Search for Excellence in Livestock Production
Caitlin L. Bainum
Livestock Extension Agent
University of Florida
Marion County
1 Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Ocala, FL, 34470
2 State Equine Extension Specialist, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611
3 Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Tavares, FL, 32778
4 Agriculture Extension Agent, University of Florida, Wauchula, FL, 33873
5 Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Kissimmee, FL, 34744
6 Agriculture Extension Agent, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL, 32092
7 Agriculture Extension Agent, University of Florida, Lecanto, FL, 34461
8 Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Bronson, FL, 32621
9 Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, 32812
10 Agriculture Extension Agent, University of Florida, Kissimmee, FL, 34744
11 Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Dade City, FL, 33525
12 Agriculture Extension Agent, University of Florida, Deland, FL, 32724
13 Agriculture Extension Agent, University of Florida, Palatka, FL, 32131
14 Agriculture Extension Agent, University of Florida, Cocoa, FL, 32926
The Central Florida Agriculture Agents Group (CFLAG) developed the UF/IFAS Florida Equine Institute and Allied Trade Show. This program has developed into a state-wide equine education program offered by UF/IFAS Extension that is an effort between county agents, state equine specialists, and local industry. This event has highlighted cutting edge equine science that equine clientele count on each year. Along with the educational program is a trade show of allied industry representatives and their products. This trade show benefits the Extension program by adding an additional revenue stream while building relationships with the industry partners our clients also rely on. Objectives: The objectives of the Florida Equine Institute include knowledge gain on equine health and management topics that will enhance the health and wellbeing of the horse, practice change related to horse handling, equine health and nutritional management, equine behavioral science, and pasture management on horse farms. Activities: This full-day program includes a combination of learning via lectures by state and county faculty as well as guest lectures from other land grant universities, hands-on demonstrations, concept breakout sessions, and live animal demonstrations. Results: 451 people have participated in this program from 2018-2020 representing 16 states and 6 countries. Evaluation: Post program surveys were used to assess knowledge gain and intended practice change. Follow-up surveys reported actual practice change on farms. Outcomes & Impacts: Since 2018, 78% of participants indicated knowledge gain on at least one topic and 66% of participants indicated at least one practice change on their farms in the areas of forage and soil management, equine nutrition and health management, equine behavior science and training, or horse handling. This program has generated $7,700 in sponsorships since 2018 with overall revenue of $11,800 for the past three years.