Heartland In The Field

JUL 2014

SPORTSMEN EDITION

Outdoors in the Heartland

For Greater Performance And Profit!

High Yield Fruiting Vegetables To BioCharge Traditional Programs

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

PowerCoat™

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 79.5 79 78.5 78 77.5 77

AT PLANTING Manage stand alone

AT PLANTING Power Blend with bulk liquid fertilizer

80.23 tons/acre

77.61 tons/acre

76.5 76 Control Std fertilizer protocol

Treated 25% fertilizer reduction

• 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

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

3

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

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Authorized Ag Dealer

July 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.

JULY 2014

Departments Cover Photo Submitted By Capt. Chris O’Neill

July Features 26

Making a Difference in Florida: Sportsmen’s Economic Impact

32

Buck Durrance Guide Service

36

39

40

42

By Robbi Sumner Turkey Talkin’ with Jeremy Brooker

By Morgan Taylor Norris Swamp People in the Heartland: A Memorable Trip with Central Florida Sportsmen 4F LLC Gator Farm: Heading Back to the Wild

By Dixie Thomas A Baker’s Dozen of Things Women Need to Know About Hunting

By Brenda Valentine, The First Lady of Hunting

44

Operation Outdoor Freedom

54

Indian Hammock Hunt and Riding Club

56

60

62

70

By Robbi Sumner Seafood Recipes from the Heartland Recipes from Fresh From Florida and Everglades Seasoning Arcadia Hosts WRCA Ranch Rodeo

By Justin Smith

20

Travel Feature: Outdoors in Mauii

By The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl

30

SW Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report

By Capt. Chris O’Neill

34

Florida Farming: Adventures in Steinhatchee

By Ron Lambert

48

July’s Hunting Spotlight

Brooker and Mary Kate Revell

Will and Wyatt Fryer

50

Youth Spotlight: Kalen Royal and Hunt Life

By Kyndall Robertson

58

68

Florida Cattlewomen’s Association Recipe: Southwest Cheeseburgers

A Series on Florida Literature: The Saint in Miami

By Brady Vogt

76

Happenings in the Heartland

80

Ag Calendar

Article and Photos by Kathy Gregg Top Hand Challenge Awards Article and Photos by Kathy Gregg Inaugural Clewiston FFA/US Sugar Corporation Field Day

By UF/IFAS Livestock Extension Agent, Lindsey Wiggins

Don’t miss next month’s fresh squeezed magazine!

6

14 Citrus Update:

The Grower and Researcher Relationship

It’s our Annual Citrus Issue!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

AnnuAl Citrus issue:

All Things Florida Citru

s

July 2014

HEARTLAND’S Marketplace

ARTICLE HEADLINE INERTS HERE

Hardee Ranch Supply Maui Jim Sunglasses, Yeti Coolers, Case Knives 15% Off Hardee Ranch Fishing Shirt with Ad!

1309 US 17 South • Wauchula

HardeeRanchSupply.com 863.773.4322

TailChaser Charters

Fishing Charters from Sarasota to Englewood Catch Boca Grande Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Giant Goliath Grouper, Permit and More!

Book Today!

www.tailchasercharters.com 941.270.7867

Heartland Growers Supply Come in for Case Knives, Big Green Egg, Yeti Coolers and Cajun Fryers!

541 S 6th Ave, Wauchula, FL 33873

863.773.5888

Taylor’s Food Marts Cool Off for Summer!

Stop by and get your Frequest Shopper Key Tag! Win Great Prizes!

Silver King Photography Family, Children, Weddings, Livestock

Kelley Baker • (239) 672-7748 Victoria Baker • (941) 380-4202

skfshowcattle@aol.com

Everglades Seasoning Get your fishing shirts for the summer!

Available in colors and youth sizes too!

EvergladesSeasoning.com 800.689.2221

July 2014

Refinishing, Repairs, Cabinets, Custom Furniture & Outdoor Games!

321.200.4120 facebook.com/LemonGroveCustoms

Breezy Hill Berries

Fresh Blueberries, Tasty Blackberries, Homemade Jams & Jellies, Homemade Pies & Homemade Sweet Pickles!

Okeechobee 863.634.3332

Sebring & Avon Park

863.453.3106

Handmade in the Heartland

Every woman needs some of these bangle bracelets!

Get yours today at Glissons Animal Supply

4525 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring

863.471.FEED

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

7

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 Contributing Writers Audra Clemons Kathy Gregg Jay Houston Laurie Hurner Capt. Mark King Capt. Chris O’Neill Brenda Valentine Brady Vogt Dr. D. Keatley Waldron, D.C. Matt Warren Lindsey Wiggins Casey Wohl Social Media Director Brian Norris Photography Karen Berry Regina Blackman Sharon Glisson Kathy Gregg Russell Hancock Silver King Photography Nell McAuley Brian Norris

8

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Editor’s Note From the time I was a little girl casting off my grandparents’ dock on Lake Jackson to now living just minutes away from some of the best fishing in Charlotte Harbor, I have always enjoyed the pastime of fishing. When I was younger, it was mainly about time to spend talking to my dad or Papa; now, my husband has taught me to truly love the sport. The memories made on our many fishing excursions will last a lifetime.

Our Annual Sportsmen Issue covers what the Heartland Way of Life is all about…being in the outdoors and appreciating this beautiful home God has blessed us with. Just think: in the Heartland, you can wake up one morning and watch the sunrise on Lake Istokpoga dressed in camo while duck hunting and by the afternoon, you could be catching Red Fish in Bull Bay watching the sun go down. Not many get to experience the place we all call home.

This month we feature some great sportsmen from across our area, fish tales you have to see to believe and even take a look at the impressive economic impact outdoor activities make on our state’s economy.

Maybe you’re a woman interested in hunting, but don’t know where to start? Read The First Lady of Hunting™, Brenda Valentine’s, article on page 42. Or maybe you are thinking about going turkey hunting for the first time this year? I loved Talkin’ Turkey with Jeremy Brooker where he shared some advice on turkey calling on page 36. Maybe you are thinking about taking a fishing trip down my way and want to know where to find the honey holes? Capt. Chris O’Neill’s Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Fishing Report tells you the where and how to catch ‘em, so come on over! No matter if you are the most avid of hunters or the most novice of fishermen, we hope you find something in these pages for you!

This month, we may celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and bar-b-que, but let us all remember why we are the land of the free-because of the brave. We are so thankful for the service men and women who risk their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we’ve been given.

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.

Happy summer and we’ll see y’all In the Field!

Heartland in the Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee, Lee, Manatee and St. Lucie Counties. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to Heartland In the Field Magazine, P.O. Box 3183 Plant City, FL. 33563 or you are welcome to e-mail them to Rhonda@heartlanditf.com or call 813-708-3661.

Advertisers warrant & represent the description of their products advertised are true in all respects. Heartland In the Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of G Five Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in Heartland In the Field Magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications and G Five.

All contents Copyright 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.

July 2014

505 301 BLVD EAST BRADENTON, FL 505 301 BLVD EAST BRADENTON, FL (941) 748-5965 505 301 BLVD EAST BRADENTON, FL (941) 748-5965 (941) 748-5965 Join July26, 26,2014 2014 JoinUs UsSaturday, Saturday, July for for Storewide Savings, Refreshments, ExcitingGiveaways Giveaways and More...

505 301 BLVD EAST BRADENTON, FL Storewide Savings, Refreshments, Exciting and More...

Join Us Saturday, July 26, 2014 (941) 748-5965

for Storewide Savings, Refreshments, Exciting Giveaways and More...

Join Us Saturday, July 26, 2014 for Storewide Savings, Refreshments, Exciting and More...

OFF ALL MANNA PROFEED FEED 50 LB BAGS! (JULY 24)24) $1 $1 OFF ALL MANNA PRO LB BAGS!Giveaways (JULY1—JULY 1—JULY TH

TH)

&& 2626TH) OFF ALL MANNAPRO PROFEED FEED 50 LB $2 $2 OFF ALL MANNA LBBAGS! BAGS!(JULY (JULY2525TH 25%OFF OFFALL ALLMANNA MANNA PRO 25% PRO SUPPLEMENTS! $1 OFF ALL MANNA PRO FEED 50 LBSUPPLEMENTS! BAGS! (JULY 1—JULY 24) INCLUDING: INCLUDING: $2 OFF ALL MANNA PRO FEED 50 LB BAGS! (JULY 25TH & 26TH) $1 OFF25% ALL MANNA FEED 50 LB BAGS! (JULY 1—JULY 24) OFF ALLPRO MANNA PRO SUPPLEMENTS! TH TH) $2 OFF ALL MANNA PRO FEED 50 LB BAGS! (JULY 25 & 26 INCLUDING: 25% OFF ALL MANNA PRO SUPPLEMENTS! INCLUDING:

SPECIAL

10% OFF PET SHELF 10% OFF ITEMS

PET SHELF ITEMS 10% OFF 10% OFF PET SHELF PET SHELF ITEMS ITEMS

SPECIAL PRICING ON PRICING PET ONFOOD SPECIAL PET FOOD SPECIAL PRICING PRICING ON ON PET FOOD PET FOOD

July 2014

WESTEN WESTEN WEAR BLOWOUT WEAR SALE BLOWOUT

WESTEN SALE

WESTEN WEAR WEAR BLOWOUT BLOWOUT SALE SALE

ADDITIONAL IN-STORE ADDITIONAL SPECIALS

IN-STORE SPECIALS ADDITIONAL ADDITIONAL IN-STORE IN-STORE SPECIALS SPECIALS

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

9

JULY 2014

Index of Advertisers 15 4 66 5 25 75 7 65 18 2 79 33 59 87 31 7 81 23 59 84 65 19 86 22

Agro Culture Ag Technologies Arcadia Stockyard Bankers South Big Buck Expo Big T Tire Breezy Hill Berries Cattlemen’s Livestock Market Center State Bank Creel Tractor Cross Ties DeSoto Machine Shop Eli’s Western Wear Everglades Farm Equipment Everglades Seasoning Everglades Seasoning Farm Credit Fields Equipment FCA Foundation Florida Mineral Florida Fence Post Glade and Grove Glisson’s Animal Supply Griffin’s Carpet Mart

43 85 7 7 18 71 13 19 28 11 79 23 7 9 23 79 27 74 26 15 63 79 79 3

Gun Smoke Hardee Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo Hardee Ranch Supply Heartland Growers Supply Helena Chemical Hicks Oil Highlands County Farm Bureau Howard Fertilizer HuntConnections KeyPlex LaBelle Feed Lee and Associates Lemon Grove Customs Manna Pro Marmer Construction Michael G. Kirsch Mosaic Newton Crouch Okeechobee Livestock Market On-Site Accounting Orange Ave Health Orange Ave Health Orange Ave Health Pathway

16 43 25 29 63 7 79 29 83 79 7 74 7 55 55 69 82 45 17 88 27 55 79 24

Peace River Citrus Quail Creek Plantation Recypoly River Pasture Metal Art Seedway Silver King Photography Spring Lake Hardware Spurlows Outfitters Stampede Superior Muffler TailChaser Charters Taylor Oil Company Taylor’s Food Marts The Andersons The Timbers Trailer Exchange tree T-PEE Trinkle Redman Coton Walpole Watering Hole Wauchula State Bank Wicks, Brown, Williams CPA 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

Levi Lambert

levi@heartlanditf.com

10 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Corporate, Polk & Hillsborough

Danny Crampton

danny@inthefieldmagazine.com

Morgan Norris

morgan@heartlanditf.com

Rhonda Glisson

Robbi Sumner

rhonda@heartlanditf.com

robbi@heartlanditf.com

July 2014

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 11

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO COUNTY

HARDEE COUNTY

1278 SE US HIGHWAY 31 • ARCADIA, FL 34266

1017 US HIGHWAY 17 N • WAUCHULA, FL. 33873

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

Phone: 863.494.3636 Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 • Fax: 863.494.4332

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

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

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

FARM BUREAU

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

FARM BUREAU

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

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

Steve A. Johnson Bill Hodge David B. Royal

Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich Scott Henderson

Federation Secretary Mary Jo Spicer

Federation Secretary Rhonda Willis

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

HIGHLANDS COUNTY

MANATEE COUNTY

6419 US HIGHWAY 27 S. • SEBRING, FL 33876

5620 TARA BLVD, STE 101 • BRADENTON, FL 34203

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

Phone: 863. 385. 5141 • Fax: 863. 385. 5356 Website: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

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

Phone: 941-746-6161 • Fax: 941-739-7846 Website: www.manateecountyfarmbureau.org

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

FARM BUREAU

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

DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013 Sam Bronson Steve Farr Charles Guerndt

Charles Lanfier Mike Milicevic Emma Reynolds

Trey Whitehurst Jeff Williams Marty Wohl

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

FARM BUREAU

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

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

Ken Hawkins Alan Jones Vick Keen Bruce Shackelford

Jim Strickland Hugh Taylor Dan West

Federation Secretary Janet Menges

Federation Secretary Christie Hinson

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE.SPECIAL AGENTS

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

12 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

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

July 2014

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

District 6 Update From the Desk of Andy Neuhofer

Thank You...

To Highlands County Farm Bureu’s Heritage Sponsors

Membership is a priority for Farm Bureau. If you are a member, thank you.

If you are not a member, please call me at 352.318.2506 or call your local county Farm Bureau to learn why you will benefit from being a member.

Keeping agriculture strong helps everyone. Keeping Farm Bureau strong helps agriculture.

As mentioned in past months, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corp of Engineers are moving forward with efforts to illegally expand their authority under the guise of connectivity by using the Clean Water Act. Farm Bureau strongly opposes this effort. This is round three regarding this issue. The American Farm Bureau Federation has set up a website on the issue. The address is www.ditchtherule.org.

You are encouraged to learn more about the matter as it can have serious consequences to American agriculture and the American economy. Nearly any business or municipality that uses land for almost any reason will be directly affected. There will be rippling effects throughout the economy.

There is a good article in the June issue of the FloridAgriculture magazine outlining the problems this effort will cause. (Farm Bureau members receive the magazine.) Florida Farm Bureau Federation President John Hoblick has an editorial on the issue in the same publication.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman has testified before the congressional subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. He is on record opposing the EPA/Army Corp effort. He outlined the harm to American agriculture.

Contact your congressman and senators to ask them to stop this abusive effort by the regulatory agencies. The comment period has been extended until October. There is time to send comments as to why this issue goes far beyond the scope of the law.

The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill, H.R. 4457, to permanently extend Section 179 expensing. If you buy equipment for your business and itemize your tax return, you know what this means. You may wish to learn more from your accountant and discuss the issue with your Congressman.

Young Farmers and Ranchers from Desoto, Charlotte, Highlands, Lee and Sarasota County Farm Bureaus met in June with Zachary Zampella who works for Senator Rubio. While there was some discussion about the issues, the conversation evolved into a question and answer session as to how things work in Washington. They learned why individual members make decisions and how. It was an informative and educational meeting for them as many of the members are learning about the issues and how the system works.

I invite others between the ages of 18 to 35 to become involved in the YF&R program. With time and effort, the program offers opportunities to learn and become successful over time.

Congratulations to Mr. Dennis Carlton of Hillsborough County. He will be representing Florida in October at the Southeastern Sunbelt Expo in Moultrie, Ga. He was picked from several Florida nominees for Southeastern Farmer of the Year.

An interesting tidbit, for every dollar Americans spend on food, a little more than 17 cents goes to the American farmer. The remaining amount, nearly 83 cents, is absorbed in the rest of the chain. Processing, transportation, handling, retail, etc. If you would like to learn more, go to http://go.usa. gov8Pmh.

July 2014

Please support these businesses!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 13

Ag Business Tip: Team Up, Plan Ahead!

By Leigh Ann Wynn, Land South Group

As any ag business is well aware, a sound financial plan implementing a team approach is integral to running a successful ag operation.

A do-it-yourself approach just isn’t going to cut it. To secure your farm’s financial future, you need to bring together a solid team of advisors and experts that are well equipped and ready to help you assess all of the options, opportunities, and risks associated with your ag business.

Building a team will help you to solidify many facets of your operation, such as its: • vision • goals • products • markets • timeframes • financial strategies • resources Having a solid team will also help you to: • monitor financial performance • mitigate risks • make adjustments as needed • evaluate areas where you would do well

to add assets to boost profitability.

14 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Truth is, running an agricultural operation can be a risky and tricky business. The do-it-yourself approach might not work in the face of unforeseen setbacks.

Risks, including production, yield, price, and market risks, as well as other aspects of agricultural risk, such as lack of diversification and politics, all must be identified, measured, and actively managed in order to secure the stability and success of your operation.

That’s where an ag lending team steps in, helping your ag operation deal with these risks and other setbacks, such as failing crops, unfavorable weather, decreased productivity, and fluctuating market prices. Plus, having a trusted ag lender on your team will help you secure unique opportunities that traditional lending institutions just can’t handle or support. What’s more, when it comes time to finance your much-needed assets, including items such as land, equipment, and new digital technology, your lender is your go-to farmland financing resource.

With several ag lending professionals holding strong backgrounds in farm, ranch, livestock, and farm operating lending, you’ll be happy to have Bankers South as your lender. Whether it’s time to refinance a high interest ag loan or plant your next row crop, we are here to help you along the road to success!

July 2014

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

www.agroliquid.com FL-Ad.indd 1

9/18/2012 10:54:40 AM

Can’t afford to hire full-time, but want higher level accounting and analysis?

Suspect fraudulent activity within your organization?

Need preventative risk assessment?

Specializing in Part Time CFO Services, I-9 Audits and Certified Fraud Examiner handling Fraud Examinations and Forensic Accounting. We do bookkeeping and prepare income taxes too!

Lizzette Sarria, CFE

On-Site Accounting, Inc.

104 N Evers Street, Suite 101 • Plant City, FL 33563

813-764-9516 Office 813-764-0028 Fax

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 15

by Justin Smith CITRUS UPDATE

By Justin Smith

The Grower and Researcher Relationship In August of 2005, the Florida Citrus Industry received some of the most devastating news in its long and rich history. One little word would cause more devastation, more frustration and by far more money than any other natural

disaster or disease had ever thought of. The word that has become a house-hold name and has the power to make many of the manliest men shiver, Greening. Also identified as Huanglongbing or HLB for short, this disease has wreaked financial havoc on the state’s largest income commodity.

Greening set out on a march through the Sunshine State and as any good bacterium, it has been very successful. In a true irony of its name, the disease has cost Florida a lot of green. In its first six years, greening cost the economy approximately 4.5 billion dollars; yes that is with a “B”, and 8,000 jobs, all according to a study by the University of Florida in 2012.

In the last several years, growers and researchers alike have been exhausting their efforts to find cures as well as any way to “live” with the disease. Grower costs for yearly production have increased 100% in less than a decade. Millions upon millions have been spent in researching and no stone has been left unturned. Anything from heat therapy to gene splicing has been examined, yet still there is no answer.

16 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Some, outside of the industry, may ask why so much money is being spent by both growers and the government on one industry. There can be many answers to that question. One is that it is a way of life with a rich heritage; another is that it is the signature crop the state of Florida is known for. But, the most powerful answer can be wrapped up in 3 words, nine billion dollars. That is the estimated worth of the Florida Citrus Industry and no one, including the state or federal government, wants to see that type of Industry just vanish.

Recently, however, some on the inside of the industry have been asking the question, how have we spent multi-millions July 2014

of dollars and almost a decade of time on researching a single disease and still have no real viable options? This is a question poised out of frustration as much as from any other source. But, a legitimate question non-the less.

Luckily, the grower, researcher relationship is a strong one and very much mutually respected by both sides.

Recently, there was an update from the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF). Unfortunately, there was no new state-of-the-art breakthrough to announce though.

Simply an update of where things stand. At the moment, one of the very promising options, which is continuing to be funded, is the heat treatment of the trees. The heat seems to cause the greening disease to go dormant and there is an effort to find a way to commercialize an application methodology. There are several options that are promising, but as with anything else, each of them comes with their own little set of drawbacks.

downside to their use. There must be a substantial amount of research on their residual, if there is any, in the fruit and its juice.

A very long story, short, there is still a lot of research needed which will take more time and more money. Growers are monitoring the funding, both of their own and the government funding to make sure the most bang for the buck is being achieved. This grower monitoring is kind of a new idea, but one that allows for more oversight, as well as more understanding, for both sides of the equation. And so, another chapter in the long saga of the Citrus Industry vs. greening is unfolding. Who knows where next year will take everything.

The second most promising outlook is in anti-microbial and possible antibiotic treatments. Everything from traditional spray technology to I.V. bags are being researched for effectiveness. There is no doubt antibiotics can kill the disease, but getting the medication inside the tree and to the pathogen is trickier than one might first believe. Because antibiotics are also allergens, there is another serious

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 17

CSBAgriInTheFieldMagAd:Layout 1

7/24/13

12:58 PM

Page 1

Local decision making from people who understand the agriculture industry.

Agricultural Services • Agribusiness Lending • Equipment Leasing • Agribusiness Banking Services • Treasury Management • Wealth Management

Agribusiness Lending John Williams

Douglas E. Elmore

Heather Hancock

Okeechobee Area President/SVP

Agribusiness & Commercial First Vice President

Executive Assistant

Lake Wales

863.763.5573

Okeechobee

863.763.5573

863.678.6629

“Like” us at: www.Facebook.com/CenterStateBank

18 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Okeechobee

A wide range of agricultural loans to suit your specific industry and needs.

Agribusiness Banking Services Big bank services from a hometown community bank.

www.centerstatebank.com

July 2014

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 19

TRAVEL FEATURE

OUTDOORS IN MAUI

By The Getaway Girl® Casey Wohl

I am one lucky girl to have a friend who moved to Maui and invited me to come visit her. Tatianna and I met a few years ago during a Girls Getaway to Montana. At the time, she lived in Phoenix. We stayed in touch over the years, and when she moved to Maui she called me to say, “you have to come visit and we have to write the Girls Getaway Guide to Maui.”

We woke up the first morning ready for our day of hiking with Wade Holmes of No Ka Oi Adventures (http://www. nokaoiadventures.com). Wade specializes in private tours of Maui’s most beautiful places, some well known and others hidden treasures. We were very impressed with Wade’s vast knowledge of the biodiversity and history here and how the two are very intertwined. As Tatianna said, “Wade is a walking encyclopedia.” He truly made our hikes that much more interesting and entertaining. First, we hiked Iao Valley State Park, which features the Iao Needle and beautiful natural landscapes and waterfalls.

After hiking down the mountain and down the roots of an enormous Banyan Tree, we arrived at the perfect picnic spot nestled perfectly next to a beautiful waterfall.

Wade really knows how treat his guests as he came fully prepared with guava juice and Cacao Goji Maca Nut Balls from Living Foods Maui.

After about 30 minutes of R&R, we regretfully packed up and hiked back up the mountain and headed to the town of Paia. I immediately fell in love with Paia as it features several quaint shops, such as Alice in Hulaland, and restaurants that were all within walking distance of the public parking area. We dined at Cafe Des Amis, which features both French and Indian cuisine. My Italian crepe was delicious, and Tatianna loved her Shrimp Curry.

As soon as I could, I said “Aloha” to her in person at the Kahului Airport. We traveled 45 minutes from the airport to her town of Lahaina, which is a quaint little town on Maui’s leeward coast that is full of sites, shops, restaurants and art galleries (which is where Tatianna works).

20 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

After taking a much-needed shower and watching the sunset from Tatianna’s oceanfront balcony, I met up with her in Downtown Lahaina at the art gallery she manages, Kush Fine Art. We strolled down Front Street, which is very reminiscent of Duval Street in Key West, and stopped for some Ahi Poke Tuna for dinner.

July 2014

The next morning I drove to Wailea to the Fairmont Kea Lani for some beach time and paddle boarding. The resort is beautiful, and the paddle boarding was the best ever as I could see blue fish swimming next to me and was joined by a very friendly sea turtle. For lunch, I returned to Paia where I was determined to dine at the Paia Fish Market, despite its always-packed dining area. I ordered the very popular “Obama Burger,” which is fully equipped with Cajun seasoning and wasabi butter on top of white fish.

That evening, Tatianna and I were excited to experience the Old Lahaina Luau (www.OldLahainaLuau.com), which is considered by everyone the best luau on the island. We were greeted by Kawika, our host for the evening. As we entered, we received our lei and quickly picked up a few Mai Tais to start the evening. Kawika gave us the grand tour prior to the general public arriving. Along the waterfront were authentic Hawaiian artisans featuring everything from basket weaving to wood carving to lei making. We even got our very own hula lesson, and an overview of the Imu Pit where they cook the pig for the evening’s feast. I was somewhat confused as Kawika showed us a bunch of dirt and said that’s where the pig is.

I quickly realized that the pig was buried under the dirt and was cooking, a 12-hour process.

the pahu (drum) with the Ote’a, the famous and festive drum dance of Tahiti. Afterwards, the ancient hula and modern hula were featured and each one told a story, as all hulas do. It is a beautiful display of Hawaii’s most popular performing arts with lovely movements, colorful costumes and an authentic feel of the island’s history.

Mahalo to Kawika and the fantastic staff at Old Lahaina Luau..this was one terrific evening!

The next morning was an early one as we met Tara Angioletti, owner of Girls Gone Surfing (www.

GirlsGoneSurfing.net), at 7AM. Within just a few minutes of meeting her, you realize this tiny, energetic woman will have you in the water and standing on a board before you realize what happened. And that’s exactly what she did.

We had a brief overview on land, then it was time to paddle out and catch some waves. Either Tara is a great teacher or I am a fairly quick learner (probably the former), but I was able to stand up on my second try. Once I was up, I was hooked and didn’t want to come in. Tara was a sport and stayed in the water with me for almost three hours.

Tatianna wore herself out catching her own waves and called it a day. After exiting the water, I am not sure if I should be proud or disappointed of the cuts and scrapes all over my feet. After all, a true athlete must have proof of their hard work, right?

After working up an appetite, we went for breakfast at the Sea House Restaurant at the Napili Kai Beach Resort (www.SeaHouseMaui.com). With options like the Homemade Macadamia Cinnamon Roll and the Molokai Sweet Potato Egg Frittata, the choice was difficult. I ended up trying the Loco Moco Country Style, which is the classic local style breakfast with a twist. Yum!

After breakfast and a few minutes laying out at Slaughterhouse Beach, we met up with Tara for some cliff diving (or at least jumping). The worst part about the jumping was climbing the rocks barefoot after we tore up our feet earlier that morning surfing. Once we jumped, we were hooked. Thanks Tara for two awesome experiences in one day!

After the pig was unearthed, dinner was served. We feasted on traditional luau fare, such as Poi, Pulehu Steak and Ahi Poke. I especially loved the Chicken Long Rice, which looked like clear gummy noodles. After dinner, the show began with a tribute to the compelling tradition of

July 2014

And just when we thought we had done it all, Tara offered to host us on an authentic Hawaiian Canoe Excursion the next morning. We woke up early again, but ready to row with Maui Paddle Sports (www.MauiPaddleSports.com).

We met Tara, as well as our guides Jamie and Vie, on the beach and launched our Hawaiian canoe into the ocean.

We rowed to the Turtle Cleaning Station where Jamie and Vie explained how the turtles come to this area to be cleaned by the fish. And there were turtles all around our canoe and the guides knew each and every one of them, including gender and age. We rowed what seemed

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 21

for some R&R. That afternoon, we met up with Tara to say goodbye and spend my last Maui evening aboard the Trilogy (www.SailTrilogy.com) for a Sunset Sail. Many thanks to the Captain, Caleb and Jordan for a beautiful afternoon at sea with great PuPu’s, cocktails and entertainment (Jordan sings and plays the ukulele). This was the perfect way to end the trip...with old and new friends on The Valley Isle.

As they say in Hawaii, “O ke aloha ke kuleana o kahi malihini,” which means “love is the host in strange lands.” I certainly felt the love during my stay in Maui, and I cannot wait to return. Mahalo! like another 10 miles (not really, but my arms and shoulders were already sore from paddling the day before), but we were completely entranced by Jamie’s cultural and historical information he shared with us about Hawaii. It really is a fascinating world there, and I love that they manage to maintain their heritage, beliefs and love of the land and sea.

After brunch at The Plantation House (www.

ThePlantationHouse.com) where I devoured every bit of my Cajun Ahi Benedict, we called it an afternoon and headed in

22 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 23

What Exactly is a Sportsman?

“A person who takes part in a sport, especially as a professional.” “A man who engages in sports, especially open air sports, such as hunting, fishing, racing, etc.” “A person who exhibits qualities especially esteemed in those who engage in sports, such as fairness, courtesy, good temper, etc.” ”A man who hunts or shoots wild animals as a pastime.”

As I pondered these definitions, I thought of all the people I consider sportsmen and the qualities that earn them this title in my mind. It seems to me that participating in sports is mostly about competition. In terms of the ceremonial hunting and fishing, is the competition with ourselves, Mother Nature, or those other guys back at camp or here in the boat with you?

Most people I know that hunt and fish are salt of the earth folks that enjoy the good earth. Most of them make their living out in the hot humid sun or the crisp chilly air of a January frost. It’s always amused me that the same weather conditions can produce radically different attitudes once the camo goes on or the Costa del Mars and Columbias board the boat. I guess the simple fact is we all enjoy the great outdoors.

It not only gives us our livelihood, but also satisfies our core appreciations for the smell of the salt air, the stillness of the woods in the earliest morning and the ability to pass along to subsequent generations the basic skills of providing from the bounty of the earth, sea and air.

Now the subject of esteemed qualities is pretty complex. And I truly do make that statement with a smile on my face! The “sportsmen” I know, I find very entertaining! Whether they are old and crotchety or young and fun, they all have varying levels of fairness, courtesy and certainly good tempers. All of which are directly affected by the success or failure of their most recent excursion into the wild. All kidding aside, outdoorsmen seem to have an inner sense of calm and expectation of tenacity and dedication to all endeavors. They require respect and manors of those around them, and often hold their offspring to a standard of the same. The best part is the laughter that is usually at the heart of all they do! Whether it is a funny story or a well-planned practical joke, they always manage to find a reason to laugh.

