BMP Projects Wanted

Attention Growers:  UF/IFAS BMP Program is seeking growers with ideas for BMP implementation.  If you would like to implement a BMP project on your farm, UF/IFAS Extension can help.  You pick the project, we collaborate on implementation.  Extension will write the grant.  You get 100% of the cost covered up to $10,000 if it is funded.  Then we have a field day to demonstrate your project.  Please read the information below if you would like to participate.

Request for proposals – BMP Minigrant Program

October 17, 2017

Deadline: November 10, 2018

Introduction

As in past years we are requesting proposals for on-farm demonstrations related to BMP implementation. The deadline for these proposals is November 10, 2017 by reply email. There is no limit to the amount requested, however the target amount is $5,000 to $10,000 each. Grower evaluation of the BMP(s) are critical to this program. Therefore, the proposed project should be for a single year, involve a grower cooperator, conducted on their field and culminate in a grower attended field day. Any applicable BMP can be demonstrated on any crop or animal within a published BMP manual.

Format

The format of the proposal is the same as previous years and contain the following elements: 1) 2 to 4 pages in length, 2) provide the BMP and crop in the title; 3) a background section containing the reason for the proposed demonstration; 4) list of objectives, outcomes and projected impact of the demonstration; 5) complete list of materials and methods; 6) projected field day agenda; 7) description of potential audience (makeup and size) of the field day; and 8) complete budget including all personnel costs (salary and fringe), costs of materials and equipment, and 10% overhead.

Deliverables

The demonstration project should result in a grower field day at the demonstration site, and a final report (due no later than June 15, 2018). The agenda and announcement for the field day must be received at least two weeks prior to the event. In addition to grower invitations; FDACS, NRCS, water management district and other state agency personnel must be encouraged to participate in and attend the grower field day.  The final report must contain a summary of: the demonstration site; interactions with the cooperator; attendance list; final agenda; copies of presentations and handouts; and outcomes. The writing of EDIS documents, magazine articles and other publications are encouraged. The BMP program will assist in writing and publishing of these documents.

Suggested topics

1) Fertilizer rates, 2) irrigation scheduling, 3) use of soil moisture sensors, 4) soil and tissue testing, 5) variable rate fertilizer applications, 6) irrigation automation, 7) use of drone based technologies, 8) fertilizer management with soil electrical conductivity sensors, 9) on-site water retention/treatment, 10) any other applicable BMP