Heartland Magazine March 2015 by Heartland Magazine

MAR 2015

KUBOTA

POWER

M108S

• 108 Net HP, 4-C ylinder, Turbocharg ed Kubota Diesel En • Fully-Synchronize gine • Category II, d Transmission • Tie 3-Point Hitch r III emissions/eng ine • No DPF Filte r or Def Fluid

0 DOWN, 0 % FINANCIN

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ON SELECT NEW KUB

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Creel Tractor Company

3771 Palm Beach Blvd. • Ft. Myers, FL 239-694-2185 • 800-282-7949 www.creeltractor.com

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

The work we do at Mosaic is critical to helping feed the world. We provide farmers with phosphate crop nutrients that enable them to produce more food on less land. Essential crop nutrients — like phosphate mined and manufactured in Florida — are responsible for 40-60 percent of the crop yields farmers produce worldwide.* That translates into more abundant and affordable food here at home. As our world keeps growing, Mosaic keeps working to help put food on the table, for all of us.

IMAGINE A WORLD WITH HALF AS MUCH FOOD.

Without crop nutrients, that would be our reality.

We help the world grow the food it needs.

mosaicco.com/florida *

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Source: Agronomy Journal

March 2015

Photo taken by Jim Finton

The Moreno Family is excited to invite all Florida Junior Brahman Association members, Florida Junior Cattlemen's Association members, and any other junior members to their “Class of ’15” to be held at the Moreno Ranches in Venus, FL on April 18th starting at 10:00 a.m. Please join us as we have prepared an educational day for juniors across the state of Florida and nationwide. The day will feature:

• WHO ARE YOU LEADING? with Dr. Hannah Carter, Program Director, Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture & Natural Sciences • ADVANCED SHOWMANSHIP with Tammy Watts, Manager, Tic Tac Toe Ranch, Frost, TX (cattle will be provided) • “NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATION FOR THE BRAHMAN HERD” with Darren Henry & Nicolas DiLorenzo, University of Florida, North Florida Research & Education Center • “ADVANTAGES OF ESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION & ARTIFICAL INSEMINATION” with Vitor Mercadante & Cliff Lamb, University of Florida, North Florida Research & Education Center From our family to yours, we welcome everyone to come and celebrate all that is great in the Brahman breed ... faith, family, fellowship and our future ... the youth!

MELVIN & TERESA MORENO 17 Virginia Circle, Moreno Estate Venus, Florida 33960 Kelvin, 305.218.1238 • Brian, 863.444.2254 Randy, 615.330.2735 • Office, 877.482.2382 office@morenoranches.com www.morenoranches.com

MAR 2015

March Features 24

Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition

Carlton Ward Jr.

Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame

Inductees Honored

Fair Season is in full Swing • DeSoto County Fair

• Hardee County Fair

• Highlands County Fair

• Lee County Fair

41 Not Just Kidding

By Dixie Thomas

It’s Fair Time

By Kyndall Robertson

Warner University

“Groundbreaking February 20th, 2015”

Field Day to Spotlight

UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC

Peace River Rodeo

By Kathy Gregg

Departments

SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report

By Captain Chris O’Neill

Citrus Update

By Justin Smith

Getaway Girl---Spring Travel

By Getaway Girl Casey Wohl

72 Happenings

Next Month Our Annual Green Issue will also have more Heartland Fairs/Livestock Shows Results and a new look at the Florida Peach Industry and there are some new Blueberries hitting the markets.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

P.O. BOX 3183 PLANT CITY, FL 33563 PH. (813)708.3661 FAX (813) 283-4978

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March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

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

Editor’s Note While the calendar says that it’s not quite Spring yet, it sure feels like Spring and the warmth is a welcome feeling after the couple of cold days we recently endured! We at Heartland In the Field are thankful for our temperate weather and to not have been personally impacted by the nasty blizzards experienced elsewhere this winter. This month we bring you results from various fairs and livestock shows that have taken place so far this season. From Ag Hall of Inductees and Champion of Champions winners at the Florida State Fair to results of some of our local county fairs, we’ve enjoyed covering these events and seeing photos that were submitted by readers. Dixie Thomas introduces us to the Seiler family of Myakka City, who has found a niche raising and showing dairy goats. Their passion for small-scale farming evolved from time spent living in Zimbabwe, Africa and now involves the entire family. Read their story on beginning on page 40.

The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl takes us to some exciting destinations from Southern Spain to Hershey, Pennsylvania. If you haven’t yet made your travel plans for Spring or Summer Break, you might want to consider one of these locales for your itinerary. Warner University recently broke ground for their new Agricultural Complex to be located on the Lake Wales campus. Once completed, the new LEEDS certified building will provide a state-of-the-art learning facility for students of their Ag program, which officially began accepting students in the Fall of 2013. Learn more about this exciting chapter in Heartland agriculture on page 48.

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

All of us at Heartland Magazine

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

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

JOIN THE “FRESH

FROM FLORIDA”

PROGRAM “Fresh From Florida” is a program administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It is designed to connect distributors and retail buyers with Florida growers to increase sales of Florida products. To learn more about the program beneﬁts, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/Join or call 850-617-7399.

MAR 2015

Index of Advertisers 83

Arcadia Rodeo

Hicks Oil

Plant Food Systems

Arcadia Stockyard

Highlands Farm Bureau/Thank you

Putnam Ride

Big T Tire

Quail Creek Plantation

Cattlemen’s Livestock Market

Horseshoeing and Trimming Services/Wayne Peadon

River Pasture

Center State Bank

Kelly Tractor

Seedway

2 Creel

Labelle Feed

Southern Staple

Crosby & Associates

Marmer Construction

Spring Lake Hardware

Cross Ties

Michael G. Kirsch

Superior Muffler

Domer’s Inc.

4 Mosaic

Taylor Oil

Edison Ford Estate

Moreno Farms

The Andersons

Everglades Farm Equipment

36 &37 Moreno Farms

Trinkle Redman Coton

Farm Credit

Tutto Fresco Italian Grill

Fields Equipment

22 & 23 NWTF/Wauchula Spurts

Walpole Feed

Florida Mineral Salt & Agriculture Products

Okeechobee Cowtown Spring Rodeo

Watering Hole Wauchula State Bank

Florida Fence Post

Okeechobee Livestock Market

Okeechobee Livestock Youth Sale

Wicks Brown CPA

Glade and Grove

Williams Pawn & Gun

Griffin’s Carpet Mart

On-Site Accounting

Other Side Sod

Winfield Solutions

Gulf Coast Citrus Association

Pathway

Yetti Outfitters

Hardee Ranch Supply

53 63

Heartland Growers Supply

Peace River Citrus

Newton Crouch

Sales Team Highlands

Morgan Norris

Manatee

Tina Yoder

Lee and Hendry

Cindy Cutright

morgan@heartlanditf.com

tina@heartlanditf.com

cindy@heartlanditf.com

Hardee & Desoto

Charlotte

Okeechobee, Glades & St. Lucie

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Levi Lambert

levi@heartlanditf.com

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Corporate, Polk & Hillsborough

Danny Crampton

danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson

rhonda@heartlanditf.com

March 2015

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

Farm Bureau members from across the state will gather in Tallahassee on March 17 and 18 to meet with legislators and their staff in order to implement Farm Bureau policy and work on the issues to help farmers and ranchers. Issues include sales tax exemptions on irrigation equipment and parts, power equipment and handling facilities used in agricultural production. A statewide water policy will be discussed during the session and Farm Bureau will be at the table to work on the issue.

Farm Bureau continues to work in order to protect farmers and ranchers from the Waters of the United States proposed rule. If implemented, the rule may force virtually every agriculturalist to obtain a federal permit. The State of Florida continues to address water quality and federal intervention is unnecessary. The EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers are trying to reach beyond their current legal authority. Please contact your Congressman and ask him to support HR 594 which, if passed into law would directly prohibit the agencies from implementing their rule.

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

This year the Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest for District 6 will be held on May 19th in Arcadia at 6:30 PM. The topic is “How does Florida’s Right to Farm Act help farmers and ranchers when their rights are challenged?” The contest is open to those from the ages of 14 to 18. Contestants will have to enter on the county Farm Bureau level. The winner of the county competition will compete in Arcadia at the District level. The District winner will compete at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra October 29, 2015. (This is during the national FFA convention.)

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

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

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

DESOTO/CHARLOTTE COUNTY

HARDEE COUNTY

1278 SE US HIGHWAY 31 • ARCADIA, FL 34266

1017 US HIGHWAY 17 N • WAUCHULA, FL. 33873

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

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

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DIRECTORS FOR 2013-2014

FARM BUREAU

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

John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell Brandon Gorsuch

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

Mac Turner Bryan K. Beswick Ken Harrison

FARM BUREAU

President……David B. Royal Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich

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

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

Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Clint Brown

FARM BUREAU

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

DIRECTORS FOR 2014-2015 Sam Bronson Danielle Daum Steve Farr

Charles Guerndt Justin Hood Scott Kirouac Mike Milicevic

Trevor Murph Emma Ezell Trey Whitehurst

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

FARM BUREAU

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

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

Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford

Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West

Federation Secretary Janet Menges

Federation Secretary Christie Hinson

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

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

March 2015

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

Heartland InTheField Magazine

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

Please support these businesses! 14

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Tennessee Hunter Named Top Communicator by Peers

For conveying the social and conservation importance of hunting to a broad audience Brenda Valentine, The First Lady of Hunting, earned the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Communicator of the Year Award. Valentine continually encourages women to try hunting and shooting sports, writes the Hen Tracks column in the NWTF’s Turkey Country magazine and is an NWTF spokesperson. She accepted the award at the 39th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show. RAM was the official convention sponsor. “I am humbled as there are numerous men and women who also are deserving of this award,” said Valentine. “The NWTF embraces all men, women and children who wish to help secure places for future generations to enjoy a hunting way of life.”

The NWTF determined this year’s award winners based on how their work strengthens the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. Valentine is a committed conservationist, author, award winning TV host and champion archer. She also is an inductee into the National Legends of the Outdoors, Tennessee Turkey Hunters and Paris/Henry County Sports halls of fame. “For Brenda, the journey to expose new audiences to the outdoors is unending,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “She tirelessly continues her efforts, ensuring she reaches any and all audiences with the important message of conserving wildlife and habitat, and preserving our hunting heritage.” Valentine also is co-host of Bass Pro Shops “Real Hunting” TV show and has visited troops in Afghanistan, south west Asia and Germany through the Outdoor Legends Tour II. Past NWTF Communicator of the Year Award recipients include: Steve Rinella, Tom Fegely, Ron Schara, J. Wayne Fears, Grits Gresham, Jim Zumbo, Jim Casada, Glenn Sapir, Col. Tom Kelly, Ronnie `Cuz’ Strickland, Kevin Howard and Ray Eye.

March 2015

ABOUT SAVE THE HABITAT. SAVE THE HUNT. The NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative is a charge that mobilizes science, fundraising and devoted volunteers to give the NWTF more energy and purpose than ever. Through this national initiative, NWTF has committed to raising $1.2 billion to conserve or enhance more than 4 million acres of essential upland wildlife habitat, create at least 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres for hunting, shooting and outdoor enjoyment. Without hunters, there will be no wildlife or habitat. The NWTF is determined to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. To learn more about the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, visit www.nwtf.org.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

SW FLORIDA GULF COAST

FISHING REPORT

By Captain Chris O’Neill

Spring fishing launches our world-class year of angling here in SW Florida. In the subtropical environment that we enjoy along the Gulf Coast, water temperature and seasonal climate conditions are the driving force as to what occupies our waterways throughout the annum. With the magical 70 degree water temperature arriving this month, food sources migrate with the ebb and flow of springtime climatic conditions, which directly correlates to the feeding predator population. During my Reel Saltwater Outdoors radio show seminar series which has become the largest in the state with over 20 destinations this year and 15k attendees, I regularly discuss meteorology and its impact on seasonal angling considerations because of the importance to the hunter and angler.