At the end of the day, when you sit around the fire and hear it crackle, absorb the warmth and realize how fortunate you are as a sportsman. You know the value of the gifts of the small, simple pleasures that bring us peace in our souls.

24 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

SOUTHERN CHEVY DEALERS PRESENTS

JULY 11 - 13

FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS TAMPA, FL

EVENT TIMES JULY 11

TH

3 - 8:30

JULY 12TH

9-6

JULY 13

10 - 5

TH

WEEKEND PASSES ADULTS $12 KIDS (6 - 17) KIDS

(6 & younger)

$6 FREE

WWW.SOUTHERNTROPHYHUNTERS.COM

BYRON FERGUSON

“MASTER OF THE LONGBOW” ALL WEEKEND LONG

PLUS • LIVE! SNAKE & REPTILE SHOW • 200+ EXHIBITORS • OPEN INDOOR ARCHERY TOURNAMENT & YOUTH RANGE

BRIAN QUACA

“PIGMAN” SUNDAY, JULY 13TH 10AM - 3PM

COMPETITION / EXHIBITION ALL WEEKEND LONG

CONNECT WITH US

2014 SPONSORS

HONOR THY HEROES MILITARY, FIRST RESPONDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE ADMITTED FREE!* SPONSORED BY THE TAMPA TRIBUNE. MUST PRESENT PROPER I.D.

*

www.SouthernTrophyHunters.com facebook.com/southerntrophyhunters twitter.com/sotrophyhntrs General Info: 334.699.BUCK (2825) Vendor Info: jill@southerntrophyhunters.com

www.recypoly.com

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 25

Making a Difference in Florida:

Sportsmen’s Economic Impact Outdoor activities generate billions of dollars for Florida.

In fact, fishing, hunting and related activities, including boating and wildlife viewing, contribute over $25 billion to Florida’s economy each year. Along with that, nearly 138,547 jobs are required by those activities.

The breakdown of the different areas of outdoor activities is interesting. Outdoorsmen and visitors that go boating bring the most to our state’s economy with over $10.5 billion. Saltwater fishing comes in a close second contributing 65,200 jobs and $7.15 billion. Freshwater fishing brought in $1.75 billion annually with 956,000 Florida resident anglers and 258,000 non-residents. All of these visitors and local sportsmen continue to keep Florida as the Fishing Capital of the World, with New York being a far second according to research through the American Sportfishing Association. There are about 242,000 hunters in Florida each year, making an economic impact of $1.07 billion and 14,700 jobs.

26 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Many of us here in the Heartland have a love for the outdoors.

Some like to hunt, some like to fish, while others prefer to bird watch, hike, boat or all of the above. Though our white- tailed deer may not be the biggest in the country, people from other states come to Florida to hunt them due to the unique environments, which offer a challenge like nowhere else. Some seek the skittish Osceola turkey, which has been deemed by many as the most challenging turkey in the U.S. to hunt. One cannot forget the prized red drum or bonefish, which draw anglers to our part of the state each year. The list could literally go on for pages, but the point is, our state has such awesome, diverse wildlife and ecosystems that people travel from all over the world just to come experience the Florida we live in every day.

July 2014

We reclaim the land to keep our future growing.

That’s our promise.

At Mosaic, our mission is to help the world grow the food it needs by providing essential crop nutrients. But before we begin phosphate mining operations, we work with regulators to carefully craft a reclamation plan that returns mined lands to productive uses. From wetlands and wildlife preserves to fishing lakes, citrus groves and public playgrounds, Mosaic’s 3,000-plus Florida employees are passionate about reclaiming the land for present and future generations to enjoy.

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

Reclaimed Upland Forest Former Kingsford Mine, Polk County

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 27

A Fish Tale from Hawaii

By Rhonda Glisson

In June of 1991, my husband, Bill, and I went marlin fishing in Kona, Hawaii. We hooked a fish and all I remember was it was unbelievable when it came out of the water. Two hours and 825 pounds later, after fighting the massive blue marlin, we couldn’t even get it in the boat. We just had to hook it on the side of the boat heading back to the marina.

When we got there, the local paper wanted to interview Billy, and of course we had to get it mounted. Now, deciding where to put an almost fourteen-foot fish is not easy.

Thanks to Raymond Brooker for coming up and figuring a way to hang it on the side of our living room.

That was right up there for excitement. We couldn’t come down for days and of course, Billy’s arms were a bit sore.

I remember this was when Mr. Glisson had just opened Glisson’s Animal Supply after being retired a bit. He didn’t have anything on the walls trying to get feed stocked, but he sure found room to put the picture and article up!

Moments like this spent with the ones you love are memories that last a lifetime. I am so thankful for the years, fish tales and many laughs I have spent with my family in the outdoors!

ton’s Jay Hous

HUNT CONNECTIONS Successful Hunting Since 1996

Your Personal Connection to the World’s Best Outfitters & Big Game Hunting

888-360-HUNT

www.huntconnections.com 28 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

Now booking for next season!

WWW.RIVERPASTURE.COM

RODGER DRAWDY

863 990 9851

CUSTOM GATES AND GATE OPERATOR SYSTEMS

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 29

SW FLORIDA GULF COAST

FISHING REPORT

By Captain Chris O’Neill

July marks what I consider the launch of the best four months of angling during each calendar year. Baitfish of various size and species are flooding into the estuaries, water temps have exceeded the magical 85 degrees and the fish are chewing the bottom out of the boat!

Simply put, opportunities are endless throughout the day and night and it’s not uncommon to score a gulf coast grand slam on any given day onboard my charters.

Inland fishing is paramount during this edition when targeting big shallow water gamefish. Monster snook are flowing in and out of the passes as they spawn and are eager to feed on your offering. My best tip to score larger snook is to use a very big bait.

I typically target giant snook under older/established docks located just inside of any local pass. For starters, to hook land and release the fish as quickly as possible, it is a good idea to beef up your tackle. Tarpon gear is ideal because it’s spooled up with 50+lb braid and a solid 80lb leader. Circle hooks are also a great idea when drifting large cut or live bait into the linesider’s strike zone. Besides the great snook fishing, we will begin to see migrating schools of bull redfish that come into the bays to feed as they travel north to spawn in the panhandle. Another tip is to have a larger casting rod rigged with a topwater plug like Bomber Saltwater Grades Badonkadonk on standby in the event that you encounter redfish schools or a curious cobia passing by.

Also, don’t forget night fishing under lighted docks provides a break from the

30 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

heat and boat traffic and you’re sure to hook into a myriad of species.

Nearshore fishing remains worldclass along the gulf coast. Tarpon are abundant and feeding aggressively through the month as they wrap up their annual spawn and prepare to move on to other areas. Tarpon season got off to a late start this year, and I anticipate a solid “poon” bite well into August as a result. For anglers in search of quality fillets, mangrove snapper is the name of the game when anchoring up around nearshore reef structure. Light chumming and downsizing terminal tackle when targeting mangrove snapper is my key to success and fish in the box. Many anglers make the mistake of chumming too heavily, and can easily turn off the bite. I use a new product called M-80 Supercharged Chum, which will literally bring every fish away from the reef and to your boat within minutes of deployment.

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.

July 2014

Offshore fishing is phenomenal during the summer months. This edition begins the annual five month gag grouper season. Remember, when fishing gulf waters it is mandatory to use non-offset circle hooks when targeting any bottom fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Gags hold tight to structure so anchoring and fishing vertically above your target area is a great technique to get it in their face. I use a standard knocker style rig, with fresh cut bait like mullet or strips of jack crevelle when targeting reef or hard bottom grouper.

Fast retrieving conventional reels like PENN’s new Squall 40LD mounted on a PENN Legion rod will really get the job done.

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.

Available in different colors and YOUTH shirts too!

Order at EvergladesSeasoning.com or at Glisson’s Animal Supply

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 31

Buck with one of his trophy catches.

Buck Durrance Guide Service

By Robbi Sumner

Buck Durrance of Okeechobee has been fishing nearly his entire life. “As a kid, I’d fish in local ponds, ditches, shell pits – wherever I could ride my bike to!” he shared with me during a recent visit. After graduating Okeechobee High School in 1986, Buck competed in a few tournaments and started providing guide services in the Lake Okeechobee area. “Lou Neil Garrard of Garrard’s Bait & Tackle Shop kept me booked solid the next January through March and I’ve just gone on from there.”

These days, Buck meets fishermen at Garrard’s, Fast Break Bait and Tackle, and Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters to reel in bass and blue gill on the lake. “I like to meet people early enough to be on the water by daylight, and typically put in at Okee-Tantie or Harney Pond, depending on conditions,” he said.

His twenty-foot “Big O” bass boat was built in Okeechobee and is perfect for taking out two or three anglers at a time, and Buck says that between January and April his clients caught over 3,500 fish, with 30 weighing in at eight pounds or more.

32 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Top RIght: A couple of Buck’s happy customers!

Above: Buck’s son Tuff often accompanies him fishing and gator hunting.

July 2014

Each July, Buck works with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on a short-term contract basis collecting alligator eggs in the Everglades and other South Florida pubic waterways. The collected eggs are sold

by FWC to alligator farmers, in turn helping to fund the FWC Alligator Management Program which includes the Nuisance Alligator, Alligator Harvest, Farming, Research, Education and other related programs.

Speaking of gators, Buck also takes people on guided gator hunts during alligator harvest season, which runs from midAugust through the end of October (broken into separately assigned hunting periods). Typically going out in his 19-foot john boat, he guides for hunters who have obtained their own required permit and tags, harvesting the gators at night from Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River.

Buck’s son Tuff, who just graduated with Honors from Okeechobee High School, often accompanies him on fishing trips and helps collect alligator eggs. In fact, Buck reports that the two had just caught 60-70 bass the day before our visit. Buck’s wife Sam has been known to reel in some big catches of her own too!

A dedicated family man, Buck is passionate about fishing and hunting and says he is “blessed to be able to fish for a living.”

(Although many of you may recognize him from Eli’s Western Wear, owned by his mom and dad and where he helps out when not guiding.) Buck cites winning the 1998 Florida Bassmaster Invitational as his greatest accomplishment with regards to tournament fishing, and says he most enjoys wild shiner fishing and flipping a black-blue gambler jig. Buck and his family also enjoy spending time deer hunting at their 4,000-acre hunting lease in Alabama.

To find out more about the guide services that Buck offers, give him a call at 863.634.1191

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 33

FLORIDA FARMING

By Ron Lambert

Adventures in Steinhatchee

G

reetings to all sportsmen and women in our beautiful Heartland! Many of our readers are avid fans and participants of outdoor activities throughout the year whether it is hiking, camping, hunting or fishing or some other enjoyable pastime. We are fortunate to be close to either coast of Florida as well as having access to lakes, rivers, springs and of course a number of state parks. I’m going to stress to all of you that may have young children who deserve to have the same type memories of life in the outdoors as you parents may have. If you didn’t grow up with a background in the outdoors, try some day trips, you and your kids will both learn about nature’s beauty and about each other as well.

I am planning to share a couple of accounts of trips that still lodge in my mind as a cherished memory of long ago.

Back in 1987, a close friend who lived in Avon Park and I began planning a weekend trip to an area that is so beautiful and remains unspoiled today. I am referring

34 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

to Steinhatchee, up in Florida’s big bend region. Many of you have heard of it, and some of the fortunate few have seen this gem first-hand. I had been in the area several time but my buddy Kris had not, so we set our sights on a 4-day trip. We planned to take my son Seth and his cousin Jay who were both 10 years old. Now, I want to make it perfectly clear that we did not own any fancy equipment to make life simpler on our adventure. We loaded an old July 2014

ghee-no on a 1976 flatbed truck and hooked to a small travel trailer. Then we all piled in and more or less hit the road. We made a stop in Lakeland at a business that some might remember; it was named Big L and was sort of like a very small Bass Pro Shop. We gathered up some snorkels and masks and made a stop at a Publix for a few essentials for the cooler.

We travelled up US 98 through Brooksville and on past Inglis and Gulf Hammock. We made a stop at a roadside park where there was an old steam locomotive left over from the logging industry in that area. The kids climbed all over that scalding hot relic, ringing the bell, pretending/ wishing that they were the engineers. Then, back in the truck for the last leg of the long, hot trip. Where you turned off of US19/98 at a wide spot in the road named Shamrock, the Steinhatchee River is a very narrow little creek that winds through the pinewoods on its way to its outlet into the Gulf of Mexico. At the mouth, it is maybe a quarter mile in width with a vast expanse of salt marsh and cabbage palm hammocks that provide a beautiful view. The water is fairly shallow, usually clear enough that you can see the grass, and wading was not difficult even for the youngsters to navigate.

We got there fairly late in the day and went down on the edge of the water to try to catch some blue crabs. We caught several on hand lines and found a couple of soft shell crabs that were hidden in the grass. The boys had a great time splashing around and getting muddy. As I had mentioned, we towed a travel trailer and set it up in a nice little campground right near the river’s edge. I can’t recall whether we cooked a meal that night at the campground or went down to a popular seafood restaurant named Cooeys that was very well known in that area.

July 2014

The next morning, bright and early, we put a breakfast together and got the boys to eat with a promise that we were going out in the boat real soon. Now, looking back, we had a glorified canoe with a 5.5 HP Johnson motor, two grown ups, two ten year olds, paddles, life vests, a cooler, gas tank and no extra space inside. Even so, we were able to get on a decent plane and soon were out into some real promising scallop territory. We were all just going by what others had told us was the best way to find scallops, which was go slow in 3or 4-foot of water looking for their grayish shells. It wasn’t long before we began to see a few here and there and we got out to wade and pick them up. Most everywhere, I could just reach down and pick them up, while the kids would have to dive in and swim for the tasty morsel. I guess that summer was a great season because the water was clear and cool and the turtle grass was full of scallops. Every where we looked were two to five nice plump scallops within reach of an eager young kid to put into a growing collection. In addition, we would come across an occasional blue crab that we would net and dump into our cooler.

Back at the campsite, we boiled some blue crab and cleaned a few dozen scallops which we sautéed for a tasty dinner.

French fries, scallops, blue crab and Coca Cola made for a wonderful, fresh dinner. Everyone was tired from wading and being out in the sun all day so off to bed to rest to do it over again the next day!

We met some real nice folks who came down from Georgia to scallop. Now, these folks had a system going for sure. They had a pontoon boat with a cleaning table and two small nets that they pulled behind the boat. Every so often the men would pull in a net and empty it on deck for the wives to clean and store in Ziploc bags on ice. I’m not sure how long they had been there or how long they stayed but they were serious scallopers on their little factory boat.

We picked up all we could fit into the coolers we had and wound up with several pints of the tasty morsels. This account may jog the memory of some of you who read these words. This happened over 25 years ago, but time has not blurred the memory of a very enjoyable outing in the Sunshine state. My son is grown and has a family of his own and I am proud to say that he and his family spend a lot of time out in their boat. Both of their kids know the thrill of the exhilaration of a strong fish on the end of a monofilament line. Do something with your young kids soon, because they will be grown before you know it!

