Central Florida Ag News April 2023

On the Cover

Talent was on full display at the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Trade Show and Rodeo earlier this year. Regardless of the commodity or industry, farmers and ranchers across the state are all grappling with development and rising costs. That’s especially true for Florida cattle ranchers. We spoke with the presidents of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association to learn how they are coping with the challenges. Read more, page 14.

photo by TOM HAGERTY

11 PROTECTING THE FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR

With Earth Day quickly approaching on April 22, Florida residents and wildlife, particularly along the Florida Wildlife Corridor, have a new reason to celebrate. In March, the Florida Cabinet and Gov. Ron DeSantis unanimously approved the investment of over $46.6 million for conservation easement and acquisition across five properties across our state. These properties, totaling 21,063 acres, are located within Highlands, Manatee, Osceola, Santa Rosa, and Liberty counties.

18 EQUINE EMERGENCY ON THE HORIZON

A shortage of qualified equine veterinarians has local practitioners scratching their heads about how to recruit new veterinary graduates into the field in sufficient numbers to maintain the profession in the coming years. It’s critical for the health and well-being of horses and other large animals throughout Central Florida and beyond that a solution surface soon.

20 MORE THAN A CROWN AND A SASH

Casana Fink was just named Miss Florida Citrus 2023 in February, and already the position has blossomed into a passion for the Florida citrus industry and the growers throughout the state. She shared with us her plans for her advocacy.

PUBLISHER

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cinda Shelby

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Tyler DiGiovine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paul Catala, Grace Hirdes, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, Kenzie Carlson, Brad Buck, Michele Trice, Charleigh Wood

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Baxter Troutman, Mike Roberts, Dr. Katie Hennessy, Scott Thompson, Phillip Rucks

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tom Hagerty, UF/IFAS

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

DELIVERY

THE CATTLE INDUSTRY has long been a key part of Florida’s economy. In fact, the state just recently celebrated its rich 500-year history with the 2022 Great Florida Cattle Drive. As the centuries have passed, the state has seen a lot of change, still cattle ranching remains an important part of the Florida heritage.

Florida ranchers own more than 1 million cows, heifers, and bulls. That yields a calf crop of more than 800,000 calves annually.

In this edition of Central Florida Ag News, we speak with the presidents of the Florida and Polk County Cattlemen’s associations to find out how the ranchers are managing as challenges from

development and inflation make it more difficult to turn a profit. They offer precious insight, but it’s the sentiment that stuck with me.

To be more specific: “The cattle industry has been here for 500 years, and I don’t see a reason why it won’t be here for another 500 years,” Wes Carlton told us.

We find that kind of perseverance among so many of the men and women in agriculture, but it never gets old.

Against all odds, we will prevail. Nobody knows that more than Florida ranchers and growers. ag

Expedited Budwood Program for Early Oranges

• New greening-tolerant rootstocks and varieties now available

• Largest screened commercial citrus nurser y in the US

• DNA tested true-to-type citrus varieties and rootstocks available

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

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 2023-2024

The Citrus Budwood Program through the Florida Department of Agriculture is currently increasing stock of early-season orange varieties for expedited advancement into nursery production: Donaldson, Parson Brown, Carney’s 2 and 3, and Roble. Each of these varieties has shown some measure of HLB tolerance or HLB resistance and are being rushed towards production to help bolster the industry.

Donaldson

The Donaldson Sweet Orange is a lost gem from the early years of the Florida Citrus industry that was recently rediscovered on the Whitmore Foundation Farm. Although the tree is visibly infected with HLB, the fruit load is normal and the fruit drop is more consistent with healthy, uninfected trees. As for the fruit itself, the quality is very good, seeming to be a true sweet orange. As of this writing, the Donaldson tree is not yet available commercially. Nurseries are still building their stock before making the tree available because of its recent rediscovery.

Parson Brown/Carney #2 and #3

seedier and having a lower yield than other popular varieties at the time. However, a small number of trees persisted, which still produced normal-sized fruit with minimal fruit drop, despite being infected with HLB.

Genetic research is being conducted into the Parson Brown stock to help determine why it is tending to be more HLB resistant. The working theory is that the upregulation of the PR1 gene is elevated in Parson Brown trees, which adds to systemic acquired resistance, or SAR.

by Phillip Rucks

Parson Brown trees are distinct in a grove, as they tend to grow tall and upright, as opposed to most other citrus varieties which tend to have a shorter and rounder canopy.

Roble

Carney’s #2 and #3 are improved selections of Parson Brown. The Parson Brown orange was first identified in 1875 but fell out of favor due to being

Brought from Spain sometime after 1851 and first planted near Tampa, the Roble sweet orange shares much in common with the Parson Brown, both in terms of fruit quality and the early growth. The Roble is not recommended to be grafted onto Swingle or other trifoliate hybrid type rootstocks, due to previously observed declines. Today, Roble has demonstrated less fruit drop for an early orange compared to other early orange varieties.

• Hardy versatile tree that can grow nearly 40 ft in three years • Provides crop protection from wind and disease

• Reduces soil loss, nutrition loss, agricultural chemical drift and irrigation loss • Now contracting for 2023-2024

Completely Renewable

• Produces shoots and trunks yearly no need to replant every year

• Absorbs carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees

• The newest superfood, the shoots are rich in nutrients- especially proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fiber and is low in fat and sugar, and gluten free.

Columns

5 EXPEDITED BUDWOOD PROGRAM FOR EARLY ORANGES

The Citrus Budwood Program through the Florida Department of Agriculture is currently increasing stock of early-season orange varieties for expedited advancement into nursery production: Donaldson, Parson Brown, Carney’s 2 and 3, and Roble. Phillip Rucks discusses how each of these varieties has shown some measure of HLB tolerance or HLB resistance and are being rushed toward production to help bolster the industry.

17 FLORIDA CITRUS CREATES A HEALTHY FLORIDA

As strong as the headwinds are facing the American farmer these days, it seems the Florida citrus grower has been dealing with some of the strongest. Fortunately there is a select group of legislators and solid industry leaders still working hard to support the industry. Tree Defender’s Scott Thompson talks about the importance of support for the struggling industry.

18

RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS CAN BE SERIOUS FOR HORSES

Your horses’ lungs are critical for competition, pleasure riding, and general health. If you have had the flu or a cold, you know how uncomfortable you feel and how hard breathing can be. Unlike people, horses can’t breath out of their mouth so any nasal discharge or congestion can be a serious problem.

21 TOP TIPS TO KEEP NEW PLANTINGS SAFE FROM PHYTOPHTHORA

Many Florida citrus growers are undertaking new plantings, and there are many considerations to be taken for phytophthora, which causes losses to citrus yields anywhere from 3 percent to 6 percent every year. Griffin Fertilizer’s Mike Roberts talks about tips for protecting new plantings from phytophthora.

36 THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, THIS LAND IS MY LAND

As if the battle against greening and development weren’t enough to handle, Florida farmers are facing yet another threat to their livelihoods and the food security they provide. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson isn’t taking this threat lightly, and it’s a sentiment Baxter Troutman is hoping more people adopt.

president’s column

We recently held our Central Florida Ag Deputy Luncheon where members and guests were able to network with agriculture law enforcement officers from Polk and surrounding counties to exchange information on how to better protect agribusiness property. Thank you to event sponsors Agriliance, Kelly Buick GMC, Lightsey Cattle Co., Magnatronix Corp., The Mosaic Co., and the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association.

We were proud to recognize Marilyn Francisco at the luncheon. Marilyn is retiring after more than 33 years of service to Polk County Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance Company. We wish Marilyn all the best as she and her husband, Gary, travel and spend time with their children and grandchildren.

We want to introduce a new member of the Polk County Farm Bureau team, Sarah True. Sarah will serve as Program Coordinator, where she will be responsible for youth education programs, social media, events, bookkeeping, and more. Sarah is a senior at Warner University and will graduate in June with an Agribusiness degree. We are happy to welcome you to the team, Sarah!

The Polk Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee has announced the opening of the application period for the 2023 Will Putnam Young Farmer & Rancher Scholarship(s). This scholarship can range from $250 to $500 per recipient for graduating high school seniors pursuing a career in agriculture. The application and all supporting documents must be submitted to Polk County Farm Bureau by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5. Please contact Sarah True at 863-533-0561, ext. 112 or saraht@ pcfb.org to receive a copy of the application by email or scan the QR code below to go to the online application.

