suwannee county extension’s...october 2018 -call 386-326-2771 var free nutrition classes at christ...

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SolutionsForYourLife.org Helping Suwannee County Grow Volume 11 Issue 4 October - December 2018 Suwannee County Extension’s Important Dates 2-4 Get Ready for Fall 5 True Leaders 6 Feeding Horses 7 Trees 8 Pecan Production 9 Land for Farms 10 SRWMD 11 Back 12 Suwannee County Extension Office 1302 11th St. SW Live Oak, FL 32064-3611 (386) 362-2771 Important Notice to SVYLSS Hog and Steer Exhibitors at the 2019 Suwannee County Fair: During the past two meetings of the Suwannee Valley Youth Livestock Show and Sale (SVYLSS), members have voted to make significant changes to their rules. The updated rules are as follows: Exhibitors must be a resident of and enrolled in school or a 4-H club in Suwannee, Hamilton or Lafayette Counties. Exhibitors must be enrolled in 4-H or FFA no later than November 1, 2018. Entry forms will be due on November 1 st , 2018 to the Extension Offices in either Suwannee, Hamilton, or Lafayette Counties. These forms will be accepted up to November 16, 2018. Any forms turned in after November 1 st but before November 16 th are subject to a $25.00 late fee to be paid to the SVYLSS. Late fee payment must accompany the entry form. No entry forms will be accepted after November 16 th . At hog tagging on December 8 th , once their swine are tagged, exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their tag number (s) are provided to the SVYLSS secretary or other designated member before leaving the fairgrounds. In accordance with federal regulations, all swine must have a Premise Identification tag to receive a SVYLSS tag. Any swine that does not have the Premise ID tag will not be tagged with a SVYLSS tag and will therefore not be able to show. More information can be found at https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Animals/ Pigs-Swine/Official-Identification-for- Swine-at-Fairs-FAQ. To receive entry forms (hogs and steers) and a full copy of the rules and regulations, please contact your local Extension Office, 4-H Club Leader, or FFA Advisor. Visit our website: www.suwannee.ifas.ufl.edu Livestock Rule Changes

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Page 1: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

SolutionsForYourLife.org

Helping Suwannee County Grow

Volume 11 Issue 4

October - December 2018

Suwannee County Extension’s

Important Dates 2-4

Get Ready for Fall 5

True Leaders 6

Feeding Horses 7

Trees 8

Pecan Production 9

Land for Farms 10

SRWMD 11

Back 12

Suwannee County Extension Office

1302 11th St. SW Live Oak, FL 32064-3611

(386) 362-2771

Important Notice to SVYLSS Hog and Steer Exhibitors at

the 2019 Suwannee County Fair:

During the past two meetings of the Suwannee Valley Youth Livestock Show and Sale (SVYLSS), members have voted to make significant changes to their rules. The updated rules are as follows: Exhibitors must be a resident of and enrolled in school or a 4-H club in Suwannee, Hamilton or Lafayette Counties. Exhibitors must be enrolled in 4-H or FFA no later than November 1, 2018. Entry forms will be due on November 1st, 2018 to the Extension Offices in either Suwannee, Hamilton, or Lafayette Counties. These forms will be accepted up to November 16, 2018. Any forms turned in after November 1st but before November 16th are subject to a $25.00 late fee to be paid to the SVYLSS. Late fee payment must accompany the entry form. No entry forms will be accepted after November 16th.

At hog tagging on December 8th, once their swine are tagged, exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their tag number(s) are provided to the SVYLSS secretary or other designated member before leaving the fairgrounds. In accordance with federal regulations, all

swine must have a Premise Identification tag to receive a SVYLSS tag. Any swine that does not have the Premise ID tag will not be tagged with a SVYLSS tag and will therefore not be able to show. More information can be found at https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Animals/Pigs-Swine/Official-Identification-for-Swine-at-Fairs-FAQ. To receive entry forms (hogs and steers) and a full copy of the rules and regulations, please contact your local Extension Office, 4-H Club Leader, or FFA Advisor.

