Automated Weather Network Offering Text Message, Email Alerts to Growers by Jim Frankowiak On the 15th of this month, the Florida Automated Weather Network deployed an alert system that will notify users by either text or email when freeze conditions occur at any FAWN site in Florida. This is an important tool now available to the state’s agriculture industry. Notification in this manner allows production managers to receive important weather-related information enabling them to make decisions for freeze protection and saving water and energy while in the field. This is a subscription alert system with the cost for text message alerts at $50 per season. Email alerts are $20 per season. Both types of alerts can be received for a $60 subscription per season. To register, visit the FAWN website at: http://myfawn.com. FAWN currently has 36 sites, located from Homestead to Jay, near Pensacola. There are plans to add an additional four sites. Most are located at University of Florida /Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research centers, USDA facilities, Florida Division of Forestry sites, state/county parks and county Extension offices. FAWN is a program of UF/IFAS based in the Information Technology unit and working closely with the UF/IFAS Deans for Extension and Research. “This system was tested during the winter of 2010/2011 with funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMN) with two FAWN sites, and the response to participate was overwhelming,” said FAWN Project Director Rick Lusher. “More than 500 users registered to receive the messages during the season and were well satisfied with the results.” For the winter of 2011/2012 and beyond, a system has been developed that will disseminate alerts from all 36 FAWN sites in the state. Registered subscribers will receive a set of four alerts on nights when temperatures are critically low. The first alert occurs when the temperature at a user-selected FAWN site falls to within two degrees Fahrenheit of the user-selected temperature. A second alert is sent when the temperature at the FAWN site is equal to the user-selected critical temperature. A third occurs when the temperature at the FAWN site rises to within two degrees Fahrenheit of the Wet Bulb Based Irrigation Cutoff Temperature for that site. The final alert takes place when the temperature at the FAWN site is equal to the Wet Bulb Based Irrigation Cutoff Temperature for that site. FAWN came about shortly after the National Weather Service discontinued the collection of weather data in rural locations and issued agricultural forecasts
36 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
November 2011
and advisories to alert Florida growers to potential freeze conditions. That service ended April 1, 1996 in an effort to reduce expenses. On the night of January 18-19, 1997, temperatures were expected to drop into the mid to upper 30s. However, that forecast was based on data collected at city and airport sites, which are typically warmer than rural areas. That night, temperatures in rural locations ended up much lower than forecasted and damage estimated at $300 million resulted primarily to winter vegetables. Due to the lack of rural weather information, growers were not aware of the potential for damaging temperatures. An Agricultural Weather Task Force was formed to find a solution to this problem – the lack of agricultural weather information. The task force included members of the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Nurseryman Associations, Growers and Landscape Association, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, U.S. Senator Bob Graham’s office and UF/IFAS. FAWN was initiated in 1997 with a legislative appropriation to UF/IFAS. The network has grown to 36 sites currently and there are plans to add an additional four sites. FAWN’s database, originally designed by UF faculty and graduate students, has been upgraded and is now housed in the UF Computer Center with 24-hour support. From the inception of FAWN it was evident that the project had to have more than weather data. The original concept was to assist growers in managing their crops during cold weather. However, additional management tools have been developed to aid users in making informed production, harvesting and marketing decisions. Additionally, use of FAWN Cold Protection tools can save irrigation time during cold events, which can bring about substantial savings in both energy costs and water use. It must also be noted that non-agricultural users of FAWN continue to grow in number. The National Weather Services uses FAWN data when evaluating fire risks. The Florida Division of Emergency Management uses the data when tracking the southward progression of cold air, to monitor wind speeds during hurricanes and in making decisions regarding potential risks from weather events. The Florida Division of Forestry relies on the information when issuing burning authorizations, fighting forest fires and in monitoring smoke plumes and UF researchers use FAWN data for many projects. For more information about FAWN, visit: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss5ll.
www.InTheFieldMagazine.com
Driscoll’s is very pleased to announce that we have created two new Programs for our Eastern Region to show our appreciation and commitment to our local Communities. Philanthropy Team Facilitator: Elaine Harris w/second of Michelle Williamson. Secretary: Ruth Rojas w/second of Judy Rojas Treasurer: Gilbert Blanco w/second of Amanda Collins Communication Lead: Elias Dominguez w/second of Esther Gutierrez Communicator/Action Project Coordinator: Jesse Garza Grantee Relationships: Gilbert Blanco Grower Liaison: Michelle Williamson Consultant/Advisor: Pedro Ruiz Consultant/Advisor: Mark Greeff
Our commitment is to –“ Inspire and Strengthen Communities and Facilitation with our Driscoll’s Employees, Growers, our Farm Workers and their Families and Non-Government Organizations.” Sustainability Team President: Ben Lahr Vice President: Pablo Kiger Budget and Data Analysis: Mathew Curran Facility Outreach: Jesse Romo Grower Outreach: Ben Lahr and Sambhav Connecting Internally: Donny Todd Sustainability Liaison: Juan Bueno Recycling: Donny Todd and Leticia Zavaleta Secretaries: Rosa Rodriguez and Leticia Zavaleta Consultant/Advisor: Pedro Ruiz Consultant/Advisor: Mark Greeff
We are focusing on the Earth’s Sustainability through action with “The ability to meet today’s business needs without negatively impacting future generations.” 12880 Hwy. 92 E., Dover, FL 33527 • 813.659.4120 • 813.659.1584 Fax www.InTheFieldMagazine.com
November 2011
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE 37