University of Florida .edu
University of FloridaReport of Accomplishment 2009Plan of Work 20101. PERSONNEL INFORMATION Name:Robert C. HochmuthDepartment:North Florida REC – Suwannee Valley (County Operations)Live OakCurrent Rank:Multi County Extension Agent IV2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIESSpecific duties by percentage Suwannee Valley Vegetable Production45%Statewide Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Programs45%4-H, Youth and Other Extension Activities10%Total100%3. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATIONSpecialtyExpertise Small FarmsAlternative CropsCommercial Vegetable ProductionDrip IrrigationGreenhouse VegetablesHydroponicsPlasticultureNutrient ManagementIntegrated Pest Management4. ASSIGNED ACTIVITY (last ten years)2009-102008-092007-082006-072005-062004-052003-04Teaching0%0%0%0%0%0%0%Research0%0%0%0%0%0%0%Service0%0%0%0%0%0%0%Extension100%100%100%100%100%100%100%TOTAL100%100%100%100%100%100%100%5. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUNDEducational BackgroundUniversityProgram AreaDegreeYearUniversity of MarylandEntomologyM.S.1981University of MarylandExtension EducationB.S.19796. EMPLOYMENT University/ OrganizationTitlePermanent Status*YearUniversity of FloridaExtension Agent IV 7/1/1996 – CurrentUniversity of FloridaExtension Agent III7/1/1992 – 7/1/1996University of FloridaExtension Agent II1992*7/1/1988 – 7/1/1992*University of DelawareCounty Extension Coordinator10/1/1994 – 6/30/1988University of DelawareCounty Extension Agent4/1/1982 – 10/1/1984 *permanent status accruing7. YEAR TENURE/PERMANENT STATUS AWARDED BY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - 19928. UF TENURE AND PROMOTION CRITERIA – N/A9. TEACHING, ADVISING, AND/OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS – N/A10. TEACHING EVALUATIONS - N/A11. GRADUATE FACULTY STATUS - N/A12. GRADUATE COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES - N/A13. RESEARCH NARRATIVE-N/A14. CREATIVE WORKS OR ACTIVITIESWeb-based Communications (5)Co-Narrator and demonstrator with Wanda Laughlin for two video modules produced in cooperation with UF Agricultural Education and Communication Department, Scientific Thinking and Education Partnership (STEP) program. The videos were developed by UF students and posted on YouTube. “Market-Fresh Microgreens” () and Behind the Scenes with Microgreens” () Narrator for DVD video clip used at EPAF, Northeast District Success Story featuring small farms educational programs.Co-Narrator and demonstrator for newly packaged IFAS for sale DVD. In 2009 ICS developed a new DVD from video on the Virtual Field Day Web site. The DVD “Hydroponics for Small Farms and Gardens” began sale in July, 2009. 17 DVDs sold in 2009.Co-Narrator of three videos for Dr. Ricky Telg and UF Class, “Agricultural Communication Theory”. Videos were posted on YouTube at (). The videos were “The Message of Sustainability”, “Tailoring Messages to Farmers”, and “Integrating Innovative Ideas”.Co-Narrator with Linda Landrum for video posted on the Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Web site, () “Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You” Co-narrator and Demonstrator for seven educational video modules entitled “Greenhouse Pests Exclusion” for virtual field day site and demonstrator with Eric Simmonne in an educational video entitled “Drip irrigation for small farms” (filmed in 2007, released in 2008)Co-narrator and demonstrator with Eric Simmone in an educational video entitled “Visualization of water movement using blue dye” (filmed in 2007, released in 2008)Instructional Multi-Media Presentations (Power Point Presentations) (14)2009 (13) Presentations on topics such as small farms, drip irrigation, pest management, and greenhouse vegetables with a range of slides from 15-83.Hochmuth, R. M. Bauer. Irrigation and Nutrient BMPs for Watermelons (15 slides). Dec 2009.S. Olson, Hochmuth, R. Watermelon Disease Management Updates (27 slides) Dec 2009.Hochmuth, R. Vegetable Insects and Related Pests (83 slides). Oct 2009.Hochmuth, R. Developing Programs for Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises (23 slides). Sep 2009.Hochmuth, R. All About Irrigation (45 slides). Apr 2009.Hochmuth, R. Common Vegetable Diseases & Disorders (33 slides). Apr 2009Hochmuth, R. Hydroponics for Small Farmers (51 slides). Mar 2009.Hochmuth, R. Hydroponic Opportunities for Florida (52 slides). Mar 2009.Hochmuth, R. Extending the Growing Season with Protected Culture (49 slides) Mar 2009 & Jan 2009.Hochmuth, R. Vegetable Insect and Disease Updates (25 slides). Feb 2009.Hochmuth, R. Florida Small Farms: A Bright Future (44 slides). Feb 2009.Hochmuth, R. Integrated Pest Management in Organic Vegetable Production (50 slides). Jan 2009.Hochmuth, R. IFAS Welcome to AgriTunity Attendees (17 slides). Jan 2009.2008 - ( 15 ) Instructional Multi-Media presentations on topics such as small farms, irrigation, IPM, and hydroponics with a range of slides from 12 to 73.Hochmuth, R. Florida Small Farms – The Hidden Agricultural Majority (24 slides). November 24, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program Highlights in the Suwannee Valley (59 slides). October 27, 2008.Hochmuth, R., D. Treadwell, B. Burbaugh, and S. Gaul. 5 Steps to a Healthy Soil and IPM Strategies (68 slides). September 30, 2008.Hochmuth, R. All About Irrigation (36 slides). June 10, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Chestnut Cultivar Evaluations for North Florida (16 slides). May 29, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Planting Schemes, Irrigation 101, and Selecting Crops (73 slides). March 25, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Growing Bell Peppers in Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures (15 slides). March 5, 2008.Hochmuth, R. A New Use for Metalized Mulch Film in Managing Greenhouse Pests (19 slides). March 5, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Strategies for Managing Insects and Diseases (17 slides). February 18, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Development of the Virtual Field Day as an Extension Tool (15 slides). February 5, 2008. Hochmuth, R. Hydroponic Opportunities for Florida Small Farmers (40 slides). February 1, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Small Farms Weed Management Strategies (19 slides). January 28, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Florida Greenhouse and Outdoor Hydroponics (42 slides). January 26, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Successful Small Farms – Study Tour Overview (12 slides). January 24, 2008.Hochmuth, R. Site Preparation, Planting Dates, and Schemes (13 slides). January 16, 2008.Exhibits (1)2009 – (10) Exhibits developed on topics such as Florida Small Farms, Hydroponics, IPM, UF Small Farms Academy. Exhibits used at venue such as: FSHS, Agritunity and other Regional Small Farms Conferences, Florida Small Farms Conference, North Florida Fair, Florida Ag Expo, and Sunbelt Ag Expo.2008 – ( 5 ) Exhibits on topics such as Promotion for Small Farms Conference, IPM, Greenhouse Pest Exclusion, Micro-greens, and HydroponicsHochmuth, R. and L. Landrum. Small Farms Educational Programs. Educational Display at EPAF. Orlando, Fl. August 11 & 12, 2008.15. PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS - None16. PUBLICATIONSF. Refereed Publications (3)Simonne, E.H., C.M. Hutchinson, J.T. Devalerio, R.C. Hochmuth, D.D. Treadwell, A.L. Wright, B.M. Santos, A.J. Whidden, E.J. McAvoy, X. Zhao, T. Olczyk, and A. Gazula. 2009. Keeping water and nutrients in the rootzone of Florida’s horticultural crops. HortTechnology (in press).Simonne, E.H., R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth and D.W. Studstill. 2008. Development of a N fertigation program for grape tomato. J. Plant Nutr. 31:2145-2154Farneselli, M., D.W. Studstill, E.H. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth, and F. Tei. 2008. Depth and width of the wetted zone after leaching irrigation on a sandy soil and implication for nitrate load calculation. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 39:1192-1193.Treadwell, D. D., G. J. Hochmuth, R. C. Hochmuth, E. H. Simonne, L. L. Davis, W. L. Laughlin, S. A. Sargent, Y. Li, T. Olczyk, R. K. Sprenkel, and L. S. Osborne. 2007. Nutrient management for organic greenhouse culinary herbs: Where are we now? HortTechnology. 17(4):461-466.Simonne, A.H., J.M. Fuzere, E. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, and M.R. Marshal. 2007. Effect of nitrogen rates on chemical composition of yellow grape tomato grown in a subtropical climate. J. Plant Nutr. 30(4-6)927-936.Abstracts (1)Zhao, X., E. Simonne, and R. Hochmuth. 2009. Grafting as an alternative to methyl bromide in field tomato production. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 44:1058.G. Non-Refereed PublicationsProceedings (6)DeGioia, F. E. Simonne, D. Jarry, M. Dukes, R. Hochmuth and D. Studstill. 2009. Real-time drip-irrigation scheduling of watermelon grown with plasticulture. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 122 (in press)Poh, Bee Ling, E.H. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, A. Gazula, and D.W. Studstill. 2009. Effect of splitting drip irrigation on the depth and width of wetted zone in a sandy soil. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 122 (in press)Zhao, X., J.D. Edwards, E. Simonne, K. Koch, R. Hochmuth, S.M. Olson, and J.W. Scott. 2008. Plant tumor development on tomato derived from Lycopersicon hirsutum Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:167-169.Simonne, E., R. Datar, A. Simonne, R. Hochmuth, and A. Gazula. 2008. Sensory evaluation of red and yellow grape tomato varieties. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:178-182.Treadwell, D. A. Simmone, T. Nkambule, R. Hochmuth, W. Laughlin, C. Peavy, C. Rogers, and T. Olczyk. 2008. Yield, Chemical Composition, and Eating Quality of Heirloom Tomato Grown in the Subtropical Climate of Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:170-174.Hochmuth, R. L. Davis, W. Laughlin, and A. Warner. 2008. Chestnut (Castanea sp.) Cultivar Evaluations for North Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:41-42.Simonne, E., C. Hutchinson, J. DeValerio, B. Hochmuth, D. Treadwell, A. Wright, B. Santos, A. Whidden, G. McAvoy, X. Zhao, and T. Olczyk. 2008. Keeping water and nutrients in the root zone of vegetables, pp. 173-203, In: T. Obreza, E. Simonne and B. Boman (Eds.) Proceedings of the 2008 workshop on BMP research and Education priorities for horticultural crops, May 20-21, Apopka, FL.Hochmuth, R.C., D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.B. Landrum, W.L. Laughlin and L.L. Davis. 2008. Growing bell peppers in soilless culture under open shade structures. Amer. Soc. Plasticulture. Proc. 34th Natl. Agr. Plastic Congress, Tampa, FL, 32:46-50.Simonne, E.H., R.C. Hochmuth, A. Gazula, and D.W. Studstill. 2008. Splitting drip irrigation on a sandy soil does not affect the depth and width of the wetted zone. Proc. 34th Plasticulture Congress, Tampa, FL.Gazula, A., E.H. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, J.H. Chandler, and D.W. Studstill. 2008 Comparison of N fertigation programs for grape tomato grown with plasticulture. Proc. 34th Plasticulture Congress, Tampa, FL.Hochmuth, R., W. Laughlin, R. Sprenkel, and K. Smith. 2008. A New Use for Metalized Mulch Film in Managing Greenhouse Pests. Proc. 34th Plasticulture Congress., Tampa, FLOlczyk, T., Y. Qian, K.W. Migliaccio, Y.C. Li, G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, D.D. Treadwell, L.S. Osborne and R.K. Sprenkel. 2007. Nutrient management for greenhouse production of container grown organic herbs. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 120: 178-180.Breman, J. W., Simonne, A. H., Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B., Taylor, M. C., Evans, K., Peavy, C. & Goode, D. Z. 2007. "Quality Characteristics of Selected Muscadine Grape Cultivars Grown in North Florida" Proceedings Florida State Horticultural Society 2007.Olczyk, T., Y. Li, Y. Qian, G. Hochmuth, R. Hochmuth, E. Simonne, D. Treadwell, L. Osborne and R. Sprenkel. 2006. Developing nutrient management program for greenhouse production of culinary herbs. Proc. Interamerican Soc. Tropical Hort. Conf. San Juan, PR 09/06.Gazula, A., E. Simonne, M. Dukes, G. Hochmuth, R Hochmuth, and D. Studstill. 2006. Optimization of drainage lysimeter design for field determination of nitrogen loads. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 119:213-233.Peer-reviewed UF/IFAS publications in Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) ( 6 )Gaul, S.A., R.C. Hochmuth, G.D. Israel, and D.D. Treadwell. 