Our Harvest Celebration fundraising dinner event is Friday, May 5 at Barn-on-the-Lake in Fort Meade. All farm families and community supporters are invited to join us for great food, entertainment, raffle prizes, and more. See our ad on the opposite page for ticket purchase information or contact Carole McKenzie at 863-533-0561, ext. 111 or carolem@pcfb.org.

Save the date! Our Legislative Wrap-up Luncheon will be held June 13 at the Stuart Center in Bartow. Reservations will be required, and invitations will be mailed to PCFB members and community partners.

We hope to see you at upcoming events!

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

FLORIDA LEADS THE NATION WITH EARLY BLUEBERRY HARVEST WINDOW

Blueberries are packed full of antioxidants, essential nutrients, and fiber, landing them squarely in the “superfoods” category. The United States is the world’s top producer of blueberries. As of 2020, more than half the states in our nation were involved in blueberry production, with the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council listing 26 states as commercial producers of the crop.

FLORIDA’S ROLE IN BLUEBERRY PRODUCTION

While blueberries are grown across the nation, Florida is lucky enough to get the first fruit of the season. March through May belongs almost entirely to Florida when it comes to the blueberry market.

There are three varieties of blueberry grown in the U.S.: highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), rabbiteye (V. virgatum), and southern highbush blueberry (interspecific hybrids of V. virgatum, V. corymbosum, and V. darrowi). Of those, only certain cultivars of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries are adapted to Florida’s mild winters and are grown commercially here.

Blueberries are native to North America, making them well-suited to growing practically everywhere, but they have historically required a minimum of 300 to 500 chill hours in order to produce fruit. However, thanks to the work done by researchers at the University of Florida and Georgia since the 1990s, there are now blueberry varieties that will produce berries with 150 or fewer chill hours. This makes it possible to grow the berries as far south as Arcadia presently.

Growing blueberries in Florida can still be a gamble. There can be a high degree of variation in production costs and yields from year to year and site to site. Concerns over the blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax) have spurred strict regulations on the movement of berries between Canada and the U.S. Nonetheless, there are at least 900 growers in Florida willing to take their chances and cultivate blueberries on roughly 4,400 acres throughout the state, mainly

concentrated in the north central part of Florida. Those farms employ about 2,500 individuals and create an economic impact of $295 million annually. Blueberries have been doing relatively well, with the blueberry harvest of 2022 weighing in at 21.5 million pounds.

BLUEBERRY FACTS

Blueberries are in the Ericaceae family, along with cranberries, huckleberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons. Wild blueberries began being cultivated in the U.S. in the early 1900s. At least eight species of wild blueberries thrive in parts of Florida that have alkaline soils. Florida continues to increase blueberry production throughout the state as researchers successfully develop more cultivars that can thrive farther south. Some growers are experimenting with growing the bushes under tunnels made of polyethylene. These tunnels offer greater protection from freezes, increase total yields, and allow for even earlier fruit ripening. There are drawbacks to using the tunnels, however, including initial costs and uncertainty about which specific cultivars will do best in the protective structures. They also tend to result in a longer harvest season, beginning before other blueberries in the state, and extending past the prime market window for Florida blueberries. Historically, blueberries have been a crop harvested by hand, but machine harvesting has become more common recently. Mechanical harvesters are utilized in many fields toward the end of the season, but unpredictable fluctuations in the labor market have growers and researchers looking to develop cultivars that would be easy to mechanically harvest.

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

FINANCING THE FUTURE

Farm Credit of Central Florida is an Agricultural Credit Association. We provide financing for Farms, Homes & Land across 13 counties in Central Florida. We have offices in Lakeland, Brooksville & Plant City. For more information check out our website.

Protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor

$46.6 Million Approved to Conserve More Than 21,000 Acres Across Florida

WWITH EARTH DAY quickly approaching on April 22, Florida residents and wildlife, particularly along the Florida Wildlife Corridor, have a new reason to celebrate. In March, the Florida Cabinet and Gov. Ron DeSantis unanimously approved the investment of over $46.6 million for conservation easement and acquisition across five properties across our state. These properties, totaling 21,063 acres, are located within Highlands, Manatee, Osceola, Santa Rosa, and Liberty counties.

This recent acquisition brings the total protected acreage within Florida Wildlife Corridor to 80,356 acres since the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act became law on July 1, 2021. Four out of the five properties added this March are along the corridor, a network of connected lands and waters which sustains Florida’s best wild places and protects more than 700 imperiled species, including key Florida species such as the Flor-

ida panther, Florida black bear, Eastern indigo snake, Florida scrub jay, and the Apalachicola gopher tortoise.

The five parcels of land are further described below:

• 12,439 acres within the Telogia Creek Florida Forever project in Liberty County will be managed by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This

project benefits native, imperiled Florida wildlife such as the gopher tortoise, Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle, and eastern indigo and Florida pine snakes and ensures the continued protection of the area’s drinking water supply.

• 1,506 acres within the Wolfe Creek Forest Florida Forever project in Santa Rosa County will enhance public recreation facilities and will be managed by the Florida Forest Service as an addition to Blackwater River State Forest. The acreage is situated between Blackwater River State Forest and Whiting Field Naval Air Station, a juncture of public, private, federal, state, local, and private entities. Currently, the land hosts

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Backyard Chickens: Basics for Beginners

by GRACE HIRDES

Keeping chickens for eggs can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Not only do laying hens give you fresh eggs, but they provide entertainment, pest management, and fertilizer. It can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to the details of making sure they are properly taken care of. Chickens need shelter, food, water, and access to exercise/outside time. They also need someone to collect eggs, clean their coop, and tend to nesting boxes. This can be a bit much if you’re not properly prepared for every possible situation. Here’s a checklist of everything you may need to raise your own backyard chickens.

The coop

Pre-made chicken coops, especially large ones, can be pricey. However, you may be able to find a used coop locally by asking around or searching community websites. If you’re handy, consider turning an old shed into a coop. You can find cheap used sheds in great condition online, then easily create nesting boxes and a roost to make a nice comfy coop for your chickens. You can add pine shaving or hay to the floor of the coop to make it more comfortable.

Nesting Boxes

Once you have your coop, you’ll need to add some nesting boxes to provide a quiet, private space for hens to lay eggs, a place for all of your hens to roost off the floor, adequate ventilation, and secure doors and windows to keep out predators.

One rule of thumb is that you’ll need one nesting box for every three hens, and you’ll want to add some hay to your boxes.

The Run

You must be willing to provide a safe environment for your hens with space for them to roam around and partake in natural behaviors like scratching and dust bathing. You can do this by adding a run to your coop. A run attaches to your coop and should provide at least 10 square feet of space per bird. This is a general recommendation, but the more space you can provide, the better. Overcrowding creates many issues, including fighting. If you don’t have adequate room to provide hens with enough space to live a happy life, reconsider keeping chickens. TIP: Be sure to cover your run with chicken wire to protect

from predators and to keep the squirrels out of the chicken feed.

Dust Bath

You’ll also want an area with dry dirt where your chickens can dust bath or roll around in dirt. This is a natural behavior that helps chickens stay healthy. If you plan to keep your chickens on a run, you’ll need to create a dust bath for them.

First Aid Kit

Make sure you have a veterinarian in your area who treats chickens, though keep in mind that such specialists aren’t always easy to find. Therefore, you should also be prepared with a chicken first aid kit so that you have the right tools on hand to treat illnesses and injuries.

Necessities

In addition to a safe coop and space to roam, chickens need feed, water, and a source of calcium. Chickens have different nutrient needs depending on their age, so make sure you purchase the appropriate feed. You can either throw feed on the ground for the chicken to scratch and peck at or you can purchase a poultry feeder.

Chickens also need consistent access to clean drinking water. So be sure to have water in the coop as well as in the run.

Laying hens need access to a source of calcium to maintain healthy bones and lay eggs with strong shells. You can give your hens crushed oyster shells to provide with the necessary calcium.

Any of these items can be found at Stromberg’s in Winter Haven or any Tractor Supply location.

Your Source for Exceptional Care

Schedule your appointment today.

