburón Drive, Naples, FL.
September 3: Tomato Food Safety Workshop: T-GAP/T-BMP Training and Research Updates, 1:00-5:30pm. Please see the attached agenda.
You can register for the meeting here: http://2013-tomato-food-safety-es2.eventbrite.com/?rank=1
September 4: Tomato Institute, 9:00am-4:00pm. Restricted Use and CCA CEUs are pending approval. Please see the attached agenda.
If you are interested in presenting in the “industry updates” section, please contact Chris Miller at: cfmiller@ufl.edu
If you have questions about becoming a sponsor, need to book a room or need to register for other parts of the conference, please visit the Florida Tomato Exchange Website http://www.floridatomatoes.org/tomato-conference-general-information/ or contact Diana Hester at: Diana@floridatomatoes.org
September 12: Farm to School Webinar: Understanding School Food Service, 10:00am Please see attachment for details
September 25, 26: Core and Private Applicator Training and Exams
Core 10am-12pm Sept. 25, Private 10am-12pm Sept. 26, Manatee County Extension Service, Palmetto, FL.
Two separate exam prep classes will be held to help you prepare for the Core and Private Applicator RUP license exams. Exams will be offered immediately following the classes. However, you do not have to take the exams the same day. You may schedule a time to take the exams at your convenience. You may take one class without the other, if needed.
If you are already a license holder, 2 CEUs in Core and 2 in Private are offered for both classes, respectively. Light snacks will be offered. For details and registration visit:
Core Exam training and testing:
http://core9-25-13.eventbrite.com/
Private Applicator Exam training and testing:
http://private9-26-13.eventbrite.com/
October 21-22: Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference, Orlando, FL. Please see the attached flyer for details.
October 22: Local Food Systems Urban Farming Conference 9:30am-3:00pm, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County. Please see attachment for details.
Farm Labor Supervisor Trainings: Five scheduled one-day trainings will be offered in different IFAS locations: Sept. 10, Homestead; Sept. 24, Belle Glade; Oct. 22, Arcadia; Oct. 23, Bartow; Oct. 29, Immokalee. Please see the attached flyers for details.
Other News:
Job Opportunity: Pepper Research Technician
Enza Zaden is seeking a pepper research technician for their Myakka City location.
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION:Research Technician, Pepper
POSITION IN THE ORGANISATION: Reports to the Plant Breeder, Pepper
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Provide support in the execution of plant breeding programs.
Summary of responsibilities:
1. Set up and execute schedules for hybridization programs.
2. Perform administrative duties.
3. Oversee the administration of selected plants.
4. Maintains an organized seed vault inventory.
5. Other duties as may be required.
Brief description of responsibilities and duties:
1. Set up and execute schedules for hybridization programs.
• On the instructions of the Plant Breeder, carries out hybridization programs in both field and greenhouse settings.
• Accurately pollinate, harvest and process fruit for seed according to the plan.
• Assists in sowing, monitoring germination after sowing and transplanting.
• Signals and discusses bottlenecks with the Plant Breeder.
2 Perform administrative duties.
• Assists in collecting information for the research database and keeps organized data logs.
3. Oversee the administration of selected plants.
• Ensures proper tagging, digging and labeling of plants.
• Monitors insect and disease pressure of greenhouses and reports feedback to Farm Manager.
4. Maintain an organized seed vault inventory.
• Prepares and organizes seed packets for receiving and storing into seed vault.
5. Other duties as may be required.
• Carries out all (project) activities as may be required by the Breeder.
• Collects plant samples for testing.
Profile:
Education / knowledge
Bachelor of Science degree required. Has a thorough knowledge of the respective crop with 1-2 years of relevant work experience. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Skills
Excellent and clear communication skills (verbal and written).
Is accurate with strong attention to detail.
Demonstrates effective supervisory skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Traits
Shows personal initiative, is flexible, pragmatic, and a team player.
Must be able to portray and promote a positive image of the company’s vision, mission and values.
Must maintain high confidentiality.
Independence
Performs the various duties independently as much as possible, under the responsibility of the Plant Breeder.
