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vol 12 | issue 10 | april 2022
The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region
Livestock Equine edition
RESCUE REHABILITATE & RE-HOME
RVR HORSE RESCUE A HAVEN FOR THE ABUSED, NEGLECTED
DREAM IN PROGRESS
AT ONLY 13, TEEN HAS A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE
HOLDING STEADY
POLK CATTLE INDUSTRY STABLE DESPITE CHALLENGES
PEYTON CHANDLEY
2022-23 POLK COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S SWEETHEART
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CONTENTS | a p r i l 2 0 2 2
www.Flo
ridaAgN
On the Cover
MEET THE 2022-23 PCCA SWEETHEART
Eighth-generation cattle rancher Peyton Chandley is proud to represent Polk County as the 2022-2023 Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart. Raised by Barrett and Lori Chandley, the 19-year-old says ranching is in her blood, and she is extremely passionate about conservation and the beef industry. The University of Florida freshman sat down with Central Florida Ag News to discuss her goals as PCCA Sweetheart and the impact she hopes to make through this role.
14
HOLDING STEADY
Even though the total number of cattle in inventory throughout the United States and Florida was down in 2021, the industry has been holding steady throughout Polk County. Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Cliff Coddington says in Polk and other cattle counties, cattle numbers are staying up due to ranching innovations and new revenue streams.
22 DREAM IN PROGRESS
For many in the agriculture industry, big dreams start small. For Kyleigh Criswell, the dream started when she was 3 years old. Kyleigh, now an eighth-grader at Dundee Ridge Middle School, recently won honors at the Florida State Fair for her Grand Champion Bull. The aspiring young rancher is just 13 years old and already has a decade of experience under her belt.
issue 10
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2022
The Voice
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RVR Horse Rescue Vice Livestoc k President Julie Dennis Equine stands with Interdiction, edition RESCU DREAM a thoroughbred who REHAB E PROGR IN IL E SS & RE-H ITATE OM E was surrendered due to HOLDIN G STEA DY lameness. The nonprofit PEYTO N CHA NDLEY organization works to rescue, rehabilitate, and RECIPE SPOTLIG HT re-home horses that have suffered abuse, neglect, or injury. Read more, page 12. photo by MICHAEL WILSON RVR HO RSE RE SC FOR TH E ABUS UE A HAVEN ED, NE GLECTE D
PRES PRSR ORT T STD STD U.S. US POST Posta ge AGE PAI PAIDD Perm TAMP it No. A, FL 335 PERM Lake IT #2118 land , Fl.
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AT ON LY DECADE 13, TEEN HA SA OF EXPE RIENCE
POLK CA STABLE TTLE INDUST RY DESPITE CHALLE NG
2022-23 CATTLE POLK COUN MEN’S TY SWEETH EART
CRAVIN LET’S GEG BEEF? T SAUC Y!
Departments 5 7 9 16 20 23
Publisher’s Letter President’s Letter Signs of the Season Angle’s Letter Calendar Ag-Rec
24 26 28 31 38
ES
CFAN |
1
AgriShopper Recipe Spotlight In the Heartland Classifieds Editor’s Last Word
STUDENT GROWTH = INDUSTRY GROWTH
BUY AN AG TAG 4 | CFAN
For more info visit AGTAG.ORG FloridaAgNews.com
PUBLISHER LETTER
Cashing In on Cattle AS FLORIDIANS IN AGRICULTURE, we take a lot of things seriously, particularly citrus and cattle. Both industries have a long and wellestablished history in Florida and particularly Central Florida. The primary livestock business in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee County is beef cattle, and Polk county comes in fourth in production in the state. In addition, some of the largest cow-calf operations in the country are in Polk County. According to a 2019 report by UF/IFAS, the cattle industry accounted for $1.2 billion of Polk’s economy and more than 5,500 jobs. So yeah, you could say we take our cattle seriously. You can learn more about Florida and the area’s cattle industry in this edition. Inside, we introduce you to 2022-2023 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart Peyton Chandley, plus we invite you into our chat
with Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Cliff Coddington about how the Florida cattle industry is staying innovative to rise above recent challenges. On May 7, you can show your support for the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association by attending the Trade Show & Ranch Rodeo at the Polk County Agricultural Center in Bartow. The trade show starts at noon, and the rodeo is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. This event always offers a great opportunity to check out exhibitors and visit with other cattlemen from across Central Florida. Among the activities planned for the event are calf branding, double mugging, team sorting, wild cow milking, colt riding, senior sorting, and a kids’ boot scramble. Thanks for reading Central Florida Ag News! ag
NELSON KIRKLAN D, Publish nelson@c er entralflori damediag roup.com
Florida’s Top Rootstocks and Varieties CITRUS • New greening-tolerant rootstocks and varieties now available • Largest screened commercial citrus nursery in the US • DNA tested true-to-type citrus varieties and rootstocks available • Now contracting for 2022-2023
PEACHES • Licensed grower of low chill peaches on Flordaguard and MP-29 rootstocks • Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates • Licensed for new released varieties • Now contracting for 2022-2023
Rootstocks and varieties are important considerations in Florida citrus due to the many constraints growers must deal with, from diseases like phytophthora, citrus tristeza virus, and HLB, to issues like climate and soil types. Rootstock choice can integrate a tolerance or resistance to soil-borne diseases and other issues to a scion, and they influence tree attributes such as tree size, yield, and fruit quality. Explore the top rootstocks and varieties in Florida from the 2021 Budwood Report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Top Florida Varieties
In 2020, Valencia clone SPB-1-14-19 was the most popular citrus variety planted, with over 2 million trees grown. The second top variety was Vernia UF 35-15 with 464,156 trees grown, and Hamlin 1-4-1 was the third-most popular citrus variety propagated in Florida with 387,356 trees. Top Florida Rootstocks It’s no surprise that the most-budded variety/Rootstock preference in Florida has been shaped by Phillip Rucks rootstock pairing in 2020-21 was Valencia clone by numerous factors, such as, cold tolerance, SPB-1-14-19 on US-942—the most popular clone with increase production, and disease tolerance. For instance, sweet orange rootstock was once the norm until it became the most popular variety—with 467,870 trees budded. evident how susceptible it was to phytophthora. Then, many Other non-orange varieties took a lot of the spots in the top growers switched to sour orange, which had its own ten most grown citrus varieties in Florida. They included problems with citrus tristeza virus. Meyer lemon at the fifth spot with 150,059 trees propagated, Today, HLB tolerance is one of the biggest factors in Star Ruby grapefruit DPI-60 in the sixth spot with 134,489 rootstock preference. It’s likely why US-942, a hybrid of Sunki trees propagated, Key lime SPB-51-12 in the seventh spot mandarin and Flying Dragon, is the most popular rootstock with 118,594 trees propagated, Ray Ruby grapefruit with more than 1.28 million nursery trees budded on the CGIP-103 in the ninth spot with 74,665 trees propagated, and Bearss lemon SPB-341-95-33 in the tenth spot with 71,127 US-942 rootstock. trees propagated. Additionally, Persian lime SPB-7 was the Traditional rootstocks took the next spots. Kuharske Carrizo fourteenth-most popular citrus variety grown in Florida with was second-most popular with 841,448 trees, X-639 was 50,841 trees propagated. A lot of the lemons and limes were third most popular with 678,095 trees, and Swingle for the homeowner/ retail market. was the fourth most popular with 468,558 trees.
PHILLIP RUCKS CITRUS NURSERY, INC. Phillip Rucks, Owner
FloridaAgNews.com
Rootstock trials recently have shown others that have more production with better HLB disease tolerance, such as C-54 and C-146 over US-942. It’s better to spread your risk by planting more than one rootstock.
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CFAN | 5
Columns 11
FOOD SECURITY AMID RISING COSTS
Consumers have likely noticed that prices have been climbing over the past 12 months. Inflation rates have affected the cost of goods and services, and beef is no exception. Amid the uncertain financial situation, one way to help your family keep food costs down is to consider buying beef in bulk, especially by buying directly from ranchers.
13 NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATION NEEDS REVISITED During the summer of 2021, Florida citrus growers raised concerns about nutrient recommendations for Florida’s Best Management Practices being too low for citrus trees in the era of citrus greening. In response, UF/IFAS researchers committed to re-evaluating recommendations based on past and ongoing research. Assistant professor of soil and water science Davie Kadyampakeni’s research will go a long way toward updating those recommendations.
16 SPRING CLEANING IS JUST PART OF OUR PROMISE
There’s no easy way to say this: It’s time to clean up. In between the late spring 90-degree days and the rain-oncea-day months of early summer, there’s a window of time when Adams Cold Storage can focus on staying at the forefront of the economy, safety, and good old-fashioned efficiency. This year, the spring cleaning is going from head to toe and most places in between.
18 HORSE HEALTH TIPS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
As the cooler days wind down, horse owners need to plan for the warmer months of spring and summer. There is not a significant temperature change from season to season in Florida, but insects and allergies definitely increase in the warmer days. Here are a few tips to keep your horses healthy and comfortable during the changing seasons.