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 35

TURKEY TALKIN’ WITH

JEREMY BROOKER

By Morgan Taylor Norris

FOR SEBRING NATIVE JEREMY BROOKER, TURKEY HUNTING IS HIS WAY OF LIFE. Jeremy has been hunting the majority of his life; starting with his first turkey hunt with his dad when he was about nine. Jeremy started hunting regularly around eleven years old and hasn’t looked back since. He said that when he was younger, he would tag along with his father, Raymond Brooker. “He would drop me off at a tree, go hunt and then come pick me up later,” Jeremy said. That’s all it took to for the now avid hunter’s passion to ignite.

A sportsman of all kinds with an appreciation for the outdoors, Jeremy said his favorite animal to hunt is, “Turkey.

By far!” As we talked, he told story after story of different

36 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

hunts over the years. No detail left unturned and included many variations of turkey calls just as if that was part of the English language and normal conversation. I truly felt like I was sitting in the field right beside him and could picture the gobblers answering the call. If you know Jeremy, you may know he is one of the best turkey callers in the state of Florida (Although, he will humbly deny that claim). His humor, great storytelling and excitement for the sport are contagious. I’m ready to get an Osceola of my own next season!

Jeremy shared some insight into the art of turkey calling. He said it wasn’t until 2006, after several years of practicing, that he really got a handle on it. He explained that it’s not necessarily perfecting the call, but more perfecting when you call and for how long. “It is mainly about what the gobblers and other turkeys will allow you to do,” he said. “I am still amazed every time a bird comes in because you have to convince them to come to you. That is defying nature.”

July 2014

Jeremy shared the story of his proposal, also what he refers to as his “greatest turkey hunt of all time” and he didn’t even kill one! No one could tell the story better than Jeremy himself, so he helped out…

It is important to understand the bird’s age and personality as that plays a big part in successfully calling turkeys. For example, a two-year old is the easiest because they have just reached sexual maturity, while an older gobbler is harder and wiser; he waits for the hens to come to him. “No matter what age, when that bird flies in and you see the shine of the bronze in his feathers, I still get the same rush as I did the first time!”

His longest, most frustrating and most rewarding hunt shows the variety of calls that have to be used and the importance of understanding how the birds interact. “My proudest hunt took 21 days and was bittersweet when it ended,” Jeremy said. With one week left in the 2007 season and already calling the bird in 5 times, he never had a clean shot. Patience paid off on the sixth time and after getting creative with his calls, he was able to bring in the entire group, hens and all.

He had the opportunity to take a shot and finally got the trophy bird- 21 pounds, 12 ¼ inch beard and 1 3/8 inch spur.

A true wild Osceola and Jeremy has the scar from the spur to prove it! The irony of getting spurred was that Jeremy had to imitate a fight sequence between two hens going at it to get the birds to finally come to him.

When asked who his favorite hunting partner is, without hesitation he replied, “Sarah; for sure!” Sarah is Jeremy’s wife and has been his hunting partner for about twelve years now. When she isn’t in the woods with Jeremy, Sarah is the new Assistant Principal at Lake County Elementary.

You could hear the smile in his voice as Jeremy told the story of the first time he took Sarah hunting. It was Thanksgiving Day and she shot an 8-point; her first deer, and according to Jeremy, she has been hooked ever since! “If I was going to the woods, she was right there by my side.” He may love hunting, but you can tell that he also really loves hunting with his best friend. He even proposed on a hunt. “Sarah knows my passion for hunting and has never told me I couldn’t go to the woods.” I say that’s a great catch!

July 2014

For Sarah, this was just another morning going to the turkey woods with her boyfriend. For me, it would be the most memorable turkey hunt of my life. Sarah had no idea that a week prior to this day I had made lunch plans with her dad and dessert plans with her mom to ask their permission to marry their daughter. Sarah also didn’t know that days before that morning I went to a local sign shop and had the sign made.

She didn’t realize that the night before after dropping her off, I drove my truck to the field where we would be sitting and nailed the sign to a lone pine tree 150 yards away from the trees we would be sitting next to. She also couldn’t see my hands shaking when she climbed in my truck an hour before first light as we made our way to the woods.

As we set up in the dark, I noticed a slight layer of fog out in the pasture and asked God not to let it cover my sign. A big relief came when a slight breeze pushed out the fog and all you could see where silhouettes of trees in the distance. I peered out to the tree where the sign was nailed 10’ off the ground and could only make the shape. “Perfect” I thought, I didn’t want her to be able to read it until it was good and light outside. As we waited for the sounds of morning to come, we heard a cluck in the tree next to us! I slowly leaned my head back and 25 feet up in the tree was a red headed turkey! I immediately shared the news with Sarah and instructed her to be absolutely still. I let out some very soft tree yelps of my own and BAM, immediately he let out a gobble. It was a broken, choppy, terrible gobble and I knew then it was a young Jake. As soon as he gobbled, another more mature tom answered and he was about 400 yards out. We sat silent, staring at the Jake waiting on him to make his fly down. I wasn’t going to shoot him, but didn’t want him seeing us either. What happened next was truly a gift from God. When he took flight, he didn’t land next to my Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 37

decoys that were 20 yards in front of us; nope, he flew 150 yards away and landed next to the tree where the sign was!

This was it; the time had come. I grabbed my binoculars and slid them to Sarah. “Quick” I said, “tell me what he’s doing, but first read that sign to me”. As she was trying to read the sign through my binos, I reached in my pocket and pulled out that little black box and held it open for her to see. I could see the brief confusion in her eyes as she was looking through the binoculars and then I could tell she “got it”. With tears in her eyes she looked back at me and saw the ring. All she could do is nod and smile. We shared a brief hug and kiss and then I realized we were still turkey hunting and quickly told Sarah to settle down and stop moving. The morning ended with the mature gobbler hanging up on the property fence line, but I could care less. We loaded up and I drove her around town telling everyone I knew she said “YES!”

A few years ago, Jeremy got an airboat and said he takes it out gator hunting and frog gigging; “That stuff is alright, but I really do it just to pass the time until the other seasons come back around.”

When picturing his dream hunt, Jeremy imagines elk hunting in the Colorado Mountains. “Just like you see in the movies…”

Jeremy began to describe, “I want to be on horseback for days in the mountains. Sleeping at night in a white t-pee with smoke billowing from the fire. And at the end of the week, come down the mountain with a trophy elk!”

Since both Jeremy and Sarah have such a passion for the sport, it was only natural to pass it along to their children.

They have a two-year-old daughter, Claire, who went on her first turkey hunt earlier this year. Jeremy said as soon as she saw the hens walking up the row she exclaimed, “Turkey!

Turkey! Turkey!” It must just be in her blood. They are also expecting a son, Cole, on July 31st and Jeremy is already planning father-son trips for the two of them!

From hunting across central Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and dreaming of Colorado, Jeremy Brooker defines what it means to be a sportsman.

When he isn’t hunting with his family, Jeremy is involved with Central Florida Sportsmen where he offers guide services.

A close second to turkey hunting, Jeremy enjoys all things related to archery. He said he even prefers his bow to his gun throughout all deer season. He explained that with bow hunting, you have to be less than 20 yards away and you get up close and intimate with the animal.

38 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

Swamp People in the Heartland: A Memorable Trip with Central Florida Sportsman

J

ay Paul Molinere of the History channel’s hit TV show Swamp People and Brian Offutt of Under Armour ended their second trip with the local guides of Central Florida Sportsman, CFS, and are already planning their third trip! Joe Minshew of CFS showed these guys around the Heartland for a great time of gator hunting, shark fishing and more!

“My trip with Brian and Jay Paul started on a Tuesday night,” Joe said. “As we got settled in the lodge, it was non-stop from there!” The first stop on the adventure was in Arcadia where the guys had gators on their minds. This was Brian’s first encounter with a gator and he was up. After several attempts to put a spot n stalk failed, they finally caught a gator slipping into its den. With its tail barley exposed and a quick thrust from the harpoon, Brian had stuck his first gator! A few good pulls and a bit of a struggle to pull the beast out, the gator’s head was exposed, giving Brian the opportunity for the bang stick. The struggle was finished and Brian had his first gator.

They finished the night with two more and headed back to the lodge.

The next morning, they met up with Captains Zacko and Wayne bright and early. After gigging stingrays for bait in Boca Grande, they were off with Bull Sharks on the hit list. In about ten minutes, Jay Paul had landed his first bull, a quick

July 2014

hook up on the 7-foot shark. They took some pictures and released the shark ready for more. As they were waiting to hook another, they got a surprise; Brian hooked a 200-pound Goliath Grouper! Since these are a protected species and not allowed to be taken out of the water, they climbed in after landing him, took some photos and set him free for the next angler’s big fight.

A big day on the water was complete and they headed back to the lodge for an early flight. Joe said, “A great trip with good friends, and already planning another adventure really soon!”

If you would like to book your own adventure with the guys at Central Florida Sportsman, contact Joe Minshew at 863-4430511, joe@centralfloridasportsman.com or Jeremy Brooker at 863-381-9518.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 39

4 F LLC GATOR FARM:

Heading Back to the Wild

By Dixie Thomas In the distance, I heard a roll of thunder and I could feel drops of rain fall on my face as I squinted my eyes to get a better look at the creature, which looked as grey as the encroaching storm clouds. The creature, an eleven foot American male Alligator, was unmoved and unconcerned by the rain or my presence. Only his head and a portion of his back floated in the water, camouflaged by some grass in one of the 220 ponds located at 4 F LLC Gator Farm. Eugene Turner, Jr. and Robert Albritton of Arcadia bought the land that they now call the 4 F LLC Gator Farm, in 2012. The purpose of the farm is to breed gators which are sold for their meat and hides. Gators ranging in size from four to thirteen feet inhabit the farm.

The 80-acre gator farm is located in a rural area near Nocatee, Florida, and was previously used as a fish farm. The gator ponds, which were formerly used for Guppy fish, are set up in a series of rows which are close together but far enough apart to permit driving in between them. Robert explains that the gators presently on the farm were acquired through nuisance trappers, and Robert and Eugene have caught some of the gators for land owners that wanted the gators removed. The gators are caught by snagging them with a large treble hook and reeled in on a heavy duty fishing pole. Then, someone must hold the gator while its mouth is tapped. Of course, catching the gators lends itself to both danger and excitement, so it’s no surprise that Robert said, “Catching the gators is our favorite part of the job.”

40 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

“Captivity breeding has never really been successful,” says Robert, “because the diet [of the gators’] is changed too much and because of the water quality.” But 4 F LLC Gator Farm is changing this paradigm. One of the keys to the farm’s success is providing a habitat that is as similar as possible to a habitat of wild gators.

Though the perimeter of the farm is fenced with chain link fencing, the gators are not limited to a single pond. As a result, the gators are able to naturally distribute their population and travel from pond to pond, just as a gator would travel in the wild.

The ponds also have natural grasses and mildly murky water, as gators would have in the wild. Grasses and murky water help provide a sense of cover for the gators to hide and reduces the tendency for gators to be territorially aggressive. Water in the ponds is naturally murky, but well water is pumped into the ponds to aerate and freshen the water. Keeping with a natural environment, the gators also have access to food they would eat in the wild.

July 2014

Allowing the gators to distribute themselves naturally in the system of ponds also aids the breeding program at the farm.

Proper male and female ratio is important for breeding; Robert explains that one male to three females is preferable. Not having overpopulated ponds helps prevent the male gators from fighting over the females. Furthermore, “the female [gators] are the picky ones, just like humans,” said Robert. A female gator will not breed if she doesn’t like the scent or a certain characteristic of a male gator, so it is important to allow the females to choose from a selection of males, Robert explains. Breeding at the farm takes place like it would in the wild; the breeding season starts in the spring and the females finish laying eggs by July, then by midSeptember, eggs start hatching. Female gators build nests out of grass and sand which decompose, and in so doing, keep the eggs warm. Most nests have an average of 30 eggs.

Collecting eggs is a central focus for the farm. Larger gators are kept simply for the purpose of breeding and producing eggs to hatch. The farm also collects eggs from other land. In fact, 4F LLC leases land for the purpose of collecting eggs in over ten counties in Florida, including Manatee, Desoto, Sarasota, Hendry, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola, and Collier counties. Once gator eggs are collected, they are taken to a large incubator in one of the farm’s buildings. The incubator measures about 2,000 square feet and has been sprayed with heavy-duty foam, which helps maintain a constant temperature of about 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature necessary for hatching the eggs.

Each nest of eggs is put into separate insulated boxes then placed in the incubator. Last year, the farm hatched out about 6,500 eggs and sold them to other farms for cash flow. This year, the farm expects to hatch out 15,000 to 20,000 eggs. 4 F LLC is working toward constructing a building to grow out hatchling gators.

Ideally, the hatchling gators would be grown to the length of four to six feet and then butchered. The meat from these gators will be sold to local restaurants and their hides will be sold primarily to

July 2014

purse making companies in France and Italy. Gators ranging from four to six feet are preferable because their skin patterns become too large for purses once they grow above that length, and older gators tend to acquire scars on their skins from fighting. Most gators in the wild will have scars and imperfections on their skins, but having the gators in a farm environment where they have plenty of food and are less likely to fight, helps improve the quality of their skins. Gators also grow faster in the farming environment where plenty of food is available. Typically, gators grow an average of a foot a year in the wild, whereas in a farm they often reach six feet in only 18 months.

Historically, gator hunting, poaching and habitat loss from development has declined the gator population in Florida.

In 1967, alligators were classified as endangered species.

However, government wildlife agencies, the protection under the Endangered Species Act, and gator farms like 4 F LLC have helped the gator population make a come-back. As of 1987, gators are no longer considered endangered. Farms like 4 F LLC Gator Farm actually help manage healthy gator populations by removing large gators or females that become too large and crush their nests, and by providing farms that serve as a preserve for gator populations to breed. 4 F LLC provides a natural environment where gators can travel, breed, hunt, bellow and make a splash.

Whether you are a gator or a visitor, a trip to 4 F LLC will be like heading back to the wild.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 41

A Bakers Dozen

of Things Women Need To Know About Hunting

By Brenda Valentine, First Lady of Hunting™

It’s no secret there has been a sharp increase of women in the field, woods and waters the past several years. This is an all-around good thing for the future of hunting through license and equipment sales, the maternal influence of our youth plus the enhanced power of voting for leaders that are favorable of protecting our gun rights and hunting freedom.

The recruitment of women to the outdoors and hunting community has rightfully left a few questions in the minds of some gals who are new to hunting. I’ve gleaned through my lifetime of hunting experience to offer a list of what I consider the top 13 things women need to know about hunting.

1. Being a female is not a handicap. Where men may have more muscle or endurance we probably have more patience and stealth.

2. Hunting is not a competition. It should be rewarding to you no matter the size or success. Don’t get caught up in comparisons.

3. Realize that hunting is an ongoing learning experience.

Nobody ever learns all there is to know.

