JULY 2015
AGRICULTURE NICHES
Thinking Outside the Box
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
July 2015
July 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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JULY 2015
July Features 23
The New Field Hand By Joseph Mills
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Drones in the Sky
By Joseph Mills
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H.E.A.R.T.
By Joseph Mills
28
Geraldson Community Farm By Dixie Thomas
32
The Red Mangrove Lady
By Brady Vogt
42
Cutting Edge Ministries
Levi Lambert
50
Meet Michelle Grimmer
By Dixie Thomas
54
Florida Cattlemen’s Sweethearts
By Kathy Gregg
58
Florida High School Rodeo Finals
By Kathy Gregg
60
Hardee Youth Rodeo Finals
By Kathy Gregg
Chris and Tina Connell/Pebbledale Farms in Ona are always keeping an eye on the newest technology to improve productivity for their business.
Departments 16
SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report
By Captain Chris O’Neill
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Citrus Update
By Justin Smith
64
Getaway Girl - Best U.S. Beercations
By Casey Wohl Hartt
66 Happenings
Next Month Annual Citrus Issue
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
July 2015
Giving your customers the most out of your inputs… Using the World’s Smallest Technology Pathway’s PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) are formulated to enhance Nutrient Cycling, Nutrient Efficiency, Nutrient Availability and Uptake through Phosphorus (P) solubilization, Nitrogen (N) cycling, and the Chelation of Iron (Fe) through the synthesis of organic acids and siderophores. Pathway’s PGPRs increase root growth and enrich the recycling of organic matter into plant usable compounds and nutrients, supporting plant health by encouraging positive plant immune responses.
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Devin Lawrence, Environmental Associate South Pasture Mine, Hardee County
Being good stewards of local water sources is an important part of what we do at Mosaic. As a fifth-generation Floridian and an environmental associate for our phosphate operations, I’m part of a team that monitors water to ensure it meets Florida’s water quality standards. In fact, we monitor and report on more than 30 water outfalls on our property as well as nearby creeks and streams. We take these responsibilities seriously — for our families as well as yours.
®
We help the world grow the food it needs. © 2015 The Mosaic Company
July 2015
mosaicco.com/florida Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Publisher Rhonda Glisson Rhonda@heartlanditf.com Business Manager Nadine Glisson Lizette Sarria Art Directors Carrie Evans Olivia Fryer Staff Writers Cindy Cutright Ron Lambert Levi Lambert Joseph Mills Brian Norris Kyndall Robertson Justin Smith Robbi Sumner Dixie Thomas Brady Vogt Casey Wohl Contributing Writers 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
Social Media Director Robbi SUmner Photography Regina Blackman Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Silver King Photography Nell McAuley Brian Norris
Editor’s Note Now that summer is in full swing we thought this would be a good time to introduce our readers to some of Florida’s Ag entrepreneurs. These enterprising folks have recognized a ‘niche’ or specialized market and diligently work to fulfill the needs of that market. We are also highlighting two new, up and coming high-tech apparatuses that have found their way into Florida’s fields and groves. Be sure and check out the article about the Strawberry Picker Robot and learn why this type of technology is the wave of the future for strawberry growers. And you’ll want to read how drones are helping farmers do a better job of maintaining their fields in a much more cost effective manner than most might think. In this issue we are also re-capping some of the highlights from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention and Trade Show that was held in Orlando last month. We want to offer our congratulations to the newly crowned FCA Sweetheart, Alex Lucas from Lake County and the Florida Cattlewoman of the Year, Michelle Grimmer from Hillsborough County. Both serve as exemplary models for other young women rooted in Florida’s cattle industry. The article begins on page 47. Brady Vogt introduces us to The Red Mangrove Lady and Get Away Girl, Casey Wohl Hartt, has some marvelous suggestions about how to make the most of a Beercation, something we all could use from time to time.
Finally, all of us here at Heartland want to wish everyone a safe and fun-filled July 4th. Remember to take a moment and reflect on what our freedom means and the sacrifices made by others to ensure its preservation.
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 e-mail 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.
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July 2015
Thank You... To Highlands County Farm Bureau’s Heritage Sponsors
Please support these businesses! July 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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JULY 2015
Index of Advertisers 75 Arcadia Stockyard
69 Griffin’s Carpet Mart
18 Peace River Citrus
46 Big Buck Expo
56 Hardee County Cattlemen’s Ranch
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70 Big T Tire
Rodeo
76 Quail Creek Plantation
57 Cattlemen’s Livestock Market
46 Hardee Ranch Supply
78 River Pasture
21 Center State Bank
56 Heartland Growers Supply
31 Seedway
2
25 Hicks Oil
71 Spring Lake Hardware
71 Cross Ties
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74 Stampede
77 Domer’s Inc.
63 Labelle Feed
71 Superior Muffler
53 Everglades Farm Equipment
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79 Farm Credit
71 Michael G. Kirsch
31 The Andersons
59 FFA-Florida Agriculture Education
7 Mosaic
35 Trinkle RedmanCoton
31 Fields Equipment
19 Newton Crouch
69 Tutto Fresco Italian Grill
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Creel Tractor Supply
Florida Fence Post
Highlands Farm Bureau Thank You
Marmer Construction
Nutre-Quik by Natural Ag Solutions
Plant Food Systems
Taylor Oil
Wauchula State Bank
75 Florida Propane
49 Okeechobee Livestock Market
80 Watering Hole
72 Florida Strawberry Growers
21 On-Site Accounting
31 Wicks Brown CPA
Association-AGRITECH TRADE SHOW
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71 Williams Pawn & Gun
35 Glade & Grove
7 Pathway
Other Side Sod
71 Winfield Solutions
Sales Team Morgan Norris
morgan@heartlanditf.com
Robbi Sumner
robbi@heartlanditf.com
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Levi Lambert
levi@heartlanditf.com
Tina Yoder
tina@heartlanditf.com
Heartland InTheField Magazine
Cindy Cutright
cindy@heartlanditf.com
Rhonda Glisson
rhonda@heartlanditf.com
Danny Crampton
danny@inthefieldmagazine.com
July 2015
District 7 Update From the Desk of Tom Hill
Farm Bureau Programs Shine For You
I thank Andy Neuhofer for the opportunity to write this month’s column. I cover Okeechobee, Osceola, Orange, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties for Florida Farm Bureau, working with the local boards of directors. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s mission is “to increase the net income of farmers and ranchers, and to improve the quality of rural life.” As a general agricultural organization, our efforts are directed toward things that will benefit all farm families. One of our priorities for this legislative session called for tax relief for purchases of selected agricultural products and equipment. Both the Florida House and Senate adopted tax cuts valued at $13 million in the special session. The final bill was sent to the Governor for signing.
The tax cuts will specifically benefit Florida’s family farms by: • Expanding the sales tax exemption for “power farm equipment” to include irrigation equipment and replacement parts and accessories for power farm equipment and irrigation equipment. • Allowing equipment used for the storage of raw agricultural products on the farm to be eligible for a sales tax exemption. • Providing a sales tax exemption for most trailers used in agricultural production or the transportation of farm products to the first point of sale. • Providing a sales tax exemption for stakes used in agricultural production. Florida Farm Bureau would like to specifically thank Rep. Jake Raburn (R-Lithia), Rep. Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) and Sen. Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby) for sponsoring this legislation over the last two legislative sessions and fighting for tax relief for Florida’s family farms. Visit http://cqrcengage.com/flfb/ for more information.
TOM HILL FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 7 352.317.6535 Tom.Hill@ffbf.org www.floridafarmbureau.org
Both farm and non-farm members save money every year with the Farm Bureau General Motors and Polaris discount programs. Members receive a $500 discount on each qualifying new Chevrolet, GMC or Buick vehicle they purchase or lease though Farm Bureau’s GM Bonus Cash Offer Program. Don’t forget about the Business Choice $500 discount if you use the vehicle for work purposes. Florida Farm Bureau members also receive $200 off all full sized all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and $300 off all full sized utility and sports vehicles. Visit http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/member_benefits/ general for more information.
We will be recognizing many farmers and ranchers for their natural resource management at our county Farm Bureau annual meetings this fall. Florida Farm Bureau’s County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program highlights the conservation achievements of farm families across the state.
Award recipients have implemented state-of-the-art systems that preserve land, water and wildlife resources. These protective strategies are verified by independent experts. Thus far, more than 650 farmers and ranchers across the state have earned a CARES certificate. These outstanding agricultural and community leaders have demonstrated their commitment to making a better Florida for all of us. For more information, visit http://www.thisfarmcares.org/nominate/.
Florida Farm Bureau has always supported educational opportunities for young people. This year a new program will initiate a scholarship program for the children or descendants of Florida tobacco growers. Competitive awards of up to $2,000 are available to college and university students who qualify. Application information is posted at http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/Scholarships. Find out more about the benefits Farm Bureau offers you and your family at http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/member_ benefits.
TOM HILL • FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 7 352.317.6535 | Tom.Hill@ffbf.org | www.floridafarmbureau.org
July 2015
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DESOTO/CHARLOTTE COUNTY
HARDEE COUNTY
1278 SE US HIGHWAY 31 • ARCADIA, FL 34266
1017 US HIGHWAY 17 N • WAUCHULA, FL. 33873
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863.494.3636 Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 • Fax: 863.494.4332
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FARM BUREAU
President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Matt Harrison Sec./Treasurer...... Bryan Beswick
DIRECTORS FOR 2013-2014 John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell Brandon Gorsuch
Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals J Ryals
Mac Turner Bryan K. Beswick Ken Harrison
FARM BUREAU
President……David Royal Vice President…Greg Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich Representative………..Bill Hodge
DIRECTORS FOR 2014-2015 Barney Cherry Scott Henderson Steve Johnson
Corey Lambert Dan Smith Tommy Watkins
Federation Secretary Leona Nickerson
Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Clint Brown
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS Agency Manager: N. Jay Bryan Agents: George L. Wadsworth, Jr.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
MANATEE COUNTY
6419 US HIGHWAY 27 S. • SEBRING, FL 33876
5620 TARA BLVD, STE 101 • BRADENTON, FL 34203
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 385. 5141 • Fax: 863. 385. 5356 Website: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 941-746-6161 • Fax: 941-739-7846 Website: www.manateecountyfarmbureau.org
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FARM BUREAU
President………Doug Miller Vice President…Carey Howerton Secretary………..Frank Youngman Treasurer……..Jeff Williams
DIRECTORS FOR 2014-2015 Sam Bronson Danielle Daum Steve Farr
Charles Guerndt Justin Hood Scott Kirouac Mike Milicevic
Trevor Murph Emma Ezell Trey Whitehurst
FARM BUREAU
President……Gary Reeder Vice President…Jim Parks Secretary……..Ben King Treasurer……..Robert Zeliff
DIRECTORS FOR 2013-2014 Carlos Blanco Gary Bradshaw Jerry Dakin Ralph Garrison
Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford
Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West
Federation Secretary Janet Menges
Federation Secretary Christie Hinson
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS
Agency Manager: Chad D. McWaters Agents: Joseph W. Bullington
July 2015
Agency Manager: Branden Bunch Agents: Doug Dierdorf, Jeff Hamer and Clint Bailey
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Young Farmers Bridge Generation Gap Gainesville, Fla. – Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers will hold its state leadership conference, themed, “Agriculture in Paradise,” at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club in Naples, July 17-19. More than 180 agriculturists representing Florida’s next farming generation will attend various leadership development seminars at the threeday conference so that they can better promote agriculture in their own communities. “We are excited to have such a committed group of young farmers and ranchers attend this year’s conference,” said Young Farmers and Ranchers Coordinator Michael Rogalsky. “These young farmers willingly volunteer their time to improve community awareness of agriculture while producing a safe and reliable food supply.”
The conference will feature guest speakers, The Peterson Farm Brothers, a trio of brothers who educate the public on what they do in farming and how important agriculture is as a whole. They use entertaining videos broadcast on social media to help tell their story. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam will be the closing speaker.
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Breakout sessions will address biotechnology, financial planning, communication, political education, and event marketing. A conference agenda can be viewed at www.floridafarmbureau. org under Programs/Young Farmers & Ranchers.
The conference includes family networking activities and live entertainment. The Discussion Meet competition will also be held at the event. The Final Four Discussion Meet contestants will be announced and will advance to the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October, where they will compete for the state title. Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) are active members between the ages of 18 and 35 who volunteer their time to speak out for agriculture in their local communities. YF&R members support the hunger relief charity Feeding America and have helped contribute an estimated 15 million pounds of fruits and vegetables to assist needy Floridians this year.
Florida Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 147,000 member-families. We serve to enhance farm enterprise and improve rural communities.
July 2015
Scholarships Available for Agricultural Leadership Conference The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is providing $4,000 in scholarships for young agriculturists to attend the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference July 17-19 in Naples.
Sixteen $250 scholarships will be awarded to Farm Bureau members between the ages of 18-35 to attend the conference. Priority of scholarships will be given to first-time attendees of the conference. “We are excited to provide these scholarship opportunities to young farmers and ranchers across the state,” said Michael Rogalsky, assistant director of field services. “This year’s conference will include a variety of entrepreneur-focused workshops, competitive events and ample time for networking and sharing ideas.”
July 2015
Themed, “Paradise in Agriculture,” the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference will be held at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. Registration for the conference is $100 per individual plus lodging.
To apply for a scholarship, visit https://floridafarmbureau.formstack.com/ forms/yfrscholarship. The deadline for applications is June 1, 2015.
