Central Florida Ag News August 2021 by Central Florida Media Group

www.FloridaAgNews.com

vol 12 | issue 2 | aug 2021

SEE FLORIDA THE RIGHT WAY

STATE BUZZING WITH FUN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

HITTING THE MARK 4-H SHOOTING CLUBS HELP KEEP GOALS ON TARGET

FLORIDA ROOTS:

MEET NEW CATTLEMEN’S PRESIDENT CLIFF CODDINGTON

The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region

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www.Flo

ridaAgN

CONTENTS | a u g u s t 2 0 2 1

Central Florida is a hotspot for agritourism. Our state government recognizes the value of agritourism here. Polk County might seem at first like just a sleepy bedroom community, but with more than 2,000 active farms in the county, the opportunities for agritourism here are endless.

20 GUIDANCE FOR SMALL FARMERS

The UF/IFAS Extension Polk County office has a new agent, and he’s excited to help farmers and growers here make a positive impact on their community, environment and economy! Luis Rodriguez Rosado is serving as Small Farms and Pesticide Education Extension Agent, filling a position that was vacant for the past year and a half due to COVID.

24 HITTING THE MARK

For Diane Sharp and Melissa Stockenberg, the 4-H shooting clubs in Central Florida started out as an activity for their children, but it turned into a family affair. The shooting clubs give participants skills that translate to all areas of life, says Sharp. “They learn patience, concentration and goal-setting skills; they learn to compensate and adjust on the fly when things aren’t going exactly right.”

Gardening Tips for August Ask About

| issue

2 | aug

ews.com

2021

The Vo ice of Ag ricul

On the Cover

ture fo r Our Re gion

SEE FLO THE RIG RIDA HT WAY

STATE BU EDUCATI ZZING WITH FU ONAL OP N PORTUNIT IES

Farm To Agritouris ur m edit

Nestled on 80 acres inside HITTING THE MA RK ion Chassahowitzka Wildlife FLORIDA HOME-G ROOTS: R O WN TASTE & Management Area is NJoy TOUR Spirits Distillery, a more than NEW EX TENSIO 3,000-square-foot distillery that N AGEN T uses rye grain and sugarcane grown right on the premises to produce award-winning whiskey, rum and moonshine from purified rainwater. Read more about this unique spot on page 14. photo by JESSICA McDONALD 4-H SHOO KEEP GO TING CLUBS HE ALS ON LP TARGET

MEET NE W CATTL PRESIDE NT CLIFF EMEN’S CODDING TON

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.

12 THE RIGHT WAY TO SEE FLORIDA

vol 12

FloridaA

THERE’S PLENTY TO NJOY AT WEE KI WAC HEE DIST ILLERY

COLLABO

RATING WI

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TH SMAL

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CFAN |

Departments 5 Publisher’s Letter 7 President’s Letter 9 Signs of the Season 10 Calendar 16 Angle’s Letter 18 Florida Roots 22 Ag-Rec 23 AgriShopper

26 Recipe Spotlight 28 In The Heartland 29 Ag Community 31 Classifieds 34 Agri-News 36 FFA Corner 37 Editor’s Last Word

CHECK lawns & plants for active insects & treat. TIME for feeding azaleas & camellias with a good quality acid fertilizer. We will check your soil sample for FREE for the proper 4.5 to 5.5 pH. LAST PRUNING of poinsettias before the first of September. CONTINUE to feed & spray roses. GOOD TIME to plant new lawns or replant bad ones. Try our Palmetto grass plugs. START preparing for all vegetable gardens. Clean site, add compost, manure, peat & fertilizer.

nd a o t t e m l a P s g u l P s s a Gr m a t a r o l F Doty Farm & Garden Supply, Inc.

Plants • Pottery • Pets & Supplies • Purina Chows 299 6th Street SW • Winter Haven, FL • 293-9730

BLADE SHARPENING SERVICE • Knives, Scissors, Chain Saws, Lawn Mowers and more! 4 | CFAN

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PUBLISHER LETTER

Eye on the Prize I’VE SAID IT BEFORE, but I can’t say it enough: Our Florida farmers are survivors. Rain or shine, holiday or mid-week, they work tirelessly in the field. And when they’re not in the field, they’re thinking or talking about their fields. So when the going gets tough, the tough get ... well, tougher. By the grace of God and their own ingenuity, Florida farmers made it through the potentially devastating losses of 2020. In a year overshadowed by supply chain disruptions and uncertainty, they turned to their community and neighbors to profit and find a market for their goods. Then this year brought an even more intense onslaught of Mexican imports. According to the Agricultural Markets Consultant Group, imports of crops especially critical for Florida — think tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries and watermelons — saw an increase of 14 to

• 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 2021-2022

PEACHES • Licensed grower of low chill peaches on Flordaguard and MP-29 rootstocks • Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates

• Now contracting for 2021-2022

The best part is that it’s run by ag leaders whose stories of success are already written. There’s so much to learn, and there is so much opportunity for a profitable experience. Just ask a Florida farmer! Thanks for reading Central Florida Ag News! ag

A common symptom of Huanglongbing (HLB) in citrus Another area of research is the effect of oak leaf extract trees is leaf chlorosis, where the leaves develop yellow on HLB-infected trees. Travis Murphy and Tom Thayer blotches. HLB is caused by a bacterium that resides in the observed a phenomenon in nature that citrus growing under oak trees are free of HLB. Based on this plant phloem, disrupting the flow of nutrients. While observation, Murphy and Thayer set up experichlorosis also can indicate other plant health ments with containerized citrus trees under issues, it’s thought to be triggered by the oak trees and observed reduced HLB presence of the HLB bacterium causing the infection. They then set up field experiments disease. to test the effect on HLB-infected trees To study the causes behind leaf chlorosis, where they observed that oak extract formuUF/IFAS plant pathologist Nabil Killiny and a lations they developed had a very positive research team looked at 39 common chemeffect on tree health and fruit yield and ical compounds found in both healthy and quality. Mr. Murphy shared these observaHLB-infected citrus trees. The samples studied by Phillip Rucks tions and efforts with UF/IFAS and USDA who were taken from tree phloem and xylem sap. then conducted a small collaborative greenhouse Disease-infected trees showed an increase in several acids in the sap. One of these organic acids study. The UF/IFAS/USDA team observed that HLB-inincreased in both the xylem and phloem tissues of the fected Valencia greenhouse plants treated with oak leaf HLB infected trees, leading Killiny to further study why extract had lower levels of the HLB bacteria, increased this was happening. A later study proved that this organic chlorophyll (were greener), and increased leaf mineral acid was working as a plant signaling molecule in nutrient levels. The USDA has recently setup a field trial of one hundred twenty-two mature trees that replicates HLB-infected trees. Murphy and Thayer’s field experiment. Murphy and These results suggest that the organic acid has a Thayer are currently conducting large-scale field trials negative effect on the biochemical systems that produce with grower cooperators. These trials involve thousands leaf pigment. Further research is needed to study other of trees that are being treated with Murphy’s and factors that contribute to the citrus greening disease Thayer’s oak extracts by the grower cooperators. development. This knowledge can also be used to Murphy and Thayer have found that the effects of their determine whether other nutritional deficiencies or oak leaf extracts are sufficiently impactful to help with biochemical processes can be changed or treated to new management treatment programs to protect trees encourage better growth and health in HLB-inthat are infected with HLB. fected trees.

PHILLIP RUCKS CITRUS NURSERY, INC. Phillip Rucks, Owner

FloridaAgNews.com

NELSON KIRKLAND , Publishe nelson@ce r ntralflorida mediagrou p.com

Link Found Between Organic Acid, HLB

CITRUS

• Licensed for new released varieties

15 percent. But the story doesn’t stop there, because our farmers prevailed. Despite the flood of imports, Florida blueberry growers logged a strong season this year and were able to turn a profit. The versatility of those involved in Florida’s ag sector plays a key role in their survival through agritourism. Many operations open their doors to the public to entertain, to teach, and to share their love for the land. From corn mazes to farm tours and processing plant tours, agritourism helps to create revenue from what is already a hard day’s work. We highlight some of those operations in this edition, and we encourage anyone who wants to learn how to do the same to reach out to the Florida Agritourism Association. The group helps owners promote their operation and also offers business development opportunities, educational training and chances to network.

EUCALYPTUS WINDBREAKS

• 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 2021-2022

BAMBOO

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.

863-635-1948 •info@rucksnursery.com P.O. Box 1318 Frostproof, FL 33843 • www.ruckscitrusnursery.com www.ﬂoridagrownspecialties.com

CFAN | 5

Columns

13 STAY ALERT FOR PESTS COMMON THIS TIME OF YEAR

25 MANAGING YOUR HORSE IN HOT WEATHER

16 URGING UNDERSTANDING FOR AILING SUPPLY CHAIN

34 NOW IS THE TIME TO STAY AHEAD OF BROWN ROT

Bugs can have a field day this time of year in your lawn and garden if you don’t keep them under control. Here in Central Florida, there is a list of “common” pests to look out for and manage if necessary. Bill Doty talks about the best way to battle mole crickets, chinch bugs, azalea caterpillars, white flies and more.

Are you sick of discussing the pandemic yet? If you’re like me, there’s an immediate answer and a secondary answer. The immediate answer is “Yes!” The secondary answer, though, is “No.” The effects of the pandemic continue to ripple and provide both opportunity and anxiety in the global supply chain.

24 HEMARTHRIA GRASS A HARDY OPTION FOR FLORIDA CATTLE

Certain types of grass are better suited for certain types of pasture land. And with Florida supporting a wide variety of biomes, it is vital that ranchers recognize the type of land they’re pasturing in and understand which grasses that land can best support. Hemarthria altissima is a favorite of many Florida ranchers due to its increased tolerance for wet, sandy soils.

The Florida summer heat makes things more challenging when caring for and exercising your horse. The same things that you worry about for yourself in the heat are the same things that you need to consider for your horse. Dr. Katie Hennessy explains what you need to know to keep your horses safe.

Florida’s rainy summer season is prime time for root rot, but it’s also the time that brown rot rears its ugly head. There have been high counts of the organisms that cause brown rot reported so far this year. Here are some pointers for managing brown rot in citrus.

