Heartland Magazine April 2015 by Heartland Magazine

APR 2015

ANNUAL GREEN ISSUE:

Green Florida Farming

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Since 1972 Still Family Owned and Operated * $0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of new Kubota equipment (excluding T, GR, G, F, Z100, ZG100 & VS Series) is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 3/31/2015. Example: A 48-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 48 payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 3/31/2015. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. KDCA-14-CreelTractorMag-1

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

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Lake Placid Feed & Western Wear 417 US Hwy 27 South Lake Placid, Fl. 33852 863-465-4731 Website: flfencepost.com

April 2015

Email: sales@flfencepost.com

Heartland InTheField Magazine

APR 2015

April Features 26

Aloe Organics

By Dixie Thomas

Big Lake Organics

By Robbi Sumner

Southern Fresh Farms

By Brady Vogt

38 Florida’s New Crop?

By Levi Lambert

Florida Sweet Peaches

By Dixie Thomas

Patty’s Pickin

By Cindy Cutright

County Fair Updates

• Charlotte County Fair

• St. Lucie County Fair

• Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show

87th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

By Kathy Gregg

Florida Southwestern State College

Athletic Department

By Brady Vogt

Departments

SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report

By Captain Chris O’Neill

Citrus Update

By Justin Smith

Getaway Girl---Spring Travel

By Getaway Girl Casey Wohl Hartt

78 Happenings

Next Month In May we will focus on Florida Horticulture including continuing coverage of the Florida Peach and Blueberry Industries. We will also wrap up our Heartland Fairs and Livestock Show results.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

’s e in z a g a M d n la t Hear

‘GREEN’

ANNUAL

In honor of Earth Day on April 21 and our commitment to conservation and the environment, this month’s magazine is printed on recycled paper. In doing some research, we found some interesting facts about paper and recycling!

Did you know?

• Paper is biodegradable and nearly 60 percent of all paper in the U.S. is recycled • Only 18 percent of all electronic devices are currently recycled and e-waste constitutes the single largest waste export in the U.S. • Paper is actually more sustainable and environmentally friendly than e-mail as computers require electricity and almost all electricity can be P.O. BOX 3183 PLANT CITY, FL 33563

traced back to being produced using fossil fuels • Recycling half the world’s paper would free 20 million acres of forestland • Each of us uses an average of 700 pounds of paper products per year and paper makes up almost a third of the material that goes into landfills • Paper is in itself a “sustainable product.” For every tree harvested for paper production, three are planted in its place

This month’s magazine is printed on recycled content paper and the paper is recyclable. Please be responsible and dispose of properly.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

Publisher Rhonda Glisson Rhonda@heartlanditf.com Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Business Manager Nadine Glisson Lizette Sarria Art Directors Carrie Evans Olivia Fryer Staff Writers Cindy Cutright Ron Lambert Levi Lambert Brian Norris Kyndall Robertson Justin Smith Robbi Sumner Dixie Thomas Brady Vogt Contributing Writers Taylor Dupree Brewington Audra Clemons Kathy Gregg Laurie Hurner Tim Hurner Capt. Mark King Capt. Chris O’Neill Bob Stone Brenda Valentine Matt Warren Butch Wilson Lindsey Wiggins Casey Wohl Social Media Director Robbi SUmner Photography Regina Blackman Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Silver King Photography Nell McAuley Brian Norris

Editor’s Note Welcome to our annual “Green” issue, where we celebrate a variety of agriculturists who are focusing their efforts not just on food production, but also acting as stewards of our precious land. Although Earth Day will be celebrated world-wide on April 22nd, we salute these efforts year-round.

Spring is a busy time for rodeos and Kathy Gregg has covered the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo for us this month. And if you haven’t heard already, Arcadia is getting a new arena thanks to support from The Mosaic Company Foundation and other donors. Read more about this exciting endeavor on page 56. This month we’re continuing up our coverage of Heartland livestock shows and fairs. Inside you’ll find recaps of shows in St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Glades counties. Congratulations to all of those youth who participated and are carrying on the long standing traditions of 4-H and FFA programs. We also catch up with our blueberry and peach growers with an update from the Blueberry Trade Show. And Levi Lambert provides insight on the increasing presence of peach orchards in our state, as many citrus growers our changing crops in the wake of greening disease. Even The Getaway Girl is ‘green’ this month, with tips and ideas on how you can be a more environmentally friendly traveler. Check out Casey’s article on page 76.

As always, we love to hear from our readers! If you have an idea for a story or know of an event we should cover, please let us know. You can email Rhonda@heartlanditf.com or share on Facebook.com/HeartlandMagazine.

All of us at Heartland Magazine

Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Lee, Manatee and St. Lucie Counties. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to Rhonda@ heartlanditf.com or call 813-708-3661. Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five. All contents Copyright 2015. No part of this work may be copied, transmitted, reproduced or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual subscriptions to receive Heartland A Way of Life at your home or business is $25 annually. For advertising, subscriptions or editorial questions please call 813-708-3661 or email rhonda@heartlanditf.com. Heartland® A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2008.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

The work we do at Mosaic is critical to helping feed the world. We provide farmers with phosphate crop nutrients that enable them to produce more food on less land.

IMAGINE A WORLD WITH HALF AS MUCH FOOD. Without crop nutrients, that would be our reality.

Essential crop nutrients — like phosphate mined and manufactured in Florida — are responsible for 40-60 percent of the crop yields farmers produce worldwide.* That translates into more abundant and affordable food here at home. As our world keeps growing, Mosaic keeps working to help put food on the table, for all of us.

We help the world grow the food it needs. ®

mosaicco.com/florida *

Source: Agronomy Journal

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

APR 2015

Index of Advertisers 61

Arcadia Stockyard

Hardee Ranch Supply

Quail Creek Plantation

Big T Tire

Heartland Growers Supply

River Pasture

Cattlemen’s Livestock Market

Hicks Oil

Seacoast Bank

Center State Bank

Highlands Farm Bureau/Thank you

Seedway

Creel

Island Grove Ag Products

Southern Staple

Cross Ties

Spring Lake Hardware

Domer’s Inc.

Island Grove Ag Products/Nursery Division

Superior Muffler

Everglades Farm Equipment

John’s Leather & Saddle Repair

Taylor Oil

Farm Credit

Kelly Tractor

The Andersons

Fields Equipment

Labelle Feed

Trailer Exchange

Florida Department of Agriculture

Marmer Construction

Trinkle Redman Coton

Florida Fence Post

Michael G. Kirsch

Tutto Fresco Italian Grill

Florida Hospital Heartland Clay Shoot

Mosaic

Walpole Feed

Newton Crouch

Watering Hole

Florida Mineral & Agriculture Products

Okeechobee Livestock Market

Wauchula State Bank

On-Site Accounting

Front Porch Marketing

Wicks Brown CPA

Other Side Sod

Glade and Grove

Williams Pawn & Gun

Pathway

Glisson’s Animal Supply

Winfield Solutions

Peace River Citrus

Griffin’s Carpet Mart

Women In the Outdoors

Plant Food Systems

Yetti Outfitters

Sales Team Highlands

Morgan Norris

Manatee

Tina Yoder

Lee and Hendry

Cindy Cutright

morgan@heartlanditf.com

tina@heartlanditf.com

cindy@heartlanditf.com

Hardee & Desoto

Charlotte

Okeechobee, Glades & St. Lucie

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Levi Lambert

levi@heartlanditf.com

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Corporate, Polk & Hillsborough

Danny Crampton

danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson

rhonda@heartlanditf.com

April 2015

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

Farm Bureau members have been to Tallahassee to work on the issues to help keep agriculture profitable in Florida in spite of the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers each and every day. Issues include sales tax exemptions on irrigation equipment and parts, power equipment and handling facilities used in agricultural production. A statewide water policy is being discussed during the session and Farm Bureau is at the table to work on the issue. In order to receive a weekly status update Farm Bureau members can contact Janell Hendren at Janell.hendren@ ffbf.org and ask to subscribe via e-mail.

The month after the session, in May, Farm Bureau members will be attending the Field to the Hill in Washington, D.C. The trip is an opportunity for grassroots members to work on national issues affecting agriculture. The dates are May 13 – 15. For more information, contact Janell Hendren at the address previously mentioned. Currently, issues in our nation’s capital of importance include but are not limited to, the Waters of the United States, immigration legislation and possible trade with Cuba. This year the Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest for District 6 will be held on May 19th in Arcadia at 6:30 PM. The topic is “How does Florida’s Right to Farm Act help farmers and ranchers when their rights are challenged?”

ANDY NEUHOFER FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 6 352.318.2506 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org www.floridafarmbureau.org

The contest is open to those from the ages of 14 to 18.

Contestants will have to enter on the county Farm Bureau level. The winner of the county competition will compete in Arcadia at the District level. The District winner will compete at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra October 29, 2015.

Membership is of utmost importance and we need your help to grow. If you are a farmer, rancher or someone involved in agriculture, you need to be a member if you are not at the present time. If you are interested in keeping farming and ranching profitable and producing, join Farm Bureau. Please consider asking your friends and neighbors to join. Each county Farm Bureau sets its dues but I can help you get in touch with your local Farm Bureau by contacting me at 352.318.2506.

Perhaps you are not interested in politics and issues but you are interested in Farm Bureau. Opportunities for membership involvement go beyond trips to Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. Members can help with educational programs such as Ag. Ventures, reading to students for Ag. Literacy or helping to feed the poor by partnering with local food banks. Women’s committees need to be formed as do more Young Farmer and Rancher committees. Call me at 352.318.2506 to discuss the prospects of your involvement in Farm Bureau!

ANDY NEUHOFER • FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 6 352.318.2506 | Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org | www.floridafarmbureau.org

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

DESOTO/CHARLOTTE COUNTY

HARDEE COUNTY

1278 SE US HIGHWAY 31 • ARCADIA, FL 34266

1017 US HIGHWAY 17 N • WAUCHULA, FL. 33873

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863.494.3636 Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 • Fax: 863.494.4332

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FARM BUREAU

President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Matt Harrison Sec./Treasurer...... Bryan Beswick

DIRECTORS FOR 2013-2014 John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell Brandon Gorsuch

Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals J Ryals

Mac Turner Bryan K. Beswick Ken Harrison

FARM BUREAU

President……David Royal Vice President…Greg Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich Representative………..Bill Hodge

DIRECTORS FOR 2014-2015 Barney Cherry Scott Henderson Steve Johnson

Corey Lambert Dan Smith Tommy Watkins

Federation Secretary Rhonda Willis

Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Clint Brown

Office Manager: Leona Nickerson Agency Manager: N. Jay Bryan Agents: George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

MANATEE COUNTY

6419 US HIGHWAY 27 S. • SEBRING, FL 33876

5620 TARA BLVD, STE 101 • BRADENTON, FL 34203

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 385. 5141 • Fax: 863. 385. 5356 Website: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 941-746-6161 • Fax: 941-739-7846 Website: www.manateecountyfarmbureau.org

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FARM BUREAU

President………Doug Miller Vice President…Carey Howerton Secretary………..Frank Youngman Treasurer……..Jeff Williams

DIRECTORS FOR 2014-2015 Sam Bronson Danielle Daum Steve Farr

Charles Guerndt Justin Hood Scott Kirouac Mike Milicevic

Trevor Murph Emma Ezell Trey Whitehurst

FARM BUREAU

President……Gary Reeder Vice President…Jim Parks Secretary……..Ben King Treasurer……..Robert Zeliff

DIRECTORS FOR 2013-2014 Carlos Blanco Gary Bradshaw Jerry Dakin Ralph Garrison

Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford

Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West

Federation Secretary Janet Menges

Federation Secretary Christie Hinson

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

Agency Manager: Chad D. McWaters Agents: Joseph W. Bullington

April 2015

Agency Manager: Branden Bunch Agents: Doug Dierdorf, Jeff Hamer and Clint Bailey

Heartland InTheField Magazine

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU

2015 Cracker Shoot presented by

HIGHLANDS

Saturday, April 18, 2015 - 8:30 am Quail Creek Plantation -Okeechobee, FL

PARTICIPATION LEVELS • GOLD SPONSORSHIP 600.00 $

Includes up to 6 shooters, lunches, use of shooting cart, Gold Sponsorship signage and recognition during awards ceremony

• TEAM SPONSORSHIP $400.00

Includes 4 shooters, lunches & a station sponsorship sign on course

• STATION SPONSORSHIP $100.00 Includes sign on a course station

• INDIVIDUAL SHOOTING $100.00

Includes 100 target shooting round & lunch

RESERVATION FORM Please sign me up for:

15TH ANNUAL

SPORTING CLAYS TOURNAMENT 100 Target Clay Shoot

• Great Shooting • Fellowship • Lunch • Exciting Prizes • Raffle

Additional raffle tickets will be sold during event.

o Gold o Team o Station o Individual - Additional Lunches $25.00

o Enclosed is my check for $ __________________________ or o Bill me $ _______________________________ Sponsor name _______________________________________Contact name ________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________________________Fax _________________________________________ Please include team member names on the back of this form. For additional info call 863-385-5141 Mail or Fax form to HC Farm Bureau, 6419 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL 33876, Fax 863-385-5356

SHOOT PARTICIPATION LIMITED TO FIRST 300 PAID ENTRANTS 14

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

Thank You... To Highlands County Farm Bureauâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Sponsors

Please support these businesses! April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

SW FLORIDA GULF COAST

FISHING REPORT

By Captain Chris O’Neill

The month of April is one of my favorite editions of Heartland to target worldclass angling opportunities here in SW Florida. Our Gulf of Mexico and inshore bays and backcountry areas are teaming with hordes of migrating species of reel screaming quality fish. My inshore target is undoubtedly the linesider snook which are in full migration mode as they head toward the beaches to spend the summer spawning and feeding. If you point the boat into the gulf, you’ll find endless schools of voracious species like bonito, and both Spanish and king mackerel that are feeding along the surface on football field size pods of baitfish as they flood into the area.

Inshore anglers will enjoy an improving bite each day the water warms. Spring tides will bring higher flood tides to the backcountry estuaries. With the additional water comes more access to the far backcountry areas with bay style boats that have been shut out most of the winter. Fish such as snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper will begin to occupy “the trees” or mangroves to feed on crab and smaller baitfish that will take up residence there during the spring and summer months. One of my favorite lures to deploy when fishing mangroves is the Bomber Saltwater Grade Paradise Popper, armed with a nice lively shrimp or baitfish set a depth appropriate to the area you are fishing. The cork can be used to drift baits along the bushes and keep the bait off of the bottom. Additionally, the cork provides a great visual aid to quickly set the hook and prevent the fish from swimming into the structure, causing the inevitable break off when the fish of a lifetime decides to take your offering.

Nearshore and Offshore reefs and wrecks will be home to a myriad of species like Spanish mackerel, kingfish, shark, grouper, sheepshead and many others. The water clarity will remain excellent for another few months, so sightfishing to big fish is world-

Heartland InTheField Magazine

class this month. Nothing beats dropping down with a speargun to target groceries for a fresh fish dinner. If you haven’t been spearfishing before, you are really missing out. It doesn’t require an expensive set of dive gear because there is so much structure located locally in the shallows or bridges and other nearshore fish havens, all you need is a mask, snorkel and of course a gun. Remember when spear fishing, fish appear larger under water than they really are and it’s important to recognize a legal fish before you take it. What you don’t want to do is make this mistake and come to the surface with a nice bag of tasty critters and the FWC is there to meet you with a measuring stick and a ticket for you. Another benefit of spearfishing is you can pick what’s for dinner. It’s a fast process and a ton of fun along the way, so give it a try.

