Upcoming Programs of Interest

                                                 I.        Programs of Interest to all Fruit Producers

 

a.   Deadline for signing up for the 2015 Weather Watch Resource at the $100 Pre-registration price is Friday, November 13, 2015; Price is $125, if registration form is postmarked after the initial Weekly Outlook scheduled for this Friday, November 13, 2015.  More information available at: http://lake.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/citrus/documents/Weatherwatchsignup15-16_000.pdf

 

b.   The Florida State Climatologist, David Zierden, will give an in depth look into what is proving to be the strongest El Niño Climate Phase to affect Florida Agricultural Interests in many years at the Winter Weather School at the UF/IFAS Extension – Lake County Office in Tavares on Tuesday, December 1, 2015.  Additionally, Chris oswalt will give insight into deciphering freeze forecasts, along updates from the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) and AgroClimate Group.  More information available at: http://lake.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/citrus/documents/WinterWeatherSchoolAnnouncement120115.pdf

 

                                                    II.        Programs of Interest to Citrus Growers

 

a.   There is still some space for the Central Florida Citrus Growers Field Day at Lee Groves in St. Cloud on Tuesday, November 17, 2015.  More information available at: http://lake.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/citrus/documents/FieldTripAnnouncement111715v2.pdf

 

b.   The Mid Florida Citrus Foundation Citrus Irrigation Field Day is taking Place at the Krezdorn Research Grove near Avalon on Tuesday morning, November 24, 2015.  More Information available at: http://lake.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/citrus/documents/MFCF_CIrrFieldDay112415.pdf

 

                                              III.        Program of interest to Blueberry Growers

 

a.   Very important information on the use of pollinators in commercial blueberry plantings will be covered at the Florida Blueberry Pollination Workshop sponsored by Project ICP at the UF/IFAS Extension – Lake County Office in Tavares.  More information available at: http://lake.ifas.ufl.edu/agriculture/citrus/documents/BlueberryPollination_Workshop120215v2.pdf

 

We look forward to seeing everyone at these programs in the next few weeks and please let us know if you have any questions.

 

Thank you,

 

Gary K. England

1951 Woodlea Rd.

Tavares, FL 32778

(352) 343-4101 Ext. 2729

(352) 343-2767 FAX

gke@ufl.edu

 

Weekly Harvest, November 11, 2015

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Weekly Harvest Newsletter Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - November 11, 2015 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 Scholarships Available for Veterans to Attend Southern SAWG Conference Adaptive Multi-paddock Grazing Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Minnesota Working Lands Conservation Partnership Launched USDA Economic Research Service Reports Organic Field Crop Production Low, But Profitable Resource Guide Offers Best Practices for Outdoor Hog Production Livestock Guardian Dog Guide Released Funding Opportunities Organic Farming Research Foundation Grants Program Specialty Crop Research Initiative New York State New Farmers Grant Fund Coming Events Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference News & Resources Scholarships Available for Veterans to Attend Southern SAWG Conference The University of Arkansas and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) are partnering to offer veteran scholarships to attend the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group's (SAWG) annual conference. Practical Tools and Solutions for Sustaining Family Farms will take place January 27-30, 2016, in Lexington, Kentucky. Scholarships cover general registration. The deadline to apply is December 11, 2015. Adaptive Multi-paddock Grazing Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Adaptive multi-paddock grazing can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cow-calf operations on the Southern Great Plains. This type of grazing sequesters carbon in the soil and promotes higher quality grass that reduces methane production, according to a study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research, published in Sustainability. Increasing grass quality and digestibility using multi-paddock grazing could reduce total GHG emissions in the region by as much as 30%, researchers noted. Minnesota Working Lands Conservation Partnership Launched The Minnesota AgriGrowth Council and AGree have announced a new partnership that seeks to solve water-quality concerns through collaboration. The Minnesota Working Lands Conservation Partnership (MWLCP) will select pilot watersheds in Minnesota and focus on engaging farmers and the supply chain on a watershed level to develop grassroots solutions to water-quality concerns, establishing metrics for measuring sustainability, and positioning farmers to increase on-farm productivity. Other states are invited to partner with AGree to establish Working Landscape Conservation Partnerships. USDA Economic Research Service Reports Organic Field Crop Production Low, But Profitable The USDA publication Amber Waves reported on organic field crop acreage, production, and profits, based on USDA data from 2010, 2009, and 2006. Organic systems had lower yields and higher total economic costs. Even so, organic corn, soybeans, and wheat have been profitable. Adoption of the organic approach among U.S. field crop producers remains at less than 1% of the total acreage of each crop, although organic crop acreage increased from about 1.3 million to almost 3.1 million acres between 2002 and 2011. Resource Guide Offers Best Practices for Outdoor Hog Production The Alameda County Conservation Partnership and partners throughout the San Francisco Bay region are working to support outdoor hog producers in implementing best management practices (BMPs) for resource conservation. A resource guide titled Outdoor Hog Production: Best Practices for Resource Conservation in the San Francisco Bay Area is available online. In addition, materials and video from a series of outdoor hog production workshops are being posted online. Livestock Guardian Dog Guide Released Texas A&M AgriLife has released a new publication titled Livestock Guardian Dogs. The eight-page reference guide is available free online in PDF. The publication is a guide for sheep and goat producers who are new to using the dogs for flock protection or have had difficulty using guardian dogs in the past. >> More Breaking News Back to top Funding Opportunities Organic Farming Research Foundation Grants Program The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) grants program is currently accepting research proposals. OFRF encourages farmers, ranchers, graduate students, early career researchers, veterans, and Extension personnel to consider applying. OFRF will fund projects up to $15,000 for one year. Projects addressing the priority area of soil health and water management are eligible for $20,000 to be spent over two years. The deadline for proposals is February 8, 2016. Specialty Crop Research Initiative NIFA requests pre-applications for $48 million in Specialty Crop Research Initiative funding for fiscal year 2016. Projects will help solve critical U.S. specialty crop issues, priorities, or problems through the integration of research and extension activities that use systems-based, trans-disciplinary approaches. Pre-applications are due by December 3, 2015. New York State New Farmers Grant Fund New York State has allocated $1 million for the second round of the New Farmers Grant Fund. This fund provides grants to support beginning farmers who have chosen farming as a career and who materially and substantially participate in the production of an agricultural product on their farm. Grants provide $15,000 to $50,000 in matching funds. Applications must be postmarked by January 22, 2016. >> More Funding Opportunities Back to top Coming Events Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism, and Organic Conference January 6-8, 2016 Springfield, Illinois This major event offers pre-conference workshops and numerous sessions in conference tracks that include agritourism, fruits, vegetables, herbs, organic, and emerging issues. Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference January 7-10, 2015 Savannah, Georgia This educational conference and trade show offers more than 80 hours of educational sessions addressing food safety concerns, specific commodity issues on production practices and increased yields, and marketing strategies. New England Vegetable and Fruit Conference December 15-17, 2015 Manchester, New Hampshire This event will include more than 25 educational sessions covering major vegetable, berry, and tree-fruit crops. Farmer to Farmer meetings will bring speakers and farmers together for informal, in-depth discussion. There is also an extensive trade show. >> 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. © 2015 NCAT Back to top	New ATTRA Video Farm to Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley: Getting Ready Question of the Week Can you identify resources on equipment for a small vegetable farm? Ask an Agriculture Expert Submit questions to our professional staff online or by calling 1-800-346-9140 Soil for Water: Financial Sustainability November 13, 2015 Fredericksburg, Texas Learn more 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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New and Revised Agriculture Publications, October 2015

October new #EDISpubs in the Agriculture program area include creeping indigo, citrus pruning & weed control, & poultry nutrition.

 

Agriculture

Creeping Indigo, a Poisonous Plant of Concern in Florida Pastures A recent rise in suspected horse poisonings has brought new attention to creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata), a toxic plant which has reportedly been in Florida for as long as 90 years. This new 5-page fact sheet covers plant description, signs of creeping indigo toxicity, and roles of creeping indigo’s toxins, as well as treatment and management. Written by Robert MacKay, Ed Jennings, Brent Sellers, Jason Ferrell, and Amanda House, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, August 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag399

Crops

Guidelines for Purchasing and Using Commercial Natural Enemies and Biopesticides in North America This guide provides assistance in selecting, purchasing, and using commercially available natural enemies and biopesticides for managing pest problems. The guide assists in the identification of pests by habitat and lists types of natural enemies (parasitic nematodes, predatory mites, predatory insects, and parasitic wasps) and biopesticides available to manage these pests. Scientific and product names are provided both for insect and mite natural enemies and for some of the most common microbial insecticides, nematicides, and fungicides that can be used to manage pests. Biological control companies are listed along with their websites, and the guide provides additional sources of information on obtaining and using commercial natural enemies. Written by Lynn M. LeBeck and Norman C. Leppla, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, October 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in849

Understanding Nitrogen Transformations and Cycling for Sweet Corn Production in Sandy Soils Because sandy soils have low water and nutrient-holding capacities and Florida experiences high rainfall periodically, optimizing fertilizer use efficiency for sweet corn production is challenging. The preparation of nitrogen budgets and the implementation of effective management strategies can help farmers overcome these obstacles. This 4-page fact sheet discusses major concerns which call for nitrogen management in sweet corn production, nitrogen budget preparation and interpretation, and important differences between farm-gate and soil system budgets. Written by Rishi Prasad and George Hochmuth, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, May 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss643

