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!

Do Tailwater Recovery Ponds Help Growers?

SWFWMD and farmers may have slightly different ideas on the purpose of tailwater recovery ponds.  In fact, even I was under a big misconception regarding the purpose of these ponds.  Many growers are operating on a false assumption that ponds are a way to capture and store excess water for use whenever needed or in amounts above their water use permit (WUP).  SWFWMD sees them as a way to reduce groundwater pumping from the aquifer.

The development of surface water and tailwater recovery reservoirs are effective BMPs to achieve both water quality improvements and groundwater conservation. These reservoirs are typically excavated below ground level at the low end of a farm to collect excess irrigation water and storm water run-off. The use of these reservoirs for irrigation is effective in reducing or "offsetting" the amount of groundwater that is withdrawn from the Upper Floridan aquifer for irrigation and frost/freeze protection. They also improve water quality of the downstream watershed by reducing irrigation runoff of mineralized groundwater applied to crops.

To incentivize implementation of farm ponds as a source of irrigation water, the FARMS Program and the producer share the total project costs of the components and materials used in the construction of pump stations that withdraw water from the reservoir and feed it into the irrigation system. This includes, but may not be limited to: surface water pumps; power units for the pump; materials for the foundation and protective structure; filtration systems, fuel tanks, and flow meters; culverts and control structures that enhance tailwater recovery; intake/mainline piping and any other necessary appurtenances to connect the surface water pump station to the existing irrigation system. Although excavation of the reservoir itself is not considered a FARMS eligible cost, it can be included in the total project cost and go towards the grower’s required contribution.

Before the new farm pond is operational the grower will need to modify his/her Water Use Permit to include the new surface withdrawal. The amount of water that is withdrawn from the pond is identified on the Water Use Permit as a surface withdrawal and those same quantities will be shown as stand-by on the new permit.

 First let’s use an example of a nursery that is permitted for ten acres, puts in a one acre pond.   For starters, the nursery now has nine acres of production, so the WUP is decreased by one acre since there are only nine acres of production land.  So the total quantity allocated to the farm is lowered.  Some of the water that was allocated on the WUP will be taken off the ground water and moved to the surface water of the pond and that same quantity will be a standby quantity on the ground well should the pond go dry.  Let’s just say that is 10% for example sake.  So your total allocation must be met with surface water first and then ground water secondly.  If your surface water supplies more than the 10%, you can pump from the surface water and reduce the groundwater pumping, however, you still cannot exceed your total WUP (surface + ground cannot be greater than 100%) allocated to the 9 acres.   This is where growers find difficulty.  If you supplied half of your WUP with your surface water you cannot pump the 90% allocated on your permit from the groundwater.  You would be exceeding your total WUP (50% surface and 90% goundwater= 140% of total WUP).    Always read and ask questions about your WUP before you sign it to eliminate conflicts down the road.  Ponds may work well when there is too much pressure on ground water resources in an area or if there are issues with ground water quality but may take out potentially productive land. District staff are available to assist any grower with questions/concerns about the use of alternative water supply projects.  Growers are encouraged to contact Reed Putnall, Hydrogeologist, FARMS Program, (941) 377 – 3722, ext. 6546.

Polk County Irrigated Land Report

Here is an interesting report from the USGS on irrigated land in Polk County.  It is a map based delineation of the crops that were growing in 2016 along with a detailed summary.  It is interesting to look at the total consumption of ground water along with other industries and it is also interesting to note that total usage has been declining for the county among all sources of withdrawls listed.
The results of this inventory in 2016 shows, an estimated 88,652 acres were irrigated within Polk County;83,995 acres were in citrus; 2,893 acres were in other non-citrus fruit crops (blueberries, grapes, peaches, and strawberries); 621 acres were in row crops (primarily beans and watermelons); 1,117 acres were in nursery (container and tree farms) and sod production; and 26 acres were in field crops including hay and pasture.
If you would like to take a look at this report, here is a link to the USGS document set.  https://pubs.er.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20171082

Agricultural Stakeholder Water Meeting with CFWI

For producers that operate in Polk county there is a water meeting that you might like to be in on.   The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) is having a stakeholder meeting for solutions to the regions future water needs and how they might impact our industry.  This is your change to give feedback on these proposals. Here is the meeting announcement below.