4. Killing an animal is a very small part of the overall hunting experience.

5. The realization of providing your own healthy organic food & self-sufficiency is empowering.

6. Start small and grow. I recommend learning to hunt small game such as rabbit, squirrel or birds before attempting anything larger. You will learn valuable lessons that will make you a more skilled hunter later on.

7. Learn to dress for comfort and function even if this means leaving your fashion self at home.

8. Don’t overlook hunting with a bow or crossbow. Many women excel at bowhunting and prefer it due to the tranquility of the sport and the challenge it creates.

9. Become comfortable with your equipment by regularly going to the range and attending instructional classes such as an NWTF Women In The Outdoors event.

10. Find a mentor or be a mentor. An ideal mentor is patient, has years of hunting experience, who diligently practices safety and abides by all game laws.

11. Accept the fact that hunting is not for everyone but neither is football or scuba diving. Hunt for yourself and never to please someone else.

12. Notice the little things and enjoy them. This is a time to see nature up-close so go ahead and snap photos of that glorious sunrise or those songbirds while you are out there.

13. Know that regulated hunting is a vital component of conservation and the well being of wildlife.

AN UPLAND BIRD HUNTER’S PARADISE in an Old Florida

setting at its finest!

Whether it’s just for fun or mixing a little business with pleasure, Quail Creek Plantation awards the prize when it comes to an outdoor paradise for hunting and fishing. Shoot some sporting clays to warm up before finding the covey on a guided hunt for upland birds. Finish the day with a pole and go angling for that big fish to talk about later. Kick back and enjoy the Quail Creek Lodge and dine on fried quail for lunch, or have our gourmet chefs help you plan a special dinner for a fundraiser or private event at Quail Creek Plantation.

WEDDINGS || CONFERENCES || FUNDRAISERS/BANQUETS || SPORTING CLAYS 12399 Northeast 224th Street • Okeechobee, Florida 34972 • 863-763-2529 www.quailcreekplantation.com • reservations@quailcreekplantation.com

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 43

Veterans participated in a turkey hunt at Camp Prairies in Osceola. Camp Prairie is being built for wounded veterans on the 4,000-acre tract that is part of Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.

More than 400 Wounded Veterans Contributed to Successful “Operation Outdoor Freedom” Hunting Season This Year

60 Events Included Alligator and Turkey Hunts, Fishing, Canoeing, More Mike Jorgenson, a wounded blind veteran, caught this 11’3’’ alligator on a recent gator hunt.

H

undreds of wounded veterans have enjoyed unique opportunities to hunt, fish and boat in Florida’s forests, ranches and waterways this year through another successful Operation Outdoor Freedom season.

As Memorial Day approaches, Operation Outdoor Freedom celebrates its third year of events that accommodate wounded veterans in activities they love at no cost. The program, launched by Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam in 2011 and led by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service, hosted more than 400 wounded veterans on hunts, fishing trips and other activities over the past year.

44 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

“It is an honor to help these men and women enjoy outdoor activities across our beautiful state,” said Commissioner Putnam. “We can never repay the sacrifices they made to help protect our country, but we can try to give back in small ways that make a difference in their lives. On this Memorial Day, and every day, we are thankful for the courage and bravery of our Armed Forces.”

Operation Outdoor Freedom offers wounded veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces recreational opportunities on state forests and private lands, including guided hunting events and fishing trips. During the recent hunting season, more than 400 wounded veterans participated in 60 activities, including alligator, deer and hog hunts; quail and turkey hunts; freshwater fishing and canoeing. For some of the wounded veterans who participated, it was the first opportunity to get outdoors since returning home from duty.

July 2014

Robinson Seafood hosted a fishing event for 30 wounded veterans at Cedar Key.

July 2014

Since Operation Outdoor Freedom was established in 2011, the Florida Forest Service has hosted more than 700 veterans on more than a dozen state forests, private ranches and timber lands, as well as the state’s coast.

Areas of Florida State Forests dedicated to this effort are fully equipped to accommodate the needs of wounded veterans, providing a unique opportunity for recreation and rehabilitation. All funding for the hunts is generated through private donations. Veterans participate at no charge. For more information on Operation Outdoor Freedom, go to www.

OperationOutdoorFreedom.com.

The Florida Forest Service manages more than 1 million acres of public forest land while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 45

PROFESSIONAL OUTFITTERS: YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR A SUCCESSFUL WESTERN BIG GAME HUNT

BY JAY HOUSTON, CEO HUNT CONNECTIONS PROFESSIONAL HUNTING CONSULTANT AUTHOR OF 5 TOP SELLING BOOKS ON ELK HUNTING JAY@HUNTCONNECTIONS.COM (888) 360-HUNT

T

here is nowhere you will learn more about elk hunting faster than on a fully-guided hunt with a reputable professional outfitter. To make this point let me say this again, there is nowhere you will learn more about elk hunting faster than on a fully-guided hunt with a reputable professional outfitter.

Professional outfitters are in the business of elk hunting or planning for elk hunts 365 days per year. These outfitters and their guides live elk hunting, breathe elk hunting, and sleep elk hunting. It’s not a hobby or a desire to hunt with their buddies that drives professional outfitters. It is how they make a living, and if they do not consistently produce quality hunts for their clients, they do not stay in business for long.

Licensed professional outfitters are at the top of their game.

For the elk hunter who is either new to the sport or does not have the time necessary to devote to learning how elk live and move in a particular area in preparation for an upcoming hunt, an outfitter is without question your best resource for success.

46 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Statistics tell us that the average elk hunter is successful one year out of every eight. Such data can reflect a wide range of variables including: adverse weather, drought, herd dispersion, predation, food supply, hunting pressure, a hunter’s stamina, and more. The one factor that may have more effect on success than any other however, is a hunter’s preparation and participation…or lack thereof.

Every year via referrals from satisfied clients and our business website Hunt Connections.com, I am contacted by hundreds of hunters looking for the best opportunity they can find for a successful elk hunt. In the 17 years that I have been a hunting consultant, 70% of those contacts are from hunters who whole-heartedly expect to spend a week in elk camp and go home with a cooler full of elk steaks, yet they have either never been elk hunting, or they have absolutely no idea where or maybe even how to hunt elk.

July 2014

Every year, thousands of would-be elk hunters head out into elk country unprepared and lacking the required knowledge and ability to achieve a safe and successful hunt. They opt for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) option because they will not take the time to do a little math to compare the actual hard costs of success in a DIY (do-it-yourself) environment vs. the cost of a guided hunt. Additionally some even allow their ego to get in the way of their own better judgment. They convince themselves that they know more about elk hunting than they actually do. Let’s look at an example that I believe will help you see the value of hunting at least once with a quality professional outfitter. The following example will clearly show why hunting with an outfitter is cheaper than DIY if SUCCESS is your goal.

To make sure that we are comparing apples to apples we need to compare the actual costs required of the hunter to achieve the same level of success with an outfitter as hunting on his own. For purpose of this argument, I will set this at a 65% probability of success. In short what does it take or cost for a hunter to achieve a 65% probability of success?

Cost of an Average Successful Outfitter Hunt

The average cost of a fully-guided elk hunt in Colorado, the most popular elk hunting destination on the planet is about $5,000 plus the cost of tags and travel, so let’s round that up to $6,250. Granted some guided hunts cost more, but this is the average for 2013. In return for your investment here is what the hunter can reasonably expect.

• Opportunity success ratio typically in excess of 50%. Many outfitters can demonstrate consistent annual average ratios in the 75-80% opportunity range. Opportunity is the true measure of the abilities of the outfitter. This measures the ability of the outfitter to place a hunter in the position to have a reasonable opportunity to take a shot at a legal animal. Unlike a true success ratio (above), the kill ratio also includes a metric for the hunter missing the shot or passing up the shot for a chance at a better animal. Kill ratios are not true measures of the outfitter’s ability but include the actions and abilities of the hunter as well.

• An experienced elk hunting guide who is intimately familiar with the area to be hunted, understands elk habits and behavior, knows their travel and feeding habits in the area, has knowledge of the use of calls, and knows how to place his client in the position to have a shot at a legal animal.

• A readymade camp complete with cook, heated sleeping tents or cabins with padded cots, a warm comfy cooking and eating tent, three nourishing meals every day (plus almost all the midday snacks you can eat), hot coffee and hot water available at almost any time, plenty of clean safe

July 2014

drinking water that you don’t have to haul, all cooking and dishwashing is provided by staff, and a covered facility for taking care of personal business (sometimes heated and stocked with hunting magazines).

• Daily hunting transportation usually in the form of rider friendly mountain ready riding and packhorses or mules.

• Wrangler: this is the guy or gal who gets up two hours before your alarm goes off in the wee hours to feed, water and prepare your mount (horse) for the day’s hunt. He is also the one to whom you hand off your horse at the end of the day to feed, water, unsaddle, and care for. (Another hour). Oh…and if the horse gets loose and runs off a few miles, gets sick or goes lame, this is the guy who takes care of those problems as well.

• Packers who weigh, load and haul all of your personal gear up and down the mountain so you don’t have to, and field dress your elk and pack it from the kill site all the way down the mountain to your truck.

• A professional licensed insured outfitter who in most cases will handle all of the planning and licensing application process for you. Who will be there to take care of your every need 24 hours a day and will attend to your needs should you become sick or injured.

• Tags. Cost: $575

• Travel. Cost $500

• Chance of Success: 50-75% average.

• Total out of pocket average cost: $6,250 + tips

The Cost of Achieving 65 Percent Success on a Do-It-Yourself Hunt

Remember, our goal in this comparison is to determine the actual costs for an inexperienced hunter to achieve a 65% opportunity for success. Using an average of state statistics this will take an inexperienced non-resident elk hunter five years to achieve. That is five hunts!! Have a look at the associated costs.

• Acquisition cost of a complete elk camp including tent(s), heating stove, cooking stove, cooking equipment, water containers and water purification systems, cooking fuel, wood or gas for heat, cots, pads, tables, chairs, lanterns, and everything else under the sun that you think you have to have. Cost: $3,500 (This is conservative.)

• One first-rate mountain-ready horse. Cost: $3,000

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 47

July’s Fishing Spotlight brought to you by Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters 30 East Wall Street, Frostproof spurlows.outdoors@hotmail.com 863-635-0240 www.spurlows.com

WILL AND WYATT FRYER Wyatt and Will are the sons of Jason and Olivia Fryer of Sebring, and the grandsons of Bill and Sandra Bone. They are four years old and best friends. They love to fish with Dad, explore the outdoors, help take care of grandaddy’s cows and work with tools.

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

BROOKER AND MARY KATE REVELL Brooker and Mary Kate are the children of Jared and Bonny Revell of Sebring. Brooker is 7 years old, going into the 2nd grade at Cracker Trail Elementary School.

He is a member of the TriPOWER triathlon team and loves to run, bike, swim, fish and play with his cousins.

His favorite subject in school is science.

Mary Kate is three and a half years old and attends First Baptist Church Preschool. She loves gymnastics, ballet, horses and playing with her cousins.

Both Brooker and Mary Kate love going on camping trips with mommy and daddy!

Brooker likes to catch snook around Little Gasparilla Island

Mary Kate waiting for a fish to bite on Lake June

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

SPONSORED BY:

Glisson’s Animal Supply

Youth Spotlight KALEN ROYAL AND HUNT LIFE

By Kyndall Robertson

All these things hold a special place in your heart if you “don’t just live life...hunt life”. Which is the slogan of Hunt Life, a company that provides apparel for men, women and children that share the same passion for hunting that burned inside avid outdoorsmen Major Harding and Ladson Montgomery Sr. Both men are life long residents and recognized business men in Jacksonville, Florida; together they founded Hunt Life in 2007.

Sitting in the woods, high in a stand perfectly hidden in camouflage, still as the night; the sun starts coming up giving a beautiful glow to what was darkness minutes before, the woods completely come alive around you. The adrenaline that courses through your veins as you align your crosshairs on the animal you have waited for all season. The valuable time you spend with your closest family and friends getting ready for another hunting season or celebrating your latest trophy.

50 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

What is Hunt Life? “Hunt Life perfectly describes what kind of people we are and how we live the lives we’ve been blessed to have. It’s about loving this country and the land it’s sitting on. It’s about loving the outdoors and taking care of it by managing land and animal populations. It’s about being somebody people can count on, and being somebody that works hard, plays hard, and rests easy at night. It’s enjoying time with family and friends-swapping stories, having a good laugh, and sitting together in silence as the forest wakes up around us. The Hunt Life has no season; it’s all year long, and it’s everywhere we go.”

By November of 2013, Harding and Montgomery were no longer able to devote the time to Hunt Life that they desired, so they chose to pass the responsibility of running the daily July 2014

operations of the company over to Montgomery’s son Ladson and his friend, Kalan Royal, a native of the Heartland.

Kalan was born and raised in Wauchula and is the son of David and Tanya Royal and brother to Kramer. His love for the outdoors and hunting is a family trait that he comes by honest. He jokingly said, “the only thing Pops loved more than his grand kids was hunting and fishing.� Anyone who was fortunate enough to know his grandfather, Clarence Bolin, knows that while he loved hunting and fishing, his grandkids were his true pride and joy. Kalan remembers going on his first hunt when he was 10 years old. Now, Kalan enjoys hunting deer, ducks, hogs and turkeys. He said that hunting deer had always been his favorite until he went on his first duck hunt and limited out on opening day last season; duck hunting quickly moved to the top of his list. He has enjoyed hunting all across the Heartland most of his life, but says North Florida is also a beautiful place to hunt.

The guys of Hunt Life are working hard so that here in the Heartland, and people all across the nation, can have apparel that testifies to the great life that is Hunt Life.

For more information on Hunt Life, you can check out their Website www.huntlife.com Facebook: Hunt Life, Twitter or Instagram: Hunt Life Gear, or contact Kalan at kroyal@ huntlife.com or Ladson at lfmontgomery@huntlife.com

Kalan is responsible for promoting Hunt Life, running their Facebook page, and making contacts with retailers to have their products put in stores. Kalan and Ladson are busy creating new shirt designs and coming up with other product ideas. Currently they have hats, t-shirts and decals that can be purchased from their website, www.huntlife.com. Work is being done to have a new website running in July. They have a new product line at the press, set to hit the market in the fall that will include sweatshirts, polos, PFG shirts and new t-shirt designs. When this new line comes out, they intend to begin trying to push their products into stores. They have also lined up professional football players and Major League Baseball players with Hunt Life gear, in an attempt to reach their goal of becoming a nationally recognized brand.

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 51

THE TIMBERS AT CHAMA What’s in a name? Take the Timbers at Chama for instance… it just has a certain ring to it. It’s a modern five-star yet rustic timber-framed lodge tucked into a valley outside the town of Chama, New Mexico. It sounds like the kind of place you want to spend the afternoon sipping coffee, maybe tossing another log into the massive fireplace while watching the snow fall silently upon the Brazos Mountains. Well, The Timbers is a perfect place for all that. But from September through December, during daylight hours, at least, you’ll barely be indoors long enough to enjoy the five-star amenities or first class food. There are far too many elk and deer to hunt.

