Importance of Foot Health in Agriculture

Recorded On: 11/01/2023

Summary: Dr. Merendino will present the Importance of Foot Health in Agriculture in the first half of the presentation. He will address important practices and provide examples of foot health issues to take action on. Karen will finish with a presentation on her extension fieldwork with the ag/hort growers along with Dr. Merendino including a field day program in Volusia County (commercial fernery), then conclude her results from an Extension Sock Study assaying Merino Wool Socks.

Intended Audience: Agricultural/ Horticultural professionals, medical personnel, and the general public

Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Identify Best Management Practices for proper foot health.
Identify common foot conditions that result from poor foot health.
Gain knowledge on grower work boot and sock trait preferences as evidenced by actual trials and surveys

Anthony Merendino, DPM

Assistant Professor

UF Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute

Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, UF, UF Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute

Dr. Merendino earned his medical degree from Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami. Following medical school, he completed his residency in podiatric surgery at Kern Hospital for Special Surgery in Warren, Michigan. His inspiration for becoming a physician started when he was young. He experienced the battle his grandparents had with the effects of diabetes, which eventually led to the loss of limbs and life. This formed his desire and focus to reduce the effects of diabetes and other diseases of the foot and ankle.

His goal is to treat patients and educate them on the conditions they face. When his patients understand why a disease is affecting their foot and ankle, they become more involved in their care plan. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family biking, and hiking.

Karen Stauderman, MS

Commercial Horticulture Agent III

University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Services, Extension Volusia County

Originally from Oregon, Karen moved to Florida in 1988 where she began work as a research scientist and a Commercial Horticulture agent with the University of Florida. Karen holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Plant Pathology and Horticulture from Oregon State University and a master’s in Entomology from the University of Florida. In 1995, she along with her husband, started a U-pick strawberry farm, restaurant, vineyard, and winery. She instructs on pesticide education and works directly with the Cut Foliage Greens, citrus, sports turf, and alternative crop industries for Volusia County in Central Florida.