Visit our website: www.suwannee.ifas.ufl.edu

Livestock Rule Changes

Page 2: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

October 2018 - Call 386-326-2771

Var

FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and simple recipes with taste tests. Children: Make simple snacks with 4-H (not required to be a 4-H member to participate). Open to the public! Call the Extension Office at 386-362-2771 for more information.

3 Edible Landscaping Shortcourse (Session 5-Gourmet Mushrooms), 8:45am-12:15pm, $15 per session, Extension Office, Contact Carolyn Saft for more information.

3 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

3 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

3 Medicare Basics Webinar 12-1pm (part 1) Second session on Oct 11th https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/8898749318108055810

8 4-H County Council, 6:30pm, at Extension Office.

10 Feasibility Study Workshop, NFREC-SV, 8202 CR 417, Live Oak, FL. Contact Kevin Athearn or Dilcia Toro to register (386-362-1725).

10 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

10 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

11 Master Gardener Workday & Alumni Meeting, 8:30am-1:00pm at Heritage Park.

11 Successful Winter Grazing And Cover Crop Establishment, 9:00am at the NFREC-SV, 7580 CR 136, Live Oak, FL. Cost is $5.00 and includes lunch. CEU’s available after lunch. To RSVP or for more information contact Jane Griffin at 386-362-2771 or [email protected].

15

National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe course for national food manager certification, 8:30am at Extension Office. Certification is good for 5 yrs. Class, exam & book $165. Must register 3 business days prior to class, no walk-ins. Bring lunch and photo ID. Call toll-free 1-888-232-8723 or via web http://bit.ly/2z0YJiO.

16-18 Sunbelt Ag Expo, Moultrie, GA

17 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

17 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

24-26 Florida Farm Bureau Annual Conference, St. Augustine,.

24-11/8

Fall Harvest - Suwannee Valley Research and Education Center, for more information, call the Extension Office

25 North Florida Cattlemen’s Association meeting, 5:00-9:00pm at NFREC-Suwannee Valley, 8202 CR 417, Live Oak.

27 Garden Club Fall Festival.

24 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

24 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

31 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

31 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

Extension Calendar

2

Page 3: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Extension Calendar

November 2018 - Call 386-362-2771

Var

FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and simple recipes with taste tests. Children: Make simple snacks with 4-H (not required to be a 4-H member to participate). Open to the public! Call the Extension Office at 386-362-2771 for more information.

1 SVYLSS Hog and Steer entry forms DUE to the Extension Office by 5:00pm.

1 MUST be enrolled in 4-H or FFA to be able to show a hog or steer in the Suwannee County Fair.

1 Choosing a Financial Professional (Webinar) Free 12:00pm-1:00pm. https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/759039449289138434

2-16 Online - New Farmer Short Course: Accessing Land for Farming, NFREC-SV. Contact Kevin Athearn or Dilcia Toro to register (386-362-1725).

3 Home and Community Education (HCE) volunteers dues deadline. $13 for individuals and $21 for couples. Send to Jane Whitley. Make payable to: Suwannee County HCE

7 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

7 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

8 Hog Tagging for Florida State Fair, Coliseum parking lot, 11:00am-12:00 noon.

9 Beef Quality Assurance Certification, 9:00am-12:00pm at the Extension Office. Cost is $20.00 and includes reference manual. To register or for more information, contact Jane Griffin at 386-362-2771 or [email protected].

9 Fermented Foods (Webinar) 12:00-1:00pm. Must pre-register https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G4PiyIIcSVCO2U7sPTYYkw

12 Extension Office Closed—Veteran’s Day.

12 4-H County Council, 6:30pm, at Extension Office.

14 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

14 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

16 Workshop and Local Farm Visit for New Farmer Short Course: Accessing Land for Farming, NFREC-SV, 8202 CR 417, Live Oak, FL. Contact Kevin Athearn or Dilcia Toro for more information or to register (386-362-1725).

22-23 Extension Office Closed—Thanksgiving Holidays.