2009. Characteristics of Small Farm Operators in Florida: Economics, Demographics, and Preferred Information Channels and Sources. EDIS WC088. , R.C., R.D. Wallace, P.J. VanBlokland, and J.G. Williamson. 2009. Production and Marketing of Chestnuts in the Southeastern United States. EDIS HS1155. , G., R.C. Hochmuth, and R. Mylavarapu. 2009. Using Composted Poultry Manure (Litter) in Mulch Vegetable Production. EDIS Pub #SL293. , G.J. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Blossom-end rot in bell pepper: causes and prevention. EDIS SL284. . Treadwell, R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, T. Olczyk, K.W. Migliaccio, Y.C. Li, R.K. Sprenkel, and L.S. Osborne. 2009. Organic greenhouse fresh cut herb production: Nutrient management. EDIS (in review)Simonne, E., R. Hochmuth, J. Breman, W. Lamont, D. Treadwell, and A. Gazula. 2008. Drip-irrigation systems for small conventional and organic vegetable farms. EDIS HS1144, , R., L. Halsey, G. Hochmuth, C. Hutchinson, and L. Landrum. 2007. Keys to Successfully Choosing Enterprises that Sit Your Farm. EDIS HS1121. , R.C., E.H. Simonne, L.L. Davis, and W.L. Laughlin. 2007. Plant part selection and preliminary sufficiency ranges for sap testing interpretation of greenhouse herbs. EDIS HS1123, , K.W., T. Olczyk, Y. Qian, Y. Li, G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.S. Osborne, and R.K. Sprenkel. 2007. Organic greenhouse herb production in South Florida: Fertilizer and potting media. EDIS, ABE373, , R.C., D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.L. Landrum, W.L. Laughlin, and L.L. Davis. 2007. Growing bell peppers in soilless culture under open shade structure, EDIS, HS1113, , K.W., T. Olczyk, Y. Qian, Y. Li, G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.S. Osborne, and R.K. Sprenkel. 2007. Organic greenhouse container herb production in South Florida: Fertilizer and potting media, EDIS, Doc. ABE373, , R. and R. Sprenkel. 2007. Exclusion Methods for Managing Greenhouse Vegetable Pests. EDIS ENY846. ArticlesBulletins, Circulars, and Fact Sheets Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B., Laughlin, W. L. 2008. “Microgreens- A New Specialty Crop”, 2 pagesHochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D., Simonne, E. H., Landrum, L. B., Laughlin, W. & Davis, L. 2007. "Growing Bell Peppers in Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures" Horticultural Sciences Dept: UF/IFAS Extension. 4 pp.Hochmuth, R. C., Halsey, L. A., Hochmuth, G. J., Hutchinson, C. M. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "Keys to Successfully Choosing Enterprises that Suit Your Small Farm" Horticultural Sciences Dept: UF/IFAS. 11pp.Curriculum Guides and Handbooks (3)A. Gazula, R. Hochmuth, L. Landrum, and E. Toro. 2009. Suwannee Valley Watermelon Meeting. Northeast District Extension Service. 106 pages.Hochmuth, R., W. Laughlin, L. Landrum, L. Osborne, and K. Hancock. 2009. Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business. 200 pages and 3 DVDs.Hochmuth, R., W. Laughlin, K. Hancock, and L. Osborne. 2009. Advanced Topics in Hydroponics. 120 pages.News Paper Articles (6)Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Small Farms programs address needs of fast-growing ag sector. Citrus and Vegetable Magazine. Sep/Oct. pp 28-29.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. On board with BMPs. Florida Grower. June. pp 14, 16.Fosdick, D. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Microgreens: Houseplants you can eat. Associated Press Release. Published in several national and international papers such as the Seattle Times, Jan 24, 2009 and the Canadian Press, Jan 19, 2009.Nordlie, T.F. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Small Farms – A Bright Future. UF/IFAS News Release.Nordlie, T.F. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Many turning to gardening – minus the dirt. UF/IFAS News Release. Article picked up by several magazines including Southeast Farm Press, Feb 11, 2009 and Ornamental Outlook, Mar 25, 2009.Anderson, M. R. Hochmuth, and J. Dusky. 2009. Improved web site makes at-home learning convenient for Florida growers. UF/IFAS News Release. Article printed by several sources including: Inside IFAS, Feb 24, 2009; Florida Growers, Jun 2009, p 22; Citrus and Vegetable Magazine, Mar 2009 p4; and Impact Vol 25, summer 2009, p 17Hochmuth, R. 2007. Vegetable Growers Get Irrigation Help. Citrus and Vegetable Magazine. December. P 28-29.Hutson, S., R. Hochmuth, and D. Treadwell. 2008. More Seek the Small Farm Dream But Need Help From Friends, Experts Say. Inside UF. . Released from US and picked up by print news.Hutson, S. and R. Hochmuth. 2008. Microgreens Generate Florida Farmers’ Small Talk. New Release from UP and picked up by print news.Clapp R. and R. Hochmuth. 2008. Microgreens News Story for release to AP news sources (radio). May 13 release.Hochmuth, R. C. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "NFREC-Suwannee Valley Offers Hands-on Learning Opportunities" Citrus & Vegetable Magazine. 71/08:38-38.NewslettersNewsletter Articles (10)Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Drip irrigation-not just for delivering water anymore. Citrus and Vegetable Magazine. May 2009. Pages 10-11, 13.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. New hydroponic short course at NFREC-SV rousing success. The Vegetarian Newsletter. Issue No. 545. May 2009, NFREC News Vol 11 Issue 5. p 1, and The Center Pivot, July-Sep 2009. p 8.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Small farms and alternative enterprises conference coming to Florida. NFREC News. Vol 11. Issue 1. p 2.Wilson, N. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Small farm conference a highlight for Florida farmers. NFREC News. Vol 11. Issue 8 and The Green Machine Newsletter, Aug 2009.Devalerio, J. and R. Hochmuth. 2009. Production checklist for Bradford County strawberry and vegetable growers. The Green Machine. Aug 2009. p 3-4.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. North Florida REC – Suwannee Valley Programs. Center Pivot Newsletter. Sep-Dec 2009. p 9.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Suwannee Valley farmers leaders in food safety. Center Pivot Newsletter. Jan-Mar 2009. p 9.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Suwannee County small farms – a bright future. Center Pivot Newsletter. Mar-Jul 2009Hochmuth, R.C. 2008. Putnal Farms use new technologies to manage watermelon crop. Partnership News. Vol 5. No. 1. Fall 2008. pp 1,3.Hochmuth, R.C., L.B. Landrum, and W.L. Laughlin. 2008. Microgreens- a new specialty crop. The Vegetarian Newsletter. Issue No. 540. Dec 2008.Hochmuth, R., L. Landrum, and W. Laughlin. 2008. Microgreens - A New Specialty Crop. NFREC Newsletter, Vol. 10, Issue 11.Hochmuth, R. 2008. Suwannee County Farmers – Leaders in Hydroponics. NFREC Newsletter, Vol. 10, Issue 7.Hochmuth, R., and M. Bauer. 2008. Effect of Drip Irrigation Alone on Freeze Protection in Transplanted Watermelon Grown with Plasticulture. The Vegetarian. April.Hochmuth, R. 2008. Extension Programs Help Suwannee Valley Vegetable Growers. The Vegetarian. May.Hochmuth, R., 2008. Extension Programs Help Suwannee Valley. Center Pivot (Suwannee County Extension Newsletter). JanuaryHochmuth, R. 2008. Small Farms Educational Programs in Florida. Center Pivot (Suwannee County Extension Newsletter). June.Hochmuth, R. 2008. Suwannee Valley NFREC. Center Pivot (Suwannee County Extension Newsletter). April.Hochmuth, R. 2008. Suwannee County Farmers: Leaders in Hydroponics. Suwannee Democrat. July 4 pg 3 & 7a.Simonne, E., B. Hochmuth, L. Davis, A. Warner, A. Gazula, D. Gast, and A. Simonne. 2008. Corn starch as a soil amendment: Deal or no deal? The Vegetarian, August, , D.D., R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, T. Olczyk, K.W. Migliaco, Y.C. Li, R.K. Sprenkel, and L.S. Osborne. 2008. Selecting and monitoring fertility regimes in organic greenhouse basil. The Vegetarian, March, , A., E. Simonne, and R. Hochmuth. 2007. Goodbye “Lakeland fine sand” – Welcome “Blanton-Foxworth-Alpin complex”. The Vegetarian, August, Breman,J., Simonne, A., Hochmuth, R., Landrum, L., Taylor, M., Evans, K., Peavy, C., Goode, D. 2008 “Cross-discipline Faculty Team Conducts Fresh Grape Eating Quality Research In Extension Workshop Setting” EPAF Abstract 22nd Abstract Proc. page 14.DeValerio, J. R. Hochmuth, and M. Bauer. 2008. Teaching BMPs to Farmers in Rural Communities: Managing Water and Fertilizer Using Drip Irrigation on Small Acreages. EPAF Abstract SessionSimonne, E., R. Hochmuth, D. Studstill, M. Farneselli, and A. Gazula. 2008. Optimization of irrigation practices in organic and conventional vegetables using soluble dye. HortScience 43(4):1246-1247.Gazula, A., E. Simonne, and R. Hochmuth. 2008. Effect of drip irrigation system operating pressure on flow rate and uniformity of water application. HortScience 43(4):1165.Gazula, A., E. Simonne, and R.C. Hochmuth. 2008. Flow rate and shape of the wetted zone response to drip irrigation system operating pressure.? HortScience 43(3):618.Simonne, E., B. Hochmuth, L. Davis, A. Warner, A. Gazula*, D. Gast, and A. Simonne Corn starch as a soil amendment: Deal or no deal? HortScience 43(3):617.Breman, J. W., Simonne, A. H., Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B., Taylor, M. C., Peavy, C., Goode, D. Z. & Evans, K. 2007. "Quality characteristics of selected muscadine grape (Vitus rotundifolia Michx) cultivars grown in north Florida" Florida Horticultural Society Meeting.Treadwell, D.D., G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, S.A. Sargent, L.L. Davis, W.L. Laughlin, Y. Li, T. Olczyk, R.K. Sprenkel, and L.S. Osborne. 2007. Organic greenhouse production of basil and spearmint: Nutrient uptake and postharvest quality. HortScience 42(4):868.Simonne, E., R. Hochmuth, G. Hochmuth, D. Studstill, and M. Ozores-Hampton. 2007. Development of a nitrogen fertigation program for grape tomato. HortScience 42(4):879-880.Gazula, A., E. Simonne, M.D. Dukes, G.J. Hochmuth, R. Hochmuth, and D.W. Studstill. 2007. Determination of nitrogen loads from field grown tomatoes. HortScience 42(3):440.Breman, J. W., Hochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "Small Farms Study Tour Evaluation Used to Identify Success Factors and Strengthen Cross-discipline Extension Program Planning" Small Farms Study Tour Evaluation Used to Identify Success Factors and Strengthen Cross-discipline Extension Program Planning. N/A(page range).K. Miscellaneous (4)Treadwell, D.T., R.C. Hochmuth, N. Wilson, and M. Stage. 2009. Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference Program Book and Schedule. UF/IFAS Extension. 38 pages.Sargent, S. J. Brecht, A. Berry. W. Laughlin, R. Hochmuth, C. Campbell, P. Kaminski, R. Dasher, and S. Carte. 2009. Effect of preharvest applications of ABA on postharvest quality of basil during low-temperature storage. Hort Sci. Dep. Report. 33 pages.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Focus Team Plan of Action Report for 2008-2012. UF/IFAS Extension Report. 3 pages.Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Florida Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference (promotional flyer). Misc. Extension pub. NFREC-SV. 1 page.Israel, G., R. Hochmuth, D. Treadwell, N. Wilson, and S. Gaul. 2008. Development of 2008 Small Farms Survey. Fl. Coop. Ext. Serv. Program Development and Evaluation Center. 12 pagesHochmuth, R. and V. Richardson. 2008. Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Focus Team Annual Report – Success Stories and Impacts. UF/IFAS Extension Report. 6 pages.Hochmuth, R. and L. Osborne (editors). 2008. EPAF 2008 Professional Improvement Meeting and Administrative Conference Program. UF/IFAS Extension Program. 57 pages.OthersBreman, J. W., Hochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "Florida Small Farms Study Tour May 2007 Evaluation Summary*" Live Oak, FL: UF-IFAS Extension, North Florida Research and Education Center- Suwannee Valley. 22 pp.Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B. & Osborne, L. A. 2007. "Suwannee Valley Twilight Field Day" NFREC-SV: UF/IFAS. 56 pp.Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B. & Osborne, L. A. 2007. "Providing Solutions for Small Farms" UF/IFAS: UF/IFAS. 2 pp.Hochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D., Simonne, E. H., Landrum, L. B., Laughlin, W. & Davis, L. 2007. "Growing Bell Peppers in Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures" NFREC-SV: UF/IFAS. 4 pp. (Research Report 2007-02)Treadwell, D. D., Alligood, M., Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B. & Breman, J. W. 2007. "Small Farms Study Tour In Service Training Notebook" Gainesville, FL: UF-IFAS Extension- Horticultural Sciences. 