Okaloosa County BOCC — August 4, 2014 — reading text

based on Extension recommended thresholds on 80% of peanut, cotton and soybean acreage (8,000 acres). Eliminating one pesticide application resulted in savings of $80,000 ($10 per acre) in pesticide cost. Ø IPM is also a technique that is important to the economic success of farmers. Farmers were taught how to identify and scout for kudzu bugs, a new insect pest in Okaloosa County in 2013. In a University of Georgia study, the average yield loss to kudzu bugs was 18%. We estimate that 800 acres of soybeans were planted in 2013 with an average yield of 42 bushels/acre. Thus, the economic loss of $78,624 (6,048 bushels at $13/bushel) due to kudzu bugs was avoided by Okaloosa County farmers. Packet Pg. 99 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR (Horticulture): Ø More than 1000 soil & water samples were submitted and processed. Ø Florida law requires that pesticide and fertilizer applicators obtain the proper license through education and follow correct safety and handling procedures. Ø State law requires all commercial fertilizer applicators be licensed by January 1, 2014. Completing the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training and passing the test is mandatory to obtain the license. Ø The Commercial Horticulture program in Okaloosa County enabled 739 Green Industry professionals to obtain and maintain the state required licensing for pesticide and fertilizer application. In doing so, these individuals 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. Ø Seventy-five Master Gardeners provided 8849 hours of volunteer service, teaching 4237 residents Florida Friendly practices in maintaining their lawns, landscapes and gardens. Using the 2013 accepted $18.66 value for volunteer time, Okaloosa County Master Gardeners contributed a net in-kind donation of $165,122 to Okaloosa County. Packet Pg. 100 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR (4-H): Ø Okaloosa County 4-H reached 1,574 youth through clubs, camps, day camps, school enrichment, and after-school programs in 2013. These youth learned science, engineering and technology, healthy living, leadership and citizenship skills. Young people in 4-H report better grades, higher levels of academic competence, an elevated level of engagement at school, and are 2 times more likely to plan to go to college to pursue a degree in science, engineering, or computer technology than their peers. Public Speaking Camp Timpoochee 4-H Day at the Capitol Packet Pg. 101 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR (Marine Science): Ø Forty-three participants completed requirements to be certified as Florida Master Naturalists. Graduates showed an average 25% knowledge gain and incorporated behavior changes in the areas of environmental sustainability. Ø Eight hundred seventy youth demonstrated knowledge and understanding of ecosystem function and plant care techniques by successfully raising 1000 Sea Oat plants during the school year and successfully restored 5000 square feet of coastal dune system. Ø The Marine Agent worked with a regional team to host the Artificial Reef Regional Workshop, educating 273 participants on updated reef and fisheries practices, new tools and materials and creating an open forum for program leaders. Ø The Six Rivers Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas partnership group, led by the Marine Science Agent, resulted in approximately 4000 acres of invasive species being removed, treated and/or replaced with native plantings. Packet Pg. 102 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR (Family & Consumer Sciences): Ø Youth/4-H programs included the Teaching Children to Save program. As a result of this program, 90 youth made 122 deposits into savings accounts for total deposits of $12,737.28. Ø The Okaloosa Saves EcoNomic Living Expo reached more than 600 participants who visited educational exhibits and participated in classes. Two hundred ninety-six program participants set new financial goals and became “Savers.” A follow up survey was complete by 25 participants. They reported savings of $125,444, monthly savings goals of $1925 and $5500 had been paid on debt. Mass media outreach included billboards, newspaper, radio, TV and web, with an estimated 6 million contacts. Ø Three hundred seventeen of 325 class members of the First Term Airman Center at Eglin AFB completed a post survey. Sixty-one percent (193) planned to obtain their credit report. Fifty-six percent (178) will negotiate total cost of car, not monthly payments, and 64% (204) planned to develop a spending plan. Packet Pg. 103 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS LAST YEAR (Overall): Ø Extension Agents and volunteers taught 90,577 clientele in classes, phone conferences, demonstrations, seminars, web-based modules, interactive audio/video conferences and through field and office visits. Ø Extension Agents published 104 newspaper articles and aired 8 TV and 104 radio programs reaching almost 300,000 people each week with unbiased research proven information. Ø Volunteers provided 10,300 hours to Extension/Okaloosa County, providing 8,137 citizens with research based information. The dollar value of their volunteer time, if they were paid employees, is $192,198. KEY OBJECTIVES for 2015: 1. Recruit and train 20 new volunteers in support of Extension educational programs and services. 2. Increase use of technology to enhance educational delivery. 3. Maintain existing programs in areas of agriculture/small farms, family and consumer sciences, horticulture, natural resources and 4-H/youth development. 4. Increase external funding from $357,356 to $450,000. Packet Pg. 104 Kudzu Bug Packet Pg. 105 2013 Legislative Farm Tour Packet Pg. 106