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vol 12 | issue 6 | december 2021
The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region
Agri-Technology edition ALTERNATIVE POWER
FLOATING SOLAR INTRODUCES NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR AG
READ THE FINE PRINT WHO OWNS AND CONTROLS FARM DATA?
BEST OF THE BEST
POLK FARM BUREAU ANNOUNCES 2021 AG PROGRAM AND TEACHER OF THE YEAR
ON TO NATIONAL COMPETITION
WHAT DRIVES EXCELLENCE IN AG AWARD RECIPIENT JACKSON?
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vol 12
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6 | dece mber 2021
The Vo ice of Ag ricul
Agri-Tech edition nolog y ALTERN AT
On the Cover
ture fo r Our Re gion
Many people are embracing POWER IVE BEST OF THE BEST a new type of solar power READ TH E FINE PR technology that harnesses INT ON TO COMPE NATIONAL TITION the sun’s rays without taking up valuable space RAFTER T RANCH on land. That’s just fine with D3Energy, a solar developer of floating solar projects. We spoke with Stetson Tchividjian, Director of Business Development for D3Energy, to find out how this opens up new opportunities for the ag sector.
CONTENTS | d e c e m b e r 2 0 2 1
FLOATIN G NEW PO SOLAR INTROD SSIBILITIES UCES FOR AG
WHO OW CONTRO NS AND LS FARM DATA?
POLK FA RM AG PROG BUREAU AN NO RAM AN D TEACH UNCES 2021 ER OF TH E YEAR
WHAT DR AG AWARIVES EXCELLENC E IN D RECIPIE NT JACKS ON?
PRES PRSR ORT T STD STD U.S. US POST Posta ge AGE PAI PAIDD Perm TAMP it No. A, FL 335 PERM Lake IT #2118 land , Fl.
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LONGTIM E AND CO STEWARD OF THE NSERVATI ON ADVO LAND CATE
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Departments 5 Publisher’s Letter 7 President’s Letter 9 Signs of the Season 14 Calendar 16 Angle’s Letter 22 AgriShopper
23 Ag-Rec 26 Recipe Spotlight 28 In The Heartland 31 Classifieds 36 FFA Corner 38 Editor’s Last Word
12 2021 OUTSTANDING AG TEACHER OF THE YEAR
An ag teacher for nine years, Kathleen Middle School’s Selena Paul initially planned to be a business education teacher after completing her degree major in Project Management and minor in Marketing. Fortunately, fate stepped in and while waiting for a business education opportunity to open up, administrators knew of her side hobbies in ag projects and encouraged her to accept an agriculture teacher position.
18 AGRICULTURE ADVOCATE
Agriculture and advocacy have always been a way of life for Scarlett Jackson. It’s this combination that guided her journey to winning the 2021 Florida Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award. Now, she moves on to the national competition. Learn more about her passion and drive.
20 READ THE FINE PRINT
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, data derived from farms might be more valuable than the crops that growers produce. That’s because farmers can make money from their data when companies use it for other purposes, says a University of Florida scientist. The key for producers is to take ownership of their data. To do so, they might have to read the fine print in the contracts with the ag firms.
24 2021 OUTSTANDING AG PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
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A common thread in any successful school-based ag program is enthusiasm, and this can certainly be witnessed on the smiling faces of the ag students at Southwest Middle School. Eager to share their projects, SWMS ag students embody the passion that all agriculture teachers strive to nurture in young lives.
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PUBLISHER LETTER
We’re Talking Agri-Technology IF THERE’S EVER ANY DOUBT about the role agriculture plays in Central Florida’s economy, you don’t have to look far to figure it out. Sure, you see the farms, strawberry and blueberry fields, and you’ll most certainly drive through orange groves. But you’ll also see another component that works in tandem with agriculture, harnessing the potential of the industry, multiplying it and positioning it so it can meet changes the future may have. That component is agri-technology. It’s agri-technology that helps us grow more and meet the needs of additional businesses. In Hendry, Glades and Palm Beach counties, U.S. Sugar is home to the largest continuous, privately owned Wi-Fi network in America. That network plays an integral role in U.S. Sugar’s advanced precision agriculture technology. In Highlands County, Classic Caladiums uses GPS in its tractors to optimize field labor and productivity, while Lykes Bros. uses drones to detect weed pressure
and chlorophyll changes. Those are just the smallest samples of how technology augments the industry. But do you realize it also opens up ag to other industries, like food processing, food flavoring and equipment manufacturing? Like most sectors, ag is tied to so many other industries, and agri-technology makes that possible. One of the considerations of agri-technology that gets very little attention is the matter of who owns the data. As farms collect data, the information being collected is becoming almost as important, if not more important, than the commodity that farms grow. In this edition, Ziwen Yu of UF/IFAS delves into this topic and some of the details that are often relegated to the fine print. Inside, you’ll also get a look at how floating solar panels could be opening up possibilities for farmers facing a land crunch. On behalf of all of us here at Central Florida
NELSON KIRKLAND , Publishe nelson@ce r ntralflorida mediagrou p.com
Media Group, we hope you have a merry Christmas and a safe new year. God bless, and thanks for reading! ag
Sign up
for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas. ufl.edu/extension/events
This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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Columns 22 CATTLE: WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN WATER
16 TAKING CARE OF THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE
It’s the end of 2021. Some of us would add “finally” after that and put our head down and just push through to next year. And there are reasons to do that: Insurance costs have gone through the roof; the electricity bill jumped 25 percent earlier this year, and it’s going up again. But as we leave Thanksgiving behind and parade into the Christmas season, we need to stop and recognize achievements that made this year special.
18 STATE OFFERS EIA/COGGINS TEST VERIFICATION CARDS
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services now offers Equine Infectious Anemia test verification cards. These laminated cards are available for horse owners as proof of a negative EIA (coggins) status for their horses. They are convenient to have when trail riding or going to shows within Florida because they are small enough to slip into your wallet or pocket.
While ranchers may give great consideration to their cattle’s diets, making sure to give the appropriate balance of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, they may be a little less vigilant about another key substance — water. Like all living things, cattle are made up of mostly water — approximately 75 percent. Insufficient water in cattle can have a negative impact on the quality of beef, while efficient weight gains depend upon appropriate hydration.
25 QUALITY ITEMS AND PROFESSIONALISM SET OUR AUCTIONS APART
Our next upcoming sale at Rocking H Ranch will be on January 29. We are selling a firearm store’s complete inventory and at least three estates, a collection of jewelry, coins, and a nice tractor collection. This will be a fun sale that you won’t want to miss!
34 CHANGES IN FLORIDA CITRUS PRODUCTION PRACTICES
Citrus greening, also known as HLB, has changed the landscape of the Florida citrus industry, including the recommendations for citrus production practices and best management practices (BMPs). As research yields more clues to effectively combat the devastating disease, the recommendations change and adjust as well.
All of Us Here at Polk County Farm Bureau wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 863-533-0561 • www.PCFB.org • Facebook.com/PolkCountyFarm Bureau 6 | CFAN
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Polk Polk County County Farm Farm Bureau Bureau Protecting & Promoting Protecting & Promoting Polk Agriculture since 1942 Polk Agriculture since 1942 www.pcfb.org www.pcfb.org
Phone: Phone: 863.533.0561 863.533.0561
Member Member Services Services
p r e s i d e n t ’s c o l u m n
Carole McKenzie Carole McKenzie Executive Director Executive Director
Lori Kuehl Lori Kuehl Program Coordinator Program Coordinator
2021-2022 2021-2022 Board Board of of Directors Directors
Leigh Ann Wynn Larry Black Leigh Ann Wynn Larry Black President Charles Counter President Charles Counter DeVane Michael Matteson Kenny DeVane Michael Matteson Kenny Leslie W. Dunson, III Vice-President Leslie W. Dunson, III Vice-President Dean T. Evans Dean Evans Dean T. Evans Dean Evans Ellis Hunt, Jr. Past President Ellis Hunt, Jr. Past President Scarlett Jackson Scarlett Jackson Corby Myers Jack James, Jr. Corby Myers Jack James, Jr. Treasurer Nelson Kirkland Treasurer Nelson Kirkland Lanier Christian P. Spinosa Daniel Christian P. Spinosa Daniel Lanier Ed Lassiter Secretary Ed Lassiter Secretary David Lawson, Jr. Brett Costine David Lawson, Jr. Brett Costine Kyle R. Story YF&R Chair Kyle R. Story YF&R Chair Matt Story Matt Story Scarlett Jackson John W. Strang Scarlett Jackson John W. Strang Women’s Kevin M. Updike Women’s Kevin M. Updike Committee Chair Committee Chair Keith Walter Keith Walter
Location Location 1715 U.S. Hwy 17 South 1715 U.S. Hwy 17 South Bartow, FL 33830 Bartow, FL 33830
Offi Office ce Hours Hours
Monday-Friday Monday-Friday 9 9 a.m. a.m. to to 5 5 p.m. p.m.
