Inside IFAS November 2006

You’ll see a new feature in this issue of “INSIDE IFAS” – we’ve expanded the table of contents found in the e-mail we send to the IFAS-ALL listserv, which will make it easier for readers to preview the contents of each issue. Please let us know if you like this change.

As always, we need your help to keep “INSIDE IFAS” going strong as the voice of faculty and staff. Please send brief news items to insideifas@ifas.ufl.edu, including all the essential information – who, what, when, where, why and how.

Produced by UF/IFAS External and Media Relations in cooperation with IFAS Communication Services, the online “INSIDE IFAS” is a work in progress, so please let us know if you have any suggestions for improvements. We look forward to hearing from you.

Below, you’ll find a table of contents with links that will take you to different sections of the issue.

ONLINE STORIES

11.20.2006 UF scientist develops turkey sausage to help feed hungry Haitian children
http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1176

11.17.2006 UF laboratory dedicated to a “super” friend
http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1175

11/16.2006 UF extension officials say cranberry substitute is so easy to grow, anyone can do it
http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1174

11.14.2006 Bedbugs begone! UF fumigation school teaches low-cost control method
http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1172

11.7.2006 UF’s Hastings demonstration facility gets help from local jail inmates
http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1170

11.4.2006 UF and The Nature Conservancy celebrate 25 years of research, education at Ordway-Swisher Preserve
http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1169

10.31.2006 UF-based statewide environmental education program launches memorial fund
http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/story.aspx?id=1166

FEATURES

McLellan addresses World Food Prize International Symposium

In October, Mark McLellan, IFAS dean for research, spoke at one of the world’s most prestigious events honoring individuals who have improved the world by improving its ability to feed the hungry.

McLellan was the only UF representative among three dozen speakers at the 2006 World Food Prize International Symposium, a three-day event that culminates with presentation of the World Food Prize, an award sometimes referred to as the Nobel Prize for food production and agriculture. It was held Oct. 18-20 in Des Moines, Iowa.

The symposium’s theme was “The Green Revolution Redux: Can We Replicate the Single Greatest Period of Food Production in All Human History?” McLellan’s presentation explored the ways that post-farm gate technologies impact food production. Processing, preservation, packaging and transportation are all involved when raw materials are transformed to foods and food ingredients.

“Even in today’s world of high technology and processed foods that feed billions, our farm gate losses range between 20 percent and 60 percent,” McLellan said. “The opportunity to feed millions more people rests on our ability to reduce this waste through better technologies for harvesting, transporting, storing, processing and distributing food.”

The 2006 symposium marked the 20th anniversary of the World Food Prize. The award was created by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug, known as the father of the Green Revolution for developing higher-yielding cereal grains in the mid-20th century. His work helped transform agriculture in developing nations and saved millions of people from starvation.

Entomology graduate student wins $80,000 award for butterfly conservation

Emily Saarinen, an entomology doctoral student, has received an $80,000 scholarship to support her work studying the endangered Miami blue butterfly.

She was one of eight students from the Americas who received the Canon National Parks Science Scholars scholarship. Saarinen was notified in August that she’d been selected for the three-year award, which recognizes her previous research on the effects of inbreeding on populations of the butterfly, which UF researchers are striving to re-establish in south Florida. The scholarship will fund completion of Saarinen’s doctoral research.

The Miami blue is one of the world’s rarest butterflies. It was once found in 16 coastal counties in south Florida, but only one wild population remains, in Bahia Honda Key State Park. Saarinen and other researchers at the Florida Museum of Natural History McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity have been raising the species in captivity and are releasing caterpillars in Biscayne National Park near Miami, hoping a stable population will develop there.

Saarinen’s project will examine the genetic variability of Miami blues in wild, reintroduced and captive populations. She will compare genes from all three groups to historic Miami blue specimens in the McGuire Center’s massive collection. The research is important because small populations tend to have less genetic variability than larger ones, increasing the population’s overall vulnerability to pathogens, environmental stresses and other threats.