Tarpon Season is getting cranked up here in the silver king capital of the world! Thousands of these amazing fish are pouring into Boca Grande Pass and our surrounding waterways to feed and spawn for the next three months. Anglers travel from around the globe to fish onboard the Tail Chaser charter boat to target this prolific species. If catching a tarpon is on your bucket list, now is the time to make the call to come down for some of the world’s best fishing!

Booking a charter this time of year is a great opportunity to spend the day “catching”. My company offers inshore and offshore charters with a hand-picked team of worldclass guides to satisfy your private or corporate fishing needs. All of my guests receive complementary Tail Chaser t-shirts as well as the best service in the business.

Captain Chris O’Neill

is a full time fishing guide and host of The Reel Saltwater Outdoors radio show. Captain Chris is regularly seen on TV shows like Big Water Adventures, Florida Sportsman, Mark Sosin’s Saltwater Journal and others. As a retired U.S. Army hovercraft pilot, he has accrued over 25 years of saltwater experience and has targeted gamefish around the globe. His Reel Saltwater Outdoors Seminar Series has become the largest in the state and he speaks to thousands of anglers annually. His passion for fishing is contagious and you can always expect to have a great adventure when fishing onboard the Tail Chaser. To book a charter visit www.tailchasercharters. com or www.bocagrandetarpon.com for more information. You can listen to his FISH ON FRIDAY radio show via www.wengradio. com or the WENG app from 4-6pm weekly. Capt. Chris operates out of the world-class Gasparilla Marina in Placida, FL, just minutes from Boca Grande Pass (the tarpon capital of the world) and Charlotte Harbor.

April 2015

FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR GLADES2GULF EXPEDITION NOW COMPLETE Travelling 1,000 miles in 70 days, the Florida Wildlife Corridor team of Joe Guthrie, Mallory Lykes Dimmit, and Carlton Ward, Jr. completed their trek from the Green Swamp in central Florida to Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore just outside Pensacola on March 20th.

The purpose of the trek was to generate awareness and support of the Corridorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to protect and restore connected landscapes throughout Florida to create a viable wildlife corridor from the Everglades to Georgia and west to Alabama. To learn more, visit www.floridawildlifecorridor.org or follow Florida Wildlife Corridor on Facebook. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLTON WARD JR CARLTON WARD.COM

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Hockey Good Deeds Campaign Against Summer Hunger March 31-May 9, 2015

When school ends, hunger begins for students in DeSoto County. Join All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger to help feed children and their families this summer. Our goal is to raise the food and funds to increase the number and capacity of meal and pantry distributions, and provide a summer Backpack Kids program over the summer months. Please empty your shelves and make a donation at www.allfaithsfoodbank.org. Call 941-379-6333 for more information. Together, we can make sure that no child goes hungry this summer. Courtesy Photo: L-R Mark Kaplan of Mosaic, All Faiths Food Bank’s John Livingston, and Karen Swager and Heather Nedley both of Mosaic.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Tampa Bay Lightning teams up with Mosaic Company to benefit All Faiths Food Bank and other county food banks all season long. Opening game brings in $7,500 for All Faiths.

HOCKEY SEASON STARTS WITH HOPE FOR HUNGRY FAMILIES Tampa Bay Lightning, The Mosaic Company Team Up to Check Hunger with All Faiths Food Bank and Other Local Food Bank Partners.

In Central Florida alone, there are 700,000 people struggling with hunger, and 250,000 are children. In a collective effort to check hunger in the area, the Tampa Bay Lightning opened the hockey season playing the Boston Bruins (taking a 5-3 win) in partnership with The Mosaic Company. Benefiting All Faiths Food Bank and other local food bank partners, Mosaic donated $105,000 to fight hunger with $7,500 going to support All Faiths. “As Mosaic works to help grow the food the world needs, valuable partnerships with the Lightning ensure that essential food reaches the tables of those in need,” said Gary N. “Bo” Davis, Mosaic Senior Vice President, Phosphate Operations. “Ending hunger truly requires teamwork, and we are extremely proud to work with the Tampa Bay Lightning and local food banks to make a difference in the communities where we live and work.” In a continued effort with Tampa Bay Lightning, for every goal scored by the Lightning during home games, Mosaic will donate $500 and for every hat trick scored, Mosaic will donate $5,000. April 2015

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by Justin Smith CITRUS UPDATE By Justin Smith

Marketing Citrus in the Millennial Age The Florida Department of Citrus (DOC) has undergone as much change as the rest of the industry, over the last few years. Some of the change has been due to shear budget cuts while others have been because of a generational shift. Every industry has, from time to time, had to refocus their efforts and change or streamline processes, but very few have done so with the success and magnitude of the DOC.

Unfortunately, the Florida Citrus Industry was handed a tremendous knock down blow when Citrus Greening was discovered several years ago. Since that very day the industry has been on a continual contraction. At its height, only about a decade ago, Florida was producing around 250 million boxes of oranges. This year the approximate production will fall to somewhere around 100 million boxes. The DOC is funded by a tax placed directly on those boxes. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take an economics professor or a mathematician to understand their budget has shrunk immensely.

This shrinkage forced the Department to take a look at absolutely everything and everywhere they were spending money. Nothing was left as sacred, everything was scrutinized and all options were considered. The Florida Citrus Commissioners and the Executive Director of the DOC made a decision to move the Department from a mainly advertising avenue into a more public relations direction. The smaller budget, which translates into a smaller staff, also made the job a little more complicated. But, just as the industry has pushed forward, so has the DOC.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

The traditional route of the Department was to pursue generic television advertising. This has served the industry well for many years. However, around the same time as the Department was being forced into change there was another, world-wide, change taking place. The baby boomers, a group who had ruled the world for decades, began to retire and be replaced with a new generation, which was just as influential. This group, given the name of Millennials, is just as large as the baby boomers and has a totally different way of doing everything. In a subtle but persistent way the digital era has crept in, and in what seemed like an overnight transition the old way of doing things is no longer the best way of doing April 2015

them. Many of the hold-overs from the baby boomers or the ones in between, labeled Generation X, are still trying to wrap their heads around the change and in some cases still trying to catch up or catch on. Fortunately this is not the case for the DOC.

The new Millennials have a vastly different way of communicating than anything ever seen before. They make decisions based on different criteria and they definitely donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait around for things to happen. That would include waiting at home for their favorite sitcom to come on the TV. For that matter they sure donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t watch the commercials that interrupt their constant need for input and entertainment.

In a strange twist of fate the DOC was able to be on the cutting edge of pin pointing these changes and adapt to new strategies. Because this is still an unfolding era and the territory has not been navigated before, the DOC, just like the history of citrus, is pioneering new frontiers. One of the great successes they have made on this front includes an unprecedented partnership with Marvel Comics to create a brand new super hero. There is no other commodity or even industry in the world that has taken this type of opportunity. Thanks to the ingenuity of the Department and its leadership there are comic books and untold amounts of digital material being distributed with citrus as a main theme. Riding the

April 2015

coat tails of major box office hits, Captain Citrus is seen side by side with the Avengers. Still more of the Departments forward thinking has led to spokesperson partnerships. This gives a unique ability to get the message of Florida citrus out to a new generation by having people they will listen to speak up about it. This approach, although similar to traditional commercials with celebrities, focuses more on the message being delivered during times the new age is listening and not during a 30 second time slot that no longer holds their attention. Celebrities, such as Erin Andrews, have proven to be investments well made for driving the communication process about Florida citrus to this unique generation.

The DOC was handed, by nothing less than fate, an extreme challenge. This challenge has proven to be a fierce opponent and there is not an absolute victor in the battle. But the leaders of this organization have stayed true to their mission and have not only continued to be successful but have thrived though these extraordinary circumstances. Everyone in the citrus business and anyone who just enjoys a glass of Florida Orange juice should recognize, one of the reasons real Florida Orange Juice is still here, is in part due to the Florida Department of Citrus.

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Highlands County Citrus Growers Association & Heartland National Bank Present

Citrus Golf Day 2015 Thursday, April 23, 2015 River Greens Golf Club in Avon Park 12:30 Lunch/Check-In & 1:30 Shotgun Start

Team Foursome - $300.00 Includes 4 players & lunch

$50 Gift Certificates Awarded to the winners of special events

Please sign me up for a Team Foursome - $300.00

Range balls and a participation prize raffle ticket included for all golfing participants Enclosed is my check for $ ______________________ Contact Name _________________________________ Address ______________________________________ _______________________________________ Phone __________________ Fax __________________ Player #1_______________________________________ Player #2_______________________________________ Player #3_______________________________________ Player #4_______________________________________

Please Bill Me:_________________ Additional Info: 863/385-8091 Fax : 863-385-6829. Mail form & check to: HCCGA 6419 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL33876 Handicap____________________ Handicap____________________ Handicap____________________ Handicap____________________

BBQ Luncheon & Post Tournament Hors Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ouevres Water, Soft Drinks & Beer on Course 22

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

2015 Inductees

THE FLORIDA Citrus Hall of Fame honored three new inductees on March 6 at the 53rd Citrus Celebration Luncheon held at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The honorees were Nicholas “Nick” Faryna, Sherwood “Buddy” Johnson, and John Updike. Faryna and Updike were inducted posthumously. They were chosen because “they made contributions that impacted the Florida citrus industry for the betterment of the industry,” says Hall of Fame Executive Director Brenda Eubanks Burnette. THE INDUCTEES During the ’80s, when freezers were destroying the livelihood of citrus farmers, Nick Faryna experimented with a thenradical idea — freezing the plants to keep them warm. He used elevated micro sprinklers that coated the lower scaffold limbs of citrus trees with a layer of ice, which paradoxically created warmth and kept the plants from dying. These sprinklers are now an industry standard. A graduate of the University of Florida (UF) and an owner of a grove-care business, Faryna also helped make irrigation more efficient through the use of “Speed Sprayers,” and he worked on important research with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). He was involved with several organizations, including the Umatilla Growers’ Association, Florida Natural Growers, the Florida Citrus Production Research Advisory Council, and many more. April 2015

Buddy Johnson received a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from UF, and he was a huge name in the packing and gift fruit industry. Johnson was an early adopter of the computer grading line, which is now an industry standard, and his alliance with Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. helped make citrus more prominent within the organization. With UF, Johnson also helped establish the Treasure Coast Research Park, which was designed to facilitate and encourage agricultural research. He was involved with organizations including the Indian River Citrus League, Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Citrus Production Managers’ Association and dozens more. He also helped found the Treasure Coast Agricultural Research Foundation.

John Updike, Sr. joined his father’s citrus business in Lake Wales after graduation from UF. The business expanded into packing and processing as well, and became one of the most modern and innovative packing houses in the state. Updike, along with his brother and son-in-law, took the helm of the company after his father’s death. Updike was also involved in the community, and he established the Lake Wales Housing Authority to provide low-cost housing to families in need. He was also involved with organizations including the Florida Canners’ Association, the National Juice Products Association, and Seald Sweet Growers, among others. THE CITRUS HALL OF FAME This Citrus Celebration Luncheon is a very meaningful event for citrus professionals. Portions of the proceeds will go toward the Educational Outreach program, which aims to shine a spotlight on Florida’s citrus history. “The citrus industry is what shapes Florida,” Burnette states. “It’s Florida’s number one agricultural industry.”

The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame display and Archive Center can be found in the McKay Archives Building at Florida Southern College. More information about the Citrus Hall of Fame, its members and its inductees can be found at www. FloridaCitrusHallofFame.com. Heartland InTheField Magazine

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION Women in the Outdoors is dedicated to providing interactive www.womenintheoutdoorsﬂ.com educational outdoor opportunities for women ages 13 and older.

cipate • Participants 13-17 years old: Parent or guardian must also participate, and sign release form for minors. tional • Carpooling is strongly suggested as space is limited of the • Course Offerings: Choose 4 courses from below. ildlife NOTE: Handgun Safety and Concealed Weapons are considered as 2 courses due to the time length of each class. If you choose either of these courses, you will only select 2 additional classes doors for the day.

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COURSE SELECTION: __Archery (Basic) __Archery (Advanced) __Beginning Bird Watching __Buggy Ride __Canoe/Kayak __Camping, not Glamping __Concealed Weapons ($10 extra) __Cooking with a Hottie __Cowboy Roping __Duct Tape Tote __Fire Side Cooking __Fly Fishing __Gator Hunting __Handgun Safety ($10 extra) __Hunting She Will Go __Intro to Oil Painting __Jewelry Making __Self Defense __Soap Making __Trailer Backing __Swamp Cabbag Cooking __Outdoor Survival Skills __ AAA/NCCC Car Care Clinic __Fishing Basics __Riﬂe Hunting ($10 extra) O O __Creative Cupcake Confections __Talking Turkey with Debbie LeGette __Shotgun/Sporting Clays (Basic) ($10 extra) __Shotgun/Sporting Clays (Advanced) ($10 extra) __Target Engagement ($10 extra)

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mpton ms at m the night (863) Registration Fee: $85 • NO REFUNDS after April 4, 2015 • This event is rain or shine

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Cancellation Policy: No refunds granted after April 4, 2015. Any refunds granted prior to, will be less a $10 processing fee. Refund requests must be submitted in writing and emailed to info@womenintheoutdoorsﬂ.com.

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All Women in the Outdoors members do not necessarily participate in hunting; however it is our hope that through quality educational programs, all attendees will form a better understanding of the rule that shooting sports, ethical hunting and scientiﬁc wildlife management go play in our ongoing conservation efforts. Your paid registration fee includes: • One-year membership in the Women in the Outdoors program (or extension of your current membership) • One-year subscription to Turkey Country magazine (or • extension of your current membership) • Use of all equipment, program material and instructions • Saturday: light breakfast, drinks, snacks, and hearty lunch

FRIDAY EVENING EVENT • “OSCEOLAS UNDER THE OAKS” ALL ARE INVITED (MEN AND WOMEN)

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Please join us Friday evening for our Osceolas Under the Oaks Dinner and Social. Our Friday evening event is becoming legendary! For both guys and gals and at only $25 per person, you receive a delicious dinner, superb silent auction, great live auction, gun raffles, and live entertainment. Accommodations at Quail Creek are already full! The Hampton Inn and Suites Okeechobee is offering WITO attendee rooms at a discounted rate and will be providing transportation from the hotel to Quail Creek on Friday evening. The cost is $84.99 night plus tax. Contact the Hampton Inn & Suites Okeechobee at (863) 824-0003 and make your reservations. FRIDAY AGENDA 5 p.m.................Check-in Quail Creek or Hampton Inn & Suites 6 p.m.................Transportation leaves for Quail Creek 7:30 p.m...........Dinner 8:30 p.m...........Silent auction ends/Live auction begins 10 p.m..............Transportation returns to hotel SATURDAY AGENDA (Ladies Only) 7 a.m................. Registration, light breakfast, meet the instructors and silent auction opens! 8:30 a.m...........Class #1 10:15 a.m.........Class #2 12 p.m.............. Lunch, silent auction bidding, raffles, and group photo 1:45 p.m...........Class #3 3:30 p.m...........Class #4 5:15 p.m........... Closing remarks, raffle & door prize drawings, event evaluations, and silent auction cash out

April 2015

www

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Women in the Outdoors is dedicated to providing interactive www.womenintheoutdoorsﬂ.com educational outdoor opportunities for women ages 13 and older.