Contacts
Contacts are mainly internal.
Leadership
Supervises the activities of the seasonal labor crew.
Working conditions
Sometimes works under pressure in greenhouses and open field under varying climatic conditions. Infrequent travel, including overnight stays, may be required on occasion.
Please send Resume to:
Enza Zaden Research USA INC.
27610 Crosby Road
Myakka City, FL 34251
Or by e-mail:
Crystal Snodgrass, M.S.
Extension Agent, Vegetables
Manatee County Government
University of Florida IFAS Extension
941-722-4524, Ext. 230
Fax: 941-721-6796
crys21@ufl.edu
http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu
IFAS in the News, 8/27
Good morning! Here is IFAS in the News for Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013.
IFAS-Related…
Tomatoes Ripe for Improvement
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/27/health/tomatoes-ripe-for-improvement.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
The West is on the brink of a wild horse apocalypse. (No, really.)
Big Donation To Help In The Fight Against HLB
Rain too much of a good thing for some farmers
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130827/ARTICLES/130829664?p=all&tc=pgall
UF cries foul over Lee County's plan to slash funding
Tens of Thousands of Wild Horses Are Causing a Crisis Out West
http://motherboard.vice.com/blog/tens-of-thousands-of-wild-horses-are-causing-a-crisis-out-west
Daily downpours raise concern for citrus crops
The gift of knowledge is passed on
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2013/aug/26/the-gift-of-knowledge-is-passed-on/
Paper or plastic?
http://staugustine.com/living/2013-08-26/paper-or-plastic#.UhyxcD80WEg
News & Notes: August 27, 2013 (St. Johns County; third item)
http://staugustine.com/living/community/2013-08-26/news-notes#.UhyyhD80WEg
Captive mustangs could cost $US1b over next 17 years – experts
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/08/27/captive-mustangs-cost-us1b-17-years-experts/#axzz2dB8y5XHI
Of Interest…
UF: Innovation Hub spawns 250 jobs in just 20 months
http://news.ufl.edu/2013/08/26/hub-impact/
Forgetful? It may be your medicine
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FCHP training at HCC
This just in… The starting date for the Florida Certified Horticulture Professional class to be offered at Hillsborough Community College has been changed to October 24 and the class will run through the end of January.
Contact HCC here http://www.tampatraining.com/information/contact.cfm
Mary Beth Henry
Small Farms/Pesticide Licensing
Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 HWY. 17 S, Bartow, FL 33830
NOTE NEW PHONE NUMBER 863.519.1049 Fax: 863.534.0001
Previous number 863.519.8677 x 110 will be phased out soon
mbhenry@ufl.edu http://polksmallfarms.com http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/
No Farmers No Food
Need notice of upcoming training and other information?
Join the email newsletter here: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001o4tMzQsu5DOxO2qVEDjYVdg1iw8e-mlP
Join the conversation here http://polksmallfarms.blogspot.com/
Monday, August 26, 2013
IFAS in the News, 8/26
Good morning! Here is IFAS in the News for Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
IFAS-Related…
UF Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow chapter wins scholarship for fourth time
http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_c3d217be-0e14-11e3-9625-0019bb2963f4.html
Activist group hiked into Loblolly Woods to protest partial sale to Collier Companies owner
http://www.alligator.org/news/local/article_6c7ba7ae-0e10-11e3-861f-0019bb2963f4.html
An online foodie revolution: MOOC craze pulls top restaurant chefs into the learning game
Citrus Growers Crying for More Weapons to Battle Greening
http://www.theledger.com/article/20130825/NEWS/130829488/1001/business?p=1&tc=pg
Giant banana spiders are hanging out in a tree near you
Time to prepare garden for fall's arrival
Growing tomatoes in the fall is a bit of a race against time
How to attract birds to your yard
http://www.dailycommercial.com/life/article_8f513453-da29-5018-bfb4-67e13d79b744.html
Garden Q&A: 'Super weeds' running rampant on lawn
Gardening: Butterflies flock to this friendly habitat
Mango tree has branch die-back
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/08/24/3577935/mango-tree-has-branch-die-back.html
Of Interest…
Muschamp embraces the Gators' tough 2014 schedule
Backyard hives keep area bee biz buzzing amid threat
