JULY 2013
HEARTL AAND Way of Life.
COVER STORY:
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July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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JULY 2013
HEARTL AAND Way of Life. Departments 16 18
22
24
41
26
28
July Features 14
Farm Bureau’s Field to the Hill, By Emma Reynolds
20
The Angler’s Cup Big Snook Challenge & Redfish Classic
34
50
30
A Carpet of Bitter Blue, By Brady Vogt
36
Haystack Farm & Ecoturf Sod, By Ron Lambert
68
38 41
52
Other Side Sod, By Cindy Cutright Florida Sod Farming, By Ron Lambert Contribution by Betsy McGill, Turfgrass Producers of Florida
FCA Update: Getting a Grip at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention
54
Rodeo Updates
60
Fred “Mr. Fred” Williams Retires from Purina, By Jim Frankowiak
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70
July Hunting Spotlight: Carter Gose Heartland Fishing Report By Capt. Mark King Career Counseling 101 By Dr. David M. Kohl Citrus Update: What’s the Solution By Justin Smith Separate Worlds By SPC Levi Lambert Florida Farming: A Glimpse into the Past By Ron Lambert Woman In Ag: Tiffany Bailey By Robbi Sumner Florida Cattlewomen Recipe Ribeye Steaks & Seasoned Vegetable Kabobs Featured Artist: Erma Jean Woodis By Cindy Cutright
A Series on Florida Literature: Pioneer Go Home By Brady Vogt
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Ag Calendar
Gator Fred’s Adventure, By Linda Peeples Martin, Melissa Sherman and Fred Langdale
LOOK OUT NEXT MONTH... For our Annual Citrus issue where we feature everything you want to know about Florida’s Citrus Industry!
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July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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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 Nadine Glisson Lizette Sarria Art Directors Carrie Evans Olivia Fryer Graphics Intern Lauren Taylor Staff Writers Cindy Cutright Ron Lambert Brian Norris Justin Smith Robbi Sumner Contributing Writers Capt. Mark King, Spc. Levi Lambert Dr. David M. Kohl Rusty Hartline Nell McAuley Brady Vogt Matt Warren Lindsey Wiggins Kathy Gregg Social Media Director Brian Norris Photography Sharon Glisson Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Nell McAuley Brian Norris Lauren Taylor Holly Taylor Regina Blackman
Editor’s Note July brings family vacations, spontaneous trips to the beach and the guaranteed afternoon thunderstorm followed by some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen. For me, it means a lot of backyard BBQs since I love entertaining and just getting together with friends around a grill.
As we prepare for those summer parties, I always want our yard to look in tiptop shape. It is your landscaping that makes the first impression so I [gently] remind my husband to mow, weed eat and clean up the yard for our guests. But long before he labors outside, there has been a lot of work put into preparing the lawn. Our cover story this month is featuring the Florida sod industry. Its history dates back to the 1800s and boy! Have we come a long way since they hand cut each block of sod. Betsy McGill, executive director of the Turfgrass Producers of Florida, helped to give insight into the history leading up to where the industry is today-one of the top two sod producing states in the US. We also feature a few sod operations including Other Side Sod, Haystack Farms & Ecoturf Sod and Tiffany Bailey of Bayside Sod. Each of these operations have carved their own niche in the market from Other Side being an eco-friendly farm growing Floratam and Bermuda for residential and commercial use, Ecoturf specializing in ornamental peanut (a practical alternative in non-irrigated areas) and Bayside being a family run wholesale sod and palm tree business. You can read about each of these companies starting on page 34. A year ago a very special young man went through an experience that would affect him for the rest of his life. However, Kaleb “Fred” Langdale never let the loss of his arm keep him from being an avid outdoorsmen. Recently, “Gator Fred,” as he has been nicknamed, took a trip of a lifetime for a VIP experience at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. Read more about the trip that Fred referred to as “one of the best days since my accident.”
We celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and corn on the cob, but let us all remember why we are the land of the free-because of the brave. We are so thankful for the service men and women who risk their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we’ve been given.
Don’t forget to stop by our Facebook page at facebook.com/HeartlandMagazine the months of July and August where we are hosting a Summer of Giveaways! There’s a chance you may find grilling packages, dinners and trips through the Heartland. We love to hear from our readers and if you have a story idea or an event you think we should be covering, please let us know! E-mail me at morgan@heartlanditf.com or give me a call 863-381-8014. Next time you attend a backyard BBQ, don’t forget to compliment the yard, as I’m sure it was a labor of love, and remember the sod farmer that rolled out that green carpet of Floratam. Our industry is vast in our area and in the Sunshine state and we are so thankful for those producers- without them I am reminded of a slogan, “Without agriculture, we would be naked and hungry”…and have ugly yards. Happy Summer and We’ll See y’all in the field!
Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Lee, Manatee and St. Lucie Counties. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to Rhonda@heartlanditf.com or call 813-708-3661. Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five. All contents Copyright 2013. 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 2008.
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JULY 2013
HEARTL AAND Way of Life. Index of Advertisers 32 33 21 57 5 75 52 53 53 77 3 63 63 71 9 23 21 17 32 7 75 51 17 25 19 13 79 11
75 19 33 40 75 4 61 40 2 24 78 71 49 75 14 75 15 63 49 46 75 67 51 80 15 63 75
A & K Development Agro Culture Airboat Wildlife Adventures Arcadia Stockyard Bankers South Benchcrest Shooters Big T Tire Cattlemen’s Livestock Market Center State Bank CF Industries Creel Tractor Daniels Deceivers DeSoto Machine Shop Edward Jones Everglades Farm Equipment Farm Credit Fields Equipment Florida Fence Post Glade and Grove Supply Glisson’s Animal Supply Goin’ Postal Griffin’s Carpet Mart Half Acre Construction Helena Chemical Hicks Oil Highlands County Farm Bureau Kelly Tractor KeyPlex
LaBelle Feed Laye’s Tire Lee and Associates Marmer Construction Michael G. Kirsch Moreno Ranches Mosaic Newton Crouch Pathway Peace River Citrus Quality Liquid Feed River Pasture Metal Art Seedway Spring Lake Hardware Spurlows Outdoor Superior Muffler Taylor Oil Company The Andersons The Timbers Trailer Exchange Triangle Hardware Trinkle Redman Coton Tutto Fresco Italian Grill 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
Morgan Norris
Okeechobee, Glades & St. Lucie
morgan@heartlanditf.com
Rhonda Glisson
Robbi Sumner
rhonda@heartlanditf.com
robbi@heartlanditf.com
July 2013
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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CHARLOTTE/DESOTO COUNTY
HARDEE COUNTY
1278 SE US Highway 31 • Arcadia, FL 34266
1017 US Highway 17 N • Wauchula, FL. 33873
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863.494.3636 Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 • Fax: 863.494.4332
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FARM BUREAU
President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer......Bryan K. Beswick
DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Jim Brewer John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell
Lindsay Harrington Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner
Matt Harrison Ken Harrison
FARM BUREAU
President……David B. Royal Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich
DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Joseph B. Cherry Corey Lambert Daniel H. Smith
Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge David B. Royal
Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich Scott Henderson
Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer
Federation Secretary Rhonda Willis
Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents
Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
MANATEE COUNTY
6419 US Highway 27 S. • Sebring, FL 33876
5620 Tara Blvd, Ste 101 • Bradenton, FL 34203
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 385. 5141 • Fax: 863. 385. 5356 Website: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 941-746-6161 • Fax: 941-739-7846 Website: www.manateecountyfarmbureau.org
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Dawn A. Hines, Clint Brown
FARM BUREAU
President………Scott Kirouac Vice President…Doug Miller Secretary………..Carey Howerton Treasurer……..Frank Youngman
DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Sam Bronson Steve Farr Charles Guerndt Charles Lanfier
Mike Milicevic Emma Reynolds Lindsey Sebring Trey Whitehurst
Jeff Williams Marty Wohl
Agency Manager: N. Jay Bryan Agents: George L. Wadsworth, Jr.
FARM BUREAU
President……Gary Reeder Vice President…Jim Parks Secretary……..Ben King Treasurer……..Robert Zeliff
DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Carlos Blanco Gary Bradshaw Jerry Dakin Ralph Garrison
Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford
Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West
Federation Secretary Janet Menges
Federation Secretary Christie Hinson
Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents
Farm Bureau Insurance.Special Agents
Agency Manager: Chad D. McWaters Agents: Joseph W. Bullington
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Agency Manager: Branden Bunch Agents: Doug Dierdorf, Mike Shannon
July 2013
ANDY NEUHOFER FLORIDA FARM BUREAU DISTRICT 6 352.318.2506 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org www.floridafarmbureau.org
District 6 Update
Thank You... To Highlands County Farm Bureu’s Heritage Sponsors
From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer
Chuck Johnston, a cattleman and Farm Bureau member in Sarasota County, has been instrumental in working to foster and build a working relationship with the Sarasota County Emergency Management. Two events have taken place at the Sarasota County Emergency Management Operations Center in order for this effort to progress.
The first meeting, this past March, consisted of participants from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s office, Sarasota Emergency Management staff, Florida Dept. of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service and private producers including Farm Bureau members. The primary goal of the meeting was to learn about the practices of emergency management and the FDACS State Animal Response Team. Contacts are needed in the case of a natural disaster of a man-made problem such as a vehicular wreck carrying livestock. The SART responds to both of these types of problems with the help of private individuals. Being involved can be beneficial in a disaster by getting on the list of entities that get priority for fuel to maintain operations. The second meeting in May was a mock disaster drill for a hurricane making landfall in Sarasota County. Emergency Support Function 17 is the group who is responsible for planning and managing animal services in such a disaster. For large livestock, gaps in plans and resources were identified. Examples include where to put loose animals, who will hold the animals, transportation, feeding and care. All information for the public in a disaster situation would go through Emergency Support Function 14 which is the public information section. In fact, all information for the public goes through ESF 14 which operates as a Joint Information Center. ESF 7 is the Resource Support function. They set up contracts with vendors for, in our case, animal care services and transportation. It is their job to support the numerous ESF areas all operating simultaneously.
Changing the subject just briefly, last month I reported on how well Farm Bureau did during the legislative session on behalf of Florida agriculture. I am pleased to report; all of the bills we supported were signed by the Governor and will become law on July 1st.
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Heartland InThe Field Magazine
Please support these businesses! 13
Being from the Heartland, we are blessed to have many supporters of agriculture on the Hill. But as it is with any industry, there are those who don’t fully understand what it is like to be a farmer or the consequences of what their vote might bring, not only to people in ag, but their constituents as well. These are the people we really wanted to talk to, to get a boot in their door and really explain what it’s like from our perspective. It was a successful trip! We all learned a little bit more on how our democratic process works, and that having grass roots folks take their time to visit Washington, D.C. really does make a difference. The future of agriculture is always changing and evolving; it is not the same as it was yesterday and it will not be the same tomorrow. We are leaning everyday. If people like to eat, (and I believe that they do) there will always be need for a farmer.
Florida is a great place to farm and comes with its own unique set of challenges and rules. Even though it’s not how Papa did it some days, we are all moving forward, banding together, getting off the tractors and talking. Talking to those that will listen; moms and dads, teachers and friends, republicans and democrats alike. The future of Florida farming is strong and with the help of strong organizations, such as Farm Bureau, we will continue to make our voices heard, one trip at a time.
Field to the Hill It is always, well almost always, exciting to take a trip. Whether it’s to the beach, some distant shore, or the United States Capitol. On May 14th, seven people from Highlands County made the trek north to Washington, D.C. for Farm Bureau’s annual Field to the Hill trip. Among this group were four Young Farmer and Rancher members including secretary Mandy Reynolds, Trevor Murphy, Rob Bullock, and myself. The board of directors from the Highlands County Farm Bureau who also attended were Scott Kirouac, Frank Youngman, and Jeff Williams. The seven of us joined nearly 80 other Farm Bureau members and staff from around the state to talk and visit with our state congressmen and women. Topics of discussion included the farm bill, immigration, and support for citrus greening research.
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Emma Reynolds, Reynolds Farms Highlands County Young Farmers and Ranchers chair
July 2013
From every mountain side let Freedom ring. ~Samuel F. Smith, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”
www.wauchulastatebank.com
July 2013
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July’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
Carter Gose is the son of Matt and Christi Gose. He will turn three years old on the 21st of this month and he welcomed his baby sister Cooper home in February.
Carter is ALL boy. He loves to play anything and everything outside. Whether it is pushing a load of dirt with his dump truck, “huntin’ deer,” fishing in the pond, riding his John Deere Gator around Howerton Headquarters, or planting orange trees at the grove. His happiest days are spent outside in the Florida sunshine.
Submit your children’s hunting pictures for the Monthly Hunting Spotlight to morgan@heartlanditf.com 16 Heartland InThe Field Magazine
July 2013
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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HEARTLAND’S
FISHING REPORT S
Captian Mark King
ummer is here on Lake Okeechobee for sure with some pretty warm temperatures and a good amount of rain almost daily. But the good thing is that the bass fishing has been really good on the lake with both numbers and big bass being caught. A tournament-winning bag of five bass has been weighing in over thirty pounds. Yes, the best bite of the day has been early in the morning and it tapers off as the day goes on, but catching twenty to thirty bass in a morning has been pretty easy to do.
I have been fishing more open water this time of the year as the bass move off the grass line chasing bait. The bass on Okeechobee are a little tough to find in the summer when they move offshore since there isn’t much structure in the lake to hold these bass in any one area too long. I like to throw lipless crankbaits and topwater to start the morning and may move on to throwing a Carolina rig if I no longer see the bass chasing bait. I throw the Spro Aruka Shad lipless crankbait a lot in the summer months and gold with a black back is my color of choice. For topwater, I really like to throw a Zara Super Spook that I modify by removing the center hook and replacing the other two hooks with stronger 2X Gamakatsu hooks and saltwater split rings including one on the nose for the line tie. When you do find these bass eating bait you just need to stay with them and you can catch them for hours sometimes. You will want to get out as early as possible to catch these bass and by noon the bite will really slow down.