Jimmy Jimmy Williams Williams Agency Agency Manager Manager
Bartow Bartow Offi Office ce Agents Agents Phone: 863.533.0561 Phone: 863.533.0561 James James L. L. Moser, Moser, Jr. Jr. Jimmy Jimmy Williams Williams
Haines Haines City City Offi Office ce Agent Agent 203 203 S S Dixie Dixie Drive Drive Phone: Phone: 863.421.4545 863.421.4545 Rhonda Rhonda Ambrose Ambrose Winter Winter Haven Haven Offi Office ce Agents Agents 3039 Cypress Gardens 3039 Cypress Gardens Road Road Phone: Phone: 863.299.3892 863.299.3892 Barry Barry Walker Walker Jason Jason Yates Yates
Happy December, the month we celebrate our Savior’s birth! Polk members attended the November 30 Farm Bureau Day in Tallahassee and met with our Polk Delegation on farm bureau legislative priorities including agritourism, nutrient application research, the Rural and Family Lands Program, and a grant program for beginning farmers and ranchers. Polk County is fortunate to have legislative representatives that appreciate the valuable impacts that agriculture has on the community. However, we must all remain continuously diligent throughout the legislative process. The Florida 2022 Legislative Session will begin on January 11. We will continue to bring you updates once the session begins, and you can stay up to date on developments by signing up to receive alerts at floridafarmbureau.org/legislativeaction-center. The Florida Farm Bureau adopted the 2022 Policy Book at its October annual meeting. The policy book serves as a guiding document for all Florida Farm Bureau activities. Members can access the 2022 Policy Book by visiting floridafarmbureau.org under the Publications tab. Don’t forget to support our local youth at the 2022 Polk County Youth Fair, January 22–28! For more information and a schedule of youth fair events, visit www.pcyf.net. Polk County Farm Bureau has established its 2022 Schedule of Events. Please mark your calendars to save the dates: March 14 – 18 Polk County Agri-Fest
9 a.m. – noon daily, Polk County Ag Center
April 14
Central Fl Ag Deputy Luncheon
11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m, Barn on the Lake, Ft. Meade
April 28
Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon
11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., Stuart Center, Bartow
May 13
Harvest Celebration
6 p.m., Barn on the Lake, Ft. Meade
August 23
Youth Speech Contest
4 p.m., Stuart Center, Bartow
October 6
PCFB Annual Meeting & Political Forum Beginning at 5:30 p.m., Stuart Center
Member Benefits: Did you know? Agriculture Education Services & Technology, Inc. (AEST), a Florida Farm Bureau subsidiary, is supplying the agriculture industry with a certified workforce. AEST certificants are highly skilled and highly trained in unique areas of agriculture. AEST certifications provide employers with a trusted credential that can be used to make sound employment decisions. Agriculture employers and AEST certificants can connect through the AEST job board, Hire.Ag to learn more about the benefits of AEST. On behalf of the board of directors of Polk County Farm Bureau, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Calling Calling from from Lake Lake Wales Wales 863.676.3187 863.676.3187
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LEIGH ANN WYNN President, Polk County Farm Bureau CFAN | 7
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The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region
www.Fl o ridaAgNews.co m PUBLISHER Nelson Kirkland MANAGING EDITOR Jessica McDonald DIGITAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Alexis Duncan PROJECT MANAGER David Kiessling ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Juanita Halter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paul Catala, Grace Hirdes, Teresa Schiffer, Carol Corley, J. Scott Angle, Brad Buck, Pamela Palongue, Tim Craig, Carole McKenzie CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS
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of the SIGNS SEASON Florida Grows More Than 37,000 Acres of Sweet Corn Each Year by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida
WHEN WE THINK OF CORN, we often envision the expansive cornfields of the Midwest. But since the 1940s, the University of Florida has been specially breeding sweet corn for cultivation in Florida. Sweet corn is a $100+ million-dollar industry in the state currently, with Florida ranked as one of the nation’s top producers. About 20 percent of America’s sweet corn is grown right here in Florida. More than 37,000 acres of sweet corn are grown in the Sunshine State each year, primarily for the fresh market The U.S. is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn. Throughout the country, more than 28,000 farms produce sweet corn. Roughly onethird of all the corn grown in the U.S. is used for feeding livestock, and another third is used to make ethanol, leaving about one-third for human consumption and industrial use. Most sweet corn is harvested when it is fully grown, but there is a small market for edible, unhusked baby corn. Corn has been bio-engineered into a multitude of varieties, making it possible to grow the crop in almost every state. The best varieties for Florida’s climate and conditions are Silver Queen, How Sweet It Is, and Early Sunglow. Corn grows best in full sun and rich soil, and is generally ready for harvest between 60 to 90 days after planting. Historically, most of Florida’s sweet corn was grown in the northern part of the state, but much of that production has now moved to Georgia. The Everglades Agricultural Area of Palm Beach County is now the home
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of more than half of Florida’s sweet corn production. Miami-Dade, Collier, and Hendry counties in southern Florida are responsible for about a quarter of the entire state’s production of sweet corn. In the southern regions of Florida, sweet corn is grown mainly from September through June, with the Everglades area out of production through part of December and January. Field corn, raised for silage and grain, is grown mostly in some central and north parts of the state during the spring and summer. The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends planting field corn beginning in late February through late April. This early planting strategy decreases pressure from insects and diseases, resulting in a higher potential yield. Nematodes can be a significant issue for field corn in Florida. Sandy soil can be plagued by sting nematodes (Belonolaimus longicaudatus), but stubby root (Paratrichodorus spp.), lesion (Pratylenchus spp.), lance (Hoplolaimus spp.), and root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) varieties of nematodes can also present problems for Florida farmers growing field corn. Rotating field corn with peanuts and cotton seems to provide the best protection against nematode problems in the soil. Rotating with more closely related cereal grass crops, such as sorghum, can encourage the growth of nematodes. Weed management is also enhanced by crop rotation with unrelated crops, as well as by soil fertility management, timely planting, and proper cultivation. ag
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FEATURE | e d i t i o n
Alternative Power Floating Solar Panels Introduce New Possibilities for Ag by PAMELA PALONGUE
M
MANY PEOPLE, including those in the agriculture sector, are embracing a new type of solar power technology that harnesses the sun’s rays without taking up valuable space on land.
That’s just fine with D3Energy, a solar developer of floating solar projects. The term “floating solar” may be a bit of a misnomer, however. The solar panels are actually installed on a rack that is suspended about 18 to 24 inches over bodies of water and do not actually rest on the water itself. D3Energy has been installing these innovative panels for the past six years and has installed more floating solar systems than any other company in the country. We spoke with Stetson Tchividjian, Director of Business Development for D3Energy, to find out why this is rapidly becoming a trend for farmers and ranchers. One of the most obvious reasons people are turning to solar in general is because it’s more economical in the long run and is, of course, great for the planet. But floating solar is a new way to maximize the benefits by installing the panels over water, rather than land.
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“The big thing I’d like to stress about floating solar, is that it is the same solar panels that are used on land. It is the exact same equipment, except for the racking,” explains Tchividjian. The racks, however, are the secret sauce. They allow the use of still bodies of water, such as drinking reservoirs, quarry lakes, stock ponds and retention ponds, to be used as a platform for
the solar panels. In Florida specifically, land is in short supply and comes at a premium. By utilizing these bodies of water, farmers and ranchers can take advantage of the savings of solar without sacrificing dry land used for growing and grazing. Also, by placing the panels over the water, there is a reduction in evaporation of about 50 to 70% in the retention and stock ponds. Another benefit of placing the panels over water is the cooling effect of the water on the panel. The hotter a panel becomes, the less efficient it is at generating electricity. Stetson says they have
The racks allow the use of still bodies of water, such as drinking reservoirs, quarry lakes, stock ponds and retention ponds, to be used as a platform for the solar panels. In Florida specifically, land is in short supply and comes at a premium. By utilizing these bodies of water, farmers and ranchers can take advantage of the savings of solar without sacrificing dry land used for growing and grazing.
