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University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension outreach 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.
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[
### Protect Pets Safely
* * *
Both topical and collar treatments are classified and registered as pesticides and must be used accordingly.
](/publication/PI300#FACTOID-20)
[
### Frozen Perennials Propagate Promisingly
* * *
Perennials that are frozen back to the ground can be lifted, divided, and reset at that time with good results.
](/publication/MG035#FACTOID-21)
[
### Predict Frost with a Psychometric Chart
* * *
Relative humidity and air temperature can be used to predict freezing and frost conditions.
](/publication/AE406#FACTOID-37)
[
### Food and Water for New Chicks
* * *
Chicks can survive up to two or three days without eating or drinking right after hatching because they are able to utilize the nutrients remaining in their retained yolk sac during this time. This is how hatcheries can ship chicks all over the country with little or no mortality.
](/publication/AN182#FACTOID-12)
[
### Protect Pets Safely
* * *
Both topical and collar treatments are classified and registered as pesticides and must be used accordingly.
](/publication/PI300#FACTOID-20)
[
### Frozen Perennials Propagate Promisingly
* * *
Perennials that are frozen back to the ground can be lifted, divided, and reset at that time with good results.
](/publication/MG035#FACTOID-21)
[
### Predict Frost with a Psychometric Chart
* * *
Relative humidity and air temperature can be used to predict freezing and frost conditions.
](/publication/AE406#FACTOID-37)
[
### Food and Water for New Chicks
* * *
Chicks can survive up to two or three days without eating or drinking right after hatching because they are able to utilize the nutrients remaining in their retained yolk sac during this time. This is how hatcheries can ship chicks all over the country with little or no mortality.
](/publication/AN182#FACTOID-12)
[
### Protect Pets Safely
* * *
Both topical and collar treatments are classified and registered as pesticides and must be used accordingly.
](/publication/PI300#FACTOID-20)
Next
Recent & Revised Publications
-----------------------------
* * *
[
### Camera Trapping for Wildlife
B. W. McDonald, B. M. Mason, C. T. Callaghan, M. A. Lashley, and C. Baruzzi
Camera traps provide a means to easily and unobtrusively view wildlife for a variety of purposes, providing information on the makeup of wildlife communities and sometimes animal behavior. While frequently used, there are currently many different cameras available with a variety of different settings. This publication discusses some of the ways cameras are typically used and provides recommended settings to get the most out of camera traps.
](/publication/UW530)
[
### Conducting the Needs Assessment #7: Phase 3 — Post-Assessment
Matt Benge
This is the seventh publication in the Conducting the Needs Assessment series. The post-assessment phase, also known as the utilization phase, of conducting a needs assessment includes setting priorities to make informed decisions, creating and considering solutions, communicating results to appropriate audiences, and evaluating the needs assessment used. Extension professionals and service providers should complete the pre-assessment and assessment phases before making recommendations and considering solutions to resolve the identified needs. Written by Matt Benge, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, February 2025.
](/publication/WC478)
[
### Survey of Mycotoxins Present in Florida Pastures Across Time, Locations, and Grass Species
Hui-Ling (Sunny) Liao, Kaile Zhang, Vijay Verma, Haihua Wang, Brittany Justesen, Joseph Walter, Valerie Mendez, Ann Blount, Cheryl Mackowiak, Marcelo Wallau, Robbie Jones, Ko-Hsuan Chen, Ed Jennings, JK Yarborough, Doug Mayo, Ray Bodrey, and Aaron S
The toxicity of grasses caused by mycotoxins has led to economic losses in the United States due to the health impact on livestock feeding on it. Florida's warm and humid weather is favorable for the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi on grasses. The JECFA has provided evaluations and risk management for some high-risk mycotoxins; however, more research is needed in Florida to determine the maximum levels of these mycotoxins, how different environmental conditions affect these levels, and the specialized risk management to prevent animals from getting sick. Our Extension agents were able to collect and examine 195 grass samples from 13 ranchers across dry and wet seasons in Florida. In this publication, we summarized the results for our ranchers to learn more about (1) what (dominant) mycotoxins are generally present in Florida’s pastures, (2) what grass species could harbor more of these mycotoxins, and (3) what seasons or locations may favor these dominant mycotoxins.
](/publication/SS744)
[
### How Efficient Are Hydroponic Lettuce Production Systems in Nutrient Usage Under Low and High Salinity?
Kelsey Vought, Haimanote Bayabil, and Ana Martin-Ryals
This publication aims to highlight the inefficiencies of using a single-rate, EC-based, NFT nutrient dosing practice for lettuce production throughout the growing season. The information contained in this document is relevant to a diverse audience, including students, researchers, Extension agents who have some level of understanding about controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and water and fertilizer management techniques, and hydroponic growers. Written by Kelsey Vought, Haimanote Bayabil, and Ana Martin-Ryals, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2025.
](/publication/AE610)
[
### Variable Rate Irrigation Technology: A Step-by-Step Guide to Field Implementation
Haimanote Bayabil, Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, and Vivek Sharma
This fact sheet explores variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology and its components and provides specific examples of field-scale applications of VRI technology with step-by-step guidelines for data collection, data interpretation, developing VRI prescription maps, and uploading maps for implementation. Written by Haimanote Bayabil, Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, and Vivek Sharma, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2025.
](/publication/AE609)
[
### Native Subterranean Termites: Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks), Reticulitermes hageni Banks (Insecta: Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae)
Thomas Chouvenc, Nan-Yao Su and Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management
](/publication/IN369)
[
### Estrus Synchronization Protocols for Natural Service
Daniella Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, and Kalyn Waters
This publication is intended for producers interested in improving the reproductive efficiency and performance of their cows. This publication explains the process of estrus synchronization and the protocols that can be used for natural service synchronization. Written by Daniella Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, and Kalyn Waters, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2025.
