The FNGLA Carl F. Cowgill Youth Scholarship is available from the FNGLA. If you know somebody who is a college student from Hillsborough County that is pursuing a degree that will lead to employment within the environmental horticulture industry, this scholarship would apply to them. The FNGLA awards up to 5 scholarships each year based upon the merit and needs of the students. The FNGLA holds a plant auction at the Hillsborough County Fair and has a golf tournament to raise money for the scholarships. The deadline for application is July 15 (no exceptions). If awarded, the scholarship can be up to $1000 depending upon available funds. If you would like an application please email me ststeed@ufl.edu
6/24/11
Need Drippers?
6/23/11
Small Farms/Alternative Enterprise Conference
To Everyone Interested in Florida’s Small Farms,
Become an active part of the fastest growing segment of all Florida agriculture, that is....the small farms industry. If you desire local food systems that support family farms, conserve natural resources and provide affordable, healthy and delicious food for your family's table, stand up and be counted! Never before has the future looked brighter, but your participation is critical to make progress. Don't sit on the sidelines and watch, be a player! Great things are happening so fast for small farmers throughout the state. Come and be a part of the signature event for Florida small farms. We hope you can participate all three days, but did you know you we offer a special one-day only registration for Saturday? That's right! Gather your friends, rise from your own bed early, attend the full day's event and return to your own bed that night for only a $110 registration fee! It is not as fully rewarding as the entire conference, but rather than sitting on the sidelines, it is a choice you will be glad you made.
What the Registration Fees Include:
Full Conference Attendee ($130 by June 27): Provides full participation in all Saturday and Sunday educational conference activities. It also includes all conference networking and social functions with exhibitors, attendees and speakers. Functions begin with the Friday evening Exhibit Preview and Opening Reception, the Saturday morning, midday and afternoon refreshment breaks, Saturday lunch featuring locally-produced food, Saturday evening Networking Social, the Sunday breakfast and end with the farmer to farmer roundtable.
One Day Fee - Saturday ($110 by June 27, includes the Friday Evening Exhibitor Preview and Reception): Provides full participation in all Saturday educational conference activities. It also includes all Friday and Saturday networking and social functions with exhibitors, attendees and speakers. Functions begin with the Friday evening Exhibit Preview and Opening Reception, the Saturday morning, midday and afternoon refreshment breaks, Saturday lunch featuring locally-produced food, and end with the Saturday evening Networking Social.
One Day Fee - Sunday ($50 by June 27): Provides full participation in Sunday educational conference activities. It also includes Sunday’s networking functions, the Sunday breakfast and the farmer to farmer roundtable.
A wide variety of businesses and organizations will be showcasing their information and products during the conference. Take a moment to preview our conference exhibitors! http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/exhibitor_lst.html
Conference Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with exhibitors Friday evening during the exhibit preview and conference opening reception, and all day Saturday. See the conference agenda for details.
http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/agenda_glance.html
Conference Details and Quick Links
Use the below links to view session details, agenda-at-a-glance and the optional pre-conference activities.
Conference Educational Sessions http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/sess_desc.html
Agenda-at-a-Glance http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/agenda_glance.html
Optional Food Safety Plan Workshop http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/fsp_workshop.html
Limited availability, early registration advisable.
Optional Beginning Farmer Workshop http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/ibf_workshop.html
Limited availability, early registration advisable.
Optional Horticulture Tour http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/hort_tour.html
Visit two farms: Kissimmee's Green Place for Natural and Organic Vegetables and Organic Country Farms; Limited availability, early registration advisable.
Optional Livestock Tour http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/ls_tour.html
Visit two farms: Foshee Farms and Lake Meadow Naturals, Limited availability, early registration advisable.
Registration Information http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms/registration.html
Save $50 by registering before June 27.
Additional Conference Highlights
In addition to the educational sessions and optional pre-conference activities, highlights include:
· Featured Florida farmers
· Livestock Arena with Live Animal Exhibits
· Lunch Featuring Local Foods
· Saturday Social with Music and Local Foods
· Large Exhibition Showcasing Products and Technologies
For More Information, You may contact Bob Hochmuth directly (see below)
Bob Hochmuth
Multi County Extension Agent
North Florida REC - Suwannee Valley
7580 County Road 136
Live Oak FL 32060
386-362-1725 x103
386-362-3067 fax
6/21/11
SWFWMD New Rules for Frost/Freeze Irrigation in Dover/Plant City Area
This in from SWFWMD Community Affairs...