Captain Mark King
I have still been catching some bass in the grass throwing a Gambler Southern Swim jig with a twin tail trailer around the isolated pepper grass patches and reed heads; this works best when there is a little wind on the water. When it is still without any wind, I like to throw a Gambler Ace rigged Texas style with a 1/8-ounce bullet weight and fish slowly.
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, Power-Pole, Minn Kota trolling motors, Charlie’s Worms, Okuma Fishing, AFTCO clothing, 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 863-677-0983 or atwww.markkingfishing.com andwww. tarponinthekeys.com
There is still plenty of bluegill to be caught and just outside the grass line has been a pretty good area from Clewiston toward Ritta Island, crickets and Bettle Spins would be my two baits of choice. Remember during the summer months to be aware of the sun and use plenty of sunscreen and cover up exposed skin including your face with a Buff to keep that nose and ears from getting sun burnt. Drink plenty of water and keep a sharp eye out for summer storms; lightning on Okeechobee is a killer. Until next report good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see everyone on the water soon.
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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July 2013
HAVE A FUN & SAFE 4TH OF JULY!
July 2013
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The Angler’s Cup Big Snook Challenge & Redfish Classic The 6th annual Angler’s Cup Big Snook Challenge & Redfish Classic will take place September 5th – 7th in Everglades City. Each year, anglers from across Florida look forward to the weekend of great fishing, food, and fellowship.
“We’ve even had people fly in from Ohio and Oklahoma to take part in the tournament,” says event founder Brad Lundy, who started the tournament with the purpose of providing a fun event with a relaxed atmosphere for agricultural producers and suppliers to get together and enjoy themselves. Of course, a little friendly competition never hurts either! The tournament is limited to 50 boats, and spots fill quickly with those who’ve attended in previous years. The $300 entry fee covers a boat and two anglers; although up to four are allowed with an additional $150 fee each. (Guides are welcome but count towards team total.)
Over $20,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded in divisions for Snook, Redfish, Top Lady Angler, and Overall. Snook catches earn one point per inch of length, as photographed on a tournament-issued measuring board. Redfish earn one point per pound. The Top Lady Angler award is based on the total of the boat, but the boat must include at least one female angler in order to qualify. In addition to the cash and other prizes, the names of the Overall winners are added to the Angler’s Cup perpetual trophy that is kept on display at the Seafood Depot in Everglades City.
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“We’re proud to hold a really clean, classy, and fun event that spouses and kids can participate in and enjoy themselves too,” Brad says. The fun kicks off with a welcome reception Thursday evening, and a full-day of fishing on Friday followed by a delicious prime rib dinner. The tournament culminates with more fishing on Saturday, followed by a fish fry and awards ceremony Saturday night. Those attending typically find accommodations at the Captain’s Table, Ivy House, Rod & Gun Club, Everglades City Motel, Glades Haven, or the Parkway Motel and Marina. This year’s Presenting Sponsors include Yamaha Boat Motors, Skeeter Performance Fishing Boats, and Trapper Custom Marine. Other sponsors already on board include Everglades Farm Equipment, Brighton Seminole Reservation - Fred Smith Arena, Helena Chemical, Crop Production Services, Arcadia Stockyard, and Everglades Seasoning. For more information on The Angler’s Cup Big Snook Challenge & Redfish Classic, contact Brad Lundy at 863.634.7315.
July 2013
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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Career Counseling 101 By: Dr. David M. Kohl
Many readers are seeking or have children seeking education or employment in the agricultural industry. Others in the midstages of their career are contemplating new employment opportunities and possible next moves. Being an educator, I have found that a bond or trust is developed and evolved with many former students, so they seek me out for advice. The following is a set of well thought out questions from a former student, which can be applied to anyone planning to be involved in the agricultural industry.
Q Is agriculture the right industry for a career?
A My response is yes.
Agriculture over the next several decades will be five dimensional, including food, fiber, fuel, products for the life sciences, and life experiences. This diversified industry will need to thrive both domestically and globally to feed and clothe a growing world population. There will be a wide range of agricultural entrepreneurial enterprises, from small to very large, and some with complex business arrangements. This will require an agri-professional with deep industry and customer knowledge who is in touch with consumer needs in a constantly changing marketplace. A person who will engage in a career in agriculture will need training and skills in business, economics, biology, and communications with an understanding of global cultures, in addition to knowledge of the agricultural industry.
Q I have some management experience.
Does management always involve so much politics and turf protection?
A It sounds like you are a bit frustrated. Every organization
has its flaws and will make mistakes. It is important to find a situation with the chemistry that aligns with your value systems and your style of management. Why do some teams and organizations pull together and perform at high levels? It is all about chemistry, which is constantly evolving. Oftentimes I will hear the comment that “our organization is like family that cares and respects each other.” Yes, new and old established family members will do things to upset this chemistry. This is sometimes good and sometimes bad, but unfortunately that the way life goes.
Q How do I determine the stability of a new opportunity?
A First, examine where the business has been and its
direction for the future. When you say “security,” you are indirectly telling me that is a high career priority. Check the financial health of the business, their business plan and objectives, their plan for succession, and where you would fit. Do they have a strategic vision? How has it changed over the years?
Q What will the ag lending career look like in Q I have the experience, vision, and intellect the next twenty years?
A A person with sound business and economic training with a high level of emotional intelligence will be able to “write their ticket” all the way up the management chain. Expect project and assignment work that will require alignment of your skill base with the circumstances or situation. Constant training and education will be critical for you to maintain the competency edge and employment security.
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to contribute to a company at a high level. How long do I have to wait?
A Often patience is a virtue, but tough on a young,
aggressive, “up and coming” professional in a specialized field such as agriculture. Sometimes taking on special projects and performing well is the avenue to spotlight your talent or potential abilities. Remember it is the people you work with that promote or fire you; The supervisor or boss just delivers the message. Sometimes one must go outside the nest to get the reward, but it may come with risk. July 2013
Q Are there risks just being a manager and not producing direct income?
A Yes and no.
If the organization is flat with little hierarchy, possibly yes. A lesson learned from the recent financial crisis was that the management teams were disconnected from the customers they served. Agricultural business models in the future may be flat instead of hierarchical. That being said, good managers and CEOs are constantly developing people in their organizations to serve customers in a profitable manner or on a long term basis. A major metric is whether or not you are accomplishing this. Do you raise the performance of those around you inside and outside the business?
Loans to fit your lifestyle.
In summary, involvement in agriculture, regardless of enterprise, size of business, or responsibilities, can be challenging and rewarding. While the big cities often come with higher pay and some glamour, busy commutes and higher cost of living can be an impediment. In agriculture, you can work with a grounded customer base. Many rural areas you serve can be great places to raise a family for a balanced career and livelihood. David Kohl received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Cornell University. For 25 years, Kohl was Professor of Agricultural Finance and Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. He was on special leave with the Royal Bank of Canada working on advanced initiatives for two years, and also assisted in the launch of the successful entrepreneurship program at Cornell University. Kohl is Professor Emeritus in the AAEC Department at Virginia Tech and has traveled over 8 million miles throughout his professional career; has conducted more than 6,000 workshops and seminars for agricultural groups. He has published four books and over 1,000 articles on financial and business-related topics in journals, extension, and other popular publications. Kohl regularly writes for Ag Lender and Corn and Soybean Digest. Kohl is currently President of AgriVisions, LLC, a knowledge-based consulting business providing cutting-edge programs to leading agricultural organizations worldwide. He is also a business coach and part owner of Homestead Creamery, a value added dairy business in the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you would like to keep up with Kohl’s information and perspectives, you can find his weekly columns on the following websites:Ag Globe Trotter: www.farm-credit.com/ and Road Warrior of Agriculture: www.cornandsoybeandigest.com
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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CITRUS UPDATE
by Justin Smith
BY JUSTIN SMITH
What’s the Solution? The Florida Citrus Industry has always faced great challenges. Since the first commercial groves were planted in North Florida, the industry has seen hard times, from nature to consumer perception. For many generations freezes were the most devastating occurrence for citrus producers. The industry adapted by moving southward until a suitable balance of cold and hot was established. It should be noted this southern movement of the major production areas took many years and generations. Considering the first commercial shipment of citrus began in the year 1763 and the final push southward wasn’t until the 1980’s just shows the resilience of citrus growers.
Just as everything in life is moving more rapidly now than it has in the past, so is the need to adapt and change in agriculture. Consumers demand certain things such as price point and safety. When consumer habits change, production must change very quickly to meet the new expectations. If change does not happen very quickly, the consumer will simply find something else as a replacement product.
Aside from consumers, the fast paced movement of people and product has increased the spread of diseases and pathogens exponentially. There was a time when something produced on another continent would almost never come into contact with the same type of product which was produced locally. But, as with everything else, those days have changed. Now any type of agricultural commodity can be anywhere in the world in a matter of hours from the time it is harvested.
Citrus has by no means gone unaffected by the rapid change in society. Diseases and the threat of new diseases being spread are a constant concern. Greening is our newest, and thus far, most devastating disease to date. In the first five years that greening was present in Florida, it cost over 3 and a half billion dollars in lost revenue. That number was only current through 2011. Also, at that time, greening had not spread to every citrus producing area in the state. Now, at the halfway point of 2013, greening has spread to every area. It is estimated that somewhere between 50 and 75% of all trees currently in production are infected with greening. Some believe this to be a much too conservative estimation and the truth lies somewhere closer to 90%-plus. The realization of greening’s devastation began to be felt by more than just growers during the 2012-2013 harvesting season. Processing plants also found that very few loads of fruit were coming in that didn’t have at least some greening infected fruit.
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So far, no definite answer has been found as a permanent solution to the disease. Luckily, the same resilience that made the industry is still a part of it today. Growers are constantly July 2013
trying new things and making observations. The scientists are tirelessly working on new ideas and attempting to explain what growers are reporting from their observations.
One very encouraging thing happened this year during the Florida Legislative session. The Florida State budget allocated 8 million dollars to research for solutions to greening. Yet another sign that the effects are beginning to be felt by more than the producers. The State leaders recognize that if the largest agricultural industry in the state was lost, there would be great repercussions. The money comes with one stipulation; it can only be used for short-term solutions. Although this may sound near sighted, it is actually what growers are looking for. Many of the long-term ideas could take 10 to 20 years before they could be implemented on an industry-wide scale. Without short-term answers and solutions, there would not be an industry to save by then. So there is no argument from growers as to the idea of getting something that works now. Where opinions begin to vary are what the solution could be. One of the most talked about is development of a resistant rootstock. The idea is great, but there is only so much shortterm that can take place. Rootstocks have to be developed, grown and evaluated to know how they are going to work in the “real world�. At this point there are many that look promising so there is a possibility there.
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Another idea stems from the disease vector itself, the psyllid. This is how greening is transmitted from one tree to the next. If the vector could be destroyed, there would be no more spread. All that would have to happen is simply replant with trees that were not infected and viola, no more disease. Although this seems like a great solution, it is not as simple as it sounds. How would one go about getting rid of the psyllid? There are scientists working on many possibilities. One of the forerunners is actually changing the genetic markers inside the psyllid’s cells to cause them to not feed on citrus trees. One more idea at the top of the solution list is the use of antimicrobials to inoculate the disease within the tree. Some ideas include an injection into the tree or a patch placed on the trunk. Just like getting a shot in the arm or wearing a patch to quit smoking, the same principles can be applied to a plant. Not sure if growers will have to hire nurses to administer the shots, but at this point they would be willing to if that is what it takes.
As history is the proof, the Florida Citrus Industry does not give up. Any grower will tell you they are concerned with the situation. In the same breath, they will tell you they are also hopeful. The solution is out there and just maybe this will be the year it can be found.
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A Heartland Soldier’s Story Abroad
Separate Worlds BY SPC LEVI LAMBERT
Levi is a Hardee County soldier sharing with the Heartland each month his travels from abroad. Most every one of us has a family member, friend or neighbor in the military and we appreciate their service.
Park the truck near the house by the orange grove. Start to walk away until the sound of the highway is gone. Look out for a stretch of road with tracks worn down to the gray sand, separated by a strip of grass. There, you have found a path that leads into Florida’s natural landscape. Take another step; let the new sights, sounds, and smells surround you. Still today, I can imagine the rustle in the bushes from hidden critters as they walk on fallen Chinese fan palm fronds. White tail deer graze along a tree line in the meadow next to the sandy road. Skittish of stranger, quickly they turn to flash their tell tails, abandoning their food in exchange for safety amongst the thick fern undergrowth. Left at a fork in the path leads to an open field. Long needle pines sway gently in the afternoon breeze. Saw palmettos grow here and there, beneath the dancing evergreens. Grandpa unfolded a pair of black and green webbed chairs for him and me. There I sat, listening to my first lesson in squirrel hunting. Grandpa talked while I watched the bushy tailed creatures scamper from one live oak limb to another. Nature truly is a world apart from the normal rapid paced environments most are familiar with today. Inland attractions are easily found in Florida and offer a day of inexpensive
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family fun. Plenty of swimming holes can be found in lakes or the crystal clear springs along side a manatee. For the slightly more adventurous type, a trip downstream on a tea colored river might tickle your fancy. Wildlife often waits around the river bend to include alligators, cranes, and box turtles to name a few. Bring a pan to search for shark teeth and fossils at popular locations. Land lovers are in luck since miles of untouched woodlands can be visited throughout Florida. Although woodland critters big or small are everywhere, to catch a glimpse of one is often a challenge.
the deep blue sea. Our boat ride on the Enigma took us about ten minutes north of Naama bay. “Near gardens” reef is closest to the cove in Naama Bay hence the simplistic name. From there to “far gardens” the reef stretches much farther than a capable diver could drift in one dive. Right in between the two sites are two other dive sites named “middle gardens” and “fiddle gardens.” “Fiddle gardens” picked up the name since it lies in-between middle and far. Frank paused for a Kodak moment in Fiddle Gardens after finding a pair of amphiprion bicinctus or Nemo fish as my daughter calls them.
