Heartland Magazine January 2013

JAN 2013

HEARTL AAND Way of Life.

COVER STORY:

Florida Vineyards and Wineries

tis the season to prepare your soil So, don’t just Fertilize … S OILIZ E !  Soilize Citrus

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 Soilize Vegetables

Pre-plant with Matrix granular to ensure quick crop establishment & better stands.

Microbes

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Matter

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HEARTL AAND Way of Life.

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Fields Equipment

By Ron Lambert

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Heartland’s Fishing Report

By Capt. Mark King

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28

January Hunting Spotlight: Jacob and Andrew Stephens

20

Citrus Update: Last year and This Year

By Justin Smith

22

Business Management in the Wild World of Global Economics

By Dr. David M. Kohl

24

Florida Farming: Home Gardening

By Ron Lambert

26

Conserving Water: Agricultural BMPs Can Help

By Matt Warren

28

31 Produce: A Field of Dreams in Southwest Florida

By Cindy Cutright

30

Woman in Ag: Linda Minton

By Robbi Sumner

32

Farmer & Rancher: Doug Miller

By Robbi Sumner

34-46 Winery Special 47

48

52 60

72

Florida Cattlewomen Recipe: Sonoma Steaks with Vegetables Bocconcini

Dining in the Heartland: Tutto Fresco Italian Grill

By Joanna Glisson Lamarra

50

In Season Now: Florida Bell Peppers

52

A Soldier’s Holiday Abroad

By PFC Levi Lambert

54

Windmill Sprinkler and Hardware

By Cindy Cutright

56

CattleSense: Time to Look at Hay Differently

By Dr. Cathy Bandyk, Quality Liquid Feed

58

Agriculturalists: Doing More Than Feeding Mankind

By Lindsey Wiggins

60

Okeechobee Youth Impressed Crowd at AQHA World Championship Show

By Robbi Sumner

64

4-H and FFA News

72

Discover the Arts Side of Arcadia

By Karen Smoke

77

Ag Calendar

38 ON THE COVER

Florida Vineyards and Wineries

By Robbi Sumner

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HEARTLAND A Way of Life.

Publisher Rhonda Glisson Rhonda@heartlanditf.com Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Executive Editor Morgan Taylor Norris morgan@heartlanditf.com Business Manager Lizette Sarria Nadine Glisson Art Directors Carrie Evans Olivia Fryer Graphics Intern Lauren Taylor Staff Writers Cindy Cutright Ron Lambert Brian Norris Justin Smith Robbi Sumner Contributing Writers Dr. Cathy Bandyk Kellie Duke Dr. David M. Kohl Rusty Hartline Nell McAuley Matt Warren Lindsey Wiggins Photography Sharon Glisson Russell Hancock Brian Norris Lauren Taylor Holly Taylor Nell McAuley

Editor’s Note Happy New Year, y’all! I can’t believe 2013 is already here, but I am looking forward to what this year brings for Heartland Magazine! I know that the New Year is a time for resolutions and change to happen; it is when we look back and decide where we can improve our lives. Typical resolutions may include getting in shape, being a better spouse, starting a new hobby or just being a better you.

We at Heartland Magazine have chosen the latter-becoming a better version of what we already have become. That will include some improvements for you, our reader.

We have brought on some talented new contributing writers to cover hot topics in agriculture including Water Management, the cattle industry and Ag Economics.

They are experts in their fields and we look forward to sharing their wealth of knowledge with you. We are working on some other exciting additions and will be introducing them in the upcoming months.

This month, we are featuring an industry that many (over 21) enjoy- Florida Vineyards and Wineries. We take a look into the history, the industry, the economic impacts and health benefits of Florida wines. The story on page 38 points out that it isn’t just the wine that is good for you, but also the grapes, juices, jams, jellies and other products these wineries across our state create that give you the same benefits. Along with the cover story, we feature 5 wineries located in the Heartland area you should visit. A trip to a winery or vineyard is great for the whole family-you can take a tour and see Florida history and agriculture, learn the science behind the winemaking process or even enjoy fresh u-picked fruit.

I hope that after reading the cover story this month, you will come away with a better understanding and appreciation for Florida vineyards and wineries; I know I sure did!

We are wishing you a Happy New Year and many successes in 2013!

We’ll see y’all In the Field,

Morgan Taylor Norris I’d love to hear from you!

Please send any comments or questions to morgan@heartlanditf.com

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 and Okeechobee Counties. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of the Farm Bureau and those with ag classification on their land. 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 2012. 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 morgan@heartlanditf.com. Heartland® A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2009.

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HEARTL AAND Way of Life.

Index of Advertisers 65 41 4 77 35 61 76 13 11 78 3 5 53 74 79 17 53 23 15 43 9 75 43 17 74 51 21 55

Agri Services Agro Culture Arcadia Stockyard Big T Tire Brighton Field Day Buck Daniels Callaway Farms Center State Bank Central States CF Industries Creel Tractor Dakin Dairy Daniels Deceivers Danny Reynolds DeSoto Dodge, Chrysler, Ford, Jeep DeSoto Fair DeSoto Machine Shop Farm Credit Fields Equipment Florida Fence Post Florida Department of Ag Florida Strawberry Festival Glade and Grove Glisson’s Animal Supply Goin Postal Griffin’s Carpet Mart Helena Chemical Hicks Oil

23 7 19 65 55 74 74 61 27 45 2 20 71 45 19 71 18 74 74 19 71 74 71 69 80 41 71 74

Highlands Farm Bureau KeyPlex Kissimmee River Hunt and Fish Labelle Feed Laye’s Tire Service Marlin Marble Michael G. Kirsch Mosaic National Cattlemen’s Association Newton Crouch Pathway Peace River Citrus Repair Solutions River Pasture Seedway Spring Lake Hardware Spurlows Outdoor Sunshine Family Dentistry Superior Muffler Taylor Oil The Andersons Triangle Hardware Trinkle Redman Coton Walpole Feed Watering Hole Wauchula State Bank Wicks Brown Williams CPA Winfield Solutions

Sales Team Highlands

Morgan Norris

Manatee

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Hardee & Desoto

Charlotte

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Ron Brown

ron@inthefieldmagazine.com

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Lee and Hendry

Corporate, Polk & Hillsborough

Cindy Cutright

cindy@heartlanditf.com

Danny Crampton

danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Okeechobee, Glades & St. Lucie

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

January 2013

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson

rhonda@heartlanditf.com

Well Rounded Nutrition Comes in a Block 20% Protein Plus Mag Bio-Mos® Fortified with all natural sources of protein, extra magnesium and other essential minerals and vitamins. This convenient, 33.3-lb pressed block requires no bunks or feeders and contains the ingredient, Bio-Mos® to help maintain gut health and stability. With no additional sources of salt or minerals required, it’s just that easy to make a well rounded investment in your operation.

Available at: Central States Enterprises. LLC 668 NW Waldo Street, Lake City, FL 32055 800-275-4429 l www.csefeeds.com

January 2013

Performs. Promise.

BioMos® is a registered trademark of Alltech

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 11

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO

COUNTY FARM BUREAU

HARDEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

1017 US Highway 17 N Wauchula, FL. 33873

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone:

Phone: 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369

Phone: 863. 385. 5141 Fax: 863. 385. 5356

863.494.3636 Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 Fax: 863.494.4332

Web site: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND

OFFICERS AND

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President…………....Jim Selph

President……David B. Royal

President………Scott Kirouac

Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams

Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford

Sec./Treasurer......Bryan K. Beswick

Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich

Secretary………..Carey Howerton

DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012

DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012

DIRECTORS FOR 2011-2012

Jim Brewer John Burtscher

Joseph B. Cherry Corey Lambert

Sam Bronson Steve Farr

Mike Carter

Daniel H. Smith Steve A. Johnson

Charles Guerndt Charles Lanfier

Bill Hodge David B. Royal

Mike Milicevic Emma Reynolds

Steve Fussell

Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner

Matt Harrison

Greg L. Shackelford

Bo Rich

Vice President…Doug Miller Treasurer……..Frank Youngman

Lindsey Sebring Trey Whitehurst

Scott Henderson

Jeff Williams Marty Wohl

County Secretary Rhonda Willis

County Secretary Janet Menges

Ken Harrison County Secretary Katherine Ryals

Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents

Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents

Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents

Agency Manager Cameron N. Jolly

Agency Manager N. Jay Bryan

Agency Manager Chad D. McWaters

Agents Dawn A. Hines Clint Brown

Agents George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

Agents Joseph W. Bullington

1017 US Hwy 17 N. Wauchula, FL 33873 (863) 773-3117

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876 (863) 385-5141

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266 (863) 494-3636

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CSB-OkeechobeeHalfPgVHeartlandAd071312:Layout 1

7/13/12

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

On December 5th and 6th, 2012, county Farm Bureau presidents met in Gainesville for the annual Council of Presidents. Out of 60 county Farm Bureaus in the state, 47 were represented at the meeting.

On the 5th, John Hoblick, President of Florida Farm Bureau Federation, gave a welcome and encouragement to the attendees.

Discussions of interest included effective management of county Farm Bureaus and suggested methods to build better boards by Marsha Purcell of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Joey Padot, Florida Farm Bureau, introduced everyone to the new membership system which will provide accurate and timely data while replacing the current outdated system.

G.B. Crawford, Director of Public Relations for Florida Farm Bureau Federation, gave an overview of the changes made in that department. After a reception, dinner followed giving participants the opportunity to visit with one another to learn new ideas and to solidify current thoughts.

The next day, Becky Barclift, FFBF Accounting, presented the presidents with information on proper office procedures and effective accounting methods that should be taking place.

Afterward, a panel with representatives from the Florida State Fair, FFA and our very own Frankie Hall, FFBF Director of Agricultural Policy, talked about the different projects taking place helping to educate young people about agriculture.

Such programs are growing. FFA now has 17,000 members statewide with the largest chapter in Miami-Dade. Stemming from a three year grant to create a Banner Center for Agriscience, Farm Bureau’s Agriculture Education Services and Technology Certification Program is the only entity providing professional certification testing for high school students. Currently, students can receive certifications in Agricultural Technology and BioTechnology. Additional certifications are forthcoming. This certification program is the only one left out of 12 Banner Centers that were formed throughout the state over the years. (For those of us who have aged a little, we used to know it as vocational education.)

Finally, Adam Basford, Director of State Legislative Affairs for FFBF, gave an overview of the issues we will be working on in the interests of our members. They include helping limit liability and regulations for agritourism operations, helping custom operators by providing exemptions for moving equipment on public roads, monitoring fire code regulations for non-residential farm buildings, fertilizer applications in urban areas by certified applicators using Best Management Practices and the budgets of both the Florida Department of Agriculture and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Andy Neuhofer Florida Farm Bureau District 6 352.318.2506 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org, www.floridafarmbureau.org

January 2013

Monica Anuez

Jamie Brammeier

Faveola Carrillo

Personal Banker

Customer Service Specialist

Sr. Personal Banker

CENTER STATE BANK

Shannon Conrad

Kristy Crawford

Sr. Customer Service Specialist Commercial Loan Officer/VP

Sherri Enfinger Consumer Loan Officer

Heather Hancock

Jennifer Lafferty

Cecilia Rodriguez

Executive Assistant

Residential Lender/AVP

Sr. Personal Banker

Tabitha Trent

John Williams

Branch Manager/VP

Community President/SVP

CenterState Bank’s Core Values: Local Market Driven • A Long Term Horizon • World Class Service Relationship Banking • Faith and Family

863.763.5573 2100 South Parrott Ave. • Okeechobee, FL 34974 w w w. c e n t e r s t a t e b a n k . c o m Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 13

9

Fields Equipment

By Ron Lambert

I’d like to share a few words with you readers about a local business in Hardee County that has been a part of the business community since the mid-1950s. That company is Fields Equipment, our local John Deere dealership. It is a family-owned company that also operates two other tractor dealerships in Central Florida.

Today Fields Equipment Company has three active dealerships throughout Central Florida.

The original location is in Winter Haven and opened in 1956. After serving in the US Army in World War II, Charles Fields, Sr. returned home to Winter Haven and began working for Niagara Chemical Company. Known as Charlie, he soon teamed with Bob Paul and a corporation was formed and became known as Fields Equipment Company. Charlie took over the operations of the dealership and Bob Paul continued his role with Bob Paul Citrus. It was a partnership that worked well up until the 19905. At that point, the Paul Family sold their interest to the Fields Family, creating what remains a family-owned operation, with Charles E. Fields, Jr. as CEO.

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In 1958, a John Deere dealership, previously owned by Joe Burke, in Zolfo Springs became available. The Hardee County Fields Equipment location originally started in a vacant Buick automobile dealership in Wauchula and after a year in the Wauchula location, the business was moved to Zolfo Springs.

Buford Long was the General Manager, followed by Fritz Pfeifer and Gilbert Tillman. In 1965 Earl Haynesworth came to Fields as General Manager and under his direction, the company flourished. Upon his retirement in 1984, John White took over for 16years until his retirement in 2000. At that point, Dennis Sasser took over the position and is still there today.

Dennis asked me to mention Clayton Evers who worked there for 41 years with various responsibilities, most notably as that of the Parts Manager. Mr. Evers provided a wealth of information regarding the background and past history of Fields Equipment.

In the mid 1980’s, a location was secured on US 27 in Clermont for a dealership to serve Lake County. Today Fields Equipment, at age 56, remains a visible symbol in Hardee County and throughout the remainder of Central Florida. Over it’s lifetime, the business location has been destroyed by fire twice-once in the late January 2013

50’s while under previous ownership and then on July 4,1975.

For a business, a fire represents a devastating and expensive loss from which recovery can be very difficult, but Fields survived and has continued to thrive.

As shown in the accompanying photographs, you will see the broad spectrum of services provided by this company. They have a complete line of lawn equipment including John Deere mowers and Echo chainsaws and trimmers. There is also a wide selection of all sizes of John Deere tractors, as well as Gator utility vehicles, a wide range of supporting equipment such as mowers, disc and tilling equipment and John Deere baling equipment. They also have a completely stocked parts department and repair facility for any necessary repairs to your equipment.

My little grandson was very impressed with the toy department so if you’re struggling with choosing a special gift for the young farmer/rancher in your family, drop by Fields Equipment for the perfect gift. They have tractors from pocket size to mega sized. My best wishes for the upcoming years for this asset to our area. You can visit Fields Equipment at their three locations in Zolfo Springs, Winter Haven and Clermont or visit them online at www.fieldsequip.com

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JOHNDEERE.COM

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 15

HEARTLAND’S

FISHING REPORT

Captian Mark King

I

hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year’s with family and friends. It is now time to get down to some serious fishing here on Lake Okeechobee as the bass move in to spawn. The fishing the last month has been great and I can’t imagine it getting better but it will as more bass move into shallow spawning areas from the main lake.

The water level is at just over fifteen feet and that means there is water everywhere giving both the bass and the fisherman access to almost anywhere on the lake. The lake has been producing a huge number of bass the past month especially when fishing with live bait; using eight to ten dozen wild shiners is not a problem on most fishing trips. The artificial lure bite has also picked up the past few weeks and will be awesome as the bass move to the outside grass line staging to move in to spawning areas.

I have been fishing from the North Shore area to Kramer Island with the wind being the deciding factor as to where I fish. When the wind is not blowing too hard, the bass are on that outside grass line closest to the main lake.

But when the wind really blows and dirties the water up on the outside, I move back in the grass till the water starts to clear up. The live bait bite has been crazy the past month and a half, ten dozen wild shiners will not even get you through a day of fishing. The bass have been averaging from two to eight pounds with a good number of the three to five pound fish being caught, my clients have also caught some really good ones in the nine and ten pound range lately. The artificial lure bite has just really started getting good and the Gambler Big EZ has been my bait of choice but I have also done well on swim jigs and Gambler Aces. You just need to go back in these big grassy areas and cover water

Captain Mark King

is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center, PowerPole, Minn Kota trolling motors, Gambler Lures, Okuma Fishing, Mojo Sportsfishing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, RMR Industries, Fuel Medic Ethanol Treatment, and Yeti coolers.

Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-6770983 or at www.markkingfishing.com and www.tarponinthekeys.com

Luke and Shannon came fishing on childswish.com trips

throwing the Big EZ and you will find some fish; lily pads have been a key ingredient in most areas. Areas like the West Wall, East Wall, the shoal, and North Shore have been better areas to fish.

The crappie bite has been pretty good is the word that I am getting, but no one is really saying where they are catching them. Areas like the rim canal and around Bird Island would be a great place to start. Now is the time to get a fishing trip booked on Lake Okeechobee because I have not seen the fishing as good as it is right now. Don’t forget that I guide for giant tarpon in the Florida Keys from May through July and dates will fill up quick for these magnificent fish. If you have ever wanted to catch something that pulls back so hard that sometimes you don’t know who is going to win-the fish or you-then you need to experience tarpon fishing in the beautiful Florida Keys. Good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see everyone on the water soon.

A ten-pound bass caught by Jeff Sandbulte

Roland Martin Marine Center is a full service marina including boat, motor, and tackle sales and boat and motor service by one of the top service crews in South Florida. Are you looking for a new or used Ranger boat or maybe you just need a new outboard to put on a boat you already have well than a new Evinrude E-Tec would put you right back out on the water. They have the hottest tackle on the market in the story with names like Gambler, Reaction Innovation, Charlie’s Worms, Duckett rods, Lews Reels, and Live Target Kopper. They also have all your boating needs from oils to anchors and everything in between. With two full time mechanics and a fully stocked parts room getting your boat back out on the water will be no problem. They also have minnows, worms, crickets, sodas, beer, and ice at all times. If you are looking for a one stop marina than Roland Martin Marine Center is the place to go. They are conveniently located just before the ramp in Clewiston on world famous Lake Okeechobee. Stop in and see my wife Diane in the parts department and she just might give away a few of my fishing spots.

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January 2013

From Wagon Wheels to Ferris Wheels.....

Nothing Compares to The Desoto Fair Desoto County Fair Association Invites you to the Desoto County Fair

January 17th-27th, 2013

100 Heard Street (Right Off US Hwy 17) • Www.DesotoCountyFair.org

Is 2013 looking bright?

Get your Costa Del Mar sunglasses today!

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 17

January’s Hunting Spotlight brought to you by Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters 1 East Wall Street Frostproof, FL 33843 spurlows.outdoors@hotmail.com 863-635-0240 www.spurlows.com Jacob, 10 years old, and Andrew, 8 years old, are the proud sons of Win and Rebekah Stephens. They attend Cracker Trail Elementary in Sebring and love the outdoors. The boys enjoy hunting and fishing and love to play in the lake. Every summer the boys go with their parents to the Keys for Mini-Lobster Season and offshore fishing experiences. During the fall, the boys spend almost every weekend at the family hunting camp. “The Camp” was formed by their Great Granddaddy, M. E. “Eddie” Stephens III and now is led by their Papa, M. E. “Steve” Stephens IV. “The Camp” is a meaningful and treasured spot for the entire family.

The Boys (Andrew left, Jake right) on top of the Buggie their Great Granddaddy, ME Stephens the III built to ride around camp.

The boys’ love for the outdoor comes directly from both of their parents. Their dad is Vice President of M. E. Stephens and Sons Fruit Company and their mom is an Agriculture teacher at Sebring High School. Both parents serve on the Jr. Livestock Committee for the Highlands County Fair. The boys have been showing cattle through the Pee Wee Show and Commercial Heifer program since they were 4 years old. Jake and Andrew are active members of Lorida Livestock 4-H and enjoy spending time with friends and cousins. Both boys are yearning to shoot an 8-point buck or bigger next hunting season.

Andrew and his 116lb. hog shot with a .243 rifle in October.

Andrew and his 116lb. hog shot with a .243 rifle in October.

Submit your children’s hunting pictures for the Monthly Hunting Spotlight to morgan@heartlanditf.com 18 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

January 2013

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January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 19

by Justin Smith CITRUS UPDATE By: Justin Smith

Last Year

AND THIS YEAR It doesn’t seem like 2012 could possibly be over, but it is long gone. Now growers are in the middle of harvest time and soon there will be a new growing season starting. Right now is the closest thing to a slack period there is, so it is a good time to examine the past and plan for the future.

2012 may have gone by quickly, but a lot of significant things took place. One of those that affected citrus was the carbendazim

scare. The finding of trace amounts of the illegal pesticide and the following media hype sent consumers into a panic. Demand dropped over night and parents were afraid to let their kids drink orange juice. Luckily the contamination was easily traced back to imported Brazilian juice and no one was harmed since the amounts were well with in safety levels but, this incident is very important to study. Although no Florida juice was involved, or ever contaminated, the reverberation from the scare was felt very heavily by the Florida growers and processors. Suddenly, thanks greatly to media coverage; consumers equated ALL orange juice with danger. After being bombarded with the talk of birth defects and poison, orange juice bottles may as well have had “Hazardous Material” printed on the label. Thankfully, the scare was very short lived and the proactive juice industry was able to ease American’s concerns quickly.

The entire incident just proves how vulnerable the industry is to suggestive and negative publicity. For this reason, it is important for the citrus and juice industry to actively educate consumers on all facets of the products. From growers to retailers, everyone involved in the citrus industry should take part in the prevention of negative backlash towards its products.

Enough of the past, how about the present? Harvesting is well underway with most early varieties wrapping up and mid-season varieties already started. As the season has progressed, the production estimates have been reduced by several million boxes.

This is due in large to the high number of drops many growers experienced. The blame has been placed, largely, on the erratic weather conditions seen thoughout 2012. In the spring and early summer there was a severe drought, one of the worst on record for central Florida. The late summer and early fall saw above average rain fall which caused flooding in many areas, then the late fall and early winter reverted back to drought conditions. In short the orange trees were confused as to what to do. The result was a large amount of fruit loss just before maturing. A second variable, of small fruit size, has all culminated in a much lower production than anticipated earlier in the year.

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So what does all of ths mean for the industry as a whole? For the most part it insures there will not be an excess of juice being stored. As long as demand remains constant, juice prices will continue to be at a premium. All of this is a double edged sword for growers. Premium prices are good because of the cost of production, however with lower yields it just means each box costs more to produce. There is really no added benefit to the grower. They are receiving the same amount of money either way.

In fact, it is more of a negative, because the risk has increased.

Each box of fruit costs more to produce, therefore if any is lost, it is more devastating.

How about the outlook for 2013? What needs to be done and what can be expected? First and foremost is the continued battle with greening. The importance of continued psyllid management is at an all-time high. The longer the battle keeps up the more everyone learns the importance as well as the success of keeping the psyllid populations down.

Unfortunately, greening my not be the worst of the problems which will be faced this year. Black Spot is continuing its spread and has now been found as far north as Polk County. The aggressive fungus is hard to destroy and has a much longer period of infection than canker.

January 2013

Besides the usual in the field planning which needs to be done, there are a couple of important things growers need to be aware of as the year progresses. Meticulous record keeping should be a top priority. With the changes being seen in food safety combined with last year’s scare, all growers need to be ready to defend their product with proof of what chemicals were used and when they were applied. At any time, these records could be needed so they should be updated constantly. Growers should be totally proactive and non-antagonistic in regards to records.

One last, but definitely not least, thing to consider for the near future is consumer education. Taking an active part in knowing and leading the industry is the best way to get the true grower message out there. One of the best ways of doing this is by being involved with a grower’s association. There is a lot of information passed back and forth within the associations. They have the ear of elected officials and the voice of the people.

With all of the challenges of the near past, the present and the future, the total outlook for citrus is still very good. It is the slower time of the year, so everyone should be thankful for the blessings of the past, and look to the brighter future of 2013.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 21

Business Management in the Wild World of Global Economics

By Dr. David M. Kohl In my travels I frequently mention to groups that the older I become and the more I travel, the less I seem to know. The world is a big place, and it is often difficult to grasp and “get your arms around” all the factors that impact business and family decision making. Let’s take some of the global challenges and opportunities, and bring them down to your kitchen table, iPad, or board room.

Anyone involved in agricultural decision making needs to keep the emerging markets, often called the BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa on their radar screen. These nations have represented 50 percent of world economic growth since the year 2000, and therefore have contributed to increased global demand for food, fiber and fuel.

The growth of these nations has resulted in a “Swiss cheese” agricultural economy. That is, certain segments and enterprises that align with these nations’ demands have had growth and have become “islands of prosperity.” However, others in the agriculture industry, particularly segments of the protein sector, have experienced elevated input costs, margin compression, or negative margins.

In your decision-making, remember, the 8-5-3 Rule. If the GDP (gross domestic product) of the BRICS nations grows at approximately an 8 percent rate, commodity prices will do well, everything else equal. However, if they slide to a 5 percent growth rate, expect a 20 percent reduction in commodity prices.

If the GDP growth of these nations falls to a 3 percent rate, it is an indicator of recession for the BRICS, so expect major correction of commodity prices.

A key variable that could impact the BRICS’ growth rates is how the European economy handles sovereign debt issues. The European region is one of China’s largest customers. Recently China eased bank lending requirements in an attempt to stimulate growth in response to the slowing of its economy, partially due to decreased exports. If the euro was to break up, this could result in a ripple effect through the world economy. Currency valuations and trade agreements would be in a turbulent mode.

Another factor one must weigh in global economics is that the BRICS nations have avoided a period of adversity so far, unlike others around the world. For example, the euro sector was doing fine until the world economic collapse shocked its nations and banking system, resulting in discourse amongst the sector. If an adverse political, military, or social event was to descend on China and the rest of the BRICS, surprising their economies, the implications could be immense for U.S. agriculture. History

22 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

has shown the way a nation handles adversities is similar to an athletic team aspiring for championship. An adverse event will either knock them off track, or they will gather strength and come back stronger. Only time will tell if or when this will occur.

The ever-present “black swan” of oil prices will be a factor in agricultural decision-making for an extended period of time.

Maintain close surveillance on issues in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Any disruption could result in a spike of oil prices, possibly to as high as $200 per barrel. While the probability is small, this planning aspect needs to be considered.

Shifting focus to the developed countries including the U.S., business models and planning must be developed for a 1 percent to 2 percent GDP growth rate for these regions of the world, with the constant threat of recession. Several major headwinds to these countries are high levels of federal debt, an aging population, and expensive entitlement programs. These factors, along with a dismal housing market and high rates of unemployment, will be the variables that contribute to slow to modest growth at best for industries and enterprises tied to developed countries’ economies.

While my comments thus far may sound somewhat negative regarding global economics, opportunity abounds for the agricultural industry. One must conduct financial scenario planning to outline strategies and actions given volatile times.

Next, if your operation is profitable, develop a plan to allocate profits to their best uses, and build reserves of working capital and cash in case of financial adversity. Position your business for the next opportunity with a disciplined growth strategy.

Yes, global economics are intimidating and sometimes difficult to comprehend; however, sound, disciplined decision making in conjunction with a strong relationship lender and team of advisors will be critical in navigating the global economic whitewaters.

Dr. David Kohl energizes agricultural lenders, producers and business persons with his keen insight into the agricultural industry through extensive travel, research, and exposure during his career. He is Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Kohl has traveled over 8 million miles in his professional career and conducted over 6,000 workshops and seminars for a variety of agricultural audiences. Dr. Kohl’s personal involvement with agriculture and interaction with key industry players provide a unique perspective into the future trends of the agricultural industry and economy.

January 2013

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 23

FLORIDA FARMING

Home GARDENS

By Ron Lambert

Today people seem to be more and more concerned with eating healthy foods.

We’ve always been told that fruits and vegetables were the basis of a healthy diet. Today’s research appears to support the belief that certain vegetables and fruits are helpful in combating diseases such as cancer, diabetes and others. I’ve mentioned before the abundance of fruit and vegetables that are available in your local supermarkets and fresh markets.

Many people are disturbed with the trend towards the fast food dining that is so prevalent especially among our younger people. Even so, it’s been apparent over the past few years that customer preferences have created a demand for salads and other healthy choices that have become available in the fast food chain restaurants. So it’s clear that everyone knows that vegetables are good for you.

I feel fortunate in that each day my mother has a meal on the table for myself, my brothers and my son here at our business. Everyday we take a short lunch break and sit down to the meal that mother prepared.

The day that I wrote this article, December 12, our meal included the following items: Baked chicken, fresh broccoli, potatoes and green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers. To finish the meal, we had a dessert of blackberry pie. As you’re reading this you might say, that really sounds delicious and you would be absolutely right. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention there was a jar of fresh cranberry sauce on the table as well.

With the exception of the chicken, the tea we drank, the salad dressing and the seasonings including salt and pepper, everything that we consumed today was picked fresh from my mother’s little garden here on this property. I know that may sound unbelievable, but that is the case almost every day at her lunch table. If it’s not available fresh from the garden, almost everything on her table whether it be beans, cheese, corn, carrots, squash, eggplant, okra or the BlackBerries for those delicious desserts all came from her freezers. The beef that we eat is from a steer that was raised locally here in Hardee County. We enjoy fish usually once a week and it is usually fish that we caught ourselves. Swamp cabbage appears on her table and average of two times a month.

My intent in sharing this with you readers is not to create envy or to appear boastful.

This is simply the way that my mother chooses to feed us. You could no more change her way of thinking than you could convince her to take a ride in the space shuttle.

Of course, my parents are no longer able to get out and have a large garden as they once did. So, for the last few years we have taken nursery containers and put them in an area designated as mom’s garden. We more or less take it for granted, but today as I drove by this area, it struck me that this little area is very productive. With a little work, you can have something almost all year round available to eat from a garden such as this. This is true that your harvest will be in direct proportion as to the amount of work that you’ve put into it.

24 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

January 2013

As the days get shorter and the weather a little cooler, mother begins to plant seedlings into pots that are prepared for this purpose. You would truly be amazed at the variety of vegetables that you can grow in these containers. All throughout the winter months, she keeps a rotation of various types of lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli and several other cool weather vegetables growing not only for ourselves but to share with neighbors.

For many people, gardening is a form of therapy that keeps them motivated and healthy. It’s clear to me that my mother thrives on this. I took a few pictures that I would like to share that illustrate what can be done in a very small area with nursery containers, potting soil and vegetable plants. I hope this article encourages you to do all that you can to eat fresh for your own and your families’ health as well as the benefits of watching children picking and eating fresh vegetables straight off the plant or vine.

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 25

SPECIAL FEATURE

CONSERVING WATER: Agricultural Best Management Practices Can Help By Matt Warren

the well is dry, we learn “theWhen worth of water.”

Benjamin Franklin

Water is essential to agriculture, whether supplied through rainfall or retrieved from surface or ground water. According to the United States Geological Survey report Water Withdrawals, Use, and Trends in Florida, 2005, about 3.9 million acres in Florida in 2005 was in agricultural crop production, including about 1.8 million irrigated acres.

Of the almost 2.8 billion gallons a day withdrawn in Florida in 2005 for agricultural irrigation, surface water supplied 53 percent and ground water supplied 47 percent. Fruit crops and field crops together used 74 percent of the total, with citrus and sugar cane as the front runners. Overall, agricultural irrigation accounted for 40 percent of the total freshwater withdrawn in the state by all users.

An adequate water supply is crucial for Florida agriculture to continue providing the state, the nation, and the world with food and raw materials. It’s been said that we won’t run out of water, we’ll run out of cheap water. Because of the amount of water agriculture needs and the state’s continuing population growth, there is mounting concern about increasing costs and competition with public supply. A key part of maintaining an adequate supply for all uses, including the environment, is finding ways to conserve water, to use less, through planning, management, and technology. This applies to everyone, from agriculture, to industry, to individuals.