In the agriculture industry, one of the greatest issues of importance is water. 

We have been working with the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) to discuss diminishing water resources in Central Florida and ramifications to the agriculture industry if we do not act now to address this issue. 

The CFWI is a collaborative effort guided by three water management districts – the St. Johns River Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, along with the Department of Environmental Protection – to find new ways to meet increasing demands for limited freshwater resources in the region.  These agencies, along with other key stakeholders, are working toward water resource planning, development, and management for Florida’s current and long-term water supply needs.

Now is the time for your input and action.  As a leader in the agricultural industry, we understand you have a vested interest in how water resources are addressed in our region and how they affect your business – today and in the future.

The CFWI will be presenting a proposed Solutions Plan for the region’s future water needs on Wednesday, May 20th from 2:00pm – 4:30pm.  This will be your opportunity to hear, first hand, what the proposed solutions for our region’s water shortages are, how they impact our industry, and offer feedback and input on those proposed solutions. 

The CFWI Workshop will be held at ChampionsGate, 8575 White Shark Boulevard, Davenport, FL 33896. 

Please RSVP your attendance to https://agricultureindustry.eventbrite.com or by calling 407-758-5873.

Central Florida Water Initiative Meeting

The Central Florida Water Initiative is a collaboration of different stakeholders and regulators to look at the sustainability of the water resources at the conversion points of three water management districts in an area that includes southern Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Polk counties. The three water management districts, along with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), regional public water supply utilities and other stakeholders are collaborating to develop a unified process to address central Florida’s current and long-term water supply needs.  One of things that Jim Fletcher (County Extension Director of Osceola County who sits on the committee) has been trying to do, is make sure agriculture is represented at the the table.  Part of the continuing efforts of this planning initiative is the development of a solutions planning team that represent all the interests in the 5 county area.  Jim was selected to serve as the agriculture representative on the committee. Part of the charge of this committee is to make sure all interests have been heard as the initiative moves forward.  Robert Beltran, Executive  Director for SWFWMD is the chair person of this solution team.  Mr. Beltran would like to meet with the agricultural industry as a whole to make sure he understands and can report all the issues.  If you are interested in attending the meeting with Robert Beltran and CFWI it is on April 16, at 1:30-3:30 pm at the UF Osceola County Extension Service, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, Fl 34744.  For more information please call 321.697.3000.  You may want to visit the Central Florida Water Initiative website http://cfwiwater.com/  to get more information prior to the meeting.

Water Supply Webinar for Central Florida

Water supply and quality are important topics nowadays and have far reaching impacts on how business is done. Here is an chance to see how water supply will be planned for through the Central Florida Water Initiative. If you are a Polk County grower I would encourage you to attend this webinar. Interactive Webinar about Regional Water Supply Planning in Central Florida – August 29 at 1:30 p.m. The St. Johns River, South Florida and Southwest Florida water management districts are working collaboratively with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and regional utilities to address near- and long-term water supply needs in the central Florida region. Through the Central Florida Water Initiative, the agencies are engaging stakeholders in the development of a Regional Water Supply Plan for the area, which includes Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and southern Lake counties. Webinar Agenda: Overview of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Highlights of the regional water supply planning process Question and answer session You are invited to take part in this free webinar to learn more about the CFWI, find out how you can become involved in the regional water supply planning process and get your questions answered by a panel of CFWI experts. Date: Thursday, August 29, 2013 Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m. Visit: Polk-County.net/icast to join the webinar (no pre-registration is required) For more information, please visit CFWIwater.com. Webinar sponsored by Polk County Board of County Commissioners

SWFWMD Opportunities for Growers

Here are some opportunities from SWFWMD to fund projects that will reduce water.  These are great projects that will help to deliver water and nutrients in an effiecient and effective manner to help you save your natural and monetary resources.

