September 2014 by Heartland Magazine

SETP 2014

HISTORY OF THE

Florida Cracker Cowboy Photo by Carlton Ward Jr/CarltonWard.com

For Greater Performance And Profit!

High Yield Fruit and Vegetables To BioCharge Traditional Programs

AT PLANTING Power Coat impregnated on bulk dry fertilizer • Banded • Broadcast

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Enhancing Bulk Dry Rate - 1 gal/ton Fertilizer 3-4 times per year

• In furrow PowerBlend™ • Drip Blending With • Injection Bulk Liquid • 16-32 oz/acre Fertilizer Every 2-4 weeks in soil thereafter (not less than 16 oz/acre/month)

Tomato - Holden Research & Consulting Gavilan tomato variety This graph reflects that the Pathway Biologic treatment had an increase in yield even with a 25% reduction in fertilizer usage. The benefit is two-fold - Environmental (best management practices) and lowered cost to grower.

80.5 80

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79.5 79 78.5 78 77.5

AT PLANTING Manage stand alone

AT PLANTING Power Blend with bulk liquid fertilizer

77.61 tons/acre

77 76.5 76 Control Std fertilizer protocol

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• In furrow • Drip • Injection • 1/2 lb/acre Every 2-4 weeks in soil - ¼ lbs/acre Every 2-4 weeks foliar - ¼ lbs/acre

Pathway’s microbial products & solutions function to create bio-chemical pathways to convert nutrients like only bacteria can. Bacteria can enable a plant to achieve its genetic potential, optimizing the performance of fertilizer. Key benefits from Pathway’s microbial products for Agriculture include: • Increase yields and decreased production loses • Uniform plant growth and fruiting for increased product marketability • Enhanced color, better taste and longer shelf life • Increase plant tolerance to the damaging affects of environmental extremes, disease and other plant pressures • BMP compliance with balanced soil biology

Pathway BioLogic | 111 E. Tever Street, Plant City, Florida | 813.719.7284 www.PathwayBioLogic.com September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

The Southeast’s Leading Precision Ag Company

From land preparation to harvest, Ag Technologies will help you improve your bottom line. GPS GUIDANCE SYSTEMS TMX-2050® display The rugged TMX-2050 display has a large 12.1” (30.8 cm) high-definition touch screen with sharp visuals and a bigger, clearer image. Built on the Android™ operating system, the flexible platform integrates into your operation seamlessly, and the intuitive interface makes it easy for both beginner and advanced users to easily implement precision agriculture solutions.

PRECISION WATER MANAGEMENT Field Level II & WM-Drain Water management products from Trimble® can

be used by contractors or farmers to minimize water costs and efficiently distribute water by maintaining grade—helping farmers see improvements in yields, water usage, and farm productivity. Choose from a variety of products based on your leveling or drainage needs.

CROP HEALTH GreenSeeker ® On-the-go plant sensor system that determines the health of a plant in real time and delivers the optimum amount of nitrogen.

PRECISE CONTROL Trimble’s Field-IQ™ crop input control system is a flow and application control

system that prevents seed and fertilizer overlap, controls the rate of material applications, monitors seed delivery and fertilizer blockage, and controls the height of spray booms. Overlapping inputs will increase your costs and creates nutrient deficiency in soil due to overpopulation of seed. The Field-IQ system controls planter clutches and a variety of air seeder systems by automatically turning sections on/off based on non-farm zones and previously planted areas.

Contact Ag Technologies, the Southeast’s leading precision ag dealer. Andrew Bryan 941-725-8046 | Ken Lodge 239-322-8357 877-585-4GPS | www.southeastprecisionag.com 4

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Authorized Ag Dealer

September 2014

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PHILLIP RUCKS CITRUS NURSERY P Ph Phillip Rucks, Owner | PO Box 1318, Frostproof, FL 33843 ww www.ruckscitrusnursery.com | www.floridagrownspecialities.com 86 863-635-1948 | rucksnursery@aol.com September 2014

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SEPT 2014

Departments

Cattle ranches provide important wildlife habitat and landscape linkages within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The expedition traversed the 130,000-acre ALICO ranch in Hendry County, where Preston Stokes, left, and Bobby Joe Fulford ride out to gather a herd. ALICO previously sold 32,000 acres to create Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest and portions of their property are candidates for protection though future expansion of Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Carlton Ward Jr./ CarltonWard.com

September Features 30

Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition

By Bob Stone

The Symbol, Security and Story of branding

By Audra Clemons

A Cowboy’s Necessities: Saddles and Cow Whips

Altman Saddlery

By Levi Lambert

FCA Ranch Rodeo Finals

Introducing the Teams

Working Together in the Cattle Industry

By Dixie Thomas

Okeechobee Ranch Rodeo

Article and Photos By Kathy Gregg

Desoto County’s Ranch Rodeo Returns with a Bang!

Article and Photos By Kathy Gregg

Meet Fritz Brewer: PRCA Jugde and Cattleman

By Robbi Sumner

Spotlight on Arena Secretaries: Danna Jo McFarland

By Robbi Sumner

Collegiate Cowboy Nat Stratton

By Robbi Sumner

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Travel Feature: Iconic Movie Hotels

By Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl

Heartland’s Fishing Report

By Capt. Mark King

SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report

By Capt. Chris O’Neill

Citrus Update: Back to School, Back to the Routine

By Justin Smith

Florida Farming: A Real Cracker Cowboy

By Ron Lambert

Florida Cattlewomen’s

Association Recipe

Mississippi Roast

A Series on Florida Literature: The Spanish Explorers

By Brady Vogt

Happenings in the Heartland

‘Sweet’ Reading Next Month! All about Florida’s Sugar Cane Industry September 2014

Publisher Rhonda Glisson Rhonda@heartlanditf.com Karen Berry kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Executive Editor Morgan Taylor Norris morgan@heartlanditf.com Business Manager Nadine Glisson Lizette Sarria Art Directors Carrie Evans Olivia Fryer Staff Writers Cindy Cutright Ron Lambert Levi Lambert Brian Norris Kyndall Robertson Justin Smith Robbi Sumner Dixie Thomas Brady Vogt Contributing Writers Audra Clemons Kathy Gregg Laurie Hurner Tim Hurner Capt. Mark King Capt. Chris O’Neill Bob Stone Brenda Valentine Dr. D. Keatley Waldron, D.C. Matt Warren Lindsey Wiggins Casey Wohl

Editor’s Note September means the kids are back in school, cooler temperatures, the start of football season and the Florida Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival! I am thankful that part of Heartland’s Way of Life includes Florida Crackers, day workers and attending ranch rodeos on the weekends. This issue is dedicated to them as we feature the history of these cowboys, the tools of their trade and the place that they can showcase their talents. We are honored to have Mr. Bob Stone share about Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition. His story takes you through the origins of the Florida cattle industry, how the name Florida Cracker came about and into the start of ranch rodeos. This month we also take a look into some of a cowboy’s necessities from cow whips with George Altman [36] to the Story, Symbol and Security of Branding [34].

We are excited to introduce you to the 16 teams competing at the FCA Ranch Rodeo Finals this year. You can read the team bios starting on page 40. The weekend event would not be possible without the over 350 volunteers that make it happen and we are thankful to their dedication to the industry; read more about them on page 52. Be sure to mark your calendars and attend this year’s Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival on September 26-27 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. See you there!

As always, we love to hear from our readers and if you have a story idea or an event you think we should be covering, please let us know! E-mail me at morgan@ heartlanditf.com or give me a call 863-381-8014. We’ll see y’all In the Field,

Social Media Director Brian Norris Photography Karen Berry Regina Blackman Sharon Glisson Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Silver King Photography Nell McAuley Brian Norris

Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Lee, Manatee and St. Lucie Counties. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to Rhonda@heartlanditf.com or call 813-708-3661. Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five. All contents Copyright 2014. No part of this work may be copied, transmitted, reproduced or reprinted without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual subscriptions to receive Heartland A Way of Life at your home or business is $25 annually. For advertising, subscriptions or editorial questions please call 813-708-3661 or email morgan@heartlanditf.com. Heartland® A Way Of Life In The Field publication has been in print since 2008.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

Is Your Current Lender Nickel & Diming You to Death?

With AgAmerica Lending by Bankers South, once you are approved, you are set up for the long term. No renewal fees every few years. Keep those nickels and dimes in your pocket. Contact Bankers South today for a low-interest, long term land loan. (855) 898 2265 or email for more information to LeighAnn@BankersSouth.com. AgAmerica Lending is a division of Bankers South Lending & Finance, LLC, a licensed mortgage lender at 4030 S. Pipkin Road, Lakeland, FL 33811. NMLS #372267. FL license #MLD928.

SEPT 2014

Index of Advertisers 38 85 4 51 9 39 54 50 38 2 79 57 7 84 14 55 87 63 54 77 80 21 78

Agro Culture Adams Ranch AgTechnolgies Arcadia Stockyard Bankers South Big T Tire Carlton Ward Photography Cattlemen’s Livestock Market Center State Bank Creel Tractor Cross Ties DeSoto Machine Shop Domer’s Farm Credit Fields Equipment FCA Foundation FCA Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival Florida Mineral Salt & Agricultural Products Florida Fence Post Glade and Grove Supply Griffin’s Carpet Mart Gunsmoke Hardee Ranch Supply

45 27 13 14 15 69 25 11 79 81 78 69 79 37 23 53 21 67 65 79 79 3 26 57

Heartland Growers Helena Chemical Hicks Oil Highlands County Farm Bureau Highlands County Farm Bureau Howard Fertilizer Joe L. Davis KeyPlex LaBelle Feed Laye’s Tire Lemon Grove Customs Marmer Construction Michael G. Kirsch Mosaic Newton Crouch Okeechobee Livestock Market Okeechobee Outdoor Expo On-Site Accounting Orange Ave Health Orange Ave Health Orange Ave Health Pathway Peace River Citrus Platinum Bank

25 5 80 76 57 55 79 23 81 79 50 65 73 82 77 59 88 17 65 65 79 83

Recypoly Rucks Citrus River Pasture Metal Art Sebring Thunder Car Show Seedway Southern Elite Bull Sale Spring Lake Hardware Spurlows Outdoor Stampede Superior Muffler Taylor Oil Company The Andersons Trailer Exchange tree T-PEE Trinkle Redman Coton Walpole Feed Watering Hole Wauchula State Bank Wicks Brown CPA Williams Spreader Services Winfield Solutions Yetti Outfitters

Sales Team Highlands

Morgan Norris

Manatee

Tina Yoder

Lee and Hendry

Cindy Cutright

morgan@heartlanditf.com

tina@heartlanditf.com

cindy@heartlanditf.com

Hardee & Desoto

Charlotte

Okeechobee, Glades & St. Lucie

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Levi Lambert

levi@heartlanditf.com

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Robbi Sumner

robbi@heartlanditf.com

Corporate, Polk & Hillsborough

Danny Crampton

danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson

rhonda@heartlanditf.com

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO COUNTY

HARDEE COUNTY

1278 SE US HIGHWAY 31 • ARCADIA, FL 34266

1017 US HIGHWAY 17 N • WAUCHULA, FL. 33873

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

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

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FARM BUREAU

President…………....Jim Selph Vice President……….Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer...... Matt Harrison

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Jim Brewer John Burtscher Mike Carter Steve Fussell

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

Bryan K. Beswick Ken Harrison

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

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Joseph B. Cherry Corey Lambert Daniel H. Smith

Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge David B. Royal

Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich Scott Henderson

Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer

Federation Secretary Rhonda Willis

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

MANATEE COUNTY

6419 US HIGHWAY 27 S. • SEBRING, FL 33876

5620 TARA BLVD, STE 101 • BRADENTON, FL 34203

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 385. 5141 • Fax: 863. 385. 5356 Website: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 941-746-6161 • Fax: 941-739-7846 Website: www.manateecountyfarmbureau.org

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Agency Manager: Cameron N. Jolly Agents: Dawn A. Hines, Clint Brown

FARM BUREAU

President………Scott Kirouac Vice President…Doug Miller Secretary………..Carey Howerton Treasurer……..Frank Youngman

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Sam Bronson Steve Farr Charles Guerndt

Charles Lanfier Mike Milicevic Emma Reynolds

Trey Whitehurst Jeff Williams Marty Wohl

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

FARM BUREAU

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

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Carlos Blanco Gary Bradshaw Jerry Dakin Ralph Garrison

Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford

Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West

Federation Secretary Janet Menges

Federation Secretary Christie Hinson

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

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

FARM BUREAU

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Agency Manager: Branden Bunch Agents: Doug Dierdorf, Mike Shannon

September 2014

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

Calling all teachers!! If you have an agricultural project you need a little help funding, consider a mini-grant from the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. Go to the website, http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/programs/teacher_mini_ grants for information. Applications are due October 1, 2014.

The following comments in italics are a direct quote from a newsletter published by the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. They are the opening comments by Commissioner Adam Putnam. Additional data from the 2012 Census of Agriculture was released last week and showed - quite simply - that agriculture is still a powerhouse in this state. Florida agriculture continues to grow and evolve, adding new products, acreage and jobs to our economy. Showing agriculture’s role in the economic recovery, the report revealed that more than half of the state’s counties added agricultural acreage from 2007 to 2012. Florida agriculture added more than 300,000 acres, increasing the size of Florida’s farmland for the first time since 1982. In addition, some of Florida’s niche agricultural products continue to grow in popularity. Peaches, olives, avocados, blueberries, honey, mangoes and others all experienced double-digit growth, or more, since 2007. Despite historic lows in production of our state’s signature crop as a result of citrus greening, this new data proves once again that agriculture is a job engine and pillar of Florida’s economy. An important issue being opposed by the Farm Bureau on all levels is the matter of the Waters of the U.S. within the Clean Water Act. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corp of Engineers are proposing to expand their authority by saying all waters are connected. That is false. All waters are not connected. Further, the law clearly states the jurisdiction of the agencies is for navigable waters of the United States. It does not include all waters. Congress has told that to the EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers. The U.S. Supreme Court has told that to the EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers. Yet, they are illegally attempting to regulate all waters in the country.

This is their third attempt. If they succeed, the issue will affect ALL Americans and it will not be good. Permits will be required for nearly any activity that includes land and water. Think about that for a moment. All actions from

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

people affect land and water somehow, don’t they?

Farmers and ranchers will be harmed. Municipalities will be harmed. Construction will be harmed. Jobs will be lost and economic harm will take place. This isn’t just scaring people or being an alarmist. This is a serious matter and the agencies must be stopped again. Florida, with its relatively flat topography has many isolated wetlands and many systems in place to control water. The increased authority and control over Florida lands will result in expensive permitting and according to the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, will bring the economy in Florida to a standstill.

Florida agriculture is implementing Best Management Practices in cooperation with the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services to do its part in proper water quality management and in accordance with state law.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulates water within the state. Expanded authority beyond present regulations and current law by the EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers is not necessary and it will be harmful to the state of Florida and to the nation as a whole. To learn more about this matter go to www.ditchtherule.org

Comments are needed to stop this proposal. Individuals, organizations and local government entities should be involved. Comments can be sent to: Gina McCarthy, Administrator Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20460

Water Docket U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mail Code 2822T 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20460

Docket ID No.: EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880

A copy of your letter should be sent to your Congressman, Senator Nelson and Senator Rubio. Thank you in advance for your time and efforts on this issue.

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

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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

Please support these businesses! 14

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Smalltown Boy Breaking Records in the Racing World:

BJ McLeod

By Levi Lambert

BJ McLeod of Wauchula was raised around his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trucking and harvesting business and is no stranger to an orange grove, but he found his niche on the outskirts of the groves. By the age of 3, he was racing ATVs and moved on to karts at age 5, where he dominated the series by setting several track records and collecting over 200 wins. During his karting career, BJ captured 18 championships while racing at the Regional, State, and National levels.

In 1997, at 13 years of age, BJ began his stock car career at Orlando Speed World in the Super Late Model (SLM) division. Within the same year, BJ won his first SLM race, making him the youngest driver in the nation to accomplish this feat. He also became the youngest driver to qualify and compete in an A.S.A. sanctioned race. BJ topped the previous record held by Mark Martin (18 years old) and then Glenn Allen (17 years old). Along with over 80 wins in the SLM division, BJ

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

has set track records at Orlando Speed World, Desoto Super Speedway, New Smyrna Speedway, Punta Gorda Speedway and finished in the top-three five times at Lakeland International Speedway. In 2003, Mike Loescher, of Finish Line Racing School, asked BJ to join him as an instructor for the nationally known school for up and coming drivers, of which BJ attended at the age of 13.

