FEB 2015
FLORIDA’S
Tomato Industry
friday & saturday * march 6 & 7, 2015
arts & crafts * live entertainment * alligator wrestling
fair * midway * rides * parade traditional seminole indian food & art
livestock shows & auction ranch rodeo: friday & saturday night 7 pm country & western dancing : friday & saturday night 9 pm
www.chalonitka.com * (863) 946-0300 4
Heartland InTheField Magazine
February 2015
Can’t afford to hire full-time, but want higher level accounting and analysis? Suspect fraudulent activity within your organization? Need preventative risk assessment? Specializing in Part Time CFO Services, I-9 Audits and Certified Fraud Examiner handling Fraud Examinations and Forensic Accounting. We do bookkeeping and prepare income taxes too!
Lizzette Sarria, CFE
On-Site Accounting, Inc.
104 N Evers Street, Suite 101 • Plant City, FL 33563
813-764-9516 Office 813-764-0028 Fax
February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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FEB 2015
February Features 27
Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition
Carlton Ward Jr
30
Tomato 101
Florida Tomato Committee
32
Dr. Monica Ozores-Hampton “Vegetable Specialist” University of Florida/IFAS SW Florida Research & Education Center
46
Renee Strickland
By Audra Clemmons
58
Southwest Florida Celebrates
Thomas Edison’s Birthday
62
Edison Festival of Lights
By Brady Vogt
Departments
18
SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report
By Captain Chris O’Neill
20
Heartland’s Fishing Report
By Mark King
22
Citrus Update
By Justin Smith
66
Getaway Girl goes to Panama
By Getaway Girl Casey Wohl
72 Happenings
NEXT MONTH:
Heartland’s Fairs & Livestock Shows
6
Heartland InTheField Magazine
February 2015
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February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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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 Brian Norris Photography Regina Blackman Sharon Glisson Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Silver King Photography Nell McAuley Brian Norris
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Editor’s Note It’s already February and many of us in the Heartland are busy in the middle of Fair season! When this issue hits the stands, some Fairs like South Florida, DeSoto, and Manatee will already be in the history books. Be sure to take time and support our youth with their various projects – they are the next generation of agriculture leaders!
As this month’s cover story we feature Florida’s Tomato industry. It’s interesting that this fruit commonly became known as a vegetable due to tariff purposes levied in 1893. Presently, Florida growers ship more than 1.1 billion pounds of fresh tomatoes to the U.S., Canada and abroad. With a total crop value exceeding $619 million, tomatoes comprise nearly one-third the total value of all fresh vegetables produced in Florida each year. So whether you enjoy them on your burgers, in salads, or simply sliced on a plate, you can learn more about this delicious and nutritional commodity throughout this issue.
Audra Clemons recently caught up with Renee Strickland of Myakka City, and gives us an update on this extraordinary woman and her role in the cattle export business. In addition to helping her husband Jim run their family ranch, Renee also serves as President of the Livestock Exporters Association of the United States and travels the globe providing quality beef and dairy cattle to emerging markets. You can also read about the history of Florida Southwestern State College, formerly Edison Junior College, located in Fort Myers. Brady Vogt shares a number of interesting tidbits about this institute of higher learning in the first of his two-part series on the school.
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
February 2015
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.
FEB 2015
Index of Advertisers 83
Arcadia Rodeo
25
Hardee Ranch Supply
3
Plant Food Systems
82
Arcadia Stockyard
82
Heartland Growers Supply
5
Precision Land Management
76
Big T Tire
Quail Creek Plantation
Brad Hartt Construction
Hendry County Swamp Cabbage Festival
84
37
50
71
River Pasture
51
Cattlemen’s Livestock Market
11
Hicks Oil
27
Seedway
44
Center State Bank
14
Highlands Farm Bureau/Thank you
67
Southern Staple
Chalo Nitka
79
Horseshoeing and Trimming Services/Wayne Peadon
79
Spring Lake Hardware
87
Kelly Tractor
55
Stampede
19
Laye’s Tire
82
St. Lucie County Fair
17
Labelle Feed
79
Superior Muffler
25
Lemon Grove
35
Taylor Oil
15
Marmer Construction
27
The Andersons
79
Michael G. Kirsch
65
Trinkle Redman Coton
41
Tutto Fresco Italian Grill
49
Walpole Feed
88
Watering Hole
71
Wauchula State Bank
4
2 Creel 79
Cross Ties
85
Domer’s Inc.
77
Edison Festival of Lights
81
Edison Ford Estate
54
Everglades Farm Equipment
86
Farm Credit
50
Fields Equipment
9
Florida Department of Agriculture
84
Florida Mineral Salt & Agriculture Products
51
Florida Fence Post
80
Florida Strawberry Festival
35
Glade and Grove
65
Griffin’s Carpet Mart
15 Mosaic 23
Newton Crouch
45
Okeechobee Cowtown Spring Rodeo
78
Okeechobee Livestock Market
25
Wicks Brown CPA
5
On-Site Accounting
79
Williams Pawn & Gun
14
Other Side Sod
27
Williams Spreader
7
Pathway
79
Winfield Solutions
22
Peace River Citrus
17
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
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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
February 2015
District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer
This month I have some facts that were provided by Farm Bureau to inform people about the cost of food. The first section includes some facts and figures. The second section contains ideas to maintain a low rate of increase. Please keep in mind these facts are general statements. Specific commodities can be different. According to the United States Dept. of Agriculture, food prices have increased 2.6% per year for the last 20 years.
Energy prices are a major factor in the cost of food. With lower energy prices, the upward pressures on food increases will diminish to some degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that food price increases are comparable and somewhat lower than other necessary items. In 2014, electricity costs increased by 2.8%, utility gas service increased 3.2%, shelter costs increased by 3% and medical care commodities increased 3.1%
Farmer cost for inputs needed to produce food and fiber are significantly higher compared to past years. Historically, input prices have increased while profit margins have decreased. Farmers do not pass their cost increases on to the consumer. However, costs for processing, packaging and transportation are often passed on to the consumer. These types of costs increase every year as well.
ANDY NEUHOFER FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 6 352.318.2506 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org www.floridafarmbureau.org
American farmers and ranchers produce abundant and nutritious foods for consumers in the U.S. and abroad. The quality of food produced in the United States is second to none. The USDA data shows the American agriculturalists receive an average of 17 cents for every dollar spent on food. That number has been trending downward for many years.
Long Term Solutions to Food Price Increases include…
Governments around the world should adopt more productive approaches to increase food production. Such ideas include biotechnology, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and increase funding for agricultural research. Governmental trade policies around the world should allow free markets determine the price and flow of food. Support local farmers and ranchers by purchasing their products. Allow farmers to let the food bank volunteers glean their fields without fear of undue liability.
Encourage the donation of food by farmers and ranchers to local food banks with sound tax policy and law.
These are a few facts and ideas for discussion to help provide safe food for the world’s growing population.
ANDY NEUHOFER • FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 6 352.318.2506 | Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org | www.floridafarmbureau.org
February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
February 2015
CHARLOTTE/DESOTO 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
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FARM BUREAU
President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer...... Matt Harrison
DIRECTORS FOR 2013-2014 Jim Brewer John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell
Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner
Bryan K. Beswick Ken Harrison
FARM BUREAU
President……David B. Royal Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich
DIRECTORS FOR 2013-2014 Joseph B. Cherry Corey Lambert Daniel H. Smith
Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge David B. Royal
Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich Scott Henderson
Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer
Federation Secretary Rhonda Willis
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS
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
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Dawn A. Hines, Clint Brown
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
Agency Manager: N. Jay Bryan Agents: George L. Wadsworth, Jr.
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
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS
Agency Manager: Chad D. McWaters Agents: Joseph W. Bullington
February 2015
Agency Manager: Branden Bunch Agents: Doug Dierdorf, Jeff Hamer and Clint Bailey
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Thank You... To Highlands County Farm Bureau’s Heritage Sponsors
Please support these businesses! 14
Heartland InTheField Magazine
February 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
February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Reel Saltwater Outdoors Seminar Series 2015
“Promoting the best Venues and best Products” Jan 24 (Sat 1pm) Jan 31 (Sat 9am) Jan 31-Feb 1 (Sat/Sun 2pm) Feb 3 (6pm) Feb 14 (Sat 9am) Feb 21 (1pm) March 7 (10-1) March 14 (1pm) March 21 (9am) April 4 (1pm) April 24 (9am) July 27-31 (9-12) TBD (x3 Friday Nights) Sept 6 (8-11 am) Sept 12-13
West Marine/Venice Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice Florida Sportsman Expo/Ft Myers Laishley Marine/Punta Gorda Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice West Marine/Venice Cooks Sportland/Venice West Marine/Venice Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice West Marine/Venice Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice Sarasota County Kids Fishing Camp Weston’s Wanna B Inn/Englewood O’Donnel Memorial Tournament/Englewood Pier Florida Sportsman Expo/Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa
Nearshore Reef Success Beach to Nearshore Reef Tips and Tricks Factoring Winds and Tides/Winter Snook/Reds/Trout Wintertime Charlotte Harbor Tactics for Success Targeting inshore fish for max results Inshore Snook & Gamefish Secrets Snook Tactics, Inshore Tips and Tricks, Wreck Strategies Gulf to Bay Spring Migration Snook Season Techniques and Locations Coastal Tarpon Tactics Tarpon success along the Gulf Coast Entry level angling skills ages 8-12 TBD Kids Fishing Tourney ages pre-teen TBD
Projected Attendance Numbers for 2015 = est. 10,000+ Anglers/Boaters
*** MORE LOCATIONS AND DATES COMING SOON *** For Seminar/Promotional Speaking Opportunities Contact: Capt. Chris O’Neill • 941-270-7867 • chris@tailchasercharters.com
55TH ANNIVERSARY BIG BASS TOURNAMENT
Set for February 28th
Moore Haven will host the 55th annual Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament Saturday, February 28th at Alvin Ward Park.
Purported to be the oldest fishing tournament in Florida, according to Florida Sportsman magazine, the Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament hearkens back to the days before the “catch and release” rules were established, when strings of bass an arm length’s across were displayed during the Chalo Nitka Festival itself and live bait was not a dirty word among professional anglers.
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
The tournament will get underway Feb. 28 from safelight until 1 p.m. Entry fee is $25 per person. There is no age limit, anyone can fish, but each person on the boat must pay the entry fee. Cash pay-outs are guaranteed. First place is $1000, Second $500, Third $300, down to $50 for seventh place. There’s a mystery gift for Lucky 13th place. The angler weighing in the biggest bass and wearing a 2015 Chalo Nitka t-shirt will win an additional $100. A Critter Division is sponsored by Ahern’s Shell, giving the angler who brings in the largest Mudfish, Garr or Catfish a chance to win $100.
All of the money received for this event is used for event prize payback, polygraph testing, and a portion of all entry fees will be donated to help fund projects for the youth of Glades County. Entry forms for the Chalo Nitka Big Bass Tournament are available at the EDC Office, (the old Chamber building) 998 US Hwy 27 South, Moore Haven, or online at www.chalonitka.com For more information, contact the EDC at (863) 946-0300.
February 2015
The outdoors are no longer just for men! Women in the Outdoors, Quail Creek has become Florida’s go-to event for introducing women to the amazing world of nature, hunting, backwoods survival, Florida history and agriculture. Supporting the mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation in upland wildlife habitat conservation in North America, Women in the Outdoors has hosted nearly 4,000 events across the United States and Canada for more than 80,000 female participants.
Bring your friends, reconnect with old ones and meet new ones at Women in the Outdoors, Quail Creek 2015! New classes have been added and your favorites are back again. Plus, this year’s Friday Night event - Osceolas Under the Oaks - will feature Nashville recording artist Tom Jackson who will perform your favorite country classics and current hits and this year’s live and silent auction will be better than ever. Bring the guys Friday night but leave ‘em at home for all the ladies-only fun on Saturday! See you at Quail Creek!