While here in Egypt, I ventured into Sharm el Shiekh. Down the street in Naama bay I visited the Red Sea dive college. At the PADI dive shop Vicki, who is originally from Zimbabwe and is a friend to MFO personnel, introduced me to a dive master from Serbia named Saskia. The professional diver was happy to show Frank my dive buddy and me
Next month a dive trip is being prepared to visit two of the worlds top dive sites. First stop will be a 60-year-old underwater museum, the shipwrecked SS Thistlegorm. On the second day I will be diving several locations at Egypt’s underwater National park. The area is called Ras Mohamed National Park. In the meantime, pull up a chair under a shade tree and enjoy Florida’s beautiful Heartland.
Open water enthusiasts simply must visit the coastline. Not far off the Florida shores are some of the best dive sites in the United States. Underwater a new world opens up. Unlike the surface, the challenge lies with not enough time to see all that the blue world has to offer. It is believed that thousands of species remain to be discovered in the ocean. If aquatic life is what you seek, simply find a reef. Over 4,000 species make coral reefs their home.
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South of Naama bay off the shore of Ras umm Sid this dive site is called the Temple. There are 3 sections of reef that resemble towers. The story behind the cape is about a fisherman named Sid. The fisherman’s mother would stand on the cape high over the sea to watch him leave and to wait for him to return. One day he never returned and his mother never left the edge of the cape.
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A Glimpse into the Past By Ron Lambert John Platt in a gun turret seat much like his father sat in on board the USS Ponchatrain way back in 1944.
In the early morning of May 16th, John Platt and I set out upon a sort of adventure. We had been planning a road trip out to Mobile, Alabama for some time. As a retired military man, John has always been interested in all phases of military history. After I had returned from a business trip from Mobile, he had expressed an interest in someday making a trip out to see one of the remaining battleships from WWII. Many of you may be aware that somehow the USS Alabama is moored in Mobile Bay within view of passing motorists on I-10 and US 90 as you enter or leave this important port city. What many do not know is how this how this grand
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old ship came home to a final rest in the state for which it was named. It is the result of a vision that took shape way back in the late 1950s and early 1960s. You see, the ship was no longer needed as part of the Navy fleet and was going to be sent to be scrapped. The school children of the great state of Alabama had a part in raising money to bring this symbol of America’s Navy back to a place where it would be a part of a great history lesson for the American people. In 1963 the USS Alabama was towed into Mobile Bay and became the first exhibit in what is known today as Battleship Park. Over the years, many other obsolete aircrafts as well as a WWII submarine have taken a spot in this historical park. It is supported totally by donations and revenue from admissions. No state or federal money is used to maintain the park. July 2013
During a visit there, you will see a B-52 bomber, a P-51 flown by the Tuskegee airmen, a Mitchell bomber of the type that first struck back in raids over Japan from the deck of the USS Hornet as well as a Blackbird spy plane from the Cold War era. These planes would literally fly faster than a bullet fired from a high-powered rifle. You can walk the deck of the ship and imagine what it was like to be a sailor manning one of the antiaircraft guns in the face of a Japanese warplane. Visitors can go into one of the main gun turrets, each of which could and did fire a projectile from all 3 16-inch guns a distance of up to 24 miles. These shells weighed 2,700 pounds each and created a devastating barrage. You are able to go below decks through living quarters, pass the plotting rooms, thru the magazine and down into the engine room. The tour goes all throughout what amounts to a literal floating city. Visitors come away with a sense of awe at the sheer enormity of the bulk of this ship.
John Platt pointing out name of Clarence Holden who served aboard this ship in WWII. His son, Michael Holden was a friend and fellow soldier with John at the Avon Park bombing range. We looked up his name on the crew roster.
On the day we were there, a reunion of sailors who served on the USS Cony was going on. We met several members of this group and I was told that there are only 3 living men who served in WWII of which only one was able to attend the reunion. It is an annual event for these former sailors. People visiting have the chance to go into the aircraft pavilion and see a beautifully restored aircraft from the 40s up to jet aircrafts that were part of the Vietnam War up to the Gulf War. There is a B-52 bomber there that will amaze you with its size. There is also a replica of the Vietnam memorial wall, which was for me an almost overwhelming emotion to see this long list of names of men of my generation whose lives were cut short in a foreign land.
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This is a very brief account of what awaits you should you have a chance to visit Battleship Park in the port city of Mobile. I have been here a number of times and enjoy the beauty and history of this city very much. I have included pictures from the park.
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A Carpet of Bitter Blue By Brady Vogt First Lt. Brady L. Vogt Jr. stationed at Buckingham Field in 1943. Retired from the regular army in 1964 and brought his family to Fort Myers Villas. By then, new yards were seeded with Bahia grass and without irrigation as deeper wells were called for.
It is a true fact that in every instance when soldiers
were stationed at forts in Southwest Florida, a sustained period of growth followed the conclusion of each of the wars for which the soldiers had been mustered. From the first, Fort Dulany at the mouth of the river in the 1830’s to the last, the aviation schools at Page Field and Buckingham, the soldiers returned as civilians, having seen the land and the water. Now we are referring to several violent conflicts, the first, second and third Seminole Indian Wars, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the First World War, and World War II.
There were thousands of men and women in the 1940’s that came to the area to train, particularly as regards aviation. The weather was dependable, warm, and the Gulf of Mexico so close. Oscar Corbin Jr. came from Kentucky. He was assigned to Buckingham Field, which was in operation to train the soldiers who would in turn train aerial gunners, the men that fired from turrets and cones and doors in the big bombers. Mister
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Corbin returned after the war and started a feed and farmers’ supply store that in turn became the first garden center in Fort Myers. He advertised “Free Chicks On Fridays” in order to draw customers for the feed business. He was one of the most well liked mayors of Fort Myers. My father, Captain Brady L. Vogt Jr. was at Buckingham Field as well. He was “washed out” for airsickness and became an artillery officer. He fought at The Battle of The Bulge, Remagen Bridge, and later, at Pusan during The Korean War. Upon his retirement, he brought his family to Lee County, taught mathematics at Fort Myers High School, and fished for snook from Hendry Creek until his middle eighties.
On June 22nd, 1944, just sixteen days after the invasion at Normandie, Congress enacted the GI Bill. The benefits to veterans included funds for education, medical expenses, some stabs at unemployment compensation, and most meaningfully, loans for new home purchases that were backed/guaranteed by a grateful federal government. As a consequence of the service men and women’s exposure to southern Florida and the home loan program, lower and medium priced housing construction was kick-started as never before. The GI Bill existed in its original form until about 1952. During that eight-year period, July 2013
thousands of concrete block homes were built, not one here and one there, but en masse. New roads were laid out where orange groves, red potato fields and palmetto and pine scrub had remained unmolested for generations. The streets with rows of small houses with carports and jalousie windows and room airconditioners were called “housing tracts” and “sub-divisions”.
Local men who returned from the war included A.W. Kelley, George Pottinger and Jim Hendry. They were nurserymen and had learned the craft in common by time spent employed at Everglades Nursery. They became landscapers, almost then a new word coined to describe a new line of work. As veterans, they were also entitled to bid on participation in “the boom”. According to Mrs. Helen Hendry, the contracts for the new GI Loan backed houses called for some trees and some shrubs to be planted. The contracts also called for the lots upon which the houses were built to become lawns. All houses came with wells; in those days the shallow aquifers and under the limestone lakes were laden with iron and sulfur. Forty years after the war, in the older neighborhoods, one could see the iron stains on the houses and driveways where the sprinklers had thrown the smelly water. The sod however was not laid piece next to piece, rather the lawns were “sprigged”. The landscapers used a variety of St. Augustine named “Bitter-Blue”. The sod was cut from the fields in the ordinary twelve inch by twenty-four inch fashion, loaded onto pallets and brought to the sub-division where perhaps three or four houses were ready to be completed. July 2013
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The laborers, as ever then armed with sharp machetes, cut the large pieces into much smaller chunks or sprigs, and dotted the gray sand with three or four inch square bits of the spreading, hardy, broad bladed grass. The wells and the sprinklers assured the regular delivery of water. Perhaps a handful of horse or cow manure was thrown between the sprigs to help draw the roots out and cause the lawn to become more quickly established.
A.W. Kelley and George Pottinger went on to become successful nurserymen, eventually finding more satisfaction in growing palms and trees and plants for someone else to put in the ground. Everglades Nursery was always successful, always at the top of its game, and moved, under Helen’s leadership, more towards landscape design and installation. As houses and communities became more expansive, and more expensive, as the age of instant gratification flowered, sprigging and piecemeal sod was not enough, and when a new house was finished, the yards that were bleak and blond in the mornings, were carpets of green by the afternoons. The beginning of the heyday of the industry, sharply designed landscaping to include mature palms and mature trees, and a mature look, had a humble beginning, and likely would not have taken place so quickly, so dramatically, had it not been for the assignment of men and women in the armed services to the area during the conflict of World War II, and the vision and empathy of a relieved nation when that war was over.
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FARM LAND FOR SALE
117 Acres COLLIER COUNTY 5980 SR 29, Immokalee, FL
377 Acres COLLIER COUNTY 6130 Pringle Lane, Immokalee, FL
Previous crops included:
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31.78 Acres HENDRY COUNTY 388 Country Road 830A, Felda, FL
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north of the Collier/
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The information contained herein was obtained from sources believed reliable, however, Lee & Associates makes no guarantees, warranties or representations as to the completeness or accuracy thereof. The presentation of this property is submitted subject to errors, omissions, change of price or conditions prior to sale or lease or withdrawal without notice.
For More Information Please Contact:
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Chuck Smith, CCIM
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T: 239.826.3337
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Better Yields, Better Quality, Safer for the Environment Available through Jim Dorman of Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc. (813) 601-2540
www.agroliquid.com July 2013
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9/18/2012 10:54:40 AM
WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE
Tiffany
B. Bailey By Robbi Sumner
“When I was in college, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to choose. My dad has always been very supportive and I saw an opportunity to help with our family business,” shares Tiffany B. Bailey. So she graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Horticulture and has been working side-by-side her father Jack Bispham since graduating in 2006. One of five children, Tiffany says they all worked the sod farm in some capacity while growing up, but she is the only one of her siblings currently involved with the business. Jack started Bayside Sod, Inc., located in Sarasota, about 25 years ago after the family’s dairy operation, Bayside Farms, was bought out by the government. What began with an initial planting of 30 acres of grass and 10 acres of ornamentals has grown to include two sod fields, Bayside and Cowpens, with approximately 300 acres currently in production, or “under irrigation” in sod lingo. The wholesale operation specializes in quality sod and palm trees, selling directly to landscapers and sod installation companies. Tiffany and her husband Tyson live on the Bayside farm, and Tyson also works for the company as a Field Manager. They grow several turf varieties including Floratam and Bitterblue St. Augustine, as well as Empire Zoysia. Tiffany explained that when sod is cut, vegetative material is purposely left in the field to allow for re-growth. “Our grasses aren’t grown from seeds. The ‘ribbons’ of grass that you see remaining after a
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Cattle at Buck Island Ranch cut is the start of the next crop. Depending on the variety, it can take 12-16 months before the sod is cut again.” Grasses are typically maintained at between 1 and 3 inches in height, again depending on the variety. Tiffany and her family also grow an assortment of palms in a range of sizes. Available palms include European Fan, Phoenix Sylvestris, Queen, Royal, Washingtonia and others. “Most of our customers are people we have done business with for a long time,” says Tiffany, discussing the current industry business environment. “About half our products are used in new construction projects and the rest goes to landscape renovation projects.” As is the case with many involved in agriculture, she believes the number one issue facing sod producers is the increasing regulation, particularly regarding environmental impacts from fertilizer and water use. “There are a number of misconceptions about turfgrass negatively impacting the environment, but it actually provides many benefits to environment.” Among those benefits are that grass helps to cool the environment, it reduces carbon in the air, and helps control erosion.
Tiffany’s day-to-day responsibilities include taking customer orders and answering telephone inquiries, processing payroll, farm record keeping, invoicing, and handling collections. She is also in charge of field irrigation, determining how much July 2013
water, fertilizer and pesticides are needed, and when and where they should be applied. “We’re a small company, with only four employees in addition to me, dad, and Tyson, so we all pitch in to cover whatever needs to be done,” she explains. Bayside Sod hosted the Turfgrass Producers of Florida annual Field Day and Trade Show in April. “We’ve been members of the organization for a number of years and were happy to accommodate,” said Tiffany. The event had over 200 attendees including growers, vendors, university staff, extension agents and others who enjoyed the networking opportunities along with equipment demonstrations and a barbeque lunch on the farm. Tiffany serves on several advisory boards and committees, including the Sarasota County Horticulture Advisory
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Committee, the Sarasota County Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Sarasota Agricultural Council Policy Board, and is a member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Last year she was one of 40 people who completed Leadership Sarasota, a year-long program conducted through the Chamber of Commerce. “Participants were chosen based on an application and interview process. We learned about the various aspects of our county – like government, industry, the environment – and how we can work to make it better through community service,” she shared. Tiffany’s newest and most important role, however, is that of “Mommy” to her and Tyson’s new son, Tyson Jr., who was born on May 6th. Maybe he’ll grow up to be the next generation involved in the family business!
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Haystack Farms & Ecoturf Sod By Ron Lambert
developed from the fact that there are two basic types of ornamental peanut grown as well as a number of cultivars on the market today. The most common type is a stoloniferous type commonly known as Golden Glory. In layman’s terms what this means is that it grows and spreads from joints that spread on top of the ground. This type is much simpler to grow but requires much more water to keep it healthy. It flowers regularly with a bright yellow bloom.