Water conservation isn’t just smart; it’s become a necessity for Florida farmers. And there is great potential for saving water in agriculture. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (FDACS) best management practices (BMPs) include both water quality protection and water-conserving strategies.

Working with the agricultural industry and others, FDACS has developed BMPs for all the key commodities in the state.

BMPs generally are management steps that most Florida farmers and ranchers already may be taking, but often may overlook. For example, some practical measures that help conserve water in crop production include: (1) monitoring soil moisture content; (2) adjusting water applications to specific crop needs; (3) applying organic mulches to prevent water loss and improve percolation; (4) using crop rotations that reduce water runoff; (5) preventing the removal of biomass from land;

26 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Tensiometer used at Green Sea Farms, purchased through the Mini-FARMS program

(6) increasing use of trees and shrubs to slow water runoff; and (7) improving efficiency of irrigation methods and systems.

Farmers that irrigate should take advantage of services offered

by Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs) throughout the state, which receive support from FDACS and other agencies. MILs are oneor two-person teams that provide irrigation system evaluations free of charge to agricultural producers and residential and commercial water users. The MILs develop recommendations on improving the efficiency of existing irrigation systems and equipment, and educate their customers and the general public on water conservation, irrigation planning, and irrigation management. Eleven of the fifteen MILs in Florida currently provide services to agricultural operations.

Within the Southwest Florida Water Management District, there is available funding to implement alternative water supply or increased irrigation efficiency projects on agricultural properties through the Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management (FARMS) and Mini-FARMS programs. Both programs provide cost share for agricultural projects that conserve water and protect water quality within the boundaries of the District, but Mini-Farms focuses on irrigated operations of 100 acres or fewer. The Mini-FARMS program funds pump shutoff switches, soil moisture measuring devices, water-table monitoring wells, and weather stations, among other things.

Under this program, the district will reimburse growers up to 75 percent of the cost of an approved project, with a $5,000 cap.

Enrolling in FDACS BMPs, getting a free MIL evaluation, and participating in cost share for water conservation are ways for the agriculture community to step up and show that we are the true stewards of our land and are proud of how we make our living.

You can learn more about MILs, FARMS, and Mini-FARMS at: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/agriculture/ To learn more about FDACS BMP programs, go to: http://www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com/ Until next time, Matt Warren, FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy (863) 773-2164 January 2013

WRITER’S BIO Matt Warren grew up in Hardee County, went to junior college in Kansas and graduated from LSU. He loves spending time with his family fishing and helping his dad out with his cows as well as their own. You may have seen him in the ring at state and county fairs and livestock shows judging livestock. He has been in Chiefland the past 11 years managing a 400 head cow-calf operation in which they also ran 2,000 head of stocker calves.

Durrance at Hardee Ranch Supply until an opportunity came along that was hard to refuse. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service was looking to hire someone in the area who knew the cattlemen and could assist in getting them enrolled with the Best Management Practices for water quality. He saw it as a great way to stay in touch with the cattlemen and also be the middleman for them on legislative and environmental issues.

Matt said, “I really love what I do and believe in the BMPs as it gives the rancher another leg to stand on when we have to fight environmental issues.”

We welcome Matt to our Heartland team as a contributing writer!

Matt and his wife decided to move back home when their son Lane was about to start school. They wanted to raise him in the same town they grew up in and to be closer to their parents.

When they moved back, Matt worked with Ronnie

If you would like to contact him, you can call his office 863-773-2164 or his cell 863-448-3354.

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 27 6/11/2012 4:19:32 PM

31 Produce

A Field of Dreams in Southwest Florida

By Cindy Cutright

An entrance sign at 31 Produce proclaims the establishment to be Mike’s Field of Dreams. That the field to which the sign refers is not the kind one would readily associate with Mike Greenwell, a former Boston Red Sox standout, is of little consequence. Today appreciative customers who regularly shop at his farmers market and U-Pick facility located on State Route 31 in Alva have replaced ardent baseball fans.

And Mike wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I actually grew a garden while I was playing major league baseball,” Mike said. “Every year I grew a garden in Boston in my backyard. It was kind of a hobby.” He went on to explain that gardening brought him piece of mind in those days and provided him a way to escape the media hype at the same time. The end result is one that has stayed with him to this day.

“I was bitten by the garden bug because of that.”

After returning home to Southwest Florida and enjoying his retirement for six or seven years, Mike started growing a garden again for several reasons. Chief among them was the concern his wife, Tracy, had about the safety of food brought into the United States from other countries. Soon after the initial planting, which he concedes was a lot of work; Mike decided he needed, “bigger and better equipment so I could plant more.” Before long, “We had planted five acres of garden, which is a huge garden.” Mike and Tracy gave most of the produce away to friends and neighbors, many of whom were beginning to experience the worsening economy.

28 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

It wasn’t long before the idea of selling to the public became a viable option. At first produce was just sold on the weekends. “But we experienced such success in just three weekends,” Mike stated, “that we immediately started construction and six weeks later this building was done.” It wasn’t long before 31 Produce was born and ready to go. “We continued to plant and we’ve grown from there.” Mike currently grows on 16 of the farm’s 80 acres. He was quick to point out that 31 Produce is a true farmers market and not just a produce stand. “We grow 70% of what we sell. And people can visually see where it is growing. They can go out and pick it themselves.” Additionally, local growers and producers are utilized by Mike to supply produce not grown on his farm. “We have a good business relationship with different farmers around here,” he added. “In fact, a lot of our citrus literally comes from local backyards. And we make a huge effort not to buy anything that comes from out of the country.”

When plans to start the farmers market were still in the works, he and Tracy discussed at length how season-sensitive the area is. Mike said he thought, “If I’m going to do this I’m going to be open year ‘round. To me it’s not fair to have a local farmers market when you’re basically worried about selling to the tourists. If I was a local customer and I came and you were closed that would just bug me.” That philosophy combined January 2013

with a marketing strategy of using consistent pricing throughout the year – regardless of the season - and offering a wide variety of fresh produce has garnered a loyal following among the facilities’ customers.

A virtual cornucopia of produce can be found at 31 Produce. Delectable strawberries, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, watermelons, sweet and hot peppers, okra, green beans, pole beans, onions, peas, brussels sprouts and the ever popular dragon fruit are all grown there. Greens available include kale, mustard and collard, Swiss chard, lettuce and cabbage.

And the addition of an herb garden means basil, oregano, mint, parsley, and tarragon can all be picked fresh. Bottled delicacies are also available through a wide selection of preserves, salsa, sauces and pickled vegetables, marketed under a house brand.

Of the now thriving business Mike remarked, “We kind of fell into it I guess. But we also fell in love with it.” He went on to say, “It is funny. I always used to joke that when I retired from baseball I was going to open a hardware store so I could just sit in a rocking chair and how ironic this is now my hardware store.”

So much for sitting in a rocking chair, Mike and Tracy are always looking for ways to improve the facility and they often draw upon their own extensive travels to do so. “As we grew, we started to think about ways to make it more entertaining and more fun for kids and families,” stated Mike. “We started serving home made ice cream and opened a panning facility because it was something we did on vacation. We would go to panning facilities in North Carolina, Georgia or Tennessee so we thought it would be great to have one here.” Mike took the panning operation one step further by doing something unique to make it a true Florida experience. “We added sharks teeth and gator teeth and Florida shells. The kids love finding the shark teeth; it is the biggest hit. It (the panning facility) is a great asset to have.” Mike said he and Tracy always make a conscious effort when traveling to stop at produce stands and farmers markets along the way. “We learn from them. That’s how we decided to put our strawberries or passion fruit in our ice cream (depending on the season).”

31 Produce like so many other businesses is a work in progress. “We started out completely organic and that was our intention,” Mike explained. “And then I started reading about the compost and the fact that it is growing bacteria. I wanted kids to be able to go out and pick a strawberry and eat it.” He worried about the consequences so Mike chose to use other means to fertilize the produce. “We care about the land here too, so we decided not to use granular fertilizer and we use a drip irrigation system. We feel we do everything right and not just worry about the dollar that’s coming in the door.”

Expansion is also part of that progress. Mike recently added over 100 citrus trees, 25 peach trees, and he anticipates adding another 300 dragon fruit plants in the spring, “because dragon fruit is in such demand.” Mike’s vision for 31 Produce is one he is working hard to see become a reality. “I want people to be able to pull up and see the citrus growing on the trees is the same citrus that is in the stand. It will take another 4 or 5 years to get to that point.”

To say Mike is community minded is somewhat of an understatement. In years past and with Tracy’s encouragement, he helped coach young people who were playing on local baseball teams. They both believe it is important to make a difference “where you can.” And now he has found a unique way to share his love of agriculture with the youth of the community. Some 400 school children are scheduled to take farm tours during the month of January alone. In preparation for that, he has just finished modifying a wagon that will be pulled behind a tractor to give the children a tour of the farm.

The tours can accommodate up to 40 students at one time.

Mike said people often comment to him “they really love this place. It gives them the opportunity to bring their kids out here to see a farm.”

31 Produce is so much more than just an ongoing business concern. “Everybody who is here is either family or good friends. That’s what’s kind of neat about it.” Mike stated. Local craftsmen have also been encouraged to bring in products they make to sell. Items ranging from local honey to unique pieces of furniture are featured. “We try to help the community.”

Mike says he and Tracy are dedicated to, “being here forever” and are laying the groundwork for their sons to take over the operation when they get older. Together they are building a legacy combining an enviable work ethic, love of agriculture and commitment to community, which ensures Mike’s Field of Dreams, will certainly flourish for a long time to come.

For more information go to the 31 Produce website www.31produce.com

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 29

WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE

Linda

MINTON

By Robbi Sumner

A

s a native of St. Lucie County, Linda Minton has witnessed a great deal of change to the area throughout the years. Her grandfather and father were both involved in farming, and she grew up on a ranch in the southwestern part of the county. “At the time, my dad worked for Peacock Fruit & Cattle Corporation and the ranch included the property where the Traditions shopping area now exists,” she shares. “It was a good life growing up on the ranch.”

As you might imagine, this is a highly regulated industry, involving a great amount of record keeping. Their software also records information such as airplane speed, height and rate of application. “Depending on where and what we are spraying, varying protocols are in place,” explains Linda. “For example, fruit being shipped overseas must be sprayed every 10 days prior to harvesting, so the packer determines the schedule.

Our records can validate that requirements have been met.”

Linda has worked at Southeastern Aerial Crop Service for 35 years now. Owned by Chuck Stone, the business has been in St. Lucie County since 1953 and provides aerial spraying, seeding, and fertilization services throughout the state. Linda manages the office, including scheduling pilots’ jobs and maintaining accounting records. Southeastern Aerial is also a dealer for Air Tractor®, planes designed specifically for agricultural spraying, and Linda handles all of the paperwork involved in those sales.

Linda serves as Executive Director of the Florida Agriculture Aviation Association, a trade association for aerial applicators and pilots in our state. “We host meetings for pilots to earn the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) necessary to maintain their licenses, and also sponsor events like Operation SAFE for pattern testing of spray, and the Professional Aerial Applicators’ Support System (PAASS) Program. PAASS is a program that educates pilots on key safety and drift minimization issues important to flying, modern agriculture and crop protection, which is required by many insurance companies.

“Pilots start at daylight before the wind typically picks up, so I get them set up the day before. I then communicate with our customers later in the day to ensure that the spraying is complete,” Linda said. “Our planes are equipped with onboard computers and we have software that draws maps of the areas to be sprayed. I load them on jump drives for the pilots to download. The software utilizes a GPS system to color in applied areas as they sprayed ensuring accurate application.”

30 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

She is also the Coordinator of the Southeast Aero Cultural Fair which will be held in Jacksonville in February. “2013 marks the 38th annual event that rotates between the host states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee, although eight to ten different states are typically represented. We provide the opportunity for members to network, earn CEUs, and hear guest speakers – last year a former astronaut addressed the group,” Linda says.

January 2013

Linda in her office with Sam

Three years ago, Linda was elected to serve on the St. Lucie Soil & Water Conservation District. Her husband Rick served on the Board for over 20 years, and his father served before him. As the first, and still only, woman elected to the Board, Linda feels that she brings a different perspective. “Soil and water conservation efforts are vital in Florida,” states Linda.

“I have a deep passion for the land and want it kept safe for my grandchildren.” To that end, she also serves as 1st Vice President of the Association of Florida Conservation Districts, made up of members from the 63 different Districts throughout the state.

With encouragement from her daughter, Sam Phares, Linda returned to college and earned her degree in Food and Resource Economics with a specialization in Agricultural Business Management from the University of Florida in 2004. “I was able to take classes right here at the Indian River Research and Education Center on Rock Road. It was very challenging working full time and going to school at night. It isn’t for the faint hearted, especially when the calculus and data analysis came around, but I wanted my grandchildren to realize the importance of a college degree. My degree credentialed my work experience and I am very proud to be a Gator!”

Linda is a member of the St. Lucie Cattlewomen, and served as Treasurer for a number of years. “They are a great group of women,” she says. Between them, she and Rick have five daughters and seven grandchildren that they enjoy spending time with. As for hobbies, Linda says that she “will read anything!” including classics like The Grapes of Wrath and she particularly enjoys the writings of Carl Hiaasen and Patrick Smith.

“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of meeting and working with different people from different states. And working with the same employer for 35 years has made us like family. I’m very lucky to spend my time with great people doing things I enjoy,” Linda shared.

Linda with husband Rick

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 31

Doug inside a blueberry tunnel

Berry Farmer Doug Miller

By Robbi Sumner

The aroma of sweet strawberries fills the air at Sandy Ridge Berry Farm, located in Lake Placid near the Hardee/Highlands/ and DeSoto county lines. In January, Production Manager Doug Miller will celebrate his first year of employment at the farm.

“After graduating from ABAC (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College) with a degree in Ag Business, I spent ten years working in tomatoes and watermelons with 6L’s Packing Company in Immokalee,” he explains. A Lorida native and Sebring High School graduate, Doug had the desire to both live and work in his home county. “The job with 6L’s entailed a lot of travel, and I really wanted to be home with my family more.”

Sandy Ridge Berry Farm is a subsidiary of Reiter Affiliated Companies, LLC, one of the world’s largest berry growers. Doug has 40 acres of strawberries and 300 acres of blueberries under his management. The farm employs 16 people full-time, and then adds up to 500 seasonal pickers. “Finding labor is one of our greatest challenges,” says Doug. “There aren’t enough berries being grown in the area to attract the seasonal labor trained in picking blueberries and strawberries.” Doug gives much credit to the rest of the staff, particularly his two Managers Juan Vega and Justin Pettit. “It’s amazing how much we’ve grown and continue to grow. I couldn’t do it without them.”

The four varieties of strawberries that they grow are typically planted during the first three weeks of October and harvested from Thanksgiving through early April. From May to Novem-

32 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

farmer &

ber, time is spent preparing the ground for the new strawberry plants – old plants are disced up and the soil is weeded and fertilized.

After harvesting mid-March through mid-May, blueberry plants are pruned to promote re-growth, and are sprayed and fertilized throughout the summer. Because of our mild winters, the plants are sometimes sprayed with Dormex which induces more uniform and earlier budding.

As for growing challenges, Doug shares that too much rain can cause rust on the blueberry plants, and they don’t want severe cold weather for either crop. “The Cedar Wax Wing birds are very destructive to both berries,” Doug shared. “The Spotted Wing Drosophila has not become prevalent in our area yet, but we already take measures to prevent future infestation.” Because the pest thrives on over-ripe fruit, such measures include dragging sand bags between the plant beds to mash any discarded fruit, and keeping culled fruit in a box rather than throwing it on the ground.