Citrus

Maximizing Weed Control in Florida Citrus With Florida citrus growers and production managers being “squeezed” between rising production prices and declining yields from citrus greening, there’s more call than ever to reduce citrus production costs. Controlling weeds is a major expense, amounting to 11% of the total $2,278 annual production cost per acre for the 2014–2015 season. This 3-page fact sheet teaches the six essential components of an effective weed-management program to help maintain the profitability of this vital Florida industry. Written by Stephen H. Futch and Brent Sellers and published by the Horticultural Sciences Department. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs237

Mechanical Pruning of Citrus Trees When citrus trees are not regularly pruned, less sunlight reaches the lower parts of the trees, which can reduce flowering and fruit development, quality, and color. Less sunlight also increases the risk of fungal infection. This 3-page fact sheets explains how growers can prune trees to maximize light exposure. Written by Mongi Zekri, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, August 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1267

Livestock

Avian Diseases Transmissible to Humans Anyone who keeps birds, whether as pets or as production animals, should be aware that certain avian diseases can be transmitted to humans. The seriousness of the disease in humans varies with human hosts’ age, overall health, and immune status as well as virulence of the organism, infective dose, and route of infection. This 4-page fact sheet is a major revision which discusses causes and symptoms of avian influenza (bird flu), chlamydiosis, salmonellosis, colibacillosis, encephalitis viruses, avian tuberculosis, Newcastle Disease, and cryptosporidiosis. Written by Michael A. Davis, Gary D. Butcher, and F. Ben Mather, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences. Original publication date: August 1997, revised August 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps019

Small Flock Poultry Nutrition Inadequate poultry nutrition results in substandard growth rates as well as decreased egg production and weight. In order to express the genetic potential for which they were selected, meat- and egg-type birds must receive the correct amounts of nutrients and energy through properly formulated rations. This 4-page fact sheet examines the roles of water, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, lipids (fats and oils), vitamins, minerals, and feed additives in poultry growth and development. It also emphasizes the importance of providing suitable feeds to birds of different ages and discusses common feeding mistakes. Written by Michael A. Davis, published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, and reviewed and revised August 2015. This fact sheet is a major revision of “Small Poultry Flock Nutrition,” written by B. L. Damron and D. R. Sloan, April 1998. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps033

Sous Vide Cookery: Foodservice Application for Larger, Less Tender Cuts Meat with an abundance of connective tissue presents a certain challenge to cooks who want to make it more tender while still properly eliminating pathogens that cause foodborne illness. Sous vide cookery provides precise temperature control and tenderness improvement with minimal supervision throughout cooking as well as consistent, almost perfect reproducibility. This 4-page fact sheet introduces the reader to the sous vide method and covers its advantages and necessary equipment. The piece also offers tips on cooking, chilling, storing, and reheating large cuts of meat. Written by Chad Carr, Derek Griffing, Kaylie Madore, Dwain Johnson, Jason Scheffler, and João Neto, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, September 2015. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an320

 

 

 

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job posting, Lee County, FL

We have extended the application deadline for the Aquatic Field Supervisor position that is currently open with the Lee County Hyacinth Control District.  Please see the revised attached job posting.

 

Susan Merris, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Director, Human Resources

Lee County Mosquito/Hyacinth Control Districts

15191 Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971

Phone:  239.694.2174 ext. 2210

Confidential Fax: 239.694.7488

merris@lcmcd.org    

 

