2006-2007 Annual Report - Santa Rosa County

CTheMike DonahoeCounty ExtensionDirectorUF/IFAS Santa RosaCounty Extension6263 Dogwood Dr.Milton, FL 32570ounty Extension(850) 623-3868 Office(850) 623-6151 Faxmiked@santarosa.fl.govSanta Rosa County Extension mission is “to develop knowledge in agriculture, humanand natural resources, and the life sciences and to make that knowledge accessible tosustain and enhance the quality of human life.” In Santa Rosa County we do this byconducting research-based educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, family andconsumer sciences, marine interest, and 4-H youth development. Locally based advisorycommittees assure that programs are designed to meet community needs. Volunteertraining is strongly emphasized in our programs to enable us to reach more of the county’spopulation.Fiscal Year 2006/2007 Highlights• Assisted farmers in adopting conservation tillage on 75 percent of the peanut and 90percent of the cotton acreage, saving over 160,000 tons of topsoil from wind and rainerosion.• As a result of peanut fungicide and variety demonstrations, producers saved aminimum of one fungicide application saving over $303,000 in production costs.• As a result of cotton variety demonstrations, growers were able to plant over 95percent of acreage to proven varieties for optimum yield and fiber quality.• The Gulf Coast Beef Education Alliance: Beef Cattle Nutrition Short Course allowedlocal producers the opportunity to learn beef cattle nutrition via interactive videotechnology with producers at 68 sites in the Southeast U.S.• Two hundred seventy six local citizens and government officials participated in the41st Annual Santa Rosa County Farm Tour. Ninety-eight percent of participantsincreased knowledge of the scope and impact of agriculture and forestry in the county• Seventy-seven formal and informal educators attended various environmentaleducation workshops provided by the marine science agent. Pre-and post testsshowed that participants increased their knowledge and skills an average of30 percent or more.• The Florida Master Naturalist program provided participants with the opportunity tolearn about natural resources through 3, 40 hour modules. Participants increased theirknowledge and skills about Florida’s environment by 18 percent.• More than 1,000 local residents were providedopportunities to learn about naturalresources by attending the Seagrass AwarenessCelebration and Coastal EncountersFestival.• 135 agent days were spent helping growers ofalternative agricultural crops by solvingplant problems, making recommendations,and establishing trials and demonstrations.• Two hundred thirty four farm and nursery visitswere made to support the estimated annual$20 million horticulture industry in the county.• The Santa Rosa County 4-H Program reached over126 youth through 4-H Clubs and more than3,000 through school enrichment and specialprojects. 4-H members and adult volunteerscontributed 10,006 community service hoursat a value of $187,813. Thirty three youth and40