Healthy Eating: Improve Nutrition with SNAP

Varieties of green vegetables including lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. Garden fruits and vegetables, foodstuffs. UF/IFAS Photo: Tyler Jones.SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called Food Stamps) is one of several nutrition programs that help people meet their dietary needs. This 2-page fact sheet provides a brief overview of SNAP and examples of ingredients for healthy meals. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised November 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy918

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls for Animal Food

Professor Robert Myer, University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, helps turn food waste from Orlando theme parks and restaurants into dehydrated, pelletized, high-quality animal food. Not only is the feed safe and healthy, it keeps waste out of burgeoning landfills.

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was signed into law in January of 2011 and is considered the most sweeping reform of food safety regulations in 70 years. The human food regulations were composed first and, with significant input from industry, academia, and consumer groups as well as other agencies, were then modified to better suit animal food production. In Florida, these new regulations apply to facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food or food ingredients for animals. These facilities may include pet food manufacturers, renderers, ethanol distillers, feed mills, distributors, and others. The primary goal of these regulations is to ensure safe food for the animals, people who handle the feed, and people who consume the final animal products. This 3-page fact sheet discusses requirements, facilities that will most likely be expected to be in compliance, deadlines, development of a food safety plan, and preventive controls qualified individuals. Written by Jason M. Scheffler and Chad Carr, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, December 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an330

Pre-Breeding Considerations for the Development of Replacement Beef Heifers

Young heifers at the Range Cattle Research Station. These beef cows are all at least 3/4 Angus. They are part of an attempt to create a white Angus breed. During the summer the white cows, coined "white Angus" by the researchers in Ona, have a body temperature that is one degree cooler than the traditional black Angus. UF/IFAS Photo: Sally Lanigan.The efficiency of post-weaning development of heifers has a major impact on the overall profitability of cow-calf operations. To ensure satisfactory performance during the first breeding season, replacement heifers must be subjected to an adequate development program. This 3-page fact sheet covers age at puberty, nutrition, target body weight gain, pelvic area measurements, reproductive tract score, and herd health. Written by Pedro L. P. Fontes, Nicky Oosthuizen, Carla D. Sanford, and G. Cliff Lamb, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, November 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an329

Methods to Evaluate Peanut Maturity for Optimal Seed Quality and Yield

View of the peanut mesocarp layer after exocarp removal by pressure washing (brown class not pictured).

Determining when to dig is one of the most important economic decisions a grower must make. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) poses a unique challenge for maturity determination because it is an indeterminate crop that forms pods underground. This 8-page fact sheet discusses maturity assessment methods as well as steps for collecting and evaluating a maturity sample. Written by Ethan Carter, Patrick Troy, Diane Rowland, Barry Tillman, Keith Wynn, Krystel Pierre, and Michael Mulvaney, and published by the UF Agronomy Department, September 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag411

2011 South Florida Beef Forage Survey Results

Young heifers at the Range Cattle Research Station. These beef cows are all at least 3/4 Angus. They are part of an attempt to create a white Angus breed. During the summer the white cows, coined "white Angus" by the researchers in Ona, have a body temperature that is one degree cooler than the traditional black Angus. UF/IFAS Photo: Sally Lanigan.UF/IFAS Extension faculty and state specialists involved in the UF/IFAS South Florida Beef-Forage Program (SFBFP), in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit, created a survey in 1982 that is used to evaluate ranch management practices. The survey is updated and distributed every five years to ranchers in 14 south Florida counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota. There were 102 anonymous responses in 2011. This 6-page fact sheet discusses characteristics of beef operations in south Florida, reproduction, production, marketing, herd health, nutrition, forage production, and environment. Written by Sonja Crawford, Christa Kirby, Tycee Prevatt, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, Joao Vendramini, and Lindsey Wiggins, and published by the UF Agronomy Department, October 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag410

Vida Saludable: Diabetes

Hand held electronic diabetes monitoring devices. Metabolic diseases, blood sugar. Image used in the 2012 Annual Research Report.

