1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

Ms. Kusumaya K.C. is part of a vital labor force in Nepal that brings animal health services to remote areas of the country. Before getting to work, however, she had to overcome obstacles to education that often limit rural women from realizing their potential. Through a project of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_519" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-519" style="width: 484px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="size-full wp-image-519 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="484" height="359" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lsil/files/2022/12/Kusumaya.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-519" class="wp-caption-text">Ms. Kusumaya K.C. provides livestock services in Parbat, central Nepal, using techniques she learned in a novel, mostly digital format. (credit: B. Shrestha /Heifer Intl.)</figcaption></figure>
Ms. Kusumaya K.C. is part of a vital labor force in Nepal that brings animal health services to remote areas of the country. Before getting to work, however, she had to overcome obstacles to education that often limit rural women from realizing their potential.
Through a project of the <a href="https://livestocklab.ifas.ufl.edu/">Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems</a>, Kusumaya participated in a new form of training by distance learning for Village Animal Health Workers. These para-vets are in high demand because of the small number of livestock veterinarians in Nepal’s countryside. They are certified to provide vital services such as castration.
Participants in the distance learning course, all women, received a Samsung tablet with videos and other digital content, and they also attended 10 days or more of in-person, hands-on training. This approach provided much greater flexibility and did not require 35 days away from the home, as the traditional course did. Compared to classroom training, the distance learning course helped 24% more women become community animal health workers.
Kusumaya found both short and long-term benefits from her participation. &#8220;I have increased my goat flock size and have more than 20 goats at present. The tablet with the digital course is a reference material for me and I can look at that whenever needed,&#8221; she said. Although her income has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, she expresses gratitude that she can provide technical livestock services in her community.
<h3>High Level Appreciation</h3>
Kusumaya’s statements were translated by Bhola Shrestha, a collaborator on this project and an employee of Heifer International in Nepal. He also shared a statement from Dr. Swoyam P. Shrestha, the director of Livestock and Fisheries Research for Nepal Agricultural Research Council, who reviewed the project’s digital training materials:
<blockquote>It is highly appreciated as it carries all the basic needs and requirements for Village Animal Health Workers (VAHW). It covers the importance of breeding, requirements of feed and fodder, and value of prevention of diseases in livestock in simple language. It also gives brief treatments and intervention procedures for various livestock and poultry diseases. After the completion of the provided courses, it makes the VAHW able to deal with livestock management, nutrition, and diseases in the absence of subject matter specialists. The pictures and video clips speak more than a thousand words and VAHW can understand and learn by visualizing. It’s a wonderful job and hard work done by the team.</blockquote>
The project team is led by Dr. Conner Mullally from the University of Florida, and it includes co-Principal Investigators from Kansas State University, the University of Georgia, the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Interdisciplinary Analysts, and Heifer International.
<img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-521 size-full lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="2560" height="1710" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lsil/files/2022/12/DSC02646-scaled.jpg">
<h3>The Gender Gap</h3>
For Mullally, a central research question was whether or not this distance learning platform would address gender-related issues. An experimental approach with more than 70 female students found that nearly twice as many completed the distance learning as compared to the traditional cohort.
“The answer is yes, this method can provide more access for women,” said Mullally, who is very encouraged by the results. “It feels fantastic. Even if questions remain, it’s still a big success because of the duration of the impact on the distance learners. It’s a very positive result and we should definitely continue on this path.”
Women and especially mothers have very high demands in rural households. They may be required to care for the family’s livestock because many Nepalese men travel abroad for work. Having the option to study at home provides an opportunity that otherwise might be unthinkable.
Currently the research team is conducting a survey of the distance learning participants that will complement findings from focus groups conducted in 2019. Government agencies in Nepal have expressed an interest in expanding the training for men and women.
Distance learning is only one aspect of this multi-year research project. Learn more about the project, Designing and evaluating innovations for development of smallholder female livestock cooperatives in Nepal, and its results on its webpage: <a href="https://livestocklab.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/dr-conner-mullally">https://livestocklab.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/dr-conner-mullally</a>/.
&nbsp;