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s new regulatory rules took effect today for existing and future water use permit holders in the Dover/Plant City area with crops that require frost/freeze protection.
The District developed the new rules in response to the unprecedented 11-day January 2010 freeze event, which resulted in more than 750 dry wells and more than 140 sinkholes. The new rules are one component of a District’s comprehensive freeze management plan, which was developed to significantly reduce impacts from future frost/freeze events.
Here is what SWFWMD is doing.
1. Declaring a 256-square-mile water use caution area in the Dover/Plant City area.
2. Establishing a minimum aquifer level and Minimum Aquifer Level Protection Zone
3. Developing a recovery strategy to help meet the minimum aquifer level
4. Requiring Automatic Meter Reading Devices
5. Creating a new process for allocating dry well complaints
For more information on the new regulatory rules or the District’s freeze management plan, visit www.WaterMatters.org/frost-freeze/.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s new regulatory rules took effect today for existing and future water use permit holders in the Dover/Plant City area with crops that require frost/freeze protection.
The District developed the new rules in response to the unprecedented 11-day January 2010 freeze event, which resulted in more than 750 dry wells and more than 140 sinkholes. The new rules are one component of a District’s comprehensive freeze management plan, which was developed to significantly reduce impacts from future frost/freeze events.
Here is what SWFWMD is doing.
1. Declaring a 256-square-mile water use caution area in the Dover/Plant City area.
2. Establishing a minimum aquifer level and Minimum Aquifer Level Protection Zone
3. Developing a recovery strategy to help meet the minimum aquifer level
4. Requiring Automatic Meter Reading Devices
5. Creating a new process for allocating dry well complaints
For more information on the new regulatory rules or the District’s freeze management plan, visit www.WaterMatters.org/frost-freeze/.
6/20/11
USDA Compensation for Discrimination
This in from the USDA...
If you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. You may be eligible if:
1. you sought a farm loan or farm-loan servicing from USDA during that period; and
2. the loan was denied, provided late, approved for a lesser amount than requested, approved with restrictive conditions, or USDA failed to provide an appropriate loan service; and
3. you believe these actions occurred because you are Hispanic or female.
If you want to register your name to receive a claims package, you can call the Farmer and
Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or access the following website: http://www.farmerclaims.gov/
If you believe that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) improperly denied farm loan benefits to you between 1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, or because you are female, you may be eligible to apply for compensation. You may be eligible if:
1. you sought a farm loan or farm-loan servicing from USDA during that period; and
2. the loan was denied, provided late, approved for a lesser amount than requested, approved with restrictive conditions, or USDA failed to provide an appropriate loan service; and
3. you believe these actions occurred because you are Hispanic or female.
If you want to register your name to receive a claims package, you can call the Farmer and
Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or access the following website: http://www.farmerclaims.gov/
New Horticulture Classes at Hillsborough Community College
Two new classes will be offered at HCC this summer from Sean Nordquist. One will be a Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Certified Horticultural Professional. The other will be Design Your Own Landscape: Introducing Circles, Curves and Color. Both classes will be offered at the Plant City Campus of HCC. If you are interested please give Mr. Nordquist a call 813-757-2186.
6/17/11
SWFWMD announces new Interim Director
This just in from SWFWMD.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board accepted the resignation of Executive Director David L. Moore today and appointed the District’s General Counsel William S. Bilenky to serve as interim executive director.
Moore, who was appointed executive director in March 2003, resigned on May 26, but had offered to continue temporarily in the role to help facilitate the successful transition of the next executive director. The Board accepted Moore’s resignation today during a special workshop and praised him for his service to the District. Moore will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until July 15.
The Board also authorized District Human Resources staff to begin the recruitment process for a new executive director immediately.
Bilenky has been with the District since September 1999 and has served as its general counsel since March 2000. As the District’s general counsel, Bilenky provides legal advice and support to the Governing Board and the District, appearing on their behalf before the Department of Administrative Hearings, the Legislature, the state trial and appellate courts, and federal agencies and courts.
