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Ag. Objectives
Ag Objectives
Example of Ag Objective from SMMART Objectives Publication,
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/document_fy824: The average annual nitrate concentration will decrease
by 30% due to changes in farming practices among 50 farmers in Sunshine county who participated in
the Farm Smart Program as measured by yearly soil analysis over the next four years.
Example of Ag Impact from
http://ded.ifas.ufl.edu/Impacts/Impacts_Success_Stories_files/frame.htm:
Reducing phosphorus (P) fertilizer inputs is a major component of the Best Management
Practices designed to improve water quality in the Everglades. Based on UF on-farm
research, Hendry County cattle producers learned that fertilization with P on improved
pastures could be reduced by 50% without reducing forage yield or quality while also realizing
improved water quality due to a reduction in P lost through runoff. Eight ranchers in the C139 Basin adjusted their fertilizer programs to reduce P inputs, saving $13,968 on 15,520
acres and enhancing the quality of storm water runoff by reducing P leached by 62,080 lbs.
Example of Ag Success Story from
http://ded.ifas.ufl.edu/Impacts/Impacts_Success_Stories_files/frame.htm:
Phosphorus (P) has been targeted as the #1 element requiring regulation in the Everglade
Restoration Project [Problem]. Extension, in cooperation with the South Florida Water
Management District [Partners], sponsors quarterly workshops aimed at educating growers on
the life of P in soils, P Best Management Practices, and how to reduce P fertilizer inputs in an
effort to improve water quality on the farm [Program]. Eighty-seven growers participated in
three workshops [People]. Participants were surveyed several weeks after the classes, and
73% indicated they were enacting the P reduction portion of the BMPs on their farms.
According to USDA water quality guidelines, this should reduce P runoff on these farms by 40
parts per million [Impact]. Due to increased interest, these workshops will continue
[Conclusion].
Examples of Ag Objectives and corresponding Outcomes from successful Promotion
Packets. These may not be perfect, so look for ways to improve them.:
100 vegetable producers and industry representatives will participate in educational programs
with emphasis on vegetable crop management systems and at least 80% will increase
knowledge about improved production practices.

Over 1,000 growers and industry personnel participated in one or more education
programs and or field days and 92 % of those surveyed with pre/post test instruments
demonstrated knowledge gain.
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Ag. Objectives
Some Overall Outcome Measures for Vegetable Extension Program (from Customer
Satisfaction Survey data)
Reporting Period
Customer Satisfaction
From:
2002
To:
2007
Clients Surveyed:
485
Percent of Total
Knowledge gained
449
92%
Shared Information with
others:
479
99%
Number Satisfied:
454
94%
Growers (65) who
changed farming practice
37
57%
20% of 50 participants will make changes in their farming production practices as a result of
increased knowledge.

Fifty-seven percent of 65 growers surveyed indicated that they changed their farming
practices as a result of this agent’s extension programming.
200 of the agricultural producers will participate in educational programs with emphasis on
crop management systems and at least 80% will increase knowledge about improved
production practices.

Close to 1,600 people participated in the group learning events related to this program
area. Surveys were conducted at the end of several educational programs. Approximately
550 surveys were returned and 85% of responders (467 clients) indicated knowledge
increase on presented subjects.
20 of the participants will make changes in their operations as a result of increased
knowledge.



Five snap bean growers reduced nitrogen application rates by 15% on close to 850 acres
of snap beans. Impact: Estimating that total fertilizer cost/acre is about $150 (information
from grower) and N cost is about $50/acre, farmers saved $6,375 in fertilizer cost and
reduced N impact on the environment. In addition to these factors, the posharvest quality
of beans is better when the N amount is reduced.
Five okra growers after participating in Okra Production Workshop conducted by this
agent decided to change his growing practices by increasing in-row spacing between
plants which will increase light availability to plants and reduce pest problems on 80
acres. He reported about a 15% increase in yield and better quality of okra pods.
In the last two production seasons there was a significant increase in acreage of okra
grown on plastic mulch with drip irrigation (from about 10 acres five years ago to
approximately 400 acres). Four okra growers started producing okra on plastic mulch
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Ag. Objectives


with drip irrigation. About 30% of this acreage was planted with okra as a second crop
after tomato. This is a direct impact of several years of Extension efforts (field trials and
workshops).
Two sweet potato growers changed fertilization practices by splitting nitrogen
applications during the growing season to prevent nutrient leaching as it was
recommended by the soil specialist and this agent.
Two okra growers changed fertilization practices reducing amount of nitrogen by 20% to
reduce plant growth and induce flowering and fruit setting.
Four local packinghouses will make changes in their operations to improve food safety during
harvesting, packing, storage and transportation of produce to distant markets.

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Three packinghouses reported the following improvements in postharvest practices:
increased frequency in measurements of chlorine levels in the ‘dump tanks’, improved
sanitation of packinghouses and packing lines and improvements in reducing the amount
of time between harvest and cooling of produce in the packinghouse. (Based on agent’s
personal contacts with produce packing operations).
A commercial fresh herb producer made significant changes in the design of coolers and
packing area and the hand washing facility to improve postharvest quality and comply
with the food safety requirements.
Three major vegetable producers who are doing their own marketing reported
improvements in field sanitation and production record keeping to provide buyers with
information on production and harvesting practices.
100 growers and industry personnel will receive info receive objective information about new
cultivars based on field trials (conducted by the agent) and 80% (80) of them will increase
their knowledge about vegetable varieties selection.

451 clients participated in the extension field days and other programs related to
vegetable variety evaluations. 276 persons returned the post program surveys. 85% of
them (235 persons) stated that they increased their knowledge on new vegetable cultivars.
The results of the surveys indicated that all field trials and demonstrations provided by
this agent are considered by the growers as very important to help them make decisions
regarding vegetable cultivars for the next season.
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