Inshore anglers have alot to be excited about during this edition of Heartland Magazine. Snook harvest season opened on the 1st , and with the warming trend they will be much easier to locate and catch as the month progresses. Cut bait like fresh ladyfish and mullet threaded onto a 5/0 Mustad demon perfect circle hook are my go-to choices early in the day, and as the water warms I will then switch to my favorite Bomber Saltwater Grade 4” Badonkadonk topwater plug. Working a topwater bait across any grass flat is a great way to locate fish by covering plenty of water and you’ll have loads of fun along the way watching it get blown out of the water when using a slow walk-the-dog presentation. If you’re a fan of redfish and trout, expect larger fish to move into the estuaries as the baitfish situation improves. Another important tip is to pay particular attention to mullet schools. They offer a safe haven sanctuary for inshore gamefish and an ideal feeding situation as the grass eating mullet stir up the shrimp and other crustaceans that thrive along and near the bottom.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Nearshore and Offshore structure is my early morning destination, especially if low tide is early in the day. This month begins the seasonal migration along the coast and it will continue to improve through the fall months. Many of your pelagic species follow warmer water and food sources while spending the winter months in the southern hemisphere of the continental United States. Most will come north the next few months to gorge on food and begin their summertime spawn. Species like mackerel, bonito, tarpon, shark and countless others fall into this category.

Maintenance is something to consider with the changing of the season and type of fish we target. I’ve just completed an across the board maintenance check and reset of all of my gear for the upcoming 2015 spring/ summer season. Respooling my PENN rods and reels was top priority and all spools were filled with new SpiderWire Ultracast Invisi-braid. Load up with various breaking strength from 10 pound on your plug casting sets, and up to 50 pound for your bottom fishing or tarpon rods. Invisibraid line is ultra-smooth and translucent in the water, making it my pro’s choice to endure the monster catching season ahead of us onboard the Tail Chaser.

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

Captain Chris O’Neill

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

March 2015

Reel Saltwater Outdoors Seminar Series 2015

“Promoting the best Venues and best Products” Jan 24 (Sat 1pm) Jan 31 (Sat 9am) Jan 31-Feb 1 (Sat/Sun 2pm) Feb 3 (6pm) Feb 14 (Sat 9am) Feb 21 (1pm) March 7 (10-1) March 14 (1pm) March 21 (9am) April 4 (1pm) April 24 (9am) July 27-31 (9-12) TBD (x3 Friday Nights) Sept 6 (8-11 am) Sept 12-13

West Marine/Venice Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice Florida Sportsman Expo/Ft Myers Laishley Marine/Punta Gorda Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice West Marine/Venice Cooks Sportland/Venice West Marine/Venice Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice West Marine/Venice Sharky’s on the Pier/Venice Sarasota County Kids Fishing Camp Weston’s Wanna B Inn/Englewood O’Donnel Memorial Tournament/Englewood Pier Florida Sportsman Expo/Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa

Nearshore Reef Success Beach to Nearshore Reef Tips and Tricks Factoring Winds and Tides/Winter Snook/Reds/Trout Wintertime Charlotte Harbor Tactics for Success Targeting inshore fish for max results Inshore Snook & Gamefish Secrets Snook Tactics, Inshore Tips and Tricks, Wreck Strategies Gulf to Bay Spring Migration Snook Season Techniques and Locations Coastal Tarpon Tactics Tarpon success along the Gulf Coast Entry level angling skills ages 8-12 TBD Kids Fishing Tourney ages pre-teen TBD

Projected Attendance Numbers for 2015 = est. 10,000+ Anglers/Boaters

*** MORE LOCATIONS AND DATES COMING SOON *** For Seminar/Promotional Speaking Opportunities Contact: Capt. Chris O’Neill • 941-270-7867 • chris@tailchasercharters.com

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

2015 NWTF Convention and Sport Show

ore than 48,000 attendees gathered at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center for the 39th annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show, February 12-15 in Nashville, TN. Members and volunteers showed up in such numbers to support hunting and conservation, along with making headway into tackling some of the biggest problems facing hunters and wildlife today.

Several Florida chapters were awarded for their excellence in conservation fund raising, education, and outreach events. Florida chapters recognized for their outstanding work in 2014 included: • The Wekiva Springs Strutters, headquartered in Apopka, won four national awards: first place in Greatest Net Income, Best Golden Gobbler Income, Local Best of the Best, and second place in Total Sponsor Membership Achievement.

• Women in the Outdoors, Quail Creek, located in Okeechobee, won Best Event in the Nation for over 150 members. • The Kings of Spring Hunting Heritage, headquartered in Monticello, won two national awards: Outstanding First Banquet Highest Net, and Highest Golden Gobbler Income.

NWTF chapters hold more than 2,000 Hunting Heritage banquets each year to raise funds for NWTF conservation and outreach initiatives nationwide. Considering all the great work completed by NWTF chapters, winning a national award is an extraordinary achievement. The NWTF is blessed to have a strong corps of volunteers dedicated to conservation and the preservation of hunting heritage.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

SAVE THE HABITAT, SAVE THE HUNT! Hardee County’s local NWTF chapter has yet again put together an extraordinary event! The sponsors and attendees were great, the contributions to the cause was better than ever, and as always dinner was phenomenal! Over the course of the 17 years the Hardee County Chapter has brought the National Wild Turkey Federation banquet to town, the 2015 event has proven to be the best yet. A great round of applause was given to two familiar faces who have been on hand ever since the chapter was first organized. I am speaking of Allen and Barbara Widener. Allen stepped down after last year’s event, and George Wadsworth and the committee members moved forward in organizing a memorable night that will benefit the NWTF not only here in Florida, but nationwide.

In the state of Florida, the Hardee County Chapter, known as the Sun Coast Spurs is holding strong in the top 3 for the largest chapter and in total fundraising for habitat preservation. This year’s total attendance was a bit over 240 with 63 sponsor members is sure to be remembered as a goal to target in 2016 as a challenge to match or even better Don’t forget to keep your calendars marked for the upcoming sporting clay shoot at Quail Creek Plantation in Okeechobee on February 18, 2015.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

To join the fun, prize winning opportunities, and to support the fundraiser to save our habitats be sure to see George or a committee member to get your tickets early for next year’s banquet on January 30, 2016. See you out there! One other worthwhile event that NWTF supports is the annual Women in The Outdoors which is also held at Quail Creek Plantation. Ladies, this is especially for you. This is the largest event of its kind in the United States. Check with Denise Helms at 772 475 1158 or email her for details at marlinteeni@yahoo.com. Be a part in a worthwhile effort that is aimed at preserving not only the habitat but a vital part of America’s heritage.

March 2015

Seasons and dates are not applicable to wildlife management areas and other lands managed by the Commission.

2014-2015 Florida Hunting Season Dates

Seasons and dates are not applicable to wildlife management areas and other lands managed by the Commission.

2014-2015 Florida Hunting Season

Seasons and dates are not applicable to wildlife management areas and ot Commission.

Spring turkey gobblers and South of bearded State Spring only) Road 70 turkey (6) Spring gobblers and turkey South of bearded gobblers and State South of only) bearded Road State 70 (6) Spring only) Road 70 (6) turkey gobblers and South of bearded North of StateState Road 70 only) except HolmesRoad County 70 (6)

North of State Road 70

Youth Spring Turkey Hunt (7)

Spring Turkey Season (T)

Mar. 7 - Apr. 12 Feb. 28-Mar. 1 all legal rifles,Season shotguns, by all legal rifles, shotguns, by Youth Spring Turkey Spring Turkey (T) muzzleloaders, crossbows, muzzleloaders, crossbows, Hunt (7) Youth Spring Turkey Spring Turkey Season (T) bows and pistols bows and pistols Hunt28-Mar. (7) Mar. 7 - Apr. 12 Feb. 1 by all legal rifles, shotguns, by all legal rifles, shotguns, Mar. 7 - Apr. 12 Feb. 28-Mar. 1 crossbows, muzzleloaders, crossbows, by all legal rifles, shotguns, by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, Youthand Spring Turkey Spring Turkey bows and pistolsSeason (T) bows pistols muzzleloaders, crossbows, muzzleloaders, crossbows, Hunt (7) bows and pistols bows and pistols Mar. 7 - Apr. 12 Feb. 28-Mar. 1 21 - April 26 shotguns, by March all legal14-15 rifles, shotguns, by all legal rifles, March by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, by all legal rifles, shotguns,muzzleloaders, muzzleloaders,crossbows, muzzleloaders, crossbows, crossbows, bows and pistolsbows and pistols crossbows, bows and pistols bows and pistols

March 21 - April 26 March 14-15 except Holmes County by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, March 21 - April 26 North of State Road 70 March 14-15 crossbows, bows and pistolsmuzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols legal5rifles, shotguns, except Holmes County March by 21 all - Aprl March 14-15 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, Holmes crossbows, bows andmuzzleloaders, pistols crossbows, bows and pistols County by all legal rifles, shotguns, by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols bows and pistols North of Statecrossbows, March 21 - April 26 Road 70 March 14-15 Holmes March by 21 all - Aprl March 14-15 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, legal5rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, except Holmes County by all legal County by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, pistols crossbows, bows and pistols March 21 -rifles, Aprl shotguns, 5bows andmuzzleloaders, Holmes March 14-15 crossbows, bows and pistols crossbows, bows and pistols by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, County crossbows, bows and pistols crossbows, bows and pistols

Holmes Bag Limit County

March 2015

Spring Turkey March 14-15Daily bag limit: 2 Season and possession limit: 2muzzleloaders, for spring season by all legal rifles, shotguns, Holmes Daily bows bag and crossbows, andseason pistols limit:1

Spring Turkey Daily bag limit: 2 Bag Limit Season and possession limit: 2 for spring season Spring Turkey Daily bag limit: 2 Holmes Daily bag and season limit:1 Bag Limit Season and possession limit: 2 for spring season Holmes Daily bag and season limit:1

March 21 - Aprl 5 by all legal rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows and pistols

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR GLADES TO GULF EXPEDITION As the Florida Wildlife Corridor Glades to Gulf Expedition nears its final destination, photographer Carlton Ward has continued to document the incredible landscape and captivating wildlife who call Florida home.

In an effort to increase awareness of this special project, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trail Mixersâ&#x20AC;? have been held along the route allowing members of the general public to meet the expedition team and take an active role in the project. Two more mixers are scheduled on March 7th at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Freeport and March 14th at the Blackwater River State Park in Holt. After travelling over 900 miles via kayak, bicycle, and on foot, this expedition is scheduled to end on March 20th when the team reaches the Gulf Islands National Seashore. To learn more, visit www.floridawildlifecorridor.org or follow them on Facebook.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

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481 State Road 80, LaBelle $140 per Ticket (Admits 2) There will be a Steak Dinner `n all the Fix-ins Prepared by: Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association and Peggy Hampton $1,000 CASH PRIZE DRAWING! Enjoy Auctions & Raffles

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March 2015

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

Can 3D Printing Help Save America’s Citrus? Using computer software and a fast-working 3D printer, researchers can easily adjust the trap’s shape, color, lights and chemicals to better attract the psyllid. This allows researchers to more efficiently and accurately study the insect that transmits greening. Citrus greening makes fruit turn green and bitter and causes it to drop to the ground sooner. Eventually, the disease is fatal to the tree.