When I first visited The Timbers at Chama, I was blown away with the amenities. I quickly realized, however, this place wasn’t all hat and no horse-it is as much about the hunting as it is the food and lodging. For owner Bill Glisson, it is about providing the total package. “I elk hunted the West for years as a client,” Bill replied when I asked him how The Timbers came to be. “I had hunted all over and had never seen a place quite like northern New Mexico. I fell in love with the country and decided I wanted to be involved in the outfitting business.

I knew what I wanted from an operation as a client and felt I

could deliver it as an outfitter. One thing I knew I had to have was a place in northern New Mexico, specifically Unit 4. After some searching, we found The Timbers. I bought it, and it may have been the best decision I ever made.”

It only takes one look to see why Glisson was so enamored with the country. The lodge is surrounded by idyllic elk and deer habitat. Mature dark timber intersperses the short scrub junipers while the long, yellow cheat grass fills in the voids.

It is the kind of country that holds a lot of game. Directly around the lodge, 1,400 acres provide a tranquil hunting paradise. And within 10 miles, Glisson has exclusive access to some 10,000 acres to keep pressure to a minimum.

During the week I hunted there, I got a glimpse of what it has to offer, as my partner and I tagged two good bulls, saw more big mule deer than I ever hope to see anywhere else, and somehow gained five pounds in the process. What more can you ask for?

For more information or to make reservations for your next hunt, visit TheTimbersatChama.com

By Mike Schoby, Reprinted from Petersen’s HUNTING

52 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

Florida Forest Service As the Hunting season begins, the Florida Forest Service would like to remind hunters to practice wildfire safety and use these tips to have an enjoyable and safe season.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Avoid burning feed bags and other materials that can create flying embers.

When shooting close to the ground, be sure there is no dry grass or tinder in front of your muzzle.

Though rare, it’s not impossible for a muzzle blast to ignite nearby leaves and grass.

Use caution with cigarettes, cigars and any lit substances.

Check for and obey all outdoor burn bans, please don’t build a fire during dry or windy conditions.

If there are no burn bans, keep your fire small and never leave it unattended. Make sure the fire is extinguished and cold to the touch before you leave it.

Drive only on designated trails.

Don’t park or idle vehicles in dry grass, which can be ignited by contact with a hot muffler or catalytic converter.

Inspect and use spark arresters on all ATV’s and power equipment.

For more wildfire safety tips or to report a Wildfire please contact your local Florida Forest Service office. www.floridaforestservice.com

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 53

Indian Hammock Hunt and Riding Club

By Robbi Sumner

L

ocated in northern Okeechobee County, Indian Hammock Hunt & Riding Club is a private, gated community with unique qualities unlike most residential areas. First developed in the 1970s, Indian Hammock encompasses 3,500 acres of old Florida complete with plenty of pine trees, scrub oaks, palmetto bushes and native wildlife.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Indian Hammock and enjoyed a private tour given by long-time resident Bill Black. “My wife’s step-dad, T.J. Durrance, helped to develop the property so our family has special ties here,� Bill shared.

Travelling the well-maintained shell rock roads with names like Quail Whistle, Cabbage Palm Court, Panther Pass, and Deer Run, I got an immediate sense for the tranquil setting enjoyed by residents. The paths wind through the community leading to homes and various recreational spots like Lake Coleman and the quaint outdoor chapel area where numerous holiday services and weddings have been held throughout the years.

Most of the 299 home sites vary in size from 2.4 to 4 acres and all have been sold to private owners, although only about 160-170 have had homes constructed on them. This

54 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

peaceful and secluded community offers several amenities ranging from a private airstrip and horse stables to the rustic lodge and sports complex. On the weekends, lunch is offered at the lodge on both Saturday and Sunday, with dinner on Saturday also providing an opportunity for members and guests to get together for fellowship. Horse owners can choose to keep their equines on their own property or board them at the stable, as well as having access to the practice arena and spacious tack room. The sports complex includes a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts and an indoor facility complete with free weights and other exercise equipment.

July 2014

For sports shooters, there is a rifle and pistol range in addition to an area set up for skeet and trap shooting. (A certified Range Officer must be present to use the range.) The skeet and trap fields are open every Sunday 9:00am to noon and often on Saturdays. The club also hosts organized shoots like the Indian Hammock American Skeet Championship 100bird shoot that was held on April 27th.

Much of the “land in common” at Indian Hammock is used for activities like horseback riding and hunting. There is also land that is privately leased for raising beef cattle.

Professional hunts Elk - rifle and archery Mule deer Spring turkey All private land No draw required Fully guided 575.588.7950 lodge 813.690.4100 cellular bill@thetimbersatchama.com

John Lynch has lived at Indian Hammock for twenty years and has served as Property Manager the past eighteen years. John has decided to retire December 31st, and the Home Owners Association has begun their search for his replacement. An ideal applicant would have experience with staff supervision, equipment and facilities management, budgeting and financial reporting. Holding a Community Association Manager’s license is preferred. The Property Manager takes direction from the thirteen-member, annually elected HOA Board. There is also a full-time secretary who handles much of the record and book-keeping.

For a full Property Manager job description and application package, please contact ihmgrsearch@gmail.com and visit http://www.ihammock.net.

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 55

Seafood Recipes From the Heartland

Honey Citrus Stone Crab Claws with Hearts of Palm Salad

Pan Grilled Red Snapper with Avocado Strawberry Salsa Ingredients: • 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped • 1 ripe avocado, diced • 2 cups strawberries, finely chopped • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon sugar • sea salt, to taste • 4 6-ounce red snapper fillets • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime zest • salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 1. Stir jalapeño, avocado, strawberries, onion, cilantro, lime juice, sugar and sea salt together in a bowl. Cover and set aside.

Salsa may be made several hours ahead and chilled. When making ahead, add the sugar, salt and avocado when ready to serve.

2. Preheat stovetop grill pan over high heat. Pat fillets dry then brush both sides with the oil; sprinkle with the lime zest, salt and pepper. Lay fillets on grill pan skin side down and cook 4-5 minutes on each side, turning once, until cooked through.

3. Transfer fillets skin side up to individual serving plates.

Carefully remove skin; top with avocado-strawberry salsa.

Recipe from freshfromflorida.com

56 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Ingredients • 3 pounds medium stone crab claws, cooked and chilled • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar • 1/4 cup honey • 1/2 cup orange or tangerine juice • 8 hearts of palm, fresh or canned • 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup red bell peppers, roasted, thinly sliced • 1/4 cup yellow bell peppers, roasted, thinly sliced • 2 medium oranges or tangerines, peeled and sectioned • 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves, chopped • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions: 1 Crack claws; remove shell and movable pincer, leaving the meat attached to the remaining pincer.

2. Set aside.

3. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, honey and orange or tangerine juice.

4. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened to syrup.

5. Remove from heat, cool and set aside.

6. Slice hearts of palm into thin strips.

7. In a bowl, combine the hearts of palm, onions, peppers, orange or tangerine segments,tarragon and spinach.

8. Dress salad with olive oil and vinegar; toss until moistened.

9. Serve salad in the center of each plate with stone crab claws arranged around the edge.

10. Drizzle the honey citrus sauce over all and garnish with chopped parsley.

11. Serve extra honey citrus sauce on the side.

Recipe from freshfromflorida.com

July 2014

Garlic Shrimp and Fried Green Tomatoes

Gator Bites Sampler

Ingredients: Garlic Shrimp • 4 to 6 sprigs rosemary • 24 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails intact • 1/4 cup olive oil • 4 medium cloves garlic, crushed and minced • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes • 2 teaspoons lemon zest • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 3 tablespoons lemon juice • salt to taste Ingredients: Fried Green Tomatoes • 4 green tomatoes • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal • 1 egg • 1/3 cup milk • salt and pepper, to taste • oil, for frying

Directions: Garlic Shrimp 1. Strip leaves off the bottom two-thirds of the rosemary sprigs.

2. Thread shrimp onto stem of each sprig.

3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat about 30-45 sec.

4. Add the garlic and shrimp; sauté over medium heat 4-5 min., turning skewers frequently until the shrimp just turn pink.

5. Add the parsley, lemon juice, and salt; stir well.

6. Remove from the pan and serve immediately with fried green tomatoes.

Ingredients: • Canola oil for frying • 2 cups Self-rising flour • 4 Tablespoons Everglades Heat Seasoning or Everglades Fish & Chicken Seasoning • 2 pounds Florida alligator nuggets • 1/3 Cup bottled jerk sauce • 1/3 Cup bottled teriyaki sauce • 1/3 Cup bottled sweet and sour sauce

Directions: 1. Heat the oil in deep fryer to 360 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients; mixing well.

2. Add a small amount of alligator nuggets to the flour mixture; coat well.

3. Remove and toss in a colander to remove excess flour.

4. Deep fry the nuggets in small batches for 3 minutes until golden brown; remove from hot oil and drain on absorbent paper.

5. Divide cooked bites into three bowls; add one flavored sauce to each bowl. Toss to coat evenly. Yield: 8 servings as an appetizer.

Directions: Fried Green Tomatoes 1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. 2. Slice unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2-inch-thick slices.

3. Mix flour, corn meal, salt and pepper in a shallow plate.

4. In a small bowl, beat egg and milk until combined.

5. Pour oil in a large cast-iron skillet; heat to 375o F. 6. Dip sliced tomato into egg mixture then dip into flour mixture coating both sides.

7. In the skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 4-6 minutes on each side or until brown.

8. Drain on paper towels or a rack.

0. Season to taste with salt and pepper then keep warm in preheated oven until ready to serve.

Recipe from freshfromflorida.com

July 2014

Recipe from Everglades Seasoning

Happy 4th of July from all your friends at Heartland

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 57

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Total Recipe Time: 40 minutes Makes 4 servings

Southwest Cheeseburgers Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef (75% to 80% lean) 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Salt and pepper 4 hamburger buns, split, toasted 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend 1/2 cup chopped tomato

Instructions: Combine Ground Beef, green onions and cumin in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties.

Place patties on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 10 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, covered, 7 to 9 minutes), until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160째F, turning occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

58 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Place burger on bottom of each bun; top with cheese and tomato. Close sandwiches.

Test Kitchen Tips

To broil, place patties on rack in broiler pan so surface of beef is 3 to 4 inches from heat. Broil 10 to 12 minutes, turning once, until instantread thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160째F. Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.

July 2014

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 59

Arcadia Hosts WRCA Ranch Rodeo Article and Photos By Kathy Gregg

S

unday, April 6, saw ten teams arrive at the Arcadia rodeo grounds ready to compete in the Working Ranch Cowboys Association ranch rodeo. This is the second such event to be held in the state of Florida for the finals in early November.

Unlike the Florida Cattlemen’s ranch rodeos, there is no requirement for a woman to be on each team, but that didn’t stop Sage Adams and Whitney Savoie, who competed on the Adams Ranch team and the Hilliard Bros./Lazy JB Ranch teams, respectively. The teams must be comprised of actual employees (which can include dayworkers) of the named team, which is why many of the teams are a combination of two ranches and/or cattle companies.

There were five events, being team sorting, wild cow milking, branding, stray gathering, and ranch bronc riding. The Grand Entry introduced the various teams, and included the American flag and the WRCA banner.

The rodeo began with the team sorting. Only one team member is allowed to be in the herd, while the remaining teammates hold the line, but they can switch out the member who is doing the actual sorting; this strategy does vary from

60 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

team to team. Once the numbered calf has been cut from the herd, another team member can help it to cross the line. This event requires eyes in the back of your head, as being herd animals, once across the line, they immediately want to get back to the herd, so those holding the line must watch both sides. This event was won in 44.09 seconds by the Seminole Tribe team, consisting of Alex Johns, Jerry Skates, Frank Dana, Bobby Yates, Gene Thomas and Kyle Murphy.

July 2014

the arena. Once one “team” has finished, those cowboys can then go help out the other “team”. This rodeo was no different, with only three teams receiving a time, being won in 52.28 seconds by the 4-L Land and Cattle/Deseret Ranch “teams” of Beau Anastasio and Brad Moss, and Bobby Lines and Tommy Stokes.

Then came the exciting ranch bronc riding! A total reverse from last year’s event, Cole Fulford of the Stevens Land & Cattle/Fulford Cattle team won with a pretty ride and a score of 76. Cole had the “hang on” ride last year, clinging to the side of the bronc to receive his score, but he passed that torch to Andy Morgan of the Audubon Ranch/Carlton Ranch team (who managed to hang on horizontally to the horse’s side for most of his 8 seconds!). Brandon Dieter of the SMR/Deseret team and Tommy Stokes of the 4-L/Deseret team tied for second place with a score of 70.

Wild cow milking was up next. In this one, the cow is released from a chute, while the team is on horseback in a corner of the arena. She must be roped, and then they can milk her (but she must be standing to be milked). These are truly wild cows, and are not small critters by any means. And after all their hard work, the 4-L Land and Cattle/Deseret Ranch team suffered a no-time because she was dry (milk must dribble from the bottle in order to receive a time). The Schroeder Manatee Ranch/Deseret Ranch team won with an awesome time of 37.50 seconds, due no doubt to the roping skills of Justin Peebles and the milking (and running) skills of Stevie John. Robert Fussell of the CJ Cattle/KL Bar team is usually covered in dirt, but he also managed to get sprayed heavily with his cow’s fresh milk!

With each event having been won by a different team, everyone held their breath waiting for the results to be announced.

Third place was taken by the 4-L/Deseret Ranch team, and second place by the Adams Ranch (consisting of Zach and John Adams, Marshall Godsey, Ty Bennett, and Sage Adams).

And it was the SMR/Deseret Ranch team of Jason McKendree, Stevie John, Brandon Dieter, Dusty Crosby and Justin Peebles who took home the winner’s buckles, and will be representing the Best of the Ranches out in Amarillo, Texas, come November.

The branding event was next, with two teams competing sideby-side and roping from the same herd of calves. With Preston Stokes doing the roping, and Whitney Savoie wielding the baby-powder covered branding iron, helped by hubby Dusty “Sowbelly” Savoie and Buck Lee, this team won the event in 59.03 seconds. Roper Hayden Grant of the Audubon Ranch/ Carlton Ranch team managed to rope two calves in one loop, but that required letting both of them loose, and they then ran out of time to complete the event.

The stray gathering event is not used by any of the other Florida ranch rodeos, and it has proven to be the most difficult event since its inception here three years ago. Two sets of two cowboys must EACH head and heel their steer, then mug it and tie three legs together, while working simultaneously in

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 61

TOP HAND CHALLENGE

Awards

Article and Photos by Kathy Gregg

TOP HAND CHALLENGE is Manatee County’s premiere youth rodeo, hosted at the Winding Trails Arena in Myakka. Their banquet for the 2013-2014 season took place on the afternoon of June 7 with the arena all decorated for the occasion.

The Tiny Tots competition was in barrels and goat-undecorating, with each competing youth receiving their very own buckle.

