Free Online Core Pesticide License CEU Available

Hunting for that Pesticide License Core CEU to add to your inventory for license renewal?  We've got one more for you.  Read the article and then take the quiz.  If you pass with at least a 70% we will send you a Core CEU. The article is entitled "Proper Use and Handling of Glyphosate in Plant Nurseries." is now available at www.tiny.cc/ceus.  We will be adding more CEUs to the site, so keep checking in for new additions.

Private Applicator Prep Class and CEUs

Do you need prep courses for the General Core Exam (both 487 and 482) and/or Private Applicator Exam?  Do you need CEUs? Both of these prep classes are available on December 11th.  If you are planning to take an exam(s) for Private Applicator and/or General Standards Core you must have a voucher.
You must obtain a voucher through FDAC at: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/

Follow the instructions to get a voucher number.  (you will need the number when you come to take the exam).

Please see below for more information about the class and links for registration.  Remember, you have to get a voucher number from FDAC (see the link above) before you come.  Bring the voucher number with you!!!   You will also need to register through Eventbrite for the class(es).  See the links below.

General Core Prep – December 11th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.  2 Core CEUs available (both 482 and 487).  The cost of this class is $15.00.  The Exam follows the class if you choose to take it.
     The link to register for this class:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-core-pesticide-training-balm-tickets-42983622171 

Private Applicator Prep – December 11th from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.  2 Private CEUs available.  The cost of this class is $15.00.  Exams follow.

     The link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-private-applicator-pesticide-training-balm-tickets-42983911035 

Nursery Looking for Production Manager

A Hillsborough County Nursery is looking for a production manger.  Here is some of the information they are seeking in a candidate.  If you know someone who is looking for a position please share.  If you are interested in the position please send an email to Shawn Steed at the Hillsborough County Extension Office.

Responsibilities:
• Oversee day to day jobs of employees.  To include, but not limited to, desprouting of liners and grafted trees, weeding, stake and tying of grated trees, labeling of liners once they are grafted, topping of grafted trees.
• Oversee/administer upkeep of Budwood trees, upkeep of Seed trees
• Oversee/administer repair of any structure, equipment, or irrigation within the nursery.
• Train employees, when needed, on day to day jobs.
• Oversee/administer watering and feeding of seedlings, planted liners, grafted trees, Budwood trees, and Seed trees.
• Oversee/administer application of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides within the nursery.
• Oversee the production of liners from seed.
• Inspect greenhouses for repair and maintenance in compliance of FDACS.
• Inspect greenhouses for pest and weed intrusion.
• Inspect irrigation for repair and maintenance.
• Inspect all equipment for repair and maintenance.
• Keep inventory of all fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and herbicides and store in compliance of FDACS.
• Oversee harvest of seed fruit and processing of same in compliance with FDACS.
• Inspect Seed Tree Groves to insure that each tree is labeled as to all information required by FDACS.

New FDACS WPS Inspection Checklist

If you own a farm or a nursery you probably at some point have been inspected by a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service Worker Protection Standards inspector.  This shouldn't have been a surprise.  Most nurseries are aware of this fact and comply with the WPS.  There is a manual that can help you understand the finer points of the law.  The How to Comply with the WPS for agricultural pesticides is published by the EPA and you can download it here to help you follow the rules. http://tiny.cc/WPSHTCmanual  This is a comprehensive manual of the WPS rules and how to follow them.

Another way to make sure that your operation is doing things properly in regards to the WPS, is to do a WPS self-audit.  FDACS allows nurseries and farms the use of their actual inspection checklist.  This is the checklist that an inspector will use when they arrive at your farm/nursery to see how you are complying. Take the time to go over the checklist before there is an issue and resolve problems or ask for clarification so that your operation can be in compliance.  The checklist was modified to incorporate the last round of changes to the WPS. If you would like to use it here is the link.     http://tiny.cc/WPS2018

If you are not sure about items on the checklist or interpretation of the WPS, feel free to reach out to your local extension agent.  Either we can answer those questions or we can ask FDACS on your behalf to help gain better clarification or interpretation on the WPS.

Youth Plant Show Mandatory Meetings

If you know a youth in 4-H or FFA who might be interested in growing plants let them know that the Florida Strawberry Festival Youth Plant Show and Sale Mandatory Meetings are next week.  Don't forget to attend at least one of the mandatory meetings.  Mandatory entry seminars will be held; Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Tomlin Middle in Plant City in the auditorium and then again on October 16th, 2018 at 7:00 pm at East Bay High School,7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton, Florida. Parking will be in the student parking lot. Late arrivals will not be admitted to either meeting.
Each exhibitor and/or a parent or guardian must attend to receive entry forms and record books. Only one of the two meetings must be attended.