Available for all Counties within the Southwest Florida Water Management District

75% Reimbursement up to a Maximum of $5,000

Items Eligible for Cost Share

Soil Moisture Probes/Tensiometers

Soil/Tissue Testing to Determine Fertilizer Recommendations
Water Table Observation Wells
Weather Station w/ET measurement
Data Logger/Telemetry Unit/Power Sources/Software
Culverts w/Riser Board Structures
EC/Salinity Measuring Devices or Equivalent Technologies
Surface Water Irrigation Pumps, Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Groundwater Irrigation Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Totalizing Flow Meters for Systems Not Required to Meter by WMD
Closed-Pipeline Water Delivery/Tailwater Recovery
Water Quality Test Kit
Petiole Sap Test
Soil pH Testing Kit
Permanent Fertigation Facility
Wetland Exclusion Fencing/Temporary Fencing for Denuded Areas
Other Approved Water Quality Improvement Projects
Other Approved Water Conservation Projects

Also there is funding for weather stations.  Some restrictions apply...
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has established a cost-share program to help producers enrolled in FDACS BMPs purchase on-site weather stations and temperature sensors. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Producers who own operations with less than 300 acres of production land may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each operation. Producers who own larger operations may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each 300 acres of production land on the operation(s). FDACS will provide 75 percent of the cost up to a $25,000 maximum per producer, with a $5,000 cap per station/sensors set.

The stations will be installed by a company that agrees to meet the approved specifications, at the on-site location(s) the farmer designates.  These weather stations will collect real-time information throughout the year on rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, dew point, wind speed, and wind direction. The information will be accessible to producers on their smartphones and computers, through a University of Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) website. 

Why purchase a weather station?  The use of weather stations helps producers:

• Better determine when to delay irrigation after rainfall and when to irrigate during frost/freeze events, which can reduce water use and save costs on pump operation.

• Better determine when to use fungicide or pesticide sprays or foliar fertilizer applications, which can avoid waste and save related costs.

• Enhance the potential for reducing the pumping of surface and ground water and the runoff and leaching of fertilizers and other farm chemicals into water resources.

For more information on these cost-share programs, and assistance with applying, please contact:
FDACS Jessica Stempien (813) 985-7481

Important For Polk County Ag Producers !!!

A stormwater assesment fee will be assesed for properties in unincorporated Polk County.  If you are an agricultural producer, specifically an ornamental nursery or sod producer in Polk County now is the time to sign up to implement Best Management Practices on your operation.  For folks to be exempted or receive mitigation credits, they need to apply before September 13^th for the credit to make this year’s tax billing.  In order to sign up for the BMPs it only takes a short visit (1.5 hours) from myself and Jemy Hinton with the UF BMP Implementation team/ FDACS to get you signed up. Just call me at Polk County Extension office 863-519-8677 or email me at ststeed@ufl.edu  
 Please read the information below on the Stormwater Assessment and the rules on the credit.

In response to federal and state mandates for local governments to improve the quality of stormwater runoff, on June 26, 2012, Polk County adopted a Stormwater Assessment Ordinance and preliminary rates to be assessed on lands in unincorporated Polk County. Florida Statues provide a 100 percent exemption to the stormwater assessment for agriculture properties that meet certain conditions.


Bona fide farm operations on land classified as agricultural land pursuant to section 193.461 F.S. will be exempt from the assessment if the farm operation provides documentation to the county that the operation has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, Environmental Resource Permit, Works-of-the-District Permit or Implements of Best Management Practices adopted as rules under Chapter 120 by the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or a Water Management District as part of a statewide or regional program. This exemption is not automatic. You will need to submit a mitigation credit application following its instructions to provide the necessary documentation to be exempt from this assessment.

To obtain a copy of the county’s mitigation application, or if you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact the Polk County Parks & Natural Resources Division at (863) 534-7377. After August 20, 2012, the county’s mitigation application will be available online at www.polk-county.net. Please follow the indicated links to obtain the application. However, we would encourage you to apply now if you meet the necessary conditions to be exempt.