30 AUCTIONS CAN TAP INTO EMOTION AND REPUTATION
It doesn’t matter what the product is, the auction method of marketing brings out the value every time, regardless of the situation or location. There is no better way to take advantage of emotion, providence, and the reputation of the owner than with an auction.
Please Join Us…
2022 Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon
Cost is $10.00 per person
for lunch at the W.H. Stuart Center located at 1702 Hwy 17 South, Bartow, FL 33830
Thursday, April 28th • 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Hear from your Polk Delegation on outcomes from the 2022 legislative session
Please reserve your seat by Friday, April 22. Use this QR code to register or contact Lori Kuehl at 863-533-0561, ext. 112 or lorik@pcfb.org. 863-533-0561 • www.PCFB.org • Facebook.com/PolkCountyFarm Bureau 6 | CFAN
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Polk Polk County County Farm Farm Bureau Bureau Protecting & Promoting Protecting & Promoting Polk Agriculture since 1942 Polk Agriculture since 1942 www.pcfb.org www.pcfb.org
Phone: Phone: 863.533.0561 863.533.0561
Member Member Services Services
p r e s i d e n t ’s c o l u m n
Carole McKenzie Carole McKenzie Executive Director Executive Director
Lori Kuehl Lori Kuehl Program Coordinator Program Coordinator
2021-2022 2021-2022 Board Board of of Directors Directors
Leigh Ann Wynn Larry Black Leigh Ann Wynn Larry Black President Charles Counter President Charles Counter DeVane Michael Matteson Kenny DeVane Michael Matteson Kenny Leslie W. Dunson, III Vice-President Leslie W. Dunson, III Vice-President Dean T. Evans Dean Evans Dean T. Evans Dean Evans Ellis Hunt, Jr. Past President Ellis Hunt, Jr. Past President Scarlett Jackson Scarlett Jackson Corby Myers Jack James, Jr. Corby Myers Jack James, Jr. Treasurer Nelson Kirkland Treasurer Nelson Kirkland Lanier Christian P. Spinosa Daniel Christian P. Spinosa Daniel Lanier Ed Lassiter Secretary Ed Lassiter Secretary David Lawson, Jr. Brett Costine David Lawson, Jr. Brett Costine Kyle R. Story YF&R Chair Kyle R. Story YF&R Chair Matt Story Matt Story Scarlett Jackson John W. Strang Scarlett Jackson John W. Strang Women’s Kevin M. Updike Women’s Kevin M. Updike Committee Chair Committee Chair Keith Walter Keith Walter
Location Location 1715 U.S. Hwy 17 South 1715 U.S. Hwy 17 South Bartow, FL 33830 Bartow, FL 33830
Offi Office ce Hours Hours
Monday-Friday Monday-Friday 9 9 a.m. a.m. to to 5 5 p.m. p.m.
Jimmy Jimmy Williams Williams Agency Agency Manager Manager
Bartow Bartow Offi Office ce Agents Agents Phone: 863.533.0561 Phone: 863.533.0561 James James L. L. Moser, Moser, Jr. Jr. Jimmy Jimmy Williams Williams
Haines Haines City City Offi Office ce Agent Agent 203 203 S S Dixie Dixie Drive Drive Phone: Phone: 863.421.4545 863.421.4545 Rhonda Rhonda Ambrose Ambrose Winter Winter Haven Haven Offi Office ce Agents Agents 3039 Cypress Gardens 3039 Cypress Gardens Road Road Phone: Phone: 863.299.3892 863.299.3892 Barry Barry Walker Walker Jason Jason Yates Yates
Greetings! We recently held our Central Florida Ag Deputy Luncheon with great attendance and fellowship. We always appreciate this opportunity to recognize the invaluable service that our Polk ag deputies provide to the agriculture community. We are blessed to have these dedicated deputies looking out for farmers’ and ranchers’ properties and businesses. We hope members will be able to join us for our Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on Thursday, April 28 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Bartow W.H. Stuart Center. Registration is required for this event so please RSVP to Lori Kuehl at 863-533-0561, ext. 112 by April 22. You can also register online via the QR code at right. We are pleased to announce that our Harvest Celebration fundraising event is back in 2022! The venue and format are new and exciting as we will hold the event at the Barn-on-the-Lake in Fort Meade. All farm families and community supporters are invited to join us for great food, entertainment, raffle prizes, kid-friendly yard games, and more! Tickets are now available via PCFB board members, the Bartow office, or purchase online via the QR code at right. The Polk Young Farmer and Rancher Committee has announced the opening of the application process for the 2022 Will Putnam Young Farmer & Rancher Scholarship(s). This scholarship can range from $250 to $500 per recipient for graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing a career in agriculture. The application and required supporting documents list can be viewed at www.pcfb.org. The application and all supporting documents must be submitted to Polk County Farm Bureau by 5 p.m., Friday, May 6. Please call or email Carole McKenzie at 863-533-0561, ext. 111 or carolem@ pcfb.org to receive a copy of the application by email. Farm Bureau Member Benefit Highlight: Farm Bureau Members can receive discounts on Ferrellgas propane. Residential members save 10% off the market rate. All members save 50% off annual tank rental fees. Call: (888) 337-7355 and provide your membership number to receive your discount! We hope to see you at upcoming events! Sincerely,
Calling Calling from from Lake Lake Wales Wales 863.676.3187 863.676.3187
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LEIGH ANN WYNN President, Polk County Farm Bureau CFAN | 7
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CATTLE ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF FLORIDA ECONOMY When people think of cattle, not too many envision Florida as a major producer of livestock. However, Florida has a long history with the cattle industry and is currently ranked number 13 in the U.S. for numbers of cattle. More than 5.4 million acres of Florida land are used for pasture and rangeland. That’s a total of 15.6 percent of the state’s overall land area.
The Economic Impact of Florida Cattle Cattle have a significant presence in Florida’s economy as well as the ecology. In 2021, there were 1.63 million cattle and calves in Florida – about 1.7 percent of the total cattle and calves in the United States. Of those, 929,000 were beef cattle and 111,000 were milk cows. Approximately 450,000 calves are shipped to other states each year. About 2.35 billion pounds of milk were produced in Florida in 2019, averaging out to 20,224 pounds per cow and 1.1 percent of the milk produced in the U.S. Florida’s main cattle-related product, however, is calves. The state produced 2.2 percent of the nation’s calves in 2019, or 810,000. Florida breeders have made great progress when it comes to cultivating superior genetic traits in cattle. Florida breeders are a consistent source of seedstock for commercial herds around the world. Seedstock are cattle generally registered with a documented pedigree and breed association, then used as breeding cattle. Cattle herds are found throughout the state, most
heavily concentrated in Central Florida, including Polk, Osceola, Hardee, Highlands, Desoto, Okeechobee, Glades, and Hendry counties. The cattle industry generates about $985 million annually in Florida while supporting 4,570 jobs (2018 data). The 2017 Census of Agriculture valued cattle and calf sales in Florida at $522 million annually and milk sales at $478 million. It is estimated that the state’s ranching and dairy operations support as much as $1.39 billion in revenue and 6,902 jobs throughout Florida when considering various multiplier effects.
Cattle and the Environment Ranchland in Florida is composed of a mix of improved pastures, unimproved pastures, and native ranges. All three types of land require some degree of management. Ranchers utilize techniques such as controlled grazing and prescribed burning to improve the forage quality for their herds while simultaneously preserving the habitats of native plants and reducing the risk of uncontrollable wildfires.