Feed, Animal Health, Tack, Fencing Supplies, Archery, Guns & Ammo, Hardware and more... Tel: 863.675.4240 Fax: 863.675.4278 Brad Murray Manager
281 South Bridge Street Labelle, FL 33935
LabelleRanchSupply.com
February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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SW FLORIDA GULF COAST
FISHING REPORT
By Captain Chris O’Neill
February marks what should be the last “winter” month of fishing conditions we will endure here along the Gulf Coast. The unfriendly once a week cold fronts are likely to become much sparser as this month progresses and we can look forward to next month’s launch into spring and the huge coastal migrational pattern that occurs as subtropical species begin to move north. Inshore anglers should put watching the weather and wind direction as a top priority for choosing their bay and backwater fishing locations. The typical wind pattern during the winter solstice is a north or northeasterly blow, which is a natural phenomenon that pushes the already weaker predicted winter tide ranges to sometimes unsafe depths and it should be a major consideration when fishing certain areas that you may be accustomed too. In other words, at certain times during winter cold fronts and associated higher northerly/ northeasterly winds, it will push water out or actually prevent the predicted inflow from ever reaching the predicted depths on the west coast of Florida. Nothing is worse than heading out for your favorite backcountry honey hole and find it high and dry or inaccessible due to low water. Sometimes all of the mentioned can be used to your advantage. When water pours out of any estuary, so goes the available bait supplies and the predator fish will not be far behind. I like to target troughs, creekmouths, and deeper areas that are near or adjacent to shallow areas. Generally the water temperature will be a degree or two warmer and will attract bait and fish in search of a warmer area to occupy. Nearshore fishing has been our go-to choice when “grocery fishing”. Anglers in search of a fresh fish dinner can easily go to your nearest reef or bottom structure and harvest their limit of sheepshead. Sheepshead are fun to catch and relatively easy to score for
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
any skill level angler. My technique when targeting “sheepies” is very simple. I like to use a chartreuse 1 ounce stout jig head with a fresh half cut piece of shrimp tail threaded onto the hook. I use this method because sheepshead are what I describe as professionally trained bait thieves that will rob your offering if you give them too much to pull on. If properly baited, the fish must go through the baited hook portion to feed and you’re less likely to lose your bait. Flounder will also begin showing up this month as they begin to spawn. Working a knocker-style rig or a jig head slowly on the bottom with a live shrimp or baitfish will get you hooked up to a flatty almost every time
Offshore fishing has been excellent this winter. We have done extremely well over the past few weeks on red grouper. Working natural hard bottom areas is always the key for finding reds this time of year. They typically huddle up in the limestone bottom holes and drifting with cut baitfish like jacks, mullet, sardines and others is your best choice. Covering as much bottom as possible will maximize your results. Mangrove and snapper species, as well as sheepshead are also a consideration when anchoring over your favorite man made reef or wreck. Heavy chumming will do the trick, as well as using smaller terminal tackle to prevent spooking. Drifting back live free-lined shrimp into the chum slick will almost always ensure positive results with this style of 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 team of world-class 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.
February 2015
RIDE INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH
RANCH HAND! Why should you install a Ranch Hand on your vehicle? Ranch Hand provides extraordinary strength and protection for your vehicles and peace of mind that you have done what you can to protect your most precious cargo… Ranch Hand manufactures heavy duty, high quality Grille Guards, Front End Replacements (Legend Series, Summit Series, Bullnose, and Winch Ready), Back Bumpers, Headache Rack Systems, Bed Rails, Steps, and Toolboxes for Chevy, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Ram, and Toyota trucks and SUVs.
GET ALL YOUR TRUCK ACCESSORIES AT LAYE’S TIRE SERVICE AND BE READY TO TAKE ON ANYTHING IN THE NEW YEAR!
February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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HEARTLAND’S
FISHING REPORT Captian Mark King
February has come to Lake Okeechobee and the bass are biting and unlike most of the rest of the country you can wear a tee shirt and shorts to catch them. Have to rub it in for some of my northern friends and clients but seriously if fishing Lake Okeechobee and catching bass has been on your bucket list then now is the time to make it happen. We have been catching a lot of bass the past couple months and February should be even better as more bass move in to spawn. The lake level is still around fifteen feet above sea level so going almost anywhere on the lake is not a problem.
I have been catching bass on both artificial lures and of course on wild shiner our live bait of choice here on Okeechobee. For the live bait fishing we are still trying to be as close to open water and still have water that is not to muddy, this can be a challenge as the north and north east winds blow during this time of the year. For artificial lure fishing I have been fishing a lot of areas with the wind being the deciding factor as to which direction I head in the morning. Some areas that have been good are West Wall, East Wall, Ritta Island, Grassy, and Long Point. Try to find clear water spawning areas and you will be able to catch all the bass you want, but finding areas to catch bigger bass will require a little more work on your part. Lure choice has been Gambler EZ Swimmers and Why Not’s for me and my clients. I like to start out throwing the EZ Swimmers in the grass or hay fields as some call them and as the sun gets up I like to pitch the Why Not to reed heads and thicker grass patches. My color selection is pretty simple “dark colors” like junebug, black & blue, and any darker color. If it does get tough and I start throwing a Gambler Super Stud or Zoom Fluke around I will pick watermelon-red every time here on Okeechobee. This time of the year you should expect to catch twenty to thirty bass a day easy and fifty bass days are not uncommon. If you are looking to get out of the cold north and catch some really good sized bass with a
chance to catch a fish of a lifetime then give me a call and let me get you out on world famous Lake Okeechobee for some fishing and head clearing. This is also a great time to start planning a tarpon fishing trip to the Florida Keys with me during May and June. Until next report good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see everyone on the water real soon. Captain Mark King is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center, Power-Pole, Minn Kota Trolling Motors, Gambler Lures, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, Moon Shine Attitude Attire, and Yeti coolers.
Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or at www.markkingfishing.com and www. tarponinthekeys.com
Captain Mark King
is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center, Power-Pole, Minn Kota Trolling Motors, Gambler Lures, 13Fishing Rods, Hoffmann’s Lures, Mojo Sportsfishing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, Moon Shine Attitude Attire, TFO Fly Rods, and Yeti coolers. Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or at www.markkingfishing.com and www. tarponinthekeys.com
Roland Martin Marine Center is a full service marina including boat, motor, and tackle sales and boat and motor service by one of the top service crews in South Florida. Are you looking for a new or used Ranger boat or maybe you just need a new outboard to put on a boat you already have well than a new Evinrude E-Tec would put you right back out on the water. They have the hottest tackle on the market in the story with names like Gambler, Reaction Innovation, Charlie’s Worms, Duckett rods, Lews Reels, and Live Target Kopper. They also have all your boating needs from oils to anchors and everything in between. With two full time mechanics and a fully stocked parts room getting your boat back out on the water will be no problem. They also have minnows, worms, crickets, sodas, beer, and ice at all times. If you are looking for a one stop marina than Roland Martin Marine Center is the place to go. They are conveniently located just before the ramp in Clewiston on world famous Lake Okeechobee. Stop in and see my wife Diane in the parts department and she just might give away a few of my fishing spots.
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
February 2015
Commissioner Putnam Calls for More Funding to Fight Citrus Greening After Citrus Forecast Announced
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam called for increased funding to fight citrus greening, which is threatening to decimate Florida’s famed citrus crop. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revised its estimate today for the 2014-15 harvest season to 103 million boxes of oranges, a decline from the forecast released in 2014. “Now is the time to put all the resources we can toward fighting citrus greening,” said Commissioner Putnam. “We must do what we can to save Florida’s signature crop, an industry that generates $9 billion in annual economic impact and supports 76,000 jobs for Floridians.”
February 2015
The USDA announcement at noon today estimates 103 million boxes of oranges will be harvested this season, down from the forecast of 108 million boxes announced in 2014 and also a decline from the 104 million boxes produced in 2014, the lowest on record. This represents a total decline of 60 percent since the peak of citrus production at 254 million boxes in 1997-98.
“State and federal governments, along with Florida’s citrus growers, have dedicated more than $230 million to support research over the past decade, and there are some promising leads,” Commissioner Putnam said. “I’ve requested an additional $18 million from the state this year to continue indepth research, grow clean citrus stock, and replant where diseased trees have been removed.”
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by Justin Smith CITRUS UPDATE By Justin Smith
The Size of the Matter The almost non-existent winter is almost gone and the harvesting season is moving at a steady pace. This has been one of the most puzzling harvests in the history of citrus. All growers have been surprised by the lower than expected pick outs this year. There is one absolute culprit to the disappointment of the total boxes and that is size.
The estimates are the total overall size of the early and midseason fruit is between 1 and 3 sizes smaller than “normal”. The question must be asked, is this going to be the new normal or is it a one year environmental thing? As for the total pieces of fruit on each tree, this was an impressive year. Just a sign of how important size really is in the citrus world. The first revised estimate of the crop forecast from the National Statistic Service, which was released in midJanuary, has decreased the States harvest considerably. This is shaping up to be the lowest production Florida has seen in almost two generations. Luckily the Valencia crop appears to have escaped the dramatically small sized fruit and will hopefully help out on the numbers for the year. It is hard to believe that it is already time to begin the planning stages for next year’s crop, but it is upon us in full force. Most growers, as usual, are choosing to look to the future. This means they are not sitting around crying about the small fruit they just picked, but working out their plans on how to put it back on the tree for next year and then pray for the best. Some of the most talked about practices for the coming year include Citrus Health Management Areas (CHMA’s). There is direct correlation within the areas which participate in the CHMA program and their yields and quality. CHMA’s not only help the growers as a group but also the environment.
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Another top subject being discussed is new rootstocks. There are several promising options being researched and some which are on their way to the commercial industry. Unfortunately, none of these are completely greening proof though. But something is better than nothing, so even if February 2015
a root stock is slightly resistant, that may buy the industry some much needed time.
There is one new pesticide growers can be very excited about. The new product is from Bayer Crop Science and it is named Sivanto. This insecticide is labeled to be safe for bees, which is a great option so grower can control harmful pests while also protecting the very important bee populations. All-in-all this year doesn’t seem as though much is going to change though. Sure a different chemical will be used in place of something from last year, or one nutrient will be put out at a little higher dose while another is decreased, but no major changes on the horizon. Much will depend on the rain for the spring season, will it show up or like the cold weather this winter will it just forget about us in Central Florida.
At the end of every year there is always something to be learned. This year it seems growers found out just how important fruit size is across the board. Maybe next year it will be something similar or maybe something more exciting. Whatever the outcome at least we have another year to look forward to.
February 2015
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Plant Food Systems P
lant Food Systems (PFS) was founded in 1981 by Carl Fabry, who had been working with foliar fertilizers since the 1960s. Carl’s son Paul now leads the company, which has become a leader and innovator of premium plant nutrition and protection products. “Our family farms roughly 2,600 acres that includes citrus, hay, and also a nursery,” Paul shares, explaining his family’s hands-on knowledge of the needs of farmers, as well as their deeply vested interest in offering top quality products.
Located in Zellwood, about 20 miles northwest of Orlando, the research and development teams at PFS have pioneered new products and methods that have shaped the fruit, vegetable, turf, ornamentals and field crop industries. PFS proudly holds patents on twelve different such products and processes.
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According to Paul, “We specialize in foliar application which is applied directly to the plant, not the ground. Our products contain the highest quality ingredients which lack metals and other compounds that can actually harm the environment.” PFS manufactures and sources those high quality materials for other companies, as well as utilizing them in their own products. February 2015
Among their best sellers are K-PHITE® 7LP, a systemic fungicide bactericide for the control of downy mildew, phytophthora, pythium and various other diseases on agricultural crops and turf, and ReNew™ and Keypon™, fully balanced spray grade nutritionals that are formulated to have the lowest salt index.
“We continue to get new research on our flagship product K-PHITE® 7LP,” says Paul. “It is an EPA registered fungicide and bactericide with wide usage, from apples to zucchini. It is easy to use, requiring only four hours to reentry after application and few days to harvest. K-PHITE’s unique chemistry, including a special patented molecule, is safe but very effective for targeting diseases and bacteria.” Independent researchers have even linked the application of KPHITE® and ReNew® to offsetting the effects of Huanglongbing, more commonly known as HLB or “greening,” which has been devastating to Florida’s citrus industry. In one field study, yields reportedly doubled as the citrus trees recovered.
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PFS fertilizers, fungicides, and bactericides are proven to increase production and improve plant defenses, while respecting the environment. Their products are sold nationally and through several Florida distributors including Diamond R Fertilizer, Triangle Chemical, Howard Fertilizer, Grower’s Fertilizer and Florida Fertilizer. With a reputation built on superior chemistry, programs and knowledge, the PFS team is continually working to develop new methods and innovations to help protect and support the agriculture industry.
As the third generation of Fabrys involved in production agriculture, Paul shares that he now has grandkids that are demonstrating interest in the business and being good stewards of the land, carrying on the family tradition. “The importance of agriculture tends to get overlooked until people get hungry. In the future it’s going to take more intensive farming to feed the world. We’re just trying to do our small part to help achieve that.” To learn more about Plant Food Systems, call them at 800.343.7775 or visit www.plantfoodsystems.com .
