Example of Ag Impact From

Ag. Objectives

Ag Objectives

Example of Ag Objective from SMMART Objectives Publication, average annual nitrate concentration will decrease by 30% due to changes in farming practices among 50 farmers in Sunshine county who participated in the Farm Smart Program as measured by yearly soil analysis over the next four years.

Example of Ag Impact from

Reducing phosphorus (P) fertilizer inputs is a major component of the Best Management Practices designed to improve water quality in the Everglades. Based on UF on-farm research, Hendry County cattle producers learned that fertilization with P on improved pastures could be reduced by 50% without reducing forage yield or quality while also realizing improved water quality due to a reduction in P lost through runoff. Eight ranchers in the C-139 Basin adjusted their fertilizer programs to reduce P inputs, saving $13,968 on 15,520 acres and enhancing the quality of storm water runoff by reducing P leached by 62,080 lbs.

Example of Ag Success Story from :

Phosphorus (P) has been targeted as the #1 element requiring regulation in the Everglade Restoration Project [Problem]. Extension, in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District [Partners],sponsors quarterly workshops aimed at educating growers on the life of P in soils, P Best Management Practices, and how to reduce P fertilizer inputs in an effort to improve water quality on the farm [Program]. Eighty-seven growers participated in three workshops [People]. Participants were surveyed several weeks after the classes, and 73% indicated they were enacting the P reduction portion of the BMPs on their farms. According to USDA water quality guidelines, this should reduce P runoff on these farms by 40 parts per million [Impact]. Due to increased interest, these workshops will continue [Conclusion].

Examples of Ag Objectives and corresponding Outcomes from successful Promotion Packets. These may not be perfect, so look for ways to improve them.:

100 vegetable producers and industry representatives will participate in educational programs with emphasis on vegetable crop management systems and at least 80% will increase knowledge about improved production practices.

Over 1,000 growers and industry personnel participated in one or more education programs and or field days and 92 % of those surveyed with pre/post test instruments demonstrated knowledge gain.

Some Overall Outcome Measures for Vegetable Extension Program (from Customer Satisfaction Survey data)

Reporting Period / From: / 2002
To: / 2007
Customer Satisfaction / Clients Surveyed: / 485 / Percent of Total
Knowledge gained / 449 / 92%
Shared Information with others: / 479 / 99%
Number Satisfied: / 454 / 94%
Growers (65) who changed farming practice / 37 / 57%

20% of 50 participants will make changes in their farming production practices as a result of increased knowledge.

Fifty-seven percent of 65 growers surveyed indicated that they changed their farming practices as a result of this agent’s extension programming.

200 of the agricultural producers will participate in educational programs with emphasis on crop management systems and at least 80% will increase knowledge about improved production practices.

Close to 1,600 people participated in the group learning events related to this program area. Surveys were conducted at the end of several educational programs. Approximately 550 surveys were returned and 85% of responders (467 clients) indicated knowledge increase on presented subjects.

20 of the participants will make changes in their operations as a result of increased knowledge.

Five snap bean growers reduced nitrogen application rates by 15% on close to 850 acres of snap beans. Impact: Estimating that total fertilizer cost/acre is about $150 (information from grower) and N cost is about $50/acre, farmers saved $6,375 in fertilizer cost and reduced N impact on the environment. In addition to these factors, the posharvest quality of beans is better when the N amount is reduced.
Five okra growers after participating in Okra Production Workshop conducted by this agent decided to change his growing practices by increasing in-row spacing between plants which will increase light availability to plants and reduce pest problems on 80 acres. He reported about a 15% increase in yield and better quality of okra pods.
In the last two production seasons there was a significant increase in acreage of okra grown on plastic mulch with drip irrigation (from about 10 acres five years ago to approximately 400 acres). Four okra growers started producing okra on plastic mulch with drip irrigation. About 30% of this acreage was planted with okra as a second crop after tomato. This is a direct impact of several years of Extension efforts (field trials and workshops).
Two sweet potato growers changed fertilization practices by splitting nitrogen applications during the growing season to prevent nutrient leaching as it was recommended by the soil specialist and this agent.
Two okra growers changed fertilization practices reducing amount of nitrogen by 20% to reduce plant growth and induce flowering and fruit setting.

Four local packinghouses will make changes in their operations to improve food safety during harvesting, packing, storage and transportation of produce to distant markets.

Three packinghouses reported the following improvements in postharvest practices: increased frequency in measurements of chlorine levels in the ‘dump tanks’, improved sanitation of packinghouses and packing lines and improvements in reducing the amount of time between harvest and cooling of produce in the packinghouse. (Based on agent’s personal contacts with produce packing operations).
A commercial fresh herb producer made significant changes in the design of coolers and packing area and the hand washing facility to improve postharvest quality and comply with the food safety requirements.
Three major vegetable producers who are doing their own marketing reported improvements in field sanitation and production record keeping to provide buyers with information on production and harvesting practices.

100 growers and industry personnel will receive info receive objective information about new cultivars based on field trials (conducted by the agent) and 80% (80) of them will increase their knowledge about vegetable varieties selection.

451 clients participated in the extension field days and other programs related to vegetable variety evaluations. 276 persons returned the post program surveys. 85% of them (235 persons) stated that they increased their knowledge on new vegetable cultivars. The results of the surveys indicated that all field trials and demonstrations provided by this agent are considered by the growers as very important to help them make decisions regarding vegetable cultivars for the next season.