Improved pastures are those lands that have been planted with an introduced grass that provides a higher forage value for cattle and then carefully managed. Unimproved pastures also are made up of introduced, high-forage grasses, but are not managed for high production. Native ranges are those swaths of land that remain open to native plant communities. All three types of land can be used for grazing cattle and will still support a high degree of biodiversity of native species. Sensitive wetlands also benefit from management by cattle ranchers. In any well-managed pasture, fertilizer use is low and not a significant source of detrimental nutrient runoff. Even in improved pastures that are highly managed, the amount of fertilizer applied per acre is less than that used on other agricultural crops or urban landscapes. The cattle perpetuate the nutrient cycle by consuming the fertilized forage and then depositing those nutrients back into the landscape through their waste, thereby decreasing the need to fertilize those lands. by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida
FEATURE | p e o p l e
Meet the 2022-2023 PCCA Sweetheart
Peyton Chandley Talks About the Beef Industry and Her Goals by ANNABEL ROCHA
E
EIGHTH-GENERATION CATTLE RANCHER Peyton Chandley is proud to represent Polk County as the 2022-2023 Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart. Raised by Barrett and Lori Chandley, the 19-year-old says ranching is in her blood, and she is extremely passionate about conservation and the beef industry. The University of Florida freshman sat down with Central Florida Ag News to discuss her goals as PCCA Sweetheart and the impact she hopes to make through this role. Central Florida Ag News (CFAN): How does it feel to be this year’s PCCA Sweetheart? Chandley: It feels good. I’m very lucky and blessed to be able to do it, and I definitely hope to make my county proud. CFAN: Is this something you’ve always wanted to do? Chandley: I grew up going to the Cattlemen’s 10 | CFAN
Convention pretty much every year since I was 6 months old, so I’ve been watching it and I’ve looked up to the girls who have won in the past. It’s definitely been an idea. I’ve always been passionate about advocating for the beef industry, and now this is my opportunity to do it. CFAN: Who inspired you to join the competition? Chandley: My whole family inspired me. We are very close, and I look up to my entire family because of how far they’ve brought our family business — specifically my grandpa. He’s very
passionate about conserving the environment, not only promoting beef but doing it in a very Christian way. He’s always promoting God. CFAN: Why cattle? What does it mean to you? Chandley: It’s a part of me. I’ve grown up in the cattle industry and I feel like people who don’t grow up seeing the ins and outs of cattle ranching don’t really get to know what it actually is. I think that the way it’s sometimes portrayed in the media isn’t actually reality. Getting to grow up in this atmosphere and making that my way of life has made me realize how much I love it and how important it is to our economy. CFAN: What do you think is the biggest misconception of the beef industry? Chandley: I would say that the biggest misconception is that farmers don’t really care about their FloridaAgNews.com
FOOD SECURITY AMID RISING COSTS
animals. I feel like a lot of people don’t take into consideration the fact that if we didn’t care about the welfare, the health, and the happiness of our animals, then we wouldn’t be able to make a living because our success pretty much depends on the productivity of our cattle. If they weren’t happy, if they weren’t healthy, then they wouldn’t be producing and we wouldn’t be making any money. CFAN: What do you wish more people knew about beef or the cattle industry? Chandley: I wish more people realized how major it is in Florida. For a lot of people, whenever they think of cattle they automatically think of cowboys in Texas or out West, but they don’t really realize that Florida is one of the top producing states for cow and calf operations. There’s a lot to offer here, but also a lot of people are moving here. Urbanization has become a hot spot in Florida, so there’s less and less land. I wish people would realize how much of an issue that is. CFAN: Do you have a favorite part of this lifestyle? Chandley: Being around the cattle and being FloridaAgNews.com
out in the pasture gives me a couple of hours a day to destress. Even though it’s considered work, I don’t really see it as work because I enjoy it so much. CFAN: What do you hope others learn from you as you carry this role as PCCA Sweetheart? Chandley: I hope people will look at me as an inspiration on how to lead in a faithful way. I hope people look at me as a girl who’s very strong in her faith because that’s my biggest priority whenever I want to leave an impression—my values. CFAN: Can you see yourself doing this forever? Chandley: I definitely would want to keep ties with it for the rest of my life. No matter where I end up after college, I would definitely want to keep being involved, and for sure my kids. That’s another reason why I’m so passionate about conservation. I would want my kids and my grandkids to be able to see the same side of Florida that I get to see. ag
CONSUMERS HAVE LIKELY noticed that prices have been climbing over the past 12 months. Inflation rates have been climbing as the world has tried to recover from the global pandemic, affecting prices on both goods and services in the marketplace. Prices on beef have not been excluded from this climb. From October 2020 to October 2021, the cost of beef has risen by 20 percent. Amid the uncertain financial situation, one way to help your family keep food costs down is to consider buying beef in bulk, especially by buying directly from ranchers. While meat prices have risen across the board, beef has taken the biggest jump in prices. One of the basic concepts of economics is supply and demand — how much of a product there is versus how much consumers want the product. In the early days of the pandemic, when restaurants either scaled back operations or closed entirely, demand for beef was low. Meat processing plants decreased their output and ranchers slowed their production and culled their herds. Now, as businesses are reopening and demand is increasing, the supply is low, causing prices to go up. Other issues are adding to increased beef prices. Farmers will take time to build their herds back up to capacity. Many workers who were furloughed from processing plants either found other positions, or simply retired, and the labor shortages have kept production low even though demand is increasing. On top of this, further supply chain issues are raising prices on other related costs, such as feed for cattle or materials for packaging. Each of these adds to the cost of bringing beef to the market, and those costs are passed onto the consumer. The good news is that production is beginning to catch up with demand, meaning that prices will likely begin to normalize. However, with uncertainty in the market, this may be a long, slow decline. Buying bulk beef from a local provider cuts out many of the middlemen and can yield a lower perpound price on quality beef, while also supporting small, local businesses rather than the large national suppliers. Buying in bulk will save you money in the long run and ensure you come out ahead if prices continue to rise. For information about buying in bulk from Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch, visit dh-lr.com/ grass-fed-beef/
by BAXTER TROUTMAN This column is sponsored by Labor Solutions, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers. BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Arcadia, and Plant City. You also can visit his Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch online at www. DH-LR.com. A cattle rancher and citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.
CFAN | 11
FEATURE | e q u i n e
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Re-Home RVR Horse Rescue Helps Horses in Need Get Back on Their Feet by PAUL CATALA, photos by MICHAEL WILSON
O
ONE HORSE HAS a medical condition that leaves it unable to sweat, another is extremely emaciated, while another is learning to rebuild its trust.
finances to properly care for them. Founder Shawn Jayroe, who began rescuing horses in 2004, started RVR in 2011 as “Riverview Horse Rescue” in Riverview. The acronym RVR was retained when the operation moved to
a larger property in Plant City in 2020 to accommodate growth. Julie Dennis, RVR vice president and board of directors member, has been with the nonprofit since 2019. She owns her own rescue horse, a
But the goal is to eventually have each of these horses back in shape, with a loving owner and a new lease on life. That’s the aim of Plant City’s RVR Horse Rescue, a nonprofit organization of volunteers who work to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home horses that have suffered abuse, neglect, or injury. The rescue is made up of more than 100 regular volunteers, with 50 to 75 of them on weekly shifts on RVR’s 26 acres off West State Road 60. There, the volunteers care for 25 to 30 horses rescued from poor living conditions or owners who could no longer properly care for them. During the course of the year, 10 to 20 horses find their new forever homes when they are adopted by owners with the time, means, and 12 | CFAN
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Bolo Hunt, a trainer at RVR Horse Rescue in Plant City, works with Key Largo, a retired thoroughbred racehorse.
5-year-old thoroughbred named Key Largo. Dennis says she and RVR’s volunteer staff work strictly through donations, helping with daily chores such as feeding, cleaning stalls, tending water troughs, dropping Rescue horses Gidget, left, who is recovering from an eye injury, and Mr. T, a senior Arabian who was found severely emaciated and neglected.
hay, horse care, grooming, hand-walking, and “just doing a lot of day-to-day care.” “We’re not just your average horse rescue that takes in any horse that needs a home; we kind of specialize in special needs cases, those that are extremely emaciated, abandoned, and neglected,” she says. Dennis cites some examples of RVR’s efforts, pointing out they work with various law enforcement agencies, local animal control offices, and the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services to find families that own horses and may be struggling through financial hardships so they help them care for the animals or put them up for adoption. There is an RVR animal rescue team of about 20 volunteers who train and learn tactics and techniques for rescuing horses from various properties. Recently, for example, RVR was alerted by officers in Hardee County about a horse roaming a property. The FDACS picked up the horse, quarantined it, and sought an owner. When no one responded, they took the horse to RVR for rehabilitation and adoption. Through financial donations for travel costs, RVR will go statewide as far as necessary to pick up a horse if it’s possible to transport it, depending on its condition. Volunteers recently went to Baker County to pick up a horse from a family struggling financially. “We do have a variety of programs from CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATION NEEDS REVISITED
DURING THE SUMMER OF 2021, Florida citrus growers raised concerns about nutrient recommendations for Florida’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) being too low for citrus trees in the era of citrus greening. In response, UF/IFAS researchers committed to re-evaluating recommendations based on past and ongoing research, and because citrus greening is endemic in the state. UF/IFAS assistant professor of soil and water science Davie Kadyampakeni has been conducting research on macronutrients and micronutrients needs for citrus. This research will lend itself to helping to update UF/ IFAS nutrient recommendations, especially where citrus greening is concerned.
Macronutrients and Micronutrients for Citrus
Macronutrients are those nutrients that are absolutely essential for plant development, and they are generally referred to as “the big three” of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). Macronutrients also affect yield, tree health, and juice quality in citrus. For the most part, citrus growers have been concerned with the macronutrient needs of their citrus groves. Micronutrients like manganese, boron, zinc, and iron are also important, but they have not had the focus that the ‘big three’ macronutrients have had in the pre-citrus greening era. However, researchers and growers alike are learning that micronutrients for citrus can play an important role in combating the effects of the citrus greening disease. Kadyampakeni’s research on both macronutrients and micronutrients in citrus will be useful in shaping recommendations for citrus growers. Kadyampakeni has shared that the research has shown “tremendous success where we have increased the amounts of micronutrients over current recommendations.” His research has been ongoing, and results have supported the need for “balanced and constant nutrition” for citrus greening-infected trees. He notes, “We should give these trees as much as they need in small amounts over time.” Nutrient recommendations will identify the exact levels of macronutrients and micronutrients growers should utilize to have the healthiest and most productive citrus trees possible. The research will eventually yield recommendations for citrus growers for mitigating citrus greening-created stressors, like lower root mass, less canopy, and trees not being able to take up enough nutrients from the soil and water. Citrus greening has changed the shape of the Florida citrus industry, and nutrient recommendations will change as well.
by MIKE ROBERTS This column is sponsored by Griffin Fertilizer Co., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers. BIO: Mike Roberts is the Vice President of the Frostproof, Florida-based Griffin Fertilizer Co. Roberts joined the company in November 2011. He has spent the majority of his career in the fertilizer/agchem industry. Roberts earned a Bachelor of Science degree in citrus production from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. For more information, visit griffinfertilizer.com.
