FW: Weekly Harvest, June 25, 2014

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Weekly Harvest Newsletter Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - June 25, 2014 Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online. News & Resources Small Ruminant Toolbox Now Available Online USDA Introduces New Farmers Website Online Workshop on Direct Sales of Beef Available American Farmland Trust Kicks Off "I Love My Farmers Market" Celebration USDA Provides Incentives to Establish Honey Bee Habitats in Midwest States Purdue GAPs Food Safety Course Offered Online Funding Opportunities Local Foods, Local Places Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Biomass Crop Assistance Program Coming Events Midwest Conference for Farmer Veterans Kneading Conference Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Conference News & Resources Small Ruminant Toolbox Now Available Online Farmers and Extension educators have an expansive new resource available to them in the Small Ruminant Toolbox, a collection of practical, proven materials covering pasture and herd management, marketing, pest management, quality of life, and whole-farm sustainability. The National Center for Appropriate Technology and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) have partnered to offer the materials online and on a USB flash drive. The toolbox includes guidance on how to structure a workshop, dozens of PowerPoint presentations, and other materials. USDA Introduces New Farmers Website The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled the New Farmers website, including in-depth information for new farmers and ranchers on how to increase access to land and capital, build new market opportunities, participate in conservation opportunities, select and use risk management tools, and access USDA education and technical-support programs. The website also features case studies about beginning farmers who have successfully utilized USDA resources to start or expand their business operations. Online Workshop on Direct Sales of Beef Available Northeast SARE is now making available Direct Sales of Beef--A Digital Workshop, developed by Pennsylvania State University. The extensive online beef-production and direct-marketing guide covers quality grading, labeling, working with processors, pricing, consumer preferences, and six case studies. The workshop is available in 13 individual downloadable segments. Related ATTRA Publication: Beef Marketing Alternatives American Farmland Trust Kicks Off "I Love My Farmers Market" Celebration American Farmland Trust's "I Love My Farmers Market" Celebration, June 13 - September 13, is raising national awareness about local farmers markets and putting money directly in the pockets of family farmers. Throughout the celebration, consumers pledge how much they will spend at their local farmers markets each week and become eligible for prizes. The Top 100 markets will be recognized after the event ends. USDA Provides Incentives to Establish Honey Bee Habitats in Midwest States USDA has announced $8 million in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) incentives for Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin farmers and ranchers who establish new habitats for declining honey bee populations. The program allows for managing or replacing existing vegetation with lower-cost, high-nutrition seed mixes that can support distinct blooming cycles of plants that benefit pollinators. The CRP pollinator initiative is administered by the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office or go online at www.fsa.usda.gov. Purdue GAPs Food Safety Course Offered Online Purdue Extension is now offering an online course covering food-safety practices for fruit and vegetable growers. The course, based on the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) from A to Z workshops, will cover health and hygiene, water quality and treatment, animals and animal products, sanitation on the farm, documentation and recordkeeping, and farm food-safety plans. Those who register will have three months of access to course materials. Related ATTRA Publication: An Illustrated Guide to Growing Safe Produce on Your Farm >> More Breaking News Back to top Funding Opportunities Local Foods, Local Places Communities in the United States are invited to apply for assistance from Local Foods, Local Places, a new program to help create more livable places by promoting local foods. Together, USDA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) are investing $650,000 in the program. Particular consideration will be given to communities in areas served by ARC or DRA, federally designated Promise Zones, and USDA-designated Strike Force Zones. Letters of interest are due by July 15, 2014. Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Through RCPP, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will co-invest nearly $400 million in mobilizing creative and workable solutions to agricultural-production and resource-management challenges on private lands. Partners will work with producers and landowners to promote the restoration and sustainable use of natural resources on regional or watershed scales. RCPP partners will develop project applications to address specific natural-resource objectives in a proposed area or region. Pre-proposals are due by July 14, 2014. Biomass Crop Assistance Program USDA Farm Service Agency is accepting applications through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) from energy facilities interested in receiving forest or agricultural residues to generate clean energy. BCAP provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass, or who harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy facility. The 2014 Farm Bill provides up to $12.5 million each year for matching payments for the harvest and transportation of biomass residues. Applications are due by July 14, 2014. >> More Funding Opportunities Back to top Coming Events Midwest Conference for Farmer Veterans July 25-26, 2014 Des Moines, Iowa Join other veterans for networking and learning about unique opportunities, programs, and jobs available to military veterans and service members who are farming, aspiring to farm, or seeking agricultural-related careers. Day One of the conference will feature tours of diverse working farms and provide a chance to interact with other farmers and veterans. Day Two will focus on educational presentations and workshops led by agricultural experts, agency personnel, and veteran service providers. Kneading Conference July 24-25, 2014 Skowhegan, Maine The Kneading Conference brings together the diverse stakeholders who collectively can rebuild lost infrastructure and create demand for local and regional grain systems—farmers, millers, bakers, chefs, and wheat researchers. Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Conference July 27-30, 2014 Chicago, Illinois This year's conference, "Making Waves in Conservation," considers challenges and progress in nutrient management, erosion and sediment control, nonpoint source and watershed policy, and other issues influencing the health and productivity of our soils and large water bodies. >> More Events Back to top Subscribe to the Weekly Harvest Comments? Questions? Contact us Weekly Harvest Archives Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest newsletters are available online. ATTRA was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Visit the NCAT website for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects. © 2014 NCAT Back to top	Sustainable Producer Spotlight Skyview Farm Question of the Week I've inherited an orchard with four- to five-year-old apple and pear trees suffering fire blight. What can I do? Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert Submit questions to our professional staff online ATTRA Webinars Our recent webinars and videos are available for viewing in the Sustainable Agriculture Video Archive. ATTRA Spanish Newsletter Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (Monthly Harvest), ATTRA's Spanish-language e-newsletter ATTRA is on Facebook! We feature breaking news on sustainable agriculture topics several times a week. Add us to your Facebook friends list today!

