FOUNDATION

Ona/Marianna Graduate Housing

The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, along with producers, individuals, and business around Florida, contributed over $230,000 for the construction of two multi-purpose buildings for the University of Florida – IFAS. 

 

The buildings, located at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center (Ona) and the North Florida Research and Education Center (Marianna) serve as resident resource for students and visiting scientists conducting research at the Centers.  These buildings serve a critical purpose in assisting the Center’s commitment to Education, which, along with Research and Extension, is a key principle of the Land Grant Mission’s tripartite purpose. 

 

The housing resources also serve another unique financial role for the Center faculty in that graduate students typically are required to maintain a 12-month housing lease in Gainesville, since they spend a portion of their time on campus for completing coursework requirements.  On-site housing at the Centers ensures that the students have affordable living accommodations while advancing the cattle industry through the conduct of their research at these off-campus Centers.   These research topics closely mirror the priority list of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association that include cattle nutrition and reproduction, forage development and pasture management, soil fertility and water quality, and pest and weed control. 

 

At both Centers, the dedicated service of all the scientists, both past and present, is evident to everyone that has ever sought information on beef production in Florida.  Through these new buildings, and others being planned, future generations of ranchers can anticipate additional information and knowledge to make their operations more productive and efficient in the years ahead.