35 CHARITY AUCTIONS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN FUNDRAISING

The NAA auctioneers across America raise hundreds of millions of dollars on an annual basis for every kind of charity you can imagine, from the dogs and cats (SPCA) to sales for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, schools, churches and more. Auctioneer Marty Higgenbotham tells us more about these efforts.

SAVE THE DATE!

79th Annual Polk County Farm Bureau Annual Membership Meeting Thursday, October 7th, 2021 , beginning at 6:30 p.m. AT THE BARN BY THE LAKE IN FT. MEADE

Sponsorships are available for this event. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or need additional information, please contact Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561. 863-533-0561 • www.PCFB.org • Facebook.com/PolkCountyFarm Bureau 6 | CFAN

FloridaAgNews.com

Polk County Farm Bureau Protecting & Promoting Polk Agriculture since 1942

p r e s i d e n t ’s c o l u m n

www.pcfb.org

Phone: 863.533.0561

Member Services Carole McKenzie Executive Director

Lori Kuehl Program Coordinator

2020-2021 Board of Directors Dean Evans President Leigh Ann Wynn Vice-President Kevin M. Updike Past President Corby Myers Treasurer Michael Matteson Secretary Daniel Lanier YF&R Chair

Larry Black Barrett Chandley Charles Counter Kenny DeVane Leslie W. Dunson, III Ellis Hunt, Jr. Scarlett Jackson Jack James, Jr. Nelson Kirkland Ed Lassiter David Lawson, Jr. Christian P. Spinosa Kyle Story Vic Story John W. Strang Keith Walter

Location

1715 U.S. Hwy 17 South Bartow, FL 33830

Ofﬁce Hours

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jimmy Williams Agency Manager

Bartow Office Agents Phone: 863.533.0561 James L. Moser, Jr. Blake Nicholson Jimmy Williams Haines City Office Agent 203 S Dixie Drive Phone: 863.421.4545 Rhonda Ambrose Winter Haven Office Agents 3039 Cypress Gardens Road Phone: 863.299.3892 Barry Walker Jason Yates

As the new school year begins, please remember to support our local FFA and 4-H chapters. The experiences gained by young people in these programs are invaluable to the development of their character and leadership skills. These are the same youth who will one day lead the agriculture community into the future and, as a grassroots organization, the success of our youth is critical to the Farm Bureau mission. Speaking of grassroots activities, there is an important American Farm Bureau Action Alert that needs our members’ attention and participation. There is proposed legislation in Congress that would tax capital gains at death and eliminate the current stepped-up basis program. Because many farmers hold land and other farm assets passed on from generation to generation, this would be devastating to American agriculture. I strongly urge our members to visit www.fb.org/advocacy/actionalerts to learn more and let your voice be heard on this critical issue. Members of the Polk Young Farmer and Ranchers committee joined more than 200 of their colleagues from around the state in Sanibel Harbour July 9th-11th for leadership training, competitive events and fellowship at Florida Farm Bureau’s 2021 Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference. I’m pleased to share that our Polk YF&R Committee has once again received the Florida Farm Bureau YF&R Activity Award and our Women’s Committee chair Scarlett Jackson has placed as a top 3 finalist in the 2021 Florida Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture competition and she will compete for the state title in this event at the October Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Congratulations to Scarlett and Polk YF&R! State and Polk Annual Meetings Update: As of this writing, both the Polk and Florida Farm Bureau 2021 Annual Meetings are scheduled to proceed. The 79th Annual Polk County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 7th, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Barn by the Lake in Fort Meade. All active members will receive invitations by U.S. Mail. Sponsorships are available for this event. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, need additional information, or to RSVP, please contact Lori Kuehl at lkuehl@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561, Ext. 112. The Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is scheduled for October 27th-29th at the Caribe Royale Orlando Resort. For more information on the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting visit www.ffbf.org. Farm Bureau Member Benefits Highlight: Farm Bureau members can get two months free — 14 months of Sea Tow membership for the price of 12 months. Visit www.SeaTow.com/FFB to take advantage of this offer when signing up for a new Sea Tow membership or renewing your existing membership. For questions or more information, contact Ali Baker at Ali. Baker@ffbf.org. Finally, please remember that school is back in session and drive safely!

Sincerely,

Calling from Lake Wales 863.676.3187

FloridaAgNews.com

DEAN T. EVANS President, Polk County Farm Bureau CFAN | 7

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Copyright © 2021 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Florida AgNews is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Florida AgNews makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein, however, neither the publishers nor advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials.

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SIGNS of the SEASON Florida Taps Into the Tropics With Guava by ERIKA ALDRICH Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

FLORIDA IS GREAT for an array of tropical fruit crops because of its tropical climate, and one of the most popular tropical fruits grown in Florida is guava. It’s a large fruit with a unique, sweet flavor that many describe as a cross between a strawberry and a pear. Guava is a popular ingredient in many Asian and Hispanic dishes. While it’s grown year-round in Florida, guava is in its peak season from July through September, with a smaller peak in February and March. You should be able to find guava in grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and roadside produce stands near you. History of the Guava Guava is found on just about every continent, but it’s thought to have originated in the Americas, specifically in southern Mexico through Central America, according to Purdue University. It’s found throughout the tropics, including Africa, India, the Philippines and the Caribbean, with India being the largest global producer. Because of this, it is known by many different names, such as guayaba, jambu biji, bayabas and Oi. In addition to being grown in Florida, guava sees production in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, California, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and New Jersey. There are many cultivars of guava, but most fall into one of two types: pink/red or white guava. According to UF/IFAS Extension, the pink varieties are most common in South Florida, and they are very popular in Latin markets. Similarly white “Thai” guava varieties are popular in Asian markets. Typically, pink guava varieties are eaten when ripe, and white guava are eaten when underripe, or “crispy” like an apple. Guava Production in Florida According to UF/IFAS Extension, guava was likely introduced to Florida by way of Cuba in 1847. Commercial production began in 1912, but it did

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not take off until the 1980s when acreage increased considerably. UF/IFAS Extension maintains that Florida had approximately 300 acres growing guava in 2000 and nearly 600 acres of guava in 2015. Guava enjoys warm, tropical climates, so about 90 percent of all of Florida’s guava production occurs in South Florida in Miami-Dade County. While it is a tropical crop, guava is very hardy and will withstand a wide variance in soil quality, water salinity, and other factors. Because guava doesn’t do well in the cold, freezing temperatures can slow down or kill a guava tree. Guava at the Table There are many reasons to enjoy guava. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, guava has a host of benefits. It is high in Vitamin C and other vitamins. It is also high in fiber and rich in antioxidants which promote heart health. Pink/red guava varieties should be allowed to warm to room temperature until the fruit’s peel changes color from light green to yellow, it has a bit of give when gently squeezed, and the fruit emits a strong fruity scent before eating. White guava is meant to be crisp like an apple, so it can be eaten when firm. Guava should be stored in a paper bag or a sealed plastic bag in the fridge to discourage ripening from contact with other fruit. Both types of guava are eaten as fresh fruit or added to salads and desserts. Guava can also be used in a variety of recipes, including being cooked into pastries and pies, made into syrups, jams, jellies, and marmalades, and even canned as preserves. Fresh guava should be refrigerated and eaten within one to three days of being cut open. ag

CFAN | 9

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2021 Many venues and events are more limited in their capacities now so as to allow for social distancing, so if an event requires registration beforehand, be sure to sign up quickly before the limited number of slots available are all taken.

SEPTEMBER 8 THE FLORIDA TOMATO INSTITUTE & FOOD SAFETY WORKSHOP/ T-GAP RENEWAL AUGUST 26 CITRUS PACKINGHOUSE DAY This free event features workshops and seminars for citrus industry professionals. The J.T. Leslie Award will be presented to someone who has made significant contributions to the industry. This is the 60th anniversary of the event. It will run from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and will be held at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center Ben Hill Griffin Hall in Lake Alfred. For more information or to register, please go to packinghouseday2021. eventbrite.com.

Registration is free for employees of all Florida tomato growers/packers, sponsors, presenters, and UF, otherwise admission is $100. Lunch will be catered by the Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association. There will be industry updates, food safety workshops, and more. It will take place at LaBelle Civic Center, located at 481 W Hickpochee Ave in LaBelle. For more information, please contact Craig Frey, Hendry County Extension Director, at (863) 674-4092 or email craigfrey@ufl.edu.

AUGUST 14 & 28, SEPT. 11 & 25 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 other 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, awardwinning 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 lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market

AUGUST 18 – 19 CITRUS, VEGETABLE, AND SPECIALTY CROP EXPO Educational workshops, exhibits, prestigious speakers, equipment demonstrations, and more will take place at this exciting, informative event. Hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Thursday, August 19. The expo will be held at Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Rd N in Fort Myers. Find more details online at citrusexpo. net.

AUGUST 28 SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO 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 visitwestgateresorts.com.

SEPTEMBER 4 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.

SEPTEMBER 11 THE FLORIDA GARDENER: EDIBLE LANDSCAPING Learn how to incorporate edible plants in a visually appealing landscape design to create a multifunctional oasis on your property. The Zoom event is free for members of Bok Tower Gardens and $10 for non-members. It will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. Class is limited to 99 participants and reservations are required. You can find more information online at www.boktowergardens.org.

SEPTEMBER 24 • WAWA SUMMER FUN DAY – FREE ADMISSION AT BOK TOWER GARDENS Enjoy the beautiful scenery and native flora of Bok Tower Gardens with free admission, sponsored by WaWa. Bok Tower Gardens is open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the last admission at 5 p.m. The address is 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales. You can find more information at www.boktowergardens.org.

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

10 | CFAN

FloridaAgNews.com

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 25 GARDENFEST & MORE Enjoy this free event while shopping for all of your fall gardening needs! Tons of plants, garden accessories, and art will be available for sale. The fun festival which is sponsored by the Plant City Garden Club takes place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Plant City Train Depot and McCall Park, located at 102 N Palmer St in Plant City. If you need more information, please contact the Event Chairman, Sally Murphy, at (813) 758-5154 or email sally. murphy6@aol.com.

FEDERAL CROWDSOURCING AND CITIZEN SCIENCE CATALOG Get involved with major scientific studies and data collection by participating in one or more of these projects! There are hundreds of ongoing projects throughout the U.S. that need the public’s help to gather information. For example, WeDigFLPlants is seeking to fully document the amazing array of plant diversity and distribution in Florida, and you can contribute to this undertaking any time you go on a nature walk. For this and more research projects to help with, visit citizenscience.gov.