• • •

Participants 13-17 years old: Parent or guardian must also participate, and sign release form for minors. Carpooling is strongly suggested as space is limited Course Offerings: Choose 4 courses from below.

NOTE: Handgun Safety and Concealed Weapons are considered as 2 courses due to the time length of each class. If you choose either of these courses, you will only select 2 additional classes for the day. COURSE SELECTION: __Archery (Basic) __Archery (Advanced) __Beginning Bird Watching __Buggy Ride __Canoe/Kayak __Camping, not Glamping __Concealed Weapons ($10 extra) __Cooking with a Hottie __Cowboy Roping __Duct Tape Tote __Fire Side Cooking __Fly Fishing __Gator Hunting __Handgun Safety ($10 extra) __Hunting She Will Go __Intro to Oil Painting __Jewelry Making __Self Defense __Soap Making __Trailer Backing __Swamp Cabbag Cooking __Outdoor Survival Skills __ AAA/NCCC Car Care Clinic __Fishing Basics __Rifle Hunting ($10 extra) __Creative Cupcake Confections __Talking Turkey with Debbie LeGette __Shotgun/Sporting Clays (Basic) ($10 extra) __Shotgun/Sporting Clays (Advanced) ($10 extra) __Target Engagement ($10 extra) Registration Fee: $85 • NO REFUNDS after April 4, 2015 • This event is rain or shine Confirmation: Once your registration and payment have been received, a confirmation letter and directions will be sent via email. Cancellation Policy: No refunds granted after April 4, 2015. Any refunds granted prior to, will be less a $10 processing fee. Refund requests must be submitted in writing and emailed to info@womenintheoutdoorsfl.com.

April 2015

Your paid registration fee includes: • One-year membership in the Women in the Outdoors program (or extension of your current membership) • One-year subscription to Turkey Country magazine (or • extension of your current membership) • Use of all equipment, program material and instructions • Saturday: light breakfast, drinks, snacks, and hearty lunch

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FRIDAY EVENING EVENT • “OSCEOLAS UNDER THE OAKS” ALL ARE INVITED (MEN AND WOMEN)

Heartland InTheField Magazine

www

Aloe Organics:

Lettuce –Turnip-the Beet with a Legacy BY DIXIE THOMAS

Pomona and Simon’s, and local farmers markets including Central Sarasota Farmer’s Market. Aloe Organics also donates produce every week to the Center For Building Hope in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it produces nothing. But when a seed falls to the ground and dies—contrary to how we imagine life beginning—then the seed sprouts, pushes through the ground and produces fruit, and many more seeds to come. The Hall Family has come to know this parable of farming both literally and metaphorically. Miles “Lewis” Hall III and Kay Hall, together with Lewis’ father and brothers, own Tiger Bay Ranch near Arcadia, Florida. They are a family that has been in cattle ranching for three generations. Little did they know five years ago that they would also become organic farmers, who would not only be caring for the land, but caring for people and helping people live a better quality life through organic food. The Hall’s farm, Aloe Organics, is a USDA certified organic farm which sells organic produce to Global Organics, local stores including Detweiler’s Farm Market, Fruitville Grove Farm Market, restaurants including

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Aloe Organics was not something that began on just a whim or thought, but rather the farm began in the midst of a story of tragedy and gripping inspiration. The story begins with Lewis’ and Kay’s daughter, Allison Francis Hall Nelson. Allison led an active life and worked as an attorney, but at only age 28, she was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer, and expected to have only a year to live. Such a diagnosis came as a shock to everyone, as Allison seemed so vibrant and healthy and was only two months away from marrying her fiancé, David. Allison promptly sought treatment at M.D. Anderson, a renowned cancer treatment center in Texas. The center has a whole health approach to fighting cancer, helping to care for the mind, body, and entire being. At the center, Allison was assigned a nutritionist that strongly recommended changing her diet to only organic food, so organic food was on the menu. “The doctors said ‘diet is very important’,” said Kay. Caught in a whirlwind of doctor’s appointments, chemotherapy, time in the hospital, and a ticking clock, Allison came up with an idea. She wanted to leave a legacy and to help others, and if organic food was so important, then why not grow it? Allison approached the family about setting aside some land for an

April 2015

organic farm. The answer was yes, and so Aloe Organics began. The name “Aloe” came from David’s nickname for Allison. Through helping to provide healthier food for children, those who are ill, and the general public, Allison hoped to prevent some of the devastating effects of cancer.

Of course the Hall’s were ranchers and not farmers, so learning to farm, and farm organically was certainly a learning process; still, things fell into place. Kay says many things happened through “divine intervention,” one being despite the fact that few organic farms exist, it just so happened that a certified organic farm called Worden Farm was just a few miles from the Hall’s property. Eva and Chris Worden of Worden Farm both have P.H.D’s in agriculture and agreed to consult with Aloe Organics and teach them the ropes of organic farming. “I don’t think people realize how hard farming really is,” says Kay. Indeed, being certified organic is an added element to the difficulties of farming. To become a certified organic farm, a farm’s land must be free from inorganic chemicals for a certain amount of time, then after completing approximately forty pages of paperwork, the farm must keep records of where seeds were obtained, and of all inputs and harvesting. Seeds must be from a proven non-GM (genetically modified), organic source. Only organic fertilizers and approved pesticides may be used. Once organic produce reaches the store, it is protected under the USDA Organic label from being irradiated. Many non-organic fruits and vegetables are irradiated to prolong shelf life and kill bacteria. Organic produce may be more expensive and more challenging to grow, but considering that USDA Organic foods are non- GM and free from irradiation and inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, you can’t go wrong with eating or growing organic food. In addition to the benefits of producing organic foods, organic farming also benefits the earth. Scott Schroeder, the general manager of Aloe Organics, points out that many of the practices of organic farming are more sustainable than conventional farming. Organic farming uses many natural and renewable resources such as chicken manure and organic leaf matter for fertilizer and soil amendments. Crop rotation and cover cropping are also two practices used by Aloe Organics. Crop rotation helps to reduce some insect infestations and prevent

April 2015

depletion of nutrients from the soil. Cover cropping helps reduce weeds and slows the loss of nutrients and moisture. Using legumes as a cover crop can even help to naturally restore nitrogen to the soil. Emily Hall, Allison’s sister, chimes in saying, “It all starts with healthy soil, and taking great lengths to keep it healthy for generations to come just makes sense.” Emily has worked in the food industry outside of Aloe Organics; she created the Aloe Organics website and handles all the media.

The farm employs four full time employees and some part time employees that are seasonal. At times, the work can be labor intensive, especially since weeds are controlled by tilling and pulled by hand, but you won’t hear anyone complain. Scott says he enjoys “the challenge, the reward, the lessons from successes and failures. I get to work in a beautiful office everyday with nice people, doing a neat job that produces a healthy product that people enjoy and appreciate.” Scott sent me an email at 3:46 a.m. one morning from a tripod in the field. He was holding a rifle, waiting for the deer that got into the okra and beans the night before. “Long night, but I wouldn’t do that for any other job I’ve ever had,” says Scott. Pete Wood, a friend of Scott’s, began volunteering at Aloe Organics after working in the hotel business and suffering from a heart attack. He was drawn to the farm life, and showed up so consistently that the farm decided to hire him. Now Pete works as the sales manager. “I haven’t worked a day since I’ve been here,” says Pete, meaning that he enjoys the work so much that it doesn’t seem like work.

Aloe Organics grows a variety of crops including green beans, squash, lettuce, onions, cabbage, carrots, sunflowers, kale, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, dill, and the list goes on. From October to May, crops are being harvested. Scott explains that having a variety of “smaller batches of crops are more marketable,” so the farm keeps a variety of small plots of crops growing. Recently, the farm set up a hydroponic system that they are working towards having certified as organic. Kay wanted to get a hydroponic system so that she could more easily grow foods that children would like, such as strawberries. The hydroponic system is set up in and around eight greenhouses Heartland InTheField Magazine

with automatic irrigation set on timers. Organic nutrients such as molasses are added to the water. All the hydroponic crops are grown in containers with coco fiber and pine bark, which makes the hydroponic operation virtually weed free. Both the crops in the field and the hydroponic system are growing beautifully, and they are picked within 24 hours of delivery to their destination, ensuring fresh and delicious organic produce to customers.

Thanks to Allison and her family, a farm that was only a vision a few years ago, has now become a fruitful reality. The entire family is supportive, with Emily taking care of Aloe Organics Media, and Allison’s brother, Miles--a nuclear engineer, loves to tell everyone about Aloe Organics. But, the triumph of a successful farm is bittersweet. Tragically, Allison lost her fight with cancer on March 7, 2012. Though doctors projected she would only live a year after her diagnosis, she made it two years. Kay attributes that to David. “He was and is the most wonderful human being,” says Kay. Possibly eating only organic food played a role as well in lengthening Allison’s time. Kay recalls Allison’s last days, noting that Allison had seven best friends “from all over the country who traveled so that she was never alone the last weeks of her life. Our house was filled with the most incredible love. I can’t describe it.”

One of the things Allison loved was children. “Allison wanted children more than anything,” says Kay, “so it came to me that she would want to donate food to children.” Each week, Kay brings 15-20 cases of Aloe Organics produce to the Center for Building hope, which is a family cancer treatment center in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Aloe Organics came in contact with the CBH through All Children’s Hospital which also gives patients at CBH information about Aloe Organics produce. Kay brings the produce and sets it up “farmer’s market style” so that families at the center can pick out what they want and take it home for free.

When I came to the Aloe Organics farm on a breezy March day, I shook hands with Mrs. Kay Hall, and saw Allison. Of course I would see Allison’s resemblance, because Kay was her mother. But, all around the farm I could sense Allison was there, in the whisper of a gentle breeze, in the bountiful crops, in a land that is blessed, and the joy of farmers who make a difference. Though Allison was not able to have children, she has and does help children, and her legacy lives on through Aloe Organics. Indeed, a seed fell to the earth and produced much fruit, and many seeds still to come. To find out more about Aloe Organics, visit: www.aloeorg.com or facebook.com/aloeorganics.

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April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Big Lake Organics, LLC BY ROBBI SUMNER

self-described “ole Cracker”, Michael Brown has strong roots in the Okeechobee area. “I’ve always been involved in agriculture at some level and grew up working cows and farming.” My great-grandfather on my mother’s side was H.H. Hancock, the first Justice of the Peace in Okeechobee. Members of his family owned land that while located in what we know as Okeechobee, was considered Dade County back when the deed was drawn. (Which was a very long time ago, given that Okeechobee County was incorporated in 1917.) Farming full-time since 2005, Michael remembers when he first decided to migrate to organic farming. “It was in 2008. I was pouring chemicals into a tank preparing to spray crops and it hit me – what am I doing? The good Lord put us here to be stewards of the land and it’s our responsibility to protect the land and waterways.”

So Michael set out to learn about organic farming and has since become a USDA Certified Organic Grower operating as Big Lake Organics, LLC. While he readily admits that his initial decision was not based on a desire to provide a higher quality food, but rather to care for the land in a more sustainable way. However, the two do go hand-in-hand. Organic certification verifies that a farm or handling facility complies with the USDA organic regulations and allows

Heartland InTheField Magazine

products to be sold, labeled, and otherwise represented as organic. These regulations describe the specific standards required to use the word “organic” or the USDA organic seal on food, feed, or fiber products. According to the USDA.gov website, their National Organic Program administers these regulations, with substantial input from its citizen advisory board and the public. After initial certification, growers are required to be re-certified on an annual basis. Michael shares that since he was able to use land that had not been previously farmed his certification only took about 90 days. However, if land has been previously used for farming with traditional methods of fertilizer, pesticides, etc., they are considered a “transition farm” and the process can take a minimum of three years. “It has become more simple to farm organic than it used to be,” says Michael. “Some of the inputs are more expensive – the USDA certified organic fertilizers and pesticides for example.” Many people think that organic means those things aren’t used but they are. Those products just use

April 2015

naturally occurring ingredients in place of the more

dangerous synthetics. “The most difficult aspect of organic farming is explaining those higher costs to consumers who want organic produce at lower, massgrown produce prices.”

Big Lake Organics specializes in fresh market organic fruits and produce grown on their farm and by other local organic farmers. Depending on the season collards, heirloom tomatoes, blueberries, Seminole pumpkin, chard, kale, green beans, spinach, squash, okra, or lettuce can be found growing on the property. The produce is currently marketed at weekend farmer’s markets in Fort Pierce and Stuart. Michael hopes by next Spring to have either an on-farm stand or one located in town to offer his produce. He also has plans to install a greenhouse in order to extend growing seasons by controlling weather conditions. When asked if he would encourage others to grow organic, Michael enthusiastically responded, “I would encourage everyone to grow this way!” adding that his number one piece of advice would be to learn all you can first. “The University of Florida offers a wealth of information that is readily available and free to access.”

His passion for the welfare of our ecosystem was made further apparent when he spoke of the importance of bees and their vital role in sustaining the agriculture that continues to feed the world’s population. “It is so important for us to get a hold of what we’re doing in this country. We can change anything that’s going wrong environmentally the world with God’s help. We just have to pay attention and start.” April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Southern Fresh Farms BY BRADY VOGT

he McMahon family business continues a long tradition of farming, taken now to a new level of efficiency and environmental awareness. The family is made of Robert and Shelley and Amy and Bo McMahon and their friend Buddy Hawkins. The farm is located near Daniel’s Road, a busy highway that takes residents and visitors from the city of Ft. Myers to I-75 and the Southwest Regional Airport. However, once free from the traffic and back-a-ways into the remaining pine and palmetto scrub, a pleasant surprise awaits folks interested in “as fresh as it can get” vegetables. Think of a place where you might stand in the cool shadows of a big barn-like building, and at the counter place an order for leafy green stuff and all the reds and oranges that accompany it for the makings of a big salad, and while you wait a moment, one of the McMahons walks a hundred or so feet into the field and picks what you have asked for and delivers it back to the counter. That’s how fresh it gets. According to Bo, lettuce picked in California might be ten days in transit from field to store. Does it seem over the last few years that produce bought at the grocer seems to sour and brown more quickly than before? Of course it does. The assortment here that is harvested for people while they wait includes lettuce varieties, pepper assortments, cauliflower, spinach, onions, red potatoes, cabbage, okra, various greens, and tomatoes. It is the towers that do the trick.

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The land where the farm is worked was formerly a tree farm managed and worked to supply trees and palms to a local landscaper. When the real estate bust came, the need for ornamentals dropped. The McMahons and Buddy Hawkins cut down the trees and palms, pulled out the root masses, April 2015

get a one half pound fillet, sold fresh on the day of and day after the harvest, never frozen. After the tank is emptied, it is quickly filled with fresh water and the tilapia swim happily about, until the following week.

and graded the place as smoothly as a table top. They laid down gravel and weed mat and built the structures that keep the customers in the shade while they make their selections. In addition to the covered shop, there are hoop houses easily covered in plastic for frost protection, vegetable and flower beds and the very efficient towers. Three and four plastic pots, probably about the size of a two gallon nursery container, are stacked on top of each other and secured to a sturdy pole. Each of the containers is watered and fertilized by a drip system that delivers only the amount of water and nutrition as called for. There is no wasteful overhead watering. The plants are rooted in coconut fiber and compost and fed with a fertilizer especially formulated for the drip system. You have never seen such healthy stuff. Again according to Bo, they presently have 800 units on one quarter acre, full capacity would be a thousand. That number would be able to supply enough produce to feed 1,000 people on a weekly basis. Robert McMahon recalled that often people do not recognize cauliflower or cabbage harvested moments after they have been asked for, as the great wads of leaf and substance do not resemble the diminished vegetables found at the grocers’. And there is the taste. As you will recall when you were young, the distinct flavors that came with vegetables and fruits, fish and cakes. Later, now, as adults and middle aged warriors, the flavors are faded, and have become indistinguishable. Not so at Southern Fresh Farms. Whether it is according to the fresh harvesting of the produce or the way it has been grown, the tomatoes are tart and juicy, the peppers have zip and fire, and the lettuce has a real crunch when it is stacked on a sandwich with ham and cheese.