BJ continues to advance his career in stock car racing and currently runs a limited schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series where he has completed his approval process and is also approved for half-mile tracks in the Sprint Cup Series. He now has a race shop in his hometown of Wauchula and one in Race City USA located in Mooresville, NC. Out of his Mooresville-based shop, he has applied his years of experience from working for Mike Loescher as a Finish Line Racing instructor as well as his knowledge and September 2014

talent on and off the track to continue to help new drivers who are starting out on the NASCAR ladder. BJ McLeod Motorsports formed BJ McLeod’s driver development program. Their goal is to provide a turnkey racing program that allows the driver to focus on driving in a professional atmosphere while entertaining sponsors, family and friends. BJ works to achieve each individual’s specific goals, while preparing him or her for a career in the sport of asphalt oval track racing. Recently, driver Tommy Regan with Regan Motorsports teamed up with BJ McLeod’s driver development program to allow him the opportunity of a lifetime to race with the pros of NASCAR in the Camping World Truck Series. Racing enthusiasts or anyone who would just like to see this Hardee County resident in action will be able to follow him right from your home. Tune in to the Velocity Network on Sundays at 10am Eastern to see the new reality television show called Regan Motorsports. Over the course of the 11 episodes (began August 17th), you will be able to see just what it takes to run with the pros. From choosing strategies in the boardroom to turning wrenches in the race shop, this show is revved up and ready to give you an insider look of what it really takes to run a professional NASCAR team.

September 2014

Follow the team at www.bjmcleodmotorsports.com and @bjmcleodmotorsports on Instagram for all news and social media links.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

TRAVEL FEATURE

ICONIC MOVIE HOTELS By The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl

During a trip to New York City with my cowboy husband, he spent much of the trip and (our stay at the Waldorf Astoria) reciting scenes from The Cowboy Way movie starring Woody Harrelson and Keifer Sutherland. So I started to think about and research movies that were shot on location at famous hotels. With modern day Cinderalla stories like Pretty Women, comedic romance like My Best Friend’s Wedding or rose peddle paths from Coming to America, life always seems easier in Hollywood’s portrayal.

How can you feel like you are living in the movies during your next getaway? Your life can be similar to what you see on the big screen with a stay at one of these iconic hotels seen making cameo appearances on the big screen.

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The Waldorf Astoria, New York City Twenty-one movies have been filmed at the fantastically romantic Waldorf Astoria including “Weekend at the Waldorf” (1945), which marked the first on-site location for a movie of more than twenty September 2014

minutes, starring Ginger Rogers and Lana Turner. The 1992 film “Scent of a Woman,” whose unforgettable tango scene was filmed in the private event space, The Vanderbilt Room. And 2001’s “Serendipity,” where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale ride the Grand Ballroom’s elevator cars. In the 1988 Eddie Murphy movie Coming to America, the king of Zamunda, played by James Earl Jones, and his entourage stayed at the Waldorf. Other great movies filmed here include (Justin’s favorite) The Cowboy Way, You’ve Got Mail, Analyze This, Maid in Manhattan and recent flicks like Friends with Kids, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and The Dictator. Not a movie buff? You can also see the hotel featured in hit TV shows such as Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Will and Grace, Damages, Blue Bloods, Law and Order, The Sopranos and Ugly Betty. Fun fact: the Waldorf was the very first hotel to offer room service.

The Drake Hotel, Chicago The Drake Hotel is a luxury full-service hotel, located downtown on the lake side of Michigan Avenue two blocks north of the John Hancock Center at the top of the Magnificent Mile. Overlooking Lake Michigan, it was founded in 1920, designed in the Italian Renaissance style and soon became one of Chicago’s landmark hotels. Scenes from the movies My Best Friend’s Wedding, Risky Business, What Women Want, and Mission: Impossible have been shot at the Drake. Even if you aren’t staying at The Drake, Chicago visitors are encouraged to take English afternoon tea (or my friends and I had cocktails) at the Drake as a “must do” in the Windy City. Famous guests have included Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Prince Charles.

Fun fact: icons Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio carved their initials into the wooden bar of the Cape Cod Room.

September 2014

Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills Who could forget the hooker with a heart of gold who checked into the lavish Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills hotel, which is the location for most of Pretty Woman? Julia Roberts enjoyed all that it had to offer throughout the film, and it has become an icon in this Hollywood city. Roberts and Richard Gere showed the audience why the Beverly Wilshire, which is located at the top of Rodeo Drive, is the place to stay while visiting the City of Angels. Even when they are not filming movies, stars like Elvis, John Lennon and Warren Beaty lived at the Beverly Wilshire (fun fact). Since its original opening in 1928, this legendary Hotel has been a gathering place for Hollywood’s entertainment community, and it is currently managed by the Four Seasons since 1992. The Bellagio Resort, Las Vegas Inspired by the Italian Lake Como town of Bellagio, this Vegas hotel is famed for its elegance. One of its most notable features is an 8-acre lake between the building and the Strip, which houses the Fountains of Bellagio, a large dancing water fountain synchronized to music. The Bellagio, especially its fountains, has seen some of the most on-screen time of any hotel. Aside from all of the Ocean’s films, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, you can find the Bellagio in films such as The Hangover, Dodgeball, What Happens in Vegas, Head of State, Rush Hour 2, 21, Lucky You, Bolt (animated) and Knocked Up to see this great hotel. Fun Fact: the Bellagio stands on the same ground as one infamous Vegas hotel, the Dunes.

Wohl is the Travel Correspondent for the nationally syndicated TV show, Daytime. She also owns and manages Gray Dog Communications, a strategic marketing, public relations and branding company with clients in industries such as travel, non-profit, agriculture, economic development and real estate. For more information, visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

HEARTLAND’S

FISHING REPORT Captian Mark King

he dog days of summer are upon us here in South Florida, but the fishing has still been pretty good. You want to get out pretty early and capitalize on the cool morning, as this is the best fishing of the day. As the sun gets up high in the sky, the bite slows down and the sweat starts to pour, it is time to get off the water and find a nice cool spot. I recommend four-hour charters this time of the year and for the most part, that is about how long the bass bite in the morning. The water level here on Okeechobee is up over fourteen and a half feet above sea level. That is a little high for this time of the year but has had no negative effects on catching fish.

I have been starting the morning out throwing a Gambler EZ Swimmer across the top of peppergrass patches and have been catching good numbers of bass. As the sun gets up, I will start throwing a Gambler Ace in these same peppergrass patches working it real slow; when you think you are fishing it slow, just slow down even more. I have also had a little success pitching the reed heads around these peppergrass patches. You will want to get out as early as possible to have a better chance at catching these bass before it gets too hot. The live bait bite on wild shiners has been slow, as it usually is this time of the year. Not to say that you won’t catch some bass, but you will usually have to move

around a lot. I recommend artificial lures for the hot summer months here on Lake Okeechobee.

Now is the time to start thinking about booking that bass fishing trip of a lifetime to Lake Okeechobee. From mid October till May is the prime time to be here to catch the big ones. After the first of the year, dates fill up quick so don’t wait. As the water starts to cool, the bass start to move back toward the grass following bait and getting ready to spawn, the success rate on catching big bass really increases. Be sure and drinks lots of water and use a good sunscreen product this time of the year on Okeechobee and get out and enjoy some time on the water with family and friends. Good luck, tight lines, and I hope to see everyone on the water soon.

Captain Mark King

is a full time guide and tournament angler guiding out of the world famous Roland Martin’s Marina and Resort in Clewiston Florida and also in the Florida Keys out of Marathon area. Mark is an IGFA Certified Captain, active member of the Florida Guide Association and the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Captain Mark is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, Evinrude Outboards, Roland Martin’s Marine Center, Power-Pole, Minn Kota Trolling Motors, Gambler Lures, 13Fishing Rods, Hoffmann’s Lures, Mojo Sportsfishing, Smartshield Sun Protection Products, Moon Shine Attitude Attire, TFO Fly Rods, and Yeti coolers. Mark can be contacted to book a guide trip, seminars, personal appearances, test rides in his Evinrude powered Ranger or to fish a tournament with him at 863-677-0983 or at www.markkingfishing.com and www. tarponinthekeys.com

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

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

BACKWOODS to BEACHES FRESHWATER SALTWATER

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September 2014

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SW FLORIDA GULF COAST

FISHING REPORT

By Captain Chris O’Neill

As we inch our way into the fall migrational season, I get pumped about the increasing opportunity to throw artificial baits to hordes of inshore schooling redfish and snook. For me, there is no better return of investment of your favorite lure than watching it get blasted by a charging snook. The exhilaration associated with that explosive moment is hard to portray via written words, so get out there and see for yourself. Also, expect welcomed milder days and cooling water temps toward the end of this month’s edition of Heartland, which will increase the bite and prolong your fishing days.

INLAND FISHING is simply spectacular over the next few months. Fall is my favorite time to go “fun fishing” here in SW Florida along the Gulf Coast. Far less boats and anglers traverse the waters, along with more available baitfish supplies translates into phenomenal backcountry angling opportunities. September 1st marks the opening day of the fall snook harvest season. Snook are abundant and have begun to move back into the inshore estuaries after their summertime spawn along the beaches. Another great linesider opportunity is fishing for snook at night under dock lights. For those with skin conditions this is the perfect mode of not only seeing endless snook feeding on the surface around the lights, but it may be the easiest way to land a quality snook. With the cooling waters and increased bait supplies, redfish will be patrolling potholes and grass flats adjacent to mangrove shorelines. Your best chance for hooking up to a larger snook or redfish via artificial bait is early and late in the day. My go-to inshore plug this month is the Bomber Saltwater Grade One Knocker Spook in bone color. NEARSHORE FISHING will be paramount this time of year. Endless schools of migrational species like redfish, snook, bonito, jacks, ladyfish, spanish and king mackerel, shark and many others will take up residency along nearshore reef structure

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as well as mixing it up with the acres of bait schools along the coast. It is truly tough to beat heading out of any of our passes and scouting for mother nature’s fish finders (diving birds). Well before the days of advanced sonar scanning devices, radar and other gadgets, anglers relied on birds to find fish. To this day, birds will still lead you to schoolie type feeding fish much better than an expensive fish finder. The best tactic for what I like to call “rodeoing” these schools is to position your vessel ahead and upwind of the moving schools. Turning off your big motor and utilizing a trolling motor to keep pace will also increase your chances of hooking up. If you have a blacked out livewell, chumming a few handfuls of injured bait into the fury will keep them feeding boat side much longer. Baits of choice for rodeo style fishing are plugs and jigs that have increased casting distances like a ½ ounce jig head with your favorite soft plastic paddle tail, and topwater walkthe-dog type lures like Bomber Saltwater Grade’s 4” low pitch Badonkadonk in silver mullet color.

OFFSHORE ANGLERS can expect a solid month of bottom and sight fishing. When running to your favorite offshore fishing grounds, keep your crew alert for surface feeding species or the islands of bait schools you will encounter during your trip. Kingfish, cobia and many others typically work the outer perimeter and soaking a few trolling baits should be considered. If you’re in search of keeper grouper, finding natural hard swiss cheese bottom and working knocker-style rigs armed with cut sardines on a circle hook will get you a fresh grouper dinner every time. Booking a charter this time of year is a great opportunity to spend the day “catching”. My company offers inshore and nearshore charters with a team of world-class guides to satisfy your private or corporate fishing needs.

Captain Chris O’Neill

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

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Ag Finance: 3 Money Management Tips By Leigh Ann Wynn, Land South Group

So you’ve developed a business plan, established a solid relationship with an ag lending company, and successfully acquired a farm loan. Great news! But now what? What comes next in terms of financing your agricultural operation? This may go without saying, but once you’ve secured your agriculture loan, it’s important to stay on top of your finances. To do so, here are three simple, yet significant tips you can implement to ensure you play it cash smart. 1. If you have the money, pay your bills. Sure, your money may seem best spent elsewhere in the moment as attractive bargains tempt you and your check book. And yes, bargains are great, but remember: your top priority should be paying back your lender. Purchase those bargains when you have extra cash lying around.

2. Assess your operating expenses - seed, fertilizer, and/or fuel - with a fine-toothed comb. You exert the most control over these costs, so you want to

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have a firm grasp on how much you’re spending. Perhaps you can cut back in some places to save money or maybe you can shuffle around costs or resources. You won’t know unless you monitor all of this strategically. For the same reasoning, be sure to track assets such as land, equipment, irrigation systems, etc.

3. Be strategic in how you pay off your agriculture loans. Start with the big ag loans (if this applies) and then address the smaller ones. It’s also wise to set financial goals for your operation. Determine your top priorities, such as paying off a big operating loan (unless it’s AgAmerica’s interest-only Line of Credit that’s good for ten years!) or all of your farm’s equipment. Hit those marks first before you get to work on financing new projects.

For more information regarding farm loans and financing, contact AgAmerica, the ag lending division of Bankers South. We’ll help you determine the best loan to support your operation’s financial and business needs. Plus, we’ll set you up with a payment schedule that works best for you, whether it be annual, semiannual, or monthly payments. September 2014

Inc. New in Florida!! “Making Florida Greener, One Pellet At A Time”

AGRICULTURAL FILM RECYCLING Plastic Mulch Film and Drip Tape

Recypoly, Inc. is a new recycling facility that opened in April of this year. Located at 3525 W. State Road 80 in Labelle, the company plans to utilize state-of-the-art technology to recycle materials including plastic mulch, drip tape, and silage bags from agricultural producers. The company’s mission is “to recover all the plastic mulch and drip tape that is currently going to the landfills and then process it back into pellets that can be reused in the plastic industry.”

John and his partners have spent almost two years traveling the world researching options to address this challenge. They believe they found a viable solution in Europe, where most of their equipment is coming from.

Call us to schedule an appointment Eduardo 305.525.8652

Ronald While Recypoly is in the process of as786.303.6256 sembling the facility, they are already

accepting deliveries of recyclable

Recycling Center Address materials including different types of plastic mulch, silage film, greenhouse 3655 State Road 80 / Labelle, Florida 33935 film and most other LDPE (low-den-

sity polyethylene) plastic film. Just contact the company for an appointment to deliver and materials will be stored until the facility is up and running, which John expects to be by the end of November. Bringing materials to Recypoly can save growers money as they do not charge tipping fees like landfills do. They will also issue recycling certificates that can be used by growers to report their sustainability efforts.

over 12 years experience in the Certificate ! GetWith your Recycling recycling industry operating a Material Recover Facility (MRF) in MiamiDade, John Szkolnik, chief executive officer of Recypoly, says they are ready to offer a completely different type of recycling. “While operating Southeastern Recycling Corporation, we saw that some types of materials were very difficult to be recycled, one such material was the agricultural films,” John explains. “We found the majority of plastic film in the ag industry is being burned or taken to landfills, so we saw an opportunity to change that.”

email: info@Recypoly.com

John said, “We have a scale on-site to weigh the materials. It is important to understand that when material is delivered to us, you may not see it but probably 50-65% is dirt in regards

to the weight, plus another 10% in humidity/water weight. We hope to start working with farmers to reduce this amount of dirt contaminants.”

Recypoly, Inc. has received its State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Recovered Materials Dealer Certification and is developing the facility in accordance with all requested specifications and permit requirements of the various regulatory and get a competitive agencies. “It’s important to know that we have a water treatment plant and all water is going to be recycled your and reused. We spent a good amount of waste time back and forth with DEP in coming up with this permit and are proud of this fact,” John shared. Recycled materials will be formed into pellets which can then be used by manufacturers to produce new plastic products, bringing it full circle. According to John, “We’ve always wanted to close the loop and I believe we have found a way to do so. This is not a short-term project; there are always going to be issues that need to be resolved, how you resolve them is how you become effective. ”

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For more information, visit www.recypoly.com

AGRICULTURAL FILM RECYCLING Plastic Mulch Film and Drip Tape

by Justin Smith

CITRUS UPDATE By Justin Smith

Back to School, Back to the Routine By now everyone is back to school and back into “the routine”. Summers are always highly anticipated, but there is also something comforting about the security of the predictable pattern that outlines the rest of our year. Such as the school buses running every morning or knowing the fall festivals are almost here when the weather starts getting that crispness to it. Like it or not, we are creatures of habit and the starting of the school year, always throws us back into those habits. The new educational year always brings new challenges and many times we change the way we think through them. Going from grammar school to middle school, for example, brings about the experience of changing class rooms. A new year of college means new professors with their own set of requirements. Many times we forget the educational process does not end after the diploma or degree is earned. Many times, in fact, it really just begins. In the citrus world, the concept of continual learning and change has had to be relearned over the last several years. This new year will bring its own set of circumstances and will inevitably challenge what we consider “normal”. The really good news is that citrus growers are becoming more aware of this and there is evidence it is paying off as well.

