The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture programs for January 2023. These programs are being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Commercial Horticulture Agent.
Beginner Beekeeping & Swarm Control – January 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the UF Bee Unit (1881 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville)
This class is designed for beginner and intermediate beekeepers. This is the first of a series of workshops that will help participants manage the needs of a hive throughout the year. This first class will focus on honey bee biology, hive inspection, and swarm control. Visit the
beekeeping series for more information.
After using a smoker, clothes may have absorbed the smell. Plan accordingly and please dress in protective clothing (closed toe shoes, long sleeves, or bring your beekeeping suit).
The registration fee is $30.00 (includes class materials and lunch). Participants must
register online by January 10, 2023. A late fee of $10.00 will be applied after January 10, or if paying at the door. This class is limited to 30 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee.
Introductory Tractor Driving & Safety Course – January 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the UF/IFAS NFREC–Suwannee Valley Farm (8202 County Road 417, Live Oak) with Dr. Serap Gorudu
This is a hands-on program for beginner drivers. This two-day event provides a review of safety, hazards, and demonstrations. There will be a tradeshow and plenty of time for practice driving and implement hitching.
The registration fee is $75.00 (plus $6.20 Eventbrite fees). The registration fee includes refreshments, lunch, t-shirt, and handouts. Participants must
register online by January 9, 2023. Participants must be 18 years or older to participate. This course is limited to 40 participants.
Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training – January 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry)
Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety are encouraged to attend.
The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.
After attending the entire course, participants will be eligible to receive a certificate from the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO) that verifies they have completed the training course.
Registration fee is $40.00 (includes training materials, refreshments, lunch, and a certificate of attendance issued by the Association of Food and Drug Officials). Participants must
register online. Seats are limited.
For more information about these programs contact Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Commercial Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, at 352-955-2402 or
tatiana.sanchez@ufl.edu. Visit the
Extension Office website for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Andra Johnson, Dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices.