Ms. Kusumaya K.C. provides livestock services in Parbat, central Nepal, using techniques she learned in a novel, mostly digital format. (credit: B. Shrestha /Heifer Intl.)
Ms. Kusumaya K.C. is part of a vital labor force in Nepal that brings animal health services to remote areas of the country. Before getting to work, however, she had to overcome obstacles to education that often limit rural women from realizing their potential.
Through a project of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Livestock Systems, Kusumaya participated in a new form of training by distance learning for Village Animal Health Workers. These para-vets are in high demand because of the small number of livestock veterinarians in Nepal’s countryside. They are certified to provide vital services such as castration.
Participants in the distance learning course, all women, received a Samsung tablet with videos and other digital content, and they also attended 10 days or more of in-person, hands-on training. This approach provided much greater flexibility and did not require 35 days away from the home, as the traditional course did. Compared to classroom training, the distance learning course helped 24% more women become community animal health workers.
Kusumaya found both short and long-term benefits from her participation. “I have increased my goat flock size and have more than 20 goats at present. The tablet with the digital course is a reference material for me and I can look at that whenever needed,” she said. Although her income has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, she expresses gratitude that she can provide technical livestock services in her community.
High Level Appreciation
Kusumaya’s statements were translated by Bhola Shrestha, a collaborator on this project and an employee of Heifer International in Nepal. He also shared a statement from Dr. Swoyam P. Shrestha, the director of Livestock and Fisheries Research for Nepal Agricultural Research Council, who reviewed the project’s digital training materials:
It is highly appreciated as it carries all the basic needs and requirements for Village Animal Health Workers (VAHW). It covers the importance of breeding, requirements of feed and fodder, and value of prevention of diseases in livestock in simple language. It also gives brief treatments and intervention procedures for various livestock and poultry diseases. After the completion of the provided courses, it makes the VAHW able to deal with livestock management, nutrition, and diseases in the absence of subject matter specialists. The pictures and video clips speak more than a thousand words and VAHW can understand and learn by visualizing. It’s a wonderful job and hard work done by the team.

The project team is led by Dr. Conner Mullally from the University of Florida, and it includes co-Principal Investigators from Kansas State University, the University of Georgia, the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Interdisciplinary Analysts, and Heifer International.

The Gender Gap
For Mullally, a central research question was whether or not this distance learning platform would address gender-related issues. An experimental approach with more than 70 female students found that nearly twice as many completed the distance learning as compared to the traditional cohort.
“The answer is yes, this method can provide more access for women,” said Mullally, who is very encouraged by the results. “It feels fantastic. Even if questions remain, it’s still a big success because of the duration of the impact on the distance learners. It’s a very positive result and we should definitely continue on this path.”
Women and especially mothers have very high demands in rural households. They may be required to care for the family’s livestock because many Nepalese men travel abroad for work. Having the option to study at home provides an opportunity that otherwise might be unthinkable.
Currently the research team is conducting a survey of the distance learning participants that will complement findings from focus groups conducted in 2019. Government agencies in Nepal have expressed an interest in expanding the training for men and women.
Distance learning is only one aspect of this multi-year research project. Learn more about the project, Designing and evaluating innovations for development of smallholder female livestock cooperatives in Nepal, and its results on its webpage: https://livestocklab.ifas.ufl.edu/projects/dr-conner-mullally/.

Ms. Kusumaya K.C. is part of a vital labor force in Nepal that brings animal health services to remote areas of the country. Before getting to work, however, she had to overcome obstacles to education that often limit rural women from realizing their potential. Through a project of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for […]

Distance Learning Empowers Women in Rural Nepal to Treat Livestock as a Business

More than likely, if you are the parent of a school age child, you have been introduced to online learning in 2020. While having its benefits, online learning can certainly present its challenges. For a child to be successful learning virtually, there are certain tips parents and student should follow as well as be aware [&#8230;]

More than likely, if you are the parent of a school age child, you have been introduced to online learning in 2020. While having its benefits, online learning can certainly present its challenges. For a child to be successful learning virtually, there are certain tips parents and student should follow as well as b<img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1147 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lafayetteco/files/2020/09/Ft8bKBS-300x196.png" alt="drawing of a mom overlooking her son virtual learning" width="191" height="125" />e aware of any obstacles that may make the format challenging or even impossible.
<h6>Identify obstacles</h6>
The most obvious obstacle is access to the internet. Many rural areas are limited to broad band width or have no access to the internet. This should be taken into consideration when choosing the virtual education path. There needs to be a clear understanding between the Education provider, the parent and student the amount of time and any specification about times that may be required online.
<h6>Set up a specific work area for virtual learning</h6>
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-1148 alignleft" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lafayetteco/files/2020/09/GK44HXLm-300x196.jpg" alt="cartoon drawing of people holding virtual school items" width="190" height="124" />Staying on task can be difficult for young students. A place reserved for virtual learning will be helpful in keeping the learner focused. Consistently using the area for working and leaving the area when not doing virtual school task will assist in having more productive learning time.
<h6>Have a schedule.</h6>
If the online education provider does not have specific times to be part of the virtual class, this becomes even more important. Be sure the schedule is planned with the child’s most <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lafayetteco/2019/07/22/coping-with-back-to-school-anxiety/">productive</a> times in mind. School’s tend offer core subjects in the morning when kids are more rested and productive. Youth may need help from their parent’s finding these times, and distinguishing between convenient and productive times.
<h6>Maintain communication with the teacher. </h6>
Although most of the responsibility of virtual learning rest on parents and students, it’s important to meet regularly with the teacher to discuss progress and academic success.
<h6>Celebrate success.</h6>
Parents who have just began the journey of teaching may not understand the importance of constant praise in a child’s learning process. Most educators would probably tell you that the much more time is spent affirming positive behavior and work with less attention on negative behaviors or failed academic success.<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-1149 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/lafayetteco/files/2020/09/LEGALEDCON-IMAGE-V3-01-1-300x169.png" alt="diagram of virtual learning" width="206" height="116" />
Online virtual learning has brought new opportunities to students as well as solutions to problems that have occurred while trying to offer educational services during a pandemic. Unfortunately, success in this learning format has not been easy for many students. These guidelines can be helpful in bringing success to students as well as determining the style of instruction most appropriate for different students.
Link:<a href="http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/distance-learning.stml"> http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/distance-learning.stml</a>