“I am grateful to both the Department of Entomology and Nematology and the McGuire Center for their continued support of my project,” Saarinen said. “Both groups have given me the academic support necessary to succeed with my dissertation research.”

IFAS packaging science students get help thinking outside the box – about boxes

Students in UF’s packaging science program will never look at a corrugated box the same way again.

Thanks to the donation of a computer-aided design, or CAD, table, the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation, students are no longer limited to working with “boxy” boxes. Now they can design and create boxes of all shapes and sizes.

The refurbished instrument, valued new at about $100,000 will enable students to see their two dimensional computer designs come to life as commercial quality three- dimensional works.

The machine will be used in the Computer Tools for Packaging course in conjunction with software recently donated by Esko-Graphics. Several other packaging courses will also use the table.

The CAD table will enable package designers to see how package designs work in terms of assembly, appearance and functionality before committing to large-scale production.

INFORM

Maybe that confused flour beetle peering back from your pasta jar has you confused.

Or you need to prepare your home for an elderly relative: Try night lights, a phone with larger numbers and double-sided tape to keep rugs from sliding.

And is that thing flitting about your yard a butterfly or a skipper? (If its antennae are clubbed, butterfly. Curved? Skipper.)

Indulge your curiosity about these and other topics through the UF/IFAS Presentations Web site.

Extension entomologist Tom Fasulo started the site about five years ago to help distribute IFAS-produced PowerPoint presentations and other works.

There are now more than 130 presentations there, available to any IFAS employee for review or use in public appearances.

Fasulo said the among the site’s most popular publications are those with universal interest, family-themed topics, such as the emotional impact of caregiving and the myths and realities of aging.

To access the site, go to http://pests.ifas.ufl.edu. Scroll about halfway down the page and click on the Presentations link. A message will appear on the screen, with two boxes marked User name: and Password:

In the box marked User name: type UFAD\*your GatorLink user name.* In the box marked Password: type *your GatorLink password.* Once you enter the information, click the button marked OK and you should get access to the site.

Some Windows 2000 and Mac users may see a third box asking for domain information. If that happens, type *your GatorLink user name* in the first box (don’t type UFAD\ though), *your GatorLink password* in the second box and ufad in the third box.

Log-in problems? Contact the IFAS IT help desk at http://help.ifas.ufl.edu/.

NEW ARRIVALS AT UF/IFAS

Ryan Atwood named multicounty fruit crops extension agent

The University of Florida has named Ryan Atwood a multicounty fruit crops agent for central Florida. His appointment became effective Sept. 8.

Atwood will work in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. He will be based at the Lake County Extension Service in Tavares.

The position involves a special focus on citrus, with emphasis on helping protect Florida’s signature crop from cold-weather damage. Atwood will run the Weather Watch program for the area, which provides agricultural weather information. He also will participate in the Florida Automated Weather Network program, also known as FAWN.

Atwood will collaborate with the state Division of Forestry to offer training and certification in pile burning, a method used to dispose of plant waste. He also will be involved in Water Conserv II, the largest water reuse project of its kind in the world. Other responsibilities include pesticide applicator certification training and 4-H citrus tree projects.

Before being appointed, Atwood was a scientific program manager at UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Previously, he was a research scientist with MeadWestvaco, a packaging manufacturer.

Atwood holds a bachelor of arts degree in business and a master of science degree in forestry, both from UF.

Christine Brennan named curriculum coordinator for FYCS Family Nutrition Program

Christine Brennan has been named curriculum coordinator for the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences’ Family Nutrition Program. Her appointment became effective Oct. 2.

The Family Nutrition Program works to promote wise food choices in communities that have a large number of food stamp-eligible individuals. This nutritional education is accomplished by efforts ranging from puppet shows for day-care centers to cooking demonstrations for senior citizens.

Brennan’s responsibility is to review the information being presented to ensure that it represents the most up-to-date nutritional knowledge available. Additionally, she hopes to study the lasting effects of the program’s efforts to understand how these communities can be better served.

