Central Florida Ag News February 2023

The

On the Cover

If you are familiar with the Central Florida area, you know about Parkesdale Farms’ strawberries. And if you’ve been to the Parkesdale Farms booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City during the past 50 years, you have probably been greeted by Peggy Parke, vice president and co-owner of Parkesdale Farms. Parke is a fifth-generation Floridian. Learn more about her journey and hopes for the farm on page 10.

photo by MICHAEL WILSON

12 EVENT PREVIEW: FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

The 88th Florida Strawberry Festival is taking place in Plant City from March 2-12. An estimated 550,000 people gather yearly to celebrate and enjoy Florida’s fresh strawberries and strawberry shortcakes, as well as headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, and exhibits. Find out what’s new and exciting about this year’s event.

14 LOOKING FOR THE SWEET SPOT

The strawberry season outlook so far isn’t as strong as growers would like, but there’s promise the 2022-23 strawberry season will pick up as the season progresses. We spoke with Wael Elwakil, a fruit and vegetable agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, as well as strawberry growers Dustin Grooms, Matt Parke, and Nick Wishnatzki to learn their expectations for the season.

20 UP CLOSE AT THE POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR

Our roving photographer was at the Polk County Youth Fair in Bartow in January. Did you end up in our photos? Check out our photo spread inside and see even more online at CentralFloridaAgNews.com/2023-Polk-County-Youth-Fair.

PUBLISHER

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cinda Shelby

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Tyler DiGiovine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paul Catala, Grace Hirdes, Teresa Schiffer, J. Scott Angle, Courtney Lawson, Kristen Guevara, Mykaela Billingsley, Stella Canfield, K. Michelle Trice

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

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

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Wilson, Venus Sansom, Tom Hagerty

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

DELIVERY

DLS Distribution

A Different Kind of Education

IF YOU RECENTLY FELT more excitement in the air but you weren’t quite sure why, I think I can explain.

The Central Florida ag community was abuzz this past month as students from all corners of the area came together for the Polk County Youth Fair. The much-anticipated event gives kids a chance to test their skills and compete while also learning the bonds of camaraderie and good sportsmanship. Tears are shed, smiles are shared, and lifelong memories are made.

I’ll be the first to tell you that reading, writing, and arithmetic make up the building blocks of education. But I’m also a firm believer of the idea that they are just that — building blocks. It’s

what a student does with those skills, how they incorporate them into their lives to follow their passion, that makes the magic happen.

When those building blocks are integrated into ag education, that magic starts to take a new shape. It takes the shape of life lessons that take root and grow. Those life lessons prepare kids for more than just a career in ag. It prepares them for the future. They learn the importance of community, teamwork, and preparation, as well as the principles of land stewardship, food origins, and an appreciation for where their food comes from.

I don’t know about you, but I think that’s an education worth investing in. Check out

our exclusive photos from the County Fair inside this edition and on our website at CentralFloridaAgNews.com/2023-Polk-CountyYouth-Fair. ag

The Big Ag Pivot: Bamboo’s Role in Florida Farming

CITRUS

• New greening-tolerant rootstocks and varieties now available

• Largest screened commercial citrus nurser y in the US

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

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

PEACHES

• Licensed grower of low chill peaches on Flordaguard and MP-29 rootstocks

• Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates

• Licensed for new released varieties

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

Florida has become the number one state in the country that people move to. As a result, our agriculture industry is already struggling to compete against foreign imports and combating invasive pests. Prime agriculture land is being developed into sub-divisions, roadways, and is struggling to find valuable crops to compete with developer land values. It has become obvious that Florida farming needs to pivot into alternative high value crops.

What are the largest industries in Florida?

Agriculture, construction, aerospace & aviation, health services, biotech, and tourism. Many of these industries have become interdependent and yet farming seems to stand alone. Increasingly farmers are not only asked to be the grower but also the harvester, the manufacturer, and the retailer. Is there a crop that allows farmers to innovate while focusing on what they do best? A crop that integrates the agricultural sector with other aspects of Florida’s economy? I believe yes. Let’s explore the untapped value of bamboos.

by Phillip Rucks

to form partnerships with other industries to value add to these harvests. Superfood powders from bamboo shoots, nutraceutical formulas from bamboo leaves, flame resistance, bullet proof engineered products from bamboo fibers, mineral rich soil supplements from bamboo bio-char, and bio-fertilizers from bamboo extracts. Partnering with other industries also endears those entities to farming and the health of its future. Florida could easily become the grower, manufacturer, and distributor of high tech engineered laminates designed by UF, powerful formulated herbal extracts prescribed at Advent health, and the leader in soil tech and clean farming practices. Integration is key and bamboos are the grasses of Florida’s farming future.

• Hardy versatile tree that can grow nearly 40 ft in three years

• Provides crop protection from wind and disease

• Reduces soil loss, nutrition loss, agricultural chemical drift and irrigation loss

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

Future trends in agriculture include nutrient dense foods, precision farming techniques, water uses, clean growing techniques, and reduced shipping or hyper local usage. Florida farms require diversification to reduce risk as was powerfully evident in the wake of citrus greening. When we think of growing bamboos the key is to not focus on the low percentage crops like shoots and poles but

So how do we begin? We start with partnerships and state funding. We ask for investment in manufacturing along with dedicated teams at UF in the engineering departments and health sciences. We trial di erent bamboos in di erent parts of the state to determine which plants grow best under what conditions. There are 1700 known bamboos each one is unique. Timber, health, food, forage, fertilizer, and carbon sequestration are just a few of bamboos uses. The key to a healthy bamboo industry is value added products that focus on the highest uses of bamboos. Florida can be a pioneer in future farming showcasing a new way to grow in America. Let’s work together to ensure a thriving tomorrow.

Completely Renewable

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

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

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

Columns

5 THE BIG AG PIVOT: BAMBOO’S ROLE IN FLORIDA FARMING

It has become obvious that Florida farming needs to pivot into alternative high value crops. What are the largest industries in Florida? Agriculture, construction, aerospace and aviation, health services, biotech, and tourism. Many of these industries have become interdependent, and yet farming seems to stand alone. Increasingly farmers are not only asked to be the grower but also the harvester, the manufacturer, and the retailer. Is there a crop that allows farmers to innovate while focusing on what they do best? A crop that integrates the agricultural sector with other aspects of Florida’s economy? Phillip Rucks believes there is.

11 DIGGING DEEP INTO 4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP

4R nutrient stewardship is key to the Best Management Practices for fertilizer applications to achieve the sweet spot where the environmental, social, and economical sustainability of commercial crop production all come together. Similar to BMPs, the 4Rs aim to match crop requirements with the best-suited nutrient, minimize nutrient losses from fields, and maximize operation profitability. Dig deep into the details of the 4Rs with Griffin Fertilizer’s Mike Roberts to get the most out of your nutrient management program.

17 HELP FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES

Let’s face it: It’s tough to be in the Florida citrus industry these days. As if the battle with HLB wasn’t enough, the past 12 months have given us two freeze events, another devastating hurricane, and rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Given the current strain on financial resources, there has never been a more critical time to have access to the many cost share programs that are available. Tree Defender’s Scott Thompson talks about how to take advantage of the help that is out there.

18 GOOD MOSQUITO CONTROL DEFENDS AGAINST WEST NILE VIRUS

West Nile Virus is a virus spread by mosquitoes and can infect multiple animal species including humans. The virus persists in wild birds, and mosquitoes biting the infected birds can transmit the virus to other animals and humans. The best way to minimize clinical signs of WNV if exposed is vaccination of horses and mosquito control. Dr. Katie Hennessy discusses how you can best protect your horse.

