Heartland Magazine September 2012

Page 1

SEPT 2012

HEARTL A AND Way of Life.

COVER STORY:

TALKING BEEF CATTLE WITH WOODY LARSON

September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

3

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

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

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Performs. Promise.

BioMos® is a registered trademark of Alltech

September 2012

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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SEPT 2012

24

HEARTL A AND Way of Life. 16

Heartland’s Fishing Report By Capt. Mark King

18

September’s Hunting Spotlight Emily McKenna

20

Citrus Expo Recap By Justin Smith

22

Citrus Update: Following CHMAs By Justin Smith

24

Florida Farming: The Treehouse Nursery By Ron Lambert

28 Woman In Ag: Nancy Phares By Robbi Sumner 30

Florida Cattlewomen Recipe: Italian Beef and Pasta

32 FFVA’s In Season Soon: Florida Cucumbers 33

Dining in the Heartland: Beef Brisket Cook Off By Ashley Hughes

34 The Working Cowboy By Ron Lambert

44

37

28

Back to School Photo Contest Announcing the Facebook Photo Contest Winners!

48 Heartland’s Feature Artist: Keith Goodson 52 Special Rodeo Section 68

Lazy H Bait By Cindy Cutright

70 FFA News 78 Ag Calendar

42 ON THE COVER

Cover photo by Callie Maddox

Talking Beef Cattle by Robbi Sumner

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

September 2012

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HEARTLAND A Way of Life.

Phone (813) 708-3661 Fax (813) 283-4978

Publisher Rhonda Glisson Rhonda@heartlanditf.com Karen Berry OHFIVV]$MRXLI½IPHQEKE^MRI GSQ Executive Editor 1SVKER 8E]PSV 2SVVMW 1SVKER$LIEVXPERHMXJ GSQ Business Manager 0M^^IXXI 7EVVME Art Directors Carrie Evans %PPMI 7GLSXERYW Marketing Consultant Kathryn Gladwell Staff Writers Ron Lambert 1SVKER 8E]PSV 2SVVMW .YWXMR 7QMXL 6SFFM 7YQRIV Michael Waldron 'MRH] 'YXVMKLX Contributing Writers Chass Bronson 6YWWIPP ,ERGSGO 0MRHWI] ;MKKMRW &VMER 2SVVMW 7YWERREL &IPžS[IV (EVMR ,YKLIW %WLPI] ,YKLIW /EXL] +VIKK Photography Kelley Baker .MQ (EZMW 4LSXSKVETL] 6YWWIPP ,ERGSGO 1SVKER 8E]PSV 2SVVMW 'EPPMI 1EHHS\ 4LSXSKVETL] /EXL] +VIKK 0EYVIR 8E]PSV

)HMXSV´W 2SXI I don’t know about y’all, but I’m sure ready for Fall! I love the fall weather, or at least what I imagine fall weather to feel like, football season (Go Gators!), trips to pick out that perfect pumpkin from a Pumpkin Patch and all the wonderful times spent with family and friends. The end of summer means one thing though- Ranch Rodeo Finals! We have featured a special rodeo section this month where you can read about local ranch rodeos, a story about a quarter horse that made quite an impact on barrel racing and team bios on everyone competing in this year’s Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival. The festival takes place in Kissimmee September 28 and 29. Be sure to mark your calendars to attend! Our cover story features the newly elected President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Woody Larson. Read the article, Talking Beef Cattle with Woody Larson, on page 42. Continuing with all things cattle this month, we feature Nancy Phares as our Woman In Ag who grew up working with her father and grandfather on the family ranch. She also was recently honored by the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association as the 2012 Outstanding Cattlewoman of the Year. Congratulations Nancy! )RU WKH PRQWK RI $XJXVW ZH KDG RXU Ă€UVW )DFHERRN 3KRWR &RQWHVW DQG LW ZDV D KXJH VXFFHVV 7KH WKHPH was Back to School and we wanted all pictures featuring kids in agriculture. I have to say, the Heartland did not disappoint with 58 total submissions of adorable kids interacting with ag! From citrus to cattle, watermelons to honey bees, the photos showed all aspects of the industry! Thankfully, we didn’t have to judge them ourselves; the University of Florida’s Agricultural Communications’ JUDGXDWH SURJUDP ZDV NLQG HQRXJK WR KHOS RXW VR ZH GLGQ¡W KDYH WR PDNH WKH Ă€QDO GHFLVLRQ 7KH ZLQQLQJ photo is on page 37 so be sure to check it out along with the honorable mentions and a collage of all the submissions. Our winner will also receive a Prize Pack from our sponsors: Laye’s Tire Service, Callie Maddox Photography, The Blueberry Patch, Erin Edmonds JewelKade and Taylor Oil Company! Thank you to all the parents for sharing your children’s pictures with us and a big thanks to our sponsors for making the contest a huge hit! To see all the images and read some of the stories behind them, check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/HeartlandMagazine Like us on Facebook and you can see event photos, join in on Ag Fact Friday, tell us how we’re doing, read the magazine online and much more! Who knows, there may be another photo contest in the future!

We’ll see y’all In the Field,

I’d love to hear from you! Please send any comments or questions to morgan@heartlanditf.com

Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry and Okeechobee Counties. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of the Farm Bureau and those with ag classification on their land. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to Rhonda@heartlanditf.com or call 813-708-3661. Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five. All contents Copyright 2012. No part of this work may be copied, transmitted, reproduced or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual subscriptions to receive Heartland A Way of Life at your home or business is $25 annually. For advertising, subscriptions or editorial questions please call 813-708-3661 or email morgan@heartlanditf.com. HeartlandÂŽ A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2009.

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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HEARTL A AND Way of Life. Index of Advertisers 11 35 17 78 51 59 53 62 77

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Karen Berry OHFIVV]$MRXLI½IPHQEKE^MRI GSQ

Rhonda Glisson rhonda@heartlanditf.com

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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COUNTY FARM BUREAU

HARDEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

1017 US Highway 17 N Wauchula, FL. 33873

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876

2I¿FH +RXUV Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2I¿FH +RXUV Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2I¿FH +RXUV Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3KRQH

3KRQH 863. 773. 3117 Fax: 863. 773. 2369

3KRQH: 863. 385. 5141 Fax: 863. 385. 5356

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO

863.494.3636 &KDUORWWH /LQH 941.624.3981 Fax: 863.494.4332

:HE VLWH www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND

OFFICERS AND

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President…………....Jim Selph

President……David B. Royal

President………Scott Kirouac

Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams

Vice President…Greg L. Shackelford

Vice President…Doug Miller

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

Sec./Treasurer……..Bo Rich

Secretary………..Carey Howerton Treasurer……..Mike Waldron

DIRECTORS FOR 2011-­2012

DIRECTORS FOR 2011-­2012

DIRECTORS FOR 2011-­2012

Jim Brewer John Burtscher

Joseph B. Cherry John Platt

Sam Bronson Steve Farr

Mike Carter Steve Fussell

Corey Lambert Daniel H. Smith

'UHZ 3K\SHUV &KDUOHV /DQ¿HU

Lindsay Harrington

Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge

Mike Milicevic Jeff Williams

Richard E. Harvin Ann H. Ryals

David B. Royal Greg L. Shackelford

Frank Youngman Marty Wohl

Mac Turner Matt Harrison

Bo Rich

Jim Wood Lindsey Sebring

&RXQW\ 6HFUHWDU\ Susan Chapman

&RXQW\ 6HFUHWDU\ Janet Menges

Ken Harrison &RXQW\ 6HFUHWDU\ Katherine Ryals

)DUP %XUHDX ,QVXUDQFH 6SHFLDO $JHQWV

)DUP %XUHDX ,QVXUDQFH 6SHFLDO $JHQWV

)DUP %XUHDX ,QVXUDQFH 6SHFLDO $JHQWV

$JHQF\ 0DQDJHU Cameron N. Jolly

$JHQF\ 0DQDJHU N. Jay Bryan

$JHQF\ 0DQDJHU Chad D. McWaters

$JHQWV Dawn A. Hines Clint Brown

$JHQWV George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

$JHQWV Joseph W. Bullington

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

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

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

12

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

As time marches forward, the issues we face seem to become more complex. Food Safety, trade, water quality and quantity, market based policies, mandated policies, production methods, and the need for increased production. All of these are issues being faced by the farmers and ranchers in the United States today. As we confront a multitude of issues, the Farm Bureau advisory committees have met to discuss policy concerning these matters. The policy book is reviewed and updated every year. Members from across the state are appointed to the various committees and charged with the responsibility of helping to form Farm Bureau policy. Sometimes, a member from a County Farm Bureau may have a concern that needs to be addressed. Periodically, resolutions can and do begin at the county level. The issues and commodities include but are not limited to apiculture, aquaculture, beef, citrus, dairy, horticulture, equine, forestry, peanuts/ cotton, sod/turf grass, sugar, vegetable, labor, food safety, international trade, government, pesticides and fertilizers. The resolutions go to the delegate body at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting in October which will be in Ponte Vedra Beach October 24 – 26, 2012. The voting delegates review the resolutions again, discuss any concerns that may occur, vote and Farm Bureau policy is formed for another year. Resolutions and policies DUH WKRURXJKO\ UHYLHZHG EHIRUH WKH ÀQDO YRWH 7KLV LV D VLPSOLÀHG H[SODQDWLRQ RI WKH )DUP %XUHDX policy process but the reasons are many. The issues addressed each day have to be confronted with policy that is based on thought and facts not based on emotion. Andy Neuhofer Florida Farm Bureau District 6 352.318.2506 %RH] RIYLSJIV$JJFJ SVK [[[ ¾SVMHEJEVQFYVIEY SVK

September 2012

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L

O O H C S Â O T Â K C BA

Back to Basics By Dr. Cathy Bandyk, Quality Liquid Feeds

As students return to the classroom, teachers will be reviewing and reinforcing the basic concepts that the rest of their curriculum is built on. $V FRZ FDOI SURGXFHUV ZH WRR FDQ EHQHĂ€W IURP D SHULRGLF UHYLHZ RI WKH basic principles that all other management decisions need to support. 1. Why do we supplement beef cows? Fill the nutrient gap between animal requirements & forage supply Improve utilization of forage ÂŹ $ELIVERÂŹSPECIlCÂŹNUTRIENTS ÂŹ fat and/or additives Maintain or improve Body Condition Score (BCS) ALL OF THE ABOVE 2. Why are we concerned about managing cow body condition? Adequate BCS is required for females to cycle and breed Cows in borderline condition may cycle and breed later Cow BCS impacts calf health Thin cows do not produce milk at their full genetic potential ALL OF THE ABOVE 3. The “rightâ€? supplement for a forage-based diet needs to supply: Degradable crude protein ÂŹ .ON STARCHÂŹ SUGARÂŹORÂŹlBER ÂŹENERGY Essential minerals ÂŹ 6ITAMINSÂŹ! ÂŹ$ÂŹANDÂŹ% ALL OF THE ABOVE ÂŹÂŹ(OWÂŹDOÂŹWEÂŹDElNEÂŹhGOODÂŹVALUEvÂŹ in a supplement option? Low cost per unit of essential nutrient ÂŹ DRYÂŹMATTER ÂŹPROTEIN ÂŹENERGY Low cost per head per day ÂŹ ,OWÂŹTOTALÂŹCOSTSÂŹ EQUIPMENT ÂŹSTORAGE ÂŹ ÂŹ HANDLING ÂŹTIME ÂŹLABOR Minimal waste ALL OF THE ABOVE 5. Liquid supplements for beef cows offer: ÂŹ.UTRITIONALÂŹBENElTS ÂŹ %CONOMICÂŹBENElTS ÂŹ 0RACTICALÂŹBENElTS ÂŹ &UNCTIONALÂŹBENElTS ALL OF THE ABOVE

The answer to every question, of course, is “All of the above.â€? We can easily come up with a full list of reasons to supplement the cowherd because it is so essential that all their nutritional needs are met, regardless of forage quality or availability. And cow body condition is clearly the right indicator of how well that supplementation program is working, because BCS is tied to so many economically important processes. The ‘basic principles’ of production that GULYH SURĂ€WDELOLW\ DUH JHWWLQJ all the cows bred, getting them bred on time, and optimizing calf growth before weaning. None of these can happen if the nutritional program is lacking. Supplements need to be both effective and cost-effective. When cattle are grazing or being fed harvested forages, the Ă€UVW JRDO LV WR PDNH VXUH DOO WKH needs of the rumen microbes are PHW :KHQ WKHVH Ă€EHU GLJHVWLQJ “bugsâ€? have all the nitrogen, energy and trace nutrients they need, their fermentation activity will break down more of the forage (allowing increased intakes) and degrade it more thoroughly (increasing digestion, and nutrient yield, from the diet).

Supplement options should be compared on both their ability to Ă€OO WKLV UROH DQG RQ WKH WRWDO FRVWV involved in delivering the needed nutrients to the cattle. Cost per ton does not tell the entire story. Liquid supplements, whether provided in free-choice lick wheel feeders or applied directly to forages, can bring a unique set of advantages to many operations. Combining molasses sugars, rumen-degradable protein, and key minerals and vitamins, these products are ideal complements to forage-based diets. Liquids typically compare favorably to other supplements when evaluated on a “total costâ€? basis, with high nutrient density, minimal equipment needs, very little waste, and essentially no time or labor requirements when the dealer delivers the feed. And liquid supplements are one of the few practical options for delivering low levels of nutrients, fat or additives to cattle in grazing situations

For over 30 years, CF Industries has supported Hardee County by providing good jobs, taxes, and community service, and by partnering with education leaders and community organizations.

CF INDUSTRIES CARES ABOUT SAFETY, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND THE CITIZENS OF HARDEE COUNTY.

Phosphate Rock Mine & Beneficiation Plant September 2012

6209 County Road 663 | Wauchula, FL 33873 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

15

HEARTLAND’S

FISHING REPORT

Captain Mark King

I

t has been a hot summer in south Florida as it has been over a lot of the US, but the fishing here on Lake Okeechobee remains steady. Most of the bass are offshore chasing bait DQG WKH ÀVKLQJ DFWLRQ FDQ EH DZHVRPH LQ the morning but as the sun gets up high in the sky, it pushes the bait down and the EDVV DUH PXFK KDUGHU WR ÀQG 2XU ZDWHU level has remained around twelve feet above sea level all summer long, which is a good thing to not have to worry about a drought. , KDYH EHHQ ÀVKLQJ PRVWO\ DUWLÀFLDO OXUHV EXW KDYH ÀVKHG WKH ZLOG VKLQHUV D OLWWOH the past few weeks. There is a lot of gar LQ WKH DUHDV WKDW ZH ÀVK WKH VKLQHUV DQG you end up with the gar eating more of the VKLQHUV WKDQ \RX GR WKH EDVV )RU DUWLÀFLDO lures, I have been mostly throwing lipless crankbaits like the Spro Aruka Shad in both the 5/8 and 1-ounce size, gold and chrome are my color choices. After the bite slows down a little in the morning, , ZLOO VWDUW ÀVKLQJ D &DUROLQD ULJ DQG D shakey head rig. On my Carolina rig I like to use a Gambler Ace and on my shakey head jig, a Gambler Sweebo worm works great in junebug color for both. I am still catching a few and I mean very few bass in the grass on jigs, but if you do catch one, it is usually a good-sized bass; still using a or 1-ounce jig with a Gambler Mega Daddy for a trailer. $V IRU DUHDV WKDW , KDYH EHHQ ÀVKLQJ LW has been on the main lake from off the Clewiston channel, the reef both inside and outside, Uncle Joe’s cut out at the lake end and also the rim canal has been holding some bass.

Captain Mark King

is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon AREA È-ARKÈISÈANÈ)'&!È#ERTIlEDÈ#APTAIN ÈACTIVEÈ MEMBERÈ OFÈ THEÈ &LORIDAÈ 'UIDEÈ !SSOCIATIONÈ ANDÈTHEÈ&LORIDAÈ/UTDOORÈ7RITERSÈ!SSOCIATION È #APTAINÈ-ARKÈISÈSPONSOREDÈBYÈ2ANGERÈ"OATS È %VINRUDEÈ/UTBOARDS È2OLANDÈ-ARTIN SÈ-ARINEÈ #ENTER È 0OWER 0OLE È -INNÈ +OTAÈ TROLLINGÈ MOTORS È #HARLIE SÈ 7ORMS È /KUMAÈ &ISHING È !&4#/È CLOTHING È 3MARTSHIELDÈ 3UNÈ 0ROTECTIONÈ 0RODUCTS È2-2È)NDUSTRIES È&UELÈ-EDICÈ%THANOLÈ 4REATMENT ÈANDÈ9ETIÈCOOLERS -ARKÈCANÈBEÈCONTACTEDÈTOÈBOOKÈAÈGUIDEÈTRIP È SEMINARS È PERSONALÈ APPEARANCES È TESTÈ RIDESÈ INÈ HISÈ %VINRUDEÈ POWEREDÈ 2ANGERÈ ORÈ TOÈ lSHÈ AÈ TOURNAMENTÈ WITHÈ HIMÈ ATÈ È ORÈ ATWWW MARKKINGlSHING COMÈ ANDWWW TARPONINTHEKEYS COM

You will need a good GPS with maps WR ÀQG WKH JRRG DUHDV RI WKH UHHI EXW the Clewiston channel and other areas , PHQWLRQHG DUH SUHWW\ HDV\ WR ÀQG The water is at a good safe level to run carefully but don’t run to close to the grass yet as we need another foot of water to make this safe to run. As the kids head back to school and fall LV MXVW DURXQG WKH FRUQHU WKH ÀVKLQJ RQ Okeechobee will start to get better with every passing day; the bass will get ready to start heading back into the grass where we all love to catch them. Now is the time to start booking those winter trips here on the lake as this winter promises to be even better than last year and it was crazy catching big bass here last season. Be sure to drink lots of water out on the lake this time of year and keep plenty of sunscreen on all exposed skin. Until next report good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see everyone on the water soon.