Technician Tony Dickens inspects a 3D printed “SmartTrap

3D printed “SmartTrap” may turn the tide in a decadeold war to save Florida’s $10.7 billion citrus industry from a bacterial disease known as citrus greening. Scientists at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services developed the traps using 3D printing technology to more efficiently catch and study the Asian citrus psyllid, which carries the bacterial disease decimating Florida’s citrus groves. A five-year, $200,000 National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant awarded to Florida this week will allow the traps to be deployed and tested in California and Texas to prevent a similar crisis.

“This technology is a gigantic leap forward,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “This 3D printing innovation gives our scientists the best chance to find a game-changing breakthrough in the fight against citrus greening.”

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Previously, yellow sticky traps were hung in the trees and collected many different kinds of insects, requiring a trained trap-reader for further testing. With the “SmartTrap,” about 99 percent of the insects collected are psyllids. The traps also preserve the psyllids, unlike the yellow sticky traps, which leave psyllids exposed to the elements where they quickly decompose and are virtually impossible to remove from the entangling glue for further analysis.

The Asian citrus psyllid, no bigger than a pin, is an invasive insect first recognized in Florida in 1998. Citrus greening began seriously affecting crops in 2005 and has contributed to record low citrus harvests. The USDA recently estimated 103 million boxes of oranges will be harvested this season, the lowest on record. This represents a total decline of 60 percent since the peak of citrus production at 254 million boxes in 1997-98. Commissioner Putnam is dedicated to protecting Florida’s citrus industry and has asked the Florida Legislature to contribute $18 million this year to continue in-depth research, grow clean citrus stock, and replant where diseased trees have been removed.

March 2015

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU

2015 Cracker Shoot presented by

HIGHLANDS

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

PARTICIPATION LEVELS • GOLD SPONSORSHIP 600.00 $

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

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

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

SHOOT PARTICIPATION LIMITED TO FIRST 300 PAID ENTRANTS March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

by Justin Smith CITRUS UPDATE By Justin Smith

Hurry Up and Wait The late winter and early spring plans are well underway throughout the groves of central Florida. There is however, something that will be making a difference this year. All grove owners and managers are being forced to take a look at their production practices, once again.

The early/mid-season harvest is right at closing and it has taught everyone a major lesson. No matter how many pieces of fruit are on a tree there is still no guarantee as to the total production. This puts the decision makers in a rather perplexing position. On one hand the inputs must be of adequate amounts to keep a tree healthy and sustain the crop. On the other hand with diminishing returns there is no longer a margin for even the slightest waste.

Up to this point the theory, at least for several years, has been to throw everything with-in reason at a tree and hope something was helping. The results of this practice have kept many growers in business until now. Sure, there were trials and errors, trading one material for another, and all the while being good stewards of the environment and finances, but now even that must change. This year decisions have to be made to only utilize the absolute key components of what is working. The real problem is nobody really knows what the key components are. There are numerous theories and beliefs but no coherent or universal absolutes. One silver lining, which is at least some hope to hold onto, are the conditions of citrus in South Florida. By no means is everything great, but there are noticeable improvements to the overall health of those groves. There are several possible reasons for this apparent rebound.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

One of the most widely hoped for reason, of this seeming recovery, is that the trees are actually beginning to produce some type of natural coping mechanism. Not a cure, but something that is allowing the biological functions to continue at a little more â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? level. This theory is supported by the idea that greening first took hold in the March 2015

Southern regions of the State, those trees were the first to begin receiving newer management practices and are now the first to show noted improvement in over-all conditions. Another theory is that the environmental conditions were simply laid out perfect during last year’s growing season. There is no doubt the 2014 season saw the best conditions for citrus production in quite some time but, are a few months of better weather really enough to make a dramatic difference? There is yet another, more ominous theory floating around. This one is a little less in the minds of the optimist. However, if you’re of the “glass half empty” persuasion you may subscribe to this belief. That is the idea that it is a final rally on the part of the trees. That one last push of effort just before the last breath is taken. This is a response usually seen much more in the fauna Kingdom and not so much in the floral one, but an option non-the-less.

Managers definitely have their work cut out for them this season and it is not going to be easy. There will be hard decisions even up to the point of cutting out the less productive areas. Everyone is in the same boat and that boat is shrinking at a rapid pace. For those choosing to stay in there may be big pay-offs and for those choosing alternatives there is no shame in moving on.

The one unifying compound to all of these purposed theories is time. Only time will answer the questions on the minds of so many. As humans we have become accustomed to instantaneous everything. We communicate, get answers, and even cook our food at extremely rapid paces. Being forced to wait is not what we do best, but in this instance there is simply no choice.

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

FLORIDA AG HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES HONORED PHOTOGRAPHY BY RON’O CONNER—FARM CREDIT The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation and the Florida State Fair Authority held its annual Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, February 10th at the State Fairgrounds’ Special Event Center in Tampa.

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors men and women “who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in this state and to mentoring of our youth, who represent the future of agriculture in Florida.” Regarding the 2015 inductees, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam said, “Each of these men left an indelible mark on the history of Florida agriculture. Not only are they leaders in their respective fields, but they’ve also influenced agriculture industries in other parts of the world.” This year’s honorees were Dr. Alvin C. Warnick, Pat Wilson, Robert Blake Whisenant, and Edward, Ferdinand S., and Joseph Duda.

DR. ALVIN C. WARNICK

Ninety-one year old Dr. Alvin C. Warnick joined the Animal Science Department of the University of Florida in the early 1950s, where he is widely credited for training the next generation of Florida beef cattle industry leaders and producing significant scientific research that led to the improvement of the state’s beef cattle.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Through the years, Dr. Warnick and his students have worked on improving the reproduction, genetics and nutrition of the Florida cow herd. He co-authored three seminal books and published over 300 scientific publications, and has been recognized for his work as a Fellow in the American Society March 2015

of Animal Science, received the University of Florida Chapter Gamma Sigma Delta Junior Faculty Research Award and was named Student Advisor of the Year by the College of Agriculture. More Recently, Dr. Warnick was recognized by the Utah State Agricultural Alumni with the Citation of Merit for a Distinguished Livestock Career, and after a distinguished career as a reproductive physiologist, he was named Professor Emeritus in 1990.

Pat Wilson’s professional contributions to Florida agriculture made a positive and lasting effect on past and future generations. He was a well-respected agricultural leader and a role model for others who are passionate about the agricultural industry.

BLAKE WHISENANT

Today, Dr. Warnick is still active and continues to educate cattlemen and cattlewomen by showing them how to make simple, but fundamental changes in their beef cow management.

Blake Whisenant’s primary goal in agriculture is always to be a good steward of the land. Whether mentoring students, working with university research/extension or sharing knowledge to foster a better understanding of agriculture, Mr. Whisenant spreads the message of protecting our valuable soil and water resources.

As President of Latt Maxcy Corporation for over 36 years and owner of Crooked Lake Ranch, Pat Wilson was a well-know cattle rancher and citrus grower who gave his leadership, dedication and support to benefit Florida agriculture. Mr. Wilson donated numerous hours to the promotion and betterment of the beef industry and served on many committees and association boards as well as high offices in these affiliations. As President of the Latt Maxcy Corporation, he was a pioneer in the citrus industry as well, implementing many techniques that catapulted the company in production, harvesting and environmental application. In addition to his contributions to the agricultural industry, Mr. Wilson gave countless opportunities to further education and knowledge by providing many scholarships to students in Polk County. In addition, he gave his time and efforts to FFA and 4-H, hosting events at Crooked Lake Ranch and helping the younger generation prepare for challenges facing future farmers.

Mr. Whisenant has been an active member of a number of agricultural boards and committees in Manatee County and throughout Florida, and has also been a leader in providing safe and quality housing for migrant workers. He has fought for better migrant housing standards and has been praised for the migrant housing on his own farm. Although Mr. Whisenant

PAT WILSON

March 2015

Inventor the Earthbox™, many consider Mr. Whisenant a pioneer in the vegetable and citrus industries. With his commitment to conservation, Mr. Whisenant’s farm is now a regular tour stop for the general public, politicians, environmentalists and regulators to observe on-site application of soil and water conservation practices and research. He has used his experience and insight to take a common sense approach when testifying before legislative committees regarding conservation practices. This has led to legislators making more informed decisions regarding water regulations to the benefit of all growers.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

often shuns the limelight and prefers to work behind the scenes to impact Florida agriculture, he uses his eagerness and passion for farming and sharing it for the good of all.

EDWARD, FERDINAND, AND JOSEPH DUDA

Edward, Ferdinand, and Joseph Duda, together and individually, represent significant contributions to both state and national agriculture. All three men are members of the Duda family’s third generation and have represented their family’s collective ownership in the agriculture and real estate business known as A. Duda & Sons, Inc. by serving as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board for A. Duda and Sons, Inc.

Under their 33 years of leadership at DUDA’s agricultural operation, Ed, F.S. and Joseph, have witnessed major expansion and diversification. Sod was added to the company’s vegetable, citrus, sugarcane and cattle production. A world-class celery breeding program was established and continues to develop quality-consistent varieties for their production locations, including Florida, California, Arizona and Michigan. The men are steadfast in their commitment to the quality of the Florida environment. DUDA was one of the first to utilize integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize use of pesticides, and in 1994, the company earned the Florida Agriculture Commissioner’s Ag-Environmental Leadership Award for its pesticide/nutrient management.

Ed, F.S. and Joseph each contribute their time, experience and knowledge to the ag industry by taking on various leadership roles. Ed served for 16 years as a director of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida and as a board member and chairman of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association from 1981-1997. For 23 years, F.S. served as a board member of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and as Chairman in 1993. F.S. also gave testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture regarding the proposed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Joe was a founding member of the Florida Land Council and served as its first Chairman from 1985-1990. He was a member of the National and Florida Cattlemen’s Associations from 1973-2011. Ed, F.S. and Joseph Duda’s accomplishments in agriculture tell only part of their story. They have used their talents and gifts to demonstrate true generosity and service to their church, their community and the state of Florida.

The Florida Ag Hall of Fame has honored 144 inductees since 1980. These individuals’ contributions to agriculture have helped advance the industry and ensure that it continues to thrive for generations to come.

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Tropical Park Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center 7900 SW 40 Street, Miami, Florida Tel: 863.444.8745 www.miamicattleshow.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH

7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cattle Arrival and Check-In 7:00 p.m. Breeder/Exhibitor MANDATORY Orientation Meeting

FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Trade Show Exhibit Set-Up 9:00 a.m. Santa Gertrudis Beef Cattle Show 10:00 a.m. International Brangus/ Red Brangus Breeders Association Beef Cattle Show 3:00 p.m. Ribbon Cutting & Opening Ceremonies 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Trade Show Open 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. International Cocktail Reception 8:00 p.m. Magic City Brahman Genetics & Heifer Sale

SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH

9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gates Open to the Public 9:00 a.m. American Brahman Breeders Association Sanctioned Red & Gray Show 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Trade Show Open

SUNDAY, APRIL 12TH

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Gates open to the public Horse events during the day 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Trade Show Open 5:00 p.m. Trade Show Exhibit tear down

MONDAY, APRIL 13TH

7:00 a.m. Show Cattle Release

Friday, April 10th 8:00 p.m. at the Tropical Park Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center, Miami, Florida 7900 SW 40 St, Miami, FL 863.444.8745 • www.miamicattleshow.org

...

Pair ... JDH Miss Jayme Manso 526/4 SIRE: JDH Peter Pan Manso

DAM: JDH Lady Brenna Manso MGS: +JDH Datapack Manso

CALF SIRE: JDH Mr Kabram Manso 434/8

...

Open Heifer ...