Primary Care

Auburndale

2028 U.S. Highway 92 W.

Auburndale, FL 33823

(863) 965-9327

Bartow

2250 Osprey Blvd., Suite 102

Bartow, FL 33830

(863) 533-1448

Haines City

36245 U.S. Highway 27

Haines City, FL 33844

(863) 421-9801

Lakeland

619 Midflorida Drive, Suite 1

Lakeland, FL 33813

(863) 701-7188

Plant City

1601 W. Timberlane Drive, Suite 300

Plant City, FL 33566

(813) 754-4611

Winter Haven

400 Ave. K S.E., Suite 11

Winter Haven, FL 33880

(863) 294-4404

7599 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

Winter Haven, FL 33884

(863) 324-4725

1201 First St. S., Suite 100A

Winter Haven, FL 33880

(863) 280-6080

Specialists

Cardiac Electrophysiology

200 Ave. F N.E., Suite 9118

Winter Haven, FL 33881

(863) 292-4004

Cardiovascular Surgery

200 Ave. F N.E., Suite 9118

Winter Haven, FL 33881

(863) 292-4004

General Surgery

2000 Osprey Blvd., Suite 205

Bartow, FL 33830

(863) 733-4390

1601 W. Timberlane Drive, Suite 100

Plant City, FL 33566

(813) 708-1312

Hematology-Oncology

1601 W. Timberlane Drive, Suite 100

Plant City, FL 33566

(813) 708-1312

200 Ave. F N.E.

Winter Haven, FL 33881

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Interventional Cardiology

2000 Osprey Blvd., Suite 205

Bartow, FL 33830

(863) 733-4385

Obstetrics-Gynecology

1601 W. Timberlane Drive, Suite 400

Plant City, FL 33566

(813) 321-6677

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

1417 Lakeland Hills Blvd.

Lakeland, FL 33805

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Structural Heart and Valve Program

200 Ave. F N.E., Suite 9118

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Urology

7599 Cypress Gardens Blvd.

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(863) 845-2688

Cattle Industry Outlook

Polk Ranchers Wrestle Development, Rising Costs to Meet Demand

by PAUL CATALA

RREGARDLESS OF THE COMMODITY or industry, farmers and ranchers across the state are all grappling with the same obstacles—development and rising costs. That’s especially true for Florida cattle ranchers.

Kevin Fussell, who is in his second year as president of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association and its approximately 300 members, says his cattle company, D.R. Fussell Ranch in Polk City, is a “sizable operation” and holding steady – but he’s not sure for how much longer because of development pressures and steep input costs.

As of January 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Southern Region, Polk County had about 92,000 head of cattle. By January 2022, that had decreased to 89,000. Accord-

ing to the USDA inventory, cattle and calves in the U.S. as of January 2023, totaled 89.3 million head, down 3 percent from 92.1 million the previous year. The Florida cattle and calves inventory decreased 1 percent from the previous year to 1.62 million head.

Bridget Stice, the UF/IFAS livestock extension agent in Polk County, says county estimates for cattle are released in May each year, so figures for 2023 aren’t yet available.

Fussell, 38, a Lakeland native raised in Polk

City, says 2022 and the first few months of 2023 have been tough for cattle ranchers, particularly in regard to finding places to raise cattle. He says the prices he’s been getting for his calves in the past few months have gone up slightly but not enough to keep up with what it costs to raise them.

Annual inflation is at about 6%, down from 8.3% in May 2022, but continued supply chain interruptions along with input costs such as feed, fertilizer, fuel and labor are eating into overall returns for cattlemen.

“Inflation is hurting us, too. Fertilizer was $220 a ton in 2021, now more than $600 a ton, due mostly to fuel prices, and so freight costs

have gone up,” he says. “That’s the case with any ag business right now, input costs are just so high. We’re all handling a lot of money, but it’s all going out.”

The Florida Beef Council reports there are more than 886,000 head of cattle and 15,000 beef producers throughout Florida. Currently, the state is 13th in overall cattle numbers nationwide. The five top ranking counties for cattle are Okeechobee, Highlands, Osceola, Polk, and Hardee counties. Cash receipts from cattle and calf sales totaled more than $546 million.

Like Fussell, Wes Carlton, Florida Cattlemen’s Association president, says the past few years have been rough for Florida’s cattle ranch-

ers, including those among the association’s approximately 5,500 members statewide. He runs Spur Land and Cattle, a Fort Pierce-based family operation spanning three counties, and echoes Fussell’s sentiments on the recent rates of high ranchland conversion as a reason for slight cattle number decreases. He also says rising interest rates and higher supply-input costs have been hindering the industry throughout 2022 and into 2023.

“I think the writing is on the wall, too many people and lots of development,” he says. “Demand stays high but farmers’ inputs have gone up; fuel, energy, labor, insurance — all of those things add up,” he says. When you factor in trans-

portation issues and supply chain interruptions from Covid, everything backs up.

“It’s gotten better, but still the input costs are high, and that goes for all of them — whatever it is, it costs more,” says Carlton.

Even if development slows due to the economy, and homes or shops won’t be built for another 20 years, large developers have already purchased the land. Carlton says he hopes there will be a more formidable push for environmental easements so the land can be protected and “stay in food production and available for habitat and wildlife corridors.”

Stice also agrees that the continued development is hampering the Florida cattle industry.

“The demands that we have on land values are so high, all the challenges on ranchers, coupled with economic challenges, are why we were losing numbers,” she says.

Nonetheless, Carlton says that while the Florida cattle industry outlook doesn’t look great, it does look good.

“We’re going to continue to have to have protein, and beef is the cheapest, the best, safest protein out there. From a market standpoint, the markets look good for the next several years. They’ll hit a point when they will lighten up once these lands are saved by environmental easements,” he says.

“The cattle industry has been here for 500 years, and I don’t see a reason why it won’t be here for another 500 years.” ag

“We’re going to continue to have to have protein, and beef is the cheapest, the best, safest protein out there. From a market standpoint, the markets look good for the next several years. They’ll hit a point when they will lighten up once these lands are saved by environmental easements.”

— Wes Carlton, president, Florida Cattlemen’s Association

FROM THE DESK OF Dr.

Angle

J. Scott Angle jangle@ufl.edu @IFAS_VP

DiMaggio Will Lift Tropical Aquaculture Lab to Central Role in Industry

BACK IN THE EARLY 1990S, aquaculture was a niche industry, a loosely connected group of largely self-taught producers, according to Marty Tanner, a longtime Florida aquaculture producer and leader.

in Ruskin helped change that, Tanner said. The establishment of a scientific hub not only led to explosive discovery but a clearinghouse for dissemination of new knowledge. It’s much more an industry of evidence-based practices and less one of hit-and-miss tinkering.

TAL also helps regulators truly understand

the industry. The relationships and trust Watson established with government agencies has shaped policy that gives producers access to inputs without which their farms would be in peril.

Watson is an industry icon who retired March 31 after nearly 27 years leading the lab he founded. Yet there’s so much more that can be done, and

Craig Watson and the founding of the UF/ IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory (TAL)

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).

DiMaggio

photo by TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS

why I chose Matt DiMaggio to succeed Watson.

DiMaggio’s vision in short is to gain TAL recognition as the nation’s top academic aquaculture laboratory. He wants to do it by helping more people make a living off raising ornamentals, from farming food fish, and through restoring our marine environment.

DiMaggio wants those who are already doing this to make an even better living.

TAL is going to play a central role in a burgeoning sector of Florida agriculture. It is positioned to convert opportunity into results by providing the science to fuel existing trends—the popularity and constant appetite for new ornamental species, the immense potential of Florida sea- and land-based food fish production and the production aquaculture needed to support coral restoration and other ecological initiatives.

DiMaggio says the core of the lab will remain ornamental aquaculture. But when I visited for a two-day visioning session late last year, DiMaggio pitched a vision to build on that.

For example, he wants to add four more faculty to the current six. Although he’ll adapt according to resources and available talent, he foresees bringing on a molecular geneticist, an engineer, a nutritionist and an ecologist.

This will require space, so DiMaggio aims to double the size of TAL’s building square footage.

SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS — FLORIDA CITRUS CREATES A HEALTHY FLORIDA

AS STRONG AS THE HEADWINDS are facing the American farmer these days, it seems the Florida citrus grower has been dealing with some of the strongest. It’s a wind that’s way beyond gale force and — even as tough and resilient as Florida citrus growers are — it can be utterly overwhelming.

Fortunately we have a select group of legislators and solid industry leaders still working hard to support the industry. We often hear farmers in situations like this speak of “heritage,” or “preserving a way of life,” or “just keeping the farm alive.”