36 THE CHOICE TO PERSEVERE

At one time, a drive through the Florida countryside could leave you in awe of the vast expanse of citrus groves that blanketed the land. Now, that same ride inspires a different kind of awe — except this new awe leaves a sadness deep in the pit of your stomach. In recent columns, Baxter Troutman has talked about the importance of finding an alternative use for grove land. This month he evaluates more options.

president’s column

Congratulations to all who participated in this year’s Polk County Youth Fair! Each year, the fair highlights students’ project accomplishments and demonstrates their determination and strong work ethic. We hear that this year saw a recent year record number of participants. Congratulations to all volunteers and participants on another successful year.

The 2023 Legislative Session will begin on March 7, and Florida Farm Bureau members will waste no time getting to the capital to meet with lawmakers. Florida Farm Bureau Day in Tallahassee is scheduled for March 8, 2023, and members of Polk County Farm Bureau will attend to represent our membership on issues as we meet with our Polk delegation. We will keep you posted on the status of Legislative priorities as the session progresses and members can get regular updates throughout the session by registering to receive Florida Farm Bureau AgWatch bulletins via the Advocacy link at www.floridafarmbureau.org. We will announce the date of our 2023 Legislative Wrap-Up event soon.

Polk County Agri-Fest will take place March 1 – 3 and March 6 – 8. Along with our partners at the Polk County School Board and Polk Extension office, we are thrilled to be back to an in-person only event packed full each day with fourth-grade students and teachers eager to learn more about agriculture. Look for coming updates and photos on this year’s event.

Our Central Florida Ag Deputy Luncheon will take place on Thursday, March 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the W.H. Stuart Center, 1702 Hwy. 17 S, Bartow. Registration for members and partners is free, but seating is limited, and this event always fills up quickly. To RSVP, contact Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561, Ext. 111.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available to assist Polk County Farm Bureau in continuing our vital agriculture education and advocacy messaging. For more information, please contact Carole McKenzie at 863-533-0561 or carolem@pcfb.org or use your smartphone to scan this QR code to visit our easy online sponsorship link.

SAVE THE DATE! Our 2023 Harvest Celebration event is scheduled for the evening of May 5 at The Barn on the Lake in Fort Meade. Tickets will be available soon.

We hope to see you at these events! In the meantime, we encourage members to contact us if we can assist in any way.

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

FLORIDA’S STRAWBERRY SUCCESS MORE THAN A CENTURY IN THE MAKING

In case you haven’t heard, Hillsborough County’s Plant City is renowned as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and has been for quite some time. Have you ever wondered how that came to be?

Back in the 1800s, Plant City’s agricultural industries were focused on lumber, cotton, citrus, and cattle. Then the “Great Freeze” of 1894-1895 occurred, decimating the area’s established crops. This was devastating to the local growers, and they were reluctant to replant their groves and fields with the same trees and crops that had been destroyed that winter.

A handful of innovative thinkers chose to try growing strawberries and were surprised to see how well the fruit handled Florida’s cold weather. More farmers jumped on the berry bandwagon, and by 1930 the strawberry fields were so productive that the city established the Florida Strawberry Festival to show their enthusiastic gratitude for the enormously positive economic impact the fruit had on their community.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRIES TODAY

For more than a century, Florida’s strawberry production has been an important part of the state’s economy, currently contributing more than $1 billion in economic impact each year. There are more than 12,000 acres of strawberries planted in Florida, with the majority of those in and around Plant City. They produce about 300,000 pounds of strawberries each year. In 2021, the crop value of harvested berries in Florida was close to $400 million.

Only one state, California, outpaces Florida in strawberry production in the U.S., but Plant City strawberries have the advantage when it comes to season. California’s peak harvest begins in the early spring, while Florida berries are available beginning at the end of November. December and January are the months of greatest yields for Florida strawberry

growers, although their fields will continue to produce fruit generally into April.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ATTRACTS HUGE CROWDS EVERY YEAR

Another way the state benefits from the cultivation of these deliciously popular fruits is through the annual celebration of all things strawberry-related at the Florida Strawberry Festival. This will be the 88th year Plant City has hosted the annual fair. The population of Plant City is just shy of 40,000 permanent residents. Every year, roughly half a million visitors flock to the Florida Strawberry Festival to enjoy big name musical acts, thrilling carnival rides, exciting midway games, vendors selling a multitude of unique wares, and – of course – lots of strawberry shortcake. Maybe not every visitor to the fair gobbles up the delightfully sweet traditional dessert, but about 200,000 do every year.

The Florida Strawberry Festival has a significant economic impact on the Tampa Bay area. Hundreds of local individuals are employed by the fair, relying on this eagerly anticipated event each year to supply them with necessary income to support their families.

Agriculture students benefit greatly from the Florida Strawberry Festival, as it provides an outstanding platform for the young people to show and sell the steers, swine, and plants they’ve raised throughout the year. Over the last two years, those students have received $3 million dollars to pursue their educational goals through their own hard work.

by TERESA SCHIFFER Sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida

FINANCING THE FUTURE

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

Financing for Farms, Land and Homes

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FarmCreditCFL.com

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Florida Roots

Peggy Parke Celebrates 50 Years With Family Farm

by K. MICHELE TRICE photos by MICHAEL WILSON

IIF YOU ARE FAMILIAR with the Central Florida area, you know about Parkesdale Farms’ strawberries. You may have stood in a line that wrapped around the Parkesdale Market to get one of their famous strawberry shortcakes or Food Network-featured strawberry milkshakes.

And if you’ve been to the Parkesdale Farms booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City during the past 50 years, you have probably been greeted by Peggy Parke, vice president and co-owner of Parkesdale Farms. Parke has been working the booth since marrying her husband, Bobby, on her 20th birthday and joining the business the same day.

“I’ve done everything on the farm,” Parke says. “They had me work the booth at the Strawberry Festival that first year, and I’ve been there every year since then. But I’ve done everything else, too. I’ve planted and hoed. I’ve worked in the office. I manage all of the shipping now.”

Parke is a fifth-generation Floridian. Born in Lakeland, she grew up in Springhead, outside of Plant City. Her family was in citrus and cattle in Polk County.

“When I was 15 or 16, I remember telling my

parents that I would never, ever marry a farmer,” she says laughing. “And lo and behold, what did I do? I have loved farming all of my life. I can’t think of anything I could have loved better. I can’t imagine anything more exciting than farming. There’s always something happening.”

“I can’t explain it,” she continues. “Other farmers will tell you. Once you do it, you can’t give it up. There’s something in our blood. Farming is everything.”

The Parke family originally came to the United States from Northern Ireland and settled in Pittsburgh where they farmed vegetables and dairy cows. When they moved to Florida, they bought 10 acres in Plant City and began farming strawberries.

Today, the day-to-day operations of the farm are managed by Peggy and Bobby’s children — Matt Parke is the Director of Operations; Erin

Parke Watson is the Director of Food Safety and Compliance; and Kristen Parke Hitchcock is the Director of Finance and Business Development.

“Roy and Helen Parke, my in-laws, and his father started this business,” Parke says. “Bobby’s brother, Gary, came on board, too. They began the business before Bobby and I took it over, and we grew it into what it is today, thanks to our children getting involved and allowing us to expand.”

“Our children helped create our legacy,” Parke says.

“Growing up on the farm was an experience that taught me how to work hard and be able to witness the fruit of my labor, literally,” says Hitchcock. “Both of my parents encouraged me to get out and explore the earth, plant a seed, make a trail through the cover crop, and take all that we’ve learned and grown to help others.”