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FEATURE | e d i t i o n
HOLDING STEADY Polk County Cattle Industry Doing Well Despite Challenges With Growth, Inflation by PAUL CATALA
E
EVEN THOUGH THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CATTLE in inventory throughout the United States and Florida was down in 2021, the industry has been holding steady throughout Polk County. According to a United States Department of Agriculture, cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1 totaled 92 million head, 2 percent below the 93.8 million head on January 1, 2021. Statewide cattle inventory decreased 4 percent from the previous year to 1.63 million head — cows, calves, and bulls — from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2022. Florida ranked 10th in beef cows on January 1, 2021, with an inventory of 929,000 — that’s 3 percent of the U.S. total, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
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There are approximately 15,000 beef producers across the state tending to Florida’s cattle, resulting in cash receipts from cattle and calf sales of more than $502 million annually over the past five years. The primary livestock enterprise in Polk County is commercial beef cattle. Last year, the county was fourth in production behind Okeechobee (175,000), Highlands (120,000) and Osceola (97,000) and ahead of Hardee (70,000). And according to the UF/IFAS Extension Office, for 2021 and so far through 2022, the coun-
ty’s cattle numbers are a combined 91,000 for all cattle and calves — nearly 95 percent of total livestock numbers in Polk County. Some of the largest cow-calf operations in the United States are in Polk County, and four of the nation’s top 10 cow-calf operations are in Florida. More than 97 percent of U.S. beef cattle ranches are family-owned, with about two-thirds of them under the same family ownership for two generations or more. One of those families is Dave Tomkow, who along with his brother, Mike, owns Lakeland’s Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction. Now 60, Tomkow is a Lakeland native who also runs a cow-calf operation. During his lifetime, he’s personally seen Polk County range and pasture acreage continue to decrease because of increasing urban development and sprawl. He
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The supply might shrink, but we’re looking at better ways to raise numbers. Numbers have dropped, but pounds of beef might not have. Prices continue to decrease due to supply being down, but that goes in 10-year cycles. The market is coming up due to decreases in cattle numbers. I believe we’re stable. — Cliff Coddington, president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association
said that’s been the biggest cause of declining Polk County cattle numbers on farms, not lack of interest or need. “Where there used to be cows, now there are houses. That’s the biggest cause of declining cattle numbers. Cow pastures are now worth more for homes than cows,” he laments. Overall, Polk County’s cattle numbers remain steady, says Tomkow. He says he’s not sure how the pandemic has affected the market, but it has been better over the past six to eight months due to supply-and-demand issues – there aren’t as many cattle on ranges nationwide. Tomkow sees the real money-makers currently in the industry are the packing houses that make $400 to $1,000 per head. He says that doesn’t trickle down to producers. Additionally, the costs
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of fertilizer and supplies have gone up. “As far as trends, I personally think (the market) is going to get stronger because the supply is down and the demand is high. I think that makes the market strong,” he says, “I don’t see a whole lot of change, but I do think the market will continue to improve.” Another longtime cattleman, Cliff Coddington, president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) since June 2021, says the state of the 2021 cattle year and 2022 to-date is in general “well” despite the rapid loss of cattle land to development in Polk County and statewide. A sixth-generation cattleman from Manatee County, Coddington has been with the FCA for 42 years and manages Longino Ranch, a 10,000acre, 1,000-head pasture in Sidell. He also has a family ranch of about 250 acres and 60 head in east Myakka in Manatee County. Although cattle prices are on the rise due to inflation and costs for trucks, equipment, and diesel fuel have gone up, Coddington says in Polk and other cattle counties, cattle numbers are staying up due to ranching innovations and new revenue streams such as Fresh From Florida, which sells directly from farms to consumers. “The supply might shrink, but we’re looking at better ways to raise numbers. Numbers have dropped, but pounds of beef might not have,” he says. “Prices continue to decrease due to supply being down, but that goes in 10-year cycles. The market is coming up due to decreases in cattle
numbers. I believe we’re stable.” That stability can also be attributed to land-use conversions, says Bridget Stice, UF/IFAS livestock extension agent IV for Polk County and interim for DeSoto County. She says land once being used to grow citrus is now being converted either to housing or pasture land for grazing livestock. Additionally, the Polk County cattle industry is working with new technology to maintain and build its cattle industry, according to UF/IFAS, including: • Reproductive technologies in pregnancy diagnosis, calving monitoring, and genetic profiling • Electronic animal identification software to help manage and track individual animal activity and performance • Unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor herd activity and pasture conditions. Stice says Polk County’s cattle industry plays a key role “not just as a food source or even an economic driver, but as a protector of our most important resources in land and water.” “Polk County cattle ranchers implement management practices that not only make economic sense but encourage native plant and wildlife populations, Aquifer recharge, carbon sequestration, and so much more that protect the precious and shrinking green spaces of Polk County,” she says. “Cattle ranchers allow us to keep these lands in their natural state while also being productive.” ag
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SPRING CLEANING IS JUST PART OF OUR PROMISE WELL, THERE’S NO EASY WAY to say this: It’s time to clean up. In between the late spring 90-degree days and the rain-once-a-day months of early summer, there’s a window of time where we can focus on keeping Adams Cold Storage at the forefront of the economy, safety, and good old-fashioned efficiency. Granted, those three things aren’t the sexiest things to write about, but — and I’m sure you know this — everyday life isn’t always sexy. This year, the spring cleaning is going from head to toe and most places in between. It starts with the roof. We’ll get the high scissor boom and inspect every inch of the roof of our 250,000 square feet of roof. If it needs a little TLC, we’ll give it. After the inspection, we’re going to wash it. We don’t do this because it’s filthy — but it has been sitting in the Florida sun and wind and rain for a year or so, and a thorough scrub will get it back to its original showroom white. A white roof that reflects the sunlight can save us a couple hundred dollars a day. It’s the little things. Next, we’ll go to the motor room and inspect the units, piece by piece. We’ll check the grounds to make sure each one is bolted down tight — extra movement lowers their efficiency. We’ll check our high voltage panels to ensure they are properly grounded and working correctly; the Florida summers make them work constantly and run hard. We’ll inspect our soft starters and compressors and rebuild the engines that run the whole shebang to make sure we can maintain a two-times redundancy to protect the products we store. All of these things make the workplace safer. Next, we’ll inspect and replace things like our surge protectors and even add more computers that run the software that keeps everything moving in the right direction. It’s another layer of redundancy that keeps us running efficiently. I know it sounds trite, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sometimes “trite” is also true. These little things we do every year are not just so we can check off an imaginary spring cleaning Box. These real steps we take help our clients know they can trust us with their precious cargo as it makes its way to you. by BEN ADAMS, JR.
Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
FROM THE DESK OF
Dr. Angle
J. Scott Angle jangle@ufl.edu @IFAS_VP
Learning From the Fathers TREY WARNOCK says University of Florida animal sciences majors don’t realize the “breathtaking” amount of opportunity that lies before them. He knows this because he didn’t realize it either when he entered UF as a graduate of Plant City High School and Hillsborough Community College. People in the UF/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Animal Sciences Department took the time to show him, and he calls them the “fathers” of his career today as a cattle futures trader. Jesse Savell didn’t have to hire an undergrad with no cattle experience, the son of a banker and a pastor, to work at the UF/IFAS Beef Teaching Unit 15 years ago. Todd Thrift didn’t have to invite him to study under him as a graduate student before he’d even seen his transcript. Longtime UF/IFAS faculty member and former Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Roger West didn’t have to let him on his ranch and work his animals just because Sam Tripson, a real budding cattleman, decided to bring his buddy along. Sam was the ultimate father of Trey’s career because he was only trying to be a brother. They met in a UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences economics class as freshmen and then bonded when they rushed the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity together. Sam was a lot of things Trey was not:
extroverted, funny, and so welcoming that before long he was bringing Trey home to Vero Beach to become part of his family, which meant working the ranch his family had run for generations. It’s one of the places Warnock learned to love working animals. Trey and Sam eventually piled into a pickup truck, drove all night to Texas, and lived together in a barn there for a semester while they worked an internship on a ranch. In short, Sam was responsible for Trey’s conception of the cattle business as an adventure, a buddy movie, a family affair. The Warnocks and Tripsons became so connected that Trey’s father, the pastor, officiated at Sam’s wedding. Then, sadly, in 2015, he also helped administer the rites at Sam’s funeral. Trey lives in Amarillo, Texas, today, but his parents are still in Plant City. His mother Pam serves on the Florida Strawberry Festival board. One of Trey’s “fathers” called him last year with yet another opportunity. Savell suggested that the AGR fraternity memorialize Sam by raising the money to put his name on the Beef Teaching Unit porch. Trey said his response was, “I’ll get in the middle of that yesterday.” In fact, Trey was the middle, the sides, and the top. Working with another AGR brother, John Hooker, who was then with the UF/IFAS Advancement office, Trey helped create an endowment. Sam’s name is now the first thing a CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
This column is sponsored by Adams Cold Storage, LLC, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers. BIO: Ben Adams, Jr. is an owner and president of Adams Cold Storage, LLC, in Auburndale. He has been directly involved in citrus production, warehousing and distribution, as well as state and community support, since 1980. His facility incorporates some 250,000 square feet of multitemperature warehousing, and is AA rated by BRCGS.