It’s times like this that I think we may be missing the big picture.

Those things are important. Those things are ingrained in the basic fiber of most farmers. But, to be brutally honest, when we’re talking about tax dollars to support an industry, most people outside of agriculture couldn’t care less about a way of life.

More tanks, more labs, more space to do more things for fish farmers.

Leaders from Tanner to Jason Mathis at the Farm Bureau to Tiffany Conner of the Florida Aquaculture Association all support my choice. They know DiMaggio well from his scientific work at TAL for the past nine years, from the many industry events he participates in, and the close professional ties he has forged not only with producers but with regulators, research partners and funding agencies.

Under Watson’s leadership, TAL scientists saved stakeholders millions of dollars, and the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association inducted him into their Hall of Fame.

DiMaggio will honor Watson’s legacy and yet build upon it. He’ll have tools like artificial intelligence and allies who believe science can reduce our 90 percent reliance on imported seafood.

He’ll have the benefit of lessons learned and the foundation built by a start-up founder. He has the energy, ambition and vision to carry TAL into a new era of growth for both the lab and for the industry it supports.

By improving how producers grow fish, a DiMaggio-led TAL can grow jobs, profits, and the health of our waters and the things that live in them. ag

There are two things that are of the utmost importance to the average person: their physical and financial health. This is where Florida citrus has always shined. People seemed to have taken for granted just how important the cornucopia of health benefits citrus provides to the world, especially in these post-pandemic times.

The second part of the equation is the tremendous economic contribution the citrus industry has historically generated whether it be in the form of jobs, tax revenue, or supporting allied industries. Even in the industry’s current fragile state, this contribution is tremendous. According to a recently-published report by UF/IFAS economist Christa Court, the Florida citrus industry continues to support 32,542 jobs and approximately $7 billion dollars in economic output.

These two well-established facts should be shouted from the rooftops when requesting support for the Citrus industry. With the ever-increasing federal deficit and so much of our hard-earned tax dollars continually squandered, we should all ardently strive to demonstrate the huge return on investment — both physically and financially — the state gains from supporting the citrus industry.

These are two of the most important reasons the Tree Defender team feels so strongly about supporting this industry and continually strives to play a part in this effort.

by SCOTT THOMPSON

This column is sponsored by Tree Defender, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.

BIO: Scott Thompson is co-founder of Tree Defender, Radical Ag-Tech, and Care Planet Technologies. He is a Central Florida native with a background in agribusiness, food manufacturing, and bioscience.

that’s

Watson

RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS CAN BE SERIOUS FOR HORSES

YOUR HORSES’ LUNGS are critical for competition, pleasure riding, and general health. If you have had the flu or a cold, you know how uncomfortable you feel and how hard breathing can be. Unlike people, horses can’t breath out of their mouth so any nasal discharge or congestion can be a serious problem.

Horses can get bacterial respiratory infections that cause a green or yellow nasal discharge to develop along with lethargy and a fever. This often happens when mingling with new horses, shared stabling at shows, or from a sales auction. Bacterial infections need to be treated with antibiotics and the sooner they are started, the less severe the symptoms will be.

The most common viruses that cause upper respiratory disease in horses are influenza causing flu and rhinovirus causing rhinopneumonitis. As with most viruses, there is not a specific treatment, so supportive care is extremely important. Regular vaccinations allow your horse to build up antibodies to common viruses and often result in mild or uncomplicated symptoms if your horse is exposed. Most horse shows require respiratory vaccinations, but horses that travel should have vaccine boosters for influenza and rhino every six months.

Another common respiratory condition we see in horses is “heaves” also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is similar to asthma in people and often coincides with increasing pollen counts or other allergens. As an auto-immune condition, it worsens as the horse ages and without management breathing can become difficult. Horses with COPD often have flared nostrils while breathing (even at rest) and will develop a “heave” line along their belly and back of their rib cage due to the abdominal musculature being overworked.

Signs of respiratory issues can include a cough, fever, nasal discharge, flared nostrils when breathing and dullness or lethargy. It is important to differentiate between a respiratory infection and an allergy induced response because the treatments are quite different. Contact your veterinarian if your horse is experiencing symptoms or you have any concerns about their breathing.

by DR. KATIE HENNESSY

AA CRISIS IS BREWING in the world of veterinary medicine. While there are plenty of students graduating from veterinary college and entering the workforce, most of those bright-eyed new vets are heading into small-animal practice, leaving a significant shortfall of equine specialists to treat horses and other large animals.

In fact, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, only 1.3 percent of the nation’s approximately 3,200 new graduates from veterinary college each year go into the field of equine medicine. Half of those dozens of new horse doctors last fewer than five years in that field, with

many subsequently moving toward working in small-animal clinics.

Following the Money

The AAEP has been researching the causes behind this reluctance of new practitioners to enter and stay in the field of equine medicine, and they’ve pinpointed some of the major

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.

Equine Health Emergency On the Horizon

Veterinary Crisis Looms With Shortage of Equine Specialists

by TERESA SCHIFFER

issues. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest factors is money— specifically, the debt to income ratio of veterinary graduates entering the field.

With the corporatization of many smallanimal clinics in recent years, veterinary graduates have been quick to pick up on the fact that there is significantly higher income potential available working in that setting than in the world of large animal care. Vet graduates enter the working world with an average of $200,000 in student debt, prompting the vast majority to opt for a position that will provide them with sufficient income to manage that debt right away, and that means going corporate with an established small-animal clinic.

Equine vets who have been around for a while

are sympathetic to the choices faced by newcomers to veterinary practice. Dr. Liz Steele of Steele Equine Veterinary Services and Performance Horse Center in Zolfo Springs mentions another factor that she says dissuades graduates from going into horse care.

“These younger generations are a little more astute to work-life balance,” she says. “I’ll be honest, a lot of large animal veterinarians have a hard job with longer hours and emergency on-call, so worklife balance is a bit of a challenge.”

Since horses and other large animals cannot easily be transported to an available clinic in the event of a medical emergency, most equine vets spend significant portions of their time on call and available to their clients and patients.

“You have to go to the horse for the emergency,” explains Dr. Katie Hennessy, owner of Polk Equine Large Animal Veterinary Services, which serves Lake Wales and surrounding communities. “There are a couple of emergency clinics in Brandon or Ocala, but you have to travel, and sometimes if you have an emergency you can’t get the horse on the trailer. So logistics can be more of an issue with the larger animals than with the small.”

This results in long hours, many late night emergency calls, and a lot of time spent away from their own families and homes. Their workload has been further increased in recent years by the inability to bring sufficient numbers of new largeanimal doctors into the profession.

What Is the Solution?

Solutions, however, remain elusive at this time. It’s clear that some changes need to take place in order to continue providing adequate care services to the population of horse owners, but how exactly to attract and retain equine vets without following suit and corporatizing the industry in the same manner as other veterinary clinics has yet to be determined.

“We don’t want veterinary medicine to model human medicine,” Steele explains. “We want to keep it private, with individual relationships and not corporatize the veterinary field. I think that, as an association, we’re going to have to formulate something to incentivize private practice.”

Money is a strong motivating factor when it comes to career decisions. An increase in the starting salaries of equine vets could be necessary for the profession to survive. That would mean passing along those costs to clients, however, which may not be as welcome as it is unavoidable.

Another hurdle to overcome is that of the work-life balance. Small-animal clinics tend to have regular business hours, leaving the employed veterinarians with ample free time to enjoy pursuing personal interests and family matters. Convincing young vets to go into equine medicine may require a strategy relying on selectively targeting suitable candidates.

“I think that recruiting kids that have grown up in rural environments where large animals and agriculture is a way of life for them is important, and those may not be the 4.0 [GPA] students,” Steele speculates. “Figure out a way to recruit the youth that has those industries running in their blood and in their families, and it’s a way of life that they understand from early childhood is important. Those are the types of kids that have grown up knowing that hard work has to exist if you’re going to be in the agricultural industry.” ag

More Than a Crown and A Sash

Newly Named Miss Florida

Citrus Casana Fink Immerses Herself in Advocacy

by MICHELE K. TRICE

CCASANA FINK was just named Miss Florida Citrus 2023 in February, and already the position has blossomed into a passion for the Florida citrus industry and the growers throughout the state.

“This has been a really wonderful past month,” Fink says.