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Unfortunately, the citrus crop forecast is not expected to rise this year. However, there are signs some of the new growing September 2014

techniques are beginning to make some differences. Growers all across the state are implementing new and changing ideas, much more readily than ever before and everyone is beginning to see the value in being open and adaptable to change. For the first time since greening took its hold on the industry, there has been an overall increase in root density. After many years of continual decline, it is just the first in what is hopefully a long list of improvements.

Yet another improvement this year was a uniform bloom and flushing of foliage. It has also been more than a few growing cycles since this pattern has been observed. What does this mean? Hopefully, it will mean a much reduced chance of late season fruit drop and an overall better wintering tree health. So what has caused the improvements mentioned here? With any luck, it is the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to watching what is working for others and implementing them all over the state. Between nutritional therapies, irrigation schedules, coordinated spray efforts and continual monitoring, the citrus growers are beginning to see just the slightest shift in their conditions. Although some of the good news could be contributed to just plain luck of weather and environmental conditions, growers still deserve some of the credit for at least putting up the effort and staying resilient.

September 2014

Although our place in life may be different, our way of moving though it tends to follow a continual pattern. Just as children have to be ready for the new school year and college students have to learn the new professor, citrus growers are learning the ever changing environment in which they live. It is being proven the more we work with it, the better everything seems to be turning out. So we can all take a lesson from the text book of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the routineâ&#x20AC;? to always be open to learning something different.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

FLORIDA FARMING By Ron Lambert

A Real Cracker Cowboy:

Gordy McIntyre

fairly accurate job description of a cracker cowboy would be one who goes from ranch to ranch to assist in gathering cattle for a wide range of reasons. Marking, branding, doctoring calves, castrating bull calves, pregnancy testing cows, loading cattle going to market and the list goes on. Due to the intense labor required in the cow pens, there is an ongoing need for these cowboys to step in and help out doing what they do best: work cattle! If you asked a group of 100 people where you could find some real cowboys, many would likely say something like

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out in Texas or out west. Even though our state ranks way up in total numbers of beef cattle and we have some of the largest herds of cow-calf operations in the entire country, many still think out west is where the real cowboys are to be found.

An outstanding and beautiful collection of photographs by Carlton Ward, Jr. titled Florida Cowboys, Keepers of the Last Frontier showcases the history of cattle ranching in the Sunshine State. Each photograph is accompanied with an explanation of who or what is shown on each page. In a section of this book appears an article written September 2014

by Joe Ackerman, Jr. titled America’s First Cowman; a wellwritten and fascinating account of the early years of the cracker cowmen.

I want to include a paragraph from those pages that was spoken or written by Governor Ossian B Hart (1873-74): Cracker Cowman were larger than life heroes who roamed the woods for weeks and months on end; camping in the wilderness, independent of spirit…They communicated a lust for life and a deep affection for Florida’s natural

at Sidell. He was an example of that Florida cattleman described in Joe Ackerman’s account of Florida’s Cowmen. No one would do that strenuous and dangerous work unless they loved the outdoors and the freedom of being to able to roam the wide-open spaces on horseback. We talked a bit about the value of a good cow dog in getting a herd of cattle to move in the right direction. One thing that a cracker cowboy doesn’t leave behind is his cow dogs because they all know that they could not do their job without a dog or two to circle, bark and keep the herd together and moving.

Gordy McIntyre said it is important having good cow dogs along to help gather a herd and get it moving, as well as running strays back to the main herd. He said that if the ranch where he was going to work had good dogs, he would leave his at the barn. Otherwise, he used his dogs that knew what they were supposed to do without being told and also knew to look to him for directions. Most all Florida cattlemen consider cow dogs invaluable on the range. environment because many of them were more content with their lives, however miserable they may have appeared to others.

There is still a common bond between those cowmen and the cracker cowboy of the present. I don’t feel that there is a way to improve Governor Hart’s description of the life of the early cowman as well as the modern day cowboy who loads his horse and dogs in black dark and drives out to meet the first rays of sunrise.

Gordy McIntyre first came to Florida in 1963-64 to ride in winter rodeos in Davie that were organized by David Morgan. In 1968, he was chosen as the all-around cowboy at a large rodeo out in the Midwest. It appears that he was one of those free spirits who never settled for long in any one place or sought the security of a full time job. His many hats included rodeo cowboy, day worker and farrier. He named off a long list of ranches where he had worked as a day worker over the years. These include Latt Maxcy’s El Maximo Ranch, the Turners in DeSoto County, Buck Mann Ranch in Polk County and J K Stuart out on SR 62. He also worked out near Myakka City at Mabry Carlton’s ranch September 2014

Gordon has two sons, Jake and Clay, who are on track to keep the old family tradition going of rodeo and ranch work. They are both well known bull riders; Jake was the top contestant in the National High School Rodeo Finals in 1999 and brother Clay won the top bull rider spot in 2000. His dad said, while pointing to a color photo on his wall, “Yep, that’s Jake on old Mossy Oak Mudslinger at a PBR Rodeo in Atlanta. That bull had never been ridden till Jake got hold of him!” I looked long and hard at the picture and I am not sure who had hold of who…Jake was spurring and reaching to grab something out of the sky and Mudslinger had both hind feet way up high trying to kick out a stadium light. It was clearly some kind of a wild ride!

These are just a few highlights of a visit and morning talk with an old cowboy who has hung up his whip, lariat and saddle for a spot in a recliner. He still does a little farrier work now and then and still has the forge and other tools used to shoe horses. Gordy said he shoed horses for near on 40 years and Jake picked up the skill needed to work as a farrier as well. My thanks to Gordon McIntyre for reminiscing with me on his years on Florida’s ranches. He is just one more example of a working cowboy who loved being out in the cow camp!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

FLORIDA CATTLE RANCHING: FIVE CENTURIES OF TRADITION

Photo by Carlton Ward Jr/ CarltonWard.com

By Bob Stone Florida’s cattle industry, the oldest and one of the largest in the nation, is vital to the state’s well-being. Ranching is an essential economic activity that preserves many aspects of the natural landscape, protects water resources, and maintains areas used by wildlife or for recreation. Florida’s ranching traditions have been adapted to the state’s warm, moist climate, its unique landscape and shaped by the state’s distinctive history. On January 1, 2014, there were more than 1.62 million head of cattle in Florida, including 877,000 beef cows. Florida ranked 12th in the nation for beef cattle and 17th for total cattle and calves. Industry officials assess the annual economic impact of Florida beef cattle ranches at nearly $1 billion. But Florida cattle ranching is not just a business; it’s a way of life and a complete culture with a rich history. Cattle were introduced into the present-day United States when Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León brought Andalusian cattle to La Florida in 1521. By 1700, Florida contained approximately 34 ranchos and 20,000 head of

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Photo credit Bob Stone

cattle. After British-Creek Indian raids devastated Spanish colonial ranches, the early Seminoles became the most significant cattlemen in 18th century Florida, as attested to by the name of their leader, Cowkeeper (ca. 17101783). Today, cattle ranching remains an important part of Seminole culture and economy. In the 19th century, people of primarily British descent migrated from Southern states including Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama to settle in September 2014

the Florida frontier. These hearty folks became known as Crackers, and many of our oldest ranching families proudly trace their ancestry to these early settlers.

Photo courtesy of the State Archives of Florida, circa 1910.

In the 19th century, cattle that descended from those brought from Spain beginning in the 16th century were raised by Crackers on open range that was a mix of native grass prairies, pinewoods, dense hammocks, palmetto scrub and wetlands. The hearty men who gathered the cattle, which were as wild as deer, were called “cow hunters.” It is estimated that more than 400,000 wild cattle descended from the Spanish stock roamed frontier Florida in the mid19th century. Tens of thousands of these cattle were shipped from the Gulf of Mexico ports of Punta Rassa, Ft. Myers and Tampa to Spanish-occupied Cuba. The Spaniards paid in gold, which was especially welcome and significant factor in establishing Florida’s post-Civil War economy.

Today, the cattle descended from the original stock introduced by early Spanish explorers and settlers are known as “Cracker” cattle. After nearly five centuries of natural selection, they are well adapted to our warm, wet climate and highly resistant to diseases and pests. While they are not competitive in the beef cattle marketplace, cattlemen dedicated to preserving this heritage breed maintain herds of Cracker cattle for posterity. Similarly, the small and agile horses descended from those introduced by Spaniards beginning in the 16th century are known as Cracker horses. They make great ranch horses and are preferred by many working cowboys, as well as those who ride for pleasure. As our ranching traditions developed, two features became emblematic of the Florida cowboy: the cow-dog and the Cracker cow-whip. Florida cowboys may use dogs more frequently than cowboys in any other state. The feisty mixedbreed dogs flush strays from hammocks and dense scrub and return them to the herd. “Them dogs is just as important, in

September 2014

a way, as a horse is,” drawled Okeechobee veteran cowboy George “Junior” Mills (1912-2006). “He can get in places you can’t get, you know. I went one time to help gather a bunch of cattle on the old Uncle Wright Carlton place. Them cattle down there, you couldn’t handle ‘em, you couldn’t hardly do nothin’ with ‘em without dogs. They’d run in them hammocks and hide. You put them dogs in there and them dogs make it so hot for ‘em they got to get out of there.” The dogs can also hold cattle in one spot without any men present. Being herd animals, cattle perceive the dogs as predators and seek safety by forming a tight bunch when circled by dogs. Three or four good dogs can hold dozens of cattle in a tight bunch for hours, freeing up the cowboys to gather more cattle. The dogs also help direct the movement of cattle. “Now, I don’t know if I’m just sorry help or I’ve got good dogs,” asserted Okeechobee-born third-generation cowboy Billy Davis, “but a dog is just the handiest thing in the world around a bunch of cattle.” Maintaining a good line of dogs is a matter of pride for many cowboys (including Billy Davis), and others seek those with a reputation for breeding good dogs as a source for improving their line of dogs. The Cracker cow–whip is used to control the movement of cattle, and virtually every working cowboy or cowgirl in Florida has a whip tied to his or her saddle. The cattle are rarely touched by the whip. They learn quickly to respond to the sound of the whip, which is as loud as a gunshot. Florida Cracker cow-whips come in two varieties today: the traditional buckskin whip and the modern nylon version. Nylon whips have become popular because they do not rot, require little or no maintenance, and rats and insects will not eat them. Whether nylon or buckskin, the Cracker cow-whip is fastened to a wooden handle by two thongs, leaving the body of the whip free to swivel in the handle, which makes it easy on the wrist. As George Altman explained, “I wouldn’t give you a nickel for a boxcar full of bull-whips. They are plaited over the handle, they’re stiff. That Cracker cowwhip, it’ll lay straight out.” Due to the popularity of nylon whips, there are very few makers of buckskin whips today, only three to my knowledge. Two live in the Heartland area: Buddy Mills of Okeechobee, who learned from his father, Junior Mills, and George Altman of Wauchula. Both have a waiting list of several months. Improved breeds, mandatory fencing, and other innovations during the 20th century ushered in the modernization of the beef cattle industry. Technical developments in the first fourteen years of the 21st century include the use of electronic ID combined with computer software to track extensive data on cattle, refinements in genetics, improvements in forage and advances in monitoring natural resources. Contemporary cattle ranchers fully embrace modern technology and look forward to future technical advances. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Today, only the largest ranches employ a permanent crew of cowboys to tend their cattle and often even they must hire skilled cowboys, known as “day workers,” on a temporary basis. Most cattle ranchers rely upon day workers as well as friends, neighbors and family to perform the work entailed in raising cattle. Florida ranches are typically “cow-calf” operations that produce calves and ship them west where they are fed grain and grown to finished size. Contemporary Florida cowboys still work on horseback, but bunkhouses are mostly a thing of the past. They arrive for work in a pickup truck pulling a trailer that contains their horse and often two or three cow-dogs, and return home each night. The work is difficult, dirty and dangerous. Days are long, often from “can’t see” to “can’t see,” and the pay is short. George Altman, who hired out as a day worker for decades, summed it up. “I don’t think there’s anything I would rather do than ride a good horse and work cattle,” he said. “You get to see different country, wildlife. Get up in the mornings before all the noise and the traffic and all that. Hopefully, you’re in the woods pretty early and you get to see the game. You’d have to do it I guess to know what it is and what it’s like. But it’s something I truly love to do.”

is the ability to predict the movement and behavior of cattle, know how to keep the cattle calm and quickly spot anything abnormal in an animal’s health or behavior. One of the most valued skills is the ability to identify a calf that has been separated from its mother. Known as “mammying-up,” this requires keen observation of cattle body type and markings and some say, a photographic memory.

Rodeo began as relatively informal gatherings that tested the occupational skills of cowboys. Rodeo has evolved into a highly organized sport with specific, controlled competitive amateur and professional events, which today bear little resemblance to actual ranch work. Bull riding, for example, was never ranch work and some professional bull riders have never worked on a ranch and are not skilled horsemen. At a “ranch rodeo,” teams of cowboys and cowgirls (each team is required to have at least one female member) compete in events that test their skills at ranch work. In recent years, ranch rodeo has become increasing popular partly as a reaction to organized rodeo that, for the most part, does not resemble ranch work. Ranch rodeo showcases the abilities of real working cowboys and cowgirls. In the past few years, the number of ranch rodeos held annually in Florida has increased from just a few to perhaps more than two-dozen.

The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve Florida ranching history and culture and support research, education, and leadership development for the beef cattle industry. The annual Ranch Rodeo State Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival, held in Kissimmee each fall since 2008, is the major fund-raising event for the Foundation.

Photo credit Bob Stone

Florida cowboys perform a variety of tasks that require special skills and knowledge. They must be good with a cowwhip, know how to train and manage cow-dogs, be excellent horsemen who are able to control the movement of cattle and sort out specific animals from a herd and need to be proficient at roping cattle ranging from young calves to large, cantankerous bulls. Although plastic ear tags and electronic ID have become increasingly popular, working cowboys are still expected to be skilled at branding with a hot iron and cutting any one of dozens of earmarks with a razor-sharp pocketknife. The best cowboys have good “cow sense,” which

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In the 2014 Ranch Rodeo State Finals, 16 teams that have won regional ranch rodeos held throughout the state in the past year compete in ranch bronc riding, calf branding, a stampede race, team doctoring, double mugging, colt riding, women’s team sorting and wild cow milking. All these events are based on actual ranch work. In wild cow milking, for example, competitors must extract a small bottle of milk from a mama cow bred for beef production (not milking) and run across the arena to deposit the milk with a judge, the quickest team winning. On a working ranch, this sort of task would be performed if a calf was orphaned. Four ranch rodeo teams simultaneously trying to milk a large running and bucking cow is quite a spectacle, as many of the cowboys are drug across the dirt arena! The ranch rodeos are fun for the whole family. There is even a boot scramble for kids. The 2014 Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival will be held in the modern, air-conditioned Silver Spurs Arena in Osceola Heritage Park, located on US 192 in September 2014

Kissimmee, about one mile west of the Florida Turnpike. The two-night event will be held Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27, 2014. Competition starts at 7 pm, and admission is $10. Children 10 and under are admitted free. More than 20 vendors will sell cowboy and cowgirl apparel, tack, and related goods and there will be plenty food and cold drinks. The Cowboy Heritage Festival is held outdoors adjacent to the arena from 10 am-5 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014, and admission is free. The multi-faceted festival includes craftsmen who make spurs, saddles, whips and other cowboy gear. Historical demonstrators set up cow camps, inform you about Black Seminoles and re-create other aspects of Florida history related to cattle ranching. Cowboy poets, musicians and storytellers perform on stage throughout the day. The whip-popping contest is always a favorite as boys, girls, young men and women thrill festivalgoers with their amazing and creative abilities with Cracker cow whips. Contest winners demonstrate their talents during the Saturday evening rodeo. The cow-dog competition at 10am and the ranch horse competition at 2pm will showcase the talents of these important ranch animals and their trainers.

Five Centuries of Tradition, in book form. This 128-page book includes all the graphics and text in the exhibit as well as striking photos of all the artifacts on display. An enclosed DVD includes a video about Cracker Cows, a Cracker Horse video, and 12 audio segments. It is literally like holding the entire exhibit in your hands. It makes an excellent gift, so take this opportunity to get some Christmas shopping done early. If you fail to pick one up at the festival, or want additional copies, you can order at www.amazon.com. To learn how you can help support the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation through a tax-deductible donation, visit www. floridacattlemen.org, or contact Jim Handley at 407-846-6221.

