DECEMBER 5, 2005

ISSUE 1092

WORKSHOPS TO ADDRESS FROST AND FREEZE PROTECTION

Farmers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest information frost and freeze protection at one of two workshops hosted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the University of Florida IFAS.

The workshops, which will be held in Manatee and Hillsborough counties, will focus on understanding different types of cold events and how to protect plants with minimum water use. The workshops will cover the available weather information and instruments that can help attendees make educated decisions on when to run an irrigation system and for how long.

"These workshops will help growers reduce cold protection water use and reduce their pumping costs," said Ron Cohen, P.E., an agricultural and irrigation engineer with the District.

The first workshop will be held Jan. 11 at the Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto. For more information or to register for the Manatee County workshop, please call Sylvia Shives or Phyllis Gilreath at (941) 722-4524.

The second workshop will be held Jan. 25 at the Hillsborough County Extension Office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner. For more information or to register for the Hillsborough County workshop, please call Laura Miller or Alicia Whidden at (813) 744-5519, ext. 147.

To accommodate an agricultural schedule, both workshops will start at 11 a.m.

Funding for the workshops comes from the District's Alafia River, Hillsborough River and Manasota Basin Board.