SIRE: JDH SIR Shank Manso 51/7 DAM: MR MISS Union 32 MGS: +JDH MR Union Manso

...

Open Heifer ...

...

SIRE: JDH Mr Manso 285/9 DAM: +MISS MK 6/577 MGS: Mr Diamond T 101/1

Bred ... MISS L2 Paisley 71

SIRE: MR. V8 564/6 BIG AUS DAM: MISS Rafter T 43/8 MGS: JDH MR Manso 676/4 SERVICE SIRE: JDH Mr Kabram Manso 434/8

SALE MANAGEMENT TEAM ... KELVIN MORENO

Cattle Show Manager • Kelvin@morenofirms.com • 305.218.1238 • www.morenofirms.com

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

he reporter stood in the goat pen, smiling and stroking the neck of one of the goats. The camera was rolling and it was time to sign out. “From the Manatee County Fair, Linda Carson, ABC7…..would you not eat my pants?” Linda interjected, as one of the goats chewed on her black slacks. She stopped stroking the other goat. Suddenly, the goat head-butted Linda and she fell over yelling, “Ahhhhh!” The goats belong to the Seiler family of Myakka City. If the Seiler family goats weren’t famous before, they certainly were after being broadcasted on ABC7. Nikki and Brian Seiler and their five children Matthew, Jason, Joshua, Faith, and Zachary raise dairy goats in Myakka, and each of the kids, some are young adults rather, show goats in the Manatee County Fair as well as State and National events.

NOT JUST KIDDING AROUND WITH THE SEILER FAMILY GOATS: HOW ONE FAMILY MAKES A DIFFERENCE BY DIXIE THOMAS

On their ten acre property, the Seiler’s raise three different types of goats on dry lots. They began with a few goats purchased from Judy Anderson in Palmetto, and now they have grown the herd to forty-one goats (exclusive to the kids being born). All of the Seiler’s goats (except one) are registered with the ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association). Nubian, Alpine, and LaMancha are the breeds in the Seiler’s program. Nubians have long, floppy ears, are larger than many dairy goats and tend to be a bit more stubborn. Alpine goats originated in the French Alps and were imported to the U.S. in 1920. They are recognized as the leading dairy goat breed for milk production. LaMancha, which are crosses of short eared goats and Nubians, are also known to be very productive and have very small ears—to the point that it looks like they have no ears at all from a distance. Male goats are called bucks, females—does, and babies are called kids.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Each of the goats has their own personality and sounds. “I love the personalities of the goats and how individual and unique they are. They are extremely inquisitive animals and absolutely adore human interaction – especially if they were raised being bottle fed,” says Nikki. Some of the younger goats are kept on a dry lot, meaning an area with no grass, to prevent the goats from grazing and picking up parasites from the ground. Nikki explains that parasites are a huge problem with goats in Florida, as they are able to graze very short grass and vegetation close to the soil where many parasites, such as the Barber Pole worm live. By simply feeding the goats hay and grain instead of grazing, the parasite problem is reduced. However, the “milker” goats, which are older are let out to pasture to graze after 10 a.m. when the grass is dry. March 2015

The Seiler’s goats produce about 40 gallons of milk a week, which they sell as raw milk under the label of “Pet Food” to stores in Sarasota including Detwilers Farm Market, Jessica’s, and The Village Cupboard. Dairy goat farming makes for long days and takes the whole family to keep the operation going. To keep the milk production up, the Seiler’s have to be sure the goats are well fed, healthy, happy, and milked everyday—not just once a day, but twice every day. A typical day for the family begins around 6:00 a.m. and looks something like this: 6am: Matthew, Jason & Josh drive themselves to High School 7am: Faith feeds any bottle babies 8am: Faith and Nikki or Brian Milk the herd in milk – anywhere between 10-15 goats at a time. 8am: Zachary feeds all the does, bucks and Grady (the horse) 10am: School starts for Faith & Zachary – Faith & Zachary School from home with Florida Virtual School. 5pm: Joshua feeds all the animals in the evening 6pm: Faith bottle feeds all babies 8pm: Matthew & Jason milk all the does

Everyone has an important role in the goat milking operation. “Brian purchases all the feed and hay and tends to be the “detail” man keeping track of who should be doing what and when,” says Nikki. “And Matthew is our “go-to” guy if anything needs fixing or building.” Faith has a wonderful way with animals and is great at assisting with births or helping to take care of sick animals. While Nikki and Brian help fund the business and haul the goats to the Fair and Shows, their children do most of the labor and take responsibility for their show animals.

March 2015

At the fair, the goats must be tended to several times a day— their area cleaned, feed and water made available, and like at home, the goats must be milked every day. To be shown, the goats must be disbudded (dehorned) and trained to be handled and led at the fair and in the shows. Goats are shown in classes based on breed and age. Judges look for goats that have good conformation to breed standards. This year, Matthew, who is the Secretary of the Manatee County 4-H Youth Council, showed LaMancha, Nubian, and Alpine goats. He received the title of Grand Champion in his class of Nubians. Jason also received Grand Champion in his class of Alpines, and Reserve in LaMancha. Recently, Jason also won 6th in the nation in his Showmanship class at an ADGA national dairy goat show in Kentucky. Zach received Reserve in his class of LaManchas. Faith won Reserve Grand Champion with her show goat, Sekura, a Nubian, and she also won 1st in Showmanship in the Intermediate Class. Josh successfully showed and sold his first market animal for $3.25/lb. Through raising livestock and involvement in 4-H and the fair, the Seilers have learned and grown. Matthew and Josh said that being involved in 4-H and keeping a record book helped them become more organized, as they had to record feed rations, the growth of their animals, how much milk the goats give each day and the inventory of materials and tools needed for the job. Jason said that he has learned more about responsibility, and what a responsible young man he is—having started his own goat herd and business called “Falcon Trace” and purchased his goats and equipment with his own money. Josh explained that he learned more about commitment as he took on another project aside from showing goats—this year he showed a pig, and took sole responsibility to care for and finance his pig (which is quite a commitment when you go to school but don’t have a job). To fulfill his commitment, Josh often had to get up in the mornings by 4:50 a.m. and work odd jobs.

Their mother (Nikki) shared how she has witnessed her children’s joy and exhilaration as they won a ribbon or Grand Champion in a show or experienced the birth of a kid. Nikki also adds “They have also felt what it is like to feel so weary and tired you feel like crying, but still the “sound” of a livestock herd “calls” to be milked and fed, to sit on a milking stand with heads drooping in weariness but still doing what it takes to ‘stay in the game.’ They, in my opinion, have learned “character.” Considering the hard work required, it’s obvious that the Seiler family has a passion for what they do, and they hope to pass on valuable learning to their children. “I really enjoy the sustainable part of managing livestock and teaching our children that milk doesn’t come in a bottle and meat is not “plastic-wrapped packages” that fall from the sky,” says Nikki. “There is hard work, commitment, and consistent effort that goes into managing livestock.” Heartland InTheField Magazine

an invested interest in their health and the health of others. I don’t think it takes a degree in Nutrition to figure out that we currently have one of the unhealthiest populations of people throughout the history of modern times,” says Nikki. “People are dying from diseases founded in compromised food/meat production. The smaller farmer is often addressing these issues in their produce.” Being a small farm with a passion for animals, the land, family, and better quality food means that the Seilers aren’t just “kidding around,” instead they are making a profound difference in their world, whether it’s at home, the Fair, or in their community.

The Seilers have a passion for farming and the “small farm” for a number of reasons. Their goat herd originated largely out of a desire to help provide better quality food for their family—food that is organic and less processed. Having lived in Zimbabwe, Africa for a large portion of their lives also gives them a different perspective on small farms. In Zimbabwe, farms were huge commercialized operations, often spanning 40,000 acres. Unless you were in a family that had a large farm, you weren’t likely to become a farmer. Then, under communist rule, the Seilers watched the government take over farms, many times sending men armed with AK47 to farms and telling farmers the land was being taken from them and they had 24 hours to vacate. Many farmers were violently attacked and Nikki recalls one was burned out of his home and shot to death for refusing to leave his land. Unfortunately, farms were also looted and land was wasted under government control. Agriculture has been destroyed there, and Zimbabwe has to import its food into the country. Nikki points out that we have a great opportunity to have small farms here in the United States and most of those small farms are born out of a passion for raising livestock, growing food , or taking care of the land. “A lot of these small farmers have

Heartland InTheField Magazine

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March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

It’s Fair Time Again! What does flashing lights, excited chatter, pageants, and the smell of the livestock barn mean? That it is time for the county fair once again. The County Fair has to be one of the most anticipated, and exciting week of the year for exhibitors, their parents, and fair attendees all across the Heartland. The Hardee County Fair can be summed up by newly crowned beauty queens, Cowbelles Kitchen, Pulled Pork from the 4-H booth, livestock shows, and Ferris Wheel rides. One of the most commonly overlooked things at any County Fair is the hard work that goes into providing a magical week. Fair Boards across the Heartland finish up one Fair Week and begin planning for next years fair, they spend long hours in meetings deciding just how to provide the best experience for exhibitors and attendees alike. The week of the fair the board members are there before the gates open and leave long after the excitement dies down to ensure that everyone is experiencing the best fair yet. The Fair Board is not the only group of people who spend the entire year preparing for the Fair, those exhibitors who fill the livestock barn and exhibit halls with everything from chickens and rabbits to bulls and drawings to homemade jams spend the whole year preparing for their grand exhibit. You might just hear loud generators and squealing pigs and smell manure and pigs but what is really going on in that livestock barn is something so much bigger. Work ethics are built. Champions are made. Responsibility is demanded. Friendships are formed. Character is developed. Now, I want to introduce you to a couple of exhibitors who embody those qualities. Samantha Shackelford is the 10

Heartland InTheField Magazine

“MEMORIES BY MAXINE’

year old daughter of Greg and Jennifer Shackelford of Zolfo Springs. This year was Samantha’s 4th year participating in the Hardee County Fair with the Cracker Trail 4-H Club. Samantha started with showing rabbits and is now showing her second heifer, this year it was a dairy heifer named Read

March 2015

(as in I read a book). Samantha and Read took home the Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Heifer title. Samantha has also had a wood working craft exhibited as well. This year was also her 2nd exhibiting an orange tree. Orange trees are a new exhibit at the Hardee County Fair. The students have to attend special meetings throughout the year for their orange tree exhibits, they get a young tree and have to grow it until fair time, they are judged on their performance on a written test as well as the overall appearance and health and showmanship of their tree. The grand Champion tree is auctioned off during the livestock sale and the rest are auctioned of at a silent auction that goes on throughout the week. Samantha decided to start raising animals for the fair because she loves animals and the fair, her favorite part of raising animals for the fair is the bond she forms while taking care of the animal. Her favorite part of fair week is the actual show where she gets to show off all of her hard work. Samantha’s favorite thing about raising her orange tree for the fair is watching the growth of the tree knowing that she is encouraging the growth that is taking place. Good luck and I can’t wait to see what you exhibit next year Samantha.