Photo credit Bob Stone

Cracker cattle that have been linked through DNA testing to those brought to St. Augustine by Spanish settlers hundreds of years ago will be on display. Members of the Cowboy Artist Association of Florida exhibit and sell their work, books on cattle ranching topics, and tack, clothing and other cowboy items are for sale. There’s beef brisket cook-off, and for $20, a steak supper with all the trimmings. It’s a wonderful event and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss it. For more information about the 2014 Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival visit http://www. floridacattlemen.org/ and click on the Ranch Rodeo tab. The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation will be selling its handsome publication that presents its acclaimed large multi-medium museum exhibit, Florida Cattle Ranching:

September 2014

Photo credit Judy Trotta Bob Stone is a folklorist, photographer and media producer living in Gainesville. He was co-curator of the large multi-media exhibition, Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition, and editor of the exhibition catalog. To schedule Bob for a presentation on this topic for your organization, contact him at mangoton@bellsouth.net or 352-219-8090. Funding support is available through the Florida Humanities Council Speakers Bureau. Visit www.flahum.org for more information.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

THE SYMBOL, SECURITY AND STORY OF BRANDING By Audra Clemons When it comes to livestock ownership, nothing takes the place of a definitive brand. Branding is a tried-and-true identification system, which has proven to hold its place throughout world history.

Seminole Indian Brands, circa 1940 Photo credit Ray Stanyard The act of stock branding can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians of 2700 BC, with the hieroglyphs of branded oxen found in caves followed by Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez, who was the first documented brand owner in the United States. Cortez brought Andalusia cattle marked by three crosses from Spain to the New World in 1541.

When the early American ranchers began owning livestock, they wanted more simple designs than that of the complex, ornamented Spanish brands. American ranchers were concerned with brands that that did not blotch, were easy to remember and easily made. The oldest brand in the United States dates back to 1885 in the state of Colorado. Much like today, an Old West branding iron consisted of an iron rod with a simple symbol and mark at the end that was heated by fire. After the iron turned red-hot it was pressed against the hide of the livestock animal. The unique brand meant that cattle from multiple ranches could graze freely together on the open range. It also made work easier when it was time to separate and sell the livestock. Free range and open range grazing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t very common today, however, branding still plays a very important role in ranching. Today, the main purpose of branding is to prove ownership of lost or stolen cattle; something that has been on the rise alongside the prices of beef.

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Most brands in the United States include a capital letter and number combination with other symbols like a bar, slash, circle, cross and so on. Brands of this type have a specialized September 2014

language for “calling” the brand. They are called from left to right; top to bottom; and when one character encloses another, from outside to inside.

be made on a form prescribed by the Department and must be accompanied by a facsimile of the brand applied for and a statement identifying the county in which the applicant has or expects to have livestock bearing the mark or brand. Chapter 534.041, Florida Statutes, Renewal of Certificate of Mark or Brand, requires that the owner apply for renewal of the mark and brand every five years. The renewal period ends at midnight on the last day of the month five years from the date of registration. Failure to make application for renewal within the month of the expiration of a registration will cause the Department to send a second notice to the registered owner by mail at the last known address. Failure

“When I lived in Florida my brand was a ‘Rafter L Cross’,” said rancher Justin Lewis, “however, when I moved to Texas I couldn’t carry that same brand with me because someone else had it, so it just became an L Cross.”

to make application for renewal within 30 days after receipt of the second notice will cause the owner’s mark or brand to be placed on an inactive list for a period of 12 months, after which it will be cancelled and become available for registration by another person.

Many states have stringent laws regarding brands, including brand registration and required brand inspections. In Texas, laws were passed requiring the registration of brands and the inspection of cattle driven through certain territories. Penalties are imposed on those who neglected to obtain a bill of sale with a list of brands on the animals purchased. In Florida, the laws are loose, but it is still highly advised to keep your livestock branded.

The L in this case represents the last name Lewis and the cross represents the religious symbol.

When branding took off in the United States, the symbols became so numerous that it was necessary to devise a record keeping system, so ranchers started recording them in notebooks and kept them in their pockets at all times. This eventually led to a larger database system and organized record keeping, which included brand renewals, much like that of a drivers license. In Florida, brands can be issued through the Bureau of Animal Disease Control in the Division of Animal Industry. The Florida Department of Agriculture website states the following information regarding branding:

Chapter 534.021, Florida Statutes, requires that any livestock owner who uses a mark or brand to identify his livestock must register the mark or brand by applying to the Department. Applicants should send a drawing of proposed new brands via FAX (850) 410-0946 before sending in the application for a new brand, so it can be checked against existing brands to avoid duplication. The application must

September 2014

“It’s important to keep an eye on the renewal dates of brands. Our brands date back to the 1900s and are important to both the business and the heritage of our family,” said Mike Milicevic of Lykes Brothers Ranch.

The most visible Lykes Brothers 7L brand was registered when the original seven Lykes Brothers incorporated their business. Lykes Brothers also has other registered brands that are rarely used, but that are maintained because the brands are part of a family story and heritage to be passed down. Many brands have a unique story and significance, which is an aspect that makes them interesting as well as functional. There are still many cattle across the state of Florida without brands. It is not something cattle owners in this state have to do in order to own livestock or be a rancher. However, beyond being a strategy to deter cattle loss and theft, brands can also be a gift of heritage. Brands are an avenue for ranching families to tell a story that can be shared and passed down from one generation to the next. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

A COWBOY’S NECESSITIES: SADDLES AND COW WHIPS

Altman Saddlery By Levi Lambert

Florida is unique among all 50 states. Right here in the Sunshine State, a person can see and do things that cannot be found anywhere else in the continental United States. From the written accounts of man’s first steps on Florida soil, our state’s uniqueness was recognized and appreciated. Beyond the scenery of what brings people to Florida, out past all those paved roads, you will eventually run across a cowboy or two. Living, breathing, hard working men and women who still work the cows much like when Florida was a just a territory.

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Way back when Florida cowboys carried the title of cowhunters, these horseback riders unknowingly started a new page in the history books while just working an average day on the palmetto filled range. Unlike cowboys from other places, the Florida cowboys put down the lasso and picked up a cow whip to herd and move the cows. Whips, when used properly, will make a gunshot cracking noise. By using this tool and good teamwork amongst the cowboys, a large herd was easily manageable. The cow whip did not get its name for beating the animals; cowboys have a love of the land and a respect for living things. In addition to their values, it is not good practice to harm your profit by improperly using a cow whip. Henceforth, our cowboys were forever imprinted with the nickname Florida Crackers. September 2014

This month I met with a local Hardee County resident who started making cow whips over 30 years ago. He now owns and operates Altman’s Saddlery located in Wauchula where you can bring in your saddle for repair or you can get measured for your custom saddle. His cow whips are handmade with your choice of leather or nylon. The old style cow whips are still popular amongst some who just like the feel of them. Others may just want one to hang on the wall. Nylon, on the other hand, is a very low maintenance and a durable design. George Altman recalls when he first started to make nylon cow whips. He said the approach is quite different than what he was used to. Insuring the correct weight of the nylon whip was a challenge at first. Most cowboys like the option to choose the color of their whip that nylon offers. George gives the credit to his son for opening his eyes to the market of offering color choices. One little fact that I did not know was bullwhips are not the same as cow whips. Mr. Altman went on to tell me that he has never seen a Florida Cowboy carrying a bullwhip. The cow whip is much lighter and ties into the end of the wooden handle, while a bullwhip is much thicker and the plait, in most cases, runs down the end of the handle.

On the back wall of the shop was an array of new and old saddles. Altman learned how to repair saddles about 25 years ago and the first saddle he made was for his son. When someone is in need of a new saddle, he starts with a wide selection of trees so that the foundation of the saddle is just right for the rider. I was a bit perplexed with the word tree when speaking about a saddle. Mr. Altman gave me a short history lesson after showing me the core of a saddle was in fact a piece of pine wood wrapped in raw hide. Saddle makers from the medieval times would select a tree with just the right shaped fork in it to cut and whittle down into the perfect size. Having a saddle made to fit the rider as well as the horse is essential for the working duo. Although my time with Mr. Altman at his workshop was just for a short interview, I am positive I could listen to his stories and learn much more from him. I would like to thank Mr. Altman and his family for their time. I would like to give a special thanks to the Altmans for their service to our country. Their son is the veteran, but the spouses, children, and parents of our service members make a sacrifice right along with our veterans. When I asked Mr. Altman if there was anything he would like to close the interview with, he said, “just that I truly give God the glory, God gave me this gift.”

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September 2014

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FCA Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival EVENT SCHEDULE FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 10:00 am- 2:00 pm Florida Cow Dog Competition, Behind the Silver Spurs Arena in the Holding Pens 7:00 pm Ranch Rodeo Finals, Silver Spurs Arena SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 10:00am Festival Opens 10:00am Vendors Open, Arena Top Level 10:00am-2:00pm FCA Ranch Horse Competition, Silver Spurs Arena 10:00am-7:00pm Cowboy Artists & Authors, Arena Lobby 10:50am-4:40pm Entertainment & Music, Big Tent Stage 12:00pm-3:00pm Beef Cook-Off Contest 12:00pm Whip Crackin’ Contest, Corral Area 2:00 pm Whip Crackin’ Contest Finals 4:30-6:00pm Steak Supper, Steak Supper Tent 5:00pm Beef Cook Off Winners and Awards Presented 5:30pm-6:30pm Rodeo Teams Meet and Greet, Arena Lobby 7:00pm Ranch Rodeo Finals, Silver Spurs Arena

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

RODEO SPECIAL

FCA RANCH RODEO FINALS Introducing the Teams... Central Florida Fair Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invitational Ranch Rodeo Champions Adena Springs

Auburn Hiers is from Romeo, Florida where he can be found working for multiple ranches around the state. He has one daughter, Aubry who loves to ride horses and work with her dad. In his spare time, Auburn enjoys hunting and spending time with his daughter and friends. Jason Hayward is a Sumter County native where he currently lives with his wife, Amanda, and sons, Ty and Royce. Jason is a part-time day worker for multiple ranches throughout the state and a full-time Union lineman. In his spare time, Jason enjoys roping, ranch rodeoing and spending time with his family.

Representing the Central Florida Fair at the 2014 Ranch Rodeo Finals is the Adena Springs team of Wesley Markham, Auburn Hiers, Jason Hayward, Clayton Brown and Ashley Bellamy.

Wesley Markham was born and raised in Romeo, Florida where he started his cowboy career working with his daddy, Frank, on several ranches including his own. After day working for several years, Wesley was hired by Adena Springs as a cattle manager. When not working or rodeoing, Wesley enjoys seeing his momma, Janey, on the weekends, hog hunting, deer hunting, spending time with friends and most of all hanging out with his beautiful daughter Cali Jo and soon to be wife Jessica Perry. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Clayton Brown is full-time ranch hand for Adena Springs Ranch in North Florida. Clayton has worked for multiple ranches throughout the state and is no stranger to hard work. When he isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t working, you can find him in the woods with his sons Taylor, Colton and Carson. Clayton also enjoys spending time with his wife, Julia, family and friends. Ashley Bellamy is the beauty behind all the brawn in this group. A former agriculture teacher at Dunnellon High School, she now spends time helping her husband Will with the family cattle business and raising their three beautiful children, Carley, 6; KayLee Jean, 3 and Abie, 10 months. The Board of Directors and the entire staff at the Central Florida Fair wishes Adena Springs the best of luck as they compete at the Finals this September.

September 2014

Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Champions Lott Farms

Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

Bobby Lott, Morgan Johnson, Hunter Higginbotham, Keith Walter and Dustin Cason are representing Lott Farms at the finals this year. Lott Farms is located in Bronson, FL and was originated in the late 1940’s by John C. Partin. The farm currently runs a herd of commercial cattle and leases land out for growing watermelons, peanuts and timber.

Bobby, 23, is a fourth-generation rancher who was born and raised in Bronson. Bobby participated in the Georgia-Florida Rodeo Association and the Florida High School Rodeo Association throughout high school, in which he roped calves, team roped, and steer wrestled. He now works for Adena Springs Ranches in North-Central Florida, as a cattle foreman. In his free time, he enjoys going to rodeos and spending time with his family and friends. Long Live Cowboys! Morgan, a South Florida girl, is 20 years old and was born and raised in Fort Pierce. She is a thirdgeneration farmer, second-generation rancher and third-generation Gator! Morgan currently attends the University of Florida and plans to work in the Beef Cattle Industry upon graduation. In her free time, Morgan enjoys spending time with her family and friends, ranch rodeoing, and hunting.

Hunter, 21, is from Cross City and currently works for Pike Electric. He enjoys hunting and off-shore fishing with friends in his spare time. He often quotes, “I’m not saying I’m the best around, but if it has a pulse, I can rope it and tie it down!”

September 2014

Keith, 26, was born and raised in Kissimmee where he attended Osceola High School before graduating from Auburn University. Upon returning home from school, he continued day working. He now works for Hanson, Walter & Assoc. as the Ag Business Development Representative and continues working for his family’s place part time. He recently married a beautiful young lady from Roswell, NM named Margaret Marley, whom he met accidently while competing in a ranch rodeo. Dustin, 21, is from the small town of Trenton, FL. He currently day works with his dad, the legendary Coon Cason. Dustin also does a little modeling for Calvin Klein on days that you cannot find him day working. In his free time, he enjoys riding rank broncos and hunting in the woods.

Desoto County Ranch Rodeo Champions Rollins Ranch

Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

Rollins Ranches are situated in Georgia, Texas, and Florida with an area of 50,000 acres, ranking as one of the largest cow-calf ranches in the U.S. by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, as well as one of the biggest beef cattle organizations throughout the nation. The Rollins family has shown significant success in cattle farming throughout the years and currently ranches over 14,000 head of cattle on the Florida ranches. Blue Cypress Ranch is located 2 miles north on Yeehaw Junction, the biggest of all the Rollins Ranches being 30,000 acres and housing over 6,000 head of cattle. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Blaine” Big B” Matthews, the captain and bronc buster of the team, runs the cows on what they call the muck at Rollins Ranch Blue Cypress. He may be the funniest one on the team, but he’s also the tough man of the team. He’s got no quit!!

Jerrod “Bobie” Sparks knows his way around the arena. The team doesn’t have to worry about one getting away from this cowboys loop. He may be the serious one of the bunch, but always gets the job done.

Clayton Story, a day worker for Rollins Ranch is definitely one of his own. He’s a go-with-the-flow kind of guy and you’re more than likely going to hear him saying, “get outta my life, cow” around the cow pens. Jodi “the little engine that could” Raulerson is definitely the prettiest one on the team. But don’t let the pretty face and the fact that her and her horse are also the smallest on the team fool you. She can hold her own and does whatever the team needs her too.

Jake Anuez is the newest member of the Rollins team. He is good with a rope and his hands, as in tying yearlings down, which is nothing new to him. With many years of calf roping and team roping experience, he is an asset and all around great guy to have on the team. Each member of the Rollins Ranch rodeo team are from Okeechobee and all have families that are rooted in ranching and rodeo traditions.

Hendry County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Champions Stevens Land & Cattle

The Steven’s Land & Cattle Company demonstrated how knowledge, patience, speed and skill paint a pretty picture when they are all put together properly at the Hendry County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo. Charles Robert Stevens III of Hardee County raises cattle with his family. He is no stranger to the competition arena as he grew up contending in almost every aspect of rodeo and is known to throw a deadly rope, as missing is typically not in his vocabulary. Charles Robert currently works for Superior Livestock Auction.

Typically, standing next to Charles you will see Billy Adams. Billy lives and works on Adams Ranch in St. Lucie County, where he is committed to “the ranch way of life”. He is a genuine cowman and dedicated team member who also has fine-tuned roping skills, outstanding horsemanship abilities and cattlemen skills. Marshall Godsey, a sticky fellow, who lives in Fort Pierce and is also employed by Adams Ranch. Marshall was raised to work hard and play hard; and he does just that. He is usually toting a smile and is no stranger to the rodeo arena, as he has competed in multiple ranch rodeos and the PRCA for his bronc riding ability. Marshall can also be considered a true team player as he shows no fear when its time to mug something down. Cody Storey is from Okeechobee, and he is known as the “ALL Round Cowboy”, as there is nothing he can’t do. Cody can head, heel, ride a bronc or mug something to the point where it stops dead in its tracks. In addition, his humble attitude brings a smile to the team’s face, as he never seems to stop amazing them with his abilities.