La diabetes es una condición en la que el cuerpo tiene dificultad de producir o utilizar la insulina. La insulina es una hormona que controla la cantidad de glucosa (azúcar) en nuestra sangre. Cuando una persona tiene diabetes, el cuerpo no produce insulina o produce muy poca insulina o una insulina que no funciona bien. Esto resulta en altos niveles de glucosa en la sangre.
This 4-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses diabetes, possible consequences of high blood glucose, risk factors, healthy weights, symptoms, control methods, and ways to choose a healthy diet. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised October 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy079

The Art of Goodbye: Communication Considerations

Upfront discussions about expectations could potentially offset or defuse future problems.People are frequently at a loss for the best way to begin a discussion about end-of-life concerns with loved ones and health care providers and are also unsure of the topics they should cover. Nonetheless, conversations about end-of-life care and advance directives can help ensure that the person’s wishes are honored. These measures also eliminate much of the difficult decision-making that loved ones typically face at the time of their loved ones’ passing. This 5-page fact sheet, part of a new series entitled The Art of Goodbye, discusses the barriers to discussing the end of life and the process of communication with loved ones and health care providers. Written by Suzanna Smith, Lynda Spence, and Chelsea Tafelski, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, October 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1470

The Art of Goodbye: Why People Are Talking About the End of Life

This series is for individuals who want to be able to communicate effectively with family and/or friends about important end-of-life decisions.Mortality has been a taboo subject for many years. Many cultural, demographic, educational, and policy changes have played a part in a shift toward an increased openness to talking about death as a natural part of life in the United States. This 5-page fact sheet is the first publication in a new series entitled The Art of Goodbye, and it covers changes in living and dying, preferences for the end of life, roles of substitute decision makers in health care, and communication. Written by Suzanna Smith and Lynda Spence, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, October 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1468

The Art of Goodbye: Exploring Health Concerns

Thinking, discussing, and acting ahead of time will help reduce the social discomfort associated with death and dying.

Issues and questions about care at the end of life are as unique and complex as the individual receiving care. The condition and culture of the patient and family, religion, spirituality, education, occupation, social class, friends, and personal preferences can affect end-of-life care. Sometimes decisions are made by the individual patient. At other times, the family and health care providers are involved. This 6-page fact sheet, part of a new series entitled The Art of Goodbye, explores health concerns and discusses aspects and types of care at the end of life. Written by Lynda Spence, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1467

The Art of Goodbye: Exploring Self-Reflection

Collecting your thoughts in your own space and time can help inform future conversations with loved ones.

Many people assume that preparing for the end of life involves filling out forms at the doctor’s or lawyer’s office. Forms and checklists have their place and can be helpful, but they cannot address every issue because end-of-life concerns are complicated. Self-reflection is a helpful tool that begins to lay a foundation for planning while articulating people’s complex and unique emotions, values, priorities, fears, and preferences when it comes to facing their own mortality. This 4-page fact sheet is the second publication in a new series entitled The Art of Goodbye, and it covers resources that can help individuals explore their personal concerns and values before initiating end-of-life discussions with loved ones. Written by Lynda Spence and Chelsea Tafelski, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1465

Biology and Management of Whitehead Broom in Pastures

Whitehead broom growing in a pasture. Note the opposite to whorled leaf arrangement, linear leaves, and clusters of white flowers at the nodes.

Whitehead broom, also known as shrubby false buttonweed or southern larraflower, is becoming problematic in south Florida pastures, hayfields, and rights-of-way. This 2-page fact sheet discusses a few options to control this species. Written by Brent Sellers and James McWhorter, and published by the UF Agronomy Department, August 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag409

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Custody Options

Woman with her two daughters.Grandparents have several custody options when they are caring for their grandchildren. To decide which options match your needs, you must become familiar with legal terms. This brochure provides information on custody options, situation scenarios, and legal resources. Written by Larry F. Forthun and Millie Ferrer-Chancy with assistance from the Legal Aid Foundation, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Revised December 2015.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy433

Implications of Round Bale Dimensions on Hay Use

Hay bales in a field.

