Hochmuth, Robert C.

University of FloridaReport of Accomplishment 2009

Plan of Work 2010

1. PERSONNEL INFORMATION

Name: Robert C. HochmuthDepartment: North Florida REC – Suwannee Valley (County Operations) Live OakCurrent Rank: Multi County Extension Agent IV

2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF JOB DUTIES

Specific duties by percentage

I. Suwannee Valley Vegetable Production 45%II. Statewide Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Programs 45%III. 4-H, Youth and Other Extension Activities 10%

Total 100%

3. AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

Specialty Expertise Small FarmsAlternative CropsCommercial Vegetable ProductionDrip IrrigationGreenhouse VegetablesHydroponicsPlasticultureNutrient ManagementIntegrated Pest Management

4. ASSIGNED ACTIVITY (last ten years)

2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06 2004-05 2003-04Teaching 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%Research 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%Service 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%Extension 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%TOTAL 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

5. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Educational Background

University Program Area Degree YearUniversity of Maryland Entomology M.S. 1981University of Maryland Extension Education B.S. 1979

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

6. EMPLOYMENT

University/ Organization Title Permanent

Status* Year

University of Florida Extension Agent IV 7/1/1996 – CurrentUniversity of Florida Extension Agent III 7/1/1992 – 7/1/1996University of Florida Extension Agent II 1992* 7/1/1988 – 7/1/1992*University of Delaware County Extension Coordinator 10/1/1994 – 6/30/1988University of Delaware County Extension Agent 4/1/1982 – 10/1/1984

*permanent status accruing

7. YEAR TENURE/PERMANENT STATUS AWARDED BY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - 1992

8. UF TENURE AND PROMOTION CRITERIA – N/A

9. TEACHING, ADVISING, AND/OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS – N/A

10. TEACHING EVALUATIONS - N/A

11. GRADUATE FACULTY STATUS - N/A

12. GRADUATE COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES - N/A

13. RESEARCH NARRATIVE-N/A

14. CREATIVE WORKS OR ACTIVITIES

Web-based Communications (5)

Co-Narrator and demonstrator with Wanda Laughlin for two video modules produced in cooperation with UF Agricultural Education and Communication Department, Scientific Thinking and Education Partnership (STEP) program. The videos were developed by UF students and posted on YouTube. “Market-Fresh Microgreens” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP3JFREeULg) and Behind the Scenes with Microgreens” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQU-Cep5af0)

Narrator for DVD video clip used at EPAF, Northeast District Success Story featuring small farms educational programs.

Co-Narrator and demonstrator for newly packaged IFAS for sale DVD. In 2009 ICS developed a new DVD from video on the Virtual Field Day Web site. The DVD “Hydroponics for Small Farms and Gardens” began sale in July, 2009. 17 DVDs sold in 2009.

Co-Narrator of three videos for Dr. Ricky Telg and UF Class, “Agricultural Communication Theory”. Videos were posted on YouTube at (http://www.youtube.com/agcommtheoryclass). The videos were “The Message of Sustainability”, “Tailoring Messages to Farmers”, and “Integrating Innovative Ideas”.

Co-Narrator with Linda Landrum for video posted on the Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Web site, (http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/current_issues/alternativeenterprises.html) “Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You”

Co-narrator and Demonstrator for seven educational video modules entitled “Greenhouse Pests Exclusion” for virtual field day site http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu/suwanneevalley/greenhouseexclusion/index.html.

Co-narrator and demonstrator with Eric Simmonne in an educational video entitled “Drip irrigation for small farms” (filmed in 2007, released in 2008)

Co-narrator and demonstrator with Eric Simmone in an educational video entitled “Visualization of water movement using blue dye” (filmed in 2007, released in 2008)

Instructional Multi-Media Presentations (Power Point Presentations) (14)

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

2009 (13) Presentations on topics such as small farms, drip irrigation, pest management, and greenhouse vegetables with a range of slides from 15-83.

Hochmuth, R. M. Bauer. Irrigation and Nutrient BMPs for Watermelons (15 slides). Dec 2009.

S. Olson, Hochmuth, R. Watermelon Disease Management Updates (27 slides) Dec 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Vegetable Insects and Related Pests (83 slides). Oct 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Developing Programs for Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises (23 slides). Sep 2009.

Hochmuth, R. All About Irrigation (45 slides). Apr 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Common Vegetable Diseases & Disorders (33 slides). Apr 2009

Hochmuth, R. Hydroponics for Small Farmers (51 slides). Mar 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Hydroponic Opportunities for Florida (52 slides). Mar 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Extending the Growing Season with Protected Culture (49 slides) Mar 2009 & Jan 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Vegetable Insect and Disease Updates (25 slides). Feb 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Florida Small Farms: A Bright Future (44 slides). Feb 2009.

Hochmuth, R. Integrated Pest Management in Organic Vegetable Production (50 slides). Jan 2009.

Hochmuth, R. IFAS Welcome to AgriTunity Attendees (17 slides). Jan 2009.

2008 - ( 15 ) Instructional Multi-Media presentations on topics such as small farms, irrigation, IPM, and hydroponics with a range of slides from 12 to 73.

Hochmuth, R. Florida Small Farms – The Hidden Agricultural Majority (24 slides). November 24, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program Highlights in the Suwannee Valley (59 slides). October 27, 2008.

Hochmuth, R., D. Treadwell, B. Burbaugh, and S. Gaul. 5 Steps to a Healthy Soil and IPM Strategies (68 slides). September 30, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. All About Irrigation (36 slides). June 10, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Chestnut Cultivar Evaluations for North Florida (16 slides). May 29, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Planting Schemes, Irrigation 101, and Selecting Crops (73 slides). March 25, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Growing Bell Peppers in Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures (15 slides). March 5, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. A New Use for Metalized Mulch Film in Managing Greenhouse Pests (19 slides). March 5, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Strategies for Managing Insects and Diseases (17 slides). February 18, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Development of the Virtual Field Day as an Extension Tool (15 slides). February 5, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Hydroponic Opportunities for Florida Small Farmers (40 slides). February 1, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Small Farms Weed Management Strategies (19 slides). January 28, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Florida Greenhouse and Outdoor Hydroponics (42 slides). January 26, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Successful Small Farms – Study Tour Overview (12 slides). January 24, 2008.

Hochmuth, R. Site Preparation, Planting Dates, and Schemes (13 slides). January 16, 2008.

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Exhibits (1)

2009 – (10) Exhibits developed on topics such as Florida Small Farms, Hydroponics, IPM, UF Small Farms Academy. Exhibits used at venue such as: FSHS, Agritunity and other Regional Small Farms Conferences, Florida Small Farms Conference, North Florida Fair, Florida Ag Expo, and Sunbelt Ag Expo.

2008 – ( 5 ) Exhibits on topics such as Promotion for Small Farms Conference, IPM, Greenhouse Pest Exclusion, Micro-greens, and Hydroponics

Hochmuth, R. and L. Landrum. Small Farms Educational Programs. Educational Display at EPAF. Orlando, Fl. August 11 & 12, 2008.

15. PATENTS AND COPYRIGHTS - None

16. PUBLICATIONS

F. Refereed Publications (3)

Simonne, E.H., C.M. Hutchinson, J.T. Devalerio, R.C. Hochmuth, D.D. Treadwell, A.L. Wright, B.M. Santos, A.J. Whidden, E.J. McAvoy, X. Zhao, T. Olczyk, and A. Gazula. 2009. Keeping water and nutrients in the rootzone of Florida’s horticultural crops. HortTechnology (in press).

Simonne, E.H., R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth and D.W. Studstill. 2008. Development of a N fertigation program for grape tomato. J. Plant Nutr. 31:2145-2154

Farneselli, M., D.W. Studstill, E.H. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth, and F. Tei. 2008. Depth and width of the wetted zone after leaching irrigation on a sandy soil and implication for nitrate load calculation. Comm. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 39:1192-1193.

Treadwell, D. D., G. J. Hochmuth, R. C. Hochmuth, E. H. Simonne, L. L. Davis, W. L. Laughlin, S. A. Sargent, Y. Li, T. Olczyk, R. K. Sprenkel, and L. S. Osborne. 2007. Nutrient management for organic greenhouse culinary herbs: Where are we now? HortTechnology. 17(4):461-466.

Simonne, A.H., J.M. Fuzere, E. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, and M.R. Marshal. 2007. Effect of nitrogen rates on chemical composition of yellow grape tomato grown in a subtropical climate. J. Plant Nutr. 30(4-6)927-936.

Abstracts (1)

Zhao, X., E. Simonne, and R. Hochmuth. 2009. Grafting as an alternative to methyl bromide in field tomato production. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 44:1058.

G. Non-Refereed Publications

Proceedings (6)

DeGioia, F. E. Simonne, D. Jarry, M. Dukes, R. Hochmuth and D. Studstill. 2009. Real-time drip-irrigation scheduling of watermelon grown with plasticulture. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 122 (in press)

Poh, Bee Ling, E.H. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, A. Gazula, and D.W. Studstill. 2009. Effect of splitting drip irrigation on the depth and width of wetted zone in a sandy soil. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 122 (in press)

Zhao, X., J.D. Edwards, E. Simonne, K. Koch, R. Hochmuth, S.M. Olson, and J.W. Scott. 2008. Plant tumor development on tomato derived from Lycopersicon hirsutum Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:167-169.

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Simonne, E., R. Datar, A. Simonne, R. Hochmuth, and A. Gazula. 2008. Sensory evaluation of red and yellow grape tomato varieties. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:178-182.

Treadwell, D. A. Simmone, T. Nkambule, R. Hochmuth, W. Laughlin, C. Peavy, C. Rogers, and T. Olczyk. 2008. Yield, Chemical Composition, and Eating Quality of Heirloom Tomato Grown in the Subtropical Climate of Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:170-174.

Hochmuth, R. L. Davis, W. Laughlin, and A. Warner. 2008. Chestnut (Castanea sp.) Cultivar Evaluations for North Florida. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 121:41-42.

Simonne, E., C. Hutchinson, J. DeValerio, B. Hochmuth, D. Treadwell, A. Wright, B. Santos, A. Whidden, G. McAvoy, X. Zhao, and T. Olczyk. 2008. Keeping water and nutrients in the root zone of vegetables, pp. 173-203, In: T. Obreza, E. Simonne and B. Boman (Eds.) Proceedings of the 2008 workshop on BMP research and Education priorities for horticultural crops, May 20-21, Apopka, FL.

Hochmuth, R.C., D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.B. Landrum, W.L. Laughlin and L.L. Davis. 2008. Growing bell peppers in soilless culture under open shade structures. Amer. Soc. Plasticulture. Proc. 34th Natl. Agr. Plastic Congress, Tampa, FL, 32:46-50.

Simonne, E.H., R.C. Hochmuth, A. Gazula, and D.W. Studstill. 2008. Splitting drip irrigation on a sandy soil does not affect the depth and width of the wetted zone. Proc. 34th Plasticulture Congress, Tampa, FL.

Gazula, A., E.H. Simonne, R.C. Hochmuth, J.H. Chandler, and D.W. Studstill. 2008 Comparison of N fertigation programs for grape tomato grown with plasticulture. Proc. 34th Plasticulture Congress, Tampa, FL.

Hochmuth, R., W. Laughlin, R. Sprenkel, and K. Smith. 2008. A New Use for Metalized Mulch Film in Managing Greenhouse Pests. Proc. 34th Plasticulture Congress., Tampa, FL

Olczyk, T., Y. Qian, K.W. Migliaccio, Y.C. Li, G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, D.D. Treadwell, L.S. Osborne and R.K. Sprenkel. 2007. Nutrient management for greenhouse production of container grown organic herbs. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 120: 178-180.

Breman, J. W., Simonne, A. H., Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B., Taylor, M. C., Evans, K., Peavy, C. & Goode, D. Z. 2007. "Quality Characteristics of Selected Muscadine Grape Cultivars Grown in North Florida" Proceedings Florida State Horticultural Society 2007.

