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US EXTENSION AGENTS TRAINING IN FORAGE/ LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT USING FARM CASE STUDIES IN PUERTO RICO - BUILDING BRIDGES

Extension Education

Sharon Fox Gamble
Extension Agent IV, MS
VOLUSIA COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
DELAND

Abstract

To enhance agents understanding of tropical forage systems, cultural diversity, and critical thinking, five forage/livestock Extension agents, of varied experience, attended training in Puerto Rico(PR). Collaborative efforts in funding, in-kind services, and program design and implementation were employed. Sessions included tours to UPR Isabella Experiment/Research Station, research projects, and production units using conservation management. Included were two grazing dairies where economic stability and sustainability had been increased by migrating to a forage based feeding system, a forage operation providing livestock feeds to Puerto Rico and Caribbean Islands, and two cattle operations supplying beef to PR. These were studied and analyzed as case studies. The training outcome expanded the extension agents’ perspective on tropical and sub-tropical forage/livestock production and also changed the way they now approach forage related systems. In addition, agents increased appreciation of cultural differences and product acceptance, underpinning management decisions as they face changes to traditional FL production methods and clientele diversity.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: S.F. Gamble, D.L. Barber, B.J. Burbaugh, Y.C. Newman, M.E. Thomas, J.H. Walter
  1. Gamble, S. Extension Agent, IV, University of Florida IFAS Extension, Florida, 32724
  2. Barber, D. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Columbia County, Florida, 3202
  3. Burbaugh, B. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension - Duval County, Florida, 32724
  4. Newman, Y. Agronomy Specialist, UF/IFAS Agronomy, Florida, 32611
  5. Thomas, M. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension - Lake County, Florida, 32778
  6. Walter, J. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS - Brevard County, Florida, 32926