“I love watching as my mom and dad continue to love farming and always desiring to make Parkesdale a stronger company, not for themselves, but for all those around them,” Hitchcock continues.

Parke speaks fondly of her seven grandchil-

PEGGY PARKE

STRAWBERRY ONION

dren and of the possibility that they might choose to join the family business and move into a career in agriculture. Two are involved in FFA in their schools. “I hope at least some of my grandchildren will want to continue on with my children to grow Parkesdale.”

Parke speaks hopefully about the future of agriculture.

“I’m encouraged to see more young people interested in all of the possible careers in agriculture,” she says. “This is our future. I think (young people) are looking at it in a new light. They can help the farmers. They can be farmers.”

“There are all kinds of ways to continue farming,” she continues. “You can’t eat without a farmer. We have to have people who are willing to farm, to grow things for America to eat.”

While Parkesdale Farms is known for their strawberries, they do grow and sell other things. They grow Pineberries, which Parke says sell well in the northeast and Canada.

“We named this one because it looks like frost on a strawberry,” she explains. “To me, they have a peach, pineapple, apricot taste to them. It’s a different taste. People up North love them.”

She says they also sell lots of long-stemmed berries in anticipation of Valentine’s Day.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

DIGGING DEEP INTO 4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP

4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP is key to the Best Management Practices for fertilizer applications to achieve the sweet spot where the environmental, social, and economical sustainability of commercial crop production all come together. Similar to BMPs, the 4Rs aim to match crop requirements with the best-suited nutrient, minimize nutrient losses from fields, and maximize operation profitability. Dig deep into the details of the 4Rs to get the most out of your nutrient management program.

THE 4RS DEFINED

The 4Rs offer a simple concept—to use the RIGHT fertilizer source, applied at the RIGHT rate, at the RIGHT time, and in the RIGHT place for the crop. To dig deeper, each “R” in the 4Rs requires different considerations:

• The RIGHT fertilizer source. What balance of nutrients should you use, including macro and micronutrients? What fertilizer will best reach the plant? Should you use a liquid or dry fertilizer?

• The RIGHT rate. What amount of nutrients should be applied? What amount of available nutrients does the soil already hold? Are multiple small applications better than one large application?

• The RIGHT time. When should nutrients be applied during the season to best meet the crop’s needs? Does the crop have different nutrient needs in early, mid, and late season? Should the fertilizer be slow release?

• The RIGHT place for the crop. Where should the fertilizer be applied? Will a foliar application or a root application be best?

ADDITIONAL 4R DETAILS

While each of the 4Rs has its own considerations, the 4Rs are meant to be used together in tandem to get the best results. It is a hard and fast rule, extolled by UF/IFAS horticulture experts, that None of the 4Rs can be right when any of the 4Rs is wrong.

Consequently, this means there is no onesize-fits-all way to apply the 4Rs; they must be adjusted for each site based on factors like the crop, the soil, the climate, the farming systems used, and more. Due to this need to customize how your operation uses the 4Rs, it’s important for growers to work together with their fertilizer suppliers, ag sciences community, and Extension agents to dig deep into the specifics of the 4Rs for their operations.

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.

PREVIEWEvent

Check Out What’s In Store for This Year’s Strawberry Festival

by KRISTEN GUEVARA

IIT’S A BERRY EXCITING TIME OF YEAR! The 88th Florida Strawberry Festival is taking place in Plant City from March 2-12. An estimated 550,000 people gather yearly to celebrate and enjoy Florida’s fresh strawberries and strawberry shortcakes, as well as headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, and exhibits.

The area’s strawberry industry got its start after a severe freeze in the late 1800s decimated most of the citrus and lumber being farmed in Central Florida. Farmers were in desperate need of a way to provide for their families and communities. That’s when strawberries made their big entrance. Strawberries are cold hardy and can survive mild winters, making them a great crop to harvest during cold winter months in Central Florida.

“A handful of farmers in the Plant City area decided to try their luck at harvesting strawberries,” says Jennifer Morgan, public relations and media representative for the festival.

Shortly after the first strawberry crop was harvested, the Plant City economy flourished, and by the 1900s, the strawberry industry in the Central Florida region was booming.

“Over the next few decades, strawberries became the heart and spirit of our community,” she says.

That success earned Plant City the name Winter Strawberry Capital of the world by the early 1920s. By 1930, the newly organized Plant City Lions Club decided to pay homage to the crop with an event to celebrate the bountiful berry harvest.

“In Plant City, the strawberry is king, and there’s no doubt about that!” she says.

There are a few new surprises in store for this year’s event, including the country’s largest mobile ferris wheel — an attraction affectionately called “The

Berry Big Wheel.”

In addition, the Plant City Rotary Club will sponsor the new Special Smiles Day on Friday, March 3.

“We welcome all individuals with special needs and their families from 9 a.m. to noon to experience a unique VIP event,” Morgan says. “This special event is reserved for celebrating our most treasured guests in a safe, fun, and sensory considerate environment.”

Special Smiles attendees and one companion will be admitted free at entry Gate 5 on March 3.

Other new festival features this year include:

• Daily Nerveless Nocks Jetpack Flying Water Circus performances

• Updated grounds

• Additional restroom accommodations. (“You asked, we listened!” Morgan exclaims.)

• New food items

The Florida Strawberry Festival offers two locations to purchase strawberries and a production display that gives guests a firsthand look at the farming process and the evolution of the equipment used with a fully functional 1-acre lot to showcase how berries are harvested.

“We are grateful to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and all of their hard work,” Morgan says. “We have come a long way.” ag

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Looking for the Sweet Spot

Delays, Disease Have Strawberry Growers Hoping Season Picks Up

by PAUL CATALA

TTHE OUTLOOK SO FAR isn’t currently as strong as growers would like it to be, but there’s promise the 2022-23 strawberry season will pick up as the season progresses.

Wael Elwakil, a fruit and vegetable agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County in Seffner, says the 2022-23 growing season has been “very tough” in general, but strawberries specifically have had “kind of a bumpy ride from the very beginning.”

Elwakil says Hurricane Ian delayed strawberry planting for some growers. Some of that planting was anywhere from seven to 12 days behind schedule because of the storm.

Elwakil says by the time strawberry fields were refurbished and bed plastic was replaced, plants had to re-bed.

“That’s a big window to get pushed back as

far as planting,” says Elwakil, adding cold temperatures and frost around Christmas and rain for about three weeks didn’t help. “We lost quite a bit to fruit drop, so that wasn’t good.”

Elwakil says the 2022-23 season depends on supply and demand. Last year, the season end had substantial production but no market due to produce from California and Mexico impeding on the Florida share.

However, newer varieties of strawberries are helping expand the Florida market. Those include the Pineberry — a whitish strawberry cultivar with red seeds and pineapple-like flavor, Brilliance — a firm berry with a substantial shelf

life, and Medallion— a short-day variety with intense flavor being grown on about 1,200 acres in Florida.

“Now, we’re hoping that the production will pick up the rest of the season and we can catch up to previous years,” says Elwakil. “It’s not just about just how much we can produce; it’s about how much we can produce and sell.”

Dustin Grooms, farm manager at Lakeland’s Fancy Farms, is a little more optimistic about the season. He says the season has been “pretty good” at the farm. He says production started slow but has been picking up mid-season.

Grooms, a Lakeland native whose father, Carl Grooms, started Fancy Farms in 1974, has been in the industry his entire life.

“This year, it’s kind of weird. It was slow at the beginning; everyone seems to be off. But

we’ve kind of changed some of the varieties, so some of my varieties have been picked a lot more early on this year than others, we’re currently just ahead of last year,” he says. “We’re off to a better start.”