Looking forward to another great show youth plant show this year!

Woody Ornamental Production Field Day Registration

Don't miss out on the information and the meeting.  Register now for the UF/IFAS Extension's Woody Ornamental Production Field Day on October 18th, 2018 at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  We have another great line-up of education and field demonstrations prepared for you.  Topics will include, how to do the mandatory WPS respirator fit-test on your farm, chemical updates from chemical industry reps, pre-emergent herbicide trials on ageratum and tropical plants, updates from a plastic mulch trial,  and comparison of pH and EC collection methods for large container production.  SWFWMD will send a panel and discuss questions on permits. FDOT will be there to discuss regulations regarding shipping plants and other transportation questions. The times will be 9:00 - 4:00.  Registration will include a lunch and CEUs (1 Core and 2.5 PRVT/O&T).  You can register for $55.00 now at this link to reserve your spot.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-uf-extensions-woody-ornamental-production-field-day-tickets-45941613603

Submissions are Being Excepted for Southern SARE Producer Grants.

Do you have a proposed sustainable solution for a production problem at your farm?  Do you think that others may benefit from the same solution.  If you think you would like some funding to try it out the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SSARE) Producer Grant is the way to go.

The Call for Proposals for the 2019 Producer Grants, intended for farmers/ranchers and farmer/rancher organizations throughout the Southern region, is now available from the SSARE program.

Proposal submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 at 5 p.m. EST. Announcement of funded grants will take place in late February 2018.

Producer Grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that solve agricultural production challenges farmers face and to develop information on what works and what doesn’t so that other farmers and ranchers facing those same challenges can benefit from the results of the funded project.

Producer grants are not designed to pay a farmer to farm; buy livestock, equipment, or land; make permanent farm improvements, or support private enterprises through capital investments.  Southern SARE Producer Grants are research grants, designed to take some of the financial risk away from trying a solution to an agricultural production issue.

Projects may be funded for up to two years for a project maximum of $10,000 for an individual producer or $15,000 for a producer organization. Producer organizations should be comprised primarily of farmers/ranchers and must have a majority farmer representation on their governing board.

For detailed information on how to apply for a Producer Grant, download the current Producer Grant Call for Proposals.

The Producer Grant Call for Proposals includes application information, use of funds, proposal submission instructions, and contact information. Be sure to carefully follow the information in the Call for Proposals when submitting your proposal. Failure to follow the submission guidelines will result in your proposal being rejected.

Visit http://www.southernsare.org for more information.

Private Applicator Class and CEUs

We are offering Pesticide Exam Classes in Hillsborough County again.  Do you need to prep for the General Core Exam (both 487 and 482) and/or Private Applicator Exam?  Do you need core or Private CEUs? Both of the prep classes are available on Sept. 20th  at the Hillsborough County Extension Office located at 5519 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584.  If you are planning to take an exam(s) for Private Applicator and/or General Standards Core you must have a voucher.

You must obtain a voucher through FDAC at: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/

Follow the instructions to get a voucher number.  (you will need the number when you come to take the exam).

Please see below for more information about the class and links to register for the classes.  Remember, you have to get a voucher number from FDAC (see the link above) before you come.  Bring the voucher number with you!!!   You will also need to register through Eventbrite for the class(es).  See the links below.

General Core Prep – September 20th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.  2 Core CEUs are available (both 482 and 487).  The cost of this class is $15.00 plus fees.  The Exam follows the class if you choose to take it.

The link to register for this class is:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-tickets-45041387001

Private Applicator Prep – September 20th from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.  2 Private CEUs available.  The cost of this class is $15.00 plus fees.  Exams follow.

The link to register for this class is:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-tickets-45041387001

If you have any questions or special needs please call Shawn for more information.  813-744-5519.

Save the Date for the Woody Ornamental Production Field Day

Make plans to attend UF/IFAS Extension's Woody Ornamental Production Field Day on October 18th, 2018 at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  We have another great line-up of education and field demonstrations prepared for you.  Topics will include, chemical updates from chemical industry reps, pre-emergent herbicide trials on ageratum and tropical plants, updates from a plastic mulch trial,  and comparison of pH and EC collection methods for large container production.  SWFWMD will also send a panel and discuss questions on permits.  The times will be 9:00 - 4:00.  Registration will include a lunch and CEUs (1 Core and 2.5 PRVT/O&T).  You can register for $55.00 now at this link to reserve your spot.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-uf-extensions-woody-ornamental-production-field-day-tickets-45941613603

Central Posting and WPS Posters

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requires growers to have a central posting area that has specific information posted for employees to see.  The central posting area needs to be in a place where workers congregate such as a time clock or a breakroom. One of the items that needs to be posted is a certified pesticide information poster or equivalent materials.  This poster has changed and the new poster can be printed in various formats from this website:  http://pesticideresources.org/wps/cp.html  It comes in Spanish and/or English in different sized formats.  You can print them for free.  I would suggest you laminate it after you print it.  You can also purchase one here https://npsecstore.com/collections/posters  if you cannot print one on your own.

