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Survey Indicates IFAS Importance

Florida growers voice their strong support for the state’s land-grant university.

by Tacy Callies

tlcallies@meistermedia.com

At Florida Grower, we firmly believe the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plays a vital role in the success of the state’s citrus and vegetable industries. But we wanted to know what you think, so we sent out a survey to approximately 1,000 of our grower readers. We received good responses, and the results were clear: A large majority of Florida’s growers see the importance of UF/IFAS and its Extension services.

How often do you use your loacl extension service graph


Eighty percent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the information provided by UF/IFAS has had a beneficial impact on their operation and that UF/IFAS brings value to Florida’s agricultural sector. In addition, 59% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their business will be negatively impacted if their local Extension office closes down.

How often do you visit UF/IFAS Web sites, including Extension publications graph.

We had a “funky” damage on a crop that went from 500 plants on Monday morning to 50,000 plants on Tuesday. They were able to pinpoint the problem and help us overcome the issue.

  • Have you attended Extension seminars in the last year graphThis week I attended a talk about herbicide. From the information I received, I will change how I apply herbicide (using less material) and I expect to get better results. I also learned how to control problem weeds.

  • My local Extension agent has helped me in my organic citrus production. He has even visited my farm and spent a full day with me, going through the many challenges before me.

  • Any time that I have a question on my crops, whether it be weed management, insect control, or variety selection, my Extension agent is always there for me. The information that I can obtain from my Extension agent is priceless, due to the fact that he can provide me with information that pertains to my area and what will work best for me on my farm. It would be a great loss if we were to lose the Extension office and IFAS research centers.

  • Which of the following statements describes your relationship with ag Extension in your area graphWe benefit most from development and implementation of nutrient BMPs, pest management recommendations, and weed-control recommendations.

  • I wouldn’t be in ag without them! Dr. Lyrene, Dr. Strickland, Dr. Treadwell, and Gary England have all guided me through decisions on BMPs for my operation.

  • Personal communication with Michael Rogers at CREC and Phil Stansly at SWFREC on management of Asian citrus psyllid. Training at SWFREC or LaBelle Extension for our grove scouts.

  • HLB info for citrus and spray recommendations for vegetables.

  • Recommended spray programs for psyllids; fertilizer recommendations; the entire spray guide; SP 169 & revisions; all research dealing with soil

Please share specific examples where UF/IFAS research and/or Extension have benefited your farm.

 


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