101 pp.17. LECTURES, SPEECHES OR POSTERS PRESENTED AT PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES/MEETINGSInternationalInvited (1)Florida Small Farms Educational Programs. Serbian Ministry of Agriculture Tour. Live Oak, FL. Feb 18, 2009. (Lecturer)A New Use for Metalized Mulch Film in Managing Greenhouse Pests. American Society for Plasticulture, National Ag Plastics Congress. Tampa, FL. March 9, 2008. (Lecturer)Production of Bell Peppers Using Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures. American Society for Plasticulture, National Ag Plastics Congress. Tampa, FL March 9, 2008. (Lecturer)NationalInvited Overview and Tour of NFREC-SV Small Farms Programs. Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute & Farm Tour. Live Oak, Fl. July 25, 2008. (Lecturer)Using Blue Dye Trials to Refine Drip Irrigation BMPs. 2008 SASES Southern Region Conference (Farm Tour). Live Oak, FL. March 29, 2008. (Lecturer)Development of the Virtual Field Day as an Extension Tool. Texas Extension In-Service Training. Use of Technology in Programming. Video broadcast from Live Oak, FL to Texas (multiple locations). February 5, 2008. (Lecturer)RegionalInvited (1)Developing Programs in Florida for Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises. Seven Rivers RC&D Regional Meeting. Waycross, GA. Sept 17, 2009. (Lectuer)Overview of Small Farms Programs in Florida. SARE Southern Region Leader Visit to Florida. Gainesville, FL. April 11, 2008. (Panelist)Other (1)Nutrient Management in Hydroponics. Advanced Topics in Hydroponics Workshop. Live Oak, FL. Nov 13-14, 2009. (Lecturer)Microgreens as an Alternative Crop. Sunbelt Expo. Moultrie, GA. October 14, 2008. (Lecturer)StateInvited (7)Florida Small Farms Food Safety Listening Session and Grower Tour for USDA & FDA Officials. Food Safety Listening Session. Gainesville, FL. Oct 23, 2009. (Panelist)Greenhouse Hydroponic Industry Overview and Tour. Field Tour/Class Lab for UF Class. VEC 322 1C. Live Oak, FL Nov 20, 2009. (Lecturer)Vegetables, Hydroponics and Organic Production. Field tour for UF DPM Course Integrated Plant Medicine, ALS6925, Live Oak FL. Sep 25, 2009. (Lecturer)Extending the Growing Season by Protected Culture. AgriTunity. Hernando County. Jan 24, 2009. (Lecturer)Florida Small Farms – A Bright Future. 2009 Gulf Coast Agribusiness Conference. Jay, FL. Feb 26, 2009 (Lecturer). Hydroponic Opportunities for Small Farms. Big Bend Small Farms Conference. Crawfordville, FL. Mar 28, 2009 (Lecturer).Hydroponics at Home. 8th Annual Fall Field Day, NFREC Quincy, FL. Sep 19, 2009 (Lecturer).Suwannee Valley Research and Demonstration Highlights for Small Farms. Urban Farming Workshop. Sanford, FL. October 29, 2008. (Lecturer)Overview of Florida Small Farms Programs. CSREES National Program Leader visit to Florida. Gainesville, FL. April 15, 2008. (Panelist)What Agricultural Extension Agents Need to Know About Promotion and Tenure. FACAA Mid-year Meeting. Gainesville, FL. April 11, 2008. (Panelist)Update on Florida Small Farms Programs. UF/IFAS Dean’s Monthly Meeting. Gainesville, FL. April 9, 2008. (Lecturer)Building a Healthy Soil. Brevard County Pastures, Ponds, Growers and Groves Small Farms Conference. Video conference to Cocoa, FL. March 29, 2008. (Lecturer)Hydroponics and Specialty Crops for Small Farms. Big Bend Small Farms Conference. Marianna, FL. February 9, 2008. (Lecturer)Hydroponic Vegetables and Cut Flowers. AgriTunity. Bushnell, FL. January 26, 2008. (Lecturer)Other (3)Hydroponic Basics Training. Team Santa Rosa Training Trip. Live Oak, FL. Apr 2, 2009 (Lecturer).Waste Management Practicum. FFA State Environmental Contest. Live Oak, FL. Dec 9, 2008 (Panelist).Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business (Multiple topics over 4 days) Hydroponic Short Course. Live Oak, FL. Mar 17-20, 2009 (Lecturer).Chestnut Cultivar Evaluations for North Florida. Florida State Hort. Society. Orlando, FL. June 2, 2008. (Lecturer)Hochmuth, R.C., " Livestock Waste Management Practicum “ at FFA Environmental Contest 2008, NFREC-SV Live Oak, FL, Dec. 9, 2008. (32 students). (Moderator)LocalInvited (12)Update on Vegetable Insect and Disease Control. 19th Annual Tri-County Pesticide Update. Raiford, FL. Feb 17, 2009 (Lecturer).Pest Management Strategies. Growing Organic Vegetables Class. Live Oak, FL. Jan 15, 2009 (Lecturer).Troubleshooting Vegetable Problems. NE Master Gardener Training. Yulee, FL. Oct 7, 2009 (Lecturer).Fall Vegetable Checklist. Soil Fumigation Update for Vegetable Growers. Starke, FL. Jul 27, 2009 (Lecturer).All About Tomatoes. Suwannee County 4-H Hamburger Day Camp. Live Oak, FL. Jun 10, 2009 (Lecturer).Vegetable Drip Irrigation Management. Levy and Alachua County Master Gardener Training. Live Oak, FL. May 28, 2009 (Lecturer).Hydroponic Hop. Suwannee Bicycle Festival Tour. Live Oak, FL. May 1, 2009 (Lecturer).Vegetable Diseases and Irrigation. Gardening for Profit Series. Jacksonville, FL. Apr 23, 2009 (Lecturer).Vegetables for Florida Gardens. Suwannee County Master Gardner Training. Live Oak, FL. Apr 8, 2009 (Lecturer).Hands-on Hydroponic Training. Columbia County Master Gardener Training. Live Oak, FL. Apr 22, 2009 (Lecturer).Hydroponic Gardens. Steinhatchee Garden Club Tour. Live Oak, FL. Mar 24, 2009 (Lecturer).Vegetable Gardening. Taylor County Master Gardener Training. Taylor County, Feb 24, 2009 (Lecturer).Small Farms – The Hidden Agricultural Majority in Florida. Farm City Week Celebrations. Green Cove Springs and Lake Butler, FL. November 24, 2008. (Lecturer)Troubleshooting Vegetable Problems. NE Florida Master Gardener Training. Yulee, FL. October 1, 2008. (Lecturer)Principles of Organic Gardening. Magnolia Farms, Fall Harvest Festival. Live Oak, FL. September 27, 2008. (Lecturer)Overview of NFREC-SV Chestnut Variety Trial. 2008 Pecan and Chestnut Field Day. Live Oak, FL. September 4, 2008. (Lecturer)Using Blue Dye to Teach BMPs and Teaching via video. Suwannee River Partnership Steering Committee Meeting. Live Oak, FL. July 1, 2008. (Panelist)All About Irrigation. North Florida Palm Growers Meeting. Jasper, FL. June 11, 2008. (Lecturer)Fertilizer and IPM Principles for Home Gardeners. Live Oak Garden Club 2008 Gardening Workshop. Live Oak, FL. May 31, 2008. (Lecturer)Vegetable Gardening Insect and Disease Management. Taylor County Master Gardener Training. Perry, FL. April 29, 2008. (Lecturer)Hydroponic Systems and Crops. Lincoln High School Agricultural Class, lecture. Tallahassee, FL. April 28, 2008. (Lecturer)Vegetable Garden IPM and Diseases. Suwannee & Columbia County Master Gardening Training. Live Oak, FL. March 26, 2008. (Lecturer)Other (7)Food Safety – How do I know what I need? Developing a Food Safety Program for Suwannee Valley Vegetable Growers. Live Oak, FL. Mar 31, 2009 (Lecturer).Fruit Orchard Dormant Season Pruning. Suwannee Valley Master Gardener Fruit Crop Pruning Training. Live Oak, FL. Jan 15, 2009 (Lecturer).Helpful, Not Harmful. 2009 Alternative Enterprises Workshops for North Florida. Live Oak, FL. Nov 1, 2009 (Lecturer).Enhancing Change – Adopting Alternative Enterprises. Northeast Florida Small Farms Working Group Farm Tour. Providence, FL. May 5, 2009 (Lecturer).Muscadine Grapes. Fruit and Nut Twilight Field Day. Live Oak, FL. May 14, 2009 (Lecturer).Irrigation and Nutrient BMPs for Watermelon. Suwannee Valley Watermelon Growers Meeting, Branford, FL. Dec 3, 2009 (Lecturer).Disease Management in Watermelon. Suwannee Valley Watermelon Growers Meeting. Branford, FL. Dec 3, 2009 (Lecturer).Technologies to Extend Your Cropping Season. Suwannee Valley Fall Alternative Enterprises Workshops. Live Oak, FL. November 6, 2008. (Lecturer)Multi County Agent Responsibilities – Helping You Help Clients in the NE District. NE District Faculty Meeting. Lake City, FL. October 17, 2008. (Panelist)Managing Vegetable Pests. (Field Trip) UF Course ALS 6925. Doctor of Plant Medicine curriculum. Live Oak, FL. September 26, 2008. (Lecturer)Irrigation Principles for Muscadine Grapes. Muscadine Grape Twilight Field Day. Live Oak, FL. August 26, 2008. (Lecturer)Transplant Production – Tricks of the Trade. Transplant Production Workshop. NE Florida Small Farms Working Group Workshop. MacClenny, FL. July 28, 2008. (Lecturer)Greenhouse Protected Culture. Suwannee Valley Twilight Field Day. Live Oak, FL. May 13, 2008. (Lecturer)Using Fertigation in a Drip Irrigation Systems. Water and Nutrient Management with Drip Irrigation on Small Farms. NE Florida Small Farms Working Group Farm Meeting. Starke, FL. May 6, 2008. (Lecturer)Hands-on IPM of Vegetables. IPM for Organic Farming. NE Small Farm Working Group Farm Meeting. Worthington Springs, FL. March 25, 2008. (Lecturer)Northeast Florida Small Farms Working Group Organizational Meeting, MacClenny, FL. February 12, 2008 (Moderator)Irrigation 101, Weed Management, and Top 10 Pests of Vegetable Crops (3 presentation topics) School for Beginning Growers Part 2. Jacksonville, FL. January 29, 2008. (Lecturer)Preparing the Ground and Planting Dates. School for Beginning Growers Part 1. Callahan, Fl. January 22, 2008. (Lecturer) 18. CONTRACTS AND GRANTS a. Funded ExternallyYearsContractor or GranterProject TitleGrant AmountPI, CO-PI or InvestigatorIf CO-PI, Specify %2009FDACS Specialty Crops Block GrantFlorida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference$25,000PI2009USDA IR-4Persimmon fungicide efficacy trial$3,000PI2009-2010USDA CARRelationship Between Sources of Inoculum and Fungicide Resistance: The Key to Better Management of Gummy Stem Blight Epidemics in Watermelons.$5,450PI2009SyngentaEvaluation of Myconate in microirrigation$5,750PI2009-201021st Century Community Learning CenterSummers Elementary School 21st Century Community Learning Center (provide educational advice on horticultural components)$5,000Collaborator5%2010FDACSProviding Specialty Crop Education through the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference$15,000CO-PI70%2007-2009SAREMonitoring Nutrient Availability and Leaching Below the Root Zone in Organic Vegetable Production$14,900CO-PI20%2007-2008UF/IFAS IPMEvaluation of cucurbit cultivars and fungicides for powdery mildew$8,000CO-PI10%2007-2008FDACSVerification, Modification and Demonstration of BMPs in the Suwannee Valley$73,000CO-PI5%2008-2009USDA, RMARisk Management Education for Small Specialty Crop Growers in Florida$9,900PITotal$ 165,000Summary of External Grant Funding Received (current)Summary of External Grant FundingRoleTotalDirect CostsIndirect CostsPrincipal Investigator$49,100$xxx$xxxCo-Principal Investigator$115,900$xxx$xxxInvestigator$0.00$xxx$xxxSponsor of Junior Faculty$0.00$xxx$xxxTOTALS$165,000$xxx$xxxb. Funded InternallyYearsContractor or GranterProject TitleGrant AmountPI, CO-PI or InvestigatorIf CO-PI, Specify %2009Extension Program EnhancementSolar Powered Hydroponic Vegetable Production System Pilot Project$6,120CO-PI15%2009Extension Program EnhancementEnhancing Small Farms & Alternative Enterprise Web Site with New Innovative Content$7,500CO-PI50%2007-2008UF Dean for ExtensionDrip Irrigation for Small Farm Virtual Field Day Module$4,500PI2007-2008UF Dean for ExtensionIrrigation Scheduling Virtual Field Day Module (Blue Dye)$5,000PI2007-2008UF IPM Mini GrantPest Management of Stone Fruits$6,000CO-PI80%2007-2008UF/FAMU CCAPCharacterizing Florida’s Small Farm Industry$4,000CO-PI50%Total$33,120Summary of Internal Grant Funding (Current)RoleTotalPrincipal Investigator$9,500Co-Principal Investigator$23,620Investigator$0.00Sponsor of Junior Faculty$0.00TOTALS$33,120c. Submitted, Pending Decision YearsContractor or GranterProject TitlePI, CO-PI or InvestigatorIf CO-PI, Specific Responsibilities2010USDA SAREBuilding Sustainable Season Extension Systems for Gulf State Farmers Upon Critical Need Assessment$49,885CO-PIAssist Dr. Zhao in conducting high tunnel research and extension activities in Live Oak.2010-2012SAREWater Quality BMPs through Integrated Year-Round Management of Organic Soil Amendments, Manures, and Cover Crops in a Sustainable Vegetable Cropping System for Sandy Soils of the SE US$300,000CO-PIFacilitate outreach component, deploy field days and on-farm activities.2010SARE/SRDCNortheast Florida Community Partnerships for Safe, Local$9,998CooperatorParticipate in Roundtables (SWOT analysis), develop training materials, assist with trainingd. Submitted But Not Funded Indicate resubmissions if any.YearsContractor or GranterProject TitlePI, CO-PI or InvestigatorIf CO-PI, Specific Responsibilities2009USDA Beginning Farmer and RancherNew Harvest: A Partnership Approach to Launching Florida’s Begininning Farmers$195,000CO-PIAssist in UF Extension outreach component2009-2010CREESIncreasing Farm Prosperity by Marketing Environmental Stewardship$399,995CO-PIAssist with deployment of grant2009USDA, RMEMitigating Risk of Cover Crop Integration in Florida Vegetable Production Systems.CO-PICoordination of county webinars and field demonstrations2009Community Requests for