Along with the poster there are few other things that need to be displayed at the central posting site.  Here is a list of them below:

1. Hazard information
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each agricultural pesticide product applied in the last 30 days, or longer if there was a restricted-entry interval (REI).
2. Pesticide Application Information (Records)
3. These records must be posted for each agricultural pesticide product applied in the last 30 days, or longer if there was a REI. Records must contain:
• Name of the pesticide product(s) applied,
• Active ingredient(s) of the pesticide product(s) applied,
• EPA registration number(s) of the pesticide product(s) applied,
• Restricted-entry Interval (REI),
• Crop or site treated,
• Location and description of the treated area(s), and
• Date(s) and time(s) application started and ended.

Measuring pH and EC in Large Ornamental Containers Video

It can be quite difficult to check fertility and acidity (EC and pH) levels in large, potted woody ornamentals periodically, to monitor what is going on inside the container.  Conditions will change over time; your fertilizer levels will decrease, the pH will change due to irrigation and fertilizer release.

We did a field demonstration to show growers four different ways that you can use to check the fertility levels in a large container.  We demonstrated a soil lysimeter, a pour-thru method, a leaching fraction method, and a two-to-one (water:soil) saturated media extract.

Some methods may be easier than others depending upon your nursery constraints such as labor, materials, and time.  The key to successfully using this kind of data is to use a method that is exactly repeatable every time.  This way the data can be compared over time and across plants.  A grower will also need to determine which method might be more suitable depending upon factors such as how the fertilizer is incorporated in the container (top-dressed versus sub-dressed) or how irrigation is applied.

I have posted a video looking at the methods of checking pH and EC regularly.  You can watch it here.  pH and EC BMP Video.  We are currently doing research to compare and contrast the different methods and when the research work is completed, we will show how these methods compare with each other and how variable they can be when using this data to make management decisions.

Florida Turfgrass Association's CEU Round-Up Event

The FTGA has teamed up with the Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) to present The CEU Round-Up, a full day of education that will be simulcast to locations around Florida from the University of Florida, Gainesville.

The Round-Up has been designed to award up to six CEUs to attendees in some of the most difficult to attain subject areas, including aquatic weed control, natural areas, right-of-way and among others.  This Class will be held at the Hillsborough Extension Office and other locations around the state.

Agenda

8:30 - 9:00 Registration & Introduction
9:00 - 9:50 Water: The Smallest Factor That Makes The Greatest Difference Dr. Fred Fishel
10:00 - 10:50    Biological Control of Cogongrass: Progress & Perspectives Dr. Jim Cuda
11:00 - 11:50 Pesticide Spill Management & Cleanup Paul Mitola
11:50 - 1:00 Lunch provided by UF/IFAS Extension Office
1:00 - 1:50 IPM In Aquatics, Natural Areas & Right-of-Way Dr. Lyn Gettys
2:00 - 2:50 Old World Climbing Fern Management Dr. Stephen Enloe
3:00 - 3:50 Invasion Pathways For Invasive Aquatic Species  Dr. Lyn Gettys
3:50 - 4:00 CEU Distribution by UF/IFAS Extension Office

Pricing Information

Municipal Employee $30 pre-registration $45 on-site
Industry Professional      $50 pre-registration    $75 on-site

Pre-registration pricing dates: April 23 - July 20
On-site pricing dates: July 21 - July 25

Registration, CEUs and Detailed Information

Download flyer for CEU information and registration form
Register online

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 10+ calendar days (July 15) prior to event will be granted and will incur a 25% cancellation fee. 
Cancellations made less than 9 calendar days (July 16) prior to the event will not be provided a refund; only employee substitutions will be granted.

Refunds will not be granted for not attending.

Greenhouse Courses Online for Growers

Here are some courses you might like to register for to keep up or refresh your knowledge in greenhouse production.