Fink is a native of Ocala and a graduate of the University of Florida. She has competed in the Miss America organization since she was 14.

“While I do not have a background in the citrus industry, I had a good knowledge of it before winning because of how good the past Miss Florida Citrus representatives have been,” she says.

The Miss Florida Citrus winner each year promotes and educates people around the state about the citrus industry and its importance to the state.

Fink emphasizes that this role is more than a spokesperson, saying it has been inspirational to meet people who were in the citrus industry at its peak and are still in it now, for the love of the industry.

“Citrus is and has been the heart of Florida,” Fink says. She expresses her delight in meeting the growers who are working hard to make sure it stays that way.

“Growing up in Florida, I don’t think I ful-

ly comprehended what Florida used to be with the citrus industry,” she says. Her travels this last month have lit a fire to get the citrus industry back to its peak.

“I have a lot of goals and already have a lot planned,” she says. She wants to get out into the community, meet the growers, tour the groves, and meet with lobbyists and legislators in Tallahassee.

She has scheduled a tour with UF “because I know they are some of the most dedicated researchers in the industry.” Fink says she wants to be a “jack of all trades,” learning as much as possible about the citrus industry, immersing herself in the community, and educating others on how crucial the citrus industry is to Florida.

Fink’s degree from UF is in telecommunications, and after graduation, she studied at the Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design in London where she received a fashion certification, according to her LinkedIn profile. She has started her own e-commerce brand, The Unverified, and is a children’s book author.

In 2013, she founded the nonprofit Give to

Live-Donate Life. The organization’s representatives travel to spread awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Fink was living in New York City when Covid hit and moved home to Florida. “I don’t ever want to leave now,” she says. “I want to meet all of the hard workers in the citrus industry.”

The Miss Florida Citrus pageant and Miss Florida pageant are both part of the Miss America organization.

Fink will compete in the Miss Florida pageant on June 24 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

“I want the industry and the public to know that Miss Florida Citrus is more than a ceremonial position or a girl with a crown and sash,” Fink says. “It’s someone who wants to represent the community tirelessly and is willing to do whatever the citrus industry is needing. Our job is to work hard to make the growers feel represented and promote how citrus is the heart of Florida.” ag

TOP TIPS TO KEEP NEW PLANTINGS SAFE FROM PHYTOPHTHORA

From U-pick to the Grocery Store, Florida’s Blueberries Make for a Tasty Treat

by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent photo by UF_IFAS photography

AS WE ENTER the heart of Florida’s blueberry harvesting season, you can now enjoy the yummy fresh fruit during its finest hours, say University of Florida experts.

For about 80 years, many Florida-grown blueberries have been developed through the UF/IFAS blueberry breeding program. The vast majority of blueberry acreage in Florida is planted with UF/IFAS varieties.

Patricio Muñoz, an associate professor of horticultural sciences, leads the program. Muñoz constantly evaluates new blueberries to see which ones taste best and will grow well in Florida.

“Our program uses technology and tasting panels to define what to move into the commercial pipeline,” Muñoz says.

Up to 300 people taste the fruit before Muñoz moves a blueberry variety toward commercial release.

“Consumers prefer firm fruit and a balance between sugars and acids,” he says. “Also, many other naturally occurring chemicals significantly affect whether you like the fruit. So, the breeding program uses all this information to decide what to breed next and what to move to the pipeline that one day will delight the consumer palate.”

Those who savor blueberries will like all of the newer UF/IFAS southern highbush varieties, says Doug Phillips, statewide blueberry Extension coordinator. The newest cultivars, Albus and Sentinel, scored high in consumer taste panels at UF/IFAS.

In addition to Albus and Sentinel, Optimus, Arcadia, and Avanti have been popular among Florida blueberry growers and should remain popular this season, Phillips says.

“Each of these produces a high yield and has great flavor, among other favorable characteristics,” Phillips said. “Emerald also remains popular among growers in Central Florida. Even though it is an older cultivar, it grows well in that part of the state.”

Many people love to gather their own fruit from blueberry U-pick farms.

Scan the QR code below for a U-pick farm near you. If you opt to buy your blueberries at the grocery store, ask your produce manager for Florida blueberries by looking for the “Fresh from Florida” label.ag

MANY FLORIDA CITRUS GROWERS are undertaking new plantings, and there are many considerations to be taken for phytophthora, according to UF/IFAS assistant professor of plant pathology Megan Dewdney, during an OJ break. She shared it’s estimated that phytophthora, Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora nicotianae, causes losses to citrus yields anywhere from 3 percent to 6 percent every year; that’s a loss that equates to $20 million annually. Phytophthora is especially concerning for new citrus plantings. Dewdney shared recommendations for Florida citrus growers concerning phytophthora in new plantings.

NEW PLANTINGS AND PHYTOPHTHORA RECOMMENDATIONS

In the meeting, Dewdney maintained that new citrus tree plantings require citrus growers to give special attention to root establishment in the era of citrus greening. This is because citrus greening negatively affects root growth. It means that a citrus tree infected with citrus greening cannot uptake nutrients and water as easily, and that the efficacy of phytophthora management is also reduced. Additionally, the infection of citrus greening makes the cost effectiveness of management uncertain, according to Dewdney.

Dewdney gave recommendations for preventing phytophthora in new citrus tree plantings. Those recommendations include:

• Avoid rootstocks that are deemed to be highly susceptible to phytophthora if you’re in a grove with a history of the disease.

• Make sure the plant graft union is 6 to 9 inches above the soil during planting.

• Ensure that there is adequate drainage and proper irrigation. Trees need optimal irrigation that is neither too wet nor too dry.

• Use a weed management program to ensure there are no weeds around the tree competing with the tree for water and nutrients.

• Try to avoid wounding the trees’ roots, trunks, and branches as it leaves the tree open to infection by phytophthora pathogens and other pathogens.

• Take off trunk wraps early in the springtime and add in a fire ant treatment. Fire ants will get under the wraps to feed on bark, causing a great deal of damage.

by MIKE ROBERTS

In terms of treatment, Dewdney advised Florida citrus growers who suspect phytophthora to test their groves for the pathogen rather than just assume it is present to a dangerous degree. It is advised that sampling for the inoculum of either Phytophthora palmivora or Phytophthora nicotianae that results in 10 to 20 propagules/cm3 soil or higher should be treated. Dewdney shared that treating for phytophthora during the fall and spring root flushes is a good course of action. Lastly, a good resource for phytophthora management is the UF/IFAS 2022–2023 Florida Citrus Production Guide.

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.

Sentinel photo by UF/IFAS

APRIL — MAY 2023 CALENDAR

APRIL 12 THE FUNGI OF THE LAKE WALES RIDGE

APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29, MAY 6, 13, 20, AND 27 GRADY GOAT YOGA TAMPA BAY

Every Saturday from 10 – 11:30 a.m., Grady Goat Farm hosts a fun and relaxing yoga class featuring their famous goats. Tickets are $37 for each attendee. This delightful event benefits Project G.O.A.T. (Global Offensive Against Trafficking), a charity that works to protect children. Grady Goat Farm is located at 12551 Franklin Rd in Thonotosassa. Learn about this incredible farm and all that they do by visiting their website at www.gradygoat.org.

APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29, MAY 6, 13, 20, AND 27

SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO

This fun, family-friendly rodeo takes place every Saturday through the end of November 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/hotels/ florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-ranch-resort/ activities/rodeo/.

The inconspicuous fungi of the xeric habitats of Lake Wales Ridge may not grab your attention at first, but Dr. Aaron David will introduce you to their overlooked world as he discusses the Archbold Plant Ecology Program’s research on fungi and their conservation efforts towards preserving endangered lichens and soil biodiversity. This enlightening presentation will take place from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Alexander Discovery Center of Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales, and is free for members of the Gardens and $17 for non-members (includes admission). You can find more information at www.boktowergardens.org/events/the-fungi-ofthe-lake-wales-ridge/.

APRIL 15 • EARTH

DAY CELEBRATION

Take care of Mother Earth every day and celebrate at Plant City Community Garden, 2001 E Cherry St in Plant City, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at this fun, free event. There will be vendors, food, music, workshops, children’s activities, and a plant sale. If you need more details, please call Kim (813) 468-2231, Karen (813) 435-8111, or Marta (860) 510-9296.

APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29, MAY 6, 13, 20, AND 27

DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FARMERS CURB MARKET

This vibrant, eclectic market brings the community together every Saturday in Downtown Lakeland with fresh, local produce, live plants, and a variety of hot foods and handcrafted wares. It is located on the 200 block of N Kentucky Ave in Lakeland from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. every Saturday (except in August) and is a production of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). Learn more at www. downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org.

APRIL 8 AND 22, MAY 13 AND 27 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 20 • NO STEM LEFT BEHIND

Get the most out of your backyard garden after Agents from UF/IFAS Extension Polk and Manatee Counties provide information about planting and caring for Florida fruits and vegetables, the nutritional benefits, plus some fantastic recipes to try. The informative session will be held from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. To register, please visit the Upcoming Events page at www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/events/.

CALENDAR

APRIL 21 • SPRING AG TOUR

Members of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce are invited to take a tour of local agricultural operations including Veranasa Group, Shogun Farms, Florida Mineral and Salt, Wish Farms, FSGA, and A Land of Delight Natural Farm. Registration is required by April 18 and the fee is $20. Participants should meet at the Chamber office at 8 a.m. To register, please go to the Events Calendar page for this event at www.business.plantcity.org/events/ calendar/2023-04-01.

APRIL 27 • 2023 HCCGA GOLF DAY

The Highlands County Citrus Growers Association’s annual golf tournament will be held at the Sun ‘N Lake Golf Club in Sebring. Lunch will be at 12 p.m. and tee off at 1 p.m. The cost is $100 per player or $400 per foursome. For more information on registering, please call Ray or Jan at the HCCGA office, (863) 385-8091, or email admin@hccga. com.

APRIL 28 AND 29 GRILLS GONE WILD BBQ COMPETITION

Taste the best BBQ in the south at this Florida BBQ Association competition from 5 – 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday at Tom Fellows Community Center, located at 207 North Blvd W in Davenport. If you want to sign up your team, or just want more information, you can go online to www.fba39.wildapricot.org/ event-4300960.

APRIL 28 • SWAN DERBY

The Swan Derby is Lakeland’s annual “Derby Style” event that benefits the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine (LVIM). Don your best derby hat to come out and enjoy the thrill of the competition, live music, great food, and a wonderful social event on lovely Lake Mirror, at the Frances Langford Promenade in Downtown Lakeland. The excitement takes place from 5:30 – 9 p.m. You can find more information at www.lvim.net/swan-derby/.

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

MAY 2 • LAKELAND LEARN & GROW: RAIN BARRELS AND WATER CONSERVATION

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is partnering with Lakeland Water Utilities to present this information session on using rain barrels for water conservation. The $25 fee includes your own rain barrel. Supplies are limited, so register today at www.eventbrite.com

(“Lakeland Learn & Grow: Rain Barrels and Water Conservation”), or go to www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information. The class will take place from 6 – 7 p.m. at Magnolia Building, 702 E Orange St in Lakeland.

APRIL

28 – 29 BONFIRE TOURNAMENT SERIES LUNKER LOVIN’ SMACKDOWN

Kick off the annual Bonfire Tournament Series at Guy Harvey’s Camp Mack Resort, located at 14900 Camp Mack Rd in Lake Wales, with a weekend of fishing and outdoor activities. Registration is $80 per team. You can find complete details at www.visitcentralflorida. org/events/bonfire-tournament-series/. You may also call (863) 696-1108 or email Kdenell@ GuyHarveyOutpost.com for more information.

MAY 2 AND 4 • BACKPACKING 101: INTRODUCTION TO THE HOBBY OF BACKPACKING

UF/IFAS Extension Natural Resources and Conservation faculty member, Shannon Carnevale, will be teaching this two-evening classroom workshop on the basics of backpacking successfully in Florida’s backcountry. Classes will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. both evenings. The course is designed for individuals age 16 and up, but those under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please register by April 25 on www.eventbrite.com

(“Backpacking 101: Introduction to the Hobby of Backpacking”) or go to www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information on UF/IFAS events.

MAY 19 • BARK IN THE PARK

A fun time to frolic with your four-legged, furry friends while shopping for pet vendors and enjoying favorites like the Annual Wiener Dog Race and the Winter Haven Police Department K9 demonstration. Taking place from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at 400 W Central Ave in Winter Haven.

MAY 20 • 2023 RIDGE BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION BEEKEEPING SEMINAR

Taking place from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, located at 1702 S Holland Pkwy in Bartow, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County: Small Farms Program

invites you to this full day seminar to get a taste of everything you need to about beekeeping in Florida. The fee is $40 and you can register by searching for this event on www. eventbrite.com, or go to www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ for more information on this and other events brought to you by UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.

Protecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor

areas that can support upland pine forests and sandhills and also include wetlands and associated bottomland forests, floodplain swamps, and bay galls.

• 4,222 acres within the Big Bend Swamp/ Holopaw Ranch Florida Forever project in Osceola county is part of the larger Florida Natural Scenic Trail and serves as an important linkage and buffer to existing conservation lands. The project will benefit rare/endangered Florida wildlife such as the Florida sandhill crane,Florida grasshopper sparrow, Sherman’s fox squirrel, red-cockaded woodpecker, swallow-tailed kite, and crested caracara.

• 1,611 acres within the Myakka Ranchlands Florida Forever project in Manatee County includes land on both sides of Myakka River State Park. The project will benefit species such as the crested caracara, Florida burrowing owl, gopher tortoise, Florida sandhill crane, and southeastern American kestrel, as well as the Eastern indigo snake, Florida black bear, and Florida

panther.

continued from page 11

• 1,285 acres within the Blue Head Ranch Florida Forever project in Highlands County lies within the Florida Ecological Greenways Network. The Lightsey Family Ranch is within the Blue Head Ranch boundary and thus will be permanently protected through the state’s Florida Forever program. This project will also help to ensure the environmental and hydrological health of the Florida Everglades Ecosystem and provide and enhance the habitat of numerous rare and imperiled Florida species.

Collaborative efforts from organizations such as the Florida Conservation Group, Conservation Florida, The Conservation Fund, Trust for Public Land, and the state’s Florida Forever Program made this recent land acquisition possible.

“The work to create and preserve the Florida Wildlife Corridor precedes us and will outlast us — it’s ambitious, it’s difficult, it’s visionary, it’s essential,” says Mallory Dimmitt, chief executive officer of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.

“This legacy can only be secured through collaborative efforts from partners across the state. This includes our state agencies, landowners, business owners, and non-governmental organizations like Florida Conservation Group, Conservation Fund, and Trust for Public Land to name a few.”

She continues, saying, “With ‘a big tent’ mindset, we can leverage our best creative thinking, relationship building, and collaborative problem solving to continue to conserve and connect Florida’s wild spaces. Florida deserves nothing less.”

DeSantis was pleased with the work to protect the land.

“Good stewardship of Florida’s natural resources by conserving natural lands for future generations is a top priority for our administration,” he says.

“This action will protect our water resources, enhance wildlife and habitat connections, and provide additional public recreation opportunities for our residents and visitors.” ag

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.

®

With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.

Recipe Spotlight

Use Freshly Picked Blueberries to Pep Up Your Palate

by CAROL CORLEY

BBLUEBERRIES ARE ONE OF THE FOODS where you start your dining enjoyment with your eyes. The delicate fruit is best when its color is at its deepest beautiful blue — almost purple to black.

The berries can have a bloom — a light blue to silver coating — but if there is any hint of red, white, or green, the fruit isn’t fully ripened and will be tart. If you are picking — leave them on the bush. If you are buying, don’t choose that box as they will not ripen.

To find out if they are sweet enough, taste is the best option. When selecting berries, you want those that are uniform in size and color, dry, plump, and firm. These will give you the best results in the kitchen.

When cooking with blueberries, there are some problems that you can encounter, like having them all clump at the bottom of the dish. To prevent that, you can coat the berries with cornstarch. Also, you can spread half the batter, then half the berries, more batter, and finally more berries.

Blueberries pair well with basil, cinnamon, ginger, lavender, lemon, thyme, nutmeg, rosemary, and mint, according to blueberry.org. You can also include blueberries with cheeses as part of a charcuterie board.

The berries can enhance dishes from a meat entrée to salads to desserts and smoothies. When using the berries in a smoothie, choose frozen berries to avoid the need for ice. Blueberry sauces can also enhance entrées including pork, chicken, and salmon. So let us start with the entrée.

