What’s New

2024 in Review: Extension Agents Report their Impacts (1/17/2025) by Andra Johnson - Part 2 in a series. In the pages of their annual reports, UF/IFAS Extension agents and specialists share stories about the impacts made by their work. Sometimes, they tell of a whole community affected, at other times, it’s the story of a single person who was changed by Extension education. Here we present a few… more

The Popping History of Popcorn: From Ancient Grains to Modern Snacking (1/17/2025) by Elizabeth Shephard - Popcorn, a beloved snack worldwide, has a history as rich and flavorful as the buttery topping many of us enjoy it with. Though its origins date back over 5,000 years, popcorn’s journey to becoming the ultimate movie-time companion is filled with innovation, resilience, and even a little sweetness. The Birth of Modern Popcorn While popcorn… more

UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities January 16, 2025 (1/16/2025) by Kate Wieland - UF/IFAS TEAMS Opportunities for January 16, 2025 IFAS Human Resources has now created an opportunity for you to view, at a glance, newly posted IFAS TEAMS positions. Please click on the link for further details. These positions were vacant as of the date of this posting. Agricultural Assistant I Requisition # 534399          Posting Closes 1/22/2025… more

UF Graduate Student Wins Award from the Southern Economic Association (1/15/2025) by Hope Nelson - At the 2024 Southern Economic Association (SEA) Annual Meeting, UF graduate student, Jianhui Liu, received the Graduate Student Award following his presentation entitled “Assessing Consumers’ Valuation for Front-of-Package ‘Health’ Labeling Under FDA Proposed Guidelines”. Liu, a Ph.D. candidate in the Food and Resource Economics Department, investigated the effects of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsed… more

Build a dream garden, learn planting tips and more; UF/IFAS Extension Broward County’s free monthly workshop returns (1/14/2025) by Lourdes Mederos - Is 2025 the year you are looking to start or elevate your gardening game? Mark your calendar because the UF/IFAS Extension Broward County’s in-person gardening workshops are back and better than ever. Conducted by the award-winning Master Gardener Volunteer Program, this  workshop series is back by popular demand and in its original form for the… more

Balance your news consumption diet with help from UF/IFAS (1/14/2025) by Megan Winslow - While there’s an information outlet to satisfy almost any interest, the volume of available content can prove overwhelming. A newly published Ask IFAS document helps news consumers sort through the noise to identify credible sources and achieve balance so they are better informed. “Accessing accurate, timely information helps consumers think critically about the best choices… more

Water Footprint in the Home (1/13/2025) by Valeria Yon - Reducing Water Consumption at Home: How Everyday Items Impact Our Water Footprint Water is essential to our daily lives, yet we often overlook just how much of it is used — not only in direct consumption like drinking and bathing but also in the production of the goods we use and the energy we consume.… more

Know Your Numbers to Improve Your Health (1/10/2025) by Hillary Ayers - Happy New Year, 2025, everyone! A new year is an opportunity to create new resolutions, goals, and focus on the things that matter most. Speaking of goals, maybe one of your goals this year is to be healthier.  One of the first steps that you can take to help improve your health is knowing some… more

Gulf Coast Catch and Cook January: Red Grouper (1/9/2025) by Dr. Megan Moore - The featured Gulf of Mexico catch and cook species for January 2025 is the Red Grouper! Red Grouper are exciting to catch and delicious to eat! January serves as the perfect time to target Red Grouper with cold water bringing the fish into shallower water and an open fishing season. Read on to learn how… more

Why Public Decision-Making Matters (1/8/2025) by angelikakeene - Public decision-making plays a significant role in shaping the future of our communities. From local policies that affect everyday life to long-term programs aimed at improving public health, education, and infrastructure, today's decisions impact us all tomorrow. Yet, many people often feel disconnected from these processes, believing their voices won’t make a difference or that… more

New Year New Budget (1/8/2025) by Josey Keener - The new year has started but has your budget? With the holidays in the past, now is an exciting time to set some goals and review your budget for 2025. Grab a pen/pencil and some paper or use your smartphone notes app and let's get to it!  Reflect on 2024  Take a moment to reflect… more

Healthy Eating on a Budget: Smart Strategies for Families (1/7/2025) by Felicia Marable-Williams - Healthy Eating on a Budget:  Smart Strategies for Families Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. For families, balancing nutrition with cost-effective strategies can seem challenging, but it’s doable with the right approach. Let’s explore practical tips to plan nutritious meals, shop smartly, and make the most of every dollar spent at the… more