More than likely, if you are the parent of a school age child, you have been introduced to online learning in 2020. While having its benefits, online learning can certainly present its challenges. For a child to be successful learning virtually, there are certain tips parents and student should follow as well as be aware of any obstacles that may make the format challenging or even impossible.
Identify obstacles
The most obvious obstacle is access to the internet. Many rural areas are limited to broad band width or have no access to the internet. This should be taken into consideration when choosing the virtual education path. There needs to be a clear understanding between the Education provider, the parent and student the amount of time and any specification about times that may be required online.
Set up a specific work area for virtual learning
Staying on task can be difficult for young students. A place reserved for virtual learning will be helpful in keeping the learner focused. Consistently using the area for working and leaving the area when not doing virtual school task will assist in having more productive learning time.
Have a schedule.
If the online education provider does not have specific times to be part of the virtual class, this becomes even more important. Be sure the schedule is planned with the child’s most productive times in mind. School’s tend offer core subjects in the morning when kids are more rested and productive. Youth may need help from their parent’s finding these times, and distinguishing between convenient and productive times.
Maintain communication with the teacher. 
Although most of the responsibility of virtual learning rest on parents and students, it’s important to meet regularly with the teacher to discuss progress and academic success.
Celebrate success.
Parents who have just began the journey of teaching may not understand the importance of constant praise in a child’s learning process. Most educators would probably tell you that the much more time is spent affirming positive behavior and work with less attention on negative behaviors or failed academic success.
Online virtual learning has brought new opportunities to students as well as solutions to problems that have occurred while trying to offer educational services during a pandemic. Unfortunately, success in this learning format has not been easy for many students. These guidelines can be helpful in bringing success to students as well as determining the style of instruction most appropriate for different students.
Link: http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/distance-learning.stml

More than likely, if you are the parent of a school age child, you have been introduced to online learning in 2020. While having its benefits, online learning can certainly present its challenges. For a child to be successful learning virtually, there are certain tips parents and student should follow as well as be aware […]

Helping Your Child Have Success as a Virtual Student

By Kim Scotto-Kelley GAINESVILLE, Fla. &#8212; For the second year in a row, students in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) geomatics program are partnering with a Florida family farm to promote agritourism. The Single R Ranch in Plant City is co-owned by Carson and Janet Futch, both UF graduates. Each fall, [&#8230;]