Federal Funding (Congressman Allen Boyd)Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises$300,000CO-PIProvide leadership for developing educational programs for small farmers2009-2010USDA SCRITomato GraftingCO-PIExtension outreach component2009-2010USDA SCRIRobotics in Watermelon HarvestingCO-PICoordinate grower related activities2009-2010Extension Program EnhancementRevitalizing Home Canning, Food Preservation and Value Added Agriculture in Florida$12,000Team MemberSmall farms outreach component2009-2010Extension Program EnhancementSmall Farms Agent Training on Good Agricultural Practices and Emerging Food Safety Issues for Small Farm Specialty Crop Producers$12,500Team MemberCoordinate outreach with small farms agents2009-2010Extension Program EnhancementCelebrate Local Agriculture with District III 4-HTeam MemberAssist with connection to small farms agents and program information2009-2010Extension Program EnhancementSustaining Florida Agricultural Competiveness in the Digital Age through the Use of TechnologyCollaboratorHelp provide advice to market program to small farmers in Florida2010USDA SARECultivating Sustainability through Partnerships in the Suwannee River ValleyCollaboratorHelp coordinate activities with farmers and other partnerse. In-kind ContributionsYearTypeDonorAmount2009Hydroponic Systems & PartsVertiGro$1,0002009Beneficial InsectsKoppert$2002009Hydroponic SystemsCrop King$1,2002009Hydroponic Systems, Demo UnitsFuture Growing$2,4002009Hydroponic Program LaborVolunteer Labor$1,0122009Drip TapeUnited Irrigation$6002009Sponsor Educational MeetingWatermelon Industry Reps$1,9002009Master Gardener Orchard Pruning AssistanceMaster Gardeners from Columbia & Suwannee Counties (50 hours)$1,012Total$9,324f. Monetary ContributionsYearDonorAmount2009Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference Sponsorships (note these funds generated in addition to USDA and FDACS grants from several private and public sources)$30,0002009Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Farmer Scholarship Program (individual donors)$1,9002009Suwannee Valley Watermelon Growers Meeting Sponsorship (Hochmuth, chair with several others assisting)$1,8002009Beli Farms$3,0002009Farm Credit of North Florida in support of Fall Workshops$350Total$37,05019. UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND SERVICEUNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE - listed in reverse chronological order.YearsName of Activity, Committee, etc.Your Role, e.g., member, chair, etc.2009Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Focus TeamCo-Leader2009Fruit and Vegetable Focus TeamMember2009Northeast Florida Small Farms Working GroupCo-Leader2009Suwannee Valley Agent Planning TeamCo-Leader2009NFREC SHARE Overhead CommitteeMember2009UF Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Position Screening CommitteeMember2009Assist M.S. Graduate Student R. Devine with farmer interviews regarding adoption of BMPsFacilitator2009UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication Advisory BoardMember2009National Goat Conference Planning CommitteeMember2009Evaluator for two UF/IFAS Promotion Packets (McGuire; Venrick)Evaluator2009UF/IFAS & FAMU Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise ConferenceChairman2009Overall NFREC Advisory CommitteeMember2009UF Small Farms Advisory CouncilMember2009Serve as faculty reviewer of several UF/IFAS publications EDIS (3), FSHS (1), Newcomers Guide to Living in Jefferson County (1)Reviewer2008Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Focus TeamCo-leader2008Faculty Mentoring Committee for Dr. Amanda GevensMember2008Florida Ag Experiment Station Project: Vegetable Variety Evaluation in FloridaCooperator2008Statewide Fruit and Vegetable Extension Focus TeamMember2008Promotion and Tenure Packet Review, Mr. Ben Beale, University of Maryland Extension AgentReviewer2008UF/IFAS NFREC Center Director Search and Screen CommitteeMember2008UF/IFAS NFREC Sunbelt Expo Planning CommitteeMember2008NFREC SHARE Overhead CommitteeMember2008USDA Small Business Innovation Research Grant ProgramGrant Reviewer2008Conservation Behavior Change on Small Farmer in a UF Graduate Course Student Project (Katherine Abrams)Information Resource/Interviewer2008Requested to serve as a reviewer of several UF/IAS documents: Pesticide Policies and Procedures Handbook, Farm Pocket Notebook, U-Pick Farms Script in Gardening in a Minute Radio Program, Extension Goal Team Annual Summary Reports, Promotion Packets (Felter, Toro)Reviewer20. CONSULTATIONS OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY-None21. EDITOR OF A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL, SERVICE ON AN EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD OR REVIEWER FOR A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL-None22. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES-None23. EXTENSION PROGRAM Input for programming efforts is accomplished through participation at local advisory committees in the 9 counties served. These included both subject matter and overall extension committees in addition to the NFREC-SV Advisory Committee (2). For 2009, the counties I participated in were Bradford (2), Suwannee (2), Columbia (2), Nassau (1), and Hamilton (1). Summary of Programs Table (Days planned and days expended only for current ROA, do not accumulate for multiple years)Program titleDays Planned*Days ExpendedDays Planned*Days ExpendedISuwannee Valley Agricultural Production, Marketing Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises 7011570IIStatewide Small Farms Planning and Coordination7011070IIITeaching 4-H and Other Youth and Adults about Agriculture101510full time agents plan for 120 – 160 days** range for full time employment is 210 – 240 days1. Agricultural Production, Marketing, Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Programs Utilizing the Suwannee Valley Agent TeamSituation Situation statement:The Suwannee Valley area continues to urbanize rapidly particularly in counties closer to largely urban areas. Much of the traditionally farmed land is being subdivided into 1, 5 and 10 acre lots. Residents purchasing this land often are seeking profitably enterprises for their lands. In cooperation with the agents in these counties, programs on alternative enterprises can be provided that emphasize market research and business planning first before an enterprise is chosen. By working with newcomers and established farms, clients should be able to select and sustain a profitable enterprise that matches their lifestyle and management skills. Currently, small farms represent over 90% of all farms in the region, based on the USDA definition of up to $250,000 in sales. Long range planning input from counties throughout the Suwannee Valley identified the need for small farm educational programs to be developed. The infrastructure and technology needs of small farmers are different and unique from mainstream agribusiness. Critical issues include: access to profitable markets: entrepreneurial and business skills development: networking with other small farmers: readily accessible technical information on small farms and alternative crops and enterprises: access to labor: Improving consumer relations and perceptions of farming: concerns related to urban development, loss of farmland, and reduced opportunities for farmers. Educational products need to be developed specifically for small farmers in areas such as: business management: developing a marketing plan: basics for beginning farmers: evaluating enterprise options for small farms: small and large livestock: vegetables and herbs: fruit and nuts: ornamental horticulture: forestry: aquaculture: hay and pasture management: greenhouse crops: organic production: agri-tourism: value-added products: exotic, ethnic, and other specialty crops: managing the farm for wildlife and heritage. Successful small farmers would be a key component of the North Florida Small Farm Working Group via farm tours, presentations, and small farm mentorship. The N.F.S.F.W.G. could be the catalyst for agricultural, infrastructure, social and environmental change through a coordinated regional education effort by the extension faculty change agents. County presence is important for extension agent identity, funding, and expertise. This must be balanced with the equal importance of county agent efficiencies in education delivery. County Extension agents throughout the region have formed a planning and delivery team for this educational effort. The team members meet, plan, and deliver educational programs by both facilitating and teaching at the activities. In addition to the large and increasing demand for small farms programs in the Suwannee Valley; traditional vegetable farms still represent large acreages of crops in the region. Educational needs for this audience include: adopting BMPs, irrigation, and fertilizer management, variety selection, pest management, food safety, and post harvest handling.Target audience(s): The primary target audience for this program are agricultural operations, small farms, county and state faculty and staff, allied industry, government agencies in the Suwannee Valley.Objectives.Based on the input from Advisory Committees and agents throughout the Suwannee Valley, the following objectives were selected:1. Clients will adopt efficient production practices and alternative enterprises to protect natural resources and improve profitability on their farms.2. Improve management of pests in fields and greenhouses on farms.3. Increased compliance by producers with local, state, and federal regulations by offering advanced certification and/or license renewal CEUs.Educational Methods and Activities:To cover the variety of educational efforts, the Agent worked closely with State Extension Specialists and other Extension Agents to help in planning and teaching of programs. Various forms of advertisement were used including direct mailing list (900 producers), newspaper, websites and flyers. Instructional multi-media presentations and handouts were also developed to aid in the educational efforts of these programs. The following activities were offered to clientele to meet program objectives:Attendance at various Suwannee Valley Area Advisory Meetings ( 8 ) to help plan/deploy both regional and county programsAssorted educational programs and newsletter articlesSmall Farms web sitePhone calls, office visits and farm visitsUtilization of virtual field day modulesSummarize your educational methods and activities; and include the following tables:Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- Agent(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)Type of Event/TopicNumber of EventsNumber of ParticipantsRegional Field Days and Short Courses:Twilight, watermelon, hydroponic (2)3255Alternative Enterprises Workshops135Assorted County Programs10240“Growing Growers” SeriesNassau, Duval, Suwannee239N.FL Small Farms Working Group: Protected Culture, CSAs, Crop and Market Diversification, Agritourism4158Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- AgentType of Event/TopicNumber of EventsAgent‘Growing Growers” SeriesDuval, Nassau, Bradford, Clay3Devalerio, Nistler, Gaul, BurbaughAlternative Agricultural Enterprise Workshop1SV TeamN.FL Small Farms Working Group3SV TeamField DaysGrape, Stone Fruit, Hydroponics, IPM4SV TeamAssorted County Programs3SV TeamFood Safety GAPS Training2Specialists and SV TeamIrrigation BMPS on Organic Farms Field Day (SARE grant)1Treadwell, Saft, & ToroIPM Topics3Hochmuth, Ober, Landrum, Saft, Leppla(Transfers your current years’ total numbers from “Workload” database)Your total number of Educational Materials prepared this Year36Your Number of Clientele contacts:field consultations110office consultations350telephone consultations500group learning participants920e-mail consultations3000Only Current Year’s Race and Ethnicity Data (use to determine if parity is reached), previous years should be filed (hard copy) with your previous year’s ROARace and EthnicityProjectedTarget Audience(from 2009 POW)Audience Reachedin 2009Parity(± 4%)ReachedNumber%Number%Hispanic1332603YesMulti-racial0000YesPacific Islander0000YesAmerican Indian9100YesAsian 671201YesBlack20631156YesWhite523485168590YesUnknown51082950N/ATotal61591004880100GenderMale442372127968YesFemale17362860132YesUnknown002950N/ATotal61591004880100OutcomesEDIS Document DownloadsIn the EDIS system, I am senior author of seven documents and co-author of 24 others. These documents collectively were downloaded 116,717 times in 2009. Several of the greenhouse vegetable and hydroponic documents were downloaded over 4,000 times. The top document downloaded was “Building a Floating Hydroponic Garden” (26,219 times). The second highest downloaded document was “Drip Irrigation