Olczyk, T., Y. Li, Y. Qian, G. Hochmuth, R. Hochmuth, E. Simonne, D. Treadwell, L. Osborne and R. Sprenkel. 2006. Developing nutrient management program for greenhouse production of culinary herbs. Proc. Interamerican Soc. Tropical Hort. Conf. San Juan, PR 09/06.

Gazula, A., E. Simonne, M. Dukes, G. Hochmuth, R Hochmuth, and D. Studstill. 2006. Optimization of drainage lysimeter design for field determination of nitrogen loads. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 119:213-233.

Peer-reviewed UF/IFAS publications in Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) ( 6 )

Gaul, S.A., R.C. Hochmuth, G.D. Israel, and D.D. Treadwell. 2009. Characteristics of Small Farm Operators in Florida: Economics, Demographics, and Preferred Information Channels and Sources. EDIS WC088. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WC008

Hochmuth, R.C., R.D. Wallace, P.J. VanBlokland, and J.G. Williamson. 2009. Production and Marketing of Chestnuts in the Southeastern United States. EDIS HS1155. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS1155

Hochmuth, G., R.C. Hochmuth, and R. Mylavarapu. 2009. Using Composted Poultry Manure (Litter) in Mulch

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Vegetable Production. EDIS Pub #SL293. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS506

Hochmuth, G.J. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Blossom-end rot in bell pepper: causes and prevention. EDIS SL284. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS497

D.D. Treadwell, R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, T. Olczyk, K.W. Migliaccio, Y.C. Li, R.K. Sprenkel, and L.S. Osborne. 2009. Organic greenhouse fresh cut herb production: Nutrient management. EDIS (in review)

Simonne, E., R. Hochmuth, J. Breman, W. Lamont, D. Treadwell, and A. Gazula. 2008. Drip-irrigation systems for small conventional and organic vegetable farms. EDIS HS1144, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS388.

Hochmuth, R., L. Halsey, G. Hochmuth, C. Hutchinson, and L. Landrum. 2007. Keys to Successfully Choosing Enterprises that Sit Your Farm. EDIS HS1121. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS338

Hochmuth, R.C., E.H. Simonne, L.L. Davis, and W.L. Laughlin. 2007. Plant part selection and preliminary sufficiency ranges for sap testing interpretation of greenhouse herbs. EDIS HS1123, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS372.

Migliaccio, K.W., T. Olczyk, Y. Qian, Y. Li, G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.S. Osborne, and R.K. Sprenkel. 2007. Organic greenhouse herb production in South Florida: Fertilizer and potting media. EDIS, ABE373, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AE408.

Hochmuth, R.C., D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.L. Landrum, W.L. Laughlin, and L.L. Davis. 2007. Growing bell peppers in soilless culture under open shade structure, EDIS, HS1113, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/HS368.

Migliaccio, K.W., T. Olczyk, Y. Qian, Y. Li, G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, D.D. Treadwell, E.H. Simonne, L.S. Osborne, and R.K. Sprenkel. 2007. Organic greenhouse container herb production in South Florida: Fertilizer and potting media, EDIS, Doc. ABE373, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AE408.

Hochmuth, R. and R. Sprenkel. 2007. Exclusion Methods for Managing Greenhouse Vegetable Pests. EDIS ENY846. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN730.

Journal Articles

Bulletins, Circulars, and Fact Sheets

Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B., Laughlin, W. L. 2008. “Microgreens- A New Specialty Crop”, 2 pages

Hochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D., Simonne, E. H., Landrum, L. B., Laughlin, W. & Davis, L. 2007. "Growing Bell Peppers in Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures" Horticultural Sciences Dept: UF/IFAS Extension. 4 pp.

Hochmuth, R. C., Halsey, L. A., Hochmuth, G. J., Hutchinson, C. M. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "Keys to Successfully Choosing Enterprises that Suit Your Small Farm" Horticultural Sciences Dept: UF/IFAS. 11pp.

Curriculum Guides and Handbooks (3)

A. Gazula, R. Hochmuth, L. Landrum, and E. Toro. 2009. Suwannee Valley Watermelon Meeting. Northeast District Extension Service. 106 pages.

Hochmuth, R., W. Laughlin, L. Landrum, L. Osborne, and K. Hancock. 2009. Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business. 200 pages and 3 DVDs.

Hochmuth, R., W. Laughlin, K. Hancock, and L. Osborne. 2009. Advanced Topics in Hydroponics. 120 pages.

News Paper Articles (6)

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Small Farms programs address needs of fast-growing ag sector. Citrus and Vegetable Magazine. Sep/Oct. pp 28-29.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. On board with BMPs. Florida Grower. June. pp 14, 16.

Fosdick, D. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Microgreens: Houseplants you can eat. Associated Press Release. Published in several national and international papers such as the Seattle Times, Jan 24, 2009 and the Canadian Press, Jan 19, 2009.

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Nordlie, T.F. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Small Farms – A Bright Future. UF/IFAS News Release.

Nordlie, T.F. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Many turning to gardening – minus the dirt. UF/IFAS News Release. Article picked up by several magazines including Southeast Farm Press, Feb 11, 2009 and Ornamental Outlook, Mar 25, 2009.

Anderson, M. R. Hochmuth, and J. Dusky. 2009. Improved web site makes at-home learning convenient for Florida growers. UF/IFAS News Release. Article printed by several sources including: Inside IFAS, Feb 24, 2009; Florida Growers, Jun 2009, p 22; Citrus and Vegetable Magazine, Mar 2009 p4; and Impact Vol 25, summer 2009, p 17

Hochmuth, R. 2007. Vegetable Growers Get Irrigation Help. Citrus and Vegetable Magazine. December. P 28-29.

Hutson, S., R. Hochmuth, and D. Treadwell. 2008. More Seek the Small Farm Dream But Need Help From Friends, Experts Say. Inside UF. http://insideuf.ufl.edu/2008. Released from US and picked up by print news.

Hutson, S. and R. Hochmuth. 2008. Microgreens Generate Florida Farmers’ Small Talk. New Release from UP and picked up by print news.

Clapp R. and R. Hochmuth. 2008. Microgreens News Story for release to AP news sources (radio). May 13 release.

Hochmuth, R. C. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "NFREC-Suwannee Valley Offers Hands-on Learning Opportunities" Citrus & Vegetable Magazine. 71/08:38-38.

Newsletters

Newsletter Articles (10)

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Drip irrigation-not just for delivering water anymore. Citrus and Vegetable Magazine. May 2009. Pages 10-11, 13.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. New hydroponic short course at NFREC-SV rousing success. The Vegetarian Newsletter. Issue No. 545. May 2009, NFREC News Vol 11 Issue 5. p 1, and The Center Pivot, July-Sep 2009. p 8.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Small farms and alternative enterprises conference coming to Florida. NFREC News. Vol 11. Issue 1. p 2.

Wilson, N. and R.C. Hochmuth. 2009. Small farm conference a highlight for Florida farmers. NFREC News. Vol 11. Issue 8 and The Green Machine Newsletter, Aug 2009.

Devalerio, J. and R. Hochmuth. 2009. Production checklist for Bradford County strawberry and vegetable growers. The Green Machine. Aug 2009. p 3-4.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. North Florida REC – Suwannee Valley Programs. Center Pivot Newsletter. Sep-Dec 2009. p 9.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Suwannee Valley farmers leaders in food safety. Center Pivot Newsletter. Jan-Mar 2009. p 9.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Suwannee County small farms – a bright future. Center Pivot Newsletter. Mar-Jul 2009

Hochmuth, R.C. 2008. Putnal Farms use new technologies to manage watermelon crop. Partnership News. Vol 5. No. 1. Fall 2008. pp 1,3.

Hochmuth, R.C., L.B. Landrum, and W.L. Laughlin. 2008. Microgreens- a new specialty crop. The Vegetarian Newsletter. Issue No. 540. Dec 2008.

Hochmuth, R., L. Landrum, and W. Laughlin. 2008. Microgreens - A New Specialty Crop. NFREC Newsletter, Vol. 10, Issue 11.

Hochmuth, R. 2008. Suwannee County Farmers – Leaders in Hydroponics. NFREC Newsletter, Vol. 10, Issue 7.

Hochmuth, R., and M. Bauer. 2008. Effect of Drip Irrigation Alone on Freeze Protection in Transplanted Watermelon Grown with Plasticulture. The Vegetarian. April.

Hochmuth, R. 2008. Extension Programs Help Suwannee Valley Vegetable Growers. The Vegetarian. May.

Hochmuth, R., 2008. Extension Programs Help Suwannee Valley. Center Pivot (Suwannee County Extension

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Newsletter). January

Hochmuth, R. 2008. Small Farms Educational Programs in Florida. Center Pivot (Suwannee County Extension Newsletter). June.

Hochmuth, R. 2008. Suwannee Valley NFREC. Center Pivot (Suwannee County Extension Newsletter). April.

Hochmuth, R. 2008. Suwannee County Farmers: Leaders in Hydroponics. Suwannee Democrat. July 4 pg 3 & 7a.

Simonne, E., B. Hochmuth, L. Davis, A. Warner, A. Gazula, D. Gast, and A. Simonne. 2008. Corn starch as a soil amendment: Deal or no deal? The Vegetarian, August, http://www.hos.ufl.edu/vegetarian/index.htm.

Treadwell, D.D., R.C. Hochmuth, G.J. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, T. Olczyk, K.W. Migliaco, Y.C. Li, R.K. Sprenkel, and L.S. Osborne. 2008. Selecting and monitoring fertility regimes in organic greenhouse basil. The Vegetarian, March, http://www.hos.ufl.edu/vegetarian/08/March%2008/Selecting%20and%20Monitoring%20Fertility%20Regimes%20in%20Organic%20Greenhouse%20Basil.htm.

Gazula, A., E. Simonne, and R. Hochmuth. 2007. Goodbye “Lakeland fine sand” – Welcome “Blanton-Foxworth-Alpin complex”. The Vegetarian, August, http://www.hos.ufl.edu/vegetarian/07/August%2007/Goodbye%20Lakeland%20Fine%20Sand%20Welcome%20Blanton%20Foxworth%20Alpin%20complex.htm

I. Abstracts

Breman,J., Simonne, A., Hochmuth, R., Landrum, L., Taylor, M., Evans, K., Peavy, C., Goode, D. 2008 “Cross-discipline Faculty Team Conducts Fresh Grape Eating Quality Research In Extension Workshop Setting” EPAF Abstract 22nd Abstract Proc. page 14.

DeValerio, J. R. Hochmuth, and M. Bauer. 2008. Teaching BMPs to Farmers in Rural Communities: Managing Water and Fertilizer Using Drip Irrigation on Small Acreages. EPAF Abstract Session

Simonne, E., R. Hochmuth, D. Studstill, M. Farneselli, and A. Gazula. 2008. Optimization of irrigation practices in organic and conventional vegetables using soluble dye. HortScience 43(4):1246-1247.

Gazula, A., E. Simonne, and R. Hochmuth. 2008. Effect of drip irrigation system operating pressure on flow rate and uniformity of water application. HortScience 43(4):1165.

Gazula, A., E. Simonne, and R.C. Hochmuth. 2008. Flow rate and shape of the wetted zone response to drip irrigation system operating pressure. HortScience 43(3):618.

Simonne, E., B. Hochmuth, L. Davis, A. Warner, A. Gazula*, D. Gast, and A. Simonne Corn starch as a soil amendment: Deal or no deal? HortScience 43(3):617.

Breman, J. W., Simonne, A. H., Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B., Taylor, M. C., Peavy, C., Goode, D. Z. & Evans, K. 2007. "Quality characteristics of selected muscadine grape (Vitus rotundifolia Michx) cultivars grown in north Florida" Florida Horticultural Society Meeting.

Treadwell, D.D., G.J. Hochmuth, R.C. Hochmuth, E.H. Simonne, S.A. Sargent, L.L. Davis, W.L. Laughlin, Y. Li, T. Olczyk, R.K. Sprenkel, and L.S. Osborne. 2007. Organic greenhouse production of basil and spearmint: Nutrient uptake and postharvest quality. HortScience 42(4):868.