Conner Crawford is a Junior at Hardee Senior High School and the son of Van and Kathy Crawford of Wauchula. This was Conner’s 9th year participating in the fair, he has exhibited 1 rabbit, 3 swine, 5 steers, and 1 heifer that won Reserve Grand Champion in Brahman Influence Class, as well as 3 drawings that all received blue ribbons. Conner knew at the ripe old age of SIX that he wanted to become a veterinarian because he loved animals, he thought the best way to learn about them was to interact with them. Over the years Conner has learned that being a vet requires more than just a love for animals, it requires natural ability, hard work and dedication, all things he has learned and developed by exhibiting at the Hardee County Fair. The most outstanding thing about Conner and his animal exhibits is that he breeds his own steers from his own herd that he has been working to establish since he was 6. Conner used the proceeds from his first 3 hogs to buy commercial heifers. The first time Conner showed a steer from his own herd was a 4th generation calf and the very first calf he had born from a replacement heifer in his herd. Conner has worked his was from turning a pig profit into 31 head of cattle and now has 5 generations descended from his very first heifer. The last 3 years Conner has shown steers from his herd of Angus and Brangus cattle bred back to 1 of his 2 registered Simmental bulls. Conners favorite thing about fair week is the day the Livestock Committee hands out the papers that address the fair participant, and breeder of animal, he just loves telling the committee members that yes he is the exhibitor and breeder. He says the joy of sending out buyers letters and including in them that he bred his own steer, or telling anyone curious that he is the breeder provides an irreplaceable sense of joy and pride

March 2015

in his hard work. Conner says aside from the joy and pride the best thing about raising his own steer for fair is that he has $0 in purchasing a steer, he has a feed bill but with that exception the rest of the money he makes selling his steer is pure profit that can go back into the expansion of his herd. Conner wanted to use this opportunity to thank all the local supporters who genuinely care about his herd and what he does. He also wants to thank his parents for patiently putting up with his constant urge to go check for new calves, and wasting their gas time and time again. Finally he wants to thank his grandpa for teaching him about cattle and giving him the desire and passion he has for cows today. Thank you Conner for your hard work and the example you set at the fair, I know I speak for a large crowd when I say I can’t wait to see the product of your hard work at next years fair. These exhibitors just like the rest of their peers work really hard to prepare their animals for the fair, and without the people who make it happen they would not have a fair to exhibit at. So next time you are enjoying a county fair make sure your find the fair board members (They will be the ones running around making sure everything flows perfectly), your committee members (they are the folks who make sure everything runs smoothly in the livestock barn, exhibit halls, and at the pageants) and tell them how much you appreciate their hard work.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Champion of Champions! T

he Florida State Fair “Champion of Champions” is a unique concept which recognizes both Champion Animals and Champion Youth competitors. Each has its own importance, as Champion animals were the original foundation of livestock competitions and fairs, and Champion Youth deserve to be rewarded based on their own participation and achievement. Due to the importance of exhibitor participation in all educational opportunities offered through their animal project, the State Fair rewards exhibitors based on their participation in a wide variety of educational events, including a Skilathon and Record Book accuracy and completion.

A Champion Youth Exhibitor is selected in each age division for each Youth Livestock Show based on the highest number of points accumulated, and is awarded a cash prize. Intermediate and Junior Exhibitors only complete the segments of the Skilathon and record book skills test that are designated for their age level, with the top four Senior Exhibitors in each Youth Show being invited to participate in the Champion of Champions competition.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

On Monday, February 16th, each of those exhibitors competed in a round-robin contest that included any of the following species of animals: Steer, Goat, Swine, Dairy, Sheep, Beef, Rabbit, and Poultry. Stations consisted of skills outlined in the Skilathon Book for each show or an actual showing of an animal of that species. Mosaic was the presenting sponsor of the Champion of Champions Dinner on the final day of Fair, when cash awards ranging from $250 for sixth place to $1,500 for first were awarded. Congratulations to this year’s Champion of Champions winners: 6th Place: Anastasia Sturgis from Orlando 5th Place: Gregory Shoemaker from Hernando 4th Place: Abby Marion from Deltona 3rd Place: Kayleigh Heather from Dade City 2nd Place: Michael Fioretto from Bradenton 1st Place: John McGehee from Okeechobee

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Groundbreaking Day AT WARNER UNIVERSITY

n Friday, February 20th, with approximately 700 people in attendance, ground was broken for the new Warner University Agriculture Complex.

“Today signifies our dedication to the future of agricultural education in a Christian environment in Florida. What an important call to answer not only by Warner University but also by the Ag leaders of our community,” stated Dr. Gregory Hall, President of Warner University. Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam, echoed the importance of Warner University to educate students in Ag, for they will need to be ready to feed millions in the future. During the ceremony those in attendance enjoyed patriotic songs by the University Ensemble, confetti at the first breaking of ground and prayers of thanksgiving.

“We are honored to welcome the individuals, corporations and foundations here today, who combined have given nearly one million dollars. These funds are allowing us to break ground today; although more pledges are needed to complete this state of the art complex,” added Doris Gukich, Warner’s Vice President for Advancement. President Hall announced that an anonymous donor had pledged $500,000 in a matching challenge that the University had one year to raise the other $500,000. When the program ended, Ed and Myrtle Swindle from Plant City shared with President Hall that they would like to match the entire $500,000 for the Ag Complex. President Hall‘s announcement of the match at the Ag Donor Luncheon following the ceremony brought

Heartland InTheField Magazine

a shocked look on everyone’s face and then applause and cheering. The luncheon was a true time of celebration that ended with prayers and giving God the glory for all he has done for Warner University.

The Warner University Agriculture Complex, upon completion, will become the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified building in Lake Wales. LEED certification recognizes projects or buildings utilizing environmentally friendly building practices during construction or remodeling. In addition to sustainable green building practices, the Warner University Agriculture Complex will use wind turbines and solar panels to be as energy self-sufficient as possible. A rainwater collection tank will provide water for irrigation and feeding purposes. This 38,000 sq. ft., over two million dollar complex was designed to enhance hands-on learning in order to graduate students skilled and ready to enter the Ag workforce. Warner’s Agricultural Studies program began accepting students in the Fall of 2013 and has a current enrollment of 38. Many of the Ag students live off campus in order to stay involved in their family’s daily Ag operations, including citrus, cattle ranches, and vegetable production, among others. The program is diversified in that students do not select a specific area of concentration, but rather they receive instruction in plant and animal science, Ag mechanics, production, business and Ag law. Project-based courses allow students to gain marketable experience through internships,

March 2015

field trips, mentorships, capstone projects, and guest lectures led by industry leaders. Innovative courses in specialty crops, soils, plant science, conservation, sustainability, global agriculture, and agribusiness help prepare students to enter the agricultural industry as knowledgeable and trained professionals. In addition, those graduating with an Ag degree from Warner University will enter the workforce with over 500 hours of hands-on practicum experience. For more information on Warnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ag Studies program, contact Scarlett Jackson at scarlett.jackson@warner.edu or (863) 638-7116. For more information on investing in Warnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future and the Ag Complex naming opportunities, contact Leigh Ann Wynn at leighann.wynn@warner.edu or (863) 638-1446.

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Field Day to Spotlight UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC

Faculty & Graduate Student Research L

ocated in Ona, the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center (REC) was established in 1941 through the efforts of Florida legislators and cattlemen and people of the community. It is one of 12 of the University of Florida (UF), Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s (IFAS) research and education centers. These centers are strategically located across the state engaging in research, extension, and graduate student training as pertains to the agricultural industries in their surrounding area. Located near the heart of Florida’s beef cattle operations, the Range Cattle REC houses 7 faculty members that make up a multidisciplinary team that specialize in beef cattle nutrition and management, pasture and rangeland weed management, rangeland ecosystems and wildlife, forage management, cattle and forage economics, and soil fertility and nutrient management. The faculty at our Center work closely with Florida’s cattle and land managers to find solutions to their problems through research and cooperative efforts, while training the next generation of researchers - UF’s graduate students and exchange visitors. Graduate students are UF M.S. or Ph.D. students who complete their course work in Gainesville and

Heartland InTheField Magazine

conduct research at the Center all while under the advisement of one of the Center’s faculty members. University of Florida exchange visitors are students involved in a degree program in their home country who come to the United States by invitation of our faculty for a short term as interns or scholars to improve their research and English skills and learn about American culture. Presently the Center’s faculty are mentoring a total of 9 graduate students and 7 exchange visitors. At our upcoming field day you will have a special opportunity to see the work these students are engaged in. This particular field day is held every 18 months allowing attendees to see the facilities, field sites, and learn about the research being done in the spring and fall seasons. This year’s field day will be held on April 9th. It will have a new structure as attendees will divide into two groups, allowing one group to hear indoor presentations while the other group travels by tour wagons to field sites for onsite research talks. These groups will switch places mid-morning so that both groups have an opportunity to see the same presentations, just at different times. This is being done so that we can utilize our newly constructed Grazinglands Education Building. After

March 2015

the morning talks, everyone will enjoy a nice steak lunch prepared by the Cloverleaf Foundation of Hardee County followed by a very special graduate student program with research displays and possibly field talks. Many of our field day sponsors will also be on site under the sponsor tent during the morning registration (8:00-9:00 a.m.) and available again during the lunch/graduate student program (12:00 – 3:00 p.m.) with knowledgeable representatives, informational product displays, and literature.

To register to attend ($15 fee), or sponsor ($100 fee) our field day, you have two helpful options. You can register online through Eventbrite: http://rcrec-fd-2015.eventbrite.com. Here you can pay the by credit or debit card or opt to pay ‘off line’ to pay by cash or check the day of the event. Another option, that by be more convenient for you, is to give us a call (863-735-1314). Using this option, payment can only be accepted by cash or check. Please give us the name of each attendee, so name badges can be printed. Keep in mind these important deadlines: Sponsors – March 20 & Attendees – April 3. Don’t miss this special opportunity to come out and see our facilities, learn about current research, and view the exciting work being done by our graduate students!

Range Cattle Research and Education Center

— FIELD

DAY

—

April 9, 2015 · 8:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m. Faculty Presentations & Field Tours Fetal Programming in Livestock Replacement Heifer Economics Pasture Selenium Application - Impacts on Selenium Status of Forage-fed Cattle Control of Perennial Grasses The Environmental and Economic Cost of Wild Hogs Lunch Graduate Student Program: Research Displays & Presentations

Register by April 3rd to attend! Online— http://rcrec-fd-2015.eventbrite.com or call: 863-735-1314 Registration Fee—$15, includes literature & steak lunch Location: Grazinglands Education Building - 3401 Experiment Station - Ona

If you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter and stay informed about upcoming events, consider joining our mail list. You can choose to receive news by e-mail or the US Postal Service, simply give us a call or send us an e-mail to join. Contact Information Andrea Dunlap Educational Media & Communications Coordinator UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC Phone: (863) 735-1314 E-mail: ona@ifas.ufl.edu Visit us online: http://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu

Like & Follow us on Facebook: UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

Florida Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy Class I Nearing Graduation BY DUSTY HOLLEY FLORIDA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR OF FIELD SERVICES

For 15 years the Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s YCC tour served as a solid program where Florida’s young (between the ages of 21-40) cattlemen and women, would tour cattle operations across the state. This week long program built relationships amongst attendees, and served as a time when young producers from all over the state could learn more about the Florida Cattle Industry. While the Florida YCC tour by all accounts was a successful program, with over 125 total participants, a need was seen for a more intensive program.

The Florida Cattlemen’s Leadership Academy (FCLA) was created by a committee of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA) leaders, with the goal of identifying and developing future leaders for both the FCA and the Florida Cattle Industry as a whole. Participants must be current Florida Cattlemen’s Association members between the ages of 21-40, willing to commit to four 2-3 day sessions throughout the year, and nominated by a County Cattlemen’s Association or a current FCA member. Each FCLA “Class” is limited to 12 participants, with at least 7 participants needed to start a “Class”.

The FCLA provides more in depth leadership, communication, and industry understanding training then the previous Florida YCC program. Tours of Florida Cattle operations are still a component of the program, with participants seeing a myriad of production practices. Each FCLA Class participates in 4 sessions starting with Session I in July/August and ending at Session IV during the Legislative Quarterly in Tallahassee.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

FCLA Class I has 10 participants and they have completed three of the four sessions. This month they will complete the program at the Legislative Quarterly and will graduate at the annual YCC alumni reception during Convention on Monday June 15, 2015(please plan on attending).