In addition to the produce, the farm grows its own fish. There are two (presently) 4,500-gallon freshwater tanks in which tilapia are raised. Robert keeps the population at about 400 fish in each tank, which is better for the fish than severe over-crowding. They are grown to about two pounds and taken out weekly when a tank is drained. The waste water is used to flood the field where colorful flowers are grown for the cut, sunflowers, gladiolus, gyp and stattice, and sold along with vegetables and fruit. From each fish they April 2015

Not surprisingly they do a big business with fresh eggs, gathered from free range and unadulterated chickens, honey in jars from local bee keeper Paul Shannon, and jams and jellies cooked by Amy and Shelley. Added to the produce already mentioned, they grow cucumbers and squash, and bake small zucchini cakes. There are herbs to be used to flavor sauces, cut as fresh as anything else, or to just be pinched between the fingers and favored as pleasing scents. The family did not plunge into this new farming adventure. They researched and learned about fish farming and tower production for nearly two years before striking out with the farm. Robert said his idea for the tilapia actually came while watching fish swim about in the tanks at the Bass Pro Shop. They had initially considered a strawberry farm, but expanded their ideas beyond that fruit (or vegetable) alone to include the broad assortment they now grow and sell. They have big plans for the hydroponic farm. They intend to be in full production soon in order to be able to feed those thousand people. They already have a petting farm of sorts, where children and adults can interact with horses, ponies and baby goats. There is a playground for the children and soon the small pond will be stocked with bluegill so that a child or an adult can hold a bamboo pole in his or her hand and take a chance on catching a wiggling fish. Robert’s father began working after the big war for Pinellas Glads, when Lee County was called “The Gladiolus Capital of the World”. The family continued with red potatoes for many years. Buddy Hawkins’ father had, along with some partners, an enterprise called Hawkins’ Flower Farm, and grew chrysanthemums and other cut flower varieties. This time, all that experience is added to new science that eliminates wasted water, and introduces nitrogen laden fertilizers and pesticides and fungicides into the fragile environment reeling from development. And the vegetables, well they really taste fine.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

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April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Fresh From Florida: Nurturing Success. Growing the Future.

B&W Quality Growers Richard and Steven Burgoon Fresh From Florida Members since 2001. “For five generations and over 140 years our family has specialized in growing premium quality fresh and flavorful watercress and baby leaf specialties.” “We are proud members of Fresh From Florida and salute their ongoing efforts to help Florida’s farmers bring fresh and healthy foods to the Americas and beyond.”

For more information on member benefits visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call (850) 617-7399.

HEALTH BENEFITS

of Peaches

• Wonderfully delicious peaches are low in calories (100 g just provide 39 calories), and contain no saturated fats. Nonetheless, they are packed with numerous health promoting compounds, minerals, and vitamins. • The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100 g peach fruit is 1814 TE (Trolex equivalents).

• Fresh peaches are a moderate source of antioxidant, vitamin-C. Vitamin-C has anti-oxidant effects and is required for connective tissue synthesis inside the human body. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps develop resistance against infectious agents, and help scavenges harmful free radicals. •

Fresh fruits are also a moderate source of vitamin-A and ß-carotene. ß-carotene is a pro-vitamin, which converts into vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A is essential for night vision. It is also essential for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to offer protection from lung and oral cavity cancers.

• They are rich in many vital minerals such as potassium, fluoride and iron. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Fluoride is a component of bones and teeth and is essential for prevention of dental caries. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that help regulate heart rate and blood pressure. •

Peaches contain health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin and ß-cryptoxanthin. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Florida’s Next Big Crop? BY LEVI LAMBERT

oday’s citrus grove just may turn into tomorrow’s peach orchard. Why, you may wonder? Let me side track into a funny little conversation I had last picking season with my daughter. We were riding around enjoying an evening breeze after a long hot day. Nearby on our chosen path were citrus trailers that were being loaded up with fresh picked oranges from the nearest grove. Inquisitive as a child can often be, my little one asks me, “Why do they call them Oranges?” Naturally, I was a bit too quick to begin my answer because she was not content with my response. She then says to me, “Well, I don’t get it; why don’t they call them Yellows or Greens? That way people will know what it looks like.” As we all are aware of the ongoing problems the citrus industry faces year after year, the worst years are speculated to be ahead of us. Hurricanes, freezes, and canker disease has all taken a toll on the Florida citrus industry, but since the discovery of the Asian citrus psylid in 2005 a cure has not been discovered and the citrus industry in Florida has continued to plummet. Analysts at the University of Florida concluded that between 2006 and 2012, citrus greening cost Florida’s economy $4.5 billion and 8,000 jobs. Florida is still recognized worldwide for our annual citrus harvest, but due

Heartland InTheField Magazine

to these setbacks farmers are seeking alternatives to replace their effected groves.

Problems the citrus industry faces is only part of the story. Peaches, as well as all varieties of stone fruit that are grown in Florida, have been under the microscope per say since as early as 1952 when the University of Florida started a breeding program to take advantage of Florida’s unique April 2015

climate in order to produce early crops. Florida’s subtropical climate can allow fruit to be harvested 60 days after bloom. This, along with trees that are capable of producing fruit within the second year, proves to offer a quicker return on the farmers’ investment.

On the other hand a peach orchard will require more maintenance than a citrus grove. Pruning several times a year and thinning of immature fruit is necessary to bring the best, juicy Florida grown peach possible to the market. Trees need to be supported to hold the load of maturing peaches and picking has to be spread out of a period of weeks in order to have perfect tree-ripened fruit. The fruit of the farmers’ labors are well worth the effort, since the harvest window for Florida peaches ideally falls before Georgia and California harvest and at the end of South America imports. This gives our Florida farmers market premiums for their fresh crops. Florida fresh peaches would not be making their come back without the research that has and continues to take place at the University of Florida. Since the breeding program’s inception, with cooperation with the University of Georgia and the USDA, over 30 varieties of peaches, nectarines, and plums have been released. Peach production generally is found in North and Central Florida and site selection is extremely important. The Horticultural Sciences Department at UF go on to describe the ideal potential orchard sites should have soil that is well-drained and slightly sloped for cold air drainage. A number of varieties have been developed for North, Central and Southern Florida, and a continued emphasis for the breeding program is to increase the diversity of germplasm for the entire state of Florida. Varieties are patented through the Florida Foundation Seed Producers, and bud wood is made available to those nurseries that purchase licenses. It is important to buy patented varieties from those nurseries that are licensed. Peaches in Florida must be planted on a rootstock that is resistant to a specific root-knot nematode found only in Florida (Meloidogyne floridensis). Currently, ‘Flordaguard’ is the only commercially available peach rootstock. ‘Flordaguard’ trees are visually distinctive with young leaves exhibiting a deep red color. ‘Flordaguard’ trees are often propagated by seed; however approximately 15-20% of the trees must be culled because of “outcrossing” of the fruit. That is, they will not be genetically true to type and will not contain full resistance to M. floridensis. Clonal propagation (e.g., cuttings) from a true to type ‘Flordaguard’ tree will result in 100% of the trees that will be resistant to M. floridensis. Online the University of Florida Horticultural Sciences Department offers more information on their research such as what I described above.

Chilling hours are reduced on the Flordaguard rootstock. This is essential for the development of Florida peaches. Peach trees require a certain number of chilling units to properly April 2015

develop leaf and flower buds. Research with the UF Stone Fruit Breeding Program has striven to develop varieties for this sub-tropical climate using temperate genotypes. A breed that can produce with less chilling hours will provide less restrictions set on the locations of the orchards.

In facts and figures released from the USDA census of Agriculture peaches has continued to increase across the board in Florida. In 2007 there were 145 peach farms and by 2012 this increased to 380. In acreage of peaches this is a difference of 1,231 logged in 2012, up from 234 in 2007. The census indicates a large increase in nonbearing crops in 2012 and if that trend holds true on the 2014 census then Florida’s Peach crops has exceeded 1,000 acres of bearing crops with approximately 500 acres that are nonbearing. Fair season is coming to an end and the Strawberry festival has come and gone, but to keep that sweet tooth satisfied, I would like to share a peach recipe that I love. Please don’t tell my Grandma, because I sure do love her homemade peach cobbler, but I find that the fast paced lives we have make it easier to settle for less preparation and shorter cook times. Give it a try with some fresh picked Florida peaches.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Florida Blueberry and Florida Peach Cobbler It’s Florida blueberry and peach season, and Authentic Florida creates a favorite recipe - Blueberry and Peach Cobbler, just like grandma would have made.The fruit season is short, so get to the farmer’s market or your local farm as soon as you can. And don’t forget the ice cream! I recommend doubling this recipe. You’ll love having leftovers. Serves 4 FRUIT MIXTURE

3-4 medium Florida peaches, peeled and cut in sections 1 cup of Florida blueberries ¼ cup of sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons of cornstarch COBBLER MIXTURE

1 egg 2 tablespoons melted, cooled butter ¼ cup heavy cream ½ cup flour, plus 2 tablespoons 1 teaspoon of baking powder Pinch of salt 1 tablespoon of sugar 1 tablespoon butter to brush over topping Vanilla Ice Cream (optional)

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DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix peaches and blueberries. Separately, mix the sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch. Combine the two. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix the egg, cooled butter and heavy cream. Whisk with a fork. Set aside. In a medium sized bowl, sift flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well (small indentation) in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Slowly draw the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, combining just until mixed.

PREPARATION

Place the ramekins on a sheet pan. Pour in the fruit, dividing the mixture evenly. Spoon the dough over the top (it will be sticky) of the fruit. It may not spread to the edges of the ramekin completely, but be sure the dough is distributed over the fruit. (I leave the edges a little exposed.) Lightly brush the dough with butter. Bake until the juices bubble up and crust is golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. (Check at 15 minutes) Serve hot. Add ice cream!

Heartland InTheField Magazine

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April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Florida Sweet is Just Peachy: HOW THE FLORIDA SWEET BRAND HAS BEEN PAVING THE WAY FOR FLORIDA PEACHES By Dixie Thomas Typically we think of Georgia peaches when we think of fresh, juicy peaches, but peach orchards in Florida are becoming more prevalent, as the University of Florida has developed a number of peach cultivars that produce in Florida. Peaches are high in a number of vitamins and minerals, and are especially high in potassium. The fruit is also high in antioxidants that cleanse the body of free radicals. Dried flowers from peach trees can also help stop vomiting and nausea. UF has been working along with growers since the 1950’s to develop peaches that will grow in Florida as well as produce commercially. Considering the increase in citrus disease, more growers have sought to diversify or to find an alternative crop, which has made peaches a more viable alternative. Today, you might walk into a grocery store in the heartland of Florida and find a fresh Florida peach. Nine years ago, before Florida peaches were popular, Ralph Chamberlain and Donald Padgett began growing the fruit through a twist of fate. For about 16 years, Ralph had managed over 2500 acres of citrus at Edentown Groves in Charlotte County, when canker destroyed over 600 hundred acres of orange trees, and many of the potential replants in the nurseries. Ralph had to look for a solution. He met Donald Padgett through the citrus business when Donald had the contract to replant 950 acres of citrus that had been removed by the State of Florida in effort to eradicate canker.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Ralph asked Donald if he had ever planted a peach tree, and Donald said “no, but there’s a first time for everything.”

Ralph and Donald decided to partner together growing peaches and to create the “Florida Sweet” brand of peaches. Donald now owns the brand name and handles the marketing of the brand. Through the years, Ralph and Donald have formed not only a lasting partnership, but also a tight friendship. “We talk everyday about peaches starting at 6:00 a.m. and going as late as midnight, as we head home from a long day packing peaches,” says Ralph. “We continually bounce ideas off each other from nutrition to picking to packing a peach. In the process he (Donald) has become one of my closest friends.”

April 2015

Now in their ninth season, Ralph and Donald harvest peaches from about March 1st to the middle of May. Being in a “sweet spot” location in Florida with early season peaches, Florida Sweet peaches are the first to hit the American market during peach season. Hitting the market at just the right time is of upmost importance. “Our entire peach industry is based on a niche market between Chile and Georgia peaches, anything earlier or later, then our niche timing is a disaster,” says Ralph. Harvesting the peaches at just the right maturity is very important as well. Florida peaches are picked when tree ripe and have a short shelf life. Once they reach maturity, they must be picked and shipped immediately. During the harvest season, peaches need to be harvested every 1 to 2 days. The fruit is picked by hand and as gently as possible put in buckets and transported to the packing house. Bumpers and pads on the packing line help prevent bruising during the packing process. Keeping the peaches in coolers also helps to lengthen their shelf life. Since peach trees and citrus trees are relatively similar, citrus growers may find peaches to be a feasible alternative crop. “Actually, switching from citrus to peaches in terms of soil, irrigation, and equipment is not much different,” says Ralph. “Both are tree crops that require similar practices.” Like citrus, peaches tend to like sandy soil. Irrigations systems and basic equipment such a mowers and sprayers can be interchangeable for citrus and peaches. But citrus and peaches do have some differences of which a grower should be aware. While it is a benefit that peaches require less water—about 80 percent of the water citrus trees require—peaches don’t fare well in wet areas, and must have well drained soil. Ralph tells how he received a six inch rain during his first year of growing peaches. Ralph says, “We pumped the water down, but it saturated the heavier soil areas in my peach block, and everywhere the water was unable to drain-- we lost peach trees. So take it from my experience: plant your peach trees in well drained areas.”

Peaches also require more hand labor than citrus. To prevent peach trees from having sagging branches at harvest time, the trees must be pruned so that branches grow at about a seventy degree angle. Peach limbs that grow horizontally will have a tendency to droop and may even touch the ground, giving wildlife an easy meal. So, horizontal limbs need to be cut. Blooms or buds on peach trees also need to be thinned to ensure that peaches reach a larger, more marketable size. If some blooms or buds are not thinned, then the tendency is to have more, but smaller fruit that may not be big enough to be marketable. Unfortunately, pruning and thinning is not something that can be done with a machine—it must be done by hand and with careful observation. A commercial peach grower can expect to spend between $1,500 -$2,000 an acre between the thinning and pruning each year. That figure does not include production costs such as mowing, fertilizer, and spraying.