Weekly Harvest, November 4, 2015

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Weekly Harvest Newsletter Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - November 4, 2015 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 Funding and Resources Demonstrate Commitment to New Farmers and Ranchers Small and Mid-Size Farmers in Washington Get Help with GAPs Plans Indiana Pastured Poultry Initiative Launching Publication Helps Food Hubs Use Accounting Software to Improve Traceability USDA Food and Nutrition Service Issues Memo on Procuring Local Meat NOP Introduces Sound and Sensible Initiative Projects Funding Opportunities California Specialty Crop Grants Agricultural Reinvestment Fund Iowa Water Center Institute Research Grants Coming Events Acres USA Conference and Eco-Ag U National Conference on Grazing Lands Professional Agricultural Workers Conference News & Resources USDA Funding and Resources Demonstrate Commitment to New Farmers and Ranchers USDA has announced that it will prioritize $5.6 billion over the next two years for programs and services that serve new and beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA has also unveiled a web tool at www.usda.gov/newfarmers to connect new farmers with programs and resources available. The site features advice and guidance on writing a business plan, obtaining a loan, and filing taxes. Farmers can use the Discovery Tool for personalized recommendations of USDA programs and services that may meet their needs. Small and Mid-Size Farmers in Washington Get Help with GAPs Plans Washington State Department of Agriculture is holding workshops across the state to help small and mid-sized diversified farmers learn practical and cost-effective ways to establish food-safety practices on their farms. The Department has developed a resource guide to assist farmers, called Bridging the GAPs Farm Guide: Good Agricultural Practices and On-Farm Food Safety for Small, Mid-sized, and Diversified Fruit and Vegetable Farms. It is available free online in either English or Spanish. Related ATTRA Publication: An Illustrated Guide to Growing Safe Produce on Your Farm Indiana Pastured Poultry Initiative Launching Purdue Extension is starting a new marketing initiative to promote Indiana's pasture-raised poultry. The goal is to establish a set of common production, processing, and branding standards to ensure consistent levels of quality. A label and related marketing materials will reflect those high standards. Participating farmer members will be directly involved in the decision-making processes. Related ATTRA Publication: Label Rouge: Pasture-Based Poultry Production in France Publication Helps Food Hubs Use Accounting Software to Improve Traceability A new publication is available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, titled Using Accounting Software for Food Hubs: Processing Traceable Orders. This is a step-by-step tutorial to accounting software that food hub managers can use when they need to have product traceability, based on QuickBooks Professional 2015. USDA Food and Nutrition Service Issues Memo on Procuring Local Meat USDA Food and Nutrition Service has issued a memorandum that seeks to clarify the regulatory requirements related to food safety and answer questions regarding purchase of local meat, poultry, game, and eggs for the Child Nutrition Programs. The memorandum defines different classes of meat and explains requirements for inspection and processing of a variety of local meat products and of eggs. Related ATTRA Publication: Tips for Marketing Sheep and Goat Products: Meat NOP Introduces Sound and Sensible Initiative Projects USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's National Organic Program (NOP) made awards to 14 organizations last year to support the Sound and Sensible Initiative. These organizations, including the National Center for Appropriate Technology, worked with farmers and certifiers on projects that help simplify the organic certification process and organic compliance. USDA is introducing the results of those projects as templates, decision-making tools, trainings, guides, tip sheets, and videos available to producers and certifiers. NOP will release more than 40 Sound and Sensible tools and resources over the next several months. >> More Breaking News Back to top Funding Opportunities California Specialty Crop Grants The California Department of Food and Agriculture is accepting proposals for the 2016 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Non-profit and for-profit organizations; local, state, federal, and tribal government entities; and public and private colleges and universities are eligible to apply for $50,000 to $450,000 per project. Concept proposals are due by December 4, 2015. Agricultural Reinvestment Fund RAFI's Agricultural Reinvestment Fund assists innovative and entrepreneurial farmers and collaborative farmer groups in North Carolina in developing new sources of agricultural income. Through cost-share grants, the program awards up to $8,000 to individual farmers and up to $10,000 for collaborative farmer projects. Applications are due by December 31, 2015. Iowa Water Center Institute Research Grants The Iowa Water Center administers an annual competitive statewide program to fund research that focuses on Iowa water resources problems. Funding of up to $30,000 is available for researchers at one of Iowa's accredited public or private universities or community colleges. Funding of up to $5,000 for one year is available to graduate students nearing completion of their program of study. Proposals are due by November 16, 2015. >> More Funding Opportunities Back to top Coming Events Acres USA Conference and Eco-Ag U December 8-11, 2015 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania The Eco-Ag U offers intensive courses by eco-farming's top consultants, practitioners, and thinkers for advanced learning. The conference features presentations by some of the world's leading authorities and practitioners of ecological agriculture, including successful large-scale farmers, leading consultants, and cutting-edge scientists. National Conference on Grazing Lands December 13-16, 2015 Grapevine, Texas National Grazing Lands Coalition hosts this 6th national conference, including a special Grazing Land Soil Health tour of Texas. Sessions will address cover crops, soil health, grazing and forage management, business management, water quality, and more. Professional Agricultural Workers Conference December 6-8, 2015 Tuskegee, Alabama This 73rd annual conference is presented by Tuskegee University. "Beyond the Veil—Agriculture, Families and Communities of the Future: Local, National, and Global Perspectives" will address small farm issues, veterans in agriculture, bioenergy, climate change, and innovative programs. >> 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. © 2015 NCAT Back to top	New ATTRA Video Resultados Maravillosos Manteniendo Humedad con Mantillo de Paja Question of the Week What can I do to control flea beetles? Ask an Agriculture Expert Submit questions to our professional staff online or by calling 1-800-346-9140 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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