Prior to this appointment, Brennan had long been in the business of public service. After graduating from The Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science degree in applied nutrition, she served as a clinic nutritionist with Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc. of Wilkes-Barre, Penn. She later went on to work as a case worker for U.S. Rep. John E. Peterson of Pennsylvania before completing a master’s degree in public administration from Marywood University. Brennan then came to UF in April 2005 as a program coordinator with the university’s Food Safety and Quality Program.

Paul Fisher named associate professor of environmental horticulture

Paul Fisher has been named an associate professor with the Department of Environmental Horticulture. His appointment became effective Aug. 7.

Fisher will be responsible for providing statewide and national extension programs in floriculture, undertaking applied research to assist the greenhouse and nursery industries, and contributing to the floriculture and graduate teaching program.

Before being appointed, Fisher was an associate professor with the University of New Hampshire’s plant biology department. Previously, he was a researcher and visiting scholar at several institutions. Fisher also has been a private consultant to leading greenhouse firms in the United States and Latin America.

In 2003 he was named one of “40 Under 40” greenhouse industry leaders by “Greenhouse Grower” magazine. In 2003 and 2004, he was honored by the national floriculture organization OFA with its Alex Laurie Award, which recognizes outstanding research publications in the journals “HortScience” and “Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.”

Fisher holds a doctoral degree in horticulture from Michigan State University, a master of applied science degree from Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand and a bachelor of science degree from the University of Auckland in Auckland, New Zealand.

Rosanna Freyre named research scientist with environmental horticulture department

Rosanna Freyre has been named a research scientist with the Department of Environmental Horticulture. Her appointment became effective Sept. 1.

Her duties include breeding new ornamental plant varieties for possible release to the commercial floriculture industry, and overseeing evaluations of new ornamental plant varieties at UF. She will also teach and mentor graduate students.

Before being appointed, Freyre was a research assistant professor with the University of New Hampshire’s plant biology department. For some time, she also worked as a trial manager at a commercial floriculture facility in New Hampshire. Previously, she was a research scientist at the University of California, Davis, Michigan State University and the International Potato Center in Lima, Peru.

Freyre holds a bachelor of science degree in biology and a master of science degree in plant breeding, both from the Universidad Nacional Agraria in Lima, Peru. She earned a doctoral degree in plant breeding and genetics from Michigan State University.

Steven Gaul named agriculture and natural resources extension agent for Nassau County

Steven Gaul has been named an agriculture and natural resources extension agent for the Nassau County Extension Service. The appointment became effective Sept. 8.

Gaul’s job duties include providing education and advice to farmers, foresters and other producers involved in Nassau County agribusiness and natural-resource enterprises.

Before being appointed, Gaul was a senior forester with the Florida Division of Forestry, a position he held for more than 10 years.

Gaul holds a bachelor of science degree in forest management from Iowa State University.

Les Harrison named regional specialized extension agent for sustainable agriculture and technology

The University of Florida has named George L. “Les” Harrison regional specialized extension agent for sustainable agriculture and technology. His appointment became effective Aug. 25.

Harrison is based at the Leon County Extension Service in Tallahassee. His primary responsibility is to develop educational programs and delivery systems targeting local farmers and agricultural interests in Leon County.

His specialties include assisting producers and growers who want to explore new markets, and encouraging practices that make agricultural businesses more efficient and profitable. He also will collaborate with UF researchers to deliver innovative agricultural technologies including new crop cultivars and production methods.

Additionally, he will answer residents’ questions, assist local 4-H programs and contribute to marketing efforts by extension offices. He will share his expertise and experience with agents in other counties within the region as the need arises.

Before being appointed, Harrison spent 16 years as a development representative with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Previously, he was the general manager of Calhoun County Farmers Cooperative in Alabama and a location manager with Southern States Cooperatives in Virginia. Harrison also was a salesman for Continental Grain Company in North Carolina. In the early 1980s he was a 4-H extension agent in Charlotte County, Florida.