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Tripson and Warnock
Trey Warnock
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HORSE HEALTH TIPS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
AS THE COOLER DAYS wind down, horse owners need to plan for the warmer months of spring and summer. There is not a significant temperature change from season to season in Florida, but insects and allergies definitely increase in the warmer days. Here are a few tips to keep your horses healthy and comfortable during the changing seasons.
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Re-Home continued from page 13
Dry Hoofs
Spring brings rain, which means your horse may be spending more time standing on wet ground. Daily hoof cleaning is the best way to avoid thrush, a common bacterial infection that tends to increase with wet ground or stalls. Giving your horse a clean, dry stall to spend time in will help the hooves dry out.
Limit Pasture Grazing
Spring rain also means that the grass will start growing at an accelerated rate. To better acclimate your horses to the fresh grass, gradually increase the amount of time your horse is out on pasture. Horses that are continuously on pasture will adjust on their own if kept in the same pasture. If your horse has not been out on pasture or you are switching pastures, adding an hour turnout every 3-4 days is a good rule of thumb to follow. Continue to feed them hay for the first few weeks of spring as they adjust.
Vet Checkups
Schedule a veterinary appointment in the spring for vaccinations to protect against mosquito-transmitted viruses, dental exams, and a deworming plan. Skin and bug allergies are very common in the summer. Treating at the first signs of a problem makes the issue easier to treat and keeps your horse comfortable.
Fresh Water
A horse may drink more than 10 gallons of water a day, so having a source of fresh, clean water is a must. A horse can quickly become dehydrated, lethargic, and sick without enough water. Check your water trough every day to ensure it is clean and full.
Fly/Sun Relief
If your horse is sensitive to flies, removing the dirt/ sweat with a water rinse each day will remove scents that attract them. You can also use a lightweight mesh sheet and a fly mask, which also can work as sun barriers to protect their skin. Applying sunblock is also an excellent way to protect sensitive areas.
Overexertion
Strenuous exercise in extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion for your horse and rapid dehydration. Schedule rides for the early morning or evening when it has cooled by DR. KATIE HENNESSY down. This column is sponsored by Polk Equine, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers. BIO: Dr. Katie Hennessy graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 with a degree in large animal health and equine medicine. She completed an advanced internship at The Equine Medical Center of Ocala and is currently the owner and practicing veterinarian at Polk Equine. Her expertise ranges from small and exotic creatures to large animals, specializing in equine medicine.
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Bolo Hunt, a trainer at RVR Horse Rescue, praises Key Largo, a retired thoroughbred racehorse, after a training session.
that side of it. Getting the horse into a new home as quickly as possible is the goal,” Dennis says. The average stay for a horse at RVR varies, she says. She says some horses need up to six to eight weeks of stall rest and require a veterinarian’s clearance before they’re listed on the group’s website and social media for adoption. “Some are in extremely rough shape. Mr. T, for example, was a horse who spent a year at our facility. When they come in extremely emaciated, it’s a long process. You have to slowly feed them with a special program to put the weight back on,” she explains. Other horses that come in are often thoroughbred racing horses. RVR is accredited with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a Lexington, Kentucky-based nonprofit. It accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved after-care organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. RVR offers rehabilitation programs and works with racetracks to take in horses in
need after their race days are over. “Once they retire from the track, they need rest and recovery. But once rehabbed, they can be adopted out to homes,” says Dennis. “Then we find them a second career — a new home where they can hopefully relax as a trail rider with a new family.” After they’re taken in, horses are evaluated and treated based on their situations. Dennis says regardless of their body condition, volunteers have an intake list of what to evaluate and then Zephyrhills-based veterinarians on-site do a checkup, going through a physical for each horse that comes in. The veterinarians include Dr. Cindy Daniels, who does dental work, and Dr. Nancy Lee Bielawski, who can do acupuncture and specializes in treating horses with sweat issues. They are compensated but work with RVR to make treatments affordable and “are wonderful in working with us on the financial side,” adds Dennis. Among the RVR services, all horses get a proper Coggins blood test, vaccinations, a thorough cleaning, and deworming. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
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An emergency is still an emergency. Even during this emergency. Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from getting emergency treatment. Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency. Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes— could be harmful. That’s why in all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated in a separate area. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait.
For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org FloridaAgNews.com 21-1504608-0521
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A P R I L — M AY 2022 C A L E N D OCTOBER 21, 2021 – MAY 5, 2022 POLK COUNTY VISITOR CENTER FLEA AND FARMERS MARKET
Every Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Central Florida Visitor Information Center (CFVIC) in Davenport hosts a Flea and Farmers Market. Lots of vendors will be on hand offering fresh, local produce, beautiful arts and crafts, unique jewelry, home goods, and more. This is a great way for visitors to get a taste of genuine Florida fare while picking up discounted attraction tickets and souvenirs. CFVIC is located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport. If you need more information or would like to become a vendor, please contact Dennis Budde at (863) 4202586 or email Dennis@visitcentralflorida.org.
APRIL 9 AND 23, MAY 14 AND 28 DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET IN LAKE WALES
The Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market is sponsored by Lake Wales Main Street and takes place every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 20 N Market St in Lake Wales. This producer-only market specializes in locally grown, pesticide-free produce and plants, baked goods, local honey, Florida grove pepper sauces, cheeses, award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs, homemade jams and jellies, natural pet treats, plus a ton of crafts, clothing, and jewelry. For more information, you can contact Lynn Greenfield at (863) 676-8782 or visit www.lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market.
APRIL 22 CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH ASTRONOMY
Bok Tower Gardens offers the opportunity to see the Earth from a different perspective. Study the stars and planets safely on a flat-screen monitor at the Outdoor Kitchen between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is included for free with the price of general admission or membership. Bok Tower Gardens is located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales. For more information, please go to www.boktowergardens.org.
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APRIL 30 SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO
APRIL 22 • ETHNOBOTANY OF BOK TOWER GARDENS
Discover ethnobotany – the study of how people use plants – firsthand during this hike through beautiful Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales. Your guide will regale you with the stories behind many of the plants you’ll encounter, and how people have used those plants throughout history. The one-hour hike begins promptly at 11 a.m. Registration is required. To register, purchase tickets to Bok Tower Gardens, or find more information, please visit www.boktowergardens.org.
This fun, family-friendly rodeo takes place every Saturday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, located at 3200 River Ranch Blvd in River Ranch. Enjoy the antics of cowpokes and bronco busters as they show off their skills trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more. Kids are invited into the rodeo arena toward the end of the night to participate in a real “calf scramble.” Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 – 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, please visit www.westgateresorts.com.
APRIL 23 – 24 BROOKSVILLE BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Twenty years ago there was no commercial blueberry production in Florida – now we are eighth in the nation in producing blueberries! Celebrate this tasty success story in style with live music, craft beer, delicious food concessions, and – of course – blueberry everything. The festivities will be held at 205 Fort Dade Ave. in downtown Brooksville. For more information, please visit www.brooksvilleblueberryfestival.com.
MAY 4 • SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SMALL FARMER NETWORK SPRING MEETING
Don’t miss the Spring meeting of the SWFL Small Farmer Network. The event is Wednesday, May 4 from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at Story Companies, 2050 80 Foot Road, Bartow, FL, 33830. Take a farmer-led tour of Story Companies’ citrus operation in Bartow. UF/IFAS Extension presentations on member-selected topics that include, but are not limited to: citrus production in a citrus greening era, best management practices, the CUPS technology, marketing citrus, and financing available. UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting lunch. Registration is open at no cost. GO to 2022springswflsfn.eventbrite.com
APRIL 29 – 30 • GRILLS GONE WILD & CAR SHOW
Davenport’s annual celebration of BBQ will take place at the Tom Fellows Community Center, located at 207 North Blvd W in Davenport from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday. There will be live music, vendors, and fantastic food. For more information, please contact Josh Hicks at jhicks@mydavenport.org or (863) 588-1130 ext. 149.
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AR MAY 8 MOTHER’S DAY AT THE GARDENS
Treat Mom to a day out surrounded by nature by visiting Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales, on Mother’s Day. Carillon Concerts will ring through the Gardens at 1 and 3 p.m. Admission is free for all mothers on this day. For more information, please visit www. boktowergardens.org.