The following activities and resources are still available online for those choosing to avoid public spaces for safety reasons.

VIRTUAL TOURS OF NATIONAL PARKS OF THE UNITED STATES Take a virtual tour of many of these fascinating areas from the comfort of your own home. All you have to do to get started on your explorations is go to earth.google.com and search for “National Parks of the United States.”

AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION FOR AGRICULTURE The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s website is an excellent resource for fun ways to engage children in various aspects of agriculture. They have posted several ideas for educational activities that can be done at home with kids. You can find their website at www. agfoundation.org.

ORLANDO MAKERS ONLINE This online farmer’s market is showcasing over 50 Central Florida vendors selling a variety of handmade goods. Join them on their Facebook page every Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. on Sunday.

FloridaAgNews.com

FEEDING MINDS PRESS If you are looking for some excellent books to introduce children to the wonderful world of agriculture, look no further than Feeding Minds Press. This organization is a project of the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture and is dedicated to publishing accurate and engaging children’s books about agriculture that help readers understand where their food comes from and who grows it. These outstanding, educational books can be purchased at feedingmindspress.com.

VIRTUAL FARM TOURS The American Dairy Association invites you and your family to learn what life is really like on a modern, working farm. Their website is chock full of wholesome material for kids and adults to virtually experience all the excitement of raising dairy cows. Simply visit americandairy.com and check out the Dairy Diary blog for lots of great content.

CFAN | 11

FEATURE | e d i t i o n

The Right Way To See Florida

Great Climate, Crops Mean Opportunities for Agritourism Abound by TERESA SCHIFFER

CENTRAL FLORIDA IS A HOTSPOT FOR AGRITOURISM. Our state government recognizes the value of agritourism here and since 2007 has created laws protecting the farmers who wish to open their property to the public for various activities. Since visiting any farm has some inherent risks, it was important to state legislators to protect both farmers and the public from some of these dangers. Farmers want to know that they will not be liable for injuries associated with the unavoidable risks of conducting normal farm activities, and the public wants to be assured that farmers will not be negligent when it comes to taking safety precautions to protect visitors. Situated between the globally acclaimed theme parks of the Orlando area and the trendy urban metropolis of Tampa Bay, Polk County might seem at first like just a sleepy bedroom community. However, with more than 2,000 active farms in the county, there is actually quite a lot happening here. If you think citrus is the only thing growing in Florida, think again! We have 81 different types of crops produced here, plus 19 livestock and poultry products. Polk County is simply teeming with opportunities for agritourism. “Everything that you do, outside of 12 | CFAN

just producing in your farm, is considered agritourism,” says Luis Rodriguez, UF/IFAS’ Small Farms and Pesticide Education Agent for Polk County. “For example, any type of tours you can give to certain groups of people, that’s agritourism. If you have a bed and breakfast near or inside your farm, that’s considered agritourism.” U-pick crops and cottage industry foods, like honey or jams that are sold at the farm, are also considered agritourism. There are many ways for a Florida farm to branch out into agritourism. Offering tours and u-pick opportunities are just the beginning.

Area farmers can welcome the public onto their land for things like skeet shooting, equipment demonstrations, bird watching, rodeos, horseback riding and so much more. Seasonal activities are also popular, with farms offering various themed festivals, planting and harvesting events, charity runs, crop mazes, and other fun recreational activities. The farmers who open their fields to the public, like the Futch family that operates the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze in Plant City, truly relish having people come and savor the simple life of rural living for a day. FloridaAgNews.com

STAY ALERT FOR PESTS COMMON THIS TIME OF YEAR

“It just means a lot to us because it’s great when city people come out,” Janet Futch explains. “It just means a lot to watch them come out and enjoy the ranch and the great outdoors, the beautiful oaks, the wildlife, the cattle, take a horseback ride, play cornhole or badminton and take a hayride, enjoy the corn maze and some bluegrass music. It’s just a lot of fun for us. We really enjoy it.” If you are interested in learning more about Florida’s thriving agritourism industry firsthand, here are some destinations to check out!

Oponay

Farms is a family-owned

farm located on Lake Hancock in Lakeland. This delightful slice of paradise specializes in growing highbush blueberries, luscious peaches and maintaining honey bee colonies. Their fields are dedicated to commercial harvests as well as u-pick customers. Oponay Farms takes pride in welcoming area children to their land for field trips to learn where fresh fruits and vegetables come from and how much hard work goes into producing their dinners. Learn more at their website, oponayfarmsllc. com.

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is a beloved

annual tradition going into its 10th year that takes place every October in Plant City. On clement autumn weekends, the Futch family opens the Single R Ranch to the public to explore the corn maze, enjoy family-friendly games like cornhole, badminton, and duck races, take a ride on a horse or pony, and have a look at the captivating butterfly garden. You can find more information about this festive fall event online at futchentertainment.com/ the-fox-squirrel-corn-maze/.

Showcase of Citrus offers more fun

for the whole family out in the fresh air in the

FloridaAgNews.com

scenic hills of Clermont. This unique Central Florida treasure offers a variety of experiences, including u-pick citrus, monster truck tours through the ranch, gem mining in a genuine sluice box, feeding Blu the Emu and Mimi the Zebu, and seasonal activities like meeting Santa and visiting the Pumpkin Ponderosa. There is a pristine lake for fishing from a pier, and a playground to give the kids a place to expend some energy. If you’d like to learn more, visit their website at showcaseofcitrus.com.

Henscratch Farms Vineyard and Winery in Lake Placid is a wonderful place

to meet with friends and relax in a calming, rural atmosphere. The vineyard that was established in 1999 specializes in plump Muscadine and Scuppernong grapes, which are harvested, crushed, and fermented to produce the distinctive wines available from the winery, such as Southern Magnolia, Red Sunset, and Country Strawberry wines. It’s a wonderful setting in which to hold your nuptials, gather with loved ones, or just kick back and enjoy some fine Florida wine. Find out how you can pick up a bottle of one of Henscratch Farms’ signature tastes at henscratchfarms.com.

True Blue Winery is another place for adults to get together to unwind in the heart of historic Davenport. This October, the winery will be offering some exciting entertainment in the form of a murder mystery comedy dinner show that includes a wine tasting. True Blue Winery features several varieties of blueberry wines produced from fruit grown in their own orchards. For some wholesome fun for the whole family, they also offer the chance to pick your own blueberries. To purchase tickets for the dinner show or find out when the berries will be available, visit their website at truebluewinery.com. ag

BUGS COULD HAVE A FIELD DAY this time of year in your lawn and garden if you don’t keep them under control. Here in Central Florida, there is a list of “common” pests to look out for and manage if necessary. Check your lawns and gardens at least weekly for mole crickets, chinch bugs, azalea caterpillars, white flies and more. In addition to any pesticides you require to keep those bugs from bugging your lawn and garden, you’ll want to use nutritional sprays to keep your plants as healthy as possible. These sprays are as important as regular fertilizers because zinc and manganese are not very effective when they’re applied through the soil. The leaves, on the other hand, can easily take in these nutrients that are important to your plants’ health. The fall is coming up fast, and it’s time to begin planting fall vegetable gardens. Clean the garden site, then add compost, manure or peat moss to hold moisture and fertilizer until the plants can use it. Other gardening tasks for August include: • Continue to feed and spray roses. Thrips are usually a problem on light-colored roses now. You can control them with Malathion or Acephate. • Plant and replant lawns. Check out our Palmetto grass plugs. • Watch for fungus and treat it as necessary. • Feed azaleas and camellias with a good quality acid fertilizer. If you bring in a soil sample, we’ll check it for free. A soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5 is needed for azaleas, camellias, ixoras, and gardenias. Water them well and keep them properly mulched. • Give your poinsettias that last pruning before September 1.

by WILLIAM "BILL" DOTY This column is sponsored by Doty Farm and Garden Supply, Inc., and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers. BIO: William R. “Bill” Doty is the owner of Doty’s Farm and Garden Supply Inc. Founded in 1954, Doty Farm and Garden Supply, Inc. has been there for every one of their loyal customer’s budding needs. Bill Graduated from Winter Haven H.S. and then Florida State University, where he learned invaluable lessons in listening, asking questions, and reading anything related to the family business. Bill shares his knowledge with his customers daily and our readers each month.

CFAN | 13

FEATURE | b u s i n e s s

Home-Grown Taste Weeki Wachee Distillery Offers Tours, Tastings, Outdoor Fun by PAUL CATALA photos by Jessica and Bobby McDonald

THE CHASSAHOWITZKA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA is known around Florida and beyond as a refuge for approximately 250 species of birds, more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 25 different species of mammals. It’s also home to something a bit more unexpected — a distillery. Nestled on 80 acres inside the wildlife management area is NJoy Spirits Distillery, a more than 3,000-square-foot distillery that uses rye grain and sugarcane grown right on the premises to produce award-winning whiskey, rum and moonshine made from purified rainwater. Founded and operated by Kevin and Natalie Goff, the facility isn’t hidden among bushes or covered with a tarp. It’s wide open for tourists and visitors to peruse and sample products while escaping urban life and taking in the natural surroundings and wildlife found in the management area. Natalie Goff, 55, says running a distillery is quite different from her work as a registered nurse. She and her 63-year-old husband, Kevin, a contractor, decided to open NJoy after buying the