Chris  Sullivan  from  the  UK  with  a  nice  Okeechobee  summertime  bass

2OLANDÈ-ARTINÈ-ARINEÈ#ENTERÈISÈAÈFULLÈSERVICEÈMARINAÈINCLUDINGÈBOAT ÈMOTOR ÈANDÈTACKLEÈSALESÈANDÈBOATÈANDÈMOTORÈSERVICEÈBYÈONEÈOFÈTHEÈTOPÈ SERVICEÈCREWSÈINÈ3OUTHÈ&LORIDA È!REÈYOUÈLOOKINGÈFORÈAÈNEWÈORÈUSEDÈ2ANGERÈBOATÈORÈMAYBEÈYOUÈJUSTÈNEEDÈAÈNEWÈOUTBOARDÈTOÈPUTÈONÈAÈBOATÈYOUÈ ALREADYÈHAVEÈWELLÈTHANÈAÈNEWÈ%VINRUDEÈ% 4ECÈWOULDÈPUTÈYOUÈRIGHTÈBACKÈOUTÈONÈTHEÈWATER È4HEYÈHAVEÈTHEÈHOTTESTÈTACKLEÈONÈTHEÈMARKETÈINÈTHEÈ STORYÈWITHÈNAMESÈLIKEÈ'AMBLER È2EACTIONÈ)NNOVATION È#HARLIE SÈ7ORMS È$UCKETTÈRODS È,EWSÈ2EELS ÈANDÈ,IVEÈ4ARGETÈ+OPPER È4HEYÈALSOÈHAVEÈALLÈYOURÈ BOATINGÈNEEDSÈFROMÈOILSÈTOÈANCHORSÈANDÈEVERYTHINGÈINÈBETWEEN È7ITHÈTWOÈFULLÈTIMEÈMECHANICSÈANDÈAÈFULLYÈSTOCKEDÈPARTSÈROOMÈGETTINGÈYOURÈBOATÈ BACKÈOUTÈONÈTHEÈWATERÈWILLÈBEÈNOÈPROBLEM È4HEYÈALSOÈHAVEÈMINNOWS ÈWORMS ÈCRICKETS ÈSODAS ÈBEER ÈANDÈICEÈATÈALLÈTIMES È)FÈYOUÈAREÈLOOKINGÈFORÈAÈ ONEÈSTOPÈMARINAÈTHANÈ2OLANDÈ-ARTINÈ-ARINEÈ#ENTERÈISÈTHEÈPLACEÈTOÈGO È4HEYÈAREÈCONVENIENTLYÈLOCATEDÈJUSTÈBEFOREÈTHEÈRAMPÈINÈ#LEWISTONÈONÈWORLDÈ FAMOUSÈ,AKEÈ/KEECHOBEE È3TOPÈINÈANDÈSEEÈMYÈWIFEÈ$IANEÈINÈTHEÈPARTSÈDEPARTMENTÈANDÈSHEÈJUSTÈMIGHTÈGIVEÈAWAYÈAÈFEWÈOFÈMYÈlSHINGÈSPOTS

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September’s Hunting Spotlight brought to you by Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters Emily McKenna 1 East Wall Street Frostproof, FL 33843 spurlows.outdoors@hotmail.com 863-­635-­0240 www.spurlows.com

ABOVE: Every year my Dad takes us kids to Kentucky to duck hunt to ring in the new year. It’s always a good time in the blind with Dad as we slam the ducks. LEFT: My birthday happens to coinside with turkey season in Clewiston so every year my Dad takes me turkey hunting for my birthday present. This year I killed a turkey with a 9 ½ inch beard and 1 ½ in spurs (the biggest spurs I’ve ever killed) Best birthday present ever!

ABOVE: Hunted during the late season of general gun with my Dad down in Clewiston, Fl. It wasn’t even 15 minutes after shooting light that we saw a nice wide 6pt walking 50 yards in front of us. I grunted and once the buck stopped, I shot him with my 30/30 lever action. The deer didn’t run 40 yards and dropped. When we got up to go check out the kill, we saw another buck about 150 yards aways with a tall rack. I have open sights on my rifel so my dad took this shot with his 243. Great morning hunt with Dad! I will remember it for the rest of my life!

)$5 /()7 7KLV ZDV P\ ¿UVW buck kill with my bow which was harvested in Hardee County. I spent many hours in the stand sitting in 90 degree weather but it was well worth it. There is no other feeling in the world than when you kill something with a bow. My dad gave me that bow after graduating with my 2year degree from ABAC in 2009 and I have been addicted to bow hunting ever since.

Submit your hunting pictures for the Monthly Hunting Spotlight to morgan@heartlanditf.com

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

I keep our land productive.

I am Mosaic. Before we begin any mining for phosphate — an essential crop nutrient for growing food — Mosaic develops a government-approved plan for restoring the land to productive use after mining. As reclamation supervisor, I oversee the creation of wetlands, parks, wildlife habitats, and other areas for both people and wildlife to enjoy. Knowing I’m helping to preserve nature makes my work more than a job. Actually, it’s nothing short of a mission.

®

www.mosaicfla.com

September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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2012 Citrus

I

t  was  another  fantastic  year  at  the  Citrus  Expo.    The  annual  gathering  of  all  things  citrus  related  converged  in  the  Ft.  Myers  area  on  August  15th  and  16th  this  year.   Everyone  was  treated  to  the  usual  hospitality  which  has  come  to  be  a  signature  trait  of  the  event.   The  tried  and  true  set-­up  was  utilized  and  LW WRR ZDV Ă€DZOHVV The  seminar  theme  for  this  year  was  â€œProduction  Basics  to  Ensure  the  Futureâ€?.   The  speakers  were  of  the  best  quality,  all  delivered  information  that  was  extremely  relevant  to  the  theme.   Wednesday  PRUQLQJ ZDV ÂżOOHG ZLWK HFRQRPLFV DQG supply  and  demand  strategies.    Given  the  nature  of  this  topic  it  was  also  at  the  best  possible  timing,  as  everyone’s  mind  was  fresh  and  ready  to  get  started.   Ron  Muraro  explained  the  cost  difference  of  producing  and  harvesting  citrus  between  Brazil  and  Florida,  in  real  U.S.  dollars.   7KLV ZDV WKH ÂżUVW WLPH , KDG HYHU VHHQ this  information  presented  in  such  a  clear  and  understandable  format.   Growers  can  gain  a  tremendous  insight  into  costs  by  taking  a  look  at  Mr.  Muraro’s  information,  which  is  always  available  on  University  of  Florida’s  Extension  Service  web  site.   Wednesday  afternoon’s  focus  revolved  DURXQG GLVHDVH PDQDJHPHQW ,Q WRGD\ÂśV world  of  growing  citrus,  there  is  no  meeting  where  this  topic  needs  to  be  dismissed.  All  growers,  producers  and  anyone  else  related  to  the  industry  need  to  keep  up  on  the  latest  information.   Thursday  seminars  were  dominated  by  Strategies  to  manage  HLB  and  Pest.   Although  basically  everyone  in  the  industry  is  dealing  with  HLB,  it  is  vitally  important  to  keep  updated  on  research  progress.   Not  only  lab  results  are  shared Â

CITRUS UPDATE

Expo Recap

GXULQJ WKHVH OHFWXUHV EXW JURZHU ÂżQGLQJV as  well.   What  is  working,  what  is  not  and  JHQHUDO ÂżHOG REVHUYDWLRQV DUH GLVFXVVHG and  shared.  This  gives  everyone  the  chance  to  be  armed  with  the  same  information  which  is  only  wise  since  everyone  is  working  toward  the  same  goal.   The  second  portion  of  Thursday’s  speakers  covered  pest  management.   This  subject  came  up  during  almost  every  other  topic  that  was  touched  on  this  year.    Since  pest  management  is  integrated  into  overall  disease  management,  this  issue  is  on  the  forefront  for  everyone’s  need  to  know  list.  One  of  the  most  important  factors  discussed  frequently  was  resistance.   This  is  the  most  important  thing  ALL  growers  need  to  understand  about  pest  management.   One  of  the  greatest  strengths  the  industry  has  is  the  Citrus  Health  Management  Area’s  that  have  been  set  up,  by  growers,  around  the  state.   You  can  read  more  about  that  in  this  month’s  Citrus  Update. Not  only  were  the  speakers  top  of  the  line  this  year  but  the  vendors  were  also.   All  facets  of  every  possible  need  were  represented.   Equipment  of  all  kinds  and  all  brands  were  represented  on  the  VKRZ URRP Ă€RRU (YHU\ NLQG RI ZRUNLQJ machine  was  there,  equipped  with  the  QHZHVW PRGLÂżFDWLRQV WR JHW WKH MRE GRQH Technology  was  in  no  short  supply  as  well.   ,W LV QR GRXEW VPDUW SKRQHV DQG PRELOH FRPSXWHUV DUH QRW MXVW IRU WKH RIÂżFH DQ\ longer.   Now  tractors  are  equipped  with  computers  and  trucks  are  getting  scanners  DQG SULQWHUV ,I IRU VRPH UHDVRQ \RX JHW ERUHG ZKLOH DW WKH &LWUXV ([SR DQG , GRQÂśW know  how  you  could,  just  set  off  a  text  PHVVDJH RU HPDLO QRWLÂżFDWLRQ <RX FDQ watch  as  everyone  grabs  for  their  phone, Â

and  then  you  will  see  just  how  much  WHFKQRORJ\ WKHUH LV LQ WKH &LWUXV ,QGXVWU\ and  how  much  everyone  relies  on  it.   But  enough  with  all  of  that  stuff,  now  for  the  part  everyone  really  shows  up  for;Íž  prizes,  food  and  those  who  can  make  it,  the  yearly  casino  night.   We  all  get  great  information  and  get  to  take  a  look  at  what  everyone  has  to  offer,  but  the  food  is  as  much  of  a  draw  as  anything  else.   All  morning  the  smell  of  the  meat  VORZ FRRNLQJ ÂżOOV WKH ZDON ZD\ EHWZHHQ the  exhibit  and  seminar  halls.   This  year  Wednesday’s  attendees  got  ribs  that  literally  fell  apart,  while  Thursday  saw  the  traditional  rib  eye  steak  and  it  lived  up  to  its  predecessors  with  all  the  tender,  juiciness  one  could  hope  for.    After  eating  and  walking  off  the  strong  urge  to  take  a  nap,  the  ice  cream  social  was  in  full  swing.   ,W ZDVQÂśW KDUG WR ÂżQG LW ZDV WKH ORQJ OLQH where  everyone  was  congregated.   Prizes  were  in  abundance  and  there  was  no  lack  of  buckets  with  name  cards  pilled  in  them  at  many  booths.   Rod  and  Reels,  gift  cards,  iPads,  you  name  it  and  someone  probably  won  it  at  the  show.   The  coveted  gun  safe  was  taken  home  on  Wednesday  and  the  grills  on  Thursday.   Yep,  the  citrus  industry  knows  how  to  do  it  right.   ,W ZDV DQRWKHU IDQWDVWLF \HDU DQG HYHU\RQH ZKR KDG D KDQG LQ LW VKRXOG EH SURXG ,W takes  many  volunteers  and  sponsors  to  pull  off  a  feat  of  this  magnitude.   Those  involved  are  numerous  and  it  speaks  volumes  about  the  closeness  of  this  industry.    Citrus  growers  everywhere  should  be  proud  to  be  a  part  of  such  a  great  community  and  thank  all  those  who  tirelessly  work  on  this  project  for  many  long  hours.       Â

LOOK  WHO  WE  SAW  AT  THE  EXPO! ‡ (DUWK 3ODW ‡ &KHP &RQWDLQHUV ‡ 7UHH 7 3HH ‡ .H\ 3OH[ ‡ &UHHO 7UDFWRU ‡ 2UR $JUL ‡ +HOHQD &KHPLFDO

20

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

By  Justin  Smith

September 2012

Economical way to obtain and maintain agricultural tax exemption Excellent way to restore land to original features Possible government cost share assistance

HAVE VACANT LAND: PLANT PINES THIS WINTER BENEFITS: s ,OW MAINTENANCE s ,OW LIABILITY s )NCOME IN THE FUTURE WITH LOW MONEY INPUT s !DDS VALUE TO VACANT LAND BY HAVING TREES s )MPROVES WILDLIFE VALUE AND PROVIDES OTHER LAND OPTIONS

s -ACHINE AND HAND PLANTING TREE AVAILABLE s #OMMERCIAL OR RESTORATION TREE PLANTINGS s ,ONGLEAF OR 3LASH PINE TREES AVAILABLE

#ALL FOR FREE INFORMATION AND EVALUATION 3AM 6AN (OOK +ISSIMMEE 6ALLEY &ORESTER s

September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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CITRUS UPDATE By: Justin Smith

by  Justin  Smith Â

Following CHMAs

T

KH 'LYLVLRQ RI 3ODQW ,QGXVWULHV '3, KDV MXVW ÂżQLVKHG WKHLU ÂżUVW \HDU RI PRQLWRULQJ IRU WKH $VLDQ &LWUXV Psyllid.   The  results  are  encouraging  for  the  entire  industry  in  its  efforts  to  lower  psyllid  populations.   6LQFH WKH EHVW ZD\ WR ÂżJKW WKH GUHDGHG JUHHQLQJ disease  is  to  stop  its  spread,  then  eliminating  the  carrier  is  the  RQO\ RSWLRQ 7KH &LWUXV +HDOWK 0DQDJHPHQW $UHDÂśV &+0$ have  been  wildly  successful  in  this  endeavor.   All  over  the  state  the  CHMAs  have  been  catching  on  and  taking  VKDSH $OWKRXJK PDQ\ DUH VWLOO LQ D Ă€HGJOLQJ VWDWH WKH\ DUH proving  to  be  very  effective.   The  results  of  the  psyllid  counts  are  all  the  proof  that  is  needed.   On  average,  the  more  growers  participate  the  better  the  counts  have  been.   During  the  recent  Citrus  Expo,  a  consistent  message  delivered  throughout  the  seminars  was  the  importance  of  psyllid  Â

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

management.   The  focus  was  not  only  managing  the  populations  but  managing  the  possibility  of  resistance  as  well.   So  far,  researchers  have  been  able  to  prove  complete  resistance  to  certain  pesticides  in  the  citrus  psyllid  in  controlled  tests.   Fortunately  WKLV KDV QRW RFFXUUHG \HW LQ WKH ÂżHOG EXW LW LV KLJKO\ OLNHO\ 7KHUH have  been  some  signs  of  partial  resistance  to  a  couple  of  widely  used  pesticides.   The  tools,  a.k.a.  pesticides,  the  industry  has  at  its  disposal  are  very  few  and  the  last  thing  anyone  would  want  is  to  lose  any  of  them.   The  CHMA  concept  is  the  greatest  avenue  available  to  facilitate  in  the  communication,  which  is  necessary,  for  this  not  to  happen.   Dr.  Michael  Rogers  delivered  a  presentation  during  the  Expo  which  left  everyone  with  little  doubt  of  the  importance  of  working  together  and  coordinating  pesticide  spray  efforts.   A  grower  panel  also  discussed  how  well  a  few  of  the  very  active  CHMAs  work  and  how  well  growers  are  doing  who  participate.   CHMAs  are  also  proving  to  be  a  valuable  tool  for  other  things  as  well,  such  as  canker,  which  is  always  a  huge  topic.   The  CHMA  meetings  spend  as  much  time  discussing  this  as  they  do  psyllid  populations.   Although  this  information  is  not  listed  on  the  web  site,  it  gives  many  growers  and  applicators  a  good  idea  of  what  everyone  else  is  seeing  and  doing.   The  more  people  share,  the  EHWWHU WKH RXWFRPH LV SURYLQJ WR EH ,Q WKH DUHDV ZKHUH %ODFN Spot  needs  to  be  highly  managed,  CHMAs  are  being  utilized  as  a  group  of  growers  are  already  actively  communicating.  The  CHMAs  may  have  been  started  for  the  purpose  of  psyllid  control  but  as  the  concept  is  catching  on  they  are  proving  to  do  so  much  more.   Any  grower  who  is  actively  participating  can  see  their  results  and  the  industry  as  a  whole  is  seeing  them  as  well. Participation  is  much  easier  than  it  would  seem  to  be.   All  that  has  to  be  done  is  log  onto  the  CHMA  web  site  for  the  area  your  grove  is  in  and  see  when  the  next  target  time  frame  is  scheduled  for  and  which  type  of  pesticide  has  been  selected.   Then,  just  plan  your  next  spray  accordingly.   For  anyone  who  wants  more  details,  there  is  contact  information  for  at  least  one  coordinator  in  your  area.   This  person  can  answer  any  questions  you  have,  give  you  any  further  information  about  the  meetings  and  even  KHOS \RX ÂżQG VRPHRQH WR JHW VSUD\LQJ GRQH LI \RX QHHG LW $OVR anyone  is  invited  to  the  CHMA  meetings  and  the  coordinators  can  let  you  know  about  that  as  well.   There  is  no  mandatory  participation  and  no  one  has  to  know  you  participate  if  you  don’t  want  him  or  her  to.   By  working  together,  the  citrus  industry  can  continue  producing  its  great  Florida  oranges,  just  like  all  the  generations  before.     September 2012