Simonne, E., R. Hochmuth, G. Hochmuth, D. Studstill, and M. Ozores-Hampton. 2007. Development of a nitrogen fertigation program for grape tomato. HortScience 42(4):879-880.

Gazula, A., E. Simonne, M.D. Dukes, G.J. Hochmuth, R. Hochmuth, and D.W. Studstill. 2007. Determination of nitrogen loads from field grown tomatoes. HortScience 42(3):440.

Breman, J. W., Hochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "Small Farms Study Tour Evaluation Used to Identify Success Factors and Strengthen Cross-discipline Extension Program Planning" Small Farms Study Tour Evaluation Used to Identify Success Factors and Strengthen Cross-discipline Extension Program Planning. N/A(page range).

K. Miscellaneous (4)

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Treadwell, D.T., R.C. Hochmuth, N. Wilson, and M. Stage. 2009. Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference Program Book and Schedule. UF/IFAS Extension. 38 pages.

Sargent, S. J. Brecht, A. Berry. W. Laughlin, R. Hochmuth, C. Campbell, P. Kaminski, R. Dasher, and S. Carte. 2009. Effect of preharvest applications of ABA on postharvest quality of basil during low-temperature storage. Hort Sci. Dep. Report. 33 pages.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Focus Team Plan of Action Report for 2008-2012. UF/IFAS Extension Report. 3 pages.

Hochmuth, R.C. 2009. Florida Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference (promotional flyer). Misc. Extension pub. NFREC-SV. 1 page.

Israel, G., R. Hochmuth, D. Treadwell, N. Wilson, and S. Gaul. 2008. Development of 2008 Small Farms Survey. Fl. Coop. Ext. Serv. Program Development and Evaluation Center. 12 pages

Hochmuth, R. and V. Richardson. 2008. Small Farms and Alternative Enterprise Focus Team Annual Report – Success Stories and Impacts. UF/IFAS Extension Report. 6 pages.

Hochmuth, R. and L. Osborne (editors). 2008. EPAF 2008 Professional Improvement Meeting and Administrative Conference Program. UF/IFAS Extension Program. 57 pages.

Others

Breman, J. W., Hochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D. & Landrum, L. B. 2007. "Florida Small Farms Study Tour May 2007 Evaluation Summary*" Live Oak, FL: UF-IFAS Extension, North Florida Research and Education Center- Suwannee Valley. 22 pp.

Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B. & Osborne, L. A. 2007. "Suwannee Valley Twilight Field Day" NFREC-SV: UF/IFAS. 56 pp.

Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B. & Osborne, L. A. 2007. "Providing Solutions for Small Farms" UF/IFAS: UF/IFAS. 2 pp.

Hochmuth, R. C., Treadwell, D. D., Simonne, E. H., Landrum, L. B., Laughlin, W. & Davis, L. 2007. "Growing Bell Peppers in Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures" NFREC-SV: UF/IFAS. 4 pp. (Research Report 2007-02)

Treadwell, D. D., Alligood, M., Hochmuth, R. C., Landrum, L. B. & Breman, J. W. 2007. "Small Farms Study Tour In Service Training Notebook" Gainesville, FL: UF-IFAS Extension- Horticultural Sciences. 101 pp.

17. LECTURES, SPEECHES OR POSTERS PRESENTED AT PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES/MEETINGS

International

Invited (1)

Florida Small Farms Educational Programs. Serbian Ministry of Agriculture Tour. Live Oak, FL. Feb 18, 2009. (Lecturer)

A New Use for Metalized Mulch Film in Managing Greenhouse Pests. American Society for Plasticulture, National Ag Plastics Congress. Tampa, FL. March 9, 2008. (Lecturer)

Production of Bell Peppers Using Soilless Culture Under Open Shade Structures. American Society for Plasticulture, National Ag Plastics Congress. Tampa, FL March 9, 2008. (Lecturer)

National

Invited

Overview and Tour of NFREC-SV Small Farms Programs. Small Farmer Agricultural Leadership Institute & Farm Tour. Live Oak, Fl. July 25, 2008. (Lecturer)

Using Blue Dye Trials to Refine Drip Irrigation BMPs. 2008 SASES Southern Region Conference (Farm Tour). Live Oak, FL. March 29, 2008. (Lecturer)

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Development of the Virtual Field Day as an Extension Tool. Texas Extension In-Service Training. Use of Technology in Programming. Video broadcast from Live Oak, FL to Texas (multiple locations). February 5, 2008. (Lecturer)

Regional

Invited (1)

Developing Programs in Florida for Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises. Seven Rivers RC&D Regional Meeting. Waycross, GA. Sept 17, 2009. (Lectuer)

Overview of Small Farms Programs in Florida. SARE Southern Region Leader Visit to Florida. Gainesville, FL. April 11, 2008. (Panelist)

Other (1)

Nutrient Management in Hydroponics. Advanced Topics in Hydroponics Workshop. Live Oak, FL. Nov 13-14, 2009. (Lecturer)

Microgreens as an Alternative Crop. Sunbelt Expo. Moultrie, GA. October 14, 2008. (Lecturer)

State

Invited (7)

Florida Small Farms Food Safety Listening Session and Grower Tour for USDA & FDA Officials. Food Safety Listening Session. Gainesville, FL. Oct 23, 2009. (Panelist)

Greenhouse Hydroponic Industry Overview and Tour. Field Tour/Class Lab for UF Class. VEC 322 1C. Live Oak, FL Nov 20, 2009. (Lecturer)

Vegetables, Hydroponics and Organic Production. Field tour for UF DPM Course Integrated Plant Medicine, ALS6925, Live Oak FL. Sep 25, 2009. (Lecturer)

Extending the Growing Season by Protected Culture. AgriTunity. Hernando County. Jan 24, 2009. (Lecturer)

Florida Small Farms – A Bright Future. 2009 Gulf Coast Agribusiness Conference. Jay, FL. Feb 26, 2009 (Lecturer).

Hydroponic Opportunities for Small Farms. Big Bend Small Farms Conference. Crawfordville, FL. Mar 28, 2009 (Lecturer).

Hydroponics at Home. 8th Annual Fall Field Day, NFREC Quincy, FL. Sep 19, 2009 (Lecturer).

Suwannee Valley Research and Demonstration Highlights for Small Farms. Urban Farming Workshop. Sanford, FL. October 29, 2008. (Lecturer)

Overview of Florida Small Farms Programs. CSREES National Program Leader visit to Florida. Gainesville, FL. April 15, 2008. (Panelist)

What Agricultural Extension Agents Need to Know About Promotion and Tenure. FACAA Mid-year Meeting. Gainesville, FL. April 11, 2008. (Panelist)

Update on Florida Small Farms Programs. UF/IFAS Dean’s Monthly Meeting. Gainesville, FL. April 9, 2008. (Lecturer)

Building a Healthy Soil. Brevard County Pastures, Ponds, Growers and Groves Small Farms Conference. Video conference to Cocoa, FL. March 29, 2008. (Lecturer)

Hydroponics and Specialty Crops for Small Farms. Big Bend Small Farms Conference. Marianna, FL. February 9, 2008. (Lecturer)

Hydroponic Vegetables and Cut Flowers. AgriTunity. Bushnell, FL. January 26, 2008. (Lecturer)

Other (3)

Hydroponic Basics Training. Team Santa Rosa Training Trip. Live Oak, FL. Apr 2, 2009 (Lecturer).

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Waste Management Practicum. FFA State Environmental Contest. Live Oak, FL. Dec 9, 2008 (Panelist).

Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business (Multiple topics over 4 days) Hydroponic Short Course. Live Oak, FL. Mar 17-20, 2009 (Lecturer).

Chestnut Cultivar Evaluations for North Florida. Florida State Hort. Society. Orlando, FL. June 2, 2008. (Lecturer)

Hochmuth, R.C., " Livestock Waste Management Practicum “ at FFA Environmental Contest 2008, NFREC-SV Live Oak, FL, Dec. 9, 2008. (32 students). (Moderator)

Local

Invited (12)

Update on Vegetable Insect and Disease Control. 19 th Annual Tri-County Pesticide Update. Raiford, FL. Feb 17, 2009 (Lecturer).

Pest Management Strategies. Growing Organic Vegetables Class. Live Oak, FL. Jan 15, 2009 (Lecturer).

Troubleshooting Vegetable Problems. NE Master Gardener Training. Yulee, FL. Oct 7, 2009 (Lecturer).

Fall Vegetable Checklist. Soil Fumigation Update for Vegetable Growers. Starke, FL. Jul 27, 2009 (Lecturer).

All About Tomatoes. Suwannee County 4-H Hamburger Day Camp. Live Oak, FL. Jun 10, 2009 (Lecturer).

Vegetable Drip Irrigation Management. Levy and Alachua County Master Gardener Training. Live Oak, FL. May 28, 2009 (Lecturer).

Hydroponic Hop. Suwannee Bicycle Festival Tour. Live Oak, FL. May 1, 2009 (Lecturer).

Vegetable Diseases and Irrigation. Gardening for Profit Series. Jacksonville, FL. Apr 23, 2009 (Lecturer).

Vegetables for Florida Gardens. Suwannee County Master Gardner Training. Live Oak, FL. Apr 8, 2009 (Lecturer).

Hands-on Hydroponic Training. Columbia County Master Gardener Training. Live Oak, FL. Apr 22, 2009 (Lecturer).

Hydroponic Gardens. Steinhatchee Garden Club Tour. Live Oak, FL. Mar 24, 2009 (Lecturer).

Vegetable Gardening. Taylor County Master Gardener Training. Taylor County, Feb 24, 2009 (Lecturer).

Small Farms – The Hidden Agricultural Majority in Florida. Farm City Week Celebrations. Green Cove Springs and Lake Butler, FL. November 24, 2008. (Lecturer)

Troubleshooting Vegetable Problems. NE Florida Master Gardener Training. Yulee, FL. October 1, 2008. (Lecturer)

Principles of Organic Gardening. Magnolia Farms, Fall Harvest Festival. Live Oak, FL. September 27, 2008. (Lecturer)

Overview of NFREC-SV Chestnut Variety Trial. 2008 Pecan and Chestnut Field Day. Live Oak, FL. September 4, 2008. (Lecturer)

Using Blue Dye to Teach BMPs and Teaching via video. Suwannee River Partnership Steering Committee Meeting. Live Oak, FL. July 1, 2008. (Panelist)

All About Irrigation. North Florida Palm Growers Meeting. Jasper, FL. June 11, 2008. (Lecturer)

Fertilizer and IPM Principles for Home Gardeners. Live Oak Garden Club 2008 Gardening Workshop. Live Oak, FL. May 31, 2008. (Lecturer)

Vegetable Gardening Insect and Disease Management. Taylor County Master Gardener Training. Perry, FL. April 29, 2008. (Lecturer)

Hydroponic Systems and Crops. Lincoln High School Agricultural Class, lecture. Tallahassee, FL. April 28, 2008. (Lecturer)

Vegetable Garden IPM and Diseases. Suwannee & Columbia County Master Gardening Training. Live Oak, FL. March 26, 2008. (Lecturer)

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Other (7)

Food Safety – How do I know what I need? Developing a Food Safety Program for Suwannee Valley Vegetable Growers. Live Oak, FL. Mar 31, 2009 (Lecturer).

Fruit Orchard Dormant Season Pruning. Suwannee Valley Master Gardener Fruit Crop Pruning Training. Live Oak, FL. Jan 15, 2009 (Lecturer).

Helpful, Not Harmful. 2009 Alternative Enterprises Workshops for North Florida. Live Oak, FL. Nov 1, 2009 (Lecturer).

Enhancing Change – Adopting Alternative Enterprises. Northeast Florida Small Farms Working Group Farm Tour. Providence, FL. May 5, 2009 (Lecturer).

Muscadine Grapes. Fruit and Nut Twilight Field Day. Live Oak, FL. May 14, 2009 (Lecturer).

