Author: dihagan

Does the Method of Castration Affect Calf Performance?

Little bull with two calves in field, beef cows. UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas WrightThis 4-page fact sheet discusses the purpose of castration in male calves as well as the different methods used to castrate. Most methods of castration cause a certain amount of pain and stress for calves, which can affect calf performance. UF/IFAS researchers recently tested different methods of castration in calves to determine the effects of each method on calf health and performance. This publication presents these results. Written by Trey Warnock, Matt Hersom, and Todd Thrift, and published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, December 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an291

Compact Growth Habit Tomatoes

Figure 1. Compact growth habit tomatoes (four center beds) growing in Immokalee, FL.Alternatives to the traditional production system that reduce production cost would be economically beneficial to the Florida tomato industry. Compact growth habit tomatoes are determinate varieties with a unique architecture that may provide the basis for a viable alternative production system for Florida. These tomatoes have low growth and spreading characteristics, forming compact plants that hold fruit above the ground on short branches. They do not require staking, tying, or pruning, so they may be used by the Florida mature-green fresh-market tomato growers to reduce labor costs. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Monica Ozores-Hampton, Aline Coelho Frasca, John Scott, and Samuel Hutton, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1231

Apalachee Crapemyrtle: Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei 'Apalachee'

Figure 4. ‘Apalachee’ crapemyrtle in full bloom.‘Apalachee’ crapemyrtle is a small deciduous tree with lavender flowers, dark green leaves, and cinnamon-orange bark. Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Apalachee’ is one of the hybrids released in 1987 from the breeding program of the U.S. National Arboretum. It grows as an upright to vase-shaped multi-stemmed tree in USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 7a-9b. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Gary W. Knox, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep491

Soil Testing Information Sheets

Use these forms to send samples to the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_soil_testing_information_sheets

Hojas de Informacion de Analisis de Suelos

Llena estas formas para enviar las muestras al UF/IFAS Laboratorio de Servicios Analíticos Laboratorio de Extensión de Análisis de Suelos

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_hojas_de_informacion_de_analisis_de_suelos

Stewardship Ecosystem Services Study Series: Assessing Forest Water Yield and Purification Ecosystem Services in the Lower Suwannee River Watershed, Florida

Figure 1. Land use and covers in the Lower Suwannee River Watershed, Florida.Land-use decisions and ecosystem characteristics affect the amounts of nutrients that end up in water bodies and the ability of the land to provide ecosystem services. Water quality is also highly valued by Florida forest landowners and managers. So, understanding the role of land use and forest cover and types, management practices, and conservation programs in reducing nutrient pollution will allow landowners, forest managers, and policy makers to make informed and better management decisions. In this 6-page fact sheet, we present the results of a study that used easily available models and information to assess the role of forests in providing ecosystem services, including water quality improvement or purification. Specifically, this assessment used available geospatial data and the InVEST Water Purification model to estimate how forest vegetation and soils purify water through the retention, and subsequent export, of nitrogen and phosphorus polluted runoff. Written by Sonia Delphin, Francisco J. Escobedo, Amr Abd-Elrahman, Alison E. Adams, Jackie Martin, Ronald Cademus, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr385

Measuring the Economic Value of the Environment and Natural Resources

Figure 1. The Florida manateeConservation of natural resources requires investments of money, time, and effort by the government, businesses, landowners, conservation organizations, and the general public. Policies to conserve and manage natural resources should be based on a careful accounting of both the benefits and costs of conserving these resources. In a prior EDIS document, cost-benefit analysis and the role it plays in natural resources management and policy was discussed. This document extends that previous discussion by presenting more detailed information about how economists categorize the benefits of natural resources. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Elizabeth Pienaar, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw385

Facts about Fructose

Figure 1. Consuming naturally occuring forms of fructose, such as fruits and vegetables, while limiting consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, is a step toward health.Fructose is a simple sugar found in many foods. Common table sugar is made of equal amounts fructose and glucose. Similarly, high-fructose corn syrup, commonly used to sweeten foods, contains a mixture of fructose and glucose. Fructose is sweeter than glucose, and for this reason it has been used in many sweetened foods. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Wendy Dahl, Lauren Foster, and Russel Owen, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, June 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs148

The Savvy Survey #11: Mail-Based Surveys

Woman with mailAs part of the Savvy Survey Series, this publication provides Extension faculty with an overview of the process that uses mail for sending and receiving questionnaires. Mail surveys can be an effective way to collect data for needs assessments in program planning or for follow-up surveys evaluating outcomes of Extension programs. Survey research consistently shows that mail surveys usually obtain as high or higher response rates than other methods. This fact sheet provides guidance for constructing the questionnaire, addressing visual design and formatting considerations, and implementing the survey. Extension faculty who incorporate best practices of questionnaire design and mail survey procedures will be able to achieve a high response rate and collect more useful data than those who don’t use these best practices. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Glenn D. Israel and Jessica L. Gouldthorpe, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pd071

Facts about Phosphorus

DNA KIT Phosphate GroupPhosphorus is a mineral found in every cell of the body, usually in the form of phosphate. It is the second most abundant mineral in the body after calcium. About 85% of phosphorus is stored in the bones and teeth. It is important for forming bones and teeth, as well as repairing bones. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Nancy J. Gal and Wendy J. Dahl, and published by the UF Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs237