According to Doug, Sandy Ridge produces about one million pounds of blueberries and 94,000 flats of strawberries each season. Their berries are marketed through Driscoll’s® the leading supplier of fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

January 2013

rancher

“Reiter is a very innovative company – they’re not afraid of trying something new,” Doug said, as he showed me their twelve newly planted acres of blueberries. Those plants are being grown in “tunnels” or “hoops” as some call it, built from galvanized steel metal pipe covered by plastic sheets. “The idea is to grow evergreen plants that won’t go dormant,” Doug explained. “The structures will allow us to control rainfall, as well as provide radiant heat in the winter. The goal is to have a domestic product to compete with berries from Chile, whose season typically peaks in December.”

Doug and his wife Sarah, who is a Science teacher at Avon Park Middle School, have a 21-month old daughter named Grace Lynn. Doug enjoys deer hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He also serves as Vice President on the Highlands County Farm Bureau Board, and shared “We do a lot of good things in the county. It’s a way for me to give back to the community where I was raised.”

Doug, Grace Lynn and Sarah

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 33

BUNKER HILL Handcrafted Wine is Our Trademark.

Exceptional Taste is Our Pledge! able to reduce their carbon footprint by a whopping 60%! To seal the wine bottles, they are hot-dipped in sealing wax. This too, is re-melted and reused when customers return empty wine bottles to the winery to recycle. Bunker Hill also uses 100% natural corks for corking their wine bottles. Unlike artificial plastic corks, natural corks are renewable.

Located in the rural eastern Manatee County town of Duette, Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery is an “Environmentally Responsible Winery.” This keeps them close to their wines throughout their birthing and maturing process, thus adding to the handcrafting of the wines.

The grapes that make their wines are from an ancient stock that is native to the southeast United States and their wines are always in limited supply. To the uninformed, the wines made from muscadine grapes are considered inferior to the more popular bunch grapes. The truth is, they make a ‘World Class’ wine! Bunker Hill’s single goal is to produce the ‘Gold Standard’ of Florida wines and to produce only World Class wines.

Our wine is stored in their “wine cave” in total darkness and at the ideal storage temperature of 52 to 57 degrees. They are a green, environmentally responsible, vineyard and winery.

This means that they are deeply concerned about their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. This deep concern and commitment is reflected in everything that they do.

Whenever it’s possible, they eliminate the use of electricity from the grid and opt instead for alternative forms of energy.

As examples, the use of solar energy drives their irrigation system and human energy drives the grape crusher and grape press. Every wine bottle that they use is locally sourced and recycled. By recycling 100% of their wine bottles, they are

34 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

When you visit Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery, you are also visiting a Certified Wildlife Habitat. To generate awareness of their resident Florida wildlife, each of the wine labels represents a different wild animal.

A new wine age is dawning in Florida! With your help and support, Florida and Manatee County will be known as much for its fine wines as for its beautiful beaches! Visit www. bunkerhillvineyard.com to learn more about the Water Garden Farm, Ghost & Spirit Orb Walkabouts, and other unique features of this Florida vineyard and winery.

January 2013

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 35

EDEN WINERY

By Cindy Cutright

Manager, Jay Vargo, is always eager to assist customers in selecting the perfect wine for any occasion.

Just off the beaten path, hidden among the citrus groves and pasture land prevalent in rural Southwest Florida, one can find a little bit of Eden…literally. Those who equate great tasting wine with heaven on earth all agree the name, Eden Winery, is spot-on. The winery, which sits on 20 acres of pure Florida between Fort Myers and LaBelle on Route 80, has become a must-see destination for visitors from all over the country.

Among Mildred’s duties is one she thoroughly enjoys: conducting wine tasting for winery visitors. “We try to teach people how to taste wine,” she explains. During the wine tasting, Mildred gives a brief verbal synopsis of Florida’s wine-making history as well as a bit of current information about the industry today. “There are 18 wineries in Florida,” she states, “but we are the oldest.”

Eden Winery is owned by the Kiser Family, which set about decades ago to produce world-renowned wines such as Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in Florida. But family members learned that while the grapes would indeed grow, they would also ultimately succumb to a bacterium known as Pierces Disease, the same nemesis that decimated the state’s wine industry in the early 1900’s.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s that a small group of agricultural researchers at the University of Florida, which had labored for some 20 years, finally developed a hybrid grape plant that was both immune to the disease and yet still capable of producing a fine wine.

Two decades later the Kiser’s planted cuttings (taken directly from the original hybrid vines grown at the University of Florida’s facility) in a test vineyard in Alva. After several years of growing, harvesting and testing, the family and the grapes prevailed. Finally in 1986, Eden Vineyards held the auspicious title of being declared the ‘Southernmost Federally Licensed and Bonded Winery and Vineyards in the United States’. No small achievement when one considers the years invested in bringing the vineyard and winery to fruition.

Today, Earl Kiser serves as the official wine maker while his wife, Mildred, oversees the operation, though she is quick to point out that the entire family lends a hand, “everybody does their part,” she says.

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All eyes are on Mildred during the wine tasting as she dispenses vital facts - as well as a sampling of the seven wines - produced by the winery. For example, attendees learn the Alva Rouge, which is reminiscent of a good Beaujolais and classified as medium dry, is her unabashed favorite. Though this particular wine is often referred to as ‘Mildred’s spaghetti wine’ she assures everyone it goes just as well with another popular Italian dish… pizza, which also happens to be one of her favorites. “I am a pizza person,” she confides.

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Expounding on the virtues of the winery’s award-winning wine never becomes passé. It is with a certain passion that Mildred, in a charming southern accent, explains the unique qualities each selection possesses. “They are all very different,” she states. “But we don’t make the heavy wines. And,” she adds, “we don’t make wines that bite, otherwise people won’t buy them. We make wines that are pleasant and wines that don’t offend people.” Mildred is also quick to dispel a common myth during her presentation, “We don’t say (serve) white wine with this or red wine with that.” Selecting a good wine regardless of color is what is most important. However, she is quick to add that a red wine, such as the Alva Rouge compliments chocolate of any kind (ladies, take note).

Mildred greets each individual wine connoisseur visiting the winery with the same enthusiasm she musters for whole busloads of tourists. “The tour companies love us.” Mildred states. And why not? Tourists from all over the country bound for the Fort Myers area are able to disembark from the buses and sip wine in a quiet, pastoral setting. Following a hectic day traveling from one Southwest Florida attraction to another, a trip to the Eden Winery is a welcome reprieve to be sure.

In addition to the on-site wine tasting experience at a cost of $2.50 per person, Manager, Jay Vargo, has recently added a new service: outside wine tasting. He says he gladly travels to private homes and clubhouses to conduct a wine tasting for a minimum of 20 people and a maximum of 50. “It is hard to do a lot more than 50,” Jay concedes. The cost to host a wine tasting is $25 per person when the event is held in Lee County.

More is charged per person for tastings held in adjoining counties. Each participant receives a bottle of wine of his or her choosing and an accompanying wine tasting glass.

Jay, (who admits his favorite wine is Coral Bell), perhaps describes Eden Winery best as simply, “A fun, southern place to go. It is nice, peaceful and quiet, a great place to relax and have a glass of wine.” Jay says the winery staff even encourages visitors to bring a picnic lunch. “People do that all the time,” he adds. For those who may like to just snack, cheese and crackers and summer sausage can be purchased as well.

While Eden Winery is open all year, it is no surprise that season draws the largest crowds. “We’ll get 20 to 30 people a day (Monday through Friday) and 50 to 60 on weekends,” states Jay. “And if it is cold out and not a good beach day we’ll get even more.”

While the wine making is still done at the winery, the grapes are now harvested north of Tampa. “We lost all the vineyards to Charlie and Wilma,” Mildred explains. “It wasn’t the hurricanes so much as it was just the rain.” A small herd of cows, which have become a tourist attraction in their own right, now graze where vineyards once flourished.

Eden Winery is open seven days a week. 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. except on Friday and Saturday when the winery is open until 5:00 p.m. If you’d like to place an order by phone or find you can’t take it with you while visiting, the staff ships via UPS across country or around the world. You can find Eden Winery on Facebook, go to www.edenwinery.com or call 239728-9463 for more information.

Cows graze where vineyards, destroyed by hurricanes, once grew.

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 37

Florida Vineyards and Wineries

By Robbi Sumner

known American wine, with the first historical record dating back to 1562.

From the Latin word for vine, “viticulture” is the branch of horticulture that deals with the cultivation of grapevines.

A BRIEF HISTORY

For many folks, California is the state that comes to mind when they think about vineyards and wineries. However, wine was being made in Florida long before the Pilgrims arrived, let alone before the west coast was settled. Spanish explorers are said to have discovered our native grapevines and used the wild muscadine grapes to develop the first

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Throughout its history, the grape industry has experienced many ups and downs in Florida. Our unique soil, climate, and the prevalence of Pierce’s disease has proven adverse to European grape varieties, however our hearty muscadine varieties have continued to flourish.

THE INDUSTRY

The Florida Grape Growers Association (FGGA) was formed in 1923 in order to serve farmers and help fund research at the University of Florida. The FGGA supported passage of the Viticulture Policy Act in 1984, which created the Viticulture Advisory Council and required development of a statewide Viticulture Plan. The Viticulture Trust Fund (VTF) was also created, and receives funding from sales taxes collected on Florida produced wine to assist in implementing the Plan, including further research and promotion of the industry.

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Members of FGGA include winery owners and managers, hobbyist growers, viticulture science professionals, U-pick farms, Jams, jelly, and juice makers, industry suppliers, and fruit and vegetable growers.

Today, the FGGA continues to provide valuable services such as access to university research and incentive programs for its members. They also hold an Annual Conference, which will be held at the Best Western Plus in Orlando January 25th and 26th.

According to “The Wine and Grape Industries in Florida” report by Stonebridge Research, in 2010 one-thousand acres were reported to be planted with grapes, mostly muscadine. Of that number, about 70% is grown for wine production, the balance for

January 2013

bulk and juice. Based on 2007 figures, of the top 10 counties for grape acreage, two are in our area – Manatee at #2 and Highlands at #8. Lake County, home of Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards, ranks #1 for grape acreage in our state.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 39

MUSCADINE VARIETIES

Muscadines take about four years to reach maturity and five years to yield a maximum crop. In Florida, the crop yields between five and eight tons per acre, with approximately 5% of vines being replanted each year. Maturing in August and September, muscadines are thicker-skinned, somewhat spicy-sweet, and are picked individually from the vine rather than in bunches like the types we typically see in grocery stores. They can be enjoyed fresh from the vine or used for jellies and jams.

Among the dozens of varieties of muscadine that have been developed, the Noble and Carlos are two of the most commonly planted in Florida. Noble is the most popular red used for wine and juice production. Carlos grapes are bronze in color, and are also used largely for wine and juice production.

HEALTH BENEFITS

In studies conducted by the University of Florida, the National Cancer Institute and others, muscadines have been proven to contain incredibly high levels of antioxidants which play a key role in maintaining healthy immune systems. They are also fat free, high in fiber, have anti-inflammatory properties, and can lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol possibly reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you don’t drink wine, you can still reap the health benefits by enjoying other products like the juice or jams made from muscadine, or the fresh fruit itself.

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ECONOMIC IMPACT

The Stoneridge report goes on to estimate the 2010 economic contribution of Florida’s grape and wine industries at almost $895 million. That figure included such items as the retail value of Florida wine, wages paid on over 6,400 full-time equivalent jobs, state and federal taxes paid, and wine related tourism expenditures.

Tourism will always be a major component of Florida’s economy, and our vineyards and wineries are emerging as alternative destinations to the theme parks and beaches. It is estimated that Florida wineries attracted an estimated 345,000 visits in 2010. While certainly not all of those were “tourists” as we think of them, the prevalence of events like the upcoming 25th Annual Florida State Fair International Wine and Grape Juice Competition validates the interest in and importance of the industry in our state. The competition will be held in the Living Center at the Florida State Fair Grounds, February 7th through 9th and has both Commercial and Hobbyist Divisions. The Commercial Division is open to all Commercial Wineries both here and abroad. The Hobbyist Division is open to all amateur winemakers in the United States and Canada. The 2012 event hosted 1,067 entries from 36 states and 10 foreign countries.

ENJOY! Visiting a vineyard or winery in Florida can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

It’s a part of Florida agriculture and history, offering opportunities to stroll through a vineyard, enjoy fresh u-picked fruit, take in a picnic lunch, and learn about the science of winemaking, corking, bottling and labeling processes. Depending on the winery’s schedule, you may be able to enjoy an outdoor concert on the grounds, take part in the annual grape stomp, or see animals at a certified wildlife habitat. Of course you’ll also want to sample some of the wine, jellies, grape juices, and other delicious products available. Along with their boutique wines – some made from fruits other than grapes such as blueberry, apple or blackberry - most wineries also offer unique gourmet specialties such as grape seed oil, mango butter, and strawberry salsa, just to name a few. With over two dozen wineries and vineyards located in Florida, there’s bound to be one near you!

January 2013

! r a e Y w e Happy N

ur o y f o ll a g n ti e e m to We look forward .

3 1 0 2 in s d e e n l ia c n fina

Better Yields, Better Quality, Safer for the Environment Available through Jim Dorman of Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc. (813) 601-2540

www.agroliquid.com

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January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 41 9/18/2012 10:54:40 AM

ENDLESS SUMMER

Vineyard & Winery

By Robbi Sumner

Good Vibes & Good Times Just opened in July 2011, Endless Summer Vineyard & Winery is the culmination of decades of nursery growing experience coupled with years of vineyard and winery planning and development. The winery, and its name, integrates the sun and fun atmosphere of Florida and Gary Roberts’ family interests in all things tropical and water-related. His desire was to create an exciting winery experience like no other.

Growing up in Florida, Gary began surfing at the age of 11 and started his prolific collection of classic boards and memorabilia in 1972 (some of which can be seen in the tasting room and pavilion). After discovering a wine he loved, muscadine wine, Gary began making wine at home in 2009. It then became a natural progression to open a winery featuring this historic native grape and other tropical fruits. “Muscadine grape and tropical fruit wines are two of the fastest growing segments in the wine industry as the paradigm shift appears to be leaning more towards a contemporary ‘it’s OK to drink what tastes good to you’ philosophy”, states Gary. Endless Summer Vineyard & Winery grows the Noble, Carlos, and Doreen varieties of muscadine grapes for wines in their year round vineyard operation and also makes specialty fruit wines, such as mango.

front porch of the winery and take in the soothing sound of the water feature under the grape arbor. Or stroll outside through the vineyard and festival area which showcases the beautifully landscaped pond with a white sand beach, 2300 square foot pavilion (with authentic surfboard picnic table seating), and shaded wooden swings. You can even feed the resident fish and turtles from the covered dock surrounded by the ten acre muscadine grape vineyard.

Located between Fort Pierce and Vero Beach, Endless Summer Vineyard & Winery is the first and currently the only vineyard and winery on Florida’s Central East and Southeast Coasts, only two miles off I-95 and only 7 miles from Florida’s Turnpike.

They are open Wednesday - Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 12 noon-5pm and are closed on all major holidays. Visit www.endlesssummerwine.com or call 772.460.0500 for information on upcoming events.

While you swirl your glass on the handmade wine barrel tasting bar, you will see vintage surf boards from Gary’s notable collection, as well as other related memorabilia mounted all around the tasting room and uniquely stocked gift shop, including the oldest belly (boogie) board known in existence, built in 1910. Relax in the rocking chairs on the

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January 2013

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 43

HENSCRATCH FARMS Vineyard & Winery

By Robbi Sumner

The country store is constructed in the old cracker style with raised floor, sliding barn doors and an open breezeway.

Baskets are brimming with homemade, jams, jellies, sauces and syrups to match our harvest seasons. Rich strawberry preserves, blueberry dressing and their famous Muscadine & Scuppernong jams & jellies are on the tasting counter to tempt your palate. We carry a great array of wine accessories and themed gift ideas. Pack your own dozen eggs then snatch up a jug of raw honey from their hives. Another popular item is the infused grape seed oil perfect for dipping and sautés.

