The purpose of the UF/IFAS Jefferson County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Program is to provide educational programs, assistance and opportunities to producers, homeowners and stakeholders related to sustainable agriculture practices in livestock, agronomic crops, horticulture, timber and natural resources management.
So in other words, I stay pretty busy around here and 2019 was just that! I’m happy to share highlights from some of the agriculture and natural resources related programs offered through Extension and some of the impacts these programs have made to our community.
We held five pesticide trainings this year. Through these trainings, farmers, ranchers and landowners were able to either obtain their pesticide license or earn the continuing education units (CEUs) needed to keep their license current. A total of 79 people obtained pesticide licensure and 127 people earned a total of 464 CEUs. The Journal of Pesticide Safety Education reports that the average cost per credit hour for pesticide license exam prep is $1,793 and $566 per credit hour for CEU education, while Extension programs offer license prep and CEUs for free or at a discounted cost. The estimated value of these pesticide trainings are $404,271.
A total of 38 fruit and vegetable producers participated in the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. This training allowed producers in attendance to receive the training certificates required for their food safety audits. In addition to that, the certificate enables them to remain in compliance with federal and state food safety regulations.
We participated in several on-farm trials including a peanut and cotton variety trial and a cool-season forage trial. These demonstrations give producers an opportunity to see how different varieties grow in multiple locations, under “real life” management.
We partnered with Leon County Extension to offer the Fall Backyard Gardening Series. At this workshop, 11 people attended and gained knowledge of gardening techniques, integrated pest management and soil and fertilizer requirements.
One of my favorite accomplishments of 2019 was the resurrection of our Jefferson County Cattlemen’s Association. Together with the help of several cattlemen and women in the community, we worked to bring our local association back to life. After many years of inactivity, we elected new officers and held three educational meetings in 2019. In addition to that, our membership grew from 25 members to 100.
Overall, 917 people attended agriculture and natural resources programs this year. A total of $16,321 in in-kind donations through volunteer hours (50 hours of service), usage of facilities for educational programs (5 events), seed, supplies and equipment usage was raised this year. In addition to that, $3,700 in monetary donations through meeting sponsorships was raised.
2019 was a great year and we accomplished a lot. I am so thankful for the partnerships and stakeholders in the community that see the value in Extension and for their continued support. I look forward to keeping the momentum moving in 2020 and continuing to offer educational programs to the people of Jefferson County. With that being said, here are some of the upcoming programs at the Extension Office:
Spring Backyard Gardening Series – Thursdays, March 26th and April 4th from 6-8PM at the Extension Office. Topics will include garden site selection, soil and fertilization, spring planting and garden techniques.
Beyond Basic Produce Safety Training – Wednesday, April 8th 8AM-5PM at Florida Georgia Citrus. Hands-on workshop for produce growers, packers and harvesters looking at critical areas on a farm where food safety concerns need to be addressed.
Build Your Own Farm Food Safety Plan – Thursday, April 9th – 8AM-5PM at Extension Office. Interactive workshop targeted to fresh fruit growers who are interested in developing or refining a farm food safety plan.
For more information, contact the UF/IFAS Jefferson County Extension Office at 850-342-0187.
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