Friday, October 31, 2014

Feathered Facts Newsletter - November 2014

The Feathered Facts monthly newsletter for NOVEMBER 2014 is now available to view at the following link:

 

Feathered Facts  http://baker.ifas.ufl.edu/FeatheredFacts.html

 

If you have any questions regarding Feathered Facts, please contact Michael Davis, County Extension Director, UF/IFAS Baker County Extension Service at 904-259-3520.

 

 

Cindy Tomas

Administrative Secretary

Baker County Extension Service

904-259-3520

 

 

 

 

This email is intended for official business purposes for University of Florida | IFAS | Baker County Extension faculty and/or staff.

 

 

 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Agritourism Meeting Nov 12

Hello out there!

 

I’m really looking forward to finally holding this meeting to organize people interested in developing agritourism in Central Florida!  See the details below.  If you have people that may be interested in developing agritourism please see the flyer attached and pass it along or see the direct registration link here:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/agritourism-status-check-charting-a-course-for-the-future-tickets-13824745185?utm_campaign=new_eventv2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eb_email&utm_term=eventurl_text

 

Thanks for your help in getting the word out!!

 

 

 

 

Agritourism: Status Check & Charting a Course
for the Future

Noticed a surge of interest in visiting farms for fun?  Recreational farm visits, or agritourism, are on
the rise around the state and the country, but how well is Polk County positioned to benefit from this trend?

The UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Small Farms program and Polk County Tourism & Sports
Marketing (PCTSM) are joining forces to host a meeting to discuss the current status of agritourism in
Central Florida and chart a course for future efforts. 

Presentations and panel discussions, including speakers from local agritourism operations and the President
of the Florida Agritourism Association, will bring attendees up to speed on where we are at and where we
could go in developing agritourism in our area. 

Topics include: “How does Central Florida Agritourism Stack up Against State and National Trends?”;
“The Florida Agritourism Association: What does it do, why is it needed, and what is going on around the
state?”; “Current Central Florida Agritourism Operations: What are we doing now and where would we like
to be in the future?”; and “How should we move forward in developing Agritourism in Central Florida?”.

The meeting will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12 at Lake Myrtle Sports Park,
2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale, FL.  Lunch will be provided by PCTSM.  Agricultural enterprises
and others interested in developing agritourism are encouraged to come out and be a part of the discussion!

 

Details

When: Wednesday, November 12:  9:30 AM - 2 PM.

Where: Lake Myrtle Sports Park, 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale, FL

Register:  See the detailed agenda and free registration on the calendar page of http://polksmallfarms.com

Contact:  Mary Beth Henry at 863-519-1049 or mbhenry@ufl.edu  

 

 

 

 

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/

 

  

 

 

 

UF/IFAS in the news, 10/29

Good morning! Today’s UF/IFAS-related news:

 

The 10 Most Drought Resistant Cities

http://livability.com/health/10-most-drought-resistant-cities

 

Fort Smith Leaders Laud Their ‘Drought Resistant City’

http://swtimes.com/news/fort-smith-leaders-laud-their-drought-resistant-city

 

Crushed Oranges

http://charlotte.floridaweekly.com/news/2014-10-30/Top_News/Crushed_Oranges.html

 

Ag Adventures winds down after 2-day bonanza (Jackson)

http://www.jcfloridan.com/news/article_6594d400-5fb4-11e4-bef9-001a4bcf6878.html

 

Campus assaults prompt removal of vegetation by UF

http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_24c1e88c-5fe6-11e4-9c58-ff6be32a2bfa.html

 

Forecast Shows Unexpected Growth In Florida Orange Crops

http://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/post/forecast-shows-unexpected-growth-orange-crops-despite-flat-overall-citrus-yield

 

Local home and garden happenings (Volusia)

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20141030/LIVING/141039977/1065?Title=Local-home-and-garden-happenings

 

 

Other news:

 

Prosecutors Says Inconsistencies Among Verdicts Aren’t Grounds for Acquitting Michael Parnell