Located between Sebring and Lake Placid, Henscratch Vineyard & Winery is “a unique farming and guest experience.”

A certified “Florida Farm Winery” the vineyard was planted in 1999 and includes 10 acres of native southern muscadine and scuppernong grape varieties, a hydroponics growing system for strawberry production, and a high-bush blueberry patch.

But the true charm is the 200 American breed laying hens that range freely among the vineyard canopy and supply their country store with fresh eggs.

Visit the farm often, as the seasonal favorites take center stage, and the new wines are ready for tasting! Sample the Award Winning “Country Style Wines”, or just sit a spell on the Florida Cracker-style porch before wandering through the grounds to explore the other unique projects in progress.

For more information, call 863.699.2060 or visit www. henscratchfarms.com.

The Winery operation began with the first crush of muscadine & scuppernong grapes from their own vineyards in August 2003. Handpicked, and toted with care, the grapes where crushed into the primary fermenator boxes to await careful analysis and recipe completion.

The first vats were bottled in November 2003. Henscratch produces seven styles of country style wines celebrating the taste of the south. The winery is housed in a converted agricultural grain bin. The metal bin has been outfitted with heavy timber beams, a second floor, guest viewing area, and an outside crushing porch.

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 45

KEEL & CURLEY Winery

Keel and Curley Winery was started in spring of 2003 in the kitchen of founder and owner, Joe Keel. Keel, a central Florida blueberry farmer wanted to find something to do with his end of crop blueberries. As in most produce farming, once the market price reaches a price which is lower than harvest and sale commissions, farms stop harvesting their crops. At this time in the season, there are still a lot of quality blueberries on the bushes. So Keel decided to try and utilize these berries to produce wine. He experimented for years with these extra berries to get that perfect wine flavor and after hundreds of batches he did it. So was the beginning of a company that now produces over 350,000 bottles a year of this unique and award-winning Florida wine.

Keel and Curley Wines can also be found in quality retailers throughout Florida including Publix, Total Wine and More, ABC Liquor, and select Wal-Mart, Costco, Sam’s and Target locations. The Keel and Curley Winery tasting room is open Sunday to Thursday 11am-6pm and Friday and Saturday 10am to Midnight. They host live music every Friday and Saturday from 630-1030pm with drink specials and food trucks providing local cuisine. You can also taste all 12 of their amazing wines for $6 and take home a decorative wine glass or try a small sample of a few wines for no charge anytime during their open hours. They do provide tours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4pm with reservations recommended.

Please direct any questions to Clay Keel at 813-752-9100.

Keel and Curley Winery 5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, FL 33565 Phone: (813) 752-9100 www.keelandcurleywinery.com www.facebook.com/kcwinery

Keel and Curley Winery, produces three types of Blueberry wines, each with a very distinct taste. The first is a sweet wine, the second, a semi-dry or semi-sweet wine, and the third, a dry wine. All three wines are made from 100% blueberries.

In July, 2011, Keel & Curley debuted two new wines - Dry Blackberry and Sweet Blackberry. Both are made with 100% blackberries.

They also produce fusion wines or blended wines. Part grape based wines, (for example, Merlot or Chardonnay) blended with fruit juices (Strawberry or Tangerine). Keel and Curley winery produces seven different Fusion wines.

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January 2013

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Sonoma Steaks with Vegetables Bocconcini

Marinade time: 15 minutes to 2 hours Total recipe time: 30 minutes Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 2 boneless beef top loin (strip) steaks, cut 3/4 inch thick (about 8 ounces each) 1 container (9 to 16 ounces) herbmarinated small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 medium zucchini, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch thick slices 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 3/4-inch wide strips 1 cup small red grape tomatoes

Instructions: Drain bocconcini, reserving 1/3 cup marinade.

Combine reserved marinade and vinegar in small bowl. Toss zucchini and bell pepper with 2 tablespoons marinade mixture in large bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Place beef steaks and remaining marinade mixture in food-safe plastic bag; turn steaks to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes to 2 hours.

Remove steaks from marinade; discard marinade.

Remove vegetables from marinade; place in grill basket. Place steaks on one half of grid over medium, ash-covered coals; place grill basket on other half of grid.

Grill steaks, covered, 7 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, times remain the same) for medium rare (145째F) to medium (160째F) doneness, turning occasionally. Remove steaks; keep warm.

Grill vegetables 10 to 13 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes during last 2 minutes of grilling.

Combine grilled vegetables and bocconcini in large bowl; toss gently to combine. Carve steaks into slices; season with salt, as desired.

Serve with vegetable mixture.

February 6-9 NCBA Convention, Tampa February 7-18 Florida State Fair March 12-14 FCA/FCW Quarterly Meeting, Tallahassee

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 47

SPECIAL FEATURE

DINING IN THE HEARTLAND:

TUTTO FRESCO ITALIAN GRILL

By Joanna Glisson Lamarra

W

hen you think of enjoying a great glass of wine, it’s only natural for your mind to gravitate towards something delicious to eat with it. Nothing goes with a great meal better than a well-paired glass of wine. At Tutto Fresco Italian Grill in Port Saint Lucie, you can enjoy a food and wine experience like none other. You no longer need to travel far from the Heartland to get a taste of big-city dining. Tutto Fresco now has two locations in Saint Lucie County: the original location on Port Saint Lucie Blvd. and the new location in Saint Lucie West, at the entrance to PGA Village (featured in this article).

Chef, and Co-Owner, Pasquale Lamarra has been creating culinary masterpieces since the age of 16.

His menu offers an expansive selection of homemade pastas, seafood dishes, steaks and chops from various regions of Italy as well as the Italian-American classics.

Regardless of you what you choose to eat, the Italian words “Tutto Fresco” means “everything is fresh.”

Now in their fourth year of business, they have worked hard to consistently deliver uncompromised food and service. Their reputation, along with customer demand is what led to the opening of their newest location.

Customary menu offerings are not what put this restaurant on the map; they have become known for their “Chef’s Table” dining experiences. As a guest at the Chef’s Table, you will not be given a menu, only an interview with your waiter on any food allergies

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January 2013

The basic concept of matching wine with food is to marry the right texture and flavors to enhance the dining experience. “

or dislikes. The Chef will then create a custom menu using only the freshest available ingredients. Your personal dining experience may have anywhere from 5 to 10 courses, each served with a wine to pair with the dish. “A perfect glass of wine should compliment or balance the food…it should not distract,” says Pasquale. “I’ve learned over the years the simplest ways to look at pairing food and wine is to match wine with food that is grown or harvested in the same area.

For example, some of the sweeter wines grown in Florida may nicely compliment a fruity dessert, because they emphasize the fruit flavor, not the sugar. On the contrast, a sweet wine can also make a great balance to a salty dish. Creating a perfect cohesion of food and wine is somewhat of a relatively recent trend. In many other regions, like Italy, for example, wine was always a staple at the table and we didn’t spend a great deal of effort pairing the perfect glass with our dinner.

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There is no shortage of wine selections at Tutto Fresco. Its new location boasts an 1100 bottle, temperature controlled wine room, containing bottles for the most skilled connoisseur to the novice wine drinker. You can enjoy a fine dining experience in the elegant dining room or host a party in the 30-seat private dining area, dubbed as the “Mafia Room.” Perhaps one of the most charming areas is the 1,800 square foot covered outdoor patio bar. There you will find plush sofas and over-sized chairs accompanied by intimate tables and cozy fire pits; the perfect place to gather with friends or family to enjoy a glass of wine, or finish off your evening after a superb dinner.

The fabulous cuisine here is not limited to in-house dining.

Catering on and off premises is also available for large or small events. The original location has facilities large enough to accommodate your corporate event or wedding. Creating a custom experience is what makes Tutto Fresco truly unique.

You can find the original Tutto Fresco at 1180 SE Port Saint Lucie Blvd. Call them at 772-905-8100 to make a reservation or book a party. The new location is located at 9501 Brandywine Lane. Their phone number is 772-464-8988. Or visit their website at www.tuttofrescopsl.com

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 49

Florida Bell Peppers

In Season Now www.ffva.com

twitter/ FlaFruitandVeg

Facebook: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

So what do peppers have to do with pepper? Well, not much, except that back in 1493, Christopher Columbus brought dried peppers to Europe and people said they were hotter than the spicy pepper they used on their food.

The name stuck and it applies to not only hot peppers, but mild bell peppers as well.

Peppers are even older than 1493. Archeological sites in Central and South America show the remains of various types of peppers. Over these many years, too many varieties to count were grown. Today, peppers are grown all over the world both in fields and in greenhouses.

Florida bell peppers are grown mainly in South Florida, the Tampa Bay and Central Florida areas and even a bit further north. They’re available from November to June, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The peak months of availability are March and April. Florida grows mainly green, yellow and red bell peppers, sometimes packaged together as “stoplight peppers.” . Peppers grown in fields are usually grown in double rows on polyethylenemulched raised beds, using drip or see irrigation. Some bell peppers grown in greenhouses need no soil at all.

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Bell peppers are a delicious snack or part of a meal in that they contain plenty of nutrients and not many calories. One half of a medium bell pepper counts as a serving of fruits and vegetables. Alll bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, but red bell peppers contain more than twice as much vitamin C as green bell peppers. Just eat one serving of a red bell pepper and you’ll be treating yourself to nearly two times your daily requirement of vitamin C and only consuming 20 calories. Bell peppers also contain vitamin A, which is helpful for eye health. And like most produce, bell peppers offer healthy phytochemicals, which work together with vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body.

When choosing bell peppers, look for ones that are heavy for their size and have bright, tight and glossy skin. Pass by those with watery looking spots or wrinkles. Yellow, red and orange peppers are generally sweeter than green peppers, but green peppers are generally less expensive. You can store peppers in a ventilated bag in your refrigerator’s crisper section for up to a week. You can even freeze cut peppers without blanching them first.

Here’s another hint. To seed a bell pepper, hold it tightly and slam the stem end down on the counter top. This will loosen the seed core. That trick also works with a head of iceberg lettuce.

Now you’re ready for some recipes …

January 2013

Stuffed Peppers

Italian Sausage & Peppers

From AllRecipes.com

From About.com American food

• • • • • • • • • •

1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice 1 cup water 6 green bell peppers 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until evenly browned. Remove and discard the tops, seeds, and membranes of the bell peppers.

Arrange peppers in a baking dish with the hollowed sides facing upward. (Slice the bottoms of the peppers if necessary so that they will stand upright.) In a bowl, mix the browned beef, cooked rice, 1 can tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Spoon an equal amount of the mixture into each hollowed pepper. Mix the remaining tomato sauce and Italian seasoning in a bowl, and pour over the stuffed peppers.

Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, basting with sauce every 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender. Serves 6.

• • • • • • • • • •

2 tbsp olive oil 1 large red bell peppers, seeded, cut into half-inch strips 1 large green bell peppers, cut into half-inch strips 1 yellow onion, halved, and cut in quarter-inch slices 2 cloves finely minced garlic 1 tsp white wine vinegar pinch of cayenne salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 4 grilled Italian hot or sweet sausage 4 soft rolls, split

Add the olive oil, pepper strips, and onion to a cold, large skillet, and turn on the heat to high. When you can hear the peppers and onions sizzling, reduce the heat to medium, and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the peppers and onions become soft and sweet. Add the garlic, and cook for one minute, stirring. Turn off the heat and add the vinegar, cayenne, salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Divide the hot pepper mixture evenly over the four rolls and grilled sausages.

SEBRING HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS 100 YEARS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SEBRING!

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 51

A Soldier’s

Holiday Abroad

By PFC Levi Lambert

I am PFC Levi Lambert and I grew up in Hardee County.

I enlisted in the army at the age of 29 and have been given the opportunity to share a few of my past memories and future experiences with you. Please keep our military in your thoughts and prayers as you read these words. We are all someone’s son, daughter, brother, or sister who wants to be home again.

As the Christmas season presses on, here I sit holding a warm cup of Earl Grey tea with a squeeze of Lambert’s farm raised hone (courtesy of my father) while I am reading a story he wrote in Heartland magazine. My backyard view this Christmas will not be of the eye pleasing white Christmas that I sought out since I was a little guy running around the orange grove, bare feet crunching the icy grass while I taste ice sickles hanging off the frosty foliage. My backyard is very different scene this year. Today, as you read my words, I am in Egypt located near the Red Sea. My naturally sweetened tea warms my wind burned skin from the inside out as I sip slowly, gazing over the bright blue Red Sea. The colors are vast in the distant miles; the sunrays are beautifully creeping away from me to come to you. I have to decide which is more majestic, the sunrise over the dusty red mountains behind me, or the sun setting before me. Wherever the call of duty takes me, I seek out the things in the world, big or small, to uphold a flow of positive feelings and keep my mind from straying. Finding little ways to lift your spirits is often a challenge when all your feelings that you are used to are left hundreds of miles behind.

Before you turn the page deeper into the story I am proud to have the opportunity to write, I would like to tell you a little

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about myself. I am Private First Class Levi Lambert in the United States Army. I was born and raised in the Heartland of Florida. When I decided to join the Army after months of discussion with my family, I held on to a fear of the unknown; switching from a career that I was proficient in and an asset to the organization, to start at the bottom of the barrel. Yet, the first time raising my right hand for the oath of enlistment, joining the ranks of so many soldiers before me, gave me a sense of pride that cast a shadow over my fears. Currently I am serving my first deployment at the age of thirty as one of the newest members to my company.

My passion for writing is unknown, having never found it to be adequate to capture a range of readers’ attention. The opportunity to share a little about a service member’s life and how they are affected during duty is what guides my pencil.

Some of the stories I have heard while interviewing my fellow soldiers to gather information is truly saddening. I am taking special steps to try and change future sad stories from developing without just cause.

For this Christmas season, many new faces have joined what makes up my Army family here in the Sinai. Earlier this year I met my team for the first time in Virginia for our initial training exercise together. In the short time that I have known them, we have grown to be much more than just a team with a common mission goal. We are, in a sense, a bit of a family that may have many conflicts and differences, yet we are far from dysfunctional. Over the holiday season we will share together January 2013

holiday cheer and make sure each of us doesn’t feel isolated as some often do. A deployment is not just oriented around what the mission objective is; an essential part of a deployment is to return the same soldier to his or her family in the same way they left. Our company prides themselves in a family-like atmosphere.

Our little Charlie Brown decorated tree stands by the day room window. It looks just dandy with its Army green, card board fir shaped limbs drooping low grazing the newspaper comic section tree skirt. Hi-liter cartridges hang from the limbs giving off a brightened appearance to the room with no batteries necessary.

While a little angel is perched atop the tree with a flowing gown made from wax paper. Her water bottle body gives off an inner glow each night from a fresh chem light, her strong duct tape wings are spread out wide; a smiling face white as toilet tissue welcoming everyone to gather around on Christmas Day. Christmas cards and holiday wishes are hung on barracks walls joining the photos of smiling children, husbands, and wives.

Despite the variety of methods to celebrate the holidays that surround us due to beliefs and backgrounds, our barracks show the same holiday spirit we know and remember.

Memories of prior years act as the visions of sugarplums that dance in my head. Dreaming of the fellowship that awaits me is all the white Christmas I seek. Remembrance of the happy years and dreams of the future motivate me to press on with the mission. Ideas of how future holidays will be back home with friends and family make me smile on the inside and think about the new photos that will forever capture the happiness of the day. It’s my own little way to stay positive. More times I can remember not thinking there was anything left to give from my body. Long hours of strenuous and often-repetitive activity tears at you until mentally you feel physically defeated. Just as I start to think how can I press on, my thoughts of what got me this far come back and on I go till the end. Resilience is learned and over the years is honed into an unbreakable force that makes us better at what we are tasked to do. My dreams of the future for my daughter and the honor of serving my country is what keep me strong. Dreaming of the next photograph that will be perched on the mantle is what keeps me positive.

on my knee. Family laughter and familiar smells fill the room as we converse and I occasionally sneak away to check out the buffet of sweets and various dishes from other households.

