Maybe you’ve heard of UF IFAS Extension,
but you’re not sure what we do. The short
answer is, we deliver science based info to
help people.
A lot of people don’t know that agriculture
and services directly related to it are the
second biggest economic diver in Manatee County
Bringing in over 2 billon dollars every year.
From out on the farm to the Gulf of Mexico
and everywhere in between our services play
a vital role in your everyday day life. And
although this is the Manatee County you know
our Extension Agents are about to show you
the Manatee County they see everyday.
The Manatee County I see is home to thousands
of acres of livestock production. In fact,
we are one of the top counties for beef cattle
and dairy production in the state.
Did you know that cattle can use vegetables
as part of their daily diet and speaking of
vegetables.
Tomatoes are king in Manatee County. Along
with tomatoes, cucumbers, watercress, potatoes
and many other crops account for thousands
of acres of commercial vegetable production
in both small and large farm operations and
it all starts with seeds.
And with a couple of these seeds you can start
your own backyard fruit and vegetable garden.
We are working hard to develop school and
community gardens in Manatee County to provide
everyone with access to fresh produce.
Speaking of Fresh Food it would be shellfish
of me not to tell you about Manatee County's
commercial marine
fisheries and bivalve aguaculture industry.
The dockside value of marine fisheries and
shellfish
are all farmed here in Manatee County. Manatee
County produces
some of the best seafood in the United States.
Speaking of the best 4H works to make the
best better. Our philosophy is to learn by
doing. We have local 4H clubs throughout the
area teaching everything from animal science,
citizenship and even ATV safety.
But educating youth is not all that we do,
in Family and Consumer Sciences, we are dedicated
to strengthening families through relationships,
financial management, and nutrition.
Our master gardener program rely's on dedicated
volunteers who have an interest in gardening
and helping their community. Last year they
gave 10,000 hours to our county residents.
And outside your home sweet home our Manatee
County has thousands of beautiful landscapes
and the care and maintenance of these landscapes
is a big business. Did
you know that we teach home owners and landscapers
the value of Right Plant Right Place, watering
efficiently, and
fertilizing appropriately. Last year we helped
Manatee County residents save millions of
gallons of water.
Come let us show you the Manatee County we
know by stopping by our Extension office in
Palmetto or joining us for one of our many
programs.
For more information, please visit
www.mymanatee.org/ifas
