The need for such a facility is great. The Ag Center will be used to conduct educational programs, 4-H activities, and many other important community events. It will provide the Extension Office a larger place to display and house the important information and resources our community needs. During times of natural disaster, the Ag Center will provide much needed shelter relief space.

We again need your help to make the Agriculture Center a reality for DeSoto County. Please write letters or call the following Legislators and tell them we need the funds for an Agriculture Center in DeSoto County:

I encourage all citizens from DeSoto County to write letters or call all persons mentioned. All letters can be dropped off at the Extension Office or mailed directly to the addresses above. Thank you for your support!

If you have any comments or need additional information, please contact the DeSoto County Extension Office at (941) 993-4846.

Sincerely,

James F. Selph,

DeSoto County Extension Director, IV, Livestock

Pesticide License Review and Test

Citrus Canker Training and Certification Course

The Citrus Canker Training and Certification Course is being sponsored by the University of Florida's Cooperative Extension Service and the Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association. It will be held in Bradenton on April 22 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 5007 60^th Street East. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude around noon.

The purpose of this 2 ½ hour course is to train attendees to recognize citrus canker symptoms on tree and fruit as well as gain an understanding of the disease's importance in Florida's citri-culture.

Successful completion of the course will lead to certification as official scout for Florida Department of Agriculture's survey and detection efforts. A total of 2 ½ CEU's will be offered for attending this course. For more information call Steve Futch, Multi County Citrus Agent at (941)956-1151 or Barbara Oxford at Peace River Valley Citrus Growers at (941) 494-0061.

Preregistration is not required.

Beef Cattle Health Demonstration "Produce Calves That Will Stay Healthy"

The Beef Cattle Health Demonstration is sponsored by the University of Florida's Cooperative Extension Service and manufactures of Animal Health Products. There will be three classes offered, April 22 at the Polk County Ag Center in Bartow, April 28 at the Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto and on April 29 at the Hardee Livestock Market in Wauchula. All programs will begin at 6:00 p.m.

The Beef Cattle Short Course is being offered May 5-7, in Gainesville, The theme for the short course this year is "Bullish on Quality Beef ". The focus of the program will be forage production and supplementation for efficient nutrition management. It will be held at the Sheraton Hotel Gainesville, located at 2900 SW 13^th Street. Early registration is $75.00, if paid by April 16.

16^th Annual Beef Reproductive Management School

The 16^th Annual Beef Reproductive Management School, presented by the South Florida Beef/Forage Program is being offered in Wauchula from May 11 to May 13 at the Hardee County Agri-Civic Center. This is an intense three day course in reproductive management of the cow herds. Although pregnancy diagnosis is given extensive treatment with hands-on experience, participants should not expect this training to make them proficient in this skill. The program is intended to provide individuals with an improved understanding of the subject of breeding herd management in order to accomplish their breeding program objectives.

Registration is limited to 25 students. This school fills every year so get your registration in early if you are interested. Contact our office at (941) 993-4846 for more information. If you would like to go ahead and register, you may contact either our office or Pat Hogue, County Extension Director, Highlands County at (941) 386-6540.

Beef Cattle Herd Health Management

The Beef Cattle Herd Health Management presented by the South Florida Beef/Forage Program is being offered in Wauchula on July 20 at the Hardee County Agri-Civic Center from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., followed by a dinner (RSVP required). The agenda will be as follows:

4:00 - 4:15 Beef Cattle Heard Health Requirements - A Reasonable Program for South Florida Ranchers

5:15 - 5:30 Questions & Answers

5:30 - 5:45 Break

5:45 - 6:15 Trichomoniasis - Its Symptoms, Incidence, Detection and Prevention

6:15 - 6:45 Fly Control - Does It Pay?

6:45 - 7:00 Wrap-up

7:00 Dinner (RSVP required)

For more information, please contact out office at (941) 993-4846.

8^th Annual 4-H/Sprint Golf Classic

The Florida 4-H Foundation invites you to join as a partner in support of the 8^th Annual 4-H/Sprint Golf Classic. Player space is limited so call as soon as possible. The foundation can use your help as a hole sponsor, prizes, etc. Money raised by this tournament allows us to conduct the many statewide activities for Florida 4-H members. Many of our DeSoto County 4-H members have benefitted from this activity. Call our office (941) 993-4846 if you are interested in supporting this worthwhile event.

If you have any comments or need additional information, please contact the DeSoto County Extension Office at (941) 993-4846.

Sincerely,

James F. Selph,

DeSoto County Extension Director, IV, Livestock

For questions or comments regarding this publication contact James F. Selph

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