Grandpa telling a story about his younger years, my brothers and I deciding which competitive sport we will participate in after we take our after dinner nap. My fond memories will soon be true, but for now I am patiently waiting for my time to be in that very spot once again.

Please remember the many members of the Armed Forces and their families that they are away from much of the year. The family left behind goes through a difficult time also. Upon completing basic training, I met a Brigadier General who tasked me with calling my wife at home and thanking her for her service to our country. Now I wish to carry that task out on a larger scale by increasing the awareness of how difficult it can be for the family waiting for their loved ones to return. Preparing for a mission is something we all are training for constantly so that we are proficient and always ready. Although preparing to return home to family is the battle that is not always won by our strong soldiers. If you have the means to do so, I ask of you to write someone, send a post card, thinking of you, or a care package.

Being surrounded by my fellow soldiers, I get the chance to see how they react to hearing their name during mail call. Even receiving something from a stranger helps that soldier maintain an important connection that eases the transition upon returning to their loved ones. In passing if you see a family member thank them just as I did. Thank you for your support and I hope my views of my first holiday season abroad have been enjoyable.

Oh how happy and joyful I would be sitting next to a crackling oak and pine wood fire with my little princess Lily bouncing

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 53

By Cindy Cutright

WINDMILL

“And then Dad wanted to get a hardware store started here. He had bought property in the Muse area and had lived here since the 70’s.” Because he grew up in the business, Ted decided to come here when the opportunity arose. A graduate of Miami Christian College, he has a background in education and has been coaching high school football for 27 years. “I am on a little hiatus right now,” Ted explained.

Sprinkler & Hardware

In

August of 2011 Windmill Sprinkler and Hardware opened the doors to its third in- state location. While this family owned business may be thought of as new to those in our area, its time-honored roots in Florida go back almost 60 years.

“My dad started the business in 1954 on Sunrise Avenue in Fort Lauderdale,” says Ted Meredith of his father, William (Bill), a licensed well driller at the time. “It was established as a well drilling and irrigation installation business,” Ted explains.

“He was putting in both commercial and residential sprinkler systems.”

It wasn’t long before a full range hardware store followed.

“When customers came in and started asking about doing the work themselves, Dad developed a ‘do-it-yourself’ show room in the hardware store where people could come and get their fittings and their pipes.” In addition to supplying the needed materials, Ted says his father answered their questions and helped in any way he could. He also had “some words of wisdom” for his customers as well as an endless amount of encouragement. Today, Ted’s brother, Billy, manages the Fort Lauderdale location.

In 1980, Florida was growing by leaps and bounds and Bill decided to expand the business by opening another store on Atlantic Avenue in Del Ray. “And the business has been there ever since,” remarks Ted. “That location, which is the largest of the three, is geared more toward serving nurseries as well as homeowners due to the clientele that surrounds the business.” Ted’s other two brothers, Dean and Pepper, manage the Del Ray store.

54 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Ted concedes it’s not easy starting a business today – even one in which the principles have as much experience as the Merediths.

“I could have gone into the established end of the business, but I enjoyed starting a new one,” he admits. “And we are making some inroads. We joined the Chamber of Commerce in LaBelle and we continue to establish more contacts by going around and meeting people to see what their needs are so we can begin to fill those needs.

Little by little people are calling and asking ‘do you have this?’ If we don’t, I always tell them we can get it.”

The LaBelle location serves as a full range hardware store as well as an outlet providing materials necessary for the installation of commercial and residential irrigation systems. “We even handle water conditioning units and ways to test the water,” Ted explained. “As my dad says, this business is really five to seven small businesses within one big one. You’ve got citrus people, you’ve got cattle people and you’ve got homeowners all that need water systems, irrigation supplies or hardware.”

The company’s newest location is perfectly positioned to serve the needs of the area’s agri-business customers as well. “We provide crop irrigation that the citrus growers and vegetable farmers need. We can also supply micro jets and the piping as well as commercial irrigation and we are the only Maxi Jet distributor in the area.” Maxi Jet manufacturers the micro sprayer used on orange trees. “We cover the whole area (for Maxi Jet) including Labelle and Clewiston,” Ted said, “all the way to Arcadia.”

Another service offered is the designing of irrigation systems in-house. “I am a licensed contractor from California and I design a system as per code.” And just like his father Ted shares his expertise with the do-it-yourselfer. “I enjoy designing the irrigation systems and the customer interaction.”

The company’s commercial business is “our stronger aspect at this time,” Ted continues. “But the residential business is getting better because more and more people are finding us and walking in. And we get a little better each day understanding what our customers need.”

January 2013

Southwest Florida is fortunate to have been chosen by the Meredith family to establish a facility here. The experience garnered through the last six decades in an ever-changing industry is invaluable and will prove to be a great asset to those in our area requiring their services. But the attitude espoused by Ted will be just as important to the customer base, “We are here to serve the community.”

Two part-time employees assist Ted who says his father, Bill, is still actively involved. “He comes in a couple hours a day.”

The LaBelle location, at 6475 SR 80 West, is open six days a week, 7:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday and 8:00 to 2:00 on Saturday. Check out Windmill Sprinkler.com or call 863-6753688 for more information.

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 55

CATTLE SENSE

Information that makes sense helping you make cents

By Dr. Cathy Bandyk, Quality Liquid Feeds

Time to Look at Hay Differently We’ve always known that hay represented a cost to the cowherd, whether it was a direct purchase or home-raised feed. But this expense has not typically been given much scrutiny. Hay is a bulk commodity, with relatively low perunit value and imprecise (or unknown) quantity and quality measures. Transactions are often based on nothing more than a set price for a bale of a stated type of forage, possibly embellished with ambiguous adjectives like “good” and “tight.”

Aren’t I right?

But current conditions, driven in large part by the widespread drought, have many producers looking at hay in a different light. The first challenge is simply finding enough roughage to get cows through the winter; I heard yesterday of an operation that was utilizing baled cattails in their feeding program! With these tight supplies, the basic laws of economics have come into play, and prices are at record levels in many areas. Under this scenario, anyone needing to buy harvested feed must be prepared to make sound purchase decisions.

The key is knowing what your needs are, and then evaluating prices based on a given feed’s ability to meet those needs. And that is only possible with known quantity and quality measures.

As an aside, I will be using “hay” In a very broad sense through this article; all these comments apply to crop residues, harvested weeds, and emergency forage crops as well as grass hay.

How much are you buying?

Every other input for the operation is purchased by set amounts (pounds of mineral, gallons of fuel), and we need to look at hay the same way. A “bale” is a tremendously vague descriptor, and the pounds of hay in each one is a function of size, density, and weathering. The table to the right reminds us how much

56 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

difference weight variances can make on per-unit price of the hay. This next table illustrates the impact of size on the volume of bales of different proportions.

Understanding these relative differences is important, but it is only part of the story. The density of a bale – that is, how much hay is contained in each cubic foot – can vary greatly. A 5 X 5 bale of coarse, loose forage may actually weigh less than a 4 X 5 bale of tightly packed fine grass hay. The only way to know is to physically weigh some representative bales. One final variable to factor in is time. A weight taken soon after harvest doesn’t mean much 6 months to a year later.

Various research trials have shown storage losses of 5 to 50% of the original weight of hay bales, depending on storage location, configuration, and weather conditions.

Consider, too, how much is actually usable. A lot of old, heavily weathered hay was fed last winter, and what didn’t make it south then is likely to be used this year. But when considering the value of these bales, keep in mind that, for example, in a 6-foot bale fully 1/3 of the hay is located in the outer six inches.

In a 5-foot bale, half is contained in the outer eight inches. If there is a significant outer layer that is going to be lost in transit or refused by the cattle, weight-based calculations should be adjusted accordingly.

What is it’s true worth?

The value of hay is determined largely by its quality, but “quality” is sometimes hard to define. Basically, we need to consider nutrient content and digestibility (that is, how much of the “nutrition” contained in the feed can actually be used by the animal), offset by any anti-nutritional factors or palatability concerns.

The whole point in providing hay to our cows is to help meet their nutrient requirements for maintenance, production, and health.

In most feeding programs, forage is expected to supply as much of the needed energy and protein as possible. Deficiencies will January 2013

have to be compensated for by more expensive supplements. So it makes sense to compare hay prices on a per-unit-of-energy or per-unit-of-protein basis. Examples are below.

Even if hay was put up with good protein and energy content,

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extended or exposed storage will knock those values back considerably – sometimes without markedly changing a bale’s outward appearance. We sometimes don’t look at it this way, but HAY IS A PERISHABLE PRODUCT. Having a current nutrient analysis is at least as important as having a current bale weight.

One Canadian paper cited losses, just from late summer and fall rains, of 8-12% total weight, 5-10% digestible energy, and 20% protein. I realize the concept of summer and fall rains was a moot point for many of you in 2012, but these numbers do illustrate how dramatically the value of a hay bale can go down in a relatively short period of time.

Vitamins are particularly susceptible to degradation in hay, especially the fat-soluble A, D and E. If the forages being fed were harvested more than 90 days ago, these essential nutrients need to be supplemented. And if hay was made from droughtstressed grasses, the vitamin A level was probably very low to begin with, and a supplemental source should be provided from the start.

As mentioned above, another important quality consideration is the potential presence of “anti-nutritional” factors. If conditions warrant concern about excessive mold, nitrates, prussic acid, endophyte toxins, ergovaline, or physical characteristics (barbs, dust) that would discourage cattle from eating, test if possible, dilute if needed, and adjust the price you are willing to pay accordingly.

Excellent way to get involved with your local community!

Upland Habitats Course schedule:

Day 1—Saturday, January 12, 2013 DeSoto County UF/IFAS Extension Office Day 2—Saturday, January 19, 2013 DeSoto County UF/IFAS Extension Office Day 3—Saturday, January 26, 2013 DeSoto County UF/IFAS Extension Office Day 4—Saturday, February 2, 2013 Myakka River State Park Day 5—Saturday, February 9, 2013 DeSoto County UF/IFAS Extension Office Day 6 - Saturday, February 16, 2013 DeSoto County UF/IFAS Extension Office

For more information contact the DeSoto County UF/IFAS Extension Office at 863-993-4846. www.MasterNaturalist.com

UF/IFAS Extension in conjunction with the Wedgworth Leadership Institute and the South Florida Beef Forage Program present the…

Leading * Speaking * Learning * Serving If you are a Young Farmer or Rancher, aged 18 years*-40 years old, and would like to learn how to become an effective leader in the agricultural community, please join us for the FL-AG Leadership Series: Program Dates/Times: 9:00AM-3:00PM on: Friday, February 15, 2013 Friday, March 15, 2013

Getting more bang for your buck

If you have the luxury of multiple hay sources to consider, make comparisons based on solid information. Calculate what it will cost to put the needed amounts of nutrition in front of your animals, using the different sources. And if you find yourself forced to feed “the only hay available,” focus on management practices (storage, feeding method, supplementation) that ensure the cattle get as much good as possible out of what is now a precious commodity.

January 2013

http://desoto.ifas.ufl.edu

Friday, April 19, 2013

For more information please contact the DeSoto County Extension Office 2150 NE Roan St. Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (863)993-4846

Friday, May 17, 2013

*High school seniors who plan to pursue an education in agriculture are encouraged to attend. Approval from an FFA advisor will be required.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 57

By Lindsey Wiggins

AGRICULTURALISTS:

Doing More Than Feeding Mankind

E

nvironmental stewardship awards are presented to ranchers and farmers every year to recognize the unprecedented measures they take to keep the land and water in mint condition. While the popular press doesn’t always see it; Heartland In The Field readers can easily see that private, agricultural lands are maintained so well that many wildlife species, including endangered ones, call it home.

One reason being that farmers and ranchers control invasive weeds on their property and therefore have majestic open green space for wildlife to roam and hunt for food. The invasive plants can be controlled in many different ways including grazing cattle and controlled burns. This land doesn’t only provide space for the critters; the desirable vegetation also serves as a water filter before it enters the aquifer. Even birds prefer the water on ranches and farms as huge flocks are frequently found “beak down” in the irrigation ditches and ponds chowing down! The clean water is home to many fish and insects, providing a smorgasbord to these birds.

Agriculturalists keep the water clean by utilizing a soil analysis to precisely determine how much nutrients to feed the plants, which prevents excessive amounts of nutrients from being applied – with fertilizer (plant food) being expensive, this precise measurement also ensures that the farmer doesn’t endure an excessive bill! A very successful rancher once told a group of tourists: “There’s about the same amount of cattle in Florida today that there was 50 years ago, the only thing that has changed is the

58 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

increase in the human population.” I hope you will think about this statement every time you are involved in a “water quality” conversation. Many, including wildlife, appreciate the measures that ranchers and farmers take to provide stewardship to the land.

Bringing me to my next point…wildlife. Five juvenile Whooping Cranes flew to Hendry County all the way from Wisconsin! They arrived at J7 Ranch on November 9th and are still hanging out in their pasture, where they will probably stay for the winter.

According to Margaret England of the Hendry-Glades Audubon Society, radio transmitters are being used to track these cranes and you will notice ID bands on their legs in the pictures. These juveniles do have caramel colored feathers; however, they will turn white as they mature and a red patch will develop on their head. Their color is the best way to differentiate them from the commonly seen Sandhill Crane, which is gray in color. Also, Whooping Cranes stand about 5 foot tall! Kudos to J7 Ranch for being great environmental stewards! The birds seem to appreciate the cattle pasture and coexist well with cattle.

January 2013

Warner University

By Brian Norris

Introduces Ag Studies Program Brahma Island Family Day It’s not everyday that you get to jump on an airboat and take a ride to an island in the middle of a lake. Not just any island, but the largest freshwater island in the United States and one that has been in the Lightsey family since 1863. Now I could get into the history behind the island, but that’s not what this article is about. I encourage you though to look up Brahma Island, and if you get the chance, go visit. You will be amazed by the beauty and get a glimpse into what old Florida used to look like.

I’m writing this to talk about the reason we went to the island. It was for the Brahma Island Family Day, a fundraiser for Warner University’s Ag Studies program. Warner University will host their inaugural class of Ag studies majors this coming Fall. The day was filled with fun activities for the entire family including a “Kids Corner” where kids could play games and ride horses.

The adults were able to chat and mingle at the cabin and meet the architect for the proposed Agriculture Complex. We were also able to see the designs and learn about naming opportunities for the different buildings. Everyone was able to take part in a live auction, facilitated by Marty Higginbotham, where hunting trips, beach vacations and Andy Thornal jewelry were sold to help raise money for the program. There was also a silent auction and everyone had the opportunity to take a tour of the island to see all of the unique wildlife and even one of the oldest oak trees in the south east.

The keynote speaker of the event was Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam. Commissioner Putnam talked about the importance of keeping our youth involved in agriculture beyond their high school years. He applauded Warner’s new

January 2013

program saying, “The areas of expertise that a curriculum like this can provide are not only valuable to the student, it’s valuable to the employer who is going to pick up that student.”

He spoke of the challenges that today’s farmers face and how a local program like this will be able to give students knowledge and the means to enter the Ag industry and be valuable assets to potential employers.

The Director of Ag Studies at Warner University, Lauren Lewis, a Haines City native, has helped create a program that is going to include hands-on learning and real world application to complement what the students will be learning in the classroom.

The program is designed to give students interaction through internships, field trips, guest lectures and others means within the local Ag industry.

When they graduate, they will be knowledgeable and familiar with the local issues and be able to take what they learned while in the program and apply it to the real world.