BLUEBERRY BARBECUE PULLED PORK

(Adapted from blueberry.org/recipes)

Ingredients - Sauce

Blueberries, 1-1/4 cup frozen, rinsed

Tomato paste, 2 tablespoons

Brown sugar, 3 tablespoons packed

Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon

Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon

Apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup

Oregano, 1 teaspoon dried

Butter, 2 tablespoons

Onion, 1 medium, diced

Garlic, 3 cloves, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon if desired, or to taste

Ingredients - Pulled Pork

Pork shoulder, 3-1/2 pounds boneless

Olive oil, 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons divided

Onions, 1 large, chopped roughly

Garlic, 6 cloves smashed

Chicken broth, 4 cups

Oregano, 1 tablespoon dried

Directions

Garlic powder, 2 teaspoons

Black pepper, 2 teaspoons

Salt, 1-1/2 tablespoons

Chili powder, 2 teaspoons if desired, or to taste

Thyme sprigs, 1 small bunch fresh

Starting with the sauce, cook onion and garlic over medium heat in butter until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and oregano, adding chili powder if desired. Cook a minute or two before stirring in blueberries and cooking another minute or two until softened. Mash mix with potato masher to crush blueberries. Now add vinegar, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Finally add salt and pepper to taste and cook over medium-low heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mixture should thicken. Place in a blender and puree until smooth.

For pulled pork, drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil onto pork shoulder and rub to coat, then rub spice mixture over pork — oregano, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder if desired. Now place pork mixture in batches in a Dutch oven, add remaining oil, and cook each batch for 12-18 minutes in an oven preheated to 325 F, turning frequently. Remove from the Dutch oven and set aside. Then in a Dutch oven place onions, thyme, and smashed garlic and cook over mediumhigh heat for 3-5 minutes until softened.

Place pork mixture back in Dutch oven, adding chicken broth, and return to oven to cook for 3-4 hours, flipping pork midway. Once pork is tender, remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes.

In a large bowl, shred pork using 2 forks, and season with a bit more salt. Set aside.

Heat Dutch oven with cooking liquid to medium, cooking for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Liquid should be reduced by half. Now add 2/3 of cooking liquid to pulled pork. Remaining liquid can be retained for a future project.

Serve pulled pork with coleslaw in toasted burger buns and top with blueberry barbecue sauce.

BLUEBERRY MOUSSE

(Adapted from Food & Wine)

Ingredients

Blueberries, 1 cup plus 1/4 cup for garnish

Cream cheese, 8 oz softened

Heavy cream, 1 cup chilled

Sour cream, 1 cup

Sugar, 1/2 cup

Salt, 3/4 teaspoon

Pistachios, or nuts of choice, chopped for garnish

Directions

First mash then cook blueberries with sugar and salt, simmering over moderate heat, about 10 minutes or until the consistency of jam. Remove from heat and scrape into a food processor, allowing to cool completely.

Now add sour cream and cream cheese to the food processor and purée with the jam until smooth. In a large bowl beat heavy cream to soft peaks, fold in the blended berry-jam mixture until blended. Spoon the final product into fluted glasses and top with pistachio or other nuts and a few blueberries.

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

Leaving Hoofprints on Hearts

Heartland Horses Harnesses the Power of Community to Provide Therapeutic Riding

by KENZIE CARLSON

photos by SAMANTHA HICKS

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, Sandra Kuhn had a vision to provide horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. That vision was brought to life when she founded what came to be Heartland Horses Equine Activities and Learning in Sebring.

Today, even though the location has moved to Avon Park and more horses have been brought in, the organization’s mission remains the same.

“Our mission is to provide individuals with mental, physical, and emotional needs with horseback riding because we believe it carries over to their daily life,” says Sherry Poplaskas, CEO of Heartland Horses.

Though the services offered are still the same as when Kuhn founded the organization, the organization has gone through many changes over the years. Current Heartland Horses riding instructors are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, an organization that trains riding instructors on the best way to work with special needs individuals. Heartland Horses presently operates with eight horses and five PATH-certified instructors.

Despite the official certifications and the addi-

tion of horses, one thing did not change: Heartland Horses’ therapeutic riding lessons are provided free of charge to individuals and families.

Poplaskas says a majority of the riders they work with are on the autism spectrum.

“Children on the autism spectrum are so very different from each other [but] if we can be consistent with steps in how we do something, and everything is done in a specific order, they’re able to do those steps, remember them, and we see it when they go home,” she explains.

In addition to individuals on the autism spectrum, Heartland Horses also provides services to people with mobility difficulties such as those with cerebral palsy or who have had a stroke.

“We have a lift, so if someone came in in a wheelchair, we would lift them onto the horse,” Poplaskas says. “They would have a leader and two side walkers.”

“By putting them on the back of a horse with a bareback pad, their pelvis does open [and] their legs drop down. The movement of the horse is very similar to the movement of walking, so they feel as if they’re walking” she adds.

Poplaskas began her career as a certified therapeutic riding instructor in New Hampshire for 15 years. She relocated to Florida in 2017 and became a part-time PATH-certified riding instructor at Heartland Horses.

After retiring in 2021, she became the facility’s executive director in 2023.

Beyond providing riding lessons, Heartland

Horses is heavily involved in the Central Florida agriculture community, attending and participating in horse shows and presentations at local feed stores as well as hosting its own presentations to spread the word about its mission.

It helps that the organization is a familiar presence at community events.

“We participate in parades, the blueberry festival, and we are in partnership with The Arc next door, so we do a lot of things with them,” Poplaskas says.

The Arc provides day programs, supported employment, group homes, and community services to adults with disabilities in the area. Kathleen Border, director at The Arc, also serves on Heartland Horses’ Board of Directors.

Adults from the Arc programs enjoy riding lessons on Thursdays at Heartland Horses. If an individual is unable to ride, they are able to groom and pet the facility’s miniature horses.

Heartland Horses also hosts free movie nights for the community and serves as an on-the-job training site through a partnership with South Florida State College in Avon Park.

At the center of Heartland Horses’ mission is community, and it relies solely on donations, grants, Highlands County, and volunteers to make its therapeutic riding lessons possible.

To help offset costs, the organization has about 10 riders without special needs who take lessons at the facility for a fee.

To learn more about lessons or volunteer opportunities, contact Heartland Horses at 863-452-0006. ag

FROM APRIL 28-MAY 7, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting the third annual Florida WildQuest, a unique scavenger hunt experience encouraging exploration of wildlife management areas throughout the state. Florida residents and visitors can grab their phone and join a wild adventure with missions designed to help them discover some of Florida’s best spots to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.

Wild

About Florida!

WildQuest players of all ages will have opportunities to learn about and explore Florida’s extensive WMA system during the event. Participants who qualify will be entered into a random drawing for wilderness-inspired prizes.

What Are Wildlife Management Areas?

With more than 6 million acres set aside for wildlife conservation and nature-based recreation, Florida has one of the nation’s largest systems of state-managed wildlife lands. The FWC maintains, enhances and restores natural habitats on WMAs to

ag-recFlorida

Florida Update

FWC Hosting Florida WildQuest from April 28-May 7

benefit plants and wildlife as well as the people of Florida. The public can use WMAs for recreation activities like hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. Now more than ever, we need nature. Studies show time in nature benefits children and adults. It improves physical and mental health and reduces stress. Florida’s natural areas offer opportunities for us to safely overcome the fatigue of virtual life and forge the social and emotional connections our minds and bodies need to thrive.

Are You Ready to Go on a Florida WildQuest?

Follow these steps to adventure:

1. Find It: Find your closest WildQuest WMA by visiting MyFWC.com/WMAs.

2. Charge Up: Make sure your phone is charged and the GooseChase app is installed. Not all areas have mobile coverage, but you’ll be able to take pictures for your scavenger hunt missions and submit them later. Visit FloridaWildQuest.com for instructions on how to join a WildQuest.

3. Be Safe: Stay on marked roads and trails. It’s

a good idea to let someone else know where you’re going. Before you enter a trail, be sure it fits your skill level and the distance you’re prepared for.

4. Pack Smart: It gets hot outside and there are no vending machines in the wilderness. Check the weather before you go. Pack water, sunscreen and snacks!