Course Subjects:  Dates, Level, and Cost

Greenhouse 101:   4-Jun-18 29-Jun-18 • $US199
Costing and Profitability:   4-Jun-18 29-Jun-18 ••• $US499
Nutrient Management 1 (Intro) :  2-Jul-18 27-Jul-18 •• $US199
Weed Management:   30-Jul-18 24-Aug-18 •• $US199
Nutrient Management 2 (Advanced):   3-Sep-18 28-Sep-18 ••• $US199
Disease Management REVISED!:   1-Oct-18 26-Oct-18 •• $US199
Water Quality & Treatment NEW!:   5-Nov-18 7-Dec-18 ••• $US199
Introduction to Hydroponics NEW!:   14-Jan-19 8-Feb-19 • $US199

•Introductory: Practical experience but without formal horticultural science education/
Introductorio: experiencia práctica sin educación formal en ciencias hortícolas.
••Intermediate: Some experience and training, entry university level/Intermedio: Algo de
experiencia y entrenamiento, o nivel inicial universitario.
•••Advanced: Experienced, well-trained grower, upper university level

Courses are designed for people already working in the horticulture industry.

Lectures and assignments are in both English and Spanish, with support from bilingual instructors.

Courses on specific dates, typically for four weeks. A list of individual courses is below to find out the next date each course will be offered.

Classes are completely online, and include streaming videos, readings, and assignments. They are available any time of the day, and new modules are activated each week during the course. You can use a desktop computer, tablet, or smart phone.

Registration

Each employee will need their own unique email address before you register them.

Cost is $US199 per employee for most courses, and $499 for the Costing and Profitability course.  Use the promotion code Hills18 for a 5% discount.

Certificates

When you complete the requirements for each course you will be sent a personalized certificate.
Courses do not count for credit towards a university degree.

For registration information click on this link ( Registration ) and use the registration code HILLS18 for a 5% discount.

For more information: email greenhousetraining@ifas.ufl.edu. We are happy to help you with any questions.

Ask us about bulk discounts when you register 5 or more participants.

WPS Training Attendance Sheets

This may be of interest to growers who are regulated by the WPS.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has updated the WPS Worker and Handler Training Attendance Sheet which it suggests for use to document worker and handler WPS training.

Under the 2015 Revised Worker Protection Standard

WPS PESTICIDE SAFETY TRAINING

  Agricultural workers must be trained before performing any task in a treated area on an agricultural establishment where within the last 30 days a pesticide  product has been use or restricted-entry interval for such pesticide has been in effect.(40CFR section 170.401).
  Agricultural handlers must be trained before any handling activity is performed. (40CFR section 170.501).
  Workers and handlers must each be trained at least whithin the last 12 months. You must keep this record as training evidence.

Feel free to print the new sheets (WPS attendance sheets link ) and use them to document your WPS worker and handler training.

Thanks to Agents Gene McAvoy and Alicia Whidden for the information.

WPS Train-the-Trainer Class

Worker Protection Standards, Train the Trainer – June 22^nd from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 CR 672 Wimauma.  The cost of this workshop is $25.00 (35.00 at the door). 
Worker Protection Standards, Train the Trainer has changed.  If you have a certificate for Train the Trainer that is dated before September 2016, you are required to update that training and receive a new certificate (I know that we were all told that the certificate would not expire – BUT that has changed).  We are all to be retrained per the EPA.  Also, many of the regulations pertaining to the training of agricultural workers have changed. 
Come join us for the new revised training.  You will receive a certificate in the mail once you have completed this new training.     

CEUs Available (max of four): 4 Private Applicator, 4 Aerial application, 4 Ag Row Crop, 4 Ag Tree Crop, 4 Forestry, 4 Ornamental & Turf,  4 Soil and Greenhouse Fumigation

The link to register for this class is: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-wps-train-the-trainer-balm-tickets-42984117653 
If you have any questions, please contact Angie at  agigliotti@ufl.edu or 941-722-4524 extension - 1823.

Palm Management and OTC Injection Class

Agent Susan Haddock is holding a class on Palm Management and OTC Injections.  Here is the agenda and registration link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/palm-management-with-core-sampling-otc-demos-tickets-46205077631?aff=eac2

Palm Management

8 am-12 noon

This workshop will combine lecture and demonstration of palm sampling and OTC injection technique.