Wakulla 4-H to Recognize Volunteers and Community Partners at Clover Gala (1/5/2025) by Dr. Rachel Pienta - The Wakulla 4-H youth development program is made possible through the support of dedicated adult volunteers and generous community partners. On Thursday, January 30, the community is invited to join Wakulla 4-H to celebrate and support the Wakulla 4-H program at the Clover Gala event. The evening will feature a cocktail hour with a cash… more

Residential Plant Clinics around Orange County (1/3/2025) by Clarissa Chairez - Whether you're an avid backyard gardener or just starting your houseplant collection, the Orange County Plant Clinic is here to help! Operated by dedicated Master Gardener Volunteers, the Plant Clinic is your go-to resource for plant questions and research-based advice. To make our services accessible across a county spanning over 1,000 square miles, we offer… more

FMNP in Sarasota: Uplands Course Survives Hurricane Milton! (1/3/2025) by Zahir Ringgold Cordes - What is the Florida Master Naturalist Program? The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education curriculum that promotes awareness and understanding of Florida’s natural world for citizens, teachers, tour guides, and volunteers. The program was developed in 1999 by University of Florida professor and Extension specialist, Dr. Martin Main. The first class was… more

Every Drop Counts: Celebrating National Blood Donor Month (1/2/2025) by Suzanne Holloway - January is recognized as National Blood Donor Month, but what makes blood and blood donation so important? What is blood? Blood is an essential bodily fluid that constantly flows through the body keeping it working. It has four main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each part is designed to specific… more

Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer: Rooted in Passion, Blooming in Service (12/30/2024) by Ashley Ellis - Meet a Master Gardener Welcome to our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" blog series, where we spotlight the dedicated individuals who make a significant impact in our community through their passion for horticulture and education. In this installment of our "Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer" series, we delve into Linda's inspiring story. We explore her… more

Setting Goals for the New Year (12/30/2024) by Amanda Quintos - As another year winds down, reflections and questions arise. How did I engage with others this year? What, if anything, did I learn from my experiences? What would I like to continue or do differently moving forward? New years often carry associations with renewed focus on personal development and big goals. However, without some form… more

4-H Opportunity for All Benefit Gala is a collaborative effort. (12/30/2024) by johnferguso - Let's do THISS (Teamwork, with Honesty, Integrity, Service, and Strength). Together we can contribute and make this another success. 4-H Opportunity for All Benefit Gala is a collaborative effort towards a shared vision. We have over 100 ticket sales, and our goal is 200 tickets. To finalize all our orders, the number of steaks, tables,… more

Upcoming Personal Finance Webinars (12/27/2024) by Lisa Leslie - UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County invites you to attend these upcoming webinars. All are 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST, Cost = Free January 8, Managing Credit Card Debt: We will discuss options for dealing with credit card debt and helpful resources. Registration: https://go.ufl.edu/cc2025 January 15, Federal Income Tax Updates: Our discussion will include tax rates, credits,… more

Credit Card Debt: Three Critical Things to Understand (12/27/2024) by Lisa Leslie - Credit cards can be convenient tools that cost nothing, provide purchasing discounts, and boost a credit score. However, they can also lead to racking up debt, paying extra for every purchase, and diminishing a credit score. Like all tools, credit cards can help us build or destroy. Understanding the following three things is the first… more

Tractor Supply’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign (12/23/2024) by Jasi Romero - Empowering Polk County Youth The Tractor Supply Company’s 4-H Paper Clover Campaign is a vital initiative that supports youth development across the nation. With 90% of donations remaining in the state where they are raised, the program ensures local impacts, particularly in counties like Polk, Florida. These funds are earmarked specifically for 4-H leadership and… more

Annual Peanut Butter Challenge: 2024 Wrap Up (12/23/2024) by Jasi Romero - Thank You, Polk County! The 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge, organized by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension, was a smooth success. This annual peanut butter jar collection brings communities together to fight hunger and promote one of Florida’s staple crops — peanuts — just in time for the holiday season. And this… more

St. Lucie County 4-H Association: Collaboration versus Competition – Part 2 (12/22/2024) by johnferguso - A national collaborative partnership Did you know that the National 4-H Council: https://4-H.org and Tractor Supply Company have provided a partnership where it is easy for everyone to contribute to your local 4-H program? Yes, the 2025 Paper Clover Campaign will be open from April 21 to May 4 for the Spring and from November… more

Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer: Sarasota County Reading Gardens (12/20/2024) by Ashley Ellis - Meet a Master Gardener Welcome to our “Meet a Master Gardener Volunteer” blog series, where we spotlight the dedicated individuals who make a significant impact in our community through their passion for horticulture and education. Karen Clark is a dedicated Master Gardener Volunteer with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)… more