Grooms says even with increased inflation, prices have been strong so far this season, but it’s a “long season, and we’re just getting into the heart of the crop in the next 10 days.”

“We’ve got to do everything we can to keep quality up,” he says, saying the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day are big events for increased sales. “It’s the weeks after we worry about.”

Grooms says the hurricanes had logistical impacts on planting due to lost covering and moss and tree cleanup. He says so far, he’s only had to run water to protect from frost and freeze damage twice.

Another issue confronting Florida’s strawberry growers this season has been pestalotia, a plant disease causing leaf and fruit spots that eventually infects roots and crowns, causing plants to die.

At Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, Farm Manager Matt Parke says hurricanes before and after planting helped foster pestalotia, affecting pollination and flowering.

“But so far, I’m ahead of last year on average, even though industrywide, it’s behind,” he says.

Parke says he also sees Central Mexican farms sending high volumes of fruit over the border at higher prices because there’s no domestic competition. He says there’s good fruit in Florida, just not a substantially high volume.

“Looking at the fields, I think we’re going to have a heavy take here for the next two to three weeks, maybe even a little bit longer, but then peter out and come back in March,” he says.

Generally, Parke foresees an average to less-than-average harvest season.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a high-volume year, even though we’re going a little longer. I think it’s the plant period and the weather – I don’t think it’s going to be a substantial difference, but I definitely think it’s going to be less,” he predicts.

And less is what Nick Wishnatzki is anticipating at Plant City’s Wish Farms and its approximately 2,200 marketed Florida acreage.

Wishnatzki is the Wish Farms public relations manager and the fourth generation to work the farm.

To date for the 2022-23 season, Wishnatzki says the December cold snaps affected yields and volumes are down so far from where the company would like to be, particularly with strawberries.

“It has been a little bit of a challenge here in the early part of the season with the cold. For whatever reason, it just seems like – I don’t know if it’s the timing of the cold snaps and where the crop is – but it just seems like we’re just a little under where we want to be,” he says.

So far, Wishnatzki said he’s heard from other growers who have had some volume issues due to the cold and Wish Farms has so far dealt with some issues due to pestalotia.

“Our team has done a really good job about containing it but…hopefully moving forward in the future, we can get some solutions for that industry-wide issue,” he says. “I think it will ultimately be a successful season. Every year we experience our ups and downs and challenges, but things always seem to work out in the end. I’m pretty optimistic.” ag

FROM THE DESK OF Dr. Angle

J. Scott Angle jangle@ufl.edu

FSGA’s Unique Support Is Key to Industry’s Success

IT IS EXPENSIVE to seek science-based solutions to strawberry diseases. So is failing to seek them.

So when pestalotia arrived here, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association chose to invest in science—again. This time, it was a six-figure check to help UF/IFAS strawberry breeder Vance Whitaker launch a wide-scale search for a pestalotia-resistant variety.

It was typical of FSGA’s support—nimble, targeted on a challenge in growers’ fields, and impactful. It’s not always easy to show the impact

of what doesn’t happen (crop loss averted). A much more vivid impact of FSGA’s giving is in the clamshell.

Whitaker credits FSGA support as a major contributor to the development of today’s most commonly grown strawberry varieties: Florida Brilliance, Sensation®, Medallion® and more.

The funding for strawberry science comes from several sources, but the FSGA support has several special qualities that increase its effectiveness.

For one, as illustrated by the pestalotia example, FSGA can act quickly in a crisis. It can do so because of the expertise of its executive director and its board.

Second, FSGA communicates regularly to keep scientists focused on what matters most in the field. Whitaker is in constant communication with FSGA Executive Director Kenneth Parker. At least during the season, Parker speaks daily to Whitaker’s boss, Jack Rechcigl, director of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC).

Third, FSGA catalogs an array of problems experienced by growers and invests in a wide range of solutions. Virtually every scientist at GCREC is touched by FSGA grant funding. It amounts to about a million dollars a year. The current 24 projects include:

Shinsuke Agehara’s evaluation of optimum nitrogen rates and planting dates;

Dana Choi’s use of artificial intelligence to predict yield more precisely than ever;

Sriyanka Lahiri’s use of non-crop plants that support insects that prey on the chili thrips that prey on berries;

Seonghee Lee’s identification of which genes need to be turned on or off to produce traits like

sweetness and pest resistance in strawberries.

In fact, Lee likely wouldn’t be on staff at GCREC and contributing so powerfully to the breeding program were it not for FSGA. The association covered Lee’s salary and benefits for his first seven years.

Fourth, FSGA support is long-term and consistent. Whitaker says this is critical. He has plenty to worry about: bugs, disease, weather, shelf life, taste, yield, and appearance, to mention a few. What he doesn’t have to worry about is having to shut down even temporarily because he can’t pay the bills.

That matters so much, because if you shut down a world-class breeding operation even for a short time, you can’t just fire it up again and pick up where you left off. Unplugging the freezer would kill the gene library from which Whitaker creates the combinations to produce the next great berry. That library took decades to build.

FSGA has been the bulwark against such a catastrophe. It has been the steady source of income Whitaker knows he can count on. It allows him to plan, to hire, to buy, to take risks, and not to worry that it’s all going to grind to a halt.

Whitaker also receives a great deal of support from the United States Department of

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).

Kenneth Parker

Sriyanka Lahiri

NEWSAgri

UF/IFAS Rethinks Food Possibilities With 3D Food Printer

by STELLA CANFIELD,UF/IFAS correspondent

FFOR YEARS, 3D printers have become an increasingly useful technology for creating everything from roller coaster models to houses. But what about printing food?

Adam Watson and Ziynet Boz, two UF/ IFAS professors in the agricultural and biological engineering department, have been rethinking the power of 3D printers, specifically their ability to print food.

One of these 3D printers sits in their lab ready for use. With the touch of a fingertip, the machine beeps and an array of designs populate on the touchscreen. Once a design is selected, the mechanical arm makes a high-pitched whirr as it begins its meticulous work of careful layering, first starting with the base. Then, a viscous food substance like mashed potatoes is squirted out of cylinders of varying nozzle sizes until the design is completed.

With embedded stock designs and the ability to upload your own, an unprecedented level of control is possible for people looking to up their plating skills.

But its benefits may extend beyond creative experimentation in food presentation.

For instance, the machine may also be useful for those who suffer from dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing.

Those affected by dysphagia often rely on foods that are soft and moist like yogurt or mashed fruits and vegetables. However, these shapeless foods can be unappetizing.

With a 3D food printer, shape and visual appeal can be brought back. For example, a pureed carrot can be shaped again to look like a regular carrot.

Additionally, 3D food printers may be used for humanitarian purposes, such as during times of war or famine. Dehydrated foods can be restored to their original state

with the addition of water and be 3D printed into a design that revives the appeal of the snack or meal.

But there are other benefits as well.

3D food printers also give people the ability to pick and choose what goes inside the foods they eat.

“It could be a great way for parents to ensure their children are getting the necessary nutrients from fruits and vegetables,” Boz says. Instead of having to buy products with hidden fruits and vegetables, parents can make their own.

With a 3D food printer, people also have more control over their food waste.

Leftover viscous foods can be put into the 3D food printer for a new shape that is both appealing and sustainable – limiting the amount of food that is left uneaten.

Leftover food can also be printed into tableware. Like bread bowls, a viscous substance like mashed potatoes can be shaped into a cup, cooked and used to serve food.

“If you have edible tableware, it eliminates the need to wash dishes, which then leads to less water being used or wasted,” Watson says.

