View Poster Application

WEED GARDEN AT THE RANGE CATTLE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER

Extension Education

Courtney Davis
EXTENSION AGENT I
Okeechobee

Abstract

Weeds are something that plague everyone. One of the first steps to rid your life of weeds is to be able to identify them. This is the reasons that the Extension Weed Specialist, Dr. Brent Sellers, at the University of Florida/ IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center, decided to develop a weed garden. The purpose of the weed garden is to educate producers and consumers on weeds and forages. In the weed garden there are over 205 weed specimens. The weed garden includes ten aquatic weeds, 16 of the most common recommended forage cultivators, and two perennial peanut varieties. Each weed is contained in its own box with a label indicating the common and scientific name. The weed garden is maintained by the South Florida Beef-Forage Program. Throughout the year the REC hosts several programs, and the participants are welcomed into the garden where the weed scientist is available to answer questions. In addition to providing producers and consumers with a quality education, the garden also hosts several in-service trainings for extension agents to stay acquainted with weed strategies and control. Anyone who visits the garden is able to identify weeds on their land and can properly equip themselves with chemical or biological control agents. Proper identification alone can increase profits, save lives – if dealing with poisonous plants, and prevent the application of ineffective chemical controls. Annually, there are approximately one thousand visitors to the weed garden and according to evaluations it exceeds 100% of their expectations.

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.

Click to view Poster

Authors: C.B. Davis, J.D. Arthington, L.E. Baucum, B. Carlisle, S.C. Crawford, R. Gornto, , C. Kirby, B.A. Sellers, R. Speckman, J.M. Vendramini, L.F. Wiggins
  1. Davis, C. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS - Okeechobee County, Florida, 34972
  2. Arthington, J. Associate Professor and Center Director, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Florida, 33865
  3. Baucum, L. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS - Hendry County, Florida, 33935
  4. Carlisle, B. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS - Polk County, Florida, 33831
  5. Crawford, S. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS - Hendry County, Florida, 33935
  6. Gornto, R. Extension Agent - Highlands County, UF/IFAS - Hendry County, Florida, 33471
  7. , , ,
  8. Kirby, C. Extension Agent - Manatee County, UF/IFAS -, Florida, 34221
  9. Sellers, B. Extension Weed Specialist, UF/IFAS, Florida, 33865
  10. Speckman, R. Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS, Florida, 33865
  11. Vendramini, J. Extension Forage Specialist, UF/IFAS, Florida, 33865
  12. Wiggins, L. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS - Hendry County, Florida, 33935