Systems for Small Conventional Vegetable Farms and Organic Vegetable Farms”; a new document downloaded 5,826 times.Virtual Field Day WebThe UF Virtual Field Day site () has gained much greater use as an educational tool in 2009. The total site had 275,768 page views and 51,911 visits or sessions from Dec 1, 2008 – Dec 1, 2009. The original development of the site and the development of four of the top eight topics were largely the responsibility of this agent over the past 3 icPage Views#1 – Hydroponic Greenhouses65,414#4 – Greenhouse Pest Exclusion15,762#6 – Stone Fruit2,274#5 – Small Farm Drip Irrigation2,528Irrigation BMPsRegional leadership in drip irrigation management continues to be an important component of the agent’s program. A wide range of educational activities were used to deliver the program including: field days, workshops, publications, electronic delivery (web and DVD) and on-farm visits. Direct consultations with 180 farmers resulted in increased knowledge. Most of those farmers represented new or prospective growers who learned basic principles. However, on-farm consultations with larger existing growers resulted in adoption of improved efficiencies on their farms. One primary target audience has been Suwannee Valley watermelon growers. As a result of cooperation and partnerships with the audience, a very successful watermelon grower program including BMPs was delivered on Dec 3, 2009 with 50 farmers attending and 40 support industry representatives. A drip irrigation management DVD (Simonne and Hochmuth) was provided to 40 farmers in the Suwannee Valley. Six on-farm blue dye demonstrations were conducted in 2009 resulting in irrigation management changes.Integrated Pest ManagementAs a result of agent training in the area of watermelon IPM and cooperative efforts with specialist Dr. Amanda Gevens, growers were able to implement best management strategies to effectively manage gummy stem blight and powdery mildew. Updated recommendations were provided to growers during season and proper fungicide rotation programs were implemented by 12 farmers in the region.IPM training programs were conducted for greenhouse vegetable growers at two Hydroponic Short Courses (4 classes). A total of 115 attendees increased knowledge about strategies such as pest exclusion, proper identification, biological control strategies, and reducing pesticide use. The attendees of the first Hydroponic Short Course (March) identified IPM as one of the topics where advanced training was needed. As a result of that survey, 45 growers attended two classes of Advanced Hydroponic Topics in November.Training and Compliance on Agricultural Regulatory IssuesFarmers today are increasingly responsible to implement voluntary and required programs such as: food safety, pesticide application, BMPs, and labor requirements. Educational program efforts were conducted in these areas in 2009. This agent participated in two Food Safety ISTs and received certification. An intensive educational program for Suwannee Valley growers was conducted in March to teach growers how to develop their own food safety program. This program was attended by 50 growers resulting in receiving a course certification by all attendees. In addition a food safety component of the watermelon growers meeting was delivered in December. This program was delivered by two growers, one of which attended the March program and had since implemented their farm’s food safety program.Training opportunities for farmers to receive certified pesticide applicator CEUs were provided at 10 programs in 2009. This agent’s teaching role was primarily to deliver IPM related topics for insects and diseases. As a result, a total of 80 farmers received CEUs during 2009. In addition, 8 Certified Crop Advisors received CEUs at those same programs.This agent co-authored a Citrus and Vegetable Magazine CEU article on the topic of chemigation and conducted the mail-in exams. As a result of this effort, 40 farmers received one CEU.Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Programs for Suwannee ValleyThe Suwannee Valley Extension Agent Team has planned, developed, and implemented several programs in 2009 to educate small producers seeking alternative enterprises. Programs implemented included: Growing Growers (Duval & Nassau), Organic Vegetable Production (Suwannee), Small Farms Working Group programs (4), Twilight Field Day for Fruit Crops (NFREC-SV), Alternative Enterprises Workshops, and Greenhouse Hydroponic short courses and workshops (4). Total attendance at these programs was over 300 farmers.ImpactsIrrigation BMPsThe impact of on-farm demonstrations of blue dye and irrigation sensors was an improvement of irrigation scheduling. Survey of 10 growers who were more intensively consulted within 2009, the following overall impacts were observed. These growers reduced early season irrigations by 40-50% also resulting in reduced nitrogen applications by an average 20 lbs per acre. These changes in practices will likely be permanent changes.Integrated Pest ManagementTwo diseases, gummy stem blight and powdery mildew, have caused significant yield losses to area watermelon growers in the past few years. Pre-season educational efforts and in-season communications helped are watermelon growers follow proper rotational fungicide applications. The impact was improved yields and reduced losses from diseases. It is estimated this program prevented what would have been losses of 10%. The other long term impact will be a better understanding of the importance of rotation fungicide classes.Greenhouse IPM educational programs have been ongoing for several years. There has been a major changes in dependence on pesticides. A greater adoption of pest exclusion, resistant varieties, and early detection has led to reduced pesticide dependence among greenhouse growers. This was exemplified at the November Advanced Topics in Hydroponics class on IPM. Out of the 45 attendees, only one requested pesticide applicator CEUs. This is a sign of long term impact of Extension educational programs in the area of protected culture.Training and Compliance on Agricultural Regulatory IssuesThe impact of food safety training programs in 2008-09 was an increase in the number of farms implementing programs. Of those attending the March program, four watermelon farmers were able to implement programs and ship in the 2009 season under their newly implemented program. One greenhouse tomato grower was able to pass the T-GAP inspection and one mixed vegetable operation passed a field inspection for food safety.Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Programs for Suwannee Valley“Development of Farmer to Farmer Networks in Northeast Florida” – This NEFLSFWG was recognized as a NE District success story at EPAF in 2009. The Northeast Florida Small Farms Working Group was formed in 2008 with a group of Extension Agents and Small Farmers getting together in the NE region of Florida to form a working group to build a community network of farmer to farmer support for small farms. All producers, regardless of their varied and unique agricultural products, were included. An information network, collaboration with the Extension Service, and a more unified voice for agriculture production (regardless of commodity or size) was envisioned. Practical, applied, hands-on methods in production information, marketing, procession, dealing with regulatory issues and other priority items were identified by the group. The Working Group would be coordinated through Extension agents with farmer advisory input. After the initial organizational meeting, the group met 3 other times at local farms. Because this effort was so well received by the producers, the program was continued for 2009. The WG met at 4 area farms located in Union, St. Johns, Nassau and Baker counties. Topics covered were community supported agriculture, reconnecting to urban residents through agri-tourism, adopting a new enterprise and diversifying growing systems to meet specialty direct market sales. Attendance at the 4 on-farm programs was 158, interestingly with many new faces each time! A feature on the Small farms and Alternative Enterprises web site on the Working Group was viewed 971 times since August 2009 which also indicates that clients are interested in this type of activity.NFREC-SV faculty and staff has gained a statewide reputation for expertise in hydroponics. As a result of this reputation and clientele familiarity through trainings, several educational impacts were made in 2009, especially in the areas of crop culture and nutrient management. Well over 25 farmers were provided with detailed information to solve specific problems on their farms. Farmers and counties included:Angeles (Union)Shearouse (Palm Beach)Brewton (Escambia)Wendt (Santa Rosa)Woodard (Hamilton)Edgar (Volusia)Belibasis (Suwannee)Farm House (Suwannee)Cheney (Suwannee)Cleveland (Walton)Youtzy (Jefferson)Harris (Clay)Gallucci (Hillsborough)Chappell (Auburn, AL)Addison (Union)Ansley (Seminole)Byrd (Alabama)Drake (Alachua)Dasher (Suwannee)Blank (Orange)Arroya (St. Johns)Bacon (Duval)Braun (Seminole)Coron (Seminole)Reed (Coffee, GA)O’Toole (Madison)Success StoriesUnion County Family Farm Saved with Collaborative NFREC- Suwannee Valley Small Farm Technology and Extension Agent WorkThe Angeles family farm had been contracting the production of fertile broiler eggs to a large, stable company for years. They had raised their children on the family farm. All that changed when the company filed for bankruptcy. Their cash flow stopped immediately and they faced the choice of losing the farm and their home or finding alternative agricultural cash enterprise. The Angeles family contacted their Extension Agent and asked for assistance. The agents (Breman, Hochmuth, and Landrum) met with the Angeles family and explored the possibility of converting the existing broiler egg production houses into hydroponic greenhouses for the production of high-value specialty crops. After the initial walk-through of the existing facilities repeated visits and modifications of conversion plans resulted in the transformation of two houses into working greenhouses. The Angeles family modified and recycled as much of the poultry house equipment and material as possible and had an operational facility within months. This was accomplished with long hours of hard work, because finances were limited. Specialty tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants were the first crops produced under the guidance of Bob Hochmuth. Linda Landrum had recommended that Mr. Angeles prepare for the demands of the market by attending the Safe Food Handling Training & Certification taught at NFREC-Suwannee Valley. Linda Landrum and Brad Burbaugh, as agents in the North Florida Small Farm Working Group network identified high-volume urban Farmers Markets in Jacksonville and Gainesville which the Angeles family used to sell their produce at a premium price in sufficient volumes to keep the family cash flow positive. The Angeles family:is currently on the tax roles in Union County and into their second vegetable season instead of losing their farm.is certified in the FDACS Farm to School program and selling their produce to the Union County School as a result of the Extension Safe Food Certification. is currently applying for a loan to complete their conversion of poultry-to-hydroponic production facilities.plans to convert their breeder egg facility and cooler into a certified vegetable processing and handling facility, would help with seasonal cash flow and assist other farmers.The North Florida Small Farm Working Group shared and show-cased the Angeles success and techniques with a May, 2009 Tour attended by over 60 small farmers.New Hydroponic Short Course at North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley Rousing SuccessAn intensive two day short course and optional grower tour was held in March at the North Florida Re-search and Education Center – Suwannee Valley. The popu-larity in registrations led to a second course being offered the same week. In all, 70 attendees were able to learn about “Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business”. Attendees came from all over Florida but also from Ohio, New York, Alabama, and Georgia. Most attendees were prospective or very new commercial growers, but six County Extension faculty and three UF students were also able to participate. Attendees were able to learn about most topics through hands-on experiences in the greenhouses. Important classroom topics included business planning and marketing. Topics inside the greenhouse production area included: greenhouse structures, culture under open shade areas, season extension, soilless media selection, floating systems, nutrient film tech-nique (NFT), growing microgreens, production containers, vertical culture, water and nutrient management, integrated pest management (IPM), selecting vegetable, herb, and cut flower crops, an organic production in greenhouses. A follow-up survey conducted indicated attendees rated the short course value very high and encouraged to offer that course again to other new growers. In addition, 100% of respondents want additional intensive single day trainings as well. The two top requests were clearly fertilizer and pest management. As a result, the advanced course was implemented in November, 2009. Growers selected one of two days for the advanced topic class.Evaluation summaries included the following feedback:88% rated the curriculum notebook very useful97% indicated the value was good and above what they expected related to the registration fee ($295)97% indicated interest in more one day intensive classes19% decided on a production system28% fine tuned water and fertilizer programs44% continue to develop a business strategyOne grower attendee indicated “I have 25 years experience in Florida agribusinesses growing numerous crops from citrus, cattle, melons, sod, and hay. I have attended many IFAS functions over the years and must say this one tops them all.”New Web Sites Make At-Home Learning Convenient for Florida GrowersOne of the most enduring aspects of agriculture is going high-tech.The field day has been around....well, pretty much forever. At a typical field day, farmers or other interested people have a chance to visit a farm and learn hands-on from extension agents what the latest scientific research has to say about a particular topic, such as how to prevent diseases in peanuts or grow new varieties of sweet corn.