February 2015
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Florida Wildlife Corridor
Glades to Gulf PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARLTON WARD JR / CARLTONWARD.COM
I
n 2012, conservationist Mallory Lykes Dimmitt, wildlife photographer Carlton Ward, biologist Joe Guthrie, and filmmaker Elam Stoltzfus, completed a 100-day, 1000-mile expedition from the Everglades to the Okefenokee. The team hiked, biked, and paddled their way across Florida in an effort to increase public awareness and generate support for the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a conservation advocacy organization focused on connecting, protecting and restoring corridors of conserved lands and waters essential for the survival of Florida’s diverse wildlife. According to their website, Corridor land encompasses 15.8 million acres – 9.5 million acres that are already protected and 6.3 million acres of remaining opportunity area that do not yet have conservation status.
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The Corridor provides habitat for 42 federally listed endangered species, 24 threatened species and 15 candidate species. At the state level, there are an additional 176 species listed as endanged, 56 as threatened and 29 as species of special concern. A few examples of February 2015
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threatened and endangered species include the Everglades Snail Kite, Florida Scrub-Jay, Florida Panther, West Indian Manatee, Leatherback Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Eastern Indigo Snake, Frosted Flatwoods Salamander, Highland’s Tiger Beetle, and the Choctawatchee Beach Mouse.
On January 10th of this year, Dimmitt, Ward, and Guthrie began a second Expedition, this time travelling from the Everglades Headwaters to Gulf Islands National Seashore. This time the team will trek over 900 miles on the trip dubbed “Glades to Gulf,” reaching the final destination on the 1st day of Spring on March 20, 2015.
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February 2015
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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
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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.
February 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.
February 2015
Legacy | 7
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Dr. Monica
Ozores-Hampton, PHD
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA/IFAS/SWFREC
My name is Monica Ozores-Hampton I work for University of Florida/IFAS at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee. Florida ranks second nationally in freshmarket vegetable production with 197,800 acres planted, representing a farm value of $1.5 billion. We have the second largest fresh-market tomato acreage in the US with 26,500 acres with a value of $455 million in the 2013 season. Despite the historical success of the industry, Florida’s tomato
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producers are facing a changing global economy, competition from non-traditional vegetable production areas, regulatory loss of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant, new pests, a struggling societal image of agriculture, and increasingly stringent regulations [Kyoto protocol, Federal Clean Water Act - Best Management Practices (BMPs), Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and Good Handling Practices (GHPs)]. February 2015
In order to remain competitive, tomato growers need to adopt improved nutrient and irrigation management; use high-yielding, multiple-resistant varieties; and implement sustainable cultural practices that increase yields, minimize crop losses, optimize inputs, reduce production costs, and protect the environment. For example, Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Fusarium Crown Rot (FCR) are among the most devastating tomato diseases in Florida, both causing significant yield reductions. Insecticide resistance is creating an urgent need for alternative management tools such as TYLCV-resistant varieties. Similarly, chemical control by fumigation has limited efficacy and in some instances is not effective against FRC. Also, labor costs associated with transplanting, staking, pruning, tying, and manually harvesting may be as high as 55% of the total tomato production cost, which is estimated at $14,000/ acre in southwest Florida. Thus, a potential alternative to reduce tomato production costs may be the use of compact growth habit tomatoes (CGH). These tomatoes do not require staking, tying, or pruning. Furthermore, CGH varieties with the jointless (calyx and stem remain attached to the plant and not to the fruit) characteristic can potentially be mechanically harvested, eliminating the required, expensive hand-harvest labor.
Therefore the focus of my research is to develop sciencebased and practical solutions for the tomato producers in Florida in the areas of fertilizer management and nutrient use efficiency, vegetable varieties and new germplasm evaluation, and development of non-chemical, sustainable production methods for vegetable crop production. More information about my program goes to http://www.imok.ufl.edu/ programs/veg-hort/. Also, I organized, edited and produced the “Processing of the Tomato Institute� which is the largest tomato conference in Florida. This annual meeting delivers cutting edge research to growers by University of Florida/ IFAS faculties in tomato production (http://www.imok.ufl. edu/programs/veg-hort/tomatoInstitute.php). February 2015
Most of my program is a farm research of which BMP demonstrations represent 23,200 acres (80%) of the staked tomato production in Florida and 30 to 40 acres have been annually dedicated to BMP research and extension programs. In 2004, common nitrogen (N) and potassium (K2O) rates used by the tomato industry were near 300 and 650 lb/acre, respectively. However, in 2014 a nutrient rate survey on N and K use, which represented 19,440 acres (67.0 %) of the tomato industry in Florida, showed a reduction of N and K2O fertilizer rates up to 55 and 112 lb/acre, respectively. For the growers, this represents N and K savings of approximately $45-$80/acre at current fertilizer prices and translates to between $874,800 and $1,555,200 for the industry. For the environment, this represents a reduction of approximately 716,375 and 1,458,800 pounds of N and K2O applied fertilizer, respectively, not applied annually. It is a win-win situation.
Since 2009, 23 ready-to-use and custom-made mixes from four major controlled release fertilizers (CRF) manufactures were tested in tomato production. Growers can use CRF as a preplant application eliminating the need of multiple applications of soluble N fertilizer following leaching rain events resulting in reduced production costs of $100/acre. However, the technology transfer to tomato production is complex due to interactions of season, material sources, coating, rates, and release pattern of N in south Florida growing conditions. To Heartland InTheField Magazine
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overcome this complexity, I have been working with three major tomato producers—not in replacing soluble fertilizers with CRFs—but on incorporating CRFs into soluble fertilizer programs in large-scale demonstration projects.
Another aspect of my research program focuses on evaluating disease-resistant varieties and new germplasm or grafting as the main strategies for controlling prevailing diseases, managing pest resistance, and improving yields and quality of tomatoes produced in Florida. Seed companies and growers surveyed indicated that the expansion in the adoption of TYLCV-resistant varieties was regional with approximately 60% (8,400 acres) and 32% (3,800 acres) in Manatee and Collier counties, respectively, as compared to 500 acres planted in both counties combined in 2007. However, the lack of consistent fruit quality continues to be a major factor impeding adoption of TYCLV-resistant varieties by the Florida tomato industry. Based on the same survey in 2014, the new and improved FCR-resistant varieties have been 100% adopted in affected areas such as Collier County, providing another valuable option for tomato producers. A 2014 survey of vegetables growers attending the series of grafting workshops indicated that the high cost of grafted tomato plants can only be used for niche markets, such as heirloom tomatoes, and for resistant varieties which are not available in the market.
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Finally, through-out our research efforts the tomato industry has started to use compost in commercial fields in south Florida. I have witnessed a change in mentalities among vegetable growers. Growers realize that improving soil quality parameters is profitable for their business. For example, a large vegetable producer in Florida has adopted compost application to 15,000 acres as part of their production system. This change has allowed them to produce similar yields with less water (35% reduction) and fertilizer application (up to 20% reduction). Counties, cities, and private waste disposal companies have made waste materials available to the agricultural community that otherwise would go to local landfills and cost tax payers millions of dollars. Urban and agricultural communities can benefits from these programs closing the loops in “real organic recycling”. For example, in the Immokalee, FL area, since 2000 a local compost supplier has brought yard waste from Collier County to vegetable and citrus growers. In the last 5 years, this composting enterprise diverted 300,000 tons of yard waste from the local landfill and produced approximately 120,000 tons of compost, of which 66% was used by local vegetable growers on approximately 20,000 acres.
February 2015
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Big Red Tomato Packers expertise, lead to the creation of a family owned, sustainable farming and packing operation that is growing into the 21st century. In 1977, Big Red proudly packed 100,000 boxes of tomatoes. Today, that number is more than 1.5 million, including the recent expansion of bell peppers.
B
ig Red Tomato Packers was founded when Roy L. Neill left the tobacco fields of North Carolina for the farms of sunny Homestead, Florida. A farm manager for years, Roy welcomed an opportunity to operate his own farm in Fort Pierce. In 1944, Roy moved the family north to Fort Pierce where he started farming on his own. Roy worked hard all his life and instilled a strong work ethic in his sons, David, Richard, Bobby and Kenneth. In 1977, Roy, Kenneth, Richard and David joined with the Caruso Family to form Big Red Tomato Packers. The Caruso family, or Blue Bird Citrus, were already established in agriculture as the largest single strength grapefruit processor in Florida. Joseph Caruso Sr.’s love of farming, combined with the Neill’s farming
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For years, the Neill family ran Big Red and a successful U-pick where customers returned from all over the country year after year. Customers felt like they were coming home to an old friend. Friendships were created that have endured. After the u-pick closed for the final season, Big Red remained. Today’s packinghouse is built upon Roy Neill’s original mission.
February 2015
Quality produce delivered fresh and at a fair price and where family values are important. Big Red’s products can be found in restaurants around the country and retail chains in the US and Canada.
“Family run” includes family and the valuable employees that make Big Red a great place to work. Employees return year after year because they are treated fairly and with respect. Our farms are members of the “Fair Food Program.” The Fair Food Program is a unique partnership among farmers, farm workers, and retail food companies that ensures humane wages and working conditions for the workers who pick vegetables on participating farms. Our farms also strive to create a product in a sustainable environment. On the farm, tomatoes and peppers are grown on raised, bedded plastic with drip irrigation. Drip irrigation allows the farmer to conserve water and limit fertilizer. Water and fertilizers are monitored with computers to certify accuracy and reduce overages. Crops are rotated to ensure soil health. Today’s conservation efforts are good for the land, the consumer and the next generation of young farmers. The Neill and Caruso families have long felt that companies should be a part of the community in which they do business. Big Red supports many local charities including St. Lucie County Fair Association 4-H program and as an active member of the Treasure Coast Food Bank.
February 2015
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From Poison to Remedy: HOW THE TABLES HAVE TURNED FOR THE TOMATO BY DIXIE THOMAS
A
mericans eat over 12 million tomatoes each year, and the colorful tomato has recently been lauded for its health benefits. Yet, tomatoes weren’t always so popular. During the 1500’s, Europeans believed that the tomato was poisonous because of its similitude to the “poisonous” Wolf Peach and relation to the Nightshade plant. Wealthy Europeans also ran into trouble with tomatoes because they used pewter plates and dishes, and the acidic tomato would cause lead to leach from the dishware into their food.
history, (and possibly our clothes) and recently, tomatoes have another claim to fame: cancer prevention and cancer fighting properties unlike any other fruit or vegetable. Tomatoes contain an antioxidant compound called lycopene; this compound is a major carotenoid, which is a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their color. But more than just a pigment—lycopene has been shown to help prevent and fight cancer. Tomatoes are the most concentrated source of lycopene, though apricots, guava, watermelon, papaya, and pink grapefruit have significant levels of lycopene as well.
According to the American Cancer Society, studies show that people who eat diets rich in tomatoes have a lower risk of cancer, especially cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach. In addition, the lycopene in tomatoes also helps to prevent and treat cancers of the bladder, cervix, and skin.
Fortunately, the Italians helped increase the tomato’s popularity through the invention of the pizza in the 1880’s— you can’t have true pizza without tomato sauce. The original pizza was developed by a restaurant owner in Naples, Italy, who wanted to create a dish to celebrate the visit of Queen Margarite, the first Italian monarch after Napoleon conquered Italy. No doubt, tomatoes have left their mark on
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Lycopene proponents also claim that the compound may lower the risk of heart disease, macular degenerative disease, and lipid oxidation (damage to fat molecules). Furthermore, researchers say lycopene lowers LDL (“bad” cholesterol), protects enzymes, and DNA, and enhances the body’s defenses. How you eat tomatoes, however, makes a difference. Researchers tested blood levels in subjects who ate raw tomatoes and cooked tomatoes and found higher levels of lycopene in those subjects who ate the cooked tomatoes.
February 2015
Cooking the tomato appears to make the lycopene more readily absorbed by the body. Also, eating tomatoes with a small amount of oil or fat, such as olive oil or cheese, increases the amount of lycopene that the intestines absorb. But, lycopene may not be the only magic in the tomato. In an animal study to test whether lycopene is the main cancer fighting substance in tomatoes, two groups of rats were tested. One group of rats was given only lycopene supplements while the other group was given tomato powder. The study concluded that the rats given the tomato powder had a much lower cancer risk than those simply given the lycopene supplement. Tomatoes may have a combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and compounds that work together to fight cancer.