APRIL 14 • PUPS & PINTS
Every second Thursday of the month you can take your favorite canine with you to enjoy a large selection of beer and enter a raffle to win a gift basket. Sponsored by Orchid Springs Animal Hospital and held at Union Taproom, located at 245 W Central Ave #102 in Winter Haven, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Call (863) 268-4921 for more information.
MAY 12 – 15 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION
Spectators can watch this equestrian show for free at Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, located at 4800 US Hwy 301N. in Tampa, taking place from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CFHJA is dedicated to fostering the breeding, use, and showing of hunters and jumpers. If you are interested in joining this organization, please visit their website at www.cfhja.com.
MAY 14 • ROCK FOR PAWS
Come rock out with Smokepoint as they play classic and contemporary pop and rock hits! This is a benefit for SPCA Florida’s Emergency Response Team, which is dedicated to providing necessary care for animals in need throughout Polk County and surrounding areas. The party will take place at Nora Mayo Hall, located at 500 3rd St. NW in Winter Haven from 7 – 10 p.m. Tickets start at $2 and can be purchased online by visiting www.spcaflorida.org/rock-forpaws.
MAY 21 ARMED FORCES DAY IN THE GARDENS
Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales, is offering free admission for all military veterans and active-duty members of the armed forces who bring their valid ID. The Gardens are open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can learn more about this historic sanctuary at www. boktowergardens.org.
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FEATURE | e v e n t
Dream in Progress
With a Decade of Experience Under Her Belt, Teen Sets Her Sights on the Future by TERESA SCHIFFER, photos provided by AMANDA SHIVER
F
FOR MANY IN THE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY, big dreams start small. For Kyleigh Criswell, the dream started when she was 3 years old. Kyleigh, now an eighth-grader at Dundee Ridge Middle School, recently won honors at the Florida State Fair for her Grand Champion Bull. The aspiring young rancher is just 13 years old and already has a decade of experience under her belt. “I’ve just always loved being around animals,” the Lake Wales teen explains. “I like to go out after school and take care of them. I wasn’t able to have a dog because I spent so much time with the cows, so they are like my dog or my cat or anyone else’s pet.” Kyleigh’s mother, Amanda Shiver, shared her recollections of how her young daughter became involved with agriculture and showmanship at
such an early age. “My niece and nephew showed Brangus when they were in middle school and high school, so Kyleigh was just around it since she was small,” Shiver says. “That’s how she really got started in it. She just loved animals.” Kyleigh was so enamored with the cows her cousins in FFA were working with that her family coordinated to help her get involved with raising and showing them herself. “She started doing the pee wee shows and has been showing ever since,” Shiver says. Kyleigh’s dedication to her animals is evident in the time she invests in them on a daily basis. She is involved in every aspect of raising cattle.
“Every day, Kyleigh goes out and feeds her cows. She walks them, brushes them, and spends several hours a day with them to train them how to show,” her mother says. “She’s involved in breeding her cattle and all of that. Then, when the calf is born, she automatically starts working with it to get the calf used to her.” The support of her family has been integral to fostering Kyleigh’s passion and encouraging her success in raising and showing livestock. Shiver, who juggles a busy schedule as a nurse, is sure to make time to ensure that Kyleigh has the resources she needs to pursue her agricultural interests. She’s proud of her daughter’s efforts and impressed by how much she has learned to do with the cows through her own diligence. Shiver’s sister, Jennifer Williams, played a major role in helping develop Kyleigh’s skills. CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
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a d i r Flo
ag-recpdate U
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
myfwc.com/news/all-news/bear-322
Spring Tips to Reduce Conflict With Bears WITH SPRING BRINGING warmer weather, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds residents and visitors that bears are becoming more active. You can help prevent potential negative interactions with bears and other wildlife by removing food attractants and following other BearWise® practices. During spring, bears become more active in search of things to eat. Female bears are also beginning to travel with their cubs and teaching them where to forage for food. “Bears will take advantage of easy meals, such as unsecured garbage, pet food or bird seed,” says the FWC’s Bear Management Program Coordinator, David Telesco. “If bears don’t find a food source in the neighborhood, they’ll move on.” Follow the six BearWise Basics to avoid attracting bears to your neighborhood and help prevent conflicts: 1. Never feed or approach bears • Feeding bears can make them lose their natural fear of people. • It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause conflicts. • Getting close to a wild animal is dangerous. 2. Secure food and garbage • Store garbage in a sturdy shed or garage and then
SHOWTIMES: Sat Satand&Sun Sun Noon and 1 pm
put it out on the morning of pickup rather than the night before. • If not stored in a secured building, modify your existing garbage can to make it more bearresistant or use a bear-resistant container. • Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters. • Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing. • Pick ripe fruit from trees and bushes and remove fallen fruit from the ground. 3. Remove or secure bird and wildlife feeders • Remove wildlife feeders. • If wildlife feeders are left up, only put enough food out for wildlife to finish eating before dark and make feeders bear-resistant. 4. Never leave pet food outdoors • Feed pets indoors. • If feeding pets outdoors, only put food outside for short time periods and bring in leftover food and dishes after each feeding. 5. Clean and store grills • Clean and degrease grills and smokers after each use. • If mobile, store them in a secure shed or garage. 6. Alert neighbors to bear activity • If you see a bear, let your neighbors know.
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• Share tips on how to avoid conflicts with bears. • Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure. While black bears generally are not aggressive, they have injured people in Florida. Dogs can trigger defensive behaviors from bears, especially females with cubs. When walking dogs, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings. Before letting your dog out at night, flip lights on and off and bang on the door to give bears and other wildlife a chance to flee. As bears increase their movements this time of year, they also increase the number of roads they cross. For the safety of yourself and bears, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signs identifying bear crossing areas. Each year in Florida, an average of 250 bears are killed after being hit by vehicles. Having conflicts with bears? Call one of the FWC’s five regional offices. Go to MyFWC.com/Contact, and click on “Contact Regional Offices” to find the phone number for your region. If you want to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). ag Over 40 years of local jobs and vendors in the community
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CFAN | 23
AGRISHOPPER SHOPPER
Essentials for Horse Grooming by GRACE HIRDES
Grooming is something all riders, new or experienced, should do in order to inspect and clean their horse on a regular basis. Grooming ensures the health and happiness of their horse while also helping the horse feel relaxed and comfortable. A horse is a large animal and can’t be groomed like a dog, so this can be an overwhelming task and you might not know where to begin. We’ve put together a list of some of the essentials you’ll need to groom your horse and how to use them.
1. Curry comb The curry comb is a short-toothed horse grooming comb made with rubber or plastic that is used to rub or “curry” the horse to loosen hair, dirt, and other particles as well as stimulate the skin for healthy blood flow and the production of natural oils. This can be used all over the horse’s body except the legs and head.
2. Stiff brush A stiff brush is a horse grooming brush that has long, stiff bristles in order to remove the dirt, hair, and other debris that have been brought up by the curry comb. This brush is also used all over the horse’s body but not on the legs or the head. 3. Soft brush The soft brush is used with long, sweeping strokes to smooth the coat and bring natural oils to the surface. These brushes are used all over the horse’s body, but you may consider getting smaller brushes to carefully tend to the face. 4. Metal curry comb These are similar to the plastic combs but are made for a tougher finish to remove debris from brushes by moving the comb’s bristles across the teeth.
24 | CFAN
5. Mane brush or comb A mane brush and comb are used as their name states to groom a horse’s mane to remove any tangles, matting, or even just to style it. The comb is used on shorter manes, while the longer lengths will need the brush.
6. Sponge This is used to clean the delicate areas of a horse, specifically around the eyes, nose, ears, and lips. A separate sponge is also used to wipe down the dock and groin. Simply dampen the sponge and apply it to the designated area. 7. Stable rubber This is similar to a grooming towel and is used all over the horse’s body to give the coat a final polish after grooming. It can also be used to remove any sweat or to dry the coat after a ride.
