Ask an Agent - UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
Sustainable Agriculture / Natural Resources
The place where you can ask an Extension agent a question online and get an answer within 24-72 hours. Just click on your area of interest and ask away! Be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions first, because you may find your question (and answer) there.
Topic Areas
Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC)
Q. What is the Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC)?
Sustainable Agriculture Methods
Q: How can I learn about sustainable agriculture methods and principles?
Event Calendars
Wildlife
Q. How do you tell a Bobcat from a Panther
Q. What do I do if I come across a large predator?
Q. What is an invasive species?
Q. Who can I call if I have a racoon or other wild animal causing problems on my property?
Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC)
Q. What is the Sarasota Food Policy Council (SFPC) ?
A. It is the Food Policy Council of Sarasota County. A Food Policy Council is an advisory council composed of a diverse group of stakeholders that make recommendations for a sustainable community foodshed or food system. For information on the achievements and activities of SFPC see http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/AG/agpolicy.shtml. For information about Food Policy Councils see http://www.statefoodpolicy.org/?pageID=qanda and http://www.foodsecurity.org/FPC/
Sustainable Agriculture Methods
Q: How can I learn about sustainable agriculture methods and principles?
A: Sustainable agriculture is one that produces abundant food without depleting the earth’s resources or polluting its environment. It is agriculture that follows the principles of nature to develop systems for raising crops and livestock that are, like nature, self-sustaining. Sustainable agriculture is also the agriculture of social values, one whose success is indistinguishable from vibrant rural communities, rich lives for families on the farms, and wholesome food for everyone. Free information can be obtained at local (see http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/AG/ag.shtml), regional (see http://www.ssawg.org/), and national websites (see http://attra.ncat.org/ and http://www.sare.org/).
Q. What is organic farming and gardening? Where do I find out information on how to grow food organically?
A. Organic farming and gardening are methods of growing foods that combine traditional agriculture with innovation and science. Simply stated, it is a set of management practices that will, over the long term, sustain or enhance soil quality, enhance biological diversity and preserve natural resources. The USDA’s National Organic Program currently regulates and enforces organic farming production. This program was fully implemented in 2002 to ensure products that bear an organic label reflect a consistent set of practices to facilitate trade and maintain consumer trust.
For UF/IFAS documents about organic farming and gardening refer to the following websites:
(i) Organic vegetable production - http://vfd.ifas.ufl.edu/gainesville/organic_produce/index.shtml
(ii) Managing the organic garden - http://training.ifas.ufl.edu/VegetableGardening/Organic
Event Calendars
Q. What are the yearly calendars of events for information about my farm, ranch, garden and/or forest lands?
A. Events calendars can be found at the following websites:
a) farm -
(i) agribusiness - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD
(ii) small farms - http://smallfarms.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.html
(iii) fruits/vegetables - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD
(iv) citrus - http://desoto.ifas.ufl.edu/Agricultural/citrus%20events.html
b) ranch -
(i) forage - http://agronomy.ifas.ufl.edu/ForagesofFlorida/calendar.php
(ii) livestock - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD
c) gardening -
(i) vegetable/flower planting http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/calendar/
d) forest lands -
(i) forestry - http://www.fl-dof.com/calendar/index.html
(ii) natural resources & environment - http://calendar.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar/cgi-bin/cal_make.pl?p0=cal&p2=MOD
Wildlife
Q. How do you tell a Bobcat from a Panther? A. There are under 100 wild panthers in Florida making them the rarest endangered species in North America. The fastest way to tell a panther from a bobcat is the size. A mature bobcat weighs only about 35 pounds. A juvenile panther goes from 60 to 150 pounds. Bobcats are tawny with spots and a bobbed tail. Young panthers may have spots but have long tails. Adult panthers have no spots and can be as long as seven feet from nose to tail. For more information on panthers, see our endangered species page.
Q. What do I do if I come across a large predator? A. What you do depends upon which predator you cross paths with. First, do not run. If you come across a bear or a a panther, stand still. Do not approach the predator in any way. Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms. Make eye contact. Do not squeal or scream. Use a firm strong voice to make sure that the predator sees you as soon as you see it. Throw rocks, sticks or even your backpack if you have one. Panther and bear sightings are rare and there has never been a confirmed attack on humans by a panther in Florida. However, if you are attacked, fight back by whatever means you have. Visit our large predator page for more information and links.
Q. What is an invasive species? A. Invasive species are any non-native plant or animal that enter our ecosystem. The importation of plants and release of exotic animals into the wild are just two of the ways that these invasive species take root in Florida. Over the past 200 years or so, more than 50,000 foreign plant and animal species have become established in the United States. About one in seven has become invasive, with damage and control costs estimated at more than $138 billion each year. For a list visit our invasive species page.
Q.Who can I call if I have a racoon or other wild animal causing problems on my property? A. If it is a domestic animal such as a cat, dog, or livestock, you should contact your local county animal control office. For Sarasota County, call (941) 861-9500.
Alligators are considered a nuisance when they are more than four feet in length and are determined to be a threat to the welfare of the public, or the public’s pets, livestock, or property. If you need to report a nuisance alligator, call toll-free, 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
If the situation involves a wild animal, such as a raccoon, opossum or snake, the law allows landowners to take nuisance wildlife under certain conditions. You also may give permission to another individual to take nuisance animals for you. Consult the FWC's list of Nuisance Wildlife Trappers that Operate in Your County. Most trappers will charge a fee for their services. For more information on wildlife, see our Wildlife pages (click here)
Link: Database of FloridaNuisance Wildlife Operators
Still need help? You can email our Sustainable Agriculture Agent by clicking here!
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