April 2015

Aside from requiring less water, peaches have their benefits. Peaches grow very quickly and begin to produce quickly. “The peach tree itself grows like a weed; it seems at times that you can almost hear it growing--it moves so fast,” says Ralph. Peach trees can be picked as early as 11- 12 months after planting, depending on the month they were planted. For the trees to really contribute commercially however, they need to reach about 24-30 months of age. Another benefit of growing peaches is that they are not affected by many of the diseases that are so rapidly killing citrus, such as greening. Currently, Donald has about 25 acres of peaches in Desoto County. Ralph manages about 65 acres at Edentown. The partners grow cultivars of peaches including UF Suns, Tropic Beauty, UF Best, UF One, and FlordaGlow. Having a variety of cultivars that mature at slightly different times helps to have a staggered harvesting time and allows a longer season. Both Ralph and Donald have invested in their own packing facilities and coolers, so their peaches can be packed on site. Donald and his wife, Michelle, supply the labor from the field to the packing house, and Michelle manages the operations in the packing house. Together, Donald and Ralph pack about 350,000 pounds of peaches every year. Florida Sweet markets to Winn Dixie, Walmart, Fresh Point, and Whole Foods, all in Florida, and stores in other states as far west as Texas. Michelle and Donald’s daughter, Nicole, handle the daily operations of logistics, and marketing of the peaches. “Without their effort and expertise, fruit movement would grind to a halt,” says Ralph. Florida Sweet is also a part of the Fresh From Florida organization. “Being a part of the Fresh From Florida organization is about taking pride in what we grow, using the best resources and maintaining the highest standards in quality,” says Donald. No doubt, through years of experience in agriculture and the help and expertise of family, Florida Sweet peaches have been paving the way and setting the standard for peach crops in Florida.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

BLUEBERRY GROWERS UPDATED ON INDUSTRY CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES AT FBGA SPRING SHORT COURSE

Three New Varieties Unveiled

By Jim Frankowiak

Florida blueberry producers recently gathered in Plant City for the Spring Short Course offered by the Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) to share information on various challenges and opportunities currently before the industry. Some 400 attended the session at the John R. Trinkle Center on the Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College (HCC). Following welcoming comments from HCC Academic Dean Dr. Bonnie Finsely-Satterfield and a brief FBGA business

Heartland InTheField Magazine

meeting led by Association President Dudley Calfee, Ms. Michael Heard provided an overview of the broad-based, multi-media promotion in place to expand interest and participation from throughout the state in the annual Florida Blueberry Festival to be held April 11-12 at Brooksville. This year’s festival theme is “Florida has a Blueberry Bright Future.”

Dr. Jeanne Lindsey, senior risk management specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency discussed crop insurance options for blueberry producers. She noted the new Whole Farm Revenue Protection now available and other pending advances and enhancements to coverage options available through crop insurance agents. Interested parties were encouraged to visit www.rma.usda.gov, clicking on the Farm Bill section for additional information and access to the cost estimator capability on the site. The assembled growers were then given an update on current USDA blueberry research involving the performance of southern highbush blueberries under artificial shade and

April 2015

harvesting and packinghouse evaluation on fruit quality by Dr. Fumi Takeda, research horticulturist and lead scientist, Appalachian Fruit Research Station, USDA – Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at Kearneysville, West Virginia. He noted his presentation was an update on the status of a multi-year program involving 10 Land Grant universities located in different areas of the country. The first program he reviewed was the use of mechanical shade systems in a two-year Florida study that saw “improved fruit set, reduced fruit damage, reduced bird predation and happy u-pick customers.” The multi-objective study also focused on mechanical harvesting considerations, food safety, microbial contamination, as well as economic and ergonomic considerations and extension outreach fostering technological transfer.

The study is looking at hand and machine harvesting, comparing both from different perspectives and utilizing various advanced technologies such as infra-red and thermal imaging to ascertain internal and external fruit damage. Packing house studies involved use of the BIRD sensor to evaluate the impact of dropping blueberries at various points along packing lines since, “bruising and softening of the fruit limits cold storage time, an important consideration for blueberry crops in some parts of the country,” said Takeda. That work is helping to guide the design of a harvest aid system for small and mid-size blueberry farms that would permit “harvesting with minimal bruising of fruit through reduced drop heights. There is also focus on catch plate design, including coverage of some stainless steel along the lines with plastic or fiber plastic that reduces bruising.”

In summary, Dr. Takeda said he and his colleagues are focused on a platform system over 3 – 5 rows with handheld shaking vibrators typically used by olive growers to improve fruit removal apparatus and help reduce fruit bruising. That work will also include ergonomic considerations of fatigue and muscle aches of field workers plus a cost benefit analysis “hopefully leading to a system of higher capacity requiring fewer workers,” he said. Disease issues being faced by Georgia blueberry growers that could impact producers in Florida were then reviewed by Dr. Phil Brannen, Extension plant pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. “Replanting with new varieties has resulted in the increasing incidence of nematodes, specifically ring nematode, in Georgia,” he said. “Although both southern highbush and rabbiteye varieties have been impacted, we have found southern highbush more disease prone.” In addition to fumigation, Brannen said, “pine bark has proven to be a great tool in helping to reduce nematodes.”

April 2015

His second warning had to do with bacterial leaf scorch caused by bacterium spread by glassy winged sharpshooters. “Again, we have found the southern highbush to be more susceptible, but the V-1 and Star rabbiteye varieties have also shown to be highly susceptible.” Blueberry necrotic ring blotch virus was next, but “it is not a systemic virus that seems to be controlled by spraying for spider wing drosylius.” While this helps control and eliminate the virus, it does have an impact on yield.

His final notice concerned a fungal disease, Exobasidio Leaf and fruit spot. “This is manifest by a white or light spot on the fruit. We have seen this more on rabbiteye varieties, but there have been some on southern highbush. And, it’s not only the look that’s bothersome, they taste nasty,” he said. Dr. Brannen offered options for addressing each of the four potential problems he presented, but he emphasized that they each “may manifest themselves here in Florida.” University of Florida blueberry breeder Dr. Jim Olmstead with the Horticultural Sciences Department of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences introduced three new varieties now available to blueberry producers. All are suited to central and southern Florida and “best suited to the evergreen production system.” The new varieties are Avanti™ (FL06-203), Arcadia™ (FL07-399) and Endura™ (FL06-377). Additional information on each of the new varieties is available via the Florida Foundation. See Producers Inc. at http://FFSP.NET or http://www.hos.ufl.edu/faculty/ jwolmstead.

The current status of labor regulations was reviewed by Michael Carlton, director of labor relations for the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. He emphasized the need for action at the federal level regarding immigration, plus amendments to the guest worker program that is better suited to a broader segment of the industry. Carlton encouraged growers to regularly communicate with their elected officials at the federal level to know “agriculture’s livelihood depends on immigrants” and that they will hopefully move forward with new immigration legislation and amend the guest workers program in such a way that it works for agriculture.” Information on all presentations at the Short Course is available by visiting: http://floridablueberrygrowers. com/2015/02/24/fbga-spring-2015-conferencepresentations/ Heartland InTheField Magazine

PATTY’S PATCH . . . PERFECT FOR PICKIN’ BY CINDY CUTRIGHT

There is a little patch of blueberry heaven located just north of LaBelle in Muse called Patty’s Patch. The 6 acre farm’s namesake, Patty Mudge, is an easy going aficionado who enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge of blueberries, which she has been acquiring since nurturing her first plants in 2004.

we had one night where it was 28 degrees here (in Muse) and now these two varieties (Spring Highs and Prima Donnas) are just blooming up a storm.” Three other varieties, Jewels, Emeralds and Gulf Coast are also grown on the farm. All are sweet to the taste and just plain irresistible.

But Patty is the first to admit that along with experience and expertise, luck, and a well-timed chill are necessary for a bountiful season. “We need a certain number of chill hours in the fall – that’s 45 degrees or below,” she remarked. “This year 46 Heartland InTheField Magazine

Patty explained the blueberry season for this operation is divided into two parts. The first of the season is devoted to picking berries to be sold commercially. She said this aspect of the season could last from four to six weeks and requires a small army of pickers. Once harvested, the berries are cooled and then shipped in ‘flats’ to another location for packaging. A good season is, “so weather driven,” Patty said. “A few years ago we had 23,000 lbs. that sold commercially and last year we only had 17,000 lbs. even though we had more plants. This

April 2015

year we are going to pass both those years. The Emeralds, the Spring Highs, the Prima Donnas are all loaded.” Once the harvesting of berries for the commercial market ends, the second part of the season kicks in and the operation opens as a U-Pick farm. This usually starts mid to late April and lasts through May. Finally, the heat brings an end to the season. That is when, “the berries get soft and they don’t hold up.”

Picking blueberries for some is a much anticipated rite of spring and one that can only be accomplished by patronizing a U-Pick farm. Patty said the plan to sell the remainder of the berries to customers as a U-Pick operation came about in 2010. At first she just put out signs and later advertised on Craig’s List, “but the third year I got a website and that made all the difference in the world. But word of mouth has been wonderful. People come out here in groups and we try to make it people friendly.” Thirty to forty people at a time can be accommodated. The U-Pick customers are highly valued and are taken into consideration whenever possible. For instance, the trees that grow throughout the field hamper the growth and productivity of some of the plants, but the decision was made to leave them so as to provide shade for those who come to pick and in addition, “People like the look (of the trees).” Of course once the season comes to an end, work in the field still continues. Irrigation is required year ‘round, even during the summer, as do plant and field maintenance. It is a lot to manage but fortunately, Patty’s Patch is a family affair. Along with her husband, Tim; their son-in-law, Jeremy Black, is now involved in the operation as well. They are a tenacious bunch having battled storms, birds, weeds, too much rain and not enough and yet continue to preserve that little patch of blue (berry) heaven right here in Southwest Florida. For more information go to www.pattyspatch.com, find them on facebook or call 863-675-1105.

HISTORY OF FLORIDA BLUEBERRIES

It is estimated that the blueberry came onto the scene in North America more than 13,000 years ago. While it is a very small fruit, it is packed with nutrients and full of life-changing health benefits.

In the U.S. blueberries were being enjoyed by Native Americans when Europeans first arrived. Florida’s history of blueberries began with wild berries in the late 1800s. The industry declined in the 1920s and it wasn’t until the 1960s that things began to change. Around 60 years ago, Professor Ralph Sharpe began a low-chill blueberry breeding program at the University of Florida. In 1976, Sherman and Sharpe released the first southern highbush cultivars. By 1982, the highbush blueberries were shipped out of state and claimed $5/pound at a New York market. During the mid 1980s large plantings of early season rabiteyes and southern highbush were planted in north central and northwest Florida. In the 1990s, the highbush largely replaced the rabiteyes. Hundreds of small blueberry farms have opened across Florida over the past three decades. Florida produces only a fraction of the berries that industry leader Michigan does. Florida’s berries are harvested before other locations around the country. The season gives Florida farmers an advantage by limiting their competition. Blueberries are expensive to grow, costing about $20,000 an acre to plant. And, Florida varieties produce only 4 to 5 pounds of berries per bush, while Northern bushes can yield up to 20 pounds of fruit. Florida’s biggest competition comes from overseas and places like Chile, but even with this competition, Florida can still offer a much fresher product. Current research has determined that blueberries seem to qualify as a super food. Benefits established to date include: Cancer fighting Anti-oxidants- The pigment that makes blueberries blue makes them the number one source of antioxidants which consume cancer causing free radicals. Anti-aging/ memory enhancement- Can’t find your car keys? Eat more blueberries.Blueberries have been demonstrated to improve memory

Reduction of cardiovascular disease and stroke- Blueberries are rich in compounds that reduce bad cholesterol and promote cardiovascular health. Infection fighting- a compound in blueberries has been demonstrated to fight urinary infection and is being considered as a pharmaceutical.

April 2015

Improved eyesight- The european relative of the blueberry, the bilberry, has been demonstrated to improve visual acuity. The amount of scientific research demonstrating the unique benefits of blueberries is truely amazing and seems to be accelerating. Heartland InTheField Magazine 47

Mural Paints Sweet Picture of Bees at Work By Cindy Cutright

The work of the bee – vital to Florida’s citrus and vegetable industry - is the subject of a wall mural covering the south side of the Harold P. Curtis Honey Company building in LaBelle. Entitled, “The Good of the Hive,” this large masterpiece is the work of renowned muralist, Matthew Willey.

One of the first bees to make an appearance on the wall.

Artist Matt Willey begins work on the mural

“Right now I am really getting interested in the bees,” Matt explained. “I make a lot of correlations in my work between the bee hive and that (bee) society and the way they behave and what can we learn from them as humans. That is how this (the mural) became The Good of the Hive.”

had some amazing clients.” Among them was the NBA team, the Washington Wizards.

Matt said he knew he always wanted to be an artist and was encouraged to follow that inclination from an early age by his mother, also an artist. “I never thought I’d do anything else. It just never occurred to me,” he said. Matt attended the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston and following graduation began working in the field of interior design. “I didn’t want to starve so I ended up in D.C. and little by little I built a portfolio of projects.” Those projects included murals for a host of different clients. “I have sort of been a one man show my whole career. I have been really blessed and I have

Labelle’s Downtown Revitalization Association helped spearhead the fundraising campaign to pay for the project while the city commission cleared the way by amending the city’s code to allow for the painting of the mural on such a large scale.

The mural also commemorates a ride in which one hundred cyclists participated as part of the Pan-Florida Challenge to raise money to provide 250,000 meals for children in Florida and Haiti. The event, which took place in March, started in Naples and ended in Palm Beach with a stop in LaBelle to view the mural and meet the artist.

Painting murals appeals to Matt because, “I like painting bigger than me. There is something that happens when a mural is going on because of the scale. There is just an energy that gets created around mural work. It is just different.” He went on to explain why he feels murals are such a good fit for him creatively. “I am really trying to tell more stories with my artwork these days. And I am so interested in the connection between humans and art and nature and murals are a great way to show that. It is hard work but that is when is seems magical.”

Visit the website: downtownlabelle.com or The GoodOfTheHive.com for more information about the mural and check out Matt’s website: MatthewWilley.com for more information about the artist.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

HISTORY OF

Florida Blueberries It is estimated that the blueberry came onto the scene in North America more than 13,000 years ago. While it is a very small fruit, it is packed with nutrients and full of life-changing health benefits. In the U.S. blueberries were being enjoyed by Native Americans when Europeans first arrived. Florida’s history of blueberries began with wild berries in the late 1800s. The industry declined in the 1920s and it wasn’t until the 1960s that things began to change. Around 60 years ago, Professor Ralph Sharpe began a low-chill blueberry breeding program at the University of Florida. In 1976, Sherman and Sharpe released the first southern highbush cultivars. By 1982, the highbush blueberries were shipped out of state and claimed $5/pound at a New York market. During the mid 1980s large plantings of early season rabiteyes and southern highbush were planted in north central and northwest Florida. In the 1990s, the highbush largely replaced the rabiteyes.

Hundreds of small blueberry farms have opened across Florida over the past three decades. Florida produces only a fraction of the berries that industry leader Michigan does. Florida’s berries are harvested before other locations around the country. The season gives Florida farmers an advantage by limiting their competition. Blueberries are expensive to grow, costing about $20,000 an acre to plant. And, Florida varieties produce only 4 to 5 pounds of berries per bush, while Northern bushes can yield up to 20 pounds of fruit. Florida’s biggest competition comes from overseas and places like Chile, but even with this competition, Florida can still offer a much fresher product.

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

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April 2015

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April 2015

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April 2015

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Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Unveils Plans for New Mosaic Arena The Arcadia Rodeo will soon have a new home that will bring additional opportunities to benefit DeSoto County and the Rodeo community. With support from The Mosaic Company Foundation and other donors, the Rodeo has announced the public support phase for their capital campaign.