A few years ago I met a very friendly, knowledgeable couple from north Florida who are the owners of a company named Haystack Farms, William and Jenny Lloyd. They have been growing high quality perennial peanut forage as well as ornamental varieties for over 20 years. In early 2009 they founded Ecoturf Sod, LLC as a sister company to Haystack Farms. We here at Buckhorn Nursery went to the Lloyd’s for accurate information on the ornamental peanut. The ornamental peanut has been used on a limited basis for a number of years. It is highly recommended as a practical alternative for turf in nonirrigated areas.
One of the main obstacles with the peanut plant has been a lack of accurate information and misidentification from those growers who began to supply ornamental peanut. This problem
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The type of ornamental peanut that best meets the qualifications of drought tolerance and low maintenance that gave the plant its name is a rhizomes type named Ecoturf. In common terms, that means that it grows and spreads underground. This tendency to root deep enables this cultivar to better survive periods of drought. The blossom on the Ecoturf is more orange in color than yellow. Ornamental peanut can provide an alternative to conventional turf selections in some areas. Be sure to find out more about the suitability of ornamental peanut from a knowledgeable company before making a final choice. It can be used to create a very attractive area in many types of soil. Once again, let me stress the importance of making the right choice in perennial peanut. The old adage, “look before you leap” is advice well taken! William and Jenny Lloyd have been married for 18 years as of June 24. Jenny related to me that they met on a blind date the summer before her senior year in college. She said that water skiing was a common interest that they both loved and that they July 2013
met on a hot August day 20 years ago at Lake Grandin. She also said we knew we were destined to be together the day we met, and have never looked back. They have three beautiful, active daughters, Katie, 15, Madison, 12 and Claire, 10. Katie is active in Branford FFA, showing steers and training horses. Madison and Claire are active in cheerleading, show hogs and are involved in FFA and 4-H as well. Jenny has also started up a retail gift shop in Branford called Diva Daisies.
She shared, “’Doing life’ is so rewarding when you are doing something you love with the people you love most in this world. It’s not always easy, but with hard work, ingenuity, perseverance and a strong faith in God, our life is abundantly full.”
They have operated their company with a strong intent to see their customers succeed, and share what they learn with them. The Lloyd’s know that accurate, up-to-date data will produce a successful result that in turn will bring customers back for material for the next project.
They have sold Ecoturf from Key West to the Panhandle of Florida, up the east coast of Georgia, to Texas, California and Hawaii. Ecoturf sod is beautifying several state university campuses, many miles of highway medians as well as residential and commercial sites through our state. They have earned the status of “preferred provider” for several cities and counties throughout Florida. The Lloyd’s know perennial peanut and are committed to establishing successful strands of this versatile plant. They use it at their own homes and business locations and can be called upon to share information to help their customers.
For more information about Ecoturf Sod, contact the Lloyd’s at 855-ECOTURF (326-8873) or visit their website at EcoturfSod.com July 2013
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SPECIAL FEATURE
OTHER SIDE
SOD
By Cindy Cutright
To Floridians and visitors alike, the sight of well-tended vegetable fields nestled along the state’s roadways is as much a part of Florida’s unique scenery as that of fragrant orange groves. From sugar cane to tomato plants, much of Florida’s farm ground is devoted to crops that will find their way to dinner tables across the country.
But what often goes unnoticed are the thousands of acres just as carefully tended and cultivated – not for human or animal consumption – but for the beautification of the towns and cities located within the state itself. These are sod farms and make no mistake that everyone involved takes the growing of grass very seriously.
Farm Manager, Michael Brucker, stops to survey a field
One such company is Other Side Sod, which was established in Southwest Florida almost 25 years ago. Headquartered in Arcadia, the company operates a 200 acre eco-friendly farm in Charlotte County and leases thousands of acres more. Farm Manager, Michael Brucker, along with six employees, maintain the farm, which grows Floratam and Bermuda grass for both residential and commercial use. “Our Floratam use is primarily residential,” stated Michael, “and the Bahia is about half and half. Half residential and half roadside.” While Floratam is used extensively, he said the firm cuts more Bahia than any other variety.
Other Side Sod goes to great lengths to ensure its sod is among the finest grown in the area. “The Floratam is a high quality sod,” he explained. “We spend a lot of money each year manicuring, mowing and fertilizing this grass.” And the sod grown at the farm is also DOT Certified. To receive that certification Michael explained that, “a DOT inspector comes out usually once a month to each field to make sure there are no weeds.” The sod can then be purchased by various agencies for use on roadway projects.
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Since it takes about a year to grow a field from planting to harvesting, it stands to reason that some portion of that growing season will fall outside the rainy season. So, just like a myriad of crops grown in Florida, sod requires irrigation. The farm pumps the water necessary to irrigate the fields not from underground wells but rather from surface water retained within two 40 acre lakes that reach depths of 40 July 2013
feet. “This is preferable to drawing from an aquifer,” Michael said. The water flows through a 3,000 foot pipeline (12” pipe) at a rate of 1,300 gallons per minute. “In the very dry season I run it (irrigation) about four days a week, 12 hours a day.” Standing in the midst of one of the farm’s pristine fields, it is clear to see that nothing is left to chance. In fact, the fields are all laser-leveled so the water drains to one location facilitating the use of the farm’s drainage system. Once the sod is cut, it is carefully loaded onto wooden pallets. Each pallet accommodates 400 sq. ft. of sod which must be installed within a certain period of time. During the hot summer months, the timeframe to do that is just a few days. The goal of harvesting 10,000 pallets annually from a field of sod would seem to be a lofty one were it not for the confidence displayed by Michael who also handles some sales in addition to his management duties. He has been with the firm for almost ten years and seems a perfect fit for the job. “I really enjoy what I do,” he said. “I’m 28 and I’ll be doing this for as long as I am able to work.”
The sod business, not unlike other ancillary industries connected to the state’s building boom, was also affected by the bust that followed. Michael said the firm now primarily wholesales the sod but in years past was heavily involved in its installation as well. “In 2004 and 2005 we averaged around ten homes a day.” He says while no one anticipates a return to those heady days any time soon he began noticing an increase in demand from local builders during the last half of 2012 that has carried through the first six months of this year. So the next time you are driving along and spy a field of perfectly manicured emerald green grass, you might take a moment to reflect on the dedication, expertise and investment required to grow that particular field of sod. Ultimately it will grace hundreds of front yards, enhance the appearance of numerous commercial buildings or dress up mile upon mile of Florida’s roadways like nothing else can. Other Side Sod offers several varieties of sod for various uses. Visit www.othersidesod.com for more information.
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Florida Sod Farming By Ron Lambert
Contributions by Besty McGill, Executive Director Turfgrass Producers of Florida Photos By Betsy McGill and Joel Bockoras
Sod farming is one of our state’s agricultural businesses that has a long history dating back to the 1800s and remains an important segment of the agricultural palate of Florida’s economy. Turf or sod farming is an industry whose stability is dependent upon the construction of new homes as well as all types of development. The installation of a well-planned landscape and lawn provide the finishing touches to a new home. July 2013
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The homeowner who has sought advice on the best choice of turf for his area will be delighted with the compliments as well as the performance of his investment. The proper choices in lawn grasses as well as landscape trees and shrubs will give years of enjoyment. The primary grass grown as sod continues to be cultivars of St. Augustine. Common St. Augustine was planted by sprigging back in the 1800s. It is a vigorous, attractive grass with a nice green color. The common type grew a bit tall for a lawn and was gradually replaced by a cultivar known as bitter blue. Interestingly, cattle seemed to avoid bitter blue if the common type was nearby. Nurserymen in southeast Florida began to plant a small acreage of St. Augustine in the rich muck land around Davie in Broward County in the 1920s. The location was ideal in that it was near two towns that were growing rapidly, but also
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attracted a large population of the upper class who demanded showy landscaping and lush lawns. In most cases, they didn’t want to wait for a seeded or sprigged lawn to fill in.
With a demand developing, enterprising men such as Henry Minton began to seek pastureland that they could purchase St. Augustine turf to cut into sod. This was all hand labor from the first step of blocking a field into squares of about one square foot. This was done by first pulling a set of blades across the area to be harvested. After going in one direction, another trip was made at right angles to the first trip. This was called blocking. The next step was undercutting the sod with hand shovels. Then, the chunks of sod were loaded on a truck and hauled to a site where a new lawn was desired. It was unloaded by hand and either chopped into smaller plugs or laid solid. July 2013
Around 1954, the Ryan sod cutter was introduced. Overnight it replaced as much as 50% of the hand labor. The Ryan sod cutter and the Lindig forage chopper made preparing a rough pasture for harvesting sod much simpler. The tall grass and weeds could be removed and hauled away. At that point, the field was rolled to smooth it, fertilized, mowed and in a short while could be harvested. All through the 1950s, sod was still being loaded and stacked on trucks by hand labor, as well as being unloaded at the job site. Obviously, this was very costly in manpower and in the early 1960s, the Triangle Sod Company began palletizing sod on their 2000-acre field near Belle Glade. Palletizing was a huge step in efficiency and soon led to doubling production, both in the field and on the job.
In the late 1960s, automatic sod harvesters were developed that would harvest three rows at a time and leave behind a three inch strip in the field that would regenerate within a year. Another boost for turf producers was due to developers sodding new lawns solid rather than plugging. This was an effort to increase sales, and was soon supported by a requirement of the Federal Housing Administration that at least the front lawn be sodded. Planning and zoning departments soon required that sod be in place prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The influx of people moving into Florida as well as expanding golf courses and theme parks created a demand for turf in ever growing amounts as well as different types.
In an effort to insure a steady supply of turf for a growing demand, men such as Ruben Resmondo planted a small acreage of common St. Augustine near the Miami River around 1934. Even before then, trucks were bringing sod up from Homestead into affluent neighborhoods in Miami. Don’t forget that each piece of sod was harvested completely with hand labor. That changed slightly in the late 1930s and 40s. A sort of sod cutter was developed with a u-shaped blade that the operator could only use for about 10 minutes. It was named (the kicker). During the war, the Rubinson Machine Shop in Davie developed a sod cutter that cut sod to a uniform width and also mechanically undercut it. It was still cut one direction with the old blocking equipment and loaded and unloaded by hand. This machine remained in use into the 1950s. July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
As was stated earlier, the industry foundation was originally based upon St. Augustine; but the cultivar, bitter blue, began to become well known in the late 30s. Early on, bitter blue was thought to be resistant to chinch bug infestation, which is the major pest effecting St. Augustine turf. Research led to the development of new and improved strains of St. Augustine, beginning with Floratine in 1959. The most successful selection was developed as a joint effort between the University of
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Florida and Texas A&M. It is known as Floratam with the name being taken from flora and tam to combine a named grass that dominated over 75% of production in south Florida by 1981. Another well-known cultivar known as Seville was released in 1980. This came about from a joint venture between O.M. Scott and Sons and Pursley Turf Farms. In 1950, Argentine Bahia grass was released as a forage grass. It gradually gained ground as a turf grass throughout central Florida especially in non-irrigated areas. The major pest issue of Bahia grass is the mole cricket. With the development and release of a chinch bug resistant selection of St Augustine, a shift away from Bahia took place in the 1970s.
production methods that result in a quality product for whatever the turf need may be.”
Efficient, environmentally responsible production is a key focus for TPF members both on-farm and in the landscape. The industry worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture to develop a Best Management Practices program for sod in 2008, and members have worked with the state’s water management districts on conservation efforts to improve irrigation efficiency and conserve precious water resources.
Construction and growth fueled the expansion of the sod industry in Florida, making it one of the top two sod producing states in the US (Florida and Texas routinely trade the number one and two slots in USDA censuses). By 2007, Florida producers reported nearly 100,000 acres of improved grasses and Bahia grass in production; however, the economic downturn impacted sod farms dramatically. The collapse of the state’s construction boom sent sales plummeting by as much as 70%, prompting farm closures, changes in production from sod to other crops and dramatically reduced inventories. Members of the Turfgrass Producers of Florida (formerly the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative), the statewide association that represents approximately 80% of the acreage and growers in the state, reported just under 50,000 acres in production. Today’s industry is a vibrant mix of small family farms and larger corporations producing a wide variety of turf types for residential, commercial, sports turf and roadside use. Home lawn and commercially used grasses are still the most widely produced (St. Augustine grasses, zoysia grasses and in north Florida, centipede grass), with a select number of growers focusing on specialty turfgrasses for golf courses and sports fields (Bermuda grasses like Celebration, Tifway, and Tifdwarf and paspalums). Bahia grass harvested from cattle pasture on a rotational basis is most often used on roadsides and medians and can be used for home lawns or commercial areas.
And while Floratam St. Augustine in still the most widely produced turf due to its utility and ability to perform well under Florida’s varied soil and climate types, licensed varieties developed by private companies, such as Empire zoysiagrass, and the University of Florida (Captiva St. Augustine) have become increasingly popular in Florida lawns. “The industry has shown a remarkable resiliency,” said Betsy McGill, executive director of Turfgrass Producers of Florida. “We have a core number of committed, innovative growers who are constantly seeking better varieties and responsible July 2013
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TPF also promotes responsible landscape care; the organization’s Lawns Make Our World Greener campaign focused on homeowner education to reduce overwatering and promote responsible use of fertilizers and pest management products. It also explained the environmental benefits of turf, from capturing and filtering rainwater to cooling the environment to capturing dust and stabilizing soil. “When it comes to your lawn, generally speaking, less is more,” explained McGill. “Choose the right kind of turf for your needs and expectations and care for it correctly, and it will be a great part of your Florida-Friendly landscape.” Information for this article was sourced from the History of Turfgrass Production in Florida, compiled by Ralph White of Turfgrass Management Consultants and Phillip Busey at the Ft Lauderdale Research Center, University of Florida.
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Phosphate Mined Land Reclamation Creates Public Recreation Opportunities Florida’s Bone Valley region is home
to phosphate, a precious natural mineral resource that is mined and processed into crop nutrients for farmers in the U.S. and throughout the world. While Florida’s phosphate industry has been meeting the crop nutrition needs of farmers for more than a century, its employees are working here at home to create a legacy for future generations.