First, you’ll want to tie up your horse. Next, clean your horse’s hooves and curry your horse. Then, using your brushes, use short flicking motions to whisk away any debris from the coat. Then, using the soft brush, use long sweeping strokes to smooth down the hairs. Next, use the sponge to gently wipe around the eyes, ears, and muzzle, then use the stable rubber to dry and wipe them down. Lastly, comb through the mane and tail using either the brush or comb, depending on the length of the horse’s mane. Now your horse should be properly groomed. Once you’ve gotten the hang of grooming, you’ll have a well-groomed horse that’s healthy, relaxed, and ready for a good riding session. ag
8. Hoof pick This hooked tool has a handle and is used to remove dirt, mud, and stones that get packed into a horse’s hoof. All four hooves should be cleaned before and after riding. Each tool is designed for a specific purpose, and it’s important to know what they are so that you can use them correctly. Here are some step-by-step instructions on how to properly groom your horse. FloridaAgNews.com
Dream in Progress continued from page 22
Williams was at Kyleigh’s side as she learned to tag cattle and pierce a bull’s nose while Shiver was attending nursing school. Shiver is a firm believer in the agricultural lifestyle for children. “It’s had a huge impact on her,” Shiver says. “She’s way more mature than a regular 13-yearold. Her work ethic surpasses a 20-year-old’s. Most people these days don’t want to work, and this child puts in 100 percent every single day.” Kyleigh agrees, saying, “I’ve definitely learned responsibility. Raising cattle for show, it’s not something where if you have something to do, you can just put it off until tomorrow. You have to do it when you need to. It teaches time management.” The hard work the teen puts in benefits the animals, too, forming close bonds between her and the cows. “They’re really sweet,” Kyleigh says. “They have emotions themselves. So if you go out there upset or crying, they’ll come over to you and start licking you. They’ll try to cheer you up.” Kyleigh takes great pride in her work with livestock. “I have some cattle that I have bred that I’ve raised, and they continuously have good comments said about them at the shows by the judges and by other people. That’s important to me. Especially after they’re done showing, that they can go out and produce good calves.” She encourages other youth to get involved with agriculture whenever possible. “I think that if you can do it, that it is definitely something that you should do because these animals end up being your best friends,” Kyleigh says. “Even if it’s something small, like a chicken or a rabbit or a goat that you keep at someone else’s land, it just teaches you so much.” And Kyleigh doesn’t plan on quitting the cows anytime soon. “I plan to go to college and become a large animal veterinarian, and I would like to have a ranch of registered and commercial Brangus cattle.” Her mother says that’s a dream she’s been working on since she was little. “She’s always wanted to be a large animal vet,” Shiver says. “Hopefully, she follows her dream. FloridaAgNews.com
But I think her biggest dream is to have her own ranch one day. My hope for her is to follow her heart.” Kyleigh’s enthusiasm is contagious, and she looks forward to a time when she is able to share what she has learned with the next generation of
ranchers and students. “I’m excited to be able to pass on what I know to the younger generation when I’m older and have learned more. That way everyone can learn something.” ag
CFAN | 25
Recipe Spotlight Craving Beef? Let’s Get Saucy! by CAROL CORLEY
B
BEEF IS A FAVORITE dinner mainstay for countless people, particularly when the weather is nice and it’s time to fire up the grill. In addition, beef roasts and steaks have long been considered a classy entrée to serve for special occasions. Fresh lean beef is also believed to be healthy, being mindful of fat content. In addition to 26% protein, it contains many important vitamins and minerals. Nutrition and flavor are the primary reasons beef is one of the most popular meats in America. And nothing enhances the experience of a good beef dinner more than a tasty sauce. When diners are looking to add even more flavor and moisture, they often turn to sauces. Since beef is the first choice by most Americans for barbecues, let’s start with a look at sauces that will enhance but not overpower the meat. We’ll start with a Southern barbecue sauce, then turn it up a notch with a more aggressive version. Finally, we’ll take a look at some classic steak and roast sauces, to be followed by a light and easy chocolate dessert to end the meal. ag
26 | CFAN
SOUTHERN BARBECUED BEEF TIPS
(Adapted from food.com)
Ingredients Sirloin, 1 pound cut into cubes Onion, 1 medium, chopped Vinegar, 1 tablespoon, distilled, white Ketchup, 1/3 cup Brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Prepared mustard, 1 tablespoon Salt and pepper to taste Butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 tablespoon Directions Sauté onion in butter until tender then add meat and cook until browned. When ready, add mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and salt and pepper. On low heat, simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over rice, or on a bun.
BARBECUED BEEF
(Adapted from allrecipes.com) Ingredients Boneless chuck roast, 4 pounds Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons Liquid smoke flavoring, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons Vinegar, 1/4 cup red wine Ketchup, 1 cup Brown sugar, 1/3 cup Garlic powder, 1/3 teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste Directions In a slow cooker, place chuck roast and pour over it a mixture of the flavorings. Cook covered on low heat for 8-10 hours. Remove from the cooker, shred with a fork, return to the cooker, and stir so all meat is covered with sauce. Cook another hour then serve on buns.
FloridaAgNews.com
STEAK WITH MUSTARD CAPER SAUCE
(Adapted from myrecipes.com)
Ingredients Beef tenderloin, 4 steaks of 4-oz each Beef broth Wine, 1/3 cup dry red Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon
Butter, 1 tablespoon Capers, 2 tablespoons Salt and pepper to taste Parsley sprigs Cooking spray
Directions In a large non-stick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook steaks over medium heat until browned, about 3 minutes on each side. Reduce heat to medium-low heat and cook another 1-1/2 minutes on each side, or until done to satisfaction. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper and keep warm on a platter. To the pan, add broth, wine, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and cook for 30 seconds, whisking. Remove from heat, add capers and butter, stirring until butter melts, and serve over steaks, with parsley sprigs for decoration.
PRIME RIB WITH HORSERADISH SAUCE
(Adapted tasteofhome.com)
Ingredients Roast: Beef rib roast, bone-in, 4-6 pounds Olive oil, 1 tablespoon Pepper, ground to taste
Sauce: Prepared horseradish, 4 tablespoons or to taste Pepper, ground to taste Worcestershire sauce, 1/8 teaspoon Sour cream, 1 cup
Directions Place beef roast fat-side up in a shallow roasting pan and bake for 15 minutes in an oven preheated to 450F. Then bake another 2-3/4 hours at reduced heat of 325F, until the desired doneness checked with a thermometer. Baste with pan drippings every 20-30 minutes. The roast will be rare if 135F, to mediumwell at 145F. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing. While the roast is resting, combine sauce ingredients and serve with the beef.
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In The Heartland
Highlands County
Ag Angels Creates Trade School Scholarship to Provide Opportunities
F
by TERESA SCHIFFER
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, Scott Kirouac experienced a life-altering moment. He was visiting his grandson’s elementary school when he noticed a little girl who was wearing an unwashed dress and shoes patched with duct tape. It was near the holidays, and a school employee had mentioned that the girl, like many others, would probably have nothing to look forward to on Christmas morning. Kirouac was moved by what he heard, and Ag Angels was born. He donated $500 to Woodlawn Elementary School that year for school staff to purchase gifts for disadvantaged students. The following year, Kirouac got some of his agricultural friends to contribute, too, and the amount donated grew to $1,200. Every year, Kirouac has been able to collect ever more contributions from anonymous
Scott Kirouac
28 | CFAN
donors for his gift-giving program, which quickly spread throughout the public schools of Highlands and Hardee counties. “It just continues to break records every year,” Kirouac says of the generosity of his donors. “This past year we raised a little bit over $119,000 in 50 days.” Kirouac recently found himself the custodian of a superabundance of funds, well more than what was needed to distribute gifts to needy children in the area. That’s when inspiration struck again. “Ag Angels is not an organization that wants to build a bank balance,” Kirouac explains of the philanthropic philosophy behind his organization. “We want to put this money to work. Ag Angels is a 100 percent pass-through charity. We’re just a conduit for funding. One hundred percent of what comes in will go back out. That being said, with the outpouring of support and the extra money we raised, one of the things I feel that we have a need for in our state, and our nation, is we have a lack of trade-educated people coming into the workforce.” The Ag Angels Trade School Scholarship was quickly established to provide the opportunity for graduating high school students to attend a vocational training program, regardless of their financial situation. This enables these students to earn certifications that will propel them into the working world as qualified, skilled employees. The scholarship is available to students who attend Avon Park High School, Sebring High School, Lake Placid High School, or Hardee
High School. One scholarship will be awarded to a student from each of these schools. Each scholarship has a value of $4,500 - $7,500, enough to fund the full cost of tuition for a trade program of the student’s choice. To qualify for the scholarship, a student needs a recommendation from a teacher or school staff member, plus a grade-point average of 2.0 or higher. After the student submits an application, an interview will be conducted. The students chosen to receive scholarships must then attend a six- to CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
FloridaAgNews.com
AUCTIONS CAN TAP INTO EMOTION AND REPUTATION WE HAD A VERY SUCCESSFUL AUCTION last week for the University of Missouri with a large number of buyers online as well as in person at the university. We received double the price anticipated. This is a great example for anyone who has been holding their assets for a long time. If you want to get top dollar, now is the time to pull the trigger! While in Missouri, I went to the personal property auction of a gentleman I had gone to school with. It was a cold, blustery day. It was 30 degrees, and the wind was blowing about 20 mph, which would lead you to think that there would not be many people there, but there were about 200 people with bid numbers. The price received was incredible, probably 150 to 200% more than it would bring in Florida. This never ceases to amaze me. The seller was well known in the area for his knowledge of values. He was well respected as a good neighbor and a person who would help in any situation. As an example, I bought an item that in my 62 years I have never seen, let alone sold. It was a cast-iron pressure cooker made in England between 1885 and 1895 in great condition. I bought it not because I needed one, but like most of the people bidding, I wanted to support the family. It is called giving back for a life well lived with honesty and integrity. Why did I tell this story? It doesn’t matter what the product is, the auction method of marketing brings out the value every time, regardless of the situation or location. There is no better way to take advantage of emotion, providence, and reputation of the owner than at an auction. Make no mistake, if the owner was not a good neighbor or was dishonest, that would be reflected in prices as well. Summer is off to a good start with sales coming up in Florida and very interesting out-of-state sales, as well. We will be holding a major firearm auction in June at the Rocking H Ranch. There will be approximately 250 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and hundreds of assorted firearm-related items like holsters, cleaning supplies, showcases, and more. Don’t miss this one! We invite you to come to our auctions, and if you know someone who needs help turning assets into money, please share our number. See you at the auction, and God bless!