Some of the most recent research done on tomatoes and cancer took place during 2014 in the United Kingdom. The University of Bristol examined the diets of about 20,000 men between the ages of 50 and 69. “Our findings suggest that tomatoes may be important in prostate cancer prevention,” says Vanessa Er, from the School of Social and Community Medicine at Bristol University. According to the UK study, men who consume more than ten portions of tomatoes each week reduce their risk of prostate cancer by about 18-20 percent. One portion of tomatoes was considered 150 grams of tomatoes. The tomatoes could be consumed as cooked dishes, tomato puree, tomato paste, or tomato juice. This wonderful fruit we call tomato was once hated and feared to be poisonous, but we are beginning to unravel its many remedies. If you don’t have enough reasons to eat, cook, or grow tomatoes, then here’s a few more. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, potassium, and fiber. Tomatoes also are low in sodium and calories, but provide thiamin, niacin, B-6, magnesium, phosphorus, and cooper. High levels of Beta Carotene in tomatoes also prevent sun damage and wrinkles. So, if you have tomatoes growing in your fields or back yard, it’s time to view this amazing fruit with fresh eyes. And if you don’t have tomatoes at hand, you might want to take a trip to the store. The tables have turned for the tomato, and it’s a great thing to have on your table.
February 2015
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YOU SAY
Tomato CHEF JUSTIN
RECIPES FRESH OFF THE VINE
Ketchup may be the first thing you think of when tomatoes are mentioned. But tomatoes are also the main ingredients in many other delicious meals. “Tomatoes are incredibly versatile, buy them when in season for the best taste and texture,” said Chef Justin Timineri, executive chef and culinary ambassador, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “When in season, tomatoes are always on the top of my shopping list.” Classic Tomato Flavoring Partners: When creating your own tomato dishes, keep these great flavor partners in mind: Basil, Black Pepper, Kosher Salt, Lemon, Lime, Chili Peppers or Powder, Curry Powder, Garlic, Orange Zest, Oregano, Rosemary, Tarragon
Storing Tomatoes: Are you one of the 60 percent of people who currently store tomatoes in the refrigerator? Chef Justin says that kills flavor and texture. Instead, ripen your tomatoes in a bowl on your counter where they can reach full flavor and color — a treat for your eyes and your palate. To hasten ripening, place tomatoes in a sealed paper bag or fruit-ripening bowl. Coring: Using a sharp paring knife make several angled cuts through the stem and under the core.
Seeding: Lay the tomato on its side and halve with a sharp serrated knife. Squeeze each half firmly enough to push out the seeds. Discard seeds. Slicing: First core the tomato and lay it on its side. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut a very thin slice off both ends and discard. Slice the tomato to desired thickness.
Peeling: To eliminate the skin in cooked dishes, gently lower 2 or 3 tomatoes at a time into enough boiling water to cover. Boil for 15 to 30 seconds, lift into a colander with a slotted spoon. Rinse briefly under cold running water. Peel off and discard skins.
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Stuffing Shells: Lay the tomato on its side and cut a very thin slice off the bottom using a sharp serrated knife. Slice off the top 1/4 of the tomato and discard. (The top minus the core may be chopped and added to the filling.) Using a sharp paring knife and spoon, cut and scoop out the flesh, leaving thickish walls. Salt the cavities lightly and invert on a cooling rack for 15 minutes to drain.
Yield: 1 medium tomato, seeded, yields approximately 3/4 cup chopped. 1 large tomato, seeded, yields 1 cup chopped. One pound of tomatoes yields approximately 2-1/2 cups of chopped or 2 cups puréed.
Storage: Tomatoes will ripen to a juicy red on their own when stored at room temperature. Refrigeration kills flavor in fresh tomatoes. The following recipes were created by Chef Justin Timineri, Executive Chef and Culinary Ambassador for Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. His philosophy on food is simple: “Cooking should always be fun, simple, and flavorful” – something that he achieves with Florida tomatoes.
February 2015
Fresh Tomato Chop Salad Florida Tomato and Avocado Salsa INGREDIENTS: • 1 teaspoon powdered cumin • Your favorite hot sauce (for heat) • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
This salsa is flavorful, yet mild enough for the whole family. Best of all, it tastes great and you need only a couple minutes to whip it together. Serve at room temperature for best flavor! PREPARATION: In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and hot sauce
February 2015
INGREDIENTS: • 3 fresh Florida tomatoes, diced • 1 Florida cucumber, seeded and chopped • 1 red or sweet onion, chopped • 1 Florida green bell pepper, chopped • 1/2 bunch fresh Florida basil, hand torn • 1/2 bunch fresh Florida parsley, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar • 2 tablespoons olive oil
PREPARATION: In a large glass or plastic bowl, combine all ingredients and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. Serve over salad greens if desired. Try adding feta cheese and olives to this recipe.
Best Chicken Salad Stuffed Florida Tomato Crowns INGREDIENTS: • 4 medium sized fresh Florida tomatoes • 1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt • 2 cups chicken, cooked, shredded and chilled • 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped • 1/2 cup celery, small diced • 1/2 cup carrots, small diced • 1 lemon, juiced • 1 small onion, small diced • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
PREPARATION: Rinse tomatoes under cold running water and pat dry with clean paper towels. With a sharp serrated knife, slice off the top part of the tomato that was attached to the vine. Turn the tomato over and make 4 to 5 slices almost all the way down being careful not to slice all the way through the tomato. Set tomatoes aside. In a medium sized mixing bowl combine all ingredients except the tomatoes. Taste chicken salad and adjust seasoning with the kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Using a fork, separate the sliced tomatoes open and fill with chicken salad. Serve chilled. Heartland InTheField Magazine
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During his speech, Judge Hendry shared tidbits like the fact that Flagler Park was named after Henry Flagler, founder of the Florida East Coast Railway. And the portion of US Highway 441 called “Parrott Avenue” was named for railroad company manager Joseph P. Parrott.
Okeechobee Celebrates Centennial
Our Pioneering Spirit Endures
While Okeechobee never quite grew into the promise of a “Chicago of the South” as touted by many in its early days, those who live in the rural town still enjoy many of the traditions which started back then, like community fish fries and barbeques. Both the fishing and cattle industries continue to thrive as integral aspects of the economy and local lifestyle. Additional events planned throughout 2015 include a 100day scavenger hunt contest that began January 19th; historic bus tours April 11th, June 20th, September 19th and October 17th; the Mayor’s Centennial Gala April 18th; a Centennial Birthday Bash on June 13th; the Centennial Heritage Festival October 10th; and the burial of a Centennial Time Capsule on December 1st. The yearlong celebration will conclude with a Centennial Frolic Street Dance on Friday, December 11th.
Founded in 1915, the City of Okeechobee kicked off its Centennial celebration Friday, January 9th in Flagler Park. The highlights of the evening event included complimentary coffee, tea and other tasty treats from a number of downtown restaurants, a historical review of early Okeechobee by Judge For more information on Centennial celebration activities, Bill Hendry, and the unveiling of the official Centennial logo visit the City of Okeechobee Centennial Celebration page on CSBAgriInTheFieldMagAd:Layout 1 7/24/13 12:58 PM Page 1 created by local artist Bridgette Waldau. Facebook or contact the City Clerk’s office at 863.763.3372.
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Okeechobee
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Agribusiness Banking Services Big bank services from a hometown community bank.
www.centerstatebank.com February 2015
!!
Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association and Sponsors Present:
OKEECHOBEE cowtown RODEO !
1885 Hwy 441 North Okeechobee, FL 34972 Saturday, March 14, 2015 & Sunday, March 15, 2015 Admission 1:00pm
EVENTS
!
2:00 - Mutton Bustin’ 2:30 - Bareback Riding 3:00 - Calf Roping 3:30 - Saddlebronc 4:00 - Steer Wrestling 4:30 - Barrel Racing 5:00 - Bull Riding
Specialty Act & VENDORS
Tickets:
ADULTS:$12 online/$15 @ gate KIDS: $5 (under 6 free) www.okeechobeecattlemensassociation.com Buy online, or stop by Eli’s Wester Wear to purchase tickets
February 2015
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
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AROUND THE WORLD
With Renee BY AUDRA CLEMONS A love for ranching and travel inspired Renee Strickland to begin her livestock exportation business from her family ranch in Myakka City, Florida. The blossoming company, Strickland Ranch and Exports, ships beaucoup cattle and other animals around the globe. This business requires excellent animal handling, as well as patience and the ability to maneuver through a labyrinth of international health regulations and strict quarantine protocol.
One of Strickland’s most famous clients, the Sultan of Oman, requested a shipment of 195 dairy cows - 28 for himself and the remainder for his dairy, The Royal Farm. The ‘royal cows’ were used for breeding and quality milk and cheese products.
No client is too big or too small for Strickland Ranch and Exports; and all clients and livestock are treated with the utmost care and concern while in the hands of Renee Strickland. During her process, Renee has learned that livestock generally lose a small amount of body weight while aboard transcontinental flights. She has a remedy for this. Her animal handling is impeccable - she keeps cabin lights off to create a low-stress environment that allows animals to sleep. Being a rancher and understanding animal behavior, is beneficial to their health, and also a key component in the success of Strickland Ranch and Exports. “Many people think that what I do is glamorous because I get to travel to these exotic, far-flung places. What they don’t see is my late drive home from Miami at 3:00 in the morning after complications when a truck doesn’t make their load-out time, or other numerous problems that occur with this job,” said Strickland. “But I love what I do and honestly, I am truly blessed to be able to work with animals.”
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Strickland says that right now, the majority of inquiries received are for dairy cattle because the U.S. is respectively known as the leading country for milk production. American beef prices are still a too high to effectively compete with the exportation of beef from other countries. However, Strickland does have a few February 2015
shipments of beef going out this year to the Cayman Islands and Nicaragua. Moreover, once prices drop, American beef producers will see even more opportunity in exportation.
“Ecuador is opening up to American cattle exports soon. We haven’t sold to them in 10-20 years, but they are coming around with their approved health protocols. Peru is also gearing up to receive our cattle. They are actually looking for 30,000 head over a three-year period,” said Strickland on the upcoming year in business. Strickland knows this because she’s recently been to these countries for business meetings as an ambassador for U.S. livestock, and in search of potential clients. In March she will be going to Pakistan with the USLGE (US Livestock Genetics Export, Inc.) to speak with dignitaries as well as drum up business.
“Over the past three years, Australia and Holland have been exporting 70,000-80,000 head of cattle to Pakistan. We’d like to be able to do this kind of business with them as well. I’ve been working for four years on the health protocol that Pakistan has in place with our livestock product, and we are very close to pushing the deal through,” said Strickland. Renee goes on to point out that as the economy grows and middle classes emerge in countries like China, Indonesia, Asia and Africa, livestock producers can expect to see product demand from new customers. The cattle exportation business, and even the cattle business, isn’t an occupation easily accessible. The industry requires a lot of patience, passion for agriculture, and the desire to be a steward of the land as well. Strickland is a fourth-generation Florida cattle rancher and she’s been around this her entire life.
When not exporting cattle or conducting meetings with international agriculture powerhouses, Renee and her husband Jim Strickland can be found at annual agriculture trade shows or on their ranch in Myakka City, Florida. Renee has also recently been voted in as the President of the Livestock Exporters Association of the United States in July of 2014, which will keep her busy. The title requires her to take meetings in Washington D.C. with the USDA, as well produce workshops on exportation in national locations like St. Louis for instance, where she has a workshop next month. For more information on Strickland Ranch & Exports, please visit ww.stricklandranch.com.
February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Florida Junior ALL-BREEDS CONVENTION
Got Milk?
There was plenty on-hand at the 5th Annual Florida Junior AllBreeds Convention held at the UF/IFAS Straughn Center in Gainesville January 3rd and 4th.
Coordinated by Dairy Extension Faculty Chris Holcomb, youth from around the state who are active in the dairy industry participated in activities including essay, speech, and folding display contests; a written dairy knowledge exam; dairy judging workshop; and Junior breed association meetings.
The 2014 Dairy Ambassador, Shelbi McCall, shared a presentation on the various events and activities that she participated in and how she helped promote the Florida dairy industry during the past year. Dr. Diane Kitchen from the FDACS Division of Animal Industry gave an informative presentation on Florida’s Cattle Identification Rule, including its implications on show cattle traveling to upcoming fairs.