Harrison holds a master of science degree in agricultural economics from Auburn University and a bachelor of science degree in journalism from UF.

Hyun-Jeong Lee named assistant professor of family, youth and community sciences

Housing expert Hyun-Jeong Lee has been named an assistant professor with the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Her appointment became effective Sept. 1.

Lee will be responsible for developing and implementing extension programs on topics including environmental quality, mold and mildew, special needs housing and asset protection. She will collaborate with experts at other UF units and state agencies, as well as private enterprise.

In research, Lee will develop strong, fundable programs related to socioeconomic aspects of housing. She also will participate in graduate education by serving on graduate committees, supervising research and publishing results with graduate students.

Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering and a master’s degree in architectural engineering, both from Kyungpook National University in Daegu, South Korea. She earned a doctoral degree in housing from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Edward Leonard named marine science extension agent for Brevard County

Edward “Eddie” Leonard has been named a marine science extension agent for the Brevard County Extension Service. The appointment became effective Sept. 22.

Leonard is responsible for using current scientific research to develop and deliver educational programs for the public at large and for policymakers in Brevard County. Some of his current projects include a program for new boat owners and anglers, designed to help them avoid damaging aquatic natural resources. He also is providing government officials with information about boat use, to assist them in developing county policy.

Before being appointed, Leonard was a biologist with UF’s Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Previously, he was a graduate research assistant for the department and a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Leonard holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga.

Rebecca Miller named 4-H youth development extension agent for Madison County

Rebecca Miller has been named 4-H youth development extension agent for the Madison County Extension Service. The appointment became effective Aug. 11.

Miller’s job duties include recruiting 4-H club members and volunteers, developing programs, and teaching and supervising 4-H activities.

Before being appointed, Miller was a third-grade teacher at Woodland Acres Elementary School in Jacksonville, Fla. Previously, she was a second-grade and fourth-grade teacher in Madison County.

Miller holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Florida State University and an associate of arts degree from North Florida Community College.

Ahmed Mohamed named assistant professor with School of Forest Resources and Conservation

Ahmed Mohamed has been named an assistant professor of geomatics with the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. His appointment became effective Aug. 11.

Geomatics is a scientific discipline that focuses on the acquisition, modeling, analysis and management of geographic information. Typical applications include mapping, navigation, resource management and urban planning.

Mohamed will be responsible for developing a geomatics research program that includes application of geomatics to Florida’s forests. He will also teach undergraduate and graduate courses in geomatics and mentor graduate students.

Before being appointed, Mohamed was director of the geomatics program of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, which promotes industrial development in the two Saudi Arabian cities. Previously, he was chief technology officer for Palm Geomatics Inc. in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and led a team of research scientists that developed geomatics technologies at the Alberta Research Council in Alberta. He has held other academic positions in Canada, Egypt and Qatar and industrial positions in Canada and Egypt.

Mohamed holds a doctoral degree in geomatics engineering from the University of Calgary, a master of science degree in surveying engineering from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt and a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Ain Shams University.

Mary Anne Morgan named IFAS human resources director

Mary Anne Morgan has been named the director of IFAS’ office of human resources. Her appointment became effective Oct. 2.

Along with the overall administration of the office, Morgan is responsible for consulting with IFAS administrators on faculty matters such as tenure, promotion, recruitment and hiring, policy development, as well as investigation of performance issues and disciplinary actions. The position also places her as the IFAS civil rights officer and the IFAS liaison to the UF provost’s office, university general counsel and vice president for human resource services.

Morgan brings a well-seasoned 21 years of expertise as the human resource director for the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences – an appointment that spanned experiences ranging from the implementation of advanced software such as PeopleSoft to testifying in union civil suits. However, that’s not the entirety of her track record with UF, which dates back to 1969. She has held positions with the Department of Animal Sciences, the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, among others.

During her time with CLAS, Morgan also earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminology and law from UF.

Jane Morse named commercial horticulture agent for Pinellas County

Jane Morse has been named commercial urban environmental horticulture agent for the Pinellas County Extension Service. Her appointment became effective Aug. 4.

