BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Extension agents, including Director Samara Purvis, recently reminded county commissioners about how much their office serves the people of Bradford County.
The UF/IFAS Bradford County Extension is a federal, state and county partnership, Purvis said — one that is dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and making that knowledge accessible to sustain and enhance the quality of life in the county.
“We are a team of extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff and volunteers all working to provide solutions for your life,” she said.
Livestock and natural resources agent Lizzie Whitehead introduced herself. A former member of 4-H and FFA, she said helping people every day is the best job she could have.
She assists livestock producers in making decisions, for example, helping them to be more efficient, save money and raise profits. She visits farms to identify harmful flora, takes soil and hay samples for analyzation, and offers advice about fertilization.
Whitehead works with other livestock agents throughout the region to develop and present programs on livestock, horses, forages, etc. During one workshop on beef and forages, 43 participants showed up, she said.
“There’s not that many producers in Bradford County, but I think a lot of them did show up, and they wanted to come and learn,” she said. They heard presentations from specialists as well as extension agents in surrounding areas.
As she teaches, Whitehead is committed to continue learning so she can share what she has learned with others. That includes the youth she works with weekly, including helping them prepare for competitions, and accompanying them as well.
Upcoming programs include a pesticide applicator continuing education course for pesticide license holders in this and surrounding counties. A class for beginners is also planned. Following the fair, Whitehead will join the North Florida Outdoor Expo as an instructor on natural resources. At the fair, she will put on the livestock show for Bradford and Union county youth, with an invitation extended to young people in other counties.
For those struggling with the price of eggs and anyone who has ever been interested in raising chickens, Whitehead is planning a workshop on raising and caring for backyard chickens. She will also work with other agents in the region to hold a livestock forage field day in July.
Luke Harlow began last fall as the horticulture and small farms agent for Bradford County, but he’s been involved with the extension service since 2015 and has a background in irrigation, landscaping and pest control. He said his job is split three ways, with one being Florida friendly landscaping. He works with residents on their lawns and ornamental landscaping, identifying issues and offering advice. He also leads the volunteers in the Master Gardener program, who assist with community projects, including the fair.
Harlow also works with small farmers on crop production like strawberries. He talked about “sap” testing the berries to determine their nutrients and the resulting recommendations for water and fertilizer.
“That in turn actually saves them money because they’re not just throwing fertilizer on the crops. We’re actually kind of helping them get the right amount for that maturity stage of that plant,” he said.
He’s presented several programs in local community centers since he began, and more are scheduled, including a beginners course on vegetable gardens. He will be working on a community garden at RJE as that restoration project progresses. In the meantime, he’s looking forward to his first fair in the county and his role in the horticulture contests with the Master Gardeners.
Purvis has worked as the county’s 4-H agent, but transitioned back to her original specialty — family and consumer sciences.
As part of her presentation, she announced a new Telehealth program at the extension office where residents can meet with doctors out of town over the internet. Sometimes, patients don’t have the transportation to reach the doctors they need, she said. If they use a service, they may wait hours to be picked up following and appointment. Purvis said they are taking the middleman out and putting patients in touch with doctors.
What makes this experience unique are the tools available at the extension office allowing patients to check vital statistics like blood pressure under the direction of the physician. There’s even a camera for oral and auditory examinations.
They are also focusing on cancer prevention and treatment with the College of Education, targeting colorectal, uterine and skin cancer. This involves engaging community partners to reduce cancer rates through education and by promoting evidence-based interventions like screening and treatment.
Purvis works with local schools to promote health and wellness to families.
“Since I have a culinary arts degree and food is my heart, this is one of the areas that is real close to me — to teach people how to eat and how to eat healthy to prevent the onset of diseases,” she said.
She uses her knowledge to teach food safety and preservation, which can help families save money with food prices being so high. Knowing how to handle food safely is also important for those who want to work in the restaurant industry as well. She is also part of a program that is preparing volunteers to teach these skills.
As a partner with the Community Health and Wellness Hub, the extension agents will provide programing there, and they work with Farm Share to distribute food to those in need. Purvis plans on relaunching Let’s Walk Bradford in the spring, an exercise program that began last fall. In the meantime, she’s working with low income families on filing their taxes.
As for 4-H, Purvis called it the best kept secret, but one that needs to be told. For those who don’t know about the program, she encouraged them to visit 4H.org. Through a variety of programs in agriculture, science and civic engagement, 4-H gives kids a voice to express themselves and make their lives and communities better.
Purvis said each extension agent in Bradford County shares their specialty working with 4-H youth. What they need is a 4-H agent who can work on leadership, citizenship and workforce development, she said.
“It’s important that we keep all the things that we have, but we really build our kids up to prepare them to launch,” she said.
Some of the recent 4-H projects Purvis mentioned included baking 40 loaves of bread for families and a giving tree that blessed eight senior citizens and 32 kids at Christmas, the clothing closet at Starke Elementary.
Throughout the presentation, commissioner asked questions and thanked the agents for the many ways in which they serve the community.
For more information on the UF/IFAS Bradford County Extension, please visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/bradford or call 904-966-6224.