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At Sunday’s awards luncheon, the following youth were recognized for their achievement in each area:
• • • • • • • • •
Junior Written Exam: 1st Mackensie Greaves, 2nd Austin Holcomb, 3rd Connor Sutton Senior Written Exam: 1st Cady McGehee, 2nd Jacob McGehee, 3rd Michael Fioretto Junior Folding Display: 1st Rebecca Holcomb, 2nd Jenna Larson, 3rd Austin Holcomb Intermediate Folding Display: 1st Garrett Greaves, 2nd Avery Kotlarczyk, 3rd Aaron Dunn Senior Folding Display: 1st Alex Pluskot Junior Essay: 1st Austin Holcomb, 2nd Libby Sutton, 3rd Rebecca Holcomb Intermediate Essay: 1st Michael Fioretto, 2nd Hunter Fioretto, 3rd Amanda Hidbrader Junior Speech: 1st Austin Holcomb, 2nd Connor Sutton, 3rd Rebecca Holcomb Intermediate Speech: 1st Shelbi McCall, 2nd Cady McGehee, 3rd Hunter Fioretto
Amanda Hidbrader was named the new Dairy Ambassador, and will work to help promote the industry in 2015. Mr. Holcomb also announced April 10th – 12th as the tentative dates for this year’s Florida 4-H Dairy show. Many thanks go to the Florida Dairy Farmers and others who helped to make the event possible!
February 2015
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February 2015
Danny Walpole, Manager
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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2015 Swamp Cabbage Adult Country Western
LaBelle Civic Center (481 West Hickpochee Ave)
Saturday, February 21st 9:00pm - 1:00am $10.00 Admission Fee $10.00 Cooler Fee (add’l charge for cooler over 48 qts.)
DERRICK SCOTT BAND Formerly known as “The Chase� ,SWXIH F] ,IRHV] 'SYRX] 'EXXPI[SQIR W %WWSG
'EPP JSV ER] UYIWXMSRW
Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association Presents:
LaBelle Rodeo Grounds State Road 29
—REWARD—

  
Vendors Welcome
Concession Stand On Site
1st place: $1500,
Buckles, & Entry Fee to FCA Finals. 2nd place: $1000 3rd place: $500 Event winner: $250
Calf Branding Double Mugging Cowhide Drag Team Branding Team Sorting Bronc Riding
Real, working Florida cowboys and cowgirls utilize their ropin’ & ridin’ skills in this competitive extravaganza to qualify for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association state finals in Kissimmee. This is a true display of cattle and horse handling abilities passed down from many generations ago. Team sponsors will be members in good standing with their county cattlemen’s association.
Benefitting Hendry County 4-H Adults: $10 Young’ens Under 10: FREE For information contact: Marlene @ (863)674-4092 or Lindsey @ (863)673-5971 For Barrel Race info contact Sonya @ (239)289-7582
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February 2015
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February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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FLORIDA CATTLEWOMEN’S 2015 SHOOT BY RON LAMBERT On Saturday, January11, I met some friends over at Quail Creek Plantation for the annual Florida Cattlewomens Fun Shoot. The weather was a little cool but the day was beautiful, and as always the outdoor experience at Quail Creek was great!
There were a total of 160 shooters this year including a number of servicemen who came along with Ned Waters, who heads up Operation Outdoor Freedom. This program gives wounded veterans the opportunity to take part in a wide range of hunts, as well as fishing and camping on both private and public land. We extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Ned for his efforts and a special appreciation to the men and women who have served to protect our freedom.
As to the rest of the teams and their scores, the first place team was Team Royce, with a score of 95.25. The team members were Ray Royce, Steven Phypers, Charlie Wilson and Ray Broughton. The second place team was sponsored by Everglades Farm Equipment, with a 85.75 score. Team members were Danny Reynolds, Wyatt Younger, Talon Youngman and Reno Reynolds. The first place individual was Virgil Minshew with an impressive 99, followed by Cliff O’Donnell with 93.
The top ladies team was Gunpowder and Lace with a 76. Lynne Hartzell, Kathy Oxer, RitaYoungman and Misty Mathews made up this group. The leading Cowboy team was Williamson Cattle Company made up of Wes Williamson, John Williamson, Clint Rucks and Lee Watford, with a final score of 89.The second place Cowboy team with a score of 78 was the Lykes Brothers team of Carl Bauman, Derek Hendrie, Wayne Zahn and Tyler Marzella.
The top youth shooter was James Clark with a 95 and the top Wounded Warrior was Brian with The Manatee Cattlewomen’s team. One more round of appreciation for Operation Outdoor Freedom and America’s Wounded Warriors!
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We want to be sure to mention the sponsor companies that make events such as this possible and thank them for their commitment to Florida agriculture. These include Mosiac, Farm Credit, George Wadsworth Insurance and Warner State University, that has recently added an agricultural program.
The leadership of the Florida CattleWomen put in a great deal of time in organizing the event which included a tasty lunch for all. Thank you to everyone, including the Quail Creek staff, for a great day! February 2015
Warner University Names
Leigh Ann Lightsey Wynn ASSISTANT VP OF ADVANCEMENT
Warner University announced today that Leigh Ann Lightsey Wynn has been named Assistant Vice President of Advancement. Wynn, who begins her new role on February 9, will join the Christian university working alongside Doris Gukich, Vice President of Advancement. She will be building integrated development, marketing and public relations strategies that will assist the university in increasing constituent involvement and fund raising outcomes. President Gregory Hall said, “Leigh Ann’s excellent communication skills are ideal in her new role of sharing the mission of Warner University with advisory boards and community/business leaders. Her experiences in planning and financial management; program development and implementation will assist her in fulfilling fund-raising goals and strategies, both annual and long-term. We are very pleased to have Leigh Ann Lightsey Wynn join the Advancement team at Warner University.”
Wynn is a seventh generation Floridian born and raised in Lake Wales on her family’s cattle and citrus ranch, with her roots planted firmly in agriculture in central Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Agricultural Communications in 2002. While in college, Leigh Ann served as the PR Director for UF’s Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and honed her not-for-profit skills while traveling the country during her internship with the Cris Collingsworth Foundation. Wynn enjoyed ten years at Everglades Foods, Inc. in Sebring, creator of Everglades Seasonings; beginning as the Director of Sales & Marketing and leaving as Corporate Manager. She February 2015
helped to grow the Everglades brand from a regional name to a product well known across the US, and more than doubling the product line.
Most recently, Wynn has held the position of Senior VP of Business Development at Land South Group in Lakeland, working across the multiple companies under that umbrella. While there, she handled the strategic long-term relationships for their Ag lending company AgAmerica Lending, their ag land brokerage firm Land South Realty, their hedge fund Bankers South, as well as multiple other niche companies. Leigh Ann started her own company while at Land South, titled Conservation South, where she helped landowners to obtain conservation easements on their property.
Leigh Ann is a current member of Class IX of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute of Agricultural and Natural Resources, a prestigious two-year leadership program based out of the University of Florida. She is the co-chair of the Polk Extension Advisory Leadership Committee, on the board of the Polk County Public Relations Association, sits on the Northern Everglades Alliance, and is the Polk Agricultural Liaison for the Central Florida Water Initiative. “I am extremely excited about coming on board in the Advancement department at such a distinguished and respected school like Warner University. Combine their new agricultural endeavors with the great Christian proclamation of the university, and I knew it was the place for me.” says Wynn.
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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727-842-8618
820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972
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727-259-7748
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6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947
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906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-3281
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February 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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REALITY RANCH’S LATEST SADDLE SERIES ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHY GREGG
With ranch rodeos starting up in 2008, it is no wonder that within six short years, someone came up with a way to ramp the sport up – into EXTREME ranch rodeos.
And it was Reality Ranch in Zolfo Springs that decided to host an extreme ranch rodeo saddle series at the end of 2014 – and then couple it with a bullriding competition! The first event was held on September 6th. Eight teams of four persons converged on the Reality Ranch arena on Route __ in eastern Hardee County to try their hands at this new “sport”.
So just what is “Extreme ranch rodeo” you ask? Think double muggin’, team doctoring, and trailer loading all occurring simultaneously, and only four minutes to get ‘em all done! The team starts in one corner of the arena, all on horseback (and with ropes to the ready!). A small herd of steers is released into the arena, the announcer says “Go”, and then the chaos begins! Half of the team must head and heel one of the steers, mark its head (the doctoring), then get the ropes off of it. Since they are pretty much on their own, the heeler must dismount and do everything on his own – all the time hoping that the header can keep the animal steady! Another team member will rope another steer, lead it to the trailer (parked along the one side of the arena), and secure the rope at the top of the door (until the rest of the team is free to help). And that leaves the fourth team member to rope yet another steer, and wait for other team members to come help him mug and tie the steer (which must remain tied for at least six seconds), then remove the ropes.
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They all have to then round up the horses and lead them to the trailer. The steer (assuming it’s still there!) has to be loaded into the front compartment, the horses in the back compartment, the gate latched, and then all four team members have to run to the front end of the truck, when their time stops – that is, assuming that their four minutes haven’t already run out!
And that first month, five teams all got it done – the FlyBy-Night team in 175.4 seconds, the Palmetto Pimps (out of Okeechobee) in 213.1 seconds, the River Rats in 216.5 seconds, the Augusta Flashes in 223.3 seconds, and the Charlie Creek Cattle team in 235.6 seconds. (I owe an apology to Matt Carlton, Preston Stokes, Joey Drake and Bobby Lines – I accidentally called them the Augusta FLASHERS, and the name stuck!)
October 11th was the second in the series, and two additional teams decided to join the fun – the Deseret Ranch team (from the St. Cloud area) and Gethsemane Ranch (who was already there in providing the stock, and conducting a version of cowboy church right after the Grand Entry). This month saw Fly-By-Night with a time of 147.09 seconds, Charlie Creek Cattle in 184.18 seconds, the Augusta Flashers in 196.00 seconds, Arrow G Ranch in 207.40 seconds, Gethsemane Ranch in 227.60 seconds, Deseret Ranch in 238.07 seconds, the River Rats in 239.34 seconds (Jarrett Griffin, Chad Carter, Cliff Rigdon and Ty Bennett – that means y’all only had 1/3 of a second left!), and the Palmetto Pumpkins (name change due to the Halloween season!) was awarded a time of 240.00 seconds due to a trailer malfunction. February 2015
Next on the line-up was November 15th. Two of the teams drew out, having received no-times in the first two events (and therefore, no chance of winning). This month saw Deseret Ranch as the winners in 151.15 seconds, the River Rats in 193.59 seconds, the Augusta Flashers in 202.09 seconds, Fly-By-Night in 218.05 seconds, and Charlie Creek Cattle in 226.70 seconds.
The December event got moved twice, trying to accommodate those cowboys going to Las Vegas for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and therefore ended up being held on December 20th. The only two teams receiving times were Fly-By-Night in 178.99 seconds, and Deseret Ranch in 190.91 seconds. Which left the winners to be – the Augusta Flashers in third place, Deseret Ranch in second place (consisting of Jim Campbell, Jan Touset, and Jordan Heggie as the regulars), and the Fly-By-Night team of Donnie Boyd and his new son-inlaw Brandon Dieter, Justin Peebles and Chance Wright (who showed everyone up with his run across the arena!) taking home the trophy saddles. NOW, let’s not forget the bullriding!!!
February 2015
Every month saw bullriding after the ranch rodeo portion was completed. Youth came out for steer riding, then the junior bullriding, and the senior bullriding. Johnny Shelton of Wauchula and Steven Ames of Arcadia showed up every month for the junior bullriding, and Caleb Thompson and one or more of the Faulkner boys (Richard, Jeremy and Robert) from Bowling Green were the regular senior bullriders. Clay McIntyre (of the famed bullriding McIntyre brothers) rode in September, and, in fact, took the top score with a 78 that month. Caleb Thompson was the only other score that month, with a 58 (due to a low-bucking bull).
October saw the bulls beating the cowboys, with no one getting a score. November saw Wyatt Willis take the junior bullriding with a score of 64, while his brother Hunter won the seniors with a score of 76, followed by Kyle Mann with 58. The Willis boys hail from the Cocoa Beach area. December saw Wyatt Willis once again winning the junior bullriding with a score of 54, also giving him the series win. Older brother Hunter scored 56, but with Caleb Thompson winning with a score of 68, Thompson took the series win for the senior bullriders. But my favorite was the bullrider wearing a Santa hat – so appropriate for the holiday season!!