28 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

28 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

29 Watermelon Institute, Straughn Center Gainesville.

30-Dec 2

Leadership Adventure Weekend (LAW) , Camp Cloverleaf, 4-H members 13-18, Cost: $115

3

Page 4: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Extension Calendar

December 2018 - Call 386-362-2771

Var

FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and simple recipes with taste tests. Children: Make simple snacks with 4-H (not required to be a 4-H member to participate). Open to the public! Call the Extension Office at 386-362-2771 for more information.

1 Christmas on the Square Booth-Downtown Live Oak

1-2 4-H Dairy Heifer Fall Classic Jackpot Show and Workshop, begins at 8:30am on December 1, open to members, ages 8-18, with dairy heifers

5 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

5 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

8 MANDATORY - Steer Weigh-in for SVYLSS, 8:00-9:00 am (to show at the Suwanee County Fair, March 2019). NOTE: Entry forms were due November 1.

8 MANDATORY - Hog Tagging for SVYLSS, 9:30-11:00am (to show at the Suwannee County Fair, March 2019). NOTE: Entry forms were due November 1.

10 4-H Holiday Bake-Off.

10 4-H County Council, 6:30pm, at Extension Office.

12 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

12 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

15 Equine Management 101, 9:00am-12:00pm at the Extension Office. Cost is $5.00. RSVP to Jane Griffin at [email protected], or 386-362-2771.

15 Kids’ day at Heritage Park and Gardens

19 Master Gardener Greenhouse Workday, 9:00am at Extension Office.

19 Master Gardener Seed Library, 1:00-3:00pm at Live Oak Library.

24-25 Extension Office Closed—Christmas Holidays.

4

Starling Family Farms

Page 5: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Pumpkin Everything Can you think of anything that is more fall-like than a pumpkin? This famously orange nutrient-dense vegetable is considered a winter squash. Pumpkins are a good source of vitamin A, fiber and potassium. When shopping for pumpkins, select ones that feel heavy for their size, harvested with the stem and are free from blemishes. If you are looking for a sweeter option, select pumpkins that are smaller in size. Smaller pumpkins tend to be sweeter and more tender with less watery flesh. Pumpkins may be kept in a cool dry place for up to a month.

Have you been searching for ways to add pumpkin to your seasonal dishes? Try pumpkin puree mixed into mac-and-cheese or hummus. You can also try adding pumpkin to pancake batter, oatmeal, smoothies or your favorite chili. Don't forget about roasting the seeds. Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthful snack and a good source of nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe Enjoy the aroma of pumpkin pie all year long with this rich and hearty quick bread. Pour a glass of low-fat milk to enjoy with a slice at breakfast - and you and your family are ready to start the day. Ingredients

Vegetable oil or cooking spray 2⅔ cups sugar ⅓ cup canola oil ⅓ cups unsweetened applesauce 1 15-ounce can pumpkin 4 eggs ⅔ cup nonfat plain yogurt 2⅔ cups all-purpose flour ⅔ cup toasted wheat germ 1½ teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons baking soda 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1½ cups raisins

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Spray two 8 ½-by-4 ½-by 2 ½-inch loaf pans or 24 muffin tins with cooking spray.

2. Cream together sugar, canola oil, applesauce, pumpkin, eggs and yogurt until smooth.

3. Stir together flour, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

4. Combine the dry mixture with the wet mixture; stir until well combined. Fold in raisins or cranberries. Pour into prepared pans (fill muffin tins ⅔ full). Bake for 50 minutes (loaves) or 25 minutes (muffins). Sources: www.eatright.org; www.freshfromflorida.com

Get Ready for Fall Y’all!

Kim Griffin Family and Consumer Sciences Agent

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Page 6: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Derby Sale 4-H and Youth Development Agent

Growing True Leaders in Suwannee County 4-H

THE PROBLEM: America Needs More True Leaders

America is facing a critical need for more leaders – true leaders – prepared with the skills to deal with the problems of today and the challenges of tomorrow.*

We all know a true leader when we see one. They lead by example, work well with others, endure through challenges, and stick to a job until it gets done.