Approximately 16 sites mined from the 1950s through 2004 are now outstanding local and state parks in Polk, Hillsborough, Hardee and Manatee counties. For decades, phosphate companies have partnered with local and state governments to create unique public assets and amenities where local residents fish, camp, bike, jog and play while observing the abundant wildlife that make these areas their home.
Since 1975 Florida law has required that every acre of land mined for phosphate be reclaimed for productive uses. Before beginning mining, phosphate companies develop detailed plans to reclaim the land for critical wildlife and nature habitat as well as recreation, agriculture or commercial uses. The Mosaic Company, the largest of the three remaining in Florida, takes special care in reclaiming the land to proper elevations for sustainable hydrology and habitat development through scientific planning and modeling techniques. In addition, the company works with third-party engineers and ecologists to create high quality habitats— in many cases enhancing wildlife corridors by connecting reclaimed areas to existing preservation areas. Read on to learn more about Mosaic’s reclaimed public recreation areas in Hardee, Polk and Manatee counties that have been open to the public since 2001.
Mosaic Fish Management Area 3900 Peeples Rd., Fort Meade The Mosaic Fish Management Area is a series of reclaimed lakes that are top-notch for bass fishing and managed jointly through a cooperative agreement between Mosaic and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). These lakes are located in Polk and Hardee counties, near the town of Fort Meade, and were created on phosphate-rich lands mined from 1979 to 1992.
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Hardee Lakes Park 5502 Ollie Roberts Road, Bowling Green Hardee Lakes Park is a 1,260-acre site reclaimed by Mosaic and donated to Hardee County for public use. Its four lakes are managed by the FWC and are open for bank and boat fishing. Picnic facilities, camp areas, hiking trails and a boardwalk with an observation tower are also featured. Mosaic also donated a 2-mile conservation easement of reclaimed forested wetlands as part of a regional wildlife corridor that parallels the Payne Creek floodplain.
Bunker Hill Community Park 35600 St. Rd. 62, Duette This 75-acre park was mined in 2004, reclaimed and built by Mosaic, and deeded to Manatee County in 2011. Bunker Hill Community Park features a baseball field, soccer field, playground, 48-seat picnic pavilion and a 2-mile hiking trail. For access to the 19-acre lake, the park includes an American Disabilities Act accessible canoe launch and a dock for fishing.
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Other Public Parks On Formerly Mined Land Hillsborough County Fairgrounds
Reliable Squash Production for Florida!
217 Sydney Washer Rd., Dover
Dover District Park
LAZOR straightneck Smooth, ďŹ rm fruit and sturdy neck promotes easy handling. Attractive, glossy appearance. 42 days. IR: ZYMV.
2920 N. Gallagher Rd., Dover
Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve Mountain Bike Trail 13998 Balm-Boyette Rd., Lithia
Edward Medard Park 5726 Panther Loop, Plant City
Curtis Peterson Park
3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland
Saddle Creek Park
3716 Morgan Combee Rd., Lakeland
SPINELESS KING green zucchini Cylindrical, glossy fruit is a standout for color & an attractive fresh look. Plant is open & spineless. 45 days. IR: Sf, WMV, ZYMV. Seedway Vegetable Seeds ~ 3810 Drane Field Road, Unit 30 Lakeland, FL 33811 ~ www.seedway.com ~ 863-648-4242
Sanlan Ranch Campground 3929 Highway 98 S, Lakeland
Loyce E. Harpe Park
500 W. Carter Rd. # 1, Mulberry
Christina Park
625 W. CR 540-A, Lakeland
Mary Holland Park 2815 Shumate Dr., Bartow
Mosaic Peace River Park SR 640 E., Homeland
Alafia River State Park
14326 South County Road 39, Lithia
Tenoroc Fish Management Area 3829 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland
Professional hunts Elk - rifle and archery Mule deer Spring turkey All private land No draw required Fully guided 575.588.7950 lodge 813.690.4100 cellular bill@thetimbersatchama.com
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Ribeye Steaks
& Seasoned Vegetable Kabobs Total recipe time: 30 to 35minutes Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 beef ribeye steaks, cut 1 inch thick (about 2 pounds) 6 small red potatoes, cut in half (about 1-1/2 to 2 ounces each) 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper 2 tablespoons butter, melted 2 medium zucchini and/or yellow squash, cut in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1-inch slices Salt and pepper
Instructions: Place potatoes in 2-quart microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until just tender, stirring once. Cool slightly.
Meanwhile, combine oregano, garlic and red pepper in small bowl; reserve half for vegetables. Press remaining seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of each steak. Combine reserved seasoning mixture with melted butter; set aside. Alternately thread vegetables onto six 8-inch metal skewers.
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Place steaks and kabobs on grid over medium, ash-covered coals; brush kabobs with half of seasoned butter. Grill steaks, covered, 10 to 14 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 14 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. Grill kabobs, covered, 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender, turning once and brushing with remaining seasoned butter. Season steaks and kabobs with salt and black pepper, as desired. July 2013
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FCA Update
Getting A Grip at the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Convention Photos By Ron O’Connor, Farm Credit
New relationships were forged and old ones strengthened, as another FCA convention went down in the history books at Marco Island June 18th-20th. Cattlemen, family members, and industry friends took advantage of the convention theme “Get a Grip” by attending committee meetings, educational seminars, and social events held during throughout the week. This year’s Trade Show boasted over 100 vendor booths offering everything from financial services to fertilizer. Junior Cattlemen members participated in contests for photography, t-shirt and bumper sticker design, team marketing, quiz bowl and public speaking. Numerous awards and recognitions were presented, including Lindsey John of Myakka City being named the 2013 Florida Cattlewoman of the Year. Imogene Yarborough, Past President of the Florida Cowbelles, as well as Past Outstanding Cowbelle and current Chair of the FCA Historical Committee, was presented with the Farm Credit/FCA Rancher Leader Award.
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Harley Zoeckler of Imperial Polk County was crowned by Florida Department of Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam as the new FCA Sweetheart, with Deta Waller of Highlands County 1st Runner-Up, and Chrissy Grimmer of Hillsborough County 2nd Runner-Up. As
Sweetheart, Harley will spend the coming year representing the FCA at various functions statewide helping to promote the beef industry.
Chris MacArthur and the Florida Cracker Boys provided musical entertainment at the after-dinner dances Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Wrapping up the Cattlemen’s Banquet Thursday evening, FCA President Woody Larson passed the gavel to incoming President and fellow Okeechobean Wes Williamson who will lead the organization for the coming year.
2013 FCA Sweetheart Harley Zoeckler smiles after being crowned with FCA President Woody Larson, Kim Strickland and Commissioner Adam Putnam
1st Runner-Up Deta Waller, FCA Sweetheart Harley Zoeckler and 2nd Runner-Up Chrissy Grimmer
July 2013
Cattlemen’s Livestock Market 3305 Hwy 92 E • Lakeland, FL 33801
Weekly Beef Sale:
Tuesday 12:00 Noon Pairs and all Vet checked cattle will be sold at 3pm
Cattle Receiving Schedule:
Mondays: 8am-9pm April thru October 8am-8pm November thru March Tuesdays: 7am- End of Sale For Competitive Prices, Let Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market handle your Livestock Merchandising
Special Sales:
Replacement Heifer Sales, Direct Sales, Video Sales, All Breed Bull Sales, On Site Dispersal Sales (Includes Dairy, Beef and Equipment)
Watch our sales online at LMAAuctions.com
Dave or Mike Tomkow
Office (863) 665-5088 Dave Cell (863) 559-3266 • Mike Cell (863) 559-5091 or Home (352) 523-2081
July 2013
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Pictures and Article By Kathy Gregg
CARLTON/BELFLOWER CATTLE WINS
WRCA RANCH RODEO On Saturday, May 4, the 7th Annual Best of the Ranches ranch rodeo took place at the Arcadia rodeo grounds. This is the only Working Ranch Cowboys Association event held in the state of Florida, and for that matter, east of the Mississippi River. The winners compete in the national finals held in early November in Amarillo, Texas, and that will be a team representing the Heartland!
The Carlton/Belflower Cattle team took top honors, beating out nine other teams. Team members are Jay Belflower, Peck Harris, Dennis Carlton, Jr., his brother-in-law Pat Thomas, and Wesley Markham. They follow in the footsteps of such Heartland greats as the Seminole Tribe, the 2007 winners, Stevens Land & Cattle/Hilliard Brothers in 2008, the Carlton Ranches, the 2010 winners, and SMR/CJ Cattle in 2011. This ranch rodeo included five events – the very popular bronc riding, team penning, stray gathering, team branding, and wild cow milking. All events are done individually except for the team branding, where two teams compete side-by-side, roping from the same herd of calves. The team penning and stray gathering events are not used in any of the other Florida ranch rodeos, and the wild cow milking is done differently, as it starts with all the team members on horseback. All three of these events are used in the national finals, so they have been included in the Florida event over the past few years.
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The Carlton/Belflower Cattle team started out with Dennis Carlton, Jr.’s bronc ride giving him the top score of 72. The broncs came from the ranch of D.R. Daniels in Okeechobee, and were in top form, giving all of the riders a run for their money, including “Little” John Davis of the Hilliard/Immokalee Ranch team with a score of 66, and Robert Fussell of the CJ Cattle/ KL Bar team in at 65. Cole Fulford of the Stevens Land/Fulford Cattle team gave the “hold on” ride of the day, after losing his seat and literally hanging onto the side of the bronc until the buzzer sounded! And Adam Turtle of the Seminole Tribe got bucked off when his stirrup broke.
July 2013
This ranch rodeo presents the Top Hand award (won by Marianna cowboy Jantzen Lord) with Dennis Carlton, Jr., coming in second in line for the Top Hand award (making it 2 years in a row for this cowboy). And the American Quarter Horse Association awards the Top Horse – also going to Jantzen Lord’s buckskin mare Smart Little Dillon Of the 10 teams competing, 7 were from the Heartland area. In addition to those mentioned above were the J3/Immokalee Ranch of teammates Buck Lee, Allen Lanier, Shane Perkins, Carl Langford and “Little” John Davis, and the Lykes Brothers. The pick-up men were Alton Langford, Logan Perry and Elton Langford, and the judges were Bushrod Duncan and Floyd Purvis (who added a splash of color in his emerald green shirt, holding that orange flag, on his white horse). Next up was the team penning. This requires three calves to be sorted from a herd, then rounded up into the portable pens that had been set up. This event was won by Stevens Land/Fulford Cattle, with the only time less than 1 minute, in at 42.18 seconds. Nice going, Charles Robert Stevens III, Billy Adams, Matt Carlton, and brothers Bobby Joe and Cole Fulford.
Winning two events and First Place is taking these local cowboys and their families all the way to Amarillo!! But let’s not forget the second place winners of XL Bar/Ryals, third place going to Stevens Land/Fulford Cattle, and coming in fourth was CJ Cattle/KL Bar. CONGRATULATIONS TO Y’ALL!!!
The stray gathering requires two sets of two cowboys each to head, heel, mug and tie their individual steer. In the three years that this event has been used, it has proven to be the most difficult event – the past two years has only seen one qualified time (both years being the team Jimmy Fussell was on!), and this year only two teams received times. It was won by the XL Bar/Ryals team of Dan Ryals, Windy Walker, twins Justin and Joel Beverly, and Walter and Johnny Summeralls, with a time of 1 minute 48.3 seconds. The other team was the Seminole Tribe (Alex Johns, Adam Turtle, Jerry Skates, Frank Dana and Bobby Yares) with a time of 1 minute 57.34 seconds. The fourth event was the team branding, which was taken by the CJ Cattle/KL Bar team. With Jason Hanchey doing the roping, and Jimmy Fussell wielding the powder-covered branding iron, helped by teammates Robert Fussell, Keith Lewis and Rabe Rabon, the other teams didn’t stand a chance, as they won in 1 minute 4.90 seconds. This saw the only disqualification of the day, when one of the teams dragged the calf across the branding line (okay to drag it UP TO the line, just not across it).
The last event of wild cow milking was the Carlton/Belflower Cattle team’s second event win, and they completed it in 35.97 seconds, with Pat Thomas having the “honor” of running the bottle over to the judge. Running in cowboy boots through that dirt can be a chore, and the teams usually leave it to the youngest (or leanest) cowhand on the team! July 2013
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The All Florida Junior Rodeo Association The All Florida Junior Rodeo Association held their State Finals event at the Okeechobee Agri Center May 17th and 18th. Points earned each day were added to others earned throughout the rodeo season, with the top three year-end winners as follows: Bull Riding: Kailer McCoy, 2nd Ryan Albers, 3rd Tanner Martin; Steer Riding: Mason Hodge, 2nd Jace Tingley, 3rd Chase Dixon; Tie-Down Roping: Abdiel Zamora, 2nd Mattie Moyer, 3rd Andy Albritton; Breakaway Roping: Abdiel Zamora, 2nd Parker Carbajal, 3rd Amanda Coleman; Goat Tying: Matti Moyer, 2nd Victoria Colvin, 3rd Amanda Coleman; Team Roping Headers: Chad Hewitt, 2nd Matti Moyer, 3rd R. Domenigo; Team Roping Heelers: Abdiel Zamora, 2nd Parker Carbajal, 3rd Andy Albritton; Chute Doggin’: Abdiel Zamora, 2nd Weston Williams, 3rd Chad Hewitt; Cutting: Andy Albritton, 2nd Matti Moyer, 3rd Jay Moyer; Barrel Racing: Matti Moyer, 2nd Carlie Cooper, 3rd Morgan Tripp; Pole Bending: Sierra Knapik-Weaver, 2nd Morgan tripp, 3rd Carlie Cooper; Girls All Around: Matti Moyer, 2nd Morgan Tripp, 3rd McKenna Hickson; Girls Rookie: Tristyn Tate, 2nd Taylor Anuez, 3rd Rainey Padgett; Boys All Around: Abdiel Zamora, 2nd Andy Albritton, 3rd Parker Carbajal; Boys Rookie: Chase Dixon, 2nd Mason Hodge, 3rd Kailer McCoy.