Irrigation and Nutrient BMPs for Watermelon. Suwannee Valley Watermelon Growers Meeting, Branford, FL. Dec 3, 2009 (Lecturer).

Disease Management in Watermelon. Suwannee Valley Watermelon Growers Meeting. Branford, FL. Dec 3, 2009 (Lecturer).

Technologies to Extend Your Cropping Season. Suwannee Valley Fall Alternative Enterprises Workshops. Live Oak, FL. November 6, 2008. (Lecturer)

Multi County Agent Responsibilities – Helping You Help Clients in the NE District. NE District Faculty Meeting. Lake City, FL. October 17, 2008. (Panelist)

Managing Vegetable Pests. (Field Trip) UF Course ALS 6925. Doctor of Plant Medicine curriculum. Live Oak, FL. September 26, 2008. (Lecturer)

Irrigation Principles for Muscadine Grapes. Muscadine Grape Twilight Field Day. Live Oak, FL. August 26, 2008. (Lecturer)

Transplant Production – Tricks of the Trade. Transplant Production Workshop. NE Florida Small Farms Working Group Workshop. MacClenny, FL. July 28, 2008. (Lecturer)

Greenhouse Protected Culture. Suwannee Valley Twilight Field Day. Live Oak, FL. May 13, 2008. (Lecturer)

Using Fertigation in a Drip Irrigation Systems. Water and Nutrient Management with Drip Irrigation on Small Farms. NE Florida Small Farms Working Group Farm Meeting. Starke, FL. May 6, 2008. (Lecturer)

Hands-on IPM of Vegetables. IPM for Organic Farming. NE Small Farm Working Group Farm Meeting. Worthington Springs, FL. March 25, 2008. (Lecturer)

Northeast Florida Small Farms Working Group Organizational Meeting, MacClenny, FL. February 12, 2008 (Moderator)

Irrigation 101, Weed Management, and Top 10 Pests of Vegetable Crops (3 presentation topics) School for Beginning Growers Part 2. Jacksonville, FL. January 29, 2008. (Lecturer)

Preparing the Ground and Planting Dates. School for Beginning Growers Part 1. Callahan, Fl. January 22, 2008. (Lecturer)

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

18. CONTRACTS AND GRANTS

a. Funded Externally

Years Contractor or Granter

Project Title Grant Amount

PI, CO-PI or Investigator

If CO-PI, Specify %

2009 FDACS Specialty

Crops Block Grant

Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

$25,000 PI

2009 USDA IR-4 Persimmon fungicide efficacy trial $3,000 PI2009-2010 USDA CAR Relationship Between Sources of

Inoculum and Fungicide Resistance: The Key to Better Management of Gummy Stem Blight Epidemics in Watermelons.

$5,450 PI

2009 Syngenta Evaluation of Myconate in microirrigation

$5,750 PI

2009-2010 21st Century Community

Learning Center

Summers Elementary School 21st Century Community Learning Center (provide educational advice on horticultural components)

$5,000 Collaborator 5%

2010 FDACS Providing Specialty Crop Education through the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

$15,000 CO-PI 70%

2007-2009 SARE Monitoring Nutrient Availability and Leaching Below the Root Zone in Organic Vegetable Production

$14,900 CO-PI 20%

2007-2008 UF/IFAS IPM Evaluation of cucurbit cultivars and fungicides for powdery mildew

$8,000 CO-PI 10%

2007-2008 FDACS Verification, Modification and Demonstration of BMPs in the Suwannee Valley

$73,000 CO-PI 5%

2008-2009 USDA, RMA Risk Management Education for Small Specialty Crop Growers in Florida

$9,900 PI

Total $ 165,000

Summary of External Grant Funding Received (current)Summary of External Grant Funding

Role Total Direct Costs Indirect CostsPrincipal Investigator $49,100 $xxx $xxx

Co-Principal Investigator $115,900 $xxx $xxxInvestigator $0.00 $xxx $xxxSponsor of Junior Faculty $0.00 $xxx $xxxTOTALS $165,000 $xxx $xxx

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

b. Funded Internally

Years Contractor or Granter

Project Title Grant Amount

PI, CO-PI or Investigator

If CO-PI, Specify %

2009 Extension Program

Enhancement

Solar Powered Hydroponic Vegetable Production System Pilot Project

$6,120 CO-PI 15%

2009 Extension Program

Enhancement

Enhancing Small Farms & Alternative Enterprise Web Site with New Innovative Content

$7,500 CO-PI 50%

2007-2008 UF Dean for Extension

Drip Irrigation for Small Farm Virtual Field Day Module

$4,500 PI

2007-2008 UF Dean for Extension

Irrigation Scheduling Virtual Field Day Module (Blue Dye)

$5,000 PI

2007-2008 UF IPM Mini Grant

Pest Management of Stone Fruits $6,000 CO-PI 80%

2007-2008 UF/FAMU CCAP

Characterizing Florida’s Small Farm Industry

$4,000 CO-PI 50%

Total $33,120

Summary of Internal Grant Funding (Current)

Role TotalPrincipal Investigator $9,500

Co-Principal Investigator $23,620Investigator $0.00Sponsor of Junior Faculty $0.00TOTALS $33,120

c. Submitted, Pending Decision

Years Contractor or Granter

Project Title PI, CO-PI or Investigator

If CO-PI, Specific Responsibilities

2010 USDA SARE Building Sustainable Season Extension Systems for Gulf State Farmers Upon Critical Need Assessment$49,885

CO-PI Assist Dr. Zhao in conducting high tunnel research and extension activities in Live Oak.

2010-2012 SARE Water Quality BMPs through Integrated Year-Round Management of Organic Soil Amendments, Manures, and Cover Crops in a Sustainable Vegetable Cropping System for Sandy Soils of the SE US$300,000

CO-PI Facilitate outreach component, deploy field days and on-farm activities.

2010 SARE/SRDC Northeast Florida Community Partnerships for Safe, Local$9,998

Cooperator Participate in Roundtables (SWOT analysis), develop training materials, assist with training

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

d. Submitted But Not Funded Indicate resubmissions if any.

Years Contractor or Granter

Project Title PI, CO-PI or Investigator

If CO-PI, Specific Responsibilities

2009 USDA Beginning

Farmer and Rancher

New Harvest: A Partnership Approach to Launching Florida’s Begininning Farmers$195,000

CO-PI Assist in UF Extension outreach component

2009-2010 CREES Increasing Farm Prosperity by Marketing Environmental Stewardship$399,995

CO-PI Assist with deployment of grant

2009 USDA, RME Mitigating Risk of Cover Crop Integration in Florida Vegetable Production Systems.

CO-PI Coordination of county webinars and field demonstrations

2009 Community Requests for

Federal Funding

(Congressman Allen Boyd)

Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises$300,000

CO-PI Provide leadership for developing educational programs for small farmers

2009-2010 USDA SCRI Tomato Grafting CO-PI Extension outreach component

2009-2010 USDA SCRI Robotics in Watermelon Harvesting CO-PI Coordinate grower related activities

2009-2010 Extension Program

Enhancement

Revitalizing Home Canning, Food Preservation and Value Added Agriculture in Florida$12,000

Team Member

Small farms outreach component

2009-2010 Extension Program

Enhancement

Small Farms Agent Training on Good Agricultural Practices and Emerging Food Safety Issues for Small Farm Specialty Crop Producers$12,500

Team Member

Coordinate outreach with small farms agents

2009-2010 Extension Program

Enhancement

Celebrate Local Agriculture with District III 4-H

Team Member

Assist with connection to small farms agents and program information

2009-2010 Extension Program

Enhancement

Sustaining Florida Agricultural Competiveness in the Digital Age through the Use of Technology

Collaborator Help provide advice to market program to small farmers in Florida

2010 USDA SARE Cultivating Sustainability through Partnerships in the Suwannee River Valley

Collaborator Help coordinate activities with farmers and other partners

e. In-kind Contributions

Year Type Donor Amount2009 Hydroponic Systems & Parts VertiGro $1,0002009 Beneficial Insects Koppert $200

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

2009 Hydroponic Systems Crop King $1,2002009 Hydroponic Systems, Demo Units Future Growing $2,4002009 Hydroponic Program Labor Volunteer Labor $1,0122009 Drip Tape United Irrigation $6002009 Sponsor Educational Meeting Watermelon Industry Reps $1,9002009 Master Gardener Orchard Pruning

AssistanceMaster Gardeners from Columbia & Suwannee Counties (50 hours)

$1,012

Total $9,324

f. Monetary Contributions

Year Donor Amount2009 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

Sponsorships (note these funds generated in addition to USDA and FDACS grants from several private and public sources)

$30,000

2009 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Farmer Scholarship Program (individual donors)

$1,900

2009 Suwannee Valley Watermelon Growers Meeting Sponsorship (Hochmuth, chair with several others assisting)

$1,800

2009 Beli Farms $3,0002009 Farm Credit of North Florida in support of Fall Workshops $350

Total $37,050

19. UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE

UNIVERSITY GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE - listed in reverse chronological order.

Years Name of Activity, Committee, etc. Your Role, e.g., member, chair, etc.

2009 Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Focus Team Co-Leader2009 Fruit and Vegetable Focus Team Member2009 Northeast Florida Small Farms Working Group Co-Leader2009 Suwannee Valley Agent Planning Team Co-Leader2009 NFREC SHARE Overhead Committee Member2009 UF Extension Vegetable Plant Pathologist Position

Screening CommitteeMember

2009 Assist M.S. Graduate Student R. Devine with farmer interviews regarding adoption of BMPs

Facilitator

2009 UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication Advisory Board

Member

2009 National Goat Conference Planning Committee Member2009 Evaluator for two UF/IFAS Promotion Packets (McGuire; Evaluator

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Venrick)2009 UF/IFAS & FAMU Florida Small Farms and Alternative

Enterprise ConferenceChairman

2009 Overall NFREC Advisory Committee Member2009 UF Small Farms Advisory Council Member2009 Serve as faculty reviewer of several UF/IFAS publications

EDIS (3), FSHS (1), Newcomers Guide to Living in Jefferson County (1)

Reviewer

2008 Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Focus Team Co-leader2008 Faculty Mentoring Committee for Dr. Amanda Gevens Member2008 Florida Ag Experiment Station Project: Vegetable Variety

Evaluation in FloridaCooperator

2008 Statewide Fruit and Vegetable Extension Focus Team Member2008 Promotion and Tenure Packet Review, Mr. Ben Beale,

University of Maryland Extension AgentReviewer

2008 UF/IFAS NFREC Center Director Search and Screen Committee

Member

2008 UF/IFAS NFREC Sunbelt Expo Planning Committee Member2008 NFREC SHARE Overhead Committee Member2008 USDA Small Business Innovation Research Grant Program Grant Reviewer2008 Conservation Behavior Change on Small Farmer in a UF

Graduate Course Student Project (Katherine Abrams)Information Resource/Interviewer

2008 Requested to serve as a reviewer of several UF/IAS documents: Pesticide Policies and Procedures Handbook, Farm Pocket Notebook, U-Pick Farms Script in Gardening in a Minute Radio Program, Extension Goal Team Annual Summary Reports, Promotion Packets (Felter, Toro)

Reviewer

20. CONSULTATIONS OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY-None

21. EDITOR OF A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL, SERVICE ON AN EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD OR REVIEWER FOR A SCHOLARLY JOURNAL-None

22. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES-None

23. EXTENSION PROGRAM

Input for programming efforts is accomplished through participation at local advisory committees in the 9 counties served. These included both subject matter and overall extension committees in addition to the NFREC-SV Advisory Committee (2). For 2009, the counties I participated in were Bradford (2), Suwannee (2), Columbia (2), Nassau (1), and Hamilton (1).