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has been one of our main focuses of late. We’re talking to some large meat farms, and they’re saving roughly half the cost of operation and maintenance,” he notes. There are some obvious questions that arise when considering the floating solar option. For example, electricity and water are not always the best of friends. However, Tchividjian explains that the whole system is wired so that if it is ever tripped, all of the associated electrical shuts down. “There’s no hazard that the water can become electrified. We use the same technology that is used for docks that are lit.” If you’re concerned about its effect on fish and birds, studies have found that there have been no adverse effects on wildlife. “We won’t cover more than 70 percent of a body of water. We’ve found that the fish like to migrate underneath it.” Another mitigating factor is that it is not a solid, continuous voltaic panel. It’s more like a checkerboard square with spaces in between. If a bird or other animal is under the panels, there is
ample room for them to surface, with no fear of them becoming trapped underneath the panels. Tchividjian adds that in his experience, the panels actually help to reduce algae. And there is no radiation with solar energy, making it even more attractive. Stetson describes D3Energy as a developer that provides a turn-key operation to the client. “We can install any type of panels on these floats, bifacial/monofacial panels - whatever works best for the client.” Luckily, the company has not experienced many of the supply chain issues that plague so many industries right now. Its products are all manufactured in the U.S., in Atlanta and Texas to be exact, which makes it much easier for them to get materials to install. It recently completed a project for the U.S. Army and is working with the U.S. Department of Energy on the benefits of floating solar systems. “It’s really exciting to see the growth of this in the ag industry,” adds Tchividjian. ag
seen upwards of a 20% increase in energy production by placing the panels on water. With the extreme Florida heat, the increase in power has been more moderate but still substantial with increases measuring roughly 6-8%. They continue to collect data, however, and the bump in power does vary between specific sites. Another advantage of floating solar is that the panels stay much cleaner over water, which also helps increase their efficiency for maximum solar collection. Farmers can expect to see lower operation and maintenance costs, as well as installation on the front end. Land-based solar panels may require fencing to protect them, which is not the case when installed over water. There are also federal incentives with a tax credit of 26% back on installation, which has been extended through 2022, and an additional 100% depreciation credit that is available in the first year. “We’ve seen a huge jump here lately in installations of floating solar in the ag industry in particular,” Tchividjian explains. “The ag industry FloridaAgNews.com
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FEATURE | e d u c a t i o n
Polk County Farm Bureau 2021 Outstanding Ag Teacher of the Year Selena Paul of Kathleen Middle School story by CAROLE MCKENZIE, Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director photos by MACI MAY, Bartow High School FFA
Selena Paul and her Kathleen Middle School FFA Officer Team (left to right): Sunny Day, Treasurer; Karysa Browing, Reporter; Kate Daniel, Secretary; Haylie Stephens, President; Selena Paul; Kaylynn Allred, Parliamentarian; Ryland Lund, Sentinel; Austin Tucker, Student Advisor.
C
CONGRATULATIONS TO SELENA PAUL of Kathleen Middle School, who has been named the Polk County Farm Bureau Outstanding Ag Teacher of the Year!
Turtole Haven 12 | CFAN
An ag teacher for nine years, Paul had initially planned to be a business education teacher after completing her degree major in Project Management and minor in Marketing. Fortunately for the agriculture community, fate stepped in and while waiting for a business education opportunity to open up, administrators knew of her side hobbies in ag projects and encouraged her to accept an agriculture teacher position. Fast forward to today’s Kathleen Middle School agriculture program, where areas of focus include swine, horticulture, poultry, rabbits and aquaculture. With a 36-acre land lab, KMS students are able to cultivate seven acres of row crops planting four times a year with crops that typically include peanuts, strawberries and different greens and vegetables that are shown at the youth fair and marketed to teachers and community members. Paul’s students are excited about the upcoming Polk County Youth Fair, where they will FloridaAgNews.com
Saying Hello
Planting Row Crops
have a whopping number of 32 entries of various breeds of poultry entries as well as cattle, goats, rabbits, horticulture and, of course, swine. Paul shares that “pigs are her passion,” and KMS students travel the Florida Junior Swine Circuit in both the fall and the summer series boasting various prestigious awards. Future KMS ag program projects include getting their greenhouse back in shape following
major storm damage. Initially planned as a shade house, Paul and her students now hope to raise tilapia along with installing other aquaculture and alternative farming systems. Paul follows the Three-Circle Model of Agricultural Education of teaching about careers in agriculture, food and natural resources that involve the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and the development of agricultural commodities and resources. Paul reports that she is most proud of the fact that the ag program at KMS is student driven. She forms lesson plans based on what her students most wish to experience and learn about. The first order of business, however, is developing her students’ leadership skills. When asked what they appreciate most about Paul, her stu-
dents unanimously reported that she has taught them to be leaders by encouraging them to step outside of their norm and keep growing beyond their comfort zones. While inspiring her students to become leaders in their community, Paul also hopes that their community will in turn appreciate that teaching agriculture in classrooms is more than just students “going outside.” At Kathleen Middle School, Paul’s ag students enjoy a full circle learning experience that includes FFA participation, hands-on labs, animal and plant care, project management, and agribusiness lessons. Polk County Farm Bureau celebrates Selena Paul, 2021 Ag Teacher of the Year! ag
Poultry Projects
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DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY DECEMBER 18 DOWNTOWN LAKELAND FARMERS CURB MARKET
OCTOBER 21, 2021 – MAY 5, 2022 POLK COUNTY VISITOR CENTER FLEA AND FARMERS 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.
JANUARY 8 SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO
Every Thursday, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., the Central Florida Visitor Information Center (CFVIC) in Davenport hosts a Flea and Farmers Market. Lots of vendors will be on hand offering fresh, local produce, beautiful arts and crafts, unique jewelry, home goods, and more. This is a great way for visitors to get a taste of genuine Florida fare while picking up discounted attraction tickets and souvenirs. CFVIC is located at 101 Adventure Court in Davenport. If you need more information or would like to become a vendor, please contact Dennis Budde at (863) 420-2586 or email Dennis@ visitcentralflorida.org.
This fun, family-friendly rodeo takes place every Saturday from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, located at 3200 River Ranch Blvd in River Ranch. Enjoy the antics of cowpokes and bronco busters as they show off their skills trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and more. Kids are invited into the rodeo arena toward the end of the night to participate in a real “calf scramble.” Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 – 12, and children ages 4 and under are free. For more information, please visit www.westgateresorts.com.
JANUARY 8 AND 22 DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET IN LAKE WALES DECEMBER 17 BLUEGRASS NIGHT WITH SOUTHERN EXPRESS Enjoy an evening of wonderful bluegrass music with a Central Florida band at Krazy Kup, located at 101 E J Arden Mays Blvd in Plant City from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Admission is $15. For more information, you can send an email to community@krazykup. com. Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.
The Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market is sponsored by Lake Wales Main Street and takes place every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 20 N Market St in Lake Wales. This producer-only market specializes in locally grown, pesticide-free produce and plants, baked goods, local honey, Florida grove pepper sauces, cheeses, award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs, homemade jams and jellies, natural pet treats, plus a ton of crafts, clothing, and jewelry. For more information, you can contact Lynn Greenfield at (863) 676-8782 or visit www.lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market.
JANUARY 13 PUPS & PINTS Every second Thursday of the month you can take your favorite canine with you to enjoy a large selection of beer and enter a raffle to win a gift basket. Sponsored by Orchid Springs Animal Hospital and held at Union Taproom, located at 245 W Central Ave #102 in Winter Haven, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Call (863) 268-4921 for more information.
compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER
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2022 CALENDAR
JANUARY 28 – 30 AND FEBRUARY 4 – 6 SPIRIT OF THE BUFFALO POW WOW 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.