Regional Southwest Florida Agriculture Water Update Meeting

I attended the SWFWMD Agriculture Water Update Meeting a couple of weeks ago in Plant City at the Trinkle Center.  The purpose of this meeting was to allow growers and ranchers operating within the boundaries of SWFWMD the opportunity to interact with agency leaders involved in water policy and to hear the latest updates related to agricultural water issues. Here is a brief layout summarizing and encapsulating the most important points of each speaker.  Mark Hammond-SWFWMD, spoke about water use and the ag programs.  John Abendroth – FDEP, summarized where we are currently at with the numeric nutrient criteria, total minimum daily loads (TMDLs), and basin management action plans (BMAPS).  Ann Shortelle – FDEP, summarized upcoming plans to make applications to water management districts for ground water pumping and renewal of consumptive use permits more efficient and consistent across and within the districts.  Rich Budell – FDACS, discussed the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI where the three districts meet in Central Florida) as a collaborative effort to manage the water resources in the central part of the state, and spoke about a new program of payment for environmental services by capturing water on agricultural land and receiving payments from the water management districts. This seems like a very innovative way to capture, treat, and amplify water storage in a collaborative way between landowners, government, and the water management districts. He also spoke about the importance of all agricultural producers signing up with the appropriate Best Management Programs (BMPS).  Which I must reiterate for all producers the importance of signing up under the BMP programs.  This removes the burden of proof from the producer in case nutrient contamination is in the area. The last speaker was Dr. Joan Dusky- UF Assistant Dean of Extension, summarizing how UF works collaboratively between water management districts, industry, government, and agriculture to benefit the public. She spoke about the latest research involving management of water resources across all different levels from the molecular to the farm. She also summarized by saying UF research/extension is ready, willing, and able to help bring sound science to bear in these ongoing efforts.

Nursery Production Water Webinar Series

Water, water, everywhere!  This is an awesome educational opportunity for growers.  The Water Education Alliance for Horticulture is working with University of Florida Cooperative Extension, OFA, FNGLA, the German grower association Zentralverband Gartenbau and several experts at universities and companies on webinar topics to help growers conserve, recirculate, and treat irrigation water.

This is a great opportunity to sit at your own computer for lunch and get the latest information from around the world on a variety of timely water topics.  The technology is very easy to use so don't get intimidated.  You will click on a link and join the webinar.  Just make sure that your computer has speakers or you have a phone that can call for the audio.  It couldn't be any simpler to get UF Extension education. 

Registration is free at watereducationalliance.org (click on “workshops”), and 45-minute presentations will run at noon EDT on the following Tuesdays

29-Nov   Best Management Practices for water conservation Tom Yeager (University of Florida)

6-Dec   Biology of waterborne pathogens Gary Chastagner (Washington State University)

13-Dec   A Systems Approach for Managing Phytophthora Diseases in Nurseries: the Importance of Water. Jennifer Parke (Oregon State University)

20-Dec   Monitoring water quality Paul Fisher (University of Florida)

10-Jan   Filtration and avoiding clogging of irrigation lines (Dramm Water)

17-Jan  Surface cleaning and sanitation Warren Copes (USDA-ARS)

24-Jan  Algae control and pond management Ken Wagner (Water Resources Services)

31-Jan  Pro and cons of water disinfection techniques: A European perspective Walter Wohanka (Geisenheim Research Center, Germany)

7-Feb  Designing water treatment systems Paul Fisher.

If you are a nursery producer and irrigate plants then I hope you will take the time to learn more about some of these topics.  If you have any questions please call Shawn at 813-629-6104.

Water Saving Technology

Here is a great idea for saving water in the nursery.  The moisture click from Dynamax.  A realy convient, inexpensive method to let the plant dictate when it needs water.  This simple device plugs into your controller at one end and the other end in a planted pot.  You simply set the moisture percentage of the substrate to the level that you dicide is the dry set point where the irrigation controller needs to turn on.  The moisture probe will then sample your pot and when the plant needs water the switch will allow your program to run.  This works great for growing one size or type of plant at a particular age which is a limitation for its use.  Otherwise it seems like a great water saving technology.  Click here to watch a really short video I created to demonstrate it better.   http://tiny.cc/mclick

Money for Irrigation Conservation

Here is another update from USDA NRCS about how you can save money by upgrading your irrigation.