Florida Junior High School Rodeo Association State Final
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On May 24th and 25th, the Florida Junior High School Rodeo Association also held their State Final at the Okeechobee Agri Center. Their top finishers in each event are as follows: Bull Riding: Brady Barnes, 2nd Brady Randolph; Girls Breakaway: Matti Moyer, 2nd Ashlan Lipe, 3rd Britta Strain; Boys Breakaway: Z. Man Zamora, 2nd Rylan Lipe, 3rd Sam Morgan; Tie Down Roping: Dawson Cantu, 2nd Amery Bass, 3rd Colt Papy; Chute Doggin’: Parker Carlton; 2nd Bryant Yeomans, 3rd Chance Rodriguez; Team Roping Headers: Bryant Yeomans, 2nd Sam Morgan, 3rd Coy Godwin; Team Roping Heelers: Scott Martell, 2nd Bryce McKnight, 3rd Rylan Lipe; Girls Goat Tying: Matti Moyer, 2nd Madison Coxwell, 3rd Britta Strain; Boys Goat Tying: Dawson Cantu, 2nd Brady Randolph, 3rd Rylan Lipe; Ribbon Roping Roper: Z. Man Zamora, 2nd Dawson Cantu, 3rd Scott Martell; Ribbon Roping Runner: Britta Strain, 2nd Kylie Munson, 3rd Graci Coxwell; Barrel Racing: Matti Moyer, 2nd Ashlan Lipe, 3rd Madison Coxwell; Pole Bending: Ashlan Lipe, 2nd Matti Moyer, 3rd Addison McKnight; All Around Girl: Matti Moyer, 2nd Ashlan Lipe (1st place Rookie), 3rd Britta Strain (2nd place Rookie); All Around Boy: Dawson Cantu (also 1st place Rookie), 2nd Bryant Yeomans, 3rd Sam Morgan (2nd place Rookie). July 2013
Check our Website for Market Prices and Calendar of Upcoming Special Sales
The place to be for ranch rodeo action on July 19 and July 20 is the Hardee County Cattleman’s Arena in Wauchula, when the Hardee County Cattleman’s Association hosts it’s 5th Annual Ranch Rodeo. Action starts at 7:00 p.m. each night, and will include heart-stopping bronc rides, and wild double-mugging, where the steers often get the better of the 4-man, 1-woman teams. Also up are the team sorting, branding, and trailer loading events. This is a Florida Cattlemen’s Association qualifying event.
Come watch those teams still trying to qualify for the September finals – including last year’s state winner’s Switch Ranch, M&N Cattle, the Carlton Ranches, and J3/Lazy JB Ranch – try to beat out the teams who have already qualified – Audubon Ranch, the Harvey Ranch, Stevens Land & Cattle Company, and Cummings Cattle.
Ranch Rodeo Rides into Wauchula Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association 5th Annual Ranch Rodeo
July 2013
The rodeo action promises to be exciting! Come have supper at the concession stand, but save room for the delicious funnel cakes and kettle corn, as well as the fresh-squeezed lemonade that always tastes so good on a hot July night. And cowboys, don’t forget some extra cash to buy your special lady some pretty cowgirl bling from Miss Brenda!
For all you 3-6 year olds, get ready to hop onto those woolly sheep and ride into the sunset, as the second event is the mutton bustin’. The overall winner will take home his (or her, for all you girls) own shiny belt buckle. Hope to see y’all in Wauchula!!
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Youth 1D Champion and Open 1D Reserve Champion Rylee Elliott and Wee Feelin Special
Barrel Racing Results June 2013
Dash for Cash Barrel Racing Series Finals
The Brighton Seminole Reservation – Fred Smith Arena held their Dash for Cash barrel racing series Finals and Awards banquet June 8th and 9th. Only the top 15 in each Open division and the top 10 in each Youth division were invited to compete in the Finals held Saturday night. Points won there were added to those earned throughout the season, which began last September, to determine final results. All members were invited to Sunday’s Awards banquet, with prizes given to the top 6 in each Open division and top 5 in the Youth divisions. Awards included trophy saddles, buckles, bracelets, stirrups, spurs, and spur straps, with $100 cash also given to each Youth member.
Final standings were as follows: Open 1D: 1st Loretta Petersen and Getting Smashed, 2nd Megan Swint and Bar Bee Stealing Sue, 3rd Megan Swint and SFW Sun Moon Stars, 4th Stephanie Lanier and Hot Money Twister, 5th Merril Mundy and Smoke More Money, 6th Niki Campbell and Zoomer ; 2D: 1st Jo Carns and Jack, 2nd Megan Swint and VF A Speedy Dasher, 3rd Kristina Sorrentino and Lindy Makes Her Move, 4th Loretta Peterson and Brother, 5th Cindy McKibbons and Iron Cat Boone, 6th Jill Murray and Jack; 3D: 1st Teale Humphries and Delta, 2nd January Eldord and Xena, 3rd January Elrod and Wee, 4th Melissa McKay and Wonders Players, 5th Clara Lou Carter and Special, 6th Ryhan Heggie and Macho; 4D 1st Susan Matthews and Montana, 2nd Brigette D’Ariano and Peps Perky Millineum, 3rd Ana Jones and CR Barbie Olena, 4th Angie Schivinski and Clooney, 5th Nikki Stallins and Dollar, 6th Robbi Sumner and Peponita’s Bay Belle. Youth 1D 1st Jamie Merriman and Lindy Makes Her Move, 2nd Kaitlyn McKay and KR Boon Bar, 3rd Rhyan Heggie and Macho, 4th Courtney Brown and Doc N Go, 5th Kaelyn Anderson and Reba ; 2D 1st Jamie Merriman and Diesel; 2nd Kirsten Bramble and TK Dusty Cuddles, 3rd Jade Dennison and All Chromed Up, 4th Courtney McCreary and Trinity, 5th Kaitlyn McKay and Raisin the Bar; 3D 1st Aiyanna Tommie and Buckshot, 2nd Tess D’Ariano and Oreo, 3rd Danielle Bledsoe and Peanut, 4th Jenna Thompson and Snookie, 5th Jade Dennison and All Chromed Up. The 2013-14 Dash for Cash season kicked off with another barrel race after the Awards banquet. For more information, visit www.rezrodeo.com
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NBHA Florida State Championships The National Barrel Horse Association Florida State Championships were held at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee June 13th – 16th. With 891 entries in the Open division, 133 Seniors, and 316 Youth, it was one of the largest fields of competitors in the history of the event. Results of the single go-round Senior and Youth divisions were as follows (Due to space limitations, only the top 5 in each division are listed): Senior 1D 1st Joan Hemby on Stone Cold Rebel 14.637, 2nd Raynell Aaron on Flits Runnin Hot 14.931, 3rd Jo Carns on Watchin Redbuck 15.003, 4th Alan Staley on Siggy 15.016, 5th Gay Wynn on Packin Heat 51.071; 2D 1st Alan Staley on Dollar 15.158, 2nd Charlene Cason on Mr. Snazzy Jet 15.167, 3rd Kim Doyle on Dealer Gotum 15.204, 4th Darlene Ferrell on CE Standing Ovation 15.215, 5th Donald Hoilman on Lil Girl 15.230; 3D Julie Townsend on Lady Sunfrost 15.654, Diane Milicevic on Houdini San Doc 15.672, 3rd/4th (tie) Glenda Smith on Presley and Loretta Dicks on See Ya Silent 15.689, 5th Karen Wright on Painted Jet Rey 15.693; 4D 1st Susan Matthews on Strato Cat 16.712, 2nd Georgia Holmes on Badger’s Silver Jag16.713, 3rd Renee Rude on Cowboy John Dun It 16.733, 4th Sue Parker on Dashin N Starin 16.967, 5th Julia Hulbert on Payroll at Six 17.017.
Youth 1D 1st Rylee Elliott on Wee Feelin Special 14.527, 2nd Merrill Mundy on Smoke More Money 14.609, 3rd Ryleigh Kaye Adams on Stormy Boy Jag 14.633, 4th Emilee Jackson on This Girls Got Speed 14.770, 5th Channing Wiita on Mercadeez 14.773; 2D 1st Kylee Porter on Honors Deck 15.044, 2nd Danielle Clark on Rosalena Sparkle 15.050, 3rd Casey Oliver on Playinwithafortyfive 15.054, 4th Samantha Gilmore on Freebee 15.087, 5th Brooke Woeste on Crews N To Win 15.090; 3D 1st Shelby Spencer on DD Docs Beduino Blue 15.528, 2nd Waide Mundy on Haidas Lil Gem 15.535, 3rd Hailey Beckman on Alibi Carmelita 15.538, 4th Erin Smith on Sandrifts Tivio 15.545, 5th Hailey Weeks on Little Bit of Budha 15.551; 4D 1st Elena Joanow on Ella Es Un Mal Gata 16.530, 2nd Taygen Sufferling on Bar Dee Hickory 16.539, 3rd Julianne Mumm on Star 16.566, 4th Ashley Smythe on MT Pocket Blues 16.589, 5th Bailey Chambers on Barreds Bieber 16.597.
After two go-rounds, 218 horse and rider teams qualified to compete in the Open finals held on Sunday with the following results: 1D 1st Sarah McDonald on Fame Fling N Bling 14.325, 2nd Rylee Elliott on Wee Feelin Special 14.388, 3rd Casey Chappel on Amos Aint Famous 14.396, 4th Kaylon Rodriquez on Madams Bit of Fame 14.407, 5th Crystal Shumate on For the Fame 14.442; 2D 1st Tomi Thomas on Dixie N Fritz 14.825, 2nd/3rd/4th (tie) Megan Swint on Brand New Twist, Derek Piel on Easy Goin Guy, Caryn Henry on Good TImin Pink 14.838, 5th/6th (tie) Melissa Hoilman on Painted By Colors and Maeghan Bryant on Scootins Fools Gold 14.841; 3D 1st Melissa Hoilman on Sixes Darlin 15.331, 2nd Laura Robertson on Gota Have An Extension 15.347, 3rd Teal Hampton on Otoe Hol 15.356, 4th Heidi Carden on Betmymoneyonthebuny 15.385, 5th Jeanna Kuszlyk on a Fresh Streak 15.399; 4D 1st Dennis Baldi on Heza Tapper 16.352, 2nd Monica McGoey on Sunny Bar Princess 16.372, 3rd Cheyenne Bechtol on Red Dawn 16.404, 4th Melinda Nickerson on Smokin Doc Wrangler 16.448, 5th Torilyn Poor on Lola 16.451. D4C Open 1D Champion Loretta Peterson with FSRA’s Amos Tiger
TO OUR RODEO COMPETITORS AND FANS: Please note that our magazine is an agricultural publication and while we consider rodeo to be part of what we should cover, we have to account for current events in the ag community. So occasionally a rodeo story may get “bumped” – for that we apologize, but hope that you will agree with our philosophy of “better late than never”. Please enjoy our rodeo coverage this (and every other) month!
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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”It’s Big and Gigi Time!” By Jim Frankowiak
FRED ‘MR. FRED’ WILLIAMS RETIRES FROM PURINA He’s been a beloved and respected part of agribusiness for 38 years, all as part of the sales team of Purina Animal Nutrition and its forerunner companies, but Area Sales Manager – Southern Coast Fred Williams has retired. Overseeing the Purina sales team in Florida, most of Alabama and parts of Georgia from his base in Mulberry since 1992, “Mr. Fred,” as he is known and referred to by many within and outside Purina, decided to focus on the healthcare needs of his wife Gale after a fourth recurrence with cancer in 2012 and the opportunity to spend more time with his grandchildren, golf and furthering his fondness for BBQ. “It’s Big and Gigi time,” said Williams referring to the nicknames he and his wife have. Retirement for Fred will mean continued involvement with the Florida FFA Foundation, where he is a board member, and the annual Purina Invitational Golf tourney (PIG), as well as Old Timers of Purina Service (OTOPS) and maybe a KCBS BBQ Contest or two along the way.
Fred’s run has been noteworthy for many reasons and many are well documented in the “Book of Letters” given to him at his retirement party. The “Book” is a Purina tradition whereby colleagues write letters to the retiree, detailing achievements and special memories. Fred’s book, which was assembled by his assistant Kathy Becker, is a very substantial document with letters noting his attributes from leadership and mentoring to southern gentleman and man of God. Throughout his career 60 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine
Fred has hired, trained and mentored countless members of the Purina team and some have gone on to positions within the company whereby they oversee Fred. Quite a track record of achievement for a man from Como, Mississippi who initially aspired to a career in veterinary medicine. But first a “Mr. Fred” description of his hometown which is 40 miles south of Memphis “with one red stop light which we put on a cop car at night.” To understand Fred is to know and appreciate a man with a unique sense of humor.
The son of Fred senior, a lifelong cattle buyer, and Marjorie, Fred Jr. thought he wanted to be a vet and he pursued an animal science curriculum at Mississippi State University. That was also Gale’s major and they met in a sheep science class. After three attempts at vet school, Fred decided to accept one of three job offers he had as he approached graduation in 1975. “I think I am probably the only pre-vet class president at Mississippi State not to become a vet,” he noted. One of those job offers was from A. L. Occhipinti, a Ralston Purina (as the company was known then) executive Fred had met while involved in a summer internship before graduation. “Occh as Occhipinti was known to many, had a dramatic effect on me and my career and I am forever grateful to him for all that he did for me,” said Williams. His decision to join Purina led to 13 moves and 16 different titles, all involved with the sale of feed. “I was introduced to a white shirt and checkerboard tie, plus an annual salary of $9,600.” July 2013
Those who know and have worked with Mr. Fred respect and admire his skills at working with people, developing sales talent, serving customers and always doing the right thing, often amid some serious challenges. His company has gone through seven different owners, bankruptcy protection and all of the challenges such events surface. His “Book of Letters” attests to is ability to work through most any situation and to do so in a manner that was respectful and meaningful, often laced with his special brand of humor. And, if there was a way to blend in a game of golf and some barbecue, he would do it. Williams and his friend Mark Poppell were instrumental in helping to introduce and grow the popular Pig Jam competition and event to Plant City.