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JANUARY 28 – 29 LAKELAND PIG FEST Over 150 barbecue teams gather at the SUN n’ FUN Campus at 4175 Medulla Rd in Lakeland for a mouthwatering competition that benefits Lakelandarea charities. Admission is only $5, kids 12 and under are free. Parking is free. Pick up your Pig Bucks at a booth near the entrance to partake in the finger-lickin’ good offerings while enjoying live music. Hours are 5 – 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more at www. lakelandpigfest.org.
JANUARY 29 PLANT CITY CHILIFEST COOKOFF 2022 Judges will select the best chili recipe in a number of categories. The festivities will take place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Robert Willaford Train Museum, located at 102 N Palmer St in Plant City. For more information, please email Marsha Passmore at mappmore@msn.com.
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TAKING CARE OF THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE
IT’S THE END OF 2021. Some of us would add “finally” after that and put our head down and just push through to next year. And there are reasons to do that: Insurance costs have gone through the roof; our electricity bill jumped 25 percent earlier this year, and it’s going up again. That hurts to type. But, as we leave the turkey (and hot dogs!) of Thanksgiving behind and parade into the Christmas season, we need to stop and recognize achievements that made this year special. For us, it’s our Key Performance Indicators. This is something we at ACS — as well as our client partners — look forward to every year. These KPIs track our accuracy rate as we store and, eventually, find and pull products for our customers to ship. We track these numbers by order and by unit. For 2021, we had a 99.98 percent accuracy rate, higher than the industry average of 99.9 percent. The difference between those numbers may look small at first glance, but considering we average 600,000 pulls a month and it quickly becomes significant. We proudly share these numbers with our customers and, because of these numbers, our customers know we take great care of their goods. However, the KPI numbers take on a particularly special meaning for me this year because they reflect the hard work and dedication of the workers. I am so proud of them this year. They’ve faced challenges that no one could predict and, as our KPIs show, they’ve exceeded the industry expectation. There have been changes in our workforce this year, but there is a long-serving core that has helped lead, train, and retain the new talent that has come through our gates. We are so grateful for everyone here at Adams Cold Storage. My father had a saying: “Create jobs, take care of people, and they’ll take care of you.” I’ve tried to adopt this into the fiber of ACS. Therefore, this month, despite the rising prices of nearly everything and the stress of whatever loomed over us this year, I want to take care of the people who make ACS an industry leader. So we’re going to celebrate this month. Because that’s just what we do. I hope you do, as well.
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.
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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
The Future Is Taking Shape Right Now
Nathan Boyd
THE GULF COAST RESEARCH and Education Center demonstrated once again at the recent Florida Ag Expo where the future of Florida agriculture is happening today. I was proud to announce new faculty hires we brought to Florida because of their expertise in artificial intelligence. Kevin Wang recently arrived, and he will be helping our breeders. Certainly, he’ll work with our strawberry and tomato breeders, but he will work across commodities. He’ll do things like use drones to evaluate fruit in the field. Dana Choi will arrive in January. Her specialty is mechanical harvesting. At Penn State she was training machines to identify and pick apples and mushrooms. She’ll train her AIaided sights on Florida crops now. But there’s something even bigger afoot— Nathan Boyd and Jack Rechcigl want to make GCREC a statewide hub for applying artificial intelligence to agriculture. Both share my vision for AI focused on the practical, getting AI into your hands, making it accessible, easy to use, and affordable for farmers large and small. This is not a pie-in-the-sky dream. Rechcigl has met with an architect. He wants to build
what he calls the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. The center has the support of the Gulf Coast Council and its chair, Kenneth Parker. I know labor costs and underpriced imported produce that comes from places with nominal labor costs are twin threats to you. Robotics and AI could address both by automating your harvest, weed control, pest management and more. My definition of sustainable agriculture includes a clause that people who produce our food can continue to make a living off it. Innovation is increasingly the edge that keeps you competitive in a global market. That’s what we’ll continue to deliver. Boyd, Rechcigl, the entire GCREC crew and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences never lose sight of it. Florida ag won’t look the same in five or 10 years as it does now. But it will still thrive based on a partnership between those who produce our food, feed, fuel and fiber and the scientists who produce the innovation and know-how to help them do it in a profitable, sustainable way. ag FloridaAgNews.com
G r o d w l e n i F
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CFAN | 17
STATE OFFERS EIA/COGGINS TEST VERIFICATION CARDS
FEATURE | p e o p l e
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE and Consumer Services now offers Equine Infectious Anemia test verification cards. These laminated cards are available for horse owners as proof of a negative EIA (coggins) status for their horses. They are convenient to have when trail riding or going to shows within Florida because they are small enough to slip into your wallet or pocket.
Agriculture Advocate Scarlett Jackson Moves On to National Competition for Excellence Award
How can these cards be used? These cards are accepted only within Florida and will have the same expiration date as a horse’s original EIA (coggins) test. The card is not valid for change of ownership, so if you are selling or purchasing a horse, you will need the original coggins report.
by TIM CRAIG
How to apply and what are the requirements? To apply for your card, check out the FDACS website (Document Extension Options for Equine Movement). You will need to submit an application, three digital photos of your horse (the same style as the ones on your coggins test) and pay the $5 fee. You can mail or email all the required information.
EIA recap There’s no vaccine to protect against the virus that causes EIA, nor is there any treatment available. If a horse is diagnosed with EIA, it must either be quarantined for life under strict isolation or humanely euthanized. Although a positive case is rare, diligent testing and monitoring is key to keeping it that way. Most horses that contract EIA don’t show any clinical signs, so testing and proof of your horse’s negative status is essential for transport, competing and even to ride on some trails. If you have any concerns or want to learn more about EIA and why testing is so important, speak with your veterinarian or check out the Florida Department of Agriculture website at www.bit.ly/EIA_ Polk_Equine.
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.
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FOR SCARLETT JACKSON, the journey to winning the 2021 Florida Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Award may have started in college, in a general education speech course all students must take. Her speech that day was on the things she grew up doing: farming, livestock, agriculture. The reaction was eye-opening. “I grew up in a rural community that understood that kind of work, that kind of lifestyle,” she says. “So when I gave that speech, it was an eye-opening experience. Not everyone knew where their food came from.” She decided then that maybe it was her job to let her fellow students and professors know what they were missing. She started taking some of her fellow students and professors to tour Crooked Lake Ranch as a way of showing them the day-to-day magic that happens on a working ranch. That sense of advocacy for agriculture has pretty much been a part of her character all of her life. Jackson grew up in a farming family. Her grandfather is Florida FFA Hall of Fame inductee Ronald Weatherington from Plant City. Her parents, David and Shayla McCullers, manage Crooked Lake Ranch in Frostproof. Her brother, Dakota, also manages a ranch. She and her sister, Moriah, each have their own cattle they manage. “We thought our parents just wanted the free labor,” says Jackson with a laugh, “but when you grow up with that lifestyle, where you’re all in for the food and fiber that feeds America, it becomes a part of you as well. I saw my parents’ work ethic and they instilled that in all of us.”
When her alma mater, Warner University, announced it was starting its Agriculture Program, Jackson, a 2011 alumnus, came on board to help make that happen. She says she enjoyed recruiting, fundraising and advocating for the program. “It was easy to sell a program that is production-based and production-minded, where students could continue to grow with what they were already doing in their 4-H clubs and high school programs,” she says. “Fundraising for the program and helping to build the amazing complex is one of the biggest accomplishments of my life.” It also opened doors and opportunities along the way for Jackson. As she went around the state talking about the program, she got to meet a lot of different, like-minded people. It also pushed her to pursue the Excellence in Agriculture Award. “Usually, I was the one who was helping others, offering feedback while they pursued the award,” she says. “But about five years ago or so, I started aiming toward trying to win it.” After helping get the Warner University Agriculture Program off the ground, Jackson left to become executive director for the Florida FFA Foundation. She also became more active in the county and state Farm Bureau. She participated in the state’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership group, a two-year program designed to prepare the next generation of farmers and ranchers to represent agriculture at the local, state and national level, focusing on personal growth, public speaking, CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 FloridaAgNews.com
FEATURE | t e c h
Read the Fine Print Who Owns and Controls Farm Data?
by BRAD BUCK, UF/IFAS correspondent Courtesy, TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS photography
W
WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT of artificial intelligence, data derived from farms might be more valuable than the crops that growers produce. That’s because farmers can make money from their data when companies use it for other purposes, says a University of Florida scientist.