CONGRATULATIONS, Cowboys and Bullriders, and see you next time around!! Heartland InTheField Magazine
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CELEBRATES
Electric Lighting and Electricity In Honor of Thomas Edison’s Birthday on February 11 Thomas Edison, one of America’s most prolific inventors, creator of the phonograph and “father” of the first practical incandescent light bulb for home use, helped electrify the world, and changed the global landscape forever. In southwest Florida, the inventor’s work in electricity changed the development of the region and also resulted in a month of celebration known as the ‘Edison Festival of Light.’ The Festival includes the largest lighted parade in the nation and, of course, a grand birthday party and activities for the inventor throughout February at the Edison Winter Estate in Fort Myers. In 1881, the famed “Wizard of Menlo Park” began installing America’s first commercial electrical station along Manhattan’s all-important financial sector, Wall Street, in which he commented afterwards that the Pearl-Street Station, as it was called, “was the biggest and most responsible thing I have ever-undertaken.” Over the next six years, Edison steadily improved upon the effectiveness of his dc generators and worked prodigiously to stay atop the ever-evolving electrical industry.
He also arrived in Fort Myers, Florida in 1885 and purchased what would become his second home and laboratories in Florida known as “Seminole Lodge.” By 1887, Edison set his sights on electrifying the site and created a private electrical grid connecting the original 1886 Fort Myers Laboratory, his winter home and his business partner’s home, which later became the Edison’s Guest House.
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Using the original Fort Myers laboratory as his electrical base of operations, Edison installed a Babcock and Wilcox steamdriven boiler to power his dynamo, an Armington & Sims engine, and placed above-ground wires to transmit direct current to the houses. Initial reports from Sidney Smith, reporter for the New York World, state that Edison lit the lab on March 10, 1887 with 40 incandescent light bulbs shoved in every “nook and corner.” Later, on March 27, 1887 Edison held a public lighting display for all the residents of Fort Myers. Invoices show that Edison had some of the earliest light fixtures from Menlo Park, New Jersey, called electroliers (electric chandeliers), shipped and installed inside his winter home (the original electroliers are still on display inside the structures). February 2015
Local inhabitants were obviously excited and amazed by the soft glow of Edison’s electric and this led eager Fort Myers Press reporters to ask, “When will Edison light our town?” In April, Edison made arrangements to have a municipal generator shipped from The Edison Machine Works in Schenectady, NY to help with the lighting of Fort Myers. However, because of delays in shipping, the dynamo was never installed and Edison missed the opportunity to electrify the city. Credit for helping light the city should be given to Albertus Gardner, owner of the Seminole Canning Co., who helped finance the construction of the first electrical plant in Fort Myers in 1897. He had the total support of the local community and installed a 40 horsepower boiler at his factory. His dynamo could light 500 bulbs and on January 1, 1898 the dynamo lit the factory, the Fort Myers Hotel as well as all the houses and stores along the power grid.
The following year an electrical pump was installed inside his newly constructed 40,000 gallon cistern that would, “carry the water from either the cistern or the well to the elevated towers so that a proper supply of both kinds of water may be on tap for use of the family.”Power cables were reinstalled, but this time underground, so that by 1928 all the electrical lines were below ground on the residential half of the property. (Total cost: $1,500) Lines on the east-side remained above-ground however. A Hertner Electric Company motor generator set, costing $690 ($740 installed), was built near the existing cistern and is believed to have been used to power lighting along the pier, recharge Edison boat batteries and most importantly change alternating current electricity back into direct current electricity for the property. On the surface, the conversion seems peculiar, but not for the inventor who spent the latter portion of the 19th century establishing and promoting the benefits of direct current electricity over what he perceived to be a far more dangerous alternative, alternating current.
Edison’s original Fort Myers Electrical Lab constructed in 1886 was removed from the property in 1928 and given to good friend and business partner Henry Ford. The laboratory and electrical apparatuses were transported to Dearborn, Michigan and reconstructed inside Ford’s Greenfield Village outdoor museum complex to serve as a tribute to Ford’s mentor and idol, Thomas Edison. (Henry Ford Museum/ Greenfield Village was originally known as the Edison Institute)
After a hiatus of twelve years, 1888-1900, Edison once again returned to southwest Florida. From 1901-1931 Edison would make Fort Myers his home away from home; a tropical paradise in which he could work on projects without interruption and gather his thoughts while sauntering “up and down” the Caloosahatchee in his electric launch, the Reliance. Edison’s winter property received major electrical upgrades starting in 1918, as records show power bills arriving, indicating that Edison was now connected the city’s ac electrical grid.
The Edison Pier lights, installed in 1907, were rewired by Edison’s personal machinist Freddie Ott. The original generator, which powered Edison’s lab, all the electrical equipment and machine shop as well as his homes was dismantled and shipped back to West Orange, New Jersey during the spring of 1919. Bricks from the boiler room were recycled and used to construct the chimney on the east-side of the Edison Caretaker House.
February 2015
Ford agreed to finance the construction of a new and more elaborate structure to house Edison’s rubber project, an endeavor that consumed much of Edison’s time during the last decade of his life.
The Edison Botanic Research Corporation Laboratory was finished by the end of the summer in 1928; a magnificent new facility equipped with an office, grinding room, chemical Heartland InTheField Magazine
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processing area, dark room and of course a contemporary machine shop designed to manufacture tools and equipment for the rubber project as well as the estates. The lab was connected to the city’s electrical grid and a five horsepower AC Induction Motor provided the necessary power to service the centralized line shaft and machinery. During restoration, however, it was discovered that Edison also had the EBRC lab wired for dc electricity which allowed staff to utilize the small dc generators found inside the lab for pumps, various electrical instruments and external equipment.
Thomas Edison was 84 years of age when he died in October 1931. Throughout the nation, lights were turned off as a tribute to one of the electrical industry’s greatest pioneers. Edison had amassed 1,093 United States patents in his illustriously career, 424 relating to electric light and power, approximately 39 percent of all of his American patents. Today, electrical generation continues to build on Edison’s early work and includes solar energy. It is fitting to remember Edison’s quote in _____________, “I’d put my money on the sun and solar power.” The world’s most prolific inventor left a legacy of electricity and lighting forever in southwest Florida, and it’s still growing thanks to his early work.
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Southwest Florida Electricity Generation Today
Florida Power & Light was created on December 28, 1925 when American Power & Light purchased electric generating plants and some ice plants, among other properties, in an effort to provide electricity to south Florida. American Power & Light was essentially a subsidiary of the Electric Bond and Share Company formed by General Electric in earlier years. In its first year, FPL served nearly 76,000 customer accounts spanning some 58 communities. The company had over 200 miles of transmission lines and over 1,000 miles of distribution lines. Average price per hour for residential usage was 8 cents. Two of the biggest plants were located in Fort Lauderdale and Sanford, Florida. Lee County Electric Cooperative was founded much later in 1940. Original members from North Fort Myers purchased the Mariana Grove power plant with Homer Welch becoming the companies’ first professional manager. LCEC started with 15 miles of distribution and 158 members. By 1941, they expanded their service to include Pine Island, Sanibel and Captiva. That same year, LCEC signed an agreement with FPL to provide electricity at a wholesale rate for its members.
February 2015
THE EDISON Festival Of Light BY: BRADY VOGT
T
he Edison Festival of Light is an enormous annual undertaking and event in Fort Myers. It includes the largest night time parade in the Southeastern United States, which is the culmination of nearly three weeks of spirited activity throughout the city. Already, as of the middle of January, chalk lines, pennants, and folding chairs are in place along Cleveland Avenue, staked out claims, for families and friends to insure they have, never mind front row seats, but any seats at all, as the parade waltzes by. The estimated attendance for the Grand Parade on February 21, 2015, is 200,000 people. The attendance number is deduced from counting people within a determined area and multiplying that number by the number of sidewalks, roads, and rights of way from which the people applaud and cheer, whistle and sing. The crowd swells on the day of the parade like a swiftly rising, colorful tide. The Edison celebration began in 1938 in order to honor the life of and connection to the world’s most appreciated inventor. It continues through February as a first class presentation of the culture and community of Fort Myers and Lee County.
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As is easily expected the Edison Festival of Light has a sharp website. All of the events are listed and described and include highlights and participatory festivities all according to the interests of the children and adults, while everybody swings with the parade. This year, according to Karen Ryan, who is an Active Special Director, there will be an exhibit and the presence of a national charitable raising institution called the “Stephen Siller Tunnel To Tower Foundation. The Foundation will have a large 9/11 mobile exhibit present at Festival events. The organization raises funds for “Building For America’s Bravest”, a program of “Tunnel To Towers” that builds smart homes for the most catastrophically injured American service members..
The practical side of The Parade is made of the contributions of money and time. There are nearly thirty persons who act as volunteer directors and decision makers, while the number volunteers who become the hands and fingers and arms and legs of the body exceeds 100. Many are designated as “Marshals” whose main responsibility is to keep the parade moving at a brisk pace, and of course to watch out for the safety of the people in the crowd. The Grand Marshal, who is very instrumental in the selection of entries, and who is determined that they all meet a high standard for entertainment, is the venerable Mike Gill. It is indicative of the inclusion of families in the grand plan, that Mike’s son Zach Gill is a member of the board of directors and was last years Honorary Grand Marshal. One lady, Diane Maddox, who is a past president of the organization, was in the Junior Parade as a little girl, and now will watch her great-grandchild participate. That is the goal and success of the Festival Of Light, that generations of families be included, children participating in the events, growing into adults, and bringing their children into the fold. February 2015
The aspects of culture and community that are evident in such a succession of participants are service, tradition, friendship, history, and scholarship. Indeed, there are Junior Marshals for the Junior Parade.
According to Karen Ryan, The Festival of Light acts in a great partnership with the City Of Fort Myers. The printed program features a well phrased letter from The Mayor, Randy Henderson, which praises the work of the volunteers and participants and extends a warm welcome to visitors. The printed program, of which a mere 20,000 are printed, are decorated by the handiwork of Fort Myers’ most talented cartoonist, a nationally recognized artist, Doug MacGregor. The sixty page program of course includes advertisements by local businesses, who contribute money and kind to the $150,000.00 budget. It is interesting to note that while less businesses enter floats, the number has grown rather than diminished by the neighborhood friends and extended families in Lee County who work for weeks ahead assembling their own themes for floats, meeting that high standard for entertainment, along with marching bands, motorcycle groups, Clydesdales, clowns, and convertibles, one hundred twenty in all. From the city, there are an assortment of permits that must be approved, including rights of passing on rights of way, street closings, sidewalk barricades, tent permits, food and drink permits, and vendor permits, who deal in memory preserving and fun. In addition, the city works closely with the organization regarding emergency planning, and what to do in the event of rain. It is extraordinary over the years, how uncooperative the weather has been on the third Saturday of February, many times very cold and raining. It is even more of a phenomena then, that the show has gone on and the people have flocked to it.
February 2015
The Honorary Grand Marshal is announced shortly before The Parade. It is a person chosen from the Fort Myers community who while not previously and formerly singled out for his or her contributions to the city, is thus honored at The Festival. Things are much changed then from 1947, when President Truman was invited. Co-incidentally, and speaking of Presidents, a young lady by the name of Megan Washington (what a great name !) is The Festival Of Light’s only employee. She is charm and muscle and brain that serves that same larger body. She works from a small office that belies her importance to the success and smooth running of The Festival.
On two asides, Mrs. Helen Hendry is the widow of James E. Hendry lll. He was born on February 15, 1909, and in 1938 was crowned the first King of Edisonia, and a young Virginia Holloway became The Queen. The Pageant continues, separate from the Festival, but is indeed involved and sponsors the Royalty Float upon which the King and Queen of Edisonia ride. The “Court” children and young adults are treated like royalty, Heartland InTheField Magazine
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and to learn exceptional grace and manners. Mrs. Hendry has an enormous scrapbook, fully 24” by 20” that is filled with newspaper clippings, headlines and feature articles and black and white photographs of The Parade of 1946, the point being that there was such comprehensive copy about the event, just one year’s worth, which was expected that year to draw 20,000, was enough to fill a scrapbook. The scrapbook was assembled by Grayson Jones, who gave it 1982 to Robert Halgrim Jr. of The Edison Home. Mrs. Hendry received it only last year from the Halgrim family, entrusted to the right person.