Before joining the District, Bilenky was in private practice and has also been the general counsel to the Florida Public Service Commission.
Bilenky holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Cornell University, a master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Florida. He has been admitted to the Virginia State Bar, the Florida Bar, the Bars of the United States Supreme Court; the United States Courts of Appeal for the 4th, 5th, 11th and D.C. Circuit; the Federal District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; and the Bankruptcy Court Bar for the Eastern District of Virginia. Bilenky is also a Florida Supreme Court-Certified Circuit Court Mediator.
Moore was appointed executive director in March 2003. He began his career at the District in 1984 as a hydrologist, working his way up through the leadership ranks as a project manager, manager, director and deputy executive director.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board accepted the resignation of Executive Director David L. Moore today and appointed the District’s General Counsel William S. Bilenky to serve as interim executive director.
Moore, who was appointed executive director in March 2003, resigned on May 26, but had offered to continue temporarily in the role to help facilitate the successful transition of the next executive director. The Board accepted Moore’s resignation today during a special workshop and praised him for his service to the District. Moore will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until July 15.
The Board also authorized District Human Resources staff to begin the recruitment process for a new executive director immediately.
Bilenky has been with the District since September 1999 and has served as its general counsel since March 2000. As the District’s general counsel, Bilenky provides legal advice and support to the Governing Board and the District, appearing on their behalf before the Department of Administrative Hearings, the Legislature, the state trial and appellate courts, and federal agencies and courts.
Before joining the District, Bilenky was in private practice and has also been the general counsel to the Florida Public Service Commission.
Bilenky holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Cornell University, a master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Florida. He has been admitted to the Virginia State Bar, the Florida Bar, the Bars of the United States Supreme Court; the United States Courts of Appeal for the 4th, 5th, 11th and D.C. Circuit; the Federal District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; and the Bankruptcy Court Bar for the Eastern District of Virginia. Bilenky is also a Florida Supreme Court-Certified Circuit Court Mediator.
Moore was appointed executive director in March 2003. He began his career at the District in 1984 as a hydrologist, working his way up through the leadership ranks as a project manager, manager, director and deputy executive director.
Rice is Nice
6/9/11
Pest Moth in Central Florida
Growers need to be on the lookout for a newly introduced pest in Florida. The European Pepper Moth, Duponchelia fovealis, was detected in two nurseries in Orange County in October 2010. This small brown moth attacks herbaceous ornamentals (including Anemone, Anthurium, Begonia, Cyclamen, Euphorbia, Gerbera, Kalanchoe, Limonium, Rosa), vegetable crops, herbs, and some aquatic plants grown both in the field and in greenhouses.
According to the Division of Plant Industry (DPI), the moth has been detected in 14 other states and likely entered Florida through transport of infected plants or other nursery material. The DPI pest alert can be found at http://bit.ly/kTD1Bc.
Duponchelia larvae feed on all parts of the plant and they can burrow into stems and even in roots near the soil line. A rather unusual behavior is that the caterpillars also feed on decaying plant material. In warm humid climates they are found mainly on outdoor plants, often in the damp lower portions near the soil. Look for signs of feeding, stem boring, webbing, or frass deep in the canopy.
Larvae have a shiny dark heads with creamy white to light brown bodies. Adults have a wingspan of about 1 inch. The forewings are gray-brown in color with 2 yellowish white transverse lines. The outermost of these lines has a pronounced “finger” that points towards the edge of the wing. Adults are strong fliers capable of traveling up to 60 miles on their own.
Should you detect this pest, contact your local county extension office.
This article was written by Kathy Oliver, ornamental production program assistant at Manatee County Extension. More articles are located here: http://manateeornprod.wordpress.com/
6/2/11
UF/IFAS Dean of Research Moves On, New Interim Dean Named
This news just in from UF/IFAS...