Agenda

8-8:50 am            IPM and Palm Management, Susan Haddock

9-9:50 am            Lethal Bronzing Disease Diagnosis (same as Texas Phoenix Palm Decline-TPPD)

                             Safely Sampling and Injecting OTC, Wayne Grubbs

10-11:40 am        Diagnosing and Correcting Palm Nutritional Deficiencies, Susan Haddock

11:45 am             CEU Distribution and adjourn

CEUs:

FDACS - 2.0 Core and 2.0 LLO, LCLM, L&O, O&T, LUF;  FNGLA - 4.0; Certified Arborist: 3.25; 
 Municipal Specialist: 3.25;  BCMA - Science: 3.25;  TW Climber Specialist: 3.25;  TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 3.25; 

Pest Alert: Hibiscus Bud Weevil

Photograph credit: Paul Skelley, FDACS-DPI and anonymous grower

A new pest that attacks buds of hibiscus has been found in Florida in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hernando Counties.  The Hibiscus Bud Weevil (Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell) is gray and about 5 mm in length.  The adult lays eggs on the buds of plants in the hibiscus/mallow family (Malvaceae).  The developing larvae eats the new buds and causes flowers to prematurely abort.  Growers should check plants for yellowing and dropping of new flower buds.  For more information here is a factsheet on the pest from FDACS.
 https://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/80995/2339573/Anthonomus_testaceosquamosus_Linell__hibiscus_bud_weevil.pdf

Hops Field Day

If you have any interest in hops, Dr. Shinsuke Agehara asked me to share this information with you regarding a hops field day at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.

UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research & Education Center presents a special Alternative Crops Field Day featuring the GCREC Hops Yard and Hops ResearchThursday, May 24, 2018, 9 am to 1 pm

Location:            

UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL 33598

For directions, visit http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/about-us/

*Register for the meeting ($10 including lunch) at https://gcrechopsfieldday.eventbrite.com

Schedule:

9:00 – 9:30          Introduction (meet in the lobby)

9:30 – 10:30        Field tour

10:50 – 11:00     “Overview of the Florida hop industry”

Simon Bollin, Agribusiness Development Manager, Hillsborough County Economic Development

11:00 – 11:15     “Hops variety trials under natural and extended day length”

                                Zhanao, Plant Breeder, GCREC

11:15 – 11:30     “Cultural practices and day length extension by LED lights to maximize hop yields in Florida”

                                Shinsuke Agehara, Plant Physiologist, GCREC

11:30 – 11:45     “Common diseases of hops – a Florida perspective”

                                Gary Vallad, Plant Pathologist, GCREC    

11:45 – 12:00     “Pests of Florida hops: what we know so far”

                                Hugh Smith, Entomologist, GCREC           

12:00 – 12:15     “Root-knot nematode host status of different hop cultivars in Florida”

                                Johan Desaeger, Nematologist, GCREC  

12:15 – 1:00        Lunch and open discussion

Woody Ornamental Production Field Day Registration Now Open

Make plans to attend UF Extension's Woody Ornamental Production Field Day on May 31st, 2018 at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.  We have another great line-up of education and field demonstrations prepared for you.  Topics will include, chemical updates from chemical industry reps, pre-emergent herbicide trials on ageratum and tropical plants, updates from a plastic mulch trial, comparison of pH and EC collection methods for large container production and more!  The final agenda is now complete. The times will be 9:00 - 4:00.  Registration will include a lunch and CEUs (1 Core and 2.5 PRVT/O&T).  You can register for $55.00 now at this link to reserve your spot.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-woody-ornamental-production-field-day-tickets-45941613603

Here is the agenda for the event.
Classroom
8:30       Registration, set-up, conversations over snacks
9:00       Welcome, Introduction, Orientation 5 min.  (Mr. Shawn Steed)
9:05       Plastic Mulch Update 15 min.  (Mr. Shawn Steed)

Field Demonstration
9:25         Bio-Mulch for Containers 15 min. (Dr. Chris Marble)
9:40         Irrigation Using Leaching Fraction for Large Containers 20 min.  (Dr. Tom Yeager)
10:00 Nutrient/pH Monitoring in Large Containers 20 min (Mr. Shawn Steed)
10:20 Ageratum Control in Nursery Containers 20 min.  (Drs. Nathan Boyd/Chris Marble)

Classroom
10:45 Chemical Updates 30 min. (Various reps)
11:15 SWFWMD Permitting Process 40 min. (SWFWMD Staff)

11:55 Vendor Visits / Lunch

12:40 OSHA Fit Test 50 min.  (Mr. William Tomlin, USF Health)
13:30 Alternative containers 20 min.  (Dr. Andrew Koeser)
13:50 Break
13:55 Tropical Plant Herbicide Options 20 min.  (Dr. Nathan Boyd)
14:15 DOT Rules and Regulations update 40 min. (Tpr. Austin Daniels)
15:55 Summary/Evaluation (Mr. Shawn Steed)
16:00 Adjourn

We thank our sponsors, Diamond R, Southern Ag, Mosaic, FNGLA Tampa Chapter, BASF, Syngenta, SWFWMD, USF Health, USDA Southern SARE for making this event possible!