Working in Groups: Facilitating Positive Group Interactions

Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds. --Alexander Graham BellWorking together in groups can be a great experience or one filled with stress and anxiety. The goal of facilitating positive group interaction is for every group member to contribute in a more positive and productive manner. This article will review several methods that can facilitate positive group interactions, which will also enhance communication and overall group work. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Bryan D. Terry, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1377

Mapping Your World with Community Analyst: An Easy to Use Tool to Map the Characteristics of U.S. Communities

Figure 1. Standard geographies available in Community Analyst for summarizing dataIn recent years, the number of mapping and geospatial tools that are both feature-rich and easy to use has increased. This is good news because it allows many more of us to capitalize on the power and unique insights that such tools can provide without having to spend inordinate amounts of time learning how to use them. This article presents Community Analyst, a web application that provides access to thousands of business, demographic, economic, education, and health data variables for the United States. The application’s extensive suite of data metrics, in conjunction with on-demand reports and interactive color-coded maps, allows one to quickly explore the characteristics of one or more geographic areas. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Robert Swett and Lisa Krimsky, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, October 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr383

Being Smart about Gluten and Gluten-free Issues, Part 2: What Retailers and Consumers Need to Know about Gluten and Gluten-free Product Labeling

Gluten free choiceIn 2011, gluten was recognized as having a specific link to celiac disease, and some consumers hoping to minimize the symptoms of celiac disease have opted to modify their diets. This is the second of a three-part series of publications called “Being Smart about Gluten and Gluten-Free Issues.” The purpose of this publication is to supply retailers and consumers with easy-to-understand information about labeling as related to gluten-free products. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Abigail Dicks, Amy Harder, and Amy Simonne, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, September 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc153

Safe Dishwashing Without an Automatic Dishwasher for Home, Community Events, and Outdoor Activities

washing a plate in a basinMost of us are accustomed to the ease and convenience of washing our dishes in an automatic dishwasher. At times, however, no dishwasher is available. This 4-page fact sheet teaches ways to safely wash or clean your dishes by hand, which may be necessary when your dishwasher is broken, you are outdoors, or you are working in a facility without a dishwasher. Written by Morgan Denhard, Amy Simonne, and Ricki McWilliams, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, December 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1403

Raising Healthy Children: Promoting a Positive Feeding Experience

Figure 1. If you ask your child if he or she would like to try a new fruit or healthy snack, it could help spark your child’s interest in eating healthier foods.All parents have heard “I don’t like that!” or “I’m not hungry!” from their child at some point or another. It’s likely that your child will not like every food that is served, but that doesn’t mean mealtime can’t still be a pleasant experience for the family. Parents may think they have sole responsibility for their child’s food choices, but Ellyn Satter, a registered dietitian who specializes in feeding and eating, advises that young children also have responsibility in the eating process. If feeding your child is stressful, read this fact sheet to learn about the division of responsibility in feeding and how to make meal times more enjoyable for the whole family. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Tiffany N. Stodtko, Karla P. Shelnutt, and Gail P.A. Kauwell, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, December 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1397

The Savvy Survey #3: Successful Sampling

Figure 1. Understanding a target population.As part of the Savvy Survey series, this publication provides Extension faculty with an overview of topics to consider when thinking about who should be surveyed. Topics in this publication include understanding the survey population, constructing the sampling frame, recognizing who exists outside the population of interest, and defining the sample. This 5-page fact sheet also provides insight on issues such as over-coverage and error that can arise because of poor sampling procedures. Written by Glenn D. Israel and Jessica L. Gouldthorpe, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, October 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pd063

Important Things to Know about Medicare series

Nurse Helping Old Man on CrutchesAs an older adult citizen of the United States, it is important to understand the structure of Medicare and how it affects you. The information in this series is based on the most current data available and includes several changes with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. This guide was also written using Florida guidelines when appropriate. Please bear in mind that your personal situation may vary from the examples in the series, and always contact your local Medicare representative for questions regarding your own circumstances.

Written by Amanda Terminello and Martie Gillen, and published by the UF Department of Family Youth and Community Sciences, September 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_important_things_to_know_about_medicare

How to Make a Bed Bug Interceptor Trap out of Common Household Items

Figure 10. Interceptor trap placed under the leg of a piece of furniture.Bed bugs have become an increasingly common pest problem throughout the United States. To discover whether bed bugs are present in a room or a piece of furniture, you can make interceptor traps out of commonly found household items and disposable plastic containers. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Benjamin A. Hottel, Rebecca W. Baldwin, Roberto M. Pereira, and Philip G. Koehler, and published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1022

Water Issues in Florida: How Extension Can Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement and Involvement

Figure 1. Florida Water Management Districts.This 6-page fact sheet is a brief description of recent discussions and policies surrounding water management, use, and quality in Florida. The goal of this publication is to provide brief, but clear, information about the trends in policies that can be used by Extension agents to increase educated conversations about water issues. Water in Florida is a contested issue, and Extension agents may be called upon as a source of unbiased information by the public. Having an understanding of important agricultural and natural resources issues in Florida, including water, can help facilitate conversation, raise awareness, and lead to informed decision making. Written by Erica Odera, Alexa Lamm, Tracy Irani, Hannah Carter, and Sebastian Galindo-Gonzalez, and published by the UF Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, December 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc151