By Clint Thompson
A North Florida Extension agent was inducted into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Hall of Fame last week.
Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, became the fourth Extension agent and 78th overall to be inducted into the NACAA Hall of Fame. It was a humbling experience for the veteran agent.
“It definitely is the pinnacle of an Extension career for sure. Honestly, it’s hard to wrap my head around it because of the people that I know have been inducted in the past,” Hochmuth said. “Just to look up to them and think I’m in the same group is a little bit mind boggling. I’m really proud of the award and really happy to represent my Extension career in Delaware and Florida.”
The NACAA is a professional organization for Extension agents working in industries like agriculture, horticulture and forestry. The Hall of Fame award, its highest honor, was created in 2006 to recognize agents who have demonstrated commitment, dedication and leadership, as well as humanitarian service and association involvement at both the state and national level.
Work With Watermelons
Hochmuth is an integral part of the Suwanee Valley’s watermelon industry that reached 10,000 acres last season. He has been a part of important research projects, focusing on the long-term sustainability of the crop in the region. These include the use of paper mulch, which would provide added nutsedge control, and grafted plants, which help against fusarium wilt disease.
Hochmuth also collaborated with UF/IFAS professor Eric Simonne, in developed a pioneering technique that promotes water conservation by injecting blue dye into irrigation lines. The dye colors the soil so farmers can see how far water travels over time. Publications describing the technique are among the hundreds of research citations attributed to Hochmuth.
The humble Hochmuth points to the region’s top-notch farmers for any accolades he’s received over the years, which also include the UF/IFAS Extension Mentor of the Year in 2013.
“I think it probably is a testament to the farmers and the farm communities that I have served. I feel like this is a Hall of Fame agricultural area,” Hochmuth said, ” and I have been fortunate to serve incredible farmers throughout my career.”