The key for producers is to take ownership of their data. To do so, they might have to read the fine print in the contracts with the ag firms. “Once farmers own their original data, and give their consent for any access, disclosure or use, they can receive long-term income of their data harvest,” says Ziwen Yu, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering. Yu co-authored a new UF/IFAS Extension document that describes who owns farm-generated data. Other authors of the document are Albert De Vries, a UF/IFAS professor of animal sciences in Gainesville, and Yiannis Ampatzidis, a UF/ IFAS associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. “Farmers’ primary reservation about embracing data-driven technologies stems from their concerns that they might lose ownership and control of their data from which agriculture technology providers derive high-value products,” Yu
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says. “The most important aspect is to understand the new role they will play in the next era and the associated rights and obligations for all entities in the industry. The bottom line for this evolution is whoever owns the data — in this case, farmers — can claim the exclusive right to license access and use of data by others.” In contracts, all entities related to such data may claim ownership of the information, Yu says. Ultimately, ag-tech firms usually earn the lion’s share of the money from the data by using it for other purposes, including smart devices and their services, upgrades for existing products and data transactions. In the report, Yu draws a pyramid to describe how farm data is used. At the bottom are environmental facts – raw data like how much water farmers use to irrigate their crops. Next up are agricultural operation data – the information a grower uses to more efficiently run the farm. At the top of the pyramid,
you see “business data.” Agricultural technology companies use this data to make money. For example, if a company would like to use data from several farms for crop disease detection, it must get permission from farmers to access their data and may very likely pay for it. Agricultural technology partners attribute data from the land at which it was collected, the device by which it was measured, the farmer who arranged the operation rate and sequence, the cloud services where it was stored, etc. These firms own most farm data, including the raw information — environmental facts that farmers cannot copyright, but they can share. “Some farmers don’t know that or don’t have the time or inclination to closely peruse the contracts associated with the data,” Yu says. “But we urge them to read the contracts carefully to know their rights.” ag
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THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IS COMING OFFSET SUPPLY SHORTAGES AND RISING INPUT COSTS WITH SMART AGRITECH INVESTMENTS
The increasing cost of production is on everyone’s mind this year. Farm income is expected to reach $113 billion in 2021, due mostly to strong market prices and global demand. But this year isn’t all smooth sailing for American farmers and ranchers. Logistic bottlenecks and various shortages are leading to higher input expenses and difficulty securing necessary labor. To combat this escalating trend, more and more farmers are turning to smart agricultural technology.
FIVE COST-SAVING AGRI TECHNOLOGIES 1. GPS AND YIELD MAPPING TOOLS
Developed in the 1990s, GPS and yield monitoring capabilities have been enhanced in the last several decades due in part to the increasing use of agricultural drones (UAVs). The accuracy of GPS allows farmers to create farm maps with precise acreage for field areas, road locations, and distances between points of interest. When integrated with other agricultural devices, such as crop sensors, farmers can more easily assess crop damage, identify disease and stress, and give yield estimates. 2 . VA R I A B L E R AT E A P P L I C AT I O N TECHNOLOGY
Variable rate technology (VRT) is used by farmers to apply fertilizer, water, chemicals, and seed at different rates across a field. Farmers can use this ag technology to more precisely apply crop inputs to enhance growth, lower cost, and reduce environmental degradation.
3 . D R I P I R R I G AT I O N S Y S T E M S
Water has been—and always will be—a vital part of agriculture. Watering crops in individual, precise drips rather than broad, high-volume streams offers a way to ease the ongoing water shortages currently facing many American farmers. 4 . S M A R T C L O U D D ATA B A S E S
Agricultural devices that gather and store data from sensors are growing in popularity as this captured data is then stored in cloud computing software and makes it more accessible to others in the industry. This makes advancements in farming practices more easily documented, tested, and shared. 5. AI TECHNOLOGY
While still under development, AI robotics is a booming industry for agriculture right now and shows promise in addressing the labor shortage issue and reducing food waste.
UPGRADE YOUR OPERATION WITH AGAMERICA’S FLEXIBLE FINANCING While precision ag tech is being pushed to the forefront of agriculture’s future, the upfront cost of implementation is a common roadblock many American farmers face. That’s where AgAmerica comes in, offering a spectrum of flexible loan structures that give you the freedom to invest in your operation the best you see fit. Contact AgAmerica today to learn more about our innovative financial solutions. 844.238.5312 | AGAMERICA.COM
CATTLE: WORTH THEIR WEIGHT IN WATER WHILE RANCHERS MAY GIVE great consideration to their cattle’s diets, making sure to give the appropriate balance of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, they may be a little less vigilant about another key substance — water. Like all living things, cattle are made up of mostly water — approximately 75 percent. Insufficient water in cattle can have a negative impact on the quality of beef, while efficient weight gains depend upon appropriate hydration. Requirements for water intake go beyond just replacing water lost through excrement and sweat. Cattle need a significant amount of water to be able to digest grass material, and thus their appetites will fluctuate with the supply of water. Cows that are calving will have increased water needs for both gestation and lactation. The University of Georgia published guidelines for the estimated water needs of cattle — approximately two gallons per 100 pounds of body weight for growing calves or lactating cows, one gallon for bulls and non-lactating cows. Keep in mind, this total also includes water received in high moisture feeds, such as silage, green chop, or pasture. Cattle’s instincts, in regards to water, are fairly strong. If they feel that water is limited, they will devote their time to keeping the access they have, monopolizing water sources when they find them, at the expense of time grazing. Limited access to water can lead to competition between animals and increased stress levels - both of which will have an impact on the final quality of the beef. The amount of water available is not the only factor cattle will consider - the quality of the water will also determine the cattle’s intake. If the only source of water available is low-quality, the animals will only voluntarily limit their intake, drinking only the water they need to survive which will prevent them from maximizing their weight gains. Additionally, stagnant water is at risk for developing blue-green algae, which can be toxic to cattle. When developing a watering system for cattle, a rancher needs to be mindful of all of these factors. Reliable access to good, clean water can easily be the difference between profitability and loss.
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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AGRISHOPPER SHOPPER Gardening Gadgets Make Gift-Giving Easy by GRACE HIRDES
DO YOU STRUGGLE to raise a weed or are you blessed with a magic green thumb and have success raising anything you set your mind to? Either way, these gardening gadgets and apps can help with a variety of gardening interests and needs. (Did we mention that Christmas is right around the corner?)
1. RACHIO SMART SPRINKLER CONTROLLER APP This automatic weather app guarantees you won’t water your lawn while it’s raining and takes the guesswork out of how much water is needed, so you’ll save water and money. You can use the app on your smartphone to control the sprinklers, set your own schedules or input details about plant types and sun exposure. The system works with top smart-home platforms, including Amazon Alexa and Google Home. You can find more information and purchase your own at rachio.com.
2. A QUA FARMS The AquaFarm is a stylish way to combine your garden and aquarium into a self-sustaining ecosystem. This self-cleaning fish tank uses fish waste to feed the plants that grow above the tank. In turn, the plants clean the water in a perfect little ecosystem. Learn more at aquasprouts. com.
3. SUN SEEKER APP Sun Seeker uses GPS and magnetometer to find the correct solar position and path for your current location. You can use the app to find optimal planting locations and seasonal sunlight hours as a sunrise calendar. Compatible with iOS and Android.
4. BOSCH CORDLESS SHRUB AND GRASS SHEAR This handheld multitool from Bosch allows you to trim your hedges, shrubs and grass with the same tool. Thanks to its lightweight design, featuring a lithium-ion battery, you can master the art of well-groomed plants with almost an hour of work on one charge. The anti-blocking system prevents the shear from stalling, so you can get a perfect cut every time. Find it at bosch. com
5. WORX LANDROID PRE-PROGRAMMED ROBOTIC LAWN MOWER Put your mowing schedule on autopilot with this robotic lawn mower from Worx. Send it out to mow the lawn, and the autonomous robot follows a border wire set around the yard to
ensure it only cuts what it’s supposed to. It’s fully programmed out of the box for easy setup and use, and it automatically returns to base in case of rain or for a battery recharge. Why spend your days perfecting your lawn when you can just get a robot to do it? Get the details at worx.com.