Pesticide Core and Private Applicator Classes Available

We are offering Pesticide Exam Classes in Hillsborough County again.  Do you need to preps for the General Core Exam (both 487 and 482) and/or Private Applicator Exam?  Do you need CEUs? Both of the prep classes are available on May 24th  at the Hillsborough County Extension Office located at 5519 CR 579, Seffner, FL 33584.  If you are planning to take an exam(s) for Private Applicator and/or General Standards Core you must have a voucher.

You must obtain a voucher through FDAC at: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/

Follow the instructions to get a voucher number.  (you will need the number when you come to take the exam).

Please see below for more information about the class and links to register for the classes.  Remember, you have to get a voucher number from FDAC (see the link above) before you come.  Bring the voucher number with you!!!   You will also need to register through Eventbrite for the class(es).  See the links below.

 General Core Prep – March 29th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.  2 Core CEUs available (both 482 and 487).  The cost of this class is $15.00.  The Exam follows the class if you choose to take it.

The link to register for this class is:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-tickets-45041387001

Private Applicator Prep – March 29th from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.  2 Private CEUs available.  The cost of this class is $15.00.  Exams follow.

The link to register for this class is:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-private-and-core-pesticide-applicator-training-tickets-45041387001

If you have any questions please call Shawn for more information.  813-744-5519.

Woody Ornamental Production Field Day 5/31/18

Save the date for the Woody Ornamental Production Field Day on May 31st, 2018.  We have another great line-up of education and field demonstrations prepared for you.  Some of the topics will include, chemical updates from chemical industry reps, preemergent herbicide trials on ageratum and tropical plants, updates from a plastic mulch trial, Comparison of pH and EC collection methods for large container production and more!  The final agenda is almost complete. The times will be 9:00 - 4:00.  Registration will include a lunch and CEUs.  You can register now at this link to reserve your spot. 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-woody-ornamental-production-field-day-tickets-45941613603

Plastic Trays for Free

Emerald Hill Nursery is giving away thousands of propagation trays sizes 40, 50, 60 and 72.  Please call Jim at (813) 754-4751 for more information.

Plastic Mulch Reduces Irrigation, Weeds, Fertilizer; Adds to Production TIme

I wondered what would happen if I took plastic mulch, like they use in vegetable row production and applied it to pot-to-pot container production.  I eventually found a way and a team to run the experiment and had some interesting findings.  

The first commercial grower using the plastic mulch in production

We wrapped #1 containers, filled with potting soil, with black or white plastic mulch and planted ligustrum liners through a punched hole in the plastic.  We put a normal amount of slow-release fertilizer and used overhead irrigation to water them.  Water was scheduled by soil moisture sensors.  We grew the plants for 22 weeks and compared them to a control without plastic mulch. 

We found that black plastic saved about 82% of the water applied, and white plastic saved about 91% compared to the non-mulched control.  Water from irrigation is still able to move down the stems and into the plant hole and reach the soil.  Plastic mulch reduced weed growth seven-fold and weeding times by nine-fold.  Plastic mulch reduced the amount of fertilizer that was lost due to irrigation leaching.  Over the course of our experiment, fertilizer kept releasing, wasn't flushed by irrigation, and wound up affecting the pH negatively.  So in the future I would recommend using much less fertilizer with plastic mulch; maybe even one half less than normal.  This could be looked at with further experiments.

Amazingly, the soil temperatures were not affected by plastic mulch and this might be due to the fact moisture sensors were continually triggering the control plot to irrigate or when pots are grown pot-to-pot radiation may be reduced between pots, so mulch doesn’t really add a benefit.

Plastic mulch added about $4.94 per 1000 containers or $0.005 per pot which is about the same as normal herbicide applications during a production cycle which wouldn’t be needed using this method.

In our study, plastic mulch plants also took about 2-3 weeks longer to grow.  This might have been due to higher fertilizer salt and extremely low pH in the soil from reduced irrigation volumes.  In the future, this will need to be looked at a little closer in other trials.

Overall the study showed promise in using plastic mulch to reduce labor and some inputs when growing container pots.

For more information you can check out the journal article in HortTech http://horttech.ashspublications.org/content/28/1/58.abstract or watch the presentation https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2017/videogateway.cgi/id/4216?recordingid=4216

Private and Core Exam Prep Classes

Do you need to preps for the General Core Exam (both 487 and 482) and/or Private Applicator Exam?  Do you need CEUs? Both of the prep classes are available on March 29th  at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center located at 14625 Co Rd 672, Wimauma.  If you are planning to take an exam(s) for Private Applicator and/or General Standards Core you must have a voucher.