Summary of Programs Table

(Days planned and days expended only for current ROA, do not accumulate for multiple years)

Program title Days Planned*

Days Expended

Days Planned*

Days Expended

I Suwannee Valley Agricultural Production, Marketing Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises

70 115 70

II Statewide Small Farms Planning and Coordination 70 110 70

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

III Teaching 4-H and Other Youth and Adults about Agriculture

10 15 10

full time agents plan for 120 – 160 days

** range for full time employment is 210 – 240 days

1. Agricultural Production, Marketing, Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Programs Utilizing the Suwannee Valley Agent Team

Situation

Situation statement:

The Suwannee Valley area continues to urbanize rapidly particularly in counties closer to largely urban areas. Much of the traditionally farmed land is being subdivided into 1, 5 and 10 acre lots. Residents purchasing this land often are seeking profitably enterprises for their lands. In cooperation with the agents in these counties, programs on alternative enterprises can be provided that emphasize market research and business planning first before an enterprise is chosen. By working with newcomers and established farms, clients should be able to select and sustain a profitable enterprise that matches their lifestyle and management skills. Currently, small farms represent over 90% of all farms in the region, based on the USDA definition of up to $250,000 in sales. Long range planning input from counties throughout the Suwannee Valley identified the need for small farm educational programs to be developed. The infrastructure and technology needs of small farmers are different and unique from mainstream agribusiness. Critical issues include: access to profitable markets: entrepreneurial and business skills development: networking with other small farmers: readily accessible technical information on small farms and alternative crops and enterprises: access to labor: Improving consumer relations and perceptions of farming: concerns related to urban development, loss of farmland, and reduced opportunities for farmers. Educational products need to be developed specifically for small farmers in areas such as: business management: developing a marketing plan: basics for beginning farmers: evaluating enterprise options for small farms: small and large livestock: vegetables and herbs: fruit and nuts: ornamental horticulture: forestry: aquaculture: hay and pasture management: greenhouse crops: organic production: agri-tourism: value-added products: exotic, ethnic, and other specialty crops: managing the farm for wildlife and heritage. Successful small farmers would be a key component of the North Florida Small Farm Working Group via farm tours, presentations, and small farm mentorship. The N.F.S.F.W.G. could be the catalyst for agricultural, infrastructure, social and environmental change through a coordinated regional education effort by the extension faculty change agents. County presence is important for extension agent identity, funding, and expertise. This must be balanced with the equal importance of county agent efficiencies in education delivery. County Extension agents throughout the region have formed a planning and delivery team for this educational effort. The team members meet, plan, and deliver educational programs by both facilitating and teaching at the activities. In addition to the large and increasing demand for small farms programs in the Suwannee Valley; traditional vegetable farms still represent large acreages of crops in the region. Educational needs for this audience include: adopting BMPs, irrigation, and fertilizer management, variety selection, pest management, food safety, and post harvest handling.

Target audience(s): The primary target audience for this program are agricultural operations, small farms, county and state faculty and staff, allied industry, government agencies in the Suwannee Valley.

Objectives.Based on the input from Advisory Committees and agents throughout the Suwannee Valley, the following objectives were selected:

1. Clients will adopt efficient production practices and alternative enterprises to protect natural resources and improve profitability on their farms.2. Improve management of pests in fields and greenhouses on farms.3. Increased compliance by producers with local, state, and federal regulations by offering advanced certification and/or license renewal CEUs.

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Educational Methods and Activities:

To cover the variety of educational efforts, the Agent worked closely with State Extension Specialists and other Extension Agents to help in planning and teaching of programs. Various forms of advertisement were used including direct mailing list (900 producers), newspaper, websites and flyers. Instructional multi-media presentations and handouts were also developed to aid in the educational efforts of these programs. The following activities were offered to clientele to meet program objectives:

Attendance at various Suwannee Valley Area Advisory Meetings ( 8 ) to help plan/deploy both regional and county programsAssorted educational programs and newsletter articlesSmall Farms web sitePhone calls, office visits and farm visitsUtilization of virtual field day modules

Summarize your educational methods and activities; and include the following tables:

Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- Agent(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)

Type of Event/Topic Number of Events

Number of Participants

Regional Field Days and Short Courses:Twilight, watermelon, hydroponic (2)

3 255

Alternative Enterprises Workshops 1 35Assorted County Programs 10 240“Growing Growers” SeriesNassau, Duval, Suwannee

2 39

N.FL Small Farms Working Group: Protected Culture, CSAs, Crop and Market Diversification, Agritourism

4 158

Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- Agent

Type of Event/Topic Number of Events Agent

‘Growing Growers” SeriesDuval, Nassau, Bradford, Clay 3 Devalerio, Nistler, Gaul,

BurbaughAlternative Agricultural Enterprise Workshop 1 SV TeamN.FL Small Farms Working Group 3 SV TeamField DaysGrape, Stone Fruit, Hydroponics, IPM 4 SV Team

Assorted County Programs 3 SV TeamFood Safety GAPS Training 2 Specialists and SV TeamIrrigation BMPS on Organic Farms Field Day (SARE grant) 1 Treadwell, Saft, & ToroIPM Topics 3 Hochmuth, Ober,

Landrum, Saft, Leppla

(Transfers your current years’ total numbers from “Workload” database)Your total number of Educational Materials prepared this Year 36

Your Number of Clientele contacts:

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

field consultations 110office consultations 350telephone consultations 500group learning participants 920e-mail consultations 3000

Only Current Year’s Race and Ethnicity Data (use to determine if parity is reached), previous years should be filed (hard copy) with your previous year’s ROA

Race and Ethnicity ProjectedTarget Audience

(from 2009 POW)Audience Reached

in 2009

Parity(± 4%)

ReachedNumber % Number %

Hispanic 133 2 60 3 YesMulti-racial 0 0 0 0 YesPacific Islander 0 0 0 0 YesAmerican Indian 9 1 0 0 YesAsian 67 1 20 1 YesBlack 206 3 115 6 YesWhite 5234 85 1685 90 YesUnknown 510 8 2950 N/ATotal 6159 100 4880 100

GenderMale 4423 72 1279 68 YesFemale 1736 28 601 32 YesUnknown 0 0 2950 N/ATotal 6159 100 4880 100

Outcomes

EDIS Document Downloads

In the EDIS system, I am senior author of seven documents and co-author of 24 others. These documents collectively were downloaded 116,717 times in 2009. Several of the greenhouse vegetable and hydroponic documents were downloaded over 4,000 times. The top document downloaded was “Building a Floating Hydroponic Garden” (26,219 times). The second highest downloaded document was “Drip Irrigation Systems for Small Conventional Vegetable Farms and Organic Vegetable Farms”; a new document downloaded 5,826 times.

Virtual Field Day Web

The UF Virtual Field Day site (http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu) has gained much greater use as an educational tool in 2009. The total site had 275,768 page views and 51,911 visits or sessions from Dec 1, 2008 – Dec 1, 2009. The original development of the site and the development of four of the top eight topics were largely the responsibility of this agent over the past 3 years.

Topic Page Views#1 – Hydroponic Greenhouses 65,414#4 – Greenhouse Pest Exclusion 15,762#6 – Stone Fruit 2,274#5 – Small Farm Drip Irrigation 2,528

Irrigation BMPs

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Regional leadership in drip irrigation management continues to be an important component of the agent’s program. A wide range of educational activities were used to deliver the program including: field days, workshops, publications, electronic delivery (web and DVD) and on-farm visits. Direct consultations with 180 farmers resulted in increased knowledge. Most of those farmers represented new or prospective growers who learned basic principles. However, on-farm consultations with larger existing growers resulted in adoption of improved efficiencies on their farms. One primary target audience has been Suwannee Valley watermelon growers. As a result of cooperation and partnerships with the audience, a very successful watermelon grower program including BMPs was delivered on Dec 3, 2009 with 50 farmers attending and 40 support industry representatives. A drip irrigation management DVD (Simonne and Hochmuth) was provided to 40 farmers in the Suwannee Valley. Six on-farm blue dye demonstrations were conducted in 2009 resulting in irrigation management changes.

Integrated Pest Management

As a result of agent training in the area of watermelon IPM and cooperative efforts with specialist Dr. Amanda Gevens, growers were able to implement best management strategies to effectively manage gummy stem blight and powdery mildew. Updated recommendations were provided to growers during season and proper fungicide rotation programs were implemented by 12 farmers in the region.

IPM training programs were conducted for greenhouse vegetable growers at two Hydroponic Short Courses (4 classes). A total of 115 attendees increased knowledge about strategies such as pest exclusion, proper identification, biological control strategies, and reducing pesticide use. The attendees of the first Hydroponic Short Course (March) identified IPM as one of the topics where advanced training was needed. As a result of that survey, 45 growers attended two classes of Advanced Hydroponic Topics in November.

Training and Compliance on Agricultural Regulatory Issues

Farmers today are increasingly responsible to implement voluntary and required programs such as: food safety, pesticide application, BMPs, and labor requirements. Educational program efforts were conducted in these areas in 2009. This agent participated in two Food Safety ISTs and received certification. An intensive educational program for Suwannee Valley growers was conducted in March to teach growers how to develop their own food safety program. This program was attended by 50 growers resulting in receiving a course certification by all attendees. In addition a food safety component of the watermelon growers meeting was delivered in December. This program was delivered by two growers, one of which attended the March program and had since implemented their farm’s food safety program.

Training opportunities for farmers to receive certified pesticide applicator CEUs were provided at 10 programs in 2009. This agent’s teaching role was primarily to deliver IPM related topics for insects and diseases. As a result, a total of 80 farmers received CEUs during 2009. In addition, 8 Certified Crop Advisors received CEUs at those same programs.

This agent co-authored a Citrus and Vegetable Magazine CEU article on the topic of chemigation and conducted the mail-in exams. As a result of this effort, 40 farmers received one CEU.

Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Programs for Suwannee Valley

The Suwannee Valley Extension Agent Team has planned, developed, and implemented several programs in 2009 to educate small producers seeking alternative enterprises. Programs implemented included: Growing Growers (Duval & Nassau), Organic Vegetable Production (Suwannee), Small Farms Working Group programs (4), Twilight Field Day for Fruit Crops (NFREC-SV), Alternative Enterprises Workshops, and Greenhouse Hydroponic short courses and workshops (4). Total attendance at these programs was over 300 farmers.

Impacts

Irrigation BMPs

The impact of on-farm demonstrations of blue dye and irrigation sensors was an improvement of irrigation scheduling. Survey of 10 growers who were more intensively consulted within 2009, the following overall impacts were observed. These growers reduced early season irrigations by 40-50% also resulting in reduced nitrogen applications by an average 20 lbs per acre. These changes in practices will likely be permanent changes.

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Integrated Pest Management

Two diseases, gummy stem blight and powdery mildew, have caused significant yield losses to area watermelon growers in the past few years. Pre-season educational efforts and in-season communications helped are watermelon growers follow proper rotational fungicide applications. The impact was improved yields and reduced losses from diseases. It is estimated this program prevented what would have been losses of 10%. The other long term impact will be a better understanding of the importance of rotation fungicide classes.

Greenhouse IPM educational programs have been ongoing for several years. There has been a major changes in dependence on pesticides. A greater adoption of pest exclusion, resistant varieties, and early detection has led to reduced pesticide dependence among greenhouse growers. This was exemplified at the November Advanced Topics in Hydroponics class on IPM. Out of the 45 attendees, only one requested pesticide applicator CEUs. This is a sign of long term impact of Extension educational programs in the area of protected culture.

Training and Compliance on Agricultural Regulatory Issues

The impact of food safety training programs in 2008-09 was an increase in the number of farms implementing programs. Of those attending the March program, four watermelon farmers were able to implement programs and ship in the 2009 season under their newly implemented program. One greenhouse tomato grower was able to pass the T-GAP inspection and one mixed vegetable operation passed a field inspection for food safety.

Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Programs for Suwannee Valley

“Development of Farmer to Farmer Networks in Northeast Florida” – This NEFLSFWG was recognized as a NE District success story at EPAF in 2009. The Northeast Florida Small Farms Working Group was formed in 2008 with a group of Extension Agents and Small Farmers getting together in the NE region of Florida to form a working group to build a community network of farmer to farmer support for small farms. All producers, regardless of their varied and unique agricultural products, were included. An information network, collaboration with the Extension Service, and a more unified voice for agriculture production (regardless of commodity or size) was envisioned. Practical, applied, hands-on methods in production information, marketing, procession, dealing with regulatory issues and other priority items were identified by the group. The Working Group would be coordinated through Extension agents with farmer advisory input. After the initial organizational meeting, the group met 3 other times at local farms. Because this effort was so well received by the producers, the program was continued for 2009. The WG met at 4 area farms located in Union, St. Johns, Nassau and Baker counties. Topics covered were community supported agriculture, reconnecting to urban residents through agri-tourism, adopting a new enterprise and diversifying growing systems to meet specialty direct market sales. Attendance at the 4 on-farm programs was 158, interestingly with many new faces each time! A feature on the Small farms and Alternative Enterprises web site on the Working Group was viewed 971 times since August 2009 which also indicates that clients are interested in this type of activity.

NFREC-SV faculty and staff has gained a statewide reputation for expertise in hydroponics. As a result of this reputation and clientele familiarity through trainings, several educational impacts were made in 2009, especially in the areas of crop culture and nutrient management. Well over 25 farmers were provided with detailed information to solve specific problems on their farms. Farmers and counties included:

Angeles (Union)Shearouse (Palm Beach)Brewton (Escambia)Wendt (Santa Rosa)Woodard (Hamilton)Edgar (Volusia)Belibasis (Suwannee)Farm House (Suwannee)Cheney (Suwannee)

Cleveland (Walton)Youtzy (Jefferson)Harris (Clay)Gallucci (Hillsborough)Chappell (Auburn, AL)Addison (Union)Ansley (Seminole)Byrd (Alabama)Drake (Alachua)

Dasher (Suwannee)Blank (Orange)Arroya (St. Johns)Bacon (Duval)Braun (Seminole)Coron (Seminole)Reed (Coffee, GA)O’Toole (Madison)

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Success Stories

Union County Family Farm Saved with Collaborative NFREC- Suwannee Valley Small Farm Technology and Extension Agent Work

The Angeles family farm had been contracting the production of fertile broiler eggs to a large, stable company for years. They had raised their children on the family farm. All that changed when the company filed for bankruptcy. Their cash flow stopped immediately and they faced the choice of losing the farm and their home or finding alternative agricultural cash enterprise. The Angeles family contacted their Extension Agent and asked for assistance. The agents (Breman, Hochmuth, and Landrum) met with the Angeles family and explored the possibility of converting the existing broiler egg production houses into hydroponic greenhouses for the production of high-value specialty crops. After the initial walk-through of the existing facilities repeated visits and modifications of conversion plans resulted in the transformation of two houses into working greenhouses. The Angeles family modified and recycled as much of the poultry house equipment and material as possible and had an operational facility within months. This was accomplished with long hours of hard work, because finances were limited. Specialty tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants were the first crops produced under the guidance of Bob Hochmuth. Linda Landrum had recommended that Mr. Angeles prepare for the demands of the market by attending the Safe Food Handling Training & Certification taught at NFREC-Suwannee Valley. Linda Landrum and Brad Burbaugh, as agents in the North Florida Small Farm Working Group network identified high-volume urban Farmers Markets in Jacksonville and Gainesville which the Angeles family used to sell their produce at a premium price in sufficient volumes to keep the family cash flow positive.

The Angeles family:

is currently on the tax roles in Union County and into their second vegetable season instead of losing their farm.

is certified in the FDACS Farm to School program and selling their produce to the Union County School as a result of the Extension Safe Food Certification.

is currently applying for a loan to complete their conversion of poultry-to-hydroponic production facilities. plans to convert their breeder egg facility and cooler into a certified vegetable processing and handling

facility, would help with seasonal cash flow and assist other farmers. The North Florida Small Farm Working Group shared and show-cased the Angeles success and techniques

with a May, 2009 Tour attended by over 60 small farmers.

New Hydroponic Short Course at North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley Rousing Success

An intensive two day short course and optional grower tour was held in March at the North Florida Re-search and Education Center – Suwannee Valley. The popu-larity in registrations led to a second course being offered the same week. In all, 70 attendees were able to learn about “Starting a Successful Hydroponic Business”. Attendees came from all over Florida but also from Ohio, New York, Alabama, and Georgia. Most attendees were prospective or very new commercial growers, but six County Extension faculty and three UF students were also able to participate.

Attendees were able to learn about most topics through hands-on experiences in the greenhouses. Important classroom topics included business planning and marketing. Topics inside the greenhouse production area included: greenhouse structures, culture under open shade areas, season extension, soilless media selection, floating systems, nutrient film tech-nique (NFT), growing microgreens, production containers, vertical culture, water and nutrient management, integrated pest management (IPM), selecting vegetable, herb, and cut flower crops, an organic production in greenhouses.

A follow-up survey conducted indicated attendees rated the short course value very high and encouraged to offer that course again to other new growers. In addition, 100% of respondents want additional intensive single day trainings as well. The two top requests were clearly fertilizer and pest management.

As a result, the advanced course was implemented in November, 2009. Growers selected one of two days for the

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

advanced topic class.

Evaluation summaries included the following feedback:• 88% rated the curriculum notebook very useful• 97% indicated the value was good and above what they expected related to the registration fee ($295)• 97% indicated interest in more one day intensive classes• 19% decided on a production system• 28% fine tuned water and fertilizer programs• 44% continue to develop a business strategy• One grower attendee indicated “I have 25 years experience in Florida agribusinesses growing numerous

crops from citrus, cattle, melons, sod, and hay. I have attended many IFAS functions over the years and must say this one tops them all.”

New Web Sites Make At-Home Learning Convenient for Florida Growers

One of the most enduring aspects of agriculture is going high-tech.

The field day has been around....well, pretty much forever. At a typical field day, farmers or other interested people have a chance to visit a farm and learn hands-on from extension agents what the latest scientific research has to say about a particular topic, such as how to prevent diseases in peanuts or grow new varieties of sweet corn.

“It capitalizes on the notion that what they see and touch and do in real life is a lot more likely to stick with them than reading about it or hearing somebody lecture about it,” said Bob Hochmuth, a multicounty extension agent with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

But along with benefits, there are drawbacks. A field day might not be particularly convenient to a farmer who needed it, geographically or because it took time away from actual farming operations.

So University of Florida extension officials have created and revamped their virtual field days Web site http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu, and the new version was unveiled late last month. That site’s unveiling dovetails with the recent national launch of another new electronic hub for information aimed at anyone who wants to know about organic agriculture.

For the new field day site, Hochmuth, an expert in hydroponics based at the North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak, said he and other extension agents boiled down what had been 30- to 40-minute field day presentations into easier to watch 5- to 8-minute versions.

The original site was organized by geographic region; the new version is organized by topic.

UF extension agents with expertise in a particular subject are often swamped with questions from people from all over the state—and beyond.

“A lot of the times these are very basic, repetitive questions. So for me now, if someone calls from Miami or Tampa, I can send them to the virtual field day site and they can take a look at it and get the basics,” said Hochmuth. “So the time efficiency for me has been phenomenal.”

IFAS officials hope to continue to expand the site with new, timely topics every year, said Joan Dusky, associate dean for extension. But that doesn’t mean an end to hands-on field days, she said, because both help to reach people with timely information.

Al Magrum of Lambertville, Mich., used Hochmuth’s online instruction several months ago to guide him as he started a hydroponic growing operation in his home. Using three 10-gallon aquariums, an aerator and lights, he said via e-mail that he now has basil, chives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, green onions and parsley started.

Adoption of Alternative Enterprises

A Hamilton County small farmer established a new 1.5 acre open shadehouse organic pepper operation in the spring of 2009. This agent and Hamilton County Extension agent, Allen Tyree consulted with a visit to the operation weekly to assist with crop management decisions such as irrigation, pest management, fertilizer management, and post harvest handling. The grower indicated gross sales of over $30,000, sufficient to pay for entire investment in

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

first year. This alternative enterprise choice was based on research conducted at NFREC-SV in 2006-2008.

On Board with BMPs: Best management practices help a watermelon grower achieve a record crop while reducing input costs.

Jack Putnal and his son, Riley, manage Putnal Farms in southern Suwannee County. The Putnals farm peanuts, watermelon, corn, iron clay peas, millet, and cattle. Jack and Riley are known for their high-quality watermelons harvested beginning in late May and ending in late June or early July.

The next-generation Putnal, Riley, has been given more and more of the leadership in growing the watermelon crop in recent years. Riley has embraced the technology available to refine his water and nutrient management program. The 2008 watermelon season ended as one of the best ever for the Putnals; however, the season started with the disappointment of losing several acres of young transplants to hard freezes in March. Even in the face of killing frosts, Riley wanted to learn a key piece of information on those cold nights: Does it pay to run the drip irrigation system overnight to protect the crop?

Mace Bauer, UF/IFAS best management practices (BMP) implementation team leader, and Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Extension agent, set up a study during two different freeze events using recording thermometers and a data logger to record temperatures continuously throughout the night. The data showed there was no benefit to running the drip system as a means of freeze protection. This was a very important piece of information to save water usage and reduce leaching losses of fertilizer.

Riley Putnal has also used two other key BMP tools available through the Suwannee River Partnership Cost Share program. Those two tools are Cardy plant sap meters to measure nitrogen and potassium in the field and TDR portable soil moisture probes. Hochmuth has been working with Riley for the past few years to help him gain the confidence in using these tools on his own.

Samples are pulled at least weekly during the season, and the results are used to adjust the amount of nitrogen and potassium to fertigate using the UF/IFAS recommendations as the guide. In addition, the soil moisture probe is used routinely, several times weekly to guide the irrigation program to assure adequate water supply and also minimize the risk of leaching. The Putnals also use other methods to assist in the overall BMP program, including: automatic-switching irrigation valves, GPS light-bar guidance system, nurse tanks for safe pesticide tank filling, and early field scouting for pest and disease detection.

The Putnals have saved money on water and fertilizer by using the Partnership BMP tools in their watermelon and other crops. At the same time, they indicated the 2008 watermelon crop was “the highest yielding ever” on their farm.

2. Statewide Small Farms Education Program Planning, Coordination, and ImplementationSituation

Situation statement:

Small farms in Florida have traditionally represented a quiet, little-known, part of the agriculture industry. Recent changes, led by new consumer demands, have triggered many diverse opportunities to direct market specialty products throughout the state. Because the small farm industry in Florida has not been highly visible, the small farmers themselves are not well described.

According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, there are 41,407 farms in Florida that operate less than 179 acres each. This represents 87% of the 47,463 farms in the state. While the number of farms in Florida has increased by 8% since the 2002 Census, the average size of farms has decreased by 18% from 236 acres in 2002 to 195 acres in 2007. The USDA defines a small farm as one having gross sales less than $250,000. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, 93% of farms in Florida fall into that category.

It is incumbent upon University of Florida IFAS Extension and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Extension systems to identify the changing needs of Florida farmers in order to provide them relevant information. As farm size decreases, Extension agents need to understand who these farmers are, as well as how they prefer to obtain new information and what can be done to meet their educational needs. Some small farmers

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

have indicated that they would be less likely to attend Extension programs that are directed at the traditional, commodity production farmers. Extension services have been emphasizing the use of technology to deliver programming. Regardless of their familiarity with technology, some farmers still preferred one-on-one consultations and on-farm demonstrations for educational delivery methods. A study of forest landowners in the South also showed a negative correlation between age and high tech educational delivery methods like the Internet and interactive videos.

The small farm debate traditionally has been over the value of sales versus the land area of the farm. The value of sales basis is probably more appropriate, especially for Florida. This is because very high value enterprises or products such as greenhouse ornamentals or vegetables, cut flowers, or culinary herbs can easily have a value of more than $250,000 on less than 5 or 10 acres. Because Florida has so many opportunities for producing high value products, the classification based on gross sales value is much more appropriate. According to the 2007 US Ag Census, 89% of the Florida farms report less than $100,000 in product sales. The other common characteristic of these operations is they are family oriented farms dependent upon the family for management and labor. The USDA further classifies small farms based on the primary motivation of the family for farming. These categories include: primary income, retirement, lifestyle, or limited resources.