14 | CFAN

property and a suggestion by her father to build a distillery there in 2002. They used their own money to finance the construction, and in 2012 NJoy became licensed by the state and formally opened to the public. Njoy Spirits received zoning approval in 2012 for a distillery, but that didn’t include a permit petition for events or tours. In February of 2018, the Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval to hold events and tours. Since then, the Goffs — along with a bartender – have worked with barley, malting, mashing, fermentation and distillation to keep the products flowing. That process results in a yearly production of about 2,500 cases of their three products: • Wild Buck —A 100-proof American whiskey made from their own rye grain that is

provided by NJoy Spirits Distillery

FloridaAgNews.com

the economies of the Nature Coast, particularly Hernando and Citrus counties. “It helps all businesses. We send people who visit here to local breweries…the Weeki Wachee Park, mom-and-pop restaurants, so it’s this intertwining of networking and growing organically, which is so important,” she says. “It’s just this really important way to keep local people vested and keep them here in Hernando County.” Besides the chance to see a distillery in action and sample and buy products or enjoy the outdoors, NJoy offers on-site games such as horseshoes and cornhole. The site is also near a springfed pond, has picnic tables and dogs on leashes are permitted. There are also donkeys, cows, horses and chickens on the grounds. The Goffs are also in the process of having a putting green installed, which should be ready by the end of September. Musical acts and bands perform Saturdays once or twice a month and there are possible plans to add a wood fired pizza oven inside the building. Even with all the amenities and activities, Natalie admits that sometimes it’s a challenge to get

folks onto the driveway and into the doors. Signs advertising NJoy have been permitted in the wildlife management area. “Just because we’re off the beaten path, sometimes people don’t want to go five miles through the park to get here. They think, ‘Surely, there can be nothing this far in the woods.’ Sometimes, they turn around before they get here,” she says. “We often rely on word-of-mouth to get people to keep going.” The Goffs say they are considering adding comedy and cocktail nights and hosting private, catered events with select barrels of spirits being served. It’s all about their relationship with their surroundings, their business and their guests. “People just like to come because there’s a lot of social-distancing opportunities, it’s a beautiful property — people like to meet their friends for picnics and corporate gatherings,” Natalie says. “People love it here; I can’t get them out. It’s not like Disney – it’s more laid-back, being outdoors, that’s our big attraction. People love that, they love that rawness.” ag

NJoy is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last tour at 5:30 p.m. Tours cost $8 and include product samples. fermented and aged in barrels in the Florida climate. • Mermaid Rum —A gold, 100-proof, 3-yearold Florida Sugar Cane sipping rum blended with a Caribbean pot still rum that is aged in the Wild Buck Whiskey barrels. • Ryes In Shine — Farm-grown, 150-proof rye grain moonshine straight from the still. Developing the process of distillation didn’t come from the internet, video or book. “We did a lot of reading, a lot of research and a lot of trial and error,” says Natalie, a St. Petersburg native. Part of that learn-as-you-go approach to NJoy also resulted in the agritourism aspect of the property. Each day, anywhere from about 50 to 150 guests drive 15 minutes south through the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area to arrive at the entrance to NJoy. Natalie says just getting to the NJoy entrance driveway can be an adventure. “Driving here, they may see bears, they may see deer, they may see hogs, they may see turtles, they may see otters — we have people telling us they see all kinds of things,” she says. Natalie adds that the distillery helps to boost FloridaAgNews.com

For information, see www.njoyspirits.com or call 352-592-9622. For more photos, go to CentralFloridaAgNews.com/NJoyDistillery

CFAN | 15

URGING UNDERSTANDING FOR AILING SUPPLY CHAIN ARE YOU SICK of discussing the pandemic yet? If you’re like me, there’s an immediate answer and a secondary answer. The immediate answer is “Yes!” (And, yes, that exclamation point is part of the answer.) The secondary answer, though, is “No.” The effects of the pandemic continue to ripple and provide both opportunity and anxiety in the global supply chain. Trade publications have reported that companies such as Maersk — the shipping container giant — are seeing record revenues as shipping companies try to reduce the backlog of goods that need to be shipped. However, there are a finite number of ships with a finite amount of space to hold those containers. So while container revenue is up, that doesn’t automatically mean that everything is good. Here at ACS, we see it when we take inventory for one of our partners in order for them to restock an item. We have seen challenges at every step along the supply chain. For starters, the producer may not have enough on-site employees to make the item. If the product gets made, there may not be enough workers to get it packed and in a container. If the product gets made and packed, there may be delays in shipping because of the backlog. And if that isn’t enough, if the product makes it to our shores, there may not be enough workers to get the product off the ship and onto a truck in a timely fashion. As you can see, there are a lot of factors to discuss, and we work with our customers to help ease as much of the burden as we can. So while some parts of the pandemic have seemed to relax — at least of this writing — the impacts will be felt for a while. When you go into the store looking for something specific and find an empty shelf or low stock, be patient. Trust me when I say that the overseas company, the local grower, the producer, the store and, yes, even the cold storage warehouse that connects all those parts — are all working hard to make sure it gets to you.

by BEN ADAMS, JR.

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.

16 | CFAN

FROM THE DESK OF

Dr. Angle

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).

J. Scott Angle jangle@ufl.edu @IFAS_VP

Challenging Conventional Wisdom Uncovers Deeper Truths ONE OF THE JOBS of UF/IFAS scientists is to challenge conventional wisdom. You don’t want to bet the ranch on something that only seems true. Facts, empirical evidence and data are a more solid foundation for the truth you need to make decisions about your herd, farm or grove. For two reasons, I believe that the way our faculty challenges conventional wisdom is one of the greatest services that the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences team provides you. First, challenging the conventional wisdom can reveal new insights about how to run a farm and even correct practices that impede efficiency and productivity. In addition, a scientific KC JEONG challenge to conventional wisdom can debunk your customers’ falsely held beliefs about what you do. Here are three examples of how UF/IFAS agricultural scientists are challenging public perception that passes for conventional wisdom about what you produce and how you produce it. The conventional wisdom around how eating red meat might increase your cardiovascular disease risk has been a matter of debate. Wendy Dahl of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department didn’t accept one recently proposed explanation. She found in a study of older women that a well-balanced, high-protein diet with beef for dinner did not increase the metabolite associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. More research is needed, but her research demonstrates that if we just accept conventional wisdom, we risk missing out on deeper truths. The conventional wisdom is that cattlemen feeding their animals too many antibiotics is causing all our beef-related antimicrobial resistance problems. Not so fast, says KC Jeong, a UF/IFAS animal sciences professor in the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute. Jeong continues to do research that identifies antimicrobial resistance even in herds in which barely any antibiotics are used. He investigates how resistance can be a product of the environment, like in the soil and forage, and that management techniques can reduce the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. The conventional wisdom is that animal-source foods represent a sustainability problem. Gbola Adesogan and Geoff Dahl (no relation to Wendy) were honored at our research awards in May for their work in reframing this paradigm.

continued on page 30 FloridaAgNews.com

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CFAN | 17

Florida Roots

New Florida Cattlemen President Cliff Coddington: ‘Let’s Ride Together’

by PAUL CATALA photo by UF Orange & New AEC Creative Lab

CLIFF CODDINGTON RESTS HIS FEET in his home in Myakka City, but it’s on 9,000 acres on the northeastern corner of Sarasota County he kicks it with boots on. Coddington is a sixth-generation Floridian who has spent his life the same way the generations before him did in the Sarasota and Manatee area – among cattle, bailing hay and cultivating and harvesting vegetables. Those years of tending to livestock, along with his extensive cattleman’s experience, helped land him in the saddle as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Made up of about 3,700 to 4,700 members statewide — depending on the cattle market cycle — the FCA is a nonprofit organization established in 1934 devoted to promoting and protecting the ability of its members to produce and market their products. Coddington, 62, says he’s enthusiastic about his new role, which started June 17.

18 | CFAN

He has been a member of the organization for 44 years. Coddington joined the local and state FCAs at 18 years old and has served on various committees and capacities, including animal health, as marketing chairman and Florida Beef Council chairman. He was the Florida representative on the national Cattlemen’s Beef Board from 2018 to 2021. “Coming up through all those different things definitely helps, it helps a lot. The way our executive committee happens, when you say, ‘I will be an officer,’ you come in as secretary…and move up,” he says. “You make the commitment at the bottom, and learn all the aspects from the start until you actually come on as president of the association.” A 1977 graduate of Southeast High School,

Coddington began working his family ranch with his parents, Paul and Joan, both deceased, sisters Robin Gaford and Hope Freeman, and brother Paul Coddington Jr., raising cattle, growing vegetables and running a custom hay-baling operation. It’s a lifestyle that dates to a maternal great-greatgrandfather in the 1840s. Only Coddington and his sister, Hope, are still in agriculture; Paul retired as an agriculture mechanic fabricator. The Coddington family sold the last of its 1,200acre ranch in 2018. Currently, Florida ranks between 11th and 12th in the U.S. in cattle numbers, with about 950,000 beef and about 1.2 million dairy cows. “Sometimes, the only time a rancher makes a lot of money is when he sells his land,” says Coddington, adding the FCA works to keep ranchers profitable through legislation that “affects how to do business to help us do business, not harm us.” FloridaAgNews.com

“We want to continue to grow. Sometimes we get pulled in different directions as an association. I can’t get a whole lot done by myself, but as an association pulling together, we can accomplish a lot.”

“It happens and people sell around. You’ve got your neighbors complaining about your cows and traffic gets so bad that you just say, ‘I’m done,’ ” he says. “If a cow gets out on the road, you and the cow get run over, not just the cow.” Since 2005, Coddington has worked as general manager of Longino Ranch in Arcadia, dealing with cattle, citrus, Bahia grass, turfgrass and wetlands mitigation and preserving gopher tortoise habitats. The Longino family has owned the ranch, which was originally a turpentine operation, since 1934. Prior to that, he worked in the cattle division of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch for 27 years. As FCA president, a one-year term, Coddington

replaces Gene Lollis of Lake Placid. Coddington plans to continue to focus on areas of interest with which Lollis was involved, including private property rights, the control of animal diseases and Best Management Practices. Coddington says his vision for the FCA over the next year is to find ways to continue to grow membership through cooperative effort. “You look back…our thing has always been property rights, water. Originally it was water control to get water off of Florida, now it’s conserving water to keep it on our lands longer to clean it for our neighbors and the coastal areas,” he notes. As president, Coddington also oversees the five FCA Florida area representatives from the

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executive board. As a Florida cattle-associated entity, the FCA and those representatives work with the cattle industry to support the economy, provide beef and supply jobs. Coddington’s theme for his term is “Let’s ride together.” “We want to continue to grow. Sometimes we get pulled in different directions as an association. I can’t get a whole lot done by myself, but as an association pulling together, we can accomplish a lot,” he explains. “I want to make sure everyone is on the same page to pull together. We’ll have ag in this state for a very, very, very long time and it will change the way we do business today possibly, but there still will be ag in this state.” ag

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FEATURE | p e o p l e

Guidance for Small Farmers Help Us Welcome New Extension Agent Luis Rodriguez Rosado byTERESA SCHIFFER