Scholarship funding is available through the support of the Southern Farm Bureau Life and Casualty Insurance Companies. Florida Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 147,000 member-families. We serve to enhance farm enterprise and improve rural communities.
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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SW FLORIDA GULF COAST
FISHING REPORT
By Captain Chris O’Neill
TARPON SEASON is in full swing here in the silver king capital of the world. Lately, the bite has been excellent throughout the day with both live and artificial bait. The new, legal and improved Boca Grande tarpon jig is doing very well with hookups when drifting the pass. When using a jig, the new law requires the hook be lower than the weight and it allows the deployment of both circle and j-style hooks. When fishing live bait, live blue crab and larger threadfin herring take the prize. It’s always a good idea to have both and random local’s favorites like pinfish and squirrelfish are an added bonus. Thousands of tarpon are scattered throughout the Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island estuaries, as well as the entire beach. We have an amazing team of professional guides, so give us a call today if you want to hook up with the silver king before the primary season ends late July. INSHORE ANGLERS are enjoying waters far less traveled by guides and recreational anglers. This time of year most guides are targeting tarpon and other larger coastal species, affording you a less disturbed fishing situation. For me it’s hard to beat heading through the back bays to toss a topwater bait on my way to the beach or Boca Grande pass. Just as the sun rises, working a Bomber Saltwater Grade Badonkadonk topwater plug across schooling mullet will always create excitement. Redfish and Snook are away from the mangroves during the early morning hours working amongst the mullet as they forage through the grass. Mullet stir up crab and shrimp while schooling which provides a food source
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and additional protection from the dolphin and sharks. NEARSHORE AND OFFSHORE reef and bottom fishing is exceptional during the summer months. Permit, shark, grouper and many others hang around natural and artificial reef structure. Chumming with cut bait or frozen chum blocks will really help add variety to your catch. Expect all of the local snapper species to appear in your chum slick, as well as shark and other predator fish. Be prepared for school bus sized goliath grouper to be lurking around your catch. Many times, the goliaths attach hooked fish as you bring them up. A great tip is to reel your catch up very fast when hooking fish around the bottom. Most of the time goliaths won’t expend the energy to swim very far from the reef. Great bait to use when bottom fishing along the SW Florida coast is smaller tarpon crab, cut bait, shrimp, squid, etc. BOOKING A CHARTER this time of year is a great opportunity to spend the day “catching”. My company offers inshore and offshore charters with a hand-picked team of 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.
July 2015
2015 Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference BY RAY ROYCE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The 2015 Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference, hosted by Florida Citrus Mutual was held on June 17th-19th at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort in Bonita Springs. More than 600 attendees were present for the three-day event.
The Conference kicked off on Wednesday the 17th with meetings of the Florida Citrus Commission and the Florida Citrus Mutual Board of Directors. The Conference featured an Educational Session on Thursday morning focusing on the key issues affecting Florida citrus growers today. Dr. Harold Browning of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation served as moderator to an informative group of grower and research personnel speakers.
The general theme of the educational session was one of being committed to the highest possible levels of pysllid control, improved efficiencies of production practices and the need to continue to plant the new trees that will be the future of the industry. The speakers reminded attendees that there is not a single “silver bullet” at this time, or probably even in the immediate future, and that growers need to work with the tools at their disposal at this time. Several presenters spoke to embracing technology and innovative “farming” techniques in order to increase productivity, lower labor costs and making overall operations more efficient. All of the educational session presentations can be downloaded at www.flcitrusmutual.com. During a luncheon that followed the educational session, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam reinforced the concept that ultimately the answers to how best manage through the presence of Greening will be found through grower innovation. Putnam went on to say that the industry most likely still has significant hurdles to face in the near term, but through collaborative effort the grower community will be able to “put enough water on the fire to keep the industry viable while laying the groundwork for the future”.
July 2015
In addition to the industry meetings and educational session, the conference provided a tremendous venue for industry fellowship and family engagement through the various social activities and/or participation in events such as Thursday night’s Industry Banquet and the Citrus Scramble Golf Tournament, the Citrus Open Tennis Match, Family Fishing Excursion and Family Night/Seafood Buffet activities on Friday.
One highlight of the Industry Banquet was the presentation of the Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award which recognized Orie Lee this year for his long career of working on improving the citrus industry through rootstock and scion variety evaluations. Mr. Lee’s work, in cooperation with a number of researchers, has led to several new citrus varieties that are currently being utilized across Florida. Citrus Mutual was also able to generate some much needed resources for its Federal Political Action Committee through the generous bidding by attendees on a wide range of silent auction items at the venue. The Friday social activities allowed growers, family members and other industry stakeholders to enjoy a day of interaction and fellowship. As has been the case with previous annual conferences, the 2015 Citrus Conference provided its participants the opportunity to interact with others within the industry, research staff, governmental personnel, etc. in an environment conducive to cooperative communication and collaboration. The Florida Citrus Annual Conference will return to Bonita Springs for the 2016 Conference on June 15th- 17th. For additional information about this year’s conference, contact Andrew Meadows at Florida Citrus Mutual at (863) 6821111.
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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by Justin Smith CITRUS UPDATE By Justin Smith
Finding a Niche for Citrus What does it take to turn something simple into a booming, money making business? How does one go about such a project and get it spread to the masses? Given the global competitiveness of just about everything these days both questions are not only important but essential. Furthermore, they may be a necessity for common products and commodities which never had to think about being competitive before.
Luckily with the advent of the Internet it has become easier with every passing year to market just about anything. Not only can anything be marketed, but it can also be done so globally. If you live in Florida and you invent the most amazing little gadget that makes life simpler in some way, you can be selling it to people who live in California the next week. You can also sell the same thing to people in Iceland or Zimbabwe just as easily. The skies the limit and there is definitely someone who will deliver your product anywhere in the world that someone else may want to buy it from.
So many times we only consider these avenues for innovations as pertaining to something new. It may be a gadget or gizmo, maybe a new diet fad you have cornered the market with or just a new revolutionary cleaning product. But, many times the greatest limit we have is the limit we put on ourselves by not thinking outside of the box and that is when great opportunities are missed. The global shoppers, specifically the millennial aged purchasers, are always looking for new and innovative things that connect them to a product. This is not to say the product has to be new, just a new way of looking at it and definitely a new way of buying it.
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So how does all this pertain to Florida Citrus or Florida Orange Juice? One way is to look at how the industry as a whole has morphed over the last few years. One is that the largest group of consumers no longer watches television commercials as a primary way of making their purchasing decisions. The Florida Citrus industry has moved away from television ads in a major way. There are no longer generic Florida orange juice commercials, only a few which are specific to single brands grace the screen from time to time. Instead the Industry has been increasing its presence on July 2015
Social Media outlets. Of course, this is only one example and one that stretches over an entire industry.
How does the idea of finding a niche market and utilizing the ease of global connectivity apply on a more individual level when it comes to something like a commodity that is not new? This is where innovation and imagination come into play. Maybe fresh from the grove gift baskets of wholesome citrus would work on eBay. Maybe a “buyer’s monthly plan” of having fresh squeezed Orange Juice delivered right to your home would be something the new age mom would like and be willing to order online. An app that calculates a family’s daily intake of vitamin C and alerts parents when their kids need “more protection”, from the flu, would be something that people would pay for. These ideas are clearly very broad but the fact is that any of them could work.
In the times which have been facing the Citrus Industry and considering the future outlook, trying to find a niche maybe the saving grace for some individuals who grow Florida’s signature fruit. It may not be traditional to think of new ways to sell oranges but it’s also very important to remember traditions can die. Innovations are always the future, so why not use the tools at your disposal to get them out there.
The world has changed the way it does business. The tools to change are right in front of everyone and anyone has complete access to them. Niches are not something that falls out of the sky and says, “Hey I’m here”. They are something that has been envisioned and then tried by someone, and have caught on. So what if only one out of 50 succeeds, the alternative is to never try which gives a 100% failure rate.
July 2015
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Gulf Citrus Growers Association Elects New Directors & 2015-2016 Officers
At its 29th annual meeting on June 3, 2015 at the University of Florida, IFAS’ Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee, the Gulf Citrus Growers Association “officially” seated its 2015-2016 board of directors for the coming season and elected its officers to serve the organization for the 2015-2016 season. The newly elected leadership will direct the association as it works to represent the citrus growing industry in Southwest Florida’s “Gulf’region, including Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. Elected to serve one-year terms are the following directors:
Collier County Bob Newsome, Barron Collier Partnership Paul Meador, Gulf Citrus Partners L.P. Mike Murphy, Cooperative Producers, Inc. Glades County David Wheeler, Wheeler Farms, Inc.
Hendry County Danny Sutton, Alico, Inc. Joe Hilliard II, Hilliard Brothers of Florida, LTD Sam Jones, A. Duda & Sons, Inc. Wayne Simmons, LaBelle Fruit Co. LLC Carey Soud, Soud Family Partnership Lee County Aaron Troyer, Troyer Brothers , Inc.
At-Large Directors Ron Mahan, Tamiami Citrus, LP Bryan Paul, Bryan Paul Citrus
Elected to lead the regional citrus association are the following: President :Wayne Simmons, LaBelle Fruit Co., LLC Vice President :Paul Meador, Gulf Citrus Partners, L.P. Secretary :Bob Newsome, Barron Collier Partnership Treasurer:Aaron Troyer, Troyer Bothers, Inc.
Wayne Simmons was re-elected a president for the coming year. Simmons, president of LaBelle Fruit Co., LLC, owns citrus groves in Hendry, Collier and Hillsborough counties. He has over 30 years of experience in the citrus industry, and has served on the GCGA’s board of directors for several years. In addition to his leadership at GCGA, Simmons currently serves on the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) board of directors, and on several of the CRDF’s committees/subcommittees . He also serves on the Farm Credit of Florida board of directors. Simmons also served as president of the Florida Citrus Production Managers Association and the Hendry-Glades Farm Bureau. He is a graduate of the Hendry/Glades Leadership Program . The Gulf Citrus Growers Association represents growers with thousands of citrus acres in Southwest Florida’s “Gulf’region. The region accounts for about 25% of Florida’s total fruit production, and generates nearly $1-billion of total economic impact in the region.
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July 2015
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Florida Strawberry Growers Associaiton In 1980, a few strawberry growers began meeting in their homes to discuss the best way to organize a group that would represent the interests of the Florida strawberry industry. On February 11, 1982, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) was born.
has worked with the Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET), The National Clean Plant Network Berry Board and the National Berry Crops Initiative. This networking has helped leverage additional millions of dollars to benefit our industry.
Research is viewed as the means whereby not only the grower, but also the grower’s children, can judge the fruit of our efforts.
The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center has patented nine Florida strawberry varieties since 1992: SWEET CHARLIE, ROSA LINDA, EARLIBRITE, STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, CARMINE, WINTER DAWN, FLORIDA ELYANA, FLORIDA RADIANCE, AND WINTERSTAR™. These varieties were developed for optimum performance in Florida’s winter environmental conditions, however they are now marketed all over the world.
Since its inception, FSGA has made millions of dollars in contributions to strawberry research. But the true impact of the Association is actually much greater. The Association has served at the local level; University of Florida’s IFAS advisory committees, Gulf Coast Research Advisory Committee, Hillsborough County Vegetable Committee, Hillsborough County Economic Development Council, and Southwest Florida Water Management District Agricultural Advisory Committee and at the state level, the Florida Ag Council. At national level, the Association
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As a result, Florida strawberry research receives worldwide support of its program. This isn’t small change, either. Strawberry royalties collected from these varieties have made FSPS the second largest source of royalty funding of all IFAS varieties.
FSGA’s wholly owned sister organization, Florida Strawberry Patent Service Corporation (FSPS), holds exclusive rights to license agreements for growing Florida patented strawberry varieties around the world. The Association issues licenses, collects royalties, and sends monies to fund additional variety research. Because of the Association’s long standing relationship of funding strawberry research, IFAS allows FSPS to rebate $.50-$5.00/thousand to FSGA members. YOU MUST BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING TO RECEIVE THIS REBATE. FSGA was heavily involved in gathering the political and financial resources to develop the $15 million Gulf Coast Research and Education Center’s expanded land, laboratories, and faculty to keep our industry pushing the envelope to maintain our strategic marketing advantage.
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kind of person Pitzer is, knowing that answers don’t come out of a vacuum but from many great minds. Having worked with IBM and with the Navy’s Nuclear Submarine program, Pitzer has the professional background and industry contacts that are helping to shape this relatively new phase of technology in the 21st century.
The New Field Hand BY JOSEPH MILLS
Automated harvesting of crops is not necessarily the newest invention, and some find pieces of the model in auto harvesting lacking. Gary Wishnatzki, CoFounder of Harvest CROO Robotics and Owner of Wish Farms in Plant City, has “charged [his] engineers with the task of creating a ‘picker’ that does not require a grower to radically change the way they currently grow,” Wishnatzki said in a press release. In a phone interview, Wishnatzki elaborated on the benefits of a picker: “That is the major reason other robotic harvesters have not yet been commercialized.” This thinking is propelling Harvest CROO Robotics to the top of an industry that has yet to perfect the art of robotics in agriculture. In 2012, harvesting labor for strawberries reached $750 million. The need for a robotic solution is compounded by the growing age of those who are willing to harvest strawberries and the lack of an upcoming, younger labor force willing to take over those positions.