However, many of America’s youth are not prepared with the skills they need to lead in the most fundamental areas of their lives today and their careers tomorrow.

It is a serious problem now that that will lead to a severe leadership void in the years to come – impacting communities across America, and nearly every industry and sector.

THE BRIDGE: Today’s Youth Feel Unprepared to Lead

Every child has the potential to be a true leader. However, young people today say they lack the opportunities that prepare them with the skills to lead.

Today’s youth want to lead. A 2016 4-H National Youth Survey on Leadership revealed most youth (88%) believe they can make a difference, they see themselves as leaders (74%) and they feel a responsibility to lead (73%).

However, only one in three young people say they have the skills they need to be prepared to lead. Half of all high school students report they are not prepared to lead in their life after high school – for college or career.**

Also, many don’t feel encouraged by the adults in their lives – with more youth (86%) saying adults recognize the negative in their generation than youth saying adults recognize the positive.

Youth say they need more encouragement from adults and more hands-on experiences that will help them build confidence and grow skills.

THE SOLUTION: Youth Empowered To Truly Lead—Putting Youth Voices into Positive Action

4-H gives young people experiences – where they can learn by doing, grow from failure, express their ideas, and lead. We tap into their potential and empower them to become true leaders.

In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We recognize that every child has valuable strengths and can have real potential to improve the world…to show us all what it means to be a true leader.

4-H provides the kinds of experiences that help young people grow into true leaders. We are launching the Grow True Leaders Campaign to empower this generation of youth with encouragement and real opportunities to lead.

Whether it is in a community club, a monthly workshop, summer camps, the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest, or other in-school opportunities, there are many ways to get involved and become a true leader through Suwannee County 4-H. Registration

for the new 4-H year begins the last week of August. For more information on getting active in 4-H, contact the Suwannee County Extension Office at 386-362-2771 or email [email protected]. 6

Page 7: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Feeding Horses: How to Interpret a Feed Tag

Jane Griffin Livestock and Forages Agent

Feed selection is one of the most important decisions horse owners make, and it depends on the age of the horse and the amount of work the horse is expected to perform. Understanding how to interpret the feed tags attached to feed bags can help owners make good decisions about which feeds to purchase to ensure they are meeting all of their horse’s nutritional requirements. Information on Feed Labels 1.Product Name and Purpose Statement- Reflects the intended use of the feed, such as growing foal, mature horse, or lactating mare. 2.Commercial Feed Class- Equine feeds are divided into four categories; textured concentrates, processed concentrates, complete feeds, and supplements. Textured concentrates are sweet feeds, or grains mixed with molasses to improve palatability. Processed concentrates are pelleted or extruded to increase digestibility. Complete feeds combinations of concentrates and forage are high in fiber, and used when forage is in short supply. Supplements include protein, minerals, and/or vitamins. 3.Guaranteed Analysis- Provides concentration information of minimum levels of crude protein and crude fat, minimum and maximum values of calcium, and minimum values of phosphorus, copper, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A. 4.Ingredient List- Indicates all ingredients from greatest to least amount. Parts of the Guaranteed Analysis Crude Protein (CP)- Needed for muscle maintenance, enzyme synthesis, and hormone synthesis. Crude Fat (CF)- An indicator of feed energy content.

The higher the minimum percentage of CF, the higher the calories provided by the feed.

Crude Fiber (CF)- Best indicator of energy content. As

fiber increases, energy decreases. CF ensures normal digestive tract functioning, and mixes containing less than 7% CF are energy dense and require more

management.

Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P)- Vital for development, maintenance, and repair of musculoskeletal systems. Ratios should remain within 1.1:1 to 2:1 parts calcium to phosphorus. Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se)- Micronutrients required in small amounts, but just as important as macronutrients such as Ca and P.