You must obtain a voucher through FDAC at: https://pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu/

Follow the instructions to get a voucher number.  (you will need the number when you come to take the exam).

Please see below for more information about the class and links to register for the classes.  Remember, you have to get a voucher number from FDAC (see the link above) before you come.  Bring the voucher number with you!!!   You will also need to register through Eventbrite for the class(es).  See the links below.

 General Core Prep – March 29th from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.  2 Core CEUs available (both 482 and 487).  The cost of this class is $15.00.  The Exam follows the class if you choose to take it.

The link to register for this class is:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-core-pesticide-training-balm-tickets-42983755570

Private Applicator Prep – March 29th from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.  2 Private CEUs available.  The cost of this class is $15.00.  Exams follow.

The link to register for this class is:   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-private-applicator-pesticide-training-balm-tickets-42983944134

If you have any questions about this class please give Martha Glenn a call in Manatee County Extension (941) 722-4524.

Seeking a Position in Horticulture

A young lady is seeking a position in the field of horticulture/agronomy.  She is a graduate of UF and HCC and has participated in the Strawberry Festival Youth Plant Show and Sale.  Her background is working in tree, sod, and agronomic crops.  She has computer experience, worked as a research tech at UF, and has worked with cost estimations for contractors.  If you have a position available please let Shawn know and he will put you in touch with the candidate.

Downy Mildew on Roses and Fungicide Treatments

Downy mildew on roses in Florida production areas is not uncommon.  This disease causes leaf spots which can cause significant defoliation.  The disease best grows with cool to warm weather (60-70 F) with high humidity and leaf wetness.   Here is a link to a good article on rose downy mildew from e-Grow with recommendations for preventative fungicide treatments.     https://e-gro.org/pdf/2017_719.pdf

Youth Opportunity Learning

Here is an opportunity in Manatee County for youth to be introduced to the agricultural community.

Friday, March 16th, 2018 (8:00 am—5:00 pm)

Come join the fun! Be a farmer for a day!

Get the scoop on Green and Growing by attending a field day on Marth 16th to learn about horticulture production and research. The day starts and ends at the Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Services office at 1303 17th St. W. Palmetto.  During the day we will be talking to people with different careers in agriculture.  We will also be visiting Manatee County nursery/farm where we will learn what it's like to be a farmer.

Topics to be presented: 

· Laboratory and greenhouse tour at GCREC

· Hands on activities 

· Talk with researchers

· Visit a Manatee County plant nursery

... and more

Open to youth 8-13 years of age as of September 1, 2017 and costs $25.00. The fee includes group transportation and  activities.   The link to register is:   https://greenandgrowing-2018.eventbrite.com

This will be an outdoor event so please wear closed toe shoes and brings sunscreen.  Green and Growing has a limited program capacity. For more information, please contact Martha at the Manatee County Extension Office at  941.722.4524 ormglenn7@ufl.edu.

This program is open to all youth (ages 8-13) without regard to race, color, sex, handicap or national origin.  Anyone with a disability needing assistance should call 941.722.4524 prior to the field day.

IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE NOT A REGISTERED 4-H MEMBER, YOU MUST REGISER AS A SHORT TERM MEMBER BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT. REGISTRATION IS FREE AND CAN BE FOUND HERE: 

https://florida.4honline.com 4-H club members – join the Group: Green & Growing

Non-4-H – enroll as a short-term member by creating a profile,

-then join the Group: Green & Growing.

If you need help,  please contact the 4-H Office at 941.722.4524

Update from Syngenta

Syngenta has a few new crop protection chemical updates that I would like to share with you.

Advion Fire Ant bait is available for nursery and horse pasture use.  Until new Advion packaging hits the market, nursery users need to have the supplemental label (attached) in hand.  Advion is a new mode of action for fire ant control, and typically eliminates treated fire ant colonies in 24-48 hours.  The USDA Red Important Fire Ant quarantine treatment approval is pending and expected soon. 

Subdue Maxx is now labeled for vegetables and herbs.  This fits in to market expansion with edible plant production, and adds a valuable tool for Pythium, phytophthora and downy mildew control.