THE UF/IFAS EXTENSION Polk County office has a new agent, and he’s excited to help farmers and growers here make a positive impact on their community, environment and economy! Luis Rodriguez Rosado is serving as Small Farms and Pesticide Education Extension Agent, filling a position that was vacant for the past year and a half due to COVID. Rodriguez Rosado started in his new position in early May. He will be working primarily with new farmers just beginning their agricultural journey, helping them to get established as growers and giving them information on how to run a successful business. “One of the things we do is to give them any kind of education or assistance,” Rodriguez Rosado explains. “I can go to their farms and visit to do different types of classes for the different commodities here in Polk County. One of the classes I taught in June was basically teaching people how to start an agricultural business — know about their market, know about writing a business 20 | CFAN

plan, know about what liabilities and what assets they may have, and what is the advantage you can actually get from what you are going to produce. So basically, that’s the main focus of this Small Farms program, is to help these small farmers grow and be successful here in Polk County.” These resources are available not only to new farmers who are just starting out but also to all small farmers in the area. A “small farm” is defined by the USDA as any agricultural operation that makes less than $250,000 per year. About 90 percent of the farms in Florida fall into this category. In Polk County, this covers most of our blueberry, poultry, beekeeping, hydroponic, and greenhouse

operations, among others. The Extension office has separate agents dedicated specifically to livestock and citrus producers. The goal of the Small Farms program is to help these types of operations be successful not just for their own sake but to benefit the community, as well. Having a large variety of small farms in Polk County means there are more types of fresh produce and other commodities available to people here. This benefits people financially by reducing prices of products that don’t need to be shipped far, plus there are health advantages to having more fresh vegetables, fruits and other foods easily accessible. The other main duty of Rodriguez Rosado’s position is Pesticide Education, for which he is responsible for teaching people about integrated pest management. He helps growers attain the licenses and certifications they need in order to use various pesticides. In addition, he provides them with information on how to use those substances FloridaAgNews.com

responsibly. The goal is to help growers minimize environmental pollution and toxic exposure to humans when using pesticides. Integrated pest management involves using multiple techniques to control pests, such as biological, mechanical, and physical controls, plus any other means that prove effective. The goal of this type of approach is to minimize the number of chemicals used to control insects and other pests, thereby reducing pollution to our waters and lands. “We teach people to use what they need, and don’t use more,” Rodriguez Rosado says in explaining the office’s stance on chemical pest control usage. “That way, we can teach them how to avoid pesticide resistance in the future. We teach them how to switch pesticides when they need to, and when not to use pesticides.” Rodriguez Rosado comes was born in Puerto Rico and he has been in Florida for almost three years. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico,

LUIS RODRIGUEZ ROSADO

where he attained both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Animal Science. The master’s degree work involved a focus on animal nutrition. He worked in an extension office in Puerto Rico for two years as a Dairy Farm Agent, and though he was not officially responsible for pesticide education there, he was very involved in helping people with their pesticide-related inquiries there. Central Florida Ag News welcomes Luis Rodriguez Rosado to Polk County and his new position at the UF/IFAS Extension office! With his enthusiasm for helping farmers succeed while safeguarding the environment for the future, he is sure to be a fantastic asset to Central Florida’s agricultural community. You can reach Rodriguez Rosado at lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu and 863-519-1049. Learn more at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk and facebook.com/ PolkExtension. ag

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.

FloridaAgNews.com

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a d i r o l F ag-rec myfwc.com/news/all-news/otw-antlers-821/

ag-rec e t a d Up

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Impact of Antler Point Regulations in Florida DATA ABOUT THE IMPACT of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s deer antler point regulations suggest progress is being made in an area important to most deer hunters – more opportunities to see and harvest larger antlered deer. FWC biologists reviewed check station information from more than 40 wildlife management areas to analyze data from before and after antler point regulations went into effect in 2014 and 2015 on private and public lands, and WMAs statewide. The results of that analysis showed a shift in the age structure of harvested antlered deer with a 23% decrease in the harvest of 1.5-year-olds. Allowing yearlings a chance to grow and mature contributed to increases in the harvest of older age class deer. During this same period, the average number of antler points increased 22% from 4.9 to 6.0. (Statewide, the average number of antler points steadily increased to 6.7 after antler points regs were implemented, based on data from the FWC’s annual harvest survey.) In addition, the antler index, which expresses antler quality, also increased 20%. The data also showed more venison for the table. The average live weight of deer increased 5.5%, from 109 pounds before antler point regulations were implemented to almost 115 pounds after they went into effect. The FWC manages whitetails at the deer management unit level, tailoring antler point SHOWTIMES: Sat and&Sun Sat Sun Noon and 1 pm

regulations (and other rules) based on habitat quality, characteristics of the local deer herd and stakeholder preferences. Florida is divided into 12 DMUs, and eight of these units require all antlered deer to have at least three antler points on a side or have a main beam length of 10 inches or more to be legal to take. The remaining four DMUs have a two-point-on-a-side rule. Find DMU-specific information, including antler point regulations at MyFWC.com/Deer and click on “Deer Management Units.” Interested in finding where top-scoring bucks were harvested in Florida? Check out the FWC’s interactive map, which shows Florida Buck Registry entries by county. Learn more by visiting MyFWC.com/Deer and click on “Buck Registry Interactive Map.”

Monitoring Harvest Information and Hunter Satisfaction

While science is the foundation of the FWC’s wildlife management efforts, hunter feedback also plays an important role. The FWC will continue to monitor the results of antler point regulations, bag limit rules and more through its annual scientific survey of licensed deer hunters in Florida, which measures deer harvest as well as hunter participation and satisfaction. Another important source of deer harvest data is obtained through the FWC’s requirements for hunters to log and report their harvested deer.

Don’t forget to log and report your harvested deer Before you head afield this hunting season, make sure you have a plan to log and report harvested deer. This regulation, which went into effect in 2019, requires ALL hunters, including those who are exempt from license requirements, to log their harvested deer prior to moving it from the point of harvest, defined as the spot on the ground where the hunter located the harvested deer. In addition, they must report harvested deer: 1) within 24 hours of harvest, or 2) prior to final processing of the deer, or 3) prior to the deer or any parts of the deer being transferred to a meat processor or taxidermist, or 4) prior to the deer leaving the state, whichever occurs first. Options for logging and reporting: Option A – Log and Report (Steps 1 and 2) on a mobile device with the FWC Fish|Hunt Florida App or at com prior to moving the deer. Option B – Log (Step 1) on a paper deer harvest log prior to moving the deer and then report (Step 2) at comor Fish|Hunt Florida App or calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (888-486-8356) within 24 hours. Learn more about how to log and report harvested deer at MyFWC.com/HarvestReport. ag

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Buy Fresh, Shop Local at a Farmers Markets

FARMS, RANCHES, AND VINEYARDS across Florida are opening their gates, barn doors and fences, issuing a heartfelt invitation to sample the abundant bounty and natural beauty found in the state of Florida. Here in Central Florida, several local farmers have also set up tents at farmers markets to sell their produce and homemade goods. If you want to find a good way to eat healthier foods while supporting your local economy, visit one of the farmers markets listed below to see what treasures abound. Shopping at farmers markets supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend on food closer to your neighborhood. When visiting a farmers market, you’ll find fruits and vegetables at the peak of the growing season. This means produce is at its freshest and tastes the best, plus it is typically grown near where you live, not thousands of miles away or another country so it’s locally pollinated and can help with allergens as well. Try visiting one of the farmers markets listed below and see what you can find: 1. The LAKELAND DOWNTOWN FARMERS CURB MARKET, located at 117 N. Kentucky Ave. in Lakeland, is open every Saturday from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. When visiting, look for vendors such as Aqua Organics, Eco Farm, Erendira’s Produce, IHS Environmental, Olivor Heritage Farms, Red Roof Farms, Vita Produce, and Vitality Farm Company. For more information on the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market, call 863944-7907 or visit their website. 2. The POLK COUNTY FARMERS MARKET, located at 3201 E. Johnson Ave. in Haines City, is open every day except Monday and guarantees that you’ll be purchasing the freshest locally grown fruits and vegetables in Haines City. Check it out on Facebook or call 863-420-5763 for more information. 3. The WINTER HAVEN FARMERS MARKET is open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and is located in

the rear of the 250 Magnolia Ave. parking lot in Winter Haven. It has new vendors every week, so be sure to check out Facebook for a list of who’s going to be there. If you are a farmer interested in sharing your produce, you can apply online at winterhavenfarmersmarket. com or call 863-845-3155 for any questions.

4. PRODUCE 863 is located at 6512 US 98 N. in Lakeland. It is open every day starting at 10 a.m. and has a wide variety of fresh-picked produce. Check out their Facebook page to see what they may have available from local farmers. If you have any questions, you can call 863-677-5655 for more information. 5. The PLANT CITY FARM & FLEA MARKET is located at 708 W. Sam Allen Rd in Plant City and hosts the widest selection of fresh, locally grown produce in Central Florida. Farmers from around Plant City arrive early before sunrise to set up their produce, and the market opens at 6 a.m. every morning. If you have any questions, you can call 813-752-4670 for more information. 6. Also located in Plant City is THE PLANT CITY FARMERS MARKET PRODUCE at 1305 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard every Saturday from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Not only can you find produce at this farmers market, but also an abundance of plants and flowers, as well. Be sure to check it out one weekend to see what you can find. All of the farmers markets feature what’s in season in your region, so you can often find your favorites along with new items that will stretch your culinary imagination. Have you ever tasted gooseberries or rhubarb? Ever seen a Brussels sprout stalk? Or tried a seasoned watermelon slice? Who knows, maybe you will discover some new favorites! ag by GRACE BOGGESS HIRDES

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HEMARTHRIA GRASS A HARDY OPTION FOR FLORIDA CATTLE AS WE HAVE SEEN throughout this look at foraging stocks, certain types of grass are better suited for certain types of pasture land. And with Florida supporting a wide variety of biomes, it is vital that the rancher can both recognize the type of land he’s pasturing in and understand which grasses that land can best support. For those ranchers who are needing another tool in their forage toolbelt, consider the subject of this month’s column — Hemarthria grass. Hemarthria altissima, more commonly known as Limpograss, is a favorite of many Florida ranchers due to its increased tolerance for the wet, sandy soils seen in many areas of the state. Originating in the tropical regions of Africa, Limpograss was first introduced to Florida in 1964. Studies of the Limpograss stock through multiple agricultural laboratories resulted in four cultivars being developed in the 1970s and1980s, with two further cultivars becoming available within the past decade. This grass thrives in flat or gently sloping soil and is best known for its ability to grow in sand and poorly drained soils. As a warm-season perennial grass, Limpograss should be planted in Florida’s wet season (June through August). However, seed can be planted as early as April, as long as appropriate irrigation is used. Just be sure to let the grass fully establish before grazing or mowing the field. Another perk of Limpograss is its ability to continue growing after a frost or a freeze. Its growing season extends into the late fall, which also makes it an ideal candidate to be used as stockpiled forage. Perhaps most importantly, Limpograss is considered highly digestible by livestock, especially when compared with other summer grasses. While the grass will maintain much of its nutritional value as it matures, the protein concentration can be rather low. Ranchers should be aware of this and be prepared to supplement or substitute the stock as appropriate. If your pastures contain rainy, soggy, and/or sandy areas, Limpograss may be an option to provide your animals with the forage they need.