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2014/10/inconsistencies-among-verdicts-arent-grounds-for-acquitting-michael-parnell/#.VFIj6fnF-PY

 

Quarantine showdown looms for Ebola nurse Kaci Hickox, Maine officials

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/10/30/ebola-nurse-kaci-hickox-vows-legal-fight-if-maine-attempts-to-order-her/#

 

Food's Latest Scandal: What's Wrong With Your Shrimp

http://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2014/10/30/foods-latest-scandal-whats-wrong-with-your-shrimp/

The New York Times digital subscriptions to return for students

http://www.alligator.org/news/student_government/article_1730d9be-5f26-11e4-af8e-3bb6b2bd9f66.html

Royals’ season ends with tying run 90 feet away

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2014/10/30/world-series-game-7-royals-giants-alex-gordon/18162497/

UF volleyball sweeps UGA for 12th straight win

http://www.alligator.org/sports/volleyball/article_919fc5c4-5fef-11e4-8a6d-0bcaa79f2f99.html

 

 

Weekly Harvest, October 29, 2014

Home | Newsletter Archives

ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture

Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - October 29, 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

  • USDA Climate Hubs Website Introduced
  • Food System Policy Database Released
  • James Beard Leadership Award Winners Honored
  • Agricultural and Food Law Consortium Formed, Surveying Stakeholders
  • Stray Voltage Guide Available Online
  • Americans Willing to Spend More on Responsibly Produced Food

Funding Opportunities

  • National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Request for Sheep and Goat Proposals and Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program
  • Cedar Tree Foundation
  • Native Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship Program

Coming Events

  • Acres U.S.A. Conference & Trade Show and Eco-Ag U
  • Professional Agricultural Workers Conference
  • Virginia Farm-to-Table Conference

News & Resources

USDA Climate Hubs Website Introduced
The new USDA Climate Hubs website provides a portal for farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and others to find information to help cope with the challenges and stressors caused by a changing climate. The site includes pages specific to each of the seven Climate Hub Regions, with resources related to drought, fire risks, pests and diseases, climate variability, and heat stress.

Food System Policy Database Released
The School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo has released a new Growing Food Connections Policy Database that will assist local governments as they work to broaden access to healthy food and help sustain local farms and food producers. The online database features more than 100 innovative policies that address issues including public investment in food systems, farmland protection, local food procurement, and food policy council resolutions.

James Beard Leadership Award Winners Honored
The James Beard Foundation has announced its 2014 Leadership Award honorees: journalists Mark Bittman and Michael Pollan, urban farmer and activist Karen Washington, President of The National Family Farm Coalition Ben Burkett, and Movement Strategy Center Fellow Navina Khanna. The awards raise awareness by celebrating visionaries responsible for creating a healthier, safer, and more sustainable food world.

Agricultural and Food Law Consortium Formed, Surveying Stakeholders
A group of universities is partnering in a new Agricultural and Food Law Consortium that will research regional and national agricultural law issues. The consortium is led by the National Agricultural Law Center. The consortium is collecting information about stakeholders' needs through an online survey that will help define the consortium's long-term research and information agenda. The survey invites participants at nationalaglawcenter.org/consortium/.

Stray Voltage Guide Available Online
Iowa State University Farm Energy Initiative has announced the release of Iowa Stray Voltage Guide. The online guide outlines the steps farmers, electricians, utilities, and their advisors can take to discover and resolve stray voltage concerns on livestock farms. The guide addresses causes of stray voltage, farm wiring, biosecurity protocols, and testing procedures.

Americans Willing to Spend More on Responsibly Produced Food
On average, Americans are willing to spend 31% more per week on grocery food produced in ways that uphold the principles of corporate social responsibility, according to the Conscious Consumer Study issued by Gibbs-rbb Strategic Communications. According to the study, households spend an average of $119.30 per week on grocery food, and consumers are willing to pay an additional $37.30 per week on food produced in ways that advance the well-being of the planet, humans, and safety of food sources.