Each of the four FCLA sessions are held in different regions of the state and have a unique focused educational component. Session I held in Central Florida (July/August) focuses on overview of the industry, media training, and leadership development.

Class I’s Session I was held in Kissimmee and started with leadership training from Dr. Hannah Carter (of the premier FL Ag Leadership program The Wedgeworth Institute). UF’s Dr. Todd Thrift then discussed the Structure and History of the Cattle Industry. The group then toured Far Reach Ranch where FCA Past President Bert Tucker, talked about their family operation and the importance of FCA. Mr. Tucker also highlighted how important the committee structure of FCA is, and told the story of how the new UF limpograsses that were just released were the direct result of FCA’s Research Committee’s discussion. Next Class I toured Kenansville Cattle Company where Alan Kelly led the group on a tour of the operation. Alan explained many of the forage and genetic improvements they have made on their operation, these improvements were evident and expressed in the high quality cattle the group viewed. That evening the Silver

March 2015

Spurs Riding Club invited the group to their annual Cookout at their Kenansville property. Class I learned out the Silver Spurs organization and got to share fellowship with many of Osceola County’s Cattlemen and Women. The next morning Lynn Kilroy of Kilroy Communications put the group through a professional media training experience and discussed the tools and strategy needed to communicate properly with the media. That afternoon David Bennett, Ranch Manager for Bronsons LLP hosted Class I on a tour of the Bronson family’s Canoe Creek Ranch and Gardner Marsh. Mr. Bennett discussed their heifer development program, breeding program and also

discussed the use of state land in the operation. The group was shown the airboat crossings over the grade in Gardner Marsh, The Bronson family has an agreement to run cattle on the now state owned portion of the Marsh. Mr. Bennett discussed the interaction between the state, a public recreation area, and a private cattle ranch. Wrapping up Session I Ricky Booth and family took the group on a tour of the Doc Partin Ranch, showcasing the family operation’s purebred Brahman herd as well as their commercial cattle operation. Ricky stressed the importance of participating in programs such as the FCLA and the NCBA YCC tour. FCA Executive Committee Members Erik Jacobsen and Henry Kempfer each attended parts of Session I. Session II held in North Florida in October, focuses on further industry education, and industry specific media training.

Class I’s Session II was held in Alachua, Marion, and Levy Counties. FCA Past President Marty Smith and Family graciously hosted the group during the evening at their Wachahoota Lodge. The evenings were filled with great meals and good times. Thank you Smith Family. Session II started with a trip to Chiefland, FL where the group first met with Chris Hardee of Hardee Farms. They learned a lot about Mr. Hardee and family’s purebred operation, and the development of the Baseliner composite breed. Mr. Hardee not only imparted knowledge on the production of breeding animals for the industry, but also shared advice on tools to leading a happy, healthy and productive life and the importance of involvement in industry groups. FCA Past President Don

March 2015

Quincey of Quincey Cattle Company spoke to the group about feeding cattle in state. He showed them cattle being finished on his place, as well as educating them about his traditional operation of back grounding calves for customers. The group discussed the feed commodities that Mr. Quincey had on hand, almost all of which is sourced locally or in the Southeast. He also informed FCLA Class I about “Fresh from Florida Beef” and the opportunities in that niche. Session II continued that afternoon in Gainesville where Dr. Chad Carr and Jesse Savell reviewed feeder calf evaluation, they had a diverse set of calves on hand that the group evaluated and set market prices on, they then took a tour of the UF meat lab and discussed carcass pricing, yield and quality grade. That evening FCA Past Presidents Dr. Roger West, Bo Hobby, Marty Smith and NCBA past President Jo Ann Smith shared a steak dinner with the group and discussed many aspects of FCA and opportunities within the association and the industry. The following day Dr. Chad Carr and Mr. Larry Eubanks and the UF Meat Lab crew gave the group a tour of the facilities and explained where all of the many cuts of beef come from on a carcass, and their value and history. Ashley Hughes of the Florida Beef Council built on the earlier media training provided by Lynn Kilroy by focusing more on specific Beef Industry issues. This industry specific media training helps participants formulate strategy and responses to questions posed to them about hot topic issues in the industry. Class I then embarked on a trip to see the state of the art processing facility at Adena Meats in Ft. McCoy. Rick Moyer took the group through the facility and explained the goal and mission of Adena Meats and shared his personal cattle industry story. TJ Baldwin then showed Class I some of the cattle that the operation is finishing on grass. Session II was wrapped up the next morning as Dr. Todd Thrift conducted a chute-side BQA training session. All 10 participants completed the training and are now BQA certified. Executive Committee member Ken Griner accompanied the group during Session II. Special thanks to the UF Animal Science Department for providing a van and newly hired professors to drive it.

Session III held in South Florida in January, focuses on tools to running a meeting, and dealing with government. Heartland InTheField Magazine

Class I’s Session III was held in Desoto, Charlotte, and Manatee Counties. Class I participants were encouraged to attend the Florida Cattlemen’s Institute and Allied Trade show, following that event the group had their first program of the session. The V.C. Hollingsworth Family and Mrs. Lynn Hollingsworth Mills were very gracious in allowing the group to use and stay at their East Ranch Camp for Session III. Donnell Brown of the R.A. Brown Ranch of Throckmorton, TX , and former National FFA President, shared an evening of leadership, networking, and relationship building training with Class I. The next morning Class I toured the XL Bar Ranch in Charlotte County. FCA Executive Committee member Joel Beverly gave a tour of his operation. He highlighted his Brahman herd that he produces

certified F-1’s from, and talked about building an operation as a young producer. Mr. Beverly spoke to Class I about his plans for XL Bar and his use of leased land. The group returned to the Hollingsworth East Ranch where Mr. Gary Lee, Highlands County Vocational Education Director, and the Sebring FFA Parliamentary Procedure team presented and discussed running a meeting and the proper use of parliamentary procedure. The following morning FCA Director of Field Services discussed government structure, lobbying strategy, and how the FCA and NCBA deal with the political needs of the Cattle Industry. Desoto County Commissioner and former FCA committee chairman Jim Selph spoke about the importance of communicating and understanding local government. Session III wrapped up at Blackbeard’s Ranch, in Manatee County, where FCA Past President Jim Strickland provided a wonderful meal and always entertaining discussion about the industry and industry group involvement. NCBA Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Kent Bacus spoke to Class I about NCBA’s role in Washington DC and his issue portfolio of Trade. FBC Chairman Cliff Coddington was in attendance at Blackbeard’s ranch and informed Class I about the Beef Council and their current programs. FCA Executive Committee members Erik Jacobsen and Matt Pearce attended all or parts of Session III.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Session IV held in the Panhandle and centered around the FCA legislative quarterly, and focuses on the interaction between FCA members and elected officials.

At press time Session IV has not yet occurred however Class I will tour Cattle Operations in the Panhandle, participate in the legislative meetings with elected officials while paired with a FCA “Captain” , assist with the Street Party, and attend the FCA Board of Directors Meeting.

Graduation as previously mentioned FCLA Class I graduation will be held during the YCC Alumni Reception on Monday night of the Annual Convention. Following graduation Class I participants will attend the Tuesday Opening General Session and begin direct participation in a FCA committee of their choice.

The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation has seen the importance of this program and provides funding for the FCLA program. You may donate to the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation and designate your donation go towards the FCLA program if you wish. Applications for FCLA Class II (2015-2016) have been mailed to County Presidents and State Directors. Applications can also be found online at www.floridacattlemen.org. Applicants nominated by county associations will be given priority over nominees from individuals (only 12 spots per class available). If you are interested in learning more about this program please contact Dusty Holley at dusty@ floridacattlemen.org or (863) 287-8591. March 2015

Jim Burnette is employed by Lykes Brothers. His family has a pure bred operation in Kenansville. He and his wife Leslie and their two daughters Lorena and Loralye reside in Lake Placid.

Philip Clark is originally from Melbourne FL. He is the Natural resources manager for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. He is also involved in his family’s cattle operation. Chance Clay is 6th generation rancher on Clay ranch. He is representing Putnam County Cattlemen's Association in class 1 of the FCLA. Chance works with his family on their Cow Calf operation and on their commercial blueberry farm. Chance and his wife Sarah live in San Mateo, Fl. Jason Conrad is the General Manager for Rocking S Farms in Hillsborough & Polk Counties. Jason lives in Dover with his wife Stephanie, and their Four children. He is thankful to the Hillsborough County Cattlemen for nominating him for FCLA Class 1. Mike Facente is a wildland firefighter and acting mitigation specialist for the Florida Forest Service. He is a Director for Polk County Cattleman’s and he and his wife Amie, have their own cow/calf operation together with their children, Carrie, Kaylee, Radley, and Karlin.

Bernie LeFils is a graduate of UF and Stetson, a CPA and also works on the family ranch in Osteen. Currently, he serves as the Vice-President of the Volusia County Cattlemen’s Association. Bernie and his wife Avery reside in Lake Helen, FL. Josh McLendon is a current student at the University of Florida and Vice President of the University's Block and Bridle Club. He is representing Gadsden County Cattleman's Association in FCLA Class I. He is graduating in May of 2016 with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science/Beef Industry Option. Jeremy Waters was born abroad in Germany and raised in Punta Gorda. He is the Ranch Foreman at Longino Ranch. He and his wife Rachel have 3 children and have their own cow/calf herd Dr. LuJean Waters is a large animal veterinarian who owns and operates Heartland Large Animal Services out of Polk County. Dr. Waters and her fiancé Ike Stein work on many central Florida ranches, as well as their own growing herd. When not working, Ike and LuJean enjoy spending time with their son Zibe while competing as well as sponsoring veterinary care at ranch rodeos throughout the state. Michael Woodham lives in Parrish, FL with his wife Michelle and 2 sons Preston and Barrett. He works for David Cannon Well Drilling. He owns his own herd of cattle, and enjoys teaching his boys about the responsibility of raising and caring for cattle.

Applications for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Leadership Academy (FCLA) Class II are now being accepted. Contact Dusty Holley dusty@floridacattlemen.org (863) 287-8591 for more information March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2015 St. Lucie County Fairgrounds

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

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

The Sherrod Family In Memory of Curtis Sherrod

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

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RODEO FEATURE

PRO RODEO RETURNS TO WAUCHULA ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHY GREGG

At one time, Hardee County was a regular stop for professional rodeo, but it has been more than 20 years since the last one – until now! On Friday night, January 23rd, and Saturday afternoon, January 24th, the Peace River ProRodeo Classic saw the Professional Rodeo Cowboys and Women’s Professional Rodeo Associations take over the Hardee County Cattleman’s Arena to the thrill and delight of the spectators.

With the long-time Homestead Rodeo being held that same weekend, many of the top cowboys from around the nation came to Florida for a chance at winning prize money at these two locations. And considering that there were major PRCA events being held in Denver, Colorado, and Fort Worth, Texas, there was quite a turnout, with roughstock riders coming from 14 states, and even one of the bullriders travelling all the way from Tonasket, Washington, and one of the saddlebronc riders hailing from New Zealand. And then there are the roping competitors and barrel racers from Georgia, Alabama, and all over the State of Florida. The crowds were treated with appearances by repeat Southeastern Circuit Champ Spunk Sasser in steer wrestling and team roping, and cowboys from all over the Heartland competing in tie-down roping, including Highlands Countians Brad Hartt (taking first place in 8.9 seconds, and winning $902), Ben Mayworth (third place in 9.2 seconds, and $451), and Chase Cobb (fourth place in 10.1 seconds, and $226).