Finally, the SL&C cowgirl of the team is Christi Pryor. She’s tiny, but she’s tough and has a lot of heart for everything she does. She has good cow sense and loves riding fast horses. Christi can run a quick brand or stop and leg up a calf that’s bigger than her, which was proven at several Ranch Rodeos. Her willingness to try, her competitive nature, and her gritty attitude is what makes her so valuable to this team.

Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

Florida State Fair Ranch Rodeo Champions Etheridge Cattle Company

roping. Josh is also an avid hunter and spends his off time during the fall and winter months chasing white tail deer.

Alyssa Brito was raised in Massachusetts and moved to Florida when she was 18. She has been riding horses and working cows her whole life. Alyssa is currently in school to be an RN. She enjoys running barrels, roping, and rodeoing. She breeds and trains her own horses and tries to fish in her spare time. She has a wonderful supportive family and is truly blessed to be doing what she loves!

Manatee County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Champions Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

Raulerson Cattle

Etheridge Cattle Company out of Williston is a preconditioning yard owned by Brad Etheridge. This team consists of Brad Edwards, Dalton Edwards, Josh Jennings, Jacob Ming and Alyssa Brito.

Brad Edwards resides in Morriston, just south of Williston. He’s been health manager at Etheridge Cattle Co. for 10 years. When he isn’t doctoring cattle with his dog Rat, you will find he and his wife Abbe catching redfish on their airboat. He has one son, Dalton and a granddaughter, Addison.

Dalton Edwards of Morriston is employed as a farrier for Pendray Shoeing, as well as having his own personal business, Edwards Farrier Services. This is Dalton’s fifth year at finals and is looking forward to his draw in the bronc riding. He spends most weekends going to ropings or fishing. His biggest fan is his daughter Addison. Jacob Ming, also of Morriston is a thoroughbred barn manager at Ming Farms. He isn’t scared to roll one up in the muggin or bite an ear in the wild horse race. Jacob is a member of The BuckSnipers and spends time in the mid-northwest hunting and filming white tail with his buddies. In his off time, you will find him hanging out with friends on the water or roping. Josh Jennings of Fellowship is a Farrier and owns a small cattle operation. Josh learned to swing a rope at a very early age and still enjoys getting his shot in the branding. He spends most of his time out on his airboat fishing for reds with his wife, Kayla, and

September 2014

Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

Raulerson Cattle from Felda is a small, family-owned cattle and ranch management company owned and operated by Clint and wife Diane Raulerson. The family also owns cattle with Clint’s parents Gary and Pam Raulerson. The team is made up of Clint Raulerson, Donnie Crawford, John Davis Jr., Dalton Boney and Paige Raulerson. Clint Raulerson has also been cattle manager at Half Circle L Ranch in Immokalee for 15 years. Clint and Diane live in Felda and have three daughters, Paige, Heather and Gennifer. Donnie Crawford is also from Felda. Donnie manages the family cattle operation along with his dad, Raymond. Donnie is also a longtime day worker at different ranches around the Hendry/Collier County

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

area. Donnie and wife, Sonja, live in Felda with their two boys, Blake and Bryson.

John Davis Jr. is the ranch foreman at Immokalee Ranch in Collier and Hendry counties. John is the bronc rider on the team. He lives in Immokalee with wife, Candace, and three boys, J, Cub and Scooter.

Dalton Boney is a ranch hand at Immokalee Ranch. Dalton comes from Okeechobee where he was raised in a rodeo and ranching family. Dalton now lives at the ranch in Immokalee with girlfriend Krysta Court.

Completing the team is husband and wife duo of Dusty and Whitney Savoie. The Savoie family lives in Moore Haven. Dusty works on the family ranch in Moore Haven and Whitney helps out on the ranch as well. They have one daughter.

Southeastern Ranch Rodeo Champions The Labelle Ranch

Paige Raulerson is the 27-year-old daughter of Clint and Diane Raulerson. A schoolteacher by trade, Paige day works in the summers and anytime she has off from school. Paige lives in LaBelle.

Osceola County Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ranch Rodeo Champions J 3 Cattle

Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

The Osceola County Cattlemen are proud to be represented by their ranch rodeo champions, the J 3 Cattle team. The team is looking forward to competing at the FCA Ranch Rodeo Finals in Kissimmee. The J 3 Cattle team members include Tommy Stokes, Preston Stokes, Buck Lee, Dusty Savoie and Whitney Savoie. Tommy Stokes lives in Okeechobee and day works for several different ranches around the area. Preston Stokes is a day worker from Moore Haven. He lives there with his wife, Lanie, and two sons. Buck Lee works for Hilliard Brothers Ranch. He lives in Clewiston with his wife, Denise, their two daughters and three sons. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

The Labelle Ranch is a beautiful 3,800-acre working cattle ranch located in Hendry County. They raise Brahman and Brangus cattle and currently have 800 head of cattle on the ranch at this time. At the Labelle Ranch, the focus and concentration is on raising high quality replacement heifers to sell.

Lazaro Caballero, President of Labelle Ranch, is married to his wife, Amber, and they have 3 children, Garrett, Kiera and Lazaro Jr. The family enjoys spending quality time together at the ranch, as well as spending time together working with the cattle. Carlos Leon is a local cowboy and is the brother to Lazaro Caballero. He owns his own hay business as well as a fencing business. When Carlos isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t busy with his own businesses, you will find him working cattle at the Labelle Ranch. Tommy Rogers is a local cowboy and was born and raised in Okeechobee. He works full-time for Wynne

September 2014

Ranch, the largest Brangus ranch in the U.S. There, he spends his days taking care of their herd and seeing that the needs of the ranch are met. Tommy also helps out at the Labelle Ranch working with the cattle when he has free time. Brittany Simmons was born and raised in Okeechobee. She works full time at Jones Supply; A.I. Sales & Services/ABS. There she spends her days breeding cows, taking care of the ranch’s semen supply and with the animal’s health and nutrition. When she has free time, she works cattle out at the Labelle Ranch. Troy Tomlin is a local day worker and cowboy in the area. He also spends time working cattle at the Labelle Ranch.

Mid Florida Ranchers Ranch Rodeo Champions Switch Ranches Sponsored by Zoetis

continued his whole life. Peck loves to rope, fish and hog hunt. Peck has the pleasure of getting to do what he loves the most on a daily basis, and that is being on horseback enjoying God’s creations.

Clint ”Catfish” Davis is from Okeechobee. He is married to Amy Davis and they have one son, Carson and one stepson, David. Clint is following the family tradition of rodeo life, spanning the last five generations. In high school, Catfish rode bulls and now continues his passion in ranch rodeos. Robert Fussell is a native of Arcadia and is the son of Bobby and Julie Fussell. Robert has shown that he values hard work from a young age through his dedication to the Fussell family’s cattle, hay and fertilizer business. Robert has been a ranch rodeo competitor for five years and can always be found mugging down anything he can without breaking a sweat. Some of his favorite past times include hog hunting, fishing and roping. Robert recently became a father to Livi Lynn, a spitting image of her daddy. Robert loves to spend time with his daughter and work in the family business. Matt Carlton was born and raised in Wauchula, where he lives with his wife Kristi; they have one son, Tanner, fifteen, and one daughter, Claire, who is thirteen. Matt and his family have a cattle operation as well as a construction business. He feels blessed to be able to work with his family and friends doing what he loves. Jesse Gattis was born and raised in Myakka City and currently lives in Wauchula. Jesse has a master degree from UF in Ag Education and Communications. She has taught ag for seven years and is currently a sales rep for Cowgirl Tuff Company and BTuff Jeans for Florida, Georgia and Alabama. In her spare time, she loves to rodeo, travel and spend time with her family and friends.

Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

Switch Ranches is sponsored by Zoetis. The name Switch Ranches was created to highlight the cowboys on this team who work on many different ranches throughout central and southwest Florida. Switch Ranches team members are Peck Harris, Clint Davis, Robert Fussell, Matt Carlton and Jesse Gattis.

Peck Harris was born in Naples and raised in Wauchula, where he currently lives. Peck and his wife, Candice, have two children, Clayton and Kayleigh. Peck started at the age of 8 in Pee Wee Rodeos and has September 2014

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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Trade Show and Ranch Rodeo Champions Lightsey Cattle Company

time she enjoys…wait she has kids, she has no free time! If she gets free time, she enjoys competing in ranch rodeos, running and spending time with her friends and family.

St Lucie County Cattlemen’s Association/Adams Ranch Ranch Rodeo Champions Trinity Ranch/Syfrett Feed Co

Photos courtesy of Kathy Gregg

Lightsey Cattle Company is located in Lake Wales Florida. Owners are Layne and Cary Lightsey.

Cliff Lightsey, born in Lake Wales and grew up working on his family’s cattle ranch. Cliff attended TCU where he received a degree in Ranch Management. He started his own cattle operation and enjoys working with his family; wife, Amanda, and three children Holden, Harlee, and Cooper. Clint Lightsey is a seventh generation Florida cattlemen. He was also born in Lake Wales and raised working on the ranch. Clint is married to Jessica and they have 6 children, Bailey, Morgan, Hattie, Hanna, Gus and Ryder.

Michael Grimaldi has grown up working on a ranch and competed in Florida Junior Rodeo and High School Rodeo where he won several Championships and competed in the national high school rodeo finals. He was named the Arcadia WRCA top hand. You can find him at just about any rodeo in the state.

Dusty Crosby was born and raised on Deseret Ranch where he remains a cattle foreman today. He and his wife Charity have two boys. In Dusty’s free time, he enjoys competing in Ranch Rodeos, roping and stock horse.

Charity Crosby lives on Deseret Ranch and has been married to Dusty for seven years. She is a stay at home mom with 2 boys, Briar(6) and Rhett(2). In her free Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Trinity Ranch, owned and operated by Frankie Syfrett, is a full service business for training horses and riders. Frankie and her husband Charles Syfrett also precondition yearlings nearly year round.

Syfrett Feed Co., owned and operated by Mr. Chuck Syfrett since 1956, runs Syfrett Feed mill located in Okeechobee with two of his children, Charles Syfrett and Melissa Montes de Oca. Making custom blended feeds for all types of animals and specializing in feed for the Beef and Dairy Cattle, Syfrett Feed can fill any need you may have!

David Bennett, 52 years young, born and raised on the family ranch has been involved in the cattle industry his whole life. Managing a large cattle operation in Osceola County, he finds time to breed, raise and train his own ranch horses and pass them to his son Ty as well. David also has a daughter working as a pharmacist. David and Ty Bennett are a father son duo and work great together. Ty Bennett following in his father’s footsteps works with cattle on a regular. He attended college with a full rodeo scholarship. Also raising and training his ranch

September 2014

horses, Ty is well rounded in the strategies of getting the job done. Jed Gray was born and raised in Throckmorton, Texas. He grew up alongside his father on local ranches doctoring wheat pasture cattle. Jed began riding competitively at the age of 8, and by the time he was 15, he was competing in ranch rodeos. He spent the last eight years preconditioning yearlings for Williamson Cattle Ranch.

CJ Carter, always recognized from afar by his long wavy red ponytail can be spotted riding a rank bucking bronc horse or muggin a cow that’s trying to mug him. Always brave and fearless, the team can count on CJ coming out of the arena with a little blood here or there, but nevertheless with a big smile!

Frankie Syfrett, recently married to Charles Syfrett II, does the ‘female duties’ for the team. Frankie spent the majority of her life as an international jumper rider, representing Canada in many countries far and wide. She won the Florida Ranch Horse open competition last year at the finals. Frankie moved to Okeechobee in January 2012 and has been a permanent resident since. After watching a few Ranch Rodeos, she quickly realized she had to be a part of it and following that, Team Trinity Ranch/Syfrett Feed Co. was born.

Sumter County Ranch Rodeo Champions Holmstead Farms

September 2014

Holmstead Farms in Bushnell, Florida is owned and operated by Jim and Elaine Holms. They operate their cow calf operation with the help of their ranch manager, Coy Mueller. This wonderful couple is known for always being there to lend a helping hand and has been in the cattle industry for 12 years, as well being active members of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. Ranch manager Coy Mueller is a fourth-generation cowboy from Webster. He spends his time day working and managing Holmstead Farms as well as Bradford Ranch. In his spare time, Coy enjoys participating in rodeos and roping events. Like the other cowboys on this team, Coy is a family man raising three children with his girlfriend Christina Chandler, Kaylee 13, Gage 6 and Chase 2.

Ike Stein is from Highland City, and currently resides in Lake Wales. He is riding side-by-side with his fiancé, Dr. LuJean Waters, a seventh generation Florida cracker of Bartow. Ike and LuJean own and operate Heartland Large Animal Services, a mobile large animal veterinary practice that specializes in Heard Health Management. Heartland Large Animal Services is also the proud sponsor of the Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals where they tend to all the medical needs of the livestock and contestant horses for the rodeo event free of charge. When Ike isn’t working for HLAS, he is a day working cowboy throughout central Florida and Georgia. Ike and LuJean enjoy spending time with his son Zibe and teaching him the cowboy way. Austin Havens is a day worker in central Florida from Bushnell. He is the son of Elmer Havens and the nephew of Justin Moffitt. Austin can be found at most ranch rodeos and is a tough competitor that doesn’t know the word quit. In his spare time, Austin likes to rope and run hogs with his “big brother” Coy as well as the occasional fishing trips to the coast. Cole Corson is currently the foreman at the Double Rock Ranch in Lorida and a part-time day worker. Cole has become the rock of the team and a family man that they all look up to. He is the most versatile team member as he excels in every event. Cole has been married to his wife, Jara Ann, for 7 years and they have a 6 year old son, Clint Everett who hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps as he is already displaying advanced horsemanship skills at his early age. Congrats to this amazing family as they recently added a new addition, a baby boy, Arlo!

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Representing the Williston Ranch Rodeo Newsome Cattle

Kasi Farrell lives in Summerfield with her happy, goofy yellow lab, Jake. She comes from a long line of farmers and cattlemen who inspired her love of all animals, especially horses. Growing up, she showed horses in Western Pleasure classes, as well as dairy cattle through 4-H and FFA. She and her family still show Limousine cattle through the family-owned business, Blue Haven Limousines. She recently left her job as a highway patrol officer and has chosen to work fulltime both in her family business, and with the Perry Cattle Company, chasing her cowgirl dreams.

Representing Chalo Nitka Chapman Ranch Scott Newsome and Mark Newsome were born and raised in Leesburg. Scott and Mark work with their father John Newsome for the family owned and operated Land Clearing, Cattle and Hay business. They also host a local Ranch Rodeo Qualifier in Fruitland Park and provide stock to other rodeos in the surrounding counties. The family has cattle in Lake, Sumter & Marion Counties. Scott Newsome Lives in Leesburg with his wife Holly and their 3 children Clay, Cogan, and Cashlynn. When Scott is not working, he enjoys competing in ranch rodeos, roping, fishing and hauling his kids to local rodeos and ranch rodeos.

When Mark Newsome is not working in the family cattle and hay business, he enjoys roping, getting youth involved in local ranch rodeos and working in his garden with his wife Danielle and their 4 children Cheyenne, Masyn, Dean and Kennedy.

Chris Kuharske is a full-time fire fighter/paramedic for the city of Leesburg. On his days off from the fire department, he bales hay, builds fence, work cows and anything else farm related. His family has lived in Bay Lake since the 1930’s and was in the citrus business until the freezes in the 80’s. Then the family branched out with cattle and hay from citrus. Austin “Cracker” Brown is from Clermont. He’s been riding horses and working with livestock since he was able to walk. Before ranch rodeos, Austin competed in bull riding and roping in the junior rodeo. When Austin isn’t working, he enjoys everything outdoors. He likes to donate his time bull fighting and helping the younger kids with bull riding.

Chapman Ranch is a small cattle ranch out of Glades County around the outskirts of Moore Haven. The team members include Dustin Chapman, Barrett Ringstaff, Austin Lott, Ashley Lott and Jarret Griffin.

Starting off with the youngest cowboy of the team is 20-year-old Dustin Chapman. Dustin was born and raised in Moore Haven and has been around and worked cows since he was a child. He is currently day working all over Glades County. His favorite event of the ranch rodeo is bronc riding.

Born and raised in Moore Haven also is Barrett Ringstaff, 25. Barrett currently is a lineman at Glades Electric Coop and enjoys day working on the weekends. His favorite event in the ranch rodeos is the rough stock events. Ashley and Austin Lott are a young married couple out of Venus, also in Glades County. Austin is a day worker, drives a tractor and can do it all. They help work a family ranch also known as Joe Lott Inc. Austin and Ashley have a daughter, Austlynn, who is six years old. She is both their pride and joy. They both

enjoy getting the opportunity to work with family and friends. Last but not least Jarret Griffin, a day worker who loves cowboying!