<blockquote>By Kim Scotto-Kelley</blockquote>
GAINESVILLE, Fla. &#8212; For the second year in a row, students in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) geomatics program are partnering with a Florida family farm to promote agritourism.
The Single R Ranch in Plant City is co-owned by Carson and Janet Futch, both UF graduates. Each fall, the family opens up their property to the public to give non-farming folks a chance to see first-hand where their food comes from.
<figure id="attachment_1966" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1966" style="width: 191px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/?attachment_id=1966" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-1966 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="191" height="300" data-src="http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2019/12/100919_CornMaze_full-for-inset-191x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1966" class="wp-caption-text">An aerial view of the completed Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. (Click to enlarge. Provided by Janet Futch.)</figcaption></figure>
“Agritourism has become a hot topic in the state of Florida, whether it’s through a ‘U-Pick’ operation, corn maze, or a working ranch,” Carson Futch said.
Their main annual event, the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, is a family-friendly gathering featuring a pumpkin patch, games, local vendors, and, of course, a four-acre corn maze.
This year’s maze was designed by CALS students Betty Morris and Tim Jaskiewicz, both in the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation. The two are employed full-time as a GIS analyst and practicing surveyor, respectively. Morris and Jaskiewicz are able to complete their studies at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Plant City and the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research &amp; Education Center in Apopka through the CALS statewide distance education program.
&nbsp;
While the maze opened to the public this past weekend, the design process started back in May. The two were sponsored with a $1,000 scholarship apiece from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA).
“When we met with Janet and Carson, we discussed the parameters for the maze, such as path dimensions and safety rules. Of equal importance, we also wanted to design a creative trail that would be challenging, fun for participants, and also celebrate the FSGA,” Morris said.
<figure id="attachment_1969" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1969" style="width: 252px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-1969 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="252" height="300" data-src="http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ffgs/files/2019/12/100919_CornMaze_inset2-252x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1969" class="wp-caption-text">Tim Jaskiewicz and Betty Morris, UF/IFAS CALS students, work on installing the design they developed for this year&#8217;s Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. (credit: Betty Morris)</figcaption></figure>
Morris and Jaskiewicz also got to experience the somewhat unpredictable nature of farming. After heavy rains in the spring, the corn grew quickly and the paths had to be mowed sooner than anticipated.
“Luckily,” Janet Futch said, “they knew and understood the need for speed. Working with Betty and Tim was a joy. Their work ethic was impeccable, and I know that they’ll both go far.”
The corn is now fully grown, and Morris and Jaskiewicz completed the design just in time for the opening. They are looking forward to bringing their families to the farm to show off their hard work.
“We both learned a great deal about professionalism, delivering a timely product, and most of all, put our shared learning experiences to use,” Jaskiewicz said. “The Fox Squirrel Farms corn maze may become a UF Geomatics tradition, and I look forward to following this project for many years to come.”
The maze is open on weekends through Oct. 27. For more information, visit <a href="https://futchentertainment.com/the-fox-squirrel-corn-maze/">futchentertainment.com/the-fox-squirrel-corn-maze/</a>.
-30-
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS website at <a href="http://ifas.ufl.edu/">ifas.ufl.edu</a> and follow us on <a href="http://ifas.ufl.edu/social-media/">social media</a>.

By Kim Scotto-Kelley

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For the second year in a row, students in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) geomatics program are partnering with a Florida family farm to promote agritourism.
The Single R Ranch in Plant City is co-owned by Carson and Janet Futch, both UF graduates. Each fall, the family opens up their property to the public to give non-farming folks a chance to see first-hand where their food comes from.
An aerial view of the completed Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. (Click to enlarge. Provided by Janet Futch.)
“Agritourism has become a hot topic in the state of Florida, whether it’s through a ‘U-Pick’ operation, corn maze, or a working ranch,” Carson Futch said.
Their main annual event, the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, is a family-friendly gathering featuring a pumpkin patch, games, local vendors, and, of course, a four-acre corn maze.
This year’s maze was designed by CALS students Betty Morris and Tim Jaskiewicz, both in the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation. The two are employed full-time as a GIS analyst and practicing surveyor, respectively. Morris and Jaskiewicz are able to complete their studies at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Plant City and the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research & Education Center in Apopka through the CALS statewide distance education program.
 
While the maze opened to the public this past weekend, the design process started back in May. The two were sponsored with a $1,000 scholarship apiece from the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA).
“When we met with Janet and Carson, we discussed the parameters for the maze, such as path dimensions and safety rules. Of equal importance, we also wanted to design a creative trail that would be challenging, fun for participants, and also celebrate the FSGA,” Morris said.
Tim Jaskiewicz and Betty Morris, UF/IFAS CALS students, work on installing the design they developed for this year’s Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. (credit: Betty Morris)
Morris and Jaskiewicz also got to experience the somewhat unpredictable nature of farming. After heavy rains in the spring, the corn grew quickly and the paths had to be mowed sooner than anticipated.
“Luckily,” Janet Futch said, “they knew and understood the need for speed. Working with Betty and Tim was a joy. Their work ethic was impeccable, and I know that they’ll both go far.”
The corn is now fully grown, and Morris and Jaskiewicz completed the design just in time for the opening. They are looking forward to bringing their families to the farm to show off their hard work.
“We both learned a great deal about professionalism, delivering a timely product, and most of all, put our shared learning experiences to use,” Jaskiewicz said. “The Fox Squirrel Farms corn maze may become a UF Geomatics tradition, and I look forward to following this project for many years to come.”
The maze is open on weekends through Oct. 27. For more information, visit futchentertainment.com/the-fox-squirrel-corn-maze/.
-30-
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS website at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media.

By Kim Scotto-Kelley GAINESVILLE, Fla. — For the second year in a row, students in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) geomatics program are partnering with a Florida family farm to promote agritourism. The Single R Ranch in Plant City is co-owned by Carson and Janet Futch, both UF graduates. Each fall, […]

UF Students Design Corn Maze for Plant City Family Farm

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Distance Learning Empowers Women in Rural Nepal to Treat Livestock as a Business

Helping Your Child Have Success as a Virtual Student

UF Students Design Corn Maze for Plant City Family Farm

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