master gardeners

UF/IFAS Master Gardeners Gear Up for Spring Festivals, Plant Sales

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Nursery Crops

Spring is around the corner, and Master Gardeners across central Florida are gearing up for festivals and plant sales. The UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardeners Volunteer program, part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is celebrating 40 years in Florida. There are approximately 4,000 Master Gardener volunteers across the state, said Wendy Wilber, UF/IFAS Extension  state …

bull

Summary of the 2018-19 Florida Bull Test & Bull Sale

Dan Cattle, Florida

The 2018-19 Florida Bull Test Sale was held last month at the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Marianna. And according to Beef Nutrition Specialist Nicolas DiLorenzo, they had an excellent turnout and a very dynamic sale of 59 bulls from 4 different breeds. And despite the impact of Hurricane Michael on NFREC facilities and the community, the …

uf forest

UF Hosts International Forest Health Expert

Dan Education, Florida, Forestry

The world is more interconnected than ever. Globalization allows for vast economic growth and development. However, there can be unintended consequences – the introduction of potentially threatening non-native species into new ecosystems. “Many small but mighty pests and pathogens are moving around the world,” said Jiri Hulcr, an associate professor with the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC), …

agriculture

UF/IFAS Researchers: Robots May Run Future Farms

Dan Florida, Research, Technology

Agriculture, one of the world’s oldest vocations, is also one that continues to reinvent itself with new technology. From the introduction of the steel plow to automated tractors to modern fertilizer applications, technology has improved effectiveness and increased efficiency. Now, two University of Florida professors say robots and information technology will rule the roost on farms in the coming years. …

industrial hemp

Industrial hemp a featured topic at UF/IFAS ag policy conference Feb. 26 in Balm

Dan Florida, Industry News Release, Specialty Crops

Industrial hemp may soon be a financially significant crop in Florida, and an expert with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will discuss some of the challenges and opportunities related to this fledgling industry at the fourth annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference in Balm. The conference happens 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26 …

master

Younger Generation Bringing New Energy to UF/IFAS Master Gardeners

Dan Florida, Industry News Release

Program Celebrates 40 Years in Florida Angie Dixon, 38, was working long hours as a project manager, but would spend weekends trolling plant shows and local community gardens. Though she loved everything about plants, she knew nothing about gardening. “I figured gardening would be a cool activity to do with my 5-year-old son,” said Dixon, of Orlando. “So, I bought …

spread

Spread the Good News: Jan. 24 is National Peanut Butter Day

Dan Industry News Release, Peanuts

The peanut butter sandwich is about as American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie. But history tells us its origins date back to the ancient Incas and Aztecs. All these years later, peanut butter remains a staple in many people’s diets, so celebrate the spread on National Peanut Butter Day, Jan. 24. Here’s a little peanut butter history lesson, …