Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS

Did you know?

Food and Water for New Chicks

Chicks can survive up to two or three days without eating or drinking right after hatching because they are able to utilize the nutrients remaining in their retained yolk sac during this time. This is how hatcheries can ship chicks all over the country with little or no mortality.

Caimito Harvest

Clip fully mature fruit from the stem when the skin color turns dull and is slightly wrinkled and soft. Open the fruit by cutting in half and spoon out the pulp. Eat it fresh, or in fruit salads or sorbets.

Low-Chill Blueberry Cultivars

Florida winters aren’t cold enough for traditional northern blueberry varieties. However, low-chill cultivars have been developed specifically for our milder climate.

Vanilla Growing

Vanilla pollination is done by hand using a toothpick or a needle to lift the rostellum and press the anther and stigma together.

Living Shorelines for Erosion Control and More

Salt marshes, mangroves, seagrasses, and oyster reefs effectively prevent erosion by creating complex surfaces that dampen wave energy and trap sediments. They also provide additional ecosystem functions that benefit society.

RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS

The Florida Handbook of Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulation: Overview

FE760/FE760by Michael T. Olexa and Christopher HillJune 11, 2024 Circular 1139, a multi-part handbook by Michael T. Olexa and Ian Goldfarb, helps Floridians recognize which agricultural and household activities may involve solid and hazardous wastes. It also provides an introduction to the agencies and statutes that govern solid and hazardous waste disposal. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, December 2013. Critical Issue: Other

Better Mentorship, Better Student Experience: An Introduction to Mentorship

WC460/AEC799by Debra M. Barry, Heather Nesbitt, and Heather McAuslaneJune 10, 2024This initial article in the Better Mentorship, Better Student Experience series provides faculty and students with a basic understanding of the potential benefits of mentoring and creating a support system. Written by Debra M. Barry, Heather Nesbitt, and Heather McAuslane, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, May 2024.Critical Issue: Organizational Goals

Fire Ants Management in Industrial Hemp

AG477/SS-AGR-481by Nkem J. Nwosu, Hardeep Singh, Zachary Brym, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, Alexandra M. Revynthi, and Lance OsborneJune 7, 2024This publication highlights the presence, damage, and management of imported fire ants in industrial hemp production. This UF/IFAS Extension publication offers practical knowledge to researchers, Extension agents, growers, crop consultants, agricultural professionals, and students on the effects and management of imported fire ants in industrial hemp production. Written by Nkem J. Nwosu, Hardeep Singh, Zachary Brym, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, Alexandra M. Revynthi, and Lance Osborne, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2024.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

Nothing Will Ever Be the Same: Acknowledging and Recovering from the Trauma of Identity Theft Victimization

FY1540/FCS3397by Axton Betz-Hamilton, Randall A. Cantrell, and Heidi Liss RadunovichJune 7, 2024This publication is a fact sheet intended for individuals who are interested in learning basic information about identity theft, victimization, and ways to navigate the process. The publication aims to inform readers and to help victims of identity theft minimize financial and personal setbacks. Written by Axton Betz-Hamilton, Randall A. Cantrell, and Heidi Liss Radunovich, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, June 2024.Critical Issue: 5. Individuals and Families

Better Mentorship, Better Student Experience: Tips for Mentees

WC462/AEC801by Debra M. Barry, Heather Nesbitt, and Heather McAuslaneJune 7, 2024This third publication of the Better Mentorship, Better Student Experience series focuses on the experience of the mentee. This article aims to serve as a resource for mentees who are seeking tips and support as they work with their mentors in academia and beyond. This publication describes the role of the mentee and provides practical tips that can be applied in any setting. Written by Debra M. Barry, Heather Nesbitt, and Heather McAuslane, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, June 2024.Critical Issue: Organizational Goals

more...

Fun Facts

65,479

U.S. residents have their identity stolen each day

This publication is based on the insights of individuals who have been through this experience, researched it in depth, and have attempted to break it down into understandable segments.

95°F

Proper Temperature for Baby Chicks

Newly hatched chicks need to be maintained at 95°F for the first week of their lives. After the first week, chicks can tolerate temperatures 5°F cooler for each week until they are four weeks old.

$526 billion

Cost of Hurricane Damage in Florida

The cost of damage from hurricanes in Florida since 1990 is equal to that of the whole rest of the United States. Major hurricanes caused 87% of the damage.

$4.09 per lb. of N

Value of Denitrification

Based on the average wastewater treatment cost of N removal for Florida Counties. One of the ecosystem functions of Living Shorelines is enhanced denitrification.

18,728

Pest Management Jobs

The Florida pest management industry accounted for more than 14% of the industry’s establishments in 2021