The dominant organizational structure of agriculture in Florida is individual family farms. Just over 69% of Florida agricultural operations are less than 50 acres in size. In terms of farm typology in Florida, the two dominant categories are retirement (23.5%) and residential/lifestyle (34.9%). Together, these two categories account for almost six of every ten agricultural operations in Florida.

New consumer demands for the development of community-based food systems and specialty products such as organic, heirloom, hydroponic, grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, ethnic meats and vegetables, all provide new opportunities for small farmers to sustain a profitable enterprise. These types of diverse enterprises and the abundance of large population centers provide opportunities for direct marketing in Florida, unlike most other states. In fact, Florida reported an 8% increase in farm numbers from 2002 to 2007, essentially all in the small farm category.

Small farmers in Florida have a variety of issues and challenges they face and with fewer resources available to them than larger farms, being a small farmer is a tough job. That's why UF/IFAS and FAMU has created a website that specifically addresses the needs of small farmers. The website provides links and other resources for small farmers including, how to get started, enterprise budgeting, business planning, financing grants, and much more. Farmers using this site can select topics on enterprises of special interest to them, including aquaculture, cut flowers, livestock, and organic enterprises. Each topic includes information on production, marketing, and economics as well as other appropriate links. While small farms represent over 90% of all farms in Florida, these farms represent about 15% of all farm product sales in Florida. Input from counties throughout Florida identified the need for small farm educational programs to be developed. Small farmers and allied organizations have identified critical issues facing small farms, which include: access to profitable markets, business skills development, accessible technical information, and alternative crops and enterprises. Regional conferences are planned each year to meet this need.

Target audience(s): The primary target audiences for this program are small farms, agricultural operations, county/state faculty and staff in Florida.

Program Objectives

1. Increase knowledge of small farm operators in the areas of food and fiber production to ensure long-term sustainability while protecting natural resources and complying with government regulations.

2. Improve competencies of extension faculty and delivery of programs appropriate for small farms.

Educational Methods and Activities:

To cover the variety of educational efforts, the Agent worked closely with Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises Focus Team, state Extension specialists and other Extension agents to help in planning and delivering this educational effort. Various forms of advertisement were used by this agent including direct mailing list, newspaper, websites and flyers. Instructional multi-media presentations and handouts were also developed to aid

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

in the educational efforts of these programs. This agents leadership roles are listed below.

• Co-leader of Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus team• Chairman, 2009 Small Farms Conference• Fund Raising Chair for 2009 Small Farms Conference• Facilitate Regional Small Farms Conferences• Co-Leader for Implementation of Statewide Small Farms Survey• Provide leadership for web site enhancement

Summarize your educational methods and activities; and include the following tables:

Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- Agent(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)Type of Event/Topic Number of Events Number of

ParticipantsRegional Small Farms Conferences 6 640Small Farms In-service Training Events 1 60Florida Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Conference 1 800

Table 1a. Group Teaching Events- Agent

Type of Event/Topic Number of Events AgentsRegional Small Farms Conferences 6 Small Farm AgentsStatewide Small Farms Conference 1 Small Farm AgentsSmall Farms In-service Training EventsHydroponic Shortcourses

3 Small Farm Agents

UF Small Farms Academy Programs 3 NE District Agents

(Transfers your current years’ total numbers from “Workload” database)Your total number of Educational Materials prepared this Year 25Your Number of Clientele contacts:field consultations 10office consultations 20telephone consultations 320group learning participants 1500e-mail consultations 2200

Only Current Year’s Race and Ethnicity Data (use to determine if parity is reached),

previous years should be filed (hard copy) with your previous year’s ROARace and Ethnicity Projected

Target Audience(from 2009 POW)

Audience Reached in 2009

Parity (± 4%)Reached

Number % Number %Hispanic 6 5 45 6 YesMulti-racial 0 0 0 0 YesPacific Islander 0 0 0 0 YesAmerican Indian 2 1 0 0 YesAsian 6 5 35 5 YesBlack 21 17 135 19 YesWhite 86 72 500 70 Yes

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Unknown 0 0 3335 N/ATotal 121 100 4050 100

GenderMale 4423 72 486 68 YesFemale 1736 28 229 32 YesUnknown 0 0 3335 N/ATotal 6159 100 4050 100%

Outcomes

Big Bend Regional Small Farms Conference

The overall evaluation of the 2009 Big Bend Small Farms Conference showed the conference either met or exceeded the expectations of 90% of attendees. 100% indicated they plan to use the information. Attendees indicated the program increased their ability to:

Increase profitability (14) Improve the farm’s environmental quality (9) Improve sustainability (10) 100% plant to attend again next year

Agritunity (Regional Small Farms Conference)

Based on the conference evaluation, the following summary is provided:

98% indicated the conference met or exceeded expectations 93% visited the Trade Show area and most found it very helpful 100% indicated they are interested in attending in 2010 76% plan to start or expand production 90% indicated they had at least some college education 70% indicated they were part-time farmers Attendees were from at least 15 Florida counties

Presentations Web Site – Small Farms Presentations

The Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team facilitates posting of educational presentations for faculty to use.

There are 48 small farm topic presentations available on the site in 2009. There were 904 downloads of these presentations in 2009. Most presentations were downloaded 20-25

times. The presentations represent the collective effort of 31 presenters. This agent has 13 presentations on the site and these represent 127 downloads (1-30 range).

Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

Results of a survey conducted at the statewide Small Farms/Alternative Conference (214 respondents) indicated that:

190 participants were confident to very confident that they will be able to apply knowledge gained at conference

197 felt very comfortable using their new found sources of information and supplies 181 felt that they had increased their networking capabilities 175 respondents felt they were now able to identify the challenges that small farmers face 176 participants felt they could identify additional opportunities to improve their operation Attendees indicated that the most valuable experiences from the conference were networking with other

farmers, university personnel and product vendors, real world experiences from successful Fl producers and being able to sample specialty products from FL farms. Additionally, 180 rated the conference

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

valuable and would come every year if given the opportunity.

Small Farms Survey

Small Farms Survey data was summarized and reported in EDIS (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WC088).

Regional Programs

Across the state, 12 regional small farms educational program efforts were conducted. The venue and format varied from conferences, topic workshops, monthly meetings, and field days. Approximately 2000 attendees were noted in 2009.

Working Groups

Two small farms working groups continued strong outreach efforts. The two groups are the Northeast and Southwest Small Farm Working Groups. A total of 8 on-farm workshops were held with about 500 attendees.

Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team Programs

Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team programs were promoted at several programs, fairs, expos, and other venues with table top displays, bookmarks, flyers, and other educational materials. Thousands of potential clientele learned about outreach program of UF and FAMU.

Impacts

Enhancing Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Web Site with New Innovative Content

Through an Extension Program Enhancement Grant, Bob Hochmuth and Linda Landrum in cooperation with Laurie Osborne (webmaster) and Al Williamson and Rebecca Clapp (IFAS Communications) were able to provide leadership from the Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Focus Team to improve the quality of the Small Farms/Alternative Enterprises web pages. This was accomplished by developing new and interesting web content through software upgrades, OPS support for web site updates, training of current webmaster, addition of a new video on Alternative Enterprises and a “Featured Farmer” section. The timing was important (early 2009) because the small farms site would be used to host the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference web page and would result in increased traffic in the main site.

The content on the web site is managed by 17 “Topic Teams”. Each team has a small group of faculty with expertise in that area. The team members review current content, check for dead links, search for new content, and work with webmaster to keep pages up to date. The success of the web site is through the collective efforts of the Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Focus Team, Topic Teams, and the webmaster.

Web updates and web training include maintaining and updating the NFREC and Small Farms websites by employing OPS labor, adding flash photography to site, creating a new section for “Feature Farmer” on the Small Farms website which will feature flash images, video, and test. On-line course work was taken by SF/NFREC webmaster as a result of this grant which now enables her to add flash photography and video clips to the site.

Additionally, a video entitled “Solutions for Your Small Farms – Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You” was developed during the spring of 2009. The video features five diversified small farmers in Florida. It showcased the diversity the farmers shared and their experiences in adopting their alternative enterprises. All presenters were articulate in providing advice to other farmers considering an alternative enterprise. The video is linked on the front page of the Small Farms web site. This special piece on Alternative Enterprises was viewed 1,276 times on the web since August 2009. To further enhance the video, sixteen articles were authored by UF and FAMU Extension faculty in 2008 and 2009. These articles each highlighted some alternative enterprise for Florida small farmers. The articles were sent to Tom Nordlie, UF IFAS Information and Communication Services to be edited and sent to new media contacts. The articles were informational and also promoted the Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference. Articles were sent to the UF/IFAS media distribution list of 75 newspapers and 31 agricultural magazines. The articles have been posted on the Small Farms website and will be linked from the new Alternative Enterprises video. Since August 2009, nine of these articles have been downloaded 13,088 times.

Another feature which was added to the SF/AE website as small farmers like to learn from other small farmers is the “Feature Farmer” which was added in March 2009. This new addition provides a brief overview of selected

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Florida small farms and is accompanied with 8 to 10 photos of the farm. To date, there have been 1,126 views of this section. For future addition, county faculty will submit the information for their Feature Farmer.

Below are a few web traffic highlights as a result of this effort which include:

Average monthly hits increased from about 70,00 in 2008 to over 166,00 during Apr-Nov 2009 Average monthly sessions (IP addresses) increased from about 2,000 in 2008 to over 20,000 in July 2009 Total web site hits from Jan to Nov 2009 was 1,829,881 The Conference page was requested 4,379 times in July 2009 alone The Conference Agenda-at-a-Glance was downloaded 1,056 times in July 2009 250 Conference parking passes were downloaded in July 2009

Highlights are listed below for top 100 ranked downloads and requested “Topic Team pages” for Jan – Nov 2009.

Topic Page GroupNumber Downloads

(among top 100 ranked)

Number Requested Pages

(among top 100 ranked)Planning and Management 42,214 43,661Livestock and Forages 13,165 29,754Crops 27,019 103,550Forest Products, Environmental & Recreational Uses 4,093 12,944Freshwater Aquaculture & Farm Ponds 0* 17,822Organic Production 0* 29,301Other Enterprises 0* 19,231State/Federal Agencies 0* 2,596* None appeared in top 100 list

Assorted Other Requested Web Pages from Small Farms Web Site:

50,625 – Small Farms Conference (assorted areas) with 8,554 downloads 9,673 – ‘Micro-Greens’ feature 5,602 – ‘Progressive Farmer’ feature 4,644 – ‘Calendar of Events’ feature 3,650 – ‘About Us’ feature 3,460 – ‘Pocket Notebook’ feature with 17,522 downloads 2,626 – ‘Hydroponic Short Course’ feature 1,276 – ‘Solutions for Your Small Farm: Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You’ video 1,126 - ‘Featured Farmer” feature 971 – ‘Small Farms Working Group’ feature

Success Stories

2008 Small Farms Survey Results

The results of the 2008 Florida Small Farms Survey were summarized and reported in 2009. The EDIS document that published the results is cited as Gaul, S.A., R.C. Hochmuth, G.D. Israel, and D.D. Treadwell. 2009. Characteristics of Small Farms Operators in Florida: Economics, Demographics, Preferred Information Channels and Sources. EDIS WC088 (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WC088) 11 pages.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers any farm a “small farm” if it has less than $250,000 in annual gross sales, but that definition is too broad to provide a sense of what Florida’s small farms are really like.

So the University of Florida and Florida A&M University surveyed small farmers statewide, and about 300 responded. The results shed light on producer demographics and confirm that small farms make important contributions to local economies.

In terms of land, 64 percent of the participants farmed 50 acres or less.