While the machine reflects several technological advancements in food, there are still advancements to be made, one being the ability to cook the food while or after printing to save time on food preparation. Another is simply getting 3D food printers to the point where they’re just like any other household kitchen appliance – affordable, common and useful. ag

HELP FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES

LET’S FACE IT: It’s tough to be in the Florida citrus industry these days.

As if the battle with HLB wasn’t enough, the past 12 months have given us two freeze events, another devastating hurricane, and rising fuel and fertilizer costs. Add to that, the USDA citrus forecast in mid-January, which projected 18 million boxes of Florida Oranges — 2 million fewer than December’s forecast — and a projected 31.8 percent down overall from last season.

Growers are facing higher inflation and interest rates, compounding the strain on financial resources. Fighting the battle on all of these fronts has become too much for some growers. However, many continue to push forward with the task of sustaining the citrus industry.

Given the current strain on financial resources, there has never been a more critical time to have access to the many cost share programs that are available. These funds are not a handout; they are a critical investment in rebuilding an industry that provides a substantial economic return to our state.

So why don’t people take advantage?

One drawback we hear is the frustration and confusion of navigating the many different programs. I know many growers who do not attempt to engage with these vital resources because of the red tape.

But don’t fear; help is on the way.

The Tree Defender team has been working with two companies that serve as one-stop shops to help streamline and obtain the resources that are readily available.

Matt Railey with Agrilliance (cell: [863] 2871137; office: [863] 956-6712) and Kimberly Lott with Crop Disaster Recovery LLC, ([863] 659-1335; www. cropdisasterrecovery.com) both bring high levels of expertise and an intricate knowledge of the issues growers face every day.

Both Matt and Kimberly will not only help secure the recently-approved NRCS cost share funding for Tree Defender IPCs, they can also help with programs for:

• irrigation efficiency improvement,

• tree replanting programs

• nutrient runoff reduction,

• HLB prevention

• herbicide/pesticide reduction practices, and

• the carbon credit markets

At Tree Defender, we believe Agrilliance and Crop Disaster Recovery can play a crucial role in securing these critical resources, allowing the Florida growers to do what they do best: rebuilding and sustaining the Florida citrus industry.

by SCOTT THOMPSON

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

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

GOOD MOSQUITO CONTROL DEFENDS AGAINST WEST NILE VIRUS

WEST NILE VIRUS is a virus spread by mosquitoes and can infect multiple animal species including humans. The virus persists in wild birds, and mosquitoes biting the infected birds can transmit the virus to other animals and humans. Humans and horses are considered “dead-end hosts,” meaning when a mosquito bites an infected horse they cannot pass the virus to another horse nearby. This appears to be due to mosquitoes being unable to take in enough virus from their blood to transmit to others.

Clinical signs range from mild lethargy to complete incoordination and death. Many horses don’t develop any clinical signs (vaccinated horses) and recover without issue. If the horse does show clinical signs, you may notice fever, lethargy, inappetence, incoordination, weakness, seizures, or an inability to stand. If your horse develops any abnormal or neurological signs, you should contact your veterinarian to rule out WNV or another problem.

There is no specific antiviral treatment or cure for WNV; horses are treated with supportive care, anti-inflammatories and IV fluids. Recumbent horses or horses with severe clinical signs are at increased risk of death or requiring euthanasia. WNV has a mortality rate of just more than 30%, but most horses fully recover from an infection.

The best way to minimize clinical signs of WNV if exposed is vaccination of horses and mosquito control. The American Association of Equine Practitioners recommends that the WNV vaccine should be incorporated in your horse’s annual core vaccine protocol. Due to the consistent mosquito population in Florida, we booster mosquito vaccines every six months.

Mosquito control should include removing stagnant water sources, as well as regular cleaning of water buckets and troughs. You can also use equinesafe mosquito repellents or bug sheets to keep the mosquitos away.

by DR. KATIE HENNESSY

AGRISHOPPER AGRISHOPPER SHOPPER

U Pick, I Pick, We All Pick … Strawberries: Find Out Where You Can Get Your Berry On

by GRACE HIRDES

This is the time of the year when we head to the fields to get some fresh air and pick our own strawberries by the buckets. If you are looking for someplace nearby to pick some strawberries this season, we’ve listed some options below. Find a location near you and enjoy the ripest strawberries around!

Lake Buffum Farms in Fort Meade

3875 Lake Buffum Rd. W., Fort Meade 863-559-7687

They are known for their homemade breads, ice cream, and other goodies. They are open for u-pick, but be sure to call in advance to see if they are open on the day you plan to go. Follow them on facebook for more updates.

Keel & Curley Winery + Keel Farms in Plant City

5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City 813-752-9100

Located in Plant City, Keel & Curley Winery has been producing some of Florida’s most popular wine since 2003. They offer tours, tastings, dining, events, farm activities, and a variety of special events and u-pick seasons, including a strawberry u-pick. Even though they are open year-round, the strawberry fields are only open at select times, so be sure to check the website or Facebook for upcoming events before you head to the field.

Berry Sweet Acres in Plant City

5621 W US Highway 92, Plant City

813-431-8012

Tomlin FFA Produce Stand in Plant City

Corner of U.S. 92 and Edwards in the Tomlin Middle School Ag Field, Plant City

The Tomlin Middle School FFA program offers u-pick strawberries as well as a produce stand. They are not open daily, though, so be sure to check Facebook for the days they are open.

Fancy Farms Market + U-Pick Strawberries in Lakeland/ Plant City

5204 Drane Field Rd., Lakeland

813-478-3486

The Fancy Farms Market is on the corner of Drane Field Road and County Line Road between Lakeland and Plant City. The market includes fresh produce, fruit desserts, strawberry milkshakes, and other goods. Their strawberry u-pick is open seasonally in February and March. Check Facebook for dates and locations.

Spivey Farms in Plant City

6101 South County Road 39, Plant City, Florida 33567

813-650-8999

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.

Also in Plant City, Berry Sweet Acres is a familyowned business with local ties and decades of experience growing strawberries. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Reservations will be honored first, so be sure to call and get your name on the list.

This farm doesn’t open for u-pick until the end of the commercial season; this year they open April 3. It costs $1 per quart (cash only), and they provide the quart cups to pick in the fields, but you need to bring containers to take your strawberries home in.

Make sure to wear sun protection and closed-toe shoes when you go, and most importantly, be respectful of the farm and treat the plants well as you pick.

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

photos by TOM HAGERTY

FEBRUARY — MARCH 2023

FEBRUARY 11 & 25, MARCH 11 & 25 DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET IN LAKE WALES

FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18, AND 25, MARCH 4, 11, 18, AND 25

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.

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.

FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18, AND 25, MARCH 4, 11, 18, AND 25

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 in 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 westgateresorts.com/ hotels/florida/river-ranch/westgate-river-ranchresort/activities/rodeo/.

FEBRUARY 18

16TH BIENNIAL MIKE SHARP MEMORIAL TRACTOR DRIVES & BANQUET

FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18, AND 25, MARCH 4, 11, 18, AND 25 GRADY GOAT YOGA TAMPA BAY

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

Enjoy an early morning tractor drive through the Florida Flywheelers Park, located at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Rd in Fort Meade, as well as through various local groves. Lunch is served, t-shirts and prizes are available, and a special Banquet dinner is held in memory of Mike Sharp, with the proceeds going to benefit area FFA and 4-H. For more information on how to attend, please visit www.floridaflywheelers. org or call (863) 285-9121.

FEBRUARY 18 RIBS ON THE RIDGE BBQ COMPETITION

This is the 13th year of the popular BBQ contest at Lake Eva Park. Professional and amateur teams will compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights while visitors taste their tempting offerings. Presented by the Florida BBQ Association and Haines City Leisure Services Department at 555 Ledwith Ave in Haines City from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please call (863) 421-3700 or visit www.hainescity.com/191/Ribs-on-the-Ridge.

