Central Florida Ag News March 2023

CONTENTS | march 2023

On the Cover

Addyson Bolden, an 11-year-old homeschooled student, competes in the 2023 Polk County Youth Fair. This month, Central Florida Ag News is celebrating Youth in Ag. Inside, you’ll find features and more photos focusing on youth.

photo by TOM HAGERTY

10 FEEDING THE COMMUNITY, FEEDING YOUNG MINDS

Students at Lakeland Christian School are learning valuable lessons about food production, system management, and community cooperation by taking care of a unique garden in central Lakeland. State Rep. Jennifer Canady discusses her involvement in this philanthropic project that nurtures social responsibility and agricultural skills simultaneously.

14 THE POWER OF ‘CAN’

If anyone thinks Mason Berry’s condition keeps him from doing what he loves, he has plenty of ways to show that simply isn’t true. Mason was born with spina bifida, a congenital defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord and its membranes are exposed through a gap in the backbone, often causing paralysis of the lower limbs. Despite his condition, Mason, 11, has found ways to not only compete in agriculture-related activities and high school sports but also to win and place in both.

20-21 UP CLOSE WITH YOUTH IN AG

Our photographer was on hand to capture memories at the Florida State Fair and the Florida Strawberry Festival. Check out our photos, and see even more on our website at centralfloridaagnews.com or scan the QR code with your phone:

The Voice of Agriculture for Our Region

PUBLISHER

Nelson Kirkland

MANAGING EDITOR

Jessica McDonald

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Cinda Shelby

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Tyler DiGiovine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Paul Catala, Grace Hirdes, Teresa Schiffer, Courtney Lawson, Jessica Anderson, Ruth Borger

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS

Baxter Troutman, Mike Roberts, Dr. Katie Hennessy, Tommy Thayer, Phillip Rucks

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tom Hagerty, Matthew Croxton

CONTRIBUTING ARTIST

Dawn Lewandowski

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Copyright © 2023 Central Florida Media Group. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This issue of Florida AgNews is a trademark of Central Florida Media Group. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Florida AgNews makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content published. In the event of an error found herein, however, neither the publishers nor advertisers will be held responsible, nor do the publishers accept any liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers in advertising and promotional materials.

photo

Welcome News for a Storm-Battered State

IT SEEMS LIKE JUST LAST WEEK we were picking up the pieces after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole upended our lives. To be fair, even though the storms made landfall late last year, officials are just now learning the exact extent of the damage and loss the agriculture industry suffered in the storms.

The good news is that farmers may be able to breathe a little easier during the upcoming storm season. That’s because the USDA is expanding its Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index Endorsement with a Tropical Storm Option, which the Risk Management Agency (RMA) will offer for the 2023 crop year.

The RMA says the additional option is a direct response to feedback from those in the ag industry. The Tropical Storm Option pertains to strong weather systems not categorized as hurricanes. The option would cover named tropical storms, as reported by NOAA, with maximum sustained winds exceeding 34 knots and precipitation

exceeding 6 inches over a four-day period. Both the wind trigger and precipitation trigger must occur for an indemnity to be paid.

The coverage will be available for all Florida counties.

Just last month, economists from the University of Florida fine-tuned their estimate of agricultural losses from Hurricane Ian alone to $1.03 billion. That takes into account losses in citrus; vegetables and melons; greenhouses and nurseries; noncitrus fruit; field and row crops; and livestock and animal products.

While resilience is key, it never hurts to have more people in your corner who understand the implications a serious storm can have, and that’s exactly what this news means.

Also, one final thing. This is the Youth in Agriculture edition of Central Florida Ag News — one of my personal favorites of the year. Although this edition leads with this topic, in reality every edition of the year has some aspect of Youth in

Ag news and information. In addition, Central Florida Media Group donates more than 3,000 magazines a month to the school system for use in Agriculture classrooms across the region. Yes, we support and believe in our kids ... and we put our money where our mouth is. Thanks for reading. ag

Citrus Greening Control & Increased Citrus Production on the Horizon

Florida citrus growers may have a new tool in the fight against greening.

• 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

Using a proprietary trunk injection system called “FlexInject,” growers are able to directly apply a bactericide, oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) ReMedium TI, which has shown promise in suppressing Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacterium that causes the Huanglongbing disease (HLB) in citrus trees.

The FlexInject and ReMedium TI formulation were both developed by TJ BioTech. Currently, TJ BioTech and AgroSource, Inc are the only two companies manufacturing this treatment. However, at least one more company is actively developing their own tree injection systems.

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

• Low chill varieties ideal for central and south Florida climates

• Licensed for new released varieties

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

The injection process starts with drilling into the tree trunk one inch just above the soil line. The FlexInject applicator is inserted into this hole, allowing the tree to uptake the OTC-HCI product into its vascular system. Once completed, the device is moved to the next tree to repeat the process. Trees can be treated once per season, after harvest, and up to 180 days before harvest. This window is utilized to minimize the risk of chemical residues in the fruit.

by Phillip Rucks

Although spray bactericides have had some benefit, the application is imprecise. More product is used to cover the full area, which can also impact other non-infected plants. Using the directed injection allows growers to focus their treatments on trees that are infected, using less product and minimizing the impact to the surrounding environment. As for application time, a single worker can inject 250-350 trees in nine hours, depending on if the trees are currently bearing fruit.

The initial field trials of the FlexInject treatment have shown treated trees having improved health and biomass. Additionally, treated trees show a up to a 60 percent decrease in fruit drop.

On October 28, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services granted ReMedium TI a special local-need registration. Tom Johnson, the chief executive o cer of TJ Biotech, says ReMedium TI has seen a “broad acceptance across the industry.”

TJ BioTech’s initial projections were that up to 100,000 of the FlexInject units would be available in the first quarter of 2023. As of the end of February, they have exceeded these projections with 119,000 units already available for growers, and production will continue so that any interested grower should still be able to invest in the ReMedium TI treatment for their groves.

“We are very pleased to bring ReMedium TI to the market,” Johnson says. “We believe this is a viable treatment for greening, and we’re grateful to be a part of this scientific advancement.”

• 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

WINDBREAKS BAMBOO

• Now contracting for 2023-2024

Completely Renewable

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

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

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

Columns

5 CITRUS GREENING CONTROL AND INCREASED CITRUS PRODUCTION ON THE HORIZON

Florida citrus growers may have a new tool in the fight against greening. Using a proprietary trunk injection system called “FlexInject,” growers are able to directly apply a bactericide, oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) ReMedium TI, which has shown promise in suppressing the bacterium that causes greening. Phillip Rucks takes a deeper look at the injections.

12 OWNERS NEED TO KNOW THE SIGNS OF COLIC

An attentive horse owner will notice subtle changes in their horses’ behavior. Variations may indicate that the horse isn’t feeling well. Signs that may indicate colic include lethargy, lying down more than usual, pawing, decreased appetite, looking at their sides, and diarrhea. Dr. Katie Hennessy explains more about colic inside.

15 EMERGENCY BRIX LEVEL TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO FLORIDA CITRUS GROWERS

The Florida citrus industry is taking hits from all sides, but slight relief came in the form of an emergency meeting at the Florida Department of Citrus in Bartow in late February. There, the Florida Citrus Commission voted to temporarily lower the minimum Brix level to help out Florida citrus growers. Griffin Fertilizer’s Mike Roberts talks about what this means for Florida growers and processors.

17 COMMUNICATION HELPS US HELP YOU

Tommy Thayer reflects on the power of connectivity and the importance of communication. He explains how Tree Defender is focusing on grower feedback and increased communication with the people they partner with. Communication and feedback are now more important than ever, he says.

36 THE FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS

A future in ag doesn’t necessarily mean endless days outside in a field working with animals and crops. Agriculture is a field of growth, expanding through new technology and improved practices every day. To move forward, we need agricultural engineers, agronomists, food scientists, geneticists, chemists, breeders, ecological engineers, and so much more. Baxter Troutman talks about the many options today’s youth have for a career in ag.

president’s column

By the time this issue of CFAN is published, Polk County Agri-Fest will have been in full swing with more than 4,600 students registered to attend over the eight-day event. Each year, students get to experience interactive sessions that feature citrus, beef, small farms, phosphate, forestry, and horticulture. I would like to say a special thanks to all of the volunteers who make this event a success each year. Educating Polk fourthgrade students about agriculture every spring is one of our most meaningful programs and all partners work hard to make the event impactful for our student attendees. Our thanks to the Polk County School Board, Polk County Extension Office, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Bartow. A special thank you to this year’s Agri-Fest sponsors: Alcoma Caretaking, Florida Natural Growers Foundation, The Mosaic Company, and The Story Companies.

Members attended Florida Farm Bureau day in Tallahassee on March 8, meeting with our Polk legislative delegation and other state leaders and elected officials. Our special thanks to Senators Albritton and Burton, and Representatives Bell, Canady, Killebrew, and Tomkow for meeting with members on issues including fire tax exemptions and further greenbelt protections for agricultural land; the creation of the Farm TEAM (Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials) card, which will allow Floridians who have bona fide agriculture operations to apply for a card to show retailers when using Florida’s ag sales tax exemptions; and FDACS and UF/IFAS appropriations funding.

Our farmer and rancher members in Polk and surrounding counties are invited to attend the Central Florida Ag Deputy Luncheon on March 30 at 11:30 a.m. at the W.H. Stuart Center in Bartow. Seating is limited, and registration is required to attend. For further information or to RSVP, contact Carole McKenzie at 863-533-0561, ext. 111 or carolem@pcfb.org. You can also use your smartphone to scan the QR code at right to register for the event. A special thanks to event sponsors Agriliance, Kelly BuickGMC, Lightsey Cattle Company, Magnatronix Corporation, The Mosaic Company, and the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association.

The Polk Young Farmer and Rancher Committee announces the opening of the application process for the 2023 Will Putnam Young Farmer & Rancher Scholarship(s). This scholarship can range from $250 to $500 per recipient for graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing a career in agriculture. The application and required supporting documents list can be viewed at www.pcfb.org and on the Polk County Farm Bureau Facebook page. The application and all supporting documents must be submitted to Polk County Farm Bureau by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5. Please call or email Carole McKenzie at 863-533-0561, ext. 111 or carolem@pcfb.org to receive a copy of the application by

Wishing our hardworking youth and families a safe and fun Spring Break!

SIGNS OF THE SEASON

FLORIDA A HEAVY HITTER IN U.S. TOMATO PRODUCTION

Tomatoes are one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide, and a favorite among home gardeners. They tend to be easy to grow and are as nutritious as they are versatile. The United States is a global leader in tomato production, with California and Florida vying for the top spot among tomato-producing states.

HOW TOMATOES TOOK OVER THE WORLD

Tomato history begins in South America, where researchers believe cherry-sized tomatoes originated in Ecuador about 80,000 years ago. Over time, the weedy tomato plants spread northward into Mesoamerica, where domestication of the tomato began about 7,000 years ago.

When the Spanish conquistadors were exploring the American continents in the 16th and 17th centuries, they were introduced to the tomato and carried the plants back to Europe. There, botanists of the day recognized that the tomato plant was a member of the nightshade family of toxic plants. This caused much hesitation when it came to consuming the fruit of the tomato plant at the time.

Eventually European cooks realized the safety and tastiness of the ornamental tomato, and that just the leaves and roots of the plant contain the neurotoxin solanine. It is speculated that the first tomatoes introduced in Europe may have been yellow due to the Italian name for the vegetable being pomodoro, which means “golden apple.”

Tomatoes made their way back over the Atlantic Ocean with the Europeans who would settle in North America by the late 1700s. Thomas Jefferson was growing them at Monticello in 1781, and they were being eaten as food in Louisiana by 1812, though the northeastern states didn’t begin actually consuming tomatoes until around 1835.

Then in the 20th century tomatoes really skyrocketed in popularity in the U.S., and before long they were being grown commercially throughout the United States and the world.

TOMATOES TODAY

Tomatoes are now enjoyed fresh in salads and on their own, canned and diced, crushed, stewed and sauced, made into ketchup, pastes, and soups, and juiced. No matter how you prefer to consume the juicy veggies they provide a healthy dose of vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene.

Florida competes closely with California when it comes to being the nation’s top producer of tomatoes. In 2020, Florida was the number one tomato producer in the U.S., producing enough tomatoes to account for 64 percent of the value of America’s tomato crops. The Florida Department of Agriculture put the value of that year’s harvest in Florida at $463 million. North America’s largest single producer of tomatoes, Lipman Family Farms, is located in Immokalee, Florida.

Tomatoes are a warm-season crop, and the harvest season in Florida runs from October through June, peaking in April and May. They are grown in fields and greenhouses throughout the state, both commercially and by hobby gardeners. Tomatoes are often a satisfying cultivation project for many first-time vegetable gardeners.

Since they do grow so well in a warm climate, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of tomatoes being imported from Mexico in recent years, which has then had a significant impact on the price that Florida farmers are able to get at market for their crops. While tomato producers south of the U.S. border have lower labor costs and strong financial support from the Mexican government for creating protected agriculture projects, Florida farmers have seen a reduction in their crop yields after the pesticide methyl bromide was banned in 2015. Though production is still comparatively high here in Florida, the harvested acreage has declined over the past decade as well.

Mexican imports currently outnumber domestic tomatoes three to one, so be sure to support local agriculture by always looking for tomatoes and other produce that is grown in Florida!

by TERESA SCHIFFER

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Feeding the Community, Feeding Young Minds

Students Make RISE Institute’s Urban Farm Sustainable

by TERESA SCHIFFER photos provided by MATTHEW CROXTON

JJENNIFER CANADY may be spending more of her time in Tallahassee lately as the State Representative for District 50, but her heart is still in her hometown of Lakeland where she established the Everette Taylor Urban Farm at Mass Market with help from the students of the Lakeland Christian School RISE Institute.

The newly elected legislator was raised in Lakeland and began a teaching career there after graduating from the University of South Florida. For the past 15 years, she has directed the RISE (Research, Innovation, STEM learning, and Entrepreneurship) Institute at Lakeland Christian School. As a teacher, Canady often used the growing of plants in her classrooms to demonstrate various scientific principles, so it was a natural evolution from that to establishing a school garden for students to learn and experiment in.

Canady’s family always had a large garden when she was growing up, so she already had some experience with creating a productive vegetable patch. She explains what inspired her and her students at Lakeland Christian School to sow the initial seeds that would eventually blossom into a fully functional urban farm that makes significant contributions to the local community.

“We had been very interested for a number of years in why kids make the food choices they

make. My students observed in the cafeteria that a lot of young kids, especially, didn’t choose to eat vegetables and healthy foods, and we were very concerned about Polk County. We have high rates of obesity, high rates of diabetes, and part of our community is a USDA food desert.”

The USDA defines a “food desert” as an area where at least 100 households are located more than one-half mile from the nearest supermarket and have no vehicle access. Several Central Florida locations have been identified as food deserts, including Frostproof, Lake Placid, and Crystal Lake in Lakeland. This lack of access to healthy food options becomes a contributing factor in the high rates of chronic diseases related to diet in places designated as food deserts.

Canady’s students at Lakeland Christian School wanted to do something to make a positive change in the lives of Polk County residents affected by these types of disparities, so about 2014 the choice was made to establish a school garden to help educate children on various topics related to agriculture, dietary choices, and

community involvement.

“We would grow tomatoes, and we would grow green beans, and we would grow all kinds of vegetables,” Canady describes, “and as the kids watched them grow they would be much more willing, we found, to try them. So we did cooking demonstrations, and tastings, and we developed an education program.”

At the same time, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency was interested in transforming a small plot of land at Mass Market in Lakeland’s Midtown Design District into something that would further revitalize the previously blighted neighborhood. The idea of an urban farm appealed to members of the organization, and they learned that Canady and her students were having some success with their garden at Lakeland Christian School.

A representative from the Community Redevelopment Agency visited Canady and presented the opportunity to use the 1/3-acre lot on Plum Street to create a community garden.

“We took the expertise that we had from doing this project with kids over many years, and worked with an architect named Jon Kirk, and developed this urban farm with the goal to actually be sustainable because often projects like this fail because of the high amount of labor involved. It is actually really hard to have a con-

sistent garden operation that’s run by a school,” says Canady.

The RISE Institute that Canady directed at Lakeland Christian School aims to cultivate skills in critical thinking and problem solving among students by encouraging them to view social and scientific problems in the context of systems rather than as discrete issues. This perspective enabled Canady and Kirk to design a highly productive urban farm that can be sustained with labor provided by students and community volunteers in a truly manageable fashion.

The Everette Taylor Urban Farm officially opened October 26, 2017. It is named in honor of a beloved auditor with the Florida Department of Citrus who passed away in 2015. Taylor was well-respected by his colleagues for his integrity, but remembered and memorialized in the garden’s name because of the inexhaustible depths of his concern and care for his community, a passion that drove him to connect local students with senior citizens through their participation in the establishment and maintenance of urban

gardens.

When Canady was elected to the Florida House of Representatives last November, she knew it was time to hand the responsibilities of the Everette Taylor Urban Farm off to someone else. Brandi Fountain became that someone.

Fountain has been an ag teacher for 16 years, and last year she joined the staff at Lakeland Christian School to help establish an agriculture program there. She and the school’s FFA students are now using the Urban Farm as a resource for their projects while producing sufficient amounts of vegetables to provide ample donations to groups like the Dream Center of Lakeland, which will distribute the fresh produce to local residents in need.

“This year has been very rewarding and exciting to watch these students participate and enter things into the Polk County Youth Fair,” says Fountain. “The kids are really excited about the program and can’t wait to see what the future holds!” ag

Agriculture Is Our Passion

photo by JESSICA McDONALD

OWNERS NEED TO KNOW THE SIGNS OF COLIC

AN ATTENTIVE HORSE OWNER will notice subtle changes in their horses’ behavior. Horses are creatures of habit and routine, so these variations may indicate that the horse isn’t feeling well. Signs that may indicate colic are lethargy, lying down more than usual, pawing, decreased appetite, looking at their sides and diarrhea. Signs of colic means it’s time to call the veterinarian.

COLIC AND CARE

Colic is a general term that includes numerous reasons for abdominal pain in a horse. Several reasons for colic will cause a horse to display the same clinical signs. An exam and diagnostic tests will help determine what the problem is. There are several possible reasons for colic, some more serious than others, so the best plan is to call your vet right away.

A common cause of colic is dehydration. When a horse doesn’t drink enough water, it can lead to an impaction, which is similar to constipation. Dehydration frequently occurs during the hot Florida summers, when water and electrolytes are lost from the body through sweat. It is also common when we have bad weather or when warm days suddenly turn cold. Your horse should have easy access to clean water throughout the day to encourage drinking. You can offer electrolyte or Gatorade water in addition to regular water to help replace lost electrolytes.

Another cause of colic, especially in this region of the country, is sand. As a general rule, all horses that live in Florida consume some amount of sand. The grains of sand can irritate the intestinal lining, leading to significant discomfort for the horse. This type of colic can be quite detrimental and sometimes requires surgery to remove the sand from the horse’s digestive tract. Minimizing the amount of sand your horse consumes can significantly reduce this type of colic. Some ways to minimize consumption is to feed grain over clean mats (so they don’t eat sand when collecting their dropped pieces), use grain feed bags to prevent dropped feed, use hay bags and treat with monthly psyllium.

Colic is often treated with a pain medication called banamine. While banamine can help alleviate discomfort, it will not fix a problem. Most colicky horses benefit from having a nasogastric tube paced and are given mineral oil and water. A majority of colics can be treated medically on the farm but there are more severe cases that require referral to an equine hospital for more advanced treatment and surgery.

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.

AGRISHOPPER AGRISHOPPER SHOPPER

Celebrate Spring With Your Own Pollinator Garden

by GRACE HIRDES

Did you know that pollinators are the engine that runs healthy habitats? If you want a healthy garden, flowerbed or lawn, you need pollinators in your yard. In the past several decades, the numbers of pollinators such as native bees, butterflies and other insects have been declining. But no pollinators mean no food. That’s why it is important to supply these insects with the necessary pollinator-friendly plants they need to survive. If you’re interested in creating your own pollinator garden, here are some tips.

Select Native Plants

Native plants are the ideal choice because they require less maintenance and tend to be hardier. It’s essential to choose plants that have not been treated with pesticides, insecticides, or neonicotinoids. You’ll also want to focus on selecting perennials to ensure your plants come back each year and don’t require a lot of maintenance as pollinators need nectar early in the spring, throughout the summer and even into the fall. Therefore, choosing plants that bloom at different times will help you create a bright and colorful garden that both you and pollinators will love. Some plants to consider are dogwood, blueberry, cherry, plum, willow, and poplar.

Plant in Clusters

Once you’ve chosen your native plants, make sure to plant them in clusters to create a “target” for insects to find. This cluster can be a window box, a raised garden, around a tree, or along the roadside. Just be sure to plant in areas that aren’t windy and offer at least four to five hours of sunlight per day.

Leave Small Areas for Wildflowers and Weeds

These wild plants are perfect for insects. One idea to consider is planting a pollinator strip as

a border to a vegetable garden or a wildflower border along the edge of your field. You’ll improve the pollination of your crops and also support bees when the crops stop blooming. It will also attract and support other pollinators, such as hoverflies and wasps.

Cut down on water use

Monitoring your water use is a very important part of a pollination-friendly landscape. To avoid wasting water, put your sprinklers on timers or install a drip irrigation system. You can also use organic mulches such as compost and bark mulch to help slow water absorption, ensuring that more moisture goes into the soil instead of running straight off.

So Much More Than Bees!

If done correctly, your garden will attract more than just bees! It could also draw butterflies and flies, which are two other major pollinators. You don’t need to own several acres of land to create a pollinator garden. Homeowners can have a powerful impact just by planting native flowers, trees, and pollinator host plants to create a refuge.

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The Power of Can

Frostproof Boy Doesn’t Let Condition Limit His Drive

by PAUL CATALA

photos provided by MARY FRAZIER

IIF ANYONE THINKS Mason Berry’s condition keeps him from doing what he loves, he has plenty of ways to show that simply isn’t true.

Mason was born with spina bifida, a congenital defect of the spine in which part of the spinal cord and its membranes are exposed through a gap in the backbone, often causing paralysis of the lower limbs. It affects about 166,000 people in the United States, according to the Spina Bifida Association.

Despite his condition, Mason, 11, has found ways to not only compete in agriculture-related activities and high school sports but also to win and place in both. He’s also managed to become a top scholar as a sixth-grader at Frostproof Middle-Senior High School, where he maintains straight A’s on his report card and has become one of his school’s most voracious readers, reading a school record of more than 7,500,000 words in 2022.

Outside of the classroom, Mason loves agriculture and sports. He first competed at the Polk County Youth Fair in Bartow in 2022, and again

in 2023.

In 2022, from his wheelchair and representing 4-H, he placed third in the Youth Division, where he won first place in whip-popping. In cage judging, he won first with his birds Vanilla Ice and Blue Boy, which was named Reserve Grand Champion. He won the Poultry Showmanship award in the Youth Division with Vanilla Ice.

This year, his first representing his school’s FFA chapter, Mason moved up to the intermediate division and took part in hog showmanship, archery, and goat-tying, where he placed second in the adaptive division. He also competed in Market Hog Record Bookkeeping, which he won; whip-popping, where he took second in his division; and Poultry in Cage, where his bird, Iceman, placed first and was again Reserve Grand Champion. He ended up winning the intermediate division for Poultry Showmanship

and made Polk County Youth Fair history as the first person to compete from a wheelchair as well as the first to win his division from a wheelchair, which earned him a standing ovation. He also competed in cage poultry and won his division for Poultry Showmanship.

In the hog sale, Mason and his hog Petunia broke a sales record of $42 per pound, part of his fundraising effort to buy adaptive equipment for

himself to participate in sports at his school.

“Mason and I shared a hug when we realized Mason exceeded his fundraising goal and would have the funds he needed to start purchasing his adaptive equipment,” says Mary Frazier, a single mother-caregiver and Mason’s student-specific paraprofessional for eight years.

His victories and tenacity are the result of his personal drive.

“Sometimes people compare me to other people, but I’m adaptive and I’m only 11,” Mason says.

Mason was inspired to get involved with the Youth Fair by his older brother and sister, Austin and Kendalyn Spurlock. They both competed in archery, and that’s what Mason originally aimed to enter. That was until he was introduced to whip-popping, in which Mason has excelled despite having had more than 40 surgeries throughout his life and having to use a wheelchair. In 2022, he placed third in archery and made Polk County Youth Fair history for not only being the first person to compete in whip-popping from a wheelchair, but to also win his division from a wheelchair.

“He just has that drive and determination that anything is possible if you really want to do it, no matter your limitations; the only limit is the one that you put on yourself,” says Frazier. “One of the big things we talk about is that there’s no ‘disability in ability.’ Just because he has a disability doesn’t mean he can’t do a lot of things. I think a lot of times they see him in a wheelchair and they automatically think he can’t compete. Mason’s the type that he’s going to prove you wrong.”

Mason’s determination extends out of the show halls of ag competitions. He’s also on Frostproof’s track and field team, competing in adaptive shot put, javelin, and the 200-, 400- and 800-meter wheelchair race. But it doesn’t stop there, either. He also participates in swimming, weightlifting, sled hockey, and water skiing. He’ll be participating in archery, swimming, and track and field this summer as a member of the Florida Adaptive Sports team in Birmingham, Alabama, at the Move United Nationals — the largest and longest-standing national sport championship event for adaptive athletes.

Mason considers his options for the future, saying he might breed chickens. Until then, he plans to continue sports and become a Paralympian gold medalist while still keeping his hand in agriculture.

He has one particular line of advice for those who may need motivation to accomplish their goals: “Get off your keesters and get going!” ag

EMERGENCY BRIX LEVEL TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO FLORIDA CITRUS GROWERS

THE FLORIDA CITRUS INDUSTRY is taking hits from all sides. The industry is facing the lowest orange harvest of the past 90 years or so, winter freezes have damaged crops, citrus greening has yet to be mitigated, and diseases like postbloom fruit drop are an ever-present concern. To add insult to injury, the industry is just coming off an estimated $247.1 million production loss from Hurricane Ian, which ravaged Florida’s citrus country in late September of 2022. However, a glimmer of relief came in the form of an emergency meeting at the Florida Department of Citrus in Bartow in late February. There, the Florida Citrus Commission voted to temporarily lower the minimum Brix level to help out Florida citrus growers.

THE BRIX EMERGENCY RULE

The Brix level of orange juice basically measures the amount of natural sugar in the juice. Traditionally, orange juice processors can only accept juice oranges with a minimum Brix level of 8. However, many Florida citrus growers are struggling with crop damage this season due to Hurricane Ian and winter freezes and the Brix levels of their oranges are not high enough; citrus greening and a high number of young, newly planted citrus trees are also to blame.

The emergency rule would allow processors to accept juice oranges with a minimum Brix level of 7. This means many more growers will be able to take their juice orange harvests to processors and have their oranges accepted. The alternative is citrus growers having to pay double transportation costs to and from the processor with a crop of rejected oranges.

The emergency rule will expire May 23.

NEW BRIX RULE AND THE JUICE AT THE GROCERY STORE

The Florida Citrus Commission maintained that the new, temporary minimum Brix level will not affect how Florida orange juice tastes to consumers. Optimal Brix levels for orange juice is between 8 and 11, and any juice with a Brix level between 7 and 8 will be blended with orange juice with a higher Brix level to average the levels out.

MORE BRIGHT SPOTS ON THE HORIZON

Florida citrus growers have more help coming. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget included more than $2.7 billion for Florida ag, with $29.4 million earmarked for citrus research and the Citrus Health Response Program. Additionally, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Republican Sen. Rick Scott proposed a bill in early February called the Block Grant Assistance Act. This bill would grant the agriculture secretary the authority to give block grants to Florida for citrus growers affected by the last two hurricanes.

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.

“One of the big things we talk about is that there’s no ‘disability in ability.’ Just because he has a disability doesn’t mean he can’t do a lot of things. I think a lot of times they see him in a wheelchair and they automatically think he can’t compete. Mason’s the type that he’s going to prove you wrong.”

— Mary Frazier, Mason’s mother

IFAS IN YOUR CORNER

Greetings From Your New Hillsborough County 4-H Agent!

HELLO, FELLOW HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENTS.

My name is Amber Norris, and I am your new Hillsborough County 4-H Agent. My personal 4-H experience includes 4-H youth alumni, 4-H leader, and volunteer. My husband of 35 years and I have two children who were active in 4-H and FFA. They aare both married now and beginning their own family journey in 4-H.

My professional background comes from serving Hillsborough County Public Schools — the seventh-largest school district in the nation — as an educator, resource teacher and assistant principal, spanning 25 years. I am excited to combine these two aspects of my life to focus on making 4-H accessible to all school-aged children, 5-18, in Hillsborough County.

In my first month here at UF/IFAS Extension, I have been extremely busy introducing myself to as many agriculture stakeholders as possible. I want them to know that my mission is to make sure our 4-H members know that agriculture is alive and well in Hillsborough County, and there

are job opportunities out there in agriculture. We have 13 traditional 4-H clubs. My mission is to increase the effect of our programs to more efficiently serve the fourth most populous county in Florida. Hillsborough has nearly 224,000 public school students, and we need to prepare them for opportunities in agriculture.

My experiences in education, in conjunction with the 4-H theory of “learning by doing,” will be the foundation of my work. Using a standardsbased lens, experiential exercises are the focus of my efforts.

Dr. Mary Arnold’s Thrive Model will be followed to promote a positive youth development. The model begins with the foundation of the spark that a member possesses, creating a sense of belonging, building relationships, and encouraging engagement.

The Youth Thriving model includes developing a growth mindset, openness to challenge/discovery, setting a hopeful purpose, promoting prosocial orientation, and positive mindset and setting goals. The developmental outcomes are to create a positive academic attitude, social competence, personal standards, connections with others, personal responsibility, and contributions to the community.

This all leads to the long-term outcomes of academic/vocational success, civic engagement, employability, economic stability, happiness, and overall well-being. I will conduct needs assessments with youth and adults to find out what sparks our youth. These sparks will point us in the direction our program needs to go. The spark is the key.

On Feb. 9, a group of our youth leaders participated in the Florida Fresh Breakfast to practice their communication skills. The team shares how Hillsborough County 4-H has begun the journey of soaring together in a V formation. The lessons they learned from why geese fly in a V formation will be the basis of how Hillsborough will achieve great things together. One person will lead the journey for a while allowing others to benefit from the lift of the air. This lift correlates to teaching others what they know. Geese fly slightly over from the one in front so they can see clearly the direction they are heading, which reminds us to focus on where we are going as a group.

Just like the geese behind the leader honks to encourage them to continue the journey, we will shout accolades to encourage others. The other geese take turns to the leader, and this allows others to help in the difficult work of achieving their destination. Lesson learned: Together they will go farther in their journey.

We look for youth who want to ignite a spark and make a difference in our community. If you are an adult who wants to be a Spark Champion for our youth, we are looking for you.

If you would like more information about Hillsborough County 4-H, please visit https:// sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/4-h-youthdevelopment/ or email amber.norris@ufl.edu. ag

photo by NANCY A. MOORE

photo by AMBER NORRIS

photo by JOY MILLER Norris presented awards to the 2023 Phyllis White Showmanship Champions at the Florida State Fair.

Norris assisted Dr. Decubellis with the Florida State Fair Skillathon program. The program is designed to promote the education and best practices of raising a youth animal project.

Norris was excited to

catch a quick picture

with Shelby Lawrence as she took her time to mentor a new member at the Ask Me Booth during the Florida State Fair.

COMMUNICATION HELPS US HELP YOU

I AM IN AWE of the wizardry we all carry around in our pocket. Here is a device that can connect us to nearly all of the world’s information. Amazing. However, not only can I connect with a wealth of information, I can gather multiple sources together, put them in a virtual packet and share it to almost anyone, anywhere.

Florida’s Citrus Industry Still a Vital Economic Force

by RUTH BORGER, UF/IFAS correspondent

DDESPITE CHALLENGES FROM DISEASES, land development trends, and extreme weather, Florida’s citrus industry contributed $6.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2020-21. A just-released report from University of Florida economists, “2020-2021 Economic Contributions of the Florida Citrus Industry,” estimates the economic contributions for the most recent citrus marketing season for which data are available.

Citrus juice manufacturing remains the largest factor in the overall economic contributions of the industry, per the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program’s (EIAP) report. Contributing to the $6.935 billion total are:

• $5.334 billion from citrus juice manufacturing

• $1.425 billion from citrus fruit production

• $177 million for fresh citrus marketing

The citrus industry supports a total of 32,542 full-time and part-time jobs in the state. Total value-added contributions, estimated at $2.841 billion, represent the industry’s contribution to Gross State Product. Labor income contributions amounted to $1.6 billion, representing earnings by employees and business owners throughout Florida’s economy.

Citrus’ support of local communities remains significant, as well, with total state and local tax contributions of $151 million.

Comparing the overall economic contributions of the Florida citrus industry in 2019-20 with the 2020-21 period using updated data and methods, employment increased by 0.2%, labor income increased by 5.8%, value added increased by 3.4%, and industry output increased by 2.8% in constant dollar terms.

“This report is completed on an annual basis not only to measure the level of economic activity within the citrus industry but also to demonstrate the importance of this industry’s relationships with other sectors of the economy,” says Julio Cruz, graduate research assistant in the UF/ IFAS food and resource economics department.

Christa Court, director of EIAP and assistant professor of regional economics, added that the true value of this year’s report lies in the story it will help tell next year.

“The estimates for the 2020-21 citrus season are particularly important because it can be thought of as a baseline season prior to the multiple adverse weather-related events that the industry endured in 2022,” she said, referencing two cold snaps and two hurricanes in the main citrus-producing areas of the state across the calendar year.

Although the economic contributions were largest in the agriculture (fruit production) and manufacturing (juice processing) sectors, the overall citrus industry also has significant contributions in many other sectors due to supply chain relationships and household spending of income that are captured by the indirect and induced multiplier effects in the regional economic model. The economic contribution estimates reported were based on published values and official industry statistics.

Estimates of the regional economic contributions of the industry include multiplier effects that measure the economic activity in other sectors supported through supply chain spending and the spending of income directly or indirectly associated with the sale of Florida citrus products.

The report was sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus. ag

But wait, that’s not all. Not only can I find information and disseminate information (on the same device, no less), I can also get nearly instant reaction and feedback on what was sent.

And yet, collectively, we all take it for granted sometimes. Worse yet, we sometimes fail to use it in a way that helps clear channels of communication and feedback. We end up confused, frustrated, and isolated.

For us at Tree Defender, we’re focusing on grower feedback and increased communication with the people we partner with. Communication and feedback are now more important than ever.

The damage caused this year by the hurricane and two freezes has caused a significant increase in demand for Tree Defender IPCs. Add to that the recent approval of OTC injection and other promising therapies and there seems to be a renewed sense of optimism with some growers. This has caused an uptick in demand as these growers are using a combination of methods in their long-term strategies.

We need to communicate with and receive feedback from growers — not only regarding their future plans, but also about the benefits and constraints from these emerging growing methods.

A robust communication/feedback stream helps the Tree Defender team better serve our customers, as well as the industry as a whole. Good communication with growers helps us to ensure plenty of product is available when it is needed and there are no delays in planting. We provide a wide range of sizes and designs that best fit a grower’s financial strategy or specific needs, however we are also continually innovating.

Consistent and honest feedback helps to ensure the team can quickly address and innovate solutions that meet the needs of the grower.

by TOMMY THAYER

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

BIO: Tommy Thayer is the co-owner of Tree Defender and owner of Southern Citrus Nurseries, which has been in business since the 1970s. Both companies are based in Dundee, Florida. As a native Floridian, he is a fifth-generation citrus grower who graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Resource Economics. For more information, visit thetreedefender.com

Zooming in on agriculture in your community.

Food Check-Out Week

photos provided by POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU

On February 11, the Polk County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers set up an information booth at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Market in honor of Florida Farm Bureau Federation Food Check-Out Week. Kateland Raney, Benjamin Putnam, Ryan Divine, Shelby Buchanan (daughter Penelope), and Peyton Parker manned the booth.

Patrons who stopped by had the chance to spin the wheel and answer true/false questions related to the agriculture industry. This allowed YF&R members to answer common food misconceptions and led to conversation about the importance of buying Fresh From Florida items. The YF&R thanked visitors for stopping at the booth by giving them Farm Bureau promotional items, information about membership with the Farm Bureau, and some even received $10 Publix gift cards to help them with their next Fresh From Florida purchase.

photos

MARCH — APRIL 2023 CALENDAR

MARCH 4, 11, 18, AND 25, APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29

SATURDAY NIGHT RODEO

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.

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.

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-ranch-resort/activities/rodeo/.

MARCH 30 AND APRIL 6 THE BUSINESS OF FARMING WORKSHOP

This is a two-day event covering various aspects of the business of running an agricultural operation here in Polk County. Agricultural Agents and Specialists from UF/IFAS Extension Polk County will provide instruction from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on each day. Learn how to create a successful and profitable farm or ranch. To register, please visit the Upcoming Events page at www.sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/.

APRIL 1 • SPRING PLANT SALE

MARCH 4, 11, 18, AND 25, APRIL 1, 8, 15, 22, AND 29

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.

MARCH 11 AND 25, APRIL 8 AND 22 DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET IN LAKE WALES

The Lake Wales Downtown Farmer’s Market is sponsored by Lake Wales Main Street and takes place every second and fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 20 N Market St in Lake Wales. This producer-only market specializes in locally grown, pesticide-free produce and plants, baked goods, local honey, Florida grove pepper sauces, cheeses, award-winning BBQ sauces and rubs, homemade jams and jellies, natural pet treats, plus a ton of crafts, clothing, and jewelry. For more information, you can contact Lynn Greenfield at (863) 676-8782 or visit www.lwmainstreet.com/farmers-market.

Plant lovers and gardeners will be delighted by this sale presented by the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers from 8 – 11 a.m. at City of Lakeland Nursery/Oak Hill Burial Park/Cemetery, located at 4620 US Hwy 98 S in Lakeland. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted to purchase the beautiful edible, native, Florida-friendly, and citrus plants that will be available.

CALENDAR

APRIL 12 THE FUNGI OF THE LAKE WALES RIDGE

APRIL 21 • SPRING AG TOUR

APRIL 6 • PEOPLE AND PLANTS

Join Horticulture Manager Taylor Walker at Bok Tower Gardens for a fascinating tour to explore some of the native plants that grow in the Florida Ecosystem gardens while learning about the everevolving relationships between people and the plants around them. This event is free for members of Bok Tower Gardens and $17 for non-members (fee includes admission). Registration is required. Go to www.boktowergardens.org/event/people-andplants-2/ to sign up. Bok Tower Gardens is located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales.

APRIL 8 • DAVENPORT’S ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT

Bring the kids for an eggs-citing morning from 9 – 11 a.m. at Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, located at 400 Palm St in Davenport. The free event will have age-based egg hunts plus plenty of giveaways. For more information, please visit www.mydavenport.org or call (863) 588-1130.

APRIL 8 • EASTER BUNNY WOODLAND DANCE

Dress up as a rabbit or other woodland critter to join the Easter Bunny Parade at the Woodland Dance on Sabal Stage in the Hammock Hollow from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Bok Tower Gardens, located at 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales. The family-friendly event is free for members of Bok Tower Gardens and $17 for non-members (includes admission). No registration is required. You can find details at www.boktowergardens.org/event/easterbunny-woodland-dance/.

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

APRIL 15 • EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

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

APRIL 20 • NO STEM LEFT BEHIND

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

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

APRIL 28 • SWAN DERBY

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

compiled by TERESA SCHIFFER

NEWSAgri UF/IFAS to Evaluate Lessons Learned From Hurricane Ian

by RUTH BORGER, UF/IFAS correspondent

WHILE HURRICANE IAN lasted just a few days, a University of Florida researcher is looking at longer term impacts in hopes of finding strategies to improve recovery and provide recommendations to plan production systems that are more resilient to future storms. The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) has awarded UF/IFAS a one-year grant of $288,000 as part of its Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems program.

Rapid responses to extreme weather events are critical to maintaining a secure, accessible, safe, nutritious, affordable and abundant food supply.

Hurricane Ian hit most citrus groves in Florida with flooding rains and high wind speeds.

Dropped fruit and lost foliage from tree canopies were immediately apparent, but previous experience suggests that recovery will lag, with continued leaf and fruit drop over the coming months. Growers need timely information to improve recovery, as well as recommendations to plan production systems that are more resilient to future storms.

These practices include particle films, individual protective covers, irrigation to reduce stress, and

gibberellic acid to enhance new leaf production, as well as grove layout and windbreaks to reduce damage from future storms.

“Ultimately, with work funded by this grant we hope to be able to make recommendations for horticultural practices to mitigate hurricane losses and hasten recovery of tree health,” says Christopher Vincent, assistant professor of horticulture and project leader. “Also, by looking at groves in different locations, we will be better prepared to predict damage from future storms and the time trees take to recover, depending on wind speeds.”

Vincent and collaborator Tripti Vashisth and their teams will assess 20 to 30 groves impacted by Hurricane Ian and inform growers of the most effective post-hurricane recovery strategies to improve the resilience of the citrus production industry in hurricane-prone regions.

They are still looking for additional participants. They will be looking at a variety of groves that experienced only tropical storm-force winds (less than 75 mph) to those who faced the strongest and worst storm conditions.

Groves with different varieties including Hamlin,

Valencia, Star Ruby and Sugar Belle will be included in the review. Researchers will be looking at the number of fruits dropped month-to-month, final yield per tree, and canopy recovery. Mature, fully expanded leaves will be sampled every 6 months and measured for weight and other characteristics to assess tree health and nutritional status. Roots will be sampled at six-month intervals to assess the impact of storm flooding. All of the information gathered in these grove surveys will be used to model the impacts of wind speed and flooding on grove health and on recovery time. This information will provide the data for a decision support tool that can be used to further understand the medium-term economic and horticultural impacts of tropical storms.

Vincent expects to be able to share information with growers about his findings beginning this summer.

Growers who participate in the study, will get monthly updates on the status of trees across the state, as well as any observations on helpful production practices. Participation will cost very little effort for the grower. If you are interested in participating, contact Christopher Vincent at civince@ufl.edu. ag

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

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

Recipe Spotlight

Versatility of Tomatoes Means

The Possibilities Are Endless

by COURTNEY LAWSON

FFLORIDA IS A MAJOR

PRODUCER of tomatoes, meaning we have more than our fair share available to cook and experiment with.

Tomatoes are amazing because of their versatility. There are so many ways to use them; the possibilities are endless. Whether you use them in soups, sauces, jams, roasted, sun-dried, or fresh, you’ll always have options when incorporating them into your meals!

These days, tomatoes are regarded as indispensable in the kitchen at any restaurant. That even includes Chinese and Norwegian cuisine, where you would not expect to find them.

That versatility makes them a staple worth learning more about.

FRIED TOMATO OMELET

Directions

Cut 6 small tomatoes in half. Melt butter in a pan on high heat, add the tomatoes and add cumin and paprika to the pan to your taste. I add it generously. When the tomatoes have wilted a bit, add three eggs whisked, a pinch of salt, a few pinches of fresh thyme leaves and a tablespoon of parmesan cheese to the pan and let cook until it begins to be firm on the bottom. When it seems sturdy enough to fold, bring one side over to form a half-moon shape. At this point you may flip it. When it has cooked for another 2 minutes, remove from the pan and enjoy.

ROASTED TOMATO CONFIT

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325º F. In an oven-safe baking/casserole dish, combine 6-8 cups of cherry tomatoes with the stems removed with 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 4 sliced cloves of garlic and a half-cup of sliced fresh basil. Finish with a sprinkle of salt. Bake for 30-45 minutes, stirring twice. The tomatoes should be soft, golden, and beginning to burst. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before eating.

I like to drizzle this with balsamic and eat it on toast or add it to pasta with some lemon zest for a nice bright finish. Parmesan cheese is also nice when added to this. There are so many variations to play with! Have fun with it.

ROASTED TOMATO PIZZA BITES

Directions

Thinly slice one beefsteak tomato and place the slices on a greased casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Top the tomatoes with olive oil and herbs of your choice. I use oregano, basil, thyme, and a mix of mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.

Bake until golden. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.

Highlands County In The Heartland

Run the Ranch 5k

On Saturday, March 4, the Highlands County Cattlewomen hosted their Run the Ranch 5K at the Rafter T Ranch in Sebring. Roughly 50 people participated in the event, which benefited the Cattlewomen’s Scholarship fund. Great job to all who joined in the fun for a good cause! photos provided by HIGHLANDS COUNTY CATTLEWOMEN

PREVIEWEvent

Seminar to Shed Light On Beekeeping in Florida

by LOUIS RODRIGUEZ ROSADO

Introduction to the Western Honey Bee

WESTERN HONEY BEES are one of 300 bee pollinator species in Florida. Although they are not the only pollinators in the state, these bees are credited for approximately 85% of the pollination of all crops in Florida. In other words, agriculture as we know it would be very different without honey bees. Moreover, not only do these bees help in the pollination process of our food sources, but they also help pollinate ornamental, landscape and natural areas plants. These bees are extremely important to our world.

The Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) has been domesticated for thousands of years, tracking them even in ancient Egypt. This has been the case because of their nesting behavior, making it easy for humans to work with them. Although beekeepers back then were different from modern beekeepers, we keep bees for similar reasons. Aside from pollination purposes, honey bees provide us with a variety of products including honey, wax, propolis, pollen, and even bee venom.

Honey

Honey bees are mostly known for their honey production. Honey is a substance derived from the nectar gathered by the bees during the pollination process. Once a bee returns to the hive, she will start regurgitating the nectar from bee to bee. During this process, each bee adds enzymes to the nectar until one bee deposits the nectar into a hive cell. Later other bees are going to dry out this substance and cap it, converting the nectar into honey. Depending

on the flower where the nectar was gathered, the flavor and color of the honey will vary. Honey can be sold as raw honey, processed honey, and with or without a honeycomb. Honey can be used as a nutritious food, for medicinal purposes, or for mead and other honey drinks.

The 2023 Ridge Beekeepers Association Beekeeping Seminar

Many people have a great interest in beekeeping for their honey production or for pollinator behavior. Unfortunately, people don’t realize all that is needed to be a beekeeper, even for personal purposes. The Ridge Beekeeper Association is the local Beekeeper Association of Polk County. They have a meeting on the third Monday of each month at the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Office. The purpose of the association and the meetings is to share and inform the public with sciencebased information about beekeeping in Florida. Experienced beekeepers help new, beginner, or even more advanced beekeepers in their apiary ventures. They also offer a seminar every two years as a family

event to provide educational information about honey bees and beekeeping in general.

This year, the 2023 Ridge Beekeepers Association Beekeeping Seminar will be held on May 20 at the Polk County UF/IFAS Extension office from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. This familyfriendly event is a collaboration among the Ridge Beekeepers Association, Polk County, and UF/ IFAS Polk County. The purpose of this event is to provide science-based education to the public about beekeeping in Florida and the importance of the Western Honeybee. Some of the topics that will be taught at the event include hive construction, starting a hive, honey extraction and honey tasting, bee transportation, queen bees, nectar sources for bees, wax rendering, beekeeping tools, pests and diseases identification, and looking inside the hive.

If you want to start as a beekeeper or just want to know more about honeybees, don’t pass up this opportunity.

For registration, go to: http://bit.ly/3IX3P4D or scan the QR code above. ag

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

GRIFFIN FERTILIZER Here for the grower, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Offices in Frostproof, 863-635-2281, and LaBelle, 863-675-7444

ANIMAL SERVICES

Quality Veterinary Care for your Horses and Cattle POLK EQUINE - (863) 287-8413

PolkEquine.com

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

AQUATIC WEED MANAGEMENT - Lake & Pond Maintenance - Permitting - Re-Vegetation Manual & Mechanical Removal (863) 412-1919 • waterweed1@aol.com

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

Farm Bureau Insurance Offices Throughout Central Florida!