Funding Available for Producers to Improve and Conserve Water


Gainesville, FL., April 13, 2011 – Funding applications are being accepted for Dover/Plant City area farmers and ranchers to help conserve water and improve water quality on their agricultural working lands. The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) is administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which enters into agreements with conservation partners to help landowners plan and implement conservation practices in project areas established through the agreements.


$298, 215 is available this year through a multiyear project in which Florida NRCS partnered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Producers in the Northern Tampa Bay area of Hillsborough County and a small part of Polk County have until May 6, 2011, to apply for this program at their local NRCS office.
"Florida NRCS is working hard to support efforts to protect and preserve our water resources,” said Carlos Suarez, NRCS state conservationist in Florida. “This AWEP funding will help producers in Hillsborough County begin or expand plans and projects to improve water quality.”

AWEP partner proposals are selected using a competitive process that considered several factors including statutorily defined priority areas, emphasis for water conservation activities such as conversion of irrigated land to dry land farming and assistance to farmers and ranchers to meet regulatory requirements. Approved partners enter into multi-year agreements with NRCS to promote ground and surface water conservation or improve water quality on eligible agricultural lands in the project area.

Producers interested in applying for funding must submit applications through their local NRCS Service Center, which can be located on the internet at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app. Additional information about AWEP is available at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/awep. Information about other NRCS conservation programs can be found at www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.

Money for BMP's

As an Extension Agent attending a training on the cost of removing nitrogen and phosphorous from water once it is leaving the farm, I would implore any producers to first monitor your fertilizer program and water quality. To measure is to know. You need to know what you are doing in terms of fertilizer before you can affect change to the system. You also don't want to be spending any more money that you absolutely have to in order to grow your plants. Secondly, I would also implore you to sign up for the BMPs if you haven't already done so. Eventually you will you need to prove you are not adversely affecting the water leaving your farm or you can sign up for the notice of intent to implement the best management practices for nursery crops and fall within the presumption of compliance. The process is fairly painless and quick to do. If the whole thing sounds scary don't take my word for it. Please give me a ring and I can get you in contact with producers that have gone through the process and let you speak with them directly.

Here is a notice from SWFWMD about some of their programs to help producers do a better job of regulating their irrigation quantities that quality.

Implementation Cost Share Programs:
1. SWFWMD Mini-FARMS Program
a. Fiscal Year 2010 – 2011, $14, 700 left for growers interested in implementing water quality improvement or water conservation projects
i. Maximum Reimbursement is $5,000 or 75% of the project total cost
ii. Growers have to meet eligibility requirements and complete a simple application
iii. Growers have to be located within the SWFWMD and have less than 100 acres
b. Fiscal Year 2011 – 2012, next round of funding available in October
i. Growers can be put on list for next years’ funding

Mini-FARMS Contact Information

FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy
Noel Marton, Environmental Specialist III(Polk, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, Desoto, and Charlotte counties)
Office: (941) 377-3722 Ext. 6516
Fax: (941) 373-7660 noel.marton@freshfromflorida.com

BMP Implementation Cost Share Programs:
FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy
Jessica McCoy Stempien, Environmental Specialist II (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Lee, Hernando, Sumter, Citrus, and Marion counties)
Office: (813) 985-7481 Ext. 2125
Fax: (813) 987-6746
jessicalea.stempien@freshfromflorida.com


Mini-FARMS Eligible Cost Share Practices List
Soil Moisture Probes / Tensiometers
Soil Testing to Determine Fertilizer Recommendations
Water Table Observation Wells
Weather Station with ET Measurement
Data Logger/Telemetry Unit/Power Source/Software
Culverts with Riser Board Structures
EC / Salinity Measuring Devices or Equivalent Technologies
Irrigation Pumps, Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Totalizing Flow Meters for Systems Not Required to Meter for WMD
Closed-Pipeline Water Delivery/Tailwater Recovery
Water Quality Test Kit
Petiole Sap Test
Soil PH Testing Kit
Permanent Fertigation Facility
Wetland Exclusion Fencing/Temporary Fencing for Cow/Calf and Equine Operations
Other Approved Water Conservation Projects