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Wishnatzki has used H-2A (temporary agricultural) workers in the past, but “with such a big system that is expensive,” someone has to make harvesting commercially viable. Strawberries need to be picked as many as 40 times during the course of a season, and the picker who has yet to be named will be able to screen berries and only pick the ripest, reddest berries. Strawberries do not ripen after being picked, so it is important to only pick the best berries and not damage other parts of the plants, which have been nurtured in a northern colder climate so that by the time they are planted in the fall the plants believe it’s really spring in our Florida weather. The need for precision and efficiency is encouraging farmers like Wishnatzki to pursue robotics as a harvesting solution.
Harvest CROO Robotics has poised itself to be the breakout robotics company of the agriculture industry, and with selfdriven cars on the cusp of rolling out commercially, there could not be a better time to be in the robotics business. In agriculture, change can be hard; however, when something works, it does not take long for everyone to catch on and start moving in that direction. Wishnatzki and Pitzer have set their company up to look much like how the current labor system works: “Farmers won’t be expected to outright purchase the system. They will simply lease it on a need basis, which is basically what already happens,” says Wishnatzki. The model is set so the farmer does not have to change much of what he or she is currently doing, and these harvesters pick all day and night, which incidentally is the safest time to pick strawberries. The pre-production model of the harvester will be online by December of 2016, with the hopes of the commercial line being available by 2017. Soon enough, the new field hand will be battery-operated.
As one might imagine, robotics are costly. Wishnatzki is quick to give credit to his investors and those who have stood beside him, but the “brilliant mind” behind the operation is his partner, Bob Pitzer, Chief Technical Officer and Co-Founder of Harvest CROO Robotics. Pitzer graduated from the University of Florida with an engineering degree and has been pursuing his dream in robotics for more than a decade. Wishnatzki says, “Bob’s ability to collaborate with others seeking others for help and ideas.” This mentality speaks about the
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The New Eye in the Sky By Joseph Mills
Drones are poised to revolutionize industrial and residential life. While drones are used on the battlefield, they are also used to annoy neighbors and deliver packages. The military uses a type of drone called the MQ-9 that closely resembles an airplane. It equipped with infrared lasers, night vision viewing cameras, and the ability to carry and deploy bombs on threats deemed necessary. Drones have also been marketed for children; this past Christmas I bought both of my nephews drones, which can be flown in their homes or outside, and they fit inside the palm of a child’s hand. These controversial devices also have the power to transform farmers’ daily lives. I recently met with Layne Lightsey of the Lightsey Cattle Company, and he said the two greatest inventions from his generation were “the gooseneck trailer, and mobile cattle shoot.” Well, times are changing quickly, and with the advent of the iPad, smartphones, and the GoPro camera, technology is changing life on the farm as well. Drones, a relatively new technology, are coming to the agricultural industry quickly. These devices allow farmers to get a bird’s-eye view of their crop or pasture in a way that is rarely seen. Companies have latched on to this the technology and have now started marketing this Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to the user, more specifically the agriculture industry. Swapping “drone” for “UAV,” developers and marketers hope to change some of the negative connotations associated with the word “drone.” UAV’s are now being tested and used by many throughout the agricultural industry from citrus growers to cattle ranchers who are using the UAV’s to identify pasture needs and sick cattle in herds. The agricultural industry’s ability to
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maximize production and minimize waste is the difference between being profitable and going out of business. These unmanned crafts take out some of the human assumptions or error, especially when we feel busy or stressed. Instead of relying on only a quick glimpse and not a full inventory of what’s being looked at until it’s possibly too late, an upto-date photo or video—provided by a UAV—makes it easier to pinpoint problems from every aspect of the farm, and specific aspects can be zeroed in on so farmers and ranchers can more comprehensively protect their assets. UAV’s come in all shapes and sizes and can be equipped with not just imaging software but GIS mapping abilities and crop health imaging, which allows the end user to establish the amount of sunlight crops are actually absorbing and the nutrients that are possibly being lost due to over fertilization. With GIS mapping, the unmanned vehicle is set on a particular path that is established on a computer, and the vehicle takes flight and only patrols the area that has been mapped out by the user. Like all things in life, you get what you pay for: where a simpler UAV might run around $1000 dollars, which will take photos and videos, it might be expected that the most high-end drones with many other additions could run $100,000 or more. Although the price tag may seem high, the expected return on investment may be seen in as little as one year. With the ability to specifically hone in on the area of your property that is underperforming because of loss of fertilizer, the inefficient use of fungicide, or the under watering, a UAV can help a farmer recognize and rectify the problem, ultimately saving money. July 2015
Although UAV’s are new to the world of agriculture, technology waits for no one. Figuring out how they might fit your specific needs can be as easy as looking at the time you spend wandering fields and wondering why that one specific area just isn’t living up to
its full potential. The ability for anyone to quickly and efficiently learn how to use a UAV and operate it with success is relatively easy. It is kind of like learning to operate a tractor, for it is just another tool. David McCullers of Crooked Lake Ranch likens UAV technology to the invention of “DNA sampling,” which has enabled him to examine his cattle and the future of his herd without ever having to actually look inside the cow. UAV’s are likely to become as essential to a farmer or rancher’s mechanical repertoire as a tractor.
One company that stands out as an industry leader is Precision Drone— they not only have the best and easiest to understand website on the market, they are also farmers. Precision Drone, located in central Indiana, helps farmers farm more effectively and more efficiently. Employee Adam Sheller says they produce an “American drone for the American farmer.” Precision is releasing their newest piece of technology in the coming month: a thermal option that will allow for heat sensing and temperature scanning of crops and animals. You can contact Precision Drones at (765)-276-7557 or visit the website www.precisiondrone.com. You will not be disappointed. With the future in front of us and technology that can revolutionize the agriculture industry across the board, it is my guess that we will be seeing UAV’s on farms across the state in the next few years. Those who get in early will be one step in front of everyone else.
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H.E.A.R.T.:
A Dream Fulfilled By Joseph Mills
Dreams have a way of getting away from the dreamer and have a tendency to never see themselves into fruition; however, in some instances, dreams reach far beyond the dreamer’s expectations. That is the case with the H.E.A.R.T. institute: H.E.A.R.T. stands for hunger, education, and resource training and was the vision dreamed by its founder, Charlie Smith, in 1980 while on a mission trip in Thailand. By 1981, Warner Southern College (now Warner University) had reached an agreement, and with the intentions of training and equipping those who would enter a world many of us will never see, the H.E.A.R.T. institute was born on 40 acres of Warner property. Over the years, H.E.A.R.T. has educated people from vast walks of life: from missionaries to peace corps workers and community development workers. Charlie’s dream lives on more than three decades later. I personally never knew Charlie, but H.E.A.R.T.’s director, Phil Murphy, was there when the first pieces of the H.E.A.R.T. village were delivered and says, “It was never Charlie’s—he just wanted people to know Jesus.” Phil would go on to serve for 21 years in Haiti as a missionary with the Church of God before coming back to H.E.A.R.T. to be its director. H.E.A.R.T. has now become a part of the culture worldwide with over one thousand graduates serving in over 90 countries. Most recently, H.E.A.R.T. helped equip two missionary families during H.E.A.R.T.’s short term that last for three weeks. These families will be going to India with their fourmonth-old baby girl, and the other family of six
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will serve in Ecuador at a training facility for pastors. What these students gained from their H.E.A.R.T. experience goes far beyond what can be learned sitting behind a desk and reading a book. They were able to get hands-on experience on a working farm from milking goats and processing milk, to cooking in a primitive kitchen, which consists of little more than a tin can stove. Having little experience with any type of agricultural experience, these students left with knowledge that will help them serve their respective communities on a greater scale than they could have ever imagined. To call the village garden a “garden” almost doesn’t do it justice. The agriculture manager, Josh Jamison, does an incredible job of learning about food that doesn’t just feed people for a short time, which is the case when planting for a single season. Josh has learned the art of perennial July 2015
gardening, teaching students about plants that will keep on giving back even after having had been harvested. Josh also teaches about variety and the importance of planting for 12 months out of the year. Josh shows that no matter the time of year, if you live within a certain corridor of the world, there is some kind of food that can be harvested all year long. Although perennial gardening makes up a large portion of the garden, many other types of fruits and vegetables can be seen on the farm. Having just finished the tomato season, and with the sweet silver corn just being harvested, Josh is able to turn to his papaya, sweet potatoes, passion fruit, chia, and other vegetables which make up his summer crop. Josh teaches his students the importance of compost, mulching, cover cropping, and soil amendment strategies. Not only is Josh the caregiver of the garden and all things yummy, he is also aware that during the course of any given term, the production of vegetables, fruits, and nuts rides on his back. What H.E.A.R.T. is not able to produce on its own has to be brought in, and with the desire to look like an active community that one might find abroad where running out to a store is not always an option, Josh shoulders the responsibility for the H.E.A.R.T. village in addition to teaching students to take on that responsibility when they serve abroad. Josh says his greatest hope is that the effort he puts into the garden and training others to use is actually used. With over 150 plant varieties on property, Josh has a full plate that he manages well.
Josh’s gardening skills only bring the food inside; H.E.A.R.T. also has an amazing chef who is able to turn cactus into a wonderful meal, and they didn’t have to go far to find her. Emily Jamison, who is Josh’s wife, teaches students how to use primitive cooking methods in order to conserve natural resources like firewood or charcoal. Some of these stoves also reduce the risk of cancer caused by cooking inside a small enclosure which is normal in many less developed countries. Emily also utilizes the village’s fully working kitchen which is equipped with a commercial gas stove and burners where she prepares meals for as many as 150 people during special events. Emily has learned the art of cooking goat, rabbit, fish, and even the occasional armadillo. On the side, Emily makes some of the best cheese spread I’ve ever tasted with goat milk harvested from the farm.
The village has a working animal side as well with goats, rabbits, chickens, quail, fish, and are hopeful to one day have a small cow that could be milked as well. The goats provide the village with milk and meat as well as providing the garden with some great fertilizer. The rabbits provide a staple meat source in the community; each semester students learn how to care for kindling kits and raise them for meat. Chickens provide the village with eggs, which are collected twice daily. From the students’ perspective, eggs are vital, for they could be used to serve as the best source of protein for a developing
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child who doesn’t have access to meat. The farm is a constant work in progress, always evolving so that it is as sustainable and efficient as possible.
Although a large portion of the practical knowledge the students learn is experiential in the field, the academic portion of H.E.A.R.T. is equally as important. Classes range from cross cultural communication, animal husbandry, agriculture, nutrition, and basic healthcare. The classes are taught by highly-accredited industry professionals who have a heart for global missions and the fight against hunger. H.E.A.R.T. offers three terms throughout the year: two of those terms are 15 weeks long and mimic a collegiate Fall and Spring semester, and the other term is a three-week mini term, referenced earlier, which is a condensed version of the 15 week program offered from May through the beginning of June. During both 15 week sessions, students who desire to receive credit for their time can earn up to 18 credit hours, a non-credit track is also offered. During the 15 week program students are required to devise and execute a project which directly influences the way the village will operate. In prior projects, students have built treadle pumps which are leg powered pumps that move water through a pipe for fresh water, and one student who had never used power tools before built patio furniture which is showcased in front of the dining hall. What began as a simple dream has turned into an impactful and meaningful experience to not just the H.E.A.R.T. graduates living abroad and around the country but also to those who live in the Lake Wales area. This will be especially evident during the “Community Garden Celebration” which is a free event and open to the public. The event is on October 3, 2015. Phil Murphy says, “In order to make an impact in the world around us, we must look to Christ’s direction and command to go and make disciples” by sending students out into the world with the tools they need to change one person’s life at a time. I’d say H.E.A.R.T. is successfully fulfilling its commission. You can get involved with H.E.A.R.T. by exploring their website www.heartvillage.org or calling (863) 638-1188.
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basis of water conservation. Though the farm has a well, it collects rainwater using cisterns, and the rainwater is used as a water source in the farm’s barn and for irrigation. Water at the farm is used very mindfully.
Geraldson Community Farm:
Between November and May, Geraldson grows 50 different organic vegetables including Mustard Greens, Arugula, Kohlrabi, Kale, Collards, Carrots, Squash, Zucchini, Onions, Bok Choy, Tomatoes, Cabbage, Turnips, Beets, Lettuce, Broccoli, Peppers, Eggplant, Watermelon, Cucumbers, Basil, Cilantro, and Dill. Currently, the farm has eight people on staff, about 34 people as workshares, and 190 shareholders. Workshares are those people who volunteer on the farm in return for their shares, often helping with tasks such as weeding, planting, and harvesting. For a workshare to receive a full share, which is a weekly box of vegetables worth about $35.00, the person volunteers 5
A FARM WITH A MISSION BY DIXIE THOMAS
When driving through West Bradenton, one of the last things you’d think you might see is a 20 acre organic farm. But that’s exactly what you’ll stumble upon as you reach the end of 99th Street in West Bradenton. Geraldson Community Farm is a 20 acre certified organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm, which was established in 2007. In season, you’ll see fields full of rich organic earth, beautiful rows of vegetables, a few sunflowers, maybe a few weeds—after all were talking organic--and a large, rustic wooden barn that shelters harvested vegetables and the farmers and people who gather at the farm. The mission of Geraldson Farm is to provide local, fresh, safe, and healthy vegetables to the community and to be a hub for local agricultural collaboration and education. Members of the community farm can purchase shares of vegetables from the farm, which they receive weekly or bi-weekly, and people may also volunteer at the farm as payment for their shares.