September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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FLORIDA The Treehouse Nursery By Ron Lambert A  number  of  years  ago,  my  father  and  mother  developed  an  interest  in  fruit  trees  for  the  South.   Their  main  interest  was  centered  on  the  Japanese  persimmon.   As  a  result  of  this  interest,  we  became  acquainted  with  Bob  and  Vivian  0XUUD\ RI 3LQH ,VODQG )ORULGD %RE 0XUUD\ ZDV DQ DLU WUDIÂżF FRQWUROOHU LQ 'DGH &RXQW\ LQ WKH V DQG ZDQWHG WR ÂżQG VRPHWKLQJ WR GR that  would  be  less  stressful  and  allow  him  to  return  to  his  roots  near  the  water.   They  found  a  small  mango  grove  for  sale  in  /HH &RXQW\ RXW RQ 3LQH ,VODQG ,Q WKH ODWH 1970s,  they  moved  back,  stock  and  barrel,  to  this  corner  of  Southwest  Florida.   They  built  a  house  there  and  began  to  enlarge  their  tropical  fruit  grove.   Over  time,  they  added  more  mango  varieties  as  well  as  lychee,  longon,  jackfruit,  sapote  and  other  very  rare  types  of  tropical  fruit.   They  began  a  container  nursery  named  The  Treehouse  producing  a  wide  range  of  ethnic  fruits  for  a  growing  group  of  immigrants  from  ,QGLD 9LHWQDP DQG RWKHU $VLDQ FRXQWULHV These  people  had  been  familiar  with  these  fruits  in  their  homeland  and  wanted  to  get  trees  and  fruits  here  in  Florida.   There  are  active  clubs  throughout  South  Florida  whose  primary  interest  is  tropical  fruit.   ,Q WKH SDVW IHZ \HDUV \RX ZLOO KDYH QRWLFHG an  increase  in  the  selection  of  fruit  in  larger  grocery  stores.   Some  of  these  exotics  are  grown  here  in  South  Florida  for  local  use.   Bob  and  Vivian’s  daughter  Lianne  took  an  early  interest  in  helping  to  start  new  plants  for  an  increasing  inventory  of  fruit  trees.   She  and  her  mother  were  taught  the  art  of  grafting  and  budding  when  she  was  fourteen  years  old.   /LDQQH EHFDPH SURÂżFLHQW DV D JUDIWHU DW DQ early  age  and  spent  many  hours  at  this  task.   The  Treehouse  was  constantly  seeking  new  and  improved  selections  of  mangoes.   Vivian  traveled  to  Vietnam  and  other  countries  in  search  of  new  selections.  A  number  of  new

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

FARMING introductions  have  been  made  over  the  past  30  years.   One  notable  variety  is  known  as  Nam  'RH 0DL D YHU\ VZHHW QRQ ÂżEURXV PDQJR from  the  country  of  Vietnam.   On  a  local  front,  D YHU\ ÂżQH PDQJR QDPHG %DLOH\ÂśV 0DUYHO ZDV discovered  at  the  Murray’s  mango  grove  in  3LQH ,VODQG Over  the  years  the  Murrays  produced  PDQJRHV DYRFDGRHV JXDYDV ÂżJV EODFNEHUULHV as  well  as  50  types  of  exotic  fruits  from  all  over  the  world.   Unfortunately,  Bob  and  Vivian  Murray  began  to  have  health  related  problems  and  the  nursery  suffered  from  the  absence  of  a  concerned  RZQHUV GD\ WR GD\ SUHVHQFH ,Q 2FWREHU of  2012,  their  daughter  Lianne  and  son-­in-­ law  moved  back  from  Texas  to  take  over  the  operations  of  Treehouse  Nursery.   During  a  visit  to  the  nursery,  Lianne  proudly  points  out  each  small  improvement  and  the  effort  that  went  into  rebuilding  the  treehouse  to  a  position  and  source  of  the  best  tropical  fruit  available.   Both  Bob  and  Vivian  Murray  are  gone  but  they  are  still  remembered  by  many  enthusiasts  of  tropical  fruit.   Their  daughter  and  her  family,  who  gave  up  careers  in  health  care  in  Texas,  are  carrying  on  their  life’s  work.   Both  Lianne  and  her  daughter,  Allisyn,  are  nurses.   Her  son-­in-­ law,  Mario,  is  a  skilled  carpenter  who  is  putting  his  skill  to  work  around  the  property.   This  family  represents  another  group  of  people  who  left  behind  a  fairly  secure  future  to  keep  the  legacy  of  a  family  business  alive  and  healthy.  They  deserve  our  respect  and  support.   ,I \RX KDYH D GHVLUH WR YLVLW WKH QXUVHU\ , DP sure  that  it  will  prove  to  be  a  rewarding  visit.   For  more  information,  location,  hours  and  to  read  their  blog,  check  out  their  web  site  at  http://treehousenursery.us  or  you  can  call  them  at  239-­283-­3688.

September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

CSB-OkeechobeeHalfPgVHeartlandAd071312:Layout 1

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w w w. c e n t e r s t a t e b a n k . c o m September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

27

WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE

Nancy

PHARES by Robbi Sumner

“I’m just thankful that I grew up in the agricultural family that I did. It teaches you an appreciation for life and the things we need to take care of,” shared Nancy Phares during a recent visit.

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Born to Marian and J.O. Pearce, Jr. of Okeechobee, Nancy grew up learning to appreciate the land and its bounty. She and her brothers were raised working with their grandfather and father on the family ranch.

who actually believed that chocolate milk came from the cows that way! My goal was to educate the students as to where food comes from. A third grader once claimed to be vegetarian and that made me work even harder.”

While Nancy went on to become an elementary teacher and moved to Fort Pierce with Bill, her husband of 44 years, the beef industry always remained close to her heart. When teaching school, Nancy says she would always include a unit on the benefits of meat, milk, fruits and YHJHWDEOHV ZLWK KHDY\ HPSKDVLV RQ EHHI GXULQJ +HDOWK DQG 6FLHQFH classes. “There were children

Nancy was very active with the St. Lucie County Cattlewomen’s Association while living in Fort Pierce and now participates with the Okeechobee County Cattlewomen. She served as Okeechobee’s State Director a couple of years and was the President of the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association in 2005. ³, HQMR\ HGXFDWLQJ SHRSOH RQ WKH goodness and safety of beef,” she

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

says. Nancy has given countless beef cooking demonstrations at grocery stores and special events like the Southern Women’s Show in Orlando, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with thousands of people from all walks of life.

September 2012

Her  personal  favorite  is  a  medium-­rare  grilled  steak,  and  she  fondly  recalls  eating  steaks  prepared  by  her  father  at  the  â€œdinner  hammockâ€?  at  their  ranch.  â€œDaddy  would  trim  the  fans  off  a  palmetto  and  plant  one  end  in  the  ground  and  hang  a  steak  on  the  other  end  at  an  angle  over  the  fire.  Then  the  steak  would  be  flipped  to  cook  the  other  side  and  they  always  turned  out  perfect!â€? Another  influence  J.O.  had  on  his  daughter  was  instilling  a  sense  of  importance  for  animal  health  issues.  ³,Q 'DGG\ ZDV LQGXFWHG LQWR WKH Florida  Ag  Hall  of  Fame,  largely  for  his  work  in  getting  monies  appropriated  for  the  eradication  of  screw  worms.  We  used  to  go  to  church  on  Sunday,  go  home  to  eat  lunch,  and  then  the  whole  family  would  load  up  to  head  to  the  ranch  to  check  newborn  calves  for  that  dreaded  pest,â€?  she  said. Recently  honored  by  the  Florida  Cattlewomen’s  Association  as  the  2012  Outstanding  Cattlewoman  of  the  Year,  Nancy  KXPEO\ VWDWHV Âł,W ZDV TXLWH DQ KRQRU DQG D VXUSULVH , RQO\ ZLVK WKDW 0RPPD DQG 'DGG\ KDG EHHQ WKHUH WR VHH LW ´ 7KH award  was  announced  at  the  FCA  Convention  in  June,  where  she  was  presented  with  a  beautiful,  engraved  crystal  vase. These  days  Nancy  runs  her  Lazy  JP  Ranch  with  help  from  Bill,  and  their  sons  Brad,  Brian,  and  Brent’s  families.  7KDW LQFOXGHV VHYHQ JUDQGFKLOGUHQ ZKR DUH 1DQF\ÂśV SULGH DQG MR\ Âł(YHU\WKLQJ , GR UHYROYHV DURXQG WKH UDQFK DQG our  family,â€?  she  says  proudly.  â€œWe  spend  a  lot  of  time  together,  either  in  Lake  Placid  or  at  the  ranch.â€?  One  family  tradition  they  enjoy  is  spending  Thanksgiving  together  at  the  ranch  where  they  cook  steak,  sausage  and  ribs  on  a  flat  grill.  ³,WÂśV WKH SODFH ZH ORYH WR EH DQG LW teaches  the  kids  the  importance  of  the  ranch.â€?  She  especially  enjoys  watching  the  curious  baby  calves  and  riding  her  palomino  mare  when  working  cows,  typically  with  several  grandkids  at  her  side. “We’re  fighting  everyday  to  keep  agriculture  viable  and  to  make  people  realize  the  importance  of  where  their  food  comes  from.  We  try  to  do  things  right  environmentally.  , ORYH WKH ODQG DQG ZDQW WR NHHS LW to  pass  down  to  future  generations.â€? September 2012

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RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Italian Beef & Pasta Total recipe time: 2-1/4 hours Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 1-­1/4  pounds  boneless  beef  chuck  steaks,  cut  1/2  inch  thick 1  tablespoon  vegetable  oil 1  medium  onion,  chopped 1  large  clove  garlic,  minced WHDVSRRQ GULHG ,WDOLDQ VHDVRQLQJ FDQ RXQFHV ,WDOLDQ style  stewed  tomatoes,  undrained,  broken  up FDQ WR RXQFHV UHDG\ to-­serve  beef  broth 1/4  cup  dry  red  wine

Instructions: Cut  beef  steaks  into  1-­inch  pieces.  Heat  oil  in  stockpot  over  medium  heat  until  hot.  Brown  beef,  half  at  a  time;͞  remove.  Pour  off  drippings.

1/2  pound  small  mushrooms,  halved 4  ounces  uncooked  mostaccioli  FXSV

2  tablespoons  grated  Parmesan  cheese

$GG RQLRQ JDUOLF DQG ,WDOLDQ VHDVRQLQJ WR stockpot;͞  cook  and  stir  2  minutes.  Add  beef,  tomatoes,  broth  and  wine;͞  bring  to  a  boil.  Reduce  heat;͞  cover  tightly  and  simmer  1-­1/2  hours  or  until  beef  is  tender. Stir  in  mushrooms  and  mostaccioli;͞  continue  cooking,  covered,  20  minutes.  Uncover;͞  continue  cooking  10  minutes  or  until  pasta  is  tender.  Stir  in  cheese.

'$" '$8 'BMM 2VBSUFSMZ t 0LFFDIPCFF 4FQU 30

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

September 2012

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31

Florida Cucumbers In Season Soon www.ffva.com

twitter/ FlaFruitandVeg

Facebook: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

With cucumbers as popular as they are, you may be surprised to learn that some people used to call them “cowcumbersâ€? BECAUSE ĂˆFORĂˆAĂˆTIME ĂˆTHEYĂˆWEREĂˆTHOUGHTĂˆTOĂˆBEĂˆlTĂˆONLYĂˆFORĂˆCOWSĂˆ to eat. That was in the late 1600s, when eating uncooked fruits and vegetables temporarily fell out of favor. But  they  were  popular  long  before  the  15th  century  and  would  return  to  dinner  plates,  salad  bowls  and  pickle  barrels  VRRQ 7KRXJKW WR EH QDWLYH WR ,QGLD WKH cucumber  has  traveled  a  long,  winding  URDG ,W LV EHOLHYHG WKDW FXFXPEHUV ZHUH cultivated  as  far  back  as  3,000  years.  Their  route  meandered  through  Greece  DQG ,WDO\ ZKHUH WKH\ ZHUH SRSXODU DPRQJ the  ancient  Romans,  through  the  rest  of  Europe  and  into  North  America,  courtesy  of  the  Spaniards. Â

Cucumbers  are  a  great  food  to  eat  if  you’re  trying  to  stay  hydrated.  They’re  also  a  good  source  of  Vitamin  C  and  minerals  such  as  phosphorus  and  potassium.  Plus  they’re  low  in  calories  and  contain  no  fat,  cholesterol  or  sodium. When  shopping  for  cucumbers,  look  for  those  with  a  deep  green  color  that  are  ¿UP ZHOO VKDSHG DQG KHDY\ IRU WKHLU VL]H Make  sure  they  don’t  have  any  soft  spots. You  can  use  cucumbers  in  just  about  any  kind  of  salad,  either  sliced  or  chopped.  They’re  even  great  on  their  own  with  a  little  dressing  or  vinegar.  And  they’re  wonderful  in  dips,  chilled  soup  such  as  gazpacho,  and  many  other  recipes.  Store  cucumbers  in  the  refrigerator,  unwashed  and  in  a  perforated  plastic  bag,  or  in  the  crisper  drawer  so  they  can  breathe. Â

Florida  cucumbers  are  just  about  ready  for  harvest  in  some  parts  of  the  state.  The  season  runs  from  October  to  June,  with  peak  harvest  in  April.  Most  of  Florida’s  cucumbers  are  grown  in  West  Central  and  South  Florida.  Some  crops  are  grown  for  the  fresh  market  and  others  for  pickling.  Cucumbers  are  part  of  the  cucurbit  family,  which  includes  cantaloupes,  honeydew  Here  are  a  couple  of  suggestions  for  your  Florida  cucumbers.  melons  and  squash.

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Cool  Gazpacho Family  recipe

* *+&hng\^ \Zg mhfZmh cnb\^ , f^]bnf mhfZmh^l \nm ni • \n\nf[^k i^^e^] Zg] \n[^] * f^]bnf hgbhg \nm ni * `k^^g i^ii^k \nm ni + \nil \ahii^] \^e^kr * \eho^ `Zkeb\ , mZ[e^lihhgl hebo^ hbe + mZ[e^lihhgl k^] pbg^ obg^`Zk LZem Zg] i^ii^k mh mZlm^ . ]khil Mh[Zl\h hk ahm lZn\^ LfZee Zfhngm h_ iZkle^r * \ni ieZbg rh`nkm <hf[bg^ Zee bg`k^]b^gml bg [e^g]^k% k^_kb`^kZm^ Zg] l^ko^ pbma Z ]heehi h_ rh`nkm Zg] \khnmhgl' :[hnm / l^kobg`l' K^\bi^ fZr [^ aZeo^] _hk Z lfZee^k Zfhngm'

Cool  Florida  cucumber  dip

K^\bi^ _khf ?k^la _khf ?ehkb]Z [eh`

* ?ehkb]Z \n\nf[^k% \ahii^] + mZ[e^lihhgl ]bee% \ahii^] + \eho^l `Zkeb\% fbg\^] * \ni ieZbg ehp&_Zm rh`nkm * mZ[e^lihhg hebo^ hbe LZem Zg] i^ii^k mh mZlm^ Mabl hg^ bl ^Zlr' :]] Zee bg`k^]b^gml mh Z [hpe Zg] fbq' MaZm l bm Inm bm hnm pbma lhf^ _k^la kZp o^``b^l Zg] rhn aZo^ Z a^Zemar Zem^kgZmbo^ mh ma^ nlnZe iZkmr _hh]' K^Z] fhk^ Zm _k^la_khfĂœhkb]Z[eh`'\hf(+)*+()1( \hhe&Ăœhkb]Z&\n\nf[^k&]bi

September 2012

DINING IN THE HEARTLAND:

SPECIAL FEATURE

BEEF BRISKET

COOK OFF

Florida Heritage Festival 2012 By Ashley Hughes

L

adies  and  Gentlemen,  Start  Your  Grills!   The  Florida  Ranch  Rodeo  Finals  and  Cowboy  Heritage  Festival  will  be  kicking  off  the  5th  Annual  Beef  Brisket  Cook  Off  on  Saturday,  September  29th  at  the  Silver  Spurs  Arena  at  the  Osceola  County  Heritage  Park  FRPSOH[ ,Q WHDPV FRPSHWHG IRU FDVK DQG SUL]HV LQ four  categories;Íž  the  winners  in  each  category  were:  People’s  Choice-­  Manatee  County  Cattlemen’s  Association;Íž  Best  Contestant  Area-­  Smokin’  Pink;Íž  Showmanship  and  Dress-­  Davis  Spurs;Íž  and  Overall  Best  Brisket-­  Wilder  Saddlery.   A  set  of  experienced  judges  graded  each  team’s  brisket  for  the  overall  winner. While  the  teams  were  competing  for  cash  and  prizes,  this  was  an  opportunity  to  showcase  their  love  of  beef  brisket.   â€œEverybody  loves  barbeque,â€?  said  Danny  Coggins  of  Wilder  Saddlery,  the  best  brisket  category  team  winner.   Danny  and  his  wife,  Bridget,  enjoy  cooking  at  home,  but  they  decided  that  they  wanted  to  try  something  new;Íž  â€œWe  wanted  to  compete  to  do  something  together,â€?  Danny  commented  RQ KRZ WKH\ ZDQWHG WR KDYH D IXQ ÂżOOHG ZHHNHQG ZLWK WKH whole  family.   The  Wilder  Saddlery  team  consisted  of  Mike  Wilder,  Danny  Coggins,  Bridget  Coggins,  Noah  Handley  and  Stacey  Handley.   As  this  was  the  Wilder  Saddlery  team’s  ¿UVW EULVNHW FRPSHWLWLRQ WKH\ ZHUH VKRFNHG DW KHDULQJ WKHLU name  called  last  as  the  overall  brisket  winner,  but  the  team  did  their  homework  on  how  to  create  the  best  briskets.   Mike  Wilder  said  that  their  team  â€œhad  a  great  experienceâ€?  at  the  Beef  Brisket  Cook  Off  and  looks  forward  to  next  year’s  competition! Chef  Paul  Evans,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  brisket  cook  off  competition  stated,  â€œFrom  a  chef’s  perspective,  it  is  great  to  see  the  work,  love,  and  passion  that  the  teams  put  forth,  not  just  in  their  food,  but  the  entire  package.   As  chefs,  we  try  to  create  an  â€˜experience’  for  our  customers  and  this  is  what  each  and  every  team  accomplished,  probably  without  even  realizing  it!â€? While  walking  around  the  festival,  there  is  no  mistaking  the  tantalizing  smells  of  smoke,  barbeque  and  brisket.   We  hope  that  you  will  come  to  the  Cowboy  Heritage  Festival  in  September  to  either  showcase  your  brisket  culinary  skills  or  simply  enjoy  the  day  and  sample  some  fantastic  beef!   The  money  raised  from  this  event  supports  the  Florida  Cattlemen’s  Foundation,  which  is  dedicated  to  the  preservation  of  the  history,  heritage  and  ideals  of  Florida  cattlemen  and  to  the  enhancement  of  beef  production  and  marketing  practices  for  future  generations.