Remember that horses are fed based on body weight, and feed should be measured in pounds, not scoops. References: Anderson, K.P. 2007. Basics of Feeding Horses:

Reading the Feed Tag. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

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Page 8: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Carolyn Saft

Horticulture & Environmental Agent

After a long, hot summer, most of us will welcome the cooler temperatures of the fall season. Even our plants

get some relief from summer’s heat and high humidity. If you have thought about adding trees, shrubs, blueberries

or other fruit crops to your yard, consider planting them in the fall. The cooler temperatures slow down the

production of leaves and foliage, while the still warm soil temperatures encourage root growth. The plants will get

their root system established so they will be ready to flush out with new growth when the warmer spring

temperatures return. Additionally, the cold fronts often bring rain showers that will aid in keeping the roots watered.

Irrigation schedules depend on size of nurserystock (tree, shrub) and your desired objective.

Planting and getting trees established is about managing air and moisture in the soil. Manage these correctly and

trees will grow quickly following planting. Three of the most common causes of poor plant establishment or tree

death are planting too deep, under watering, and over watering. If appropriate trees are planted at the right depth and

they are irrigated properly, the planting has a good chance of success. Information from Dr. Ed Gilman’s Planting

Trees publication

STEPS FOR PLANTING TREES

1. Look up for wires and lights

2. Dig shallow and wide hole

3. Find the topmost root and treat root defects

4. Carefully place tree in hole

5. Position top root 1-2 inches above landscape soil

6. Straighten tree

7. Remove synthetic materials

8. Add and firm backfill soil

9. Add mulch

10. Stake and prune, if needed

If you need help deciding what kind of trees to plant, follow these links Native Trees for North Florida http://

edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep007 or Selecting Quality Trees From the Nursery http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep313 or Planting and

Establishing Trees https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/documents/EP314.pdf or come into our office for a free paper

publication. The decisions we make today, determine the future of tomorrow.

Size of Tree Irrigation Schedule

Vigor Survival

Less than 2” caliper

Daily: 2 weeks Every other day: 2 months Weekly: until established

Twice weekly for 2-3 months

2-4 inch trunk caliper

Daily: 1 month Every other day: 3 months Weekly: until established

Twice weekly for 3-4 months

Greater than 4 inch trunk caliper

Daily: 6 weeks Every other day: 5 months Weekly: until established

Twice weekly for 4-5 months

8

For the Good of the Trees, Plant Them in the Fall

Page 9: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Pecan Production

Pecans were a useful food source of Native Americans for thousands of years before European explorers came to America. The nuts were disseminated from the Mississippi Valley eastward by Native Americans. Pecans were readily available, easier to shell than other North American nut species, and they had great taste. Pecans soon became a popular trade item with Native Americans and settlers. For these reasons, they quickly gained significance in the Southeast. Although historically important, the pecan has only been cultivated for a short period of time. Originally, pecans were derived from seedling pecan trees until about 150 years ago. At that time, grafted cultivars became important for higher quality, increased yields and overall better production. Then, trees with optimal characteristics were identified, named and propagated for cultivation. Over the past several decades, scientists have utilized breeding programs to establish new high yielding cultivars with desirable characteristics. As a result of these programs, there are over 500 different pecan cultivars, all with unique traits. The production of the crop in Florida is around five to ten million pounds of pecans annually. Almost all of this commercial production is in the Panhandle and North-Central Florida. Even though it’s easy for local producers to look forward to the harvest and baking their holiday pecan pies, it’s important to care for the trees throughout the maturation process of the nuts. There are a few activities and management efforts that should not go over-looked throughout the fall and winter. Continuous care throughout the year will ensure healthy trees and a viable crop of pecans next year. Refer to the following checklist of items for management reminders. With the proper care and attention, trees will produce a bountiful harvest of this Southern staple – just in time for those pies!