In 1965 I was a fifteen year old boy working at the newly built Pancake House. It was located at the corner of Cleveland Avenue (U.S. 41) and Hill Avenue, just a couple of hundred feet away from the old golf course. The Pancake House was literally the first restaurant to be operated in Fort Myers that was not downtown. It opened the night of The Parade. The manager, the owner, sucked in his breath and counted the dough rolling in. The joint remained opened for business until midnight. I washed pots and pans, plates and bowls, cups and saucers, knives and forks, ladles and spoons, and scrubbed the grills and frying pans, sauce pans, pancake pans, and mopped the freezer and kitchen floors, until four in the morning. My mother had waited for me in the car since twelve. It was the longest night, up to that early point, of my life and I never really forgave “The Parade”.
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TRAVEL FEATURE
GETAWAY GIRL GOES TO PANAMA ®
By The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl
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arrived at the Timucuan Airport in Panama City and was transferred to my hotel for the next three nights, the Riu Hotel Plaza Panama (riuplaza.com/Panama). After checking in and dropping my luggage off, we headed to lunch at Miraflores Restaurant and visited Miraflores Visitor Center. The Panama Canal (www.PanCanal.com) is a lock-type canal, approximately 50 miles long, that unites the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at one of the narrowest points of the Isthmus of Panama and the American Continent. The Canal officially opened its doors to international trade in 1914, and since then, more than 1 million vessels have traveled the waterway. The Canal’s three locks, each of which have two lanes, operate as water lifts to elevate ships 85 feet above sea level to the level of Lake Gatun during their transit through the Canal, and then lower them back to sea level. A project to widen and deepen the Canal was underway in 2011. The new locks will be 1,400 feet long and 182 feet wide, the size of four football fields. About 10,000 people work for the Panama Canal Authority, and ships pay anywhere from $50,000-$300,000+ to pass through the Canal. That evening we were excited to attend an outdoor Shakira concert at the Figali Convention Center (www. figaliconventioncenter.com/). I was escorted to the front, next to the stage as credentialed media were allowed to stand at the stage for the first three songs. Shakira unexpectedly started the concert from the crowd as she walked around the stage on the ground right in front of us. I have seen her perform on television, which is very different versus standing
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under her as she gyrates those hips with moves that could turn a gay guy straight. She is amazing, talented, beautiful and super flexible (at least in the hip area). The Figali Center is home to regular concerts featuring acts such as Journey, Ozzy Osbourne and Andrea Bocelli.
The next morning we drove to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort (www.gamboaresort.com) for the tour of Monkey Island. I was looking forward to seeing the monkeys, but thought we’d be far away and they would look like black specks to the naked eye. I was surprised to find out that we could park our boat under certain trees on various islands and the monkeys were right above us. In fact, we got so close to one group of Capuchin monkeys that one jumped onto our boat and stole someone’s bread.
February 2015
We enjoyed lunch on the Causeway Amador, which are three man-made islands that were created from fill dredged from the Panama Canal. The islands are each quite different in what they have to offer visitors: Flamenco has a marina with restaurant and discotec; Perico has stores, cafes, boutiques, bars; Naos, home of Mi Ranchito Restaurant, also features a bar and hotel. In addition to the current activities offered on the Causeway, building was underway for a Frank Gehrydesigned museum on some land before you arrive on the islands. After lunch we went to the Handicraft Center, located behind the YMCA, which sells all kinds of souvenirs, hand crafts, and clothing made by Panamanians. I was looking for a genuine Panama Hat, but was surprised to find out they are actually made in Ecuador and ranged in price from $25-$120 depending on quality...who knew? But I got a lesson on how to spot a genuine Panama Hat (see video on the Girls Getaway Guide Facebook page) and was thrilled with my new purchase. With my “Purchase Genuine Panama Hat” checked off my To Do List, we headed to Casco Antiguo, or Old Quarter, (www. cascoantiguo.com/), which is a part of town where the city was relocated to in 1671 after an attack by English pirate Henry Morgan. The move of the city to a more appropriate place in terms of defense was carried out and the Old City was left behind. The look and feel of this area is reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans with beautiful architecture and various town squares with statues in the middle. This is also where the President of Panama lives with three white herons that also reside in his “White House.” You can find merchants selling art and crafts in many areas in this part of town, which added some shopping time to my cultural exploration.
the main symbols of the nation. The Old City was the center of expeditions during the Spanish conquest and colonization, as much as the central point in the trade routes of the times. Today, the Archeological Site is one of the most important offerings of the historical-cultural tourism of the country. Since July 2003, the Archeological Site of Panama Viejo has become part of the World Heritage list of UNESCO. To add stark contrast to the morning, our next stop was the MultiPlaza Mall (www.multiplazaonline.com) that carries every major luxury brand you can imagine from Tiffany & Co. to Dolce & Gabbana to several non-U.S. brands. I made one purchase in the Felix B. Maduro Department store and had to get out of there as my credit card was already feeling some purchasing pressure. After my shopping spree, we drove to the Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa (www.playabonitapanama.com), which is located on the Pacific Ocean side of the country. The resort is absolutely beautiful and caters to large groups with its various pools, watersports, and sandy beach. We enjoyed oceanfront lunch and I found a beachside canopy bed so I could soak up some Panama sunshine. Dinner that night was at Luna Restaurante, which serves contemporary cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating and a fabulous atmosphere and menu. I became an instant fan once I learned they had La Crema wine available. But the food was just as good as the wine, and we were not disappointed with high marks for the steak, fish and pork.
My last stop in Panama City was to the Trump Ocean Club (www.trumpoceanclub.com), which was under construction at the time. It is a 72-story building that is a combination of residences (92% were sold during construction) and 369 hotel guest rooms located on the Punta Pacifica peninsula with boutiques, restaurants and a casino located below. Many thanks to Newlink Communications and the Autoridad de Turismo Panamá (ATP) for hosting me in this great city and showing me the best of Panama City.
The Southern Staple
The next day we visited Panama Viejo (www.panamaviejo. org), or Old City. The Panama Viejo Historic Monumental Complex, and specifically the Tower of the Cathedral, is one of
February 2015
Handmade bracelets that are required to be worn by all Southerners. Classic pieces that will go with all the classic staples required to live in the South.
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Florida
Southwestern STATE COLLEGE BY BRADY VOGT
Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) began as Edison Junior College in 1962. Located in downtown Fort Myers in a former elementary school building called the Gwynne Institute, Doctor David Robinson, who held the position of President for twenty six years, helped paint the walls in classrooms to ready the place for its first students.
The junior college system in Florida was launched to enable young men and women enthusiastic about “higher learning” to receive two years of college that would qualify them to transfer as juniors to the already overcrowded state and private universities. The junior colleges also gave adult members of Florida communities the opportunity to further their education and thus qualify them for better jobs. In 1964, the first athletic programs were started, baseball and basketball. Called “The Buccaneers,” the first of the scholarship students were housed in former army barracks in Page Field. The college, under the mantle of several names and offering various levels of learning skills has been in continuous operation for fifty two years. It has retained an important part of its history by calling its sprawling grounds and twenty six permanent buildings the Thomas Edison Campus. In addition to Lee County, the college maintains campuses in Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry/Glades Counties. Next year, the college will re-enter the arena of college athletics. At the corner of Summerlin Road and Cypress Lake Drive, an 85,000 square foot sports complex will be built.
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It appears that since education began, there has never been quite enough resources to take care of an ever expanding student population. Just as the junior college system was formed to meet the needs of so many young adults, the “state college” program now offers many more young men and women a chance to get a college education. However, it is a much bigger deal than that simple phrase implies. According to Doctor Lou Traina, a Vice-President for Development at FSW, there are a series of national and state trends that are driving the expanding programs. In addition, the demographic of the population is changed. FSW is primarily populated by “college ready” students, that is, high school graduates with good grades, good tests scores, and good potential for conclusive learning. The average age of a student at FSW is twenty one. Ten years ago the average age was twenty nine, as the college, known at that time as Edison State College, serviced more middle aged adults in need of developmental classes and were likely to finish their college experience there, rather than moving on and up to FGCU or UF or FSU. Now the students can stay put to finish, and here’s why.
February 2015
The average cost for a four year degree at FSW or other state college in Florida is about ONE-FIFTH of what tuition and accompanying expenses amount to at a state university or private school. According to Dr. Traina, what that means to a family in Florida is extraordinary. A family can send five brothers and sisters through college by enrolling in a state college for the same cost as sending one sibling to the University of Miami, Florida State, or Rollins. The public school system is apparently doing its job readying more students for college.
for its graduates. Students who matriculate with degrees in education, nursing, medical technology and business, as fully accredited graduates, are helped by the college to find degree appropriate positions in the work place. In addition, the state college which offers Associates and Bachelor’s degrees, can guarantee that students may transfer with all credits intact, into a college like FGCU and into Master’s Degree programs at UF and Miami. In addition, the state college mandate includes something called “open enrollment” which means developmental courses are offered to bring students right up to speed if they are struggling or have, as exceptions, not received quite solid enough primary exposure and expert teaching. Education, like so many other aspects of American society and culture, continues to evolve in a positive direction. College, perhaps up until this new development, satisfied a more elite percentage of the population than was right. Shocking costs, stiff competition and at the end of the experience, no certainty that all that money spent would ever be re-captured. How might a twenty-two year old boy or girl start out in the workplace with a hundred-thousand dollars in debt on a thirty-thousand dollar a year salary? Where would the money ever come from to pay back the loan? What might a family do, that did not qualify for a loan, but is desperate that the boy or girl be given every opportunity to “do better” and have a chance to climb the social and economic ladder?
The broad student base is more qualified for admittance than ever before, sharply driving up the competition for seats in a classroom. Scholastic competition being sharper thus drives up the price. Of those who apply, only twenty six percent are admitted on the first try. The federal government is also enabling students to attend college by continuing to provide student loans. However that has a price…it is called interest on big dollars. A student who pursues a degree from a university or private college might borrow up to $125,000.00 in order to get a Bachelor’s Degree. If the student continues toward a Master’s Degree, which is increasingly becoming the ticket for admission into the ranks of good paying jobs, the borrower might add an additional $100,000.00. By comparison, a four year degree at FSW costs about $35,000.00. It is troubling to note that many students default on their loans, thus continuously putting the program and the largesse of the federal government in to question. There is a most startling aspect of all when comparing the state college system to existing universities and private schools. The state colleges are funded by the State Board of Community Colleges, an entirely different state entity than collects for, budgets for, and supervises the older, more established schools. The state colleges are mandated to GUARANTEE a job
February 2015
According to Doctor Traina, the state college system has a very, very bright future, which means prospects for the population in general are much improved. The state college system offers a quality equal education at a fraction of the costs and assures its graduates they will have a meaningful, rewarding place in the workforce. Perhaps it is the genius of Thomas Edison that has so inspired the educators, who always are on the side of the students. In March, Heartland In the Field will continue the story of FSW and the re-emergence of its athletic programs. To learn more about FSW, please visit www.fsw.edu.
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WWW.RIVERPASTURE.COM
RODGER DRAWDY
863 990 9851
CUSTOM GATES AND GATE OPERATOR SYSTEMS
February 2015
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Happenings IN THE HEARTLAND
DE SOTO NATIONAL MEMORIAL’S CONCERTS ON THE LAWN PRESENTS DANA AND SUSAN ROBINSON
BRIDGE STREET MERCHANTS HOST KIDS FISHING TOURNAMENT
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he Bridge Street Merchants are hosting a Free Kids Fishing Tournament on Saturday, February 21st from 11:00am to 1:00pm with registration beginning at 10:30am on the recently reconstructed Historic Bridge Street Pier, 200 Bridge St. Bradenton Beach, Florida, 34217. This event will be benefiting the Big Brother Big Sister organization of the Sun Coast. Bait will be provided and each participant will receive a grilled cheese provided by the Cast-N-Cage Restaurant following the tournament. Prizes for the biggest, most, smallest and weirdest will be awarded. This is for kids 12 and under. Kids are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole, a limited amount will be provided.
For more information contact Jake Spooner at 941730-5038 or jacobspooner@gmail.com.
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e Soto National Memorial’s concerts on the lawn presents Dana and Susan Robinson on Saturday, February 7th. Music begins promptly at 5:30pm. Dana and Susan Robinson, featured on the Ken Burns “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” soundtrack, are two guitarplaying, banjo-flailing, fiddle-sawing, and harmonysinging interpreters of the American experience. Their unique blend of contemporary songwriting and traditional Appalachian music bring to their performances a deep understanding of America’s musical heritage.