The regular events were barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, and breakaway and tie-down roping, each with the tots, junior and senior divisions. The other timed events were junior and senior chute-doggin’, and team roping (with both header and heeler positions). And then there were the usual roughstock events, mutton bustin’, calf riding, zebu riding, and junior and senior bullriding. (See the list of all buckle winners at the end of this story.)

Special awards were given to the bullfighters (including PBR bullfighter Brandon Dieter of Ona), the judges (Peck Harris and Donny Boyd), the loyal arena helpers (Mr. and Mrs. Alan Carver of Wauchula), and The Toughest Cowgirl Award, which went to Billie Ashton Hrabal.

Many people and businesses donated items that were auctioned off, and the fun fundraiser was the Top Hand Jail; you could pay to put someone in jail, which then had to don the black and white striped prison outfit!

All the awards led up to the trophy saddle winners, The All-Around Cowboy and Cowgirl (for each division). Wes Godwin and Jace Gutshall, both of Myakka City, won their very first saddles in the Tots Division. Reserve All-Around went to Wyatt Duyn and Kiley Powers.

Dawson Cantu of Zolfo Springs, and Kalley Johnson of Arcadia took home the Juniors All-Around saddles, with the Reserve All-Around titles (and engraved saddle pads) going to Mason Hodge of Fort Meade, and Aubrey Stark of Ona.

Both senior saddles went home to Arcadia with Scott Martell winning his first, and Shelby Johnson (the second Johnson girl) taking the Cowgirl title. Reserve All-Around winners were Lucas Brasfield of Parrish, and Billie Ashton Hrabal of Myakka.

62 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

To top off the evening, the nine graduating seniors each received their first initial decorated with photos of them in competition, with conchos, fringe and other fancy trim, a lovely memento for them.

July 2014

Your Southern Pea Headquarters!

Buckle Winners

We feature the best varieties available with over 20 varieties in stock and ready to ship!

Top Pick Pinkeye Top Pick Brown Crowder Top Pick Cream Quickpick Mississippi Pinkeye California Blackeye #5 Texas Cream 8 and more!

BARREL-RACING:

Tots Jace Gutshall

Juniors Joe Harned

Seniors Kelsey Powers POLE-BENDING:

Tots

Juniors

Seniors GOAT-TYING:

Tots

Juniors

Seniors

Jace Gutshall Mason Hodge Shelby Johnson Wes Godwin Aubrey Stark Loni Damboise

Don’t forget your Okra seed!

Clemson Spineless 80 in stock now!

Walk-ins Welcome!

7 am - 4:30 pm

Seedway Vegetable Seeds 3810 Drane Field Road, Unit 30 Lakeland, FL 33811 www.seedway.com 863-648-4242

BREAKAWAY ROPING:

Tots Cayden Newsome

Juniors Dawson Cantu

Seniors Lucas Brasfield TIE-DOWN ROPING:

Tots Wes Godwin

Juniors Dawson Cantu

Seniors Lucas Brasfield CHUTE-DOGGIN’:

Juniors

Seniors TEAM ROPING:

HEADER

HEELER

Dawson Cantu Lucas Brasfield Scott Martell Scott Martell

MUTTON BUSTIN’ Alejandro Pina CALF RIDING

ZEBU RIDING

Gavin Hart

Mason Hodge and Pete Mosley (tie)

JUNIOR BULLRIDING

SENIOR BULLRIDING

Steven Ames

Luke Manning July 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 63

DASH 4 CASH 2013-14 SEASON WINNERS The Dash 4 Cash barrel racing series at the Brighton Seminole Reservation Fred Smith Rodeo Arena held its 2013-14 season finals Saturday, June 14th followed by the annual awards banquet.

In the Open Division, riders of all ages competed, with points being tracked on each horse and rider team. Each division was separated by ½ second splits, with the following winners named: 1-D 1. KRISTINA SORRENTINO and LINDY MAKES HER MOVE 2. RYLEE BUTLER and TIPSY AT THE BAR 3. MEGAN SWINT and ZENA 4. TRACY BISHOP and HOTT STICKS 5. MEGAN SWINT and SFW SUN MOON N STARS 2-D 1. JILL MURRAY and JACK 2. JO CARNS and JACK 3. TAWNY COWART and SEEYAATTHEPAYWINDOW 4. RYLEE BUTLER and MS JB 0814 5. CINDY MCKIBBINS and IRON CAT BOONE

Open Division winners included Susan Matthews, Loretta Peterson, Jill Murray and Kristina Sorrentino.

3-D 1. LORETTA PETERSON and BROTHER 2. MELISSA MCKAY and WONDERS PLAYER 3. TAWNY COWART and KING KID SPECIAL GO 4. ELI SWINT and WRANGLER 5. MICHELLE WELKER and SCOTCH CROWN

4-D 1. SUSAN MATTHEWS and MONTANA STRATO CAT 2. ANA JONES and CR BARBIE OLENA 3. JESSICA MILLS and PLAYER 4. LORETTA PETERSON and HEADLIGHT 5. JANUARY ELROD and FLAME

The Youth Division was for riders ages 14 and younger. Their points were also tracked for each horse and rider team, with each division separated by a one-second split. Those winners included: 1-D 1. JAMIE MERRIMAN and LINDY MAKES HER MOVE 2. RYLEE BUTLER and TIPSY AT THE BAR 3. KAITLIN ROHALEY and MISS SENSATIONAL OTOE 4. JAMIE MERRIMAN and DIESEL 5. JAMIE MERRIMAN and CINDY’S REDNECK GIRL 2-D 1. DAYNA WALSH and BRANDI 2. BLAKE BUTTS and BUDDY 3. JADE DENNISON and ALL CHROMED UP 4. JAMIE MERRIMAN and CINDY’S REDNECK GIRL 5. TAYLOR ZBYTEK and SASSY AS CAN BE

64 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Amos Tiger congratulates Youth Division winners Dayna Walsh, Jamie Merriman and Danielle Bledsoe.

3-D 1. DANIELLE BLEDSOE and PEANUT 2. EMILY GOFFENA and LAREDO 3. KAYLYNN GOFFENA and SUNNY 4. AUSTLYNN LOTT and MOLLY 5. JADE DENNISON and MERCY July 2014

Cattlemen’s Livestock Market 3305 Hwy 92 E • Lakeland, FL 33801

Weekly Beef Sale:

Tuesday 12:00 Noon Pairs and all Vet checked cattle will be sold at 3pm

Cattle Receiving Schedule:

Mondays: 8am-9pm April thru October 8am-8pm November thru March Tuesdays: 7am- End of Sale For Competitive Prices, Let Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market handle your Livestock Merchandising

Special Sales:

Replacement Heifer Sales, Direct Sales, Video Sales, All Breed Bull Sales, On Site Dispersal Sales (Includes Dairy, Beef and Equipment)

Watch our sales online at LMAAuctions.com Superior Livestock Representative

Dave or Mike Tomkow

Dave Cell (863) 559-3266 or Mike Cell (863) 559-5091 Office (863) 665-5088 or Home (352) 523-2081

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 65

teams side-by-side), trailer loading, the wild and crazy double muggin’, and ending with ranch bronc riding.

This ranch rodeo is put on by the Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association, and includes mutton bustin’ for the little tykes, with each night’s winner taking home their very own shiny buckle.

The Final Three Photos by Kathy Gregg

Basketball may have the Final Four, but here in the Heartland we have the Final 3. That is, the final 3 qualifying events for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Finals.

Be at the Wauchula Cattleman’s Arena on the evenings of July 18 and 19 for all the fun and excitement! The big cowboys and cowgirls will compete in team sorting, branding (done 2

66 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

Next up, it’s Okeechobee’s turn on July 26, with an afternoon and an evening performance at the Cattlemen’s Arena, just north of downtown. Team sorting, roping and branding, double muggin’, wild cow decorating, and ranch bronc riding are their usual events.

Then, on August 1 and 2, witness the return of Desoto County’s ranch rodeo at the Arcadia rodeo grounds. That event should see roping and branding, trailer loading, double muggin’, women’s sorting, the fun (and funny) cowhide drag, and ranch bronc riding.

Each of these ranch rodeos may host up to 30 teams, as those last 3 slots to compete in the Finals (on September 26-27), are up for grabs.

So don’t miss the hard-fought competition and rivalry, see y’all at Wauchula, Okeechobee and Arcadia!

July 2014

Florida Cattlewomen Update from Convention

By Denise Colgan, FCW President

The Florida CattleWomen were once again successful with their $5,000 fundraiser at the convention in Marco Island this year. We send a hearty thank you to all that participated.

We especially thank Mr. Emmett Whitehurst, our $5,000 fundraiser winner, who donated his winnings back to the CattleWomen! Thank you Mr. Whitehurst for helping us to fund our scholarships next year!

Florida Cattlemen’s Association

2014 Sweetheart Contest

Pictured left to right:

Jessica Embach, Manatee Allyson Trimble, Okeechobee Emily Hughes, Hardee Bailey Lyons, Desoto Allison Thomas, Hillsborough, 2nd Runner-Up Katey McClenny, Washington, 2014 FCA Sweetheart Josie Tomkow, Pasco 1st Runner-Up Hailey Tomkow, Polk Cassidy Lee, Hendry, Miss Congeniality Photo By Ron O’Connor

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 67

LITERATURE FEATURE

A SERIES ON FLORIDA LITERATURE:

The Saint in Miami

By Brady Vogt

C

hina born Leslie Charteris built a literary career upon the foundation of his private eye, Simon Templar, also known as “The Saint”. The curiously named investigator and man about danger was the central subject of novels, plays, short stories, and Hollywood movies. Late in Charteris’s career, his debonair hero and thrilling plots were adapted for television. Roger Moore, also a James Bond, portrayed “The Saint” on the black and white 18 inch screen from 1962 to 1969. No remotes back then, somebody was assigned from the family to get up and change the channel.

The private investigator has been used for entertainment substance for nearly one hundred years. Famous others come to mind…the most well known to film buffs, Dashiell Hammett’s Sam Spade, also known as “The Thin Man”, Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer, Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe, and John D. MacDonald’s Travis McGee. Each of these mystery writers found great success applying essentially the same skills, only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

It was the times, the best of and the worst of. World War II provided a great background for an assortment of bad guys doing what they do, only to be run down, captured or killed by better guys doing what they do…better. The War provided a huge canvas upon which the mystery writer could paint his story with shady characters, double dealings, and snappy

68 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

dialogue. “The Saint”, strolling along the sands of Miami Beach attracted attention without trying.

He was elegant in white linens and white bucks in the daytime and traded in those rags for evening clothes, tuxedo and cummerbund, a broad and colorful sash, his lapel decorated with a corsage of orchid flowers. He ate fried chicken and waffles, stole sweet kisses from the young women drawn to him like bees to honey. However, when he was on a mission, he was not hesitant to put the bad guys into permanent places.

There were Nazi’s in Miami, brothers of The Bund, in sultry Coconut Grove, slipping money back to Hitler, slipping a submarine from Lost Man’s River around the tip of the peninsula back to the Atlantic coast, and blasting the Allies’ ships into very sinkable pieces. “The Saint” was called in along with his assistant, one Hoppy Uniatz. They enter the great swamp, ferreting out the Nazis, searching for a showdown. Hoppy is a black man with an enormous appetite for booze. He and “The Saint” were perhaps somewhat like Martin and Lewis, James West and Artemus Gordon, Robin Hood and Little John. More than many times, Hoppy saves “The Saint’s” can, despite his unquenchable, unnerving thirst for liquor, which he consumes with impunity.

“Thought, to Hoppy Uniatz, was a process involving acute agony in the upper parts of the head: and life had only become worth living to him on that blissful day when he discovered that The Saint was quite capable of doing all the thinking for both of them…hitching his wagon complacently to that lucky star.”

July 2014

“He looked down, admiringly, at the body on the ground.”

In the company of “The Saint” and Hoppy, the reader gets a glimpse of pre-war Miami, fashionable elitist hot spot, gangster refuge and hideout, import center for the Caribbean horde, and a coastal cow town run with convincing authority

by Sheriff Haskins, who calls “The Saint”…”son”. In addition, there is the red headed British Intelligence agent, Karen Lieth, gorgeous, and Gallipois The Greek, a tommygun toting gambler raising the ante with the wrong man, Charlie Halwark, an elderly Seminole guide and philosopher, and Captain Friede, a German submarine commander.

The boys, see, take off after the bad Germans, cruising across The Tamiami Trail in the dead darkness of a summer night, driving fast, hell-bent on beating the Nazis, saving friends, sinking a U Boat…little things. They stop at Ochopee where… ”a single light showed like a puffball through the fog and then rocketed up to meet them.” Charlie is persuaded to take them further south, in a marsh buggy, down to Lostman’s River.

“Chickee there, he said. My people camp. Plenty sofkee. Drive on.”

“In a hundred yards the bayhead fell away. Simon pulled up in astonishment. They had run into a great moss-draped ampitheatre floored with loamy ground. A fire burned in

the centre, blazing brightly in the hub of ten enormous logs arranged like the spokes of a wheel. High above the floor was a roof of thatched palmetto leaves supported by four uprights driven into the ground.”

“The Saint” and Hoppy move through the story from the sophisticated streets of Miami to the deepest places in The Everglades. There are gun battles, headshots, explosions, gambling and women. The dense fog provides cover for ravenous wild pigs and equally ravenous mosquitoes and gnats. They blow the sub, save the hostages, let the woman go, and eat fried chicken and waffles. Our man, Simon Templar, efficient and suave whether in city or swamp.

Leslie Charteris had style, see? He was an exceptional linguist who spun out a story like a spider spinning a silk web. He used twenty words when ten would get it, using important, strange combinations such as “a spectral tingle” and “his muscles tautening like shrinking leather.”

“The Saint in Miami” is a great detective story and war story and it is exceptional in its treatment of the back bay country and the great swamp. For a story that begins in Miami, it covers a lot of wetter ground.

08/31/14

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 69

INAUGURAL CLEWISTON FFA / US SUGAR CORPORATION

FIELD DAY

By UF/IFAS Livestock Extension Agent, Lindsey Wiggins

ON TUESDAY, MAY 27TH, the United States Sugar Corporation hosted the Inaugural Clewiston FFA Field Day. The students arrived to the cane field where 4 (very expensive) tractors awaited them. Each student drove a tractor and disked a piece of ground….YES, they drove the tractors – the 9360R John Deere tractors hooked to substantial implements, valued at approximately $400,000! Each tractor had an autopilot & GPS Trimble System installed, so technically the students pointed the tractor in the “right” direction and then autopilot took over. The students were thrilled by the experience and really appreciated the technology. Not only does the technology help to utilize every square inch of land available, saving time and fuel, but it also enables the boss to check on his employees by just simply looking at his smart phone! The boss is able to see where every tractor is located, how long it stops, and how fast it goes, etc. This type of innovation has made it possible for 1 supervisor to oversee 12,000 acres that were formerly managed by 5 supervisors.

Even though technology is quickly taking the place of men, there are still valuable careers at US Sugar. Ken McDuffie, the Vice President of Ag Operations, spoke about the value of hiring locally and shared his appreciation for the students’ interest in the agriculture industry. Other speakers shared their experiences with the company and the common thread amongst them was the fact that US Sugar was their 1st employer, right out of high school. Sam Williams, now Area 1 Farm Manager, told the students that he started out picking up rocks and has moved all the way “up the ladder.”

70 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

The speakers made it clear that there are jobs for high school and college graduates at US Sugar, which seemed to entice the students…it is great to see college bound kids eager to come back “home” and work.

The Field Day was held at the Clewiston FFA land laboratory, which is 480 acres; approximately 200 acres are planted in sugar cane and the rest of the land is semi-improved cattle pasture. This land has been used for decades to teach students about the agriculture industry; and while teaching may lie at its core, it is a working, profitable farm that helps send FFA members to competitions and conventions all over the United States.

US Sugar Area 1 Maintenance Supervisor, Donald Sparks, shared that it may be valuable to include other FFA Chapters at future Field Days and hopes that it reaches more students each year.

On a personal note: I want to thank US Sugar, the speakers, and the Clewiston High School Ag teachers (Jennie Goffe and Brandi Coleman) for organizing the Field Day and for spending time with youth. Every student will fare differently, but the Clewiston FFA experience is second to none and provides opportunities that enable you to land a dream career.

The “experience” would not be possible without the support from US Sugar and the devotion of an Ag teacher.

July 2014

Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant returns to Okeechobee September 25-27, 2014 Winners receive a crown, trophy, sash, engraved buckle and many miscellaneous prizes. Miss Rodeo Florida and Miss Teen Rodeo Florida also receive beautiful engraved saddles donated by the Homestead Rodeo Association.

The new court’s reign will begin January 1, 2015. They travel throughout the state attending rodeos, parades, school visits and community events.

Rodeo Queens represent the western way of life and serve as role models as they educate the public about the sport of rodeo.

The Miss Rodeo Florida Association and the Okeechobee Tourist Development Council are proud to announce the annual pageant will return again to Okeechobee September 25-27, 2014.

Contestants from around the state of Florida will participate in the threeday event that selects four new rodeo queens ranging in age from 7 to 25.

July 2014

All Contestants compete in horsemanship, speech, appearance, personal interview, modeling and impromptu questions. The winner of the Miss Rodeo Florida title (age 19- 25) wins a $1,000 scholarship and goes on to compete for the title of Miss Rodeo America in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Miss Rodeo Florida Pageant has been helping young ladies build confidence while achieving their dreams since the 1970’s. Any Florida girl interested in becoming an ambassador for rodeo is encouraged to enter. The deadline to submit contestant applications is Friday, August 15, 2014. For additional information please visit www.MissRodeoFlorida.com, or contact Tracy Clements 407-908-2182.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 71

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GLADES COUNTY 4-H/TROPICANA PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST WINNERS! 4TH GRADE

Glades County

Tropicana Speech Contest

By Kim Clement, Photo By Lacy Green

Florida 4-H is very proud of the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest. Working with youth in grades 4-6, this contest helps thousands of young people annually learn how to write and deliver a speech. More than 150,000 young people in over 50 Florida counties in grades 4-6 participate in the contest on an annual basis.

Tropicana has sponsored the contest since 1969 and provides classroom materials for teachers, certificates of participation, medallions for school winners, plaques for county winners and Tropicana orange juice refreshments for county contests. Close to 2 million students have participated in this program since its beginning.

72 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

1st Place: Chancey Wright, West Glades Elementary

School, “My First Flight” 2nd Place: Tayla Burns, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter

School, “The Life of a Love Bug” 3rd Place: Bryant Williams, Moore Haven Elementary

School, “My Life with Diabetes” 4th Place: Neveah Anderson, Moore Haven Elementary

School, “My Bird, Skittles” 5TH GRADE

1st Place: Aubee Billie, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter

School, “Worst Hunting Trip Ever” 2nd Place: Brice Prowant, Moore Haven Elementary

School, “Ride the Bull” 3rd Place: Caylie Huff, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School,

“How to Survive 5th Grade” 4th Place: Mia Castano, West Glades School, “A Teachers

Kid” 6TH GRADE

1st Place: Rylee Faz, Moore Haven Elementary School,

“My Little Sister” 2nd Place: Lorenzo Sampson, Moore Haven Elementary

School, “Football Butterfly’s” 3rd Place: Eecho Billie, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter

School, “Hunting” 4th Place: Jenna Brown, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter

School, “My Hero” July 2014

In addition to the shoot, several participants won some fabulous raffle prizes:

Manatee Chamber of Commerce

Inaugural Sporting Clays Fun Shoot

Although the storm clouds were brewing, it didn’t keep the dedicated shooters from attending the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Sporting Clays Fun Shoot. Over 120 new and experienced shooters participated in the event held Friday, June 13th at Ancient Oak Gun Club in Lakewood Ranch.

After one rain delay and a few close calls with lightning, the participants successfully completed a 50-clay shoot with six individuals hitting all 50 clays. Congratulations to the following teams who placed in today’s event: First Place Team: Gator Plumbing Second Place Team: Turner Tree and Landscape Third Place Team: Sportsman’s National Land Trust Highest Individual Shooter: George Mazzarantani, P.A. White Clays Contest Winner: Darcie Duncan,

of Duncan Real Estate

July 2014

• Ed Augrisaui won a Franchi Affinity Sporting 12 gauge shotgun valued at over $1,150, donated by J.L. Miller of Custom Engraving.

• Chuck Elzer won a Ruger 10/22 Carbine .22 caliber rifle valued at $300, donated by the Law Offices of David W. Wilcox.

• Jim Dye won a $100 gift card to Shooters World, donated

by Rice’s Appliance & TV and Rice’s Outdoor Power.

• Rae Dowling won a Twofer Sports Package loaded with tickets to several sporting events along with team accessories.

The shooting event wrapped up with a Cowboy Cookout complete with cowboy beans and swamp cabbage sponsored

by SMR Ranch.

The inaugural Sporting Clays Fun Shoot would not have been possible without the help of the following sponsors: SMR Ranch AutoNation Ford Bradenton Gator Air Conditioning Alltrust Insurance It Works! Global E Co Consultants, Inc. Suncoast Business Technologies Gator Plumbing Vanessa Fine Jewelry Mauldin & Jenkins, CPA Liberty Ammunition Law Offices of David W. Wilcox Gateway Bank

For more information on this event, and others hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, please contact us at 941-748-3411.

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 73

74 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

Official Festival Print “Oranges”

by Janet King Announced for 48th Annual Highlands Art Festival

T

he official Festival print for the 48th Annual Highlands Fine Arts & Crafts Festival has been selected. The Festival Committee chose ‘Oranges’ by Sebring watercolor artist and one of the winners of last year’s Festival, Janet King.

King attended Baum School of the Arts in Allentown, PA. She is a member of the Florida Watercolor Society, and her work has won awards throughout Florida and the U.S. Some of her work is displayed in Florida’s Capitol Building in Tallahassee.

“Janet’s watercolor painting ‘Oranges’ is a great representation of Highlands County and surrounding areas, and we are honored to feature her work as the official Festival print this year,” said Mona Sutphin-O’Neill, co-chair of the 48th Annual Highlands Cine Arts & Crafts Festival. “It also maintains the citrus theme that the Highlands Art League (HAL) has been showcasing this year with our Citrus Labels & Crate Expectations exhibit at the Highlands Museum of the Arts, as well as our citrus-themed Art Uncorked classes and some of our special events.”

Festival sponsors of $500 or more will receive a complimentary giclee print of the official Festival print, ‘Oranges,’ in addition to a variety of promotional benefits.

Visual artists are invited to apply for the Festival, which will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2014 and offer more than $3,000 in cash awards to juried art. Original works and limited editions of fine art in all media, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood, and mixed media, will be considered. Only artists displaying their own work are eligible to participate.

Fees apply. Submissions must be postmarked by Oct. 2.

Details regarding Festival sponsorship, volunteering or artist submissions that can be found online at www.HighlandsArtLeague.org or by calling the HAL office at (863) 385-6682.

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 75

Happenings IN THE HEARTLAND

ST. LUCIE COUNTY BEEF QUIZ BOWL TEAM COMPETES

T

he St. Lucie County Beef Quiz Bowl team, coached

by Amber Murphy, competed at the 2014 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention in Marco Island on June 17th and 18th. The team (pictured below and listed L to R) included Emma Johnson, Ryan Beany, Mason Murphy and Teala Bond. They have been studying and practicing for the competition for over two months. Great work, guys!

7TH ANNUAL UF/IFAS YOUTH FIELD

O

ver 200 people attended the 7th Annual UF/IFAS Youth Field at the Ona Range Cattle Research & Education Center on Thursday, June 12th.

Attendees enjoyed learning first-hand about a variety of topics that included Growing Pasture Grass, Beef Cattle Reproduction, and Florida Wildlife.

CHANGING THE WORLD

A

rcadia farmer Johnny Georges recently took a trip to Israel to help grow his mission of saving the world’s water and resources one tree T-PEE at a time. Georges’ company has grown global after appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank and partnering with entrepreneur and philanthropist John Paul Dejoria.

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

76 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

Building Confidence v Achieving Dreams v Promoting Rodeo

iss odeo® lorida ageant

“Like” us on Facebook for Pageant & Queen Clinic information.

(Clinic - July 26 in Kissimmee)

ALL Contestants Are Judged On:

is looking for Florida girls ages 7 – 25 to compete in the upcoming Pageant

September 25 - 27, 2014 Okeechobee, Florida Application Deadline: August 15, 2014

No past pageant experience necessary.

H H H H H Miss Rodeo Florida Association is a 501 c4 non profit organization.

Proudly Sponsored by

Applications Are Available Online

H www.MissRodeoFlorida.com H

Contact: Tracy Clements 407-908-2182 or Judy Herstich 407-396-4646/mm1988@comcast.net

v Personal Interview v Speech v Modeling v Horsemanship v Impromptu Questions

H 2014 Court H McKenna Andris Miss Teen Rodeo Florida, Sierra Rush MRF Princess, Hailey Wall MRF Sweetheart, Devon Firestone Miss Rodeo Florida

Like Us On

facebook

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 77

78 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

Heartland’s Growing Businesses

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 79

AG CALENDAR JULY 30TH- AUGUST 2ND Tail Waggers Dog Show Turner Agri Civic Center Arcadia

JULY 4TH July 4th Celebration Sugarland Park Clewiston JULY 4TH 4th Fest, Laishley Park Punta Gorda 12:00 JULY 16TH-20TH Calusa Agility Dog Show Turner Agri Civic Center Arcadia

JULY 4TH Independence Day Celebration, Turner Agri Civic Center, Arcadia Fireworks 9:00–10:00 p.m.

JULY 5TH Kenansville Ranch Rodeo

JULY 18TH-19TH Hardee County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo Hardee County Cattlemen’s Arena (863) 781-0349 JULY 19TH 6th Annual Hooked on Habitat Redfish Tournament Laishley Marina Punta Gorda

AUGUST 1ST & 2ND DeSoto Ranch Rodeo Arcadia AUGUST 16TH NBHA Barrel Race Turner Agri Civic Center Arcadia

JULY 6TH FBRA Barrel Race, Turner Agri Civic Center Arcadia

JULY 25TH-27TH 24th Annual Caladium Festival Lake Placid JULY 10TH-12TH Sarasota Dog Show Turner Agri Civic Center Arcadia

JULY 26TH Okeechobee Ranch Rodeo Okeechobee Rodeo Arena

SEPTEMBER 1 Labor Day

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

IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE Your Monthly Agricultural Magazine Since 2004, Serving the Heartland Since 2008 80 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

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.

WE KNOW AG. WE LOVE AG. WWW.WEAREAG.COM

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 81

82 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

Find it at your favorite equine dealer

July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 83

84 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

#4&'' 1706; #66.'/'0 5 551%+#6+10 6th I6* 007#. #0%* 1&'1r Annual Ranch Rodeo* )ULGD\ -XO\ WK DQG 6DWXUGD\ -XO\ WK Friday, July 18th and Saturday, July 19th 30 +DUGHH &RXQW\ &DWWOHPHQ·V $UHQD 'RXEOH 0XJJLQJ 7HDP %UDQGLQJ 7HDP 6RUWLQJ %URQF 5LGLQJ 7UDLOHU /RDGLQJ 0XWWRQ %XVWLQJ

$ɸɗ ʑɃʑQWɡ Ɋԧɓ ʜLɳKWɡ &ʝȷɏ ZDWɭɓ ɪɸɗ ʃȱɏ ʓʦɚ 3D\RXW VW 3ODFH QG 3ODFH UG 3ODFH %XFNOHV IRU $OO $URXQG 7HDP :LQQHU DQG 0XWWRQ %XVWLQJ :LQQHU

$GPLVVLRQ

$GXOWV

6HQLRU &LWL]HQV

&KLOGUHQ DQG XQGHU )5((

&RQFHVVLRQ DQG YHQGRUV DYDLODEOH RQ JURXQGV

0XWWRQ %XVWLQJ³$JH DQG XQGHU OLPLWHG VSDFH

7R UHJLVWHU FDOO 'DULQ Ύ &ůŽƌŝĚĂ ĂƩůĞŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ZĂŶĐŚ ZŽĚĞŽ YƵĂůŝĨLJŝŶŐ ǀĞŶƚ

EŽƚĞ͗ EŽ ĂůĐŽŚŽů ƉĞƌŵŝƩĞĚ ŽŶ ƉƌĞŵŝƐĞƐ

*UNEÈ

Heartland InThe Field Magazine July 2014

Heartland InTheFieldMagazine 85

GLISSON’S ANIMAL SUPPLY

86 Heartland InTheFieldMagazine

July 2014

MORE BANG FOR THE

NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE!

BUCK

Serving our customers with 12 locations New Port Richey

Leesburg

727-842-8618

352-315-1016

6918 US Hwy. 19 New Port Richey, FL 34652

Plant City

2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567

1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748

813-737-1660

Package a fleet of tractors, gators and other equipment together with a 2 or 3 year lease and always have new, worry free equipment with service available from Everglades Farm Equipment fleet of road service technicians.

Okeechobee

820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972

JDL - Largo

863-763-1921

6782 118th Ave. North Largo, Fl. 33773

727-259-7748

Fort Pierce

6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947

Palmetto

772-461-5568

906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221

941-722-3281

Loxahatchee

13295 Southern Blvd.

Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Fort Myers

561-784-4000

9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905

239-332-5045

Belle Glade

Corporate Headquarters

Immokalee

775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142

239-657-4413

2017 N. W. 16TH Belle Glade, FL 33430

Naples

561-996-6531

Comming soon 2014 Naples , FL

Since 1963

Some restrictions apply, see dealer for complete details . Some pictured items may have been used for display purposes only. Leases must go through John Deere Financial. With great deals on new tractors and gators all year long, check with your local dealer for additional savings.

www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com

Wine Down Wednesdays with Live Music in Tiki 5-8pm

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO KEEP UP WITH WEEKLY SPECIALS AND WHO’S PLAYING IN THE TIKI EVERY SAT & SUN FROM 3-6 PM