BY JIM DEVALERIO
UF/IFAS Union County Extension Director
The Union County Extension Office, in partnership with the Union County Board of County Commissioners, Florida Farm Bureau, Union County Livestock Association, and several other sponsors are privileged to invite you to the 2023 Annual Farm City Day Celebration.
Farm City Week is celebrated the week leading up to Thanksgiving. This week is used to celebrate and recognize the beneficial partnerships between rural and urban communities that make our food supply safe and plentiful.
You are cordially invited to the luncheon that is on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Union County Extension Office, 15120 SW 84th St. in Lake Butler. There is no charge for the luncheon, but we ask that you RSVP if you plan to attend. To RSVP for the luncheon or to help with a donation that will benefit agricultural-themed youth education, please call 386-496-2321.
The Farm City Luncheon Program will feature presentations by Union FFA and 4-H youth, and a special presentation from Bob Hochmuth, our key-note speaker.
Bob grew up on a large vegetable farm on the eastern shore of Maryland and has been an extension agent for 41 years. His current position is 50% regional in nature, supporting commercial vegetable extension programs in the Suwannee Valley area of north Florida.
The overall responsibility is the development and implementation of educational programs for commercial field and greenhouse vegetable producers that will increase their knowledge of production, incorporating principles of efficiencies, profitability, and environmental awareness. The position’s other 50% of responsibility is to serve as the assistant center director at the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center-Suwannee Valley. This center is a 400-acre facility near Live Oak with a research and extension program focus on water and nutrient management in agronomic and vegetable crops, alternative enterprises, small farm specialty crops, greenhouse hydroponic culture, integrated pest management systems, and organic/sustainable cropping systems.
Hope to see you at Farm City!