For more information about Warner University and the Agriculture Studies Program, you can contact Program Director Lauren Lewis at 863638-7116 or at lauren.lewis@ warner.edu Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 59

Okeechobee Youth Impressed Crowd at AQHA World Championship Show

By Robbi Sumner Thirteen-year old Hunter Bryant quickly became a crowd favorite at the American Quarter Horse Association World Show held in Oklahoma City this past November.

Riders from 49 states and nine countries competed for over $3 million in prize money at the event, but what made Hunter stand out was the fact that unlike other youth, he competed against adults. Because this was the first year for the Ranch Pleasure class to be held, AQHA only offered an Open division – no Youth or Amateur divisions.

Hunter is now in his 4th year of 4-H, and has shown at 4-H Area and State Shows the past three years on Tango. They compete in Trail, Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding, Reining and Showmanship classes, winning Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding and Reining at last year’s Area Show and winning Ranch Trail and placing second in Ranch Riding at the State Show.

At the age of eleven, Hunter competed in the Mustang Heritage Association’s “Youth Mustang Make Over” event. For the event, he had 90 days to gentle and train his yearling Mustang named Okee. At the competition held in Murfreesboro, TN the team placed third even though Hunter was the youngest competitor.

“That was a wonderful experience and I learned a lot about patience and to never give up on your horse,” says Hunter.

Riding his grandmother Suzana Rucks’ 11-year-old bay mare Chex With Me aka ‘Tango’, Hunter qualified for World by placing at shows held in Florida. The pair has competed in 4-H ranch riding competitions for the past two years, and those classes are very similar to the AQHA Ranch Pleasure class, so they weren’t as novice as Hunter’s age may have indicated.

“I dreamed of making it to the Youth World Show and never dreamed I’d ever make it to AQHA World Show,” Hunter shared. Not only did he “make it” but he ended up placing 8th out of an initial class of 66 riders! As for his next plans, Hunter would like to get another Mustang to train and compete with in the Makeover event, and he has set his sights on qualifying for the AQHA World Show again. Having had the opportunities to ride with and learn from professionals like Shawn Flarida, Doug Milholland and Todd Crawford has inspired him. After high school, Hunter hopes to attend the University of Florida and become a professional horse trainer.

In fact, Hunter started trail riding at the age of 4, and at 5 began participating in game events at local shows. When he was age 7, his grandfather Gary Rucks started taking him to work cows on the weekends. He then learned how to breakaway rope from former World Champion Calf Roper D. R. Daniel.

Watch for Hunter on RFD-TV in January. There will be two episodes from the AQHA World Show, the first airs January 10th and will feature the Ranch Pleasure class and the second on January 17th will include Hunter’s story. Times for both shows are 10p.m. Eastern.

60 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

January 2013

d Lunch will be serve d, felfoo for us n joi Come fun! lowship, and sale

B

Start out 2013 with quality prospect!

I E N L A R D ANC K C U H Open House Horse Sale

February 9, 2013 at 11 A.M.

a

Congratulations Kallie Johnson & Jackie Bee Short 309 2012 Juvenile Fu turity Champs Purchased in 2012 Ranch Sale

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sires included “Justa Hickory Spade,” :Bowmans Fancy Choice,” “Docs Stormy Playboy” Horses will be available for viewing by appointment: January 14 - February 8th Monday-Friday 8-4, Saturday 8-11 Contact: Jason Hanchey (863) 801-9953 Kristin Hanchey (863) 634-2101

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Join in Mosaic’s promise at www.mosaicco.com/promise.

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January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 61

Gator Fred Day Thousands of people turned out Saturday, October 6th for “Gator Fred Day” at the Chalo Nitka Grounds in Moore Haven. The event, a fundraiser to help with the medical expenses of a Moore Haven teen who lost his right hand in an alligator attack, attracted so many people that some observers thought the crowd was as big or maybe even bigger than Chalo Nitka.

Kaleb “Gator Fred” Langdale jumped into the Caloosahatchee River to cool off with some friends on a hot July day when he was attacked by an 11-foot-alligator. When he was unable to get away from the gator, the teen used techniques he saw on Animal Planet’s “Gator Boys” television show. In his battle with the alligator, he had to make the choice to sacrifice his own arm to save his life. As Fred recovered in the hospital, family friend Linda Peeples Martin started organizing a “Fred Day” fundraising event. It didn’t take long for other community members to join in.

The highlight of the celebration was an alligator wrestling show

by Jimmy Riffle of Animal Planet’s “Gator Boys.” Jimmy, along with his brother Andy and friend Richard, impressed the crowd with their skills at handling alligators. “Gator Fred” even got the chance to join his heroes onstage.

“Gator Fred Day” included a variety of activities such as a rib cook-off, 5K run, a cornhole tournament, live and silent auctions, Nashville recording artist, Chris MacArthur, face painting, buggy rides, a car show, cake walks and pony rides.

62 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

They also raised money through the sale of “Fred Day” tshirts. You would have thought it was for a football game as much of the crowd wore the same “Gator Fred” shirt.

“We all just wanted to get together and show him how much we love him,” said Mrs. Linda, the event organizer. She added that her daughter, Haley Stephens, the 2012 Chalo Nitka Queen , played a big part in making the Gator Fred Day event happen.

Over $34,000 were raised for this event.

This event would not have been possible without the help of many supporters such as Michael Cox of Swamp Buggies of Florida who helped with advertisement for the event, and gave buggy rides to children throughout “Gator Fred Day.” Nashville recording artist Chris MacArthur came out with his band and played throughout the day. Their support was greatly appreciated. “It is truly overwhelming to know that we come from a community that turns out this big for my son,” said Fred’s mother, Felinda Langdale. “Even though we are a small town, we’re a small town with a big heart.”

January 2013

Highlands County Citrus Growers Association

CITRUS FUN SHOOT

By Ron Lambert

My best wishes and greetings to all out in the Heartland.

Today’s date is Friday, December 14 and as I write these words, 2012 is very close to being history. It’s hard to believe, but I’m going into my third year of writing for Heartland In the Field. I feel that the opportunities and experiences that have come my way through this connection with Heartland Magazine have been very enjoyable and beneficial. This year is also the fifth year that my sons and myself have taken part in the annual Highlands County Citrus Growers Association Citrus Fun Shoot at Quail Creek plantation.

The event was held on Saturday, December 8 in Okeechobee.

There were 328 shooters participating on the two courses this year. The high overall individual shooter was a young man from Fort Pierce, Florida named Kyle Kaufman. He was a member of the high overall team (team Kaufman) whose combined score was 394 out of 400. A shoot-off was held between Kyle and Rodrigo Mehech who also hit 99 of 100. Kyle won the tiebreaker. Congratulations to this young man whose shooting skill was impressive to watch.

The second runner-up shooting team was from Griffin Fertilizer with a combined score of 371 out of 400 targets.

The ladies team representing Florida Grove Foggers won the All Ladies Team Award with a score of 284 out of 400. Talon Youngman was the High Scoring Youth with 96 of 100.

Major sponsors that helped make this event such a success this year were Alan jay Automotive Network, Bayer Crop

January 2013

Science, Cardin and Associates Crop Insurance, Farm Credit of Florida, Florida Grove Hedgers and Foggers, Magna Bon II, LLC, Peace River Citrus Products, Southeast Agnet/ Citrus Industry Magazine and The Anderson’s Inc. Thanks to all of these companies and any others who had a part in this thoroughly enjoyable weekend event.

My son Seth Lambert, his brother Corey and a friend of Corey’s, Reed Hartman, joined me. Corey and Reed are both involved in Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer and Rancher program this year. These young people will form the core and backbone of our nation’s agricultural future.

Support and encourage them every chance you get. I also had the company of two of my grandsons, Connor Lambert and Micah Lambert. This is the third year for each of them at Quail Creek and they are anxiously waiting the day that they are old enough to participate in the shooting event.

The HCCGA also provides an outstanding and delicious lunch for all participants. This year, almost 50 additional people came in to enjoy a wonderful meal of prime rib, seafood and delicious swamp cabbage with homemade ice cream provided by Everglades Farm Equipment. I would take the opportunity to thank Fred Fanizzi and the rest of the staff at Quail Creek Plantation for their hard work and attention to detail that makes every event at Quail Creek a memorable experience. Thank you for your gracious hospitality and we’re already looking forward to next year.

I look forward to seeing you there on December 14, 2013!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 63

Making the Best Better –

Jake Menendez

By Robbi Sumner

Jake speaking at the Farm City luncheon

Jake with his National District X officers Congress selection award

As a junior at Okeechobee High School, Jake Menendez is enjoying another very busy and productive year as a 4-H member. “I started at the age of 8 because that is the requirement for Shooting Sports. I have been in the Sharp Shooters club for 9 years now,” he shares.

This past fall, Jake was elected as President of both the Sharp Shooters and County Council/Junior Leaders, a club he has participated in the past four years. He also serves as Vice President for the 2012-2013 District X 4-H Council. Jake said, “I represent Okeechobee on the district level and give reports to keep District members updated, represent District X on the state level, and am an Executive Board member. I also serve on the Leadership Adventure Weekend (LAW) Committee which is an educational weekend held for both 4-H and non-4-H members.”

For this year’s event, which will be held at Camp Ocala January 18th – 20th, they are holding a health summit focused on promoting healthy lifestyles. In addition, Jake serves on the state project committee, which is responsible for developing and putting the annual state project in action. Last year’s project, “Hunger Games” was a food drive that benefitted local food banks throughout the state. For this year’s project, “Serving Those Who Serve Us” is the theme and will involve sending gifts and other supplies to soldiers overseas. In addition, they plan to give back to local policemen, fireman, and public servants.

In November, Jake attended the 2012 National 4-H Congress held in Atlanta, Georgia. Each year Florida chooses ten outstanding youth to represent our state at the event. Forty-three states including Hawaii and Puerto Rico were represented this year.

Each state has different criteria for choosing their delegates, but in Florida, it is a long process. First one must complete the senior 4-H portfolio, which includes a listing of all accomplishments, within, and outside of 4-H, along with a resume and a 2-3-page essay. Portfolios are sent to various judges around the state and strictly graded. If a portfolio scores highly, the 4-Her is interviewed at the State Congress event, and final selections are made at that time.

The history of the National 4-H Congress goes back more than eighty years, having begun as an educational tour to Chicago held in the Union Stock Yards during the International Livestock

64 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Jake serving food with 4-H Agent Debbie Clements

Exposition. The event has grown through the years and after a few years in Memphis, moved to Atlanta in 1998. This year’s theme was “Become a Catalyst of Change” and the agenda included educational workshops on topics such as Diversity, Healthy Lifestyle choices, Decision Making and Effective Communication, and Social Media. When I asked Jake what he enjoyed the most about the conference, he responded, “I enjoyed meeting new people, particularly at the International night which highlighted different cultures.”

In 2011, Jake placed second in the state in the Muzzle Loading shooting competition. He and his older brother Joseph, who placed first, both travelled to San Antonio, Texas to compete in the National competition. While he did not place at the national level, Jake said it was a great experience and that he was fortunate to make the trip.

Currently ranked near the top of his class, Jake is a scholar athlete, participating on the OHS Wrestling team. “This is my third year, and I plan on being a four-year Letterman,” he says.

Taking mostly Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment classes through Indian River State College, Jake is a member of the National Honor Society and the STEM program which focuses on students who are gifted in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In addition, he has logged over 800 hours of community service, mostly through 4-H programs like Operation Military Kids, Gator Adventures, and Shooting Sports, H2O Encounter, and Adventures in History camps.

With so many accomplishments already under his belt, I asked Jake about his goals for his senior year. “I hope to serve as President of District X, and be chosen to attend the National 4-H Conference held in Washington, D.C.,” he shared. Jake plans to attend the University of Florida and possibly become a 4-H Extension Agent after graduation. Go Gators!

Dianne Spann, Club Leader of the Junior Leaders/County Council had this to say about Jake: “As a 4-H Leader for the past 19 years, I have worked with many exemplary youth. Jake Menendez is young man who stands out as one of the best. Jake always goes over and beyond what ever is asked of him, while always having a smile on his face. He truly does fulfill the 4-H motto of Making the Best Better!”

January 2013

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Historical Ghost Tour Haunts Wauchula

Main Street Wauchula is rich with history! Ghosts from days past are coming back to tell the stories of historical buildings that proudly stand as testaments. Main Street Wauchula is excited to announce that on January 25th Main Street will be the home of its first Historical Ghost Tour. Storytellers will proudly relay the legends of the historical landmarks that grace Main Street Wauchula. Guests will enjoy a trolley ride from each location and will be guided by a multi-generational Hardee Countian. Tickets will be made available to purchase on the Main Street Wauchula website, www.mainstreetwauchula.com. The Historical Ghost Tour is expected to be a popular event and tickets are sure to sell out quick! Come experience the true charm of Main Street Wauchula and learn the history that makes this town so unique.

About Main Street Wauchula Main Street Wauchula was designated by the State of Florida in 1995. Over the past 14 years the organization has seen many changes in the downtown. From the creation of Main Street Heritage Park to the beautiful streetscape completed in 2008, the downtown has once again become a center of activity enjoyed by the local community, businesses and visitors. Main Street Wauchula has been an integral part of this positive transformation.

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 65

TEDDY LYNN Receives Honorary American FFA Degree

“I didn’t understand that, and kind of became notable around the state for sharing information.”

Teddy was on the Dairy judging team in high school, but as a teacher, Forestry & Soils became his specialty. “In 1987 a freshman, Tim Lewis, tried out for the Soil Judging team but didn’t make it. A day or two before the State contest another team member had to drop out, so I gave Tim a crash course and took him to State. On the way back he said ‘I really want to learn how to do this.’ So he made the team in 1988 and placed as 4th high individual at State. For him to learn more, I had to become a better teacher. In 1989 & 1990, Tim was the High Individual at State. His sister Tonya joined in 1991 and was part of our first State Championship team.”

Teddy attended several seminars held by Dr. Brown of UF who organized and ran many of the Soils contests, and he learned how to judge. He has trained nine state champion Land Judging teams from Charlotte High and has assisted in mentoring championship teams from Southeast Manatee and Fort White. According to Cindy Webb, Ag teacher and FFA Advisor at Charlotte High School, “Mr. Lynn volunteers many hours working with our Forestry, Land Judging, and Parliamentary Procedure teams.

He also helps coach several other teams in the state. We are all fortunate to benefit from his time and experience.”

By Robbi Sumner

Teddy receiving his Honorary American Farmer Degree

“I’ve been blessed with a lot of really great kids. If you’re going to teach, make your kids successful.” - Teddy Lynn Before retiring in 2009, Teddy Lynn of Punta Gorda taught Agriculture classes for 32 years, with 28 of them at Charlotte High School. He was recently awarded the Honorary American FFA Degree, an honor bestowed “on individuals who have provided exceptional service to agriculture, agricultural education, or FFA.” Born “in a one room shack in Big Cypress,” Teddy’s grandfather was a circuit preacher in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and ran the fish house in Ft Myers. His dad was a gator hunter, prior to working for Mercury Outboards. His family lived in Sarasota until he was 10 years old then moved to St. Cloud to be near Mercury’s test center. When Teddy was 16, they returned to Sarasota, and he graduated from Venice High School. After three years in the Navy, Teddy attended the University of Florida, earning his degree in Animal Science/Pre-Vet Medicine. “I had wanted to be a teacher since 7th grade,” he shared. He had also enjoyed working on a dairy in St. Cloud and decided to pursue a career in agricultural education.

Receiving the Honorary American FFA Degree was incredibly special to Teddy, whose FFA jacket from high school still hangs in his closet. There are four FFA degrees that members can earn as they progress through the phases of their leadership, academic and career skills development: Greenhand, Chapter, State, and American. He had earned both his Greenhand and Chapter Degrees in St. Cloud, but when his family moved to Venice there was no FFA program at the school. He was awarded the Honorary State degree in 2000, and now this honor completes his four degrees. Nominated by Hillary Webb, a former student and past State FFA President, Teddy says that words cannot express his appreciation. Thanks to support from the local FFA Alumni group, he and wife Shirley were both able to attend the National Convention for presentation of the award.