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Dr. Harold Geraldson bought the land that the farm now operates on, back in 1957. Dr. Geraldson grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and began to farm row crops in Bradenton. In the early 2000’s, the Geraldson family sold the land to Manatee County. Currently, the land is owned by Manatee County, and Geraldson Community Farm leases the land from the county. The farm was started through a government mandate in 2007 and given a grant on the Heartland InTheField Magazine
hours a week. To receive a half a share, a person volunteers 3 hours a week. Being able to purchase shares directly from the farm or earn shares through volunteering is a unique aspect of CSA farms. People are also able to get to know the farmers who grow their food and connect more with the land and farming process. Some of the organic farming practices that the farm employs include the use of reflective plastic on the beds for weed control and moisture retention, the use of organic chicken litter and sea weed (from local sources) as fertilizer, crop rotation, companion planting, fallowing July 2015
fields, and cover cropping. Companion planting, which is interspersing one crop with another plant or crop, helps with insect control. Mono cropping, or growing only one type of crop in a specific area tends to draw a larger quantity of one type of insect, which can be detrimental to a crop; however, companion planting helps to balance the types of insects that feed on a crop. Fallowing is essentially letting a field rest and naturally restore its nutrients by not growing a crop in that field for a season. Christa Leonard, Geraldson’s general manager, decided to start fallowing a field each season, and says “I saw a major difference in productivity.” Christa also points out how cover cropping has become important for the farm: “One of the things we struggle with at this farm is soil erosion,” she says, “So we have a major focus on cover cropping in the field.” Rain fall and irrigation tends to wash away soil and nutrients when the soil is bare, so planting cover crops in between the crops and while the land lies fallow helps prevent soil erosion. In addition to preventing soil erosion, cover cropping can also help with weed management and soil fertility. Cover crops that are legumes help put nitrogen back in the soil and help slow down weed infestation. Kevin Miller, the farm’s field manager is beginning to experiment with different types of cover crops. So far, Sorghum and Buckwheat have been the most successful since these grow quickly, but Kevin plans to try sunflowers, clover, Sudan Grass, Velvet Bean, and Cow Peas as possible cover crops. Both Christa and Kevin are a testimony that you don’t have to have farm experience to become a farmer. Before Christa began working for Geraldson Community Farm, she was a therapist and had never done any farming. Christa began volunteering at the farm and fell in love with July 2015
farming and the mission of Geraldson. Before working at Geraldson, Kevin worked as a server at a restaurant and was concerned about the freshness and quality of the food he was serving. “I starting thinking about our food systems,” he said, “and would dig through the dumpsters to find inventory sheets showing where the food came from.” Not long after, Kevin met Christa while she was distributing produce at Whole Foods, and he became interested in Geraldson. Both Christa and Kevin spend a good deal of time researching farming practices and learning through being a part of Geraldson. Christa pointed out that in her experience, many farmers are not willing to share information or their secrets to success in farming. Farming can be competitive, and it does require a good deal of knowledge. Christa hopes that Geraldson Community Farm can be an information hub and a place where new farmers can build bridges and learn about farming. “We are about the mission of what we do,” says Christa.
Educating the community about agriculture is one of Geraldson Community Farm’s major goals. The farm offers farm tours to school groups and the community, workshops, volunteer opportunities, an apprenticeship program, and even Field to Fork dinners. Through these learning opportunities, Geraldson hopes to help the community find a learning center where they can become more informed about farming and be inspired to be involved with the agriculture industry. Currently, middle Heartland InTheField Magazine
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school students from St. Stephen’s School in Bradenton volunteer about seven times a year at the farm by helping to weed the crops and keeping up with other hand labor. The farm is also in the process of setting up a section of land that will be designated as “the children’s farm” where children can come to be a part of the farming process and learn about agriculture.
Geraldson Community Farm invites the community to be a part of the farming process by not only inviting the community to the farm, but also by collaborating with local restaurants and businesses such as Darwin Brewing Company, Polpo Pizza, Indigenous Restaurant, Whole Foods, Phillipi Farmhouse Market, and others. You too may partner with Geraldson—grow your own food, learn to farm, cook with the finest vegetables, dine on fresh, local, healthy organic food, and teach the world to do the same. To find out more about Geraldson Community Farm, visit geraldsoncommunityfarm.org. P.O. BOX 3183 PLANT CITY, FL 33563
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July 2015
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THE RED MANGROVE LADY BY BRADY VOGT
Mangroves provide many environmental benefits such as prevention of shoreline erosion and improvement of water quality. The red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is called so for the bright color beneath the surface of its outermost layer of bark. It is the species that most call to mind because of its unusual adaptation to hold its limbs, branches and heavy dark green leaves over the water. The prop roots of the reds, mangled and overlapping each other, curved, thick, and strong, provide the cover for which many marine types of juvenile fish, crabs and oysters depend. At maturity, at perhaps forty feet by forty feet by forty feet (the prop-root system covering a large space of tide influenced area), the thick canopy provides roosts and shelter for nests of a variety of shore birds including herons, egrets and kingfisher.
Lori
Vogt began her fascination with mangroves about fifteen years ago after examining aerial maps of the devastating mangrove losses in South Florida that have occurred since the 1950’s. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in biology, she was still taken with an interest in perhaps the most (at that time) controversial and least understood of Florida’s coastal native trees. To her credit, her enthusiasm for the three mangrove species has never waned
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The black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) closely resembles a champion oak with its stout trunk and lofty branches and dark stiff leaves. In a short distance, over an open vista above a brackish water prairie wetland, stately black mangroves stand out from the rest like sentinels watching over the minions. Its somewhat pointed leaf, dark green on top, silver beneath, exudes salt, which the tree has absorbed, tolerated, and has found a way to get rid of. Its trunk is indeed black, or nearly so, more clearly determined by close inspection. A hundred years or so ago, there was a factory along the extreme southern coast, below Everglades City, closer to Flamingo, that harvested black mangrove trees for a black dye.
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up a view to the water and preserving the canopy for the birds is better for the whole micro-environment.
The old timers called them “bobs,” biologists call them propagules. They are the long, pencil like seeds that drop by the millions from red mangroves in August and September. The bobs are not considered at that point to be seed, but are alive (viviparous) though infantile trees that will float upright in the water for up to a year and still have viability upon taking hold against a muddy beach or beneath a crowded bit of brush and grass at the mean high tide mark. The reds, which are indeed more salt-tolerant than blacks and whites, dominate the fringes of the estuaries and creeks behind the barrier islands.
The white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) grows in dense patches on a slightly higher elevation. It is the most landward of the mangroves and least capable of tidal inundation, and seems to dominate fringes of muck that border the water. They are very often confused with what some naturalists, years ago, mistakenly referred to as a fourth species of mangrove, green buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus). Buttonwood trees, incredibly plentiful and composed of a thick, strong wood, were harvested and burned for charcoal. It is used today by fish houses for smoking mullet, and tuna and swordfish steaks.
Lori Vogt is a Certified Arborist and Professional Mangrove Trimmer. She acts on behalf of people who own (riparian) land against the water with fringes of mangroves in between. Lori succeeded over the years in persuading those homeowners, single family or condominium, whether on Sanibel or Boca Grande, to move into the middle of the canopy of the trees and remove lateral limbs by hand, opening a space, and creating a window to the water. This treatment is much preferred rather than hedging, where sheer cuts are made across the tops of the poor trees, where branches are ripped and the tops shredded by power saws. In nearly all instances, before the first cut is made, an appreciable difference is quickly made when invasive vines, invasive tree types and broken limbs are removed, as well as a judicious trimming of accompanying native species. For docks and walkways and simply to see the water from the backyard lawn, her strategy for really opening
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Lori Vogt began her second interaction with mangroves about four years ago knowing that in addition to providing habitat, the reds were found to contain measurable levels of waste nutrients, nitrates and phosphates in their tissue. The trees in the wild, unfortunately, capture only the waste from runoff and pollution that has become sediment. Harvesting bobs from along the shorelines, she grades the seeds according to size, grows them out with a vigorous root system and nice leaf count and sells them via the internet all over the world. She supplies thousands of red mangrove seedling (trees) to aquarium supply stores and aquarium owners to use in freshwater or salt-water fish tanks to absorb waste and filter the water. As the trees must be shipped “bare-root” the roots are washed clean of debris, wrapped in wet paper towels, sealed, and shipped priority mail. In the winter months Lori uses a heat Heartland InTheField Magazine
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pack to insure her plants arrive safely. It is a yearlong growing process to develop a tree that is twenty inches tall and has a dozen leaves. The fibrous roots are often red, or pink anyway, delicate, and proof of the ready to go status of the tree.
It’s become a family thing, an enterprise, a hobby, adventure. Lori is the captain, the brains and the eyes for what’s required by the governing agencies and will give the most legal benefit to the homeowner as regards mangrove trimming, shaping, and opening up closed water vistas. The first mate is the muscle, the hacker and slasher, called back to the task for a ragged end or a missed limb, dragging the branches through the fringe and loading them in the pick-up. Likewise for gathering bobs in the old aluminum boat with undependable motors. Little Rocky sits in the front and gazes down into the tea colored water. Lori directs the old man to follow the trail of bobs as they float along in a wavering line in three feet of water, or to beach the boat, and get out and gather the stranded ones, hundreds within a few square feet, lifted there along with the flotsam by the higher tides and tangled on top of the sand. The propagules are dropped into buckets, brought home, grouped by size, planted and grown on out. They are never allowed to dry. The bobs are like the parable of the loaves and the fishes, unending, without a limit on their number. What Lori Vogt does, is make the best use of the important trees that border the water, and get the fruit of the harvest to a place where they may provide an additional benefit. She is sharp, and when it comes especially to the mangrove, she is at the top of her game, and I am proud of her for that.
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July 2015
July 2015
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FLORIDA CLAMS Florida hard clams are harvested year round and are always available in steady supply. Though some clams are still wild caught, clam farming is a growing industry.
Clam farmers lease coastal water bottoms from the state, through the department’s Division of Aquaculture, which also monitors and manages water for shellfish harvesting. Submerged lands are generally leased in two- to five-acre parcels. Clam farmers plant pea-sized seed clams on the ocean bottom under nets or in mesh bags to protect them from predators (blue crabs, stone crabs and other animals). In Florida’s warm waters, clams grow quickly. Farmers monitor the clams for 12 to 18 months until they reach market size.
Wild hard clam fishermen and some farmers use a “jerk rake” to harvest clams. A rake-like head on the end of an elongated steel pole is manually dragged or jerked across the bottom to pull the clams up and out of the sediments. The clams are then graded and marketed by the depth of the shell at the hinge side, or they are shucked and the meats canned. Clams can’t tolerate bacteriological or industrial pollution, so successful clam farming requires excellent water quality. And clam farming itself actually improves water quality — because clams are filter feeders and continually remove algae and nutrients from the water.
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Clam farmers don’t use chemicals, antibiotics, feeds or other inputs, so clam farming is a clean industry. And as an added benefit, mesh clam bags even act as artificial reefs, providing habitat for billions of marine organisms.
Clam farming has little negative impact on the environment but plenty of positive impact on local economies. The industry provides hundreds of jobs for residents of coastal communities. Secondary industries, such as the construction of aquaculture nurseries and the manufacture of clamming equipment, spring up in the wake of new clam farms.
The hard clam is a brown, nearly oval-shaped bivalve mollusk with a thick, hard shell that protects the meat. The shell can grow to a width of 4 1/2 inches and is marked by rings or ridges that indicate the clam’s growth and age, which can be more than 30 years. There are two commercially important varieties of hard clams harvested in Florida: the northern quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) and the southern quahog (Mercenaria campechiensis). The most prominent features of the hard clam’s body are the foot and the neck, or siphon. The foot allows the clam to bury itself in soft sand or mud. The tube-like neck pumps sea water, up to three gallons an hour, in and out of the clam. During this
July 2015
process the hard clam filters out and feeds on plankton and other microscopic organisms. When shopping for live clams, make sure the shells are free of cracks. Your nose will tell you if the clams are fresh. Live clams should have a mild sea-breeze aroma. Clams should never be exposed to sudden temperature change. When storing live clams, do not place them directly on ice or immerse them in water. Store live clams at a constant 41 degrees F in the refrigerator in a container with the lid slightly open. They will remain alive for up to seven days. Drain excess liquid daily. Live clams should close tightly when the shell is tapped. Discard clams that do not close. Shucked clams will keep for up to seven days in the refrigerator.
Before cooking, rinse live clams thoroughly under running water. Clams are thoroughly cooked when their shells open and the meat turns plump and opaque. Lean, firm-textured clams are low in fat, cholesterol and sodium. They provide calcium and iron and are an excellent source of protein More about Clams..... ATTRIBUTES Firm texture, rich meat with sweet to slightly salty flavor. Extra lean SUBSTITUTES Scallops, Oysters.
HOW MUCH TO BUY In-shell Clams: 6 whole clams per serving. Shucked Clams: 1/2 pint per serving.
BUYING, STORAGE AND HANDLING LIVE CLAMS Remember to purchase seafood last and keep it cold during the trip home. Live clams should close tightly when tapped. Discard any clams that don’t close; this is an indication that the shellfish are dead. They should have a mild odor, similar to the ocean. Live clams should be free of cracks. Middleneck, littleneck and pasta are names related to the size of the clam. They will remain alive for up to seven days in the refrigerator when stored at a constant 41 degrees F in a container with the lid slightly open. Drain excess liquid daily. Clams should never be placed directly on ice. Clams should never be immersed in water for storage purposes. Clams should never be exposed to sudden temperature change.