Plans for the new Mosaic Arena were unveiled today as part of opening ceremonies for the 87th annual Arcadia AllFlorida Championship Rodeo, which runs through March 15. The new $6 million arena will be made possible thanks to a $3 million grant from The Mosaic Company Foundation, as well as support from other major donors and members of the local community. The new 8,593-seat Mosaic Arena will provide increased capacity and functionality for the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, as well as provide new opportunities to host other community events. This new state-of-theart facility will attract more participants and spectators to DeSoto County – improving the economic landscape by benefiting local businesses and civic organizations. The construction of the new facility is also expected to have a regional economic impact of more than $9.5 million. “Given the success of the rodeo, a new arena is something the DeSoto community has contemplated for many years. We are grateful to our many donors including The Mosaic Company Foundation,” says Don T. Hall, Arcadia Rodeo President. “This is a significant undertaking and we are pleased the Foundation, donors and community-at-large share in our vision for a vibrant DeSoto County.”

The signature three-day Arcadia Rodeo event each March is an important economic driver for DeSoto County and an estimated 94 percent of attendees travel from outside the county to attend the event. The 2014 event attracted almost 16,000 visitors and brought approximately $1 million in economic benefits to the area.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

“The Mosaic Company Foundation is delighted to partner with the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo to provide greater opportunities for DeSoto County through this new venue,” says Bo Davis, Sr. Vice President, Phosphate Operations and board member of The Mosaic Company Foundation. “This is an important economic development project in Arcadia and a great community partnership.” Plans for a New Arena Unveiled at the 87th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

The facility that currently houses the rodeo and other events was built in 1959 and has aged to the point where renovations or repairs are no longer cost-effective; this will be the rodeo’s third home. Construction on the new arena is slated to begin later this year adjacent to the Turner AgriCivic Center. The two buildings will complement each other to attract new events to the area. Construction of the new arena will employ an estimated 70 contractor jobs during the construction phase. After the arena is operational, the facility and rodeo will be managed by an executive director who will oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility, supervise a small contract staff for special events, manage ongoing fundraising efforts, construction of the arena, marketing, and all ongoing business affairs. Renderings of the new Mosaic Arena are available on the Arcadia Rodeo’s website at www.arcadiarodeo.com The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Inc. is a non-profit organization that dates back to 1952. It is the oldest rodeo organization in the state of Florida which has evolved from its pioneer beginnings to a national sport drawing top cowboy athletes from all over the nation. The Rodeo’s signature event is the three-day annual March Rodeo. Participants compete for purses and points aiming for the “Super Bowl” of rodeo, the National Finals held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. The April 2015

Rodeo Association also hosts a variety of sporting events throughout the year including a Youth Rodeo Series, WRCA Ranch Rodeos and a Memorial Day Barrel Race.

About The Mosaic Company and The Mosaic Company Foundation The Mosaic Company is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, two essential crop nutrients. Driven by its mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic is committed to strengthening global food security and protecting critical water resources. The Mosaic Company and The Mosaic Company Foundation make investments in and partner with best-of-class leaders in the focus areas of food, water and local community investments. More information about Mosaic is available at www.mosaicco.com and www.mosaicindesoto.com.

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

RODEO FEATURE

ARCADIA RODEO DOES IT AGAIN! ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHY GREGG

It is the weekend of March 13, 14 and 15, in Central Florida – the excitement fills the air as cowboys and cowgirls, rodeo queens, and the Tater Hill Gang, along with horses, steers, broncs and bulls made their way to the Arcadia Rodeo Grounds for the 87th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. This “local” rodeo has grown into one of the PRCA’s gems in the State of Florida, and for those three days, some of the greats of rodeo, both past and present, descended on this arena to show all of the spectators just how rodeo is done! And this includes the awesome livestock provided by Frontier Rodeo Company of Winne, Texas. There was a standing-room-only crowd on Saturday, and both Friday and Sunday were almost sold out (so remember to get your tickets in advance for the 2016 rodeo!).

Mother Nature decided that 2015 would be a hot one (in stark contrast to the sweatshirts and jackets that were needed last year), tying (or breaking) record highs. But that just made the fresh-squeezed lemonades and strawberry shortcakes taste even better! And the shade provided by the Mosaic tent, and the refreshments served under it, were welcomed by those invited. The Shoot-Out starts the activities every day, and once again, they welcomed the participation of the members of this

Heartland InTheField Magazine

year’s Miss Rodeo Florida court – Miss Teen Rodeo Florida Jenna Herstich, and Miss Rodeo Florida Princess Addison Roberts and Sweetheart Heaven Crosby. These young ladies traveled from as far north as Ocala and as far south as Broward County to be a part of this great rodeo. (And Barney has never looked so good as he did escorting these lovely girls into the arena!)

Just prior to the adult competitions, there is the oh-sopopular mutton bustin’, where the 4-to-6-year-olds, boys and girls alike, climb onto the backs of those woolly (and smelly) sheep, and try to ride them as far out into the arena as they can. This year’s winners were Larrett “Chevy” Wheeler of Arcadia, and Cash Langford, the grandson of the famed Alton Langford. April 2015

Rodeos are known for beginning with a Grand Entry. That was done on Friday, but they shook things up this year, with Saturday being a tribute to the older rodeo stars, accompanied by the up-and-coming youngsters of rodeo. Photos of rodeo producer and announcer Pat Hansel were displayed on the big Trinitron screen – he is the father of Mrs. Debbie Carlton of Wauchula.

Steer wrestling seems to attract cowboys that are built BIG – in fact, it was Hardy Dymmek of Kissimmee that took the ribbing of Clown/Entertainer Keith Isley with the line “It oughta be against the law to be bigger than the animal you’re competing against!” And Hardy’s run of 5.4 seconds held the lead until Jake Hoffman squeaked by him on Sunday with a time of 5.0 seconds. Repeat circuit champ Ace Campbell returned this year, placing seventh in Arcadia in 6.7 seconds, and fifth in Okeechobee in 8.8 seconds.

There are two roping events, tie-down roping and team roping. Team roping saw partners Jimmy and Corey Fussell, Big Town Billie and Ivan Bruised Head, Mike Ashton and Buddy Davis, Joe Beaver and Reno Gonzalez, and Justin John Gopher and Naha Jumper from the Heartland, but none of these teams made it into the money. Tie-down ropers Chase Cobb of Avon Park and Nick Mazzilli of Okeechobee took third and fourth place, respectively, at Arcadia, with both Arcadia and Okeechobee being won by J.R. Myers, a circuit champ from Pennsylvania, in 9.4 and 9.2-second runs.

The saddle bronc competition this year was absolutely AWESOME!! It has to be daunting to climb onto a saddle bronc horse knowing you’re going up against anyone with the last name of Wright (see accompanying article), but locals Corey Fussell, Nat Stratton, and James Greeson did just that. Greeson took second place in Okeechobee, with a ride of 79 (only 1 point lower than World Champion Spencer Wright’s ride), and letting him take home $959 for the effort. And I have to give a shout out to my saddle bronc buddies Justin Caylor of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and LeRoy Eash of Fortine, Montana!

And then four horses entered the arena, ridden by Matt Condo (one of the two holders of the title All-Around Cowboy FIVE TIMES at Arcadia) and accompanied by his 6-year-old granddaughter Paysleigh Pickle, who rides in barrels. On the other pair of horses were Jimmy Fussell, a bareback rider from the 1980’s and who still competes in team roping with his son, and little Cael Nelson, an all-around rodeo competitor who rides sheep with a miniature bareback rigging, in preparation for becoming a bareback rider.

Then the competition began – no locals are bareback riders, but that was won by three-times world champion Will Lowe of Canyon, Texas, riding Delta Ship for a score of 87. And it was this pair that set a world record of 91-1/2 points at the Thomas and Mack Center.

April 2015

Nicole Yost (another competitor from Pennsylvania) won the WPRA women’s barrel racing at Arcadia, with a run of 17.49 seconds. And 12-year-old Rylee Butler of Arcadia took the win in the Junior Barrels, with a time of 16.75 seconds. Layna Kight won Okeechobee’s event in 15. 28 seconds. Last up was the bull riding – Okeechobee entrants were Andrew Holmes, Tevin Cameron (who tied for second place in Okeechobee with a score of 77), and Kelton “KDawg” Smedley. This was KDawg’s FIRST outing in a PRCA competition, and even though he joined the ranks of those riders who got bucked off, he looked like a pro in that hot pink shirt! Cody Teel and Jordan Sammons tied for this win at Arcadia, each with a score of 84.

THANK YOU, Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, for one of the most thrilling weekends of the year! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in 2016! Heartland InTheField Magazine

SPENCER WRIGHT MAKES HISTORY AT THE 2015 ARCADIA RODEO BY KATHY GREGG

On Sunday, the traditional Grand Entry was substituted for an introduction to Spencer Wright, and the crowd’s first look at this amazing bucking horse, as she was turned loose into the arena and, with head held high, strutted her stuff. Medicine Woman, out of the sire Big Medicine, has received many titles in her career, the latest being her win as the 2014 Pendleton Whiskey Let’er Buck Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year. And she is the pride and joy of Frontier Rodeo Company!

“Twas Monday, March 16th,

and all through the house (the Arcadia Rodeo house, that is!), not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse” – and that’s because the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo had just completed its annual three-day Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event – its 87th one, to be exact.

But that day the PRCA website was proudly declaring “Spencer Happily Takes His Medicine in Arcadia”. And for those fans who were lucky enough to have been in attendance for Sunday’s performance, they know exactly what this headline means! Spencer Wright is the reigning World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, having entered the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo last December in 13th place, then skyrocketing to the top of the year-end standings. And he drew the horse named Medicine Woman for his ride here in the Heartland. The website proclaimed “This was an ideal matchup” – that, Rodeo Fans, is the understatement of the year!

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Even Spencer called her “one of the best broncs in the world”. And after the 8-second buzzer sounded, this pair had made history with a 92-point ride! In addition to being the winning score at Arcadia, that is Spencer’s career-best score, and a PRCA season-best score. And according to the announcer, that is the second-highest saddle bronc score EVER recorded – it should come as no surprise that the highest score was also received on a ride on Medicine Woman.

But let’s not forget the other Wrights – this family of 13 includes seven boys, all of whom are saddle bronc riders. Also competing at Arcadia were twins Jake and Jesse (with Jesse’s 83-point ride landing him in a tie for fifth place in this event), and nephew Rusty (who is the son of Cody Wright, and, at the tender age of 19, is currently ranked THIRD in the world). And brother-in-law CoBurn Bradshaw placed third at Arcadia with a score of 86 – the announcer said that he had to do a saddle bronc audition before he was allowed to marry one of the sisters! Thank you, Mr. Spencer Wright, for such a thrill – oh, and congratulations on also winning the Okeechobee CowTown Rodeo that weekend with a score of 80 on Silver Spurs Club’s bronc named Chisum, and tying Cody DeMoss in the Marshall, Texas, rodeo. That places DeMoss (who was supposed to compete at Arcadia on Saturday, but drew out) in first place, and Spencer in second, in the Windham Weaponry High Performance PRCA World Standings. April 2015

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April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

ADAMS RANCH WINS LABELLE RANCH RODEO ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHY GREGG

The annual Hendry County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo was held at the Labelle Rodeo Arena on the nights of February 20 and 21 this year. Not only is this a Florida Cattlemen’s Association qualifying event, it is part of the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival, and includes a junior ranch rodeo on Sunday.

Abby Arnold and Princess Meghan Price, and Tatianna White (whose title was covered by her hair _____ Little Miss). And, of course, Mavis the Honey Girl was there with her basket full of sweet treats!

The only team member who has any chance of staying clean at these ranch rodeos is the one who does the roping. But these dirty cowboys and cowgirls were joined by lovely (and clean!) local royalty – Swamp Cabbage Festival Queen

Next up was the double muggin’, and this was the first of three events won by the Adams Ranch team, in a time of 45.59 seconds. Murphy Cattle incurred the same problem when the steer slipped through the rope, but this bovine

Those competing in the Friday night performance needed gloves and insulated underwear, and the cold weather must have made the stock as cantankerous and uncooperative as it was. Saturday night’s performance was quite mild, needing only a long-sleeve shirt – Way to go, Mother Nature!

Heartland InTheField Magazine

First event was the calf branding. This was won by the Sapp Ranch team of Troy Thomlinson, Brandon Elder, Dustyn Whitmire, and Blake and Shannon Prescott, in 41.81 seconds. The results might have been different had the calf not run right through the loop thrown by Brandon Dieter of the Switch Ranch/Zoetis team, causing the second roper, Peck Harris, to actually secure the animal.

April 2015

managed to cross back over the line before being roped by another team member.

The cowhide drag is so much fun, at least for us spectators! The smallest (and lightest in weight) are the ones stuck down in the dirt riding the cowhide – which is why you will never see Buck Lee, Billy Adams or Troy Thomlinson doing the riding! A few hats were lost (and one even got run over!), but no serious collisions, resulting in the second win for the Adams Ranch, who completed the rides of Marshall Godsey and Christi Pryor in 26.51 seconds.

Last, but certainly not least, was the ranch bronc riding. And the third check went to the Adams Ranch, with a score of 76 for the great ride made by Marshall Godsey. Now, I hope that Blaine “Big B” Matthews (of the M-2 Cattle team) was taking notes during Marshall’s ride! Which left the Adams Ranch team of Billy Adams, Marshall Godsey, father and son Carson and Cody Story, and Christi Pryor to take home the first place buckles and check. Second place went to Switch Ranch/Zoetis, and third place to the Trinity Ranch/Syfrett Feed team of ponytailed cowboy CJ Carter, roper extraordinaire Dalton Boney (at least in his mind!), Ty Bennett, Jed Grey (who remembered his Coggins papers this time), and female team member Frankie Syfrett. Thanks to Lindsey, Sonya and Marlene, and see y’all next February in Labelle!

The team roping and branding event (also called team doctoring by some committees), was the fourth event. Only three teams managed to complete this event on Saturday night, and the winner was among this group -- Switch Ranch/ Zoetis, with teammates Peck Harris, Robert Fussell, Brandon Dieter, Clint “Catfish” Davis, and Dallas Roberts coming in at 51.15 seconds.

The team sorting was the only event won by a Friday team – Inmate Ranch. With Doug Bronson doing the sorting, backed up by Sam Clemons, Barrett Ringstaff, and Cole and Cassidy Fulford, this should come as no surprise. (With brother Bobby Joe Fulford as one of the judges, it’s amazing that this team won any event – HaHa!)

April 2015

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April 2015

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April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

RUSTIC STYLE FURNITURE

Rustic Style Furniture is much more than just a furniture store. Located at 505 NE Park Street (Highway 70 East) in Okeechobee, you’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and knives to custom cornhole board sets. Owner Niki Salmon opened the store in May 2007 as a way of showcasing her log cabins and providing furnishings for those homes. (The entrepreneurial Salmon is also a State Certified Building Contractor and Realtor.) It wasn’t long before Niki took advantage of her retail operation to offer additional home décor and gift items as well. “I like to promote local artists and offer unique items such as custom metal and wooden art pieces,” she says. Horseshoe art created by Matty Spinelli and wooden wall hangings by Gordy Borth are popular items, as well as wildlife and landscape

Heartland InTheField Magazine

paintings. Niki even does some painting herself, sharing that customers sometimes bring in old saws and other items to be personalized and made into art for their families to enjoy.