BMP Implementation Cost Share Programs Continued:
2. Hillsborough County Soil and Water Conservation District Mini-FARMS Program
a. $13,500 left until June 30th for growers interested in implementing water quality improvement or water conservation projects
i. Maximum Reimbursement is $5,000 or 75% of the project total cost
ii. Growers have to meet eligibility requirements and complete a simple application
iii. Projects are for a 100 acres or less
3. Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP)
a. For growers located in the SWFWMD’s Dover/Plant City Water Use Caution Area
i. Cost share program for tailwater recovery, surface water pump upgrades, irrigation efficiency improvements, laser leveling, etc.
ii. Growers must register with the Farm Service Agency
iii. Deadline to enroll is mid March
iv. If interested please contact, Jennifer Abbey, Hillsborough County District Conservationist at 813-752-1474 ext 3

BMP Development/Adoption:
Water Quality BMPs for Florida Equine Operations Pending Adoption
Water Quality and Quantity BMPs for FL Specialty Fruit and Nut Operations Pending Adoption
Notice of Rule Development sent to the capital
Manuals can be found at http://www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com/BestManagementPractices.html.

Misting Water to Protect from Cold

Here is an article I read from physorg.com written by Tom Nordlie. It is about research that Dr. Bob Stamps has been working on for the last few years looking at misters and foggers in protected structures to provide cold protection. I've copied the important stuff below.

"Now, a three-year study by University of Florida researchers suggests it would be more cost-effective to heat shade houses with water, using devices called foggers and misters that emit clouds of tiny airborne droplets.
The results were published in the current issue of the journal HortScience.
“This seems to be a very efficient way to heat in subtropical climates (in shade houses and greenhouses),” said Bob Stamps, an environmental horticulture professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “The systems are so much less expensive than heaters and reduce fossil fuel consumption.”
Misters and foggers are widely available and commonly used to irrigate plants and reduce air temperature in hot weather, Stamps said. Misters emit water droplets averaging about 150 microns in diameter; droplets from foggers average 90 microns. A micron is one one-millionth of a meter.
Depending on the season, well water can accomplish either heating or cooling because it has the same temperature year-round, ranging from about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
In chilly weather, the tiny droplets quickly radiate heat into the air, because they have a large amount of surface area relative to their overall volume.
The study involved two types of misters and two foggers in commercial nurseries during three winters. They kept shade houses warm enough to protect all but one genus of plant, from at least nine tested.
With water conservation a major issue in Florida, UF researchers are eager to find ways of minimizing the amount needed to protect crops.
One fogging system evaluated in the study used only about 750 gallons per acre per hour, compared with 5,000 gallons for one of the misters. Stamps said the research team would like to investigate whether the devices can protect plants when used intermittently, which could save more water."

If you would like to read the rest of the article click on the following link: http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-fogging-misting-ornamental-foliage-cold.html

Open Letter to Agricultural Producers about EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria

Here is an open letter from

the Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson and Micheal Sole the Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection encouraging all agricultural producers to sign and implement the Best Management Practices for their respective operations. Just click on the link below to read the letter.

http://www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com/PDF/OpenLetter100608.pdf

The EPA has finalized the levels for nutrients that are allowed in the waterways of Florida in order to meet water body standards of quality and reduce the amount of impaired water bodies in the state. The new standards will go in effect 15 months from now. This will require stakeholders to implement plans and remediate affects of nutrient runoff to waterways. As a producer you will eventually either verify that you are not causing nutrient runoff from your nursery or sign up and follow the FDACS Best Management Practices for Nurseries. This is extremely important that you sign up with the BMPs if you haven't done so already. You can call me to talk about it or Jemy Hinton 813-478-6630. This regulation will have far reaching consequences and as a producer you need to be proactive to minimize risk. Here is more information from an article from Growing Produce http://www.growingproduce.com/news/?storyid=4644 and here is a publication from UF about the entire Nutrient Numeric Criteria regulation entitled, "A Guide to EPA's Proposed Numeric Nutrient Water Quality Criteria for Florida" http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/SS/SS52800.pdf

Meeting Reminder for FAWN Class May 13, 2010

This is from Rick Lusher who will be conducting a meeting here at the extension office about using information from the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) for scheduling irrigation.