FEBRUARY 18

GONE COUNTRY FOR kidsPACK

Help ensure that no child goes hungry in Polk County even when school is out by supporting kidsPACK.

The 10th annual Gone Country event takes place on February 18 from 6 – 10 p.m. at White Horse Ranch, located at 5718 Yates Rd in Lakeland. Learn more by visiting their website at www.kidspack.org or by calling 1-800-598-7871.

FEBRUARY 18

POLK COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S RANCH RODEO

Visit with exhibitors and watch ranch teams compete in calf branding, double mugging, team sorting, wild cow milking, colt riding, senior sorting, and a kids boot scramble. Free to all Polk County Cattlemen’s Association members. $10 admission to trade show and ranch rodeo. $8 for veterans. Children under 8 are free. Trade show starts at 9 a.m. Ranch rodeo begins at 1 p.m. Polk County Agricultural Center. 1702 Hwy 17 S. in Bartow.

CALENDAR

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

FEBRUARY 18

CASH & JONES: NASHVILLE TRIBUTE TO TWO LEGENDS

If you yearn for the good ol’ days of country music when Johnny Cash, George Jones, and all their buddies were up on stage entertaining us with pedal steel guitars, harmonicas, and fiddles, then get ready to take a promenade down memory lane with the Nashville Imposters! Close your eyes and you’ll swear that’s the Man in Black himself leading the band from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Ramon Theater, located at 15 E Wall St in Frostproof. You can purchase tickets online at www.theramontheater.com/music-series-1.

FEBRUARY 22 – 25

30TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE FLYWHEEL ENGINE & TRACTOR SHOW”

This is a great opportunity to view antique engines and tractors up close as the Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club welcomes the public to view well preserved examples of historic farm vehicles. The gates will be open at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Rd in Fort Meade from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily parades take place at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. For complete details, please visit www.floridaflywheelers.org/events/.

FEBRUARY 22

FRESH FRUIT DISPLAYS

UF/IFAS will have this season’s fruits displayed along with information on all the latest developments by the UF/ IFAS breeding programs available for growers, packers, processors, nurseries, marketers, and other interested parties. Let your voice be heard by the researchers from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Citrus Hall at UF/IFAS CREC, located at 700 Experiment Station Rd in Lake Alfred. No preregistration is necessary.

FEBRUARY 23 PRIVATE AND AG TREE EXAM REVIEW CLASS

This class, taking place from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at UF/IFAS Extension DeSoto County, 2150 NE Roan St in Arcadia, will review the required information about private and ag tree crops necessary to obtain a restricted use pesticide license for Florida. The cost is $15. Register online at www.private_agtreereviewclass022323. eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 23 • BEEKEEPING BASICS

Find out what all the buzz is about as you learn the basics of beekeeping biology, beehive management, and more from the experts at UF/IFAS Extension Hardee from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 507 Civic Center Dr in Wauchula. The fee is $15 and you can register online by searching for “Beekeeping Basics” on www.eventbrite.com.

FEBRUARY 25 PLANTAE-PALOOZA GARDEN FESTIVAL & PLANT SALE

Check out the exotic edibles from Sow Exotic plus orchids, bromeliads, ferns, ornamentals, and more from local vendors who will be present to supply you with all you need to create a lush, verdant landscape. Expert horticulturists will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have at the free event taking place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Hollis Garden, 702 E Orange St in Lakeland. You can find more details online at www.lakelandgov.net/events/plantaepalooza-garden-festival-plant-sale/.

MARCH 2 – 12

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Celebrate the luscious fruit that has made Plant City the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World at this beloved annual fair. There will be plenty of vendors, agricultural exhibitors, midway games, thrilling carnival rides, headliner musical performances, and lots and lots of strawberry treats. Just follow the crowds to 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City. For more information and to purchase tickets to the festival and to the concerts, please go to www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

MARCH 7

FEBRUARY 24 – 26

JEEPIN’

WITH JUDD

Polk County’s Sheriff Grady Judd invites Jeep owners to register for a phenomenally fun weekend of trail riding and obstacle course navigation for $100 per vehicle for the weekend. Spectators are welcome to come out for free to see what all the buzz is about. Little ones will love the Power Wheels trail, and everyone will enjoy the food trucks and vendors who will be on site at Clear Springs Ranch, located on Cox Rd in Bartow. Don’t forget to purchase some raffle tickets while you’re there, as all proceeds will go to benefit Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. You can find complete details at www.jeepinwithjudd.com.

MODERN WESTERN SQUARE DANCING LESSONS

If you can walk briskly, then you can learn to square dance! Get started with a free lesson, and after that, it’s just $7 per lesson (per person). Wear casual attire and comfortable shoes, and get ready for a fun social activity that is great for your health. Lessons will be held Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at Strawberry Square and Round Dance Center, 4401 Promenade Blvd in Plant City. For more information, please visit www.strawberrysquaredancing.com or call the office at (813) 752-0491.

AG PERSPECTIVE

A Trip Down South

submitted by DAVID BYRD

EEVER SINCE I STUDIED geography in fifth grade, I have had an interest in visiting South America. A couple of weeks ago, nearly 60 years after fifth grade, Shari and I took a trip to Peru, Chile, and Argentina. Due to political and civil unrest in Peru, we weren’t able to visit Machu Picchu so we left Peru and headed to Chile. While in Chile we visited a farm that grows cherries, almonds, and walnuts in the dry arid valley just south of Santiago. The farm was a modern operation with drip irrigation and mechanical harvesting and drying equipment. Most of what they grow is exported to other countries. We visited several tourist sites in Santiago, Chile, and then flew across the Andes Mountains to Argentina. Both Peru and Chile were more arid than I expected. The terrain reminded me of Arizona or New Mexico, maybe even drier.

The country of Argentina is very interesting. We learned that they are in the midst of a severe drought. Our interpreter told us that this season is the driest growing season in the past 100 years. While the normal rainfall is about 39 inches per year, they received about 20 inches last year. So far, they haven’t received any rainfall during this spring and summer growing season.

Argentina produces soybeans, corn, and wheat with very little irrigation because drilling wells and installing irrigation equipment is too expensive. They export most of their soybeans to China, Europe, and Africa. The price of soybeans in Argentina is determined by following the Chicago Board of Trade. However, the Argentine government keeps 35% of the soybean crop as a tax. Since most farmers rent the farming land from lawyers, bankers, and soccer players, the farmers pay an additional portion of their crop to the landowners as rent.

The Corn Belt in Argentina is the “Pampas” region south of Buenos Aires. The Pampas or low, flat land covers an area about 621 miles by 621 miles. Normal yearly corn production is about 50 million metric tons per year. Due to the La Nina drought, last year’s production was down to 40 million tons.

Wheat is also grown in the Pampas region. An average yearly yield of 20 million tons of wheat is normal. Wheat production was down to 11 million tons last year, again due to the severe drought. Argentina is expecting to have to import wheat this year to

meet their domestic demand.

Argentina is also known for its quality beef production. Cattle are primarily raised on grass. We were told that calves are weaned at 180 days weighing around 260 pounds. After weaning, calves are moved to a refeeding pasture until they reach weights of about 400 pounds. From there they go to a winter finishing pasture and are fattened to about 880 pounds. Increasing numbers of cattle are then fed out with corn in feedlots but grass-fed beef is still common. One fact that I found very interesting is that pasture rent is determined by the price of soybeans. Pasture land rents for 22 bushels of soybeans per year or about $200.00 per acre per year. Cattle producers spend about 35% of their income on rent. Black Angus, Red Angus, and some Herefords make up most of their beef breeds found in the Pampas region. I was informed that some Brahman influence cattle are raised in the warmer part of the country. Overall cattle numbers are down due to the extensive drought.