The dimensions of large round bales make a difference in many cases. Bale size determines the amount of hay in a purchased bale, the amount of nutrients in pounds, and the extent of spoilage during storage and feeding. Large round bales, the predominant form of hay made and fed to cattle, are under discussion. This 3-page fact sheet is a new document that examines the significance of bale dimensions, volume, density, and weight as well as the relationship of these factors to hay prices. Written by Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, June 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an326

Guidelines for Operation and Usage of County Kitchens in the State of Florida

Fresh vegetables being cut. Photo taken 10-01-15.In recent years, many people have become interested in developing small food businesses. Using county kitchens to make food products for sale may seem very attractive. However, because of different local, state, and federal regulation requirements, there may be some confusion and unresolved conflicts among different parties as to the legalities and practicalities involved. This 3-page fact sheet provides guidelines and advice for Florida Extension personnel to use when determining the appropriate usage for their kitchen facilities, based on a situation in one Florida county. The publication covers utilization, roles and responsibilities, and potential liability issues relevant to the use of county kitchens, providing some potential solutions to conflicts for all parties. Written by Amarat Simonne, Tim Wilson, Geralyn Sachs, Joanne Cooper, Brenda Morris, Steven von Bodungen, and Liz Felter, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, August 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1469

The Art of Goodbye: Planning Final Arrangements

Thinking, discussing, and acting ahead of time will help reduce the social discomfort associated with death and dying.

The consumer is faced with complex personal decisions while making final arrangements. Final arrangements might include a religious ritual, service, tribute, funeral, and/or burial. This 7-page fact sheet, part of a new series entitled The Art of Goodbye series, is designed to help in the development of a final arrangements plan using a coordinated approach. This document discusses the Funeral Rule, determinants, funeral providers, types of final arrangements, tissue or organ donation, body donation, preplanning, and prepaying. Written by Lynda Spence, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, July 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1466

Herbicides to Kill Invasive Trees in Home Landscapes and Surrounding Natural Areas

A single-nozzle backpack sprayer is useful for foliar treatment of many woody invasive plants.

Several plant species that are invasive in natural areas of public lands also occur on private property. Invasive plants on private property that thrive within both landscaped and surrounding natural areas can serve as a source of infestation to other natural areas. Therefore, property owners are encouraged to remove invasive plant species from both areas. This 5-page fact sheet is a major revision that discusses different herbicides, hand-pulling, stump grinding, foliar herbicide application, cut stump herbicide application, basal bark herbicide application, hack-and-squirt, frill, or girdle herbicide application, licenses and training, and control of specific invasive plants. Written by K. A. Langeland and S. F. Enloe, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, revised May 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag259

The Florida Bull Test 2014/2015

Closeup of a bull.

The 2014-2015 Florida Bull Test concluded with the evaluation of 103 bulls. The test assessed the performance potential and breeding soundness of bulls consigned to the program at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC). This 9-page fact sheet covers the test procedures, feed efficiency assessment, test rules and regulations, health requirements, test results, and sale summary. Written by Carla D. Sanford, G. Cliff Lamb, and Nicolas DiLorenzo, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, June 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an325

How the Veterinary Feed Directive Affects Cattle Owners

Beef cattle feeding in pasture.

The Veterinary Feed Directive is a federal regulation from the Food and Drug Administration that will change the additives that can be included in animal feed, the ways in which cattle producers manage their animals and veterinarians interact with cattle owners, and the products available for use on the ranch. This 3-page fact sheet provides an overview of the new regulation’s nature, functions, requirements, and implications for cattle owners. Written by Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, July 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an327

Prevencion de Caidas: Estilos de vida y riesgo de caidas

Elderly person receiving assistance from a caregiver with everyday tasks. UF/IFAS Marisol Amador

Hay muchos factores que pueden contribuir a las razones por las que usted se cae, pero algunos de éstos, los puede cambiar. A continuación le ofrecemos algunos cambios sencillos que puede hacer para reducir el riesgo de caerse.
This 2-page fact sheet is a major revision of the Spanish version of FCS2230/FY736:Fall Prevention: Lifestyle Factors and Fall Risk. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised April 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy860

Registration and Licensure of Nutrition Professionals in Florida

Ron Lutz, left, Gail Rampersaud and Lynn Bailey review educational materials developed by the Florida Folic Acid Coalition to promote awareness about the health benefits of the vitamin. Lutz, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, is a coordinator for the coalition based at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Rampersaud, a registered dietitian and assistant in nutrition research and education, and Bailey, a professor in the food science and human nutrition department, oversee the coalition.

Consumers need to know who is qualified to practice nutrition or dietetics before seeking nutrition advice. This 3-page fact sheet is a major revision that provides information about dietetic registration and licensure. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised June 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy690