In The Field Heartland May 2010 Edition

May 2010

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

®

Wade Grigsby

Florida Cattleman

HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE I T

N HEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

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CF Industries salutes the Hardee Senior High Class of 2010, and sends a special congratulations to our CF family graduates: Kaylee Brummett, Kayla Woods, John Andrew Miller, Baylee Pierstorff, and Alli Simpson GO WILDCATS! Join in supporting these and other upcoming community events:

CF Industries proudly supports Hardee County, our Phosphate Operations home for more than 30 years!

Motorcycles on Main Saturday, May 8, 2010 12 noon — 8:00 pm Main Street Wauchula

Hardee Senior High - Spring Chorus Concert Thursday, May 13, 2010 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm Hardee Senior High Auditorium May Friday Night Live — Downtown Market Friday, May 21, 2010 5:00 pm — 9:00 pm Heritage Park in Downtown Wauchula

Phosphate Operations “Help Farmers Feed a Hungry World” 6209 N. County Road 663 • Bowling Green, Florida 33834 • 863-375-4321 • www.cfindustries.com 2

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

Will Bennett

Personal Ag Labor Consultant

863.452.0101 We deliver. Crop by crop success.

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MAY 2010

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FFA Student of the month Ariel Starling

Meet Miss Ariel Starling, the FFA Student of the Month. Ariel is President of the Avon Park Senior FFA Chapter and the 2009 Sub-District FFA Chairman. She is also the President of the Student Council, Junior Class Historian, and is a member of the Dance Unlimited Senior Competition Team.

Ariel says the FFA has taught her skills that help her interact with people, enhance her ability to give public speeches, help her connect with other FFA members throughout the country, and has shown her ways she can help her community. As busy as Ariel is she still found time to raise a hog for HC Fair!

YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNER HEY READERS, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Food No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE InTheField速 T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the page on which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to: No Farmers

InTheField速 Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042 All Entries must be received by May 15, 2010.

Winner will be notified by phone.

You Too Can Be A Winner - Enter Now! 4

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

From the Editor MAY Hello Friends of Agriculture!

VOL. 2 • ISSUE 8

I am Kellie Duke and the new editor of the “Heartland In the Field Magazine.” I have already met so many wonderful

Karen Berry

May 2010

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

®

people while fulfilling my duties as editor and I am blessed to be able to write about something that is near and dear to my heart...agriculture! I am currently an ag teacher and FFA Advisor at Avon Park Middle School. For years I have

Publisher/Owner Cover Story: Wade Grigsby Page 28 Cover Photo: Jim Davis

Wade Grigsby

Florida Cattleman

HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE I T

F

M

M

2010

Associate Publisher Johnny Cone

Senior Managing Editor and Writer

1

Sarah Holt

taught my students about the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. I tell them, “It’s what we eat, what we wear, and where we live.” It encompasses the very basics of life! I hope to show you our readers just how passionate I am about agriculture as I fill this magazine each month with stories and articles that are informative, entertaining and useful. I hope you enjoy reading this month’s edition of “In the Field Magazine.” I am truly blessed to be planted, “In the Field.”

Sincerely,

6 Letter from Hardee County Farm Bureau President

Editor Kellie Duke

Office Manager

10 Florida Carrots

Bob Hughens

12 Grub Station The Caddy Shack

Johnny Cone Nick Massey Dave Osborn Karen Berry Ashley Swafford Christa Patterson Garrett Duke

Sales

Kellie Duke Editor

14 Business Up Front MEH-2A

For current happenings in agriculture, or story ideas, please email me at kellie@inthefieldmagazine.com

20 Fishing Hot Spots

Art Director

22 Okeechobee County Fair Results

Designer

23 Tales and Trails The Red Sky Part II 43 Field Agent Report

Lourdes Sáenz

Juan Carlos Alvarez

Staff Writers Anita Whitaker Jim Frankowiak Al Berry

Contributing Writers

51 Rocking Chair Chatter

Capt. Mark Bennett Will Irbvy Tessa Hess

59 Fire Ants

Braulio Sáenz Ph.D.

Photography Jim Davis In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local businesses, restaurants and other local venues within Hardee, Highlands, Charlotte, DeSoto and Okeechobee counties. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of Farm Bureau and those with ag classifications on their land. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909.

Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. 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 Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In The Field® magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

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MAY 2010

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HARDEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU 1017 US HWY. 17 N., WAUCHULA, FL 33873 (863) 773-3117 Greetings: As the spring time begins, it is very good to see things turning green and growing. The rain showers have been a true blessing to us all. We know that we have just come through a very unusual winter that was much longer than any of us ever expected.

As the Ag community, we need to stay on top of all the issues that are coming up and most of all take a stand on each and every one of them.

I would like to share an example that has just taken place with the North American Blueberry Council.

They have elected Board members from all the blueberry growing areas. These board members are elected by members of the North American Blueberry Council, just like any other agricultural organization. Well, at their meeting some of the elected board members were replaced by our Washington Leadership because of politics. This took place because this organization has a USDA member on it. As you and I know there is not room for politics to be placed in organizations like agriculture when you are dealing with peoples livelihoods.

We are also facing major issues with Water Quality and Amendment 4. One thing that we all need to watch very closely is, I understand, that the Farm Bill will be re-looked at. We know for the first time, Florida was finally included in it and I give a lot of credit to Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congressman Adam Putnam for leading the charge.

I would strongly encourage you to join and get your neighbors

and friends to join Florida Farm Bureau and organizations that pertain to your industry. We, as the farmers and ranchers, don’t have enough hours in the day as it is, so we need to rely on these organizations to keep us informed and to let us know what we need to do. YOU need to remember that YOU can make a DIFFERENCE. Let us also take every chance and opportunity we can to educate the consumer about the safe food that the Florida Farmer and Rancher produces. Always remember “I Farm You Eat.” Sincerely

David Hardee County Farm Bureau President David Royal

We’ve been meeting the financial needs of your community for 80 years.

Personalized Service Quick, Local Decisions Competitive Rates

HARDEE COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David B. Royal, President; Greg Shackelford, Vice President; Bo Rich, Secretary/Treasurer; Joseph Cherry, John Platt, Corey Lambert, Daniel Smith, Steve Johnson, Bill Hodge.

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1929

Ann iversary

2009

HARDEE COUNTY CHARLOTTE/DESOTO HIGHLANDS COUNTY COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU 1017 US Highway 17 N Wauchula, FL 33873

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876

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

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

Phone: 863.494.3636

Fax: 863.773.2369

Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 Fax: 863.494.4332

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

Phone: 863. 385.5141 Fax: 863.385.5356 Web site: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President............... Jim Selph

President............... Marty Wohl Vice President .....

Secretary .........Drew Phypers Treasurer .........Scott Kirouac

Phone: 863. 773.3117

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

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010 Joseph B. Cherry • John Platt Corey Lambert • Daniel H. Smith Steve A. Johnson • Bill Hodge David B. Royal • Greg L. Shackelford Bo Rich

Vice President ..... Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer ..... Bryan K. Beswick

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010 Jim Brewer • John Burtscher Mike Carter • Steve Fussell Richard E. Harvin • Matt Sullivan John Pfeil • Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner • Matt Harrison

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010 Sam Bronson • Carey Howerton April Butler • Mike Milicevic Andy Tuck • Mike Waldron Jim Wood • Doug Miller County Secretary Janet Menges

Susan Chapman County Secretary

County Secretary Summer Chavarria

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

Agency Manager N. Jay Bryan

Agency Manager Cameron N. Jolly

Agency Manager Chad D. McWaters

Agent George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

Agents Dawn A. Hines Matt Sacilowski

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

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

Agents Joseph W. Bullington Seth Rogers 6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876 (863) 385-5141 MAY 2010

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n a m Wo

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ULTUR C I R G A IN

Barbara Carlton:

Working for the Bigger Picture

By Kellie Duke

Barbara Carlton believes her job allows her to be part of a bigger goal every day — saving a way of life.

As the Executive Director of the Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association (PRVCGA), her time is spent completing a broad spectrum of duties. No matter what the task, menial to complex, in her mind it is all important to keeping agriculture sustainable in Florida and preserving rural life.

Growing up in Parrish, located in rural Manatee County, community was an integral part of her upbringing.

As a child you would find her bare foot outdoors in some part of agriculture life.

Pastures, farm fields, King Citrus’ offices and her granddad’s mechanic’s shop were spots where you could find Barbara with friends or her grandparents early in life. This love of the outdoors and agricultural areas has remained a big part of Barbara’s life. As an adult, she has grown to appreciate the sense of community provided by rural areas and their residents in raising children and supporting you throughout your adult life.

This history and her deep appreciation of rural areas make her position with PRVCGA a great mix of work and passion.

According to Barbara, “You have to really love agriculture to be in a job like mine. It is much easier to inspire people to support your position when you are passionate about what you say.”

Surely passion is an important quality when you are interacting with such a broad spectrum of professionals ranging from local citizens to Washington politicians. This diversity is another aspect of Barbara’s position at the association keeping her interest year after year. Looking at this week’s calendar, her schedule reveals office work Monday, an educational seminar Tuesday and a EPA hearing Tuesday night, working with the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Wednesday, at an advisory committee for Charlotte County government Thursday, auditing the Citrus Research & Development Foundation Friday and ending the week Saturday hosting a grove tour for Congressman Buchanan.

Farm Credit of Southwest Florida was Barbara’s agricultural training ground. Though she worked at several commercial banks early in her career, she credits Farm Credit with bringing her back to her roots. Starting as a clerk at Farm Credit’s Bradenton office, Barbara was provided with a vast array of opportunities. She grew into the position of branch manager of the Bradenton office, serving the agricultural community where she was raised. Showing an aptitude for lending, she was part of an elite loan processing team organized to deal with large credits territory wide. This helped her broaden her knowledge of regional agriculture and was her first look into the citrus industry.

“I enjoyed working at Farm Credit and still have a soft spot for the company even after all these year’s,” she states. “My time there built invaluable relationships and opened the path for PRVCGA. I’ll always be grateful to folks like Charlie Harrison, Jr., Cary Mercer and Jay Clark for helping me obtain my position with PRVCGA, but most of all for trusting me to represent them.”

In the 17 years since the association was organized in 1993, it has continued to grow in size, strength Continued on next page

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and reputation. Barbara credits the growth to the people she represents, always showing off the annual board of director photographs prominently hanging in PRVCGA’s office. Grower board members from the association’s five counties — Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Manatee and Sarasota, reflect a who’s who of area citrus growers with a diversity Barbara says keeps her well prepared.

“The majority of our members are small family growers, many who work outside jobs to help make ends meet.

Having growers who are also bankers, lawyers, realtors and other professionals is a real help. It always keeps me prepared for a debate. When I leave the board meeting, I know all sides of the issue.”

That said, Barbara is quick to point out her first priority is her family. Married to Greg Carlton, Barbara and Greg float between agricultural industries with ease. Greg’s history in the cattle and citrus industries, his past position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or his current position with Farm Credit, make the two quite a pair.

Barbara says having a husband who understands the demands and schedule of agriculture makes her life easier. “Greg is my perfect complement.” She adds, “No matter what we talk about at the dinner table, we both have an interest in the subject and the outcome. How great is that!”

Barbara and Greg enjoy four children and five grandchildren, spending most time with them on the water, since both are fishing enthusiasts.

“Grandchildren are the best!” states Barbara. “You just have fun, with no moral responsibility of making them into good people — that’s their parent’s job.”

“Seriously,” she adds, “Most of our grandchildren live in urban environments, and will miss out on the rural sense of community we had as children. It’s our job to teach them about agriculture and why it is important to the future of Florida.”

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MAY 2010

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Florida Carrots An Orange Vitamin

By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science

Colorful carrots are members of the Umbelliferae family, which includes parsnips, fennel, and dill. The edible portion is the thick, colorful root, which comes in orange, white, yellow, red, and purple colors. Most of the carrots in U.S. markets are produced in California, Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Florida and Washington. Although carrots are available year-round, they are coming into peak season now.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw carrots (128 g) contains 52.5 calories, 1.2 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat, 12.2 g of carbohydrate, and 3.6 g of fiber. It provides an incredible 686 percent of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin A, 20 percent for vitamin K, 19 percent for vitamin C, 15 percent for dietary fiber, and 4 percent for potassium. Carrots are also a good source of magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and many of the B vitamins.

Lungs: Breathe easy Carrots and other foods rich in vitamin A may be beneficial to lung health. Researchers at Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A and increase the likelihood of developing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in animals exposed to smoke.

Vision: See clearly With very high levels of beta carotene, vitamin A and C, carrots are good food for your eyes. One cup of carrots contains over 680 percent of your daily needs for vitamin A! In a study of over 50,000 women, those who consumed the highest dietary amount of vitamin A had a 39 percent reduced risk of developing cataracts. In another study that looked at the incidence of cataract surgery and diet, researchers found that those people who ate diets that included carrots had half the risk of cataract surgery. Beta-carotene also provides protection against macular degeneration and protects night vision.

Antioxidant Protection: Ward off cancer Antioxidants are compounds with the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful by-products of metabolism that can lead to disease. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of some diseases, including several forms of cancer. Carrots are one of

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the richest sources of vitamin A. A high intakes of this vitamin has been linked to a decrease in cancers of the breast, bladder, cervix, prostrate, colon, and esophagus.

How to Select and Store Choose carrots that are brightly colored and straight from tip to shoulder. They should feel firm and smooth. Avoid those that are cracked, sprouting, or feel limp or rubbery. Larger carrots that are bigger in diameter tend to be sweeter since the highest concentration of sugar is in the core. Carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wrap them in a paper towel or plastic bag and store them in the coolest part of the refrigerator.

How to Enjoy Carrots can be cut up in all kinds of fun ways, including julienned, waffle-cut, shredded, sliced, grated, and diced. They are delicious eaten raw or cooked. Some serving ideas include: Serve on a crudite tray with other fresh veggies Cut into sticks to dip into dressing or hummus Toss with olive oil and roast with potatoes and mushrooms Puree boiled carrots and season with herbs Juice the carrots for a refreshing drink Selected References http://www.rma.usda.gov http://www.hos.ufl.edu http://www.whfoods.com http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

R E C I P E S Seared

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

• •

•

FL Snapper with Fennel & Carrot Sauté

4 - 6-ounce Florida snapper fillets ¼ cup rice flour 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 cup Florida fennel bulb slices ½ cup Florida onion, chopped ½ cup Florida carrots, julienne 2 cloves Florida garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh Florida dill, finely chopped ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ¼ cup dry white wine fresh Florida dill for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Rinse fillets; pat dry with a paper towel. Score the skin side of fillets with a sharp knife. Coat fillets with rice flour; set aside. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add fennel, onion, carrot and garlic and sauté for five to six minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly browned. Stir in dill, salt, pepper and wine; cook for one minute more. Remove fennel-carrot sauté to a serving platter; keep warm. Wipe pan clean and heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Sauté fillets three to four minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Serve fillets and vegetables garnished with fresh dill.

Yield 4 servings

Spiced Carrot Pudding Filling • • • • • •

•

1 cup carrots, peeled and grated • 1 cup potatoes, peeled and shredded 1 cup natural sugar • 1 cup raisins 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 1 teaspoon ground cloves • /2 cup butter 1 /2 cup cream substitute (coffee creamer) • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled, halved 1 cup natural sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, combine carrots, potatoes, sugar, raisins, flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, all spice, and ground cloves. Transfer mixture to a clean 1 pound coffee can greased with vegetable oil. Secure wax paper over the top and place the filled can in a large pot with 2 to 3 inches of water. Cover the pot and bring the water to a simmer.

Steam the cake for 2 hours. Serve warm.

Buttery sauce: In a medium-size pot, combine butter or margarine, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Heat until the mixture is liquid.

Spoon mixture over the warm carrot pudding to serve.

Yield 6 to 8 servings Recipes and Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

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Grub St ation

By Kellie Duke

It doesn’t take long for a Southern gal to figure out a good place to eat in her neighborhood. It all starts with the “Beverage of the South,” which is a good ole glass of iced tea. In my earlier days and even now, if the tea is good, then that is a big plus! I can say that “The Caddy Shack Bar & Grill of Sebring,” located at 3122 Golf View Road, put a smile on my face as they had the best glass of iced tea that I have had in a long time. However, the tea was just for starters!

Several weeks ago, some of my old high school friends were talking about this great place to meet and eat. The place they were referring to was indeed, “The Caddy Shack Bar & Grill.” These friends of mine, “Class of 1977 Sebring High School,” were having a get together there and were inviting at least 50 people to attend. They spoke of the great atmosphere, good food, and the great value. I was not able to attend this get together, due to a previous engagement, however, I was curious and encouraged to give “The Caddy Shack” a try!

Fast forward…now here I am at the “Caddy Shack” of Sebring. From the moment I walked in I felt as though I were back in time. There I was, surrounded by life-size statues of Elvis and Betty Boop. Mementos from the past covered the walls. The ambience was amazing. As I glanced

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around the restaurant, a friendly hostess greeted and seated us.

The menu was impressive as they had a variety of choices. Some of the dishes that caught my eye were the fresh salmon, lobster, and the Sanibel Fried Shrimp. I also noticed the steaks and the 8 ounce Eight Iron Burger (both made from 100% Black Angus Beef) and for diners who are especially hungry, they have the 16 ounce “Who’s Your Caddy Burger.” All of the meals are served with your choice of a potato or rice and a vegetable.

Another thing I appreciate in a restaurant is a good salad. “The Caddy Shack” menu is filled with some great salads, including the traditional Greek Salad, Caesar Salad, and a Spring-Mix Salad. All of ingredients are fresh and the dressings are all homemade on the spot.

Now there is one thing you better do…save room for dessert! The dessert menu is filled with sweet treats such as the “Caddy Whopper Stopper!” The Caddy Whopper Stopper is a chocolate lovers delight. It is chocolate cake Continued on next page

and brownie layered with a chocolate mousse. Candy Whoppers and chocolate syrup surround it on all sides. The dessert is definitely big enough to be shared. Other delicious desserts included on the menu are Turtle Cheesecake, White Chocolate Macadamia Divine, Mango Guava Mousse, and Lemon-Berry cake, just to name a few.

After glancing over the menu, the friendly staff of the “Caddy Shack,” brought out a large dish of cheese covered fresh tortilla chips, along with the best fresh homemade salsa that I have had in a long time. I had to make myself stop, because I knew there was more great food to come. Now, I guess you are wondering what I ordered off of this vast and tantalizing menu. For me, I wanted to try something new.

My menu choice was the seared Ahi Tuna on a bed of mixed spring greens. My taste buds were caught by surprise when the flavor of the Ahi Tuna fish hit them. The salad consisted of mixed greens, cranberries, and walnuts, covered with homemade dressing.

I was extremely happy with my selection. My guest ordered the Steak and Lobster. Of course, I had to sample this dish as well. The Steak and Lobster was one of the best around.

The steak was tender, juicy and flavorful and the lobster was exceptional! On the side was crisp steamed asparagus and a baked potato. The presentation of the meals looked like something I had seen on the Food Channel in a fancy restaurant.

As we enjoyed our delicious meals, we knew we had to save just a little room for dessert. We knew just what we wanted. Yes, you guessed it…”The Caddy Whopper Stopper.” This dessert was absolutely chocolate heaven for us! We shared it and still had plenty of it left to take home.

As we finished our meal, a dear friend, Robin Sanders, from my old Sebring High days approached our table. When asked what she thought about the “Caddy Shack,” Robin enthusiastically replied, “They have the best selection of fresh meats.

Every bite is delicious. Whenever we have a family birthday party, this is where we come.” Robin also pointed out that the staff is very friendly and you get great food, great atmosphere, at a great price. She mentioned that she dines at the “Caddy Shack” at least twice weekly.

“The Caddy Shack” is owned and operated by George Karabines, Gabriel Mendoza, and Bobby Fulcher. They have been in business at the present location for three years. They have daily dinner specials, early bird specials, and a daily drink special, which is provided in their full bar area of the restaurant.

Parties for class reunions, birthdays, and big sporting events can be accommodated easily at the Caddy Shack, as it easily seats 254 people. A large screen TV (12ftX12ft) is also available and from what I hear…”The Caddy Shack” is the place to be on Game Day! As I said before, it doesn’t take a Southern Gal long to figure out a good place to eat in the neighborhood, and I can tell you, “The Caddy Shack Bar & Grill” of Sebring is a place to enjoy GREAT FOOD, GREAT ATMOSPHERE, AT A GREAT PRICE!

Caddy Shack Bar & Grill 3122 Golfview Road, Sebring Phone: 471-0505 Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-10pm Sunday-11am-9pm INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

13

Business UpFront

By Kellie Duke ME H2A, LLC specializes in the successful acquisition of H-2A and H-2B migrant labor visas and in recruiting foreign labor to fill your labor needs. ME H2A, LLC has nearly two decades of experience in H-2A visa applications and a fully developed recruitment program with recruiters and resources in multiple countries. ME H2A, LLC also provides “H-2 Compatibility Assessments,” to help employers determine if the H-2 program is right for them. From citrus and strawberry harvesters to cruise line waiters, ME H2A, LLC is dedicated to acquiring first-rate workers to satisfy their client’s seasonal labor needs.

William and Renee Bennett are the owners and founders of MEH2A, LLC. They bring with them a combined 27 years of experience to benefit clients in need of their services. Will specializes in H-2 applications, recruitment, logistics, housing, and program management. He handles the initial challenges involved with acquiring permitted housing, completing applications, advertisements, recruitment logistics and employee transportation, as well as, continued logistics and program management throughout the H-2 season.

Renee specializes in evaluating each employer’s unique needs and determines if the H-2 Visa Program is the right program for them. She provides detailed evaluations of multiple factors such as costs, seasonal nature of the job, compliance challenges, and financial advice so business owners can make informed decisions for their companies.

Will and Renee are committed to providing a dependable and stable ag workforce for business owners in the Heartland.

This season ME H2A, LLC provided the Heartland area with approximately 200 seasonal workers. They are planning to employ around 500 for the upcoming year. Will pointed out that their company wants to treat their workforce in a way that they will want to come back year after year. They go the extra mile to make sure the workers here on Visas are provided with needed

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housing, dependable incomes, and safe transportation from their country to the United States.

In cooperation with the Highlands County Citrus Growers, ME H2A, LLC is hosting the Heartland H-2A Forum. The forum is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19, from 10:30-3:00pm at the Chateau Elan Sheraton in Sebring. Space is limited so make your reservations now by calling Jan Menges at 863-385-8091.

If you are in Production Agriculture and you want to make sure your crops will be picked and your workers will be treated well, look no further than H-2A, LLC. For more information on H-2A, LLC visit their website at: www. meH2A.com or give Will or Renee at call at 863-452-0101.

ME H2A, LLC 601 W. Main St Avon Park, FL 33825 Email will@managmentexperts.com Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:30 – 5:00 pm

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MAY 2010

15

HENSCRATCH

F A R M S

By Tessa Heath The Henscratch Farms second annual Easter Festival took place on April 3. The festivities began at 10:00am, and included live entertainment, a crafts tent for the children, wine tasting, and berry picking.

The band The Baker Act provided entertainment. They played live country music throughout the day, which you could sit down and enjoy, or listen to as you roamed the rest of the farm. The Easter Bunny was present at the festival. He spent the day in the craft tent posing for pictures with children. In the winery there was wine tasting, as well as a presentation telling about Henscratch Farms wine. The wine is made from two different types of grapes, Muscadines (purple grapes) and Scuppernongs (white, honey flavored grapes). Their wine is available in blueberry and strawberry flavors.

At the farm, there are hydroponically grown strawberries and blueberries. The blueberries weren’t yet ripe, but the strawberries were ready for picking. You just grab a bucket at the country store and then pick as many strawberries as you want. They only cost $2.49 a pound. The country store, which opened in 2002, is full of yummy things to buy. Besides being able to purchase fresh berries, they also sell jams, jellies, grape seed oil, cider, salsas, relishes, and, of course, wine. On the store’s front porch was a box full of Cheerios for feeding the chickens, and there were plenty of chickens to feed. They have over 100 free range chickens Continued on page 19

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Highland’s

Please patronize these fine businesses in your area.

To advertise in this section, please call Nick, 863-224-0180 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

17

Nutritional Therapy for Better Plant Health!

New QuickShot from Helena will put your crops on the road to improved agronomic health.

QuickShot is a high-quality blend of micronutrients, alpha-keto acids, humic acids, carboxylic salts and plant elicitors. It is designed to improve short- and long-term crop health. In crops, the plant elicitors promote Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) so that your crops can deal better with stresses caused by insects or diseases.

Its 100% water-soluble formulation pours easily and completely. Plus, it has a low pH that will not cause pesticide degradation problems from alkaline hydrolysis.

The end result: QuickShot gives you an easy-touse, trouble-free product that improves short- and long-term crop health.

Call Helena and learn how QuickShot can improve your crop’s productivity.

• Refined blend of Iron, Manganese & Glucoheptonates combined with alphketo acids, humic acids, carboxylic salts & plant elicitors for improved crop health & a stronger immune response against stress • Low pH formulation to offset alkaline hydrolysis that can reduce the effectiveness of some insecticides & fungicides • Eliminates water quality issues due to carbonates • Humic acids improve availability of product nutritional components when applied to soil • 100% water-soluble, sludge-free formulation results in easy pouring, mixing & application

QuickShot is a trademark & People...Products...Knowledge... is a registered trademark of Helena Holding Company. Always read and follow label directions. © 2010 Helena Holding Company.

18 Chemical INTHE FIELD MAGAZINE MAY 2010• Tampa, FL 33619 • 813-626-5121 • www.helenachemical.com Helena Company • 2405 N. 71st Street

Continued from page 17 wandering about the farm. Chickens were truly everywhere, under the country store, in hen houses, under berry bushes. They followed people around hoping that they had Cheerios to feed them. The chickens were incredibly tame, and would take food right out of your hands. Some of them even tolerated being held.

The Henscratch Farms Annual Easter Festival was fun for adults and children alike. If you missed the festival, Henscratch Farms has plenty of other events throughout the year. There will be a Blueberry Bluegrass festival on May 15. Once again, entertainment will be provided by The Baker Act, and there will be tons of blueberry treats. August 9 will be the annual Grape Stomp and Music Fest. At this festival, participants stomp two tons of grapes for wine, which can be purchased in November. Also, Henscratch Farms will hold a Fall Pumpkin Day on October 30 with hayrides, pony rides and pumpkin decorating. Henscratch Farms is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am until 5:00 pm, and Sunday, noon through 4:00pm.

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MAY 2010

19

CHARLOTTE HARBOR-PINE ISLAND FISHING REPORT FOR MAY 2010

By Capt. Mark Bennett Photos: www.JenniBennett.com

For those readers that do not know me, I am a full time fishing guide and have been guiding since 1992. I fish the flats, backcountry and along the area beaches. My main target species are tarpon, snook and redfish. I do on occasion fish for cobia, tripletail, and a few others of the many great fish that inhabit our beautiful local waters. I have a passion for tarpon fishing and everything outdoors.

Although I do not fish in Boca Grande Pass for tarpon, I am sure the stories of our adventures around Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound and along the area beaches will be entertaining. Since 1997, my wife Jenni has been the first mate on my boat during tarpon season. You might know Jenni through her tarpon photos that have adorned the pages of several national fishing magazines over the last 14 years. She has accompanied me on many adventures on our local waters, all the while documenting the events with her awesome photos.

I am looking forward to sharing with you the events, stories, photos and information I obtain on the water here each month.

In May, along the coast of Southwest Florida, options for fishing are endless.

Inshore, offshore and in the backcountry, the water has warmed up and the fish are hungry. Snook are still catch and release till September, but the fish are still around backcountry creeks, cuts, points and deeper drop offs, as well as along the beaches.

Redfish are in a lot of their usual haunts.

Look on outer bars and drop offs on the lower tides and around the deeper mangrove shorelines on the higher tides. Of course live bait is always a consistent producer but both species will readily take a variety of artificial baits as well. Mirrolure Top Dog Pup, or the Heddon Super Spook Jr. are two of my favorite topwater baits. Both will work on either species, as well as, the gator trout that will be prowling a lot of these same places. Spanish Mackerel are everywhere this time of year. Along the beaches, offshore, flats and way up the harbor. Silver spoons and jigs are proven producers for macks. Permit are on a lot of the offshore wrecks. A free lined crab will do the job nicely. Cobia are all over the area right now. I generally catch most of them by

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accident while tarpon fishing. Look for them cruising around bridges, around bait pods, offshore wrecks and channel markers. Cobia will take a variety of baits and lures, but a pinfish on a cork is hard to beat.

The tarpon have shown up already for the season. They have been in the passes, the flats and a few already cruising the beaches.

I will fish for tarpon almost anywhere they go, but the flats of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor are two of my favorite places. Although fishing for a lot of the other species are at a peak right now, everything else takes a back seat to the Silver King for me.

A few key tips for hooking up and staying tight to a tarpon on light tackle. First off, after you cast, keep your rod tip low and take up the slack. When they bite, reel as fast as you can till the line is tight. I mean real tight, drag going out tight. Then lift the rod to 10:00. If you get the line tight properly first, multiple hook sets are not required. Hang on and be ready for anything. A freshly hooked

tarpon might run right at you or straight away. Whenever they start to run line off of your reel, stay ready for a jump. When the fish jumps, point the rod right at the fish. You might have heard the expression “Bow to the King”. This is what they are talking about. It decreases tension on the line when the fish is in the air shaking its head. It makes it harder for the tarpon to throw the hook and helps keep him from breaking you off. When he goes back in the water lift the rod back up and be ready to reel. A lot of times, especially when first hooked up, they will rapidly change directions after they hit the water. Next time we will talk about getting a tarpon close to the boat and what to do.

4/13: Sunday morning

With a strong cold front rapidly encroaching, the plan for the day had to be perfect. The forecast was calm early and strong north winds to be expected by 9 am. As a fishing guide, I have learned many things over the years, the most important one is to never ever trust the weather man. I decided to do what I always do. Let the prevalent conditions in the morning tell me what to do.

5:45 am

With the west wind already blowing a bit, I knew the cold front was ahead of schedule. Fish of all species are known to feed heavy before a front comes through and the tarpon are no different. So I decided to forgo the morning ritual of gathering bait and use artificial lures instead, just to save precious time. I rigged every rod with D.O.A. (deadly on anything!) Bait Busters.

It was a decision that I had hoped would not come back to haunt me.

We arrived at the very same place the tarpon were thick the day before at 6:30 am. Sitting in the dark waiting for light, I could not help thinking of past days fishing that I shared with anglers Chris Weir and Brian Mallard, who were with Jenni and I this morning. Eight years have gone by since Chris caught his first tarpon ever, not far from this very spot.

Anticipation was building as the sun started to come up, I was taken aback by the sight, over a hundred giant tarpon floating motionless on the top of the water, their fins were barely breaking the calm surface.

I quietly moved the boat with my trolling motor upwind and ahead of the fish, after a few casts Chris hooked up solid. The fish was about 100 pounds and straining every inch of the outstretched line, pulling drag and heading to deeper water. Then suddenly Brian hooked up to an even larger fish in the 130-pound class. After many reel scorching runs and acrobatic jumps, both fish were pulled boat side and safely released. The morale on my boat could not have been any better, to say the least. By 9 am the wind had changed to the north and picked up to 15-20 mph. By this time we already jumped off several and each of them pulled another tarpon to the boat. With the waves getting larger by the second and the tarpon showing on the surface dwindling, I knew it was time to go. By 10:30 am, we were headed to the barn with another life long memory of winning the battle with the Silver King and Mother Nature.

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Jeff Grooms 863.699.5700 t 441.4548 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

21

Okeechobee County Fair Results BEEF BREEDING

Showmanship Junior 1st – Shelby Kirton 2nd – Logan Etherton 3rd – Chance Deen Intermediate 1st – Sarah Davis 2nd – Jessica Humphrey 3rd – Bailey Kirton Senior 1st – Tessa DelCampo 2nd – Marshall Johnson 3rd - William Campbell

Bred by – Jessica Humphrey Herdsman – Sarah Davis Overall Female – Jessica Humphrey Bull Grand Champion – Rabon Carrier Reserve Grand Champion – Tessa DelCampo

All other breeds Junior Heifer Champion – Bailey Kirton Reserve Junior Heifer Champion – Shelby Kirton Intermediate Champion – Rabon Carrier Reserve Intermediate Champion – Marshall Fralix Senior Heifer Champion – Josey Pearce Reserve Senior Heifer Champion – Chelsie Houston Cow/Calf Champion – Byron Byrd Grand Champion Female – Byron Byrd Reserve Grand Champion Female – Bailey Kirton X-Crossbreed Junior Heifer Champion – Taylor Pearce Reserve Junior Heifer Champion – Shelby Raulerson Intermediate Champion- Shelby Kirton Reserve Intermediate Champion – Sarah Davis Senior Heifer Champion – Jessica Humphrey Reserve Senior Heifer Champion – Tequila Salas Grand Champion Female – Jessica Humphrey Reserve Grand Champion Female – Shelby Kirton

Dairy

Class II Reserve Senior – Austin Pluskot – Breed Holstein Class II Herdsman – Ross Laskey

Ayrshire Junior Champion – Ryan Albers Senior Champion – Shiloh Anuez Reserve Senior Champion- Caitlyn Albers Grand Champion – Shiloh Anuez Reserve Grand Champion – Ryan Albers

Brown Swiss Junior Champion – Austin Pluskot Reserve Junior Champion – Taylor Chambers Senior Champion – Brandi Perona Reserve Senior Champion – Julianne Meives Grand Champion – Brandi Perona Reserve Grand Champion – Julianne Meives Guernsey Junior Champion – Jacob McGehee Reserve Junior Champion - John McGehee Senior Champion – John McGehee Reserve Senior Champion- Fallon Curren Grand Champion – John McGehee Reserve Grand Champion – Fallon Curren Holstein Junior Champion – Fallon Curren Reserve Junior Champion – Jessica Turgeon Senior Champion – Fallon Curren Reserve Senior Champion – Fallon Curren Grand Champion- Fallon Curren Reserve Grand Champion – Fallon Curren Jersey Junior Champion – Raychel Rabon Reserve Junior Champion- Ross Laskey Senior Champion – Kelsey Burnham Reserve Senior Champion – Katie Walker Grand Champion – Kelsey Burnham Reserve Grand Champion – Katie Walker Milking Shorthorn Senior Champion – Caitlyn Albers Reserve Senior Champion – William Curren Grand Champion – Caitlyn Albers Reserve Grand Champion – William Curren

Showmanship Junior 1st – Caitlyn Albers 2nd – Ross Laskey 3rd – Ryan Albers Intermediate 1st – Taylor Chambers 2nd – Megan Perona 3rd – Julianne Meives Senior 1st – Fallon Currren 2nd – Raychel Rabon 3rd – Kelsey Burnham

OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION FALLON CURREN

Bred By Jr. – Raychel Rabon – Breed Jersey Class 4 Reserve Junior – Austin Pluskot – Breed Brown Swiss Class 1 Senior – John McGehee – Breed – Guernsey

Showmanship Junior – Zachary Kielbas Intermediate – Jessica Burkhalter Senior – Damon Heater

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LAMB

Showmanship Junior –Tyffani Zeller Intermediate – Katlynn Lawrence Senior – Paige Arnold GRAND CHAMPION – Katlynn Lawrence RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION - Taylor Poiter

SMALL ANIMALS

MAY 2010

RABBITS

1st – Doe – Damon Heater 2nd – Doe – Hannah Hortman 3rd – Doe – Kayla Raulerson 4th – Doe – Benjamin Kielbasa

1st – Buck – Jessica Burkhalter 2nd – Buck – Maria Grisales 3rd – Buck – Zachary Kielbasa 4th – Buck – Benjamin Kielbasa GRAND CHAMPION - Damon Heater

POULTRY

1st Hen – Katie Muldoon 2nd Hen – Tyffani Zeller 3rd Hen – Taylor Jordan 1st Rooser – Katie Muldoon 2nd Rooster – Kaytlynn May 3rd Rooster – Christopher Lanning GRAND CHAMPION POULTRY – Katie Muldoon

DUCKS

1st – Todd Lanning

TURKEYS

1st – MATTHEW LANNING

STEER

Showmanship Junior 1st – Gavin Beal 2nd – Jacqueline Phares Intermediate 1st – Sarah Davis 2nd – Bailey Kirton 3rd – Jessica Humphrey Senior 1st – Keighly Stewart 2nd – Tessa DelCampo 3rd – Josh Goforth Herdsman – Felipe Soto Grand Champion – Garrett Johnson Reserve Grand Champion – Bailey Kirton County Bred – Taylor Pearce

SWINE

Showmanship Junior 1st – Matthew Lanning 2nd – Cody Prescott 3rd – Shelby Kirton Intermediate 1st – Ashley McDuffie 2nd – Todd Lanning, Jr 3rd – Aladin Sherwood Senior 1st – Allyson Matthews 2nd – Cody Johns 3rd – Kristen Barnes Herdsman – Brady Pearce & Kristin Barnes Grand Champion – Cody Phillips Reserve Grand Champion – Dalton Thomas Division 2 Winner – Aladin Sherwood Division 3 Winner – Forrest Pearce Division 5 Winner Nikki Stratton

The Red Sky

BY WILL IRBY

Tales And

Trails

The woman had made a broth and brought it in. “You don’t need to be talkin,’” she instructed both. Then to the girl she said, “Alifair, you go fill that pitcher back up. This man needs lots of water.”

When the girl had left the room, the woman helped Redmond to sit higher in the bed. She propped his back with another pillow and a folded blanket. “Look here,” she said when done, “I don’t know by what you come to this place, but with God’s help you still among the livin’ and you’ll be gettin’ on from here. So, sooner the better. We’re not studying on you all that much, just gonna send you along better than we found you.”

“I am that already, Ma’am. I know, and I thank you,” Redmond said softly. Miz … ?”

“Maizie Day is my name,” she said standing back with her hands on her broad hips. I don’t expect I ought to know yours.”

“No,” he said, turning his gaze out the window to the thin, blue horizon beyond the brown and green grasses of the estuary.

“I expect not.”

Redmond was sleeping again. Alifair in the yard with her dog, Hobo saw a sudden glint of light flash in reflection from the woods road into the property from the highway. The truck approaching on the rutted drive up to the house was that of her uncle, Linton Day. Pastor Linton Day. He parked the shinny older model Ford and lowered the window at the shoulder of his starched shirt.

“You hold on to that sorry hound of yours now, do you hear me, Alifair?” Linton Day called out to the girl. “I don’t want no dog slobber and paw prints all over my clean britches. I mean it now!”

“I got him,” the girl called back with the dog’s collar firmly in her grasp.

“Alright now,” Linton Day shouted back, “I’m coming with groceries. You hold him!” Day got out then, impeccably dressed as usual. He adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses and went around to the passenger side of his truck. From there he produced two paper bags of groceries such as he brought from the store in Bronson most Thursdays. As Alifair was staying with her grandmother in the summer, there were a few extra items not ordinarily on Maizie’s list. Red Hot candies were among the special additions.

“You got them Red Hots, Uncle Lint?” the girl called while she struggled with the dog.

“I got’em,” Linton said above the groceries. “You just hold on to that nasty dog.”

part TWO

“He ain’t nasty!”

“Hold him!” His pace quickened as Linton approached the back porch of the house. “Hold him, now!”

Linton was at the foot of the steps when the hound broke free, or the girl playfully let go. He couldn’t know which.

“Run Uncle Lint!” Alifair screeched, but Linton Day was already bounding up the plank steps and acrobatically hiked a knee to balance one bag while he grasp the screened door handle and twirled his way inside without losing a single item from the overstuffed bags. Hobo’s massive paws slammed the door shut behind him with the crack of a lightning bolt.

“Alifair!” Linton’s tremulous voice reverberated from with the board and batten of the house.

Then more cheerfully, “Mama? Where …?”

Maizie Day and Linton met in the instant, face to face at the bedroom door opening to the breezeway through the house.

“How’s my baby boy?” Maizie asked in an affectionate embrace.

“I’m …” but before Linton could finish his answer, he glanced over his mother’s shoulder to the grisly looking white man propped up with his blood-tinged bandage sleeping in his mother’s bed by the window. “Mama, what …? Who is that man?” Linton Day asked incredulously, stepping aside to peer in for a better look.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“No. He come up in the storm. Might be like Jonah.”

Linton adjusted his glasses again. “That man’s not come from a whale’s belly, I can assure you that,” he admonished in a stage whisper. “He looks more like he’s come from a knife fight!”

“Gun fight, maybe,” Maizie Day replied dryly, starting for the kitchen.

“Gun fight!” Linton gasped in her wake.

Maizie began to put away the groceries while Linton paced the yellowed linoleum floor behind her. “You mean you haven’t let anybody know about this man? He washes up here in the dark and you haul him into your home – not a clue as to who you’re dealing with?”

“You know I don’t have no telephone out here. That little phone thing on your belt won’t work out here neither. You know that. What am I supposed to do?”

Continued on page 24

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23

Continued from page 23 “You are supposed to use that marine radio we installed out here. That’s what!” Linton insisted.

“Battery’s been dead in that thing. I don’t like it no how. All that jabber.”

“Mama, I’m going right now to the sheriff’s office. Straight away! Do you hear me? My Lord, what about Alifair out here… that – that man in there!” Linton Day bleated. “We don’t know who or what he is!”

“I can handle him. Don’t you worry. I done dealt with worse.”

“You don’t know that. You can’t know that!”

Alifair entered through the screened door. “Can’t know what?” she asked.

“Know anything,” Linton asserted.

“I know I want one of them Red Hots.”

“You go back out there and get hold of that dog. I’m going back to town – right now!”

“Me and Hobo been down there to the boat.” Alifair announced.

“What boat?” Linton wanted to know.

“That boat that man come up here in, I reckon. Ain’t that who ya’ll talkin’bout?”

Linton lowered his voice. “What kind of boat?”

“One of them fast kind of boats with looks like bullet holes in it. He got his blood all over it, too,” Alifair added excitedly.

“My God in heaven!” Linton all but screeched. “I’m outta here, and you’re both coming with me.”

“No we ain’t,” Maizie Day said plainly, with no more emotion than she exercised in pouring rice from its bag to a tin canister she kept on the counter.

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“Fine. That’s just fine!” Linton sassed. “You stay right here and see if he cuts your throat before I can get back with the law. But that’s what’s going to happen. Do you understand me, Mama?”

“What part? ‘Bout getting’ my throat cut, or you comin’ back with the law?”

“Both. You come with me, Alifair,” Linton insisted as he reached for the door.

“How am I gonna do that? I got to hold Hobo so you can get to your truck. Besides, I ain’t leavin’ my dog out here. He gonna ride in your truck between you and me?”

“Forget it! Linton wailed in disgust. “You just hold that nasty dog.”

“He ain’t nasty!”

Linton’s truck cut sharply up into the hammock that spread for miles along the coastal plain. He drove more rapidly than was his cautious nature, bouncing along into the hardwoods and pines, round the moss-draped cypress ponds over the logging roads out to Highway 19.

Meanwhile, rumbling up into the Waccasassa Marina some miles to the south was a fast boat similar to that beached out by Maizie’s dock. In it were two men, muscular and tattooed, rough looking behind their sunglasses. There was no humor about them.

It was apparent to anyone tending his own boat or cleaning fish up on the dock that these were men looking for something – or someone.

Next month, the conclusion of The Red Sky

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

25

REAL ESTATE

101

Adopted Lake Levels in Highlands County As life in general goes with its “ups” and “downs” so goes the levels of lakes in Highlands County. The fact that lakes in our County are one of our most valuable resources, I have been prompted to write this months column referencing the importance of this resource, as well as the effect it can have on real estate values of property owners. There is no argument from this individual that if you own property on a lake that affords water levels that are conducive to recreational activities and provides the ability to build additional improvements such as boat docks, etc., then the desirability of that property can create value.

I hope this month’s article will provide for the reader some general information, which has been published previously and help them understand what determines the overall lake levels and the management of those lakes. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes regarding both the South and Southwest Florida Water Management Districts that serve a variety of functions.

These include guiding development and water use bordering lakes; protecting the water storage and recharge capacity of lakes; and establishing operational elevations for lake level control. Because the elevation of surface water in a lake fluctuates naturally by as much as four and a half feet per year, placing your dock at the right elevation will mean that your dock is accessible throughout most of a normal year.

Natural lake fluctuation follows a cycle. During the June-October rainy season, lakes typically rise to their annual flood level and accumulated organic matter is washed up onto the shoreline of the lake.

During the November-May dry season, water levels typically fall to the minimum low level, stranded organic matter decays and is removed from the system. This cleaning process removes excess nutrients from the lake and keeps wetlands and lakes healthy. Dock elevations should be determined relative to both these levels and take into consideration how long, on average, the lake remains at a given level. These lake levels may be applied to all lakes in Highlands County.

These terms consist of a Ten Year Flood Warning Level, an Annual Flood Level, a Minimum Low Level, Extreme Low Level and a Management Range.

Information about lake ecosystems, biological and cultural indicators of historic lake levels, and the importance of lake fluctuation has increased greatly since lake levels were adopted in the 1980’s. Water management districts are using this information to update adopted lake levels through the Minimum Flows and Levels process. Among the many new pieces of information that must be considered are the elevation of existing docks, connections between lake basins and health of native aquatic vegetations. Look for new adopted levels on your lake in the next two to three years.

There is no doubt in this writer’s opinion that we are very fortunate to have the ability to enjoy the access to numerous lakes in our County. We must remain good stewards of these natural resources and balance the preservation with the use. It will benefit us all including generations to come.

Sincerely, Chip Boring RE/MAX Realty Plus (863)385-0077

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h t i a F s ’ r e m r A Fa The Mustard Seed

By Kayley Cobb

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you�

Matthew 17:20 Sometimes a Farmer’s Faith is like the parable of the mustard seed. A mustard seed is very small, as are other seeds that produce crops in Florida. Your seed could be a tomato, cabbage, lettuce, or could even be a citrus seedling or strawberry plant. Your seed could be a new calf that was just born or a beautiful foal. God provides all of these for us to nurture and to help them grow. At times farmers and ranchers face many perils and often feel like giving up. The cold weather hit all of us hard this year. Freezing temperatures pounded us night after night and we found ourselves running to the thermometer each hour. However, if we remember Matthew 17:20 it can get us through some tough times. Faith is what we need in times of freezing temperatures, drought, and disease.

So just remember, whatever kind of seed God has given you‌have faith and the Lord will see you through.

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By Kellie Duke A soft southern drawl, a tall white hat, easy to talk to, a man of integrity concerned about the future of his fellow cattlemen, a grin as wide as Lake Okeechobee, and someone who loves the lifestyle of the Florida Cattleman, this is the current President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association…Wade Grigsby.

Wade grew up in Plantation, Florida and graduated from Plantation High in 1971. He had a love for the land and working cows from an early age. He admits that when most of his friends were out playing baseball, he was on a horse working cows. When asked who his biggest hero in life was, he immediately replied, “My Dad.” Wade mentioned that his father, Bill Grigsby, was an attorney by trade, but his love of country came first.

“He was a real patriot. He taught me that honesty was above and beyond anything else. My dad wouldn’t even speed,” said Wade.

It was Wade’s love for the cattle industry that took him to the University of Florida to major in Animal Science. While at the University he took on as many jobs as he could, working in the UF Meats Lab, the Swine Unit, and in the UF Pure Bred Cattle Unit. It was also at the University that he met the love of his life, Carol. Wade and Carol actually met at a University Block and Bridle get together. Upon graduation from the University of Florida in 1976, Wade and Carol married. While Wade is very busy as President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and with his company, “Cattle Quest,” Carol is a science teacher at LaBelle High School. Wade and Carol have three children, Amber, Fawn, and Jeremy.

They also have four grandchildren. Their daughter Amber, a teacher, is married to Van Whitehurst of Williston. Daughter Fawn is a pediatrician and is married to Matt Harrison of Arcadia. Jeremy, a University of Florida Animal Science Major, works alongside his dad in the company they started, “Cattle Quest.” Wade is quick to point out that he is very proud of his three “Gator Grads!”

Wade got his start as a cattleman as he began to work for A. Duda and Sons at the Indianland Ranch on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation. Wade said, “Jackie Bass and Horace Fulford, from A. Duda and Sons, really inspired and guided me in my early years in the cattle business. I had to do all kinds of jobs at Duda, I had to be tested.” Just two years after he started, he was transferred to manage the newly acquired Goodno Ranch, where he remained for the next 11 years.

The opportunity to manage the Alico Ranch, the state’s third largest, began for Wade in 1991. He remained with Alico for the next 16 years. His time with Alico provided him with experience in all sectors of the Beef Industry. As Alico retained ownership of its calves for more than 14 years, it enabled Wade to manage the cow herd, grazing operation, feeding operation, as well as the risk management activities.

In 2007, Wade started his own company, “Cattle Quest.” The Cattle Quest Company trades cows for producers, brokers calves, and does consulting work for large and small ranches. Cattle Quest also has partners out west where they graze and feed cattle.

While sitting down with Wade, I asked him what he would say to a young person considering going into the cattle business today. “You really have to love the lifestyle of a cattleman, it’s the lifestyle that brings you in. Many million dollar deals are based on one’s integrity in the cattle business. Your word and your handshake still means a lot in

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

Continued on page 31

29

Make Your Plans for the 2010 Citrus Industry Annual Conference

By Michael W. Sparks Once again, the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference will return to the beautiful Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Fl. This year’s event takes place from June 9-11 so go to www.flcitrusmutual.com and register immediately if you haven’t already.

This will be Mutual’s sixth year hosting the Conference and we are proud to say it has grown each year.

In 2009, we had a record 670 attendees for three days of fun, education and camaraderie. This year’s Conference is sure to be a big hit as well.

The Educational Sessions agenda for 2010 touches on some of the industry’s hot button issues. We kick it off with a presentation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on the proposed numeric nutrient criteria regulations for lakes, streams and other bodies of water.

Then we will move to research, first with an overview of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation and then a review of the National Academy of Sciences review of the industry’s strategic plan to defeat HLB. Finally, we will host a panel discussion of industry experts on “Surviving HLB.” The presentation will focus on citrus nutritionals and various testimonials to their effectiveness. The debate should be lively.

The Florida Citrus Commission is scheduled to hold its June meeting at the Conference on Wednesday as will Florida Citrus Mutual and several other industry organizations.

On Thursday we will also hold the Spouse Event - Citrus Creations - sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus. This event, in its second year, is guaranteed fun but space is limited so be sure to register early.

U.S. Rep Adam Putnam, a candidate for Florida Agriculture Commissioner, will be the keynote speaker on Thursday night at the industry banquet. I’m sure Adam will give a terrific speech as usual.

Later that night a live band – The International Locals - will take us into the night with their eclectic repertoire.

Because we want the Conference to be a family affair, keep in mind that “Camp Coconut” will be available to your children on Thursday and Friday night. As

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MAY 2010

part of the camp, the kids do a variety of activities, arts and crafts. In the past, they’ve done a sunset boat cruise and a “dive-in movie” where they showed a movie near Coconut Point’s big waterfall pool. Rest assured, the kids will have a blast.

The Conference will again stage several events designed to strengthen the voice of the Florida citrus growers in Tallahassee. The fundraisers include a fishing tournament, silent auction and a golf tournament at the top rated Raptor Bay Golf Club. Get your fishing gear and golf clubs ready. Big prizes await the winners!

Our special guest speaker on Friday night at the family dinner is U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. Nelson is a tremendous friend to the Florida citrus industry and I’m excited to hear his address.

After the Senator, we’ll wrap it up with a DJ and dancing for adults and children alike.

Registration forms have already been mailed.

But don’t worry if you haven’t received one.

You can register and pay online at www.flcitrusmutual.com.

We’re looking forward to a great event and I hope to see you there.

Continued from page 29 this business,” Wade said.

As in all businesses there are certain risks involved. Wade pointed out that the two biggest risks today that are facing Florida Cattlemen are regulatory risks, such as the EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria. Wade’s advice regarding the new regulation proposals are to make sure you enroll in your voluntary Best Management Practices for each commodity. “As you enroll you will get a presumption of compliance from the state. You can do this through your local Farm Bureau or through your county extension office,” he said. Also, Wade mentioned that there is a lack of available credit. “Cattlemen sell their cattle once or twice a year and this can create a cash flow problem.

This is where the Florida Cattlemen’s Association comes in. We are here to help, with the wisdom of the past presidents and experienced individuals, we can all make a difference,” Wade said. Wade also believes in the power at the voting polls. “Study the issues and get out and vote. It is the most precious thing we have as Americans. This is a historic election in the State of Florida. Five out of six of the state wide races are up for grabs. The last time we had an election such as this in Florida happened in 1885,” he said.

Being President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Wade is also responsible for the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention coming up June 21-25, 2010. It will be held at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club and Spa, in Marco Island, Florida. “The convention this year will be politically oriented. We will have a forum, which will consist of the Representatives of the five water management districts and Mike Sole, the Director of Environmental Protection. Mike will facilitate a round table discussion with people in the audience who are concerned about the water issue. Also, the gubernatorial candidates and the candidates for the Commissioner

Registered Land Surveyor Countrys • LOT SURVEYS o t o S e SURVEYS ServinhgeDPast 50 Yea •• ACREAGE PLATTED for t

of Agriculture will be on hand to present their speeches on their visions for the State of Florida,” he stated.

The Florida Cattlemen have had a great leader in Wade Grigsby this year. He was a very busy man the day I caught up with him for this interview, traveling from one side of the state to the other, doing his duties as President. I knew when he arrived he would appreciate a good ole glass of sweet tea, and guess what…he did! I didn’t know Wade personally before this day, but after talking to him for just a little while, I felt as if I had known him all of my life. “In the Field Magazine” congratulates Wade on his service as President of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association and wishes all the Florida Cattlemen the best convention ever! See you in Marco!

Cowboy Up and Come on Down for the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention. For information on the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention, please call: 1-239-394-2511or you can email Wade Grigsby at wadegrigsby@yahoo.com.

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APRIL 17 & 24 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

MAY 9 MOTHERS DAY BUFFET

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

APRIL 16 – JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

APRIL 17 – SHADES OF BLUE

Shades of Blue with P. J. Leary & the Las Vegas Sounds – also featuring special guest Ken Brady, lead singer of The Casinos featuring the 1967 hit “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye®” before and after the show in the Ballroom!

APRIL 23 – DESTINY

Come dine and dance the night away with one of the best house bands around. Destiny is adult contemporary music with tunes ranging from Jimmy Buffett, GrassRoots, Ricky Martin – to today’s hits!

APRIL 30 – COVER TO COVER

The band performs in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds.

MAY 1, 7, 15, 22 & 28 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

A grand buffet fit for a Queen! Freshly prepared salads, seafood, beef, ham, vegetables and desserts (including chocolate fountains) and much more! Serving times: 11 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

For musical entertainment, Destiny performs. Call to reserve your table in the Red Rose Ballroom.

Doo Wop At Its Best!

Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday.

“Forever in Love,” “Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.” Destiny will also be performing before and after in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 14 LOST IN THE 50S – PART 1 THE FOUR PREPS AND THE ROOTS OF ROCK’N ROLL

JUNE 4 & 12 – JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Tributes to Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis, The Four Preps “26 Miles,” “Big Man,” “Lazy Summer Night,” “Down By The Station”– plus Jimmy Stephens of the Safaris “Image Of A Girl” also performing PJ Leary and The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show in the Red Rose Ballroom

MAY 15 LOST IN THE 50S – PART 2 THE NEW CHORDETTES & THE FOUR PREPS

The New Chordettes perform their hits “Mr. Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Never On Sunday”– plus The Four Preps “26 Miles,” “Big Man,” “Lazy Summer Night,” “Down By The Station”– plus Jimmy Stephens of the Safaris “Image Of A Girl,”– also performing PJ Leary and The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show in the Ballroom

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

MAY 8 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

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MAY 29 LOLA & THE SAINTS PLUS DESTINY

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

JUNE 5, 18 & 26 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

JUNE 19 GEORGE GALFO’S MYSTICS

Original founding member, George Galfo brings his Mystics to the Red Rose Dining Room singing their hit song “Hushabye” and many more memorable Doo Wop favorites! PJ Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds before and after the show.

MAY 21 PAUL ELGIN & EARTHBEAT TRIO

The Trio performs superior dance classics, such as “Footloose,” “Proud Mary,” “Dancing in the Street,” “Mustang Sally” and much more... Earthbeat has been requested for backing up many recording artists, including Michael Bublé, The Platters, Spencer Davis, The Drifters and Percy Sledge.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

33

The Crowning Glory ofGlory the Plant The Crowning of theKingdom Plant Kingdom By: Braulio A. Sáenz, Sc. D., Ph.D. Man has always considered flowers as something special, conveying a sense of beauty, delicacy, elegance and, for some subliminal reason, a perception of transcendence, as suggesting a Designer responsible for their beauty. Even very early humans, like the Neanderthal man, buried their dead tied down in fetal position and covered with flowers which would accompany them to a rebirth in the afterlife.

Besides their spiritual message, flowers are in general, essential for human societies. Some flowers which are hardly noticed, those whose pollen is carried by the wind, are mostly responsible for human sustenance all over the world.

Man is considered an omnivore, he eats everything, but what we are, in fact, is grain eaters. We will recall that when we pray we say: “Give us this day our daily bread”. Every human culture has a particular grain as the base of their diet. For Americans it is wheat, for Mexicans, corn, for the Chinese, rice and for some Africans, millets (We know this grain in America mostly as bird feed). In all of these cases we receive the benefits of the inconspicuous flowers of these grain plants: gramineae.

Other plants have showy flowers, intended to attract insect pollinators, and in these we can see a continued progress to an ultimate perfection. The beautiful magnolia is a very primitive flower, where the floral organs, verticils, are distributed in a spiral formation along an axis.

The next stage in complexity of the flowering plants is represented by a large number of lovely flowers like roses and carnations, in which the distribution of their floral parts follows a radial pattern, like the spokes of a wheel. In order to show the unity of Creation, lower animals with limited movements, locomotion, also show this body symmetry, like starfishes and sea urchins.

The final stage in complexity in flowers, as well as in animals, is bilateral symmetry where a side of the body structure is a mirror image of the opposite one.

A l l higher animals, ourselves included, follow this symmetry pattern, and not surprisingly, so do some flowers, like the Prima Donna of our article, the magnificent Orchid. Most orchids grow on trees, epiphytes, which evidences their modern nature as trees had to precede their appearance. They rely on insect pollinators for their reproduction, and their seeds are so minute that they float in the air until they find a suitable destination, Microspermeae. The adult orchid plant lives in a symbiotic relationship with a specific fungus, which produces moisture for the orchid. This fungus, in return, receives shelter on the orchid roots. This fungus-root relationship is quite common in the plant kingdom, and it is called Mycorrhiza.

Most pollinating insects are attracted to orchids by their color patterns, perfumes and nectars, like in most other flowers, but there is a striking exception to this pattern found in an Australian orchid. In this case, the flower uses its bilateral symmetry, like the insect’s, to develop a shape which mimics the female of the species, and also reproduces the female odor, Pheronomes, so that the love crazy creature attempts to mate with the orchid and pollinates it.

There is a marvelous intricacy in nature. It is our choice to either just live unaware of its greatness, or each and every day admire its infinite beauty, its power to provide sustenance and the many opportunities to learn something new.

The men of experiment are like the ant; they only collect and use. But the bee . . . gathers its materials from the flowers of the garden and of the field, but transforms and digests it by a power of its own. ~ Leonardo da Vinci

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Farm Bureau News...

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Highlands County Farm Bureau will be hosting a Speech Contest on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at 6:30pm at the Highlands County Farm Bureau Office. The topic will be,” What opportunities and/or challenges exist for Florida agriculture in regards to renewable energy and climate change legislation?” Any Highlands County student who is 14-18 years old may participate. The speech should be no more than five minutes.

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Florida Departments Of Agriculture And Education Join Florida Dairy Farmers And NFL In A Public

Private Partnership To Improve Health And Wellness In Florida Schools ~ Fuel Up to Play 60 Campaign Unites Government, Health Professionals, Industry and Educators to Defeat Childhood Obesity in Florida ~ The Florida Departments of Agriculture and Education have joined a campaign to fight and defeat childhood obesity in cooperation with Dairy Farmers, Inc./Dairy Council of Florida and the NFL, multiple health organizations and several major corporations.

The campaign – Fuel Up to Play 60 – is funded with an initial private sector commitment of $250 million over five years by America’s Dairy Farmers, including 140 Florida farm families. Funding is expected to grow as government, businesses, communities and families join this effort to improve nutrient-rich food choices and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity each day among children. More than 60,000 schools nationwide, including 2,200 in Florida, are enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60.

“We not only wholeheartedly support our dairy farmers in this effort, we applaud them for the impressive financial commitment they are making to increasing fitness and reducing obesity in our schools,” said Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson. “Many organizations have highlighted this growing problem, but few have stepped up and committed their resources to the extent that our dairy farmers are demonstrating today.”

Based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Fuel Up to Play 60 empowers students in grades 4 through 10 to engage their peers to “fuel up” with nutrient-rich foods they often lack – particularly low-fat and fat-free milk and milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains – and “get up and play” for 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Components, developed for and by youth, such as program curriculum, in-school promotional materials, a Web site (www.fueluptoplay60.com) and youth social media partnerships, are customizable and non-prescriptive. The program’s design allows youths and schools determine which tools and resources best help them meet their wellness goals and school wellness policies. Partner-supported school grants will help schools make long-term healthy changes.

Fuel Up to Play 60 also gives leaders in health, government, businesses and communities nationwide the opportunity to be part of a movement that relies on participation, collaboration and action by youth and adults to help develop and maintain healthy habits to last a lifetime.

The program taps the power of all 32 NFL teams, players and physical activity programming to add recognition and value for students. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins are working closely with the Dairy Council of Florida to promote Fuel Up to Play 60 in their respective areas.

The National Dairy Council’s trusted school relationships are crucial in sustaining the program.

In a joint news conference on April 12, 2010, the Dairy Council of Florida, NFL and the Florida Departments of Agriculture and Education will announce a renewed commitment to work together to combat childhood obesity in Florida. Through the Fuel Up to Play 60 program sponsored by Dairy Farmers, Inc./Dairy Council

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MAY 2010

of Florida, Florida students will have the opportunity to engage in healthy eating and physical activity projects and activities that empower their schools to get healthy.

In the 2009-2010 school year, 15 schools in Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties were presented the opportunity to participate in a Fuel Up to Play 60 pilot. These outstanding schools, principals, staff and students working together received grants of $5,000 per school to promote healthy eating and physical activity to all students at their schools. Each Fuel Up to Play 60 pilot team consisting of approximately 20 students and their advisor were charged with developing projects that inspired their peers to make changes to help them be healthier and more active. Each team chose a nutrition and physical activity project to implement throughout the year. The grant funds were used to help make the team’s vision a reality.

The projects were planned, managed and executed in collaboration with other school wellness initiatives and included the principal and staff from areas including food services, health education and physical education. In addition, all students could track their healthy behavior changes online at fueluptoplay60. com through the state and national competitions.

“With one in three Florida children 10-17 years old considered overweight or obese, programs like Fuel Up to Play 60 are more important than ever,” said Jennifer W. Sills, Registered Dietitian and Director of School Marketing for the Dairy Council of Florida. “Through ongoing research and innovative programming and resources, the Dairy Council of Florida has been committed to helping schools combat poor nutrition, inactivity and obesity among Florida’s youth since 1958. Fuel Up to Play 60 will continue to expand in the coming years through bold leadership and new partnerships with organizations and industry leaders such as the Florida Departments of Agriculture and Education and the NFL, helping achieve changes no single organization could achieve alone.”

The goal is to use what was learned this year in pilot and nonpilot schools to engage more partners and expand the program in 2010-2011, making it more successful and impactful.

About Fuel Up to Play 60

Fuel Up to Play 60 is a youth-led social marketing initiative designed to help prevent childhood obesity and help youth develop life-long healthy eating and daily physical activity habits. As part of the program, student teams work with adult leaders in each school to make kid-appealing, good-tasting, nutrient-rich foods more available. They also create opportunities for daily physical activity, such as noon walking clubs and after-school sports and dance clubs. Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages kids to get involved and make changes that will help make their schools healthier

places. The program reaches youth directly and engages their help in leading and inspiring their friends. Visit www.FuelUpToPlay60. com to learn more.

based in Chicago. For information on milk call 1(800) 516-4443 or visit our web site at www.floridamilk.com

About Dairy Council of Florida

Designed to help tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL’s long-standing commitment to health and fitness with partner organizations like the National Dairy Council. NFL’s PLAY 60 is also implemented locally, as part of the NFL’s in-school, after-school and team-based programs.

For more information, visit www.NFLRush.com. © 2009 NFL Properties LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

The Dairy Council of Florida is designed to enhance the school milk experience for students through marketing concepts that make milk and dairy foods more accessible and appealing.

The Council also works with Florida educators to provide classroom materials and resources that further enhance the dairy industry’s image. The Council is one of 20 member organizations of the United Dairy Industry Association and carries out the programs of Dairy Management, Inc., the umbrella organization

About NFL PLAY 60

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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The Future of Farming...

Going Green for the Environment

IO SOIL CULANTS:

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By J. B. Bolster Agriculture is about more than just planting seed and watching food grow. Anyone who has worked on a farm

UTILIZATION OF knows that a lot goes into making plants grow. From transportation to clothing, golf courses to or planted a garden wildlife reserves, industries rely on conventional agricultural practices like using nitrogen-based fertilizers, pesticides, ERTILIZERS and fungicides to make their businesses successful. There are over 400 million acres of cropland in the United States

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Bio Soil Enhancers, Inc. has released several soil inoculants that are: U Environmentally-Friendly U U 100% Organically Based U U Economical U U Effective U *Bio Soil products are Patent Pending

MAY 2010

Continued on next page

Nitrogen, though abundant in our air, is harmful when applied to land in large quantities. Most of the nitrogen from chemical fertilizers and residues from pesticides are washed away by rainfall and irrigation. Run-off eventually enters major bodies of water where it encourages the growth of aquatic plants and microscopic organisms. This growth then uses oxygen in the water and makes it hard for fish and other animals to survive. These areas, called “dead zones,” get bigger every year. The dead zone at the mouth of the Mississippi River, where it feeds into the Gulf of Mexico, is estimated to cover about 8,000 square miles.

The catch is that plants need nitrogen and other essential elements to thrive. Although there is plenty of nitrogen both in the air and in soil, most of it is unavailable for plant uptake.

Instead, plants rely on bacteria to convert it into something useful. This is where Bio Soil’s product SumaGrow™ comes in.

When applied to plants, it increases the number of microbes in the soil and roots allowing plants to make better use of the nitrogen and other plant nutrients in the soil.

The seeds of what would eventually become SumaGrow™ were planted in the mind of Moselle, Mississippi resident Wayne Wade. Having been raised on a farm, Wayne planted a small garden every spring as a hobby, and he had experience working with microbes. Another company that Wayne co-founded, Bio-Solutions, has been using the same kind of technology for years to create products that reduce waste from grease traps and lift stations. Their products have saved restaurants thousands by reducing the need to pump grease traps. They also work at the municipal level reducing the amount of solids entering the wastewater system.

In 2005, Wayne Wade began experimenting with microbial soil amendment products. By 2007, he had achieved enough success to approach Dr. C. A. Reddy, international microbiologist and professor at Michigan State University, about creating a new product.

Dr. Lalithakumari Janarthanam, distinguished microbiologist specializing in plant pathology, was recruited for the project, and the dedicated efforts of these two scientists became SumaGrow™, a potential multi-functional microbial formulation that increases yields (over 20 percent in most cases) while reducing chemical fertilizers by 50 percent through effective biological nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, mobilization of available plant nutrients, production of phyto-hormones, and suppression of plant diseases by inducing host resistance.

SumaGrow™ has been tested on a wide variety of plants in greenhouses and in the field, both with and without fertilizers, and those treated with SumaGrow™ were healthier and produced higher yields than those grown without it. The product, which comes in liquid form, can be added to irrigation systems for large farms, mixed in small pump sprayers for gardens, or mixed in spray bottles for house plants.

The product can even be applied either at planting or after sprouting. Bio Soil has also applied for organic certification and expects SumaGrow™ to be accepted in the near future.

Bio Soil is still “thinking outside the box” to make improvements. Dr. Lalitha, now a permanent resident of Hattiesburg and the company’s Director of

Research and Development, is constantly developing new ideas for other biological solutions for agriculture. The company is working on crop-specific formulas and is in the process of developing a new product that will act as an organic pesticide. With innovative ideas like this, the future of our environment and the future of farming are looking greener than ever.

For more information about Bio Soil Enhancers you may contact them at www.biosoilenhancers. com or in writing at 1611 James Street, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39401.

J. B. Bolster is a free lance writer and is an employee at Bio Soil Enhancers, Inc.

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MAY 2010

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To Crate or Not to Crate

Photo is courtesy of CMFoto

By: Johnny Cone The other day I needed some repairs done to the air conditioning system in my home. I decided to take the least expensive option and call an AC repairman rather than attempting the repair myself. In preparation of the arrival, I went ahead and crated my dogs. While the repairman was working he noticed my dogs sleeping in their crates. He asked me why I had my dogs in cages. I explained they were not cages, but crates.

So is it a cage or is it a crate? Is there a difference? Anytime the subject of dog crating comes up it is sure to cause a stir.

There are basically two camps when it comes to crating dogs.

There are those that think it is a great tool and those that think it is mean or even cruel.

I happen to be in the camp that feel crates can be a great tool for dog owners. Crates can assist in training, safety, and dog management. But how do the dogs feel about them? To understand how and why crates work we need to look at them through a dog’s eyes. To dogs crates are not a cage. Dogs by nature will seek out and maintain a den, someplace where they have shelter, as well as, feel safe and secure. If you provide a crate and introduce it correctly, you just provided a den for your dog, a safe place that the dog will willingly seek out to rest, readily enter when commanded to do so.

A dog’s first introduction to a crate is crucial. I always try to allow the dog to take the first step and enter the crate on its own, rather than placing or forcing the dog into the crate. This is easily accomplished by showing the dog that you have a favorite treat in your hand. Lead the dog to the crate with the treat then simply toss the treat in the back of the crate. The dog will follow it right in. Close the door behind the dog and walk away.

Don’t look back, don’t say anything, and don’t react in any way.

Just walk away. This is important. Especially if the dog protests, whines, barks, or does anything else other than quietly lays down. It is extremely important that you do not acknowledge the dog in any way if it is showing any sort of protest. You have to let the dog work it out for itself and settle down. Once the dog is quietly resting in the crate, you can let it out. Repeat the process of tossing a treat in the back of the crate every time you want the dog to go in the crate. You can add a command phrase such as get in your house, crate up, etc. It can be that easy.

Once the foundation is set you can use the crate for a variety of things. Housetraining becomes a breeze, but probably the biggest benefit of crating is safety. The days of someone being home all day are gone for most families. So that leaves the dog home alone. The options here are to leave it outside in a fenced back yard, in which case the dog will likely destroy your grass, shrubs, lawn furniture and possibly dig out to roam the neighborhood and become lost or worse. The next option is to leave the dog in your house. You then leave your couch, favorite chair, cabinet doors, and walls at the mercy of a bored dog. And while it is not likely that your dog will be able to escape your house, there are dangers. Electrical cords, cleaning supplies, medications left

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about, all pose dangers to your dog. The next option is the dog’s crate. You get ready to leave your home, the dog goes in its crate and goes to sleep. It sleeps the day away and your couch will thank you. Dogs sleep a large percentage of their life anyway.

A crate gives them a safe place to do that. An adult dog in good health can easily go six to eight hours in a crate without a break.

For puppies a good rule of thumb as to how long they can stay in a crate is to take their age in months and multiply by two.

Crates are not cages. They are dens to dogs and tools to dog owners. Even most people that are unsure of how they feel about them usually end up loving them after seeing how effective they are at managing their dogs activities and safety. The dogs love them too. Most dog owners will find that after a while their dog will go to its crate without being commanded when the dog is tired or feels uneasy about something. The crate becomes their den, their personal space, and their safety net.

Naturally Amazing Activities Preserving Flowers

By Sean Green

I have always found collections of flora not only a beautiful addition to the home, but also a visual representation of native plant species that can be used in research and education. Although native species cannot be removed from their environment, there are several native species that can be purchased from retail nurseries and I would encourage the use of these species for this project to learn and appreciate the natural beauty of Florida.

The art of flower preservation is an ancient art. Ancient Egyptians preserved flowers, grains, and herbs creating garlands for their dead to enjoy in the next world. The Japanese developed “Oshibana,” the art of pressing flowers to honor the earth as a source of unity and retain the benefits and beauty of the living plant. Medieval monks harvested and preserved herbs and flowers for medicinal purposes. From these ancient art forms stem our current understanding of art and methods of preserving flora. There are several methods to preserve flowers, each with its own benefits and complicity. For this month’s activity, we will present a few common methods for preserving flowers by hanging, pressing, glycerin, or silica drying.

Hanging Method:

Air drying flowers is the oldest, simplest and least expensive method and consists of hanging the flowers upside down in a dark place that is warm and dry. This is the method used by the English colonists in America. Some flowers will continue to bloom during the drying period and should be picked as a bud or partially open. Tie small clusters of flowers together at the stem with twine or a rubber band. Hang the clusters upside down in a dark place that is warm and dry such as a closet or attic.

Pressing:

Pressing is probably the most familiar method of preserving flowers. This method is best for petals and leaves that are detached from the flower. Place petals between two sheets of paper and inside a thick heavy book, close the book and stack other books on top to add weight to the pressing. After a few weeks of pressing, the leaves and petals can be placed in a frame for display.

Alternatively, pressing can be done with an iron by placing the petals or leaves between two sheets of wax paper and ironing on medium heat.

(Place a sheet of plain paper on top of the wax paper before ironing to protect your iron from melted wax.)

Glycerin:

(Mix two parts warm water to one part Glycerine.) This is a great method for preserving the elasticity of the plant, especially good if you intend to braid long leaves or create a wreath with your plants. The idea is similar to the embalming process. The Glycerin will replace the water content in the plant as the plant absorbs the solution.

Technical grade Glycerin is usually available at the local pharmacy, but can be expensive, (Antifreeze will also work). Plants should be gathered in a fully hydrated method. Mash the ends of the stem and place the plant in a vase of the solution as you would any rose. Let the plant absorb the solution for two weeks or more to allow for complete absorption. light brown, absorption is complete. If wilting occurs after the removal of the plant from the absorbed the solution entirely and the plant can be hung upside down to help the solution (Single leaves or flowers that are not connected to the stem should be completely immersed

Silica Gel:

state for this stemmed plant such as a When the foliage leaves turn solution, the plant has not reach the tips of the plant. in the glycerin solution)

(Place flowers in an airtight container of silica to dry) Those little packets you get with some electronics or medication that have a warning “DO NOT EAT” is silica. It is used to absorb moisture. Silica gel will absorb the moisture from flowers very quickly, (between 24 and 48 hrs). Because the moisture is removed so quickly, the coloration is preserved better than many other methods. Silica gel can be found in many garden centers and is often labeled as “Drying Gel.” The limitations of Silica are that it must be used in an airtight container to prevent the gel from absorbing the humidity in the air. One of the advantages of Silica gel is that you can re-dry them in the oven to use again for the next batch of flowers.

While your flowers are drying, you can research the species and print out information cards to include in a frame. If you find any dead butterflies in your screen porch, you could even match the butterflies with the plant host for an interesting composition. Shadow boxes with preserved flowers are popular for weddings and I have seen a few great tutorials on making decoupage candle holders with flowers. Be creative and send in pictures of what you have done with your preserved flowers.

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Young Farme

COLLEGE & CAREER The agricultural industry is a dynamic and ever changing sector of our economy. I fondly remember helping my father, uncles and grandfather in our agrichemical business. The sense of unity and hospitality found within the industry has fascinated me since a young age.

Upon graduation from high school, I received questions from many of the “old-timers” within our area upon about what exactly I planned to study at the University of Florida. My reply was to major in Food and Resource Economics and return to my roots within the community. The outlook on the industry was bleak at this time through the combination of a number of natural disasters, invasive pests and diseases that stood to wipe out many within agriculture. The thought of an industry I grew up in being crippled by these threats gave me the motivation to excel in my studies and become heavily involved within the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Staying active within my department and college was a top pri-

rs

ority for me while enrolled at the University. I became president of the Agricultural Economics Club, held office within the Alpha Zeta Honors Fraternity and stayed active in the Master of Agribusiness Student Organization.

Prior to graduating in 2008 I decided to stay at the University of Florida and further my education in the Master of Agribusiness program. The theories, techniques and skills I encountered in the MAB program prepared me for starting my company, Murphy Ag Solutions, Inc. after graduation in May of 2009.

The foundation my company is built upon is providing exceptional customer service and products to my clients. The products and services Murphy Ag Solutions provide include water-soluble fertilizers, fertilizer additives, bio-stimulants and agri-chemicals.

From the beginning, I knew that it was imperative to diversify my offerings and the crops I dealt with. Today I work with growers involved in citrus, sugarcane, tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, strawberries, cucumbers, squash and eggplant. I recently expanded my offerings by beginning to manufacture a new product, Litter Performance, to be used in increasing the efficiency of chicken litter applied to corn, cotton, hay and tobacco in Georgia and the Carolinas.

It is important to stay up to date on all of the issues facing agribusiness on the national, state and local levels. Staying current with new technologies and products helps me to provide new and innovative ways to stay on top of this vibrant industry. Agriculture has been a life long passion for me and I look forward to continue serving my industry and community.

Murphy Ag Solutions, Inc. Trevor A. Murphy Cell: 863-443-1847 Nextel: 158*17*2311

LOOK WHO’S READING

Jeff Antley

Tire Service Manager at Big T Tire in Avon Park.

®

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

Farm Bureau Field Agent Report...

Farm Bureau members have been busy working to provide input to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the Numeric Nutrient Criteria. To summarize, the Criteria will be numbers imposed on Florida agriculturalists, businesses, municipalities, water utilities and state agencies in October.

In other words, every single Floridian will be affected. The Criteria are meant to reduce water quality problems. The question is, at what cost?

Farm Bureau opposes the NNC because they will be costly and unattainable. Also, Farm Bureau opposes the new regulations because we and others have cooperatively worked with agencies to improve water quality across the state with programs that provide cost share monies and are obtainable for growers. Two examples I can cite are the efforts in a program in the Suwannee River area and the Shell, Prairie, Joshua Creek Reasonable Assurance Plan. The latter is right here at home.

At the EPA NNC hearings, producers gave examples of how they thought the burden of such regulations would harm their family businesses.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has shown the harmful effects on Florida agriculture and they continue to work on the estimated costs to farmers and ranchers. Science and reason set the tone for those who oppose the NNC. Agricultural producers are true contributors to conservation. They speak with their money, their sweat and by being risk takers to improve their land and productivity. The agriculturalists are speaking with their actions.

The environmental activists on the other hand, espouse rhetoric full of emotion. They do not own the land. They want us to pay for it and then remove its productivity. They do not sweat on the land to improve productivity and habitat. They do not take risks. They work to burden producers with onerous regulations. They do not take any responsibility. Instead, they blame others. That was their tone at the public hearings.

Andy Neuhofer, Field Representative District 6 Florida Farm Bureau Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org

“It is our mission to produce the highest quality products, market them at competitve prices, provide superior customer service and maximize returns to Florida growers.”

For Fruit Sales & Pricing Please Contact:

Fran Becker V.P. Fruit Procurement

Office: (863) 494-0440 • Mobile: (863) 990-8582

Serving Highlands County and the Peace River Basin area since 1994.

All Around

Septic & Sewer, Inc. Emergency Service SEPTIC TANKS CLEANED GREASE TRAPS SEWER & DRAIN LINES CLEANED DRAIN FIELD INSTALLATION & REPAIR SYSTEM INSPECTIONS

Call

863-655-4700

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

43

16162 Hwy. 441 N. Okeechobee, FL 34972 863-763-7736 • 863-763-8730 Fax treelocators@aol.com

Manufactured Stone Design Installation Full Garden Center • • • • Plants Trees Natural Stone Decorative Gravel • • • •

MOLE CRICKET PROJECT 2010 WHAT IS THIS PROJECT?

This is a demonstration project to show Florida ranchers how they may use non-chemical methods to control pest mole crickets in their pastures. It is funded for the calendar year 2010.

Pest mole crickets are large soil-dwelling insects that cause more than $100 million yearly in damage to pastures in Florida. The good news is that pest mole crickets have new natural enemies in Florida: beneficial wasps and beneficial nematodes.

You can attract these beneficial wasps to our pastures by adding certain host plants.

You can buy and apply the beneficial nematodes. Or, you can do both. But there is no real point in doing either unless our pasture is being badly damaged by mole crickets. So, first we deal with how to detect a mole cricket problem.

How do you detect a mole cricket problem?

Check your pasture to determine whether it is infested with mole crickets. Signs are patches of dead grass, and tunnels visible on the soil surface. After a hard rain when the soil is wet, in an area of 2 x 2 feet where you suspect mole crickets are present, pour a solution of one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent in one gallon of water. If four or more mole crickets come to the surface within three minutes, and the same happens at other places in the pasture, you have justification for action. We recommend that you make a 2 x 2 ft square quadrant out of half-inch pvc pipe because that makes it much easier to define a 2 x 2 ft area.

For more information or if you are interested in participating, please contact: Randy Gornto Highland County Extension 863-402-6540 • rgornto@ufl.edu No Farmers No Food

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en r a K na n e K c M Karen McKenna was born and raised in Naples, Fl. Her father was involved in citrus and cattle in south Florida and Costa Rice where she spent many summers. After graduating high school in 1977 she attended the University of Florida and graduated in 1980 with an agricultural economics degree. This is where she met her future husband, Marty McKenna, at the Alpha Gamma Rho house. They married in 1981 and both began their careers in agriculture.

Karen’s first job was with the USDA Crop insurance.

Marty, began his first job at Plant Science in Winter Haven and then with Joe L. Davis Grove and Ranch.

Karen furthered her studies by attending Webber College and graduating with an accounting degree.

They planted their first citrus grove in 1984, the year their first child was born. Now they have four children, Michael 25, Elizabeth 23, Emily 21, and Riley 18.

For the last 15 years Karen and Marty have been running McKenna and Associates, a citrus growing, grove caretaking and harvesting operation. They have continued planting and buying citrus groves in the heartland area. Karen stays busy running the office, including financial accounting, as well as fruit accounting. The citrus industry and agriculture have been very good to the McKenna family and they like to give back whenever possible. Together they are a good team. When she’s not working Karen enjoys cooking, scuba diving, reading, and spending time with her family. Her two favorite recipes that her family loves are coconut pie and beef tenderloin.

Mile High Coconut Pie For filling, in medium saucepan combine sugar, flour, and gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat and cook two more minutes. In separate bowl, beat egg yolks and gradually stir one cup of hot mixture into yolks. Bring back to boil and stir in vanilla and butter and cook two more minutes. Pour into baked pie shell. Spread meringue over hot filling and seal to edge. Bake in oven at 350 o oven for 12 to 15 min.

Pie Ingredients • 1 cup sugar • ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups milk • 4 eggs separated • 3 tablespoons butter • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla • 1 - 9 inch baked pie shell • Meringue for pie Never-Fail Meringue • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 2 tablespoons cold water • 1/2 cup boiling water • 3 egg whites • 6 tablespoons sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 pinch of salt INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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45

South Florida Water Management District April Agricultural Highlights Report

By Charles Shinn, Assistant Director Government & Community Affairs

Senior Manager Changes at South Florida Water Management District

The retirement of George Horne, Executive Director for Operations & Maintenance is creating a shuffle of senior level managers at the South Florida Water Management District.

Tommy Strowd, Assistant Deputy Director of Everglades Restoration and Capital Projects will take George’s position and become the new Executive Director for Operations & Maintenance. Tommy is a professional engineer and has been with the District for 16 years. Florida Farm Bureau has a very good relationship with Tommy and looks forward to working with him in this new position, one that is vitally important to agriculture.

Tom Teets will be taking the reins from Tommy becoming the new Assistant Deputy Director of Everglades Restoration and Capital Projects. Tom has worked with the agricultural sector in several areas but was most involved with us when he was in charge of the Northern Everglades projects development timeline.

Alex Damian will serve as the new Assistant Deputy Executive Director of Operations & Maintenance. Larry Carter will become the new Assistant Deputy Executive Director for Capital Projects.

Governing Board Starts 10 Year Strategic Planning Process

In the April board meeting, staff started walking the governing board through the development process of the 10 year Strategic Plan (2010 – 2020). Starting on page two is a summary (new additions are noted by an asterisk) and the potential agricultural impacts.

1. Restore the Northern and Southern Everglades

a) Expanding and improving water storage capacity and water quality treatment.

i) Ag impact – Highly beneficial

b) Completing construction of existing key projects.

i) Ag impact – Highly beneficial as Farm Bureau encourages the completion of CERP projects.

c) Implementing the Long Term Plan to achieve water quality standards (*and other cost effective solutions to improve water

quality, reduce nutrient loads and achieve water quality standards)

i) Ag impact – additional wording is addressing current actions by Federal Courts and the EPA. These overreaching

actions can critically hamper current efforts that are using best available technology.

d) * Incorporating the River of Grass land acquisition into restoration efforts

i)Ag impact – Farm Bureau continues to oppose the River of Grass acquisition due to the negative monetary impact on

existing and proposed projects, and Bureau policy that land should retain private ownership when alternatives exist to

support restoration efforts.

e) *Coordinating with federal partners in considering potential climate change and sea level rise impacts on restoration plans.

i) Ag impact – As water managers see a need for higher fresh water, water head levels to address saltwater infiltration,

farming practices will be negatively impacted along coastal growing areas. In addition, conservationists are

predicting the migration of threatened and endangered species. Expect to see lines drawn on maps that

encompass many acres north of Lake Okeechobee. We must continue to educate the conservationists of the

positive attributes that agricultural lands provide to these species.

2. Refurbish, replace and improve the regional water management system

a) Implementing the 50 year plan

i)Ag impact – Many of the structures in the District are approaching 50 years and need major refurbishment to provide

water supply and continued protection from flooding.

b)Incorporating new structures into the system

i)Ag impact – Unknown

c) *Inventorying, prioritizing, and retrofitting coastal and other water control structures in response to sea level rise.

i)Ag impact – Needed projects to protect urban areas from flooding but will be costly and drain funds away from other

projects that increase water supply and water quality.

d) *Coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on levee inspections and improvements.

i)Ag impact – Aging structures need to be inspected and preventive maintenance performed to maintain their integrity.

e) *Coordinating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the Herbert Hoover Dike.

i)Ag impact – Huge! The lower lake schedule is in response to the Corps concern about dike integrity. They will not

even address the possibility of a higher lake schedule until rehabilitation of Reaches 1, 2, and 3 (southern half of the

dike)are complete. Present completion date for Reaches 1 – 3 is 2020 if funding continues to flow to the project at

the present pace. The current lower lake schedule (LORS 2008) greatly increases the likelihood of

water shortage conditions for agriculture. The 1 in 10 level of certainly is reduced to 1 in 6 and the

economic impact to agriculture is staggering.

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Continued on the next page

f) *Considering new water quality standards in all future structure operations.

i)Ag impact – Impossible to predict. This is in response to EPA’s proposed numeric nutrient criteria. If implemented

as proposed, I do not see how water will be allowed to move from one basin to the next. During

drought, this will keep vital water from moving to irrigate crops. During flooding conditions,

water may not move off of flooded cropland.

3. Meet the current and future demands of water users and the environment

a) Implementing regional water supply plans.

i)Ag impact – FFBF is continually monitoring and providing input into this process in cooperation with the Florida

Department of Agriculture. The water supply plan, if tailored correctly, will insure future water supplies to current

users including agriculture. Enough leeway needs to be built into the plan to allow the farmer to change crops

as markets warrant.

b) Using reservation and allocation authority to protect water for the natural system.

i)Ag impact – FFBF is continually monitoring and providing input in cooperation with the Florida Department of

Agriculture.

c) Encouraging alternative water supply development.

i)Ag impact – Highly beneficial as alternative water supplies in urban areas decrease demand on available water for

agriculture.

d) Increasing water conservation

i)Ag impact – Agriculture has been a key player for the past 20 years in water conservation by converting high volume

irrigation systems to low volume systems where applicable.

e) Utilizing regulatory and compliance authority

i) Ag impact – FFBF encourages all agricultural operations to operation within the parameters of their Water Use

Permit.

f) *Developing and implementing regional water supply plans in coordination with local governments.

i)Ag impact – FFBF continues to monitor coordination efforts to make sure that agriculture in the region is not

negatively impacted.

g) *Creating incentives for alternative water supplies and conservation

i) Ag impact – Supporting alternative water supply development as noted in ‘3.c.i’ above. Incentives should be targeted

toward agricultural operations that incorporate water conservation into their business plan.

Continued on page 48

We preserve the best of nature, to produce the best from nature.

Enriching farmland is our labor and our love. We provide American farmers with nutrients to grow the food we need. But our work doesn’t stop there. After mining the natural phosphate needed to make our products, we reclaim the land for recreational and environmental uses. We bring more to your table, all while feeding the world responsibly.

A better Florida and a better world www.mosaicfla.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Members of the Desoto/Charlotte and Hardee County Farm Bureau’s took a tour of Florida Power and Light’s DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center on March 26. At 25 megawatts, the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center is the largest solar photovoltaic plant in the United States with an annual estimated generation of about 42,000 megawatt hours, or enough power to serve about 3,000 homes.

Phase one is located on 180 acres of Florida Power and Light owned property in DeSoto County, and consisting of more then 90,500 solar panels, this project will provide over $2 million in additional property tax revenue through the end of 2010 for DeSoto County.

One of the largest private capital investments in the county, the solar facility will prevent the emission of more than 575,000 tons of greenhouse cases. According to the US EPA, this is the equivalent of removing over 4,500 cares from the road every year for the entire life of the project.

Photovoltaic technology requires no water and will decrease fossil-fuel usage by approximately 7 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 277,000 barrels of oil. According to Florida Power and Light, solar energy can help Florida secure its energy future since it is not subject to oil supply disruptions or price volatility.

The project provided nearly 400 jobs during peak construction, which started in 2008 and was completed in September 2009.

For more information on the DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center visit www.FPL. com/solar.

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Okeechobee High FFA Hosts State Career Development Event

J.D. from Lake Placid Middle School

Zack McKinney and Alexandra Tutt from Avon Park Middle FFA

Okeechobee High School FFA and the Okeechobee FFA Alumni graciously hosted the annual FFA State Ornamental Horticulture Demonstrations on Thursday, April 8.

Students from all over the State of Florida came to show off their knowledge and skills in working with horticulture.

The Horticulture Demonstration Contests are designed to stimulate careful planning, through knowledge and the ability to explain, by work and action, the “how and why� of various horticulture practices. There were five divisions that students participated in. The divisions include: Production, Marketing, Consumer Use, Artistic Arrangement of Horticulture Crops, and Landscaping.

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This is Zack Farr and Wyatt Bennett from Avon Park Middle

T

here are two things I really don’t like to eat. One, liver! Two, chitlins! Most anything else I can tolerate. Patsy, my wife, would choose either of them over a tender t-bone steak.

That’s fine, as everybody’s choice is different. Coming up I was raised on tomato gravy, rice and lots of fresh vegetables.

My father would eat anything you put in front of him. I recall the time Dad brought in some fresh hog brains and wanted mother to cook them. She bowed up like a settin’ hen protecting her young.

A few minutes later I walked back into the kitchen, and there she was stirring hog brains and scrambled eggs, while holding a washcloth over her nose.

Now I love collard greens, known down here in the south as “soul food.” If prepared properly with bacon fat and pork belly the taste is fit for a king. While I personally love them, I don’t like to be in the kitchen while they’re cooking… smells like the whole family had gas and they went to the kitchen to relieve the pressure.

Have you ever had beets on a burger? It’s commonplace in Australia they say. If you’re in that country and want to be one of the boys, order your hamburger, pickled beets, a fried egg and all the other regular fast food fixins’.

A GI who had spent some time in Korea told me about how they made Kimchi. Actually it is fermented cabbage! The cabbage is soaked in a tub containing salt and red pepper. It is normally left for several weeks before serving, but it can be stored for months in clay pots buried underground. He said he didn’t really care for it, as it taste like hot vinegar after fermentation.

Fried food in the south has always been popular, like three-fried beans! There is a restaurant in southern Arkansas that specializes in this particular dish. They start with a ball of refried beans, battered, and then fried again. Now think about this. First you have the refried beans. I don’t know if they make or buy them pre-fried, which is beans fried and then refried. Next you batter them and then fry them again? Heavens! They say the batter is rather sweet and really tastes good. Some folks suggest you don’t eat them at your evening meal,

as you will have trouble keeping the sheet on you when you go to bed at night.

Ever try the down-home southern favorite, fried dill pickles?

It has two of the major food groups: fat and salt. This might just be the thing to serve to houseguests who are overstaying their welcome. Then perhaps you could make it for a sick acquaintance you really dont like but feel obligated to do something for.

In southwest Mexico the Cactus Apple is a popular food. If you’re ever in that area of Mexico look for the red or purple fruit found growing on the beavertail cactus. Remove it carefully from the plant, and roll it around in the sand, then skin it with a sharp knife while trying not to get stuck by the needles. Next slice it into disk-shaped sections for eating as finger food. The purple ones taste like cranberry and the red one taste like a pear. Don’t eat to much as it tends to make you constipated.

I suppose the most typical southern dish is okra cooked a jillion ways. The most popular way is battered and deep-fried.

Actually, most people around here will batter and fry dang near anything but doing so with okra is one of the best. Very tasty!

Okra is also easy to grow. My parents always had a few rows of okra in their garden every year. Some of the plants grew to ten feet. When boiled the slimy texture is similar to some Japanese foods such as raw seafood, but more like “natto,” which is nothing more than fermented beans full of gas.

By the way, they tell me the cucumber is a fruit. I asked what was the difference between fruit and vegetables and this is the answer I got; a fruit has everything to do with reproduction. The botanical definition of a fruit is a ripened ovary – it is the result of fertilization. The dictionary defines a fruit as the pulpy flesh that surrounds seeds. Knowing that, I assume a fruit is defined by its sweet flavor. A vegetable doesn’t have a botanical definition and can be any part of the plant: fruit, root, stem leaf, etc. So, some vegetables can also be classified as a fruit, like the cucumber and the tomato. Now you know!

There are a lot of screwy people in this world. I just discovered a web site for vegetable cruelty. Don’t believe me?

Then go to www.VegetableCruelty.com. On the home page under a “WARNING” sign you will find: This website contains violent photographs of vegetables and fruits being tortured, mutilated, mistreated and murdered. They are not for the weak of heart. By choosing to view these images you hold VegetableCruelty.com harmless for your psychological well being. They say this site is a gallery of atrocities, and is set up as a “Vegetable Rights Militant Movement.” What next?

Well let me close with news you seldom read or hear about.

Two towns on opposite sides of the world had thousands of birds drop dead out of the sky. Sounds like an Alfred Hitchcock movie plot doesn’t it? Officials are puzzled by the unexplained deaths in Australia and the United States. Thousands of crows, pigeons and other birds fell out of the sky in Esperance, Western Australia.

Then a week later dozens sparrows, pigeons and other native birds dropped out of the sky on two streets in Austin, Texas. Upon last report officials have been unable to determine the cause of death, despite having autopsies on a number of the birds.

People continue to purposely maim themselves in various ways.

In Pasco, Washington, Daniel Kuch allegedly had a friend shoot him in the shoulder so he could get time off from work. He was arrested for telling police it was a drive-by shooting. Then 24 year-old Elizabeth Hingston in Plymouth, England let her boyfriend break her leg by jumping on it so that the pair could claim insurance worth the equivalent of $200,000.00. Crazy, crazy people!

A 39-year-old man who had been cited 32 times for driving without a seat belt was killed in a low-impact car crash that would not have been fatal to a belted driver. The police discovered he had rigged a fake belt in his car to create the illusion that he was belted in. In closing there’s the story of a man and a woman who were fatally struck by several vehicles on the Trans-Canada highway after they had continued a fight from their stopped car in the middle of the road.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

51

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r o t A Ga Gathering in the Heartland

The University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) came to the Heartland on Thursday, April 15, to discuss the opportunities for students who attend the University and enter the CALS program. CALS is an educational leader in the areas of food, agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences as they relate to human resources, the environment, and communities. Dean Kirby Barrick discussed how students in the CALS program have opportunities to earn degrees and start down a career path of service to humankind. Dean Barrick stated, “Specializations in CALS can lead to professions, to social agencies, to politics, to leadership opportunities in a variety of fields. The University of Florida is projecting 6,400 new freshman on campus this fall. The CALS program expects to have 1,100 of those students enrolled in their college.

When asked what the job projections are for the future of a CALS Grad, Dean Barrick stated that there are never enough graduates to fill the many available jobs.

Former CALS Ambassadors, Morgan Taylor and Andrew Fells, spoke about the many benefits of attending the University of Florida and particularly being a part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences department. Morgan Taylor pointed out that, “You are more than just a number, you are a name.” She also spoke of how the CALS community at UF is very close and about the support she received from her professors. Andrew also spoke highly of his professors and the many opportunities he was given as a CALS student.

It was a great time for the many alumni, students, parents and members of the community who attended this great Gator Gathering at Reflections on Silver Lake in Avon Park.

Control Multiple Life Stages of Asian Citrus Psyllid with Micromite

BY Keith Griffith

C

ontrolling Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is widely recognized as the key factor in limiting the spread of citrus greening disease.The most common tactic Florida citrus growers are using to reduce pest numbers and control the spread of citrus greening is to target adult populations of ACP with adulticide sprays.

Another important strategy is to control ACP eggs and nymphs as well. Nymphs that grow on trees infected with greening disease are believed to have the highest rate of disease vectoring capability when they infest non-infected trees.

Jeffrey W. Lotz, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org

Attack multiple life stages of Asian citrus psyllid and get a $6 rebate on every acre you treat with Micromite.* Adult Asian citrus psyllids lay eggs on new flush and the hatching immature nymphs go through five instars before reaching the adult stage.

Micromite® can control each immature stage (egg and all nymphal instars) resulting in residual ACP control on new plant growth. Adult females that come into contact with

Micromite-treated tissues will also have reduced egg hatch, leading to a smaller adult population that can be controlled more efficiently with adulticides.

By combining an insect growth regulator like Micromite with an adulticide, such as Mustang® or Mustang Max,® growers can effectively control all life stages of the Asian citrus psyllid— eggs, nymphs and adults. This combination creates a powerful tank mix that helps control generations of other pests including citrus rust mite, citrus leafminer, citrus root weevils, as well as Asian citrus psyllid. These pests can affect tree health and impact fruit yield, as well as spread diseases like citrus greening and citrus canker.

Micromite can be applied in combination with Mustang Max during postbloom, and/ or summer-oil, and/or fall spray periods for maximum protection and long residual control of citrus pests. In total, Micromite can be applied up to three times per year either alone, or tank mixed with adulticide products like Mustang or Mustang Max. For more information about Micromite and tank mixes to control all lifecycle stages of ACP, please talk to your local ag chem supplier or contact Keith.Griffith@chemtura.com or Jay.Hallaron@chemtura.com.

To learn more about citrus crop protection products from Chemtura, visit our Web site, ChemturaAgroSolutions.com.

*Some restrictions apply. Visit chemturacrop.com/rebate for complete rules and forms.

Micromite, Mustang and Mustang Max are restricted use pesticides.

Always read and follow label directions. © 2010 Chemtura Corporation. All rights reserved. Chemtura and Micromite are registered trademarks and AgroSolutions and the AgroSolutions logo are trademarks of Chemtura Corporation. Mustang and Mustang Max are registered trademarks of FMC Corporation. CHMM03104510

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

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Florida Gas Transmission Co. Our Underground Neighbor

By Jim Frankowiak It’s probably a safe bet that the majority of you aren’t familiar with Florida Gas Transmission Company (FGT) or the fact that it has been transporting natural gas to the Gulf Coast and Florida for a half century.

The company operates nearly 5,000 miles of underground pipeline from south Texas to Miami, providing natural gas to large companies such as electric utilities and local natural gas distribution companies, as well as smaller industrial and commercial users.

Here are the Central Florida counties where FGT pipelines are located: Alachua, Clay, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Gilchrist, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Marion, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Suwannee and Union.

“We consider ourselves to be Florida’s leader and partner in providing clean energy solutions safely and reliably,” said Gary Maestas, FGT’s Central Florida Area Director based at the company’s regional office in Maitland. He has responsibility for the operation and maintenance of FGT assets within the central Florida area. That includes assurance all work is performed safely for employee and public protection, as well as compliance with county, state and regulatory agencies.

FGT also has regional offices in Tallahassee and Lake Charles, LA, along with 24 other local offices throughout the Gulf Coast. “Our employees live and work in communities across our system,” noted Maestas. “Our company provides economic benefits to those states where we operate, not the least of which is more than $29 million in annual property taxes to communities in the Gulf Coast states.”

Natural gas pipelines transport large volumes of gas over long distances. Today, there are more than 272,000 miles of natural gas pipelines in operation in the U.S. Natural gas enters the pipeline at interconnects, wellheads or processing plants near the gas fields. The gas then moves through underground pipelines with the aid of compression to customers in the market areas served by the pipeline company. Compressor stations are facilities that help gas move in the pipeline by keeping it under pressure.

“Our customers include local distribution companies that resell the gas to residential and business customers, industrial facilities that use the natural gas to manufacture products and electric utilities that use the natural gas to generate electricity,” said Maestas.

Currently, FGT is in the midst of its Phase VIII Expansion Project, a program to add more than 480-miles of new pipeline and 213,600 horsepower of additional compression to its existing system. “Our goal is to complete this project by April 2011 to meet the immediate and future energy needs of Florida and the Gulf Coast states,” said Maestas. “The region we serve relies primarily on natural gas energy to generate electricity and as the region grows in population, so does the reliance on natural gas,” he said.

The Phase VIII Project will also make natural gas available to areas that have not previously had gas service. “The project will add 483.2 miles of new underground pipeline, of which 357.3 miles will parallel existing main pipelines and 125.9 miles will be built in new easements,” said Maestas.

“Our natural gas capacity will increase by 36 per cent and that equates to enough new natural gas to power about one million homes per day.”

The project, which FGT estimates will cost approximately $2.4 billion, will also involve upgrades to eight existing compressor stations and the construction of a new station in Highlands County.

Maestas said almost all of the pipeline in this project – as with the existing lines – will be underground. “Typically, the pipeline is covered by at least three feet of soil and sometimes more if it is crossing under roads, rivers, lakes and streams. The only equipment or facilities above ground would be valves, gas measurement instruments, regulating controls and compressor stations. Having these facilities above ground allows our professionals to properly operate and maintain the pipeline.”

Safety is a primary concern for FGT during pipeline construction and

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operation. “We build many layers of protection into our pipelines,” said Maestas. “These safety features work together to protect the public, our employees and our system.” During construction, every weld that joins each section of pipe is visually inspected and x-rayed. “Before placing the pipeline in service, we inspect and pressure test the line with water at higher than normal operation pressure. There are emergency shutdown systems to enable us to quickly and safely shut down compressor systems, and we install special regulation devices to prevent gas pressure from exceeding safe limits.”

During pipeline operation, FGT conducts 24/7 monitoring and regular inspections. Because natural gas is odorless, a chemical is injected into the gas stream on some parts of the system to facilitate leak detection, and the company frequently tests and calibrates controls and safety equipment FGT has an ongoing public education and damage protection program, as well as ongoing coordination with emergency responders along its pipeline system to help prevent and respond to any pipeline-related issues.

Signs are posted along the pipeline to indicate its approximate location and those signs include a toll free number to call for emergencies - 800-2385066. Before any excavating work is done near a pipeline, it is essential to call 811 so companies can mark underground utility lines.

“Typical operational activities at compressor stations include the recompression of natural gas to boost pressure to move the natural gas to the next compressor station,” said Maestas. “In order to maintain a high level of engine and compressor reliability, we conduct periodic maintenance and inspections. We advise residents living along our pipeline of these activities so they understand what will be taking place. Some of these procedures involve the release of odorized natural gas and short periods of noise, but they are part of the measures we take to assure safe and reliable operation.”

“Statistics show that pipelines are the safest way to transport natural gas. In the event of an incident along our pipeline, we advise residents to call 911 immediately and to leave the area until authorities advise it is safe to return,” said Maestas.

For those interested in more information about FGT, visit www.sug. com or call the external affairs department at 713.989.7556.

There’s a good chance every time you turn on the lights, prepare a meal, activate your heating system to take off that morning chill or to cool things down, FGT was responsible for providing the energy to make sure all of that and more occurred reliably and safely.

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • •

•

• • • • • • • • •

Squash is one of the most important vegetable crops in New Jersey.

Pumpkins are a variety of winter squash.

There is a squash that looks like a flying saucer. It is white and called “Pattypan”.

Antarctica is the only continent without reptiles or snakes.

An eagle can kill a young deer and fly away with it.

In the Caribbean there are oysters that can climb trees.

Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.

The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.

The youngest pope was 11 years old.

Mark Twain didn’t graduate from elementary school.

• Proportional to their weight, men are stronger than horses.

• Pilgrims ate popcorn at the first Thanksgiving dinner.

• They have square watermelons in Japan - they stack better.

• Iceland consumes more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation.

• It is possible to lead a cow upstairs but not downstairs.

• Armadillos can be housebroken.

• The first Fords had engines made by Dodge.

A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in just one night.

Peanuts are one of the ingredients in dynamite.

Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone.

A hippo can open its mouth wide enough to fit a four foot tall child inside.

A quarter has 119 grooves on its edge, a dime has one less groove.

A hummingbird weighs less than a penny.

Until 1796, there was a state in the United States called Franklin. Today it is known as Tennessee.

The flashing warning light on the cylindrical Capitol Records tower spells out HOLLYWOOD in Morse code.

Every time you lick a stamp, you’re consuming 1/10 of a calorie.

The average person has over 1,460 dreams a year.

One in every 4 Americans has appeared on television.

The average American will eat about 11.9 pounds of cereal per year.

Over 1,000 birds a year die from smashing into windows.

The State of Florida is bigger than England.

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Continued from page 39

h) *Coordinating with local governments and utilities to address potential sea level rise impacts on coastal well fields.

i) Ag impact – See ‘1.e.i.’ on page 2. Monitoring.

4. Retain and recruit a high-quality, diverse workforce by continuing to recognize the value of employees.

i)Ag impact – Supports the effort.

Environmental Group Fails to Recognize Positive Impact of Agriculture

Audubon of Florida blindly placed one more demand on the plate of the governing board during the April board meeting when they demanded that the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Best Management Practices (BMP) rule be revised. This demand comes as the governing board is wrestling with incredible shortfalls in funding, trying to determine how EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Rule will impact the District, and several Federal Court orders that demand that the District take action on very costly projects.

The EAA BMP Rule (40E-63, FAC) became effective in January 1992. Based on sound science, this rule has resulted in the removal of thousands of tons of phosphorus from waters that eventually flowed to the remnant Everglades. In fact, since its inception, the growers in the EAA have repeatedly exceeded the goal set forth in the rule.

In 1989, the growers developed the Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District (EAA EPD) imposing a selftaxing structure to ensure environmental protection by conducting scientific research on environmental matters related to air, water and land management practices.

Audubon’s focus is entirely on Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) performance. Water that is entering the STA system comes originally from either Lake Okeechobee (directly or through the EAA) or urban areas to the east of the STAs. Audubon fails to take into consideration (or chooses to ignore) the degraded condition of the water from the urban areas or the lake.

The growers in the EAA are removing phosphorus that comes from their farms and are taxing themselves to do so. Additionally, they are reducing the load of phosphorus that is imposed on them from Lake Okeechobee.

Instead of demanding tighter regulations that will fail to accomplish any goals, Audubon needs to thank the growers in the EAA for the services that they provide (at no cost to the taxpayer).

The Philosophy of Growing Food and Protecting the Environment

Just when I think the combative nature that has developed could not get any worse, I’m blind-sided once again. I have spent a lot of time trying to determine where the animosity generated that pits the environmental movement against agriculture. It shows up in several areas around the United States but nowhere is it more apparent than in South Florida.

The second half of the 20th century was a tremendous time for the United States. As a whole, we were affluent with a lot of disposable income. Technological and scientific gains in agriculture allowed us to have the cheapest and most abundant food of any country on earth and in turn, the majority of our society ate well. We had a lot of additional time on our hands because we did not spend our time hunting and gathering to collect enough nutrition for our next meal.

This additional time allowed us to (rightly) pay more attention to the environment around us. We were seeing changes and trends that were not good. As the urban community noticed these changes, they became activists. As the agricultural community noticed these changes, they adopted changes to the way that they farm to address the negative impacts. These included low volume irrigation, targeted fertilizer and pesticide applications, and low or no-till management. We were all concerned with the direction that we were going yet we grew apart while striving toward the same goal.

Florida is an incredible state. The environment here is like no other on earth. To the untrained eye, the uniqueness of animal and plant life is hard to detect, but with a little knowledge, it’s as if a person from a downtown urban area sees the Milky Way for the first time. Agriculture too, is like no other on earth. This diverse state grows over 280 unique crops that are consumed and enjoyed locally and around the world. We are without a doubt, the food source for most of the United States during the winter and early spring. The food that we grow is safe, affordable and abundant. At the same time, our national security is assured as we produce our own food.

How can the citizens of Florida become one in goal and purpose once again? We must stop targeting each other and start targeting the problems at hand. Much effort and resources are wasted on shooting at each other instead of coming together in consensus on those things which we are in agreement.

Times are not as they were at the end of the last century.

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Monthly Reports Available on Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Website

This report is also available on Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s website (www.floridafarmbureau.org). Click on ‘Issues and Public Policy’ on the left side of the home page then click on the ‘Water and Natural Resources’ subheading.

Silent invaders of the Heartland

By Corine Burgess The Heartland is being invaded! There is a living organism that is taking over our natural environment and if something isn’t done, some drastic changes in our natural areas, yards and parks, are inevitably going to occur. Dioscorea bulbifera is the scientific name for air potato, an exotic plant that has caused severe damage to the environment and costs taxpayers millions of dollars a year to control.

Exotic plants and animals are species that have come from other areas and do not belong in the area they are now in. They choke out native vegetation and severely limit the diversity of our natural world.

The effects of exotic plants on native species are staggering. Of the 958 species listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened or endangered, approximately 400 are at risk due to invasive species (Wilcove et al 1998).

Invasive species cause an estimated $137 billion per year in losses in the United States alone (Pimental et al 2000). Once they have invaded an area, removal is extremely challenging, therefore the most effective and least expensive way to control invasions is to prevent them. Every day decisions made by ordinary citizens are critical in the fight against these pests.

One of the exotic plants that is ominous in the Heartland is air potato.

This hearty vine is a native of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It came to the sunshine state around 1905. Since the early days of its arrival it has spread throughout Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Air Potato is actually a member of the yam family. Because it has the ability to displace native species and disrupt the natural processes of nature, it has been listed as one of Florida’s most invasive plant species since 1993. It was placed on the Florida Noxious Weed List by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in 1999. It is considered one of the most serious exotic plant invaders in the state. Therefore, it is illegal to propagate, transport or possess.

Air potato invades a variety of natural areas including pinelands and hammocks. It grows roughly eight inches per day and climbs to the tops of trees and forms a mat that weighs down and shades the native plants in its path.

Once it gets a hold in an area, it covers everything in its path. Even though the stems and foliage of the vine die back in the winter, the plant is still dangerous because of the bulbs. Each time the vine drops a “potato” or bulb, another plant grows from it. Once the potatoes fall and are buried under the soil and leaf litter, they are difficult to see and dig up. Even the potato the size of a pea will start a new plant, which is one of the reasons this invasive exotic is so difficult to control.

In addition to its rapid growth and propagation, air potato has no natural enemies in Florida, therefore it continues to grow out of control with nothing to stop it. As a food and shelter source, it has little or no value to the native wildlife. The Heartland is not immune to this silent invader.

Just drive through any neighborhood with vacant lots and it is plain to see that the vine is taking over. It also thrives on roadsides and in disturbed areas. It has been know to climb up telephone and power poles and do severe damage, even shorting out transformers.

Air potato is easy to recognize. It is a twining herbaceous vine with stems growing as long as 60 feet in length. The vines are round and slightly angled in cross section. They produce a bulb (tuber) that looks similar to a potato, which is generally a tan color and can be small or large. The leaf is green, heart shaped, basally lobed and it quickly tapers to a point at the leaf tip.

Now is the time to fight back. Air potato can be battled by picking up every bulb that hits the ground before it sprouts. Once the bulbs are removed, the vine can be treated with herbicide.

Follow up for collecting bulbs that may have been missed is necessary. Each individual can make a difference by facing this invader head on. The native plants and animals are depending on us!

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Corine Burgess is the Natural Resources Specialist for the Highlands Soil and Water Conservation District/ Highlands County Natural Resources. She has a Bachelors Degree from Barry University and has been working in the environmental field for over 20 years. Corine can be contacted at cburgess@hcbcc.org with questions.

MAY 2010

57

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MAY 2010

A Closer Look: A Blessing in Disguise

Fire Ants

By Sean Green A recent radio commercial made sweeping claims appealing to some popular misconceptions of fire ants. The signature claim; “There’s nothing good about fire ants” illustrates a typical ad populum argument that is common in advertising and often propagates misunderstanding that can be costly to both our environment and our livelihood. Insects, (including fire ants) are components of the agricultural path we walk. Our partnership with the earth is critical, and more than any other industry, we in the agriculture community m u s t embrace, understand, and share the truths we have discovered and foster progress rather than diversion. A competent understanding of fire ants is essential in choosing a management method.

Ants are an important and functionally irreplaceable component of our ecosystem. Nutrient turnover, seed dispersal and energy flow are included in the critical environmental services provided. Fire ants, both native and imported, are probably one of the most effective biological agents in controlling plant feeding insects that would otherwise destroy crops and ornamental plants. In some instances, fire ant populations provide a shelter from economic loss by keeping pest populations manageable without the expense or health issues surrounding the use of toxins for pest control.

Fire Ants provide more benefit to the homeowner than many realize. A fire ants fervent consumption of termites, roaches, fleas, ticks, and even mosquito eggs and larvae, represents an unacknowledged economic benefit. Using insecticides to eliminate fire ants will not only disrupt an effective natural predator of other insects, but the organophosphate “Acephate,” found in some fire ant pesticides are actually more toxic to beneficial insects, such as the Honey Bee, than they are the fire ant. Bees are an important pollinator for both the farming community and home gardening environment. Applying toxins to your soil will do more harm than good in your efforts to produce a healthy environment for your plants. A plants ability to produce pollen is largely dependent on the quality of the soil. An incorrect balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium can reduce the quantity and quality of blossoms and will fail to produce enough nectar to attract foraging bees.

Fire ant mounds have a positive influence on soil quality. A study revealed that soil collected from ant mounds created by the Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) have increased levels of organic matter, including orthophosphate, and ammonium.

In addition, increased nitrogen levels are common as a product of ant feces, as well as, increased calcium, potassium and phosphorus. Studies have revealed that t h e elevated nutrients found in fire ant mounds “provide enhanced growth to plants in ant-occupied soils.” During the process of mound building, fire ants constantly aerate the soil with their foraging tunnels. When an ant colony vacates the mound naturally, it is typically the result of unsuitable density populations of competing ants or the colony has outgrown its resources and needs to divide. S.invicta are often multi-queen colonies and what appears to be an abandoned mound is actually just an inactive portion of a larger mound The hodgepodge of noxious material that is offered as pest control can not only create an unhealthy home environment, but also a vicious and expensive cycle of toxicity. The inherent problem with using pesticides around the home is that the insects become resistant to the toxins much quicker than human beings do. With each insect generation, higher potency and higher volumes of the same toxins are needed to achieve the same results and ultimately create health and environmental problems that dwarf the inconvenience we set out to eliminate in the first place. As mentioned in previous articles, our understanding of invertebrates and their contribution to mankind is indispensible. Biologic pest control is quickly becoming the leading solution as we become more competent stewards of our environment and gain a more thorough understanding of the world around us.

An exciting way to gain an understanding of the drama of ant dynamics while at the same time encouraging unwelcome ants to find a new home is to exchange a shovel full of competing species from mound to mound, the results will be a bunch of dead ants of each species, and the battle will attract predatory phorid flies to the battle scene. It is amazing to watch the behavior of ants to phorid flies.

What is really unique to watch is the native ants seem to be more afraid of the phorid flies than they are of competing ants such as S.invicta. At the very least, you can claim a competent understanding of fire ants through observation and without the toxins, well, you may still have pollinators alive to pollinate your roses while the ants tend to the pests. What could be more rewarding than maintaining the balance of life and allowing it to benefit us?

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Membership Benefits Farm Bureau Continues to be a Strong Advocate For: • • • • • • • •

The American family farm and its heritage The right to freely practice one’s religious beliefs Support of our nation’s Constitution and laws A just and fair system of taxation An abundant and healthy domestic food supply Limited governmental intrusion and regulation Private property rights Preservation of the rural lifestyle

• • • • • •

Environmental practices based on sound science A competitive free market A level playing field for world trade Freedom of opportunity Respect for our fellow man Programs that help develop our nation’s young people

Contact: Hardee 863-773-3117; Charlotte/DeSoto 863-494-3636; Highlands 863-385-5141

INSURANCE SERVICES From property and casualty products to life, health and annuity products, Florida Farm Bureau can fulfill your insurance needs with affordable premiums and claims service that’s second to none. We are experts in estate planning and partner with Blue Cross and Blue Shield to provide you with health coverage. You won’t find a better mix of quality, service and price than Farm Bureau Insurance. To locate a Farm Bureau Insurance agent, contact your county Farm Bureau or visit: http://www.floridafarmbureau.com.

FARM BUREAU BANK/MORTGAGE SERVICES

Association (FAMA). From Florida’s fresh fruits and juices, to Wisconsin’s world-renowned cheeses, to Washington’s tastetempting apples, to Mississippi’s farmraised catfish, you can select the highest quality foods at prices that you will find hard to beat. All products are delivered fresh or frozen to your county Farm Bureau for easy pickup. Use the order form in the Buyer’s Club ad on the back page of FloridAgriculture magazine. You can also access this page online under Member Benefits at http://FloridaFarmBureau.org

Farm Bureau Bank is a full service bank that puts you in control of your money 24/7 through on-line services, 24-hour automated phone services and the ability to bank by mail. Our superior quality products and services include credit cards featuring Wold Master Card with excellent rates and exceptional rewards, deposit accounts including checking, money market, CDs, IRAs and health savings accounts with competitive interest rates.

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We also offer mortgage loans and refinancing, business lines of credit up to $100,000, loans and refinancing for new and used vehicles, agricultural equipment, RVs, motorcycles and other alternative vehicles, educational loans and free Internet banking options including online bill pay. Visit your county Farm Bureau, go to http://farmbureaubank.com or call 1-800-492-FARM (3276).

Members can order signs (for a minimal cost through their county Farm Bureau) which offer a reward of up to $500 paid by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons responsible for theft from, or vandalism to, property of a Farm Bureau member.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH COVERAGE Members receive free accidental death coverage on named members starting at $1,000 the first year and automatically increasing $100 per year with a maximum of $3,000.

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Order forms are available at county Farm Bureau offices or by clicking on Member Benefits at http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.

“NO TRESPASSING” SIGNS

FLORIDAGRICULTURE MAGAZINE Farm Bureau members receive a subscription to Florida Farm Bureau’s award-winning FloridAgriculture magazine. Some members have joined Florida Farm Bureau for this benefit alone!

NOTARY SERVICES Farm Bureau members have access to free Notary Services at many county Farm Bureau offices.

LONG-DISTANCE SERVICES

GRAINGER INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY

Never change long distance companies again. Low, low rates including less than five cents per minute for out-of-state calls, and less than eight cents per minute for in-state long distance.

You get your own personal incoming toll-free number that is billed for less than eight cents a minute and a no-extra fee calling card billed at less than nine cents per minute. All this for a low monthly access fee of $1.50. Why pay more?

Grainger offers special Farm Bureau discounts and is a preferred Farm Bureau supplier for maintenance, repair, operations and safety products. You can save on thousands of commercial and industrial products with brand names you know and trust.

NEW! fbconnection offers accelerated toll-free dial-up Internet service. Basic packages start at $9.95 a month for 150 hours of usage, and just $13.95 a month for unlimited access.

FREE FREIGHT on Grainger.com 10% off Grainger catalog price 48% off Manufacturer’s List on DeWalt Tools 35% off Farm Duty Motors 30% off select Safety Items 52% off Manufacturer’s List on Stanley Hand Tools 55% off Manufacturer’s List on Proto hand Tools 45% off Manufactuer’s List on Blackhawk Tools 46% off Manufacturer’s List on Milwaukee Tools 60% off Manufacturer’s List on Westward Tools

DODGE CASH ALLOWANCE Florida Farm Bureau members receive a cash allowance of $500 on the purchase or lease of most new Dodge cars and trucks. Dodge Bonus Certificates must be secured and completed at your local county Farm Bureau before the purchase or lease of the new car or truck. Members should negotiate their best deal with their Dodge dealer prior to presenting their bonus certificate. Must be a member of Farm Bureau for 30 days to be eligible for cash allowance. Available models include: Magnum, Caravan, Grand Caravan, Ram Pickup 1500 (including Mega cab), Ram Pickup 2500/3500 (including Mega cab/3500 Chassis cab), Dakota Pickup and Durango. Excludes: Viper, Sprinter, Charger and all SRT’s. Available models and exclusions might change in the 2008 model year. The Dodge rebate is not inclusive with some manufacture purchase incentives. Read the fine print on the Dodge info.

Visit Grainger’s Web site at http://www.grainger.com. Grainger’s help desk number is (877) 202-2594.

LASIK SURGERY SAVINGS Save up to 50 percent on the national average cost for LASIK, the world’s most popular elective surgery. you will have access to quality, credentialed physicians through a national network of board certified opthamologists. One low price includes a pre-operative appointment, the LASIK procedure, all of your post-operative care and a one-year treatment warranty. Get the process started by calling (877) 507-4448.

FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM Membership discounts include $15 for an individual and $25 for family memberships; a $5 and $10 savings, respectively.

FERRELLGAS Discounts with Ferrellgas for propane use in the home, farm or business.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION - FLORIDA FARM BUREAU

Name Address County SS#

Register Online at http://FloridaFarmBureau.org ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Please make checks payable to: ___________________________________________________ Florida Farm Bureau ___________________________________________________

Membership - I am a :

Farmer

Non-Farmer

Mail to: Field Services Division Florida Farm Bureau P.O. Box 147030 Gainesville, FL 32614

Farmer Members - Please list in order of importance, your major commodities: 1._________________ 2._________________ 3.__________________ Amount paid in dues: $_______________________ Accepted by:______________________________Date:________________ INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE MAY 2010 InTheField_Heartland 61

647+/- ACRES $49O9N5Ly ONLy/ACRE 5 /ACRE AG/CITRUS/CATTLE PARCEL $499 OKEECHOBEE/KISSIMMEE RIVER AREA CLOSE TO US 27/HWY 98/HWY 441 (3) 20” WELLS • WELL DRAINED & BEDDED • I MILE OF PAVED FRONTAGE ON CR 721!

* Unlimited Agricultural Uses! *

SHOP/BUILDING/OFFICE

Aprox. 9,340 Square feet with office space!

Great for packing/maintenance/storage.

1871 SqUARE FOOT 3/2 HOME

KEN WILHELM

RICHARD SAUNDERS 863.660.1002 richard@landsearchfl.com

1200 Square foot Duplex

(3) 20” WELLS

1,450 ft. deep, irrigation lines, Retention, drainage in place.

LEE SAUNDERS

863.712.8161

visit our web site for all of our listings

www.landsearchfl.com

863.660.4803 lee@landsearchfl.com

BROKERS PROTECTED

The caring, courteous staff at DeSoto Memorial Home Health Care allow patients to receive care in the comfort of their own home.

Nursing

Home Health Aide

Speech Therapy

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Medical Social Work

Desoto Memorial Home Health Care Disease Management Education Medication Education Wound Care

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Foley Maintenance IV Therapy Wound Vac

License #20302095 Medicare / Medicare Advantage

863-494-8432 62

Full Body Assessment Lab Draws PT / INR Hemosense

MAY 2010

C L A S S I F I E D S

$

$

$

$ Spring Cleaning Clean Up and $ $$ Classifieds Make Money!! $

$

$

HUSQVARNA IZ 5223-Demo zero turn mower. 52”

TIRES AND RIMS Brand new factory take-offs. Fits 2005 and later F-250 FX4. Contitrac 275/70R18 on 18” polished aluminum rims. $1200 OBO 863-699-5442.

1984 KUBOTA B6200-2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower

$3,750.00. 863-698-2967

ANGUS FREEZER BEEF-$2.75/lb. cut and wrapped Whole, Half or Quarter. Cash, Mastercard or Visa 863-206-2828

1983 KUBOBTA B6100HSE-2wd tractor • $3,500

2004 MASSEY FERGUSON 461-2-55 pto hp, 2 wheel

cut, 23 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty. $5,999 (MSRP $9,699) Call C&J Equip., Lake Wales, 863-638-0671

Call 863-967-0651

1997 ANDERSON GOOSENECK TRAILER-

26ft. with an addition 4 ft. hinged beavertail. Duel axle, duel wheels, good tires, hinged ramps. $5,000 AS IS. C&J Equipment, Lake Wales. • 863-638-0671

3600 FORD DIESEL TRACTOR-Only 80 hours, ready to work! Call Jim 863-608-0630

NEW HOLLAND REPOS-TN60A 2WD 2007 models

drive, shuttle shift, hydrolic remotes. $10,500.

Call 813-752-8722

250 ACRES in BUTLER GEORGIA Flowing creek 4 bedroom, 4 bath house built in 2007. Food plots, feeders with cameras, 20 stands. $950,000. Call Rhonda Wetherington at 813-763-0986

SURPLUS WINDOWS-Starting at $55.00 • Call Ted 813-752-3378

w/front brooms and box blades. Never used, sold new $31,270.Sell $27,000, balance of warranty. 813-623-3673

1952 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR-M MODEL Runs Good! $1,985 O.B.O. Jim 863-858-2226

WANTED-PARTS OR TRACTOR-For Massey

POLLINATION SERVICES Strong bees when you want them.We also have honey and skin care products made with honey and ingredients from the hive. Cantu Apiaries, 863-735-1679

Ferguson 235 diesel. Call Clifford 863-984-2858 or cell 963-660-0731

THE PRICE IS RIGHT (186770)

Enjoy this mountain cabin. Cheerful 2 BR/2 BA two story bright & Open layout. $189,500. Located in Blairsville GA. Call Jane Baer with Jane Baer Realty.

800-820-7829

$

SPRING SPECIAL $10 per CLASSIFIED + BUY 1 Classified Ad GET a Classified Ad

FREE

In the June issue

KIOTI CK120 DIESEL TRACTOR With only 80 hours, shuttle, 4 wheel drive, garaged, front bucket and box blade. A STEAL!!!!! $8,800 was $15,800 new.

Call Neil 863-465-8144 (Lake Placid) FORD 8N 1952 restored antique tracter, new tires & rims, fully overhauled. Price is firm $3,850. Call Neil 863-465-8144 (Lake Placid)

H Now Hiring H Account Executive and Writers.

Please email us at:

info@inthefieldmagazine.com We look forward to hearing from you!

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

Excellent Condition!!! Call 863-528-4356

KIOTI DK45S TRACTOR •2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON•-Dyna Glide Streetbob,

cobalt blue, only 368 miles, EXCELLENT condition.

Extras added!!! Ready to ride. 13,000 Serious Inquiries Only! (813)659-3402

2000 LULL 644B-42’-Reach forklift 3,952 hours. $29,469 Call 863-698-4114 GOOSENECK BRAND-24X6, Canvas Top, 3 Compartments. Call 863-528-4356 or 863-692-1082

1984 KUBOTA B6200-2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower

$3,000 • 863-698-2967

HOMOSASSA LOT-One acre lot, high & dry, approx.

100 yds. From the Mason Creek River. Fishing & Boating Heaven! 813-503-9033

HUSQVARNA LZ 6127-Zero turn mower. 61” cut, 27 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty $7,499 (MSRP $9,699) C&J Equip. Lake Wales, 863-638-0671

ANTIQUE CLAW FOOT TUB-Only $350.00 • Ask for Ted 813-752-3378

With front end loader. 45hp cab, AC, Synchro Shuttle, 4x4, R4 tires. Asking $19,000 863-443-1862 Ask for Darren.

NEW

Steele Mobile Home Tubs. $125.00 54” X 30” Call us today. 813-752-3378 ask for Ted.

HOME FOR SALE

3/2 1694 sq ft cb home, ac with above ground 30k gal plus tropical fish farm, 2 websites, turnkey business, asking $224,9k. (Buy House alone $179.9k) Call 813-493-0008 John Kilgore Real Estate Inc.

LOOKING FOR REALESTATE

We can help today! Call today and ask for C.D. “Chip” Boring GRI, CRS, Broker/Owne 863-385-0077

**Lake Placid Christian School Students: Have Your Parent(s) Sign Here:_________________ and please return to Mr. G.

TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS CALL 813-759-6909

info@inthefieldmagazine.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

MAY 2010