UF IFAS Polk Extension Office: Connecting You to Local Agricultural & Community Resources

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Polk County Extension Office is a beacon of agricultural and environmental education, serving the diverse needs of Polk County residents since 1917. Our office, located in Bartow, is dedicated to providing reliable, research-based information and support to help our community thrive.

an office cubicle with many files and binders on the shelves in front of it
an office cubicle with many files and binders on the shelves in front of it

With a mission to "help all people improve their lives through practical education, research, and problem-solving programs," the UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Office delivers a wide range of services, from agricultural and horticultural assistance to nutrition education and environmental stewardship initiatives.

an image of a person wearing a hat and holding two swords
an image of a person wearing a hat and holding two swords

Our Core Services

The UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Office pride ourselves on being a trusted local resource for education and guidance. Our core services are designed to cater to the county's unique needs and include:

a desk with two computer monitors on it and a rug in front of the desk
a desk with two computer monitors on it and a rug in front of the desk

1. **Agricultural and Natural Resources:** We provide resources and expertise to support local farmers, gardeners, and landowners, ensuring sustainable and productive use of our county's natural resources. This includes pest management, irrigation, soil health, and animal husbandry guidance.

Horticultural Services

a living room filled with furniture and a book shelf on top of a hard wood floor
a living room filled with furniture and a book shelf on top of a hard wood floor

Our horticultural services assist residents with plant and tree care, including diagnostics for pest and disease issues, as well as recommendations for suitable plants based on Florida's climate and growing conditions.

Homeowners and gardeners can also access workshops and resources on landscaping, organic gardening, and water conservation to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Livestock and Agricultural Production

two people sitting on couches in the middle of a large room with multiple tables and chairs
two people sitting on couches in the middle of a large room with multiple tables and chairs

For farmers and livestock owners, our office offers support in animal husbandry, crop production, and business management. We help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of Polk County's agricultural industry.

This includes workshops on emerging technologies, best practices, and marketing strategies tailored to our local agricultural community.

Youth Development and Family Programs

the office decor is shown in brown and white
the office decor is shown in brown and white

The UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Office is committed to empowering and educating our community's youth and families through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Our programs foster critical thinking, leadership skills, and a sense of civic responsibility.

We offer a variety of programs, including:

Collaboration space
Collaboration space
an aerial view of a kitchen and dining area in a commercial building, with open windows
an aerial view of a kitchen and dining area in a commercial building, with open windows
Modern Home Office Ideas for Men: Functional, Stylish Workspaces for Productivity
Modern Home Office Ideas for Men: Functional, Stylish Workspaces for Productivity
an office with couches, chairs and tables in it's center hallway area
an office with couches, chairs and tables in it's center hallway area
a wooden desk sitting in the middle of a living room next to a blue rug
a wooden desk sitting in the middle of a living room next to a blue rug
a large wooden table sitting in the middle of a room
a large wooden table sitting in the middle of a room
Pastel-Coloured Office Design
Pastel-Coloured Office Design
Orange open plan office accents
Orange open plan office accents
an office with orange drapes, two chairs and a coffee table in the middle
an office with orange drapes, two chairs and a coffee table in the middle
a white table sitting on top of a rug in a living room
a white table sitting on top of a rug in a living room

4-H Club

Polk County's 4-H Club is part of the national program that supports young people aged 5-18 in developing essential life skills, leadership, and confidence. Our club members engage in various projects, such as agriculture, animal science, environmental education, and civic engagement.

Through 4-H, youth have numerous opportunities to participate in regional and state events, demonstrating their skills and competing with peers from across Florida.

Family Nutrition Programs

The UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Office also prioritizes educating our community about healthy food choices and nutrition. Our family nutrition programs help residents make informed decisions about their dietary habits and overall health.

We offer workshops and resources on meal planning, food preservation, and budget-friendly, nutritious cooking. Our team is dedicated to promoting a healthier Polk County by focusing on prevention and healthy lifestyle education.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

To better serve our diverse community, the UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Office collaborates with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental institutions. These partnerships enable us to expand our reach and provide more tailored services to our residents.

Together with our partners, we host workshops, events, and initiatives that foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for Polk County's well-being.

By combining local expertise, research-based knowledge, and a commitment to our community, the UF/IFAS Polk County Extension Office continues to grow and adapt alongside Polk County. Whether you're a farmer, a gardener, a youth eager to learn, or a family looking for health resources, we invite you to explore the wealth of opportunities our office has to offer. Together, we can cultivate a thriving, sustainable Polk County for generations to come.