Profitability - Transportation Costs

Transportation costs industry wide are about 11% of costs of sales and have increased 17.7% in the last decade.  There are some expectations of increases in the future with some significant structural headwinds in the transportation sector.  Here is the final video form AmericanHort with Dr. Charlie Hall looking at this cost factor and how it affects profitability.   https://youtu.be/J8kpt7HY9fI

Profitability: Energy and Fertilizer Costs

Energy and fertilizer (which is positively correlated with energy) costs are slowly rising again and will have implications to your bottom line.  Here is the third video episode of Profit Margins with Dr. Charlie Hall.  See what he has to say about the near-term outlook on energy costs.   https://youtu.be/dTdrRPRnPEI

Cogongrass in Hillsborough County

I received a call last week from a landowner who is concerned about the spreading of cogongrass in Hillsborough County.  His concerns are justified considering this invasive grass chokes out natural habitat, creates a fire threat along roadsides, and is costly to control if it becomes established in border areas or pastures.  I also see areas where this grass is taking over the right-of-ways and starting in pastures or home sites with little effort to stop it.  This could create a long and costly battle down the road.

For controlling this invasive weed, only active ingredients glyphosate and imazapyr are suitable as control agents but their use can effect wanted vegetation nearby.  Control will also take a while if only sprays are used, as the rihizomes can resprout and produce new plants in a ring around the edges of where the spraying was done.  Usually multiple sprays over a few years are needed for control.  Think about three years for proper control.  When possible discing or tilling to break the rhizome chains to induce sprouting will help form new sprouts that can be sprayed. 

Here is an article on cogongrass control from the Journal of Invasive Plant Science Management on a study using glyphosate, imazapyr, or the combination at different timings and how control can be achieved in three years. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/47330    Here is a factsheet on controlling cogongrass in the nursery.  http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/pdf/agriculture/ornamental_production/CogongrassPlantNurseries.pdf

Labor and Profit Margins

Labor is the most expensive cost of producing ornamental plants and these costs have gone up 30% in the last ten years.  If you aren't focused on how to reduce labor costs while growing plants then profits will continue to be elusive. 

Here is another video (Part 2 in a series on profit margins) from AmeriHort and Dr. Charlie Hall from Texas A&M.  This one is about labor costs, the outlook on labor and how this affects profit margins.  Here is the link to watch it. https://youtu.be/MVd95lJyIdg

FDACS OAWP Rule 5M-1 January 2018

Here is an important regulatory update that you should be aware of...

Attention farmers and ranchers.   We want to give you a heads-up about a recent rule associated with the Florida Agricultural Best Management Practices Program (BMPs) that was written by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Water Policy (OAWP), and was passed by the legislature.   Implementation Verification Rule 5M-1 provides regulatory assurance to FDACS and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that BMPs designed to meet watershed restoration goals are being implemented by Florida farmers and ranchers.
DEP has tested waterbodies throughout the state and has designated many of them to be impaired below state standards.  To improve water quality in these systems, DEP, along with many stakeholders, has established Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPS) statewide. 
To address these impairments DEP and stakeholders are implementing strategies to reach BMAP nutrient or bacteria reduction goals.  As part of these strategies, regulatory agencies are utilizing environmental permitting to meet their goals while other entities, including counties and local governments that contribute non-point sources of pollution to waterbodies, use other methods to accomplish BMAP objectives.   Agriculture is using FDACS-Adopted BMPs to meet water quality goals.
Florida Agriculture BMPs have been extensively used statewide for about two decades.  Farmers and ranchers throughout the state have signed Notices of Intent (NOIs) to Implement BMP’s with FDACS OAWP and are presumed to be in compliance with state water quality regulations.   However, best practices and technology change over time and DEP needs assurance that farmers are still implementing the applicable practices on their NOIs.  Because of this, FDACS OAWP developed the Implementation Verification Rule 5M-1.
 This rule states that FDACS will verify the BMP Implementation status of agriculture by using self-verification and site visits by staff along with information gathered from other agencies and property appraisers.  The information gathered by FDACS is confidential and exempt from public records disclosure.
FDACS OAWP will begin sending self-verification e-mails and letters to producers beginning in January 2018.  It is important that you fill out and return the questionnaire.  If you have any questions or issues with filling out the forms, please do not hesitate to call your Extension Agent for help with any production questions.  You may also call a UF/IFAS BMP Implementation Team member or FDACS OAWP staff for any other questions.

-Jemy West Hinton, UF/IFAS BMP Program

Shrinking Profit Margins

One of the biggest problems we are faced with in the environmental horticulture industry is shrinking profit margins.  Our input costs have been rising and our sales prices have remained relatively flat.  Ever wonder by just how much your costs have gone up?

I highly recommend you watching this video from AmeriHort with Dr. Charlie Hall form Texas A&M.  He is a great horticultural economist and speaks our language when it comes to dollars and cents/sense.  Here is a link to the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVoR_8qnemA&feature=youtu.be