Suncoast Grown and Gathered: November Acerola Cherries (12/20/2024) by Forest Hecker - At the Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Office, we've been cultivating a Food Forest to showcase the most productive, unique, and often underutilized edible plants suited to our distinctive southwest Florida climate. Through this project, we aim to inspire and educate our community by offering a firsthand look at these remarkable trees and shrubs, allowing visitors… more

Highlighting gentle parenting: Embracing shared decision-making and positive reinforcement (12/19/2024) by Meredith Bauer - With the holidays rapidly approaching and children soon home from school, parenting strategies can make or break a memorable, magical season. Parenting approaches in the U.S. have gone through a fundamental shift over the past decade, transitioning from the traditional dynamics of power struggles toward a focus on collaboration and support. This change is the… more

Storing Holiday Leftovers Safely (12/19/2024) by Maria Portelos-Rometo - Perhaps you’ve spent time entertaining and had food left over. Or, you attended a holiday event where the food supplies outpaced the people's demand. So, how do you handle those leftover foods so that uninvited guests, such as a foodborne illness, don't make an appearance? Simple. Follow food safety guidelines from the U.S. Department of… more

Sweet potatoes: The nutritious star of the holiday table (12/18/2024) by Meredith Bauer - Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and delicious treat for any meal, but did you know Florida’s varieties of the root can be the star of your holiday table? Florida’s sweet potato varieties generally come from Central and North Florida, and different potatoes are best used in specific types of recipes, but they all share the… more

Year-Round Garden Planning in Central Florida: Vegetables and Herbs from A to Z (12/17/2024) by Maria Quirico - Reminiscent of the Victory Gardens of World War II, growing vegetables and herbs from seed in Central Florida has again become a popular and practical delight. By carefully planting and maintaining your garden, it's possible to enjoy two growing seasons throughout the year. With that in mind, here are some essential tips and considerations for… more

How to empower youth in 2025: Attend the UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County 4-H Opportunity for All Benefit Gala (12/17/2024) by Lourdes Mederos - Emma Wickham, 16, and Summer Wayne, 15, are two Florida 4-H youth who have built an impressive portfolio of leadership skills and experiences. Wickham, past president of the UF/IFAS Extension 4-H St. Lucie County Council continues to serve as the current secretary while also serving as a state delegate on the Florida 4-H Executive Board.… more

El desafío de la mantequilla de maní de UF/IFAS concluye con una recolección de casi 20 toneladas (12/17/2024) by Luz Bahder - Creado por Megan Winslow, especialista en relaciones públicas de UF/IFAS.  Un barril de lluvia pintado como un frasco de mantequilla de maní. Rebanadas de “pan” de tamaño humano que sirven de disfraz y que presentan manchas marrones y moradas. Tapas de frascos de colores dispuestas en la forma del estado de Florida. Los participantes del… more

Let moderation serve as your mantra as you savor healthy foods during the holidays (12/17/2024) by Brad Buck - During the holiday season, you’re often surrounded by a tempting array of foods – from hearty entrees to indulgent desserts. While some are good choices, others might not be so beneficial, say University of Florida experts. “While helping your family stay healthy during the holidays might feel like a big task, small changes can make… more

Infografía: Intercambios de Comidas Festivas Saludables (12/17/2024) by Luz Bahder - Creado por Tracy Bryant, Directora de Servicios Creativos del Departamento de Comunicaciones de UF/IFAS. A finales del 2020, en colaboración con la agente de Extensión de UF/IFAS, Andrea Nikolai, se diseñó una infografía práctica y oportuna con ideas para intercambiar alimentos más saludables durante las festividades. La infografía ofrece alternativas deliciosas y saludables para las… more

Does an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away? (12/13/2024) by Brenda Marty-Jimenez - The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" has some truth to it. Apples are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. This article explores the nutritional value of apples, their benefits, the wide variety of types available, and creative ways to include them in… more

Do You See What I See? (12/12/2024) by Donna Corbelli Castro - Let Heaven and Nature Sing As 2024 draws to a close, and as we reflect on the past year... do you see what I see?  I see trees, plants and flowers growing that weren't there last year.  Hopefully, you planted some too, and are enjoying the thrill of watching them grow.  I see the wonders… more

Mix up your holiday drinks with these Florida-inspired mocktails (12/12/2024) by Meredith Bauer - Imagine sipping on a bubbly, refreshing drink at your next holiday gathering, surrounded by family and friends. But this time, the mixture in your hand isn’t just delicious – it’s also nutritious. That’s what you get when you make holiday mocktails with Florida-grown produce, and they pack a punch in terms of health benefits. Fresh… more

End of Hurricane Season: Time to Use or Donate Your Non-Perishable Supplies (12/11/2024) by Brenda Marty-Jimenez - The end of hurricane season is here, and it's a good time to either use up your non-perishable supplies or donate them to a worthy cause. This ensures that your stock is refreshed for the next season while helping those who may benefit from the items or simply using them in your weekly menus. Our… more

FMNP Advisory Board Annual Retreat at the Marine Discovery Center (12/11/2024) by Katherine Clements - The Florida Master Naturalist Program Advisory Board (FAB for short) is a fabulous group of individuals dedicated to the present and future success of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). The FAB consists of individuals from across the state who are either program instructors or graduates from the courses. Many of these individuals serve as… more

UF/IFAS study proves color coding nutrition labels may promote healthier eating (12/9/2024) by Megan Winslow - What if understanding nutrition labels were as easy as reading a traffic light? Green for "go," amber for "caution" and red for "stop" could guide consumers toward healthier food choices. The United Kingdom has used this “traffic light” system since 2006 to promote better dietary decisions, and a recent study led by a University of… more

Annual Peanut Butter Challenge: How One Girl is Giving Back (12/9/2024) by Jasi Romero - Meet the Young Girl Inspiring Our Community with Her Peanut Butter Donation At just nine years old, London Brandt, is already making a difference in her community. Inspired by the kindness she sees around her and her desire to help those in need, London recently donated 64 jars of peanut butter to UF/IFAS Extension Polk… more

New Florida laws to take affect January 1st 2025. (12/9/2024) by Alicia Betancourt - Starting January 1, 2025, nine new laws will go into effect in Florida, addressing topics such as social media restrictions for minors, building regulations, and protections for vulnerable adults. For full details, you can visit the Florida Legislature's official website: Florida Statutes & Constitution. HB 3 – Social Media Restrictions for Children Bans children under… more

Tips for Stress Free Holidays (12/9/2024) by Lori Wiggins - Holidays can be a wonderful time, but they often bring stress with busy schedules, expectations, and planning. Here are some tips for a stress-free holiday: Plan Ahead Set a Budget: Decide how much you can spend on gifts, decorations, and events to avoid financial stress. Make a To-Do List: Organize your tasks, from shopping to… more

$1.8 Billion for Harmed Customers of Credit Repair Companies (12/6/2024) by Lisa Leslie - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reached a legal settlement with credit repair brands that include Lexington Law and CreditRepair.com. These are companies that market the possibility of eliminating debts and improving credit scores. The CFPB alleged the companies violated federal telemarketing rules by using bait-and-switch tactics and charging illegal advance fees. A recent press… more

Mastering Holiday Spending: 7 Tips for a Budget-Friendly Season (12/4/2024) by Jenny Rodriguez - The holiday season brings joy and celebrations, but it can also lead to unexpected expenses. Without a solid plan, the festivities might end up costing you more than you intended. Here are some tips to help you stay financially savvy while still enjoying the spirit of giving. 1. Start with a Holiday Budget Why it… more

Meet the Agent: UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County (12/3/2024) by Mary Lee Sale - Welcome to the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County office - we're excited to serve this community and its people! Check out our six Extension Agents to learn more about what they do and why they do it!   Dr. Cindy Sanders County Extension Director & Livestock Extension Agent IV How did you become an Extension Agent?… more

USDA selects UF/IFAS to lead food safety education program (12/2/2024) by Megan Winslow - The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has selected a UF/IFAS-run center for food safety training to coordinate similar facilities across the country. The USDA’s decision means the Southern Center for Food Safety Modernization Act Training will continue serving as the Lead Regional Coordination Center for such training, a role it has filled… more

Meet Our FSHN Administrative Team! (12/2/2024) by Jessie Erwin - Behind every renowned department is a talented and dedicated support team, and the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida is no exception. From fiscal responsibilities to departmental onboarding, the exceptional FSHN administrative staff makes sure students, faculty, and staff are ready to tackle their academic journeys. In this article, meet… more

Celebrate National Cookie Day: A Sweet Holiday Tradition (12/1/2024) by Elizabeth Shephard - National Cookie Day, celebrated every year on December 4th, invites everyone to indulge in one of the world’s most beloved treats. But cookies are more than just delicious snacks—they carry a rich history and have become a key part of holiday traditions. The Origins of Cookies Did you know that the word "cookie" comes from… more

Seasons of Depression (11/30/2024) by Suzanne Holloway - As leaves change color and days grow shorter, seasonal depression can start affecting some individuals. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression with seasonal patterns, often begins in young adulthood and becomes more likely with age, especially for those aged 18 to 30. An estimated 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD, with… more