Fall and Winter Pecan Production Checklist October: Prepare for harvest by mowing, servicing equipment, removing debris including any crop remnants from last year. Early harvesting may begin. Market crop. Lime, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium may be applied. Prepare site for any new plantings. Apply herbicide as needed. Be aware of any pre-harvest intervals for all chemicals applied. November: Harvest early to get the best quality and best market price. Don’t allow pecans to lie on the ground for an extended period. Lime, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium may be applied. Market the crop. Prepare site for any new plantings. Prevent damage to crop from wildlife. December: Continue harvest and marketing of crop if not complete. Prune and train trees and remove debris. Lime, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium may be applied. Plant trees and thin overcrowded orchards. Complete a soil test. Service and repair equipment. Continued on page 13. 9

De Broughton Commercial Crops Agriculture Agent

Page 10: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

Accessing Land for New Farmers

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) accessing land is one of the biggest challenges facing new farmers. A recent national survey found that only 23% of farmland changing hands in the next five years was projected to be sold on the open market (USDA). Besides purchasing land, new farmers may have options to lease land or accept land as a gift or inheritance. New farmers must compete for land with developers, farmland investors, established farmers, and residential home seekers. Increasing demand from these sources can drive up the market value of farmland. The average farm real estate value in the United States more than doubled from $1,340/acre in 2004 to $3,140/acre in 2018. The current average farm real estate value in Florida, $5,700/acre, is higher than in most other states. The average value of Florida cropland is $6,810/acre, and the average value of Florida pasture land is $5,200/acre (USDA). According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, the average market value of farm land and buildings in Suwannee County was $4,014/acre, compared to the state average of $5,201/acre in 2012 (USDA). Leasing can be a good option for both new and established farmers. In the U.S., 10% of farmland is leased. In Florida, about 7% of farmland is leased (USDA). Leasing land can free up capital for other farm needs and reduce financial risk compared to purchasing land. On the other hand, a lease provides less long-term security and more limitations on what can be done with the land. There are various types of leases, including cash leases, crop share leases, ground leases, and leases with option to purchase. The most recent data from USDA show average farmland rental rates in Suwannee County of $31/acre for pastureland, $48/acre for non-irrigated cropland, and $200/acre for irrigated cropland. Other arrangements have been created to help new farmers access land or established farmers keep land in farming. These include incubator farms, conservation easements, and leases with government entities or nonprofit organizations. In collaboration with American Farmland Trust and Farm Credit of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension has developed a new farmer short course called Accessing Land for Farming. The next course will run in November 2018 and will include an online component and a one-day workshop in Live Oak. Contact Kevin Athearn ([email protected], 386-362-1725 ext. 116) or Dilcia Toro ([email protected], 386-362-1725 ext. 102) for more information.

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Kevin Athearn Regional Specialized Agent, Marketing and Agribusiness

Page 11: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

From Suwannee River Water Management District: The District is encouraging local residents, governments, businesses and stakeholders to take advantage of the new Aquifer Alert system. Current groundwater levels are breaking historic records and we are seeing localized flooding across the District due to sat-urated ground conditions. With the chance for storms ever-present, it’s important to stay informed and be prepared. This notification tool allows users to sign up for real-time notifications regarding groundwater conditions, trends and graphics. The feature allows for text and/or email notifications and can be associated with a number of other alert options as well. Notify Me is one primary tool the District uses during emergency events, such as floods, to share information. It also allows you to unsubscribe at any time if desired. Aquifer Alert – www.MySuwanneeRiver.com/AlertCenter Notify Me – www.MySuwanneeRiver.com/NotifyMe If you have any questions or comments, please contact our office at 386.362.1001. Please feel free to share. Katelyn C. Potter Communications Director Suwannee River Water Management District 9225 CR 49, Live Oak, FL 32060 386.362.1001 800.226.1066 (FL Toll Free) www.mysuwanneeriver.com

Continued from page 11. January: Thin overcrowded orchards and plant or move trees. Prune or train trees and clean up limbs and debris. Lime, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium may be applied. Sources: Anderson, P. The Pecan Tree (HS982). 2018. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs229 University of Georgia’s Pecan Production Calendar.

Newsletter edits and photos taken by Adrienne Boyette of Boyette Pecan Company, Live Oak, Florida.