>> More Breaking News

Back to top


Funding Opportunities

National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Request for Sheep and Goat Proposals and Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program
The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center is accepting proposals designed to improve the U.S. sheep and goat industries. The Center has budgeted up to $100,000 for grants that will support projects on new technologies or knowledge that will improve the efficiency, profitability, and quality of the sheep or goat industry, and provide seed money for the production and commercialization of new and innovative processes. In addition, the Center is offering up to $300,000 for grants to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep products in the United States through the improvement of infrastructure, business and resource development, and the development of innovative approaches to solve long-term needs.
Applications will be accepted through November 22, 2014.

Cedar Tree Foundation
The Cedar Tree Foundation is a small family fund whose grant making focuses on sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and environmental health. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, but welcomes letters of inquiry for U.S.-based work from nonprofit organizations working within its program areas.
Letters of inquiry are accepted at any time.

Native Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship Program
The Native Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship Program from First Nations Development Institute will award six $1,000 scholarships annually to Native American college students majoring in agriculture and agriculture-related fields.
Applications are due by November 17, 2014.

>> More Funding Opportunities

Back to top


Coming Events

Acres U.S.A. Conference & Trade Show and Eco-Ag U
December 3-6, 2014
Columbus, Ohio

Acres U.S.A. presents Eco-Ag U Advanced Learning on December 3-4, with two-day or whole-day educational sessions. The conference and trade show on December 4-6 brings farmers and consultants from every side of eco-farming, who come together to share their experience and expertise.

Professional Agricultural Workers Conference
December 7-9, 2014
Tuskegee, Alabama

This 72nd annual conference has the theme "Dr. George Washington Carver Lives On: Changing the World In Uncommon Ways." Topics will include social media, marketing to large retailers, women in agriculture, minority farmer profitability, veterans and agro-healing, and local food systems.

Virginia Farm-to-Table Conference
December 2-3, 2014
Weyers Cave, Virginia

The theme for this year's conference is "Nutrition, Health and Sustainability from the Ground Up!" The conference will encourage collaboration, conservation, and community. Topics will include soil and community health, as well as scale, ethics, and markets. An in-depth soil biology training will be offered.

>> More Events

Back to top


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Weekly Harvest Archives
Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest newsletters are available online.

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) logo and link to home pageATTRA 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
King's Crossing Farm

Question of the Week
How can we convert our pastures from toxic fescue to novel endophyte fescue without chemical burndown?

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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Salvinia molesta ERADICATED from SW FL!

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) with the assistance of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has eradicated Salvinia molesta from Big Cypress Basin/Naples area.  

 

The SFWMD cooperative effort with FWC funding is ongoing, and Dennis Giardina (FWC) is continuing to monitor.  The "new" herbicide GALLEON (penoxsulam) afforded more thorough control than available with prior primary material, diquat dibromide.  

 

At last report, the plant can no longer be found in the areas it had been present for many years. Last year in the FLEPPC Wildland Weeds publication,  Matt Phillips reported a similar panhandle effort which was the model for this successful effort.

Mike Bodle, SFWMD

 

 

Florida Land Steward Update 10/28/14

 

Florida Land Steward Update
October 28, 2014

Have Land?  Get a Plan and Stay Connected.  Florida Land Steward is your source of assistance, information, events and resources.


News, information and upcoming events below.  
Please share this update with your neighbors, colleagues or others that may be interested.

- Florida Land Steward Newsletter (Summer/Fall 2014 (Vol 3, No 3) and back issues -

 

News & Info Brief

WOODWARD FAMILY: FLORIDA'S 2014 OUTSTANDING TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR, TOUR ON NOVEMBER 14
The Woodward Family's forest property has been in the family 100 years this year. A certified Tree Farm, the property is over 1,400 acres of pine and hardwood stands with a multiple use objective.  Wildlife, recreation and timber are primary objectives on the property, and have been guided by a written forest management plan for over 30 years.  A tour of the Woodward Family Tree Farm will take place on November 14, 2014. Reserve a space by contacting to Phil at Florida Forestry Association, (850) 222-5646 or Phil@ForestFla.org. Registration for this tour ends this Friday, October 31.