6. SUN SURVEYOR APP This is perfect for helping you plan your garden according to the sun and moon. The Sun Surveyor uses a 3D compass and interactive map with street view to help you plan your gardening and outdoor activities by every sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset. You can find this app in your app store.
7. OMEGA HYDROPONIC GARDEN You can grow food year-round in the heart of the city with this hydroponics system from Gardyn. Learn more at mygardyn.com
8. EASY PLANTS Whether it’s winter, you live in an urban oasis or you just prefer indoor gardening, check out these self-watering planter pots. With these plants from easyplant.com, you can rest assured your plants will not dry out if you ignore them for a few days.
9. THE WORM FACTORY 360 Recycle kitchen scraps, paper waste and cardboard into nutrient-rich fertilizer for your plants with The Worm Factory 360, which can house thousands of worms for composting in one compact unit. Learn more at eartheasy.com.
10. THE URBIN GROWER
If you have limited gardening space, here is a compact, sub-irrigation organic growing system which waters plants from the bottom up and takes up little room on your patio, balcony or backyard. The UrBin Grower can produce kale, spinach, squash, cucumbers, strawberries, onions and a variety of vegetables and ornamental plants. You can get your own at thesquirmfirm.com
11. NETRO WHISPERER SMART PLANT SENSOR The Netro Whisperer Smart Plant Sensor is a wireless Bluetooth indoor/outdoor device that can sense levels of sunlight, moisture, temperature and fertilizer in your plants’ environment and wirelessly send a signal to your smart device to inform you of the health of your plants. Check it out at netrohome.com. ag
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a d i r Flo
ag-rec e t a U pd
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
myfwc.com/news/all-news/whale-1221/
Protect Your Boat, Your Crew and Right Whales THE NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE, Eubalaena glacialis, is among the most endangered of the world’s large whales. Historically depleted by commercial whaling, vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements are now the largest threats to right whales. The coastal waters off Florida and Georgia are the only known calving area for North Atlantic right whales and these waters have been designated as right whale critical habitat by NOAA Fisheries. Right whales are typically sighted off Florida between November and April.
Protect your boat and crew this right whale calving season
If you plan to boat or fish in the Atlantic Ocean this winter, be on the lookout for North Atlantic Right Whales, which are calving in state and federal waters off Florida, Georgia and South Carolina from November through April. These endangered mammals are extremely hard to spot and collisions have caused costly damage to boats, put passengers and crew at risk, and injured and killed right whales. With fewer than 350 left, right whales are one of the world’s most endangered large whale species. Protect your boat and crew by doing the
following: • Go slow, which could give you time to react. • Post a lookout! Watch for black objects, whitewater and splashes. • Avoid boating in the dark, when visibility is poor, or in rough seas. • Use the Whale Alert app (whalealert.org) to know if whales have recently been sighted or reported in your area. • Check for signage at your local boat ramp or marina as a reminder of what to look for and how to identify and report right whale sightings. • If a whale is spotted, slow down, operate at slow speed or put your engine in neutral if possible. Assess the scene and slowly leave the area while keeping watch. Never pursue or follow a whale and keep at least 500 yards from right whales (it’s the law). • Report whale sightings and collisions immediately to the U.S. Coast Guard on marine VHF Ch. 16 or call 1-877-WHALEHELP (942-5343).
Early Warning Systems and Communications Network
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
(FWRI) is part of a multi-agency team working to assure right whales are afforded every level of protection while in the Southeast U.S. (SEUS) Critical Habitat. To provide this protection, near real time location information is needed. From December through March four aerial survey teams fly over the waters of Florida and Georgia to locate right whales. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and a network of land based volunteer observers are constantly on the lookout for the whales. Any information provided by observers is then reported to the Early Warning System (EWS) network. Working with the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, the network disseminates right whale location information to mariners in the waters of Florida and Georgia within half an hour of a right whale sighting via the typical marine communication network and a right whale pager network. Mariners are alerted to the presence of right whales in order to alter course and avoid striking and killing a right whale in the SEUS. Right whales sometimes are struck and killed by ships-that is why the communications network known as the Early Warning System was developed. ag
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FEATURE | e d u c a t i o n
Polk County Farm Bureau 2021 Outstanding Ag Program of the Year Southwest Middle School Katrina Lynn, Ag Teacher story by CAROLE MCKENZIE, Polk County Farm Bureau Executive Director photos by MACI MAY, Bartow High School FFA
Left to Right - Standing: Carole McKenzie, Katrina Lynn, Sarah Rising (8th grade, FFA Chapter Treasurer), Melanie Bautista (eighth grade, FFA Chapter President), Cassandra Plummer (seventh grade, FFA Chapter Sentinel), Jadyn Davis (seventh grade, FFA Chapter Advisor). Sitting: Alexis DeWolf (eighth grade, FFA Chapter Secretary), Lyndsay Gay (eighth grade, FFA Chapter Reporter), Cayden Jesse (seventh grade, FFA Chapter Vice President). Hey Jude
T
THE SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL Ag Program is Polk County Farm Bureau’s Outstanding Ag Program of the Year. Congratulations to Southwest Middle and ag teacher Katrina Lynn!
A common thread in any successful schoolbased ag program is enthusiasm, and this can certainly be witnessed on the smiling faces of the ag students at Southwest Middle School. Eager to share their projects, SWMS ag students embody the passion that all agriculture teachers strive to nurture in young lives. Southwest Middle ag teacher Katrina Lynn recognizes that middle school is a tough time for young people and builds her curriculum around strengthening their character and offering experiences that will build their self-confidence. In fact, their program mascot “Jude,” a strikingly regal and boisterous rooster, resides in their in-
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door classroom offering daily lessons in “strutting your stuff.” With a relatively new program of four years that includes poultry, archery, horticulture and aquaponics (coming soon), the SWMS ag program offers experiences beyond what are typically seen at the middle school level. FFA involvement is also a priority with students earning multiple recognitions over the last few years in both Creed and Opening and Closing Ceremony competitions. Most students in the program had little, if any, knowledge about agriculture before joining the program. At first interested because it “just FloridaAgNews.com
QUALITY ITEMS AND PROFESSIONALISM SET OUR AUCTIONS APART
SWMS Archery Team looked like fun,” they now report that they have found a sense of belonging and the ability to just be themselves. One student shares her first FFA meeting experience and how everyone was so welcoming that she immediately knew this would be the right program for her going forward. Another student shares that her favorite memory is going to the chicken coop for the first time and being assigned to collect the eggs. “I had never been around chickens before, but it taught me not to be afraid of new things,” she said. Archery skills and competitions are a major component of the SWMS ag program and are a family affair with Lynn’s husband, Marlon Lynn, serving as the archery team coach. Veggie Tales
The SWMS team boasts a full lineup of highly skilled competitors, with team member Jadyn Davis earning the junior division overall point winner at last year’s Polk County Youth Fair. The SWMS ag program also emphasizes community service and students are incredibly service oriented. They regularly conduct some form of service project that often becomes quite competitive among members. In 2020, their first year of participating in the Florida Baptist Children’s Home One More Child initiative, students collected 632 pairs of new socks for children in need. This year, Katrina Lynn challenged them to double that number and the students outdid themselves when Lynn CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 Well-rounded life lessons
OUR NEXT UPCOMING SALE at Rocking H Ranch will be on January 29. We are selling a firearm store’s complete inventory and at least three estates, a collection of jewelry, coins, and a nice tractor collection. This will be a fun sale that you won’t want to miss! I am leaving Sunday morning to go look at another estate that was just called in, and it is two months to sale day. There’s no telling what will happen between now and then! If you have never been to our sales, you will be impressed with the quality and variety of things that we sell, as well as the manner in which the sale is conducted. We have the most professional staff in the industry, with more than 125 years of experience. If you have a collection of firearms or anything else you want to sell, get with us immediately so we will have time to properly advertise and promote it. We sell live and online so we can reach a national audience. This is the time of year when we all need to take time to spend with family and friends; it is time to talk about where we are in America, share our views about the state of the nation, and celebrate the birth of our Savior. God is still the decision-maker and the only one who counts! Merry Christmas and may God bless each of you. See you at the auction!
