Robert (Bob) Hochmuth

Multi County Extension Agent - Vegetables
Small Farms Statewide Coordinator

Education

• B.S., University of Maryland, Extension Education, 1979
• M.S., University of Maryland, Entomology, 1981

Appointment

• 100% Extension

Areas of Specialization

Agricultural Productivity and Education; General Horticulture; IPM; Irrigation and Plant Nutrition; Sustainable Agriculture; Plasticulture; Alternative Crops; Hydroponics; Small Farms; Organic Farming; Drip Irrigation; Greenhouse Crops; and Vegetable Production.

This position is 50% multi-county in nature supporting commercial vegetable extension program in nine counties in the Suwannee Valley area centered around the North Florida REC – Suwannee Valley (NFREC-SV) near Live Oak, Florida. The overall responsibility is the development and implementation of educational programs for commercial vegetable producers that will increase their knowledge of production of vegetables, incorporating principles of efficiencies, profitability, and environmental awareness. The position’s other 50% of responsibility is to serve as the statewide coordinator for educational programs in the area of small farms, including leadership in the Small Farms Web Site, Regional Small Farms Conferences, and In-Service Trainings.

Key Awards and Recognition

• National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, Award for Excellence in Extension, Southern US Region Winner, 2006
• USDA Award for Superior Service, 1995
• Salary Pay Plan Award for Sustained Excellent Performance at UF/IFAS, 2004
• James App Outstanding UF/IFAS Extension Team Award, 2005
• Florida State Horticultural Society, 2005 Best Paper Award, Vegetable Section
• National Association of County Agricultural Agents Distinguished Service Award, 2003
• National Association of County Agricultural Agents, National Winner in the Communications Awards Program, Graphic Presentation Category “Hydroponics for Small Growers”, 2000
• National Association of County Agricultural Agents, National Finalist in the Communications Awards Program, Web Page Category. Website: http://nfrec-sv.ifas.ufl.edu. 2000