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.

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FEATURE | e d u c a t i o n

Hitting the Mark 4-H Shooting Clubs Help Keep Life Goals On Target by TIM CRAIG

FOR DIANE SHARP AND MELISSA STOCKENBERG, the 4-H shooting clubs in Central Florida started out as an activity for their children, but it turned into a family affair. “Growing up, I always thought that 4-H was just about raising cattle and those types of activities,” says Stockenberg, who got involved in the Highlands County 4-H shooting Club through her daughters. “But it is so much more.” The shooting clubs give participants skills that translate to all areas of life, says Sharp. “They learn patience, concentration and goal-setting skills; they learn to compensate and adjust on the fly when things aren’t going exactly right,” says Sharp. “But the cool thing is that they don’t have to be the most physically fit individual in order to compete and succeed. They can just be themselves and do well, and that boosts confidence.” The national 4-H Shooting Sports programs started in 1980. Since that time, more than 3.5 million youth and adults have been involved in the program, according to the National 4-H Shooting Sports office. In 2020, there were 500,000 youths and 20,000 adult volunteers in 47 of the 50 states in the 4-H shooting sports programs.

“The 4-H shooting clubs aren’t a parent dropoff kind of activity. We want the parents to be on-site while their children are learning,” says Sharp, who has been a 4-H leader for 11 years and has had three children go through the program. “So when my kids got into it, I figured that if they’re going to do it, I’m going to, as well.” Shooting was an easy activity to get into for Sharp, who grew up around guns and works as a staff assistant in the Florida Wildlife Division of Hunting and Game Management. But she soon took her interest to the next level. She became a certified instructor for archery, shotgun and rifle and Level 2-certified in Black Powder and Smallbore Rifle. Level 2 certification allows Sharp the ability to teach the Level I certification courses throughout the state. For Stockenberg, a lifelong resident of Highlands County, it was a 4-H open house that opened the door for her and two daughters to the shooting club. “Growing up, I wasn’t involved in 4-H, FloridaAgNews.com

MANAGING YOUR HORSE IN HOT WEATHER

but when we found the open house and learned about the archery program, it was something, we were immediately interested in,” she says. “We have loved it so much that now my oldest daughter is certified in archery.” Stockenberg also became a Level 1 instructor in Archery. Her husband, who is also involved in the Highlands County program, is certified in archery and shotgun. The impact that the shooting sports program had on their daughters has been evident as they have grown. “4-H helps with leadership and confidence,” says Stockenberg. “Both of my girls were quiet and shy, but now when they get in a big group, they have the confidence to thrive in that group.” “The friendships you develop with other 4-H families all over the state is what makes this special,” says Stockenberg. “4-H friends stick around more, I think, than other friends. They compete hard against each other, but they also build each other up and cheer each other on and that makes a lifelong impact.” For people who think it’s a dangerous idea to let young people use weapons, both women adamantly say the opposite is true. Not teaching young people about guns, they say, can leave them unaware of the dangers. FloridaAgNews.com

“If you take curiosity out of the equation, they’re likely to not touch a gun when they see it,” says Sharp. “I would rather have a child fully versed in gun safety and protocol in the event they go to a friend’s house and someone gets curious. They would know how to de-escalate that situation.” For Stockenberg, that’s the exact reason to teach young people gun safety and gun handling. “Guns are very prominent in this part of Florida and for me, it’s better to teach gun safety — even for kids who have been around guns their whole lives — because you can’t control what happens when your kids go to other places, but you can teach them what to do in that situation.” Beyond the safety and the life skills, the key experience becomes the relationships the participants develop as they go through the program. For Sharp, it came into focus when her son was a senior. “I was watching him compete and saw him with three or four kids from different counties,” she says. “Seeing the bond they had, it was just amazing. Every time they came together they were very competitive, but they also respected each other and that’s what can happen when you shoot with someone over a period of time.”

THE FLORIDA SUMMER HEAT makes things more challenging when caring for and exercising your horse. The same things that you worry about for yourself in the heat are the same things that you need to consider for your horse. If you have a barn, airflow and ventilation are key. The more airflow there is, the cooler the stalls will be. Fans are a great way to keep air flowing. If your horses are kept in the pasture, then shade is key. In either case, access to clean water is essential. Try to keep water buckets/troughs in the shade and make sure to clean them weekly so algae and dirt do not build up. Refreshing or changing the water daily will keep it cool and palatable. Exercising in the heat is difficult, so the best times are early morning or early evening as the sun is setting. Pay close attention to your horse — if they seem sluggish, then do a light workout or skip it altogether. Hot weather isn’t the time to get your horse fit. Monitor your horse for sweating. If they are not sweating after exercise, it is a problem. Horses that don’t sweat are at risk of overheating and can die. Contact your veterinarian for advice. While there is no reason why horses stop sweating, there are supplements that may stimulate your horse to start sweating again. Horses that are excellent at sweating should be offered electrolyte water or supplements to replace what they have lost. Signs of heat stress include: • Excessive sweating for the level of exercise (or at rest) • Increased heart and breathing rates or distress • Dullness with sunken eyes or skin tent indicating dehydration • Rectal temperature of more than 103F (More than 106F is heatstroke.) •N o urine production If you think your horse may have heat stress, cool your horse with a water hose bath and then place them under fans in the shade. Evaporation is key so continually scrape off water to improve this. Offer them cool water to drink. If your horse isn’t responding or if its temperature is indicative of heat stroke (106F) then contact your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may administer intravenous fluids and electrolytes to your horse.

by DR. KATIE HENNESSY 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.

CFAN | 25

Recipe Spotlight

Stir Things Up With a Taste of Wild Game by CAROL CORLEY

IF A WILD GAME DINNER sounds exotic, it is. I remember once being invited to a dinner put together by a group of friends who hunted — and they hunted just about everything. The entrée that still sticks in my mind is bear meatloaf. It was wonderful. Also tasty were the deer, moose, duck, rabbit, and wild turkey that hunters offered. No one brought a goose, squirrel, or pheasant that evening. The meat had been collected over a period of time, carefully handled after harvest, safely stored and prepared. The flavors were very special and quite different to this traditionalist. First and foremost, it is important to make sure the wild game you will be cooking and serving is safe. There are some risks to be considered with wild meat — salmonella and E. coli come first to mind. Trichinosis is another. It’s a disease that comes from the Trichinella parasite that used to be a risk from eating pork but now is pretty much restricted to eating undercooked wild game. There are other risks, also, and anyone planning to prepare and cook wild game would need to become familiar with safe preparation and handling, as well as what to look for in the field and at home. That is outside the scope of this article. We are looking at the fun part — the cooking and eating. Some people who hunt and eat wild game note that it is organic and the deer is grass-fed. Shoppers pay a lot of money for farm animals with that background. Wild game, which tends to be low in fat, also can be a good source of iron, zinc, and other beneficial minerals that give us a healthy immune system, as well as higher omega-3 fatty acids. So what should we start with? How about bear meatloaf? Bear meatloaf should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. Microwave cooking is not recommended because it doesn’t cook evenly. ag

26 | CFAN

BEAR MEATLOAF

(Adapted from gameandfishmag.com)

Ingredients Celery, 1/2 cup chopped Bear hamburger, 1-1/2 pounds Marjoram, 1 teaspoon chopped Pork ground, 1/4 pound Curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon Bacon, 1/4 cup raw chopped fine Egg, 1 beaten Red pepper flakes, 1/4 cup Ketchup, 1 cup Onion, 1/2 cup chopped Salt and pepper to taste Carrots, 2/3 cup chopped Directions Mix all ingredients, place in an oiled large baking pan, and shape like a meatloaf. Bake at 350F for about 1-1/4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160F. Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before serving.

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(Adapted from allrecipes.com) Ingredients Venison, 1/1/2 pounds, fat removed Onions, 2 medium chopped Mushrooms, 3 cups fresh, sliced Butter, 3 tablespoons Garlic, 1 clove minced Tomato paste, 6 oz Flour, 1 teaspoon all-purpose Sour cream, 1 cup Mustard powder, 1 pinch if desired Parsley, 1/8 teaspoon dried Salt and pepper to taste Directions Sauté onions and garlic in a large skillet with butter, add meat and sauté until browned. Then add remaining ingredients and simmer in reduced heat for about 25 minutes. Simmering long enough makes the meat more tender.

ROASTED WILD TURKEY

(Adapted from tasteofhome.com)

Apples, 2 large, quartered, skin on Potatoes, 6 medium, red, quartered Carrots, 2 pounds chopped Onions, 2 large, sliced Water, 2 cups Maple syrup, 1/2 cup French salad dressing, 1/4 cup Barbecue sauce, 1/3 cup Ketchup, 1 tablespoon Steak sauce of choice, 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Salt and pepper to taste Directions With apples in the turkey cavity, place the bird on a rack in a roasting pan and surround it with potatoes, carrots, and onions. Salt and pepper to taste rubbed over the turkey. Sauces should be mixed with water and spooned over the bird. Cover the turkey with foil and put it into the oven preheated to 325F. Bake, basting occasionally, about 3-1/2 hours until the thermometer reads 170F. The foil may be removed for the last 30 minutes for browning.

