FAMU EXTENSION-Brooksville

05/19/2026

Your Voice Matters: Join the USDA NRCS Local Working Group Meeting at FAMU in Brooksville

Join us tomorrow at the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station (BAERS) for an important conversation about the future of agriculture and natural resource conservation in our region!

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Brooksville Service Center will host its annual Local Working Group Meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at FAMU BAERS, located at 22271 Chinsegut Hill Rd., Brooksville, FL 34601.

This public meeting gives farmers, ranchers, landowners, agricultural professionals, and community stakeholders an opportunity to share local conservation needs and priorities directly with the NRCS State Conservationist and conservation leaders. Your input will help guide conservation funding priorities and programs for Fiscal Year 2027.

Topics may include:
🌱 Soil and water conservation
🚜 Agricultural sustainability
🌾 Working lands and grazing management
💧 Water quality and resource protection
🌳 Forestry and wildlife habitat concerns

If you care about the future of agriculture and conservation in Hernando, Pasco, and surrounding counties, we encourage you to attend and be part of the discussion.

📍 FAMU Brooksville Agricultural & Environmental Research Station (BAERS)
📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
For questions, contact the NRCS Brooksville Service Center at (352) 277-3763.

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

We at FAMU Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station and EXTENSION-Brooksville are so grateful for the partnership with Tampa Bay History Center and Chinsegut Hill Historic Site, leading once again to a wonderful commemoration of Florida Emancipation Day and FAMU Farm Fest celebration! FAMU EXTENSION FAMU Extension - West Palm Beach

05/18/2026

FAMU EXTENSION FAMU Extension - West Palm Beach

05/18/2026

2026 FAMU Farm Fest

04/29/2026

Get ready for the 2026 FAMU Farm Fest, celebrating Florida’s Emancipation Day.

Join Florida A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Food Sciences for a day of food, family fun, learning games, exhibits, farm tours, wagon rides and more.

The FAMU Farm Fest will take place on May 16, 2026, at 22271 Chinsegut Hill Road in Brooksville, Florida.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with gates opening at 9 a.m.

Learn more at www.famufarmfest.org.

04/20/2026

The Sulphur Springs YMCA was buzzing with energy on Saturday, April 18th, as the community came together for a vibrant and well-attended Health Fair!

Maurice Collier proudly represented Cooperative Extension with an engaging and informative table, connecting with residents from all walks of life. Throughout the event, Maurice shared valuable resources and highlighted exciting upcoming Extension programs focused on nutrition, health, and overall well-being.

From meaningful conversations to new partnerships, the day was filled with opportunities to inspire and empower the community. Events like this continue to show the power of coming together to promote healthier lifestyles and stronger connections.

Stay tuned for more upcoming programs in the Tampa area—Cooperative Extension is just getting started!

04/15/2026

Kicking off the 2026 Small Farm Startup School with a visit to JG Ranch in Brooksville was the perfect way to bring learning to life.

Led through FL Cooperative Extension and hosted by UF and FAMU, this program is designed to support new and aspiring farmers with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to build successful agricultural enterprises.

Our first farm tour set the tone, connecting participants directly with a working operation where they could see firsthand what it takes to run a diversified small farm. From u-pick strawberries to livestock and direct-to-consumer marketing, JG Ranch provided valuable, real-world insights into production, business management, and customer engagement.

04/13/2026

🌱 Rooted in Legacy, Growing in Opportunity 🌱

On Saturday, April 11th, FAMU Cooperative Extension was proud to participate in the Rooted in Legacy Ag Symposium, Co-Op Growth & Farmer Stability Workshop in Gainesville.

As part of this powerful gathering, Cheryl Danley, Small Farms Extension Agent with Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, shared practical insights on farming as an economic enterprise—emphasizing the importance of having a solid business plan as the foundation for long-term farm sustainability.

This message is at the heart of the Small Farm Start-up School, a statewide collaboration with UF/IFAS, where farmers gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build viable agricultural businesses.

With over 30 participants, the workshop created space for learning, connection, and real conversations about strengthening farms and communities. From classroom sessions to resource sharing and collaboration with fellow presenters, the day reflected what Extension does best—meeting farmers where they are and helping them grow forward.

📸 Photos: Cheryl with fellow presenters, FAMU resource table, engaged participants, and group collaboration moments.

03/30/2026

From Classroom to Cornfield

During Spring Break, faculty from Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension Program at the Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station (BAERS) provided a hands-on learning experience for the G3 Youth Agriculture Camp, engaging young people from the Greater Tampa Bay area. Presentations introduced students to where food comes from and highlighted the wide range of opportunities within the agriculture industry.

On Day 1, students explored agricultural history, careers, and soil science with Cheryl Danley and Dr. Oghenekome Onokpise. They also learned about the important role of African American cowboys in Florida’s cattle industry. An interactive game of Agri-Trivia kept participants engaged while building their knowledge of Florida agriculture.

By Day 2, students transitioned from the classroom to the field, where they prepared raised beds and planted corn. This hands-on experience allowed them to apply what they learned and see agriculture in action.

Day 3's session introduced the concept of ecosystems and their helpers. Led by Dr. Sabrina Hayes, an entomologist and 4H agent from Florida A&M University, students explored the fascinating world of insects and their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. The lesson concluded with a bug scavenger hunt, which encouraged exploration and observation, making learning both active and enjoyable.

Day 4 programming centered on food, nutrition, and food science, led by FAMU Youth, Family, and Community Food & Nutrition Extension Agent Maurice Collier. Students learned how food impacts the body and the importance of making healthy choices. Interactive activities included building balanced meals using MyPlate guidelines, conducting a science experiment to demonstrate how gases cause bread to rise using vinegar and baking soda, and making homemade ice cream in a zip-top bag to explore temperature and changes in matter. These activities combined science and nutrition in a way that was both educational and highly engaging for participants and staff alike.

The camp concluded on Day 5 with a Harvest Day Celebration, featuring a field day organized by Mr. Ronnie McCollough, Terrence Cole 4H and the G3 Applications team. The children started with a lesson on fishing for beginners from 4H educator Terrence Cole, followed by field day activities. This allowed students to celebrate their learning through recreational activities, reinforcing the camp’s emphasis on both education and enjoyment.

From soil to seed, these future leaders are gaining real-world skills and developing a deeper understanding of how agriculture connects to their everyday lives.