July 2015
SHUCKED CLAMS Remember to purchase seafood last and keep it cold during the trip home. Clams have a fresh odor when freshly shucked. Refrigerate shellfish in a sealed container on ice or in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Store shucked clams up to seven days. PREPARATION Keep raw and cooked seafood separate to prevent bacterial cross-contamination. After handling raw seafood thoroughly wash knives, cutting surfaces, sponges and your hands with hot soapy water. Always marinate seafood in the refrigerator. Discard marinade; it contains raw juices which may harbor bacteria. When marinade is needed for basting reserve a portion before adding raw seafood. COOKING Wash live clams thoroughly under cold running water prior to cooking.
TO GRILL Place about 4 inches from hot coals. Grill for approximately 10 minutes or until clams open.
TO ROAST IN OVEN Place on a baking sheet on the middle rack. Roast at 350 degrees F for approximately 10 minutes or until clams open. Serve roasted and grilled clams in shells with melted butter or a sauce. Clams become plump and opaque when thoroughly cooked. CLAM SIZES Number per pound and hinge size below are approximate: Type Amount Size Cherrystone 3-4 per pound 2 inch hinge Topneck 5-7 per pound 1 1/2 inch hinge Middleneck 7-9 per pound 1 1/4 inch hinge Littleneck 10-13 per pound 1 inch hinge 7/8 Inch 14-18 per pound 7/8 inch hinge Pasta 18-25 per pound 3/4 inch hinge
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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FLORIDA CLAMS CASINO INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
• 4 Slices lean bacon, chopped fine • ½ Cup onion, chopped • 1 Large clove garlic, minced • ½ Cup red bell pepper, diced • ½ Cup green bell pepper, diced • ¼ Tsp dried oregano, crumbled • 1 Tbsp olive oil • 1 Tsp wine vinegar • 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated • 12 Middleneck clams, shucked • Rock salt for lining the pan/platter • Sea salt and pepper to taste
In a heavy skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until browned. Remove to absorbent paper to drain. Wipe skillet clean. Over low heat, cook onion, garlic, bell peppers and oregano in olive oil until peppers are crisp-tender. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl. Stir in chopped bacon, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste. In a jellyroll pan filled with a layer of rock salt to balance the shells, arrange clam meat on the reserved shells. Top each clam with the bell pepper mixture. Bake in a preheated 400-degree F oven for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through. Serve clams on a platter lined with a layer of rock salt. Note: Bell pepper mixture may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled. Yield 2 servings as an appetizer.
FLORIDA CLAM SCAMPI INGREDIENTS • 4 Tbsps butter • 2 Tbsps olive oil • 4 Cloves garlic, minced • 2 Dozen hard clams, rinsed well • 1 Cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 Tbsps lemon juice • Sea salt and pepper to taste • ½ Cup dry white wine • ¼ Cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 Pint grape tomatoes, halved • 8oz. spinach fettuccine, cooked
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PREPARATION Melt butter with oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cook and stir one minute. Add clams, cook and stir five minutes. Add parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper and wine. Continue steaming, stirring occasionally, until clams open. Stir in tomatoes and serve over fettuccine. Yield 4 servings.
July 2015
ORNAMENTAL FISH AND INVERTEBRATES Ornamental fish production started in Miami in the late 1920s. Tropical fish farming rapidly expanded following the return of World War II veterans. They brought home an appreciation for colorful Asian and South American tropical fish and aquatic plants and began experimenting with outdoor ponds in the warm climate of South Florida . These pioneers demonstrated the feasibility of air transport by shipping Florida raised ornamental fish via a war surplus DC-3 on a round-the-world tour during the early 1960s. Today, tropical fish production is concentrated in Hillsborough and Polk Counties with some farms located near Miami to take advantage of the Tampa, Orlando or Miami international airports. Other farms can be found throughout the state, but primarily in the southern half where winter temperatures are favorable.
Ornamental fish for the home aquarium and water garden are Florida’s most valuable aquaculture products accounting for 52% of total aquaculture sales. The 2007 Census of Agriculture reported 203 producers with farm gate sales of $32.1 million. An estimated 600 to 800 species and varieties are produced. Well known aquarium fish include guppies, mollies, swordtails, tetras, gouramies, koi, goldfish, angels, barbs and African cichlids.
July 2015
While the freshwater ornamental fish industry has grown since the first aquaculture survey in 1987, the current national economic conditions combined with the explosive growth in pet superstores and changing patterns in the spending of disposable income have impacted product distribution and sales. Tropical fish farmers are surviving by modifying production to avoid certain low-valued species, adopting production strategies to reduce cost and intensify production, supporting the national FisHedz.com consumer directed promotional campaign to expand the aquarium hobby, and differentiating their business on a service basis. Standard pond production technologies are being gradually improved and intensified to increase production system control and reduce costs. Farmers are adding greenhouse pond covers for freeze protection during the winter and building recirculation systems to increase stocking rates and avoid predation and weather related losses. Farmers have also tested consumer direct marketing via the Internet and tailored production to fit in with “big box� retail store demand and pricing.
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The future for ornamental species production, which requires a warm climate and higher levels of technology than many other forms of aquaculture, is bright in Florida. The University of Florida has strengthened its role through sustained expansion and technological improvements at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin ( http://tal.ifas.ufl.edu/ ). The Laboratory has demonstrated the culture of higher valued species, spawning technology for new species, onfarm management and aquatic animal health practices. They are also continually testing a variety of production systems to conserve water, increase yields, and reduce on-farm mortality. The Laboratory offers diagnostic and production related services. The level of available expertise at the Laboratory includes a U.S. Department of Agriculture Veterinarian Medical Officer and a non-native fish ecologist.
The freshwater ornamental fish sector is a mature agribusiness with a 90-year history of growing fish in Florida. Farmers are focused on maintaining market share and developing new techniques to improve production as well as adding species that are currently imported or entirely new to the hobby. Public assistance is needed to improve profitability and environmental sustainability through activities that include approval of therapeutants to maintain fish health, refinements in water quality management and conservation, new breeding and production methods to create brighter colors and eye-catching finnage, and national promotion to expand the aquarium-keeping hobby.
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
July 2015
THE ULTIMATE FIELD TRIP Farms, ranches, and vineyards across Florida are opening their gates, barn doors and fences, issuing a heartfelt invitation to sample the abundant bounty and natural beauty found in the state’s growing adventure – Agritourism.
Agriculture is critical to Florida’s economy. The University of Florida has published research that Florida agriculture, natural resources and related industries provide 1,609,139 jobs and $76.5 billion in value added impacts annually. And when it comes to green acres, the State of Florida has nearly 24 million in forests, croplands and ranches – two thirds of Florida’s total land area.
The Florida Agritourism Association (FATA) is the statewide organization that supports the growing agritourism market in Florida, which includes destinations such as; working farms and ranches, u-pick fruit and vegetable operations; vineyards and wineries; specialty crops and products; and numerous other types of farms. Giving visitors a place to play and helping farmers add value to every acre.
If you haven’t become a member yet, here’s what you need to know. In Florida, tourism and agriculture are the top two industries. Agritourism is a new and exciting opportunity for farmers and ranchers everywhere. The Florida Agritourism Association is a state-wide organization dedicated to the promotion and expansion of agritourism throughout Florida. The program focuses on education, business development and marketing, and legislative advocacy. The association is committed to advocating for agritourism operators and helping them promote and grow their business.
July 2015
Florida Agritourism Association Recieves Coveted Grant from VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official source for travel planning, has awarded a Cultural, Heritage, Rural and Nature (CHRN) Grant to the Florida Agritourism Association for the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year, which began July 1, 2014. “The purpose of these grants is to help non-profit entities and local governments stretch their tourism marketing dollars in an effort to expand cultural, heritage, rural and nature tourism activities in Florida,” said Will Seccombe, President & CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.
“We were pleased that VISIT FLORIDA and Enterprise Florida selected us from among a large number of grant applicants, during their most competitive grant cycle to date,” said Executive Director Ben Parks,“These funds will be used to create a Florida Agritourism Toolkit and will help us better position and market agritourism operations in Florida as the ‘ultimate field trip.’ ”
VISIT FLORIDA, a private/public partnership, is Enterprise Florida’s day-to-day operating corporation for tourism.
The Florida Agritourism Association was founded in 2013 by a group of dedicated volunteers. We are passionate about creating awareness about and opportunities for Florida Agritourism Operators. Our board members have a combined 50 plus years experience including: association management; political advocacy; and non-profit experience. It is our vision to create a robust organization that will both promote our member’s agritourism operation, but will also protect and expand the ability for your business to prosper Heartland InTheField Magazine
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BY LEVI LAMBERT my desk for a few months now bringing to light some of their amazing achievements. A food distribution center/warehouse was purchased in 2005, opening the door to fulfilling the organization’s mission on a much broader scale. The facility is open twice a week and started by helping approximately 275 unduplicated families per week. From April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014 they assisted 8,867 families with more than 160,498 lbs. of food and products. Currently the facility is operated by 15-20 volunteers and serve 325 families weekly.
Darkened roads and streets ran in every direction separated only by the occasional flashing light of emergency vehicles. Downed trees mingled with debris from houses, cars, and power lines blocking the path to almost any destination. Gloomy as the county appeared on the night following the first hurricane of 2004 that struck Florida; more was going on this night than a quick glance would have noticed. People began to exit their homes to see, first hand, the destructive trail left by Hurricane Charley. Flashlights and cell phones were borrowed and shared. Chainsaws and helping hands were lent to neighbors and emergency workers worked double shifts. That night Hardee County united in so many ways. We may have a small home town feeling around here but we have not forgotten what makes our country great. The “People” and their selfless willingness to unite together for a purpose.
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During the rough hurricane season of 2004, the vision of an organization formed in 2001 became clearer. Cutting Edge Ministries (CEM) has been floating past Heartland InTheField Magazine
From April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015, the volunteers had served approximately 10,943 families with over 250k lbs. of food and products, more than ever before. Wendell Smith, president of the organization, expressed his hopes of acquiring a larger
warehouse to accommodate the increase in produce and product being received. A new larger location would facilitate deliveries by semi-loads to as well as space for coolers and freezers used to sustain produce until distribution.
July 2015
CEM works hard to network and link with various resources in order to bring food and supplies into Hardee County. From there CEM has partners that provide supplies beyond Hardee County into Highlands County and South Polk County. Products come from Operation Blessing International and Feed the Children to whom CEM offers in return a monthly donation. For example, a pallet of potatoes worth $2,000 can be received for a donation of $150$175. CEM is also associated with Agape Food Bank, Feeding America, and the Florida Association of Food Banks, as well as, Farmers Feeding Florida. Through these organizations and local farmers the Cutting Edge Ministries receives 80% of the produce to be distributed.
Since March 2015, CEM has distributed 20 pallets of tomatoes, 8 pallets of cabbage, 25 bins of grade A watermelons, and 11 bins of corn provided by Hatton Farms out of Clewiston. A special thanks must go to Mosaic for the grant that provided CEM with a brand new refrigerated truck. This much needed refrigerated truck allows CEM to drive farther for pick-ups across Florida and is a tremendous blessing for the organization.
July 2015
Cutting Edge Ministries continues to fulfill its vision and broaden its reach. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome. Your gifts are tax deductible
under Cutting Edge Ministries INC. a 501 c 3 non-profit charitable organization. CEM is also looking for Pallet Partners at $150 a month or any sum you wish to give. The President of CEM commented on the need for a forklift. He is hoping to find 150 donations of $100 to reach that goal and just within the first week of seeking donations; 8 donations has already been received. Be sure to look up Cutting Edge Ministries on Facebook or visit the website at www.cedgemin.com for more information about donating and volunteering. Our Mission: Reaching a community with a helping hand Provide food, commodities, fresh fruits & vegetables, and personal care products to families at the lower end of the social economic scale; migrant workers, hungry & homeless, and those who have come upon hard times in Hardee County and the surrounding areas. Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Training the Leaders of Tomorrow BY JOEY MAZZAFERRO, COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Rogalsky said. “The main purpose is to get likeminded individuals together to network and share ideas, do community service projects and increase their leadership abilities.” A large part of the program is the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group, which is a two-year leadership program comprised of individuals that are appointed throughout the state. They meet at about 15 different seminars that comprise a total of 45 days throughout the two years. “This program is organized to better develop them as leaders in the agriculture industry within their local communities,” Rogalsky said. “Our hope is they will take the reins within the leadership of their county Farm Bureau after going through the program.”
This is Corey Lambert (with children and President Hoblick) receiving his award at the YF&R Conference last year. With over 300 different careers that relate to agriculture, there is a tremendous opportunity for the next generation to prosper in this field. Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Program is doing its part to prepare young people to assume leadership positions in the agriculture industry.
“We see this program as a steppingstone for individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, who were involved in FFA, 4H and other agricultural organizations, have graduated high school and decided what their next step will be,” FFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Program Coordinator Michael
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This leadership initiative involves different development programs in areas such as public speaking, media training, legislative awareness, issue advocacy, business development, networking, and service leadership. Members also attend conferences and network with other young agriculturalists throughout the state and nation. The best opportunity for young Floridians interested in agriculture to meet is Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Conference. This year’s conference will be held July 17-19 in Naples. “This is where young agriculturalists throughout Farm Bureau, both those who are involved with production agriculture and those that are involved in the industry in other ways, such as ag teachers or chemical sales represetatives, can meet,” Rogalsky stated. “They get together to better develop their leadership skills, network and share ideas.”
July 2015
“We try to offer as much leadership training at that conference along with as much networking time as we possibly can so they can really get to know each other,” Rogalsky added. FloridAgriculture spoke to some alumni of the program to get their thoughts on what they gained from the program and why the youth of today should join.
Donnie Odom became a member of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group in the late 1980s when current Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick was leading the group as chairman.