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.
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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 | 25
Recipe Spotlight Make a Holiday Meal With a Tasty Florida Twist by CAROL CORLEY
T
THERE IS NO DOUBT about it, holidays in Florida are special. Where else can you find Christmas boat parades, vacationers at the beach, and cities that make their own snow flurries? Florida’s holiday food is also pretty unique. Where else would you expect to see stone crab appetizers or desserts with grapefruits, oranges, key limes and coconuts? In season right now in Florida are avocado, bell peppers, cabbage, carambola, cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, mushrooms, snap beans, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, and, of course, many of our citrus. There are also many fish in season in December here, which can make for tasty appetizers. ag
26 | CFAN
FLORIDA’S BACON-WRAPPED SHRIMP APPETIZERS (Adapted from justapinch.com)
Ingredients Garlic, 1 clove diced Shrimp, 20 large, cooked, cleaned, de-shelled shrimp, Chili sauce to taste 20 large Bacon, 10 slices uncooked and cut in half sideways Brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Directions Mix together the first 4 ingredients, cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, stirring a few times. Fry the bacon until partially cooked, drain. Wrap each shrimp in bacon and secure with a toothpick. Broil in the oven 2-3 inches from heat until bacon is crispy. Serve on a decorated platter.
CITRUS MINT CHEESECAKE (Adapted from food.com)
Ingredients Butter, 1/4 cup Graham cracker crumbs, 1-1/4 cups Cream cheese, 750 g softened Sugar, 3/4 cup Eggs, 3 large Juice of lemon, lime, orange, 1 teaspoon each Zest from lemon, lime, orange, 1 teaspoon each Mint, 1-1/2 teaspoons fresh, chopped, for filling Lemon, lime, orange, 1 each, no rind, for topping Mint, handful fresh, for topping Directions Mix butter and graham cracker crumbs and press on the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, add eggs individually and mix until blended. Stir remaining ingredients into a filling mixture and pour into the crust. Bake for 45-50 minutes in the oven set to 350F. Cool completely and refrigerate overnight. Top with thinly sliced fruit and sprinkle with fresh mint just prior to serving.
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SLOW COOKER CRANBERRY ORANGE PORK TENDERLOIN (Adapted from letsdishrecipes.com) Ingredients Pork tenderloin, 2-3 pounds Cranberries, 1 cup fresh Raisins, 1/2 cup golden Orange juice, 1/4 cup Honey, 3 tablespoons Olive oil, 2 tablespoons Garlic, 2 cloves minced Water, 1 tablespoon Cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste Parsley, fresh chopped for garnish Orange slices for garnish Directions Season tenderloin with salt and pepper and brown on all sides in a large skillet with oil over mediumhigh heat. Place in a slow cooker lightly greased. Add orange juice, cranberries, raisins, honey and garlic to the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for about 3 hours. The thermometer should read 145F. Transfer pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Strain slow cooker liquid through fine mesh into a medium saucepan, retain cranberries and raisins. Whisk water and cornstarch in a bowl then whisk into the liquid from the slow cooker. Bring to a boil whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in retained cranberries and raisins, and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve pork with the sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and orange slices.
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In The Heartland
Highlands County
Sebring’s Rafter T Ranch Noted for Its Protection of Natural Florida
A
by PAUL CATALA
AS THE FLORIDA POPULATION GROWS by at least 1,000 people each day, its ecosystems and natural landscapes continue to lose ground to development. But the state’s approximately 47,000 farms and ranches help curb the onslaught of cement, draining and clear-cutting. Of those ranches, one in particular continues to be a beacon of benefit for Florida’s rapidly disappearing natural environs. Since being purchased for ranching nearly 60 years ago, Sebring’s Rafter T Ranch has become not only a profitable cattle ranch, but also an example of how ranches and ranchland can contribute to environmental stewardship. Located along the ancient and ecologically biodiverse Lake Wales Ridge in Sebring, Rafter T Ranch consists of about 5,200 acres of natural, undeveloped land and unimproved grass and was founded in 1962 by Tom Wohl. Not long after World War II, he bought Rafter T from rancher Oakley Murphy after first ranching with 10 cows on 1,000 acres in Davie and moving to and operating another ranch from 1951 to 1962 in Okeechobee. The Wohls’ ranch initially consisted of about 500 cows but is now home to about 1,400 head of beef
cows. Of those, about 1,000 are mother cows and 250 female calves as replacement cows, the rest are bulls. Now, Tom Wohl’s son, Jimmy Wohl, coordinates Rafter T activities and functions as a shareholder and president of Rafter T Realty, Inc., a family corporation with 16 shareholder-cattlemen. Three full-time employees help Wohl with maintenance and ranch operations. From Sebring, where Jimmy Wohl lives with his wife, Jeri, the father of three and grandfather of six says besides being a profitable working ranch, he’s proud of how Rafter T Ranch serves as a crux for conservation. Currently, nearly the entire ranch is protected by conservation easements, preventing the property from succumbing to development. And those easements are helping Wohl, 70, maintain about half of his ranch in natural, wooded state consisting of white-sand scrubland dotted with evergreen shrubs, dwarf oaks, pine flatwoods, rich grasslands, freshwater marshes and cabbage palm hammocks with stands of palms reaching skyward. The ranch is also home to rare plants and 12 federally endangered animals such as wood storks, the crested caracara and Florida scrub jay found exclusively in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
28 | CFAN
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A benefit for the Foundation’s new Polk County Mobile Medical Clinic Program
al u n n A 11th
Presented by: Anonymous
Friday, February 4 | 12pm Polk Sporting Clays 5000 Firetower Road | Haines City
Sponsorship Levels Auction and Raffle Sponsor $3,500
Award Sponsor $2,000
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Station Sponsor $250
To reserve a team or for sponsorship information: (863) 292-4138 | whhfoundation@baycare.org | WHHFoundation.org
21-1853246-1121
2021 Outstanding Ag Program
Agriculture Advocate
continued from page 25
continued from page 18
stopped counting at 1,600 pairs. While the students credit Mrs. Lynn with teaching them patience, self-control, character and self-confidence, Lynn redirects the spotlight to the Southwest Middle administration, particularly Principal Sybille Oldham-Jackson. Lynn reports that Mrs. Oldham-Jackson consistently supports student growth and leads by example through working in concession stands side-by-side with students, attending
archery practices and competitions, and always being the biggest cheerleader for SWMS ag program students as they achieve new heights in FFA. A sign found on campus reads “Make today so awesome, that yesterday gets jealous,” and the Southwest Middle ag program does just that. Congratulations Southwest Middle School students, administration, and ag teacher Katrina Lynn! ag
Smiles All Around
media training, legislative awareness, issue advocacy and service leadership. The program was intense but worth it. In fact, says Jackson, the current Young Farmers and Leadership group had finalists in all three of the Farm Bureau award categories — Achievement in Agriculture, Excellence in Agriculture, and the Discussion Meet. “It was neat getting to know people from across the state who have pursued excellence in the agriculture industry,” she says. This is her second year applying for the Excellence Award. Last year, she was a finalist. “This year, it just happened to be me,” she says. In January 2020, Jackson came back to Warner University, and in March 2021, she was named the Director of Admissions. Winning the state award places her in the national competition, which begins in January. She is currently tweaking her application and getting feedback and encouragement from people like Polk County Farm Bureau President Leigh Ann Wynn and Michele Curts, the coordinator for the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Group “It’s been great being around like-minded people, and it’s helped me through this process,” she says. “This award is really an opportunity for me to continue my advocacy and share my passion for promoting the agriculture industry through education.” ag
With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.
Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
30 | CFAN
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FIELDSEQUIP.COM CFAN | 33
CHANGES IN FLORIDA CITRUS PRODUCTION PRACTICES
Sebring’s Rafter T Ranch
CITRUS GREENING, also known as HLB, has changed the landscape of the Florida citrus industry, including the recommendations for citrus production practices and best management practices (BMPs). As research yields more clues to effectively combat the devastating disease, the recommendations change and adjust as well. Kelly Morgan, a UF/IFAS soil and water science professor, shared changes to recommendations for UF/IFAS production practices for Florida citrus growers at the recent Citrus Nutrition Day at UF/IFAS CREC in Lake Alfred. Part of those new recommendations is the frequent use of liquid fertilizers to help citrus trees to deal with the negative effects of citrus greening.
continued from page 28
Changes in Recommendations for Liquid Fertilizers
According to Morgan’s presentation, the research shows that weekly, biweekly, or monthly applications of liquid fertilizers seemed to improve the performance of citrus greening-infected citrus trees. UF/IFAS’s recommendations include applying small amounts of nutrients and synchronizing those nutrient applications with the tree’s tree seasonal nutrient demand, maintaining it can improve health factors like canopy size, trunk growth, root development, and fruit yield. Citrus greening severely affects a tree’s roots, making it harder for the tree to take up nutrients and water. Other changes in recommendations from UF/IFAS for Florida Citrus Production Practices include: • Utilizing frequent application of water and nutrients to the root system to manage soil and water quality. • Adding compost to benefit poor and depleted soils low in organic matter and boost soil fertility. • Using production systems that eliminate citrus greening, like citrus under protective screen (CUPS). These production systems also have the advantages of promoting rapid tree growth, lowering fruit drop, increasing yields, improving the quality of fruit, and reducing the frequency of insecticide sprays to combat citrus greening-spreading Asian citrus psyllids. Additional changes that may come in the future based on research that is underway, according to Morgan, include changes in micronutrient recommendations, nitrogen and potassium recommendations, and recommendations for soil phosphorus rates and testing. UF/IFAS’s updated recommendations for Florida citrus production practices can be found in both the Nutrition of Florida Citrus Trees and the Florida Citrus Production Guide.
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.
state. The ranch is also home to animals such as deer, possums, hogs, alligators, black bears and the elusive Florida panther, of which fewer than 200 are left in the wild. “We’re pretty content to keep it as a cowcalf business, leaving half of the ranch in native habitat – wooded. So, it’s pretty much a haven for wildlife,” says Wohl, a Miami native who went to high school in Hollywood. Additionally, marshlands in Rafter T Ranch impact the quality and quantity of the water in the area’s watershed. Bordered to the east by Arbuckle Creek, that protected waterway runs south to Lake Istokpoga, continues on to Lake Okeechobee and eventually into the Everglades south. Rafter T has about 1,200 acres of flood plain and borders the Avon Park Air Force Range. Through the preservation process, the Wohls’ commitment to environmental protections has garnered Rafter T several accolades for its preservation efforts. Among those are the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) award for Environmental Stewardship, for which the ranch was inducted in 1994. “I was on the Highlands County Cattlemen’s board. We needed to participate on the state level. We were looking for applications for the award and we submitted; we became the award recipient that year,” says Wohl. Rafter T also got involved with the Florida Ranchland Environmental Service Project, initiated by the World Wildlife Fund to garner 1 million acres of storage north of Lake Okeechobee to hold water back from the lake. That, in turn, would keep the Army Corps of Engineers from having to release water back into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic during heavy rain to keep brackish water from being infiltrated by freshwater. A dike by Tom Wohl at Rafter T at one time used to keep water out of the ranch is now, ironically, used to keep water in, adds Jimmy Wohl.
“In 1962, everyone wanted to drain their property, controlling the water. It’s not like that anymore,” he says. “We have protected the entire ranch with conservation easements now.” Wohl says that in the early 1990s, the ranch was nominated for environmental stewardship by the FCA and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, for which Rafter T Ranch won the southeast region environmental stewardship award in 1995. He says plans are to maintain Rafter T Ranch strictly as a “cow-calf ” operation and maintain natural areas. Around 2008, the ranch and its proximity to the Air Force property allowed the ranch to participate in a Department of Defense program that bought conservation easements to protect the range from urban encroachment. “Basically, Rafter T Ranch has to continue operating as it has. We have half the ranch in wooded habitat that’s going to stay that way. About 2,200 acres have grass for grazing — the rest is left natural,” he says. Wohl says there are a number of factors that have led to his ranch’s environmental recognitions through the ability to make the ranch “hospitable” to wildlife and foliage through land management. The ranch generates revenue while creating jobs with local vendors, Wohl says. “We do create a little bit of economic drivers here. We harvest a forage product and sell it…as a product called beef. ” Wohl, his family and staff are happy to keep the land natural while preserving wildlife. “I think using cattle as a management tool keeps things from becoming overgrown. I see many properties that when the cattle and management are removed, it becomes a hostile habitat for wildlife,” he says. “I think we keep the area in a far more pristine, viable state that is compatible with a good wildlife population.” ag
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
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CFAN | 35
R E N
A F F
R O C
Polk FFA Members Excel in Citrus Event by JESSICA ANDERSON
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THERE IS NO DOUBT that Polk FFA members know all about the citrus industry! In preparation for the state contests later in the week, the Polk County Federation held a countywide citrus evaluation career development event on November 30 at Frostproof Middle/ Senior. Students were required to identify pests, diseases, nutritional disorders, fruit, weeds, and take a written exam. Congratulations to our top three schools in both middle and high school respectively:
High School Citrus Middle School Citrus 1. Frostproof 1. Frostproof A 2. George Jenkins A 2. Dundee Ridge 3. Haines City 3.Frostproof B The Florida FFA State Citrus Evaluation Career Development Event was held in Haines City on December 2. George Jenkins High School placed second in the state event, followed by Frostproof in third, Haines City and Auburndale tied for fifth place, Lake Wales High in ninth place and Kathleen in 10th place overall. We are very proud of Autumn Ellis from Frostproof Senior as she was the high school student with the highest score overall! In the middle school division, Frostproof placed second in the state, followed by Dundee Ridge in fourth place. Way to go, Polk County FFA students! We also held a tool identification contest simultaneously on November 30 in Frostproof. Our middle school students were required to identify and determine the classification of tools based upon what they are used for. They were also required to take a written exam. Our county contest results were as follows: Tool ID 1. Frostproof A 2. Westwood 3. Southwest Middle A Florida FFA held the State Tool Identification Career Development Event for our middle school students in Haines City on December 2 also. Frostproof Middle placed second in the state, followed by Kathleen Middle in 10th place for the state. Way to go, middle school FFA members! Sub-district FFA contests are approaching quickly! December 14 will be
the first round in the Parliamentary Procedure, Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Tractor Driving, and Creed Speaking events for FFA members statewide. Polk county is split between the North and South sides of the county for this round of competition. The top students emerging from this level will face each other in the District round of competition on January 25. We look forward to seeing this year’s talent in our Polk FFA members. As we head into the holiday season, many of our agriculture programs have lots of festive projects going on. From Christmas parade floats to Toys for Tots donations, Christmas Angel community service events, holiday parties and many more activities, we hope our students are enjoying the season of fellowship and spirit. We wish each of you happy holidays and a safe and happy New Year! ag
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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.
100 West Stuart Avenue | 2nd Floor | Lake Wales, FL 33853 Telephone (863) 638-1619 | Fax (863) 638-0512 Email info@storycompanies.com Website www.storycompanies.com
Toll Free 1-877-758-5035 FloridaAgNews.com
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Editor’s Last Word
When Gardening Brings a Community Together JESSICA McDONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com
AS INFLATION CONTINUES to take a toll on our wallets, community gardens are gaining in popularity and popping up in more neighborhoods across the country. This year, Central Florida Ag News brought you the stories of two community garden projects in particular in an effort to help them gain traction and reach more people. Admittedly, there are countless others out there that are just as important. Researchers at the University of Florida recently took a look at what makes some of these gardens successful … or, in some cases, fail. In her study, Karissa Raskin measured concepts of bonding, bridging and linking, which are all facets of social capital, a term used to talk about the investment people and communities make in their relationships. To determine what makes a community garden successful, Raskin spoke with volunteers from Hillsborough, Orange, Manatee, Polk and Duval counties. The answers she received reinforced the bonding, bridging, and linking themes. • Bonding. Neighbors who otherwise wouldn’t know each other get the chance to meet, often leading to other joint activities. • Bridging. The common interest of the garden brings together people of different backgrounds and skill sets as they work toward a common goal.
• Linking. Connections are built between participants and institutions, often outside a person’s network. This happens when someone turns to a group or local government for resources or solutions. Raskin says that by focusing on these three common denominators, organizers can make their projects more rewarding, and thus, successful. ag
Photo courtesy of Karissa Raskin
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