Borracho, the antique Indian figure who often graces the store parking lot (or lobby during inclement weather), has become a mascot of sorts for Rustic Style Furniture. Borracho has his own area inside the store called “Borracho’s Cantina” where glassware, coasters, and other bar items are displayed. He even has his own wine label that adorns various varietals from Lakeside Winery.

April 2015

In addition to the one-of-a-kind items found in the store, Niki also carries well-known brand items like Lodge cast iron cookware and Pandora jewelry. Vintage cookie jars, banks, glassware and other items can also be found, making it easy to find the perfect gift items for anyone on your shopping list – including yourself!

Whether you’re decorating your home or office, you’re sure to find something that will fit your decor. There is a wide array items offered for your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or public area, from towel racks to ceiling fans.

THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

As for the actual furniture, you will find everything from beds, chairs, tables, and barstools, 100% handmade Amish furniture made in South Tennessee, to pieces made locally from sought after gnarly pine and melaleuca wood. The gnarly pine furniture is built to order and typically takes about four months, depending on customer specifications. Niki also carries the Flexsteel® line of sofas which can be ordered, and she recently began carrying a poly-resin line of outdoor furniture including tables, gliders, and Adirondack chairs. Rustic Style Furniture is open Monday through Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm. You can see more of their items at www.uniquegifts4u.com and follow Borracho on Facebook under Rustic Furniture-Home DecorGift Shop.

April 2015

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds

Gates open at noon • Rodeo events begin at 1 & 6 p.m. $10 per person • Children 12 and under free • Parking $3 per car

Food and fun for the entire family! Bronc Ridin’ • Wild Cow Decoratin’ • Ranch Sortin’ Trailer Loadin’ • Stray Gatherin’ • Junior Sortin’ Sponsored in part by:

The Sherrod Family In Memory of Curtis Sherrod

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

WWW.ADAMSRANCHRODEO.COM Heartland InTheField Magazine

There is opportunity for participation in and enjoyment of sports programs close to the big Caloosahatchee that began with Edison Junior College more than fifty years ago. FSW is the recent recipient of funding and facilities that guarantee excellence in collegiate level sports programs and benefits the entire region of Southwest Florida.

AERIAL VIEW OF THE CITY OF PALMS PARK STADIUM, HOME OF THE FSW BUCCANEERS’ BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL TEAMS. PHOTO COURTESY FSW

FLORIDA SOUTHWESTERN STATE COLLEGE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS BY BRADY VOGT

CITY OF PALMS PARK WAS THE SITE OF THE CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF THE 10-YEAR LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN FSW AND LEE COUNTY. L-R ARE: CARL MCALOOSE, FSW AD; MAYOR RANDY HENDERSON, CITY OF FORT MYERS; DR. JEFF ALLBRITTEN, FSW PRESIDENT; AND LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONER LARRY KIKER. PHOTO COURTESY FSW

The present state and the promise of what will be delivered with regards to athletics at Florida SouthWestern State College are awesome. What the administration and the athletic department are accomplishing for their male and female student athletes puts in place a custom order for success. The college is restoring a great sports tradition.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

In 1964 the Edison Junior College men’s basketball team practiced during the summer evenings at the Fort Myers Junior High School gymnasium. The old gym had hardwood floors and big fans that moved the hot air around and although the doors were open, the mosquitoes were only a nuisance and not a threat. Students attended classes at the Gynne Institute Building downtown, and College Parkway had not yet been cut through the gladiolus and red potato fields. The first basketball coach was a man named Tom Garcia. He recruited his players from local high schools as far away as Everglades City and Sarasota. The Radcliff brothers, Billy and Danny, whose specialty was a two-hand overhead set shot, were from Fort Myers, as was Robert Irons Junior, who at five-foot eight inches tall could jam and dunk from a flat position underneath the basket. He was the highest jumping man I ever saw. The team was rounded out by a left handed guard named Butch Weeks from Everglades City that was all elbows and attitude, and a hippie from Sarasota High called “Murph The Surf” who was all hair and knees. For want of ten players at a time, Coach Garcia allowed a fifteen- year old recently moved from Ohio looking for a game to scrimmage and to be rejected (only as in shots slapped away) by the older, faster, bigger guys. The team was called “The Buccaneers”, and unless we are corrected, probably was meant as an alignment and affiliation with the National League baseball team that held Spring Training at Terry Park in East Fort Myers in the early and middle 1960’s, the Pittsburg Pirates. Those early scholarship students, the men’s basketball team who were on what used to be called “a full ride” lived in former army barracks in Page Park and ate at Morrison’s Cafeteria on Cleveland Avenue, out on U.S. Highway 41. They wore high top Converse All-Stars and ran up and down the practice court as shirts or skins. This month Florida SouthWestern State College will break ground for the impressive SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION ARENA. The 75,000 square foot building at the corner of Summerlin Road and Cypress Lake Drive will become the new home for men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, as well as athletic tournament events, graduation ceremonies, concerts (in conjunction with and in addition to the long established Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall), and various other community activities. It is intended to become a recreational and cultural center for Southwest Florida residents and guests. The facility will cost 23 million dollars to build, of which 18 million will be spent with local firms and businesses for construction material costs and labor. The arena’s conception and reality are in very large part made

April 2015

possible by the donation of 5 million dollars from Suncoast Credit Union, the largest contribution the bank has ever made, and the largest amount as a gift ever received by the college. The arena will accommodate 3,300 fans in seats rather than upon bleachers, will be two stories tall, and will feature six sky boxes. It is scheduled to be ready in October of 2016 for men’s and women’s basketball. The following year it will be home court for FSW women’s volleyball. The SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION ARENA will be the largest collegiate sports facility west of Interstate 75 along the whole of the Florida coast.

ARTIST’S RENDERING OF THE SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION ARENA, WHICH WILL STAND TWO STORIES ON THE FSW CAMPUS IN FORT MYERS, ON THE CORNER OF SUMMERLIN ROAD AND CYPRESS LAKE DRIVE. PHOTO COURTESY FSW

What rivals the building of the arena in scale and accomplishment is the sweet deal FSW has made with Lee County government. The college has leased the City of Palms Park in downtown Fort Myers for ten years. The stadium, formerly used by the Boston Red Sox for Spring Training, has been turned over to FSW to be used for collegiate men’s baseball and women’s softball. Imagine how exciting, how grand, for the young men and women that will practice and compete where the former World Champions of Major League Baseball scooped grounders, hit deep into left, and slid home in front of thousands of fans with very high standards. The practice field at the facility will be upgraded for women’s softball to include improvements to grading and soil, new turf and clay, stadium lights, outfield fence, and scoreboard. The locker rooms will be renovated to better serve the student athletes, and to reflect the personality of the college. According to Teresa Morgenstern, who is the Director of Communications and Public Information Officer for FSW, Fort Myers’ Mayor Randy Henderson was very much involved in suggesting the lease of the lonely stadium to the surging college, and following up so that the agreement was made. It is a fine use of city and county property and a good example of co-operation between governments and an institution of higher learning. Imagine the cost the college would incur to replicate a facility used for years by not just any Major League ball club, but by the

April 2015

Boston Red Sox. Although reminders of the pros will remain, the college will clearly make the stadium its own. The baseball program will kick off its new tradition and presentations for fans with “Fall Ball” exhibition games in September-October of 2015. The Athletic Director at FSW is Mr. Carl McAloose who spent nine years with Florida Gulf Coast University as the AD and captained the hugely successful basketball and baseball programs there. According to Carl, one of the most important responsibilities he has as Athletic Director is in the selection of his head coaches. They in turn, will be careful with their selections of assistants and staff, followed by recruitment of the right student athletes. It is much the same as the principal of a school participating in the selection and directing the hiring of his or her teachers, in order to insure student success. Carl believes, as does the administration at FSW, that the school can do both, that is prepare athletic and spectator students alike for success on the field and court, and in the work place and social environment. The AD will begin the narrowing down the field of the hundreds of applicants for basketball coaches later this spring.

The head baseball and softball coaches who will be leaders and mentors have been chosen already. Coach Jamie Carr and Coach Robert Lamurri will start the programs right. Jamie Carr played baseball for Edison Junior College. He coached the Lambert High School in Suwannee, Georgia varsity baseball team to the State Baseball Championship in 2014. His team also won the USA Today High School National Championship and he was named USA Today Coach of the Year. Robert Lamurri is familiar to the many that follow local sports’ competitions. The girls’ varsity softball teams at Naples High School won the Florida state championships an astounding thirteen times while he was head coach. These coaches will select their assistants and staff, and recruit student athletes who will be outstanding in the classroom, the community, and the sports arenas. Florida SouthWestern State College will belong to the National Junior College Athletic Association. Students will be eligible for two years of intercollegiate competition while at the college. The campus is exemplary of architecture, of healthy palm and tree species, broad sidewalks, cypress ponds and sculptures, a large statue of Thomas Edison watches over the serious young people set upon education. The scale of the importance of the new sports arena on campus is powerful. The economic impact of the SUNCOAST CREDIT UNION ARENA will generate $2.5 million dollars in visitor spending annually from FSW basketball and $3.2 million dollars in visitor spending annually from state and national games and tournaments. The scale of the essential cooperation among college, city, and county to give the players a ballpark and give the ballpark people, should be reported and applauded. The outcome will positively affect annual visitor spending, in addition to making fine use of a fine asset. Heartland InTheField Magazine

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

the contestants on the various aspects of cooking “the oldfashioned way” in the black pots. All agreed though, that the best part was getting to participate in the “tasting event” when the judging was complete!

Taking first place for their bread recipe was The Rose Team of North Florida with a tasty “Squash Cornbread”, while The Double D Team wrangled second place with their “Cheesy Corny Cornbread”. Forrest Fine Foods Team garnered third place with a “Fougasse Bread”.

Sunshine State Dutch Oven Cook-Off BY DEBBIE BARBER

February 28th, a drizzly, overcast day at Hardee Lakes County Park in Fort Green Spring, was the scene of the first Sunshine State Dutch Oven Cook-off last weekend. Five teams from different areas of Florida vied for perfection in the threecategory competition—breads, entrée and dessert—all cooked over charcoal in cast iron pots. The theme of the Cookoff—“Taste Florida’s Freshest”—required that 2 of 3 dishes submitted contain no less than one fresh-from-Florida items and be cooked on-sight in Dutch Ovens oven charcoal in a limited amount of time.

In the entrée competition, The Rose Team was again topranked with their “Pork Loin and Florida Veggies” creatively plated on the upturned lid of the Dutch Oven. Following the required theme of event, Forrest’s Fine Foods earned a red ribbon with their “Stuffed Chicken Breasts” and Team 48 claimed third place with their “Sweet and Sour Kumquat Pork Roast”.

The dessert category saw many shortcomings when a heavy rain turned most of the contestant’s hot charcoals to sputtering puffs of smoke, but, much like our hearty ancestors, the teams pushed on with Forrest’s Fine Foods eventually grabbing the blue ribbon with their “Florida Carrot Cake”. The Double D Team took second place with a “Cinnamon Pecan Cake” and the Rose Team of North Florida claimed third with their “Strawberry Chocolate Torte”. The Rose Team walked away with the Overall Best Cooks title, winning a new Dutch Oven for their efforts, while Forrest’s Fine Foods were runners-up and the Double D Team was third.

Forrest Dilmore, Jr. and Jamie Bayon came all the way from Cottondale, FL to run their team, “Forrest’s Fine Foods”, while Barbara Mosley and Sandra Melson brought their pots and recipes from Lake Butler, FL to form “The Rose Team of North Florida” and Phil and Matt Colman, formerly of Avon Park, hailed from Wesley Chapel and Orlando, respectively, to make up “Team 48”. Local entries included Matthew and Kendall Dunbar, making up the “Dunbar Team” from Winter Haven, and David and Dale Higingbottom from Eagle Lake, competed as the “Double D” team. A crowd of about sixty-five people braved the weather to watch as the teams worked their ways through each of the categories. Spectators were given the opportunity to question

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

AGRICULTURE BY THE NUMBERS AGRICULTURE IS THE

SINGLE LARGEST

EMPLOYER IN THE WORLD.

AGRICULTURAL LAND PROVIDES HABITAT FOR

75%

OF THE NATION’S WILDLIFE.

AMERICANS SPEND ABOUT 6% OF THEIR INCOME ON FOOD, AMONG THE LEAST IN THE WORLD.

THAT’S COMPARED TO 9% IN ENGLAND. 14% IN FRANCE. 25% IN BRAZIL. 35% IN INDIA. 45% IN KENYA.

U.S. FARMERS PRODUCE

6 | Winter 2014

Heartland InTheField Magazine

46% OF THE WORLD’S SOYBEANS.

20.5% OF THE

41% OF THE WORLD’S CORN.

13% OF THE WORLD’S WHEAT.

WORLD’S COTTON.

April 2015

American agriculture provides jobs – including production agriculture, farm inputs, processing and marketing, along with retail and wholesale sales – for more than 22 million of the U.S. population.

However … ONLY 4.6 MILLION OF THOSE PEOPLE LIVE ON FARMS – SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 2% OF THE TOTAL U.S. POPULATION.

ALMOST

98%

OF U.S. FARMS ARE

OPERATED BY INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILY CORPORATIONS.

FARMERS AND RANCHERS ARE PRODUCING MEAT CUTS THAT ARE 15% LEANER. LEANER BEEF CUTS ARE BEING

LOWER IN FAT AND CHOLESTEROL, RESULTING IN RETAIL PRODUCED TODAY THAN 20 YEARS AGO.

IN THE 1960S, ONE FARMER SUPPLIED FOOD FOR 25.8 PERSONS. TODAY, ONE

FARMER SUPPLIES FOOD FOR 155 PEOPLE IN THE U.S.

FARMERS AND RANCHERS USE MODERN PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES TO INCREASE THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF THE FOOD THEY PRODUCE.

April 2015

Legacy | 7

Heartland InTheField Magazine

4R Nutrient Stewardship NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP Program 4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP

for

The Nature Conservancy is taking a new and key role in promoting the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program, teaming with the Florida agriculture industry to increase farmer profitability and reduce nutrient loss and run off to the State’s waters.

CLEAR H 2

Right Source

Right Rate

Right Place

Improve the Productivity

nature.org

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Right Time

4R Nutrient Stewardship is a new and innovative approach for fertilizer best management practices adopted by the world’s fertilizer industry. The approach considers economic, social and environmental dimensions of nutrient management and is essential to the sustainability of both agricultural land and natural systems. The concept is simple – apply the right source of nutrient, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place – but the implementation is knowledge- intensive and site specific. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program was developed by The Fertilizer Institute, International Plant Nutrition Institute and the Canadian Fertilizer Institute and these practices are being promoted around the world. By the middle of the 21st century, there will be an additional two billion people added to the world population, so more food will need to be grown and on less land. Such circumstances make the adoption and implementation of the 4R program imperative for the economic and environmental sustainability of our world.

The challenge of increasing food production in an economically viable way while retaining the ecological integrity of food and natural systems is the underlying aim of sustainable agriculture. For fertilizer management to be considered “right,” it must support stakeholder-centric goals for performance and production. However, it is the farmer, as the manager of the land, that is the final decision-maker in selecting the practices—suited to local site-specific soil, weather, and crop production conditions, and local regulations—that have the highest probability of meeting the goals of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program. The sciences of physics, chemistry, and biology provide fundamental principles for the mineral nutrition of plants growing in soils. The application of these sciences to practical management of plant nutrition has led to the development of the scientific disciplines of soil fertility and plant nutrition.