Odom, a current Florida Farm Bureau Insurance agent in Alachua County, learned how the organization works to preserve and promote the agriculture industry through the program.
“I also learned how to handle the media, be a leader in the agriculture community, be proactive in the community, be a spokesman for agriculture and be a better person,” Odom added.
He valued the opportunity the program afforded him to meet agriculture leaders throughout the state, listen and learn from them and gain an understanding on how certain issues can affect agriculture. Larry and Jenny Black, Polk County citrus growers, learned how important it is to tell the story of their family’s involvement in agriculture and share the importance of the agriculture industry with their friends, neighbors, political representatives, and the media. “We learned that we are the face of agriculture and it is up to us to portray an image of modern agriculture that doesn’t necessarily look like most people’s perception,” Jenny said. “We also need to help educate our community about how agriculture is critical to the safety of our food supply, the protection of our natural resources, and ultimately, the success of our country.”
July 2015
Jeffery Hamrick, Madison County Farm Bureau President, believes it is important for farmers and ranchers to get off the farm and meet people and the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program provides ample opportunities to do just that. “You get to meet people and build relationships with them,” Hamrick said. “You build contacts and will know who to go to if an issue arises that you need help with.”
Will Putnam was not only fortunate enough to be the chairman of the state Leadership Group, he was also the chairman of the national committee.
“When I was the chairman for both the state committee and national committee, it allowed me to sit on the board of directors for two years in Florida and one year on the national committee,” Putnam said. “That was the part I valued most because it allowed me to associate with people who fill the board for an extended length of time and get to learn about them, have them teach me how to do things, be a part of it and considered the same as anyone else on the board.” Putnam, in the family business of citrus and cattle, believes a young person just starting out in agriculture would benefit greatly by joining the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program. “It is sponsored by Farm Bureau so there is no cost involved in it,” Putnam said. “There is a lot to learn and a lot of experiences to be gained from it. I can’t think of a better program for a young person.”
To learn more about the Young Farmers & Ranchers Program, visit http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/ programs/young_farmers_ranchers/leadership.
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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July 2015
2015 Florida Cattlemen’s Convention & Allied Trade Show June 16th-18th • “Circling the Herd”
PHOTOS BY KATHY GREGG July 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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St. Lucie County Students Excel At Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention The Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s (FCA) annual convention hosted various Junior Florida Cattlemen Association (JFCA) events, such as the Beef Quiz Bowl and Team Marketing competition, with six students representing St. Lucie County at the Omni Hotel, located in Orlando, Fla., the week of June 15 - 19, 2015.
Ryan and Emma also joined Darby White, 16, and Luke White, 14, to compete in the Team Marketing competition, which was coached by Jayne Johnson. The marketing team presented a innovative marketing campaign to three judges and a room with standing room only. “The kids spent months preparing for the events,” said Jayne Johnson, Team Marketing supervisor. “I could not be more proud of the maturity and determination they displayed when marketing their product to a full room of peers, judges and industry leaders.”
Emma tied second in the state for Intermediate Showmanship for the JFCA Point Series after attending various prospect shows around the state with her steers and heifers. Ryan placed second in the state in the JFCA senior division for his speech on the importance of selfies in the cattle industry. Beef Quiz Bowl members included Teala Bond, 17, Mason Murphy, 12, Ryan Beany, 15, and Emma Johnson, 14. The team of four, coached by Amber Murphy, placed second in the state on Tuesday, June 16. The team was asked questions from all areas of the thriving cattle industry.
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“I have been coaching the Beef Quiz Bowl team for two years now,” said Amber Murphy, St. Lucie County Beef Quiz Bowl coach. “I always get so much joy out of seeing the kids enjoy learning about the industry and excelling at the annual convention. They worked very hard and are very excited to have placed second in the state.” July 2015
Henry Kempfer Growing up in the cattle business offers an interesting lifestyle that very few folks get to appreciate. Watching the yearly cycle of a cow calf operation just fascinated me. Starting with new born calves, then shipping and weaning. Preg checking time always made me nervous. We were taught early that exceptions would not be made for favorites, and the non performers must go. The dynamics of a family business vs a corporation seemed so different, but they both have the same common goal. And these goals are much easier to achieve when everyone works together. With that, comes compromise.
We are exposed to many things that prepare us for our lives in or out of agriculture. I have personally always struggled with politics and the reasoning behind many decisions. Often times, I would find myself extremely confused in the legislative system. We, as members, have worked together as a team to accomplish several goals. My rally cry to “Circle the Herd” was met with great enthusiasm and some hard-working men and women from our industry. Unfortunately, it seems as if we will not get everything we asked for on the legislative front this year. Our new in-state beef Checkoff will be put on hold until an opportunity arises to present our case to a newly elected state government. At that time, we will do as we learned growing up, “if you get bucked off, get back on and try again.” Serving this year as president has been an enjoyable endeavor that I’ll remember for a lifetime. Many great things have happened. I encourage you all to keep on doing what you do so well. Let’s always work together to preserve, promote, and enhance the cattle industry.
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July 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Meet
Michelle Grimmer
Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year for 2015 BY DIXIE THOMAS
Michelle Grimmer was named Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention this year. Grimmer has been involved in the beef cattle industry on local, state, and national levels, and currently is the President of the Hillsborough County CattleWomen, and Treasurer of the Florida CattleWomen. She resides in Plant City where she and her husband, Kenny, and their two children-Chad and Chrissy- have a small cow-calf operation. Grimmer served as the Plant City FFA Alumni President for eight years, and was awarded the Honorary FFA Degree in 2013. Among other events, Grimmer is involved in “Boots on the Hill,” Ag in the Classroom, the annual Fresh From Florida breakfast, and has organized and hosted over twenty beef prospect shows in the past 15 years. She also organizes the annual Hillsborough County CattleWomen’s booth at the Hillsborough County Fair, and has worked the FCW Beef Booth at the Florida State Fair for the last six years.
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Reyna Hallworth (FCW President) and Wendy Petteway (FCW Past President) presenting Michelle FCW of the Year Award. Photo by Ron O’Connor Farm Credit
July 2015
Here’s a conversation with Michelle Grimmer from the Heartland:
Q
calves in the pastures, working cattle with my family, building lifelong friendships at cattle shows, working alongside other cattlewomen at events across the state....I can’t pick just one. Each and every memory, good or bad, has made me the woman I am today and taken me on the path that led me to where I am, so picking a favorite is impossible.
Q
: Having been involved in the Florida CattleWomen, what are some specific ways that you think FCW best helps to promote the beef cattle industry and to educate the public about the industry?
: Talk a little about your family’s cow calf operation-breeds and breeding you’ve incorporated, the role that each family member plays, victories, challenges, etc.
A
A
: I believe the best way we promote beef and educate the public is by doing demonstrations. Whether it is in a grocery store, at a fair, or at an athletic event, the smell of beef cooking brings in consumers and allows us to engage them with in one on one conversations. This provides us with opportunities to educate the public about the proper way to cook beef, provide them with new recipes, and give them information about the nutritional benefits of including beef in their daily diet.
Q
: As president of Hillsborough County CattleWomen, what are some goals that you have accomplished or are working to accomplish?
A
: As with any volunteer organization, having enough labor to help at events is always a challenge. Without a labor force, the best ideas for consumer outreach or fundraising can’t be successful if we can’t staff events. At our monthly meetings this year, I have encouraged current, active members to invite someone to attend our meetings in the hopes that we can increase our membership. We are always looking for new members to bring new ideas to our group.
Q
: What is one of the most memorable events or moments that you’ve experienced though your involvement in the beef cattle industry?
A
: When I think about my most memorable events I’ve experienced, a flood of memories come to mind....my children’s numerous successes with their cattle projects through the years, helping deliver
July 2015
: Both of my children started showing cattle as FFA projects when they were in middle school. As their show heifers grew too old to show, we put them out in the pasture and 16 years later we now maintain a small cow/calf operation of about 30 head of Maine X cattle, though the size of the herd continues to grow every year with each calving season. My husband and I both work full time jobs, so we are fortunate that, as adults, our children still help us with the cattle. Not one of us has a particular role; we all just pitch in to ensure the work gets done. Anyone with cattle can tell you that life with cattle is always eventful, full of hard work, and things can happen at the most unexpected time--fences need repair, hay needs to be put out, feeders need to be filled, pastures need maintained, and the cattle need to be worked on a regular basis to ensure a healthy herd. It’s the victories and the love of cattle that keep us doing it every day. There’s nothing like pulling into the pasture and finding a newborn calf, or watching the sunset over the cows grazing in the pasture.
Q A
: Tell us a bit about “Boots on the Hill” in Tallahassee.
: Every year in March, cowboy boots and cowboy hats descend upon the capital building in Tallahassee in what we call “Boots on the Hill.” Cattlemen and cattlewomen from across the state meet with legislators to discuss issues affecting the cattle and beef industries. It gives us an opportunity to share with them how proposed items in legislature affect our way of life - whether positively or negatively - and lets our voices be heard. Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Q A
: What agricultural or beef industry related achievement are you most proud of and why?
: Obviously, being selected as “Outstanding CattleWoman of the Year” by Florida CattleWomen is one of my proudest moments being honored as an individual. However, my proudest achievements are the successes I’ve shared with my family and friends--whether in the cow pastures, show rings, or traveling the state with other cattlewomen educating people about beef. Anytime goals are achieved is a success in my book.
Q A
: In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges of being a woman in the beef cattle industry?
: Honestly, I don’t think it is a challenge to be a woman in the beef cattle industry. The more effort you put into something, the more you get out of it, and if you want something bad enough, you continue to work on it until you succeed. While, as a woman, I may not have the physical strength to complete a task that a man might, I strive to find a way to get the job done. Both men and women have their own strengths; it’s how we work together to get the job done that makes us successful.
Q
: Tell us a little about some of the 20+ prospect cattle shows you organized, and why you believe they are important.
A
: Prospect cattle shows are an ideal opportunity for exhibitors raising cattle projects to “practice” for their final show. While the exhibitors do work with their animals at home, prospect shows allow the exhibitor a chance to practice in the ring and hone their showmanship skills in a competitive atmosphere. It also allows them an opportunity to expose their calves to loud noises (from the crowd and PA systems) and take them outside their comfort zone to better prepare them for the show ring environment. While prospect shows are
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an educational and learning opportunity for the exhibitors, it is also an opportunity for fundraising by those who put on the shows. Through the years, I have helped organize cattle shows for several organizations and continue to help my local FFA Alumni put on one every year, as it is their primary fundraiser for the year which supports their scholarships and the programs they sponsor for the FFA program and it’s students at the school.
Q
: Describe your experience as an Ag in the Classroom presenter and how others could get involved.
A
: One of the most rewarding things I do is to volunteer for Ag in the Classroom twice a year at the Florida State Fairgrounds. I work the beef booth and educate 3rd graders (and their teachers/ chaperones) about beef and beef by-products. Most kids that age think that their food comes from the grocery store, and I really enjoy talking with them about where beef comes from and all the things that beef cattle provide for us in our daily lives. I play Beef-o (a beef version of Bingo) with them to reinforce the lesson I’ve taught them and we have a lot of fun. Volunteering for this event is extremely worthwhile and I encourage anyone who might be interested in educating these students about the agricultural industry to volunteer for this event.
Q A
: What do you enjoy most about being in the beef cattle industry?
: Honestly, it’s the people in the industry that I enjoy the most. People in the cattle and agriculture industries are some of the most hardworking, friendly, and committed people you will ever meet. They are the kind of people who will help pick you up when you’re down and pull together when they are needed the most.
July 2015
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FLORIDA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Sweethearts, Past & Present BY KATHY GREGG
This year, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association celebrated the 50th year of its Sweetheart Contest. At its annual Convention held last month, ALL of the past Sweethearts were invited to the luncheon on Wednesday.
Twenty-one of these lovely ladies from throughout those years made the trip to the Champions Gate Resort in Orlando, plus an additional three were at the Cattlemen’s Supper. And that included the very first Sweetheart, Cyndi Padrick Watkins, from 1965, who represented St. Lucie County. With the passage of the years, her smile remains virtually the same as it was in her coronation photo. At the coronation of the 2015 Sweetheart later that evening, Cyndi was surprised when presented with a new crown, delivered by the current Sweetheart Katey McClenney and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. Those ladies in attendance were introduced at the luncheon – the most common sentiment expressed was that they could not believe it was that long ago (be it 50 years or 5 years) when their reign occurred. And new friendships were formed, as Tampa is now home to several of them.
Prior to the Convention, a comment was made that Manatee County had the most past Sweethearts (made by a Manatee County cattleman, of course!). So out of curiosity, I ran a tally of the counties winning. This was no quick task, as the first 41 years listed them by town/city, rather than by county. My DeLorme map came in real handy as I tracked them all down.
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
And the results are:
Hillsborough County had the most with 6 Sweethearts. Hardee, Manatee and Marion Counties followed, with each having 5 Sweethearts. Pasco and Polk Counties each had 3 Sweethearts. Seven counties had 2 each, and 9 counties had 1.
After the luncheon, there was a Meet & Greet for these ladies. So when I disclosed the results of my research there, I was quickly informed by the 1986 Sweetheart, Kay Kimbrough, that Marion County was actually tied with Hillsborough at 6 – it turns out that Kay’s mother, Becky Kimbrough, was brought in to represent the Cattlemen’s Association in 1961 on the agricultural float in the Inaugural Parade for incoming Governor C. Farris Bryant (who also happened to be from Ocala). And this honor was bestowed on Becky solely because she happened to be the daughter of then FCA President Louis Gilbreath!