Ag Angels
continued from page 28
We want to put this money to work. Ag Angels is a 100 percent pass-through charity. We’re just a conduit for funding. One hundred percent of what comes in will go back out. That being said, with the outpouring of support and the extra money we raised, one of the things I feel that we have a need for in our state, and our nation, is we have a lack of trade-educated people coming into the workforce. — Scott Kirouac
24-month local trade school program and maintain passing grades while also allowing Ag Angels to keep track of their progress through the program. “There’s a lot of kids who may not be the greatest academically in high school, they get by. That’s why our grade-point requirement is a 2.0 for the trade scholarship,” Kirouac tells us. “Ag Angels has always looked to help those who are less fortunate, so we’re looking at graduating high school seniors who have found themselves in a difficult situation and to give them a chance. We’re trying to reach students who are not university-bound. They’re coming out of high school with basically no direction, no real plan, other than maybe trying to compete for a minimum wage job.” This is a chance for motivated students to quickly work their way into good, stable careers, while also contributing tangibly to solving the labor shortage crisis currently affecting many trade industries in the U.S. Though the deadline for the scholarship has already passed, Kirouac’s hope is that this new blessing from Ag Angels will grow over time, creating more opportunities for area youth while contributing a degree of long-term stability to Florida’s trade industries and economy. ag ECONOMICAL SOURCE OF PROTEIN & ENERGY CONCENTRATED SOURCE OF LINOLEIC FATTY ACID INCREASE IN WEIGHT GAIN FEED FREE CHOICE OR IN GRAIN RATION EASY TO PURCHASE & EASY TO FEED TANKS AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE
by MARTY HIGGENBOTHAM This column is sponsored by Higgenbotham Auctioneers International, Ltd., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.
BIO: Marty Higgenbotham, founder and president of Higgenbotham Auctioneers International, Ltd., has conducted approximately 12,000 auctions, selling everything from cemetery lots to shopping centers and everything in between. He graduated from Reisch Auction College in 1959. Since then, he has sold in 49 states and five foreign countries. Clients include Wal-Mart, Albertson, Sinclair, AutoZone, HUD, and the states of Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Florida, to name a few. He lives with his wife in Lakeland.
30 | CFAN
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If that’s you, please send an introductory letter and your resume to Nelson@CentralFloridaMediaGroup.com
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Rescue, Rehabilitate, Re-Home continued from page 18
Julie Dennis, vice president of RVR Horse Rescue, pets Our Destiny, a 5-year-old, retired thoroughbred racehorse that is recovering from a sesamoid injury.
Rehabilitations can consist of follow-up X-rays, stall rest, and even special wraps for support. Some horses may have hoof problems that call for special shoes or braces, special dietary requirements, skin conditions, or they may need specific medication or even special kinds of hay because of dental needs. To take care of the horses, Dennis says funding comes through grants, donations, and various foundations: “We have to meet a lot of different needs. It’s just a lot of expense that goes into caring for them.” After horses are cleared physically, RVR trainers come out and start groundwork with them to build ground trust after being stagnant. “A lot of them have to regain trust, they have to learn again and get acclimated to things they used to do. Then there’s some with no experience of being ridden at all,” says Dennis. Dennis says thankfully, so far this year, many horses are being released and others are up for adoption. RVR is looking for funding for new fencing, paddocks, and a new housing area to add to the three barns already on the property. “Our hope is to expand into Phase 2 as soon as possible so we have the ability to assist more horses that are in need and give them better futures,” she says. To learn more, call 813-833-6426 or see www.rvrhorserescue.org ag
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for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas. ufl.edu/extension/events
This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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CFAN | 35
R E N
A F F
R O C
Students Excel in Career Development Events by JESSICA ANDERSON
P
POLK COUNTY FFA STUDENTS have been working hard in the past month to prepare for numerous state and county career development events. On March 9, we held the Polk County Land Judging career development event at the Kathleen Middle School land lab. This contest was sponsored in part by our supporters at the Polk County Soil and Water Board. Students evaluated soil profiles to determine things like porosity, water holding capacity, and nutrient amendments that may be needed. They also evaluated soil samples to make recommendations on homesite preparation or use. Students from George Jenkins High School and Auburndale High School attended this event. Students are now participating in the state-level Land Judging Career Development Event on the first weekend of April.
On March 10, we held the Ornamental Horticulture District Career Development Event at Haines City High School. Students could compete alone or with a partner in the following categories: floral arrangement, consumer use, marketing, landscape, and production. The results are below. High School Middle School Artistic Arrangement Artistic Arrangement 1st Haines City 1st Dundee Ridge Middle 2nd Auburndale 3rd Winter Haven Christian Consumer Use Consumer Use 1st Frostproof 1st Bartow Middle 2nd Winter Haven 2nd Dundee Ridge Middle 3rd Haines City Landscape Landscape 1st Frostproof 1st Dundee Ridge Middle 2nd Lake Region Marketing Marketing 1st Lake Wales 1st Bartow Middle 2nd Haines City 2nd Dundee Ridge Middle 3rd Winter Haven Christian Production Production 1st Haines City High School 1st Dundee Ridge Middle 2nd McLaughlin Middle Students earning first place in their respective ornamental horticulture demonstration category will now advance to the state-level event.
We also held the Polk County Star Awards on March 10 where we interview potential candidates of Polk County’s best and brightest FFA members for a chance to win $100 and be crowned the Polk County Star Discovery Award winner, Greenhand Award winner, and Chapter Award winner. Students were required to submit a digital application and resume ahead of time where they were then screened on their overall FFA involvement and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) development. The top five students in each award area were determined from the digital applications and given the opportunity to be interviewed and questioned about their SAE. To say these students were impressive would be an understatement. Through our generous sponsors, like Bronson Ranch, we were able to expand this award area to include not only the Greenhand award (ninth-graders) as has been offered in the past, but could also include our Chapter Degree (10th-graders) and Discovery Degree (eighth-graders) students as well. We are fortunate to have those in Polk County who deem agriculture as important and vital to our youth and are willing to sponsor events like this that teach the importance of record-keeping, personal interview skills, communication, and professionalism. The Polk County FFA Federation provides scholarships to students to attend state and national leadership events and conferences as well as provides awards to students excelling in agriculture from Polk County. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting one of these award areas, or a specific conference for students to attend, your tax-deductible donation can be made to: Polk County FFA Federation, Attention: Jessica Anderson 1915 South Floral Avenue • Bartow, FL 33830 ag
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CFAN | 37
Learning From the Fathers continued from page 16
Editor’s Last Word
2022 Stone Fruit Field Day JESSICA McDONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com
BTU visitor sees, offering the welcome that Sam so often did in life. We celebrated Trey’s support recently by honoring him at our Dinner of Distinction late last year with the CALS Alumni and Friends Horizon Award in recognition of recent alumni supporters of the college. The Sam Tripson Porch was dedicated the next day. Sam’s widow Kristen came to the ribbon-cutting to wield the scissors. His dad spoke about how meaningful the naming was, explaining that he was staying seated because of two botched knee replacements (to which West offered, “I’ve got a pocket knife!). For Trey, the naming opportunity is about opportunity itself. Trey describes his guiding principle in the words of legendary Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes, who said you can never really pay back, but you can pay forward. Trey hopes the gift creates an opportunity for students to benefit from the same cattle “fathers” who raised him—Savell, West, Thrift, and Joel McQuagge. At the same time, the porch is a place outside the classroom and outside the pens, a place where you can meet a brother, a brother like Sam Tripson. ag
ORANGE, TOMATOES, AND BELL PEPPERS are likely what come to mind when you think of Florida’s cash crops. But what about stone fruit? Over the past six decades, researchers and breeders at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences have been hard at work to develop stone fruit varieties that are commercially successful here in Florida. You can learn more about the latest research and progress at the UF/IFAS Extension’s Stone Fruit Field Day on April 26. Topics on the agenda include: • Low-Chill Peach Variety Development for Florida • Management of Peach Tree Pests in Florida • Nutrient Management in Peach Orchards • Low-Chill Peach Tree Training and Pruning • Sprayers Calibration and Weed Management in Peach Orchards • Prevention and Management of Peach Diseases in Florida The day will end with a tour through a peach orchard, led by Dr. Ali Sarkhosh of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department. In addition, Continued Education Units (CEUs) credits will be available for application to pesticide licenses in the following categories: Demonstration and Research, AG Row Crops Pest, Private Applicator, and AG Tree Crops Pest Control. For more information and to register, go to hos.ifas.ufl.edu/stonefruit/ ag
With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.
Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
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