On May 13, 2010, the University of Florida FloridaAutomated Weather Network (FAWN) will host an irrigation school at the HillsboroughExtension Service from 9 am until 1 pm, with lunch included. This seminar is free and is being funded by by the Alafia River, Coastal Rivers, Hillsborough River, Manasota,Northwest Hillsborough, Peace River, Pinellas-Anclote River, and Withlacoochee RiverBasin Boards, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Topics covered will include urban water use, estimating evapotranspiration (ET) rates and how ET affects plant water supply, using ET-based irrigation controllers, using theFAWN Urban Irrigation Scheduler, agricultural irrigation, and citrus irrigation scheduling. FAWN is a program of the University of Florida Institute of Food and AgriculturalScience (UF/IFAS), and provides weather data and weather-related services to a widevariety of users in Florida.

The Hillsborough Extension Service is located at 5339 County Road 579 Seffner, FL,33584.

Check out the FAWN site http://fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/ and look through the various FAWN Tools. These are handy when dealing with freezes and how much irrigation to run.

To register contact Rick Lusher at 352-392-0429, or rlusher@ufl.edu.

Numeric Nutrient Criteria

Most of you have already heard about the proposed EPA numeric nutrient criteria. You also probably know that it can have a major impact in your daily business life. The EPA is giving us guidelines as to how clean the water that leaves your farm needs to be. If the water does not measure up to the standards then measures to monitor and treat this water would be necessary. If you have already signed up for the Nursery Best Management Practices (BMP)you have a waiver of liability if you follow the practices and are found to be in violation of the standards. If you have not signed up yet...SIGN UP NOW!!! Call Jemy Hinton at 813-478-6630. She will walk you through the painless process and can even help you get cost share money to improve your production practices.

And for a reference guide to understand all this talk about the numeric nutrient criteria, IFAS has just published a handy guide to help you understand what is going on and how to be in on the process. Just click on the link below for A Guide to EPA's Proposed Numeric Nutrient Water Quality Criteria for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss528

Freeze Protection Refresher

Most of the growers I have surveyed have fared pretty well during these last couple weeks of freezes. I thought that I would put a few links of information related to cold protection from UF/IFAS researchers that growers could brush up on. Most growers are already dong a great job of protecting their crops but I thought that I might add a publication on freeze cloth as an alternative to pumping large quantities of water.

Here are the links:
This one is titled Row Covers for Commercial Vegetable Culture in Florida http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/cv201
The information is fairly applicable for ornamental growers.

This one is about ornamental freeze protecting: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG02500.pdf

Remember to make sure the ice that is forming is clear and forms icicles. If the ice is milky water may not be applied in adequate amounts.

Also remember to turn water off after the wet bulb temperature rises above freezing if it is windy or dry to avoid evaporative cooling.

Freeze Alert

I'm sure as a grower you are mindful of the freezes that are expected. I just wanted to remind of the link to FAWN Florida Automated Weather Network.

http://fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/ There are tools that can help you decide when to start the pumps running if you are freeze protecting and how low temperatures are expected to go.



Also here is a letter to growers from Hugh Gramling at TBWG.

We are expecting some of the coldest temperatures in the next few days we have seen in years. I know you already have made you plans on how to deal with the freeze.

Please make an accurate record of any watering you do for these next few days. Mark down the start times, start meter reading (if you have one), finish time, finish meter reading, volume, and any other pertinent information. This may make a big financial difference to you in the future. The aquifer in the central part of the county is being stressed by all the agricultural pumpage. While it will bounce back when everyone stops pumping, damage still may occur to shallow wells before that time.