On to the Present – The seven young ladies vying for the 2015 title were also introduced at the luncheon. Each one had made a wreath – decorating them with fabric, ribbon, burlap, flowers, metal stars and cowboys. One had even used a light blue roper’s rope as the wreath (rather than the traditional grapevine). The winning wreath was from Desoto County, followed by Manatee and Okeechobee Counties. And all of them were then auctioned off as a fundraiser, bringing in $250 - $450 each. Doyle Carlton III and his family are long-time supporters of the Sweetheart Contest. And in recognition of this, Doyle was brought to the stage, where he was presented with a specialmade wreath of antlers, greenery and driftwood.
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The contestants also attended the Cattlemen’s Supper, attired in evening gowns of all styles and colors, for the official coronation. They were Bailey Lyons representing Desoto County, Allison Farr of Hardee County, Chrissy Grimmer representing Hillsborough County, Alex Lucas of Lake County, Jennifer Greene representing Manatee County, Payton Byrd of Okeechobee County, and Bailey Buchanon representing Polk County.
After the formal introductions, Katey McClenney gave her final speech as outgoing Sweetheart, giving special thanks to the Kempfer family for their support, while a slideshow of her year’s appearances showed on the dual screens behind the stage. (Henry Kempfer is the outgoing President of the Association.) Kim Welch Strickland, who has chaired the Sweetheart Committee for several years, presented the existing court with their scholarship awards. Then the excitement mounted! Katey was joined onstage by the 1965 Sweetheart, Cyndi Padrick Watkins, and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam for the coronation. First, Allison Farr received the Julia Parrish Spirit Award (a/k/a Miss Congeniality). Second Runner-Up went to Jennifer Greene (Manatee County), and First Runner-Up to Chrissy Grimmer (Hillsborough County). And that left the 2015 State Sweetheart to be Alex Lucas of Lake County. Congratulations, ladies, and have a fun-filled year as Sweethearts! July 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association 7th Annual Ranch Rodeo* Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th 7:00 PM Hardee County Cattlemen’s Arena Double Mugging, Team Branding, Team Sorting, Bronc Riding, Trailer Loading, Mutton Busting
All events both nights—Come watch all the fun! Payout: 1st Place $1,000 2nd Place $500 3rd Place $250 Buckles for All Around Team Winner and Mutton Busting Winner
Admission:
Adults $10 Seniors 65+ $5 Children 10 and under FREE
Concession and vendors available on grounds Mutton Busting—Age 6 and under (limited space) *A Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Qualifying Event
Note: No alcohol permitted on premises
FLORIDA CATTLEMEN’S CONVENTION June 16th-18th
2015 Honorary Directors:
William “Bill” Poston – Gadsden County Etter T. Usher – Levy County Richard Kersey – Manatee County Richard S. Kelley – Martin County J.E. “Jim” Byrd – Okeechobee County W.C. “Bill” Brown – Polk County W.W. “Woody” Tilton, Jr. – Putnam County
2015 Honorary Cowmen:
Lynn Lewis – Gadsden County Walter James Mann – Manatee County Donald Homer Robertson – Glades County
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
PHOTO’S BY KATHY GREGG
July 2015
Hardee County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Bored on these hot summer weekends? Want to fill a couple of nights with real cowboy action? Then come on out to the Hardee Cattleman’s Arena in Wauchula on the evenings of July 1718 for the Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Seventh Annual Ranch Rodeo.
PHOTO’S BY KATHY GREGG
This is a qualifying event for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals, and, with only two qualifiers remaining to be held, the action promises to be WILD AND EXCITING. Several teams from prior Finals have not yet won this year, as well as the new teams hungry to go to the Finals for the first time.
With 10-12 teams competing each night, they will be vying for the $1,000 first place payout – along with those shiny winners’ buckles. And second place pays $500, and third place pays $250. But they will each need to complete the events of team sorting, team branding, trailer loading, and double muggin’, and their bronc rider will need to stay upright on those ranch broncs for a full 8 seconds. For the little tykes (ages 3-6), there will be sheep riding each night, with a buckle going to the overall winner. Concessions will be onsite to fill your appetite (plus ice cream and lemonade to cool you off!). And Miss Brenda will be there to fill your desire for real pretty (and affordable) cowgirl bling. So head on over to the Cattleman’s Arena in Wauchula on July 17 and 18 – see you there!
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July 2015
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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RODEO FEATURE
FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL RODEO GOES TO NATIONAL FINALS Photos and Article by Kathy Gregg
The last regular rodeo of the Florida High School Rodeo Association was held in Wauchula at the Hardee Cattleman’s Arena on May 9-10. All weekend long the graduating Seniors had set up their “Senior tables”, and on Sunday they were all announced one by one, and accompanied into the arena by their parents. This year their Senior shirts were in turquoise with white letters, and they all wore them that day. The photo consists of graduating seniors representing six of the ten counties covered by this magazine – (from left) Patrick Carlton of Hardee County, Dalton Prevatt of Lee County, Shelby Johnson of Desoto County, Madison Crosby of Manatee County, Aldyn Ashton of Highlands County, and Josh Keese (previously known as “Red”) of Okeechobee County. Also graduating, but not pictured, are Kayla Butler (Manatee), Blaine Albritton and Blake Vickers (Highlands), Josie Stratton (Okeechobee), Caleb
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
Lewis (Desoto), and Kalli Kouba and Jacob Walker (Lee). We here at Heartland In The Field, magazine, wish these young people the best of luck in the next stage of their rodeo careers (several are off to colleges on rodeo scholarships)! Their Finals and banquet were then held at the Okeechobee Agri-Civic Center on June 11-14, when those making the Nationals team were determined (the top 4 in each event). Some choose not to attend (such as the saddlebronc riders this year), so the next one on the list moves up. (See the entire list following this article.)
These youth will be attending the 67th Annual National High School Finals Rodeo from July 12-18 at the Sweetwater Complex in Rock Springs, Wyoming. GOOD LUCK TO Y’ALL!
July 2015
THE 2015 FHSRA NATIONAL TEAM BAREBACK Johnny and Joey Balestena, and Wyatt Ortega BULL RIDING Lucas Manning, Chase Blankenship, Wyatt Hart, and Weston Williams STEER WRESTLING Logan Hyatt, Jobe Johns, Colt Matthews, and Pat Carlton
TIE-DOWN ROPING Colt Matthews, Pat Carlton, Jobe Johns, and Jamie Haney
July 2015
TEAM ROPING Reece Brown & Aaron Barber, Dalton Prevatt & Colt Matthews, Colt Papy & Kody Hendricks, and Ryan Springer & Blake Vickers BOYS CUTTING Case Erwin, and Andy Albritton
GIRLS CUTTING Matti Moyer, Ashlan Lipe, and Mikayla Matthews REINED COW HORSE Haley Hidbrader
GOAT TYING Aldyn Ashton, Baylee Paul, Makayla Mack and Abbey Griffin
BREAKAWAY ROPING Blair Bullock, Selena Clair, Aldyn Ashton, and Makayla Mack BARREL RACING Fallon Ratliff, Ashlan Lipe, Matti Moyer, and Sarah Fizer
POLE BENDING Fallon Ratliff, Savannah Senko, Shelby Johnson, and Carly Strickland SHOOTING-TRAP TEAM Wyatt Hart, Andy Albritton, Case Erwin, and Ali Jordan
SHOOTING – LIGHT RIFLE Case Erwin, Ali Jordan, Wyatt Hart, and Andy
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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RODEO FEATURE
HARDEE COUNTY YOUTH RODEO FINALS AND AWARDS BANQUET Photos and Article by Kathy Gregg
It was the culmination of a six-part rodeo series, and what an exciting day it was! May 23rd saw the top ten in each event arrive at the Hardee County Cattleman’s Arena, ready to do battle for the buckles! And several events had 12-13 entries, due to the number of ties.
There were EIGHT races that went into the Finals by ONE POINT OR LESS to determine the buckle winner! They had even posted the tie-breaker rules on the website, and those rules came into play several times during the day’s events. Going into the day, Charles Hines was in first place by one point above Johnny Shelton in the Junior Bullriding – with Johnny having a great ride of 75 points, and Charles getting bucked off, the buckle went to Shelton. In the Senior Tie-Down event, Blaine Albritton was leading Patrick Carlton by one
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point. At the end of the day, they were tied – and it took them to the THIRD TIE-BREAKER RULE to determine the winner, which ended up being Albritton (much to the delight of his Dad, Myron, who was the emcee at the banquet). And brothers Patrick and Parker Carlton were one point apart going into the Finals in Steer Wrestling and ended up switching places, with Parker beating out his older brother for the buckle.
Each division (Tots, Juniors, and Seniors) was brought to the stage, where they received a bright orange towel with “Rodeo” on it. Then came the turn of the very excited Tiny Tots – the 3-to-6-year-olds who compete in goat undecorating, barrels and poles – who each received their very own belt buckle. This rodeo will be missing four contestants next year, as Blaine Albritton, Aldyn Ashton, Kayla Butler, and Patrick Carlton are all graduating. Myron conducted a short “what are you doing next in your life” interview with each one of them, and kept the audience laughing as he and his son teased each other. They had a special gift for them – their choice of what color “fuzzy” reins they wanted, and leave it to Blaine to pick the hot pink ones!
After the day in this above-average heat, the air-conditioned Civic Center next door to the arena felt so good, and the sweet tea cooler had to be filled several times! There were special cookies on a stick for the contestants, that had been decorated with a horseshoe and the year and initials of the rodeo. Mom Whitney Savoie had even baked a cake in the shape of a belt buckle!
And all of the awards were presented by the current Hardee County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, Allison Farr – she sure did “pretty up” those groups of roughstock riders! And the sponsors were announced – and applauded – several times during the evening, as without them, the prizes being awarded would be non-existent. All of the event winners are listed at the end of this article, but the All-Around winners of the Cowboy and Cowgirl trophy saddles deserve to be mentioned here. And they are Cross Fulford of Moore Haven and Blake Butts of Okeechobee for the Tots, Cole Clemons of Okeechobee and Lacey Nail of Fort Pierce for the Juniors, and Patrick Carlton of Wauchula and Aldyn Ashton of Lorida for the Seniors. July 2015
CONGRATULATIONS to all of this year’s winners!!
Heartland InTheField Magazine
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LITERATURE FEATURE
A SERIES ON FLORIDA LITERATURE THE PLANT HUNTERS BY BRADY VOGT
T
here is an essay titled THE PALMS OF FLORIDA. The unidentified author - whether man or woman is not important - states in the opening paragraph that, “Florida has been called the playground of the rich and the paradise of the poor.” In reality, I believe it is the paradise of the person with ideals, the nature lover and the horticulturist.
The first of the Florida naturalists was William Bartram who wandered throughout the Southeastern United States to gather and record information about the plants, animals and Native Americans indigenous to the area. He was the first American to combine his personal experiences and observations with scientific measurement and classification.
William Bartram spent nearly twelve years (1765-1777) in Florida. As an accomplished artist he recorded in exact botanical detail the flowers, seeds, and eccentricities of the orchids, ferns, shrubs, trees and palms that he encountered. His book, THE TRAVELS OF WILLIAM BARTRAM, was printed first in Philadelphia in 1791 and is now valued at a cool
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$45,000. A delicate, hand colored lithograph of Micco Chiucco, a Seminole chief who does not appear anywhere else in literature, is one of the rare book’s highlights in addition to a map and seven hand colored plates. William Bartram was a plant hunter. Imagine if you will an assignment from a wealthy publican or a museum, library or university to, “Go ye out into the wilderness and return with what ye have found,” so that all others might share in that new and expanded knowledge. To receive payment to wander in the Everglades 100 years ago, looking up against that blue sky for orchids and other types of flora must have seemed like paradise.
John Muir is easily recognized as one of this country’s foremost adventurers. Muir’s travels into Florida, which ended in Cedar Key, were recorded in the book, A THOUSAND MILE WALK TO THE GULF, published by Houghton Mifflin in 1916. He took copious notes and included pencil drawings of what was found on that island. John discovered that an extraordinary variation of habitat – due to slight, nearly
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unnoticeable changes in elevation - allowed for the coexistence of salt-marshes, cypress stands, swamps, rivers, artesian wells and old growth forests of pine, maple and oak. Today, a copy of the book in a blemish free dust jacket and fairly sound slipcase, sells for $2,250.
After Florida had been ‘discovered’ by explorers and plant hunters it was only natural that the generations of horticulturists to follow wanted to continue to protect the environment. Charles Torrey Simpson was a government botanist and field naturalist. In 1905 he retired to South Florida where he became an ardent defender of tropical plant life. Charles explored the Dade and Monroe County wildernesses writing about what he found in hardwood hammocks, the deep glades, pine and palmetto flat woods and the Florida Keys. He wrote four books about his experiences including, THE SAGE OF BISCAYNE BAY. His books, depending on condition, range in price up to $400.
David Fairchild also traveled the sub-tropical world in search of as yet to be discovered flora. He worked for the USDA and is responsible for the introduction of 20,000 exotics (which means essentially not from here) which include several hundred varieties of soybean, rice and wheat along with cotton types and bamboo species used to feed, clothe and shelter an ever growing population. David first began his garden for tropical plants in Miami in 1898. That parcel of eight acres in Coconut Grove was named, ‘Kampong’ by the Fairchild’s after a distant island in the Pacific Ocean. It is now known as Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden which showcases the largest assortment of palm trees in the United States. Jim Hendry II, the sage of Everglades Nursery in Fort Myers, corresponded with David Fairchild sharing information and seeds. A Fairchild book (most were published by Scribner and Sons) in near fine condition in a clean jacket complete with an inscription by the author might fetch $300. Doctor Henry Nehrling was a well known ornithologist of the mid-west, most noticeably Wisconsin, when he moved to Florida in the early years of the twentieth century. His most valuable works on birds, which included hand drawn and colored plates, were printed in the German language. He retired first to a hamlet called Gotha, which became annexed by Winter Park and later Orlando. Here Dr. Nehrling experimented with sub-tropical plants at his home and nursery that he named, ‘Palm Cottage.