September 2012

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By Ron Lambert

THE WORKING COWBOY This  is  a  brief  account  of  the  life  of  a  Florida  Cowboy  known  as  a  day  worker:  men  who  are  becoming  rarer  and  more  uncommon  as  time  marches  on.   This  is  their  story‌

T

here  was  no  way  around  it  and  no  doubt  about  it.   This  old  cowboy  was  tired  and  ready  to  head  to  the  farm. +H KDG KLW WKH Ă€RRU RI WKH FDPS KRXVH DW ÂżYH WKLV PRUQLQJ JRW D ELJ EDLW RI breakfast  at  Pahokee  Slims  table.   He  had  grabbed  up  two  biscuits  and  syrup  for  a  later  snack,  saddled  his  cow  horse  at  a  quarter  to  six  and  rode  out  looking  for  a  sunrise  that  was  a  half  hour  away.   He  met  up  with  the  rest  of  the  crew  on  the  ride  out  to  the  woods  where  they  would  be  cow  hunting  all  day.   They  were  a  group  of  men  who  had  never  wanted  to  be  anything  but  a  cowboy.   They  ranged  in  age  from  18  up  to  their  late  40s.   Most  of  this  group  had  ridden  a  horse  before  they  ever  rode  a  school  bus.   7KLV PRUQLQJ WKH\ KDG VWUXFN WKH ÂżUVW bunch  of  cows  early  and,  with  the  help  of  the  cow  dogs,  had  worked  their  small  herd  out  into  the  open  where  they  could Â

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part  out  the  calves.   One  cowboy  would  drop  a  loop  on  an  old  mama  cow  to  hold  her  back  so  his  partner  could  rope  her  calf.   As  soon  as  a  calf  was  caught,  it  was  earmarked,  given  a  dose  of  wormer  and  castrated  if  it  was  a  bull  calf.   The  last  step  before  turning  it  loose  to  mama  was  a  touch  of  the  branding  iron.   Before  that  calf  quit  bellering,  the  cowboy  was  headed  to  the  next  calf.   The  whole  day  went  pretty  much  the  VDPH ¿QG D JURXS RI FRZV JHW WKHP worked  out  in  the  open,  rope  the  calves,  doctor  them  up  and  get  back  in  the  saddle.   Lunch  was  a  welcome  break  for  a  weary  crew  and  their  horses.   They  would  spend  an  hour  or  so  in  the  shade  somewhere  out  on  the  ranch  where  they  were  gathering  cattle.   One  thing  that  you  could  be  sure  of,  old  Tom  or  Bill  was  sure  to  pull  some  kind  of  joke  on  somebody  in  the  crew.   ,W ZDV XVXDOO\ WKH QHZHVW JX\ RU WKH

youngest,  but  you  could  be  sure  it  was  going  to  happen.   The  joking  was  rarely  mean  or  of  a  malicious  nature,  just  a  little  cowboy  humor.    They  had  worked  around  a  big  cypress  head  that  afternoon  and  all  of  the  crew  had  got  a  good  view  of  a  bolt  of  lightning  that  struck  a  pine  tree  about  a  half  of  a  mile  away.   Of  course,  no  one  got  real  wet  in  the  brief  thunderstorm  that  came  with  the  lightning,  cause  all  cowboys  carried  a  slicker  rolled  up  and  latched  to  his  saddle.   The  rain  helped  cool  things  down  for  the  rest  of  the  afternoon.   The  cowboys  turned  their  ponies  toward  to  barn  with  a  ¿QH YLHZ RI D VHWWLQJ VXQ

September 2012

slight color differences.

Please check your ad proof for accuracy. Double check all copy and information, such as address, phone number, coupon offer, etc. Make any necessary writethere  was  no  activity  over  near  the  The  cowboy  had  a  knot  on  his  head  from  a  low  limb  that  his  Early  changes the  next  and morning,  instructions clearly on any side ofFRRN ZDJRQ 7KH FRRN ZDV DOZD\V WKH ÂżUVW RQH XS EHFDXVH WKHVH the ad. horse  had  run  under  and  a  good  rope  burn  across  his  hand  from  This proof does not represent an opportunity to redesign where  he  was  a  mite  slow  dallying  his  rope  around  the  saddle  cowboys  were  expected  to  be  in  the  saddle  and  ready  to  work  at  1/8 HORIZONTAL PAGE your ad. Doing so  But,  will result in an daylight.   The  cook  always  had  a  big  breakfast  ready  early.   Of  additional charge. horn  with  a  good-­sized  cow  on  the  other  end.  he  knew  that  both  of  them  spots  were  a  long  way  from  his  heart  and  he  course,  by  now  every  cowboy  knew  about  the  cook’s  shoes.   Please indicate your approval or authorize changes you reckoned  he  would  be  ready  to  go  again  the  next  day.  They  began  to  call  out,  â€œHey,  where’s  our  breakfast?  We  got  made, if any, by signing in the appropriate place below. to  work.   Hurry  up!â€?  Another  account  of  day  workers  comes  from  Pershing  Platt,  7KH FRRNÂśV UHSO\ ZDV D YHU\ ÂżUP VORZ GUDZO Âł<ÂśDOOV EUHDNIDVW the  father  of  my  lifelong  friend,  John  Platt.   He  had  the  following  ZLOO EH Âż[HG ZKHQ P\ VKRHV FRPH EDFN ´ experience  as  a  teenager  in  the  1930s. The  cattle  industry  in  Florida  was  in  real  trouble  from  the  This  is  just  a  minor  episode  from  the  bygone  era  of  Florida’s  effects  of  the  Texas  Fever  Tick.   The  cattle  herds  of  Florida  were  cattle  business.   The  challenge  and  eradication  of  the  fever  tick  still  out  on  open  range  and  it  was  mandatory  that  all  cattle  be  was  a  huge  and  very  necessary  step  to  restore  Florida’s  cattle  gathered  and  ran  through  a  dip  tank  to  kill  the  ticks.  herds  to  health.  Â

FINAL CUSTOMER

-A

The  USDA  provided  help  with  this  program  and  Mr.  Platt  was  working  on  one  of  these  crews.   This  crew  of  men  were  living  out  in  the  woods  and  hunting  cattle  every  day.   They  slept  out  XQGHU WKH VWDUV PRUH RIWHQ WKDQ QRW %DFN WKHQ WKH Ă€DWZRRGV were  very  likely  to  be  wet  most  of  the  year  and  this  was  one  of  the  wet  years.   The  men  had  to  search  for  a  place  that  they  could  spread  their  bedroll  in  a  dry  spot  to  be  able  to  sleep  in  some  sort  of  comfort.   Because  they  were  working  so  far  away  from  town,  these  crews  had  a  cook  along  to  prepare  meals  for  them.   One  evening  when  they  were  camped  in  a  particularly  wet  area,  someone  decided  to  play  a  trick  on  the  cook.   He  took  the  cook’s  shoes  and  waded  out  into  a  little  pond  and  left  the  shoes  on  a  stump  in  the  middle  of  the  pond.  Â

AdvertiserĘźs Signature:

Date: ITF RepresentativeĘźs: BERRY PUBLICATIONS, INC. P.O. Box 5377 0 Plant City, FL 33563-0042 813.759.6909

September 2012

* All ad designs (artwork) are property of InTheFi be photocopied, reproduced or elements of the publication without consent from Berry Publications U.S. copyright laws. With permission from Berry P (artwork) may be purchased for a nominal fee and w format upon agreement. After release, the ads may for the sole purpose of the advertiser that made pu

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

$IBE .BSJOF .BOBHFS 'PSU 1JFSDF "VCVSO 6OJWFSTJUZ 4DJFODF

September 2012

A panel of judges from the University of Florida’s Agricultural Communications’ graduate program selected the winning photo of Grace Lynn Miller checking her grandparent’s cows in Ruckersville, VA. Grace Lynn is 17 months old and the daughter of Doug and Sarah Miller of Sebring. Sarah says, “Grace Lynn is not afraid of cows, she would touch their noses if I let her!” Congrats Grace Lynn, Sarah and Doug! We would like to thank our sponsors for the awesome prize pack and to all the parents who took their kids out to experience ag! You can view all the submissions and some of the stories behind them on our Facebook page at facebook.com/ HeartlandMagazine

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER Grace Lynn Miller

Back to School

PHOTO

CONTEST :H DUH H[FLWHG WR DQQRXQFH WKDW RXU ÀUVW HYHU )DFHERRN 3KRWR &RQWHVW ZDV a hit! Throughout the month of August, we hosted a “Back to School Photo Contest” featuring kids in agriculture and asked parents to submit their most creative photos. They sure didn’t let us down with 58 submissions!

Taylor Oil Company September 2012

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Photo Contest

Honorable Mentions Will and Wyatt Fryer, sons of Jason and Olivia Fryer of Sebring. The picture was taken at Bone Farms, one of the boy’s favorite places to spend time. Olivia said, “The photo was a gift for my dad, Bill Bone, the boys’ grandfather. We wanted to recreate the famous ‘You been farming long?’ SRVWHU WKDW KDG DOZD\V KXQJ LQ WKH %RQH )DUPV RIÀFH VLQFH EHIRUH P\ own childhood. It was a picture my dad and granddad really liked, so we thought it would be a fun gift for Dad to have a version with his own grandsons in it.”

This picture is of Clayte Davis, son of Marshall and Courtney Davis, taken in Basinger, FL. Clayte is riding his daddy’s childhood tractor and is wearing his Great Great Grandpas cowboy hat.

This is Carter John Gordon riding his ‘horse’ in his Papa and Mimi’s, Greg and Reggie Gordon’s, cow pens with some purebred Angus yearlings. He is 2 years old in the picture, but is currently 3 1/2. He still loves to go the pasture and see the cows.

In this photo, Marlee Grace Brooker, daughter of Bear and Laci, (1 year old) is checking microjets in her Valencia orange grove in Frostproof. She loves to be out in the grove with her Daddy. Laci said, “When Marlee was born, we purchased this property and in her honor formed MGB Groves (which is what her shirt says). As a family, we work in the grove in the evenings and on weekends. The SURÀWV ZH PDNH RII RI WKH JURYH HDFK \HDU JRHV LQWR D savings account for Marlee’s college education. Marlee dearly loves working in the grove and does not mind getting dirty at all. Our sweet girl always sports a bow in her hair whether she’s going to the mall or checking PLFURMHWV µ 0DUOHH LV D ÀIWK JHQHUDWLRQ FLWUXV JURZHU and enjoys planting trees with her Daddy and watching her oranges grow!

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September 2012

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TALKING BEEF CATTLE with Florida Cattlemen’s Association President Woody Larson by Robbie Summer

While the last name “Larson” is commonly associated with the dairy industry, Louis E. “Woody” Larson, Jr. is also heavily involved in beef cattle production. I recently had the opportunity to visit with Woody at his family’s ranch in Okeechobee, and learned more about their beef cattle operation. 42

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Born  in  Broward  County,  Woody  spent  his  youth  working  on  the  family  dairy  operation  in  Palm  Beach  County.  They  relocated  to  Okeechobee  while  he  was  attending  FROOHJH LQ Âł,ÂśYH DOZD\V EHHQ interested  in  beef  cattle.  My  dad  had  some  many  years  ago,  and  my  brother  and  my  sons  all  have  beef  cattle  in  addition  to  the  dairy  herds,â€?  Woody  H[SODLQV Âł, ERXJKW P\ ÂżUVW EHHI herd  of  twenty  bred  cows  in  the  mid-­ V REWDLQLQJ P\ ÂżUVW )DUP &UHGLW loan  with  help  from  Elder  Sumner,  ZKR ZDV D ORDQ RIÂżFHU DW WKH WLPH That’s  how  it  all  started  for  me.â€? Woody  and  his  wife  Grace  live  at  the  Dixie  Ranch  north  of  town,  which  is  where  the  majority  of  their  beef  cattle  are  raised.  The  ranch  property  is  part  of  the  original  Dixie  Cattlemen’s  Association  of  South  Florida,  a  federally  funded  agricultural  development  program  that  purchased  land  from  the  Kissimmee  River  to  St.  Lucie  County.  The  original  â€œDixieâ€?  was  operated  as  a  cooperative  beef  cattle  ranch  that  provided  support  and  a  competitive  position  for  its  PHPEHUV XQWLO DIWHU :RUOG :DU ,, when  the  government  ordered  the  cooperative  to  shut  down.  Their  home  is  the  original  building  that  was  constructed  in  1920,  with  some  remodeling  completed  in  the  1940s  and  again  in  1995.  â€œThat’s  when  we  added  air  conditioning!â€?  shares  Woody.  The  Larsons  appreciate  the  history  of  the  land,  which  was  purchased  by  their  family  in  1974.  â€œWe  used  to  grow  out  dairy  heifers  here  but  in  the  late  1980s  and  early  1990s  it  became  necessary  to  change  the  land  use  due  to  environmental  SUHVVXUHV 7KDWÂśV ZKHQ , ZHQW LQ to  beef  cattle  production  in  a  more  meaningful  way  â€“  as  more  than  a  hobby.â€?  Woody  is  still  involved  ZLWK /DUVRQ 'DLU\ ,QF DQG RWKHU family  owned  dairies,  but  through  the  years  beef  cattle  have  become  a  PRUH VLJQLÂżFDQW SDUW RI KLV RYHUDOO business. September 2012

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When  asked  how  he  typically  spends  KLV GD\V :RRG\ UHVSRQGV Âł,W GHSHQGV RQ WKH SULRULW\ DW WKH WLPH , ORYH P\ job  partly  because  it  is  different  every  GD\ , OLNH WR EH KDQGV RQ DV PXFK DV possible,  being  around  the  cattle  and  the  other  people  who  are  around  the  cattle.  Our  operation  has  grown  to  the  SRLQW WKDW , FDQÂśW EH HYHU\ZKHUH DQG , KDYH PDQDJHUV DW WKH UDQFK DQG HDFK dairy  who  make  day  to  day  decisions.â€?  While  many  beef  producers  sell  their  calves  straight  off  the  cows,  Larson  chooses  to  wean  calves  for  45  to  60  days  before  selling  them.  â€œSince  there  is  less  stress  placed  on  the  calves  all  at  once,  they  typically  do  better  for  our  buyers.  We’re  averaging  close  to  600  pound  calves,  which  helps  our  bottom  line  too,â€?  he  shares. individuals  may  feel  helpless  in  resolving  such  as  drought,  animal  LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ DQG OLYHVWRFN OLHQ laws,  he  has  three  simple  goals  that  he  is  asking  for  support  from  fellow  cattlemen  in  order  to  achieve.  â€œWe  can’t  make  it  rain,  but  we  can  show  up  and  support  our  industry  and  those  who  can  make  an  impact.â€? First,  attend  the  FCA  Ranch  Rodeo  Finals  that  will  be  held  September  28th  and  29th  in  Kissimmee.  Proceeds  from  the  event  go  to  support  the  FCA  Foundation,  which  in  turn  works  to  promote,  protect  and  preserve  the  Florida  cattle  industry  through  research,  scholarships,  environmental  stewardship,  and  other  endeavors.   They  also  participate  in  the  Northern  Everglades  Payment  for  Environmental  Services  program.  Through  a  cooperative  agreement  with  the  South  Florida  Water  Management  District,  Larson  pays  for  structures  on  their  land  that  SURYLGH IRU Ă€RRGLQJ FHUWDLQ WLPHV of  the  year  and  in  return,  the  District  September 2012

pays  them  for  water  storage  rights.  The  arrangement  provides  a  positive  long-­term  environmental  result  for  the  land. Woody  was  recently  elected  President  of  the  Florida  Cattlemen’s  Association.  While  there  are  several  issues  facing  the  industry  that Â

The  two-­day  event  includes  the  Ranch  Rodeo  Finals  each  night  at  7:00pm,  a  Ranch  Horse  Competition  at  10:00am  Saturday,  and  the  Cowboy  Heritage  Festival  from  10:00am  to  5:00pm  on  Saturday.  This  family  and  budget  friendly  entertainment  is  both  fun  and  educational,  with  arts  and  crafts  displays  and  living  history  exhibits.  Rodeo  tickets  are Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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1RW RQ KLV RIÂżFLDO OLVW RI JRDOV but  a  priority  nonetheless,  is  the  fact  that  Okeechobee  will  be  hosting  the  FCA  Quarterly  meeting  September  12th  -­  14th.  Meetings  will  be  held  DW WKH +DPSWRQ ,QQ DQG WKH Williamson  Conference  Center  DW ,QGLDQ 5LYHU 6WDWH &ROOHJH “All  members  are  encouraged  to  attend  and  participate,â€?  said  :RRG\ Âł,WÂśV QRW MXVW IRU ERDUG members.â€?

just  $10,  with  kids  aged  10  and  under  DGPLWWHG IUHH %RWK WKH 5DQFK +RUVH Competition  and  Heritage  Festival  are  IUHH 6R JUDE \RXU IDPLO\ IULHQGV DQG neighbors  to  enjoy  the  camaraderie,  eat  some  delicious  barbeque,  and  support  the  industry.

relationships  and  talk  to  them.  We  need  to  be  proactive  in  order  to  protect  our  livelihoods.  We  are  an  association  of  members  with  a  common  interest  in  beef  cattle  production.  Part  of  protecting  and  promoting  that  way  of  OLIH LV HGXFDWLQJ WKRVH ZKR LQĂ€XHQFH laws  and  regulations  pertaining  to  6HFRQG WKH &DWWOH ,QGXVWU\ issues  like  water  use  and  property  Convention  and  National  Cattlemen’s  rights.â€? Beef  Association  Trade  Show  will  be  held  in  Tampa  February  6th  â€“  9th  2013.  This  event  only  comes  to  Florida  about  once  every  ten  years,  so  this  is  our  chance  to  showcase  our  VWDWH Âł,I \RX FDQÂśW DWWHQG DOO ZHHN at  least  spend  a  day  and  experience  some  of  the  educational  sessions,  not  to  mention  the  largest  beef  cattle  trade  show  in  the  nation,â€?  Woody  said.  Themed  â€œBoots  on  the  Bayâ€?  it’s  sure  to  be  worth  your  time  to  attend!