Morse’s responsibilities include planning, implementing and evaluating Pinellas County’s commercial urban environmental horticulture extension program and integrated pest management program. She will work closely with landscapers, nurseries and other professionals to provide technical support and educational opportunities to promote sustainability and stewardship of Florida’s natural resources.

Before being appointed, Morse was an environmental horticulture extension agent and Master Gardener coordinator in Manatee County, where she authored numerous publications on topics including lawn, plant and tree care, pest management and urban wildlife.

Morse holds a master of arts degree in adult education from the University of South Florida and a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from the University of Florida.

Devesh Nirmul named urban environmental sustainability extension agent for Pinellas County

Devesh Nirmul has been named urban environmental sustainability extension agent for Pinellas County. His appointment became effective Sept. 8.

Nirmul will provide leadership, management and coordination to the county’s sustainability program. Some of the efforts under way include gaining “green building” certification for some county facilities, finding ways to make county policies and programs more resource-efficient, and educating county employees and residents about sustainable practices they can carry out at work and at home.

Before being appointed, Nirmul was an urban planner and environmental services coordinator for the city of Tampa. Previously, he was an executive with the international development consulting firm Planning and Development Collaborative International, an associate instructor with Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and an executive in numerous positions related to environmental policy and impact.

Nirmul holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and environmental science from UF and master’s degrees in public administration and environmental science from Indiana University.

Cathy Rogers named Suwannee County extension agent for family and consumer sciences, 4-H programs

Catherine “Cathy” Rogers has been named a family and consumer sciences and 4-H agent with the Suwannee County Extension Service. Her appointment became effective Sept. 8.

In family and consumer sciences, Rogers’ major focus areas include family finances, housing and elder affairs. She plans and teaches classes for community organizations and the public at large; she also answers questions for consumers.

Rogers is one of many UF extension agents statewide who have been specially trained to help senior citizens understand the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan. She meets with seniors individually to answer their questions, learn about their needs and determine which three prescription plans are most suitable for them.

In her 4-H responsibilities, Rogers works with the county’s full-time 4-H agent, Mary Ward, to plan, develop and teach programs for local youth. One of her current projects involves organizing a one-day sewing camp; she’s being assisted by members of the local chapter of the Florida Association for Home and Community Education.

Before being appointed, Rogers was a science teacher with Lafayette High School in Mayo, Fla. Previously, she taught biology and consumer sciences at other Florida schools: Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Columbia High School in Lake City and West Orange High School in Winter Garden.

Rogers holds an associate of arts degree from Miami Dade College and a bachelor of science degree in home economics education from Florida State University.

Maria Lucia Silveira named assistant professor with Range Cattle REC

Soil scientist Maria Lucia Silveira has been named an assistant professor with the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Fla. Her appointment became effective Aug. 1.

Silveira will also hold an assistant professor position with UF’s soil and water science department. She will research soil fertility and environmental nutrient management practices for sustainable forage production; these topics address critical nutrient and water quality issues related to beef cattle production in South Florida. She also will work closely with UF extension faculty to promote best management practices for beef and dairy cattle operations.

Before being appointed, Silveira was a post-doctoral associate with Texas A&M University’s soil and crop sciences department. Previously, she was a post-doctoral associate and chemist with UF’s soil and water science department.

Silveira holds a bachelor of science degree in agronomy and a master of science degree in soil science, both from the University of Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She earned a doctoral degree in soil science from the University of Sao Paulo and the University of California, Riverside, in a joint program conducted by the two institutions.

Jason Smith named assistant professor with School of Forest Resources and Conservation

Jason Smith has been named an assistant professor of forest pathology with the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. His appointment became effective Sept. 29.

Smith also was appointed to an assistant professor position with the Department of Plant Pathology. He will develop a forest pathology research program that includes a focus on Florida forests, and develop a statewide extension program in forest health management. He will also teach and mentor graduate students.

