Okaloosa County BOCC — July 26, 2016 — Extension Service PBB

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORIDA SERVICE AREA: PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: EXTENSION SERVICE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Okaloosa County Extension Service develops and delivers research-based educational programs, workshops, newsletters and publications in the areas of agriculture/small farms, family and consumer sciences, horticulture, natural resources, marine science, and 4-H/youth development. The nationwide informal educational network links experts and resources at federal, state and local levels. Local advisory committees provide guidance and recommendations for programming based on local community needs. Programs in Agriculture/Small Farms/Natural Resources focus on agriculture profitability and the sustainable use of environmental resources for the larger commercial operations as well as those smaller farms with more limited available resources. Family and Consumer Sciences programming involves food, nutrition, health, food safety, family finance, community prosperity, and housing. Home and Commercial Horticulture programs include training of Master Gardeners and development of Best Management Practices for the benefit of the environment for all county residents. With increased urbanization and growth come increased pressures on our coastal ecosystems. Balancing population needs while conserving our natural resources is one of the major goals of Okaloosa County’s Sea Grant and Natural Resources Extension program. 4-H clubs develop youth leadership, character, and good citizenship. Projects and programs focus on a wide array of youth interests REVENUE: The Extension Service is funded within the General Fund and two partners; federal and state. Federal and state partners provided $780,023 to support the Extension Office during FY15/16. In addition, local Extension agents secured $322,443 through grants, in-kind services and monetary donations. For every dollar of General Fund contribution provided to the Extension Service, over $3.14 was obtained from other sources. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR:  Extension Agents published 98 newspaper articles and aired 3 TV and 104 radio programs reaching almost 300,000 people each week with unbiased research proven information.  In 2015, the Agriculture Extension Program reached 4,441 clientele through on-farm consultations, phone calls, group meetings, emails and office visits. The focus of the Livestock Extension Program for 2015 was nutrient management. By following nutrient management BMPs, livestock producers can reduce nitrogen losses to the environment by 45 lb of nitrogen per acre. Sixty-six producers who attended educational activities in 2015 saved approximately $13.50 per acre (in fertilizer costs) over 1,800 acres for a total savings to the group of $24,300. It also resulted in an 81,000 lb reduction in nitrogen lost to the environment in Okaloosa County.  The Commercial Horticulture program in Okaloosa County has enabled 755 Green Industry professionals to obtain and maintain the state required licensing for pesticide and fertilizer application. Additionally, specialized training was offered including Horticulture Professional Certification, New Pest Concerns of the Southeast, and continuing education for Spanish-speaking pesticide applications. In doing so, the individuals have alleviated the potential for fines from non-compliance, learned how to protect themselves and others from harmful effects of pesticides, and acquired the knowledge needed to prevent environmental damage.  The Commercial Horticulture Agent reached 5,565 clientele through field visits, phone calls, group meetings, emails, and office visits. In 2015, while working with the largest developer in Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Commercial Horticulture Agent was able to assist with the update of the Service Contractor Agreement utilized on all of their propertie