Representing St Lucie County Cattlemen’s Association/Adams Ranch Ranch Rodeo CJ Cattle

Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Champions Fulford Cattle Company

Fulford Cattle Company is owned and operated by Bobby Fulford. Bobby is a third generation cattle rancher from Okeechobee. He has three sons Bobby Joe, Jesse, and Cole. The Fulford Cattle Company team was the Okeechobee County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Champions and will represent their county at the FCA Ranch Rodeo Finals. The team included Bobby Joe Fulford, Cole Fulford, Joey Drake, Tuyl Oxer and Roxanne Murphy. Bobby Joe Fulford is from Moore Haven. He is the cattle manager for Alico ranch located in Hendry County. Bobby Joe is married to Leslie Fulford and they have three sons Cross, Hayne and Rhett.

Bobby Joe’s brother, Cole Fulford, day works for ranches in south Florida. Cole has one son, Braford. Joey Drake is from Myakka City. Joey day works and rides colts for a living. Joey and his wife, Erin, have two daughters, Eden and Elle, and one son Trace. Tuyl Oxer is from Venus. He day works and has cows of his own. Tuyl and his wife, Chelsa, have one son Shooter, and two daughters Landra and Lila.

Roxanne Murphy is married to Bear Murphy they have one daughter Clair. September 2014

Beau Anastasio is a sixth generation Brevard County cowboy. He has been married to his wife Christie for nearly 18 years. They have two children, a daughter, Lacie, 17, and a son, Brody, 14. In his spare time, Beau likes to go hunting with his son and spend time with his family.

Justin Feagle was born and raised in Archer where he grew up working cattle from a young age with his grandfather, Jesse “Jack” Simmons. Justin received his Bachelor of Science, with a major in Animal Sciences, from the University of Florida in 2011. Justin currently resides in Deer Park where he works as foreman of one the heifer development units for Deseret Cattle and Citrus. Justin and his wife, Caroline, recently welcomed their first child, Cason James, in July of this year. He enjoys hunting, fishing and playing with his new baby boy. Laci Whaley grew up on her family’s ranch in Kenansville. Laci is a senior at the University of Florida and plans to graduate December 2014 with a degree Agricultural Education and Communication. Paul Albritton is from Venus, where he has lived his whole life. He day works at ranches all over Florida. He is married to Candy Albritton and they have two sons, Casey and Mabry. He enjoys time with family.

Myron Albritton is from Venus, and is married to Sheila. They have three wonderful children, Dustin (23), Blaine (17) and Savannah (13). Myron has dayworked for many ranches all over the state of Florida, which is why he is considered top-hand South of State Road 60. His favorite pastimes are spending time with his family, checking his cattle and team roping with his son, Blaine. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

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WORKING TOGETHER IN THE CATTLE INDUSTRY Here’s to The Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival and the Volunteers that Make it Happen By Dixie Thomas You’ll hear the sounds of spurs jingling, horses neighing, gates swinging, cattle lowing and cowboys showing their pride like you would at any rodeo event. But, we’re not talking about just any rodeo, we’re talking about a ranch rodeo, and one that draws nearly eight thousand people from across the state of Florida: the “Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival” at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. The Silver Spurs Arena is a fully air conditioned facility that seats 8,500, and is located near the Florida Cattlemen’s State Headquarters, right in the heart of Florida cattle country.

Now in its 7th year, the rodeo finals is a year-end event that features teams from ranches across the state that have qualified for the event by competing and placing 1st or 2nd in one of the major ranch rodeos in Florida. This year, the event will take place on September 26th and 27th and will feature teams competing in events such as Saddle Bronc Riding, Colt Riding, Wild Cow Milking, Branding, Team Doctoring, Double Mugging, and Cattle Sorting. The Cowboy Heritage Festival includes leather crafts, whip, spur, and saddle making, swamp cabbage and Dutch oven cooking, working cow dog and horseshoeing demonstrations, cowboy art and poetry, a beef cook off competition, and a whip popping contest.

The Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival is an event put on in partnership with the Silver Spurs Arena and The Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida CattleWomen, Inc. and The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation. Both the finals event and the heritage festival help fulfill the three-fold mission of the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation which is to support beef cattle research, to support education related to beef cattle and the development of young leadership, and to document, present and preserve cattle ranching history and culture. The rodeo finals event is the main fundraiser for the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation and has helped to raise funds for beef cattle research, and even to provide funds for a recent museum exhibit and informational book about Florida cattle ranching. The event is also a great way to celebrate and showcase the occupational skills of the 52 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

men and women of Florida ranches and to inform the public about the past and present of the Florida cattle industry.

As the rodeo finals and heritage festival has grown, the sheer magnitude of the event requires that it works like a well-oiled machine, and requires the labor of a large number of people. Amazingly, the event is run entirely through volunteers, many of which are members of The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation. Jim Strickland, former Florida Cattlemen’s President and the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation Chairman, explains that over 350 volunteers make the event happen. Why do so many tirelessly volunteer every year? As Jim says, “We have a responsibility to support our community in many ways, but it’s the passion for our way of life that causes so many to volunteer.”

September 2014

Some of those outstanding and tireless volunteers include Jim Handley, Sarah Childs, Emily Hobby, Bo Hobby, Joel McQuagge, and Christine Dam Ron. Jim Strickland calls Emily Hobby and Sarah Childs, “The consummate professionals,” because of their organizational skills and attention to every last detail. Jim Handley, current Executive Vice President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Editor of the Florida Cattlemen and Livestock Journal, and Executive Director of the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, is the man who originally sparked the idea for the rodeo finals event.

Emily and Bo Hobby are a husband and wife team that has been involved every year. Bo Hobby is the Chairman of the Ranch Rodeo Finals, a former Florida Cattlemen’s Association President, and was instrumental in getting the Ranch Rodeo Finals event off and running. His wife Emily says Bo is the “Hub of the Wheel,” when it comes to the event, and “He works with everyone from Adam Putnam to the guy that works the back gate” [at the rodeo]. Bo makes sure the cowboys and livestock have everything they need, and Emily focuses on coordinating all the volunteers. Volunteers are needed for cooking, concessions, cleaning the bathrooms, directing people, and keeping records. If a volunteer needs a job or needs to know where something is, they go to Emily. The event requires “a huge level of work,” says Emily, “but everyone works together.” Joel McQuagge is a faculty member in the University of Florida Department of Animal Sciences, and every year he brings a group of students from the Block and Bridle Club and the Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen to volunteer at the rodeo finals and heritage festival. “The students have a chance to give back to their industry and have an opportunity to interact with beef producers and the public,” Joel says. No doubt, the students are working hard during the event, selling raffle tickets, serving concessions, taking water to people, and as Emily Hobby explains, they “literally stay until the last piece of toilet paper is picked up.” Emily calls Joel “One of those invisible people behind the scenes,” and she adds that “without him, it wouldn’t happen.”

Sarah Childs is a former Florida CattleWomen, Inc. President, who works for Lykes Bros. Inc., one of the largest cattle ranches in the state. Sarah handles the safety and

September 2014

environmental aspects in the Lykes Bros. Inc. cattle division. She has been involved in the rodeo finals and heritage festival since its first year, and is now the Chair of the concessions department. Sarah also reverberates the idea that the fabric of the event is made of willing and tireless volunteers: “No matter what area you are working in, everyone is willing to help everyone else. If someone needs help, we all just jump in and get the wheel turning,” she says. Speaking of the event she also says it is, “Good exposure for a lifestyle not many are fortunate enough to be a part of.” She believes that simply the “general exposure of the real working Florida cowboys,” is an education for the public in itself.

The Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival is certainly an event that gives public exposure to the cattle industry and our ranching culture by showing the public a window into an agricultural lifestyle and the hardworking people who demonstrate such character and kindness by working together and volunteering so faithfully and graciously. So, if you visit the Silver Spurs Arena this September, while the sunlight fades and contestants ride in during the Grand Entry waving our flag and singing our national anthem, think of all the volunteers that had a hand in the event. “Over 350 volunteers make this rodeo a success and its success helps sustain Florida Ranches,” says Jim Strickland. In Jim’s own words: “God bless America and every one of our volunteers. Open the gate boys! It’s rodeo time in Florida!”

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

Back by popular demand. . .

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Photo by Jim Davis Photography

2nd annual FCA Ranch Horse Competition to be held

life, while we no longer plow fields, clear ground, or put up hay with horse drawn implements, (thank goodness for tractors) there are many jobs around the ranch that can only be done on horseback. Florida is home to some of the finest cow-horses and horseman in the country. Whether it’s gathering cattle in rough woods, or riding out pairs, Florida’s cowboys spend a lot of time in the saddle.

In order to showcase some of the exceptional working cowboys and their mounts, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association will hold their second annual FCA Ranch Horse Competition on Saturday September 27, 2014 from 10am to 2pm at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. The Ranch Horse competition is part of the larger Florida Ranch Rodeo State Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival, and spectators have free access to both the Ranch Horse Contest and the Cowboy Heritage Festival (tickets to the rodeo are a very inexpensive $10 and kids 10 and under are free). On Saturday September 28, 2013 at the Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival, a competition

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showcasing Florida cowboys and cowgirls riding ranch horses was held. While this event has been held in the past, this was the first year that it was organized and executed by the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.

The FCA Ranch Horse competition serves as an opportunity for working cowboys and cowgirls to show off their everyday ranch horses and compete for cash, buckles, breast collars and a handmade ranch saddle for the open champion. All contestants must be members of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (or Florida Cattlewomen Inc. for the ladies), and all horses must not have been shown in professional cutting or cow-horse competitions. The contest consists of two divisions; one for 2-3 year old registered horses, and one for ranch horses of all ages and breeds. All entries are allowed 5 minutes to complete a specific reining pattern, box their cow on one end of the arena, work their cow along the fence (turning them both ways) and then rope and stop the cow. A committee of judges will score each run individually.

September 2014

The 2013 FCA Ranch Horse Competition was a huge success and resulted in the following placings (28 total horses competed): COLT DIVISION

1st Place Wesley Markham on Tabasco

2nd Place Chris Barthle on Sugarsdoctorpepper

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1st Place Frankie Chessler on Sugar Badger Two 2nd Place Billy Adams on Joey 3rd Place Lint Jerrels on Ray

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5th Place Sage Adams on Princess Please come out this year and cheer on your favorite horse and rider! If you are interested in entering the 2014 FCA Ranch Horse Competition or you would like to sponsor this great event please contact any of the below Committee Members.

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September 2014

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OKEECHOBEE RANCH RODEO Article and Photos By Kathy Gregg

t was a typically sunny and hot summer day at the Cattlemen’s Arena north of downtown Okeechobee for the eleven teams that gathered on the morning of July 26 for their qualifying ranch rodeo. This year, the Cattlemen’s Association decided to scale this event down to a single performance, and took entries only from Okeechobee ranches.

But kudos go to Andy Morgan of the 10X Cattle team; this tough cowboy had a wreck on his first ride, with the horse ramming itself into the side chutes (folding up like an accordion), and Andy ending up underneath it on the ground. So he took a reride, which the bronc fell on top of him almost right out of the chute. After the second event, Andy took his second re-ride that resulted in a completely upright ride, and a score of 68. Hooray, Andy! The team branding event was up next, and this one went to Trinity Ranch/Syfrett Feed with the roping skills of Ty Bennett and his dad, David; the ground work of CJ Carter and Jed Gray and the quick running of Frankie Chesler. Only six teams received qualifying times in the team-tying (or double muggin’) event, which was won by the Fulford Cattle team.

The day began with the bronc riding, and those broncs from Silver Spurs were absolutely AWESOME! Former bullrider Skyler Pfister (of the Russakis Ranch team) has adapted to bronc riding with ease, and he won this event with a score of 74. Second place went to GW Crawford of Boney Cattle with a 72, followed by Cole Fulford of Fulford Cattle with a score of 70.

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The team-sorting event was about the same, with only five teams completing it successfully. It was the Bar Diamond/ Arrow G team of Kyle Miller and his son, Kerwin, Adam Turtle, Donald “Bear” Murphy and female team member Kayle Pella that won in 45.5 seconds. Dana Jo McFarland of the 10X Cattle team found out how hard the ground was after quickly sorting out the first two calves, then falling off when her horse reared up on her. September 2014

It was no surprise that the overall winner was the Fulford Cattle team of brothers Bobby Joe and Cole Fulford, Joey Drake, Preston Stokes, and female team member Roxanne Murphy. Bobby Fulford, Sr. was all smiles when the buckles were presented! Second place went to the Adams Ranch team of Billy Adams, Charles Robert Stevens III, Marshall Godsey, Cody Story and Christi Pryor, sporting their beautiful new PINK shirts sponsored by Spur Ridewear.

The final event was the steer decorating, and this one always provides lots of excitement! The very first team out was Rollins Ranch. After being roped, the steer veered around Clayton Story’s horse’s back end, with the rope causing the horse to buck Clayton to the ground, almost getting stomped on. Bear Sutton grabbed the rope and ended up being dragged on his belly and side for a considerable distance, at one time almost taking Jodi Raulerson’s feet out from under her. Blaine Matthews then had to jump over the rope (and Bear!) to stop the steer. The only safe one was Jerrod Sparks who had done the roping! But they got a time (and everyone walked away on their own two feet!). Fulford Cattle took their second event win in 39.0 seconds plus a 5-second penalty for one extra steer crossing over.

September 2014

Many thanks to judges Marty Culligan (see, I remembered your first name!) and Brian Street, pick-up men Reed Durrance and Spoon Whidden, and to the prize sponsors, Eli’s Western Wear and John’s Leather & Saddle Shop. We couldn’t do it without y’all!

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wild cow milking accident at the Mid-Florida Ranch Rodeo in late May, they must have figured an extra woman was needed!

The evenings began with the Grand Entry and the introduction of the teams. Friday saw Amanda Scarborough of the Parks Cattle team carrying the American flag, and Saturday saw Blake Butts with that honor. Blake’s Dad, Cab, is on the Harvey Ranch team, and Blake is well known on the youth rodeo circuit. And it was a WILD two nights! Cowboys were bucked off their horses (and I don’t mean in the bronc riding!), cowgirls went face-first in the dirt on their way back to the branding bucket, ropes and riders got tangled in the cowhide race, and the Langfords provided some humor!

The ranch bronc riding was done in two groups of six riders each, as the first and the last event. The broncs came from D.R. Daniels and Logan Perry, and they were as great as ever! The win went to Shane Perkins of the Turkey Track Ranch team on Friday night, with a score of 73. His was the only score in the 70’s, and it was a well-deserved win. Ryals Cattle were the sponsors of the bronc riding event.

DESOTO COUNTY’S RANCH RODEO RETURNS WITH A BANG! Article and Photos By Kathy Gregg

The next event was the steer roping and branding event. This one is done one team at a time, with the female team member having to return to the branding circle at the north side of the arena to receive a time. The Arcadia arena is no small area, and if the cowboys know what’s good for them, they will lead that steer as close to the branding circle as possible! And that is what the winning team of Kelly Tractor did – with a time of 32.34 seconds (plus a 5-second penalty for one extra steer crossing the line). Kaydee Yates was sure thankful to hubby Justin and teammates Logan Perry (who did double duty as a pick-up man in the bronc riding event), Haden Grant and Tyler Hayes.

he Arcadia rodeo grounds were filled with excitement (and some regrets) on the evenings of August 1–2, as the Desoto County FCA Ranch Rodeo Qualifier returned after a year’s hiatus. This was a benefit for the Desoto High School FFA. This ranch rodeo was the last qualifying event for the 2014 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals at the Silver Spurs on September 26-27. There were twelve teams competing in each performance in the five events of ranch bronc riding, steer roping and branding, the cowhide race, double muggin’, and trailer loading. The Ahern Cattle team snuck in a second woman on the team, but the others all consisted of four cowboys and a cowgirl; with Chris Caldwell wearing a knee brace from his

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

For those cowgirls who had real far to run, and ended up falling into the dirt (and whose names I will not disclose!), I am sure that they were planning their revenge on the cowboy members of their teams as they picked themselves up and completed the run to that bucket! But they shouldn’t feel bad, Cole Fulford fell off of his horse in this event, and Jonathon Wingate got bucked off of his! Thanks to the sponsors of this event, Keith Lewis of KL Bar Cattle, and Animal Health International.

it managed to get out of the rope both times. The Sum Timers had a good run going, but one of them touched the steer after the 6-second clock had started, so they were disqualified. (Maybe they got confused when Johnny Summeralls fell off of his horse!) Ricky Tomlinson of the Diamond I team managed to stay on his horse when it reared up after roping the steer, but the steer came untied, also resulting in a no-time. The Pete Carlton Ranch team won the largest penalty award – the entire herd crossed the line before they roped their numbered steer, so their penalty was 75 seconds! (I told you these nights were wild!) When all was said and done, it was the Raulerson Cattle team of Clint Raulerson and his daughter Paige, Dalton Boney, Donnie Crawford and Little John Davis who won this event in 53.75 seconds. Thanks go to Alton Langford and his A-L Cattle for sponsoring this event.