The management components source, rate, time, and place each have unique research behind them that describe the processes important to plant nutrition. The principles are the same globally, but how they are put into practice locally, such as in west-central Florida where The Nature Conservancy is April 2015

focusing our initial 4R nutrient stewardship efforts, varies depending on specific soil, crop, climate, weather, economic, and social conditions. Farmers and crop advisers make sure the practices they select and apply locally are in accord with these principles. For example, for specialty crops like strawberries, tomatoes and blueberries along with citrus, the producer must assess all the factors that will affect the growth of the crop in the season ahead

The approach that The Nature Conservancy is taking is to work directly with farmers, ranchers and land owners to help determine the best methods and practices available to improve the water quality leaving their property. The farmers of today are very creative and innovative in their practices and want to be the best stewards of the land possible. With fuel and fertilizer cost high, every innovation or advancement that a producer can implement is important to their economic bottom line. For example, farming on plastic with drip irrigation for distributing both water and fertilizer, has drastically reduced the amounts used and saves the producer money while also helping improve water quality and the environment. Every farm is different, so the 4R’s have to be adjusted to the individual farm. One of the key steps in implementing the 4 R’s is taking soil samples at least a month before planting to see what the nutrients are deficient, but most of all to make sure the pH is in the right range for the crop. If the pH is not correct, then the fertilizers will not be absorbed by the plant’s roots at the optimal level. In soil sampling, the field needs to be divided up into grids and different patterns used depending on the crop. Also if there are different soils types present within the field, then separate soil samples need to be taken in each of these areas to provide accurate information for deciding on fertilizer needs. During the growing season, leaf tissues samples also need to be taken to determine what the crops’ needs are and make fertilizer adjustments accordingly. The formula of fertilizer that is used needs to be what that crop requires at the right time and at the correct rate so it is not going to be wasted and run off the property. Making fertilizer available in the right place around the root/soil interface, so that the roots can optimally absorb the nutrients is a major factor in providing for the plants growth and in producing high crop yields. Taken together with other agronomic Best Management Practices – of which the 4R Nutrient Stewardship is now a part – the 4R methods and practices will produce greater profitability, be better for the environment and help provide sustainability for Florida’s agricultural industry. At this time the Nature Conservancy is focusing on a five county region that includes Desoto, Hardee, Polk, Manatee and Hillsborough counties. The Nature Conservancy is initially building a base in these counties that will hopefully allow us

April 2015

to implement the program on a statewide basis. Because of the importance of improving water quality to all Floridians, the Conservancy is part of a team effort to implement the 4R’s program that includes the Mosaic Company, the Mosaic Company Foundation, the University of Florida IFAS, the Florida Farm Bureau CARES program, the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association. Having the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program placed in the Florida BMP Manuals, will provide another tool for the farmer, rancher and land owner to help improve the water quality and better protect the environment while increasing productivity and profitability.

For more information visit: wwwnutrientstewardship.com David B Royal Nutrient Stewardship Director The Nature Conservancy 863-781-3490 Email: droyal@tnc.org

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

TRAVEL FEATURE

GO GREEN TRAVEL By The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl Hartt

Green travel no longer means sleeping in tents and showering once a week. Today, all travelers should be cognizant of how much energy they use while vacationing and practice responsible travel. With the World Travel and Tourism Council projecting that global tourism will increase from a $7.1 trillion industry in 2007 to a $13.2 trillion industry in 2017, it is more important for all tourists to ensure the only thing we leave behind is a footprint.

Even during a fun-filled getaway, there are small things everyone can all do to make sure your trip is everything we expect while remaining “green” and, collectively, have a large impact on our environment. Here are a few recommendations for staying “green” during your next getaway.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STAY GREEN DURING YOUR NEXT GETAWAY?

Heartland InTheField Magazine

ACCOMMODATIONS – Make sure the hotel you patron is environmentally friendly. Do they recycle? Do they have a towel and sheet reuse option? Be sure to provide feedback to the hotel regarding your stay and their environmental practices. YOUR HABITS – In keeping with eco-friendly habits you should already practice at home, turn off all electrical devices (television, lights, heat, air conditioning) when they are not in use, reuse your towels and sheets, keep showers brief and turn off water while brushing your teeth and bring your own toiletries.

April 2015

TRANSPORTATION – Use public transportation (or walk or bike) whenever possible, rent a hybrid car, travel in groups, use the hotel van, and take fewer and longer trips to reduce energy usage. SIGHTSEEING – Buy local products to support the local economy, travel with an environmentally-sensitive tour operator, during outdoor activities do not disturb the natural environment, take only the necessary brochures and maps and don’t buy endangered species products.

FOOD – Try to eat locally-grown food to support the local economy and reduce transportation, carry bottled water with you and refill as needed, pack a few plastic bags for saving half-used items, avoid Styrofoam and avoid room service.

Casey Wohl Hartt is the Travel Correspondent for the nationally syndicated TV show, Daytime. She also owns and manages Gray Dog Communications, a strategic marketing, public relations and branding company with clients in industries such as travel, non-profit, agriculture, economic development and real estate. For more information, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net. April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Happenings IN THE HEARTLAND HIGHLANDS ART LEAGUE NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

he Highlands Art League (HAL) Board of Directors is pleased to introduce Susan Roberts as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Robert’s resume includes more than 13 years of corporate sales and marketing experience as well as eight years in the nonprofit sector fundraising for organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association. She has served as a board member of several nonprofit organizations including the Ballard Senior Center in Seattle, Washington, where she lived for the last five years. Prior to this position, Roberts was the Sales and Marketing Director at Aegis Living and has been a Campaign Director of the United Way of Tampa Bay where she helped raise a $1 million in 2001.

“HAL is thrilled to add Susan Roberts to our staff,” said HAL President Barb Hall. “We transformed the organization to Sebring’s Business of the Year in 2014, and we look forward to the fantastic, new journey we will embark upon with Susan’s leadership.” Roberts was born and raised in Wauchula and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism/ Communications from the University of Florida. “I have lived in a lot of places from Tampa to Atlanta to Seattle, but I am thrilled at my decision to come back ‘home,’ and I can’t wait to help grow this organization and help downtown Sebring flourish even more,” Roberts said. “I’ve worked and volunteered for many non-profit organizations over the years, but HAL has always been special as

it spans generations – from children to seniors – we have something for everyone.”

The Highlands Art League (HAL) is a non profit 501(c)3 located at the Allen Altvater Cultural Center in Downtown Sebring, Florida on the shores of Lake Jackson. The Highlands Art League’s ‘Village Where Art Lives’ consists of four buildings: The Yellow House Gallery & Gift Shop (1989 Lakeview Drive) features studio artists and members’ gallery; the Visual Arts Center (1985 Lakeview Drive) houses a wide variety of art classes for children and adults; Highlands Museum of The Arts, MoTA, (351 W. Center Avenue) features curated exhibits, art competitions and receptions; and the Clovelly House (1971 Lakeview Drive) features art classes and programs for teens, as well as visiting artists.

To learn more about Highlands Art League, please visit our website at www.highlandsartleague.org or call for more information about art classes, museum tours and exhibits at 863-385-6682 or email manager@highlandsartleague.org.

INSPIRATIONS ART SHOW TO BE HELD IN LABELLE

By Cindy Cutright

rts of the Inland, an organization committed to recognizing and promoting artists in South Florida, is sponsoring the Inspirations Art Show, which will open to the public Sunday April 12 from 11:00 am to 4:00 p.m. The juried show, comprised entirely of art work submitted by Arts of the Inland members, will be held for the first time in the Barron Park House Gallery located at 471 Lee Street in LaBelle. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded.

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

Acclaimed artist, Marcus Jensen, will serve as the show’s judge. His work can be found in Moscow’s Museum of Modern Art, The New Britain Museum of Modern Art, The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Art and The Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. as well as numerous private collections throughout the United States, South America and Asia. Marcus’ upcoming solo Museum exhibitions are slated to be held in Italy, China and the United States.

DOWNTOWN SEBRING LAUNCHES PEOPLE’S CHOICE ONLINE VOTING TO SELECT FAVORITE NEW OUTDOOR SCULPTURE

LaVon Koenig, President of Arts of the Inland said, “We are very excited to bring the Inspirations Art Show to LaBelle and are grateful to the City of Labelle for helping to make this happen. In addition,” she added, “we are having a world-renowned judge, Marcus Jensen, this year.” Originally from the New York area Marcus now lives in Lehigh, “and has always been very open and welcoming to the artist community in this area.”

“Also this year we are having not only two dimensional art – painting and photography – but we will also have three dimensional art, which will be open to sculpture and mixed media. We are looking forward to a wonderful show,” LaVon concluded.

The show’s art work will be exhibited through April 30 in the gallery on Thursdays and Fridays from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit the organization’s website: artsoftheinland.com.

he Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is pleased to be participating in the 15th Annual Florida Outdoor Sculpture Competition for the second year. The competition is hosted each year by the Polk Museum of Art (PMoA) as nearly 50 pieces of outdoor sculptures are submitted for exhibit consideration in Lakeland and Winter Haven, in addition to Sebring. The Sebring CRA will expand its participation in the exhibition by hosting nine sculptures from six states that will be installed in Downtown Sebring by March 9. The exhibition will run from through February 2016. The CRA will host a People’s Choice online voting opportunity (visit www.DowntownSebring.org), and a printed brochure with additional information is available at the Sebring CRA office, both Sebring Chamber offices and several Downtown merchant stores. “We had such a positive response from the community with the six sculptures last year that we have expanded the exhibition this year to host nine,” said CRA Executive Director Robin Hinote. “Adding the People’s Choice online voting will only enhance the public’s participation in the program.” Sculptures are secured on a concrete slab and

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

accompanied by a plaque with details about the artist and sculpture. Any artist is welcome to submit their work directly to the PMoA for consideration in next year’s competition. The following artists and sculptures are featured this year:

• Hanna Jubran – Grimesland, NC “Balancepoint” made of stainless steel & bronze; 12’ x 2’ x 2’. Location: Circle Park • Glenn Zweygardt – Alfred Station, NY “Desert Ridge” made of basalt, marble, cast glass; 10’ 7” x 4’ 10” x 2’2”. Location: Circle Park • Kenneth Thompson – Blissfield, MI “Blade” made of Corten, steel, limestone; 9’ x 2’ x 1’6”. Location: Rotary Park • James Westermann – Morrisville, VT “Meteor” made of painted steel and stone; 3’ x 3’ x 3’. Location: Highlands Art League • Carl Billingsley - Ayden, NC “Prism Arc Yellow Quadrants” made of painted steel;12’ x 4’6” x 5’. Location: Centennial Park • Glenn Zweygardt – Alfred Station, NY “Going Clear” made of steel, iron, bronze, cast glass, paint; 11’ 6” x 6’ x 2’5”. Location: Highlands Art League • Ray Katz – Pontiac, MI “Stargazer” made of brushed aluminum; 8’6” x 8’6” x 6”. Location: Centennial Park • Mark Krucke – Naples, FL “Fortitude IV” made of powdered coated steel, paint; 7’ x 3’6” x 3’6”. Location: Highlands Art League • Cathy Perry – Chocowinity, NC “Bramble Tunnel III” made of steel, cedar fence; 14’ x 10’ x 8”. Location: Highlands Art League

TIM TEBOW IS COMING TO BRADENTON

ormer NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow will be the guest of honor at The Salvation Army, Manatee County’s “2015 Evening of Hope” event on Friday, May 15, 2015 at Bayside Community Church. Tebow will speak in support of the charity’s efforts to raise funds for its local homeless ministry.

Established in 2014, the “Evening of Hope” event is an opportunity for The Salvation Army to generate financial contributions for its local homeless prevention services. “Through this event we can reach out to our community for support and share our ministry”, says Manatee County Regional Coordinator, Major Dwayne Durham. “We feel blessed to be able to partner with such well know advocates like Tim Tebow”. Outspoken Christian advocate, Tebow is expected to speak on his faith both on and off the field. Tickets to the event are currently on sale for $75 each and can be purchased online at https:// eveningofhope15.eventbrite.com. Latest news and updates can be found at www.facebook.com / SalvationArmyManatee. About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 129 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill,

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com

Heartland InTheField Magazine

April 2015

DOWNTOWN SEBRING TO HOLD EARTH DAY CELEBRATION APRIL 22

he Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), in conjunction with the City of Sebring, are pleased to announce that the 2015 Earth Day recognition ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 22, Earth Day, at Downtown Sebring’s Pier Beach on the shores of Lake Jackson from 3:30-5:30 PM. The Highlands Art League will provide eco-friendly arts and crafts projects for kids of all ages. Sebring Mayor John Shoop will recognize the natural benefits of Pier Beach. If weather is a factor, the festivities will be moved inside to the Highlands Art League’s Visual Art Center. International Mother Earth Day is a celebration of the Earth and its ecosystems, which provide all of its inhabitants with life and sustenance. Observed each year on April 22, this day is a call to action as it acknowledges our collective responsibility “to promote harmony with nature and the Earth” in order to ”achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations” of humanity. “Earth Day is a continual reminder that we as a community must protect and safeguard the balance and quality of nature,” said Sebring Mayor John Shoop. “We celebrate this day in the best interest of our citizens, now and in the future, to be able to enjoy

what nature has to offer, making the City of Sebring one of the finest places to live and play.” With these this special occasion occurring in April, the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Downtown Sebring monthly promotional theme for the month of April is “Celebrating Mother Earth.” For more information about events and special offers in April, visit www.DowntownSebring.org. The public is encouraged to attend and show support of Downtown Sebring and the local community’s effort to honor Earth Day and join us on April 22 from 3:30-5:30 PM at Pier Beach.

The mission of the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is to bring about the economic revitalization of an established target area; create a re-investment environment that attracts private investors into the area; promote improvements within the redevelopment area through renovation and restoration of buildings, as well as to encourage new construction; acquire the funding necessary to make the infrastructure improvements necessary to attract investment dollars and improve the assessed taxable value of district properties and to assist the Downtown Merchants in their efforts to market the downtown businesses. For more information, visit www.DowntownSebring.org or www.Facebook.com/ DowntownSebringFL.

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com

April 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

AG CALENDAR APRIL

21st AG LITERACY DAY STATEWIDE

9th-12th CLEWISTON SUGAR FESTIVAL 4th ADAMS RANCH RODEO, ST. LUCIE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

9th UF/IFAS RANGE CATTLE REC FIELD DAY, ONA 9th-12th STATE 4-H DAIRY SHOW, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

11th RAY KEMPFER MEMORIAL 14TH ANNUAL CLAY SHOOT, QUAIL CREEK PLANTATION

11th & 12th FLORIDA SPORTSMAN EXPO, ST. LUCIE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 18th MANATEE COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S RANCH RODEO, PALMETTO FAIR GROUNDS

21st EARTH DAY

24th - 26th COUNTRYLIFE MUSIC FESTIVAL, FLORIDA TRACKS & TRAILS, PUNTA GORDA 25th FLORIDA BRAHMAN ASSOCIATION FIELD DAY & HEIFER SALE, OKEECHOBEE May 1st – 3rd SANDY KUHN MEMORIAL RIDE BENEFITTING HEARTLAND HORSES & HANDICAPPED, ZOLFO SPRINGS

Submit your events for the ag calendar to rhonda@heartlanditf.com

IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE Your Monthly Agricultural Magazine Since 2004, Serving the Heartland Since 2008 82

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April 2015

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