The Lynns met on a blind date and will celebrate their 30-year anniversary in April. They have two sons: Mark, who graduated from the University of Central Florida in August, and Daniel, who attends Edison State College. When he’s not volunteering with an FFA group, Teddy spends time with his cattle and enjoys hunting and fishing. “I especially enjoy taking kids who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to go hunting,” he says. Shirley is his primary fishing buddy and the two also enjoy spending time with their grandkids that like to pet the cows and go out on the boat.

When asked what he has found to be most rewarding about his career and volunteering, Teddy said,

“The honor to have worked with so many outstanding “When I first started teaching, it didn’t seem like many young people. I’ve been an opportunity provider – others were interested in sharing their knowledge they do all the work – I just give them the chance.” with members of competing programs,” said Teddy.

66 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

January 2013

FFA UPDATE

FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F FThe A Fwinners F were as follows: FA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA Operations F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A Tractor FFA F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F1. A F FJosh McClean-Avon Park Sr. 2.

Matthew Pettit-Sebring Sr. F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F3.

A F F AKaleb Langdale-Moore Haven FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F FCreed A FF F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F1.

A F F AMariah Alvarez-Sebring Sr. F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A 2.

F F A FLance High-Sebring Middle 3.

Crystal Bright-Clewiston FA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FFA FF F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F FExtemporaneous A FFA Speaking-Middle F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A 1.

F F A FAmy Schlosser-Avon Park Middle F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F A F F2. A F Scott Burdine-Sebring Middle

Sub-District FFA Contests

On Thursday, December 13th the FFA District

11, Sub-District 1 Contests were held at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park. Sub-District Chairman Shelby Ball from Avon Park Sr. and Co-Chairman Angie Patino from Sebring Sr. coordinated and conducted the event.

Chapters from the following counties participated for the right of sending the winner in each event to the District Contest on January 24, 2013, back at SFSC. They were: Avon Park Sr., Avon Park Middle, Hill-Gustat Middle, Sebring Middle, Sebring Sr., Lake Placid Middle, Moore Haven and Clewiston.

3.

Carson angel-Hill-Gustat

Extemporaneous-High 1.

Elton Gargano-Sebring Sr. 2.

Brooke Jackson-Avon Park Sr. 3.

Rachael Mendoza-Clewiston Prepared Speaking-Middle 1.

Samantha Goodwin-Hill-Gustat 2.

Jacob Schlosser-Avon Park Middle Prepared-High 1.

Megan Stein-Sebring Sr. 2.

Taylor Brown-Avon Park Sr. 3.

Mattie Bass-Moore Haven Opening & Closing Ceremonies 1.

Avon Park Middle 2.

Sebring Middle 3.

Hill-Gustat Middle Parliamentary Procedure-Middle 1.

Hill-Gustat (Siddharth Anemthan, Luis Rodriguez, Ritika Manik, SeAnna Hornick. Courtney Ball & Jonathon Acosta) 2.

Avon Park Middle (Jacob Schlosser, Mary Crosson, Ryan Hamilton, Cassidy Beers, Jordan Jackson & Morgan Jones) Parliamentary Procedure-High 1.

Sebring Sr. (Amy Platt, Megan Stein, Teresa Ware, Emily Little, Mariah Alvarez & Alex Hornick) 2.

Avon Park Sr. (Zach Farr, Zack McKinney, Juliana Jackson, Shelby Ball, Wyatt Bennett & Paul Devlin)

L-R Mariah Alvarez, Amy Platt, Teresa Ware, Alex Hornick, Megan Stein and Emily Little-Sebring Sr. Parliamentary Procedure team.

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In the business session that followed the competition, Shelby Ball was re-elected Sub-District Chairman for 2012-13 and Emily Little of Sebring Sr. was elected co-chairman.

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January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 67

SOUTHWEST

Highlight s FLORIDA

The Captain Hendry Dinner went off without a hitch the evening of December 10. Even the weather cooperated for the annual event. Each room of the Captain Hendry House was beautifully decorated by a different civic organization. The large crowd enjoyed great food, live entertainment and an auction. Proceeds benefit the Education Task Force of the Hendry County Economic Development Council.

Hardee Senior FFA

Winter Swine Showdown On December 15, 2012, Hardee Senior FFA played host to over 110 Swine from all over the State in the First Winter Swine Showdown. The show was a huge success thanks to the support of the community and the hard work of volunteers and Hardee Senior FFA. The show was a huge success thanks to the support of the community and the hard work of volunteers and Hardee Senior FFA.

An Antique Show will be held at 31 Produce Farmers on SR 31, Alva, January 26 and 27. This would be a great time to come out and bring the kids – or grandkids - and try your hand at panning for fossils. Be sure to see what fresh fruits and vegetables are in season and pick to your heart’s content. Check out the 31 Produce website at: www.31Produce.com.

Admission is free at the South Florida Ag Expo Equipment Show slated for February 15. Everyone is invited to attend from 8 a.m. to sunset. The expo will be held at the old Clewiston Airstrip on San Luis Avenue. Go to www.southfloridaagexpo.com for more information.

It is just about that time of year again! The Southwest Florida Lee County Fair will get under way February 22 (sneak peak on February 21) and run through March 3 at the Lee Civic Center in Fort Myers. Don’t miss this annual event. For directions and a complete schedule go to: www.fair.leeciviccenter.com.

68 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Levi Samson, age 3, shows a pig at the Winter Swine Showdown

January 2013

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 69

2012 Hardee County Preview Show Winners Bull

Supreme Grand Champion Bull – Destiny McCauley, Bowling Green Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Bull – Brandais Austrino, Dade City 3rd Place- Sarah Davis, Okeechobee 4th place – Brandolyn Bishop, Trenton 5th Place –Quinn Carter, Haines City

Heifer

Premier Cattle Show Hosts Multi State Exhibitors Cattle Show enthusiasts from 26 Florida counties filled the Cattlemen’s Arena in Wauchula, FL, on December 7-8, to participate in the 2012 Hardee County Preview Show. This annual family-friendly event, sponsored by Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO), attracted nearly 300 head of cattle and more than 180 exhibitors, and in only four years has grown into the largest nonState Fair cattle show in Florida.

Due to its increased popularity, a second ring and judge were added this year to accommodate the large number of animals and exhibitors. Jeff Jackson and Doug Satree provided quality judging for the show. Jackson, of Stephenville, TX, owns and operates a large-scale cattle company which markets animals to 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Satree owns a commercial cattle and registered Angus business in Montague, TX. Both are experienced National Level cattle show judges.

“The purpose of this show is to help young participants gain hands-on experience in the competitive world of cattle exhibiting before they hit upcoming local and state fair circuits,” explains Jackson. “As judges, our goal is to help them gain and refine the necessary skills that will support them in the show ring.”

The show exists with the backing and support of businesses in Hardee County, led by the support of Peace River Electric. “Across the nation, electric co-ops are very involved in local community activities,” said Nell McCauley, chief marketing and member services officer of the Wauchula-based cooperative.

“Florida is ‘ranch country,’ so the show is a great way to reach out to our consumer-members and agri-business in the State.”

PRECO employees conceived the idea of the cattle show in 2009 as a way to support youth involved in FFA and 4-H organizations. Both groups have members who often get most of their livestock experience through show projects.

“Due to the generous support of local businesses and volunteers, the Hardee County Preview Show is able to return 100 percent of entry fees collected back to show winners,” adds McCauley.

Find the Hardee County Preview show on our Hardee County Preview Show fan page on Facebook or at www.preco.coop.

70 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Supreme Grand Champion Heifer – Brooke Smith, Lake Park Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Heifer – Randa Conner, Brooker 3rd Place –Cody Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia 4th Place – Clay Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia 5th Place – Ryan Vaucura, Lake Wales

Steer

Grand Champion Steer – Clay Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia Reserve Grand Champion Steer – Cody Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia 3rd Place- Julliam Deriso, Arcadia 4th Place – Makayla Keeney, Ft. Pierce 5th Place – Michaela Aycock, Bartow

Cow/Calf

Supreme Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Jessica Humphrey, Okeechobee Reserve Supreme Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Quinn Carter, Haines City 3rd Place – Josie Chandler, Polk City

Showmanship Novice – Age 7 and under 1st Place – Abigail Bunyak, Myakka City 2nd Place – Olivia Baker, Punta Gorda 3rd Place – Turner Smith, Lake Park, Georgia 4th Place – Adam McCauley, Bowling Green

Showmanship Juniors

1st Place – Brook Smith, Lake Park, Georgia 2nd Place – Bobbi Jean Frazier, Ocala 3rd Place – Patrick Lehman, Okeechobee 4th Place – Kailey Stallard, Durant 5th Place – Anna Bunyak, Myakka City

Showmanship Intermediate

1st Place – Clay Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia 2nd Place – Jay Arbuckle, Winter Garden 3rd Place – Cody Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia 4th Place – Jullian Deriso, Arcadia 5th Place –Randa Conner, Booker

Showmanship Seniors

1st Place – Michaela Aycock, Bartow 2nd Place – Shanna Hillman, Deleon Springs 3rd Place – Ryan Vaucura, Lake Wales 4th Place – Jennifer Olsen, Land O Lakes 5th Place – Morgan Boykin, Thonotosassa

Showmanship Adult

1st Place – Briana Bishop, Trenton 2nd Place – Brittney Pederson, Ft. Pierce 3rd Place –Shelby Corbett, Lake Park, Georgia 4th Place – Kevin Moreno, Venice 5th Place – Lottie Knight, Christmas

January 2013

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 71

Discover the

Arcadia emerging as an arts destination

arts side of Arcadia

Arcadia is known for its Rodeo, as an antiquing destination, for its groves and ranches, and for paddling on the Peace River. But an ever-evolving arts scene points to it becoming a haven for artists and a destination for art patrons.

Newest on the horizon is the Opera House Artist Gallery. A group of ten or so artists got together and rented a room in the 1906 landmark Opera House building at the northwest corner of Polk Avenue and Oak Street. Upstairs within the Bizarre Bazaar on weekends you’ll often find one or more of the artists at work in a room full of a variety of art styles.

Then there’s Art Creations of Arcadia at 8 West Oak Street.

This custom frame shop has been in business for over 13 years and recently expanded to become an art and craft mall. Stroll from booth to booth and find a variety of original artwork and affordable reproductions, as well as unique craft items and a Christian bookstore.

A few steps away on the third Saturday of most months in season, you’ll find artists set up beneath the shade at the Tree of Knowledge Park offering a variety of unique and affordable art.

Arcadia Main Street Market vendors will be set up too with fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade foods and goods.

The artists are members of DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council.

Realtor Mac Martin of Florida Outdoor Properties often drops by to strum his guitar and sing a few ballads. It was an art show organized by Mac to restore the spirit of artists and bring the arts community together after Hurricane Charley tore through DeSoto County in 2004 that gave birth to the arts council.

72 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

By Karen Smoke

The council’s mission is to promote and encourage all forms of the arts and create an environment where the varied heritage of DeSoto County is celebrated and shared through the arts.

In February DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council will host the Art of the River art show and Rio de la Paz Festival at the DeSoto Campus of South Florida State College. The focus of the show is the relationship between art and the environment.

All works will depict some aspect of the Peace River or the Florida environment. The regional art show will draw artists from throughout the Peace River valley and beyond with entries in two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art and photography.

Applications for the show must be received by January 5, 2013.

There will be an invitation-only preview reception for the art show on Friday, February 8.

The Rio de la Paz Festival takes place on Saturday, February 9.

The art show will be on exhibit and exhibiting artists as well as other artists, fine craftsmen and local authors will offer a variety of unique handcrafted items and books. Environmental groups, local businesses and non-profits will have displays.

The event will also celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Spanish discovery of Florida with the Royal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadores of Charlotte County and one of their two replica ships offering entertainment and photo opportunities.

For more information about the event and DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council see http://www.desotoartscouncil.org/ artoftheriver.htm.

January 2013

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January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 73

Heartland’s Growing Businesses

EVERGLADESFARMEQUIPMENT.COM

74 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

January 2013

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Thu. Feb. 28 10:30 Thu. Feb. 28 3:30 Thu. Feb. 28 7:30

Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra FREE Chubby Checker $15 & $20 FOREIGNER $25

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Mar. 1 Mar. 1

3:30 7:30

Gene Watson Casting Crowns

$15 & $20 $20 & $25

Sat. Mar. 2 Sat. Mar. 2 Sat. Mar. 2

1:00 3:30 7:30

Caroline Kole Gloriana Justin Moore

FREE $15 & $20 $15 & $20

Sun. Mar. 3 Sun. Mar. 3

3:30 7:30

Randy Houser Alan Jackson

$15 & $20 $45

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Mon. Mar. 4

7:30

Grits & Glamour Tour with Lorrie Morgan/Pam Tillis Dwight Yoakam

$15 & $20 $20 & $25

Tues. Mar. 5 Tues. Mar. 5

3:30 7:30

Bobby Vinton Martina McBride

$15 & $20 $30

Wed. Mar. 6 Wed. Mar. 6

3:30 7:30

Neal McCoy Trace Adkins

$15 & $20 $30 FREE $15 & $20 $35

Thu. Mar. 7 10:30 Thu. Mar. 7 Thu. Mar. 7

3:30 7:30

Steve Hall & the Shotgun Red Show Mel Tillis Brantley Gilbert

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3:30 7:30

T.G. Sheppard/Janie Fricke Scotty McCreery

$15 & $20 $25 & $30

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3:30 7:30

Gaither Vocal Band Bret Michaels Get Your Rock On 2013

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Sun. Mar. 10 3:30 Sun. Mar. 10 7:30

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Grits and Glamour Tour

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GENE WATSON

NEAL McCOY

MEL TILLIS

CHUBBY CHECKER

GAITHER VOCAL BAND

BOBBY VINTON

JIMMY STURR AND HIS ORCHESTRA

Steve Hall & the Shotgun Red Show

CAROLINE KOLE

CASTING CROWNS

JANIE FRICKE

Concert dates and times are subject to change

Limited Free Grandstand Seating Times are 3:30 & 7:30 pm. and are on a first come, first seated basis.

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 75

76 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

January 2013

January 2nd---Slaughter Cow and Bull Sale, Arcadia Stockyard, Arcadia

January 5th ---Florida Cattlewomen’s Association Fun Shoot---Quail Creek Plantation –Okeechobee 8:30am

January 17th-27th—DeSoto County Fair—Arcadia

January 17th-27th Manatee County Fair---Manatee County Fairgrounds in Palmetto

January 17th—Florida Cattlemen’s Institute & Allied Trade Show---Kissimmee

February 1st-10th –Charlotte County Fair---Port Charlotte

February 1st—Cattlemen’s Livestock Market---All Breed Bull Sale---Lakeland

February 6th-9th—Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show—Tampa

February 7th-18th—Florida State Fair—Tampa

February 22nd-23rd –Hendry County Cattlemen’s 4th Annual Ranch Rodeo, Labelle Rodeo Grounds

February 23 Hendry County Cattlemen’s Youth Rodeo Fair –Labelle Rodeo Grounds

January 2013

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 77

Happy New Year!

Best Wishes for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity in 2013!

“Stroll Down Christmas Tree Lane,” the CF Industries float for the 2012 Main Street Christmas Parade in Wauchula, was a pictureperfect expression of the parade theme “A Festival of Trees,” and was created and constructed entirely by CF employees. The parade kicked off a season of giving for CF Industries and Hardee County.

Hardee Phosphate Complex 6209 N. County Road 663  Bowling Green, FL 33834  863-375-4321 www.cfindustries.com

78 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

January 2013

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