So come out and join us for a night of wonderful music under the stars. Make sure to bring your blankets and chairs. Concessions will be provided courtesy of Anna Maria’s The Feast Restaurant. Admission is free, the concert begins promptly at 5:30pm parking is available on a first come basis. All activities are subject to change due to weather De Soto National Memorial is located at 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton 34209. For more information go to: www.nps.gov/deso 941-792-0458
Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com
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GRAYCE MCCOY HONORED AT ‘PRETTY IN PINK’ PRESENTATION HOSTED BY HAL
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ith a grant from the Florida Humanities Council (FHC), HAL presented “Pretty in Pink: The Story of Grayce McCoy, Sebring’s Most Flamboyant Realtor & Biggest Promoter” on Jan. 9 as the second presentation in its three-part Fall/Winter Speaker Series. More than 75 people listened to presenter Dr. Caren S. Neile, Ph.D., MFA, a professional storyteller from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, who has performed and taught throughout the world. She created a performance specifically for Sebring that was based on the life of the late, beloved Grayce McCoy. Dr. Neile worked with the Sebring Historical Society and those who knew Grayce to gather stories, details and photos in order to present a full picture of this unforgettable Sebring resident. Attendees were encouraged to wear pink in honor of Ms. McCoy.
“WM SPONSORS THE ANNUAL COALITION LUNCHEON”
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aste Management sponsored the annual “16 County Coalition” luncheon at the First United Methodist Church in December. Guest enjoyed networking and celebrating with county business leaders. Pictured: Florida Representative Cary Pigman, WM Community Relations Teresa Chandler, Florida Representative Assistant Libby Maxwell and Hendry County Commissioner Karson Turner.
Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com February 2015
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PLANT A TREE IN CELEBRATION FOR ARBOR DAY
MIRACLE IN THE MAZE
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n December, Dakin Dairy hosted “Miracle in the Maze” events, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.
Half-hour videos sharing the Story of Hannukah and the Nativity Story were projected against the Milk Plant building for viewing. Those in attendance could purchase a “Biblical” dinner including beef and lamb kabob with yogurt dressing, cucumber and tomato salad, eggplant casserole and hummus with pita, or another favorite from the Farm Market. A recorded message from Joseph and Mary greeted visitors at the Living Nativity, nestled in the six acre corn maze. There was also a Christmas Carol hayride and a mini manger where guests could dress in biblical costumes and take family photos. According to Karen Dakin, “We had a lot of good family fun while honoring our Saviors birth.” A portion of the admission price was donated to Harvest House Centers.
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anuary 16, 2015 is Arbor Day and the Florida Forest Service wants to inspire you to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. “Now is the best time to plant a seedling tree (bare root), explains Senior Forester Calin Ionita, Florida Forest Service. “Winter and early spring in general are a good time for planting trees because trees enter a dormant period. They slow their activity during the winter thus making it easier to handle the tree with the least amount of stress.” Already established “root ball” trees can be planted all year round in Florida.
Florida has been celebrating Arbor Day since 1886. Arbor Day was first celebrated on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The founding father of Arbor Day is J. Sterling Morton who moved from Detroit to Nebraska; living in Nebraska he missed the serenity of trees. In 1872 he introduced tree planting day resolution to the State Board of Agriculture. On April 10, 1872, Arbor Day was celebrated and it was believed that more than one million trees were planted in Nebraska that day. Help us celebrate J Sterling Morton’s legacy of Arbor Day by planting and tree. “Plant a tree to grow with your family” Senior Forester Calin states. “Trees reduce sound, produce oxygen, store carbon, clean the air, provide shade, reduce wind and erosion and increase property values.”
Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com
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February 2015
THE DESOTO COUNTY FAIR AND LIVESTOCK SHOW
THE MANATEE COUNTY FAIR
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he DeSoto County Fair and Livestock Show was held January 16th – 25th. Youth from around the county showcased their 4-H and FFA projects that included everything from citrus trees to livestock. Activities also included a beauty pageant with a new Miss DeSoto County and her court being crowned. Full results will be provided in our March issue.
he Manatee County Fair celebrated their 99th year with “Put Some AG In Your CULTURE” January 15th –January 25th. Miss Manatee County Queen Hannah Roddenberry was out and about and everyone enjoyed the entertainment in the Medallion Homes Entertainment Tent. The livestock contestants had great success and our March issue will feature their pictures and results. Looking forward to their 100th next year.
Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com
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HAL WELCOMES FIRST ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
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he Highlands Art League (HAL) is pleased to announce that its first Artist in Residence (AiR) has moved in to the Clovelly House, which is one of four buildings that make up HAL’s Artist Village. Kathryn Obidzinski is from Michigan and works in acrylic paintings and film photography. She has previously been commissioned to complete 10 interior murals and several photo recreations onto canvas, and HAL is excited to see what she brings to the Highlands County art community. She has an associate’s degree in Business Administration from Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills, MI where she pursued advanced classes in Film Photography and Jewelry Smithing and Design. Kathryn primarily works in acrylic painting and film photography.
HAL’s AiR program provides visual or literary artists dedicated time, space and support to experiment and develop a new body of work in a creative community at HAL’s ‘Village Where Art Lives.’ Ideal candidates for this program are progressive artists who are self-directed, motivated, community-oriented and passionate about creating new work. The 4-week, on-going program encourages career artists who embrace community and enjoy working in a team environment to apply throughout the year. AiR artists receive dedicated studio and living space in HAL’s Clovelly House complete with an office and exhibit space. At the end of the four weeks, both the artist and HAL have the option to extend the residency up to two additional months.
A special thank you to the generous donors who made the completion of this house and this exciting program possible: the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Joan Hartt, Turner Furniture, Habitat for Humanity of Highlands County, Marty Payne, Nancy Palmer, Jeri Wohl and Rent King of Avon Park. Because of their contributions, more emerging and established artists will receive the opportunity to hone their craft and submerge themselves in a creative art village through the AiR program.
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AG CALENDAR FEBRUARY Jan. 30th - Feb. 8th CHARLOTTE COUNTY FAIR 3rd GROUNDHOG DAY 4th – 7th NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONVENTION San Antonio, TX 5th – 16th FLORIDA STATE FAIR
11th & 12th FLORIDA STATE FAIR RANCH RODEO
26th – March 8th FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
13th – 15th BRIGHTON FIELD DAY RODEO & FESTIVAL
26th DREAMERS & SCHEMERS, Historic Train Depot, Wauchula
13th – 21st HENDRY COUNTY FAIR & LIVESTOCK SHOW
27th – March 8th ST. LUCIE COUNTY FAIR
14th VALENTINE’S DAY 14th – 21st HARDEE COUNTY FAIR
6th – 14th HIGHLANDS COUNTY FAIR 7th HENDRY COUNTY FARM-CITY TOUR, FMI call Hendry County Extension, 863.674.4092
16th PRESIDENT’S DAY 26th – March 8th LEE COUNTY FAIR
Submit your events for the ag calendar to rhonda@heartlanditf.com
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FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
®
Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Publix
FEB. 26 - MAR. 8, 2015 • PLANT CITY, FLORIDA Artists Appearing on the
Bobby Vinton
Thu. Feb. 26, 3:30 $15 & $20
Alabama
Thu. Feb. 26, 7:30 $40
Soundstage:
Mel Tillis
Fri. Feb. 27, 3:30 $15 & $20
Sat. Feb. 28, 3:30 $20
Kevin Costner & Modern West
Brett Eldredge
Sat. Feb. 28, 7:30 $35
Sun. Mar. 1, 3:30 $20 & $25
Sawyer Brown
Happy Together Tour
Ronnie Milsap
MercyMe
Mon. Mar. 2, 3:30 $15 & $20
Mon. Mar. 2, 7:30 $25 & $30
Tue. Mar. 3, 3:30 $15 & $20
Scotty McCreery Fri. Feb. 27, 7:30 $25 & $30
Hunter Hayes
Sun. Mar. 1, 7:30 $40
Sara Evans
Tue. Mar. 3, 7:30 $20 & $25
Ricky Skaggs
Wed. Mar. 4, 3:30 $15 & $20
Craig Morgan
Wed. Mar. 4, 7:30 $20 & $25
Visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available!
Oak Ridge Boys Thur. Mar. 5, 3:30 $15 & $20
Newsboys
Thur. Mar. 5, 7:30 $20
Loretta Lynn
Fri. Mar. 6, 3:30 $20 & $25
Boyz II Men
Fri. Mar. 6, 7:30 $20 & $25
While online, check out the Free Entertainment, Midway Specials, Discounted Days, and Full Schedule of Festival Events.
Free Grandstand Dan + Shay
Sat. Mar. 7, 3:30 $15 & $20
John Legend
Sat. Mar. 7, 7:30 $50
Parmalee
Sun. Mar. 8, 3:30 $15 & $20
REBA
Sun. Mar. 8, 7:30 $50
3:30 & 7:30pm Seating is on a first come, first seated basis. Concert dates and times are subject to change
Candyland Warehouse•Stingray Chevrolet•Mosaic•Alessi Bakery•AMSCOT•Carolina Carports•Astin Farms•DIRECTV•Verizon Wireless Netterfield’s Concessions•Florida Blue•Southern Ford Dealers•Outcast Watersports•Florida’s Best•Bionic Band•Images Everywhere! TECO•Good Health Saunas•CHOBANI•Florida Dairy Farmers•Nathan’s•Diamond Resorts Int’l•Bright House Networks•Hershey’s ®
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Something for
Historic Homes • Tropical Gardens • Museum Thomas Edison’s Laboratory • River Cruises Waterfront or Garden Dining Options
Open Daily 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901
239.334.7419
www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
$1 OFF Per Adult Admission Ticket 00
Present coupon at time of purchase
February 2015
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Heartland Growers Supply Come in and look at our Cajun Fryers, Yeti Coolers & Tumblers and the Big Green Egg.
541 S 6th Ave, Wauchula, FL 33873
863.773.5888
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Thank you to our loyal customers for the past 23 years of business, we would not be here without you.
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AN UPLAND BIRD HUNTER’S PARADISE in an Old Florida
setting at its finest!
Whether it’s just for fun or mixing a little business with pleasure, Quail Creek Plantation awards the prize when it comes to an outdoor paradise for hunting and fishing. Shoot some sporting clays to warm up before finding the covey on a guided hunt for upland birds. Finish the day with a pole and go angling for that big fish to talk about later. Kick back and enjoy the Quail Creek Lodge and dine on fried quail for lunch, or have our gourmet chefs help you plan a special dinner for a fundraiser or private event at Quail Creek Plantation. WEDDINGS || CONFERENCES || FUNDRAISERS/BANQUETS || SPORTING CLAYS 12399 Northeast 224th Street • Okeechobee, Florida 34972 • 863-763-2529 www.quailcreekplantation.com • reservations@quailcreekplantation.com
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
February 2015
Florida has been home to seven generations of our family. The Heartland Area and Treasure Coast has helped us sustain our business for the last 89 years. We believe there is greatness in our state, our region and our community!
AGRICULTURAL
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COMMERCIAL
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MUNICIPAL
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RESIDENTIAL
BRANDING IRONS u HITCHES u HYDRAULIC HOSES INDUSTRIAL HARDWARE u IRRIGATION u MACHINE SHOP METAL SALES u SOLAR PUMP u TRAILER PARTS WATER PUMPS u WATER TREATMENT WELDING ON ALL METALS u WELL DRILLING U-BOLTS 204 SOUTHEAST 10TH AVENUE OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA 34974 We are located one block behind the post office on 70 E.
February 2015
WWW.DOMERSINC.COM
Have a question? We’re happy to help...
863-763-3417 INFO@DOMERSINC.COM
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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JUST ANOTHER REASON TO BE A MEMBER OF
FARM CREDIT OF FLORIDA
THIS YEAR WE ARE GIVING BACK $5 MILLION TO OUR BORROWERS. IT’S OUR WAY OF REWARDING OUR LOYAL MEMBERS. THAT’S RIGHT. CASH BACK. JUST FOR BEING A MEMBER.
WE KNOW AG. WE LOVE AG. WWW.WEAREAG.COM
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
February 2015
Challenger Certified Pre-Owned Equipment Every piece of Challenger Certified Pre-Owned Equipment goes through a rigid 100+ POINT INSPECTION and comes with an industry-leading, minimum 1-year/500-hour extended coverage plan.
See your dealer for complete program details and coverage plan options.
Ft. Myers • Clewiston • Davie • Miami • Palm Beach
877-330-6358 • KellyTractorCPO.challenger-ag.us