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Their motivations varied widely. Many participants—39 percent—reported that farming was moderately important or very important as a primary source of income, and 52 percent relied on farming for supplemental income. Farming was a part-time occupation for 44 percent.

Other popular reasons included maintaining a family tradition, wanting to own a business and enjoying the farming lifestyle.

Despite farming’s image as a calling pursued from childhood, many of Florida’s small farmers are new to the activity. Sixty percent indicated that no one else in their family farmed, and 44 percent said they were the first generation of farmers in their family. Fifteen percent reported having less than five years’ experience.

Altogether, the participants produced 35 items. The most common were beef cattle (produced by 33 percent), horses (17 percent), goats (16 percent), vegetables (14 percent) and flowers or bedding plants (11 percent).

Other enterprises included hay, fruits, herbs, poultry, aquaculture, beekeeping, timber and pine straw. Crop diversity is essential to farm sustainability, and 45 percent of the participants reported producing two or more items.

Forty-three percent of participants said they followed organic principles, but only 6 percent had obtained organic certification from the USDA.

Challenges facing Florida’s small farmers include marketing their crops at a profit, finding affordable materials and supplies, obtaining reliable information, and complying with state and federal regulations.

Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

At least 800 farmers and agriculture professionals from 54 Florida counties participated in the 2009 Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, held August 1 & 2 at Osceola Heritage Park located in Kissimmee, Florida.

This ground-breaking 1st annual event hosted by UF-IFAS/FAMU-CESTA included 30 educational sessions, over 80 educational and industry exhibitors, plus a multi-species live animal exhibit. Two days of education included topics related to: alternative energy, food policy and regulations, livestock, business and marketing, organic and sustainable farming and horticulture with nearly 100 speakers representing all facets of Florida agriculture.

The conference kicked off with an inspiring welcome address from Charles Bronson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture expressing there is a place for small producers in the agriculture system. “…we need small farmers”. He shared his thoughts about the Farm to Fuel Summit and the importance of becoming a more self–sustaining country less reliant on foreign oil. Another important part of the morning kick off was the Florida Innovative Farmer Awards presented to three producers for their innovation in developing and sustaining their small farm enterprise. The awards were presented to a lamb producer, pastured-poultry producer and organic citrus and vegetable producer.

A Farm to Table lunch was another highlight at the conference showcasing 20 farms that provided vegetables, meat or value-added products. A delicious meal was pre-pared by Chef Tony and staff with Savor Osceola Catering Co. using farm direct products. The luncheons brought awareness to the diversity of farmers and products available for a local food system. During lunch Keynote speaker John Ikerd, Professor delivered a passionate speech about his truth on the past, present and future of agriculture. He told us a story about the year 2050, what will that look like based upon decisions we are making today.

Through several small donations from individuals, twenty Florida small farmers were able to attend on a registration scholarship. In addition, Natalie’s Orchard Island Juice Company provided funding support for 10 University students to attend.

One of the most important results from this conference was the level of networking opportunities that transpired. Many participants shared their gratitude to have the opportunity to attend such a life changing event.

Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference Publicity Committee Efforts Deemed a Success

In an effort to make Florida’s small farmers aware of the 2009 first ever statewide Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference held in Kissimmee, the conference Publicity Committee released a series of

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

newspaper articles on topics relating to small farms to newspapers and ag-related publications across the state. Twenty-one faculty members from UF and FAMU signed up to create 17 articles. These articles were released by IFAS Communications to about 175 newspapers and 31 AG publications with a “conference tag” at the end of each article. The series began in September of 2008 with new articles going out about every three weeks. As a result of this effort, numerous agents reported hearing from various newspapers, etc. about their article, with one piece being picked up by both national and international news entities. Some of the national media outlets where articles appeared were GrowingProduce.com, Southeast Ag Net, FreshPlaza.com and local papers such as the Suwannee Democrat. Additionally, the articles with accompanying photos were added to the SharePoint web site for county agents to use in local newsletters and to the “Solutions for Your Small Farm – Making an Alternative Enterprise Work for You” web page to support the video. According to Tom Nordlie in IFAS Communications, this was the first program awareness campaign of this type originating from that department. Because it was felt by the conference committee to have been successful, this publicity approach will be used again for the 2010 conference.

3. Educating Youth and Adults on the Importance of Agricultural Production in the Suwannee Valley

Situation

Situation Statement:

Rapid urbanization is occurring in the Suwannee Valley area resulting in conflict between the agricultural community and new residents. Non-farming clientele need to understand and appreciate the value of agriculture and to maintain landscapes in an environmentally friendly way. Additionally, there is a need for youth to understand where and how food and fiber are produced. If area residents, policy makers and youth had a better understanding of the importance of agriculture to the region, more favorable regulations and attitude towards agriculture would result thus allowing producers to continue farming.

Target audience(s): The primary target audiences for this program are area residents (adults & youth), youth educators, government and regulatory agencies.

Program Objectives

1. Improve agricultural and environmental knowledge and decision skills of target audience2. Improve understanding by the target audience of the economic and environmental contribution that

agriculture industries and natural resource venues has to the Suwannee Valley.

Educational Methods and Activities

To cover the variety of educational efforts, this agent worked closely with state Extension Specialists and other Extension agents to help in planning and teaching of programs. Various forms of advertisement were used including direct mailing list (900 producers), newspaper, websites and flyers. Instructional multi-media presentations and handouts were also developed to aid in the educational efforts of these programs. The following activities were offered to clientele to meet program objectives:

Table 1a. Group Events – Agent

(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)Type of Event/Topic Number of

EventsNumber of

ParticipantsMaster Gardener Fruit Crops Pruning Training 1 36Master Gardener TrainingColumbia, NE Region (4 counties), Taylor, Suwannee, Alachua, Levy

7 387

Teaching Youth EventsFFA Environmental Sciences Statewide Contest, Suwannee Hamburger Day Camp

2 35

Student Educational Tours 2 20

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Support for Fairs, Expo Exhibitions, etc 4 400

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Table 1a. Group Events – Agent

(include your workshops, field days, day camps, residential camps, Polycom workshops, etc.)Type of Event/Topic Number of

EventsAgent

Teaching Youth About Agriculture“FFA Environmental Sciences Statewide Contest”

1 Saft

Service to Community/Garden Organizations, and County Extension Programs, Suwannee, Taylor, Columbia, Duval

5 Saft, Olson, Demorest, DelValle

Area Fairs/Exhibitions/Festivals“Sunbelt Agricultural Expo”“North FL Fair”

2 SweatBlount

(Transfers your current years’ total numbers from “Workload” database)Your total number of Educational Materials prepared this Year 3

Your Number of Clientele contacts:field consultations 5office consultations 30telephone consultations 25group learning participants 750e-mail consultations 40

Only Current Year’s Race and Ethnicity Data (use to determine if parity is reached), previous years should be filed (hard copy) with your previous year’s ROA

Race and EthnicityProjected Target Audience(from 2009 POW)

Audience Reachedin 2009

Parity (± 4%)Reached

Number % Number %Hispanic 7708 3 5 4 YesMulti-racial 0 0 0 0 YesPacific Islander 0 0 0 0 YesAmerican Indian 1233 0.5 0 0 YesAsian 1071 0.5 2 2 YesBlack 43,431 17 20 17 YesWhite 196,448 79 88 77 YesUnknown 0 0 695 n/aTotal 249,891 100% 810 100%

GenderMale 130,616 52% 56 49 YesFemale 119,275 48% 59 51 YesUnknown 0 0% 695 n/aTotal 249,891 100% 810 100%

Outcomes

For Youth - 39 youth had the opportunity to learn about manure management and the impacts on the

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

environment at the FFA contest.

For Adults – Evaluations from 28 Master Gardeners in NE Florida, 100% indicated they increased their knowledge on the topics presented that day, including IPM of vegetables. From this agent’s presentation, 25 indicated they learned how to manage whiteflies, 26 indicated they learned practices they would implement to manage diseases, and 26 know how to select disease resistant varieties.

36 Master Gardeners from counties in the Suwannee Valley learned how to correctly prune stone fruit and muscadine grapes as a result of attending a ‘hands-on’ pruning workshop at NFREC-SV.

Impacts

For Adults – A partnership between the Master Gardeners of Columbia (N. Demorest) and Suwannee (C. Saft) Counties and NFREC-SV (R. Hochmuth, L. Landrum, R. Randell, and L. Davis) was developed in 2008 to ensure the sustainability of the fruit and nut crop orchard located at NFREC-SV. With declining funding support for programs at NFREC-SV, a meeting was held with area Master Gardener leaders and county faculty which resulted in an agreement to use volunteers as a means of fulfilling seasonal labor needs. In return, the volunteers gain firsthand experience on maintaining an orchard and will also be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. In 2009, this partnership continues to be successful for both parties. The number of MGs who participated this past year has increased dramatically with other Suwannee Valley counties participating as well. Several MG volunteers have logged in over 50 hours valued at over $1,000. Undoubtedly, the maintenance of this demonstration area would be in jeopardy without this partnership.

24. CLINICAL SERVICE OR CLINICAL ACTIVITIES- None

25. SERVICE TO SCHOOLSSuwannee High, Live Oak, FL. Assisted FFA program on various ag farm projects during year.State FFA Program, Assisted in delivering/hosting statewide Environmental Science and Natural Resources contest.

26. MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE PROFESSION

Association

Role

(e.g., member, committee chair, elected office, etc.)

Years

Extension Professionals Association of Florida

Member, 1988-Present

Florida Association of County Agricultural Agent (FACAA)

Member,Educational Foundation Committee Member

Public Relations Committee Member

1988-Present2006-Present

2008-2009National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA)

Member 1982-Present

Florida Farm Bureau (Suwannee County)

Member 2000-Present

American Society for Plasticulture Member 1988-PresentFlorida State Horticultural Society Member

Best Paper Committee Member1988-Present

2009American Society for Horticultural Sciences

Member 2000-Present

Epsilon Sigma Phi Member 1988-PresentFlorida Farm Bureau Member 2004-Present

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

27. HONORS

Include date(s). Describe the organization issuing the award. Indicate the significant of the award.Year Organization Award 2008 Epsilon Sigma Phi 25 Year Distinguished Service Award

33. THE FURTHER INFORMATION SECTION-N/A

Indicate status of master’s degree if applicable.

34. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In-service and Self Proposed

Title Days

Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference 2.0Fruit & Vegetable Focus Team IST & Tour 4.5Extension Professionals Association of Florida (EPAF) 2.5Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference 2.0Delaware-Maryland Annual Vegetable Meeting 2.0Statewide Small Farms Conference 2.0SE Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA 2.0Florida State Hort Society, Jax, FL 2.0IST – FSHS and Phytosanitary Inspections and Quarantine Treatments for Horticultural Crops 3.0IST – Insect, Weed, Nematode and Soil Fertility Management for Organic and Transitional Farming Systems Workshop

1.0

IST - EPAF/ IFAS Administrative Meeting, Orlando 2.5Self-Proposed Tour – Tomato Food Safety Initiative Farm Tour (FDA, FDACS, UF/IFAS) 2.0IST – Vegetable Crops BMP Workshop 2.0IST – Small Farms are Real Farms 0.5Self Proposed – Developing a Food Safety Program for Suwannee Valley Vegetable Growers 1.0IST – Food Safety & GAPS for Florida Extension Agents 0.5Self-Proposed – Statewide Horticultural Crops Extension Team Meeting 1.0Self-Proposed – Horticultural Sciences Dept., Seminar, Controlled Environment System for Specialty Crops

0.5

Self-Proposed – Horticultural Sciences Dept., Seminar, Resolving Biosecurity Issues on Hobby and Peri-Urban Farms in Australia

0.5

Self-Proposed – AED/CPR Training 1.0Self-Proposed – Cultivating Agritourism 1.0Self-Proposed – Selling to the Food Service Industry 0.5Extension Symposium 2.0 2009 EPAF/ IFAS Administrative Meeting, Orlando 2.5

Page: 5/10/2023

Hochmuth, Robert C.

Page: 5/10/2023