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Recent & Revised Publications

Ripple Effects Mapping for Extension Program Evaluation

Kelly Wilson, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda Seals, David Outerbridge, John Diaz, and Paul Monaghan

This publication introduces Extension agents to Ripple Effects Mapping (REM), encourages them to continue exploring the methodology, and promotes collaboration with agents currently using it to learn more about ways to apply it to their own work. This guide explains the four key components of REM, describes the steps to conduct REM for Extension program evaluation, and demonstrates a real-life example of the use of REM in an Extension program. Written by Kelly Wilson, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda Seals, David Outerbridge, John Diaz, and Paul Monaghan, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2025.

Recognizing Volunteers: Considerations for Volunteer Organizations and Coordinators

Tyler Carney, Deanna Brock, Kiera Packer, Vivian Rodriguez, and Matt Benge

Volunteers represent a critical population who contribute to nonprofits’ capacity to achieve missions and goals. Volunteers hold various motivations that enable them to pursue their important work. Volunteer coordinators and managers can implement appropriate recognition strategies to meet the motivational needs of their organization’s volunteers. This publication looks at volunteer motivations and relevant recognition strategies. Written by Tyler Carney, Deanna Brock, Kiera Packer, Vivian Rodriguez, and Matt Benge, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, May 2025.

Small Ruminant Gastrointestinal Parasite Management

Laura H. Bennett, Christa L. Kirby, Bridget Stice, Allison L. Williams, and Brittany N. Diehl

This article is meant to provide small ruminant producers with an overview of gastrointestinal parasite management concepts. Written by Laura H. Bennett, Christa L. Kirby, Bridget Stice, Allison L. Williams, and Brittany N. Diehl, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, May 2025.

Trophic State: A Useful Scale for Classifying Lakes Based on Biological Productivity

Elizabeth Duermit Moreau

Lakes are diverse and come in all shapes and sizes. The Trophic State Classification System allows people to group waterbodies into one of four categories, called “trophic states,” based on their level of biological productivity. Knowing what these terms mean can help you understand how your waterbody compares to others, and what changes in its water quality over time could mean. This publication explains how water chemistry is used to determine a waterbody’s trophic state; what criteria are used to define the four trophic states; which trophic state category your waterbody fits into; and how the Trophic State Classification System can be useful.

thumbnail for publication: Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Striped Sod Webworm (Larva), Changeable Grass-Veneer (Adult) Fissicrambus mutabilis (Clemens) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Anthony Coffey and Eileen Buss

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This publication describes the striped sod webworm, a turfgrass pest that also damages wheat and corn. The publication describes the pest's morphology, natural history, and range in the United States; lists potential host plants and damage the pest can cause; and provides advice on management strategies.

Fermented Foods: Yogurt

Julie M. Peterson and Wendy J. Dahl

This publication describes the types of yogurts, how yogurt is made, and the evidence for its health benefits.

Enfermedades Aviares Transmisibles a Humanos

Michael A. Davis, Gary D. Butcher y F. Ben Mather

Las personas que interactúen con aves ya sea como mascotas o como animales de producción, deben informarse sobre ciertas enfermedades aviares zoonóticas. Este tipo de enfermedades pueden transmitirse de animales a humanos. Los humanos rara vez contraen enfermedades aviares y no deben desanimarse de criar aves porque estas enfermedades no representan una amenaza grave para la mayoría de las personas. Sin embargo, los propietarios de aves deben estar informados sobre enfermedades zoonóticas y buscar asistencia médica si sospechan que pueden haber contraído una enfermedad de un ave. Este documento es PS23-Span, una publicación del Department of Animal Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Fecha original de publicación: abril 2025.

Resources and Strategies to Build Vaccine Confidence among Adults

Kathryn A. Stofer, Alissa V. Katsaras, Skye Dougan, Miranda Jones, and LaToya J. O’Neal

As Extension continues to expand its purview in adult immunization education, it should provide strategies for communicating one-on-one and in smaller and larger groups, as well as links to resources to build confidence and promote access for adults who have lower confidence in or who may face barriers to vaccination in Florida. This publication is part of the Adult Vaccination in Florida series which examines the general trends in and reasons behind adult perceptions of vaccination. Written by Kathryn A. Stofer, Alissa V. Katsaras, Skye Dougan, Miranda Jones, and LaToya J. O’Neal, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, April 2025.

The Importance of Understanding Horse Behavior

Carissa Wickens

Taking time to observe and understand horse behavior can contribute in a positive way to the horse’s well-being and to our daily human-horse interactions. A better understanding of a horse’s natural behavior and preferences can facilitate more effective horse management and handling skills. This publication is intended for equine owners, equine farm managers, county Extension faculty, and anyone working with or interested in horses. Written by Carissa Wickens, and published by the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, UF/IFAS Extension, April 2025.

Reducing Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: The Power of Food

Elena Torna, Jodi Fitzgerald, Danielle Aycart, Danielle Nelson, Madison Woodard, and Jeanette Andrade

According to the CDC, 11.6% of the US population was estimated to have diabetes, primarily type 2, and 8.5 million adults are unaware that they have this disease. On average, people diagnosed with diabetes have higher medical costs compared to people who are not diagnosed with diabetes. This publication describes the modifiable risk factors for diabetes, primarily type 2, and tips to reduce your risk for diabetes.

The Value of 4-H to Youth in Florida and Beyond

Keith G. Diem

To maximize the strengths of the 4-H Youth Development Program and to promote its value to the public and funding agencies, Extension staff must know the value of 4-H as it is perceived by others. Since parents are key stakeholders in the 4-H program because they approve of their children being members and they are taxpayers and voters, this descriptive survey research involving a randomly selected sample of parents of 4-H club members in Florida aimed to determine what value 4-H brings to youth members, what problems 4-H faces, and what other beliefs parents have about 4-H.

Promising Practices for Working With Youth With Disabilities

Vanessa Spero, Darcy Cole, Vera Bullard, Jennifer Cushman, Tara Dorn, Kelsey Dugan, Crystal Perry, and Jennifer Taylor-Winney

The most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics report that 15% of individuals aged 3–21 are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This means that 15% of youth are diagnosed with a disability that has the potential to affect their success academically and in the workforce. As a youth development organization, 4-H programs should anticipate at least 15% of their population, if not more, to have a diagnosed disability. As youth development professionals, we are tasked with meeting the needs of youth with disabilities through proactive and reactive planning strategies. This also includes professionals being flexible, accommodating, and ready to foster Positive Youth Development best practices.

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25,000 to 30,000

# of bees needed to survive the winter

A healthy colony consisting of 25,000 to 30,000 bees is an adequate size for overwintering success.

more than 1,700

homes built endangered woodrats

More than 1,700 supplemental woodrat nest structures have been installed across protected areas in northern Key Largo to aid in woodrat recovery

13% of people

Food Insecure in the U.S.

Urban agriculture provides diverse benefits and support to local communities. However, there are also limitations to developing or expanding operations and programs.

18,728

Pest Management Jobs

The Florida pest management industry accounted for more than 14% of the industry’s establishments in 2021

65,479

U.S. residents have their identity stolen each day

This publication is based on the insights of individuals who have been through this experience, researched it in depth, and have attempted to break it down into understandable segments.

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