If you have a water use permit, a condition is you must repair or replace any neighbor’s pump or well it is presumed you damaged as a result of the pumping. Adequate records may help you mitigate the cost associated with that. If you don’t have a permit, it still is good information to keep and may help you in some other way. Already one grower has been called by a neighbor wanting help with a well. Since the grower did not pump he acted like a good neighbor but had no financial obligation.

Also remember to report your frost/freeze quantities separately when you send in your monthly report. They do not count against your permitted water allocation.

Governor Charlie Crist has issued an executive order lifting weight restriction on the movement of agricultural products on FL roads for the next 14 days. This is to allow all ag producers a chance to move products quickly as a result of the freeze.

If you have any questions, please give me a call.

Hugh M. Gramling
Executive Director
Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers, laa
(813) 655-1914
www.tbwg.org

Water Quality and BMPs

In case you have been working too hard to sell your plants you may have missed all the commotion about our water quality. There are fertilizer ordinances being proposed and passed for homeowners to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus (N and P) that is leaching and running off their lawns and finding its way into our local waters. As part of this clean up of water quality, the EPA and the FL DEP are jostling to see just who will mandate and what levels are considered the limit for bad water quality in the state of Florida. This is to insure that our impaired waters are brought back to a clean, manageable level.

If you have not yet signed up to follow the BMP's (Best Management Practices) for container nurseries you really should. This gives the grower the right to be considered to be compliant with water quality standards with water leaving the farm. If you don't sign on to the BMP's you may be required in the future to prove that you are not causing adverse effects from your operation. The BMP's are a way for our industry to govern ourselves without an external governing agency doing that for us.

In the continuing saga of these regulations, here is the latest update from Ornamental Outlook:

The EPA is working on new regulations that would set surface water pollution standards for Florida. Capital costs to help abide by the proposed standards could prove devastating for Florida’s economy, especially for those in the agricultural sector. The deadline for setting the new standards is closing in

Industry organizations are going all out to stop the regulation that could go into effect as early as October 2010.
The Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA) and other agricultural groups have teamed up with business interests to form the Florida Water Quality Coalition. The coalition is taking proactive steps in helping stop this regulation including:
Consulting with legal counsel to challenge EPA's entire process in the courts
Working with specific interests to mount a highly prolific grassroots and public relations campaign
Collaborating with Florida's Congressional delegation to develop targeted legislative solutions to remedy this situation
The FNGLA and the coalition are asking all of its members, all of those in the Florida nursery and landscape industry, and even concerned citizens to contact their Members of Congress with the following message: EPA must reconsider and withdraw its decision requiring only Florida to adopt the numeric nutrient standards by the Jan. 14, 2010 deadline.
Go to http://donttaxflorida.com/ to learn more about this important issue.

Growers should stay up to date on this issue and should get on board with the BMP's.

Here's what Dr. Tom Yeager of UF/IFAS has to say about the BMP's:

As provided for by statutory rule, BMPs for container nursery crops will provide a waiver of
state-imposed liability for cleaning up contaminated surface or ground water provided the
owner or nursery operator has done the following:

• Filed a notice of intent with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
• Implemented and carried out the appropriate BMPs
• Maintained the necessary records of using BMPs.
The waiver is provided on the premise that a nursery operator is using the best production
practices. Therefore, water leaving the nursery property is presumed to meet state water-quality
standards and will not impair the natural waters of the state.
Additional benefits of using BMPs include:
• Protection from duplicate regulations at the local level
• Eligibility for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and possibly other cost-share
funds for retrofitting or implementing water-conserving irrigation systems
• Improved production efficiency and possibly reduced production costs
• A demonstration that the nursery industry can exercise its ability to determine what are the
“best” cultural practices and voluntarily use these practices rather than be confronted with
mandatory regulations.

Here is a link to the BMP manual for container nurseries.

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/bmp/containerBMP.pdf

If you would like to see what money is available to you after you sign up with the BMP's please refer to my previous posts under the label GRANTS.

If you would like more information please call me at the Extension office 813-744-5519 ext.147. Or you can call Jemy Hinton at 813-478-6630.