Date: May 30th
Location: Plant Science Research and Education Unit, Citra, FL
Activities: At the 2024 Corn Silage and Forage Field Day, the fellows attended educational talks on silage production, explored new materials and technologies at a trade show focused on corn and sorghum production, and toured silage hybrid trials. They learned about silage quality and animal performance from a presentation by Diwakar Vyas and gained insights into irrigation and fertilizer management of corn through a presentation by Vivek Sharma.
Date: May 31st
Location: North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, FL
Activities: During the Panhandle Cattlemen’s College Pasture Class, the fellows participated in hands-on activities, including ground preparation, planter calibration, seeding rate calculations, and planting Bahia and other pasture crops. They also helped build fencing, identify feeds, and calibrate a sprayer.
Date: June 12-15
Location: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, Jensen Beach, FL
Activities: At the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, Florida Section meeting, the fellows attended professional development workshops, technical sessions, and educational panels featuring various professors. They learned about new developments in agricultural and natural resources, nutrient management recommendations for Florida’s major crops, pesticide runoff, flood mitigation, and more.
Date: June 16-20
Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, FL
Activities: During the American Dairy Science Association 2024 Annual Meeting, the fellows participated in workshops, attended panels, and networked with other scientists. Topics covered included dairy science breakthroughs in animal behavior, animal health, breeding and genetics, dairy foods, extension education, human health, ruminant nutrition, and more.
Date: June 30th-July 2nd
Location: Harrell’s Coating Solutions and Pursell Agri-Tech, Sylacauga, Alabama
Activities: This visit provided the fellows with an opportunity to learn about various technologies used in the manufacturing of controlled-release fertilizer.
Date: July 7-20th
Location: NFREC, Marianna, FL
Activities: This trip with Dr. Jose Dubeux enhanced the fellows’ knowledge and practical experience in sustainable agricultural practices, including cropping systems, forage production, greenhouse gas emissions from soil, and livestock and beef cattle production systems. The visit included hands-on experience with research methods.
Date: July 30th-August 2nd
Location: Orange, Osceola, Volusia, Putnam, and St. John’s Counties, and FAMU
Activities: The fellows visited extension offices in Orange County, Osceola County, and St. John’s County to learn about livestock production, forage production, and cropping systems. They networked with experienced extension agents and received hands-on demonstrations addressing local agricultural challenges and innovations. In Orange County, they learned about water quality and quantity management; in Osceola, Putnam, and St. John’s Counties, they studied the cultivation and management of tropical grasses and summer forages. In Volusia County, they visited small farms and feed stores. Lastly, at FAMU Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station, they learned about small ruminant production systems.