“It capitalizes on the notion that what they see and touch and do in real life is a lot more likely to stick with them than reading about it or hearing somebody lecture about it,” said Bob Hochmuth, a multicounty extension agent with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.But along with benefits, there are drawbacks. A field day might not be particularly convenient to a farmer who needed it, geographically or because it took time away from actual farming operations.So University of Florida extension officials have created and revamped their virtual field days Web site , and the new version was unveiled late last month. That site’s unveiling dovetails with the recent national launch of another new electronic hub for information aimed at anyone who wants to know about organic agriculture.For the new field day site, Hochmuth, an expert in hydroponics based at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak, said he and other extension agents boiled down what had been 30- to 40-minute field day presentations into easier to watch 5- to 8-minute versions.The original site was organized by geographic region; the new version is organized by topic.UF extension agents with expertise in a particular subject are often swamped with questions from people from all over the state—and beyond.“A lot of the times these are very basic, repetitive questions. So for me now, if someone calls from Miami or Tampa, I can send them to the virtual field day site and they can take a look at it and get the basics,” said Hochmuth. “So the time efficiency for me has been phenomenal.”IFAS officials hope to continue to expand the site with new, timely topics every year, said Joan Dusky, associate dean for extension. But that doesn’t mean an end to hands-on field days, she said, because both help to reach people with timely information.Al Magrum of Lambertville, Mich., used Hochmuth’s online instruction several months ago to guide him as he started a hydroponic growing operation in his home. Using three 10-gallon aquariums, an aerator and lights, he said via e-mail that he now has basil, chives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, green onions and parsley started.Adoption of Alternative EnterprisesA Hamilton County small farmer established a new 1.5 acre open shadehouse organic pepper operation in the spring of 2009. This agent and Hamilton County Extension agent, Allen Tyree consulted with a visit to the operation weekly to assist with crop management decisions such as irrigation, pest management, fertilizer management, and post harvest handling. The grower indicated gross sales of over $30,000, sufficient to pay for entire investment in first year. This alternative enterprise choice was based on research conducted at NFREC-SV in 2006-2008.On Board with BMPs: Best management practices help a watermelon grower achieve a record crop while reducing input costs.Jack Putnal and his son, Riley, manage Putnal Farms in southern Suwannee County. The Putnals farm peanuts, watermelon, corn, iron clay peas, millet, and cattle. Jack and Riley are known for their high-quality watermelons harvested beginning in late May and ending in late June or early July.The next-generation Putnal, Riley, has been given more and more of the leadership in growing the watermelon crop in recent years. Riley has embraced the technology available to refine his water and nutrient management program. The 2008 watermelon season ended as one of the best ever for the Putnals; however, the season started with the disappointment of losing several acres of young transplants to hard freezes in March. Even in the face of killing frosts, Riley wanted to learn a key piece of information on those cold nights: Does it pay to run the drip irrigation system overnight to protect the crop?Mace Bauer, UF/IFAS best management practices (BMP) implementation team leader, and Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Extension agent, set up a study during two different freeze events using recording thermometers and a data logger to record temperatures continuously throughout the night. The data showed there was no benefit to running the drip system as a means of freeze protection. This was a very important piece of information to save water usage and reduce leaching losses of fertilizer.Riley Putnal has also used two other key BMP tools available through the Suwannee River Partnership Cost Share program. Those two tools are Cardy plant sap meters to measure nitrogen and potassium in the field and TDR portable soil moisture probes. Hochmuth has been working with Riley for the past few years to help him gain the confidence in using these tools on his own.Samples are pulled at least weekly during the season, and the results are used to adjust the amount of nitrogen and potassium to fertigate using the UF/IFAS recommendations as the guide. In addition, the soil moisture probe is used routinely, several times weekly to guide the irrigation program to assure adequate water supply and also minimize the risk of leaching. The Putnals also use other methods to assist in the overall BMP program, including: automatic-switching irrigation valves, GPS light-bar guidance system, nurse tanks for safe pesticide tank filling, and early field scouting for pest and disease detection.The Putnals have saved money on water and fertilizer by using the Partnership BMP tools in their watermelon and other crops. At the same time, they indicated the 2008 watermelon crop was “the highest yielding ever” on their farm.2. Statewide Small Farms Education Program Planning, Coordination, and ImplementationSituationSituation statement:Small farms in Florida have traditionally represented a quiet, little-known, part of the agriculture industry. Recent changes, led by new consumer demands, have triggered many diverse opportunities to direct market specialty products throughout the state. Because the small farm industry in Florida has not been highly visible, the small farmers themselves are not well described.According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, there are 41,407 farms in Florida that operate less than 179 acres each. This represents 87% of the 47,463 farms in the state. While the number of farms in Florida has increased by 8% since the 2002 Census, the average size of farms has decreased by 18% from 236 acres in 2002 to 195 acres in 2007. The USDA defines a small farm as one having gross sales less than $250,000. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, 93% of farms in Florida fall into that category.It is incumbent upon University of Florida IFAS Extension and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Extension systems to identify the changing needs of Florida farmers in order to provide them relevant information. As farm size decreases, Extension agents need to understand who these farmers are, as well as how they prefer to obtain new information and what can be done to meet their educational needs. Some small farmers have indicated that they would be less likely to attend Extension programs that are directed at the traditional, commodity production farmers. Extension services have been emphasizing the use of technology to deliver programming. Regardless of their familiarity with technology, some farmers still preferred one-on-one consultations and on-farm demonstrations for educational delivery methods. A study of forest landowners in the South also showed a negative correlation between age and high tech educational delivery methods like the Internet and interactive videos.The small farm debate traditionally has been over the value of sales versus the land area of the farm. The value of sales basis is probably more appropriate, especially for Florida. This is because very high value enterprises or products such as greenhouse ornamentals or vegetables, cut flowers, or culinary herbs can easily have a value of more than $250,000 on less than 5 or 10 acres. Because Florida has so many opportunities for producing high value products, the classification based on gross sales value is much more appropriate. According to the 2007 US Ag Census, 89% of the Florida farms report less than $100,000 in product sales. The other common characteristic of these operations is they are family oriented farms dependent upon the family for management and labor. The USDA further classifies small farms based on the primary motivation of the family for farming. These categories include: primary income, retirement, lifestyle, or limited resources.The dominant organizational structure of agriculture in Florida is individual family farms. Just over 69% of Florida agricultural operations are less than 50 acres in size. In terms of farm typology in Florida, the two dominant categories are retirement (23.5%) and residential/lifestyle (34.9%). Together, these two categories account for almost six of every ten agricultural operations in Florida.New consumer demands for the development of community-based food systems and specialty products such as organic, heirloom, hydroponic, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, ethnic meats and vegetables, all provide new opportunities for small farmers to sustain a profitable enterprise. These types of diverse enterprises and the abundance of large population centers provide opportunities for direct marketing in Florida, unlike most other states. In fact, Florida reported an 8% increase in farm numbers from 2002 to 2007, essentially all in the small farm category.Small farmers in Florida have a variety of issues and challenges they face and with fewer resources available to them than larger farms, being a small farmer is a tough job. That's why UF/IFAS and FAMU has created a website that specifically addresses the needs of small farmers. The website provides links and other resources for small farmers including, how to get started, enterprise budgeting, business planning, financing grants, and much more. Farmers using this site can select topics on enterprises of special interest to them, including aquaculture, cut flowers, livestock, and organic enterprises. Each topic includes information on production, marketing, and economics as well as other appropriate links. While small farms represent over 90% of all farms in Florida, these farms represent about 15% of all farm product sales in Florida. Input from counties throughout Florida identified the need for small farm educational programs to be developed. Small farmers and allied organizations have identified critical issues facing small farms, which include: access to profitable markets, business skills development, accessible technical information, and alternative crops and enterprises. Regional conferences are planned each year to meet this need.Target audience(s): The primary target audiences for this program are small farms, agricultural operations, county/state faculty and staff in Florida.Program Objectives1. Increase knowledge of small farm operators in the areas of food and fiber production to ensure long-term sustainability while protecting natural resources and complying with