GAINESVILLE, Fla. — UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County will host a free event highlighting water-saving technologies available to agricultural producers and how this equipment has already aided growers in the area.
Irrigating Wisely in Florida’s Agriculture, held at Brown’s Farm in Hawthorne, Florida, on Sept. 17, will share information on best management practices for utilizing water-saving technologies as well as resources for farms to find assistance to obtain the equipment. Producers from Alachua and surrounding counties are welcome to attend and encouraged to reserve their space.
“The goal of this program is to not only introduce producers to these technologies, but also to serve as an advocate for our limited water resources,” said Tatiana Sanchez, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County commercial horticulture agent. “Many producers are not aware of the multiple funding sources available for them to adopt these technologies. If we manage irrigation better, we can increase our yields and potentially save more water.”
Speakers include UF/IFAS experts and representatives from the St. Johns and Suwannee River Water Management Districts. Roy Brown, of Brown’s Farm, will share his first-hand experience using the technology and his insight on the application process for cost-share programs. Soil moisture sensor vendors and representatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which has a funding program to support growers seeking to adopt water-saving technologies, will also be on hand to answer questions.
Additionally, two Continued Education Units (CEUs) will be offered in the following categories: Core, Ag Row Pest Control, Ag Tree Pest Control, and Private Applicator.
Registration is now open and must be received by Sept. 12 to ensure attendees receive their CEUs. Sanchez says the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County office can also accept reservations; call (352) 955-2402 for more information.
WHO: Vendors and speakers include UF/IFAS experts, water-saving technology companies, the St. Johns and Suwannee Water Management Districts, and FDACS; Attendees are agricultural producers from Alachua County and surrounding counties.
WHAT: A free Irrigating Wisely in Florida’s Agriculture program to advise on the adoption of water-saving technologies and best management practices.
WHEN: Sept. 17 from 3-5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Brown’s Farm, 18120 NE State Road 26, Hawthorne, Florida
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The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS website at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
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