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June issue of APMS newsletter

APMS members - The June newsletter is now available on the APMS website.  Conference information, including the pre-final meeting agenda, is included in this issue.  http://apms.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/106_june2014.pdf   

 

 

 

 

ARS Newslink

ARS NEWSLINK:
Web links to stories issued June 16-20, 2014 ___________________________________________

ARS News Service
USDA Agricultural Research Service
June 20, 2014
___________________________________________

Fighting manure odor with tree tannins:
Tannins from the quebracho tree can control the production of compounds that cause manure odors, according to USDA studies. This research may someday give livestock farmers options for odor control that help protect animal health and restore harmony between rural producers and nearby residents. (6/16) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2014/140616.htm

Arboretum awards Missouri botanist:
The U.S. National Arboretum has awarded its Medal of Excellence to botanist and environmentalist Peter H. Raven in recognition of his career and scientific accomplishments as one of the world's foremost advocates for biodiversity. (6/17) http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2014/140617.htm
___________________________________________

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

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Conservation Stewardship Program participants can renew contracts

Renee Bodine

NRCS

Public Affairs Florida

Desk 352.338.9565

Cell 352.514.8292

 

First Conservation Stewardship Program Participates Can Renew

Ag producers can extend contracts for five years July 11-Sept. 12

 

Gainesville, FL., June 24, 2014 – The first participants of the Conservation Stewardship Program have from July 11 until Sept. 12 to renew their contracts and make decisions on additional conservation activities that will benefit priority natural resource issues.

 

This Natural Resources Conservation Service program pays agricultural producers for conservation performance.  About 20,000 CSP contracts nationally are reaching the end of their initial five-year contract period and may be renewed for an additional five years where participants agree to take additional conservation measures.

The program provides opportunities for farmers and ranchers who are already established conservation stewards, helping them improve water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat.

“CSP farmers go the extra mile to conserve our nation’s resources,” said NRCS State Conservationist Russell Morgan. “The 2014 Farm Bill continued that strong commitment and heightened the program’s focus on generating conservation benefits.”

 

Since CSP began in 2009, more than 58 million acres have been enrolled in the program – an area the size of Indiana and Wisconsin combined.  CSP participants boost their operations’ conservation benefits by installing conservation activities that make positive changes in soil, water, air and wildlife habitat.  “This program opens the door to trying new conservation activities,” Morgan said.

 

To learn about technical and financial assistance available through CSP, visit your local NRCS field office or go to Getting Started with NRCS.

grass carp publication

As part of the Hydrilla IPM website funded by the USDA NIFA RAMP grant, this comprehensive publication on grass carp has been presented:

 

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BENEFICIAL/MISC/Ctenopharyngodon_idella.htm   

 

 

