Agroforestry

Extension

Project team

Alan Long, Extension Specialist, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Nicole Strong, Extension Program Coordinator, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Sam Allen, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Jarek Nowak, Extension Specialist, University of Florida, NFREC, Quincy, FL
Eddie Ellis, Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Julie Clingerman, Graduate Student, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Date of commencement

April 2001

Rationale/objectives

CSTAF's Eddie Ellis leads a training session in the use of the Southeast Agroforestry Decision Support System.

Outreach and training are very important components of CSTAF work, with the goal of providing educators and landowners with tools they need to utilize new agroforestry information and technologies. We consider ourselves facilitators rather than teachers. We rely on stakeholder input and opinions in the design of our materials to ensure that they are most applicable to the farmers and woodland owners in their areas. Because agroforestry practices are relatively new to the agricultural and forestry communities for the Southeastern United States, there are many challenges and questions associated with implementation, management, and marketing. We hope to assist in answering some of these questions by establishing a network where practitioners and educators alike can communicate with each other. We believe that these information interchanges will improve and refine agroforestry practices and educational materials throughout the Southeast. Objectives are:

• To provide relevant information and tools regarding agroforestry practices, economics, and funding opportunities for extension agents, natural resource professionals, educators and landowners.

• To facilitate communication among agroforestry stakeholders (producers, consumers, and educators) through an interactive agroforestry network.

• To increase dissemination of agroforestry awareness through the establishment of various demonstration sites on public and private properties, and conducting field tours at established sites.

Results of an agroforestry needs assessment, conducted in 2000-2001 were utilized as a guide for the development of an agroforestry in-service training series. A multi-media Agroforestry Curriculum Guide was developed, with chapters on general agroforestry information, technical publications, economic considerations for agroforestry adoption, and lesson plans. An interactive CD that contained educational tools (literature, digital photos, lesson plans, and power point presentations) was included in the guide. 

Three In-Service Training Workshops were conducted in March 2004, in Gainesville, FL, Quincy, FL, and Tifton, GA. A total of 45 people (20 UF Cooperative Extension agents, 12 UGA Cooperative Extension agents, 2 NRCS educators, and 2 landowners) attended these sessions. Six of the participants were women (13%) and two participants were minorities. 

FAMU extension specialist Kome Onokpise leads a group on an agroforestry tour.

Invited speakers included UF specialists (Jarek Nowak, Ann Blount, Sam Allen, Alan Long, Mike Bannister, Eddie Ellis, Jeff Norcini), UGA Specialists (David Dickens, Duren Bell), FAMU extension specialists (Kome Onokpise, Angie Jakes, Leroy Whilby) as well as landowners who related their experiences and knowledge during field visits to existing agroforestry sites. According to participant evaluations and follow-up conversations, use of program materials will vary according to educator specialty. Several extension agents plan to use silvopasture materials for one-on-one consultations with individual landowners, as well as for landowner workshops and seminars on livestock and/or forage production. 

Additionally, several horticultural and agriculture agents plan to use the goat silvopasture and other materials for small growers, fruit producers as well as in their invasive species management programs. Two participants said they would reference the materials for news articles or radio announcements. Participants found the curriculum guide, and especially the CD, very useful. Requests were made for more power point presentations, more images, and further exploration of specific specialty crop production as well as economics of establishing agroforestry. Participants suggested that additions to the guide could be sent to them via CD.

Now that the groundwork has been laid and the ball is rolling, this next year looks to be productive and positive.

• Evaluations from the In-Service Trainings are being utilized to form objectives for the next steps we take in formal training sessions. These professionals have made suggestions for the development of additional CSTAF publications, additional multi-media tools they could utilize, and where we might want to focus some of our energies in terms of research.

• Plans are currently underway to conduct a one-day Agroforestry workshop in Spanish with Cesar Asuaje of West Palm County Cooperative Extension, tailored to Hispanic farmers in and around Homestead, FL.

• A proposal and management scheme are being written for a demonstration site to be established on a 40-acre tract donated to Lafayette High School in Mayo, FL. The Lafayette-Dixie DOF Forester (David Morse) and High School FFA teacher Danny Driver are collaborating with Nicole Strong on this project. Students will be involved throughout the entire process, from design and maintenance, to marketing of the agroforestry products.

• Julie Clingerman is developing a new 4-H project book for agroforestry; her Masters project may also include a leader guide for the project book and suggestions for adapting some of the projects for Project Learning Tree.

• Participants from IST’s who expressed interest in establishing demonstration sites and existing agroforestry practitioners are being invited to join a Southeastern Agroforestry Network of Demonstration Sites (SANDS). Planned activities will include an annual meeting, on-going listserv forum discussions, and posting of case studies on the CSTAF website.

Becker, B., and S.W. Workman. 2003. Farming in the Forests of Florida. University of Florida Cooperative Extension CIR 1434.

Clingerman, J. and N. Strong. 2003. Forest Riparian Buffers: Landowner Options. CSTAF Fact Sheet 3. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry.

Demers, C. and R. Clausen. 2002. Managing cattle on timberlands: Forage management. Univ. Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular SS-FOR-20. 7 p.

Ellis, E., and N. Strong. 2003. Exploring the Southeastern Decision Support System (SEADSS). CSTAF Fact Sheet 4. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry.

Long, A.J. 2003. Economic options to increase the value of your ranchlands. P. 98-105 in Proc. 52^nd Annual Beef Cattle Short Course, Univ. of Florida, April 30-May 2.

Nowak, J., A. Blount, and S. Workman. 2002. Integrated Timber, Forage, and Livestock Production - Benefits of Silvopasture. 2002. University of Florida Cooperative Extension. CIRC 1430.

Nowak, J., A. Long and A. Blount. 2003. Establishment of silvopasture in existing pastures. Univ. Florida Cooperative Extension Service Circular FOR-107. 6 p.

Onokpise, O., A., N. Strong, Mackenzie-Jakes, A., and L. Whilby. 2004. Goats Among Trees: A Silvopastoral Possibility. CSTAF Fact Sheet 6. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry.

Strong, N. 2004. Agroforestry Educator Curriculum Guide. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry. 217 pp.

Strong, N. 2004. Agroforestry Educator Curriculum Guide. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry. CD.

Strong, N. 2004. Value-Adding Strategies for Specialty Mushroom Enterprises. CSTAF Fact Sheet 5. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry.

Strong, N. 2003. Forest Farming Shiitake Mushrooms. CSTAF Fact Sheet 1. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry.

Strong, N. 2003. Market Research: Finding Your Niche. CSTAF Fact Sheet 2. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry.

Workman, S.W., and S.C. Allen. 2003. Agroforestry in the Southeast: A CSTAF White Paper. University of Florida Center for Subtropical Agroforestry.

Workman, S.W., M.E. Bannister, and P.K.R. Nair. 2003. Agroforestry Potential in the Southeastern United States: perceptions of landowners and extension professionals. Agroforestry Systems 59: 73-83.

Workman, S.W., A.J. Long, S. Mohan, and M.C. Monroe. 2002. Agroforestry: Options for Landowners. University of Florida Cooperative Extension FOR 104.

Workman, S.W., S.C. Allen, and S. Jose. 2002. Alley Cropping Combinations for the Southeastern United States. University of Florida Cooperative Extension FOR 106.