by Ricky Telg, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Data about the safety and health of agricultural, forestry and fisheries workers in Florida is severely outdated, according to the director of a newly formed agricultural health and safety center, and is a major reason the new Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (SCCAHS) was established. SCCAHS …
UF/IFAS’ Crane Honored by Horticultural Society
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences As a scientist and tropical fruit Extension specialist, Jonathan Crane has spent most of his adult life trying to help South Florida farmers grow crops in the Sunshine State’s hot, humid weather. In recognition of Crane’s work, the Florida State Horticultural Society has honored the University of Florida Institute …
UF Water Institute Gets $5 Million Grant to Aid Region’s Agriculture, Environment
by Beverly James, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences The University of Florida Water Institute has received a $5 million, five- year grant to promote water security for the region’s farmers, foresters, and the environment. The Water Institute, a campus-wide interdisciplinary Institute, received the grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture program. …
Achieving ‘Bliss’: Children, Adults Differ in How They Perceive Sweetness of Fruits
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Most children want their food to taste sweet. So, do you want your child to eat a candy bar or fruit when they have a snack? A team of researchers from the University of Florida and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Pennsylvania found children and adults differ in …
UF Scientists Work to Develop Heat-Resistant ‘ Cow of the Future ’
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Florida scientists are working to breed the “ cow of the future ” by studying the more heat-tolerant Brangus cow — a cross between an Angus and a Brahman. Raluca Mateescu, an associate professor in the UF/IFAS department of animal sciences, is part of a team …
UF Scientist: Calves Conceived in Winter Perform Better
Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cows and humans have something in common: If you take better care of the mother during pregnancy, her children are likely to be healthier – and this impact should last a lifetime, a University of Florida scientist says. In the case of cows, cool conditions are key. A new UF/IFAS …
No Override for Cuts to UF/IFAS Budget
When the Florida Legislature wrapped up its special session last Friday, some things survived the governor’s veto pen, but others didn’t. And that included cuts to the University of Florida/IFAS budget. According to Sydney Stone, legislative assistant for the University of Florida/IFAS Governmental Affairs, while the legislature did override some $60 million in cuts to higher education, it could not …
UF Weed Scientist to Lead Aquatic Invasives Center
by Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences A University of Florida weed scientist has been named the director of the Center of Aquatic and Invasive Plants, a unit that develops environmentally sound techniques to manage invasive weeds. Jason Ferrell, an agronomy professor at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, was named to the position …
UF/IFAS Budget Affected by Gov. Scott’s Veto Pen
According to a release from Sydney Stone, legislative assistant for the University of Florida/IFAS Governmental Affairs, while the governor’s veto list included a huge hit to the K-12 and higher education budget, 14 UF/IFAS projects, most of which were existing – not new projects — were saved. (from Sydney Stone) We want to send out a big, huge, thank-you to …
National Dairy Month-UF Researchers Try to Make Sure Dairy Farmers Produce the Best
Farmers and University of Florida researchers use genetics and other techniques to ensure consumers can pick from the best assortment of delicious, nutritious dairy products at the grocery store. Now that we’re in National Dairy Month, it’s a good time to appreciate the science-based innovations behind milk, cheese, and other favorite dairy products. UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences …