Florida Country Magazine - February / March 2021 by Florida Country Magazine

FEATURES

FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 5 • NO. 1

ON THE COVER: When Renata Keeling entered one of her photoshoots into a contest, she had no idea that JD Peavy would end up on the cover of our magazine. JD Peavy wanted his senior photos to represent what he loves the most—his dog Duke, hunting and the great outdoors (Page 44).

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Sunshine State Sisters Are Women Ranch Rodeo Champs

Fort Pierce Natives Jenna Adams Stierwalt and Sage Adams Follow in Dad’s Footsteps

Comedy Runs in the Family

Father-and-Son Duo Loves Clowning Around at Rodeos 2

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DEPARTMENTS FLORIDA COUNTRY MAGAZINE / ISSUE VOL. 5 • NO. 1

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THE RANCH

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

FAMILY-OWNED DAIRY GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY

page 8

page 48

FLORIDA 4-H

MAKING HORSE OWNERSHIP DREAMS COME TRUE

page 10

HORSIN' AROUND

page 54

page 14

FLORIDA EXCURSIONS

EXPECT THE BEST FROM TRIPLE J RANCH

GULF HAMMOCK FISHING CLUB

FLORIDA HARVEST

page 58

OPERATION ORANGE

THE HOMESTEAD

page 18

COUNTRY CALIBER

page 22

MY BEST FRIEND

page 66

NEW COLLEGIATE CATTLEWOMEN CHAPTER STARTS

page 26

STARS & GUITARS

MEET ADRIAN BRANNAN

RODEO PROFILE

OKEECHOBEE’S FRITZ BREWER

page 36

STUNNING 126-ACRE RANCH IN BROOKSVILLE

page 62

RODEO LOSES ONE OF ITS OWN IN 2020

page 68

CROSSWORD

page 75

FLORIDIANS TO COMPETE IN THE AMERICAN PATRIOT RODEO

THE CULINARY CRACKER

page 40

PICTURE PERFECT

WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN

page 44

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CHILDHOOD DREAM BECOMES A REALITY— AT LAST

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Owner/Publisher Scarlett Redenius Owner/C.E.O. Brad Redenius President Thomas Fifield Vice President Sheila Fifield Editorial Director Katherine Waters Design Director Brian Stromlund Travel Editor Dave Kelly Contributing Writers Christopher Decubellis, Ava Grace, Kathy Ann Gregg, Kym Rouse Holzwart, Dave Kelly, Katey McClenny, Myles Mellor Featured Photographers Danielle Avera, John Carney, Kathy Ann Gregg, Jim Harvey, Rhonda Holmes, Renata Keeling, Dave Kelly, Jessica Page, Andrea Parson, Mike Rastelli, Josi Sellars For more information about advertising with Florida Country Magazine, or joining our regional sales team, please contact:

239-692-2613 sales@floridacountrymagazine.com Advertising Sales:

Kendra Sutton 239-910-6414 kendra@floridacountrymagazine.com For other inquiries contact:

Scarlett Redenius, Publisher 239-600-4783 publisher@floridacountrymagazine.com Published by: Florida Country Publications

PO Box 50989 • Fort Myers, FL 33994 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

facebook.com/floridacountrymagazine F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M Florida Country Magazine is published bi-monthly, copyright 2021, all rights reserved. Reproduction of contents in print or electronic transmission in whole or in part in any language or format must be by expressed written permission of the publisher. All articles, descriptions and suggestions in this magazine are merely expression of opinions from contributors and advertisers and do not constitute the opinion of the publisher, editor or staff of Florida Country Magazine, and under no circumstances constitutes assurances or guarantees concerning the quality of any service or product. Florida Country Magazine specifically disclaims any liability related to these expressions and opinions. Florida Country Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions. The advertiser agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the publishers from all liability.

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OUTSIDE EVENTS ARE MAKING A COMEBACK!

riter’s block. It happens to the best of us, especially the ones with a very “ADHD creativity brain” who never stop thinking.

spectators for almost two decades at Arcadia’s All-Florida Championship Rodeo. He’ll be greatly missed at this year’s event, set for March 11 to 14, 2021.

My editor laughs at me a lot because she can talk to me at 8:30 a.m. and ask, “How’s the publisher’s letter coming?” I’ll reply, “I’m working on it.” Then she will ask at 10 p.m., “How’s the pub letter coming along?”—while I’m still looking at a blank canvas three days later!

Speaking of Arcadia, have you been to Joshua Citrus? The all-in-the-family operation has been working the same land since 1880. It offers some of the best citrus varieties around, selling online or from the grove stand. Citrus lovers will be pleased, especially after trying its tasty treats (page 18).

It doesn’t mean I have nothing to write about. I have a lot to write about. In fact, too much for my 600-word limit, and I break that rule, also.

There’s no shortage of families who have been in Florida for generations. You’ll meet one such family member at Levy County’s Gulf Hammock Fishing Club: Capt. Pat Babbitt, of Waccasassa Fishing Charters, will not only take you fishing, she’ll cook you up an “Old Florida” dinner, including swamp cabbage. Her husband, Capt. Gene Babbitt, will take you to some of his secret fishing holes, accessible only by airboat (page 58).

America has been through a lot; our state has been through a lot and we’re all weathering the same storm together. We’ve come a long way. Slowly but surely, events are coming back. For some rodeo athletes, it can’t be soon enough. They’ve been sharpening their skills through their own means, ever since rodeos were canceled all over Florida and the U.S. last year. Who’s still on top of their game and who will surprise us? One rodeo you don’t want to miss, which is said to be the most competitive in the country, is RFD-TV’s The American. It’s scheduled for the weekend of March 6 to 7, 2021. We wish all our Floridian rodeo athletes the best. Be sure to read about some of them on page 40. Our February/March publication has always supported rodeo events and rodeo athletes. Once again, this issue will not disappoint. Perhaps you’ve wondered where many of these fine rodeo horses come from. There’s no doubt that some might be from one of Florida’s premier horse facilities, Triple J Ranch in Sarasota. It’s the home of Jay Holmes Performance Horses and the ranch has raised and trained numerous championship Quarter Horses (page 14). Florida Country Magazine sends heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Rex “Bugs” Bugbee. The rodeo world is still saddened by his loss and we thank Kathy Ann Gregg for writing a great tribute (page 22). “Bugs” entertained

Swamp cabbage is a classic dish, and the city of LaBelle has been holding its Swamp Cabbage Festival for 55 years. The hometown event, which honors old-time traditions and Florida’s state tree, is planned for Feb. 27 to 28, 2021. This issue also lets you meet one tough cowgirl—Adrian Brannan. She’s an inspiration to women around the world. The singer-songwriter, author, speaker, brand creator and former bronc rider is a survivor of domestic abuse, and Brannan wants no woman to ever feel alone (page 68). Special Equestrians is always worth supporting. Its annual Ride-A-Thon is scheduled Feb. 6, 2021, at Babcock Ranch. For more info, check out the ad on page 75. I’d like to thank Don Norris from Immokalee Regional Speedway for supporting Savage 4x4 and its nonprofit organization, Salute to the Brave—Hero Project, benefiting military and first responders. The weekend of Feb. 19 to 21, 2021, will be a great event, featuring antique tractors, Jeeps, trucks and rat rods. Most of all, many thanks go to all of the advertisers and supporters of Florida Country Magazine for helping us keep on “Farming Seeds of Family Traditions”! SCARLETT REDENIUS, Publisher

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FLORIDA 4-H

MAKING HORSE OWNERSHIP DREAMS COME TRUE IMPORTANT TIPS WHEN BUYING THAT VERY FIRST EQUINE PAL

Written by: Christopher Decubellis

any of us who enjoy a rural lifestyle delight in owning, caring for and spending time with horses. I grew up on a small farm in Pasco County and I always dreamed of having my own horse. At age 10, I sold some heifers I’d raised and was able to purchase “Bill”—a palomino Quarter Horse gelding. I still like caring for and riding horses, and my favorite way to view rural Florida is from the back of a good horse.

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For youth or adults who are dreaming of owning their own horse, it may be beneficial to think about HOW to buy that very first equine pal. The following are some important points to consider: Perhaps the initial step should be confirming that you are physically and economically willing and able to own and provide daily care for a horse. Many people with small plots of land can soon turn their paradise into

a “sand lot” by overgrazing or keeping horses or other animals on land that is not big enough.

calm horse. Beginners will lack the expertise to train or discourage bad habits in the animal.

Horses not kept on adequate pasture will need forage supplementation (hay)—and lots of it over the life of the animal. There are plenty of University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension publications on requirements for caring for horses. Be sure to do your research!

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to enlist the help of a professional in identifying potential horses, particularly if you are inexperienced. There are people in the equine industry who are knowledgeable and impartial and can help you find candidates that meet your needs.

Next, ask yourself what sort of horse you need. This might seem like a silly question but the answer can be quite complex. What’s your budget? Will you ride English, Western or both, or will you drive your horse? Will you pleasure ride or compete? What breed and age, and registered or grade? Mare or gelding? (I would not recommend starting with a stallion.)

It could save thousands of dollars and lots of time and disappointment if you have assistance in choosing the right horse, even if it costs a little bit of money up front. Equine veterinarians, farriers and trainers are examples of folks who might help. (Speaking of vets, I strongly recommend a pre-purchase exam when you’re at that point—but we’re jumping ahead!)

Some people think it’s cute to start out a child with a foal and have them grow up together. This is likely not a good idea because novices will benefit from a fully trained,

Once you find a potential horse to go see, try to arrive early. Watch the seller catch the horse in the stall or field. What is the horse’s body language? Are ears

DON’T BE AFRAID OR EMBARRASSED TO ENLIST THE HELP OF A PROFESSIONAL IN IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL HORSES, PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE INEXPERIENCED. THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE EQUINE INDUSTRY WHO ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND IMPARTIAL AND CAN HELP YOU FIND CANDIDATES THAT MEET YOUR NEEDS.

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FLORIDA 4-H

pinned back and is the animal hard to catch, or does the animal happily approach the seller? Is the horse easy to halter, lead and tack? You may want to ask the seller to ride the animal first. Can the owner pick up and clean the animal’s hooves? Evaluate the horse’s conformation and gaits, as well as demeanor in all of these steps. After you have evaluated the seller interacting with and riding the animal, you can then try your hand riding. If this is the animal for you, and you want to make a purchase, closely look over all paperwork— including registration papers and negative Coggins test. Make sure you have a very good contract and see if the seller will include a trial period that allows a refund. Do not forget the aforementioned veterinary evaluation before buying. And always get a bill of sale. If you have dreamed of owning a horse, are comfortable riding and have the capacity to care for your animal, I hope these tips help you when it comes to finding your first horse. In addition, I strongly encourage young people who are interested in horses to enroll in a local 4-H horse club. FCM

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HORSIN' AROUND

EXPECT THE BEST FROM TRIPLE J RANCH ONE OF THE SUNSHINE STATE’S PREMIER HORSE FACILITIES f you are interested in high-quality, spectacular American Quarter Horses or are looking for an outstanding venue for your equestrian event, Triple J Ranch in Sarasota, one of the premier horse facilities in Florida, is the place for you! Since the late 1990s, Triple J Ranch, home of Jay Holmes Performance Horses, has raised and trained numerous championship halter, pleasure, roping, cutting and reined Quarter Horses. Triple J Ranch’s long-term breeding program produces and raises quality Quarter Horses with a focus on conformation, movement and temperament. Its training program produces willing and versatile riding horses. In addition to training services, the ranch offers lessons and boarding. Together since high school in Colorado, Jay and Rhonda Holmes head the Triple J Ranch enterprise. Their daughter, Morgan, a champion equestrian herself, is also heavily involved in the family business. After winning many rodeo titles for the University of Southern Colorado, Jay was invited to train horses for a sale at the famous King Ranch in Texas. He did such a

great job that he was asked to stay on as a trainer. Then, after being asked to train horses for the Sanders family, Jay and Rhonda moved to Alva, Florida. With the help of many notable people in the Florida Quarter Horse world, the Holmes family later moved to Arcadia, Florida, and opened Jay Holmes Performance Horses, focusing on cutting, rope and reined cow horses. Jay and Rhonda’s success and tremendous ability eventually got them noticed by Mary H. Clark, who owned Triple J Ranch. The Holmes family moved to Sarasota in 1998 and started managing and training for the ranch. While the ranch had been home to halter and pleasure horses, under Jay’s experienced eye, a switch was made to roping, cutting, reining and cow horse events. Foundation stallions of Triple J Ranch include Photon and Dun It Big. Photon’s foals have won numerous world championships and hundreds of thousands of dollars and points in American Quarter Horse Association, or AQHA, events and also in National Reined Cow Horse Association, or NRCHA, events.

WHILE THE RANCH HAD BEEN HOME TO HALTER AND PLEASURE HORSES, UNDER JAY’S EXPERIENCED EYE, A SWITCH WAS MADE TO ROPING, CUTTING, REINING AND COW HORSE EVENTS. FOUNDATION STALLIONS OF TRIPLE J RANCH INCLUDE PHOTON AND DUN IT BIG. From left, the ranch's training program produces willing and versatile riding horses; it offers many opportunities for young riders to develop their skills; and its long-term breeding program produces quality Quarter Horses.

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PHOTOS BY RHONDA HOLMES

Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RHONDA HOLMES OF TRIPLE J RANCH

Clockwise from top left: Rhonda Holmes heading with Photolena; Holmes family with Photon's Cool Carrie; Morgan Holmes riding Dun Buds Comet; Mary H. Clark, the Holmes family and others with Dun It Big; Clark and Don Bell with Photon's Cowgirl.

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Rhonda Holmes riding Olivia Dun It.

The team of Jay and Dun It Big won many AQHA, NRCHA and National Reining Horse Association, or NRHA, events and championships, as well as thousands of dollars in prize money. Photon and Dun It Big’s progeny have gone on and continue to win hundreds of points, hundreds of thousands of dollars and numerous world titles in AQHA, NRCHA and NRHA events for the Holmes family. Over the years, there have been many improvements to Triple J Ranch. Amenities include indoor and outdoor arenas, cattle pens, stalls, a cantina and 30 RV sites. Many groups lease the facilities to hold events. Triple J Ranch, as well as JH Productions, host numerous events throughout the year, including many roping and cow horse events.

Last November, Mary H. Clark turned 100 years old, and the ranch was recently sold to the Williams family. However, the legacy of the beautiful Triple J Ranch lives on with two great trainers—Jay Holmes and Jorge Puente. FCM

ROUNDUP Triple J Ranch 941-232-4617, triplejranchfl.com rhondajjj@msn.com

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PHOTO COURTESY OF RHONDA HOLMES OF TRIPLE J RANCH

The Gulf Coast Cow Horse Association, of which the Holmes family is a founding member, holds events at the ranch. The ranch also hosts Alpha Dressage Shows, Featherstone Open Shows and NRHA Reining Shows.

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OPERATION ORANGE SHELFER FAMILY’S JOSHUA CITRUS INC. FEATURES GROVE STAND, TOURS AND ON-SITE EVENTS Written by: Ava Grace

As time went by, the Shelfers planted more trees, thus producing more oranges. They eventually started selling their harvest to packinghouses and canning plants. And while things have changed since James Shelfer placed that first orange tree into the ground, one thing that has not changed is that it remains an all-in-the-family operation. Generations later, the owners are still Shelfers. Kevin Shelfer (great-great-grandson of James Shelfer), his wife, Lynn, and their two children, Olivia and Caleb, now own and operate Joshua Citrus. In 1989, the Shelfer family started the fresh fruit side of the business. That endeavor has led to growing more citrus varieties—including grapefruits, lemons, tangelos and tangerines—as well as offering a grove stand, grove tours and on-site events. Joshua Citrus opens about the first week in October until around mid-May, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can purchase fresh citrus, seasonal

vegetables, fresh juices, delicious jams, local honey, Sunshine State gift items and homemade ice cream. Citrus lovers will be glad to know that it sells orange-flavored ice cream, orange-pineapple ice cream, and even orange juice and pineapple juice floats, along with other tasty treats. “During season, on the first Saturday of the month, we have ‘Saturdays at the Grove Stand,’ where visitors can enjoy local music and a local food vendor,” explains Olivia Shelfer Meador, communications manager/general manager of Joshua Citrus Inc. Also during season, a food truck will be on site for “Food Truck Fridays.” Other fun events feature wine and food pairing classes, in which delicious five-course meals are served. Upcoming dates in 2021 include “Saturdays at the Grove Stand” on Feb. 6 and March 6, and “Food Truck Fridays” on Feb. 26 and March 26. Check for details about events—and more—at facebook.com/joshuacitrus. Tours of the groves, although scaled back a bit because of COVID-19, are still in operation for a per-person charge. Shelfer Meador says, “We are only offering tours for groups of 20 people who are together as a group. School groups, church groups, gardening clubs and others can enjoy a tour of the grove and factory where the citrus is prepared and juiced.” Joshua Citrus, a member of the

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, tangelos and tangerines are grown at the orchard.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF JOSHUA CITRUS

oshua Citrus Inc. is located near Joshua Creek, a 26.9mile stream that runs through DeSoto County, just outside Arcadia, Florida. It’s where orange trees have been growing since 1880—when James Shelfer, his wife and their three sons (and a herd of cattle) moved to the area from Texas and soon thereafter planted their very first orange tree.

Top left, Kevin and Lynn Shelfer, and their children Olivia and Caleb, own and run Joshua Citrus. Middle right, Kevin in his U-Pick Garden store. Other photos show the Grove Stand, which offers fresh citrus, juice, jam, local honey, Florida gift items and homemade ice cream.

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The Joshua Citrus U-Pick Garden offers fresh seasonal vegetables. The whole family will enjoy a visit.

Florida Agritourism Association, recommends that visitors wear masks. When visiting Joshua Citrus during the months of February and March, you can pick up some fresh Murcotts, known as honey tangerines. Or choose some Meyer lemons, a cross between a lemon and mandarin orange.

ROUNDUP Joshua Citrus Inc. 4135 SE County Road 760 Arcadia, Florida 800-749-8219, joshuacitrus.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSHUA CITRUS

Other offerings include Temple oranges, a cross between an orange and a tangerine, or Valencia oranges. They are sweet oranges that are perfect for juicing. And, of course, if you like ice cream, local honey and tasty jams, you pick up some of those, too. FCM

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RODEO LOSES ONE OF ITS OWN IN 2020 REX ‘BUGS’ BUGBEE SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES SUSTAINED AT OKLAHOMA EVENT Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

Bugbee was transported to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Lubbock, Texas, but the injuries he sustained were of such

a severe nature, he was unable to recover from them. He passed away from the injuries on Aug. 25. Following the incident, Bronc Riding Nation placed “Bugs” on its injured list. Bronc Riding Nation ended its report by stating: “All horses walked away.” Bugbee would have been pleased—knowing that he had done his job well. Frontier Rodeo Company is based out of Winnie, Texas, and Freedom, Oklahoma. It’s been the stock contractor for the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo for almost

Photos above show the late Rex "Bugs" Bugbee in 2019; below right in 2016 and left in 2012. He was easily spotted in the arena with his drooping gray mustache and wire-rimmed glasses. Boy, could he ride!

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PHOTOS BY KATHY ANN GREGG

he rodeo world is still saddened by the loss of one of its own in August of 2020. Frontier Rodeo Company pick-up man Rex “Bugs” Bugbee incurred injuries in a rodeo wreck at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event in Guyman, Oklahoma, on Aug. 21. His horse became tangled up with the bronc and went down, also involving fellow pick-up man Shawn “Too Tall” Calhoun and his horse.

two decades. “Bugs” entertained spectators at that annual March event for nearly as long. He was easily spotted in the arena with his drooping gray mustache and wire-rimmed glasses. Boy, could he ride! Frontier Rodeo’s announcement called Bugbee “a cowboy to the core; he was respected by all who met him. He was one of the toughest men God ever gave breath, with a heart of gold.” The local cowboys would gravitate to “Bugs” at every rodeo he worked across the country. They would hang out with him at the back trailer and talk cowboy things before and after every performance. And

people were constantly trying to buy the horse or horses that Bugbee had ridden at rodeos. At Arcadia, the late Matt Condo and the late Alton Langford always looked forward to their time chatting with him. Ronnie Welch did so after Condo and Langford passed away. Condo and Bugbee were the best of friends. In early 2016, “Bugs” handcrafted chaps for Condo’s granddaughter, Paysleigh, and he was a pallbearer at Condo’s funeral a few months later. Robert “Blue” Jeanes was Frontier’s regular bullfighter. He describes “Bugs” as “the quintessential cowboy.” He remembers the city kids coming

FRONTIER RODEO’S ANNOUNCEMENT CALLED BUGBEE “A COWBOY TO THE CORE; HE WAS RESPECTED BY ALL WHO MET HIM. HE WAS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST MEN GOD EVER GAVE BREATH, WITH A HEART OF GOLD.”

ARTWORK BY TARA RADOSEVICH

Western artist Tara Radosevich used Bugbee as her subject matter on several occasions. Her painting here is of Bugbee picking up famous bronc Maple Leaf.

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COUNTRY CALIBER Bugbee, pictured in 2011, "was infectious," according to fellow Frontier Rodeo pick-up man Jason Bottoms.

to the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo—where they would be fascinated with Bugbee and his horses. The kids would photograph things that they liked, and would go back to their schools and paint or draw what they had seen, with Bugbee being a frequent subject of their artwork. One young man won the Grand Champion award at an art contest for a painting he had done of “Bugs.” Jeanes’ wife, Jennifer, a former resident of Florida, talks about Bugbee’s devotion to his family: “He loved his wife, Ms. Teri, and beamed when he talked about his boys, Josh and Jay. He loved his grandkids—he was so excited that Ila [named after Bugbee’s mother] liked to ride ‘Pedro,’ and Tripp was just getting old enough to do cowboy things.” Rex Bugbee was named “Pick-up Man of the Year (2020)” by the PRCA. At the National Finals Rodeo in December in Texas, Round 4 saw a huge lighted cross placed in the arena to honor those who rodeo lost during the past year. And Shawn “Too Tall” Calhoun rode Bugbee’s sorrel horse in the bareback riding event, while Brent Sutton rode his black horse during the bull riding.

PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG

The following tribute to the late Rex “Bugs” Bugbee by fellow Frontier Rodeo pick-up man Jason Bottoms says it best: “He was infectious, and at 65 years old absolutely loved what he did like I did when I was 24. He loved bits and saddles and good horses. Rest easy, ‘Bugs,’ we will make sure the cover pads are on the right one and take care of the great broncs you loved until it’s our time to come wrangle with you!” FCM

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COUNTRY CALIBER

NEW COLLEGIATE CATTLEWOMEN CHAPTER STARTS PLANT CITY GCCW MEMBERS REAP SAME BENEFITS AS GROUP AT UF IN GAINESVILLE

any young female ranchers who study at the University of Florida’s flagship campus in Gainesville join the Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen group, or GCCW. An active organization made up of like-minded individuals, GCCW members attend local events, visit ranches and help educate the public about the beef industry. The group also provides a network for UF women who share a common passion for the cattle industry to connect and foster relationships.

“I became a member of GCCW as a freshman in college, later serving in numerous officer positions and, eventually, as a mentor to the group after graduation,” says UF graduate Ashley Hughes. “This women-centric association provided me with opportunities and experiences which helped launch my career in the cattle industry. I was also introduced to countless professional contacts—many of whom are now friends after years of working together—I would never been exposed to without my involvement in GCCW,” she adds.

NOW, STUDENTS WHO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA’S COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIFE SCIENCES AT PLANT CITY, IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, HAVE THEIR OWN GCCW CHAPTER. CASIE HOLLOWAY, JASON STEWART AND DR. DEBRA BARRY ARE TO THANK FOR FORMING THE NEW GROUP.

The Plant City GCCW's first meeting, in November of 2020, was a welcoming celebration.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GATOR COLLEGIATE CATTLEWOMEN GROUP

Written by: Katey McClenny

Hughes then worked for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, two cattle feeding operations and the American Brahman Breeders Association. Currently, she is employed as a technical sales representative for Multimin USA. UF graduate April Walker also joined GCCW while in Gainesville and notes, “Those friendships have grown beyond the meeting room and many have carried over into our professional lives. That in itself was worth being a member.” Walker went on to work in the cattle industry in Texas. Now, students who attend the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Plant City, in Hillsborough County, have their own GCCW chapter. The members will be able to reap the same benefits as Gainesville GCCW members, and will participate in community events as well. Casie Holloway, Jason Stewart and Dr. Debra Barry are to thank for forming the Plant City group. “Since we girls don't go to the UF campus in Gainesville, they wanted us to have the same opportunities as the Gator collegiate girls up there,” explains member Kayden Strickland. She is a freshman at UF’s campus in Plant City. In November of 2020, the Plant City GCCW members got together for their first meeting. It was a welcoming celebration in which Florida Cattlewomen past president Reba Mazak and past president Debbie Gill were in attendance. Mazak, currently president-elect for the American National Cattlewomen, spoke and updated attendees on what the National Cattlewomen are currently doing. Florida Cattlemen’s Association First Runner-Up Sweetheart Blair Buchanon also attended. “We have such a variety of girls in our group, from those who have never been involved with the cattle industry to those who are wanting to get back into it,” Strickland continues. “We are very blessed with some amazing supporters and we can't thank them enough.” One event that the new organization will participate in is Wreaths Across America. Members will place wreaths at all national cemeteries, on behalf of their county. They also have a ranch tour coming up at Kempfer Cattle Company in Brevard County, led by current Florida Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart Sally Kempfer. Persons wanting more information about the group or wishing to join can follow the UF Plant City Cattlewomen’s Facebook page. Info is also available by sending an email to the following address: floridacattlewomen@yahoo.com. FCM F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

illy Adams of Fort Pierce, Florida, has been involved with ranch rodeos since they first came on the scene in the Sunshine State in the mid-2000s, including competing in them and running the annual one hosted by the St. Lucie County Cattlemen’s Association. At the age of 55, he was the oldest competitor at the 2019 state finals. While not related to the late rancher and cattle breeder Alto

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“Bud” Adams Jr., Billy is the ranch manager of the Adams Ranch, as was his father before him. And Billy’s two daughters, Jenna Adams Stierwalt and Sage Adams, are just like him at the national women’s ranch rodeo level. Both women started out competing at the junior rodeo level and in Florida High School Rodeo. In 2006, River Ranch put on a ranch rodeo as its Saturday night rodeo, and Billy entered himself, Jenna,

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNA ADAMS STIERWALT

Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

Sisters Jenna Adams Stierwalt (heading) and Sage Adams (heeling) the muley during the mugging event at the 2015 WRRA Finals in Loveland, Colorado.

John Adams (of the Adams Ranch family) and “some ol’ Yankee kid”—and the family banked its first ranch rodeo win. The Working Ranch Cowboys Association, or WRCA, started holding events at Arcadia Rodeo Arena shortly thereafter. Jenna competed on the Adams Ranch team until going to college in Oklahoma in 2009. Then Sage stepped in to take her place. For almost a decade, the 33-year-old Jenna, who is a mother of two toddlers, has competed on a team in the Women’s

Ranch Rodeo Association, or WRRA. With Sage joining the team on occasion, the core of her team has been Jenna and her friends Billie Franks and Neesa Smith. The 57-year-old Franks was a co-founder of the WRRA and is still its director. The events used in the WRRA are similar to those used in Florida ranch rodeos—team sorting, trailer loading, calf branding, doctoring and mugging. The calf branding differs in that the gals have to drag two calves to the “fire” to be branded, and the mugging differs in that they head a steer, F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

Photos here and bottom of opposite page show Jenna on her ranch in Oklahoma. Also in this photo is her stepson, Lance Stierwalt.

THE WORKING RANCH COWBOYS ASSOCIATION STARTED HOLDING EVENTS AT ARCADIA RODEO ARENA. JENNA COMPETED ON THE ADAMS RANCH TEAM UNTIL GOING TO COLLEGE IN OKLAHOMA IN 2009. THEN SAGE STEPPED IN TO TAKE HER PLACE.

And Jenna is very proud to have Florida cattle ranches as sponsors of her teams over the years. Rancher Clayton Charles of Midnight Cattle has been a prior sponsor, and currently they ride under the name of Push Hard Cattle, owned by rancher Charlie Hamner. Dad Billy rode for years under the Push Hard Cattle name in the Florida ranch rodeos. Hamner has every reason to be proud of his female team—it is the only team to have won the Finals for three consecutive years, from 2012 to 2014, as well as the average for the weekend those same years. In 2016, they were the Reserve World Champions, and Jenna was crowned the Top Hand for that year, when she announced that she was pregnant. Three months after Jenna gave birth to her daughter, Sonora, the women hit the road and competed in a double-header rodeo in Colorado, winning one and placing second in the other. Jenna won Top Hand at Boone, Colorado, while Sage took the Top Horse award on Jenna’s horse “Wee Man” in Limon, Colorado. “Wee Man” is a Buck Daniel Ranch horse, out of Okeechobee. Also in 2016, Jenna’s other horse, “Sorrely,” won the Top

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Horse award for her husband, Shane, and the Stierwalt Cattle team at the men’s WRCA ranch rodeos in Claremore, Oklahoma, and Encampment, Wyoming. Leap years seem to bring good luck to Jenna. In 2012, she was crowned Top Hand at the Osage County Cattlemen’s Association annual ranch rodeo, the only female to receive that honor. She describes it as “truly exciting for this little Cracker!” The year 2016 saw the honor come from the WRRA, and 2020 was a repeat for her—in October of last year she was crowned Top Hand for the Finals, held in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, near her home at Stierwalt Ranch outside Shidler. The award was against 15 teams, and 59 other women, from New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Colorado. Says Jenna: “This was such a shock and an honor. This and the 2012 Osage County award are two of the most awesome moments that I have felt so humbled to earn.” She gives the credit to her teammates. In addition to her individual award in 2020, the Push Hard Cattle team was Reserve World Champions, and placed third for the weekend average. Kudos to Jenna and Sage, as well as “Wee Man” and “Sorrely”—and they are just getting started! FCM

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNA ADAMS STIERWALT

and then can choose to either heel it or mug it down and tie three legs together.

TOP RIGHT PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNA ADAMS STIERWALT

Clockwise from top left: Sage, second rider from left, in the 2013 WRCA Ranch Rodeo at the old Arcadia Rodeo Arena; the sisters in a 2017 ranch rodeo in Boone, Colorado; Push Hard Cattle team members Neesa Smith, Jenna, Sage, and Billie Franks at the 2016 WRRA Finals in Loveland; and Jenna heading and Sage heeling at the 2015 WRRA Finals in Loveland.

JENNA IS VERY PROUD TO HAVE FLORIDA CATTLE RANCHES AS SPONSORS OF HER TEAMS. RANCHER CLAYTON CHARLES OF MIDNIGHT CATTLE HAS BEEN A PRIOR SPONSOR, AND CURRENTLY THEY RIDE UNDER THE NAME OF PUSH HARD CATTLE, OWNED BY RANCHER CHARLIE HAMNER. DAD BILLY RODE FOR YEARS UNDER PUSH HARD CATTLE IN THE FLORIDA RANCH RODEOS.

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Just one of many faces of "Hollywood Harris." Opposite page, "Brinson James, the Entertainer" performs at the start of 2020 at the Ultimate Bull Fighting World Finals, sponsored by the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. Part of the show features Rerun, his Australian Shepherd.

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COMEDY RUNS IN THE FAMILY

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHY ANN GREGG

Father-and-Son Duo Loves Clowning Around at Rodeos

Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

hile spectators attend rodeos for the thrills of the roughstock and the skills of the ropers and riders, it is the comedy acts that are the glue of these action-packed events. The rodeo clowns poke fun at politicians—of different parties—and family members, especially their mothers-in-law! And Cliff Harris and his son, Brinson James Harris, have made it a family business. Cliff had performed as “Hollywood Harris” for more than a decade, starting in 1984, when he introduced his son to the spotlight. The pair then became known as “Hollywood and Boogerhead.” Like many of his colleagues, Cliff got his start in rodeo as a roughstock rider in high school. But rather than

bulls, he rode bareback and saddlebronc. In fact, he was proficient enough at those two events that he attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, on a rodeo scholarship. He’d always dreamed of being a rodeo clown and patterned himself after some of the sport’s greatest acts. Cliff started out with the International Finals Rodeo, where he has performed as both comedy act and barrel clown. And at the IFR Contract Act Show in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, he won a record six events, including Comedy Act, Dress Act, and the Barrelman Competition. He then moved over to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The Professional Bull Riders Inc. organization liked his knack for “being in the right place at the

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Mastering the craft of clowning comes easily when you're a child at heart—a family trait for this father and son!

CLIFF HAD PERFORMED right time” in the arena to protect the bull riders. This resulted in a longstanding relationship with the PBR—and “Hollywood and Boogerhead” found themselves entertaining rodeo audiences throughout Canada, as well as around the United States. Venues in Florida where you may have enjoyed “Hollywood and Boogerhead’s” brand of comedy are the PRCA pro-rodeos in Ocala and the PeeWee Mercer’s Benefit Bullriding event in Williston, both near their hometown of Micanopy. The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo sported the duo at events while it was at the old Heard Street Arena. “Hollywood and Boogerhead” entertained during several of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy

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Heritage Festivals at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. The year 2011 caused a major upset for Cliff. In early September of that year, “Hollywood and Boogerhead” were performing at a Boston-area rodeo when a bull hung its horn in Cliff’s clown pants. Cliff hung suspended for almost a full minute and suffered a broken leg, which eliminated him from further performances. With a year’s worth of contracts hanging in the balance, Cliff convinced the venues to let 17-year-old “Boogerhead” take over. He emerged from this process as “Brinson James, the Entertainer,” which is how he currently bills himself.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KATHY ANN GREGG

AS “HOLLYWOOD HARRIS” FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, STARTING IN 1984, WHEN HE INTRODUCED HIS SON TO THE SPOTLIGHT. THE PAIR THEN BECAME KNOWN AS “HOLLYWOOD AND BOOGERHEAD.”

At left, "Hollywood Harris" whip-cracking during a performance. Right and below, "Brinson James, the Entertainer" displays his trick-roping skills.

And Brinson James had just trained himself in the art of trick roping, which enhanced his already popular routines. Brinson James has continued the family relationship with the PBR, including PBR International, which has seen him entertaining rodeo audiences in Australia, in addition to the United States and Canada. Brinson James has a deep love of rodeo—so performing annually at more than 45 such events is a dream come true for him. When asked what their favorite venue is, the father-and-son duo agrees that the famous Calgary Stampede ranks on top, as does the lesser-known event at St. Tite, Quebec. (“Now they really know how to party!” is how they describe it.) Being a master at the craft of clowning comes easily when you’re a child at heart yourself. That’s certainly a family trait for Cliff “Hollywood” Harris and his son, “Brinson James, the Entertainer.” FCM

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RODEO PROFILE

OKEECHOBEE’S FRITZ BREWER AN ALL-AROUND RODEO MAN

Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

here is one person in Okeechobee, Florida, who has been involved in the world of rodeo for the past 64 years. That person is Fritz Brewer.

Brewer started out in 1956 at age 16 as a contestant in the events of bareback riding and steer wrestling. At that time, it was the Florida Cowboys Association that held the professional rodeos. He competed with the rodeo greats of that time—Pete Clemons of Okeechobee, Matt Condo of Arcadia, and Josiah Johns of the Seminole Tribe. In fact, the photograph that Brewer is most fond of shows him in the steer wrestling event with Johns as his hazer. It was some time in the late 1970s when Brewer qualified to compete in the Florida Cowboys Association Finals, as a bulldogger. Later, as his pro-rodeo career was winding down, he decided to keep his hand in the sport by becoming a rodeo judge. Brewer had already been judging amateur rodeos and Florida high school rodeos when he decided to apply to become a pro-rodeo judge in 1995. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association was in existence by then and he

signed up for one of its judge training seminars. “This seminar really opened my eyes,” Brewer notes. “Their rulebook is really big and covers every possible situation a judge can be faced with at a rodeo. “And if you know the rules, you are ahead of the game,” he explains. “Not only will you make the right call, but if the competitor wants to contest your call, you can quote the rule that will back you up.” Most contestants know how to do their event, but they generally do not know the intricacies of the rules. Professional rodeo judges are required to attend a training seminar every other year, as well as complete exams regularly. At press time, Brewer was finishing up one of those exams. At least a month in advance, professional rodeo judges apply for the rodeos they want. Then the head of the Judging Program, a position presently held by Chris Horton, makes the assignments. For example, by Sept. 1 of every year, Brewer applies to judge the Fall Arcadia Rodeo that is held in October. It’s a rodeo

BREWER COMPETED WITH rodeo greats Pete Clemons of Okeechobee, Matt Condo of Arcadia, and Josiah Johns of the Seminole Tribe. The photo he’s most fond of shows him in the steer wrestling event with Johns as his hazer. 36

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PHOTO COURTESY OF FRITZ BREWER

Fritz Brewer's favorite photo is of him steer wrestling in Okeechobee's 1972 Labor Day Rodeo. Later, as his pro-rodeo career was winding down, he decided to keep his hand in the sport by becoming a rodeo judge.

PHOTOS BY KATHY ANN GREGG

Left and below show Brewer at the 2020 Pete Clemons Memorial Ranch Rodeo at the Okeechobee Cattlemen's Arena. At right, PRCA judges Earl Blevins and Brewer mug for the camera at that event.

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RODEO PROFILE

His day-to-day job? Brewer is a cattleman, running a cow/calf operation in Okeechobee with some 300 head of brood cows. He has been a longtime member of the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Association, holding the position of vice president for five years, president for two years, and has been a member of the board of directors for a number of years. And Brewer has been chairman of the Rodeo Committee for as long as he can remember. As such, he puts on the annual spring PRCA Cowtown Rodeo, the annual ranch rodeo—now named the Pete Clemons Memorial Ranch Rodeo in honor of his old rodeo friend—and other bronc and bull riding events. He has been the head judge at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals since its inception, and has judged other county ranch rodeo qualifiers. Brewer is a family man, married to his wife, Sharon, for 53 years. They have six daughters and three sons, 16 grandkids and six great-grandchildren. Various members of his family are part of rodeo, too. Grandson Nat Stratton and grandson-in-law James Greeson are both PRCA saddlebronc riders. His fellow judges are awed by Brewer doing what he does at his age—and that includes jumping up on railings to avoid angry bucking bulls or fast-moving broncs. FCM Top left, Brewer shows how close judges get to roughstock animals. Right, judging from horseback at the 2020 Fall Arcadia Rodeo. Below is his family at a recent get-together. In front: Becky Stratton and Lee Ann White. Standing: Joe ("Skeeter"), Clay, Bobby, Kim Ellerbee, Sharon and Fritz, Missy Colbath and Jerri Lynn Hill. Not present is daughter Melanie Smith.

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TOP PHOTOS BY KATHY ANN GREGG; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF FRITZ BREWER

that he particularly enjoys judging. Brewer has also been a regular judge at the Peace River Pro-Rodeo, which takes place annually in January in Wauchula.

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RODEO PROFILE

FLORIDIANS TO COMPETE IN THE AMERICAN PATRIOT RODEO KNOWN AS THE ‘WORLD’S RICHEST WEEKEND IN WESTERN SPORTS’ FD-TV’s The American Patriot Rodeo is a full year in the making and is known as the “World’s Richest Weekend in Western Sports.” With a total payout of $2.35 million, plus a side pot of $1 million, the title is well deserved.

There are three methods to qualify for RFD-TV’s The American: The top contestants in the world are invited to compete; a small number of exemptions are offered to the brightest stars in the sport; and the majority of contestants are rodeo athletes who pay an entry fee at one of the many qualifying events held across the country in the prior year. In past years, there have been nearly 4,000 entries competing

in these events, which are sponsored by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Better Barrel Races, and Ultimate Calf Roping. This group is narrowed down to 700-plus contestants for the Semi-Finals. They battle it out over a four-day period at Cowtown Coliseum in the Historic Fort Worth (Texas) Stockyards for the coveted 38 spots in The American itself. The rodeo action then moves to the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; at press time set for the weekend of March 6-7, 2021. This is where the $1 million bonus, or side pot, comes into play. Any contestant who out-ropes or out-rides the superstars of rodeo can qualify to win the bonus.

Sam Morgan displays good form as the heeler in the team roping.

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PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG

Written by: Kathy Ann Gregg

TOP PHOTOS AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY KATHY ANN GREGG, MIDDLE RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF LEANNA BILLIE, BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF KARTER JOHN KAGEL; MIDDLE LEFT PHOTO BY MIKE RASTELLI

Sam Morgan/heeler and Dawson Cantu/header Traci Ashton

Parker Carbajal

The tremendous amount of rodeo talent in Florida does the Sunshine State proud.

Leanna "Big Town" Billie

Traci Ashton and saddlemaker Joel McQuagge

Karter John Kagel F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

RODEO PROFILE

From left, rising star Amanda Coleman, who grew up in West Melbourne, poses with roping greats JJ Hampton and Kelsie Chace in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 2020.

Ashton competed in The Masters Elite Invitational breakaway roping competition in Weatherford, Texas, during the National Finals Rodeo in December. It was held in Texas in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions on events in Las Vegas. Billie is a regular at the Indian National Finals Rodeo, having qualified in the breakaway roping seven times and the team roping event two times. She competes in the

PRCA in team roping and acts as a hazer for Ivan Bruised Head in the steer wrestling event. She placed fifth in the 2016 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association standings in tie-down roping. Billie and Ashton have competed in The American Semi-Finals in recent years. The December/January 2021 issue of Florida Country Magazine introduced some of the Sunshine State youngsters who will be competing in The Junior American. They were 19 years old or under at the time of their qualifying event; a few are in their last year as “juniors.” Open Team Roping will see Karter Kagel paired with Parker Carbajal, and the longtime team roping partners of Dawson Cantu and Sam Morgan. The latter pair placed in the money in team roping at the 2019 Arcadia AllFlorida Championship Rodeo, and Cantu went on to win the coveted title of All-Around Cowboy. For The Junior American, Carbajal also qualified in tie-down roping, and Morgan will also be competing in the steer wrestling event. And of course the name Amanda Coleman is one in which Florida rodeo fans can’t help but be familiar with. Not only did she rank ninth in the world going into the first-ever National Finals Breakaway Roping competition, she won the second round, and a gold buckle, while in Arlington. Florida Country Magazine wishes the very best to all of the adult and junior competitors in this most prestigious of rodeo events. And it can be viewed on—you guessed it— RFD-TV! FCM

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA COLEMAN

Florida has two female breakaway ropers who will be at the Semi-Finals—Traci Ashton of Lorida, and Leanna “Big Town” Billie of the Brighton Seminole Reservation, located near Okeechobee. (Ashton was featured in the February/ March 2020 issue of Florida Country Magazine, under her maiden name of Bailey.)

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PICTURE PERFECT

Photo by: Renata Keeling

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IN THE WOODS OR ON THE WATER

enata Keeling, of Pinetta, Florida, in Madison County, used her Canon 5D Mark IV camera to take this photograph while in the neighboring city and county seat of Madison. The image is of JD Peavy and his dog, “Duke.” Keeling says, “JD loves hunting and the outdoors. While most days you’ll find him in the woods or on the water somewhere, this particular morning was all about capturing JD’s senior photos. JD will graduate from Madison County High School this upcoming year.”

SCOUTING PARTY

P Photo by: John Carney

ort Charlotte, Florida, resident John Carney took this photo with a Canon EOS 80D at Tippecanoe Environmental Park in his home town. He says, “This was my second attempt trying to find Florida scrub jays. Well, they found me. Out of nowhere, seven jays surrounded me. They checked me out for about five minutes and vanished as quickly as they appeared. They were a scouting party, and I wasn't that interesting. Photography has become our last best hope of showing future generations what the natural world is supposed to look like. It may be too late.”

GOD’S TRUE BEAUTY

J Photo by: Jim Harvey

im and Celeste Harvey live in Okeechobee, Florida, and Jim used an iPhone SE to shoot this image on family land. Son Eli is 7 years old and, Celeste explains, “He’s been working cows since he was 3, with his dad. Eli is very interested in the Florida Cracker way of life and being a cowboy. This picture means so much to me because it truly shows a young boy following the footsteps of his father and past generations of cowboys. Many people don't realize how hard cowboys work and what they do daily to support their families. This shows God's true beauty, especially since there’s no editing and it was taken with a cowboy's iPhone. Long live cowboys!”

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

n iPhone 6s came in handy for Andrea Parson when she was in her backyard in Myakka City, Florida, in Manatee County. And Parson tells the back story: “This is Melinda.’ She is an 18-year-old Piedmontese cow, pictured with her Piedmontese bull calf ‘Mr. Myakka.’ We raise this breed of cattle and love the beef. ‘Melinda’ is re-bred for a 2021 calf. I love photography as a way of documenting farm life. God Bless America!” Photo by: Andrea Parson/ Acorn Hollow Farms F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

PICTURE PERFECT LITTLE TIME TO WASTE!

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his image was captured on a foggy Florida morning at Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka, in Gulf County, Florida, with little time to waste!” notes Jessica Page. She lives in nearby Altha, in Calhoun County, and shot the photo with a Canon 2000D and Sigma 17-50mm lens. Page adds, “Photography is my escape from reality—losing sense of time and portraying what makes Florida so beautiful. It is my way of displaying how I see our beauteous Florida country!”

Photo by: Jessica Page

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Photo by: Danielle Avera/ Danielle Avera Photography

Photo by: Josi Sellars

‘COMBINING MY PASSIONS’

anielle Avera employed her Nikon D3200 and Nikon 50mm 1.4D lens to take this image on the family farm, Avera Quarter Horses, in Lake County’s Groveland, Florida. She says, “This is a shot of our AQHA show mare, ‘Lucy’ (‘Born To Be Financed’) and her new baby ‘Ellie’ (‘Born To Be Kissed’).” Avera continues, “Picking up my camera yet again to take shots of one of my main loves, horses. That comes in a close second to my daughter, Ainsley, who loves to take pictures like Mommy does. With having the horses and my daughter, I was able to really find my heart in photography, combining my passions into a business.”

A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN OUT WEST

osi Sellars notes, “This photo was taken on my father's cow lease in Inverness” in Citrus County, Florida. Sellars, a resident of Leesburg, in Lake County, captured it with her iPhone 8. She adds, “This has always been my favorite lease because of the swampy Florida terrain. We love to capture what it looks like to be a Florida cowboy for our apparel business, Cracker and Cur—and to show the world that cowboys exist down here and that it looks a little different than it does out West.” F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

THE RANCH

FAMILY-OWNED DAIRY GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY OWNER DALE MCCLELLAN HAD ‘MILK IN HIS BLOOD’ FROM A YOUNG AGE Written by: Dave Kelly

M&B Dairy is a classic example of the family-owned Florida dairy. In addition to using local sustainable resources, the business features products that are consumed in our schools and also gives time and knowledge to children in our communities. M&B Dairy is really two locations: The dairy farm itself, with more than 650 head of cattle on a 325-acre site, is located in Lecanto, in Citrus County. M&B Products processing plant is in the original dairy farm location on 200 acres in Temple Terrace, in Hillsborough County. Owner Dale McClellan’s journey to today’s successful operation has taken him and his family through years of ups and downs, all the while leaning toward community engagement. He was born and raised on Sunny Brook Dairy, the original name of the farm in Temple Terrace, which was owned and operated by his grandparents, the Lovelace family. M&B Dairy was founded in the 1950s and it furnished milk the old-fashioned way—in individually-capped glass bottles. It supplied products to regional companies such as the

Tampa-based Kash n’ Karry Food Stores, Inc. McClellan had “milk in his blood” from a young age, so when Sunny Brook Dairy struggled financially in 1977, he stepped in and started his own dairy on the land with 500 cows that had been his grandparents’ herd. After years of work and preparation, he reopened the plant as M&B Products in 1987, and in 2003 he moved the cattle to the new location in Lecanto. At the time, M&B focused on juice items and schools—a smart decision that would pave the way for the future success of the dairy. Milk packaging started in 2006 for Gustafson Dairy, with the bulk of these products set aside for state schools. These days, the herd is kept in a special barn at the Lecanto location, with temperature control to ensure comfort. Each individual cow is fed a nutrient-rich diet three times a day and consumes about 110 pounds of it. The feed consists of hominy, citrus pulp, cotton seeds, distiller’s grain from the beer industry, and soybean meal. About 40 to 50 gallons of fresh water for each cow washes it all down. In between feedings, individual cows relax on specially imported clean beach sand that keeps them extra cool in the summertime. M&B Dairy is currently milking about 650 head of cattle

M&B DAIRY is a classic example of the family-owned Florida dairy. In addition to using local sustainable resources, the business features products that are consumed in our schools, and also gives time and knowledge to children in our communities. Strawberry-flavored milk adds variety to school lunches.

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PHOTO BY DAVE KELLY

f you live in Florida, you know that we share our state with cows. Brown cows. Black cows. Cows of every color. When most of us think of cows, we think of cattle drives and steak—and may not realize that the Sunshine State has more than 200 dairy farms as well.

MIDDLE PHOTOS BY DAVE KELLY; OTHER PHOTOS COURTESY OF DALE MCCLELLAN

Above, circa-1960 photos of Sunny Brook Dairy employee and milk tanker; and Dale's grandfather, Earl Lovelace. Middle from left, tanks hold raw milk from other Florida dairies; tag identifies product during homogenization; Leon McClellan with newborn calf. Below, Dale's mother, LaVelle McClellan, at 1950s Founders Day celebration; Sunny Brook racer Dick Pratt.

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THE RANCH

PHOTOS BY DAVE KELLY

Clockwise from left, up to 20 cows can be milked at the same time; a sophisticated pipe system keeps milk products cold during homogenization; pints of milk being packaged in bulk.

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each day, three times a day, every day of the week. Each cow produces about 85 pounds of milk daily, which is approximately 10 gallons. Exiting the cows at a warm 101 degrees, the milk is routed into cooling pipes that feed 6,000-gallon tanks, which fill up about every 18 hours. When the tanks are full, the milk is sent to the Temple Terrace location. There it is pasteurized, homogenized and often flavored with chocolate or strawberry. It is then packaged for schools as far away as Seattle. The production plant gets a large tanker of milk each day from its own dairy, and an additional seven to nine tankers from other Florida dairies, enabling the processing of more than 35,000 gallons of milk each day. Then, early each morning, M&B’s fleet of more than 50 trucks hits the road to distribute their fresh goodness. The McClellan family is proud of its implementation of a sustainable culture at both the cattle farm and the processing plant. The housing barn is flushed three times a day, washing waste down into a concrete-lined holding tank. This potential sewer water, as well as wastewater at the processing plant that has a special federal permit, is denitrified and used to water and fertilize the fields, thereby saving millions of gallons in sewer water annually. Additionally, the solid waste that has been separated from the wastewater is sold to fertilizer companies to be reused

in other Florida fields. “Reduce, reuse and recycle” is not just a slogan—it’s a way of life on the farms. The McClellans have spent countless hours giving back to the local agricultural community. Every year, Dale McClellan’s son Leon takes pregnant cows that are ready to give birth to the Florida State Fair in Tampa. There they participate in the “Moo-ternity” program, which is an instructional hands-on experience that allows the cows to give birth in a theater for spectators to learn from. Additionally, each year the family donates calves to youths in local 4-H programs. These hardworking 4-H’ers raise their calves during the spring and summer months. The youths then sell their calves at auction, garnering money for an agriculture-based education and valuable life experience. The dairy even has a mascot named “Buffy the Cow.” The mascot helps “Farmer Dale” explain to children that, while dairy products may be bought in a grocery store, they all originate on farms and come from cows such as “Buffy.” On its website, the dairy’s “Kids Room” offers educational coloring pages that can be downloaded. With a growing list of school contracts, first-class production facilities and a deep-rooted commitment to their local community, McClellan family members are proving that investing in Florida’s agricultural growth is a great service to all. FCM

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THE RANCH

CHILDHOOD DREAM BECOMES A REALITY—AT LAST BROOKSVILLE-BASED CATTLE RANCH BRINGS JOY EVERY DAY TO BOB KINYON JR.

Written by: Ava Grace

hen Robert “Bob” Kinyon Jr. was growing up in Lutz, Florida, about 15 miles north of Tampa, he was involved in Future Farmers of America—raising cows and hogs and showing them at the Florida State Fair. That early experience started his love of ranching, and he hoped to own a ranch one day.

“It was something that brought me joy inside and took me to my ‘happy place,’ so to speak,” Kinyon explains. He was also inspired by his hard-working, blue-collar entrepreneur father, Robert “Bob” Kinyon Sr., who showed his family members the importance of pursuing their goals and dreams. The younger Kinyon joined the military; after getting out, he moved to Wesley Chapel in Pasco County and became a firefighter with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. He later married his wife, Lindsay, and they stayed busy raising their two boys. However, in July of 2018, life as he knew it changed. Kinyon’s father, who he describes as his “idol, mentor and best friend,” passed away. “I realized then that life is short, and I needed to go after my dreams and make them a reality,” Kinyon says. And that’s exactly what he and his family did. In June of 2019, the Kinyons sold their home in Wesley Chapel and bought a house with about 10 acres in Brooksville, in Hernando County. “Both the house and the land needed some serious attention but had loads of potential,” notes Kinyon. He managed to garner some help from a good friend, James Miley, who volunteered to bring his tractor and brush hog. Kinyon also purchased a tractor with attachments—and they got to work.

The Kinyons’ two sons, Mason and Justin, help with all duties. “The boys get up every morning and make sure that all of the cattle have feed, there’s hay in the pastures, the water troughs are kept clean, the automatic watering systems are fully functioning, and we all round up the cattle as needed.”

Bob Kinyon Jr. raises Hereford, Angus and Charolais cattle at his Brooksville-based ranch. There are now 12 head of beef cattle, and two heifers and two cows were soon expected to calf out.

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF KINYON’S CATTLE RANCH

“Miley, my two sons and I went to work dropping fence posts and running redtop cattle fence, creating the pastures to start putting cattle on,” Kinyon says. There are now 12 head of beef cattle, and two heifers and two cows were soon expected to calf out. The breeds are Hereford, Angus and Charolais.

Lindsay and Bob are above left and below; above right are sons Mason Greenstein and Justin Kinyon. Bob says, "The boys get up every morning and make sure that all of the cattle have feed, there's hay in the pastures, the water troughs are kept clean, the automatic watering systems are fully functioning, and we all round up the cattle as needed."

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THE RANCH Kinyon’s Cattle Ranch, named in honor of Robert “Bob” Kinyon Sr., brings joy to the rancher every day. That’s because he gets to work with cattle, teach his two boys—and show them a life that not all young men get to experience.

Shirts, hats and other merchandise sporting the Kinyon's Cattle Ranch logo are available for sale.

The Kinyons have been connecting with other central Florida cattle ranchers, who guide them on their goal to expand the ranch and market their beef in the near future. They are also branching out by selling shirts, hats and other merchandise that sport the Kinyon’s Cattle Ranch logo. Currently, the items are sold at the Remington Outpost Western Outfitters store in Brooksville. “My advice to anyone that has a dream that they truly want to achieve is to never let go of it. They should work as hard as they can to make that dream a reality,” says Kinyon. He remains employed full time as a firefighter with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and plans to do so until he retires. FCM

ROUNDUP

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KINYON’S CATTLE RANCH

Kinyon’s Cattle Ranch 813-838-1096, kcranchfl@yahoo.com facebook.com/KCRanchFL/

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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS

GULF HAMMOCK FISHING CLUB THE PLACE TO GO TO HEAR STORIES AND CREATE SOME NEW ONES

ulf Hammock is not a city. It’s not even a town. It’s a state of mind. And it’s in our backyard.

the “Old Florida” feel of its accommodations. We knew it was the place to go to hear stories and create some new ones.

Tucked in between Cedar Key to the west and Yankeetown to the south, the Gulf Hammock area includes Waccasassa Bay, Waccasassa Bay State Preserve and much of the southwest corner of Florida’s Levy County. Points on a map do not do justice to the feel, attitude and history that make Gulf Hammock a unique community anyway. But some things do …

Gulf Hammock Fishing Club has all the amenities you would expect for a weekend or weeklong excursion. Club owner Dale McClellan has packed the on-site store with tackle, bait, ice, fuel and snacks for your fishing trip, and it is conveniently located right at the boat ramp. Each available motel room features a private bath and a kitchenette for cooking up the day’s catch, and two additional interconnecting apartments above the lodge can be rented to accommodate larger parties. There is a spacious newly remodeled pavilion—complete with full kitchen for family or company gatherings—that is free to use during your stay.

Such as Gulf Hammock Fishing Club. Nestled up to the slow-moving Waccasassa River, and with its own private boat launch, this members-only throwback club harkens to a time when the world moved more slowly. Tales abound of the huge, hungry redfish population; shallow still backwaters that welcome airboats above other marine vessels;

The property has covered RV sites with full hookups available as well. All the room spaces and RV sites

THE SHALLOW SILTY BOTTOM IN THE AREA MIGHT BE TOUGH ON BOATS AND SWIMMERS, BUT IT’S GREAT FOR TWO THINGS—OYSTERS AND FISH. WITHIN A COUPLE HOURS, OUR BOAT HAD CAUGHT ITS LIMIT OF REDFISH AND WE WERE ON TO SEA TROUT. Tales abound of the huge, hungry redfish population.

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PHOTOS OPPOSITE PAGE BY DAVE KELLY

Written by: Dave Kelly

Clockwise from left, driftwood is abundant in Waccasassa Bay State Preserve; fishermen meet up at the "Liar's Circle" at days end to swap tall tales; the Gulf Hammock Fishing Club lodge; fresh catch of the day; and guided fishing with Capt. Gene Babbitt.

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FLORIDA EXCURSIONS

CAPT. PAT BABBITT’S FAMILY HAS BEEN IN THE GULF HAMMOCK AREA SINCE THE LATE 1800S, AND EVERYTHING SHE DOES— REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE—REFLECTS HER FAMILY’S COMMITMENT TO KEEPING THE AREA PRISTINE.

Folks are welcomed to Gulf Hammock Fishing Club by joining as a member in one of four tiers: Family, Group, Small Corporate, and Large Corporate. Additionally, all membership packages allow for guests, which is a great way to expose new people to the club’s laid-back atmosphere. Annual membership dues start as low as $900 for an entire family. Given the gated privacy of the property, access to the private boat launch and docks, and the unhurried and unspoiled nature of the area, it is an investment in your mental health and well-being, for sure. We arrived at Gulf Hammock Fishing Club in the late afternoon, just in time for Capt. Pat Babbitt of Waccasassa Fishing Charters to prepare us a special “Old Florida” dinner. Her family has been in the Gulf Hammock area since the late 1800s, and everything she does—reduce, reuse and recycle—reflects her family’s commitment to keeping the area pristine.

After chopping it fine, Pat added bacon, sugar and a little seasoning, boiled it right up and served it along with dinner. We ate our fill, topped it off with a few brews and hit the sack early, ready to greet the sunrise and chase those redfish. At 7 a.m., we were met at the boat launch by Pat’s husband, Capt. Gene Babbitt, and his airboat. Gene has decades of experience in rural Florida, including owning the Ocala Livestock Auction, as well as years on Florida waters and on Waccasassa Bay. We set out from the launch and headed to the bay, all the while watching the mist rise from the warm river water into the cool morning air. As the sun rose and we made our way into the backwaters and to Gene’s secret fishing holes, we noticed that the few other boats on the water were also airboats. We tossed out anchor and asked Gene about this. He told us that in the Waccasassa Bay area from Gulf Hammock to Cedar Key, the Florida coastline runs east to west. Currents in the Gulf of Mexico that have flowed north for thousands of years have pushed silt and sand up into the estuary, making the bay extremely shallow, especially at low tide.

In addition to providing slow-cooked BBQ ribs and twicebaked potatoes, Pat showed us how to make swamp cabbage, a classic “Old Florida” favorite. Starting with a hatchet and a cabbage palm tree, she cut the heart of palm out of the trunk, then slowly whittled off the exterior bark until she exposed the sweet moist center of the tree.

But for all the dangers that might afford a boat with a deeper draft, the airboats avoid any issues by running virtually on top of the water. In fact, many boaters simply run their airboats onto the marsh grasses to traverse the area.

ROUNDUP Gulf Hammock Fishing Club P.O. Box 242 Gulf Hammock, Florida 352-486-6380, gulfhammockfishingclub.com gulfhammockfishingclub@gmail.com

No problem for Gene. He took us to a different place every half hour or so, where we tossed in lines and dragged out more fish. At noon we headed back to Gulf Hammock Fishing Club with a full cooler of fish to prepare for another delicious dinner—this one with fresh catch of the day. We filleted our catch at the screened-in fish cleaning station, then met up with Pat, who whipped us up some fried redfish and sea trout, and homemade hush puppies and greens.

Waccasassa Fishing Charters P.O. Box 208 Gulf Hammock, Florida 352-342-0313, waccasassafishingcharters.com

If you are someone who likes your outdoor Florida lifestyle with friends and family close to the water, safe and secure, and all in a private and serene setting, treat yourself by checking out Gulf Hammock Fishing Club. FCM

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The shallow silty bottom in the area might be tough on boats and swimmers, but it’s great for two things—oysters and fish. Within a couple hours, our boat had caught its limit of redfish and we were on to sea trout.

PHOTO THIS PAGE: BY DAVE KELLY; PHOTOS OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF GULF HAMMOCK FISHING CLUB; ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY DAVE KELLY

are just steps from the central “Liars Circle” area, where weary anglers congregate at the end of the day to see who can tell the taller tale of the day’s success.

At left, Capt. Pat Babbitt squeezes out her homemade hush puppies. Photo here is from the 1960s, showing airboats at Gulf Hammock.

In photos above, Capt. Pat whittles down to the heart of the palm for her swamp cabbage and then carves it up. Below left is the Babbitts' airboat. Below right, writer Dave Kelly shows off his morning catch.

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STUNNING 126-ACRE RANCH IN BROOKSVILLE

BRING YOUR ANIMALS AND ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES!

very day, more and more out-of-staters are moving to Florida from around the country, eager to become residents of the Sunshine State. For those folks or for people who are already living here, a rare opportunity has come on the market—the chance to purchase a stunning 126-acre ranch. It is located in the highly sought-after area of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, on the north side of Ayers Road in the city of Brooksville, which is the Hernando County seat. The two-story executive-style home’s generous floorplan encompasses more than 4,200 square feet. There are three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms and a three-car garage. The

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house features three HVAC systems, Andersen windows and doors, vinyl siding, a metal roof and wrap-around porch. Foodies will love the gourmet kitchen, which has granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. There is a grand master suite with a “resort-style bathroom” and the home offers hardwood flooring, 12 -foot ceilings throughout and a wood-burning gas-starter fireplace. The second floor presents “tons of opportunities”—because it has an open 1,800-square-foot flex space and a large bathroom. The property boasts a 3,500-square-foot center-aisle fivestall horse barn with a combination tack and feed and tool

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES

THE HOMESTEAD

Clockwise from top left are the home's master bedroom, 2,400-square-foot pole barn with recreational vehicle hookup, front entrance and wraparound porch, aerial view of the 126-acre property, and the open living room and gourmet kitchen.

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THE HOMESTEAD

Clockwise from top left are the home's "resort-style" master bathroom, aerial shot of the property's barns and round pen, long view of the kitchen, the 3,500-squarefoot horse barn, and part of the second floor's 1,800-square-foot flex space.

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MULTIPLE PONDS DOT THE ACREAGE, AND THE FENCING IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND SET UP FOR A CATTLE AND/OR EQUESTRIAN OPERATION. IT IS PERFECT FOR RANCHERS AND/OR SPORTING ENTHUSIASTS WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO TRULY ENJOY FLORIDA COUNTRY LIVING.

PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF FLORIDA CRACKER PROPERTIES

room. There is a large covered workshop and additional 2,400-square-foot pole barn with recreational vehicle hookup. The 20-foot-by-17-foot pole barn is perfect for family cookouts. There are new cow pens and shoots, and a round pen. Multiple ponds dot the acreage, and the fencing is in good condition and set up for a cattle and/or equestrian operation. This property is perfect for ranchers and/or sporting enthusiasts who are looking for a place to truly enjoy Florida country living.

Bring your animals and all-terrain vehicles! Come enjoy the seclusion while watching deer and turkey as you relax on the porch. The ideal location has access to the Veterans Expressway and Suncoast Parkway, to U.S. Route 41 and to Interstate 75. This listing is offered by Erica Sumner, owner/broker of Florida Cracker Properties (floridacrackerproperties. com), 962 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville, Florida. Contact her at 352-345-8151 or 352-397-9075, or email erica@ flacracker.com. FCM

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MY BEST FRIEND Florida Country Magazine runs a “My Best Friend” contest on Facebook every other month, for each issue of the magazine.

Jessica Knauf of Jacksonville, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Aladdin Best Friend’s Breed: Black Mouth Cur Aladdin meant the world to me. He walked me down the aisle during my wedding in 2018. He was my best friend for 13 years. I had him before I met my husband and we all became the perfect family. He loved the country life in so many ways. Aladdin enjoyed long hikes, riding the side-by-side and lying in the sun. He was my protector, the best cuddle buddy, the love of my life—but most importantly, my best friend.

Tricia Lynn Glotfelty of Hudson, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Painted Forest Lance Best Friend’s Breed: North American Premium Spotted Draft This horse came into my life at a time where I was very depressed and very sick and he literally saved my life. This sweet, goofy loving boy greets me every day with nickers right before breakfast, puts on a show whenever we’re driving or riding and brings joy to everyone he meets. He saved my life in more ways than one and continues to do so every day. He is my reason for living.

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3 3

Danielle Avera of Groveland, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Ellie May Best Friend’s Breed: Pony My daughter, Ainsley, loves horses and animals in general. Normally she is around our horses, which are much larger than a pony. This pony is owned by a friend of ours—who brought the pony over for Ainsley to play with. She fell in love with Ellie May, could not get over that the pony was just her size, and talks non-stop about her. Ellie May loves kids. So, needless to say, they hit it off pretty well! I have a feeling they are going to be quite close in the near future, wink-wink!

Michelle Holland of Crescent City, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Stretch Best Friend’s Breed: Rat Terrier Stretch, my standard Rat Terrier, has been my sidekick, fishing/traveling/hiking companion and my very best friend for over 13 years. We lived on a boat for seven years and he would eat fresh, raw whole bream every day, which I caught for him. Recently, we’ve traveled crosscountry—van camping for several months at a time. In this photo, he’s waiting for me to catch his meal.

Libby Grimm and Norm Zeigler of Sanibel Island, Florida Best Friend’s Name: Mocha Best Friend’s Breed: Labrador retriever Four-year-old Mocha is quite a character. Like so many Labs, she’ll probably act like a puppy forever. Even before COVID-19, she loved retrieving Kleenex—the more used, the better—from trash cans. This isn’t Photoshopped but it looks like she smokes! Mocha was tough to train, especially as she was a singleton

5 and missed out on having siblings. The year 2020 ended more dreadfully than we could have imagined: She chased our outdoor cat and was stabbed by the corner of an open awning window. During Christmas week, every day was spent at the vet’s. The New Year started off with her staples being removed; miracle of miracles, this dear girl is going to make it. Now we say if she wants to smoke, let her smoke, LOL!

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MEET ADRIAN BRANNAN OUR INTERVIEW: ‘BUCKAROOGIRL’ WANTS TO ‘MAKE AMERICA COWBOY AGAIN,’ GIVE 110% EVERY DAY

lorida Country Magazine writer Katey McClenny interviewed singer-songwriter Adrian “Buckaroogirl” Brannan. A bubbly blond woman known for her infectious laugh and “Dear Cowgirl” social media posts, Brannan is a singer-songwriter, author, speaker, brand creator and former bronc rider who draws inspiration for her songs from her ranching roots. Brannan’s startlingly beautiful voice is full of power, raw emotion, soul and grit. She has been touring since age 14, completing her schooling on the road from hotel rooms and the back of a truck. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was typically traveling at least 200 days out of the year. “I started off making music for cowboys, ranchers and people in agriculture,” she explains. Brannan would play at rodeos, Cattlemen’s Association meetings and Cowboy Poetry events. “I did it because I loved the people,” she continues. Brannan doesn’t just sing about cowboying—she’s lived it.

Adrian Brannan

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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY KALLIE NEWMAN

STARS & GUITARS presented by

BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HIT, BRANNAN WAS TYPICALLY TRAVELING AT LEAST 200 DAYS OUT OF THE YEAR. SHE WOULD PLAY AT RODEOS, CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEETINGS AND COWBOY POETRY EVENTS. Originally from the deserts of California, her father was a saddle maker and she cowboyed on ranches in Nevada with her family. Brannan has a strong passion for agriculture and ranching and a desire to share that heritage through her music.

Hall of Fame and champion bronc and rodeo rider in the early decades of the 1900s, inspired Brannan to start. After a few falls and injuries, however, Brannan decided to stop competing—to be able to focus more on her music—with no broken bones.

Her entire family is involved in agriculture, and Brannan explains that some of her best memories are day working with her sister, Liz. California is very similar to Florida in that many people are unaware of the enormous agricultural presence in the state.

Brannan has relocated to Texas and is currently working on her fifth album and second book. Her most recent album, Desert Dwelling Mama, won the Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Museum, and it hit the Top 5 on iTunes and Top 10 on the Billboard charts.

“When people think of California, they think of Hollywood and LA. When I think of California, I think of the bull sale and cattle,” she says, laughing.

“I was blown away,” she says, “But I think my next album is going to surprise people!”

At first glance, you may not believe she was also a successful bronc rider as well. She rodeoed across the West, one of very few women to compete in the event. Vera McGinnis, a member of the National Cowgirl Museum and

Brannan has become known for her “Dear Cowgirl” blog posts at buckaroogirl.com, on Instagram and on other social media. The posts led to her first book, also titled Dear Cowgirl. A survivor of domestic abuse, Brannan has chosen to boldly speak out about that and other tough subjects,

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STARS & GUITARS and has given such talks throughout the nation. Brannan’s “Dear Cowgirl” posts, which feature a cowgirl photograph with a few sentences of encouragement and inspiration, were inspired by her coming out about being abused. She explains that people began to message her—asking for advice and help in similar situations—so she then felt compelled to share her encouragement with the world. “This thing called life is difficult and we only get one of them. I almost lost that chance and I do not take it for granted,” Brannan says firmly. “I want anyone who feels alone to know they have someone who gets it. I really just don’t want anyone to ever feel like they’re alone,” she continues. Her second book will be similar to the first. It will feature poems, resources and hotline information. Brannan has also created the trademarked “Make America Cowboy Again” brand, and her website shop often quickly sells out of the hats, T-shirts, stickers and more. “I want to give 110 percent every single day. My goal is to go to bed at night as exhausted as possible because I have used every ounce of energy that God has given me,” she states.

PHOTO BY KALLIE NEWMAN

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, her 2021 tour dates have not yet been scheduled. But Brannan hopes to get back on the road again soon—speaking, singing, and sharing her voice with the world. FCM

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35 ACRE HORSE RANCH & HOME WITH 3 BARNS & 4 PONDS

SOLD 4 BEDS • 4 BATHS • 2,700 SQ.FT. • 35 ACRES 35 Acre Equestrian Ranch in the heart of Buckingham. Home includes beautiful pool heated jacuzzi, cedar sauna, granite kitchen countertops, aluminum galvalume metal roof, wood floors etc. It also has a new mother-in-law guest quarters. Property has a detached 6 metal roof barn. Equestrian facility has a lighted arena for training and competitions. Two horse barns with stalls for 10 horses. Two tack rooms and a feed house. Long equipment list included is R.0. water system, 25 KW generator, solar heated Insta Hot and a nice Ford tractor. 5 separate cross fenced pastures for cattle and horses. If you and your family want a beautiful Ag property for an excellent price, schedule a showing. You will not be disappointed with the value. REDUCED TO $850,000

Re/Max Hall Of Fame Sales Award • Platinum Sales Award Re/Max Leaders & Legends Publication • Chairman Sales Award

IF YOU WANT IT SOLD • 239-872-7653 Darius Cochran OWNER AGENT

DariusLCochran@gmail.com DariusCochran@aol.com

www.DariusCochran.com

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WE SELL LAND

$2,900,000 CHARLOTTE COUNTY 30 ACRES AT CORNER OF I-75 & HWY 17 SOLD $2,750,000 FORT MYERS 4 ACRES AT COLONIAL BLVD $1,950,000 FORT MYERS 11 ACRES AT I-75 AT BAYSHORE RD SOLD $1,900,000 FORT LAUDERDALE 2 ACRES AT HWY 7 (441) $1,525,000 FORT MYERS 2.5 ACRES @ N. 41 AT SUPER WALMART $1,500,000 ALVA 55 ACRES ON PALM BEACH BLVD AT COUNTY LINE $1,325,000 FORT MYERS 5 ACRES AT N.41 & JUDD RD BY SUPER WALMART SOLD $990,000 BUCKINGHAM 47 ACRES AG-2 BUCKINGHAM RD $990,000 LABELLE 35 ACRES PALM BEACH BLVD (HWY 80) $899,000 FORT MYERS 35 ACRES EQUESTRIAN FACILITY & HOME SOLD $890,000 BUCKINGHAM 25 ACRES AG-2 BUCKINGHAM RD $890,000 FORT MYERS 2.5 ACRES I-75 AT BAYSHORE RD (78) $890,000 FORT MYERS 4 + ACRES 9481 BAYSHORE SOLD $850,000 FORT MYERS 35 ACRES EQUESTRIAN FACILITY & HOME SOLD $800,000 FORT MYERS 2.3 ACRES METRO PKWY $598,000 FORT MYERS 20 ACRES PALM BEACH BLVD (HWY 80) $595,000 FORT MYERS 1.3 ACRES CPD I-75 AT BAYSHORE RD $495,000 FORT MYERS 1.25 ACRES C1-A I-75 AT BAYSHORE RD SOLD $349,000 FORT MYERS 32 ACRES at 6780 CHIPPER LN PUNTA GORDA 23 ACRES 15810 HUGHES BLACK RD OFF BABCOCK RANCH RD SOLD $300,000 SOLD $269,000 ALVA 10 ACRES20301 LANGFORD RD $195,000 ALVA LUXURY HOME SITE 18511 TELEGRAPH CREEK LN $89,000 ALVA 2 ACRES AG-2 ON HWY 80

Re/Max Hall Of Fame Sales Award • Platinum Sales Award Re/Max Leaders & Legends Publication • Chairman Sales Award

IF YOU WANT IT SOLD • 239-872-7653 Darius Cochran OWNER AGENT

DariusLCochran@gmail.com DariusCochran@aol.com

www.DariusCochran.com

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ACROSS 1 5 9 10 13 14 16 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 29 31

“Bucking” horse Type of horse Keep score Relaxes the reins, for example Area of land Buddy Motherless calf Compass point Chute ___ Precious stone Drivers’ license, e.g. Teacher’s assistant, for short Barrel ____ Like healthy horse coats For example, abbr. Austrian horse breed

with chestnut coat 34 Needle 36 Track of a wild animal 37 Converts food

DOWN

HIDDEN WORD

2 Bucking horses and bulls 3 Happens when contestant doesn’t catch or handle stock correctly, 2 words 4 Wise bird 5 Loving sound 6 Staggered 7 Beatles’ nostalgic song 8 Be in a cast 11 John Lennon’s wife 12 Negative response 15 Finish, with “up” 16 Count carbs, perhaps 17 Command to a horse 19 Flowery spots 21 Zodiac sign 22 “___ true!” 23 Secure, as s ship 27 Stretched out 28 Long narratives 30 Break 32 Passing popular phase 33 NFL positions, abbr. 35 Approval

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THE CULINARY CRACKER

WHIPPING IT UP IN YOUR KITCHEN Every issue of Florida Country Magazine is filled with easy, delicious and seasonal recipes you’ll want to make again and again. INGREDIENTS 4 medium zucchinis 1 cup salsa 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup onion, chopped 1 pound ground beef 2 tablespoons taco seasoning 1 cup cauliflower rice 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup shredded cheddar ¼ cup cilantro, chopped ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, diced

TACO-CHINI BOATS Serves 8

PREPARATION Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Trim ends and halve each zucchini lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out flesh of zucchini, putting in a bowl for later use. Reserve 1 cup from center of zucchini and give it a rough chop, to use later in the filling. Add a thin layer of salsa to the bottom of a baking dish and place zucchini boats on top. In large non-stick skillet, heat oil. Once it is hot, add in onion and pinch of salt. Once onion is translucent, push to the side and add ground beef. Add taco seasoning. Stir and crumble ground beef mixture. Add cauliflower rice, garlic, bell pepper and chopped zucchini. Add a little more salt and pepper and stir. Pour in remaining salsa, stir and simmer 5 to 10 minutes. Turn off heat and cool. Divide mixture evenly among zucchini boat halves. Sprinkle each half with shredded cheddar. Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes or until cheddar has melted and zucchini is tender. Top with fresh tomatoes and cilantro.

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INGREDIENTS directions 12-ounce box jumbo pasta shells, cooked to 1½ pounds ground beef 4 cups fresh spinach 3 cups marinara sauce 1 cup shredded Parmesan 2 cups shredded mozzarella 15 ounces ricotta 1 cup diced onions 4 teaspoons minced garlic 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning 2 eggs, slightly beaten Salt and pepper to taste PREPARATION rn to pan. In pan, brown ground beef and drain. Retu ning seaso Sauté onions, garlic, spinach and Italian place n, Drai in pan with cooked beef for 3 minutes. 375 to oven in medium bowl and set aside. Preheat ing cook with degrees F. Coat 9x13-inch baking dish . nara mari of spray. Cover bottom of dish with half , eggs , Place ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan Stir to salt and pepper in bowl with meat mixture. ure. mixt se combine. Fill shells with meat and chee ining rema n Place closely together in baking dish. Spoo lla zare moz of marinara over shells and sprinkle rest minutes. over that. Cover dish with foil, bake 35 to 45 Remove foil, bake 10 more minutes.

BEEF-AND-SPINACH STUFFED SHELLS Serves 4 to 6

INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground pork sausage 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded Parmesan 1 pound large fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded

SAUSAGESTUFFED JALAPEÑOS Serves 12

PREPARATION Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly brown. Drain grease. In a bowl, mix sausage, cream cheese and Parmesan. Spoon 1 tablespoon sausage mixture into each jalapeño half. Arrange stuffed halves in baking dishes. Bake 20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned. F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

THE CULINARY CRACKER INGREDIENTS ½ cup water ¼ cup uncooked white rice 6 cabbage leaves ¾ pound lean ground beef n 3 tablespoons and ½ teaspoon chopped onio ¾ egg, slightly beaten ¾ teaspoon salt ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper ¾ can condensed tomato soup PREPARATION Add In medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. for 20 er rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simm water to d salte minutes. Bring wide saucepan of lightly until tes, minu a boil. Add cabbage leaves. Cook 2 to 4 bine com l, softened. Drain. In medium mixing bow er and 2 ground beef, cooked rice, onion, egg, salt, pepp de beef Divi ly. tablespoons tomato soup. Mix thorough secure and mixture evenly among cabbage leaves. Roll in rolls age them with toothpicks or string. Put cabb g inin rema large skillet, cook on medium heat. Pour uce Red boil. soup over the top. Cover and bring to a ing and heat to low. Simmer about 40 minutes, stirr basting often with the liquid.

ARMADILLO EGGS Yields 6

CABBAGE ROLLS Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1 pound pork sausage 12 slices bacon es removed 6 jalapeños with tops, seeds, cor d ene soft , 4 ounces cream cheese 4 ounces shredded cheddar in spice aisle) 2 tablespoons sweet rub (find 1 cup BBQ sauce PREPARATION In medium bowl, combine Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. et rub. Spoon some of mixcream cheese, cheddar and swe k of spoon to press filling ture into each jalapeño. Use bac Wrap and entirely cover completely into each jalapeño. ll jalapeños back and forth each jalapeño with sausage. Ro armadillo egg with 2 pieces of into an egg shape. Wrap each toothpicks. Arrange armadilbacon. If needed, secure with a single layer. Bake 30 minlo eggs on lined baking sheet in wned and bacon is desired utes, until sausage is evenly bro sheet. Place on serving crispiness. Remove from baking serve. dish, brush with BBQ sauce and

F LO R I D A C O U NTRY Fe b r u a r y | M a r ch 2 0 2 1

F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M

F LO R I D A C O U NTRY Fe b r u a r y | M a r ch 2 0 2 1

F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M