Williams is thankful for many things in his career and life. Gale, “like the hurricane” he says when asked for the correct spelling, is on the top of that list followed by daughters Candice and Krista, their spouses Paul and Daniel and two granddaughters, Allie and Taylor and a third grandchild on the way, the first for Krista and Daniel. “We have been blessed with wonderful daughters and their fine husbands,” he said. Fred and Gigi are long term members of Plant City First Baptist Church and both daughters were married by Reverend Tommy Warnock. A special IN THE FIELD note of congratulations to Fred Williams for your years of service to agriculture and our fondest best wishes for “Big and Gigi time!”
“Fred was my go-to guy who got things done. He was the glue that held us together.” — Durwood Smith, Smith’s Ranch and Garden “I never knew a man who loved the checkerboard more! He was always willing to help in anyway he could and will be greatly missed.” — Craig Cannady, Glisson’s Animal Supply “Fred is a great friend and I admire his values and dedication; I wish him well in his retirement. He also makes one heck of a brisket!” — Ronnie Durrance, Hardee Ranch Supply
We work to safeguard local water sources.
That’s our promise. At Mosaic, our 3,000-plus Florida employees place the utmost value on the resources we all share. Before we begin phosphate mining operations, we work with regulators to identify key wetlands, streams and floodplains for preservation. In other areas that we mine, we restore water flows through state-of-the-art reclamation. Whether preserved or reclaimed, these waters are monitored to ensure their quality is sustained for future generations. Join in Mosaic’s promise at www.mosaicco.com/promise.
Maron Run Headwaters Reclamation Project Active South Fort Meade Mine, Polk County
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
61
Women Outdoors IN THE
Two Hundred and Seventeen Women joined together at Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee for two days of fellowship, hands-on learning and the great outdoors. The Indian River Penwa Huntresses chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) hosted its 7th Annual Women In the Outdoors event on April 26th and 27th which this year has become the State Event for Florida.
On March 28, 1973, the Commonwealth of Virginia issued incorporation papers to a fledging organization in Fredericksburg called the National Wild Turkey Federation. The NWTF has always supported female-focused outdoor skills training programs and launched the Women in the Outdoors Program in 1998. The women at Quail Creek traded in their “to do lists” for opportunities to join in eighteen classes this year such as; Basic and Advanced Archery, Canoe/Kayaking, Dutch Oven Cooking, Jewelry Making, Florida Cracker History, Home Style Cooking, Basic and Advanced Shotgun, Fly Fishing, Handgun Safety, Cowboy Roping, Basic and Advanced Outdoor Photography, and Turkey Hunting 101.
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“Our program is about encouraging women to try new outdoor activities in a safe environment that makes them feel at ease,” Brenda Valentine, NWTF spokeswoman, First Lady of Hunting™, host of the NWTF ‘s “Turkey Call” TV show airing on Pursuit Channel, and Bass Pro Shops “Real Hunting” TV show. “This event is also an opportunity for women of all walks of life; singles, moms, daughters, young and old, to spend a weekend outdoors, away from home, having fun and making new friends.” Denise Davis Helms and the ladies that put this WITO event together did an outstanding job as always. Their chapter was presented the “Best Event for 151 over Award” at last year’s National Wildlife Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show. Denise and the ladies that put this together are quick to thank their many and gracious volunteers with over twenty this year and thirty great instructors! They also realize it would not be possible without their over 50 donors and sponsors.
Save the dates April 25th & 26th, 2014 for next year and keep the Indian River Penwa Huntresses chapter first in the Nation. For more information e-mail witoquailcreekfl@yahoo.com or call (772) 475-1158 July 2013
Women Outdoors IN THE
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July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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Campers go on a blindfolded
Exploring and investigating a seasonal pond at the
walk to test their senses.
Archbold Biological Station.
used to by Campers are introduced to one of the burrow scopes s. Archbold researchers to study Gopher Tortoise burrow
Archbold Biological Station Ecology Summer Camp
A
rchbold Biological Station in Venus was established in 1941, as a not-for-profit independent research institution dedicated to long-term ecological research. With properties encompassing over 8,800 acres in addition to a leased 10,300 acre cattle ranch, Archbold has long been a haven for scientists and others who are interested in preserving Florida’s unique “scrub” habitat. In 1992, ABS began hosting week-long summer day camps that are focused on various aspects of our local ecology. The camps were initially developed by Nancy Deyrup who was then working at ABS as a Research Assistant, and who continues to volunteer at the Station today. Her husband Mark is employed as a Senior Research Program Director and Research Biologist. “We had three kids of our own and thought camp would be a great thing for local kids to do in the summer,” said Nancy. Education Coordinator Dustin Angell has been busy coordinating volunteers and developing new and fun activities to help campers develop an appreciation for the importance of scientific research and conservation efforts. Each summer the camps focus on a different theme, and this year’s theme is “Animal Senses.” Campers take part in handson learning experiences, exploring the outdoors and learning about the animals and plants that co-exist in one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America.
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Working on an art project designed and implemented by volunteers from the Lake Placid Art League.
Throughout the week campers collect insects, practice using microscopes, meet with Archbold’s research biologists, visit Buck Island Ranch for a “ranch safari”, and get to swim in Lake Annie. There are art projects, games, and even an optional evening event for the whole family. Campers also study the weather and maintain their own binder of information on topics covered, all under the guidance of ABS staff as well as youth and adult volunteers.
Four sessions of camp were offered this summer, with two weeks dedicated to youth ages 7 to 9, and two additional weeks for those 10 to 12. The registration fee for each camp session is $150 and includes all camp materials and an afternoon snack, with attendees providing their own lunch. Many campers return year after year, with several going on to serve as Youth Counselors when they are older. While the 2013 camps have already filled, it’s never too soon to consider options for next summer! For more information on activities at Archbold Biological Station visit www. archold-station.org.
July 2013
FFA SPOTLIGHT
FFA State President and Secretary Hail from the
Heartland
Florida FFA Members gathered together for the 85th Annual State FFA Convention June 10-14 in Orlando. During the final session of convention, the 2013-2014 Officer team was announced and we are proud to say that both the state president and secretary hail from the Heartland! Sebring Senior’s Megan Stein was named the Florida FFA State President and Wally Martin of the Desoto Senior Chapter was elected Secretary. Megan and Wally, along with 5 other area vice presidents, will serve and represent Florida FFA throughout this upcoming year.
Megan Stein
is from Sebring, where she just graduated with a weighted GPA of an impressive 5.53 ranking her 4th in her class. It isn’t just schoolwork that Megan has excelled in; she has a long list of FFA experiences, leadership development, awards and achievements and community development.
In FFA, she did everything from showing rabbits, swine and heifers to winning first place in the Prepared Public Speaking contest at the recent state convention. She will go on to represent Florida at the national convention this fall. She has been involved in the FFA since middle school where she held leadership positions even at that level. Megan has been involved in many Career Development Events including Parliamentary Procedure, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Vegetable Identification, Livestock Judging, multiple speaking contests and much more where she placed in the top ranks in state in several of those contests. Megan was a well-rounded student who gave back through various clubs and volunteer opportunities and we know she will continue that servant attitude throughout her presidency.
“I am honored to have the ability to serve Florida FFA next year. The opportunity to serve members and teach them about service is something I’m extremely excited about,” said Megan. “The Heartland is the place that opened my eyes to agriculture and I want to ensure every Floridian is aware of the thriving agriculture industry not only in central Florida, but around the state.”
After her year of service, Megan has been accepted to the University of Florida where she plans to pursue a degree in Agricultural Communications.
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
Wally Martin is
a sixth generation Arcadian and the son of Mac and Mary Pete Martin. He has one older brother, Alex. Wally recently graduated from Desoto High School with impressive grades and accolades. He was named the American Legion State Student of the Year 2010, and other than FFA, was involved in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Key Club and the Desoto County 4-H. He served as a 2012-2013 State Vice President for the Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association and is the Co-Founder and State Board Chairman for the Florida Junior Maine-Anjou Association. Wally’s impressive resume moves into the FFA where he has held many offices, participated in multiple Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and leadership development conferences.
When reflecting on his upcoming year of service to the FFA, Wally said, “This year I am looking forward most to helping Florida FFA grow. I hope to develop myself and Florida FFA members as true servant leaders.” After his term is complete, Wally plans on attending the University of Florida to earn a degree in food and resource economics. He would like to follow that with a law degree and master of business administration to pursue a career as an attorney and lobbyist serving agriculture and education; all while maintaining a beef production operation. Megan and Wally both are outstanding individuals and we are proud they are representing the Heartland. You can follow their year through the monthly FFA Journal we will feature.
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Gator Fred’s Adventure By Linda Peeples Martin, Melissa Sherman and Fred Langdale
It has almost been a year since Kaleb “Fred” Langdale took a swim in the Caloosahatchee River where he almost lost his life to an eleven-foot gator. He survived the incident but did lose his right arm in the attack. He has become a local celebrity now better known as “Gator Fred” because of his quick reaction and survival skills.
Gator Fred has never let his loss of limb detour him from being an outdoorsman, he still does everything he loves; fishing, hunting, wakeboarding and has become a great shot with his firearms. He continues to weld and modified his favorite equipment by making foot steering for his airboat and changed the controls on his 4-wheeler so he can drive it left handed. He has made a lot of accomplishments this year, from getting acquainted with his prosthetic arm and graduating high school. Councilman Manuel “Mondo” Tiger was moved by his unconquered sprit and invited Gator Fred to a Seminole adventure on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation to celebrate his year of achievements. The Seminoles have a long history with alligator wresting, but Fred credits his quick reaction to a popular gator reality show. “When the alligator was a few inches from my face I grabbed the gator under the jaw and pushed up.” The gator did get a hold of his arm and went into a death roll; Fred
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held on tight and eventually put his feet on top of the gators mouth and was able to break free from the gators grasp unfortunately without his arm. He quickly made it to the bank and used spider webs to stop the bleeding before the paramedics arrived and shortly was airlifted to the hospital where he stayed for six days.
When Fred and his Mother Felinda Langdale arrived on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation they thought they were going to just go for a buggy and airboat ride at Billie Swamp Safari. However, they had another adventure waiting for them, but this time it was a fun and safe one. After meeting Councilman Manuel “Mondo” Tiger he revealed his VIP plans to Gator Fred. The first stop was at the Big Cypress Hunting Adventure, an area rarely visited by the general public, for a tour where they spotted several buffalo and hogs.
Next, they made their way to the Aviation Department where they were given a tour of the hanger, then briefed on helicopter safety for their aerial tour of the reservation and experience zero gravity. The only other time Fred was in a helicopter was for the trip to the hospital. “I didn’t get to see much the last time” Fred joked. Once they landed everyone went to the Swamp Water Café at Billie Swamp Safari for lunch and fun.
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Heartland InThe Field Magazine
After lunch they met Billie Swamp Safari employee Hans who gave them a guided tour on an airboat. After returning to the dock they were greeted by Tribal Member Billy Walker who shared many interesting facts about the Seminole culture and also joined them on the swamp buggy ride. “This has been one of the best days I have had since my accident; I want to thank the Seminole Tribe, Councilman ‘Mondo’ Tiger, the staff at Billie Swamp Safari and Hunting Adventure. My Mom and I had a wonderful time.” Fred has plans on attending Edison State College to get his Associates Degree and then attend St. Petersburg College to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor of prosthetics and orthotics so he can help others who have lost limbs. “It makes me feel great to help others who are in similar situations.” Fred added, “I am not bitter, if anything it has made me a stronger person.” For more information about visiting the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation please visit www.floridaseminoletourism or call (863) 902-3200 and get the latest deals and events the Seminoles have to offer.
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FEATURED ARTIST
Erma Jean Woodis By Cindy Cutright
Local artist, Erma Jean Woodis, was in the fifth grade when she realized she was artistically inclined. That’s when a teacher accused her of tracing over a picture rather than drawing it. “But by then I had done enough drawing that I could take a picture and reproduce it real accurately. I didn’t know about grids and I had no art lessons but she said to copy this picture and that’s what I did.” Erma Jean said while both her parents had talent, “they were not ‘arty’. Her father was a minister and if she was allowed to accompany him when he visited congregants she had to sit perfectly still on a chair and never interrupt, “so I learned to entertain myself by looking at patterns in rugs and shadows.” And though her parents recognized her talent and allowed her to take art instruction during the last three years of high school. Erma Jean said, “They didn’t see art as a viable income source or a lifestyle they wanted for me,” and so she was discouraged from pursuing a career as an artist.
But even after Erma Jean was married she continued to study art “every chance I got,” she stated. When her first marriage ended after eight years, she had two children and a strong desire to continue to develop her skills. “I did a lot of painting
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on my own - as much as I could with a full time job and two children. But once a week I allowed myself a night out which was usually art related.” When Erma Jean remarried, she traveled extensively with her new husband who worked for a large telecommunication company. “We went around the world and I have lots of pictures and slides from that time that I always wanted to paint and never had the chance.”
July 2013
After returning to the states, Erma Jean continued to study art. Following an extended period of time she moved to New Mexico and began working in a frame shop that she eventually bought. “I joined the art league and was starting to get commissions as an artist,” so she decided to expand the frame shop into a gallery. “The business grew to the point where I couldn’t handle it all by myself,” said Erma Jean, and so she had to decide to either follow her heart and paint or just maintain the framing business. She chose to concentrate on her art and hired an employee to handle the framing. Nine years ago Erma Jean moved to Florida and again started working in a frame shop – one located in Cape Coral. She had worked there only a few months when the shop owner discovered her talent for painting. “She found out I could paint and gave me my first commission to paint birds. They gave me a start here.”