TAX TIPS FOR FOREST LANDOWNERS FOR THE 2014 TAX YEAR
Tax laws on timber transactions are very specialized but important to timber owners in terms of the ongoing cost of owning and managing timber, forest stewardship and compliance to the tax law. This bulletin reviews the major federal income tax laws to help forest owners in filing their 2014 income tax returns. The information presented here is current as of September 30, 2014:
2014 TAX TIPS (pdf)

WILDLIFE BMPs ADOPTED
A new set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to the protection of 16 species of Florida wildlife was officially adopted last week by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The adoption of the wildlife BMPs for forestry represents the culmination of a multi-year effort directed primarily at proactively protecting a certain group of "imperiled" species so as to strengthen the case that any potential federal listing is not warranted.    

The BMP implementing rules of DACS are found in Chapter 5I-8, Florida Administrative Code. A link to the new wildlife BMP manual on the Florida Forest Service website will be provided when it is available.        
 

NEW FOREST STEWARDSHIP VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE - CHECK EM OUT, USE AND SHARE!

GOT YOUR GREENBELT?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG6GXmtVGm0

INVASIVE SPECIES: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8wrMX5PW3Q


COGONGRASS TREATMENT COST-SHARE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Applications accepted through Feb. 27, 2015 to remove invasive plant.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program. Cogongrass is an invasive, non-native grass, which occurs in Florida and several other southeastern states. Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior.

The Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program is offered for non-industrial private lands in all Florida counties. It provides reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost to treat cogongrass infestations for two consecutive years. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2014 may apply from Sept. 22, 2014 through Oct. 3, 2014. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2015 may apply from Oct. 6, 2014 through Feb. 27, 2015.  To learn more about this program and obtain an application form, contact a local Florida Forest Service office or visit http://www.FloridaForestService.com. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.


ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM HELPS FARMERS, RANCHERS CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES
Application deadline for Environmental Quality Incentive Program Nov. 21
Florida farmers and ranchers can apply until Nov. 21 for financial assistance in fiscal year 2015 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to improve soil, water, air, plants, animals and related resources.  Through EQIP, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) develops contracts with agricultural producers to help plan and implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns.  Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial forestland and other farm or ranch lands.  The application process for conservation programs is continuous, but funding selections are typically made once a year.  Begin by visiting your local NRCS field office and requesting help developing a conservation plan. To learn about technical and financial assistance available from NRCS, go to Getting Started with NRCS.



More news and info at the Florida Land Steward Blog

 

***

EAST FLORIDA (Madison County, east and south)

October 29

Silviculture Best Management Practices Workshop, 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, Waccasassa Forestry Center, 5353 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL. Foresters, 4 hours Cat 1 CFEs approved. Space is limited so register soon. Preregister by contacting Robin Holland, 352-732-1273, Robin.Holland@freshfromflorida.com. Registration deadline is October 23. See flier linked above for details.

October 30

Forest Stewardship Tree / Plant ID Field Day (pdf link), 9 am to 3 pm ET, Morningside Nature Center, 3540 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32641. $10 fee covers lunch and materials. Details and registration at
https://fsp-workshop103014.eventbrite.com/

October 30

First Coast CISMA Invasive Grasses and Aquatics Workshop for Land Managers, 10 am to 2 pm, UF/IFAS Duval County Extension Office, 1010 N McDuff Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254. $10 fee covers coffee and snacks, BYO lunch. Register Here. For more informatin contact Tina Gordon, tina.m.gordon@dep.state.fl.us

October 31

Forest Stewardship Tour at Cumberland Plantation and Riverview Farms, Madison County (pdf link), This tour is FULL

WEST FLORIDA (Jefferson County and west)

October 31

Leon County Tree ID Lab, 9 am to 12 pm, UF/IFAS Leon County Extension. Free without CEUs and $10 for professionals seeking ISA or FDACS pesticide CEUs. Contact Genice Harris at (850) 606-5200 for CEU specifics. Registration required at http://leonextensiontreeid2014.eventbrite.com/