Pecan Production

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Page 12: Suwannee County Extension’s...October 2018 -Call 386-326-2771 Var FREE nutrition classes at Christ Central in McAlpin on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Adults: Learn how to prepare quick and

"An Equal Opportunity Institution” For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For the hearing impaired, please contact the Florida

Relay Center Service at 1-800-955-8771. Use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. It is not a guarantee or

warranty of product named and does not signify approval to the exclusion of others of suitable composition.

Katherine Allen, County Extension Director (CED) /

Agent, Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Kim Griffin, Agent, FCS Bonnie Box, Program Assistant, Family Nutrition Program (FNP) Kimberly Glasscock, Staff Assistant, FCS/Administration Derby Sale, Agent, 4-H/Youth Development Pam Burke, Administrative Aide, 4-H/Website Carolyn Saft, Agent, Horticulture/Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator Vacant, Staff Assistant, Horticulture Jane Griffin, Agent, Livestock, Forage & Natural Resources De Broughton, Agent, Commercial Ag Crops Diane McMillan, Staff Assistant, Agriculture Bob Hochmuth, Regional Specialized Agent,/Center Director-NFREC-SV , Vegetables Crops Vacant, Regional Specialized Agent, Row Crops Dr. Kevin Athearn, Regional Specialized Agent, Agribusiness and Marketing Dr. Charles Barrett, Regional Specialized Agent, Water Resources

FREE NEWSLETTER SIGN UP UF/IFAS Extension in Suwannee County publishes The Center Pivot for free each quarter. You can receive an email reminder for a paperless copy that will link you directly to the website. The electronic format reduces our costs (i.e. Your tax dollars.) I would like to receive The Center Pivot by e-mail. My email address is: Name __________________________________________ E-Mail__________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________

Clip and return this slip to our office at 1302 11th St SW, Live Oak, FL 32064.

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or call 386-362-2771.

OUR MISSION OF EDUCATION

UF/IFAS Extension provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. When you use UF/IFAS Extension, you can be confident that experts have reviewed and developed educational programs to ensure that you receive the best information for your needs. UF/IFAS Extension employees and volunteers work hard at improving the quality of life for our neighbors and communities. We provide solutions to everyday problems. We offer a variety of educational programs and information:

Agriculture and Natural Resources: Local farmers and ranchers are provided technical assistance and education to enhance their profitability and sustainability. Horticulture: Programs are designed to meet the needs of residents by utilizing Florida Friendly Landscaping principles.

Master Gardener Volunteer Program: Master Gardener volunteers receive training in exchange for service to the community. The Master Gardener volunteers staff the Seed Library and hold plant clinics every Wednesday from 1:00-3:00PM, and provide a gardening presentation on the second Wednesday of each month from 2:00-3:00pm , both at the Live Oak Library. Volunteers also staff a Seed Library and plant clinic at the Branford Library on Tuesdays from 2:00-5:00pm.

Family and Consumer Sciences: Family and Consumer Sciences programs offer you information about health and nutrition, food safety, food preservation, money management, home concerns, relationships, and many other topics. m uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. This mission is accomplished by creating safe and inclusive learning environments, involving caring adults, and utilizing the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land grant university system.

4-H and Youth Development: The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. This mission is accomplished by creating safe and inclusive learning environments, involving caring adults, and utilizing the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land grant university system.

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Home Monthly Maintenance Planner

October • Add new sweeps to the bottoms of

exterior doors.

• Reverse ceiling fans to blow up.

• Clean gutters. Use hose for downspouts.

• Wrap water heater with insulating blanket.

• Check depth of attic insulation & make sure loose insulation isn’t blocking soffit vents.

December • Create a fire escape plan for the family

& practice it. Be sure fire extinguishers are properly filled. Make sure household chemicals are out of reach of children. Post poison hotline (1-800-222-1222).

• Make sure everyone knows the location of main water shutoff.

• Check holiday drop cords for wear & tear.

November • Check roof for curled or missing

shingles.

• Be sure well cover is tightly seated to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Drain & winterize irrigation system.

• Seal holes in foundation, especially spots around pipes & wires where rodents might enter.

• Considering a home generator?