Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture Programs for January 2017. These programs are being offered by Dr. Tatiana Sanchez, Commercial Horticulture Agent.

Florida Agriculture Network January Meeting (Topic: “Growing Leafy Greens on Small Acreages for Local Markets”) – January 30, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1930 N.E. CR 225, Lawtey

Attendees will meet farmer Ben Strong and tour a production area to observe how greens are produced and direct marketed in Lawtey. Chef James Jackson, from the Call Street Café in Starke, will prepare a meal from local foods and discuss his desire and need to source local food for his restaurant. Purchasing a meal is optional, but it must be paid for by January 23. Attendees who do not wish to eat are welcome to attend the workshop. UF/IFAS researchers will share a stink bug insect pests update and cole crop cultural practices. There will also be allotted time for farmers to network.

Registration fee (including meal) is $12 payable online (with additional fee), or mail registration fee to UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office, 2800 N.E. 39 Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 (payable to Alachua County Extension Office) by January 23. Those interested can attend the workshop only (free/no meal) by calling 352-955-2402.

For more information, contact Jim DeValeiro, UF/IFAS Extension Bradford County at 904-966-6299 or Tatiana Sanchez, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County at 352-955-2402.

Those interested can join the Florida Agriculture Network’s Facebook group.

Hydroponic Vegetable Nutrient Management – January 31, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Suwannee Valley Agricultural Extension Center (8202 CR 417, Live Oak)

This Small Farms Academy short course will cover topics such as plant nutrient basics, water quality and media selections, fertilizer mixtures, water pH, nutrient solution monitoring and fine-tuning, injectors, equipment and meters, and hands-on sessions.

This short course has a cost of $85. Register by Wednesday, January 25 payable online (with additional fee), or mail registration fee to 7580 County Road 136, Live Oak, FL 32060 (payable to University of Florida).

For more information, contact Dilcia Toro at 352-362-1725 ext. 102, or dtoro@ufl.edu, Karen Hancock at 386-362-1725 ext. 101 or khancock@ufl.edu, and Tatiana Sanchez at 352-955-2402 or tatiana.sanchez@ufl.edu.

For more information about these programs call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office Calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, Dean. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices. Information about alternate formats is available from IFAS Communications, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810.