Before being appointed, Smith was a post-doctoral research associate and teaching assistant with the University of Minnesota’s plant pathology department. He also is a long-time volunteer with the U.S. Forest Service. Previously, he was a part-time lecturer with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and research intern at the University of Idaho.

Smith holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa., and master of science and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from the University of Minnesota.

Joao Vendramini named assistant professor with Range Cattle REC

Agronomist Joao “Joe” Vendramini has been named an assistant professor with the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Fla. His appointment became effective Aug. 1.

Vendramini also will hold an assistant professor position with the Department of Agronomy. He will research cattle grazing systems and how nutritional supplements for cattle affect their performance and forage utilization. He also will investigate the most effective forage-based animal production systems for Florida’s cattle producers and the benefits of properly managed forage systems to the environment.

Before being appointed, Vendramini was an assistant professor with Texas A&M University’s soil and crop sciences department. Previously, he was a research assistant with UF’s agronomy department and agricultural director of a private cattle and sugarcane company in Brazil.

Vendramini holds a bachelor of science degree in agronomy and a master of science degree in animal science, both from the University of Sao Paulo in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a doctoral degree in agronomy from UF.

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

Cool Chain Academy presents latest findings in refrigerated food distribution at UF

Academic experts and food industry personnel shared the latest cool-chain technology and research developments at the UF/IFAS Center for Food Distribution and Retailing’s Cool Chain Academy, held Oct. 4 in the conference facilities of the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art.

The “cool chain” is a shorthand term used to describe the process of keeping temperature-sensitive items appropriately chilled during handling and transportation, an issue that has great influence on product freshness and marketability. Besides perishable foods, the cool chain also is important to the floriculture and pharmaceuticals industries.

The event featured a panel discussion titled “The Real Value of the Cool Chain Versus Perception,” with internationally known experts Gerald Darsch, director of the U.S. Department of Defense Combat Feeding Directorate; Jelger de Vriend, a senior product buying specialist with the Netherlands-based food company Royal Ahold; and Steven Grover, vice president for food safety, quality assurance and regulatory compliance for Burger King Brands.

Other highlights included a report on UF research that compared the effects of precooling management at the farm on strawberry quality at the grocery store and in the home; a presentation on new temperature monitoring methods; a UF study on shelf-life modeling and prediction; and presentations on temperature management issues in food delivery and retail sales. A mini-symposium by CFDR students and networking opportunities rounded out the day.

The UF/IFAS Center for Food Distribution and Retailing is the world’s first academic research center devoted exclusively to research and education to improve the entire food distribution chain.

Leppla named to biocontrol council

UF entomologist Norm Leppla is one of three permanent members of the first liaison council of the Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers.

The three had been informal advisers to the ANBP, the nonprofit organization that represents those who produce and supply insects and mites for pest management, but their status was made official at the group’s annual meeting, held Sept. 29-Oct. 2.

Leppla, director of IFAS’ statewide integrated pest management program IPM Florida, is joined by Jan Nyrop, Cornell University’s entomology chairman, and Anna Luczynski of BioBugs Consulting Ltd. of Canada.

The council will lend technical expertise, give advice and enhance the group’s communication with scientists and educators.

ANBP has about 100 members and about half of them represent biological pest management companies in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

FAITC seeking nominations forExcellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award

Florida Agriculture in the Classroom Inc. is looking for the Florida teacher doing the best job at incorporating agricultural concepts into language arts, math, science and social studies.

Nominations for the Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture Award must be postmarked by Jan. 5.

Nominees must be certified Florida teachers who are integrating agricultural concepts into non-vocational agriculture settings in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, or middle school agri-science teachers who teach in a rotation system.

Guidelines and the nomination form are available online at www.agtag.org.

The four winning teachers – and their supporting administrators – will receive expense-paid trips to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in New Orleans in June.

They’ll be recognized at the organization’s annual state awards banquet later that month, and one of them will be the state’s representative for the National Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award.

Florida Ag in the Classroom is a nonprofit association funded by the agriculture specialty license plate.

Thanks, and we’ll see you next time!