Heartland InTheField Magazine

The saddlebronc event included Southeastern Circuit Champion Justin Caylor of Sulphur Springs, Texas, and national champion Cody DeMoss (who tied for fourth place). But it was a local cowboy -- Jim Burnette – who won this event (and the top prize money of $1,128) with a score of 78 on the horse named Medina Gold. Like Sasser, Burnette is also a repeat Southeastern Circuit champ, and currently calls Lorida, Florida, home. The Peace River ProRodeo was one of a series of three professional rodeos being sponsored by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, with the first being held at the Lakeland Center on January 16-17, and the final event being held in Immokalee

March 2015

the weekend following Wauchula. Mason ProRodeo of Polk County, partnering with Peace River Explorations of Wauchula, put on these three rodeos, using stock contractors 4L & Diamond S Rodeo, and sub-contractors Smith, Harper & Morgan, and Stace Smith ProRodeo.

Judy and Leroy Mason, the owners of Mason ProRodeo, are well-known in the rodeo world for the great entertainment acts that they bring to their rodeos. They own a group of white horses (and one paint horse), who are ridden by ladies all dressed in red, white and blue, and who carry the flags of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. The American flag was proudly carried by my friend, Kara Coates. The many sponsor flags were carried by Hardee Countians Millie Bolin, Melinda Nickerson, Logan Harned, Krystin Chapman, Jessica Newman, Heather Vina, Lacey Cumbee and Gracie Albritton, who wore bright red in Friday’s performance, and chambray blue on Saturday. Tim “Wild Thang” Lepard and his troupe of cappucin monkeys, known as Team Ghost Riders, were one of the entertainment acts, where they come out riding Border Collies, and then herd a group of goats into a pen. The sounds of children (and some adults!) squealing with delight were heard all over the arena! Lepard then introduces each of them, and it is obvious how much he cares for his “children”.

The other entertainment act was Tommie Turvey and his Extreme Horsemanship. The first routine with a trick horse kept the crowd laughing. The second act saw Turvey atop a pair of black-and-white paint horses, which he rides one leg on each horse. The synchrony of this duo is gorgeous to watch, and Turvey riding backwards as well as forwards is a true act of balance, with the final trick having them jump over a bar that is totally on fire. Several of the bucking bulls used at these rodeos are in the top 30 bucking bulls in the nation, and have had the honor of being used at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In fact, Zack Oakes tied for the win in the bullriding event with a score of 85 on one of these bulls – Haunted Mesa. Oakes is the cowboy who traveled all the way from Washington State. Jimmy Lathero, one of the many Latheros from Fellesmere, Florida, who ride bulls, was the rider he tied with. For their efforts, they each received $922 in prize money. The total prize money paid out was $25,023. Other event winners were Tyler Nelson of Victor, Idaho, in bareback riding, with a score of 79 points on the horse named Sand Dollar, Justin Thigpen with a time of 4.4 seconds in steer wrestling, the team of Clint Summers and Brad Culpepper with a time of 5.3 seconds in team roping, and Jennifer Mosley in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association barrel racing, with a time of 15.18 seconds in Saturday’s performance. Other locals placing in the money were bull-dogger Lucas Brasfield of Parrish (tied for fourth place in 5.6 seconds, winning $106), and barrel racer Heather Clemons of Okeechobee (taking fifth place in 15.33 seconds, winning $564).

March 2015

Here’s hoping the Peace River ProRodeo Classic is here to stay!

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Moreno Ranches Announces Innovative Brahman Junior Show, the Heartland Classic, Achieves Spectacular Results Moreno Ranches, a proud supporter of programs for Brahman Juniors, has announced the results of their 2014 Heartland Classic Show. Fifty-seven junior showmen exhibited over 100 head of cattle, bringing the Brahman breed into the minds and hearts of young people. The show is an innovative effort by Moreno Ranches to grow the Brahman breed at its future: youth. ³The Heartland Classic was centered more around family than around the competition and ³politics² of showing,² explained parent Audrey Beany. ³My son, Ryan, thoroughly enjoyed the laid back show and helping and spending time with friends. And as a family, we enjoyed our time together doing what we love with our extended Brahman families.²

To learn more about the Heartland Classic, including the show results, please visit http://www.morenoranches.com/ heartland-classic-results.

There, in addition to information on the show for Brahman Juniors, one can browse the Moreno Ranches website and learn about their superior genetics and Brahman cattle.

³Our commitment at Moreno Ranches is to the future, and that includes youth,² explained Kelvin Moreno, head of Moreno Ranches. ³This show is not as much about winning as about educating young people on the cattle industry, and the Brahman breed in particular.²

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Join us for our 2015 Show & Sale! March 7th 9:00am -‐ Small Animals 4:00pm – Beef Breeding March 9th 4:30pm – Lambs; Goats immediately following 6:00pm – Steers March 10th 6:00pm Dairy March 11th Swine Showmanship March 12th Swine Show March 13th Sale Presented by the C hildren’s Services Council of Okeechobee

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March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association and Sponsors Present:

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

TRAVEL FEATURE

SPRING TRAVEL GETAWAYS By The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl Hartt

ANDALUCÍA, SOUTHERN SPAIN Spring is without a doubt the best time of the year to head over to southern Spain. With temperatures reaching 115 degrees in the midst of summer, not only is it no fun to sightsee but it’s also pointless – most amenities are closed as locals are busy… taking their daily siesta. So unless you want to spend the majority of your trip sleeping, visiting Andalucía in the spring is the best option (and that means more tapas for you!). Madrid is one of Europe’s cheapest gateway cities, and Andalucía is about 240 miles from Madrid and you can get there via car or train. Andalucía’s’ most admired cities are Cordoba, Granada and Seville, and this Spanish world brings attractions like the Prado Museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site like the Alhambra. A beautiful Spanish region with rich history you won’t forget.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

SANTA MONICA, CA Santa Monica is a great seaside community, with easy access to LA and the rest of southern California. Located 8 miles north of LAX, Santa Monica itself is a walk able 8 square miles and is comprised of eight distinct districts, each featuring it own character.

Named one of the “best beach cities in the world” by National Geographic, Santa Monica, the quintessential city by the sea, defines the essence of the California lifestyle. There are lots to do at the beach...from swimming and surfing to biking and March 2015

volleyball, from outdoor chess to beachside gymnastics. Plus, enjoy nearby attractions like the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach, Disneyland and Magic Mountain. This spring, guests can enjoy the best seat on the beach at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel with several great guest packages.

CAREFREE, AZ Located just north of Scottsdale, you will find Carefree, Arizona. Typical of Carefree’s character are its street names— Tranquil Trail and Easy Street. The motto of Carefree is “Home of Cowboys and Caviar, Where the Old West Meets the New.” The town has 15 restaurants, which makes for one restaurant for every 247 people, the highest per capita ratio in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa, a Waldorf Astoria property, is set on 1,300 acres in the Sonoran Desert foothills. A nature lover’s paradise, the resort’s dramatic and innovative architecture blends with the surrounding desert landscape. Stone-colored adobe-style structures are grouped in lowrise clusters throughout the property. Envision yourself in a private casita with wood burning fireplace nestled among 12 million year old boulders in the evening. By day, enjoy hot air balloon rides, rock climbing, hiking, biking, golf or the spa.

March 2015

HERSHEY, PA Do you love chocolate? Then you will want to put a trip to Hershey on your travel list. Hershey, appropriately named The Sweetest Place on Earth, is a world‐class resort destination located in central Pennsylvania. It offers distinctive experiences wrapped in chocolate, where guests of all ages can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and hospitality offerings that are quite exceptional in the spring. Everything here is chocolate themed, including The Hotel Hershey (with Chocolate Bingo andFamily S ‘mores Nights), Chocolate Spa (offering Spring Fling packages), Hershey Park Theme Park, Hershey Gardens (known for its tulips) & Zoo America. They also have unique chocolate opportunities like Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction, Chocolate Lab Classes where you can make Tempting Chocolate Tulips and Falconry Classes. Spring packages are available just in time for family fun during Easter or any other time this spring.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

LITERATURE FEATURE

A SERIES ON FLORIDA LITERATURE THE BAREFOOTED MAILMEN By Brady Vogt

t was a short run, very much like The Wild West’s Pony Express, not quite so short, but brief nevertheless, in its duration. In between the delivery of mail and documents along the coasts of Florida by sailboat, schooners and sharpies that ran across oyster bars and through shallows to put in at the hamlets and villages that dotted the sand beaches, and the railroads of the two big Henry’s, Flagler and Plant, men with long strides walked the mail from departure to destination. Inland, away from the barrier islands and coastal inlets, nearly the same pioneering of central and south Florida had taken place, that is it was always water that connected the people, rivers like the Peace and Caloosahatchee and the Indian. As the settlers prospered and the settlements grew, so too grew the need, the demand, for faster postal service, and what had been game trails became paths, which in turn would eventually become roads. For a time though, a longer period through the forests and swamps then along the white beaches, the mail was entrusted to leather sacks that strong men hoisted upon their shoulders and backs, who got from the first place to the second place entirely according to abilitiy.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Theodore Pratt was a prodigious writer. He published in all about thirty six books, fourteen of which were about Florida. He lived from 1901 to 1969. He was an authentic, if not native, Floridian having lived with his wife in Lake Worth, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach. If he were to return to any of those places today he would think he had arrived upon another planet, until he could get to the ocean. Mister Pratt’s papers, his manuscripts, letters, essays, observation, proof copies, illustrated dust jacket art, and books, his First Editions, belong to the Special Collections Library of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He is best known for his novel THE BAREFOOT MAILMAN, which was published by Duell, Sloan and Pearce in 1943. That same year the publishers produced THE BIG ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN by Wallace Stegner. Both novels are based on the American pioneer experience, in as distinctly opposite places as they could be. Handsome Robert Cummings was the lead in the movie version of THE BAREFOOT MAILMAN in 1951. Then still, the shoreline was nearly empty of people. Locations were easy enough. March 2015

Accurate geography and knowledge of the land, along the Atlantic from Lake Worth to Miami are the foundation for the story. It surely was a paradise. The mailman carried his sack, he was called a “walkist”, along the sand beach that sloped to his left on the way south and sloped to his right to get back home. Lean with the left and hitch with the right, for half of forty miles. The rest, through seagrape and gumbo limbo, railroad vine and sea oats. Of the sixty eight mile trek, called the Star Route, forty miles were hiking and twenty eight miles was rowing, perhaps some lucky sailing. The mailman did it in three days each way, Palm Beach to Lemon City. He was beset by highwaymen (a term for the occupation, not the environment) , marooners, beachcombers turned lazy and mean, and sharks that swim in the sea. There is a memorial around Jupiter to James E. Hamiltion who disappeared in 1887. He was assumed to have tried to swim a creek to retrieve his boat, which had been moved by an unknown person from the north, and was taken by shark, or crocodile. There is a handsome statue of The Barefoot Mailman at the Coast Guard Station at Hillsboro Inlet. The man looks cheerful, dedicated, and able. Close to home there was Acrefoot Johnson. He was named James Mitchell by his parents and named Acrefoot by his friends. He was a great big man six foot seven inches, two hundred fifty pounds, size twelve boot. He was born in 1851 and died in 1922. Acrefoot carried the mail from Fort Ogden to Fort Meade, a distance of sixty five miles by foot. It was called the Wire Route, to become State Road 31. He was twice as fast as the next man and would slip along to Bartow like it was nothing to sleep in his sister’s house and save the quarter on the price of a room in Fort Meade. He was said to have put a knife into a bull alligator’s lower throat and out-walked a horse drawn buggy. He carried passengers for a while, in a chair strapped to his back, until the postal service made him stop. He walked thirty miles and swam the Caloosahatchee to get a pair of shoes for a hoedown, and danced and fiddled that same night away. Upon leaving the U.S. Post Office, Acrefoot split logs for the railroad and laid turpentine soaked track ties for Henry Plant. Some of his family, his sister or niece, homesteaded on Mound Key in the early 1900’s and grew limes and pineapple. They stayed almost fifty years. Again it is curious, that neither Acrefoot Johnson’s crossing the rivers or Theodore Pratt’s mail carriers from Lake Worth

March 2015

to Miami, did not encounter, or did not think significant, the Calusa and Tequesta oyster and conch shell mounds. Had the mounds become invisible? Had the wind and surf eroded their substantiality? Perhaps the mailmen thought the mounds were natural elevations, smothered in rank trees and creeping, climbing vine. What the fellows along the Atlantic did find, was literally the bounty of the sea, everything from lace to lard, canvas and rope, bolts of cloth and newsboy caps, kegs of rum and spirits, casks of salt, all to be equally shared by the pioneer community, and gold, gold, gold, what the Spanish had searched for in vain, washed up at the line where the ocean meets the shore from wrecked vessels of two hundred years before

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

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Heartland InTheField Magazine

Happenings IN THE HEARTLAND

work recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and their members is extremely gratifying and has energized us to make 2015 even better.”