24/7 Claims Reporting

Toll Free (866) 275-7322

floridafarmbureau.com

Florida’s Natural Grove House Visitor Center

Tour • Exhibits • Gift Shop

Open seasonally October-May

20160 Hwy 27 • Lake Wales

FloridasNaturalGroveHouse.com

Florida Flywheelers

Come Explore Our Village!

7000 Avon Park Cutoff Rd. • Fort Meade 1-863-285-9121 • floridaflywheelers.com

Garrison Land Management

Certified and Licensed Pest Control Firm 863-439-6550 GarrisonLand.com

EQUIPMENT FOR RENT

Garrison Property Services

We’re the Key to Making Life Easy for You!

Real Estate, Lawn Care, Pest Control, and more! 863-439-6550

GarrisonPropertyServices.com

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

• Irrigation Services of Central FloridaAg irrigation is our specialty, Jimmy Durden, Irrigation Specialist - (863) 875-5722.

Ring Power Corporation

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

(888) 748-7464 • CatRentalStore.com

CONCEALED CARRY GUN SAFETY COURSES -starting at just $40.00 per person. Call (863) 655-1010 to register for the next class. Tell ‘em AgNews sent ya. SprayAndPrayReloading.com

WE BUY GUNS Collections of Multiple Firearms, All makes & Calibers. Top Dollar, CASH | 863-655-1010

• Cost Effective Citrus Management & Marketing - Please contact us today to see how we may service your needs. 638-1619 StoryCompanies.com

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EVENTAgri

2023 POLK COUNTY AGRI-FEST

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY POLK COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Lessons on growing micro-greens and beekeeping at the Florida Farms station

Students learn about plant production at the Horticulture station

Lessons on Florida produce production at the Florida Farms station

Students juicing oranges in the Citrus Station

Students hear from citrus grower Michael Matteson

Polk Extension agent Luis Rosado Rodriguez teaches students about chickens

Students dig for fossils in the Mosaic phosphate pile

Meet-and-greet with a cattlewoman at the Agri-Fest Beef station

THE FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS

WHILE THERE’S PLENTY TO FRET ABOUT in the agriculture industry these days, you need only take one quick glance in our schools for a quick pick-me-up.

When someone says today’s kids are plugging into video games and shunning hard work, show them the hundreds of kids who work day and night to raise animals and practice showmanship skills.

When they say schools aren’t teaching kids about agriculture and where food comes from, tell them about the FFA chapters that are picking up the slack and opening young minds to the possibilities of a future in agriculture.

A future in ag doesn’t necessarily mean endless days outside in a field working with animals and crops (though that is labor of love worthy of the best men and women). What some people fail to realize is that the upcoming generations have options in their pursuit of a career in agriculture. There are paths that may mean less dirt under the nails and more time bent over microscopes. And while those jobs may not be as widely visible or appreciated when we #ThankAFarmer, they are just as crucial.

Agriculture is a field of growth, expanding through new technology and improved practices every day. To move forward, we need agricultural engineers, agronomists, food scientists, geneticists, chemists, breeders, ecological engineers, and so much more.

The future of agriculture isn’t strictly in the fields; it’s in the labs, the nurseries, the classrooms, academia, and the computer codes being written to improve harvest equipment.

JFK said it perfectly: “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

If you don’t see a bright future for farming, you’re looking for the wrong signs of growth.

FFACORNER

Polk Students Rise to the Top at State Fair

by JESSICA ANDERSON

TTHE POLK COUNTY STUDENTS have once again made their mark at the 2023 Florida State Fair livestock shows, just two weeks after the Polk County Youth Fair came to a close. The youth fair, held annually in January, serves as a precursor to the state fair and provides students with an opportunity to showcase their livestock and agricultural projects.

The Polk County students who participated in the youth fair continued their success at the State Fair, with many of them earning top honors in their respective categories. There were students from Polk County who placed in Grand Champion and Reserve Champion places across the fair in almost every show. Evangelina Garcia from Haines City Senior FFA had a very successful show with her zebus. She exhibited the Grand Champion Cow, Reserve Grand Champion Cow, Reserve Champion Junior Bull, and the Grand Champion Senior Bull. Evangelina is just one example of the multitude of successful students who represented Polk County at the Florida State Fair this year.

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.

The success of Polk County students at the state fair is a reflection of their dedication and hard work, as well as the support they receive from their families, friends, and the community. The students’ achievements serve as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. The Polk County students have once again shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of agriculture and livestock shows.

The Polk County students’ success at the fair did not come easy. They had to balance their schoolwork with the demands of raising and

caring for their animals. They woke up early every morning to feed and groom their animals before heading to school, and they spent their evenings practicing for the competition.

Their dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed. The students received support from their families, friends, and the community. Without the support from the families and communities surrounding these kids we would not be able to have such a dedicated group of young people representing our county in the best light.

The students’ success at the fair is a testament to the value of agricultural education and the importance of supporting young people in pursuing their passions. The skills they learned in raising and caring for their animals will stay with them for life, and their success at the state fair will serve as a source of pride and inspiration for years to come.

As the fair came to a close, the Polk County students returned home with a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the value of hard work and dedication. Their success at the fair is a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. ag

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Celebrating the ‘Village’

JESSICA M c DONALD, Editor jessica@centralfloridamediagroup.com

IF YOU BELIEVE that well-known adage that a picture speaks a thousand words, this edition of Central Florida Ag News speaks volumes.

This past month was jam-packed with events from around Central Florida, including the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Trade Show & Ranch Rodeo, the Florida State Fair, the Florida Strawberry Festival, Agri-Fest, Food Check-out Week, and the Highlands County Cattlewomen’s Run the Ranch 5K in Sebring. Thanks to the Polk County Farm Bureau, our photographers, and our community partners, we were able to bring you highlights from these events in this edition.

You’ll often hear us say that the Youth in Ag edition is our favorite, and that’s no exaggeration.

We believe our youth hold the key to the future of the Florida ag industry, and we couldn’t feel more confident in their ambition, drive, and competence. But that’s not all this edition celebrates.

This edition celebrates the people who are shaping our youth and ushering in the future:

• The teachers who put in extra hours outside the classroom so they can see their students excel and compete

• The companies both big and small that sponsor the very events where these students thrive

• The parents who collapse into bed at the end of the day with their shoes still on, exhausted

after helping their young ranchers practice one last time before the fair

• The mentors who stay in the shadows and watch with tears in their eyes as the future gets exponentially brighter

• The 4-H program leaders and Polk County FFA chapter advisors who make sure ag stays at the forefront of the education curriculum

• The Polk County Farm Bureau, which brings the community together and provides an unconditional support system for youth. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we’re here to celebrate that village.

Thanks for reading. ag

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety

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