The last event was the trailer loading. Some of the numbered steers would not separate from the herd, no matter what the team did. A couple of teams ended up with the wrong steer hopping into the trailer. The most exciting one was the Kelly Tractor team; their steer ran between the truck and the fence, so the clock was stopped, and restarted when they managed to free the animal, and they still managed to complete the event in 1 minute 33.05 seconds!

Next up was the cowhide race; think of a side-by-side barrel race (with only one barrel to round), with a horse and rider pulling a “sled” made of a piece of cowhide with a team member on it. The lucky ones are those on horseback, that dirt hits you in the face at full speed! Some of the sled riders wear bandannas pulled up over their face, or other cover; Jessica Price of the Sum Timers team wore a pair of large wide-rimmed glasses, ala Elton John style. Then there are the show-offs, those that ride up on their knees waving their hats in the air! Let’s not forget the crash with the Double M Cattle team and J Bar K Cattle, with Mike Martin hanging horizontally onto the side of his horse before he hit the ground! (And Cole Fulford ended up on the ground AGAIN, as his horse was not going around that barrel!) The winner of this event was the Spur Ride Wear team (in those gorgeous hot pink shirts) in 28.25 seconds with notpetite Billy Adams pulling petite Christi Pryor; that is one combination that is hard to beat! Thanks go to the event sponsors, Farm Credit and Womack Sanitation. The fourth event was the double muggin’. These steers were tough; each night at least half of the teams received a notime. The Russakis Ranch team roped their steer twice, but

September 2014

The winner was Turkey Track Ranch in 48.47 seconds (their second event win), with teammates Carl Langford, Alan Lanier, Shane Perkins, Beau Anastasio and Kaitlyn Johns-Thomas.

That is the perfect example of how important it is to receive a time in EVERY event; with having won two events, the Turkey Track Ranch team did not even place in the top three teams, because they received a no-time in one event. The overall winner was Rollins Ranch (who did not win a single event), having received a time in every event. This team is made up of Blaine Matthews, Clayton Story (my Sweetbay cowboy!), Jake Anuez, Jerrod Sparks and female team member Jodi Raulerson. Congrats to y’all and see you in Kissimmee! Thanks to the Dakin Family of Dairy Farms (including Farren and Cameron Dakin Dairies), as the buckle sponsors. Let’s not forget the second place team of Spur Ride Wear, consisting of Billy Adams, Marshall Godsey, father and son Carson and Cody Story and Christi Pryor (who we’ll also see at the Finals) and the third place team of Kelly Tractor. And most important, thanks to the comedy provided by Alton Langford. He came out to settle the herd in one of the events riding a Shetland pony, and to his nephew Elton Langford, who came out wearing Jessica’s large glasses looking more like the cowboy version of Elton John than a cattleman and a Desoto County Commissioner! Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

What you should know about the PRCA and rodeo livestock:* ★

★

RODEO LIVESTOCK

hether it’s a youth, professional, or ranch rodeo, the show can’t go on without livestock! While competitors provide their own horses for timed events, stock contractors play the important role of providing calves, steers, bulls, and bucking horses. Stock contractors work to provide healthy, high quality animal athletes. In roughstock events, half of the cowboy’s score is given based on how well the animal performed, proving that it’s not just about the cowboy’s riding ability. In the timed events, the goal is for the animals in each event to be of similar size so that no cowboy has an advantage over another. Due to the value placed on rodeo livestock, the PRCA and other organizations work diligently to ensure their health and welfare.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

★

The average bucking horse or bucking bull works less than five minutes a year in the arena.

Rodeo livestock have long and healthy lives: Many of today’s top bucking horses are 20 years old, and many bulls are active buckers at 15 years of age. Veterinarians attribute these long, healthy life spans to good care, quality feed and adequate exercise. PRCA rules prohibit the use of sharpened spurs and other implements that could harm an animal.

Human skin is one to two millimeters thick; horse hide is five millimeters thick; bull hide is seven millimeters thick. Stock contractors invest a great deal of money in their breeding and purchase programs; many contractors pay up to five or even six figures for a top-rated bucking animal. Naturally, they are very motivated to take care of these investments.

Both bulls and horses have natural bucking tendencies; many do so while playing together in pastures, just as horses naturally race each other. What makes an animal a candidate for rodeo livestock is the absolute determination to buck if something is on its back – often an inherited characteristic - which breeders now work carefully to bring out in “Born to Buck” programs. PRCA rules require flank straps to be lined with fleece in the flank area (similar to a human waist); flank straps are tightened just enough to encourage the animal to kick behind itself instead of hopping around the arena. Over-tightening would result in the animal’s refusal to move at all, much less buck. Flank straps do not contact an animal’s genitals.

The PRCA prohibits the use of electric prods in competition except for horses known to be “chute stallers” – that is, they sometimes hesitate coming out of the chute and then may start bucking in the chute, creating risk to themselves and possibly to contestants. The prod may be used in this case if, and only if, the judge, stock contractor and contestant agree that it is necessary to protect the safety of the animal and/or contestant. *Source: www.prorodeo.com/Resources/ pdfs/2014MediaGuide/01-Intro-2014.pdf#page=28

September 2014

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT

PRCA JUDGE AND CATTLEMAN:

FRITZ BREWER By Robbi Sumner

“I remember going to my first rodeo when I was about 5 years old, it was in Arcadia,” said Fritz Brewer. He fondly recalls participating in the popular Calf Scrambles as a young boy, before he began competing in the Bareback Bronc Riding and Steer Wrestling events. “I first entered the Bareback Riding at the Okeechobee rodeo when I was 16 years old.” As he grew older, competition lost its appeal but Fritz wanted to remain active in the sport, so he decided to become a rodeo judge.

PRCA sanctioned judges are required to attend a training seminar every two years, and Fritz attended his first seminar in 1994 back where it all began, in Arcadia. “Over the past twenty years, I’ve attended seminars all over the U.S., including Waco, Texas and this year in Hobbs, New Mexico.”

The role of a PRCA judge is an important one. According to Prorodeo.com, “There are at least two judges at every PRCA rodeo who have attended judging seminars and are trained to ensure that all results of competition and livestock welfare are followed. During the timed events, each judge has a different role; during the roughstock events, the judges are on opposite sides of the cowboy and animal, watching for the cowboy’s control of the ride and how well his timing is synced with the animal’s bucking motion, among other scored aspects of a ride that can be different on the two sides.” As Fritz explains 64 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

it, judges flag the timed events, score roughstock rides, set up the pattern for barrel racers, and set up the barrier equipment used in the roping and steer wrestling events. During those events, one judge watches the barrier and the other flags for the timer.

PRCA judges are designated as A, B, C or D levels based on their experience. “’A’ judges are full-time; ‘D’ are pretty much just starting out,” Fritz said, adding that he is a ‘B’ level judge. Supervisor of Pro Officials Clint Corey is responsible for oversight of the judges and scheduling is handled from the Colorado Springs, Colorado headquarters of the PRCA. “Judges apply for which rodeos they want to work two months prior. For example, the deadline for October rodeos was August 31st at 5:00pm.” Working twenty to twenty-five rodeos a year, Fritz judges several here in Florida and also travels across the U.S. for performances, having recently returned from Killdeer, North Dakota; Ringold, Georgia and Dalhart, Texas where he was able to watch his grandson, Nat Stratton, compete in the Saddle Bronc Riding. Fritz has judged the Southeast Circuit Finals twice and the First Frontier (which covers the northeastern U.S.) Circuit Finals once in addition to All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association and local ranch rodeos. He’s headed to Cherokee, North Carolina in September, but not until after the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Labor Day rodeo.

September 2014

Fritz serves as Vice President of the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) and is Chairman of the Rodeo Committee. OCA holds two PRCA sanctioned rodeos each year – one in March and the other over Labor Day weekend. As Chairman, Fritz and other committee members oversee everything from the stock contractors to who is running the concession stands.

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In addition to his rodeo roles, Fritz partners with his son Clay in a cow-calf operation and manages the day-to-day operations for another local rancher.

A PRCA Gold Card member, a designation reserved for those who are over 50 and have been members for twenty years or more, Fritz brings invaluable knowledge and experience to his various roles in the rodeo and beef cattle communities.

September 2014

THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICES, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Spotlight on Arena Secretaries:

DANNA JO MCFARLAND By Robbi Sumner

It takes a lot of folks to put on and ensure a smooth running rodeo. From stock contractors who provide healthy, talented livestock to the staff at PROCOM who handle contestant entries, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) “non-contestant personnel” working a rodeo also includes the bullfighters, barrelmen, clowns and other specialty acts, pickup men, announcers, timers, and arena secretaries. The secretaries are often the unsung heroes of the show, working behind the scenes before, during, and after a rodeo performance.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

“Marcia Eubanks was the Secretary for Silver Spurs and was moving to Alabama, so I observed her and then attended a PRCA training in Wichita, Kansas in April 1993, joining the PRCA that August. Little did I know it would change the course of my life,” said Danna Jo McFarland of Okeechobee, who went on to work as a PRCA Secretary for twenty years.

Danna Jo initially contacted Troy Weekly of Five Star Rodeo who hired her to work her first rodeo in Davie, then she worked the Okeechobee Labor Day rodeo, and went on from there. “Other than the training class, a lot came to me ‘on-the-job’ and with help from others like Karen Lewis who worked as a timer (people who operate the clocks for the timed and roughstock events.) According to Danna Jo, the Arena Secretary is the “center of organization” for a rodeo, responsible for a number of tasks including, but not limited to: providing the day sheets for the judges, announcer, and contestants; collecting fees from contestants; drawing the stock for timed events; and ensuring that shared horses don’t make back-to-back runs. “Rodeo competitors often share a horse, especially in events like steer wrestling, so the secretary makes certain that the horse has some time to rest before the next rider is up,” she explains. The Secretary sometimes doubles as a timer, watching the clock and sounding the buzzer for roughstock riders. She also double-checks the judges’ scores for mathematical accuracy, and writes the paychecks for the winners. After the rodeo, the Secretary must balance the books and mail the money to the PRCA headquarters. September 2014

At first, Danna Jo was not able to work at the Circuit Finals or National Finals Rodeo where personnel is voted on by rodeo association Board members, but by her second year she was asked to work the Southeast Circuit Finals. She went on to work four National Steer Roping Finals, sixteen Circuit Finals and was invited to and worked the 1997 NFR in Las Vegas. At her next NFR in 2002, Danna Jo was nominated for PRCA Secretary of the Year. “It was awesome to be nominated even though I didn’t win. Mildred Klingemann who is still a Southeastern Circuit Secretary won, but it was cool for me and her to both be nominated!” Danna Jo said humbly.

“That is probably the number-one responsibility; carrying around a moneybag that could contain several thousands of dollars,” she said.

Sometimes working thirty rodeos a year, traveling to Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Nebraska and other locations was fun and exciting, but also took a toll personally. “For a while it seemed like I missed every birthday, wedding, and other family or community event,” Danna Jo shared, explaining her decision to take a break and not rejoin the PRCA this year. She’s recently obtained her Real Estate license and looks forward to spending more time with her family and her horses. She also continues to Secretary for local ranch rodeos and for the Gold Coast Cutting Club, stating “I love horse events and want to be a part of them. I’ve enjoyed watching every second of every rodeo I’ve ever watched.”

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Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT

COLLEGIATE COWBOY

NAT STRATTON By Robbi Sumner

The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) was officially formed as a non-profit organization in August 1949. The first College National Finals Rodeo was held later that same year in San Francisco, California.

The NIRA strives to “preserve Western heritage through collegiate rodeo” through its over 3,500 student members who compete in eleven geographic regions nationwide. Florida is well represented by a number of NIRA competitors, and I recently had the opportunity to catch up with one of them, Nat Stratton from Okeechobee.

“I started Mutton Bustin when I was about three years old, then rode calves and steers, and started roping and riding broncs my sophomore year of high school,” Nat shares, explaining his lifetime love of rodeo. “I’ve always liked it, but didn’t enjoy roping as much as I loved roughstock.” But, after multiple injuries, his parents, Becky and Rodney Stratton, made him give up bull riding. “I broke my arm twice, broke a rib, got staples in the back of my head and had a broken leg. I always wanted to try Saddle Bronc Riding and there seemed to be less risk of injury, so I changed events in high school.” Nat qualified to represent Florida at the High School Finals rodeo as a sophomore, junior and senior. “I didn’t feel that I was ready as a sophomore, but went and competed as a junior and senior,” he says. That strategy seems to have worked for him, as Nat earned a rodeo scholarship to attend Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Oklahoma where he is now a junior majoring Ag Business with a minor in Animal Science. Proving that Saddle Bronc riding isn’t without risk, Nat broke his back during his freshman year at PSU. “It wasn’t that bad, I could get around but was sore and was out of competition for 6-8 weeks. Thank goodness it happened in the winter when the rodeo season was slow. I was back for the summer season so it was all good,” he laughed. Nat earned his first College National Finals qualification last school year and attended the event held in Casper, Wyoming

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

in June. “The top three in each event from each region are invited. Because our men’s team was the top in the Central Plains Region (representing Kansas and Oklahoma) we got to have eight guys at the Finals,” he explained. His parents and grandparents, Fritz and Sharon Brewer, were able to fly out and watch him compete. After three go-rounds and the short-go, Nat finished 12th in the nation and was one of only thirteen competitors to earn a score in the first three rides.

In addition to competing at the college level, Nat also purchased his PRCA permit early in 2013 and renewed for 2014, although his earnings have well surpassed the $1,000 required to move to cardholder status. According to Nat, keeping permit status while in college allows him to gain valuable experience while still competing at both levels. He recently rode at pro rodeos in Greely, Colorado and even Cheyenne, Wyoming “The Daddy of ‘em All”. Nat took first place at Freedom, Oklahoma in mid-August and was standing fifth among PRCA permit holders in the Saddle Bronc Riding as of August 21st. His goal after graduation is to go pro and one day compete at the National Finals Rodeo to become a World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider. I’d say he’s well on his way!

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Adams

AWARDED AT FCA CONVENTION IN MARCO

Alto “Bud” Adams, Jr., 1959 Florida Cattlemen’s Association President, was announced as the winner of the 2014 Farm Credit/FCA Outstanding Rancher & Leadership award at the FCA Convention in Marco Island. Adams is a third-generation Floridian who graduated from the University of Florida in 1948 and began managing Adams Ranch that same year. Facing many environmental problems, Adams began experimental breeding to develop a breed suited to local conditions. After trying a number of mixes, he created the Braford breed, a 60/40 cross between Hereford and Brahman breeds. In 1969, the Braford breed was recognized as a new breed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Adams founded the International Braford Association to coordinate information about the breed for cattlemen. Subsequent Braford composites Adams has developed include ABEEF, ARGEL and ARRAB.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Committed to maintaining harmony between the environment and cattle production, Adams has been honored with the National Cattlemen’s Association Stewardship Award for natural resources, Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s Environmental Award, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Landowner of the Year Award, just to name a few. In addition to his other accomplishments, Adams is the founder and chairman of the Florida Wildlife and Livestock Foundation, has served as chairman and president of the Indian River State College Foundation, is a Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame Inductee, as well as an accomplished author and wildlife photographer. Congratulations to Mr. Adams for winning the 2014 Farm Credit/ Florida Cattlemen’s Association Outstanding Rancher and Leadership Award!

September 2014

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Mississippi Roast Ingredients: 1 Chuck Roast 1 package of dry Au Jus

1 package of dry ranch dressing 1 jar of Greek Peppers 1 stick of butter (Can use half stick of butter if you please)

Instructions: Put roast in Crockpot and sprinkle Au Jus and ranch dressing packets over roast. Place stick of butter in middle of the roast and line peppers on top.

Let cook for 8-10 hours on warm or low, depending on the settings of your crockpot.

