June Commercial Horticulture Programs

The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture programs for June 2023. These programs are being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Beekeeping: Honey Extraction & Hive Management – June 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (1881 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville)

This class covers honey extraction from honey bee hives and keeping a healthy hive. Live bees will be used. Participants should wear protective clothing (closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and bring a beekeeping suit if available). 

The registration fee is $20.00 (includes materials and refreshments), and participants must register online by June 8. A fee of $10.00 will be applied for registrations after June 8 or if paying at the door. This class is limited to 30 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee. 

To be added to our beekeeping ListServ for information about upcoming classes, email alachua@ifas.ufl.edu, subject: please add to bee ListServ.

2023 Ag Entrepreneurship Series (with Dr. Kevin Athearn, Farm Credit of Florida & Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement)

This short course covers business startups for aspiring and beginning farmers. Course topics include setting goals; assessing resources and readiness; selecting farm enterprises; and business structures, registration, and regulations. Course registrants are expected to participate in two weeks of online learning activities (June 16-June 29) and attend a live session on June 30 on Zoom or at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).

This short course covers business planning for beginning farmers. Topics include the main components of a business plan (mission statement, marketing plan, management plan, operations plan, financial plan, and risk management). Course registrants are expected to participate in two weeks of online learning activities (August 10- August 23) and attend a live session on August 24 either on Zoom or at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).

This short course covers marketing strategy and practical marketing tips for small farmers, including online selling, farm-to-school, SNAP/EBT transactions, and other marketing topics. Course registrants are expected to participate in two weeks of online learning activities (October 13-26) and attend a live session on October 27 either via Zoom or at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry).

The registration fee for each course is $45.00, and participants must register online for one or more workshops. There will be no refunds for the registration fee.

Visit Ag Entrepreneurship Series for additional information or contact either Tatiana Sanchez-Jones at tatiana.sanchez@ufl.edu or Kevin Athearn at athearn@ufl.edu or call 352-955-2402.

Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop – June 22, from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry)

The Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop trains commercial landscape maintenance personnel to make correct pesticide applications to ornamentals and plant beds only. Attendance for the full day is required before sitting for the license exam. The class will begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Exams will begin at 3:15 p.m.

Those wanting to take the exam on the computer (recommended) following the class should register online. Click on residential pest control and then “Exam SignUp.” Participants can pay online, and then they will be given a voucher number. Please bring the printed receipt and voucher number on the day of the class. Books are not provided but can be ordered online. It is recommended that the attendee study before attending the workshop, as this is a review. Books required are SM 1, SP 499, and SM 82. 

Up to six Continuing Education Units will be available in the following categories: three General Standard/Core (Chapters 482 and 487), three Ornamental & Turf, three Limited Lawn & Ornamental, three Limited Landscape Maintenance, and three Commercial Lawn & Ornamental. 

Individuals seeking recertification may attend the class for four hours if registered on Eventbrite. The registration fee is $30.00 per person (includes lunch), and participants must register online by June 19. A late fee of $10.00 will be applied for registrations after June 19 or if paying at the door. The class is limited to 35 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee.

Private Applicator & Agricultural Row Crops – A Review – June 29, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with Dr. Kevin Korus, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent)

This workshop is designed to provide training for the private applicator and agricultural row crop pest control license. The private applicator license is required for anyone that applies restricted use pesticides to their own farm, greenhouse, or nursery. The class is until 1 p.m. If anyone decides to take the test, the participants can stay after 1 p.m.

New license: After the class concludes, exams will be available to attendees who need a license. Let the office know if you need to test to reserve your spot. To test, please apply for a voucher number before the class.

Up to four Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered for applicators that already have their licenses. CEUs available include General Standard Core, Ag Row Crop, and Private Applicator. 

The registration fee is $25.00 (includes handout materials and light refreshments), and participants must register online by June 25. A late fee of $10.00 will be applied for registrations after June 25 or if paying at the door. This class is limited to 20 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee. 

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.