With continued input from the community, HAL has been busy implementing new classes, programs and events that you will see in 2015. Highlights include: • Artist in Residency Program to bring visiting artists to Highlands County to share their expertise and art with our community. Further expansion of our classes, workshops and programs for all ages, including an After School Art Program

Attending the banquet on behalf of the Art League included: Board of Directors Cathy Albritton, Marie Boley, Marcia Davis, Dawn Dell, Don Elwell, Barb Hall, Julia Mercer, Nancy Palmer, Marcia Davis, Dawn Dell, Anastasia Saunders and Jeri Wohl; Artists Kristy Harris & Linda Kegley; Founding Member Elsa Kahn; Staff/Consultants Casey Wohl Hartt, Teresa Vicker and Merideth Wohl. “What an honor to receive this recognition,” said 2015 President Barb Hall. “While many kudos are well deserved to everyone involved, the Art League is about more than just the people. It is about bringing art and culture to Highlands County.”

HIGHLANDS ART LEAGUE RECEIVES SEBRING CHAMBER’S BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

he Highlands Art League (HAL) was thrilled to receive the 2014 Business of the Year Award from the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce during their Annual Banquet on Jan. 29. This was the first year the Chamber gave this award to a non-profit organization. The Art League members also walked away with a second recognition that evening when they received the Most Creative Table Decoration Award. “It was the Art League’s busiest year ever, and a lot of folks worked really hard to make it so successful,” said 2014 President Don Elwell. “To see all of that

With all that HAL and MoTA do to enrich the community with arts and culture and serving as a gateway for families re-locating or visiting our area, it is more important than ever to support the community’s premier arts organization. The HAL Board thanks all of the artists, instructors, students, volunteers, donors and staff for their support and contribution to HAL’s overwhelming success in 2014. For information about supporting HAL through membership or sponsorship, please visit www.HighlandsArtLeague.org.

The mission of the Highlands Art League is “to encourage emerging and evolving artists of all ages and to positively impact our community through the celebration and exploration of the arts.” For more information and a list of classes, exhibits and events, please visit www.HighlandsArtLeague.org

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

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

CUSTOM ART UNCORKED PALM FROND PAINTING CLASS TO RAISE MONEY FOR MASON G. SMOAK FOUNDATION

he Highlands Art League (HAL) is thrilled to partner with the Mason G. Smoak Foundation (MGSF) to help raise funds for the young leaders of Highlands County. Through a unique partnership with HAL, the MGSF will host a special “Art Uncorked” class to raise funds for its Youth Leadership Highlands (YLH) Program.

TH15 IS IT: JUNIOR BRAHMAN EDUCATIONAL DAY

he Moreno Family is excited to invite all Florida Junior Brahman Association members, Florida Junior Cattlemen’s Association members, and other junior members to their “Class of ’15” to be held at Moreno Ranches in Venus, Florida, on April 18th, starting at 10:00 a.m. To request more information or to register, please visit morenoranches.com

The class will take place at HAL’s Visual Art Center (1985 Lakeview Drive) located on the shores of Lake Jackson in the Downtown Sebring Allen Altvater Cultural Center on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 5-8 PM for a reception, as well as a custom Art Uncorked Palm Frond painting class starting at 6:00 PM. Proceeds from the painting class will benefit the YLH Program. Attendees ages 21+ are encouraged to register for the class, which will be led by a professional artist, and learn to paint the MGSF logo on a palm frond. The reception is free to attend; no registration necessary. Individuals who would like to paint, must register online in advance at HighlandsArtLeague.org. Class is limited to 25 attendees; donation fee is $145*. (*A portion of your donation may be tax deductible. Please consult your financial advisor.)

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation is a faith based organization that supports education, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters opportunities for leadership development in a manner reflective of Mason’s integrity and character. MGSF was founded in 2008 after the tragic passing of Mason G. Smoak. Mason was so many things – a third generation Floridian, a farmer, a conservationist, a leader, a Christian, a family man, and a caring individual.After his death his family and friends wanted to do more to remember him, they wanted to create a living memorial to Mason to help others the way he did. The MGSF is a non-

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

profit 501 (c) 3 that was formed with a mission to help those in need. Through the leadership of the Foundation, steady progress has been made and many lives have been impacted. For more information, visit www.MasonGSmoakFoundation.org.

The Youth Leadership Highlands (YLH) Program is the foundation’s personal project. This year long program is designed to expose students to interpersonal leadership abilities, build leadership competencies, like public speaking and decisionmaking, while simultaneously creating awareness for the need for philanthropy, community service, and civic participation in the lives of Highlands County citizens. The foundation has created the entire program and modeled it after other leadership programs, such as the Wedgworth Leadership and Leadership Highlands Programs. The foundation provides the YLH program with a full-time program coordinator, curriculum development, and all expenses associated with providing this program. MGSF is currently hosting Class IV and have had a total of 75 students participate in the program. The mission of the Highlands Art League (a 501c3 non profit) is “to encourage emerging and evolving artists of all ages and to positively impact our community through the celebration and exploration of the arts.” For more information and a list of classes, exhibits and events, please visit www.HighlandsArtLeague.org.

olks that we saw at the 2015 Florida Blueberry Growers Association Meeting and Tradeshow February 17th at Hillsborough Community College Trinkle Center in Plant City

ur friends at Tradewinds Power Corporation and Wish Farms

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

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

Ultimately, the Monte Package Company, coached by Jacob Hare of Berry Patches and accompanied by former MLB All-Star Fred McGriff, was named the top finisher and recognized for their picking prowess with individual strawberry trophies as well as the coveted ‘Strawberry Joe’ perpetual trophy.

2ND ANNUAL STRAWBERRY PICKING CHALLENGE RAISES $76,000 FOR REDLANDS CHRISTIAN MIGRANT ASSOCIATION

he 2nd Annual Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge, hosted by Wish Farms raised $76,000 for Redlands Christian Migrant Association.

The fundraising event, held on Saturday February 7, featured 20 corporate-sponsored teams who competed in relays to earn the title of “Best Harvest Crew.” Some of the crews represented included Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Monte Package Company, Patterson Companies, International Paper, Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Farm Credit of Central Florida. Strawberry growers from around the state were well represented at the event, providing picking instructions and serving as coaches.

In addition to the strawberry picking, the day-long event emceed by InfoMas reporter Melissa Zayas Moreno, featured family-friendly events such as strawberry picking for children, a balloon artist, face painter, games, live music by Clemons Road Band, and special appearances by the Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and Wish Farms’ Misty the Garden Pixie. Proceeds from the Strawberry Picking Challenge will benefit Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a non-profit organization that operates child-care centers and charter schools for Florida’s rural poor, particularly farm workers’ children. Throughout the state, RCMA operates 70 child-care centers and three charter schools. Wish Farms is a long-time supporter of RCMA. Last year, the inaugural Strawberry Picking Challenge event donated $74,000 to the children of RCMA. “This fun, family event was a great success,” said Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms. “We hope we succeeded in bringing awareness not only to the hard work of our farm workers but also to the outstanding contribution that RCMA makes.”

Submit your photos and events for Heartland Happenings to rhonda@heartlanditf.com March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

Ben Crosby Named 2014 Land REALTOR® of America Ben Crosby, ALC, CCIM, Broker/Owner of Crosby & Associates, Inc. is the 2014 Land REALTOR® of America. This elite award recognizes those who provide the highest caliber of land brokerage services in the Nation.

More than 2,000 plus nationwide nominations are received annually, and Accredited Land Consultants (ALC) who held the honor within the past five years then vote to select the next Land REALTOR® of America. “This peer selected award is the highest honor that I could receive,” said Crosby. “I’m astounded and very proud to be joining such a select group of distinguished land brokers.” Throughout his career he has led a successful land brokerage firm specializing in agriculture and commercial properties, and he has listed and sold some of the most desired lands in the Southeast.

Heartland InTheField Magazine

“I can proudly call Ben Crosby one of my most valued friends and partners in the agricultural real estate industry. For over 25 years, Ben has helped guide and assist me and my associates buy tens of thousands of acres of raw land, develop many of the citrus industries’ leading groves, sell large tracts of ranch property and conduct dynamic multi-parcel auctions throughout the Southeast, Mississippi Delta and Texas,” commended Murray R. Wise, Chairman and CEO of Murray Wise Associates LLC. “I cannot think of a person more deserving of the RLI Realtor of America award.”

The official recognition ceremony will take place at the 2015 National Land Conference in Tucson, AZ on March 23-25, 2015. Receiving this award is a great honor among the RLI and the prestigious ALC professional community. He is also the recipient of the 2014 Excellence in Instruction Award. The REALTORS® Land Institute is the professional membership organization for real estate practitioners who specialize in land transactions. An affiliate organization of the National Association of REALTORS®, the Institute provides a wide range of programs and services that build knowledge, relationships, and business opportunities for the best in the land business. Through its best-in-class LandU curriculum, the REALTORS® Land Institute confers its ALC designation to only those real estate practitioners who achieve the highest levels of education, experience, and professionalism.

March 2015

Heartland InTheField Magazine

AG CALENDAR 13th – 15th ARCADIA ALL-FLORIDA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO

FEBRUARY

14th & 15th OKEECHOBEE COWTOWN RODEO

Feb. 26th – March 8th LEE COUNTY FAIR

6th & 7th CHALO NITKA FRONTIER DAYS FESTIVAL & RODEO 7th – 13th OKEECHOBEE YOUTH LIVESTOCK SHOW & SALE 10th – 12th FCA LEGISLATIVE QTRLY MEETING, TALLAHASSEE

25th – 28th RAM NATIONAL CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO, OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK

Feb. 27th – March 8th ST. LUCIE COUNTY FAIR MARCH

5th – 7th FLORIDA FARM BUREAU WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, SANDESTIN BEACH & GOLF RESORT

22nd SEBRING’S BIRD EXPO 9-4 AT JOHNSON & JOHNSON WOOD PRODUCTS

26th IFAS COYOTE AWARENESS PRESENTATION, SOUTH MANATEE LIBRARY 10th – 15th OKEECHOBEE COUNTY FAIR 13th HOPS ON MAIN, WAUCHULA

28th HIGHLANDS COUNTY 4-H 3D ARCHERY MATCH, HIGHLANDS BOWHUNTERS CLUB

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

IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE Your Monthly Agricultural Magazine Since 2004, Serving the Heartland Since 2008 78

Heartland InTheField Magazine

March 2015

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March 2015

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