Agriculture Is Our Passion The Story Companies are comprised of Florida agriculture management entities. Since 1945, these family owned and operated corporations have provided services to Florida agriculture including land holdings; citrus, peach and blueberry caretaking; and marketing of various commodities on over 7,000 acres. For over 70 years the Story’s have been providing superior service with outstanding returns. Please contact us to see how we may be of service to you.

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Ingredients Turkey, 10-15 pounds

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April Miller, owner

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CFAN | 27

In The Heartland

Highlands County

What’s the Buzz About Backyard Beekeeping? story and photo by DAVID AUSTIN

EVERYONE IS WORRIED ABOUT THE BEES. Since colony collapse started being recognized as an issue in 2007, the word is out that bees may be in trouble. Possibly because of these concerns, there are more beekeepers than ever. Florida has more than 5,000 registered beekeepers. That has steadily increased over the past few years. Three out of four beekeepers are considered backyard beekeepers with less than 10 colonies. The news is good but longtime beekeepers will tell you the rules have changed. The pest Varroa destructor, a mite that feeds on honey bees and their larvae and often weakens the whole hive, has increased the difficulty of beekeeping. Still, backyard beekeeping, with the allure of harvesting golden honey, keeps the dream alive.

Where I reside, in the Heartland of Florida, honey bees are quite abundant. One reason is we sit in the heart of citrus country. Every year, northern beekeepers bring down thousands of hives to enjoy the fruits of the honey bee’s labor. The massive nectar flow from citrus flowers brings an abundance of the premium sought-after orange blossom honey. Unlike almonds, which require bees for pollination, most citrus varieties are self-pollinating. The beekeepers are the ones who reap the most benefits, and they are eager to get a spot near the citrus groves. Coincidentally, when the bees are here, is when the

28 | CFAN

spring swarming is at full tilt. Swarming is a natural occurrence whereas the queen takes off, leaving the hive with a large portion of the flying bees, and goes to find a new home. The result is plenty of feral or escaped colonies for wannabee beekeepers to gather and put in their own hive boxes. For me, it was the love of honey that drove me forward. Everyone has their switch. One gentleman whose wife wanted to try beekeeping wasn’t so thrilled with the idea. It wasn’t long before he bought himself a suit and took over the endeavor. Like everything, there is work involved. If you’re like me, when

the first crop of honey comes in, you’ll be finding yourself wanting more. Fortunately, the Heartland Beekeepers Association, based in Sebring, is here for new beekeeper’s support. Seasoned beekeepers and backyard beekeepers gather together at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at the Bert J Harris Jr. Agriculture Civic Center for their meetings. They trade stories and ideas on taking care of their honey bees. Not everyone in the group is a beekeeper. Some come to learn, and others intend to get started but haven’t yet made the jump. Annually, a beekeeping course is offered to train new beekeepers in the finer details of the craft. This year, the course is Saturday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch. For information on taking the class and on how to register, email me at davidaustin@ufl.edu or call the extension office at 863-402-6540. David Austin is the UF/IFAS Extension, Residential Horticulture Agent in Highlands County. You can follow him on his Facebook page, Hometown Gardener. ❤

FloridaAgNews.com

community Zooming in on agriculture in your community.

Healthy Roots Fruit & Vegetable Farm • Avon Park photos provided by BARBARA ST. LOUIS

When COVID-19 swept the nation last year, Ridge Area Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 507 W. Hal McRae Boulevard in Avon Park sought a new way to fulfill its mission and serve the community. That’s when Healthy Roots Fruit and Vegetable Farm was born. With land available on church grounds, volunteers started a community garden where residents and the church could come together to provide fresh fruits and vegetables. In October of 2020, nearly an acre of land on the church grounds was cleared, and the work began in earnest. Volunteers planted carrots, bok choy, swiss chard, lettuce varieties, spinach, cabbage, eggplant, onions, peppers, green beans, celery, tomatoes and potatoes. They also planted herb beds of cilantro, thyme, basil and mint. Fruit trees such as mangoes, sugar apple, june plum, avocado, and papaya were planted after the cold season passed. The church decided the fruit and vegetables would be free to anyone who needed it. “If you come and it’s available, it’s yours,” says organizer Barbara St. Louis. Currently, the soil is being turned and fortified to get it ready for fall planting. The church expects a bountiful harvest again in November. Follow them on Facebook at facebook. com/HealthyRootsFarm

FloridaAgNews.com

CFAN | 29

CHALLENGING CONVENTIONAL WISDOM UNCOVERS DEEPER TRUTHS continued from page 16 Negative impacts of animal-source foods on planetary health are overstated, say Dahl and Adesogan. Animal-source foods are a sustainability solution, as they help meet U.N. sustainability goals. Dahl and Adesogan document in their work in Africa and Asia that the introduction of small amounts of animalsource protein into the diets of infants around the world substantially reduces malnutrition that often leads to stunting or worse. I don’t want to see kids starve because of conventional wisdom that’s not solidly grounded in evidence. I don’t want consumers blaming you alone for antimicrobial resistance if there are many sources and causes. I don’t even want you to rely on UF/IFAS science if it’s decades old and needs to be validated under today’s conditions. That’s why we continually strive to update our findings. I appreciate the support for UF/IFAS science that we get from Hillsborough and Polk growers and agricultural leaders. It strengthens our resolve to find the truth, even when that search challenges what we believe to be the truth. ag

Learn more about this science: Wendy Dahl: https://tinyurl.com/nv95p696 KC Jeong: https://tinyurl.com/62c4ra83 Gbola Adesogan and Geoff Dahl: https://tinyurl.com/2by78b6t Or Ask IFAS at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

WENDY DAHL

GBOLA ADESOGAN

Welcome Back As summer vacation draws to a close, Mosaic welcomes students, faculty and staff back for another successful school year. We also salute the parents, community members and other businesses supporting education across the region. Every Fall, Mosaic employees look forward to partnering with schools on academic and extracurricular initiatives from 4H & FFA to furthering innovative STEM learning. Let’s work together to cultivate the most valuable crop of all a bright future. We help the world grow the food it needs.

www.mosaicfloridaphosphate.com

30 | CFAN

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AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS _______________________________________ GRIFFIN FERTILIZER Here for the grower, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Offices in Frostproof, 863-635-2281, and LaBelle, 863-675-7444 _______________________________________ Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery, Inc. Citrus, peaches, eucalyptus, bamboo, etc. 863-635-1948 • info@rucksnursery.com ruckscitrusnursery.com • floridagrownspecialties.com _______________________________________ • Plants, Pottery, Pets & Supplies, Purina Chows, Expert Garden Tips. DOTY FARM and GARDEN - (863) 293-9730. _______________________________________

ANIMAL SERVICES _______________________________________

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FARMING INNOVATION LLC Hedging and Topping of Blueberries, Peaches, and Olives. HunterVickers 863-287-2351 vickershunter@yahoo.com We’re putting science to work for generations to come. The Mosaic Company, leaders in reclamation ecology Visit MosaicCo.com/Florida _______________________________________ • Cost Effective Citrus Management & Marketing - Please contact us today to see how we may service your needs. 638-1619 StoryCompanies.com _______________________________________ • Certified Public Accountants - Bunting Tripp and Ingley - A Tradition of Excellence for more than 80 Years - (863) 676-7981 _______________________________________ • ADAMS COLD STORAGE - Florida’s Best Multi Temp 3PL - (863)967-3800. info@adamscoldstorage.com _______________________________________ • Blade Sharpening Service - Knives, Scissors, Chain Saws, Lawn Mowers & More. Doty Farm & Garden (863) 293-9730 _______________________________________

Garrison Land Management Certified and Licensed Pest Control Firm 863-439-6550 GarrisonLand.com _______________________________________ Ring Power Corporation Special Financing Rate - 0% for 60 months, $0 down. (888) 748-7464 • CatRentalStore.com _______________________________________ • Irrigation Services of Central Florida Ag irrigation is our specialty, Jimmy Durden, Irrigation Specialist - (863) 875-5722. _______________________________________ Farm Bureau Insurance Offices Throughout Central Florida! 24/7 Claims Reporting Toll Free (866) 275-7322 floridafarmbureau.com _______________________________________ Garrison Property Services We’re the Key to Making Life Easy for You! Real Estate, Lawn Care, Pest Control, and more! 863-439-6550 GarrisonPropertyServices.com _______________________________________ AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT - Lake & Pond Maintenance - Permitting - Re-Vegetation Manual & Mechanical Removal (863) 412-1919 • waterweed1@aol.com _______________________________________ ADVANTAGE HEDGING & TOPPING We care for citrus, peach avocado, mango trees and more. Hedging, mowing, topping, trimming right of ways, heavy equipment transport. 863-557-0424

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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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CFAN | 31

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CFAN | 33

NOW IS THE TIME TO STAY AHEAD OF BROWN ROT FLORIDA’S RAINY SUMMER SEASON is prime time for root rot, but it’s also the time that brown rot rears its ugly head. A UF/IFAS Tip of the Week shared that there have been high soil Phytophthora propagule counts, the organisms that cause brown rot, reported so far this year, in Southwest Florida especially. The UF/IFAS information was also clear that brown rot can cause total yield loss. Thankfully, the folks at UF/IFAS also had some pointers for managing brown rot in your Florida citrus grove this summer. Tips for Brown Rot Management Brown rot causes leathery lesions that are tan to olive brown on the fruit rind, causing fruit drop and fruit that can no longer be sold. According to UF/IFAS, both Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora nicotianae can cause brown rot, but P. palmivora is the greater concern because it can travel via rainwater splashes from fruit to fruit throughout the tree while P. nicotianae is a problem on unskirted trees affecting the lower third of a tree’s canopy. Accordingly, it’s important to know which forms of Phytophthora are present in your grove to decide the level of “management aggressiveness.” Additionally, some citrus varieties are becoming more susceptible to brown rot, such as grapefruit and early sweet orange varieties like Hamlin. Since most grapefruit trees receive copper treatments for citrus canker through June, they are usually protected as copper also targets Phytophthora. However, UF/IFAS maintains that Hamlin trees usually no longer receive copper treatments for citrus canker after June, leaving them exposed to Phytophthora. UF/IFAS maintained that many Hamlin growers saw total yield loss due to brown rot last year. Tips on protecting your grove from brown rot include: • An application of phosphite, applied before infection is detected, will provide the best protection against brown rot. This application is usually done in July, so you should consider it if your groves were not treated last month. • One application of phosphite should offer enough control through a normal rainy season, but if the rainy season extends into September or October, citrus growers should consider another phosphite application to keep brown rot at bay. • Copper can be used as a treatment to protect healthy fruit if brown rot has already affected some fruit in the tree. It should be reapplied every 21 days to offer the best control of brown rot. • The Revus Fungicide label was expanded recently to be used as a foliar spray in treating brown rot, and claims it offers some control up to 30 days. However, this mode of action has not yet been studied and tested. 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.