Following a freeze in 1917, Dr. Nehrling moved to Naples, a relatively unknown area of Florida at the time. He established
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Jungle Larry’s Safari Adventure, which later became The Naples Zoo. Dr. Nehrling’s papers, manuscripts, letters, receipts, drawings, photographs and associated records are in a permanent collection housed in the basement archives at the Rollins College Library. Dr. Nehrling wrote THE PLANT WORLD IN FLORIDA (MacMillan and Company, 1933) and MY GARDEN IN FLORIDA in two volumes published in 1944. These books were printed by The American Eagle, a subsidiary of Guiding Star Publishing House, which was a subsidiary of the Koreshan Unity Press of Estero, Florida. Lighthouse Books of St. Petersburg recently displayed a pair at the St. Petersburg Antiquarian Book Fair. A nice set complete with dust wrappers and no tears, folds, or jagged edges of MY GARDEN IN FLORIDA, is most reasonably priced at $125.
These were men who were recognized for their knowledge and experience. I especially admire the tenacity needed to write in long hand (it used to be called cursive) a twenty page essay about THE PALMS OF FLORIDA adding two pages of reference works. Apparently just to do it.
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Heartland InTheField Magazine
63
TRAVEL FEATURE
BEST U.S. BEERCATIONS BY THE GETAWAY GIRL® CASEY WOHL HARTT
America is in the middle of a craft beer revolution, and there’s a whole world of drink-tastic local and regional brews that aren’t available nationally. If you consider yourself a real beer aficionado, it’s time you went on a beercation to get a taste of what the finest U.S. brews have to offer. And to share some of the top Beercation destinations from across the U.S. is The Getaway Girl® herself, Casey Wohl Hartt.
and New Belgium, who are making Asheville the site of their east coast expansions. A beercation in Asheville might begin at one of five beer festivals and wind through colorful arts districts, farm fresh independent restaurants and outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge. Historic attractions even get in on the brewing action as America’s Largest Home, The Biltmore, has a delicious signature brew named after the family dog Cedric. Winning the title of “Beer City USA” four times in a row means that Asheville is on the leading edge of beer trends. Go there to experience a hop infusion bar at Asheville Brewing Company, beer cocktails (known as hop-tails) at new brewery Wicked Weed or booze-infused sweets at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. If you can’t fit a growler in your suitcase, bring back a jar of Crooked Condiments mustard or some BRÖÖ Shampoo both made with local brew from Highland Brewing Company.
ASHEVILLE, NC
Known as the Microbrew Capitol of the East, Asheville is a small city at just under 85,000, but this North Carolina mountain town has more microbreweries per capita than any city in nation. That’s 14 home-grown beer operations–and that doesn’t include big names in craft beer, Sierra Nevada 64 Heartland InTheField Magazine
Asheville brewery tours come in all shapes and sizes. Burn calories and do some light sipping on an Asheville Running Tours 5K “Beer Run” or try a tour via electric bike. Asheville Brewery Tours offers a tour with a designated driver or a walking tour to take in the sites and sips in historic downtown Asheville. And there’s a gourmet travel package at Wildberry Lodge Bed & Breakfast that includes one-on-one with a home brewing expert and a tasting of Asheville’s finest local beers.
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Grand Rapids was voted Beer City USA in 2012 and 2013 by Examiner.com, is home to 15+ breweries and has been named a top 10 Best Vacation Cities for Beer Lovers by thestreet. com. The Michigan Brewers Guild hosts its annual Winter Beer Festival (outside) in Grand Rapids in February and more than 6,000 tickets to this event SOLD OUT in less than 14 hours. It was the highlight of the winter season and a focal point of an Experience Grand Rapids restaurant promotion called “Cold Brews & Hot Eats” and also Grand Rapids Beer Week. The local convention & visitors bureau - Experience Grand Rapids - has even dedicated a page on its website to beer tourism: www.experiencegr.com/beer. And Grand Rapids beer has its share of awards. Founder’s Brewing Co. has been named the 3rd best brewery in the world (ratebeer.com) and features its popular All Day IPA with a nice citrus tone to it. Hopcat has been designated the #1 brewpub in the nation (ratebeer.com) and for the last several years the #3 beer bar on earth. Brewery Vivant was one of Midwest Living’s top 25 new places in 2012 and features a French Style Farmhouse Ale called Farm Hand. And for those of you who want to be your own brewmaster, Saugatuck Brewing has a “brew your own” operation.
COOPERSTOWN, NY
Cooperstown was once a beer capital of the U.S. It is home to the award-winning Ommegang Brewery, which is a Belgianstyle brewery located on a 135-acre former hop farm owned by Duvel. It has a beautiful new café and offers tastings and tours. They also introduced the Game of Thrones beers to honor the TV show. Cooperstown Brewing Company offers English-style beers with baseball-themed beers like the “Old Slugger”, “Nine Man Ale” and “Benchwarmer.” July 2015
And what pairs better with beer than baseball? Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Double Day Field, where America’s favorite pastime originated. The historic Otesaga Resort Hotel is the best place in Cooperstown to rest your head. Located on 700-square-feet of lakefront, it’s the perfect destination to sip on a beer, rent kayaks, go fishing or play a round of golf at the award-winning Leatherstocking Golf Course.
MADISON, WI
Why is Madison the perfect beercation spot? Wisconsin’s capital city has developed an incredible craft beer culture, advancing on the popularity of the state’s most popular drink. The city is home to many craft breweries and even home to the nation’s second nanobrewery. Madison is a compact and walkable city making your beercation a safe one. The city hosts events that celebrate amazing beer culture all year long, such Isthmus Beer and Cheese Fest, Madison Craft Beer Week and the Great Taste of the Midwest. The city also has great support for a fun beer weekend with options such as Hop Head Beer Tours and Capitol Pedlar. And you won’t want to miss its amazing “tavern culture” in where bars, taverns and pubs are a staple of the community and have personalities both behind and in the bar. Breweries to check out include Ale Aylum, Capital Brewery, New Glarus Brewery, which features Totally Naked (a Wisconsin lager) and Spotted Cow (a cloudy farmhouse ale).
Author Casey Wohl Hartt is known as The Getaway Girl®, author of the Girls Getaway Guide travel books series and travel correspondent for many local and national TV shows. She resides in Sebring and owns Gray Dog Communications, a marketing and public relations firm serving clients in agriculture, real estate, tourism, government and non profit sectors. For more information, visit www. GirlsGetawayGuide.net. Heartland InTheField Magazine
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Happenings IN THE HEARTLAND
ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK SCHEDULES ADDITIONAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR LOCAL VETERANS IN RECOGNITION OF THE 4TH OF JULY
ARTISTS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN 49TH ANNUAL FINE ARTS FESTIVAL ON NOV. 7 $3,000+ IN CASH AWARDS
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stablished and emerging fine artists and crafters are invited to be a part of one of Florida’s longest consecutive running art festivals in historic Downtown Sebring on Nov. 7, 2015. With more than $3,000 in cash awards for juried artists, the 49th Annual Highlands Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, which is presented by Duke Energy, kicks off the holiday gift-buying season and brings local and national artists to enjoy the charm of Circle Park and the area’s most popular art event of the year. Original works and limited editions of fine art in all media, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood, and mixed media will be considered. Only artists displaying their own work are eligible to participate. Fees apply. Artist deadline is Sept. 4, 2015. In addition to the Circle of Artists, the Festival will include Children’s, Culinary and Chamber of Commerce streets with vendor opportunities on each street also available. Live music, demonstrations, kids art and craft activities and street performances will also take place during the festival, which runs from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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une 30 distribution also dedicated to volunteer and veteran Carlos Suarez, Jr. On certain Tuesdays at All Faiths Food Bank, visitors will see hundreds of veterans in line to pick up food. Now in its third year, the Veteran’s Appreciation Program has become an opportunity for vets and their families to get nutritious food, socialize, and enjoy the camaraderie among the volunteers – mostly veterans themselves – and the people they serve. With Independence Day just days away, All Faiths Food Bank has scheduled an additional food distribution on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., so that local heroes aren’t hungry on a day that means so much to them and the country they served. The June 30 distribution will also be dedicated to the memory of Carlos Suarez, Jr. Mr. Suarez joined the Food Bank’s team of volunteers to work with the Veteran’s Appreciation Program over a year ago. Mr. Suarez was himself a veteran and a friend to many of the people served through the program. “We are proud to serve these heroes,” said Sandra Frank, All Faiths’ CEO. “Our veterans shouldn’t be hungry any time of year but especially over the Fourth of July. We are grateful for their sacrifice, and on this day, join them in mourning the loss of Carlos Suarez – a fellow veteran, friend, and Food Bank volunteer.” The Veteran’s Appreciation Program provides food to veterans to take home including fresh produce,
Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com
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canned goods, frozen meat and bread. In 2012 the distributions were scheduled weekly, but due to budget restrictions, veterans are now served twice a month.
WE HAVE OUR FINALISTS!
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ur top five are from left to right: Giana Bisceglia, Shannon Friel, Jillian Polk, Kaitlin Folsom, Eliza Lipton and Brooke Bonderer! Five - but there are Six in the picture! Brooke Bonderer a Foundation Student who was choosen as one of the top five had to withdraw from the Bradenton Area Idol Competition as she has been selected to go to New York City, on July 17th & 18th to attend an audition for the Voice. This audition selects the singers who will move forward to the live auditions! We send our Congratulations out to Brooke and we salute our Bradenton Area Idol Competition five finalists who are anxious to perform for you on July 18th. They will be singing for the judges scores and your votes! They will be performing a song of their choice and song selected by the Music Foundation.
Remember - Audience votes count! The audience votes on their favorite performer and when combined with the Judges Scores our First Bradenton Area Idol will be selected. Please plan on joining us, Saturday, July 18th @ 6:00 pm, at the Manatee School For the Arts. Admission is $3.00 per person and available at the door only. Venue doors open at 5:30 pm.
“90 STUDENTS VISIT WM FOR AN EDUCATIONAL TOUR”
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tudents from Everglades and Central Elementary Schools visit Okeechobee Landfill for an educational tour. The students participated in a planting project of 100 pine seedlings to help create a corridor along the wetlands. The seedlings will help enhance the wildlife habitat at the landfill where 2,000 are dedicated as a certified Wildlife Habitat Council site. Students also enjoyed an educational lesson on animals from the onsite biologist, visited the top of the landfill to view and learn operations and enjoyed a pizza lunch at the pollinator garden. “This field trip has been the best one ever!” said Everglades 5th grade teacher Mrs. Emily Streelman. For more information on school tours please contact Public Affairs Manager Teresa Chandler Bishop at 863-801-4996.
Mrs. Emily Streelman and class with WM Public Affairs Manager Teresa Bishop and Operations Manager Jason Johns
ATKINS Biologist Patrick Bates and WM Leachate Technician James Beville
Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com July 2015
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Students from Everglades Elementary viewing a box shell turtle shell
JUSTIN C. HARTT JOINS HEARTLAND REAL ESTATE CORP.
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WM Operations Manager Jason Johns and ATKINS Biologist Patrick Bates
ustin C. Hartt recently joined the Heartland Real Estate Corporation as a licensed real estate sales associate. A Highlands County native, Justin has spent his life working in his family’s citrus and cattle business, S.Y. Hartt & Son, Inc. He obtained his real estate license in 2015. Justin resides in Sebring with his wife, Casey, and son, Yale. He is a Highlands County Cattlemen’s Association Board member, as well as a Highlands County Junior Livestock Committee Member.
WM Public Affairs Manager Teresa Bishop
Heartland Real Estate Corporation (HREC) is a real estate brokerage and development firm located in Sebring, Florida for more than 20 years. With extensive knowledge in all areas of real estate investment, HREC specializes in development, agricultural, commercial and residential properties. For more information, visit www.heartlandre.net or call (863) 382-3887
Along with his first hand knowledge of the agricultural business, he has extensive knowledge of the Heartland area and is committed to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. Justin can be reached at (863) 443-1274.
Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com
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AG CALENDAR JULY
June 29-July 3 87th FFA Convention & Expo Caribe Royale, Orlando
10th-12th Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers And Ranchers Leadership Conference Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club
24th-26th 24th Annual Florida Caladium Festival Stuart Park, Lake Placid
17th & 18th Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Wauchula Fair Grounds
31st & 8/1 DeSoto County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Arcadia Rodeo Grounds
Submit your events for the ag calendar to rhonda@heartlanditf.com
IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE Your Monthly Agricultural Magazine Since 2004, Serving the Heartland Since 2008
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Heartland’s Growing Businesses
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Find it at your favorite equine dealer
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Fuel your growing season with propane. Irrigation Incentives Available Now
Florida Propane Gas Safety Education & Research Council For more information, visit www.oridapropane.org/peff-incentives/irrigation/ or email info@FloridaGas.org
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Happy 4th of July!
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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WWW.RIVERPASTURE.COM
RODGER DRAWDY
863 990 9851
CUSTOM GATES AND GATE OPERATOR SYSTEMS
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