I usually serve with mashed potatoes or rice. The roast makes its own juices that are outstanding! Recipe submitted by Kathryn Metcalfe Thomas

Submit your beef recipe with photo to Morgan@heartlanditf.com

Important Dates: September 11 FCA/FCW quarterly meeting in Okeechobee, BOD meeting in the am September 11 FCW Beef Short Course, 1:00pm September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

“This year we will celebrate our 92nd anniversary,” stated Carey Soud, President of First Bank. “And I am blessed to be only the fifth president of the bank in 92 years.” A CPA by trade, Carey joined the bank eight years ago after having worked in the citrus industry for 15 years. Of the bank he said, “We are part of the fabric of the community and that’s just who we are. I think for most banks, ‘community banking’ is just a strategic niche. But for us it is different. This is our hometown. We loan money and have relationships with people we go to church with, and work in the community with, and it is not just a niche for us; it is part of the service we provide.” Considered primarily a Hendry County institution, First Bank was chartered in Clewiston in 1922 while the town was still part of Lee County. Hendry County wasn’t carved out until a year later in 1923. Presently, there are five full-service banking locations: two in Clewiston, one in Moore Haven, one in Labelle and one in Fort Myers. “We returned to Lee County in 2004 when the bank built a branch in front of the Verandah,” explained Carey. “It really is our first entrance into what we would consider a major metropolitan area.”

FIRST BANK

Celebrates 92nd Anniversary By Cindy Cutright Few businesses in Southwest Florida can boast a history of continuous operation that spans in excess of 90 years such as First Bank. It is a hallmark of distinction that speaks to the fortitude and endurance of those who founded the bank, as well as those who followed in their footsteps.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

The bank also recently opened a loan production office in Immokalee, which is slated to become a full-service branch next year. Business leaders in Immokalee approached the bank and requested the bank consider extending its services to that community. First Bank complied because, “we are well prepared to provide the kind of traditional banking they are accustomed to.” Another community presently being served by a production office, which will also be upgraded to a full service location, is Belle Glade. “Our corridor spans mostly Highway 80.” The bank’s western border is anchored by the First Bank branch located in Fort Myers and the eastern border lies in Belle Glade. Immokalee will serve as the bank’s southern-most point. All of these locations, “helps small businesses and is good for us as well.” The bank currently employs approximately 85 people. Another ten will be added when both the Immokalee and Belle Glade locations become full service. “It is one of the few places where I have worked where I’ve seen this longevity of employment.” Carey said. “We have many people with 30 and 35 year employment histories with the bank.” Upon entering a First Bank branch, one can’t help but be drawn to the photos proudly displayed throughout the lobby. In essence,

September 2014

the area’s unique heritage is captured in beautifully-framed photos that depict life as it was almost a century ago. “Especially in the Clewiston Bank where the hallway is lined with pictures of our founding fathers and business people in the community,” Carey said. Agriculture was the main industry around which everything revolved in those days. Little has changed in that regard. It was well served by the bank then and is well served by the bank today. “Over half our loan portfolio today is still in agriculture. It is a big part of who we are.”

What has changed are the challenges faced by banking institutions as technology continues to advance at light speed. First Bank is no exception. “Even though this is a 92-year-old traditional, hometown community bank, we consider ourselves on the very leading edge of technology,” explained Carey. “We are in the postdesktop generation and the banking system today is more than 50 percent mobile.” To that end, he said this month the bank will roll out a mobile capture application which will allow customers to pay bills on line, make person to person payments or take a picture of a check to make a deposit. “Where it (technology) is going to go in the next five to ten years is hard to know,” he confided. “Certainly at the forefront (of the banking industry concerns) are cyber-security issues and we deal with them daily but we have the best technology and the best people money can buy.” Just as important is the personal contact that comes from banking with a smaller financial institution. “A small town community bank that knows you, knows

the kind of transactions they should be seeing in your account helps. We have a lot of people looking at those things,” in addition to utilizing, “some pretty sophisticated monitoring software systems.” Going forward Carey said he would like to see the bank “remain a privately held, independent bank and continue to grow. We have done well at that so far.” He said the bank would also like to continue to give back to the community as it has in years past. “We support education and the health care system locally.” As an example, Carey pointed out that to date First Bank has donated half a million dollars to Hendry County Regional Hospital alone. “We hope to be able to continue to do those kinds of things.” A low key celebration is planned this year to mark the bank’s 92nd anniversary. “Every year we have a customer appreciation day which coincides with our anniversary,” Carey remarked. Current customer or not, everyone is invited to stop by any branch office and learn more about the bank’s history as well as the current services First Bank provides. Visit www.firstbank.com for more information.

Left to Right: Carey Soud, President; Deborah VanSickle, SVP and Chief Lending Officer; Randall Wood, SVP and Chief Financial Officer.

08/31/14

September 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

LITERATURE FEATURE

A SERIES ON FLORIDA LITERATURE:

The Spanish Explorers By Brady Vogt

his article will be the first of a three part series about the Spanish explorers and conquerors who were the first Europeans to sail to, land on, and travel across our part of “La Florida”. To begin the series, we will review and examine the general knowledge of and speculate about what took place along the coast and somewhat inland nearly five hundred years ago.

The waters of the Caloosahatchee River were as clear as any in the world. The bottom was of sand and shell rolled in from The Gulf, red mangroves lined the broad shorelines, and then the land rose a few feet to sustain the vast forests of pines and palmettos. Juan Ponce De Leon sailed from Puerto Rico in 1513. He landed first along the Atlantic coast, most likely at what is now called Melbourne Beach. He named the land “La Florida” in honor of Easter and because of the bright colors of the flowers that sprinkled the dunes. He bounced along the coast to the south, learning along the way of the nature of the Gulf Stream. He and his men and ships anchored near Biscayne Bay, perhaps saw the imperial flow of the Miami River as it entered the salt water, sailed through the Florida Straits, and bounced again along the calmer shores of the Gulf of Mexico. He named the islands that would become known as the Florida Keys “Los Maitres” that is, “The Martyrs”

because from the distances, the islands resembled men at labor. Juan Ponce anchored somewhere along Fort Myers Beach, maybe at Punta Rassa, maybe at Bowditch Pointe, maybe near the location of the light house at the southern tip of Sanibel. He encountered Calusa somewhere in that area that is more water than land. His men dispatched the Calusa warriors with long, sharp swords made of Spanish steel. They wore hammered armor. The Calusa fought with bows and arrows and cudgels into which sharks’ teeth were imbedded. As drivers approach Fort Myers Beach and cross from the mainland to San Carlos, the smaller island, the bridge crosses Matanzas Pass; Matanzas, the Spanish word for massacre. Juan Ponce sailed away. He returned eight years later seeking slaves and gold. He anchored at Sanibel and went ashore. He took a Calusa arrow in a leg, the poison cooked from the bark of the Machineel tree. He sailed away again and died shortly thereafter in Puerto Rico.

Panfilo De Narvaez was the most brutal of the “Conquistadores”. He was also the most luckless. The retribution of the land upon his force of 600 men was nearly without a limit. Four of the 600 survived the expedition. The collective offenses of the men were paid for. Narvaez was landed likely in Tampa Bay in 1527, after having been

drastically eviscerated by storms. His force was harassed by Indians from the moment he began to move. The men died from arrows and depredations. He had ordered his ships to sail away and had marched north. At the end of only one year, somewhere near Pensacola, the remaining survivors including Narvaez built crude rafts to seek relief along the coast of Mexico, and disappeared. Of the four who lived, one of the most important sources of information for decades to come was Cabeza De Vaca (The Head of The Bull). De Vaca wandered seventeen years along the Gulf Coast, sometimes as a member of a clan or tribe, sometimes alone. For several years before he was found and restored, he was thought by the Indians to be a holy man, a shaman, because of his healing opportunities and providential co-incidences. He would have closely resembled John The Baptist, truly a voice crying out in the wilderness.

Hernando De Soto was to suffer the consequences of Narvaez’s dark strategy. The Indians had met the Spanish. Although De Soto was not as barbaric as Narvaez, he too used dogs and fire to punish the aboriginals. His force of 1500 landed in Florida in 1539. There is wide disagreement between historians as to whether it was Tampa Bay or Charlotte Harbor where the army came ashore. Nautical logs and measurements of distances traveled, rivers crossed, swamps and forests noted, indicate De Soto landed at Punta Rassa, or maybe Pine Island, and so entered the Caloosahatchee basin on the north of the river. Most historians choose Tampa Bay, because from the first of the Indian tribes encountered, there are no mentions of the Calusa, nor of their immense mounds of oyster shells, built not on land but in the water. (Aside, it is remarkable that the literature of historians and archeologists regarding the Calusa do not ever speak or write as to why the Calusa would choose one place over the water, near an oyster bar if possible, and not another, a hundred yards or ten miles away north or south, close enough to the mangrove islands. The reason would be that the Calusa lived and built the massive mounds where there was a reliable and abundant source of fresh water, found where streams of artesian rivers had burst through the limestone and sand and flowed freely before it was mixed with the salt. There is along the south side of the Cape Coral bridge on the south side, two hundred yards from the seawall, a continuous swirl in the brackish river, there is another at Billy’s Creek). In the town of Highlands, North Carolina, there is a plaque that states that De Soto passed by. He and his army wondered the southeast for three years. Emaciated, sick, hungry, he died and his body was slipped into the Mississippi River in order to deceive the Indians. De Soto’s army of 1500 had dwindled to 300. The survivors eventually built rafts and found the way to Mexico. In the early days of the adventure, they passed through the hundred miles of Central Florida, and found towns and villages of assorted tribes, farmers

September 2014

mostly, of corn and squash. They had no luck with the dominant Indian nation of the times, the powerful Apalachee, and were moved on. Traveling with the army was a herd of pigs, brought along for emergency rations. Those pigs were the first introduced to North America. It was however, the pursuit of gold that drove Hernando De Soto and the knights of Portugal and Spain that accompanied him, fueled by a relentless, remorseless greed. Always the Indians replied the same when questioned about the gold, always it was to be found to the north and then maybe toward the west, enticing the Spaniards away from their lands and onto another’s. Always the army believed them and pushed through the wilderness. Ironically, after the kings and queens of Spain had given up on Florida after De Soto, the gold that Carlos, the Calusa king showed to Pedro Menendez De Aviles on Mound Key in the middle of what we call Big Carlos Pass, between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, had been given to Carlos as tribute by the Tequesta, the Indians of Miami and the Keys. It had been taken from wrecks of Spanish ships sailing with the Gulf Stream’s northeast current home, after having been stolen from the Inca of Peru and the Aztec of Mexico. Thirty years after the march of De Soto’s army, Spain once more became enthusiastic about Florida, largely inspired by the new interests of the French adventurers, Jean Ribault, Rene Goulaine de Laudonniere, and Bernard Romans, and the attempted settlement of Fort Caroline. Phillip II sent a new Adelanto, or Governor. It was Mendendez who massacred the French, “not as Frenchmen” he said, “but as Huegenots”. De Aviles traveled both coasts and sought an alliance with Carlos, his ships anchored again near the barrier islands of the lower west coast. He is responsible for the first and longest lasting settlement of Europeans in the New World, St. Augustine, where nearby there is another place called Matanzas. Two additional ironies are evident in the history of the Spanish invasion of North America through Florida. If the Spanish had found gold and silver at the high elevations of Peru and Mexico, and knew it was drawn from ore and clay and quartz, why would they assume it would be found in an area of tropical jungles and swamps and sand? Secondly, because of the single-minded approach to the expeditions, to find gold, the Spanish paid no attention to the richness of the natural resources of the lands through which they passed. Lumber, flax, plumes, hides, furs, and a host of vegetables that could be grown from seed were overlooked, and were not thus defiled and devastated by the hands of man until nearly three hundred years later. Next month, the literature of the history of the Spanish explorers in Florida, which was began essentially, as a sales pitch. Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

September 2014

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Happenings IN THE HEARTLAND

SERVATION WATER CON

M U I S O P M Y S

Johnny Georges

FEATURED ON

E® EE -PE -T-P ee-T tree E tr HE TH FT O OF R R O O T T A A E E R R C C ®

FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR EXPEDITION

n Thursday, August 21st the Florida Humanities Council and Indian River State College hosted a showing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition: Everglades to Okefenokee film documentary and panel discussion at the Williamson Conference Center at IRSC in Okeechobee.

The film follows four biologists on a 1,000-mile, 100day trek from the Everglades to the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia. After the film, a panel discussion was moderated by biologist Joe Guthrie, a member of the FWC Expedition team with panel members Benita Whalen, Professional Engineer; Alex Johns, Natural Resources Director for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Dave Marquette, Eco-Tourism Guide. According to Mallory Dimmitt, Executive Director for the Florida Wildlife Corridor, the group is planning a second expedition kicking off October 11th that will connect natural lands and waters throughout the northwest region of Florida, from the Green Swamp to the panhandle.

TUESDAY DLecAtuRreBhaYll

, 2014 September t236:00 pm

Beginning a t

WARNER UNIVERSI

@warner.ed

l: ag RSVP by emai

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September 2014

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September 2014

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Find it at your favorite equine dealer

September 2014

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September 2014

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JUST ANOTHER REASON TO BE A MEMBER OF

FARM CREDIT OF FLORIDA

THIS YEAR WE ARE GIVING BACK $5 MILLION TO OUR BORROWERS. IT’S OUR WAY OF REWARDING OUR LOYAL MEMBERS. THAT’S RIGHT. CASH BACK. JUST FOR BEING A MEMBER.

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P.O. Box 12909, Fort Pierce, Fla. 34979-2909 (772-461-6321) 26003 Orange Avenue (County Road 68), Fort Pierce, Fla. 34945

Braford and ABEEF

These bulls are 20-24 months old weighing 1400-1600 lbs. They are DNA tested, ultra sound tested and semen checked.

These bred ABEEF and ARRAB heifers sell Save the Date for our 36th Annual Field Day and Cattle Auction

Field Day-Nov. 5th Sale Day–Nov. 6th Also

UBB Braford Sale October 2, 2014

Burton Coliseum Complex, Lake Charles, Louisiana Adams Ranch Braford Bulls and bred Braford heifers

ABEEF®, ARBRA®, ARRAB®, & ARGEL® are registered trademarks that identify Adams Ranch Braford, Red Angus, and Gelbvieh cross cattle that meet criteria for a sound production animal that is free from genetic flaws. Adams Ranch is the Certifier.

September 2014

Adams Ranch Office (772) 461-6321 Office Fax (772) 461-6874 Mike Adams (772) 201-5198 Buddy Adams (772) 201-4966 Select your ABEEF or Brafords from the foundation Herd

UNITED BRAFORD BREEDERS HERD NO. 1

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2015 Florida Cattlemen’s Convention & Allied Trade Show “Circling the Herd” To Omni’s Champions Gate Tuesday, June 16, Wednesday, June 17 & Thursday June 18, 2015

1500 Masters Blvd Champions Gate, FL 33896

Located just off I-4 east of Hwy 27 in South West Edge of Osceola County easy access from all directions - 429 toll road / Hwy 27/ Interstate-4/Florida Turnpike FCA Base lodging room rate is $155/night (rate available 3 days pre and post event) wide variety of room upgrades available • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

FREE INTERNET IN EACH ROOM FREE PARKING FOR OVERNIGHT GUESTS NO RESORT FEE 720 LODGING ROOMS & SUITES 49 VILLAS 2 & 3 BEDROOMS 7 DINING OPTIONS SPA 128,000 SQUARE FEET OF MEETING SPACE, (LARGER TRADE SHOW SPACE) EXCELLENT-COMFORTABLE LOUNGES 2 QUIET POOLS 1 RECREATION POOL LAZY RIVER 4 WHIRLPOOLS DAVID LEDBETTER -GOLF ACADEMY 2 CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES

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DISCOUNTED RATE OF $75/ROUND PAR 3 LIGHTED NIGHT COURSE FITNESS CENTER BEACH VOLLEYBALL, KID’S CLUB (CAMP OMNI) ARCADE TENNIS COURTS BASKETBALL COURT PLAYGROUND POOLSIDE GAMES AND RECREATION COMPLIMENTARY DISNEY TRANSPORTATION EXCLUSIVE VENUE FCA HAS RUN OF THE PLACE. FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

See Video of facility at WWW.OmniHotels.com The Omni is a Disney “Good Neighbor” http://disneydestinationsales.com/econfirmations/GNH.html PEOPLE, FRIENDS, FAMILY, YOUTH, INDUSTRY, LEADERS, NEIGHBORS, FAITH, TRADITIONS, CULTUR E, BELIEF SYSTEM, GENERATIONS, WAY OF LIFE, TRUST and LOVE for GOD and ONE ANOTHER are what make our annual convention a success. Please reserve your rooms now.

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September 2014