34 | CFAN

AgriNEWS

Study Gives Strawberry Growers Hope in Pest Battle by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent photo by JOSEPH MONTEMAYOR

FOR A FEW YEARS, University of Florida plant pathologist Natalia Peres has used an ultraviolet light system to thwart strawberry pathogens. Peres even published a study this year that showed the system helps control powdery mildew. Two fellow researchers with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences have now used the same robotic UVC applicator to show that it works well to slow the spread of one strawberry pest, but not a second. The three scientists, Peres and others at UF/IFAS are trying to tamp down pests and diseases for Florida’s $300 million-a-year strawberry industry. Joseph Dean Montemayor — working under the supervision of entomology assistant professor Sriyanka Lahiri — focused on whether a system that uses UVC radiation can control mites and thrips. They also studied whether UVC would interfere with biological control efforts of mites or thrips, both of which cause significant fruit loss if left untreated. In this case, they examined whether radiation would kill the predatory mites that eat these pest mites and thrips infesting strawberries. Results indicate that the eggs of the predatory mites, just like those of spider mites, die after irradiation with UVC. This indicates that biological control through predatory mites can be most effective only after a strawberry crop is treated with UVC radiation rather

than irradiating strawberries while the predatory mites are present in the field simultaneously. The research, part of Montemayor’s recently completed master’s thesis, shows that the system works well to control spider mite eggs but not chilli thrips. Specifically, the dosage of UVC radiation applied to strawberry plants in the field mostly suppressed spider mite eggs from hatching but did not deter chilli thrips infestations, says Lahiri, a faculty member at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. The study’s results will become part of an integrated pest management system to help strawberry growers. “This information is useful to the strawberry growers of Florida, who have to constantly battle with chilli thrips and spider mites,” Lahiri says. “Also, this information is relevant to strawberry growers across the world, industry partners and the smallfruit crops research and Extension community.” Montemayor, who will graduate in August with a master’s degree in entomology and nematology from the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, planted new UF/IFAS FloridaAgNews.com

CHARITY AUCTIONS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN FUNDRAISING

photo by SRIYANKA LAHIRI, UF/IFAS Joseph Montemayor and Marissa Cassaway at UVC field site

strawberries including Florida Brilliance, Florida Radiance and Sweet Sensation in fields at GCREC. For his thesis, Montemayor also studied the potential impact of UVC radiation on predatory mites. Strawberry growers currently use a mite known as Phytoseiulus persimilis to keep the twospotted spider mite from harming their fruit, Lahiri says. Montemayor exposed this adult predatory mite to the same dose of UVC that was effective in suppressing spider mite eggs. He found that P. persimilis remained unaffected and was able to actively feed on spider mite eggs. FloridaAgNews.com

“Thrips and spider mites are the most economically damaging species affecting strawberry production in Florida,” Lahiri says. “Even though there is overwhelming reliance on the use of synthetic insecticides and miticides to manage these pests, biological control agents such as predatory mites can be effective in integrated pest management in strawberry. Another way is to use UVC irradiation, applied after sunset, to manage these entomological pests along with strawberry pathogens. Both these pest management tools can be used complementary to each other.” ag

A PRICE OF $54,000 is not much money for a house, car or pickup truck these days. It is five times what my first house cost me. But how about a $54,000 necktie, but not just any necktie… St. Jude is the chosen charity for the National Auctioneers Association. We are closing in on raising $5 million after 20 years of support through annual fun NAA auctions. At our 72nd annual convention recently, a St. Jude children’s hospital tie that belonged to Don Shearer was auctioned by Mike Jones for $54,000 in memory of Don. Don was the auctioneer for Disney and a past NAA president, a fellow NAA Hall of Fame member, and an ardent St Jude’s Hospital supporter who passed away with COVID this year. Don was a great and big-hearted man gone too soon and who will be missed by many. The NAA auctioneers across America raise hundreds of millions of dollars on an annual basis for every kind of charity you can imagine, from the dogs and cats (SPCA) to sales for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, schools, churches and more. Many efforts to support the FFA and 4H Sales are also conducted nationwide. As an example, our Polk County Youth Fair raises $600,000 to $800,000 every year, so multiply that by the number of counties across America and you have some idea of the success. The main thing that is lost in this translation is most of these services are donated by the auctioneers. These auctioneers are talented professionals who have spent a lifetime developing their skills and knowledge to provide this service for their communities. As many service providers find, the efforts are not fully appreciated because they have been generous enough to donate their time and talent over the years. The average auctioneer conducts 20 charity auctions a year. So the next time you see your auctioneer on the street, be sure to thank him. See you at the auction! •A ugust 21 Multi-Estate Auction-Rocking H Ranch •A ugust 28 4/3 Home in Plant City •A ugust 31 3/2 Renovation ProjectNew Port Richey • September 4 Liquidation of HMR Welding & Fabrication Shop-Lakeland, FL • September 10 140-Room HotelBranson, MO • September 14 Commercial offices/37 acres-Independence, MO • September 18 Firearm AuctionRocking H Ranch • S eptember 21 2/1 MH-Davenport FL

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.

CFAN | 35

R E N

A F F

R O C

Polk County Welcomes New Ag Educators by JESSICA ANDERSON

AS WE PREPARE for the start of the 2021-2022 school year, we have had a few new faces join us in Polk County. We have opened new schools, started new agriculture programs, and expanded existing programs all over the county. We would like to introduce the following new agriculture educators to our community.

Miss Lindsey English joins the Davenport family as the lead instructor of their agriculture program. English taught the past several years in Hillsborough County. Davenport was designed with a horticulture focus and has the latest and greatest agricultural facilities. Blake Academy in Lakeland decided to add an agricultural program after one of their own staff members expressed an interest in spearheading this endeavor. Karey Lipham has been a P.E. instructor for several years at Blake Academy but really wanted to bring agricultural opportunities to the students at Blake. Agriculture touches each students’ lives every day, and we are excited to offer an agricultural program at Blake and teach these students about where their food comes from! Ashley White joins the Mulberry High School Panther family as the newest agricultural

instructor. White is a Polk County native who grew up in Fort Meade and began her career with Polk County Schools in 2010. She then moved to Georgia with her family for several years where she continued to teach agriculture. We are excited to have White back in Polk County and serving the Mulberry community as an agriculture instructor. It is always exciting to have brand new agricultural educators in the classroom. Dundee Ridge Middle Academy added Jennifer Williams to their staff. Dundee Ridge has a variety of animals and opportunities for students as well as an active FFA chapter. We are excited to see what Williams adds to the program. Lake Gibson Middle welcomes Stephanie Keim on board. As an elementary teacher for the past several years, she is not new to a classroom but this is her first year teaching agriculture. She

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has three children who have been active FFA members in Polk County and is an agricultural advocate herself after seeing the impact it has made on her own children. Lakeland High School added Katy Gelb as the new lead instructor over the Veterinary Assisting Academy. Gelb is also a graduate of Polk County Public Schools and was an active FFA member at Bartow High School throughout her high school career. Gelb is excited about entering her first year in the classroom and has an infectious personality we know her students will enjoy. Alyssa Rogers joins the Doris Sanders Learning Center as a recent University of Florida graduate with a master’s in Agricultural Education. Rogers is excited about Doris Sanders and to meet all the students! We are blessed in Polk County to have some of the very best agricultural educators in the state. They are passionate about agriculture and advocating for our industry, preparing students for the workforce, and helping our students grow into future leaders. We welcome our new teachers into the family and can’t wait to see what they accomplish with their students this year! ag

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36 | CFAN

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Editor’s Last Word

But Wait, There’s More JESSICA McDONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

THERE’S MORE TO FLORIDA than theme parks and beaches. Our state is full of unique opportunities to learn about the agriculture that makes it distinctly Florida. The agritourism edition of Central Florida Ag News is one of my favorite ones to produce. It’s a win-win for everyone involved — farmers and tourists alike. Farmers and growers can pull in extra cash by sharing what they love, and visitors get a glimpse of the real Florida we know and love. In this edition, we’ve highlighted some of the businesses that offer immersive experiences appropriate for young and old alike. There are countless others out there that we didn’t have room to feature this time, so I thought I’d squeeze in a few more here. Bearadise Ranch in Myakka City is home to the famous Welde family bears. It was established in 1926 to educate and promote awareness for habitat preservation and conservation for all bear species. Educational presentations, tours and photo ops are just part of what they offer. bearadiseranch.com/ Bell Family Farm and Apiary in Polk City offers a petting zoo experience with miniature zebu, kunekune pigs and ducks. bellsminizebu.com/ Dakin Dairy Farm in Myakka City is a working dairy farm that offers

educational tours. Tour perks include tasting their chocolate and whole milk and making your own butter. You’ll also get to feed the resident livestock while learning about calves, goats, and sheep. Other activities include oldfashioned country picnics and hayrides. dakindairyfarms.com/tours/ Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch in Lake Placid offers tours through old Florida from October through April. Situated on nearly 5,000 acres, Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch is a working cattle ranch. The property is teeming with wildlife, from white-tailed deer to turkeys, quail, hogs, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, tortoises and many more. dh-lr.com LaLa Land is a private, 50-acre farm between Sebring and Lake Placid. It offers private, guided tours featuring “real old world Florida” natural environments, hands-on exotic and domestic animal interactions, native wildlife and two fishing ponds. Bonus: Many of the animals are also a part of TLC’s Therapy Hooves local community therapy animal ministry. facebook.com/lalalandsebringfl/ Partin Ranch Corn Maze in Kenansville, just 13 miles south of St. Cloud, offers all sorts of fall fun, including a corn maze, combine harvester rides, hayrides, kiddie zipline, barrel train, pumpkin patch and country store. partinranchcornmaze.com/ ag

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Central Florida Ag News August 2021

Articles inside

Florida Roots

Home-Grown Taste

The Right Way To See Florida