And that start led Erma Jean down a path to more commissions and eventually to a larger than life career as a mural artist. The first mural she created in Florida was done for the Bay Oaks Teen Center. That was followed by a request to paint a mural in the bath house at Lynn Park in Times Square on Fort Myers Beach. When she was asked to paint a mural at the Six Mile Cypress Slough, Erma Jean jumped at the chance. “I always enjoyed walking there so it was a real joy to be asked to paint the mural.”
One of her most recent murals was commissioned for The Hut Restaurant in Buckingham. Diners can’t help but notice the beautiful floor to ceiling murals which depict the flora and fauna found in the Everglades. In excess of 2,300 square feet of ‘canvas’ can be found at The Hut lovingly painted by Erma Jean who collaborated with Tom Cook, the restaurant’s owner on the enormous project. Tom had originally envisioned wall paper being created from photos he had taken of the ‘glades. “That’s what he had at first wanted on the walls,” remarked Erma Jean. But he changed his mind and now the mural, which truly transforms the dining room, stands as a testament to both Tom’s love of the Everglades’ natural beauty and Erma Jean’s ability as an artist. Erma Jean works in several types of medium including oil, water color and acrylic paints. She exhibits in some select shows and her work is found in two local galleries, but she says she enjoys working with the parks (on murals and signage) just as much. Erma Jean said she is pleased she made the transition to Florida from New Mexico because the subject matter found here in Florida and supplied by nature is endless (do you know how many colors of green there are? she asks). If there is one thing Florida doesn’t lack is an abundance of artists, but few can capture the raw beauty of the state and display it in such a large format as Erma Jean Woodis. She is a unique and talented artist who camouflages the word ‘love’ in each of her paintings and challenges the viewer to find it. Having stepped into her studio and admiring her artwork first hand it is clear that she truly ‘loves’ what she creates. Erma Jean can be reached at 239-425-5149. Her website address is www.ArtbyErmaJean.com
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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A Series on Florida Literature: Pioneer Go Home by Richard Powell By Brady Vogt
T
hey said when a tin-can tourist came to Florida in the old days, he brought a single shirt and a five dollar bill, and the whole time he was here he didn’t change either one.
As told by Toby Kwimper and employing the smarts of a confidant writer, the story, and the dialogue and monologues of vernacular and slang, fit like a shrimper’s foot in a rubber boot. Enjoy the scenery, and what can take place by the mistaking of one group of words for the wrong meaning. “Pioneer Go Home” will cause a happy man to laugh out loud, that is LOL if you might be under forty.
The Kwimpers are four and a babysitter from Cranberry County, New Jersey. Do you recall the Clampett’s, them pore mountaineers? There are Pop and Toby and the twins Teddy and Eddy, and Holly Jones (she warn’t quite a Kwimper but tried real hard). When the jalopy runs out of gas they are along the side of a newly built causeway, co-incidentally on a drop or spit of land, shell beach and red mangrove, that the state of Columbiana has plumb forgot to survey and claim. They have turned at the barricade, where they warn’t supposed to. The causeway has been built for a scenic drive, and the Kwimpers are a few miles shy of Gulf City. The have been helping the government of New Jersey and the government of all the states assembled, by receiving General Assistance, Aid To Dependent Children, and VA Total Disability, so they took a vacation. They are insulted, indeed impeded by Mister King of The Department of Public Improvement and Miss Claypoole, the County Welfare Supervisor. Mister King is on the line for the omission of the property with the million dollar view, and Miss Claypoole wants Toby first and the twins in school second.
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As only a Kwimper could, Toby impresses the president of the bank in Gulf City with his honesty and is loaned a couple of thousand clams. They build a shack, a pier, some rowboats, supply the new bait shop with tackle and ice and sodas and sandwiches (did this one mention they are near a bridge with a fast clean current below it?) and boom, the Kwimpers are in business for themselves even though it’s a shame about the government being cut-off from its obligations. The Jenkins (ma and pa) build a shack with Pop and Toby’s permission and she sells shell jewelry, and the Brown’s (ma and pa) throw away their pills, leave the cookie cutter neighborhood they retired to. The village gets another shack, and Ma Brown sells pecan pies and key lime pies and Pa Brown sells his birdhouses. They are beset upon by a feckless array of gangsters who know a good thing when they see one, there is no jurisdiction or laws that apply to the as yet “non existent” shell island. They have great gangster names…”Little” Nickie Paulos, Blackie Zotto, Al and Carmine. They park the aluminum casino and try to muscle in, and out the Kwimpers and the other pioneers. The rackets include blackjack and roulette, the slots and craps. Another vice is hardly mentioned, although the booze is. July 2013
In the scene where Toby breaks the gamblers’ backs, Richard Powell extends through a space of several pages, the intricacies of a dice game, with great keeper lines that reflect an intimate understanding of the sport. He gets the rest of it right as well, from the way snook behave, and how a tarpon will try to land a man, and how to build a chickee and an out house, to the anonymity of community living and the haplessness of government supervision. From the moment the jalopy stops and the Kwimpers look around them, the land and the salt water trees and the sweet fish that move with the tides and the moon and their own inclinations are conveyed seamlessly and knowingly from the page to the mind of the reader, as are the eccentricities of squatters and bureaucrats alike.
Published by Charles Scribner’s Sons and by Hodder and Stoughton (England) in 1959, “Pioneer Go Home” was rewritten for the theater and was released as “Follow That Dream” starring Elvis Presley. The Beverly Hillbilly’s Pa and Granma and Ellie May and Jethro came to television in 1962. The causeway and bridges to Sanibel Island were built in 1963. The causeway and low level bridges that finally connected the south end of Fort Myers beach to Black Island and Bonita Beach was opened on July 4th 1965. The causeways, those two lane roads alongside of Paradise were exactly as Powell had described in the setting for his story. This one bets there were no unaccounted for shell islands or areas where a family could camp outside the right of way.
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
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71
12TH ANNUAL
Big “O” Bird Festival
Plants. LaBelle area groves and farms were visited during the LaBelle Farm Tour. Birding and local history were included in trips to the Ah-tah-thi-ki Museum and Boardwalk, the Clewiston Museum, Curtis Honey, Lake Okeechobee boat trips, Harney Pond and the Billie Swamp Safari Airboat and Buggy Tours,
All nine Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail (http:// floridabirdingtrail.com/) sites in Hendry and Glades County were trip choices. Included were Dinner Island Ranch WMA, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, Spirit of the Wild, Stormwater Treatment Area #5 (STA5), Fisheating Creek WMA (Palmdale), Fisheating Creek WMA (Ft. Center), Riverside Retreat, Ah-tah-thi-ki Museum, and Devils Garden Bird Park, The 12th annual Big “O” Birding Festival showcased some of Florida’s best birding hotspots on private and public land. The five day event is the only South Central Florida festival that offers birders and photographers unique opportunities to visit a broad range of rural inland habitats while learning about agriculture and local history. They also attended workshops, keynote dinners, and exhibits. The March 2013 trips included visits to ranches and farms, Lake Okeechobee boat trips plus tours to local attractions, and museums lead by prestigious guides and local volunteers. This year’s featured birding sites on private land included J-Seven Ranch, Devils Garden Bird Park (Zipperer Farms), C&B Farms, Walter Ferguson Farms, and Palm and Pines RV Park. During the Sugarland Tour participants went on a bus trip to U.S. Sugar and Southern Gardens Citrus Processing
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Greg Miller “Big Year”, Mark and Selena Kiser, Dr. Paul Gray, Gene McAvoy, Paddy Cunningham, David Goodwin, John J. Lopinot, Rae Ann Wessel plus other local talent helped birders find over 122 species of birds during trips. Some of the “specialty birds” reported during the festival were Snail Kites, Crested Caracara, and Barred Owls. Others included Fulvous Whistling-Duck and the Mottled Duck; shorebirds like Black-necked Stilt; and waders such as Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork and Least Bittern; The Big “O” Birding Festival extends their appreciation to the landowners, individuals, attractions and others who helped with the 2013 festival. Save the date for the 13th Annual Big “O” Birding Festival to be held Sunday March 9- Thursday March 13, 2014. For information: www.bigobirdingfestival. com E-mail: bigobirdingfestival@gmail.com or phone: 863674-0695 Host hotel: Port LaBelle Inn, LaBelle July 2013
Exploring a conch farm in Turks & Caicos
Wrestling an alligator in Orlando
Heartland Magazine Welcomes
The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl ®
Casey Wohl, also known as The Getaway Girl®, is passionate about two things: her girlfriends and traveling the world. By combining these two loves, Wohl created and launched a unique and helpful city-specific travel guide series for women worldwide. After a devastating divorce and getting fired from her job, Wohl found solace in traveling with her girlfriends and realized an unfilled niche in the travel industry as no one was writing city-specific travel guides for women. Many travel experts talk about how, when and where to travel. Because travel changed her life, Wohl has the unique capability of also talking about the “why” of travel, which makes her travel correspondence so relevant. Wohl is the Travel Correspondent for the nationally syndicated TV show, Daytime. She has also been featured on radio and television programs CBS Radio, Better TV, The Daily Buzz, NPR, FirstWivesWorld, and numerous local television and radio stations. Her topics cover everything travel, from budget to pet travel to girlfriend getaways. Wohl has received print and online media coverage in nearly 80 national news sites and publications, such as Woman’s Day, Hotelier, Orange Appeal and Parenting. She is a contributing writer for several online publications, was named a “Woman to Watch” by Orange Appeal Magazine and was listed as one of “101 Women Bloggers to Watch in 2009” by WE Magazine.
In addition, she speaks at conferences and in colleges on the topics of Career Reinvention & Invention, Travel, Friendship, Empowerment, Branding, Public Relations, Marketing and more. A naturally gifted speaker, Casey’s sense of humor, honesty and direct approach has received outstanding reviews from her audiences nationwide, whether youth, business professionals or women’s groups. She tailors her message in new and vibrant
July 2013
Heartland InThe Field Magazine
to our team!
ways by combining her passion, personal and professional experiences and travels to engage and entertain audiences.
Her book, the Girls Getaway Guide to Orlando: Leave Your Baggage at Home®, was the first in the series and was published in September 2007. The second book, Girls Getaway Guide to Key West: Leave Your Baggage at Home®, hit shelves in October 2008. These guides focus on where to stay, shop, eat and spa, as well as annual happenings and side trips for each city. In 2012, she launched The Getaway Girl Foundation (www. GetawayGirlFoundation.org) dedicated to empowering women and young girls through travel and travel-related experiences. She also owns and manages Gray Dog Communications, a strategic marketing, public relations and branding company with clients in industries such as travel, government, agriculture, economic development and real estate. Casey is a seasoned public relations professional who has done everything from organize a press conference for the President of the United States to executing an international media and crisis communications campaign for Florida’s citrus industry after a series of hurricanes severely damaged the coveted citrus crop and trees. She holds a M.A in Communications from the University of Florida and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Rollins College. After living out of a suitcase and traveling the world for several years, she found the love of her life in her hometown of Sebring, FL where she resides with her husband and their dog, Rusty. Their first child is due October 2013.
We are happy to announce that Casey will now be a contributing writer for Heartland Magazine where she will share travel tips, vacation destinations that are just a quick trip from the Heartland and much more! Be looking out for her exciting articles in upcoming issues. Welcome Casey!
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AG CALENDAR July 10th RUP Training, Agri Civic Center, Sebring
July 19th-21st Calusa Agility Dog Show
July 12th-14th 44th Annual Christmas in July, Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 9:00am-4:00pm July 4th July 4th Celebration, Sugarland Park, Clewiston
July 20th 5th Annual Hooked on Habitat Redfish Tournament, Laishley Marina, Punta Gorda, 6:00am
Freedom Swim, Charlotte Harbor, 12:00 Noon 4th Fest and Water Mania, Laishley Park, Punta Gorda, 10:00am-10:00pm Working Cow Ranch Rodeo/Old Timers Roping to Benefit Tidewell Hospice, Turner Agri-Civic Center, Arcadia
July 12th-14th Florida Airboat Association Annual Unity Weekend, Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee
July 6th NBHA Barrel Race, Turner Agri-Civic Center, Arcadia July 7th SBRA Barrel Race, Turner AgriCivic Center, Arcadia
July 26th -28th 23rd Annual Caladium Festival, Stuart Park, Lake Placid July 26th -28th Pirate Fest, Fisherman’s Village, Punta Gorda
Independence Day Celebration, Turner Agri Civic Center, Arcadia, 6:00pm—9:15pm Independence Day Celebration, Okeechobee Fraternal Order of Police, Okee-tantie on Lake Okeechobee, 4:00p.m. Fireworks at Dusk
July 26th 17th Annual Caladium Festival, Airboat & Swamp Buggy Show, Car & Bike Show, Lake Placid
July 13th & 14th Mangomania, Pine Island’s Tropical Fruit Fair, German & American Social Club, Cape Coral July 19th-20th Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo, Hardee County Cattlemen’s Arena Call (863) 781-0349 to register July 19th Downtown Wauchula, Wine, Shop & Dine, 5:30pm
July 27th National Day of the American Cowboy Celebration, Okeechobee July 27th -28th Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Rodeo, Cattlemen’s Arena, Okeechobee July 27th Antiques, Arts & Craft Festival, Mixon Fruit Farms, Bradenton, (941) 748-5829 August 16th Brahman Genetics for Florida Beef Production Seminar, Bert J. Harris Agri-Civic Center, Sebring, 10:00am- 2:30pm
Submit your events for the ag calendar to morgan@heartlanditf.com In the Field Magazine
Your Monthly Agricultural Magazine Since 2004, Serving the Heartland Since 2008
74 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine
July 2013
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July 2013
CF Industries celebrates the graduation of the
Hardee High School Class of 2013 and sends a special congratulations to our CF family graduates (left to right), Noe Navarro, Alex Pierstorff and Will Bennett.
Congratulations Graduates!
Phosphate Rock Mine & Beneficiation Plant 6209 County Road 663 | Wauchula, FL 33873 www.cfindustriesflorida.com