The number of dairy farms has decreased in the past 20 years. Only the very large dairies have survived. Dairy farmers are limited in their ability to store milk. To top that off, they must wait three months to be paid for the milk they deliver. Most of the dairies are located in the Cordova province, an area that we did not visit. Argentina exports a large amount of powdered milk to other countries.

BIO: David Byrd is a longtime member of the Polk County agricultural education community.

FSGA’s Unique Support Is Key to Industry’s Success

Agriculture. It can come in substantial amounts. But the USDA has to balance national priorities, and its budget is subject to the politics of appropriations. It’s not a go-to for a consistent stream of income. Whitaker and the team at GCREC turn to FSGA for that steady keep-thelights-on support.

The University of Florida just finished a fundraising campaign to propel the university forward in areas from health care to engineering to the arts. Before moving into the next campaign, we’re taking stock of the impact of this support. In the field of agriculture, FSGA stands out among the many whose giving has made an immediate and tangible impact.

FSGA didn’t give just because we had a campaign. They’ve been a part of our steady march of progress for 40 years. We’ve been thanking them for just as long and will continue to call our successes their successes, too. ag

continued from page 16

FSGA-Funded Faculty FACULTY MEMBER SUBJECT

Shinsuke Agehara

Nathan Boyd

Dana Choi

Johan Desaeger

Wael Elwakil

Sriyanka Lahiri

Seonghee Lee

Daniel Lee

Natalia Peres

Vance Whitaker

N rates

Precision fumigation

Mite release platform

Nematodes

Aerial imagery

Chilli thrips

Strawberry DNA tests

Disease smartphone app

Neopestalotiopsis

Breeding for pestalotia resistance

®

Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

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

Recipe Spotlight

Take Your Strawberries From Sweet to Sassy

by COURTNEY LAWSON

EEARLY SPRING IN FLORIDA means strawberry season! Whether you are in North, Central, or South Florida, there is a strawberry variety for you.

Although there are five types of strawberry commonly found in Florida, I will offer up some other varieties you may not have heard of and we will talk about which varieties are the easiest in a home garden setting. Some of the best varieties are Camarosa, Chandler, Festival, Oso Grande, and Selva. There is also a Native Florida variety Fragaria Virginiana, the fruit is small but very sweet and is loved by birds and mammals as well.

Garden centers have several varieties of strawberry in stock. If you are like me, you enjoy the plants not only for their fruit but also for their flowers.

The tiny blooms offer a sweet aesthetic to the garden and a nice pop of color. Although most strawberry blooms are white, there are also five varieties with pink flowers! One even

offers a double-petaled flower called “Summer Breeze Rose” although it is a British variety that you must special order.

While Plant City is the Winter Strawberry Capital of the world, the first home garden strawberry was actually grown in the 18th century in Brittany, France. Although the Ancient Romans were known to use strawberries medicinally, it was wild harvested and not grown as a crop. The first known American species of strawberry was grown and harvested about 1835. At that point, the common name for them was “strewberries.” Eventually, they became known as strawberries. However it came about, the name stuck and strawberries

ROAST CHICKEN STRAWBERRY SANDWICH

Directions

Two pieces of good ciabatta toasted. In a bowl, combine Dijonaise and goat cheese, whisk together until a paste is formed. Then spread on the top piece of the bread. Layer the slices of roast chicken and thinly sliced strawberries and arugula.

became a popular choice for commercial purposes and home gardens everywhere.

Strawberries are often thought of as only a dessert fruit, but there are ways to use this fruit in savory dishes. Here are a few recipes to get you started!

ROAST CHICKEN WITH STRAWBERRY DIJON SAUCE

Directions

Place six skin-on chicken thighs in a baking pan lined with parchment paper, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast chicken thighs at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Meanwhile, in a food processor, place six strawberries, two tablespoons of Grey Poupon, one tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of balsamic, a dash of salt, and six basil leaves. Blend until smooth. Once the chicken is cooked, pour sauce on top and serve warm. (Note that this is not a sweet sauce. It is spicy with a hint of strawberry overtone. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add more strawberries or substitute maple syrup for the balsamic.)

Irrigation Services of Central Florida, Inc

“Agriculture Irrigation is our specialty –when you need an experienced, reliable and proven irrigation company, call on us, you won’t be disappointed! We know your irrigation needs.”

Jimmy Durden - Irrigation Specialist 863-875-5524

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STRAWBERRY SALAD

Directions

To make the dressing, combine 1 cup of strawberries , 2 tablespoons of strawberry white balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons lemon olive oil extra virgin, 1 teaspoon of dijon, and a teaspoon of salt in a food processor and blend. For the salad, I like to use a mixture of romaine and arugula, but you could use any salad mixture you like and a quarter of a vidalia onion diced. Throw in some candied pecans and your choice of cheese. I find that Gorgonzola or goat cheese works the best. Top with the dressing and enjoy!

ECONOMICAL SOURCE OF PROTEIN & ENERGY

CONCENTRATED SOURCE OF LINOLEIC FATTY ACID INCREASE IN WEIGHT GAIN FEED FREE CHOICE OR IN GRAIN RATION EASY TO PURCHASE & EASY TO FEED TANKS AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE

2023 Camp Application Due Dates:

SESSION 1: MARCH 13-14, 2023 (INTRO) -

APPLICATION DUE BY FEBRUARY 13, 2023

SESSION 2: MARCH 16-17, 2023 (INTRO) -

APPLICATION DUE BY FEBRUARY 16, 2023

SESSION 3: JUNE 7-9 2023 (ADVANCED) -

APPLICATION DUE BY MAY 7, 2023

SESSION 4: JUNE 21-23, 2023 (ADVANCED) -

APPLICATION DUE BY MAY 21, 2023

APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED 4 WEEKS PRIOR TO CAMP DATES.

Equine Veterinarian Holds Camps for Aspiring Youths

by TERESA SCHIFFER

MMANY CHILDREN EXPRESS the desire to become veterinarians when they grow up because they are enchanted by fluffy bunnies or fascinated by slinky reptiles. Becoming a veterinarian takes diligence and dedication, and it isn’t always cuddly, fun, or easy, so a Florida horse doctor has created an opportunity for aspiring vets to learn first-hand the realities of the profession so they can make an informed decision about their future career choice.

Dr. Liz Steele of Steele Equine Veterinary Services and Performance Horse Center in Zolfo Springs recalls an especially impactful experience during her training to become a vet, one that motivated her to establish programs for students to gain experience working directly with horses at her clinic.

“The inspiration for designing or even having these camps came a long, long time ago,” Steele recounts. “It was about 18 or 19 years ago, when I was in veterinary school. There was a veterinary practice out West that allowed me to come and spend two weeks at their practice. I was in college and didn’t have money to get out there, buy food, or have a place to stay, and this practice was so kind. They basically bought my plane ticket out there, they paid for a place for me to stay every single night, three meals a day, and they even paid me a little stipend at the end of each week.”

While enormously grateful for their generosity, she felt that she was not adequately contributing to the practice. The practice owner noticed Steele’s discomfort and assured her that there was a way for her to pay back the favor, and that was to pay it forward in the future when she could.

Steele never forgot that experience and when she opened her own practice, she committed to providing multiple students each year with a valuable educational adventure.

“We were going to provide a fun, learning, engaging type of environment for students to come and learn,” she explains.

