This blog is intended to help growers, ranchers, beekeepers, landscapers, and specialty producers access recurring UF/IFAS trainings, field days, webinars, and educational resources. Typical programs and links are included, but may be subject to change. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all things IFAS. If there is a recurring statewide event that should be added, email Hannah at hwooten@ufl.edu!
There are many more local trainings and events across UF campuses, but these are the typical programs offered consistently by agents and specialists.
Find your local UF/IFAS Extension Office: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/
UF/IFAS Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Calendar: https://smallfarm.ifas.ufl.edu/about-us/calendar/
Recurring Statewide Events & Field Days
If a training does change or is not offered, it is probably due to a hurricane or other weather related natural disaster.
| Event / Training Name | Typical Timing | Focus Area(s) | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroponics Workshops | Winter/Spring | Soilless production, nutrient management, pest control | https://svaec.ifas.ufl.edu/ |
| Watermelon Institute | Winter | Watermelon production, pest/disease management, marketing | https://svaec.ifas.ufl.edu/ |
| Peanut Field Day | Summer | Peanut production, pest & disease control, variety trials | https://svaec.ifas.ufl.edu/ |
| Hops Field Day | Spring / Early Summer | Hops production & brewing markets | https://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/ |
| UF/IFAS Bee College | Summer & Winter | Beekeeping, honey bee health, pollinator protection | https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee/extension/events-and-activities/bee-college/ |
| PSA Grower Training (FSMA/GAPs) | Year-round (in-person & remote) | Produce safety, food safety regulations, certification | https://sc.ifas.ufl.edu/training-and-events/ |
| Range Cattle REC Field Days | Spring & Summer | Cattle production, forage systems, ranch management | https://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/ |
| Beef Cattle Short Course | Spring | Cattle reproduction, nutrition, herd health | https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/beef/ |
| Perennial Peanut Field Day | Early Summer | Perennial peanut forage systems, soil health, grazing | https://nfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/ |
| Grape Field Days & Workshops | Late Summer / Fall | Viticulture, pest management, wine & juice production | https://hos.ifas.ufl.edu/grape/ |
| FFL Professional Webinars | 2nd Tuesday monthly | Professional landscaping, CEUs, BMPs | https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/webinars/for-professionals/ |
| FFL Homeowner Webinars | 3rd Tuesday monthly | Home landscape care, water conservation, native plants | https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/webinars/for-homeowners/ |
| Cut-Flower / Container Flower Resources | Ongoing | Cut-flower production, container flower systems, marketing | https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP652 |
| Fruit Crop Field Days | Ongoing | Stone fruit, berry, citrus, grape production & pest control | https://hos.ifas.ufl.edu/stonefruit/ |
| Small Ruminant Short Course | Fall | Sheep & goat production, herd health, marketing | https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/smallruminant/small-ruminant-short-course/ |
| Beef Cattle Repro Management School | Varies | Artificial insemination, cattle reproduction management | https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/beef/ |
| Tropical Fruit Training | Ongoing | Avocado, mango, lychee, tropical fruit production & pests | https://trec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/tropical-fruit-crops-extension/ |
UF/IFAS Extension Online Learning Catalog
Access self-paced, non-credit courses across agriculture, horticulture, sustainability, and more at: https://ifas.catalog.instructure.com/
Key UF/IFAS Resources
- UF EDIS: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
- Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021
- UF Vegetable Production Handbook: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV292
- Direct Marketing Handbook: https://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-1455-florida-direct-marketing-handbook.aspx
- UF/IFAS Blogs: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/
Production & Compliance Resources
- FDACS BMP Handbooks: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Water/Agricultural-Best-Management-Practices
- Pesticide Licensing: https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/
- Nursery & Stock Dealer Registration: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Business-Services/Registrations-and-Certifications/Nursery-and-Stock-Dealer-Registration
- UF Diagnostics Services: https://diagnostics.ifas.ufl.edu/
- UF Soil Testing: https://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/extension-soil-testing-laboratory/
- Federal Noxious Weed List: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/weedlist.pdf
Business & Planning Resources
- Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov
- SARE Building a Sustainable Business: https://www.sare.org/resources/building-a-sustainable-business
- IRS-USDA Tax Education Class: https://bit.ly/TaxEdSmallBusiness
- Farm Business Start-Up Checklist: https://svaec.ifas.ufl.edu/media/svaecifasufledu/docs/pdf/agribusiness/FarmBusinessStartupChecklist_EDIS_FE1042.pdf
- Farm Succession Planning (UW): https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/article-topic/farm-succession-estate-planning/
Education & Volunteer Programs
- Master Gardener Volunteer Program: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-master-gardener-program/
- Florida Land Steward Newsletter: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-land-steward/about-us/newsletter/
- First Fridays with Florida First Detector: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2025/06/30/first-fridays-with-ffd-26/
Tips for Finding Future Events
- Bookmark UF/IFAS Events Calendar, Extension Training pages, and Southern Center.
- Use Eventbrite with ‘UF/IFAS [Event Name]’ to find registration links.
- Follow UF/IFAS social media & subscribe to newsletters.
- Check Research & Education Center calendars for local events.
- Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office for event information.
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