The University of Florida IFAS Extension and Team Santa Rosa announces its 2009 Gulf Coast Agribusiness Conference on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at the Jay Community Center located at 5259 Booker Lane, Jay, FL 32565.
Oil prices, global competition, development pressures—our Gulf Coast farms are currently facing challenges. To address these concerns, speakers from the Southeast region will provide our area farmers with ideas for new crops and business models. A trade show will be held at the conference, with space for vendor booths and equipment displays.
The target audience for this conference is producers of all types of crops in the Western Panhandle of Florida and Baldwin and Escambia Counties in Alabama. We are also advertising it as an informational seminar for prospective new farmers. Conference topics include “Bees for Pollination,” “Farm Records and Tax Management for Small Farms,” “Exploring Successful Small Farms,” “Practical On Farm Use Biodiesel,” “Hydroponic & Greenhouse Production & Demonstration,” “Growing Crops for Oil and Ethanol Production,” and on-site demonstrations to include on farm pelletizing equipment comprised of a wood chipper, a hammer mill, and a wood pelletizing unit. Pellet manufacturing will be showcased using a variety of wood and grass feedstock available at the farm.
Our Gold Sponsors include Baker Metal Works & Supply, Santa Rosa Farm Bureau, Farm Credit of NW Florida, Gulf Power Company, Pensacola Tractor & Equipment, Chumuckla’s Farmers Opry & Campground, and United Bank.
For more information on obtaining registration & sponsorship information contact Robin Vickers (rvickers@ufl.edu) at 850-983-5216 x 113 or Jennifer Walters (jwalters@teamsantarosa.com) at 850-623-0174.