Woody  Larson’s  passion  for  agriculture  and  the  way  of  life  that  it  provides  is  obvious  through  his  devotion  to  his  family  and  the  industries  they  DUH LQYROYHG LQ Âł,ÂśP IRUWXQDWH to  have  been  helped  through  the  years  by  many  friends  who  are  great  cattlemen  like  Pete  Clemons,  Jeff  Clemons,  Cary  Lightsey,  and  J.C.  Bass,  just  to  QDPH D IHZ ,ÂśP KRQRUHG WR KDYH the  opportunity  to  do  the  same  for  others.â€?

Third,  participate  in  the  FCA  Legislative  Quarterly  trip  to  Tallahassee  next  March.  â€œSince  this  is  an  election  year,  we  will  have  a  QXPEHU RI QHZ SHRSOH LQ RIÂżFH 2QFH the  dust  settles  we  need  to  develop Â

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September 2012

813. 719. 7284

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LOCAL ARTIST

Seminole Dugouts

KEITH GOODSON

Florida

ARTIST By Holly Taylor

On  a  recent  Saturday  afternoon,  my  GDXJKWHU DQG , ZHQW WR WKH %OXHEHUU\ Patch  in  Lake  Placid  in  search  of  a  special  birthday  gift.  As  luck  would  have  it,  we  chose  the  same  Saturday  that  Keith  Goodson  made  his  annual  visit  to  repair  damage  done  by  time  and  the  elements  to  his  murals.   We  found  Keith  on  top  of  VFDIIROGLQJ LQ GHJUHH KHDW ÂżOOLQJ LQ D small  crack  in  the  â€œOur  Citrus  Heritageâ€?  mural,  which  had  been  completed  in  1997.   Just  as  visitors  are  drawn  to  the  murals,  we  were  drawn  to  the  artist  and  after  a  short  introduction  and  opening  questions,  Keith  happily  shared  his  passion  for  art  and  his  life  journey  so  far.  Â

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

,Q .HLWK *RRGVRQ WRRN WKH URDG less  traveled.   He  left  his  job  as  Stage  Manager  for  Carpenters  Home  Church  and,  instead  of  attending  Ringling  College  of  Art  and  Design  as  planned,  he  accepted  a  job  to  paint  a  mural  in  Lake  Placid,  Florida.   The  quaint  town  of  Lake  Placid  started  the  mural  project  to  share  the  history  of  their  community  and  entice  visitors  to  come  and  stay  awhile.   Keith  grew  up  just  north  of  Lake  Placid  in  Avon  Park  and  was  intrigued  with  the  idea  of  being  a  part  of  enhancing  the  town  and  using  his  talent  on  such  a  grand  â€œbigger  than  lifeâ€?  scale.   Keith  told  his  ¿DQFp -HQQLIHU ZKR LV QRZ KLV ZLIH RI \HDUV Âł, WKLQN , FRXOG GR WKLV ´ :LWK 4  years  of  experience  from  art  class  at  Avon  Park  High  School,  a  passion  for  art,  and  a  God  given  talent,  at  the  age  of  21  Keith  began  another  journey.   The  ¿UVW PXUDO HQWLWOHG Âł%DVVLQϫ ZDV Âś ´ ZLGH E\ Âś KLJK DQG ZRQ ÂżUVW SODFH LQ the  prestigious  Air  Brush  magazine’s  national  competition  for  billboards  and  Â

murals.   Upon  its  completion,  the  city  immediately  commissioned  Keith  for  the  â€œCracker  Trail  Cattle  Driveâ€?  which  was  the  largest  at  175’  wide  by  30’  high  and  included  audio  sounds  of  thunder  and  mooing  cattle.   Since  1993,  the  Lake  Placid  Mural  Society  project  has  expanded  to  include  a  total  of  41  murals,  11  of  which  Keith  created. Since  that  detour,  the  artist  that  likes  to  see  an  ever-­changing  palette  has  changed  his  course  but  never  his  passion.   Keith  has  a  passion  to  use  his  talent  to  make  a  difference  in  the  next  generation  by  LQVSLULQJ WRGD\ÂśV \RXWK WR VHHN DQG ÂżQG the  path  and  purpose  God  planned  for  them.   Keith  and  Jennifer  use  their  artistic  gifts  to  mentor,  teach,  motivate  and  train  through  workshops,  conferences  and  special  event  venues  around  the  world.   3RODQG 5XVVLD *HUPDQ\ DQG ,WDO\ DUH just  a  few  of  the  stops  where  they  have  had  the  opportunity  to  leave  their  mark  in  the  world.   September 2012

,I \RXU WUDYHOV GR QRW WDNH \RX TXLWH VR far,  in  addition  to  the  murals  in  Lake  Placid,  you  can  view  some  of  Keith’s  work  much  closer  to  home.   â€œLight  of  the  Worldâ€?,  a  27’  by  12’  original  oil  on  canvas  of  the  Nativity  was  purchased  by  Jan  Crouch,  co-­founder  of  Trinity  %URDGFDVWLQJ 1HWZRUN 7%1 ZKR then  had  it  installed  at  The  Holy  Land  Experience  in  Orlando.   Keith  is  also  doing  guest  appearances  there  and  painting  a  5’  by  7’  face  of  Christ  in  4  minutes  on  a  rotating  canvas!   Commissioned  art  pieces  are  the  latest  direction  in  this  journey  as  he  recently  completed  a  20’  by  40’  old  Florida  scene  in  the  home  of  Robert  Buker,  CEO  of  US  Sugar,  in  Clewiston.   South  Florida  College  in  Avon  Park  is  another  proud  owner  of  several  large  commissioned  pieces  that  are  displayed  on  the  campus  grounds.   Keith’s  multi-­faceted  talent  is  just  as  prevalent  in  the  small  details  of  his  hand  painted  series  which  incorporates  glass,  light,  metal  and  precious  stones  in  intricate  strokes  which  seem  to  take  on  a  life  of  their  own.   When  viewing  these Â

September 2012

SLHFHV RQ .HLWKÂśV ZHEVLWH , IHOW DV LI , could  reach  out  and  share  a  sip  of  tea  or  coffee  with  the  unknown  person  whose  hand  was  holding  the  cup  ever  so  still.  The  depth  of  the  faces  in  his  portraits  allows  a  glimpse  into  the  thoughts  of  his  subjects.   â€œAfter  you  master  your  technique,  then  the  real  expression  comes  out,â€?  Keith  says.   Keith  is  interested  in  pursuing  more  commissioned  work,  especially  paintings  depicting  cattle  and  its  KHULWDJH +LV FUHDWLYH PLQG LV ÂżOOHG ZLWK pictures  of  scenes  he  wants  to  create  on  canvas.   Growing  up  in  the  Heartland  has  provided  the  memories  and  images  for  many  of  his  outdoor  life  projects,  but  at  41  years  old,  Keith  still  has  a  lot  of  pieces  to  complete. Keith  and  Jennifer  currently  live  in  Auburndale  with  their  three  children,  0LFKDHO $VKO\QQ DQG $O\VVD ZKHUH WKH\ DUH VHUYLQJ DV 3DVWRUV for  Creation  House  Ministries.   The  Goodsons  are  using  their  artistic  gifts  in  their  church  through  Bible  studies  that  include  art  sessions  and  a  creative  dance  ministry.   Keith  is  also  developing Â

a  summer  program  for  youth  with  plans  to  travel  abroad  and  expose  them  to  different  cultures  and  ancient  art  history.      Keith  Goodson’s  life  is  an  ever-­changing  masterpiece  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  hand  holding  the  paintbrush  is  God’s. Next  time  you  are  in  Lake  Placid,  stop  by  Lake  Placid  Family  Restaurant  for  a  hearty  meal,  sweet  tea  and  your  copy  of  The  Murals  of  Lake  Placid  Guide  for  $3.00.   The  Mural  Society  is  celebrating  its  20th  year  and  this  would  be  a  wonderful  time  to  experience  a  piece  of  our  Heartland  culture  by  taking  the  mural  tour  with  family  and  friends.   You  can  also  pick  up  the  guide  at  businesses  throughout  Lake  Placid,  including  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Caladium  Arts  and  Crafts  Co-­operative,  Publix  and  Winn  Dixie.   To  see  more  of  Keith’s  art,  visit  his  website  at  www.keithgoodson.com.   You  can  also  contact  him  through  his  Facebook  page  or  call  863-­585-­8937  for  information  on  commissioned  art  or  their  Creation  House  Ministries  projects.

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THE BUCK STARTS HERE 2012 Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals and FREE Cowboy Heritage Festival Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida Ranch Rodeo Tickets: $10 per person, Kids 10 & under FREE!

Friday, September 28 Ranch Rodeo Finals – 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 29 Cowboy Heritage Festival 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Ranch Rodeo Finals – 7 p.m.

Cowboy Heritage Festival Celebrate and Learn about Florida’s Ranching History Fun & Educational - Arts & Crafts Displays Living History Exhibits Find details at

www.RanchRodeoFinals.com or www.floridacattlemen.org

Lodging Facilities

Ask For Florida Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo block price. Clarion Resort & Water Park – 877-846-2221 Holiday Inn Express & Suites – 407-997-1700 Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center – 407-586-2000

Find Information about Kissimmee area activities at VisitKissimmee.com

RODEO SPECIAL

by Darin Hughes PHOTOSĂˆBYĂˆ3USANNAHĂˆ"ELmOWERĂˆANDĂˆ+ATHYĂˆ'REGG

HARDEE

Hardee

Ranch Rodeo

1st Place Markham Ranch, Dennis Carlton, Wesley Markham, *AYĂˆ"ELmOWER Ăˆ Dalton Edwards, Raybon Durrance

H

ardee  County  Cattlemen’s  Association  held  their  4th  Annual  Ranch  Rodeo  on  Friday,  July  20th  and  Saturday,  July  21st,  2012  at  the  HCCA  arena  in  Wauchula.  The  events  included  team  sorting,  calf  branding,  trailer  loading,  double  mugging,  and  bronc  riding  for  the  big  cowboys  and  cowgirls,  and  mutton  busting  for  the  little  cowboys  and  cowgirls.

2nd Place 7 S Bar, Inc

19  teams  participated  in  this  event  with  Markham  Ranch,  which  consists  of  team  members  Dennis  Carlton  Jr.,  Wesley  Markham,  Dalton  Edwards,  -D\ %HOĂ€RXU DQG 5DERQ 'XUUDQFH ZLQQLQJ VW place.  They  received  $1000  and  the  HCCA  5RGHR &KDPSLRQVKLS %XFNOHV 6 %DU ,QF which  consists  of  team  members  Dawson  Cantu,  Logan  Perry,  Luke  Cantu,  CJ  Parker,  and  Mandy  Cantu  won  2nd  place.  They  received  $500.  SMR,  consisting  of  Jason  McKendree,  Steve  John,  Travis  Dorman,  Tiffany  John,  and  Clint  Thum  split  3rd  place  with  M  &  N  Cattle,  consisting  of  Christy  Newsome,  Peck  Harris,  Matt  Smith,  Cody  Robinson,  and  Josh  Brown.  Both  teams  split  the  $250  3rd  place  prize.  Lane  Warren  was  the  mutton  buster  winner  and  received  a  matching  buckle,  like  the  championship  team.

Tie for 3rd SMR

7KLV VDQFWLRQHG HYHQW ZDV D TXDOLÂżHU IRU WKH )ORULGD Cattlemen’s  Association  State  Ranch  Rodeo  Finals  &  Heritage  Festival  in  Kissimmee,  to  be  held  on  September  28-­29,  2012.

Tie for 3rd M&N Cattle

2012-2013 FCA Sweetheart Taylor Bolin from Hardee County

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September 2012

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RODEO SPECIAL

by Robbi Sumner

Dash for Cash Dash for Cash

Barrel Racing Series Final Results

T

he  Dash  for  Cash  barrel  racing  series  held  at  the  Brighton  Seminole  Reservation  Fred  Smith  Rodeo  Arena  featured  its  VHDVRQ ÂżQDOH 6DWXUGD\ $XJXVW WK ZLWK D DGGHG PHPEHUV RQO\ ÂżQDO UDFH barbeque  dinner  and  awards  ceremony.  7KH ÂżQDO HYHQW ZDV WKH FXOPLQDWLRQ RI WKH VHULHV that  began  in  September  2011,  tracking  the  points  of  member’s  rider  and  horse  combinations  from  VL[ EDUUHO UDFHV SOXV WKH ÂżQDOV WR GHWHUPLQH WKH season-­end  winners.  Open  Division  riders  of  all  ages  competed  for  prizes  including  headstalls,  saddle  pads,  halters,  hay  bags  and  other  items  that  were  awarded  to  the  top  seven  in  each  division,  with  trophy  saddles  going  to  the  division  winners.  Sweet  Cypress  Ranch,  Gator  Feed  Company,  Custom  Graphics  &  Signs,  and  the  Fred  Smith  Rodeo  Arena  sponsored  the  saddles.  Trophy  belt  buckles  were  awarded  to  the  youth  division  winners,  with  additional  prizes  like  bracelets,  halters,  gift  FHUWLÂżFDWHV DQG FDVK EHLQJ DZDUGHG WR WKH WRS ÂżYH in  each  division.  Youth  buckles  were  sponsored  by  Mobetta  Conversions  and  Fred  Smith  Rodeo  Arena,  with  many  other  local  businesses  and  individuals  donating  items  and  money  to  make  the  awards  possible.

7KH 2SHQ VHULHV KDV IRXU GLYLVLRQV ' ZLWK HDFK being  split  by  half-­second  breaks.  Open  division  champions  were:  1D  Heather  Clemons  and  Peanut  from  Okeechobee,  2D  Christy  Flippen  and  Reba  from  Okeechobee,  3D  Courtney  Kitching  and  Beaudatious  from  Lake  Worth,  and  4D  Robbi  Sumner  and  Peponita’s  Bay  Belle  from  Okeechobee.  The  next  Dash  for  Cash  series  is  scheduled  to  begin  October  13th.  Visit  www.rezrodeo.com  or  contact  Kayleen  Murphy  at  863.467.6039  for  more  information.

The  youth  series  for  competitors  aged  14  years  DQG \RXQJHU LV D WKUHH GLYLVLRQ ' FRQWHVW ZLWK WKH IDVWHVW WLPH HVWDEOLVKLQJ WKH ÂżUVW GLYLVLRQ ' skipping  to  one  second  slower  for  the  second  GLYLVLRQ ' DQG RQH PRUH VHFRQG IRU WKH WKLUG GLYLVLRQ ' 7KLV \HDUÂśV \RXWK ZLQQHUV ZHUH ' 'D\UD .RHQHV DQG 'DOODV IURP %LJ &\SUHVV %XGKD Jumper  and  Classy  were  tied  in  points,  but  Dayra  posted  the  fastest  time  in  an  exciting  runoff  giving  %XGKD VHFRQG SODFH LQ WKH ' ' -HVVL 4XLQQ DQG Birdy  from  LaBelle,  and  3D  Courtney  McCreary  and  Trinity  from  Okeechobee. Â

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RODEO SPECIAL

2 0 1 2 N AT I O N A L D AY O F T H E

Okeechobee

American Cowboy

56

First  celebrated  in  2005,  the  National  Day  of  the  American  Cowboy  was  founded  by  American  Cowboy  magazine  who  lobbied  for  the  passage  of  a  national  resolution  designating  the  fourth  Saturday  of  every  July  as  a  permanent  celebration  on  the  national  calendar  in  order  â€œto  preserve,  protect  and  promote  our  cowboy  and  Western  heritageâ€?  and  â€œhonor  cowboys  and  cowgirls  for  their  enduring  contribution  to  the  courageous,  pioneering  spirit  of  America.â€?