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Friday, August 23, 2013
Heartland CISMA: Success!, SAVE THE DATES, position available and more
Hi all, here are 7 new and 2 repeated Heartland CISMA tidbits:
1) EDRR success update: Sandy Greer and Jennifer Heller of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest recently did a check up on the Coral Ardisia project on the Walk in Water Tract near Tiger Creek. They have treated the two areas three times since the Heartland CISMA partner and Ridge Rangers workdays in early 2012 to help with removing all the berries. They were disappointed with the outcome of the first two treatments but after the last treatment and being patient, they feel they have a success. Attached are two pictures following their first treatment and two pictures taken after their most recent treatment. The June 20th picture is only dead sticks and the picture does not truly show just how many dead plants there are in this area. If you were there, you remember how thick they were. Jennifer wrote, “We don't have a lot of true success stories like this one in our battle with invasive plant and this would have been an overwhelming task without your help. Please share our pictures with the volunteers and let them know we think of them every time we revisit the site. Thank you again for your help.” Thanks for sharing that, Jennifer! If anyone else has an EDRR plant infestation, report it on EDDMapS, ask for assistance from the FWC EDDR strike team, or if you’d like a partner workday to help get it treated and so partners can learn more about it in person, let us know.
2) SAVE THE DATE #1: Monday, 9/9, 7pm, “So You’re Birding and You See a Python- What Do You Do?” detector training at monthly Hendry-Glades Audubon meeting - Cheryl Millett, Biologist at the Nature Conservancy, Dallas Townsend Bldg., located at 1085 Pratt Blvd., LaBelle. (863) 983-2870.
3) SAVE THE DATE #2: Tuesday, 10/1, Python Patrol responder and detector training, Dupuis Wildlife and Environmental Area, Okeechobee County. I’ll send out the links to sign up next week.
4) SAVE THE DATE #3: Wednesday, 10/16, Fall Grass ID training, Archbold Biological Station, Highlands County. This training will focus on native and exotic grass ID for natural areas and disturbed/pasture grasses with classroom and field portions. The flyer with details and sign-up will be sent as soon as they are available, but make sure to mark this on your calendar now.
5) New FWC Biologist II position available to work on invasive exotic plants with applications due 9/11/13 (see attached).
6) New IFAS info available:
Water quality and effectiveness of pesticides: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PI/PI24500.pdf
Paragrass factsheet: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag375
7) FLEPPC/SE EPPC abstracts available: posted on the websites at http://www.fleppc.org/symposium.htm and http://www.se-eppc.org/meeting.cfm
8) Wish smutgrass was FLEPPC listed?- Contact Kevin Main with examples of smutgrass in native areas. Kevin Main of Archbold Biological Station is interested in submitting smutgrass, aka West Indian dropseed, (Sporobolus indicus var. pyramidalis) to the FLEPPC listing committee. He would like to get smutgrass listed by the state primarily because it's a big problem with restoration efforts. He says, “We have large areas of smutgrass in pastures we are starting to restore. If smutgrass was state listed it would qualify for funding by state/federal agencies to be able to treat it. Evidently there are LOTS of ranchers who want to get rid of it but they can't get the state to list it just for pastures. However, if it can be proven as a problem in native/semi-native areas there would be more support for listing it.”
Contact Kevin (below) ASAP so he can compile your responses and include, if possible:
Habitats invaded, including disturbance level (disturbed, semidisturbed, undisturbed):
Name of non-vouchered natural area invaded:
Population density / age structure:
Alteration observed to natural community:
Fire tolerance:
Photo:
Kevin Main
Land Manager
Archbold Biological Station
123 Main Drive
Venus, FL 33960
863-414-5144
9) EDRR plant and animal priority lists. We started working on updating the plant list at the annual workshop and will finish that and create the animal list this year. Contact me to help.
| Cheryl Millett (863) 604-3352 (Cell) Download our Nature Conservancy magazine App FREE for exclusive digital content. | | The Nature Conservancy | |
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