John Hayes named interim dean for UF/IFAS research
Filed under Announcements, InsideUF (Campus), Note This on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. GAINESVILLE, Fla. — John Hayes, chairman of the University of Florida’s wildlife ecology and conservation department, has been appointed interim dean for research for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences by Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
“John understands research and has been a proven administrator,” Payne said. “I look forward to the vision and dedication that he will bring to the position.” Hayes takes the post July 1 and replaces Mark McLellan, IFAS research dean since July 2005.
McLellan will leave UF to be vice president for research and dean of the school of graduate studies at Utah State University in Logan. McLellan said he is proud of his accomplishments at UF, which include working to establish the Florida Climate Institute and the Carbon Resources Science Center, as well as creating an internal competitive grant program for cutting-edge research and a new approach to optimize the licensing of UF/IFAS cultivar releases.
As interim dean, Hayes will also be director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, which encompasses nearly 1,000 faculty, 17 disciplines and 13 research and education centers throughout the state. Hayes, a UF faculty member and WEC chairman since 2006, will promote continued advancements in IFAS research. He will also remain as director of the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station, a 9,100-acre conservation research center in Putnam County. As WEC chairman, Hayes has steered the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station toward becoming a globally significant research facility and helped partner the station with the National Ecological Observatory Network, a National Science Foundation-funded program to evaluate the nation’s environmental pulse over the next three decades. Hayes is president-elect of the National Association of University Fish and Wildlife Programs, has published 90 technical publications and popular articles and has generated $6.5 million in grants and contracts to support his research. Hayes said he plans to advance the strategic direction of IFAS research programs, strengthen partnerships between IFAS stakeholders, increase the quality of research facilities and integrate the research, teaching and extension missions of IFAS.
“I see this as a wonderful opportunity to help advance food, agriculture and natural resources research on a larger scale,” he said. “The University of Florida is on the leading edge of so many of these issues, and it’s really exciting for me to play a role in that.”
John Hayes named interim dean for UF/IFAS research
Filed under Announcements, InsideUF (Campus), Note This on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. GAINESVILLE, Fla. — John Hayes, chairman of the University of Florida’s wildlife ecology and conservation department, has been appointed interim dean for research for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences by Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
“John understands research and has been a proven administrator,” Payne said. “I look forward to the vision and dedication that he will bring to the position.” Hayes takes the post July 1 and replaces Mark McLellan, IFAS research dean since July 2005.
McLellan will leave UF to be vice president for research and dean of the school of graduate studies at Utah State University in Logan. McLellan said he is proud of his accomplishments at UF, which include working to establish the Florida Climate Institute and the Carbon Resources Science Center, as well as creating an internal competitive grant program for cutting-edge research and a new approach to optimize the licensing of UF/IFAS cultivar releases.
As interim dean, Hayes will also be director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, which encompasses nearly 1,000 faculty, 17 disciplines and 13 research and education centers throughout the state. Hayes, a UF faculty member and WEC chairman since 2006, will promote continued advancements in IFAS research. He will also remain as director of the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station, a 9,100-acre conservation research center in Putnam County. As WEC chairman, Hayes has steered the Ordway-Swisher Biological Station toward becoming a globally significant research facility and helped partner the station with the National Ecological Observatory Network, a National Science Foundation-funded program to evaluate the nation’s environmental pulse over the next three decades. Hayes is president-elect of the National Association of University Fish and Wildlife Programs, has published 90 technical publications and popular articles and has generated $6.5 million in grants and contracts to support his research. Hayes said he plans to advance the strategic direction of IFAS research programs, strengthen partnerships between IFAS stakeholders, increase the quality of research facilities and integrate the research, teaching and extension missions of IFAS.
“I see this as a wonderful opportunity to help advance food, agriculture and natural resources research on a larger scale,” he said. “The University of Florida is on the leading edge of so many of these issues, and it’s really exciting for me to play a role in that.”
6/1/11
Lake Region Chapter FNGLA Meeting 6/9/11
The Lake Region FNGLA Chapter would like to invite everyone to their June meeting on the 9th at 6pm. It will be at Danielle Fence Company to check out their new Outdoor living design center while dinning on hamburgers and hotdogs. The cost is $5.00. The chapter will also be installing the 2011/2012 officers. Bring something to raffle. Click on the link below to see the map and more information.
http://tiny.cc/58yej
http://tiny.cc/58yej
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