By Robbi Sumner 0HOTOSĂˆBYĂˆ+ATHYĂˆ'REGG Seminole  Tribe  of  Florida  Chair  James  E.  Billie  and  Brighton  Representative  Andrew  J.  Bowers,  Jr.

Round  two  of  the  Ranch  Rodeo  began  shortly  after  the  trail  drive  ended  Saturday  evening.  When  the  dust  settled,  the  Cow  Creek  Ranch  team  of  Bo  Anastasio,  Ernesto  Franco,  Julia  Milburn,  Justin  Seagle,  and  Ladd  Bass  took  home  the  Championship  belt  buckles  and  top  cash  prize.  By  winning  the  rodeo,  they  also  TXDOLÂżHG WR FRPSHWH DW WKH )ORULGD &DWWOHPHQÂśV 5DQFK The  Okeechobee  County  Cattlemen’s  Association  Rodeo  Finals  which  will  be  held  at  the  Silver  Spurs  and  Okeechobee  Main  Street  again  came  together  to  Arena  in  Kissimmee  on  September  28th  and  29th. co-­sponsor  a  celebration  of  that  heritage  and  spirit  on  July  27th  and  28th.  The  fun  kicked  off  Friday  After  the  rodeo,  musical  entertainment  was  evening  at  the  Agri  Civic  Center  with  a  barbeque  provided  by  South  Florida  band  Burnt  Biscuit,  competition,  a  variety  of  vendor  booths,  and  the  who  is  known  for  their  versatility  in  playing  ¿UVW JR URXQG RI 5DQFK 5RGHR DFWLRQ 2YHU WKH WZR everything  from  country  to  jazz  and  rock  and  roll.  GD\V D WRWDO RI WHDPV FRPSHWHG LQ ÂżYH HYHQWV including  Ranch  Bronc  Riding,  Trailer  Loading,  According  to  Main  Street’s  Cindy  Burdeshaw,  Team  Sorting,  Team  Branding,  and  Team  Tying. approximately  3,000  to  4,000  people  were  in  attendance  at  the  two-­day  event,  which  is  reported  to  have  been  On  Saturday  afternoon,  a  three-­mile  cattle  drive  WKH ÂżUVW RI LWV NLQG KHOG (DVW RI WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU through  the  middle  of  town  on  Highway  70  began  when  the  annual  celebration  began  several  years  ago.  at  Eli’s  Western  Wear  and  ended  at  the  Agri  Civic  Be  sure  to  mark  your  calendar  for  the  fourth  Saturday  &HQWHU VWRSSLQJ WUDIÂżF DQG GUDZLQJ FURZGV RI in  July  2013  for  this  action-­packed  family  event! spectators.  Trail  bosses  for  this  year’s  drive  were  the Â

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

Get Your Boots on t he Bay! Don’t miss the boat on this exciting event! Pack your boots and head to Tampa, Florida for The 2013 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show! This is the premier event for anyone in the cattle business - it’s the one you can’t afford to miss.

2013 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show February 6-9 Tampa, FL

www.beefusa.org

17-1547-2013ConvAdHalfPg.indd 1

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September 2012

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Reality Ranch

RODEO SPECIAL

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T

he  second  year  of  the  new  Reality  Ranch  Youth  Rodeo  ended  it’s  season  with  the  Finals  on  April  28,  2012,  and  then  held  it’s  banquet. The  competitors,  their  parents  and  relatives  gathered  at  the  Ullrich-­ Nickerson  Pavilion  in  Pioneer  Park  in  Zolfo  Springs  for  an  evening  ¿OOHG ZLWK JRRG IRRG KRPHPDGH desserts,  sweet  tea,  lots  of  prizes  and  the  coveted  All-­Around  Saddles  for  the  male  and  female  winners  of  the  Tots,  Junior,  and  Senior  divisions.  The  stage  was  GHFRUDWHG ZLWK Ă€RZHUV GRQDWHG E\ Redding  Nurseries,  with  a  special  photo  area  all  â€œcowboyed-­upâ€?  for  that  special  Kodak  moment. The  banquet  opened  with  a  short  speech  and  prayer  by  Randy  Johnson  of  Reality  Ranch  0LQLVWULHV 7KH ÂżUVW JURXS introduced  was  a  special  part  of  this  Youth  Rodeo  â€“  the  Tiny  Tots.  These  are  the  3-­6-­year-­olds  who  are  just  starting  their  rodeo  careers,  several  with  Mom,  Dad  or  a  friend  running  them  on  a  lead  line  through  the  poles  and  around  the  barrels.  For  the  goat-­tying  event,  they  are  allowed  to  either  tie  WKH JRDW RU MXVW XQGHFRUDWH LW E\ pulling  a  ribbon  off  of  the  goat’s  ERG\ 7KH \RXQJHVW PHPEHU RI Reality  Ranch  Youth  Rodeo  is  2-­year-­old  J.D.  Scott  of  Myakka  &LW\ DQG KH VPLOHG DV KH DQG KLV 0RP UHFHLYHG WKHLU DZDUGV

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

BYĂˆ+ATHYĂˆ'REGG

Reality Ranch Youth Rodeo Awards Banquet

Roughstock  riders  received  their  prizes  next,  from  mutton  busters,  to  calf  and  bull  riders,  and  bareback  riders.  Shiny  belt  buckles  went  to  the  winner  of  each  event/division.  Next  came  the  timed  events,  from  breakaway  roping,  tie-­down  and  buddy  roping,  and  team  roping,  to  barrel  racing,  pole  bending,  and  goat  tying. The  special  treat  was  that  Taylor  Bolin,  the  then  Hardee  County  Cattleman’s  Sweetheart,  and  now  the  2012-­2013  Florida  Cattlemen’s  Sweetheart,  handed  out  each  and  every  prize.  The  teenage  cowboys  sure  grinned  like  little  school  boys  when  they  got  the  opportunity  to  be  on  stage  and  hug  Taylor!  7KH DLU ÂżOOHG ZLWK DQWLFLSDWLRQ DV the  announcement  of  the  saddle  winners  drew  near.  First  was  the  presentation  of  the  Reserve  All-­Around  Champions,  with  Ryleigh  Adams  of  Wauchula  and  Okeechobee  and  Cameron  Cantu  of  Zolfo  Springs  winning  for  the  Tots,  Savannah  Nelson  of  Arcadia  and  Sam  Morgan  of  the  Weekely  Bros.  â€“  Davie  Pro  Rodeo  family  winning  for  the  Junior  Division,  and  Hailey  Andrews  and  Jake  Bolin  both  from  Wauchula  winning  for  the  Senior  Division.

AND THE WINNERS ARE  â€“  Lacey  Nail  of  Port  St.  Lucie  and  Cayden  Newsome  of  Myakka  City  were  the  All-­Around  Champions  for  the  Tots,  Ashlan  Lipe  of  Arcadia  and  Dawson  Cantu  of  Zolfo  Springs  took  the  title  for  the  Juniors  Division,  and  Madison  Crosby  of  Myakka  City  and  Pat  Carlton  of  Wauchula  taking  home  the  saddles  for  the  Seniors  Division.  Particularly  wonderful  was  that  Pat’s  grandfather,  through  5RPDQ ,,, 5DQFK VSRQVRUHG ERWK the  Seniors  saddle,  so  Doyle  Carlton  awarded  the  saddle  to  his  grandson,  Pat.

September 2012

September 2012

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SPECIAL FEATURE

best cow horse he has ever sat on, even though he was just race bred Gary even competed on him at some team pennings.� Those familiar with the stud horse remember him as “Goose� and I asked Linda how he got that nickname. “Shortly after we got him Gail Burnett came over and Gary was riding him in the cow pens. Gail asked ‘is this the Goose that’s going to lay the golden egg?’ and it stuck – he was Goose!�

Remembering

by Robbi Sumner

SPECIAL FEELINS Foaled April 1, 1986, the Quarter Horse stallion “Special Feelins� made quite an impact on barrel racing, not just locally, but throughout the industry.

S

ired by Special Effort and out of Funny Feelin, Special Feelins was born to race and had a AAA speed index of 93. Special Effort ZDV WKH ÀUVW \HDU ROG LQ KLVWRU\ WR surpass $1 million in earnings, and is the only 2-year old to ever win all three summer futurities at Ruidoso Downs and take the Triple Crown. Named the 1981 World Champion, Special Effort went on to win the Grade 1 Kansas Derby as a 3-yearold, before retiring with earnings of $1,219,949 and a race record of 13 wins in 14 starts. Gary and Linda Jones of Bowling Green purchased Special Feelins from Jack Booream as a 4-year old.

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According to Linda, “For the past 45 years we’ve always had a stud horse. We were looking for something that could run, and his breeding and good looks drew us to him.� The dark bay that stood 16 hands tall went on to prove that he could not only run, but also work cows and produce outstanding offspring.

In time Goose went on to lay many, many golden eggs of sorts, siring multiple barrel racing champions, the most notable to date being his very Ă€UVW EDE\ '\QDV 3ODLQ 6SHFLDO D Ă€OO\ ERUQ RXW RI WKH -RQHV¡ PDUH '\QD Snow. “Dee Deeâ€?, as she came to be known, was sold in 1997 to the Jud Little Ranch in Ardmore, Oklahoma. In 2003, Janae Ward-Massey began UXQQLQJ 'HH 'HH WR Ă€QLVK RXW WKH rodeo season, and the two went on to win the 2003 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association Barrel Racing World Championship and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Average Championship, earning $111,908 and winning the 9th go-round at the WNFR. “Even if a colt is good you don’t know if he’ll produce, but Goose

“When we bought him, he was just track-broke but he fell in love with cattle and loved to work cows,� shared Linda. “Gary says he was the September 2012

GHĂ€QLWHO\ SURYHG KH ZDV D SURGXFHU Âľ VD\V /LQGD ´:H crossed him with race-bred, cutting-bred, and foundation mares, and he crossed well with everything – particularly with Wonder Otoe mares.â€? Ernestly Special, a 10-year old gelding owned by Dodi and Dave Ralph, carried Dave to sweep the 2011 Florida State National Barrel Horse Association Championships. The duo is the only team to ever win the Senior Division, both go-rounds of the Open, and the Open Finals at that event. Six other of Goose’s offspring also won checks in the First Division that year. Wee Feelin Special, a six\HDU ROG PDUH IURP *RRVH¡V Ă€QDO FURS RI EDELHV FDUULHG Rylee Elliott to the Youth Championship at the 2012 NBHA State show. The two also won the second goround at the NBHA Youth World show in Perry this July, besting almost 700 other entries.

RODEO SPECIAL

2012-2013

Florida Beef and Jr. Beef Ambassadors Selected ON FRIDAY JULY 20

, Alex Lucas was selected as the 2012-13 Florida Beef Ambassador in Kissimmee. Alex is from Lake County, runner-up was Harley Zoeckler of Polk County and in third place was Ali Thomas from Hillsborough County. Cole Bronson of Highlands County was selected as the Jr. Beef Ambassador with Mathew Staples, from Lake County selected as runner-up. Also competing in the contest were Shelbi McCall, Bailey Stallard, Erin Johnson, and Hunter Oler. These kids did a great job and I would like to congratulate all of them. In 2005, Linda says that Goose started acting funny, as if he couldn’t see well or something, and he was taken to Surgi-Care Center for Horses in Brandon for evaluation. It was determined that he had had a stroke, and he suffered DQRWKHU VWURNH ZKLOH KH ZDV WKHUH 7KH GLIĂ€FXOW GHFLVLRQ was made to euthanize him and he is buried under a big oak tree on the property where he had lived the past 15 \HDUV QH[W WR KLV IULHQG '\QD 6QRZ DQG WKH -RQHV¡ Ă€UVW stud horse, Fisher. Gary and Linda now stand My Special Dynasty, a 2005 son of Special Feelins and Dyna Snow, and full brother to past WPRA World Champion Dynas Plain Special. Nicknamed “Sydâ€?, he shares many of his sire’s favorable traits, and the Joneses are excitedly waiting to see his babies grow up and perform. Says Linda, “Special Feelins’ legacy in producing winning barrel horses continues. He was the best investment in a horse we could have ever dreamed of, and we loved him dearly.â€?

September 2012

The contest consisted of several segments that involved answering questions on consumer media and current issues in the beef industry today, which tested their knowledge of the industry. The seniors prepared a classroom presentation to be taught to elementary age children on Beef. The seniors were also given an article on a current issue and were given 30 minutes to write a response. They were scored on each event, their scores were combined and the contestant with the overall highest score was the winner. Alex Lucas will now compete in the National contest in Sacramento, California, in September. Where I am sure she will do a great job. If you would like Alex or Cole to speak at an event, please email Alex at Alexlucas50@gmail.com or Cole at nativeagservices@yahoo.com.

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BIOS

Florida Cattlemen

Sweetheart

0\ QDPH LV 7D\ORU %ROLQ DQG , DP WKH )ORULGD &DWWOHPHQ 6ZHHWKHDUW , DP DQ HLJKWHHQ VRRQ WR EH QLQHWHHQ year  old  college  student  studying  mass  communications  DW 6RXWK )ORULGD 6WDWH &ROOHJH , DP VR IRUWXQDWH WR KDYH the  opportunity  to  represent  such  an  amazing  industry  full  of  honest,  hardworking  and  supportive  people.  6R IDU WKLV \HDU , KDYH KDG WKH KRQRU RI FDUU\LQJ WKH $PHULFDQ ÀDJ LQ DOO RI WKH ORFDO UDQFK URGHRV DQG DP ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR EHLQJ DW WKH UDQFK URGHR ¿QDOV LQ Kissimmee  later  this  month  where  we  will  be  able  to  see  all  of  the  top  working  ranch  cowboys  do  what  they  do  EHVW , DWWHQGHG WKH 1DWLRQDO 'D\ RI WKH $PHULFDQ &RZER\ LQ 2NHHFKREHH ZKHUH , FDUULHG WKH )ORULGD 6WDWH ÀDJ LQ the  rodeos  both  nights  and  in  the  cattle  drive.   During  the  FDWWOH GULYH , ZDV D 0DUVKDOO DQG IROORZHG URXWH EHKLQG RXU WUDLO ERVV 0U :RRG\ /DUVRQ , DOVR KDG WKH FKDQFH to  attend  Junior  Florida  Cattlemen’s  beef  preview  shows,  as  well  as  the  steer  selection  day  for  the  Florida  State  Fair,  in  preparation  for  the  showing  season.   All  of  the  junior  cattlemen  and  their  animals  were  in  tip  top  shape!  :LWK WKH PXOWLSOH DJ IHVWV DSSURDFKLQJ , DP looking  forward  to  having  the  chance  to  share  my  knowledge  of  the  beef  and  cattle  industry  with  many  eager  children,  and  maybe  even  a  few  teachers.  The  ag  IHVWV WKDW , ZLOO EH DWWHQGLQJ ZLOO EH WKH +DUGHH &RXQW\ DQG WKH 'H6RWR &RXQW\ DJ IHVWV $W WKHVH HYHQWV , NQRZ , ZLOO JHW WR VHH PDQ\ RI P\ QHZ IULHQGV DQG KRSHIXOO\ make  even  more  new  ones!  Not  to  give  away  the  VXUSULVH RU DQ\WKLQJ EXW , KDSSHQ WR NQRZ WKDW WKHUH will  be  a  few  special  visitors  from  down  in  the  Bayou!   ,I WKHUH LV HYHU DQ\WKLQJ WKDW \RX ZRXOG OLNH WR VHH me  be  a  part  of,  or  speak  at,  please  do  not  hesitate  to  contact  PH <RX FDQ ¿QG P\ FRQWDFW LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ P\ )DFHERRN SDJH )ORULGD &DWWOHPHQ¶V 6ZHHWKHDUW 7KDQN \RX VR much  for  your  support  and  commitment  to  our  industry!  September 2012

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FCA Ranch Rodeo Finals Team Bios

Submitted by t he >dgja\Y ;Ylld]e]f k 9kkg[aYlagf Chalo - Nitka Ranch Rodeo Fulford Cattle Company

Team Bios

Curryville Ranch Rodeo Renegade Rodeo Company

Renegade Rodeo Co. was established in the late 1980’s by Eugene Carter III. Renegade Rodeo supplies bulls for rodeos, bull ridings and other rodeo events; they also raise bucking bulls and beef cattle. The team consists of Cody Carter, Everett Carter, Daniel Bell, Audie Stokes, and the woman that keeps the team straight, Audie’s wife, Carmel Stokes.

Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Lazy JB Ranch The Lazy JB Ranch is representing the Okeechobee FlorLGD &DWWOHPHQ·V 5DQFK 5RGHR 4XDOLÀHU 7KLV UDQFK LV operated by Janet and Bryan Storey and located in Clewiston Florida. The Lazy JB is a family-owned operation and runs cross-bred cattle. Representing the ranch will be Buck Lee, Clayton Brown, Allen Lanier, Dusty Savoie, and Leslie Storey Pryor. Thank you Kathy Gregg for your photography.

