(GAINESVILLE, FL/September 7, 2021) — Andra Johnson, associate director of Penn State Extension, will be the next dean of UF/IFAS Extension and director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Florida announced on Tuesday. Johnson will assume the role on November 1. Johnson will lead UF/IFAS’ statewide network of more than 650 faculty educators and scientists, whose programs …
Cover Crops Promising, But …
Scientist Sarah Strauss has learned some interesting and promising things about the use of cover crops in Southwest Florida citrus over the past 2.5 years. But the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher has not yet found that cover crops provide what growers seek most — increased yields. Use of the crops has also not yet …
Educational Opportunities for Growers
Michael Rogers discusses several educational opportunities for citrus growers, including the Citrus, Vegetable and Specialty Crop Expo and Citrus Packinghouse Day. Rogers is the director of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC). The Expo (Aug. 18-19) and Packinghouse Day (Aug. 26) will be held in-person this year after taking place virtually in …
Inspect Your Irrigation System Regularly
Throughout the year, it is a good practice to check your irrigation system for leaks, wear, corrosion, and other physical damage that can limit the efficiency of the system. When it comes to ensuring the integrity of your plumbing, having a trusted plumber like a Townsville plumber can provide peace of mind and expert solutions for any issues that arise. …
COVID-19 Update for Growers and Packers
(UF/IFAS) — The CDC, FDA and USDA all agree “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19”, including imported foods and materials. FDA has issued guidance that if an employee tests positive for COVID-19 they “do not anticipate that food products would need to be recalled or be withdrawn from the market”. Citrus growers, harvesters, packers, …
COVID-19 Response: UF/IFAS Extension Statewide Uses Multiple Methods to Meet Floridians’ Needs
(UF/IFAS) — From Homestead to Pensacola, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff are using all tools necessary – including many virtual activities — to help businesses, neighbors and governments navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19. Here are some examples from UF/IFAS Extension county offices and Florida 4-H of our faculty assisting their communities around the state: Pinellas JP Gellerman, director of …
IFAS Extension Monitoring Coronavirus
The University of Florida IFAS Extension has been closely monitoring developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please see the following resources from the University of Florida, the CDC, WHO, and Florida Department of Health. University of Florida Resources UF Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Positive Cases in Florida UF Health Coronavirus Updates Center for Disease Control (CDC) Resources Handwashing Communication Materials COVID-19 Communication …
Florida Schools Teaching Aquaculture with UF/IFAS Help
(UF/IFAS) — Students are willing to get their hands slimy to learn about aquaculture. Youth in about 150 middle and high schools around Florida learn the aquaculture industry through the “Aquaculture in the Classroom” program, a partnership between public schools and UF/IFAS Extension. That’s more than a seven-fold increase in school participation from 2008, when the program started. Aquaculture serves …
Peanut Butter Challenge Back on Track After Hurricane Michael Recovery
(UF/IFAS) — Last year’s UF/IFAS Extension Peanut Butter Challenge was just getting started when Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle. As the communities dealt with the aftermath and UF/IFAS Extension offices became collection points for all varieties of donations, the annual peanut butter jar collection became less of a focus than the many items of need during recovery. This year’s …
Home Gardeners Continue to Seek Advice on EDIS
(UF/IFAS) — Only one new title joined this year’s top-10 UF/IFAS Extension EDIS publications, and like five others making the list, it appeals to horticulture interests. In all, the Electronic Data Information Source saw 4.6 million visits and more than 18 million pageviews this year. Here are 2019’s 10 most-visited EDIS publications: The “Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide” is a perennial …