government regulations.2. Improve competencies of extension faculty and delivery of programs appropriate for small farms.Educational Methods and Activities: To cover the variety of educational efforts, the Agent worked closely with Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Focus Team, state Extension specialists and other Extension agents to help in planning and delivering this educational effort. Various forms of advertisement were used by this agent including direct mailing list, newspaper, websites and flyers. Instructional multi-media presentations and handouts were also developed to aid in the educational efforts of these programs. This agents leadership roles are listed below.Co-leader of Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus teamChairman, 2009 Small Farms ConferenceFund Raising Chair for 2009 Small Farms ConferenceFacilitate Regional Small Farms ConferencesCo-Leader for Implementation of Statewide Small Farms SurveyProvide leadership for web site enhancementSummarize your educational methods and activities; and include the following tables:Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- Agent(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)Type of Event/TopicNumber of EventsNumber of ParticipantsRegional Small Farms Conferences6640Small Farms In-service Training Events160Florida Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Conference1800Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- AgentType of Event/TopicNumber of EventsAgentsRegional Small Farms Conferences6Small Farm AgentsStatewide Small Farms Conference1Small Farm AgentsSmall Farms In-service Training EventsHydroponic Shortcourses3Small Farm AgentsUF Small Farms Academy Programs3NE District Agents(Transfers your current years’ total numbers from “Workload” database)Your total number of Educational Materials prepared this Year25Your Number of Clientele contacts:field consultations10office consultations20telephone consultations320group learning participants1500e-mail consultations2200Only Current Year’s Race and Ethnicity Data (use to determine if parity is reached),previous years should be filed (hard copy) with your previous year’s ROARace and EthnicityProjected Target Audience(from 2009 POW)Audience Reached in 2009Parity (± 4%)ReachedNumber%Number%Hispanic65456YesMulti-racial0000YesPacific Islander0000YesAmerican Indian2100YesAsian 65355YesBlack211713519YesWhite867250070YesUnknown003335N/ATotal1211004050100GenderMale44237248668YesFemale17362822932YesUnknown003335N/ATotal61591004050100%OutcomesBig Bend Regional Small Farms ConferenceThe overall evaluation of the 2009 Big Bend Small Farms Conference showed the conference either met or exceeded the expectations of 90% of attendees. 100% indicated they plan to use the information. Attendees indicated the program increased their ability to:Increase profitability (14)Improve the farm’s environmental quality (9)Improve sustainability (10)100% plant to attend again next yearAgritunity (Regional Small Farms Conference)Based on the conference evaluation, the following summary is provided:98% indicated the conference met or exceeded expectations93% visited the Trade Show area and most found it very helpful100% indicated they are interested in attending in 201076% plan to start or expand production90% indicated they had at least some college education70% indicated they were part-time farmersAttendees were from at least 15 Florida countiesPresentations Web Site – Small Farms PresentationsThe Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team facilitates posting of educational presentations for faculty to use. There are 48 small farm topic presentations available on the site in 2009.There were 904 downloads of these presentations in 2009. Most presentations were downloaded 20-25 times.The presentations represent the collective effort of 31 presenters.This agent has 13 presentations on the site and these represent 127 downloads (1-30 range).Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises ConferenceResults of a survey conducted at the statewide Small Farms/Alternative Conference (214 respondents) indicated that: 190 participants were confident to very confident that they will be able to apply knowledge gained at conference197 felt very comfortable using their new found sources of information and supplies181 felt that they had increased their networking capabilities175 respondents felt they were now able to identify the challenges that small farmers face176 participants felt they could identify additional opportunities to improve their operationAttendees indicated that the most valuable experiences from the conference were networking with other farmers, university personnel and product vendors, real world experiences from successful Fl producers and being able to sample specialty products from FL farms. Additionally, 180 rated the conference valuable and would come every year if given the opportunity. Small Farms SurveySmall Farms Survey data was summarized and reported in EDIS ().Regional ProgramsAcross the state, 12 regional small farms educational program efforts were conducted. The venue and format varied from conferences, topic workshops, monthly meetings, and field days. Approximately 2000 attendees were noted in 2009.Working GroupsTwo small farms working groups continued strong outreach efforts. The two groups are the Northeast and Southwest Small Farm Working Groups. A total of 8 on-farm workshops were held with about 500 attendees.Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team ProgramsSmall Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team programs were promoted at several programs, fairs, expos, and other venues with table top displays, bookmarks, flyers, and other educational materials. Thousands of potential clientele learned about outreach program of UF and FAMU.ImpactsEnhancing Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Web Site with New Innovative ContentThrough an Extension Program Enhancement Grant, Bob Hochmuth and Linda Landrum in cooperation with Laurie Osborne (webmaster) and Al Williamson and Rebecca Clapp (IFAS Communications) were able to provide leadership from the Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team to improve the quality of the Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises web pages. This was accomplished by developing new and interesting web content through software upgrades, OPS support for web site updates, training of current webmaster, addition of a new video on Alternative Enterprises and a “Featured Farmer” section. The timing was important (early 2009) because the small farms site would be used to host the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference web page and would result in increased traffic in the main site.The content on the web site is managed by 17 “Topic Teams”. Each team has a small group of faculty with expertise in that area. The team members review current content, check for dead links, search for new content, and work with webmaster to keep pages up to date. The success of the web site is through the collective efforts of the Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Focus Team, Topic Teams, and the webmaster.Web updates and web training include maintaining and updating the NFREC and Small Farms websites by employing OPS labor, adding flash photography to site, creating a new section for “Feature Farmer” on the Small Farms website which will feature flash images, video, and test. On-line course work was taken by SF/NFREC webmaster as a result of this grant which now enables her to add flash photography and video clips to the site.Additionally, a video entitled “Solutions for Your Small Farms – Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You” was developed during the spring of 2009. The video features five diversified small farmers in Florida. It showcased the diversity the farmers shared and their experiences in adopting their alternative enterprises. All presenters were articulate in providing advice to other farmers considering an alternative enterprise. The video is linked on the front page of the Small Farms web site. This special piece on Alternative Enterprises was viewed 1,276 times on the web since August 2009. To further enhance the video, sixteen articles were authored by UF and FAMU Extension faculty in 2008 and 2009. These articles each highlighted some alternative enterprise for Florida small farmers. The articles were sent to Tom Nordlie, UF IFAS Information and Communication Services to be edited and sent to new media contacts. The articles were informational and also promoted the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference. Articles were sent to the UF/IFAS media distribution list of 75 newspapers and 31 agricultural magazines. The articles have been posted on the Small Farms website and will be linked from the new Alternative Enterprises video. Since August 2009, nine of these articles have been downloaded 13,088 times.Another feature which was added to the SF/AE website as small farmers like to learn from other small farmers is the “Feature Farmer” which was added in March 2009. This new addition provides a brief overview of selected Florida small farms and is accompanied with 8 to 10 photos of the farm. To date, there have been 1,126 views of this section. For future addition, county faculty will submit the information for their Feature Farmer.Below are a few web traffic highlights as a result of this effort which include:Average monthly hits increased from about 70,00 in 2008 to over 166,00 during Apr-Nov 2009Average monthly sessions (IP addresses) increased from about 2,000 in 2008 to over 20,000 in July 2009Total web site hits from Jan to Nov 2009 was 1,829,881The Conference page was requested 4,379 times in July 2009 aloneThe Conference Agenda-at-a-Glance was downloaded 1,056 times in July 2009250 Conference parking passes were downloaded in July 2009Highlights are listed below for top 100 ranked downloads and requested “Topic Team pages” for Jan – Nov ic Page GroupNumber Downloads(among top 100 ranked)Number Requested Pages(among top 100 ranked)Planning and Management42,21443,661Livestock and Forages13,16529,754Crops27,019103,550Forest Products, Environmental & Recreational Uses4,09312,944Freshwater Aquaculture & Farm Ponds0*17,822Organic Production0*29,301Other Enterprises0*19,231State/Federal Agencies0*2,596* None appeared in top 100 listAssorted Other Requested Web Pages from Small Farms Web Site:50,625 – Small Farms Conference (assorted areas) with 8,554 downloads9,673 – ‘Micro-Greens’ feature5,602 – ‘Progressive Farmer’ feature4,644 – ‘Calendar of Events’ feature3,650 – ‘About Us’ feature3,460 – ‘Pocket Notebook’ feature with 17,522 downloads2,626 – ‘Hydroponic Short Course’ feature1,276 – ‘Solutions for Your Small Farm: Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You’ video1,126 - ‘Featured Farmer” feature971 – ‘Small Farms Working Group’ featureSuccess Stories2008 Small Farms Survey ResultsThe results of the 2008 Florida Small Farms Survey were summarized and reported in 2009. The EDIS document that published the results is cited as Gaul, S.A., R.C. Hochmuth, G.D. Israel, and D.D. Treadwell. 2009. Characteristics of Small Farms Operators in Florida: Economics, Demographics, Preferred Information Channels and Sources. EDIS WC088 () 11 pages.The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers any farm a “small farm” if it has less than $250,000 in annual gross sales, but that definition is too broad to provide a sense of what Florida’s small farms are really like.So the University of Florida and Florida A&M University surveyed small farmers statewide, and about 300 responded. The results shed light on producer demographics and confirm that small farms make important contributions to local economies.In terms of land, 64 percent of the participants farmed 50 acres or less.Their motivations varied widely. Many participants—39 percent—reported that farming was moderately important or very important as a primary source of income, and 52 percent relied on farming for supplemental income. Farming was a part-time occupation for 44 percent.Other popular reasons included maintaining a family tradition, wanting to own a business and enjoying the farming lifestyle.Despite farming’s image as a calling pursued from childhood, many of Florida’s small farmers are new to the activity. Sixty percent indicated that no one else in their family farmed, and 44 percent said they were the first generation of farmers in their family. Fifteen percent reported having less than five years’ experience.Altogether, the participants produced 35 items. The most common were beef cattle (produced by 33 percent), horses (17 percent), goats (16 percent), vegetables (14 percent) and flowers or bedding plants (11 percent).Other enterprises included hay, fruits, herbs, poultry, aquaculture, beekeeping, timber and pine straw. Crop diversity is essential to farm sustainability, and 45 percent of the participants reported producing two or more items.Forty-three percent of participants said they followed organic principles, but only 6 percent had obtained organic certification from the USDA.Challenges facing Florida’s small farmers include marketing their crops at a profit, finding affordable materials and supplies, obtaining reliable information, and complying with state and federal regulations.Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises ConferenceAt least 800 farmers and agriculture professionals from 54 Florida counties participated in the 2009 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, held August 1 & 2 at Osceola Heritage Park located in Kissimmee, Florida. This ground-breaking 1st annual event hosted by UF-IFAS/FAMU-CESTA included 30 educational sessions, over 80 educational and industry exhibitors, plus a multi-species live animal exhibit. Two days of education included topics related to: alternative energy, food policy and regulations, livestock, business and marketing, organic and sustainable farming and horticulture with nearly 100 speakers representing all facets of Florida agriculture. The conference kicked off with an inspiring welcome address from Charles Bronson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture expressing there is a place for small producers in the agriculture system. “…we need small farmers”. He shared his thoughts about the Farm to Fuel Summit and the importance of becoming a more self–sustaining country less reliant on foreign oil. Another important part of the morning kick off was the Florida Innovative Farmer Awards presented to three producers for their innovation in developing and sustaining their small farm enterprise. The awards were presented to a lamb producer, pastured-poultry producer and organic citrus and vegetable producer. A Farm to Table lunch was another highlight at the conference showcasing 20 farms that provided vegetables, meat or value-added products. A delicious meal was pre-pared by Chef Tony and staff with Savor Osceola Catering Co. using farm direct products. The luncheons brought awareness to the diversity of farmers and products available for a local food system. During lunch Keynote speaker John Ikerd, Professor delivered a passionate speech about his truth on the past, present and future of agriculture. He told us a story about the year 2050, what will that look like based upon decisions we are making today.Through several small donations from individuals, twenty Florida small farmers were able to attend on a registration scholarship. In addition, Natalie’s Orchard Island Juice Company provided funding support for 10 University students to attend. One of the most important results from this conference was the level of networking opportunities that transpired. Many participants shared their gratitude to have the opportunity to attend such a life changing event.Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference Publicity Committee Efforts Deemed a SuccessIn an effort to make Florida’s small farmers aware of the 2009 first ever statewide Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference held in Kissimmee, the conference Publicity Committee released a series of newspaper articles on topics relating to small farms to newspapers and ag-related publications across the state. Twenty-one faculty members from UF and FAMU signed up to create 17 articles. These articles were released by IFAS Communications to about 175 newspapers and 31 AG publications with a “conference tag” at the end of each article. The series began in September of 2008 with new articles going out about every three weeks. As a result of this effort, numerous agents reported hearing from various newspapers, etc. about their article, with one piece being picked up by both national and international news entities. Some of the national media outlets where articles appeared were , Southeast Ag Net, and local papers such as the Suwannee Democrat. Additionally, the articles with accompanying photos were added to the SharePoint web site for county agents to use in local newsletters and to the “Solutions for Your Small Farm – Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You” web page to support the video. According to Tom Nordlie in IFAS Communications, this was the first program awareness campaign of this type originating from that department. Because it was felt by the conference committee to have been successful, this publicity approach will be used again for the 2010 conference.3. Educating Youth and Adults on the Importance of Agricultural Production in the Suwannee ValleySituationSituation Statement: Rapid urbanization is occurring in the Suwannee Valley area resulting in conflict between the agricultural community and new residents. Non-farming clientele need to understand and appreciate the value of agriculture and to maintain landscapes in an environmentally friendly way. Additionally, there is a need for youth to understand where and how food and fiber are produced. If area residents, policy makers and youth had a better understanding of the importance of agriculture to the region, more favorable regulations and attitude towards agriculture would result thus allowing producers to continue farming.Target audience(s): The primary target audiences for this program are area residents (adults & youth), youth educators, government and regulatory agencies. Program ObjectivesImprove agricultural and environmental knowledge and decision skills of target audienceImprove understanding by the target audience of the economic and environmental contribution that agriculture industries and natural resource venues has to the Suwannee Valley. Educational Methods and Activities To cover the variety of educational efforts, this agent worked closely with state Extension Specialists and other Extension agents to help in planning and teaching of programs. Various forms of advertisement were used including direct mailing list (900 producers), newspaper, websites and flyers. Instructional multi-media presentations and handouts were also developed to aid in the educational efforts of these programs. The following activities were offered to clientele to meet program objectives:Table 1a. Group Events – Agent(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)Type of Event/TopicNumber of EventsNumber of ParticipantsMaster Gardener Fruit Crops Pruning Training136Master Gardener TrainingColumbia, NE Region (4 counties), Taylor, Suwannee, Alachua, Levy7387Teaching Youth EventsFFA Environmental Sciences Statewide Contest, Suwannee Hamburger Day Camp235Student Educational Tours220Support for Fairs, Expo Exhibitions, etc4400Table 1a. Group Events – Agent(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)Type of Event/TopicNumber of EventsAgentTeaching Youth About Agriculture“FFA Environmental Sciences Statewide Contest”1SaftService to Community/Garden Organizations, and County Extension Programs, Suwannee, Taylor, Columbia, Duval5Saft, Olson, Demorest, DelValleArea Fairs/Exhibitions/Festivals“Sunbelt Agricultural Expo”“North FL Fair”2SweatBlount(Transfers your current years’ total numbers from “Workload” database)Your total number of Educational Materials prepared this Year3Your Number of Clientele contacts:field consultations5office consultations30telephone consultations25group learning participants750e-mail consultations40Only Current Year’s Race and Ethnicity Data (use to determine if parity is reached), previous years should be filed (hard copy) with your previous year’s ROARace and EthnicityProjected Target Audience(from 2009 POW)Audience Reachedin 2009Parity (± 4%)ReachedNumber%Number%Hispanic7708354YesMulti-racial0000YesPacific Islander0000YesAmerican Indian12330.500YesAsian 10710.522YesBlack43,431172017YesWhite196,448798877YesUnknown00695n/aTotal249,891100%810100%GenderMale130,61652%5649YesFemale119,27548%5951YesUnknown00%695n/aTotal249,891100%810100%OutcomesFor Youth - 39 youth had the opportunity to learn about manure management and the impacts on the environment at the FFA contest.For Adults – Evaluations from 28 Master Gardeners in NE Florida, 100% indicated they increased their knowledge on the topics presented that day, including IPM of vegetables. From this agent’s presentation, 25 indicated they learned how to manage whiteflies, 26 indicated they learned practices they would implement to manage diseases, and 26 know how to select disease resistant varieties.36 Master Gardeners from counties in the Suwannee Valley learned how to correctly prune stone fruit and muscadine grapes as a result of attending a ‘hands-on’ pruning workshop at NFREC-SV.ImpactsFor Adults – A partnership between the Master Gardeners of Columbia (N. Demorest) and Suwannee (C. Saft) Counties and NFREC-SV (R. Hochmuth, L. Landrum, R. Randell, and L. Davis) was developed in 2008 to ensure the sustainability of the fruit and nut crop orchard located at NFREC-SV. With declining funding support for programs at NFREC-SV, a meeting was held with area Master Gardener leaders and county faculty which resulted in an agreement to use volunteers as a means of fulfilling seasonal labor needs. In return, the volunteers gain firsthand experience on maintaining an orchard and will also be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. In 2009, this partnership continues to be successful for both parties. The number of MGs who participated this past year has increased dramatically with other Suwannee Valley counties participating as well. Several MG volunteers have logged in over 50 hours valued at over $1,000. Undoubtedly, the maintenance of this demonstration area would be in jeopardy without this partnership. 24. CLINICAL SERVICE OR CLINICAL ACTIVITIES- None25. SERVICE TO SCHOOLSSuwannee High, Live Oak, FL. Assisted FFA program on various ag farm projects during year.State FFA Program, Assisted in delivering/hosting statewide Environmental Science and Natural Resources contest.26. MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE PROFESSIONAssociationRole(e.g., member, committee chair, elected office, etc.)YearsExtension Professionals Association of Florida Member,1988-PresentFlorida Association of County Agricultural Agent (FACAA)Member,Educational Foundation Committee MemberPublic Relations Committee Member1988-Present2006-Present2008-2009National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA)Member1982-PresentFlorida Farm Bureau (Suwannee County)Member2000-PresentAmerican Society for PlasticultureMember1988-PresentFlorida State Horticultural SocietyMemberBest Paper Committee Member1988-Present2009American Society for Horticultural Sciences Member 2000-PresentEpsilon Sigma PhiMember1988-PresentFlorida Farm BureauMember2004-Present27. HONORSInclude date(s). Describe the organization issuing the award. Indicate the significant of the award.YearOrganizationAward 2008Epsilon Sigma Phi25 Year Distinguished Service Award33. THE FURTHER INFORMATION SECTION-N/A Indicate status of master’s degree if applicable. 34. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT In-service and Self ProposedTitleDaysSoutheast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference2.0Fruit & Vegetable Focus Team IST & Tour4.5Extension Professionals Association of Florida (EPAF)2.5Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference2.0Delaware-Maryland Annual Vegetable Meeting2.0Statewide Small Farms Conference2.0SE Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA2.0Florida State Hort Society, Jax, FL2.0IST – FSHS and Phytosanitary Inspections and Quarantine Treatments for Horticultural Crops3.0IST – Insect, Weed, Nematode and Soil Fertility Management for Organic and Transitional Farming Systems Workshop1.0IST - EPAF/ IFAS Administrative Meeting, Orlando2.5Self-Proposed Tour – Tomato Food Safety Initiative Farm Tour (FDA, FDACS, UF/IFAS)2.0IST – Vegetable Crops BMP Workshop2.0IST – Small Farms are Real Farms0.5Self Proposed – Developing a Food Safety Program for Suwannee Valley Vegetable Growers1.0IST – Food Safety & GAPS for Florida Extension Agents0.5Self-Proposed – Statewide Horticultural Crops Extension Team Meeting1.0Self-Proposed – Horticultural Sciences Dept., Seminar, Controlled Environment System for Specialty Crops0.5Self-Proposed – Horticultural Sciences Dept., Seminar, Resolving Biosecurity Issues on Hobby and Peri-Urban Farms in Australia0.5Self-Proposed – AED/CPR Training1.0Self-Proposed – Cultivating Agritourism1.0Self-Proposed – Selling to the Food Service Industry0.5Extension Symposium2.0 2009 EPAF/ IFAS Administrative Meeting, Orlando2.5 ................
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