64

The Fulford Cattle Company team consists of three Okeechobee born and raised cowboys, a top horse trainer, and one very handy cowgirl. The members of this team all have a love for ranching and enjoy competing in events that are a daily practice in their line of work. Fulford Cattle Company, located in Okeechobee County, is cow/calf operation owned and managed by Bobby Fulford, Sr. This team includes Bobby Joe Fulford, Cole Fulford, team strategizer Lee Watford, Jason Hanchey and Sage Adams. Good luck y’all!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Central Florida Fair Invitational Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Polk County Cattlemen The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association selected the Sullivan Ranch Rodeo Team to represent them in the Central Florida Fair Invitational Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo, and they came away with top honors claiming the overall win and punching an early qualifying ticket to the Ranch Rodeo Finals. This team competes in Ranch Rodeos across the state and can always be seen proudly wearing the FC brand (Earl and Marlene Sullivan’s brand) on Gator orange and blue Shirts. Team Members are Hunter and Jessica Holley, Dusty Holley, James Bryant and Dusty Harbin. September 2012

Desoto County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Tiger Bay Ranch & Duncan Cattle Trucking

BIOS

Mid Florida Ranchers Ranch Rodeo Christmas Creek Farm Service The Christmas Creek Farm Service team were the winners of the Mid-Florida Ranchers Ranch Rodeo. The CCFS is owned and operated by Chuck Mack, his wife Angela and their two precious youngins’ Makayla, 14 and Samuel, 5. They live in Christmas where they operate CCFS as a family business and love every part of it— from mending fences to penning the mama cows from an airboat or horse. The team representing this family-run business consists of Chuck, Charles “Corky� Paschal, the team’s MVR (Most Valuable Rider) Kenny Raney, Cory Carbajal and Jennifer Bolin.

Florida State Fair Ranch Rodeo SMR Farms LLC SMR Farms is a division of Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. and was established in 2005. ,W LV D GLYHUVLĂ€HG DJULFXOWXUH RSHUDWLRQ WKDW consists of Citrus, Cattle, Turf, and Trees. It also has a Turf operation in St. Cloud located on Deseret Ranch. The team representing SMR Farms and the Florida State Fair Ranch 5RGHR TXDOLĂ€HU FRQVLVWV RI WHDP FDSWDLQ -Dson McKendree, Stevie John, Travis Dorman, Coy Mueller, and “Queen Beeâ€? team mom Tiffany John. Thanks Kathy Gregg for the use of your photos.

Team Bios

Tiger Bay and Duncan trucking is proud to represent the $UFDGLD 5DQFK 5RGHR )&$ 4XDOLÀHU 7LJHU %D\ 5DQFK LV family owned & operated by Don and Cynthia Hall from Arcadia. This South Florida ranch runs commercial crossbred cattle and has been in business for over 20+ years. The Ranch is partnering with Duncan Trucking, owned and operated by Bushrod and Pam Duncan. Bushrod has hauled cattle and horses all his life and Pam works hard keeping Bushrod straight. Their team consists of Billy Adams, Carson Story, Cody Story, Marshall Godsey, and Christi Pryor. The Arcadia Rodeo Association, DeSoto Sr. FFA, and the Lil’ Cowpokes association wishes this team the best of luck at the Ranch Rodeo Finals. Thank you Kathy Gregg for the Photos!

RODEO SPECIAL

Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Markham Cattle

Wesley Markham of Romeo, Florida, manages Markham Cattle. He mostly has longhorns on the ranch but is still learning the ropes. The Markham Cattle team won the Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch 5RGHR 4XDOLÀHU 7KH 7HDP FRQVLVWV RI PHPEHUV -D\ %HOà RZHU 'HQQLV &DUOWRQ -U 3DWULFN 7KRPDV -DVRQ Hayward and the Wesley Markham Ranch right hand (wo)man Rabon Durrance. September 2012

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RODEO SPECIAL

Team Bios

Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Audubon Ranch

The Audubon Ranch Rodeo Team consists of William Perry, Peck Harris, Robert Fussell, Matt Smith, and “Queenie� Dallas Roberts. The team said about Dallas, “Loyal as an ole cur dog and never forgetting where she came from, we can’t be more proud to have a gal like her to complete our team.� Good luck to the Audubon Ranch team representing the Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo in the Finals!

Lake-Sumter County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Rafter G Bar Livestock

Lil Cowpokes Rodeo Association Ranch Rodeo Inmate Ranch Inmate Ranch is based out of South Florida and is headed up by Doug Bronson. This team is representing the Lee County Ranch Rodeo, as they acted swift and demonstrated skill when working cattle in the TXDOLĂ€HU 7KH WHDP FRQVLVWV RI 'RXJ %URQVRQ 7UR\ Tomlinson,all-around hand Tommy Rodgers, Preston Stokes, and the barrel racer from Okeechobee, Brittany Simmons. Thank you Kathy Gregg for your photos!

Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Schroeder-Manatee Ranch Inc. The winning team of the Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association Rodeo on March 3 was Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. The team is made up of Steve John, his wife and Florida Cattlewomen Past President Lindsey John, Dusty Crosby, Luke Cantu and William Perry. Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Inc. (SMR) is located on the west coast of Florida. It straddles Manatee and Sarasota Counties and is approximately 30,000 acres. Thanks Kathy Gregg for the use of her photos.

Paul Grimaldi and wife Cindy of Groveland, Florida own and operate Rafter G Bar Livestock, a primary cow/calf operation. Paul also owns A American Bonding in South Lake County. Rafter G Bar was the 2010 Florida Ranch Rodeo Champions. Their team heading to the Finals this year includes Paul, Paul and Cindy’s son Michael Grimaldi, his sister Kaitlyn, Cliff Lightsey, and PRCA cowboy Juan Alcazar.

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September 2012

Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Trade Show and Ranch Rodeo Norman Brothers Cattle Company

Osceola County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo CJ’S Cow Crew

CJ’s Cow Crew was the winning team at the Osceola County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo TXDOLÀHU 7KH WHDP LQFOXGHV 'HVHUHW 5DQFK foreman Beau Anastasio, Cecil Anastasio, sixth-generation Floridian Ladd Bass, Justin Feagle and 21-year-old Sami Sanderson.

Team Bios

Norman Brothers Cattle Company owned and operated by Adam and Andy Norman, run cattle in Lakeland and Ft. Pierce Florida and is proud to have a team riding for their brand in the Ranch Rodeo Finals! Fred Waters usually serves as team captain, but his responsibilities at the Finals do not allow him to compete, he leaves the Norman Brothers Cattle Company team in the capable hands of J.B. Wynn. The other team members include J.B.’s brother, Stewart Wynn, Scott Shoupe, Brandon Barthle and fourth-generation Florida Cracker from Osceola County 0HJDQ 7DOER ,W LV 0HJDQ¡V Ă€IWK \HDU DW WKH 6WDWH )LQDOV

RODEO SPECIAL

St. Lucie County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Grace Ag

Williston Ranch Rodeo J & J Farms 7KH :LOOLVWRQ 5DQFK 5RGHR 4XDOLĂ€HU¡V ZLQQLQJ WHDP ZDV J & J Farms from Romeo, Florida. J & J Farms is a multifaceted operation that produces watermelon, peanuts, and commercial beef cattle. It is owned and operated by Jesse Strickland. The team members that will be representing - - )DUPV LQ WKH Ă€QDOV DUH :HVOH\ 0DUNKDP $XEXUQ Hiers, Dalton Edwards, Andy Morgan, and Ashley Bellamy.

September 2012

Grace Ag is an agribusiness based out of St. Lucie County owned by Jonathan Schopp of Fort Pierce. Starting this cattle operation a little over a year ago, Jonathan chose the name Grace in honor of his grandfather Bill Grace. The members of the ranch rodeo team, along with Schopp, are team captain Brad Moss, a Moore Haven cowboy; Matt Davis, a day worker and another Moore Haven cowboy; Okeechobee’s toughest cowboy Bobby Lines and local all-around hand Clint Davis. This team has only one thought process when they unload their horses and ride off. The team doesn’t just go to the ranch rodeos to hear their name called; they go to win. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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LEFT: Bryan Trejo and his sister, Thalia Leon, in the midst of feeding the super worms. BOTTOM: Aberlin Hernandez carefully prepares a container of approximately 1,000 crickets for shipment.

The establishment is attended to seven days a week by Ross, his wife, Pam, and nine employees. Ross bought the business just two years ago. The operation itself, which has been supplying crickets to a wide variety of customers for 22 years, is contained within four buildings. The DGPLQLVWUDWLYH RIĂ€FH DQG VKLSSLQJ department are housed on property as well as the breeding, incubating and nurturing facilities. Even though the nursery contains some 600,000 baby crickets (also referred to as pinheads) at any one time, expansion plans call by Cindy Cutright for 100 additional custom-made bins to be added to the operation. Ross says the majority of those bins have already been put to use. “But when Florida’s climate has proven a perfect environment for producing ZH FDQ Ă€OO RU PRUH ZH¡OO EH LQ really good shape.â€?

Lazy H Bait

all types of marketable food sources. While most are for human consumption, some are not. Mild temperatures and an abundance of ag-friendly communities make our state an ideal choice for those involved in raising just about anything from the mundane to the exotic. That said, many would never imagine that an insect - such as a cricket - would join their ranks.

W

hile raising crickets won’t replace cattle ranching in Hendry County anytime soon, there is a growing need for it as evidenced by the expansion underway at Lazy-H-Bait in LaBelle. “We’re trying to upgrade and make improvements,’ states Brad Ross, the farm’s proprietor. “We have way PRUH RUGHUV WKDQ ZH FDQ Ă€OO 7KLV LV our biggest problem.â€?

The crickets are shipped in containers complete with air holes and slices of potato, which provide both food and moisture during shipment. This helps ensure they arrive at their destination healthy and in good shape.

One would assume all the crickets VKLSSHG ZRXOG EH XVHG IRU Ă€VKLQJ bait. And while the majority is bred for just that purpose, many are also fed to birds and other species. Pet stores and other pet related-businesses buy the crickets on a regular basis. “The crickets are fed to everything from toucans to ducks. The range of birds is amazing,â€? says Ross. “And some people feed them to monkeys, but most are fed to reptiles, lizards and turtles.â€?

That’s hard to believe considering a whopping 1.5 million crickets a week are shipped to customers via the United States Postal Service and UPS. In fact, Lazy-H-Bait is the /D%HOOH 3RVW 2IĂ€FH¡V VHFRQG ODUJHVW customer behind local government.

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September 2012

Cricket size is key to honing a successful business and one of the reasons for the recent expansion. Crickets typically range in length from 1/8th of an inch (baby) to 1� (adult) and have a life span of 10 to 12 weeks. “The greater demand is for the adults by far,� states Ross. “But different people have different requirements. If we don’t have the crickets available in the right sizes, it doesn’t meet the customer’s needs.� The South American Dart Frog is a prime example. This specie of frog, which produces the poison used on the tips of poison darts (hence the name), are so tiny they only eat the smallest of crickets. On the other hand, pet lizards known as bearded dragons prefer adult crickets, which have attained the largest and most popular sizes (3/4� to 1�). Though the crickets are shipped all over the country, Ross says, “85% of our business is here in Florida.� He explains that while there are several thriving cricket operations in Georgia and Alabama, few are located in state. “There was a farm about 150 miles from us but the crickets contracted a virus and were wiped out.�

.HSW LQ ELQV Ă€OOHG ZLWK ZKHDW EUDQ WKH ZRUPV DUH IHG HYHU\ other day and dine on just about any type of vegetable except onions (which don’t appeal to the worms). But unlike the crickets, Ross contends the worms are desired in one size and one size only. “The bigger the better.â€? Ross, who migrated to LaBelle from life in the corporate world, says both have their advantages and disadvantages. Maintaining Lazy-H-Bait “is just constant work seven days a week. There is no reprieve.â€? But on the upside, he enjoys working for himself. With the help of two administrative assistants, Rochelle Miller and Sindie Van Wagner, Ross handles sales in what LV QRZ D YHU\ EXV\ IURQW RIĂ€FH 2QFH WKH H[SDQVLRQ SODQV which include the installation of yet another 100 bins, are complete, Lazy-H-Bait personnel can anticipate getting a great deal busier. Check out the company’s website (still under construction) at www.lazyhbait.com

But crickets aren’t the only item on the menu at LazyH-Bait. Two additional buildings house the super worm operation. The worms, which get their name from their size, are also raised there in volume. In fact, some 250,000 super worms are also sold each week, “strictly as food for reptiles, turtles and birds,� explains Ross.

The front office crew at Lazy-H-Bait take a break. (Left to right) Sindie Van Wagner, Rochelle Miller and proprietor, Brad Ross.

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Sebring’s

Gary Lee

Inducted into the

Florida FFA

Hall of Fame The Florida FFA is pleased to announce the 2012 FFA Hall of Fame Inductees. The 2012 inductees are Harold Ray Clark, Alfred Rankin Cox, Jr. (deceased), Donald Charles Hurst (deceased), Gary Doyle Lee and Winton Oziel Whittle. Gary Doyle Lee was born to Olen & Rosa Lee of O’Brien, Florida, as one of eight children, on October 4, 1946. He grew up on their family farm and graduated from Branford High School in 1964. Following high school, he enrolled at Lake City Junior College completing his AA degree. He and twin brother, Carey, ran the farm while in high school and junior colOHJH +H H[KLELWHG ÀHOG FURS DQG OLYHVWRFN DV D VWXGHQW DQG was active in the FFA. He received his State FFA Degree. While attending the University of Florida, he and brothers Carey and Jimmy were members of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Upon graduating, he received the J.F. Williams Memorial scholarship and began teaching at Fort Meade High School with last years’ Hall of Fame inductee, Tom Cochrane. Following seven years in the classroom, he served three years as Regional Consultant for Agribusiness Education living in Orlando. He came to Highlands County in 1978 as Coordinator of Vocational Education and served in that capacity until his retirement in 2006 with a total of 38 years of dedicated service (33 plus 5 years in DROP). Since his retirement, he has continued on a part-time basis as a Resource Teacher for the school board and has mentored hundreds of students throughout the 4 middle schools and 3 high schools in Highlands County. His unique passion is teaching/training parliamentary procedure teams, often times working with 4-5 teams simultaneously. He’s coached 4 State Champion teams (3 high school and 1 middle school) and an additional 15 or so top 5 teams over the years. Another particular passion is assisting students with state and American GHJUHH DSSOLFDWLRQV DORQJ ZLWK SURÀFLHQF\ DZDUG DSSOLFDWLRQV Gary was elected to the Florida FFA Alumni Board of Directors in 1982 and has served continuously since then, includ-

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ing president for two terms and over 20 years as secretary/ treasurer. He also is a charter member of the Sebring FFA Alumni and has served as secretary since their charter was issued in 1987. Sebring has been a staunch supporter of the Florida FFA Foundation Harvest of Change and Advancing the Vision fundraisers and annually ranks as one of the top fundraisers in the state. Sebring’s alumni consistently ranks in the WRS Ă€YH LQ WKH VWDWH DQG KDYLQJ SODFHG Ă€UVW VHYHUDO WLPHV DQG has received gold and silver emblems on their applications submitted to National. He’s received the Alumni Legion of Merit Citation for 20 consecutive years and in 2011 received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the National Organization. Gary has received the honorary State and American degrees and has attended a total of 46 State Conventions, the last 45 without missing a single convention. Gary has attended 10 of the 11 Seasoned Owls annual reunions at Oleno since its inception in 2000. He has also attended the previous 5 Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies and he nominated two of its inductees. “Florida FFA owes an immense debt of gratitude to these outstanding leaders,â€? said Adam Putnam, Commissioner of Agriculture. “Their dedicated service in agriculture education helped make FFA the outstanding student organization recognized throughout the State.â€? Bill Hamm, President of the Florida FFA Foundation Board of Directors states “these individuals are to be highly commended for their years of service and dedication to the enhancement of agricultural education and FFA.â€? The recipients will be inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame during the sixth annual awards celebration Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City. The Florida FFA Hall of Fame began in 2007 to pay tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped make the Florida FFA Association the premier youth leadership organization in the state. Because of the support of these individuals, Florida FFA has become home to more than 16,000 FFA members in more than 300 FFA chapters across the state. FFA members are engaged in a wide range of agricultural education activities, leading to more than 300 professional career opportunities in the agricultural industry.