5. Snap a Pic: Most WMAs have a kiosk at the main entrance with a welcome sign that includes a map and important reminders for visiting the area. When you see this sign, be sure to take a picture for reference. Grab a recreation guide at the kiosk if one is available.

WMAs = Healthy Habitat and Abundant Wildlife

Supporting a WMA doesn’t only benefit people. The wildlife and plants you see thriving within WMAs are there because these wild places are protected and maintained. Your support for these areas helps the FWC keep these habitats healthy, so people can enjoy Florida’s wilderness for generations to come. ag

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

photo by STEVE BRINKLEY, FWC

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

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• Certified Public Accountants - Bunting Tripp and Ingley - A Tradition of Excellence for more than 80 Years - (863) 676-7981

Farm Bureau Insurance Offices Throughout Central Florida!

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International Market World Flea and Farmers Market Friday 8-3, Saturday & Sunday 8-4 New and Used bargains. See live gators.

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Special Financing Rate - 0% for 60 months, $0 down.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

My Payroll Solutions LLC has over 20 years of experience in matching small businesses, Agriculture Companies and harvesters to staffing services and employee leasing companies, which provide payroll services with workers comp coverage and assistance with H2A applications for our clients. For more information contact Jeff H Futch at 863-835-1130.

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EVENTAgri

IS YOUR YARD AND LANDSCAPING a joy or a nightmare? Are you frustrated with your plants not doing well? Has someone said, “That’s just Florida!”? Don’t fear, you don’t have a brown thumb; you just need a nudge in the right direction. Keep reading and we’ll tell you how.

In the 70s, the folks in Colorado decided they needed to come up with a set of guidelines people could follow to have a well-maintained landscape that used very little water. They named it Xeriscaping. Xeri- from the Greek word dry, and scaping a play-off of the word landscaping. Basically, it meant landscaping with less water. It is still used today, but it didn’t translate into something that fit Florida’s environment. Florida had special needs and needed its own guidelines.

Finding a special need, the University of Florida partnered with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL). From the onset of the program in 1993, FDEP has helped fund it with the assistance of the EPA under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.

What this means for the homeowner is there is a template in place for you to have an aesthetically pleasing, easily maintained landscape that is more friendly on your back and Florida’s environment. Being Florida-Friendly doesn’t mean you have to give up beauty to have the colorful and pleasing yard you’ve always wanted.

On April 20, join me and the Highlands County Master Gardener Volunteers at Robbins Nursery South in Sebring for my Annual Florida-Friendly Talk and Tour. I’ll explain the nine principles of FFL, and afterward, we will tour the nursery looking at and discussing FFL plants. The class is free, but please call the office at 863-402-6540 to register so we bring enough handouts. ag

Save Time & Energy With A Florida-Friendly Yard

by DAVID AUSTIN, UF/IFAS Extension, Highlands County

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, THIS LAND IS MY LAND

AS IF THE BATTLE AGAINST GREENING and development weren’t enough to handle, Florida farmers are facing yet another threat to their livelihoods and the food security they provide.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson isn’t taking this threat lightly, and it’s a sentiment I’m hoping more and more people adopt.

During a recent interview with News 6, Simpson detailed how it’s essential to view food as a national security concern.

The issue is the prospect of Chinese investors purchasing agricultural land in Florida, as they have done in other states, such as North Dakota, where a Chinese company proposed building a corn-milling facility on agricultural land located just 12 miles away from an Air Force base.

State legislators are working hard to pass bill SB 264 quickly to prevent foreign investors from purchasing agricultural land or any property within 20 miles of a military base in the state.

Simpson and his team drafted the bill, titled “Interests of Foreign Countries,” and the restriction applies only to “countries of concern,” including China, Russia, and North Korea, among others.

Chinese companies hold more than 330,000 acres of American farmland, roughly 6 percent of the U.S.’s agricultural land. It is not clear exactly how much agricultural land in Florida is in the hands of Chinese investors at this time.

Simpson isn’t just trying to protect our future, though. He’s looking out for the interests of Florida farmers and families who are struggling as we speak by advancing a bill that would prohibit local special assessment of taxes on buildings used in agricultural activities.

Farmers cannot bear that burden, he says, and he’s right. Now we just need to get as many people as possible in Tallahassee to understand that.

FFACORNER

Polk FFA Members Wrap Up a Busy Month

by CHARLEIGH WOOD, Polk County FFA Federation President

TTHE MONTH OF MARCH has been nothing but fun for those young and old in the agricultural community. Starting off the month with Agri-Fest, an event hosted and put together by members of the local agriculture industry and Polk County Public Schools, more than 4,800 fourth-graders were able to gain knowledge and experience through hands-on activities with experts from different local commodities of agriculture. From the production of citrus and beef to agricultural mechanics and drone use, students were able to grow their knowledge on how they get the food they eat, as well as who is working diligently to make sure they get this food.

For the duration of Agri-Fest, the Polk County FFA Federation held the county Nursery and Landscape Contest at Hollis Garden, where both high school and middle school students were able to practice and prepare themselves for the state contest that would follow a few weeks later. The top team from the high school level came from the Auburndale FFA Chapter, and Westwood Middle FFA Chapter topped the middle school level. The following week, the county Land Judging contest was held at Lake Gibson High School where students had the opportunity to judge four soil pits to help them get ready for the state contest at the end of the month. The contest was won by the members from George Jenkins Sr. FFA. Later in the month, the Polk County Federation will host an Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration competition in order to prepare Polk County teams that will be competing at states.

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.

To wrap up the month, hundreds of 4-H and FFA members from across Polk County had the opportunity to show off their beef and swine projects at the Central Florida Youth in Agriculture Show and Sale. Kids ranging from ages 8 and younger to 18 years old were not only able to participate in the unique experience of showing a livestock animal, but they also received a plethora of extravagant awards

and prizes for their hard work and effort inside and outside of the show ring. Exhibitors were awarded banners, buckles, coolers, chairs, speakers, backpacks, and more. A Livestock Judging competition was also held at CFYIA for exhibitors to work on their evaluation skills and to help prepare teams for the state contest that will take place April 15 in Gainesville.

The CFYIA committee worked long days and nights to make sure that the show was both fun and educational for all involved. They put their time and effort into making it as smooth as possible for exhibitors, parents, and spectators. Thanks to the numerous sponsorships, donations, and community support, CFYIA was able to organize a memorable show, and the exhibitors were able to successfully market off their projects to both local supporters and those who have traveled far distances to see how amazing the show really is.

Although the month was busy, March was not one to forget. Between Agri-Fest, county FFA competitions, and a memorable Central Florida Youth in Agriculture Show and Sale, there were many opportunities provided to Polk County Students who could be, or could one day be, interested in a career in the industry of agriculture. ag

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and he understands the challenges we face today. In our present working environment, more than ever; it is important to work with someone who can help navigate labor laws, worker protection standards, wage and hour compliance, insurance and regulatory matters. Labor Solutions was founded in

Let’s Talk Citrus

JESSICA M c DONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

FOR ALL YOU CITRUS ENTHUSIASTS, there are some key events planned this year that you won’t want to miss.

The Florida Grower Citrus Show Fort Pierce, April 13

Now in its 77th year and under new management, this show will have a whole new look as well as a condensed one-day format. This year, the trade show is kicking it up a notch with a tailgate party complete with food from more than 50 exhibitors. Topics will include research from the “Millennium Block,” plant nutrition, and methods for managing citrus greening. Plus, there will be a canine demonstration showing how dogs can detect pest insects in crops.

To learn more, go to floridagrower.net/2023florida-citrus-show/.

Citrus Expo | Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa August

16-17

Since 1992, this event has been the premier trade show for citrus growers and others in the industry. Education is the top priority, so stay tuned as plans for the seminar and trade show firm up. For more information, head to citrusexpo.net.

National OJ Day | May 4

For most people, May the Fourth is either an apt time for a Star Wars pun or the calm before Cinco de Mayo. But there’s actually more to it than that. It’s National OJ Day, making it the perfect time to tout the health benefits of pure Florida gold. Shout it from the rooftops or maybe just your back porch and social media. Either way, make sure to celebrate Florida’s citrus industry. It’s just one more way you can #ThankAFarmer.

The Low Payment Kings were proud to celebrate Ag Day in America with great interviews with local farmer, William Hyatt, and Leigh Ann Wynn, Polk County Farm Bureau President. Interviewer Kati Watson brought students from the agriculture program at the University of Florida!