November 5

The Southern Fire Exchange Presents a Field Tour: Restoration Projects in the Apalachicola National Forest, 9:00am - 3:00pm ET, Tallahassee, FL. Topics will include prescribed fire, bobwhite quail, gopher tortoises, striped newts, hardwood management, timber harvesting, herbicide, longleaf pine forest restoration, wetland restoration. Registration is limited to the first 25 participants! Register online: 
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/field-tour-restoration-projects-in-the-apalachicola-national-forest-registration-13960196323 Please direct all questions to: David Godwin, Southern Fire Exchange, drg2814@ufl.edu

November 5-6

2014 Gulf Coast Agritourism & Ecotourism Business Development Conference (link), Adventures Unlimited, 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, FL 32570.. The conference will be an exciting blend of informational sessions, hands on activities, and an opportunity to explore local Agritourism and Ecotourism businesses. The conference will provide important information for new business startups as well as long established companies in Agritourism and Ecotourism. See link above for details.

November 14

The Woodward Family Tree Farm Tour, 2014 Florida Tree Farmers of the Year, Gadsden County, 9:00 am to approximately 1:00 pm, Eastern Time. Lunch will be provided.  Please RSVP no later than this Friday, October 31, to Phil at the Florida Forestry Association (850) 222-5646 or Phil@ForestFla.org. Directions will be provided when you register.

November 15

FAMU Cooperative Extension Program Fall Farm Fest 2014 Agri-Showcase, 8 am to 3 pm, FAMU Research & Extension Center, Quincy, Florida 32352 . 2K Rattler Farm Run/Walk starts at 8:30 am. Vet-Tech Open House * Farm Tours* Educational Demonstrations & Exhibits * Rattler 2K Farm Run/Walk* Animals * Crops * Kid's Zone * Health & Wellness* Entertainment for All Ages. For more information, contact Cooperative Extension at (850) 599-3546

WEBINARS, ONLINE TRAINING, OTHER EVENTS

October 29, November 10, December 12

Non-timber Forest Products Fall 2014 Webinar Series (link). This webinar series highlights the diverse world of non-timber forest products, This program is a national partnership effort between the American Forest Foundation and the Cooperative Extension Service.  Foresters, SAF CFEs are approved for the sessions.  Details and registration at Tree Farm calendar link above.

October 29

Webinar: Planning and Design of Stream Crossings (link), 2:00 pm ET, See link for details.

October 28-29

2014 SouthEastern Regional Forest Resource Owner and Manager Conference: Advancing Timber, Wildlife, and Ecological Benefits in the Forests of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Rainwater Conference Center, 1 Meeting Place, Valdosta, GA 31601. See link to brochure above for details. Online registration here.

November 19

Webinar: Effective Use of Electric Fencing to Improve Grazing Management and Enhance Soil Health (link), 2:00 pm ET, See link for details.

January 27-February 17, 2015

2015 Master Tree Farmer, every Tuesday evening beginning on January 27, 2015 continuing through February 17. The program will start at 7:00pm and end at 8:30pm. This year the program will be delivered via the internet which means you will have the option to watch it at home.  Details at http://www.mastertreefarmer.net/treefarm2015.html

***

Visit and Like   Florida Land Steward on Facebook

 

 

More events at these calendars:

 

UF/IFAS Web Calendar
Florida Forest Stewardship Program Calendar

http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.html

http://floridainvasives.org
Florida Master Naturalist Program

Brooker Creek Preserve Events, Pinellas County

Florida Forest Service Training Opportunities

Forestry Webinars

Check with your UF/IFAS County Extension Office for more events
and information relevant to your county:
http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/

 

 

Florida Land Steward Partnership:

 

UF/IFAS SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES & CONSERVATION
UF/IFAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION

FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PARTNERS PROGRAM
PENINSULAR FLORIDA LANDSCAPE COOPERATIVE

FLORIDA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION / SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INITIATIVE

 

 

http://floridalandsteward.org

 

 

To be added or removed from this service, simply email a request to cdemers@ufl.edu