September 2012

FFA Journal

Ashley Hassan Area VI State Vice President ZHHN ZDV GHÀQLWHO\ D VWUHVVIXO RQH SRVLWLRQ RQ WKH VWDWH RIÀFHU WHDP On the 29th of June, the lives of eight of those candidates were changed as they were blessed with the opportunity to serve Florida FFA as a newly HOHFWHG VWDWH RIÀFHU 5HSUHVHQWLQJ chapters from Malone to Miami and everywhere in between, these eight individuals will be the faces of Florida agriculture, agricultural education, and the Florida FFA Association. By God’s grace, I am one of these eight individuals. The team consists of: During the week of June 25th through President Clayton Willis, Secretary the 29th, I, along with 4,000 other Matthew Cantrell, Area I Vice FFA members gathered in Orlando, President Shelby Calloway, Area II Florida to enjoy the 84th annual Vice President Sarah Trimm, Area III Florida FFA State Convention. Vice President Justin Watson, Area 7KLV ZDV D ZHHN ÀOOHG ZLWK IULHQGV IV Vice President Katie Hutchinson, opportunities, and memories. I Area V Vice President David Walden, proudly represented the Okeechobee and Area VI Vice President Ashley Brahman FFA Chapter as the area 6 Hassan, Okeechobee Brahman FFA. State Vice-Presidential Candidate. Throughout the week, I experienced Twelve total candidates spent the a roller coaster of emotions, from week campaigning to members thanksgiving to humility upon and bringing enthusiasm before the UHà HFWLQJ RQ WKLV RSSRUWXQLW\ 7KH leadership and award sessions. We Okeechobee Brahman FFA Chapter also secured the doors for contests; KDV RIIHUHG D FDQGLGDWH IRU VWDWH RIÀFH consequently, we missed out on for the last four years, each being given multiple meals. Needless to say, the WKH FKDQFH WR VHUYH LQ VRPH RIÀFHU

September 2012

To start off our year of service, the VWDWH RIĂ€FHU WHDP KDV WUDYHOHG WR North Carolina for NLCSO (National Leadership Conference for State 2IĂ€FHUV ZKHUH P\ WHDPPDWHV DQG I, along with the North and South &DUROLQD VWDWH RIĂ€FHUV JDWKHUHG WR work on bonding our individual teams and how to successfully present a workshop. We also went to Gainesville for BLAST OFF (Building Leaders DQG 6WURQJ 7HDPV RI 2IĂ€FHUV ZKHUH my teammates and I got to work on our own individual abilities and how ZH FDQ XVH RXU VWUHQJWKV WR EHQHĂ€W WKH team. The team was also blessed with the chance to venture to Iowa where we took multiple agriculture tours on family-owned operations as well as big production facilities all to better advocate American Agriculture. This year will truly be life changing for us, and I speak on behalf of the my team members when I say that we are so incredibly humbled and blessed to have this amazing new chapter in our lives to begin.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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POLLINATION SERVICES Strong  bees  when  you  want  them.  We  also  have  honey  and  skin  care  products  made  with  honey  and  ingredients  from  the  hive.  Cantu  Apiaries,  863-­735-­1679  WORM CASTINGS Add  living  microbes  to  improve  your  soil,  use  less  water.  Call  Sean,  Green  Leaf  Worm  Farm,  941-­626-­5970.  www.GreenLeafWormFarm.com  CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry  and  available  immediately!  Call  Tim  Ford  or  'DQQ\ 7KLERGHDX  AKC GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES 3  older  females  that  are  11  weeks  old,  from  P\ ÂżUVW OLWWHU VDEOHV EON DQG WDQ WKH\ÂśUH HD DOVR , KDYH D QG OLWWHU WKDW KDV SXSSLHV PDOHV IHPDOHV WKDW ZLOO EH ready  to  go  7/21/12  when  they  are  8  weeks  ROG DQG WKHVH DUH HD VROLG EODFNV DQG YHU\ QLFHO\ PDUNHG VDEOHV )RU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW RU email  buckeyeohio@centurylink.net  CHEAP METAL ROOFING Discount  Metal  Mart  8’X10’  sheets  in  stock!  Prices  from  $5  to  $12.  Custom  lengths  available.  ,I \RX EX\ HOVHZKHUH ZH ERWK ORVH &DOO 752-­7088

DISCOUNT EQUINE SERVICE BUNDLE &RJJLQV YDFFLQDWLRQ WHHWK Ă€RDW  Call  813-­752-­0224  or  813-­951-­0118    2006 JOHN DEERE (3320) INCLUDES: End  loader,  Box  Blade,  and  Forks  and  an   18’  Trailer  with  ramps  and  electric  brakes  200  Total  usage  hours  Like  new  condition  $17,900  Currently  being  stored  in  a  covered  building   2004 MASSEY FERGUSON 461-­2-­55  pto  hp,  2  wheel  drive,  shuttle  shift,  hydraulic  remotes.  $10,500.   Call  813-­752-­8722  42’ REACH FORKLIFT 3,952  hours.  $29,469  Call  863-­698-­4114 Â

 ALL-PRO FLATBED TRAILER 7X20  with  beavertail  and  ramps.  Tandem  7,000  pd  axels  $2,500   Call  Hank  863-­559-­8718 Â

3ULYDWH EHGURRP Z DWWDFKHG EDWKURRP VKRZHU VN\OLJKW %XQN EHGV 1HZ EHDULQJV ULPV &  tires.  $5400.00/OBO  NO  REASONABLE  OFFER  REFUSED.  Contact  David  Swart  david@advantageccg.com,  954-­868-­2580 Â

PORTABLE BULK FEEDERS Excellent  Condition!!!  Call  863-­528-­4356  NEW HOLLAND REPOS TN60A  2WD  2007  models  w/front  brooms  and  box  blades.  Never  used,  sold  new  $31,270.  Sell  $27,000,  balance  of  warranty.  813-­623-­3673  1992 GREAT DANE FLATBED TRAILOR Measures  48’96â€?,  Good  Floor,  Winches  &  Straps  on  both  sides.  Price    $6500.00   Call   Eugene  Tolar   863-­673-­0048  3000# TOYOTA WAREHOUSE FLATBED Low  Hours,  Side  Shift,  Excellent  Condition,  One  Owner  Price   $9500.00  3 BARNS W/ 27 STALLS FOR RENT Ft.  Ogden  area.  Call  Lisa  941-­234-­7660.  2003 CATERPILLAR MT225 CHALLENGER TRACTOR 23  HP  with  4  wheel  drive  making  it  much  stronger  and  more  versitile.2  ptos  rear  and  middle.   Used  for  mowing  only  so  light  wear-­  833  hrs.   $5,199  Excellent  tractor  for  a  small  farm.   Great  condtion-­barn  kept.   email  for  more  pix:gwhnsh@hotmail.com   813-­299-­1635  Arcadia,  Fl  2006 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR (3320) Used  200  Hrs.  End  Loader,  Box  Blade,  and  Forks,  18’  Trailer  with  ramps  and  electric  brakes.  All  like  new  condition  -­   $17,900.00.  Call  863-­835-­0757

1.25-ACRE LOT IN VIKING ESTATES  known  as  â€œThe  Prairieâ€?  is  for  sale  by  owner.  Zoned  for  residential  or  agricultural.  West  End  of  2  mile  Rd.  Lot  has  been  cleared/surveyed  fenced  &  JDWHG KDV '(3 DSSURYDO IRU EXLOGLQJ ,QFOXGHV 2-­story  observation  tower.  For  info  please  call  Between  9am-­9pm  EST  David  at  954-­868-­2580.  2ZQHU ÂżQDQFLQJ WHUPV DYDLODEOH 12 FUHGLW FKHFN &DVK RU ZLWK 2ZQHU Financing  Requires  2000.00  down.  See  more  at  ZZZ Ă€RULGDSUDLULH FRP  MURPHY N.C VACATION RENTAL CLOSE  TO  TOWN   RENT  BY  THE  WEEK   CALL  352-­787-­6855  HOME FOR RENT 3-­4  Bedroom,  8.5  Acres  of  Pasture,  Zolfo  Springs.  Call  Keith  863-­381-­1978 ***Lake  Placid  Christian  School  Students:  Have  Your  Parent(s)  sign  below  and  return  to  Mr.  G.  _____________________________________

2.26 BEAUTIFUL, PARTIALLY WOODED ACRES in  northern  Arcadia  for  sale.   Zoned  $JULFXOWXUDO &DOO  35 FOOT TRAVEL TRAILER ,QWHULRU UHPRGHOHG  ,PSRUWHG .HQWXFN\  cedar  table  with   beveled  edge.  Custom  cedar  framed  couch.  Single  Bed  in  living  room.  )XOO NLWFKHQ VWRYH PLFURZDYH UHIULJHUDWRU Â

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD EMAIL rhonda@heartlanditf.com

Futral’s Feed Store in Fort Myers has something in its Palm Beach Boulevard store that you don’t see very often ANYMOREĂˆ Ăˆ Ăˆ ĂˆTUBSĂˆlLLEDĂˆWITHĂˆBABYĂˆCHICKSĂˆ ANDĂˆDUCKS Ăˆ+INDĂˆOFĂˆREMINDSĂˆOFĂˆUSĂˆALLĂˆ of the ‘good ol’ days. Felix Reynoso demonstrates the correct way to hold a baby duckling.

New Shooting Sports 4-H Club for Highlands County The Highlands County 4-H is offering a brand new program, the Highlands Shooting Sports Club. 7KLV SURJUDP LV WKH ÀUVW RI LWV NLQG LQ WKH FRXQW\ Chanea Turner came across the shooting sports of Texas program earlier in the year while doing some research on fundraising for the Heartland’s Friends of the NRA. She was looking for a way to get more kids involved in the sport of shooting. Her son Cavin is 8 years old and has a love of $UFKHU\ DQG WKLV SURJUDP ZDV D SHUIHFW ÀW IRU WKHLU IDPLO\ She began taking the steps to starting a 4-H Club back in April. After a long few months and some hard work, they are RIÀFLDOO\ UHDG\ WR EHJLQ :KDW LV 6KRRWLQJ 6SRUWV \RX DVN" The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program stands out as an example of that focus. Youth will learn marksmanship, the safe and UHVSRQVLEOH XVH RI ÀUHDUPV WKH SULQFLSOHV RI KXQWLQJ DQG PXFK PRUH 'LVFLSOLQHV RIIHUHG ZLOO LQFOXGH ULà H VKRWJXQ archery, pistol, air gun, hunting, and wildlife. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders will provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, conservation ethics, and a lot of fun! Since this is a brand new program, one of the hold ups they have encountered is the need of equipment: targets, ERZV VDIHW\ JODVVHV HDUSOXJV ÀUHDUPV DPPXQLWLRQ DQG a safe to store the equipment. They are accepting donations and all the help they can get from the community! Any youth in Highlands County that are interested in beFRPLQJ D PHPEHU RI WKH FOXE MXVW QHHGV WR ÀOO RXW DQ DSSOLFDWLRQ RQOLQH DW à RULGD K RUJ DQG FKRRVH +LJKODQGV County Shooting Sports as their club. In addition, the program also needs volunteers who are interested in beFRPLQJ D &HUWLÀHG ,QVWUXFWRU LQ RQH RI WKH GLVFLSOLQHV 5Là H 6KRW *XQ RU $UFKHU\ 7KH 6WDWH 6KRRWLQJ 6SRUWV Program offers this training at Camp Cloverleaf on September 29th & 30th. For further information about the training or to get involved, contact Chanea Turner at 863-381-1313 or murphy2667@embarqmail.com . September 2012

It’s All About Ag in Southwest Florida The  Citrus  Expo  held  at  the  Lee  Civic  Center  in  Fort  Myers  was  a  huge  success.  Exhibitors  included  a  wide  variety  of  companies,  which  really  brought  to  the  forefront  just  how  wide-­ranging  and  innovative  agri-­ business  has  become.  Attendees  could  sample  organic  juice,  speak  with  U.S.  Customs  Agents  charged  with  keeping  our  agricultural  interests  safe,  or  ogle  the  latest  in  farm  machinery.  The  Heartland  Magazine  staff  agreed  the  expo  was  informative,  entertaining  and  a  truly  impressive  display  of  all  things  citrus.  Save  the  Date:  just  a  reminder  that  the  2012  Joint  Tomato  Conference  will  be  held  September  4-­9  at  the  Ritz-­Carlton  Hotel  in  Naples.  Go  to  ZZZ Ă€RULGDWRPDWRHV RUJ IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ Taste  Testers  Wanted:  Lipman DQ ,PPRNDOHH EDVHG ÂżUP is  giving  away  a  limited  supply  of  Vintage  Ripe  Tomatoes.  Consumers  can  register  to  win  a  free,  two-­pack  sample  through  September  14.  Go  to  www.TrueTomatoTaste. FRP WR GR VR ,Q RWKHU /LSPDQ QHZV WKH FRPSDQ\ announced  it  recently  acquired  Dallas-­based  Combs  Produce,  a  tomato  re-­packer  and  fresh  produce  distributor.  This  acquisition  marks  Lipman’s  third  this  year. Congratulations  to  the  Gulf  Citrus  Growers  Association’s  QHZO\ HOHFWHG RIÂżFHUV 7KH\ DUH Wayne  Simmons,  president;Íž  Mark  Colbert,  vice  president;Íž  Bob  Newsome,  secretary;Íž  and  Callie  Walker,  treasurer.  The  association  represents  citrus  growers  in  Charlotte,  Collier,  Glades,  Hendry  and  Lee  &RXQWLHV ,W LV ZRUWK QRWLQJ WKDW WKLV UHJLRQ DFFRXQWV for  about  25%  of  the  state’s  total  citrus  production. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

~4th Annual ~

Mason G. Smoak 5K Run & Family Fun Festival

For the last three years, the community has displayed support of the Mason G. Smoak Foundation by showing up and having fun at this event! We hope this year is no different. Please come out and enjoy the following activities: » » » » » » » » » » »

5K race for all ages Family fun walk Delicious food Games Booths Hands on exhibits Dunk tank Root-beer floats Clowns Face Painting and much more

Race day registration at 7:00AM

5K Race at 8:00AM Family fun walk at 9:00AM Festival from 9:00AM - 1:00PM

DeVane Park, Lake Placid September 29, 2012

to register please visit:

scan our qr code...

www.masongsmoakfoundation.org /masongsmoakfoundation

/mgsfoundation

September 2012

Flashback to the 80’s Friday Night Live is 80’s themed Main Street Wauchula will be bustling with residents and visitors who are happily reminiscing on the 80’s. A live band, Pushin’ Eightiez, will set the tune for people of all generations to enjoy. Main Street Wauchula, Inc. will host WKH ÁDVKEDFN WKDW ZLOO RFFXU DW WKH PRQWKO\ )ULGD\ 1LJKW Live on Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. As with every Friday Night Live, downtown businesses will be keeping their doors open to allow for after hours shopping and dining. An 80’s inspired lip sync will be held on the East side of Main Street, across Hwy 17 S. The lip sync contest will be open for all to participate in! Show up sporting your 80’s neons and prepare for a good time. Main Street Wauchula, Inc. is requesting the presence of all Hardee Senior High School Alumni and will have a special recognition for the graduating classes of the 1980’s. Do not miss out on this opportunity to reconnect with your High School peers! Children will be entertained with a bounce KRXVH DQG LQÁDWDEOHV DV SDUHQWV VRFLDOL]H DQG HQMR\ WKH OLYH band, lip sync contest and downtown shopping. The 1980’s decade was a time of boombox, VHS and &DVVHWWH WDSHV -RLQ LQ WKH IXQ RI WKH ÁDVKEDFN DV 0DLQ Street Wauchula reminisces. Fun is to be had by the entire family! Friday Night Live begins at 6 p.m. on Sept. 21. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

75

HIG-1&3)8 (4:39> +&72 ':7*&:

Support Highlands County Agriculture! HIGHLANDS COUNTY

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Gates Open at 5:30pm Dinner Served at 7:00pm +QQF i +WP i +TKGPFU i 1KXG 'CPF Steak & Shrimp Dinner BYOB Mixers & Ice Provided

le Reserved T0a0b for 8 $4ess on table. n

Name of busi

ing

Open Seat

Howerton Residence 4502 US Hwy 98, Sebring Bring the whole family for a night of great food, music, dancing & fun! Call 863-‐385-‐5141 or email janmenges@embarqmail.com for Tickets & Info.

Thank You Highlands County Farm Bureau Heritage Sponsors!

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2012

Trade in your old, tattered American Flag for proper disposal at Goin' Postal and receive a NEW 3'x5' American Flag FREE!

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY, OUR COUNTRY & OUR TROOPS!

September 2012

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

77

Date

Event

Details/Time

Sept. 1st-3rd

Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo

Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center

Sept. 1st -3rd

56th Annual Englewood Pioneer Days

Downtown Englewood

Sept. 3rd Sept. 6th-7th

Sponsored by American Drilling Services

Okeechobee 10 am—for more information contact Teresa Chandler at (863) 801-4996

Grazing Management School

Turner Agri Civic Center, Arcadia

BRAT Cub Labor Day Parade

Sept. 8th Championship Bull Riding Sept. 14th

3rd Annual Sebring Thunder Car Show

Sept. 14th

Florida Pomegranate Association’s Annual Meeting and Conference

Sept. 20th

FFVA 69th Annual Convention at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples

Contact Cindy Weinstein (863) 604-3778

Sept. 21st Friday Night Live

–Heritage Park—Downtown Wauchula 6-9

Sept. 22nd

—Fisherman’s Village—Punta Gorda

Fall Harvest

Sept. 26th Citrus Water Seminar Sept. 29th

Mason G Smoak Foundation 5K and Family Fun Day

Sept. 27th-29th

FNGLA Trade Show Orlando

Sept. 28th-29th

Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival

Oct. 27th

78

7:30 Bergeron Rodeo Arena www.davieprorodeo.com

Henscratch Farms Annual Pumpkin Festival

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Agri-Civic Center, Sebring Lake Placid

Kissimmee 10 am-2 pm www. henstratchfarms.com

September 2012

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Live Music Every Sunday under the TIKI 4-7.

BUCS BLACKOUT GAMES will be available at the HOLE!!!

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Slick Willy 7-8 The Shannon Reed Band 14-15 Logan Brothers 21-22 Damn Outlaws 28-29

Food and Drink Specials for College and NFL Football Starting September 1st for College Football 11am-7pm and Sunday September 9th for NFL. TIKI ONLY!! $.50 wings $.50 tenders $1 Hamburger Sliders $1 BBQ Pork Sliders $10 Domestic Buckets $1.50 Drafts 2 for 1 Wells

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