](/publication/AN396)
[
### Cooperating Teachers’ Best Practices for Mentoring #5: Implementation and Adoption of a Cooperating Teacher Preparation and Support Program
Heather R. Nesbitt and Debra M. Barry
This final article in the Best Practices for Mentoring series provides school-based agricultural education programs (SBAE) university faculty and others who serve as program coordinators of the student teaching internship experience with a step-by-step guideline on implementing a cooperating teacher preparation and support program. Written by Heather R. Nesbitt and Debra M. Barry, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, February 2025.
](/publication/WC477)
[
### Rotational Grazing Management for Horses
Laura Bennett
Pasture management is an important aspect of horsekeeping and equine property management. This publication provides an overview of rotational grazing, including practical recommendations and examples for implementation. Written by Laura Bennett, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, February 2025.
](/publication/VM268)
[
### Sandbag Disposal: Environmental and Practical Considerations After the Storm
Whitney Elmore, Laura Valencia, Yilin Zhuang, and Angela Lindsey
Sandbags are an essential tool for flood prevention and control and are commonly used by homeowners and commercial owners. However, after a storm has passed and floodwaters have receded, sand from sandbags is often not properly discarded. This article addresses the impacts of improper disposal of sand from sandbags and provides steps for proper disposal. Written by Whitney Elmore, Laura Valencia, Yilin Zhuang, and Angela Lindsey, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, February 2025.
](/publication/FY1545)
[
### Wildlife of Florida Fact Sheet: Key Largo Woodrat
Brandon McDonald, Marcus Lashley, Michael Cove, and Carolina Baruzzi
This publication is part of the Wildlife of Florida fact sheet series, created to provide the public with a quick and accurate introduction to Florida’s wildlife, including both native and invasive species. We hope these fact sheets inspire you to learn more about one of Florida’s rarest mammals, the Key Largo woodrat, as well as to investigate the other wildlife around your community and understand the amazing biodiversity in the state of Florida.
](/publication/UW528)
[
### Low-Maintenance Landscape Plants for South Florida
Cliff G. Martin, Jody Haynes, John McLaughlin, Laura Vasquez, Adrian Hunsberger, and Zachary Brym
This publication was originally developed to help answer requests from participants of the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program in Miami-Dade County, now Florida Friendly Landscaping TM (FFL), for a list of landscape plants suitable in south Florida and has become a critical reference for the county. The resulting list includes over 330 species of low-maintenance plants. For each species, we provided the common and scientific names, family, size, light preference, salt tolerance, establishment status, invasive status and potential, and other useful characteristics. Written by Cliff G. Martin, Jody Haynes, John McLaughlin, Laura Vasquez, Adrian Hunsberger, and Zachary Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, revised February 2025.
](/publication/EP107)
[more...](/publications)
[
25,000 to 30,000
\# of bees needed to survive the winter
A healthy colony consisting of 25,000 to 30,000 bees is an adequate size for overwintering success.
](/publication/IN1006#FACTOID-38 "Click to view more details about this factoid.")[
65,479
U.S. residents have their identity stolen each day
This publication is based on the insights of individuals who have been through this experience, researched it in depth, and have attempted to break it down into understandable segments.
](/publication/FY1540#FACTOID-23 "Click to view more details about this factoid.")[
14.1%
OJ Inflation
Orange Juice prices experienced high inflation, peaking at 14.1% in January 2023, but the number of active consumers slightly increased.
](/publication/FE1142#FACTOID-5 "Click to view more details about this factoid.")[
18,728
Pest Management Jobs
The Florida pest management industry accounted for more than 14% of the industry’s establishments in 2021
](/publication/FE1140#FACTOID-1 "Click to view more details about this factoid.")[
more than 1,700
homes built endangered woodrats
More than 1,700 supplemental woodrat nest structures have been installed across protected areas in northern Key Largo to aid in woodrat recovery
](/publication/UW528#FACTOID-39 "Click to view more details about this factoid.")
New Faces
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Previous
[](/experts/caitlin-lunzmann)
**Lunzmann, Caitlin**
student
University of Florida
[](/experts/aratijoshi)
**Joshi, Arati**
student
University of Florida
[](/experts/larsenmcbride)
**McBride, Larsen**
student
University of Florida
[](/experts/amaderal)
**Maderal, Araceli**
student
University of Florida
[](/experts/caitlin-lunzmann)
**Lunzmann, Caitlin**
student
University of Florida
[](/experts/aratijoshi)
**Joshi, Arati**
student
University of Florida
[](/experts/larsenmcbride)
**McBride, Larsen**
student
University of Florida
[](/experts/amaderal)
**Maderal, Araceli**
student
University of Florida
Next
New Topics
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Previous
[
](/topics/south-florida-vegetable-production)
**South Florida Vegetable Production**
[
](/topics/landscape-tree-selection-south-florida)
**Landscape Tree Selection -- South Florida**
[
](/topics/landscape-plant-selection-south-florida)
**Landscape Plant Selection -- South Florida**
[
](/topics/plant-tissue-analysis)
**Plant Tissue Analysis**
[
](/topics/south-florida-vegetable-production)
**South Florida Vegetable Production**
[
](/topics/landscape-tree-selection-south-florida)
**Landscape Tree Selection -- South Florida**
[
](/topics/landscape-plant-selection-south-florida)
**Landscape Plant Selection -- South Florida**
[
](/topics/plant-tissue-analysis)
**Plant Tissue Analysis**
Next