Indian River County Extension

What is Extension?  Extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public.  The University of Florida (UF), together with Florida A&M University (FAMU), administers the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.University of FloridaFlorida A&M University

Indian River County Extension  Partnership between Indian River County and the University of Florida -IFAS Teaching - IRREC Research – FMEL & IRREC Extension

UF/IFAS Extension Mission Statement To develop knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences and to make that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of human life.

Our Mission Statement  To improve the quality of life of Indian River County residents & visitors through outreach educational programs. These programs are based upon research and technological advances.

UF/IFAS Extension Personnel Extension encompasses thousands of faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers, all working to provide solutions for your life.

Our Extension Office  4 Agents (60% UF, 40% County)  2 Administrative Staff (funded by the county)  75 Master Gardener Volunteers  55 4-H Volunteers

State and Federal Support to IRC Extension Program (06-07)  Faculty$149,490  Training$ 4,320  Operating Costs$ 2,500 TOTAL$156,329 IFAS Specialists$217,124

IRC Extension County Extension Director Overall Advisory Committee Advisory Committees Volunteers County Commission Extension Agents Public Clientele UF Extension Service (IFAS) County Administration

Location: SR 60 W County Annex Bldg

IRC Extension Agents  4-H & Youth Development  Adam Cletzer  Water Quality  Janet Bargar  Agriculture  Christine Kelly-Begazo  Environmental Horticulture  Holly Lyons

How Does IRC Extension Deliver its Programs? Talks Workshops Seminars Phone Calls Site Visits Web Sites Festivals Training

Examples of Current Programs Great staff + great volunteers = GREAT PROGRAMS!!

Agriculture  Africanized Honey Bee Training  Pasture Improvement Workshops  Small Farm Management  Citrus Production

Water Quality  Stormwater Runoff Pond Management  Pesticide Licensing Training  IR Lagoon Protection  Water Conservation

 4-H Clubs and Activities  School Enrichment  After School Programs 4-H and Youth Development

 Urban Landscaping  MG Volunteers  Landscape Professionals  Commercial Horticulture Environmental Horticulture

Customer Satisfaction Survey “How well are we doing our job?” Extension 2005

According to the clients surveyed, IRC Extension’s information was…

Respondents had the opportunity to use information and it solved the problem or answered their question. Used the information.Solved their problem.

“How I feel about the service provided by the Extension office…”

Positive Impacts  Weekly articles in local newspaper discussing water quality issues and conservation.  4 plant clinics for homeowners to receive solutions to their landscaping problems.  Over 120 youth involved in 4-H clubs and over 1500 involved in youth development activities.  AHB training given to 1 st responders.  Training improves small farmers’ production.

New Programs to be Delivered in the Future

Agriculture  Alternative Ag-Enterprises  Business Mngt for Small Farmers  Equine BMPs  Manure Mngt

Water Quality  H 2 O Institute Environmental Horticulture  Jr. Master Gardeners  Florida Yards & Neighborhoods

4-H and Youth Development  Summer Camps  Community Issue Awareness  Agricultural Literacy

Thank you for all your support.