Weekly Harvest, December 14, 2016

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Weekly Harvest Newsletter Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - December 14, 2016 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 Organic Certifier Survey Results Released Midwest Vegetable Production Guide Available Online National Water Quality Initiative Invests in High-Priority Watersheds Food Sustainability Index Ranks Countries' Food Systems Report Identifies Energy-Efficiency Opportunities in Irrigation 3D Ocean Farming Promises Food Production Funding Opportunities Conservation Stewardship Program Multi-State Rural Development Research or Extension Projects Kaiser Conservation Endowment Coming Events Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms EcoFarm Conference NPSAS Winter Conference News & Resources Organic Certifier Survey Results Released USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released the results of its 2014 and 2015 Organic Certifier Survey. NASS collected data on acreage and livestock from USDA-accredited organic certifying agents in the United States. The report shows 14,861 certified organic crop operations in 2015, with a total of more than 5.3 million acres. Meanwhile, there were 2,001 certified livestock operations that year, with more than 22.3 million animals (of which 20.8 million were chickens). Midwest Vegetable Production Guide Available Online The 2017 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers is now available for purchase or free download from Purdue Extension. The guide is an annual summary of state-specific information on vegetable varieties, fertility, seeding rates, fertilizer rates, weed control, insect control, and disease management. The new edition covers Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Michigan. Related ATTRA Publication: Resource Guide to Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production National Water Quality Initiative Invests in High-Priority Watersheds USDA will invest more than $33 million in 197 high-priority watersheds through the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) to help landowners improve water quality. The NWQI helps farmers and ranchers implement voluntary conservation practices, such as nutrient management, cover crops, conservation cropping systems, filter strips, terraces and buffers. This year, NRCS added 42 new watersheds to the NWQI and selected 21 watersheds for new assessment projects. Food Sustainability Index Ranks Countries' Food Systems Barilla Center for Food and Nutrition Foundation has released The Food Sustainability Index (FSI). The index is a ranking of food-system sustainability for countries around the world, based on 58 criteria across three pillars: sustainable agriculture, nutritional challenges, and food waste. The objectives of the FSI are to highlight the performance of various countries, establish comparable measurement criteria, provide examples of best practice, and measure progress over time. Report Identifies Energy-Efficiency Opportunities in Irrigation Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has released a report that identifies the top opportunities to improve irrigation energy efficiency in Pacific Northwest. BPA is holding a series of webinars to introduce some of the new efficiency opportunities they have identified. The full 161-page report is available online in PDF. Related ATTRA Publication: Energy Saving Tips for Irrigators 3D Ocean Farming Promises Food Production 3D ocean farming could feed the world with an area the size of Washington state, according to Bren Smith, whose pioneering efforts are featured in Popular Science. In the vertical underwater farms, seaweed and shellfish grow suspended from a horizontal line. Growing kelp helps scrub nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon from seawater, counteracts ocean acidification, and creates habitat. Smith founded the non-profit GreenWave to train ocean farmers and help them access grants, seed, and equipment. >>More Breaking News Back to top Funding Opportunities Conservation Stewardship Program USDA is accepting initial applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which rewards farmers for protecting and enhancing natural resources on their working lands. The newly revised CSP includes expanded options for conservation activities and an increased minimum payment to help smaller-scale producers. Farmers should visit their local NRCS office to begin the application process. The next application deadline for funding consideration is February 3, 2017. Multi-State Rural Development Research or Extension Projects The North Central Regional Center for Rural Development announced a competition for seed grants to enhance the ability of Land Grant institutions to positively influence the quality of life in rural areas of the twelve-state North Central region. Priority areas include the following: innovation diffusion for rural development, sustainable communities, leadership development, and entrepreneurial communities. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $25,000. Proposals are due February 2, 2017. Kaiser Conservation Endowment Washington State University and University of Idaho are soliciting proposals up to $5,000 for promotion and demonstration of conservation practices targeting soil erosion. Funds are open to Washington State University, University of Idaho, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Conservation Districts, and colleges in Washington and Idaho. Funds are limited to the area east of the Washington Cascades and north of the Salmon River in Idaho. Proposals are due January 16, 2017. >>More Funding Opportunities Back to top Coming Events Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms January 25-28, 2017 Lexington, Kentucky Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group's Annual Conference offers outstanding "field-tested" presenters, a full slate of hot-topic conference sessions and pre-conference courses, the Organic Agriculture Research Symposium, several field trips, a poster display, and a trade show. EcoFarm Conference January 25-28, 2017 Pacific Grove, California The 37th EcoFarm Conference features nearly 70 workshops, four pre-conference events, an exhibitor marketplace, seed swap, and more. EcoFarm will inspire and frame the shared mission to grow and shape a healthy, safe, and just food and farming system. NPSAS Winter Conference January 26-28, 2017 Aberdeen, South Dakota The Winter Conference of the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society features keynote speakers Sheri Salatin and Dr. Thierry Vrain. Pre-conference, half-day workshops are followed by a range of conference sessions and more than 50 exhibitors. >>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. © 2016 NCAT Back to top	New ATTRA Publication Direct Marketing Lamb: A Pathway Question of the Week Can I use livestock manure for methane-electric generation on my farm? Ask an Agriculture Expert Submit questions to our professional staff online or by calling 1-800-346-9140 Coming ATTRA Events Find a list of scheduled workshops and presentations by ATTRA staff across the country. 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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Florida Bull Test Sale Info

Attached is a press release with information on the University of Florida’s Bull Test Sale that will take place on January 21, 2017.  Please share this information with beef and dairy producers in your county.

 

Doug Mayo

County Extension Director

Jackson County Extension

2741 Pennsylvania Ave. Ste 3, Marianna, FL 32448

demayo@ufl.edu; 850-482-9620; http://jackson.ifas.ufl.edu

 

Soil Microbiology: Applications and Analyses of Mycorrhizal Associations

Only eight spaces remain - Register today!     July 10-12, 2017 McCarty Hall B, Room 3108 | University of Florida, Gainesville, FL   Register Today!   Soil Microbiology: Applications and Analyses of Mycorrhizal Associations Training Course   Go to the registration page now!     Course Overview   Participants will gain hands-on experience with recognizing, culturing and using mycorrhizae. By the end of the course, attendees will be able to work with mycorrhizal associations and will be familiar with their use as bio-fertilizers, and when those associations will not be of benefit. Attendees will also be able to determine the efficiency at which mycorrhizae make associations with plant roots.   During the three-day course, practical laboratory sessions are blended with lectures and discussions, providing an active learning environment.    This course provides 21 hours of training and instruction and completing the course will give attendees both knowledge and credibility. Upon the conclusion of the training, each participant will receive a Certificate of Completion.    VIEW AGENDA     About   Hosted by the UF/IFAS Soil and Water Science, this successful training course is designed for scientists, farmers interested in organic farming, ecologists, biologists, consultants, soil amendment industry representatives, and any others interested in the practical and theoretical aspects of using mycorrhizal associations to enhance plant growth and nutrient cycling.   Typical fields of interest include studies in plant biology and ecology, soil and plant interactions in agriculture and horticulture, ecosystem carbon flux, and symbiosis research.     WEBSITE     Registration   The training class is limited to 12 participants and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Early Reduced Registration -   on or before June 2, 2017 or class fills $500.00 Regular Registration - after June 2, 2017 if available.  $600.00 presented in US dollars(s)    REGISTRATION     Contact Program Organizer: Dr. Abid Al Agely | Email   Registration Information: Kim Brand | Email     Photos Provided courtesy of the UF/IFAS Soil & Water Science Department, all photos are of a past Soil Microbiology: Applications and Analyses of Mycorrhizal Associations Training Course.

 

 

Local Food Supply Chain Internships with NC Growing Together

The CEFSlist is a listserv for CEFS associates and affiliates used to communicate within the organization. Please contact amber_polk@ncsu.edu to change your settings.

 

 

 

​Applications are being accepted through February 5, 2017 for NC Growing Together Local Food Supply Chain

​Summer ​

Apprenticeships.  Be part of the food system change happening in North Carolina and around the country!

 

​Through an exciting 8-week

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program, apprentices will have the opportunity to work with local food hubs, businesses and organizations and gain hands-on training related to local food systems and value chains work.​

 

Questions?  Contact Eliot Lee: elee17@ncsu.edu

​**Please circulate widely -- more information at 

https://www.ncgrowingtogether.org/summer-apprenticeship/

​ **​

​

 

​

​

North Carolina Growing Together is a five year USDA-funded project

​ based at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems​

. It aims to bring more locally-produced foods into mainstream markets, strengthening the economics of small to mid-size farm and fishing operations and their communities.

​

 

 

--

Eliot Lee

Center for Environmental Farming Systems

North Carolina State University

Campus Box 7609/NCSU

Raleigh, NC 27695

office: 919-513-3924

fax: 919-515-2505

elee17@ncsu.edu

www.cefs.ncsu.edu

 

 

 

 

Palm School - March 7-8

Palm Management in the Florida Landscape

 

Date:  March 7-8, 2017 (2 days – Tuesday and Wednesday)

 

Time:  7:45 AM – 5:00 PM each day

 

Location:      Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center

                        3205 College Avenue

                        Davie, FL 33314

 

Registration Fee:  $300 per person; checks or money orders only

 Payable to the “University of Florida”

 

Reservations/Payment By:   February 20, 2017 (or until class fills up)

 

Enrollment Limit:  45 persons.  Enrollment will be limited to 3 persons per company.  If

                     space is still available after Feb. 20, this enrollment cap will be lifted.

 

CEUs requested:  ISA, FNGLA, LIAF and FDACS (pesticide license)

                                CEUs for LA license approved (14.5):  Provider Number 0004406

 

Topics/Course Numbers (for LA CEUs)

Ÿ Diagnosing Palm Problems (#0008389)                                Ÿ Palm Diseases (#0009071)

Ÿ Palm Anatomy and Growth      (#0008391)                         Ÿ Transplant Issues (#0008295)

Ÿ Physiological Disorders (#0009075)                       Ÿ Pruning Palms (#0009073)

Ÿ Nutrient Deficiencies (#0009079)                                           Ÿ Fertilizer Formulations and

Ÿ Palm Insects (#0009069)                                                               Application Techniques (#0009077)

Ÿ Field Trip I (#0009067)                                                 Ÿ Field Trip II (#009068)

 

Instructors:

·         Dr. Timothy Broschat, Palm Horticulturist, Nutrition and Fertilization

·         Dr. Monica Elliott, Palm Pathologist, Fungal Diseases

·         Dr. Robin Giblin-Davis, Palm Entomologist/Nematologist

·         Dr. Catharine Mannion, Ornamental Entomologist

 

For more information and to reserve your spot for “Palm School”, contact:

                         Dr. Monica Elliott at   melliott@ufl.edu  or  954-577-6315

 

Attached is the announcement for the next 2-day palm school, which will be March 7-8, 2017.  If you are in a county where palms are important in the landscape or nursery production, I would appreciate it if you would inform your clientele.

 

Have a wonderful holiday season!!

 

Cheers,

Monica

______________________________

Monica L. Elliott, Ph.D.

Professor and Acting Center Co-Director

University of Florida/IFAS l Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center

3205 College Avenue l Fort Lauderdale (Davie), FL 33314

954.577.6315 l melliott@ufl.edu

 

Application Deadline set for Agricultural Land Easements

Application Deadline set for Agricultural Land Easements

 

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Dec. 7, 2017 – The application deadline for Agricultural Land Easements is Feb. 24 for fiscal year 2017 funding.

 

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial assistance to partners for purchasing agricultural land easements that protect the use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland.

 

Partners include Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year. Visit your local NRCS office to find out how to apply or obtain the applications online. Contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554 for information.

 

UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Newsletter - December 2016

The December 2016 issue of the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Newsletter is now available- http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2015-2017/December16.html        

 

We like to share news when it happens using our social media outlets- Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Follow us on these sites for daily updates! Use the #UFBugs hashtag when you post your UF insect finds or news.

When you send news we will post it on one or more of these sites and again in the monthly newsletter.

This month's news includes:

Faculty, staff, and student news

Lab news

Publications and meetings

Social media and outreach activities and more...

Issues usually are published by mid-month. Submit items for an issue by the seventh of that month.

Thank you for reading,

Jennifer

 

 

Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman, Ph.D.

UF/IFAS Entomology & Nematology Department

Rm. 3006 Bldg. 970, Natural Area Drive

PO Box 110620, Gainesville Florida 32611-0620

Phone: (352)273-3950

Email:    gillett@ufl.edu

Twitter: @JGillettKaufman  @UFEntomology and @UFNATL