July 19th Tropical Fruit Class + Tree & Fruit Sale

Hi Mary Beth, REGISTER EARLY Space Is Limited This Class is always a Sell-Out! Doug   View this email in your browser   Tropical Fruit Class Plus Tree & Fruit Sale July 19th  From 9:00 to 12:30   University of Florida | Collier County Extension 14700 Immokalee Road Naples, Florida 34120     Learn about growing Citrus, Mango, Grumichama, Jaboticoba, Avocado and more! Speakers will cover pests, cultural practices and tricks of the trade to successfully grow different types of fruit you may have never even heard about! Then smack your lips and taste samples of fruit you've never seen before! Fruit &Tree Sale follows.   FEATURING Chris Rollins:  Director of the Miami Fruit and Spice Park David and Jenny Burd:   Friendly Burd Tree Service Billy & Barbara Hopkins:   Billy Hopkins Tropical Fruit Nursery     Register at Eventbrite Cost is $6.00   CLICK to Purchase Tickets on Eventbrite     Remembering Frank DeNardis Fruit Grower Extraordinaire If you have never seen this video of a visit to the late Frank DeNardis and his "Yard"–you are in for a real treat!  Wander with Doug and Helga Reynolds (Master Gardener) up and down the rows of gloriously healthy trees laden with tropical fruits and hear tips and quips from a MASTER, Master Fruit Grower. http://youtu.be/LlP34WYmz8I       Doug Caldwell, Ph.D. AKA DR. DOUGBUG Doug is the Commercial Landscape Horticulture Extension Educator and landscape entomologist with the University of Florida Collier County Extension. Extension Service is an off-campus branch of the University of Florida, Institute of the Food and Agricultural Sciences [IFAS] and a department of the Public Services Division of Collier County government.           Copyright © 2014 University of Florida | Collier County Extension, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a landscape professional or a homeowner who has shown an interest in beautifying your landscape and protecting the environment. Our mailing address is: University of Florida | Collier County Extension 14700 Immokalee Road Naples, Florida 34120 Add us to your address book Unsubscribe from this list            Update Profile Forward to a friend                      Add me to this list!   The Cooperative Extension Service is an off-campus branch of the University of Florida, Institute of the Food and Agricultural Sciences and a department of the Public Services Division of Collier County government. Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, handicap or national origin. For updates on the southwest Florida horticulture visit: http://collier.ifas.ufl.edu   Fertilize Your Palms Regularly

TVA - External Job Posted - Req. 500516 - Aqua Plant Biologist

The posting can be viewed at www.tva.com

 

From: Brewster, David Gray [mailto:dgbrewster@tva.gov]
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2014 10:57 AM

Hello,

 

I would like to make you aware that the Tennessee Valley Authority has re-posted the vacancy for a Biologist – Aquatic Plants in an effort to fill Dr. David Webb’s position within TVA.  David Webb is currently work under contract to manage the program has graciously agreed to mentor the new hire in for the TVA aquatic plant management program.  I would like to encourage each of you to send this notice to viable candidates to ensure they have an opportunity to apply since this posting is only open until June 25^th.  The posting can be viewed at www.tva.com

 

David G. Brewster,  Manager

West Operations Natural Resource Management

Ph. 256-571-4289

Fax 256-571-4282

 

 

NOTICE: This electronic message transmission contains information which may be TVA SENSITIVE, TVA RESTRICTED or TVA CONFIDENTIAL. Any misuse or unauthorized disclosure can result in both civil and criminal penalties. If you are not the intended recipient be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the content of this information is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately by e-mail and delete the original message.

 

 

UF/IFAS in the news, 6/24

Good morning! Today’s UF/IFAS news:

 

UF researcher developed new grape varieties

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/obituaries/os-obit-uf-john-mortensen-20140623,0,5320061.story

 

Sea Level Rise: Will Cities Be Held Liable for Failure to Plan?http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2014/06/sea_level_rise_will_cities_be_held_liable_for_failure_to_plan.php

Florida's Peach Industry Grows Sweet And Sassy

http://83degreesmedia.com/features/peaches062414.aspx

 

Vacation on a budget (video)

http://www.newswise.com/articles/vacation-on-a-budget

 

Florida updates consumer local food sales website

http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Florida-updates-consumer-local-food-sales-website-264224221.html

 

Offer kids whole grains; they'll eat them, study shows

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140623141734.htm

 

Limited pesticide training and exam set for July 7 in Defuniak Springs

http://growingfl.com/news/2014/06/limited-pesticide-training-exam-set-july-7-defuniak-springs/?utm_source=Growing+Florida&utm_campaign=8829d66440-growingfl-daily_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a00cf5c16f-8829d66440-296612469

 

 

Other news:

 

White House Launches Task Force to Help Pollinators Recover

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/06/white-house-launches-task-force-to-save-pollinators/#.U6lnVvldW-g

 

South Florida college grads earn more

http://wlrn.org/post/report-south-florida-college-grads-earn-more

 

Hillsborough RIver BMAP 5 yr update

ALL: I am sending this email to a large group of stakeholders in the Tampa Bay area and if you are no longer involved in water quality efforts in the Hillsborough river basin but know someone who is and may not be on this list PLEASE forward this email.

If you receive multiple copies I apologize in advance.

 

The 5 year update for the HRB BMAP is fast approaching. TO meet the objectives of the update we are having a meeting on July 11 to discuss data gaps and determine how to acquire the information needed for the update.

MEETING INFORMATION - Friday July 11, 2014 ; 9:30 AM EDT ; Florida Department of Environmental Protection Main Conference Room,  13051 N. Telecom Parkway  Temple Terrace, FL 33637

Agenda attached

 

Thanks

 

Terry J. Hansen, P.G.

Environmental Consultant

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 3565

Tallahassee, FL  32399-2400

(850) 245-8561 or SunCom 205-8561

(850) 245-8434 or SunCom 205-8434 FAX

terry.hansen@dep.state.fl.us