This goal is accomplished through the Youth Veterinary Camps, geared toward students ages 12 to 15, as well as by providing opportunities for high school and college students to shadow the vet techs and assistants at Steele Equine Veterinary Services. The clinic also welcomes junior and senior year veterinary students from all across the country to work with them for two weeks as an official clinical rotation toward their degrees.

The camps were established in 2015. The introductory camp is for first-time attendees and is a two-day overnight adventure held during spring break. Returning students may enroll in the advanced session, which is held for three days and nights in June. More details and registration can be found at steele-equine.com/youth-veterinary-camps.

Students take part in wet labs to learn how to bandage a horse, how to operate an ultrasound, and much more. Veterinary lessons include topics such as horse anatomy, dentistry, and chiropractic care. Participants even get to observe Steele and her assistants, Brittany Mercer and Carrie Wells, in their interactions with visiting patients.

Steele finds this venture deeply rewarding for everyone involved and gladly shares her enthusiasm and faith with the students the clinic hosts.

“Probably most importantly,” she says, “and maybe why these camps are so successful, is that we use it as a platform for Christ as well. We demonstrate devotion time at night, and in the morning we have a time designated for prayer and devotion. We give testimonies and little demonstrations. We also send them home with a little horse Bible, too. It’s such a blessing to be able to use veterinary medicine as a platform for Christ through these camps.” ag

Florida Roots

continued from page 11

They also sell strawberry onions, which are grown in the fields with the strawberries and peas “for the locals.” These are sold at the Market where there are often lines around the building as people wait excitedly for a strawberry treat.

The Market was begun by Roy Parke’s daughter, Cheryl, and her husband, Jim Meeks. Today, it is run by their son, Jim, and his wife, Xiomara.

When asked about her favorite strawberry

recipe, Parke talks about the strawberry cookies at the Market but then says, “I would go every day and get the strawberry milkshake. Hands down. They’re special because of the way they make them.”

“We use fresh berries,” she says. “Tons of them. The milkshake won third best dessert on the Food Network a few years ago.”

With all of the things she has done on the

farm and all of the expansions they have made, it is still her love of farming and family that drives Parke. “I’m a homegrown, country girl,” she says.

“Come see me at the Strawberry Festival,” she says. “I’d love to see everyone. I am in the office all day, and I’m a people person. I’d love to see people.” ag

Peggy Parke, second from right, Vice President of Parkesdale Farms, stands with, from left, her son, Matt Parke, Director of Operations; daughter Kristen Hitchcock, Director of Finance and Business Development; husband Bobby Park, President; and daughter Erin Parke Watson, Director of Food Safety and Compliance.

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Zooming

photos by VENUS SANSOM

See

AT ONE TIME, a drive through the Florida countryside could leave you in awe of the vast expanse of citrus groves that blanketed the land. Now, that same ride inspires a different kind of awe — except this new awe leaves a sadness deep in the pit of your stomach.

That feeling gets worse and turns to heartache each time I travel 80-Foot Road in Bartow. Groves ravaged by citrus greening are being pushed back or, worse, set ablaze as landowners watch their dreams go up in smoke.

In recent columns, I’ve talked about the importance of finding an alternative use for grove land. Last month, I delved into the possibility of growing protein until we can once again successfully grow citrus. Would it be as profitable as citrus? Of course not. But we’re an industry of survivors. We can’t give up the ghost.

We have to keep in mind the main objective: To hold tight to our Greenbelt status. To do that, we need to be using our land for bona-fide agriculture.

Some citrus growers have turned their focus to alternative crops as a way to stay in the black. Unfortunately, the history of the soil can complicate an easy and cheap crop swap. Soil that has been treated with herbicides can present a challenge because of the residual chemicals. Some plants simply can’t thrive with those traces still in the soil.

Other citrus growers have branched out into watermelon, although the sandy soil on the Ridge can be problematic for that crop. Ever resourceful, some fellow landowners have tried their hand at growing pine trees. The catch, however, is that it would take about 20 years before you’re able to turn a profit. That would effectively tie up your land and make a transition back to citrus — if and when it comes — considerably more labor-intensive and expensive.

With hay shortages plaguing the nation, maybe that could be another option to help tide over embattled landowners.

It all boils down to individual choice, and I hope the industry chooses to persevere.

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.

Polk Youth Fair Has Much to Offer Beyond the Animals

by MYKAELA BILLINGSLEY, Polk County FFA Federation Officer

TTHIS YEAR THE 2023 POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR reached an all-time high. Some things changed at the fair, including animal weight limits and a new market lamb auction. This year, there was no maximum weight for hogs. This meant your hog could weigh more than 295 pounds, but you would only be paid up to 295 pounds. There were a total of 402 hogs, 91 heifers, 92 steers, and 202 plants sold at this year’s youth fair.

Another change at this year’s fair was the addition of a lamb auction right before the steer sale. Last year, the lamb show was brought back after decades. There were not many lambs last year, but it was a great opportunity to spark new interest. This year the interest in lambs grew, and a sale was added. Exhibitors could sell their SAE project in an auction.

With interest growing in the agriculture community, it is amazing to see more and more students signing up to be a part of the Polk County Youth Fair. Many students may not know that the youth fair is not only about the cattle and other livestock but it offers many other opportunities such as whip popping, cake auctions, chili cookoffs, family and consumer sciences projects, and many other activities that are just waiting to gain interest. There is something for everyone at the Polk County Youth Fair; it is not just about animals. The Youth Fair is an opportunity for students to be able to reach out into the community and learn new skills. The Youth Fair is

a community— a group of people that come together for one week in January to make a difference in everyone’s lives.

The ones who need recognition are the people who make it happen. The volunteers that are there to help everyone, the committees that help ensure that every child has an amazing youth fair experience, the agriculture teachers and 4-H leaders guiding students, and the buyers and sponsors that help us finish out our projects at the very end. Each and every person at the youth fair contributes in some way to help the fair come to life every year. Without those people the youth fair would not be such an amazing experience for 4-H and FFA members in the county. The Polk County Youth Fair is a week I hope everyone gets the chance to experience at some point in their childhood, whether it is raising some type of livestock, selling plants, baking a cake, or entering a project that they have spent countless hours on. It is an experience that will change people for the better and give them a sense of community. ag

photo by TOM HAGERTY

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Shadows and Light

JESSICA M c DONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

EACH MONTH, we bring you stories that we think make a difference. A lot of consideration goes into our content, and we’re not interested in wasting your time. After all, we know how precious your time is. That’s why we choose stories that we feel are important because they’re about you and the issues that are relevant to you.

Our monthly publication isn’t rushing to throw together stories or in a hurry to to break news — a fact that admittedly took me awhile to get used to after 15 years in the newspaper industry. But that’s not what Central Florida Ag News is about.

Instead, we’re cracking open the mundane headlines you’re peppered with every day and taking a deeper look into the nooks and crannies looking for the light. That light is the human element and the hope.

If you do an online search for citrus industry news, you’ll be inundated with countless gloom-and-doom stories talking about how the sky is falling. One article will stick out like a sore thumb because while it acknowledges the challenges, it focuses more on the latest promising research and how growers are pivoting. That’s the Ag News article.

Our coverage reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, attributed to Ruth Renkel: Never fear the shadows. They simply mean there’s a light shining somewhere nearby.

That’s what we do at Central Florida Ag News. We find the light and share it with you. ag

POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU Executive Director Carole McKenzie honors 2022 Farm-City Week essay contest winner Landen Berkstresser of the Lake High School FFA chapter. Congratulations on a job well done, Landen!

photo provided by POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU