September 2010
Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine
®
Sheriff Susan Benton Protection in Highlands County
Covering What’s Growing
HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
1
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
LANDSCAPE
Will Bennett
Personal Ag Labor Consultant
863.452.0101
We deliver. Crop by crop success. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
3
ffa Student of the month Charlie Brown
Charlie Brown, Senior at Avon Park High School, is the “FFA Student of the Month” for September. Charlie started his FFA experience in middle school and has been a major player in the organization from the time he started. He has participated and placed in various FFA Career Development Events at the state level in Parliamentary Procedure for the past four years, Extemporaneous Speaking, Food Science Team, Creed Speaking, Ag Communications, and Citrus Team. He also found time to raise a hog for the Highlands County Fair. His junior year he served his chapter as Vice President and District Secretary. He was elected to serve as the District President for this year. Charlie is also active in high school football, track and basketball, the FBLA, Student Government, Rotary Leadership, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Boys State. As Charlie attended Boy’s State this summer, he was elected Governor of Florida, then he went on to be elected “President of Boy’s Nation” in Washington, DC. His dream came true as he was able to have a private conversation with the President of the United States, Barack Obama, while he was in Washington. Charlie also maintains a 4.5 GPA. Charlie’s future plans include majoring in Political Science and attending Law School at Harvard University. Charlie Brown is an outstanding member of the Avon Park High School FFA Chapter and “In the Field Magazine” salutes Charlie for his leadership, service and great accomplishments! Way to go Charlie!
Charlie Brown during the visit to Wathington DC, front row to the right of President Obama.
YOU TOO CAN BE A WINNER No Food HEY READERS, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a 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® 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® Magazine P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, FL 33563-0042 All Entries must be received by September 15, 2010. Winner will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner - Enter Now! 4
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
From the Editor
September VOL. 2 • ISSUE 12
Kellie Duke
Publisher
September 2010
Hello Friends of Agriculture, It is that time of year again, for school to start! This is the first time in many years that I have not been in the classroom. I do miss all the excitement about getting ready for a new year. I know I will miss my students more than anything! The cover story this month is on the amazing Susan Benton, Sheriff of Highlands County. Sheriff Benton made history as she was elected the first woman Sheriff of Highlands County. It was a real pleasure to sit down with her and find out how she is helping to protect our Heartland Agriculture and all of us in our daily lives. I can say I feel that Highlands County is a safe place to live, and we owe those who help protect us a great deal! Hats off to Sheriff Benton and the men and women who work with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Department. Our Business up Front this month is one of my favorite places to look for home décor…Coutures of Sebring. I am a huge Robert Butler fan and they have many great works of art featuring his artistry. They also have many other artists who paint rural and nature scenes of Florida. You will find collectibles and other wall décor to meet your personal tastes. Our FFA Student of the Month is Charlie Brown. Charlie also made history this summer, as he was the first Governor from Florida Boy’s State to win the Presidency of Boy’s Nation in Washington, DC. He also had a personal dream come true. Yes, he actually got to meet the real President of the United States, Barack Obama. I have watched Charlie grow up in the FFA and to see him achieve many of his goals means a lot to me. Keep up the great work Charlie! Okeechobee Brahman FFA is in the spotlight this month so check out their happenings. Also, check out our “Women in Agriculture” Mrs. Cindy Webb. She is doing some great things over in Charlotte County. Our Down Home Cook, Mrs. Elizabeth Durrance, brightens up her page with a “Cornucopia Salad.” The salad sounded so good, I had to make it myself, and it was delicious! Thanks to Elizabeth for coming to my rescue! (Elizabeth, you know what I mean!) Have a great month everyone and enjoy the magazine! Blessed to be planted, “In the Field!”
Kellie Duke
Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine
at
Karen Berry
®
Associate Publisher Sheriff Susan Benton Protection in Highlands County
Johnny Cone
Senior Managing Editor and Writer Sarah Holt
Covering What’s Growing
HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
1
Editor/Writer
Sheriff Susan Benton Pg. 34
Kellie Duke
6 Farm Bureau Letter
Office Manager
10 FL Limes
Sales Manager
Bob Hughens Johnny Cone
11 Recipes
Sales
Nick Massey Dave Osborn Karen Berry Garrett Duke
12 Grub Station Hammerheads 14 Business UpFront Couture’s Art Gallery
Art Director Lourdes Sáenz
Designer
28 South Florida Water Management Report
Juan Carlos Alvarez
38 You Are Being Watched 43 Farm Bureau Field Agent Report
Editor/Writer For current happenings in agriculture, or story ideas, please email me kellie@inthefieldmagazine. com
Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine
Cover Story
46 Woman in Agriculture Cindy Webb 50 Rocking Chair Chatter 56 Young Farmer/Rancher Garrett Duke
Staff Writers
Al Berry Kellie Duke James Frankowiak
Contributing Writers Capt. Mark Bennett Tessa Heath Nick Chapman
Photography
Kellie Duke Jim Davis Karen Berry Christa Patterson
In The Field® Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants and other local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes members of Polk County Farm Bureau, Florida Citrus Mutual and Polk County Cattlemens Association. 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. N HE IELD AGAZINE
I T
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU 6419 US Highway 27 S., Sebring, FL 33876 863.385.5141
Greetings: Fall is almost here and I am sure everyone will welcome a little cooler weather. This is also the time of year that county Farm Bureau’s are planning their annual meetings and Highlands County Farm Bureau is no exception. We are holding our annual dinner this year on October 23, 2010 at Rafter T Ranch in Sebring. We will serve a steak and shrimp dinner, offer a full cash bar and have a live band after the meeting is finished. Although we would encourage you to become a member of Farm Bureau it is not required to attend the annual dinner. For more details see our full page ad in this edition of In The Field or call the office 863-385-5141. Hope to see you there. In the political arena, both the Highlands County Farm Bureau and Florida Farm Bureau are working vigorously to spread the word about Amendment 4. This amendment, if passed, will severely hinder
growth and stifle Florida’s economy. A recent study showed that if Amendment 4 is passed Florida will lose $34 billion of our economy. St. Pete Beach passed a similar form of Amendment 4 in 2006 and they have since spent about $250,000 of taxpayer dollars in court defending the voter’s decisions. For more information on Amendment 4 please visit www.florida2010.org and remember when you are at the polls in November to “Vote NO on Amendment 4”.
Marty Highland County Farm Bureau President Marty Wohl
“If you like the reces you’ll love Amendme
- Mark Wilso Florida Chamber o
“
three-year experiment in St. HIGHLANDSACOUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pete Beach shows Marty Wohl, President; Drew Phypers, Secretary; Scottvia Kirouiac, Treasurer;is Sam land planning referendum a Bronson, messy, Carey Howerton, April Butler, Andy Tuck, Mike Waldron, Jim Wood, Doug Miller, Mike unpredictable business that leads toMilicevic higher 6 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2010 government costs costs....“ [The St. Petersburg Times, 06.26.09]
HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU
HARDEE COUNTY FARM BUREAU
CHARLOTTE/DESOTO
6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876
1017 US Highway 17 N Wauchula, FL 33873
1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 863. 385.5141 Fax: 863.385.5356 Web site: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com
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
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President................ Marty Wohl Vice President...... Secretary..........Drew Phypers Treasurer..........Scott Kirouac
President................ David B. Royal Vice President...... Greg L. Shackelford Sec./Treasurer...... Bo Rich
DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010
DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010
Sam Bronson • Carey Howerton April Butler • Mike Milicevic Andy Tuck • Mike Waldron Jim Wood • Doug Miller County Secretary Janet Menges
Phone: 863. 773.3117
President................ Jim Selph Vice President...... Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer...... Bryan K. Beswick
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 Susan Chapman County Secretary
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS
Agency Manager Chad D. McWaters
Agency Manager N. Jay Bryan
Agents Joseph W. Bullington Seth Rogers
Agent George L. Wadsworth, Jr.
6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876 (863) 385-5141
COUNTY FARM BUREAU
1017 US Hwy 17 N. Wauchula, FL 33873 (863) 773-3117 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Jim Brewer • John Burtscher Mike Carter • Steve Fussell Richard E. Harvin John Pfeil • Ann H. Ryals Mac Turner • Matt Harrison Ken Harrison County Secretary Summer Chavarria
FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS Agency Manager Cameron N. Jolly Agents Dawn A. Hines 1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266 (863) 494-3636 SEPTEMBER 2010
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UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA STUDENTS Attend 2010 Ag Media Summit By Adrea Davis Eight members of University of Florida’s Agricultural Communicators and Leaders of Tomorrow (ACLT) recently attended the 2010 Ag Media Summit in St. Paul, MN. This conference is held annually in various cities throughout the United States and allows agricultural professionals and students of agricultural communications to meet and develop networking opportunities, as well as provide professional development and educational opportunities for all involved. “Around 600 agricultural professionals and students were at the Ag Media Summit,” said Tiffany Dale, student and ACLT member at the University of Florida. “It was a great opportunity to network and meet with all of these professionals in the agriculture industry.” The UF ACLT students attend the Ag Media Summit every year, and this year were once again the winners of a scholarship from Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA for their winning advertisement on ATV safety. The scholarship helped to pay for a large portion of travel costs for the group of students and allowed them to attend a meet-and-greet with representatives from Yamaha. “We had the opportunity to speak with representatives from Yamaha and get our group’s picture taken with the representatives and some of their new products,” Dale said. While in St. Paul at the Ag Media Summit, the UF ACLT students had the opportunity to meet agricultural professionals from companies such as John Deere, Syngenta, Bayer CropScience, Farm Credit, Monsanto, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, just to name a few. The students also got to meet fellow agricultural communicators from schools such as Texas A&M University, Cal Poly State University, Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University. “It was interesting to meet the students from other universities because we all had a common bond—agriculture,” said Sarah Deloach, student and ACLT member at the University of Florida. Also, while in St. Paul, the UF ACLT members had the
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opportunity to ride on a riverboat and cruise down the Mississippi River for the conference’s welcome party, as well as visit the Mall of America, the second-largest mall in North America, in the suburb of Bloomington, Minnesota. “We had a great time bonding with our fellow ACLT members and made memories to last a lifetime,” Deloach said. “The Ag Media Summit was the highlight of my summer.”
On Monday Sept. 20, 2010 at the Hardee County Civic Center, Purina Mills along with their local dealers, Hardee Ranch Supply, Glisson’s Animal Supply and Smith’s Ranch & Garden, will host a Purina Wildlife Series Meeting at the Hardee County Civic Center, located at 507 Civic Center Dr. Wauchula, FL. The event will begin with doors opening at 5:30 pm for registration, with dinner and the program to follow at 6:30 pm. They have two schedule Speakers for the event. The first is Scott Hohensee, Purina Wildlife Specialist, whose topic will be “Supplemental Deer Feeding.” Scott Hohensee has been actively involved in wildlife management and consulting since the mid 1990's for private landowners in Texas. Scott was the wildlife biologist for a 55,000 acre ranch in North Texas for several years before moving to the San Antonio area where he oversaw the Wildlife Retail Operations for a private company actively involved in the wildlife operations of numerous ranches in Texas. Scott then joined the Land O'Lakes Purina Mills team three years ago as a Wildlife Specialist and consultant. His working knowledge of deer management and what it takes to successfully raise big deer in the field is a true asset to the Purina Wildlife Team. The second speaker will be Mickey Hellickson, with Orion Wildlife Management Services, whose topic will be “Effective Deer Management.” Mickey is the former Wildlife biologist for the King Ranch. He has lots of experience with effectively growing big deer with big antlers. His talk will be based around experience and information gathered in a 10 year buck capture program they performed which revealed lots of secrets. In addition, there will be Allied Sponsor on site with their booths of product on display and ready to answer questions. Some of the allied sponsors that will be present include: Nikon, American Hunter, Big Game, Chippewa Boots, Delta Ag, Mojo Outdoors, Primos, Stealth Cam, Surefire and more. Allied Sponsors will be available in their booths when the doors open at 5:30 pm. Furthermore, there will prizes from each of the allied sponsors that will be given away throughout the night of the event and the chance to enter to the Purina Wildlife Series National contest to win a Bad Boy Buggy. For Information on the Event please contact Contact: Jeff Butler Tel. 813-763-1832 Jeffery.butler@purinamills.com
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
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Florida Story by Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science Florida’s state pie, the key lime pie, is a delicious yellow-green, sweet, tangy, creamy concoction that celebrates the state’s citrus fruit. The two major types of limes produced in Florida are Mexican (or Key limes) and Persian (or Tahiti limes). Key limes are smaller with a thinner rind and are more acidic and aromatic than Persian limes. Their rind is green when immature and turns more yellow in color when mature. Tahiti limes are larger than Key limes and oval shaped. Unlike key limes, Tahiti limes are dark green when mature, gradually becoming yellow when over mature. The flesh is less acidic and has less seeds than key limes. While limes are available year-round, their peak season is now, when they have the best taste and are most abundant. NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Limes brighten the flavor of any dish, and they are much more than just a garnish. With only 20 calories per fruit, the lime is high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, calcium, folate, iron, and copper. Limes are naturally free of sodium, fat, and cholesterol and contain high levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one medium-sized lime (67 g) contains 20 calories, 0.47 g protein, 0.13 g fat, 7.06 g carbohydrate, and 1.9 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 37% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for Vitamin C and 7.6% for dietary fiber. Phytonutrients Limes contain a significant amount of phytonutrients, a class of antioxidants that protects against allergies, cancer, heart disease, and the effects of aging. Some research studies have found that people with high intakes of flavonoids have a lower risk of dying from heart disease. This may be due to its ability to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. The flavonoids found in limes and lime juice also have antibiotic properties. Additionally, limes and other citrus fruits contain limonoids, special compounds that have been shown to fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. Vitamin C Citrus fruits, including lemons and limes, were discovered to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. Signs of scurvy include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint and muscle aches, and bleeding gums. In the past, scurvy was common among sailors, pirates, and other people without access to fresh produce for prolonged periods. Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron, and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth. Current research findings support that Vitamin C’s benefits come from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of
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produce is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as consuming fresh limes. Fiber Limes and other citrus fruits contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol, assist with digestion, and prevent constipation. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas. Fiber has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels, which helps to prevent atherosclerosis, and may also help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Dietary fiber, common in fruits and vegetables, can promote a feeling of satiety, which is important in weight control. How to Select and Store Look for limes that have deep green, glossy skin and are free of brown spots or shriveled skin. Choose limes that are firm and heavy for their size. Limes can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to six weeks. Lime juice can easily be frozen for later use. To get the most juice from limes, squeeze limes that are at room temperature rather than refrigerated. Applying gentle downward pressure, roll a lime between the palm of your hand and the kitchen counter. Then cut the lime into halves or wedges and squeeze. Place freshly squeezed lime juice in ice cube trays until frozen, then remove from tray and place in a resealable storage bag in the freezer. Dried lime zest can be frozen for up to two to three weeks. How to Enjoy Limes can be sliced and used as a garnish for any drink, entrée, or dessert. Limes may substitute for lemons in recipes. Here are some more ways to use limes: • Make limeade, a refreshing drink made of lime juice, water, and sugar • Use lime juice to brighten the flavors of marinades, desserts, and drinks • Sprinkle lime juice over sliced fruits and veggies to prevent browning • Substitute lime juice for vinegar in dressings and sauces • Squeeze a little lime juice into your homemade salsa • Add lime juice to cookies, cakes, and breads for a refreshing twist. • Slip a few slices of lime into a pitcher of water for a refreshing low-calorie beverage. • Boil limes slices with your teabag or add slices to boiled tea. Enjoy Florida limes today in their peak season. With a unique tangy flavor, the lime is as delicious as it is nutritious! Selected References http://www.aicr.org http://www.hort.purdue.edu http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he621 http://www.whfoods.com
R E C I P E S
Lime Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
3 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 tablespoonslime juice 2 lime rinds, grated 2 ready-made graham cracker crusts
Topping Ingredients
2 cups light sour cream, 16 ounces 2 tablespoons lime juice 1/2 cup sugar
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add sugar very slowly, then add lime juice, grated lime rind and vanilla; mix well. Pour filling into two crusts. Bake at 300 degrees F for 1 hour. While cakes are baking, combine sour cream, lime juice and sugar; mix well. After cakes have cooked for 1 hour, remove and carefully spread topping on both cakes while still hot. Return cakes to hot oven for 10 minutes with no interruptions; do not open oven door. After 10 minutes, turn oven off and leave cakes in oven for an additional hour. This prevents the topping from cracking. Let cakes cool and then chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Yield: 16 servings, 8 per cake
Red Wine Citrus Mojo Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 medium red onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup red wine 1/2 cup orange juice juice from 2 limes 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 1 teaspoon each, salt and pepper
Preparation Marinate beef, pork, poultry, or seafood in the Mojo up to two hours before cooking. Recipes courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
11
By Joanna Lamarra As many times as I’ve driven through Okeechobee, I would have never expected to find a diamond in the rough like Hammerheads Billiards Bar & Grill. We found this local gem slightly off the beaten path in a lovely, modern shopping center off Highway 70 on 7th Avenue. Having a background in the restaurant business, I know firsthand what it takes to build one from the ground up, as well as all the operational aspects. It’s a tough business, so when you can put together a stellar place with incredible atmosphere, great food, good service, AND be able to cater to wide variety of customers, trust me when I tell you, you’ve hit a home run. That’s exactly what David and Anita Nunez accomplished when opening their upscale sports bar and restaurant with exclusive VIP room in March of this year. If you haven’t experienced it for yourself, I recommend you go see what the buzz is about. I headed there for lunch on a weekday recently with my mom and 2-year-old daughter. We were impressed by the décor the moment we walked in the door. The grand, circular full-service bar separates the billiards area from the dining room, and we were immediately seated at lovely table that overlooked Taylor Creek. Had my active toddler not been with us, we could have enjoyed our lunch on the large, outdoor deck that is nicely shaded from the sun, complete with fans and misters to beat the summer heat. Our server Amanda was prompt and informed us of the daily specials. As we looked over the vast menu that boasted everything from healthy salads, hearty sandwiches, juicy Angus burgers, and sizzling
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sirloins, was difficult to decide. But we were in the mood for something light, so Amanda recommended we try the Mahi Fish Tacos and the South Beach Toss Salad. Both dishes featured an impressive presentation, large portions with super fresh ingredients. My fish tacos had large slices of beautiful avocado and came with a side of amazing chipotle aioli with just the right amount of kick. The fish was grilled, moist and flaky. My mom’s salad had plenty of crispy lettuce, bleu cheese, cranberries, juicy chicken, and crunchy walnuts. My daughter enjoyed her chicken fingers with fries from the kids menu as much as we did. Her large portion of lighter battered strips and crunchy fries were worthy of being of the adult menu. And a girls lunch out just wouldn’t be complete without a decadent dessert. There was no debate that the fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream and Continued on next page chocolate sauce was the it
perfect way to end our dining experience. Hammerheads staff, service, and amenities left a memorable impression with me. The Nunez’s have truly created a destination for everyone in Okeechobee County. Whether you want to “come in and shoot a game of pool while enjoying an ice cold Budweiser, bring your family in for a casual dinner on the outdoor deck, or host an elegant affair or businesses conference in the V.I.P Room, Hammerheads can please every crowd and occasion. “ Join them for lunch or dinner any day of the week, Sunday thru Thursday from 11 AM – Midnight and Friday & Saturday from 11 AM – 2 AM. Give them a call at (863) 357-4745 to find out about the daily specials or book your next event. Or just drive on over to
Hammerheads Billiards Bar & Grill
202 NE 7th Avenue. Okeechobee (863) 357-4745
FREE Delivery and set up up to 30 mile radius with purchase of shed Valid at the Avon Park lot only
20 x 24 Shed 00 + tax or 24 x 30 Shed 00 + tax
$8,569
$11,239
Transverse Multi-Module
Includes: 8 x 6 roll up door 3” overhang, 1 x 45” entry door, 2 gable vents, 4 windows, 2 lights, 2 outlets
*30 year warranty against rust Rated up to 146 mph wind. Exp: 9/30/10 Coupon required for discount
Suburban Includes:
8 x 12 Shed 00
$1,599
+ tax
3” overhang, 45” entry door, 2 windows, Rated up to 146 mph wind. Exp: 9/30/10 Coupon required for discount Valid at the Avon Park lot only
Layaw Christay for Now!mas Floridian Includes:
10 x 20 Shed 00 + tax
$2,699 I
?
tight
OEWN O T NT ILABL ECK
ney s mo
RE
AVA DIT CH CRE O N
Extra wide 61” entry door, does not include windows or vents, Exp: 9/30/10 Coupon required for discount Valid at the Avon Park lot only
More than 50 sizes available (sizes range from 4 x 6 or smaller, up to 13 x 50 and up to 24 x 30)
915 US 27 South, Avon Park FL
863-452-0450 www.robinbuilders.com
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
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Business UpFront By Kellie Duke Couture’s Art Gallery Custom Framing - Home Décor Do you need something special on that bare wall, or something framed professionally? Could you use a few more accent pieces for that foyer, dining room or anywhere in your home? Look no further than Couture’s of Sebring. Couture’s Art Gallery, Custom Framing and Home Décor is located at 2045 US 27 North in Sebring. It is owned and operated by Dick and Allora Couture. Dick Couture is a Michigan native and is a Vietnam Veteran with two tours in the US Air Force. He has over 12 years experience in custom framing. Allora, a Louisiana native, brings 25 years experience as a decorator and framing designer to the business. Living and working in the state of Louisiana, at the age of 45, they decided it was time to pack up and venture to another part of the country. They traveled the country for months and eventually fell in love with Highlands County. They decided this would be the place they would live and open their business. In 1997 they opened Coutures in downtown Sebring. By 1999 they purchased their present building on US Highway 27 and have been at this location ever since. As I drove up to the front of Coutures, the awards of this business caught my eye. Displayed out front was the Highlands Today Award for Best Frame Shop. They have won this award for eight years in a row. The News Sun has a similar award for Best Frame Shop and they have won this award the past five years. They were also selected as one of the TOP 100 frame shops in the U.S.A. five years in a row. The Professional Picture Framers Association of Florida has a contest each year for framing excellence. Coutures entered it three times and they have won the contest all three times. These awards show that they are committed to service and quality workmanship. Coutures has the largest selection of frames, mats, art and home décor in central Florida. They stock and offer a variety of 2,600 frame moldings and 2,400 different mats. They stock 200 styles of molding picture frame. Dick said, “We have over 20,000 linear feet of molding on hand and 600 of the most popular mats. Because we have so much in stock, most of the time, we can get the work out to the customer the next day.” Coutures stocks various artists’ work. Among those featured are: Robert Butler, who is one of the original Florida Highwaymen, and his daughter Aletha Butler’s work. He also carries work by Tripp Harrison, Hobby Campbell, Thomas Brooks (Turkey Federation Picture each year), Stephen Willcox, J.W. Harris, Art Lemay, and Jacqueline Lyn Palomaki. Lyn Palomaki was of particular interest because when she paints at a site, she puts the GPS coordinates of where she was when she painted right on the picture. This way one may actually go and visit
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t h e place that she painted. Most of the paintings at Coutures depict the Central or South Florida rural and natural landscape. They include original oils, giclees’, prints, limited edition and open prints. Also featured, is Kathy Crotts, who has some spectacular wildlife and landscape photography.
Coutures also has collectible figurines, metal and wood wall décor, unique mirrors and clocks, lamps and vases, and just about everything you need for that finishing touch in your home. As for custom framing, they are not afraid to tackle anything. Dick said, “We can frame whatever the customer wants us to frame. We also frame very large objects. We actually framed a 15 ft. by 5 ft. quilted American flag. Nothing is too big for us to handle.” Allora does a lot of designing and assists the customer in selecting colors for matting. Dick does a lot of the building, however, they are quick to point out, that they both can do it all! Dick also mentioned that the wood and other supplies they use for framing is quality material and is made in the USA. When asked about some of the most unusual things they have ever framed, Dick and Allora mentioned Peruvian artifacts dating back to 100 BC, fossils, jewelry, golf clubs, car parts, dolls, antique purses, feathers, old handkerchiefs, law enforcement badges and silverware collections. A number of years ago, Dick and Allora commissioned Robert Butler to paint an original oil, “Hammock Creek.” The painting was unveiled at the business and Mr. Butler was there to sign all of his work. Giclees were also made of this original piece of art and one was donated by Dick and Allora to Highlands Hammock State Park as a fundraiser. From a personal experience, I have visited and have been a customer of Couture’s for several years now. I am a huge Robert Butler fan, yet have discovered many other artists’ that I love in this place. You cannot beat their framing quality and price. For custom framing, collectibles and home décor, and art at its best, visit Coutures today!
863-386-0029 couture@vistanet.net
Come See Us for All Your Farm and Construction Equipment Needs INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
15
Heartland’s
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Steve Royce (863)465-2160 830 US 27 South Lake Placid, FL 33852
Please patronize these fine businesses in your area. To advertise in this section, please call Nick, 863-224-0180 16
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
Highland’s
Please patronize these fine businesses in your area. To advertise in this section, please call Nick, 863-224-0180 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
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Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association Announces their Annual Labor Day Championship Bull Riding and PRCA Rodeos presented by Marcum & Associates Nationwide Ins. Pictures: Jim Davis Photography The Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association will hold their Annual Labor Day Championship bull riding and PRCA rodeos at the Agri Civic Center. The events have come together to create an exciting weekend for all! The events start with Championship bull riding with 30 bull riders, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 4 starting at 7:00 pm. PRCA rodeos will be held on Sunday, Sept. 5, and Monday, Sept. 6, 2010. Rodeo entrance will be on HWY 710. Mutton Bustin’ for the cowkids will begin at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Sept. 5 and Monday, Sept. 6. All cowkids from ages 3-5 can enter to win. Winner receives a shiny 18 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2010
western belt buckle! Advance registration required. Please call the Okeechobee Livestock Market at 863-763-3127 to register. The Okeechobee Cattleman’s rodeo will show contestants competing to win cash prizes and points toward a circuit championship. The Okeechobee rodeo has a welldeserved reputation of being the “wildest rodeo east of the Mississippi!” Visitors from many areas of South Florida are expected in attendance to observe traditional rodeo events such as; calf roping, saddle bronc, bareback riding, team roping, ladies’ barrel racing and the favorite of all, bull riding. “We are proud to host two annual PRCA Rodeos every year here in Okeechobee,” said Dudley Kirton, Cattlemen’s Association President. This year’s rodeo will bring some of the nations top cowboys to show their talents and compete. Participants come from all over the United States and Canada to compete for their titles. Jerry Todd will return to Okeechobee to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 2010 Labor Day Rodeo. Jerry travels with wife Candi and son Kyle. Candi entertains the crowd with her talents of background music and Kyle serves as rodeo clown during the Muttin’ Bustin’ event. Jerry Todd was rewarded announcer of the year for WPRA in 2004, World’s Toughest Bulls and Broncs Announcer in 2005 and 4L Rodeo Company Mossy Oak Series announcer from 2004-2006. Rodeo tickets may be purchased in advance at Eli’s
Western Wear, 907 NW Park Street or at the gate. Premier tickets are $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the gate. Children under 12 are $6.00 in advance and $8.00 at the gate. General admission in the West stands is $10 adults and $6.00 children. Presenting sponsor for the 2010 Labor Day Rodeo is Marcum & Associates, Nationwide Insurance. Major sponsors include: Eli’s Western Wear, Dodge, TD Bank, Seacoast National Bank, Cowboys Bar-B-Q & Steak Co., supporting sponsors Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA.) For ticket information, call Eli’s Western Wear @ 863-763-2984 or visit
www.okeechobeecattlemansassociation.com
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
19
FRESHWATER FISHING IN POLK COUNTY By Captain Dick Loupe
Bluegill & Shellcracker
These two fish are one of Florida’s most sought after species, and all of this starts around late March/early April and goes through late July. This is when they all gang up to have a “party” of sorts. In other words, this is when they move up in the pads and grass line to spawn. Man, can you have a good time!
This is the time to take a kid fishing if you want to see a pair of little eyes light up and a smile from ear to ear. You sure won’t be disappointed, I promise. I had a chance to go and watch a master of the sport at work. This gentleman is 74 years young and, take it from me, he is the best at doing this kind of fishing that I have ever had the pleasure of being on the water with. Charlie Bishop has lived at Grape Hammock Fish Camp on the south end of Lake Kissimmee for around 21 years. Now you won’t find him around the camp in the mornings because he gets out on the lake early so he won’t miss the Lord’s daily present. He comes in around 10 am, when you will most likely find him and his best friend, his Beagle dog, riding throughout the park. Now, back to fishing – Contrary to popular belief, Bluegill and Shellcracker are not in the Perch family.
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Bluegill
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), sometimes referred to as bream, brim, sunfish, or copper nose, is a member of the Centrarchidae family or more commonly known as the Sunfish family. It is native to a wide area of North America, all the way from Quebec, Canada to northern Mexico. It is even the state fish of Illinois. They are a round shaped fish that is highly variable in color, ranging from dark blue or almost purple to yellow, with six to eight vertical bars on the sides and a red to orange belly. The Bluegill’s most notable feature is the broad, round black “ear” which is actually an extension of the gill. Its name, however, comes from the bright blue edging visible on its gill rakers. The colors are very vivid in the males when they are spawning. The world record is 4 pounds, 12 ounces and it was caught in 1950. Most will run from six to eight inches long as adults and weigh anywhere from 1/4 to 1 pound. When the water is over 65 degrees on the full moon, Bluegill will spawn. They will spawn every full moon from early spring and all the way through summer in most southern states. They are attracted to light and will come to lights on docks at night to feed on insects that are attracted by the light. Some Bluegill will grow to a maximum size of nearly five pounds, and a maximum overall length of approximately 16 inches. They are mean and testy. Bluegill will eat anything they can get in their mouth, including insects, worms, small minnows and crayfish. They can be caught on all kinds of live bait including crickets, earthworms, meal worms, freshwater shrimp and small minnows. Artificial bait that is good for Bluegill includes small spinners and jigs as well as all kinds of dry and wet flies. When Charlie goes looking for these fish, he will ride around and look for the lily pads to be shaking or bumping. But you can also smell them. Once he finds this kind of area, he puts a cricket on and starts fishing. The kind of equipment to use – Charlie likes to use a 14 foot cane pole with 20 lb Berkley Big Game, a #6 long shank Mustad hook, a slip float, and a #4 pinch-on sinker. Before you put anything on your line, you put a bobber stop, which you can slide up and down the line. So, if you are fishing in let’s say four feet of water and you want your bait one foot off the bottom, you slide the bobber stop to three to three and a half feet. Once you find the right depth, you set the bait in around the pads and you drop the rod tip towards the water. The weight will pull the line through the slip float and this will make the float stand straight up. If the float lays flat then
you just pull your bobber stop down the line until the float stands upright. Then you know you are off the bottom, which is the key because the cricket will be able to move around on the hook. When the float moves just a little, set the hook and hold on.
Shellcracker
Shellcracker (Lepomis microlophus), are actually redear sunfish, but are also known as Georgia bream, cherry gill, chinquapin, improved bream, stumpknocker, and sun perch. Therefore, they are in the same Sunfish family as the Bluegill. Shellcracker are native to the southeastern United States, but because of its popularity, it has been introduced to waters all over North America. It generally resembles the Bluegill except for coloration and somewhat larger size. The back of a Shellcracker is light green to brown with scattered darker spots. The light gray to silver sides have 34 to 43 lateral line scales. Lower surfaces of the head and belly are light yellow to white. Sides of the head are mottled with brown to dark orange spots. The dorsal fin is light gray with nine to 11 spines and 10 to 12 rays. The light yellow to white anal fin has three spines and 12 to 14 rays. The pectoral fin has 13 or 14 rays and it is long and pointed, its end reaching past the nostril when bent forward. The world record is five pounds, seven ounces, but most will run from eight to 11 inches long as adults and weigh from about 3/4 to two pounds. During spawning, males congregate and create nests close together in colonies, and females visit to lay eggs. Each Shellcracker will usually only lay once each spring, although they sometimes socialize with other sunfish species. They may come to lights on docks at night to feed on insects but not as much as their cousins, the Bluegill and Crappie. Shellcracker generally tend to feed best during the day. The favorite food of this species is freshwater mussels, snails, worms, shrimp, insects and grubs. These fish are bottom feeders, meandering along lakebeds seeking and cracking open snails and other shelled creatures, hence the common name of “shellcracker.” Shellcracker are fished differently than Bluegill. Instead of crickets, you use wigglers (worms) and they are fished on the bottom. It is very important that this bait lies on the bottom right in their nest. Now let’s talk a little about equipment. Charlie likes the cane pole, but there are poles, referred to as “extension poles”, that extend in and out, ranging from an extended length of eight feet to 20 feet. There are numerous brands, such as Wonderpole, B & M, etc and some even come with guides, for those who prefer to use a small reel. These are available at most local tackle stores and online. These poles are good for a lot of people because they can be carried in the trunk of a car. Everything else is rigged the same as for Bluegill fishing. Let’s take time out from fishing to give you some tips –
“O” ring and, using a tie wrap, wrap it around the rod a few inches above the handle. That will last for a long time. You can also use an “O” ring on the handle of a cane or extension pole to loop your hook under when stowed away.
Tongue Protector
This tip is for you guys and gals who don’t have a garage to keep your boat in. Go to one of the hardware stores and buy a piece of round drain pipe, the flexible kind. Cut a slit in the bottom so that your tongue wheel will slide past. This will protect your tongue from the weather.
Rod Cozies
Take a one gallon baggy and cut out one corner at the bottom. Slide your rod handle through the cut out corner and then, once you pull the handle through, slide it over the reel and zip it up. Then you can hang it up with your other rods in your garage. This will keep your reels clean until you are ready to use them again. Keep what you can eat and release the rest for the next time. Remember, the daily bag limit is 50 panfish, which includes bluegill, shellcracker, flier, longear sunfish, mud sunfish, shadow bass, spotted sunfish (stumpknockers), warmouth and redbreast sunfish, individually or in total; and the possession limit is two days’ bag limit. Best Fishes and God Bless,
Dick Loupe Southern Outdoorsman Guide Service Katydid Fishing Products, LLC More Tackle PO Box 7870 Indian Lake Estates, FL 33855 888-692-2208 www.bassfishingguide.com www.katydidfishingproducts.com www.moretackle.com
Hook Holders
Many spinning/baitcast rods come without a hook holder to put your hook through. You never want to put your hook through one of the guides because you could damage it. So, take a number 47-60
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Local FFA Chapter Receives National Ranking The National FFA Organization recently selected from a pool of more than 650 candidates nationwide, the Okeechobee Brahman FFA Chapter, as a 3-star winner in the National FFA Chapter Award program. The chapter members have been invited to attend the 83rd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 20-23, 2010, where they will be recognized for this honor. The award program is sponsored by Ford Motor Company and John Deere as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Chapter Award program recognizes FFA chapters for developing a detailed Program of Activities (POA). Each activity provides opportunities for members to excel in one of three areas: student, chapter, or community development. Every year, chapters are recognized as having earned a one, two, or three-star rating on their application. The three-star rating is the highest level of accomplishment a chapter may achieve. The Okeechobee Brahman FFA chapter is a local youth organization whose mission is to promote agriculture and leadership to the entire community, along with other communities around the state. At Okeechobee High School, students can explore many areas of agriculture through three different programs: Agriculture Mechanics, Horticulture Science, and Animal Science. The Okeechobee Brahman FFA Chapter supplements these programs by providing many leadership opportunities for the students. The Okeechobee Brahman FFA Chapter is respected by the community and continues to better the lives of students in Okeechobee County.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
23
Bio Soil’s Suggestions for the Fall Cabbage and watermelon grown in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area using Bio Soil Products
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By Kayley Cobb
“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Psalms 34:10 There are things in God’s Creation that do lack what they need and may suffer, however, we as God’s Children are provided with everything we need according to God’s word. When I stop and think about all that God has provided and blessed me with I am so thankful! Let’s start with being born right here in America. God has provided many freedoms for all Americans, plenty of food to eat, a home, good health, and our family and friends. God has certainly provided me with everything I really need. It’s not just about that new car, lakefront home, or that big diamond ring, it is about things we need that you can’t put a price on. It is so easy to fill that shopping buggy up with stuff you think you just have to have. I am now learning to take time and ask myself, do I really NEED this or do I just WANT it? Now, I am sure, there will come a time when I really do NEED a new car, and I have no doubt ~ God will provide!
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New nwtf blogs give insight into experts’ conservation work It is now easier than ever for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists to get the latest details on projects that benefit wildlife and habitat nationwide, thanks to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s new blogs. The NWTF’s wildlife biologists, the foremost experts on wild turkeys and upland habitat, will regularly post blog entries about important conservation projects being completed on the ground to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife. The NWTF’s education and outreach staff will also post blog entries about scholarship opportunities and JAKES, Xtreme JAKES, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’ Sportsmen, the NWTF’s outreach programs, which work to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events. The blogs are available at www.nwtf.org/blogs. Readers can follow NWTF staffs’ weekly activities by reading and commenting on blog entries about everything from wild turkey biology to land management tips, local legislative actions, hunter access, outreach programs and much more. “These blogs are useful tools packed with valuable information for anyone who wants to learn more about wild turkey management, conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage,” said James Earl Kennamer, Ph.D., NWTF chief conservation officer. “We are excited to have this new vehicle for members and potential members to engage our experts and stay abreast of what is happening in their states.” The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $331 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife. For more information about the NWTF, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THENWTF.
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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South Florida Water Management District August Agricultural Highlights Report
By Charles Shinn, Assistant Director Government & Community Affairs SFWMD Governing Board Prioritizes Land Purchase Above Quality/Storage Projects In the midst of sharp criticism, the South Florida Water Management District governing board decided to accept an amended agreement to purchase 26,800 acres for $197 million ($7,350/acre) with closing by October 11, 2011. The contract includes various options on the remaining 153,200 acres of U. S. Sugar Corporation property as follows: An exclusive 3-year option to purchase either a specified 46,800 acres or the entire 153,200 acres at a fixed price of $7,400/acre. After the exclusive option period, a subsequent 2-year, non-exclusive option to purchase the approximately 46,800 acres at Fair Market Value. A subsequent 7-year, non-exclusive option to purchase the remaining acres at Fair Market Value. The land consists of two parcels, 8,900 acres of sugarcane acres located east of Lake Okeechobee and 17,900 acres of diseased citrus located in southern Hendry County. U.S. Sugar Corporation (USSC) is allowed to lease the 8,900 acres of sugarcane land at $150 per acre to continue current operations and may continue to utilize the citrus land at no cost. USSC must pay property taxes while leasing the properties. There is a $10 million default fee if the contract does not close. Although SFWMD notes that the fee will not be imposed if action is taken by a Federal Judge, I am unable to find this protection in the contract. It should be noted that SFWMD has 129,740 acres of land that are awaiting water quality/storage projects. This figure does not include the contractual acres with USSC. Included in this figure is the EAA Reservoir (31,600 acres) which Federal Judge
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Federico Moreno ordered construction to resume on April 1. This construction halted shortly after the original USSC contract was announced several years ago. The governing board is taking a large gamble in assuming that this purchase will take the place of the EAA Reservoir construction and appease Judge Moreno’s order, especially since the purchase price does not include any water storage/quality improvements. Florida Farm Bureau continues to support the sale of land with a willing buyer and seller though we contend that the best management of property is achieved when it stays in the hands of private landowners. We have strongly opposed this purchase because the purchase by the District not only takes the land out of private ownership, a plan does not exist to fund utilization of the land for water storage or quality projects. Determining Past Wetland Harm and the Relation to Permitting SFWMD has begun a series of forums to ‘solicit ideas, concerns, and solutions from the public regarding the issue of past wetland harm as it relates to water use permitting’. Most potential impacts relate to the cone of influence surrounding a groundwater well. As the majority of agricultural permits in South Florida are for surface water, this typically does not affect farmers. That being said, there is some potential to influence the conditions for permit application or renewal. It is important that a permit holder be held harmless of any impacts if they have complied with the conditions of their permit. None-the-less, how an impact would be considered upon renewal of a permit is yet to be determined. Setting an acceptable baseline in which to judge future harm seems to be fundamental to the process. Florida Farm Bureau staff will stay involved helping to represent the farming community in the discussion.
September to vegetable and agronomic crop farmers enrolled in the vegetable and agronomic crop BMP program. FDACS noted that the purpose of the survey is to provide FDACS with a statewide overview of the applicability and use of the practices contained in the manual. It is their goal to obtain input on the effectiveness of applying various practices. The collective responses will be used to help measure the success of the BMP program. Lake Okeechobee Water Level Consistent Over the past month, the level of Lake Okeechobee has remained fairly stable at just over 13.5 feet NGVD. Due to the lack of widespread rainfall over the region and some basin runoff in the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie basins, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reduced releases to lower the lake level. Although the long term outlook for the remainder of the tropical rainy season is above normal, no consistent organized activity is in the tropics. As Lake Okeechobee is the bellwether instrument for South Florida water supply, it is imperative that the lake is at a reasonable level at the end of the rainy season (November) to supply ample water through the dry season (December – May). 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.
EAA and C-139 Basins Reach BMP Goals to Improve Water Quality For the 15th consecutive year, water flowing from farmlands in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) achieved phosphorus reductions that were better than the 25 percent reduction required by law. With the continued implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs), results for the 2010 monitoring period show a 41 percent phosphorus reduction in the 470,000acre EAA farming region south of Lake Okeechobee. In the C-139 Basin, a BMP program has been in place for the past eight years with the goal of reducing phosphorus discharges below historic levels. For the 2010 monitoring period, the target load was 53.6 metric tons. Data show the actual mass of phosphorus discharged from the basin during that time was 41.9 metric tons, or nearly 22 percent less than the target. BMPs are being implemented throughout South Florida on numerous crops. Farmers are finding that not only is water quality improved, in many instances inputs to produce the crop can be reduced due to better distribution of nutrients through advanced delivery methods and water management. Vegetable and Agronomic Crop BMP Survey Announced by FDACS The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced that they will be sending out a BMP Implementation Assurance Survey the first week of
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This program is a great opportunity to improve cow-herd reproductive performance on the beef cattle operation. This is an intense course in reproductive management of the cow herd and is designed for owners and operators of beef cattle ranches. Participants will improve their understanding of the broad subject of breeding herd management and will be better equipped to work with their veterinarians in accomplishing breeding program objectives. Please contact your nearest participating South Florida Beef-Forage Agent for registration forms and details. Registration deadline is Friday, September 24th. The South Florida Beef-Forage Program Participating Extension Agents: DeSoto County vacant (863) 993-4846 Glades County Tycee Prevatt (863) 946-0244 Hardee County vacant (863) 773-2164 Hendry County Sonja Crawford (863) 674-4092 Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, Lee & Collier Counties Les Baucum (863) 674-4092 Lindsey Wiggins Highlands Co. Randy Gornto (863) 402-6540 Hillsborough Co. Vacant (813) 744-5519 Manatee County Christa Kirby (941) 722-4524 Okeechobee Co. Pat Hogue (863) 763-6469 Courtney Davis Polk County Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 Participating Specialists: Range Cattle REC, Ona Dr. John Arthington Dr. Brent Sellers Dr. Maria Silveira Dr. Joao Vendramini Reyna Speckmann UF Animal Sci. Dept, Gainesville - Dr. Matt Hersom UF Agronomy Dept, Gainesville - Dr. Yoana Newman
Topics Include: Pregnancy Testing Quiet Handling of Beef Cattle Heifer Development and Management of Young Cows Coping with Calving Problems Genetic Management for Efficient Reproduction On Farm Training with the Drost Project Breeding Season Management Health Management-Vaccination Program for Reproduction Reproductive Implications of Body Condition and Nutritional Management Utilizing Performance Records The Role of Artificial Insemination in Beef Cattle Herd Bull Selection Estrus Synchronization and Heat Detection Nutrition for Reproduction The Role of Ultrasound in a Beef Cattle Herd
Hands-On Labs: Intact Tracts Pregnancy Testing Obstetrics/Calf Presentation Breeding Soundness Lab
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In tests conducted at Louisiana Tech University, during the coldest winter in recent memory, cattle grazed on Prine gained .4 lbs per day more than cattle grazed on Marshall.
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Deputy Fred Tagtmeier
Sheriff Benton
Sheriff Protecting the Ag Community and the Citizens of Highlands County By Kellie Duke A woman with a clear vision, a strong and confident leader, one who is passionate about her job and her family, this is Susan Benton, the Sheriff of Highlands County. Following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, who served as the Chief of Police in St Augustine, Florida in the early 1920’s, Susan Benton, a fifth generation Floridian, has served with distinction in law enforcement for 34 years. After a 65 year gap, Sheriff Susan Benton is the second female elected Sheriff in the history of the State of Florida, and is currently serving her second term. Susan received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Thomas University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration,
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and is certified as a Public Manager through Florida State University. Not only is she a well educated Sheriff, but she has a wealth of experience. She has made a lifelong commitment to the profession of law enforcement and has served “in the trenches,” shoulder to shoulder with her fellow officers. Susan Benton has held a variety of positions in the law enforcement field, as a patrol officer, criminal and narcotics investigator, school resource practitioner, victim advocate, child abuse/exploitation investigator and law enforcement administrator. Susan Benton understands the importance of agriculture to our community. “We don’t underestimate the tremendous impact that
agriculture has on our local economy and employment. Highlands County is the largest cattle producer in the State of Florida and third in the production of Valencia Oranges. Agriculture here employs more than 6,000 people. The agriculture community also pays a huge amount of taxes. They deserve the best services that are available and we plan to continue to support them whenever we can,” she said. When asked what the biggest concern with ag crime is, Sheriff Benton pointed out that theft is the major issue. “Thefts of copper, fuel, and pumps, have hit our county hard in the past. The driving force behind these thefts is the need for cash and drugs,” she said. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office has one Deputy, Fred Tagtmeier, that is dedicated strictly to agriculture crime, but according to Sheriff Benton, he has the use of many other resources should he need them. Fred has the responsibility to keep growers and ranchers informed of criminal concerns that come up. He is in the field 90 percent of the time meeting with the ag community. He provides extra patrol in areas where criminal activity has been reported, completes investigations, sets up surveillance cameras if needed, and is the go-to-guy if some concern needs to be addressed. Should big problems arise in the agricultural community, that is not a problem since Deputy Fred Tagtmeier serves as Vice President of the Florida Agriculture Crimes Intelligence Unit, which we are fortunate to be involved in. Through this taskforce, we are able to share and receive information from our surrounding counties. If we need more manpower on a particular case, deputies can come over from other counties to lend assistance. Overall crime is down in Highlands County and crime in the agricultural community is down as well. Florida instituted new laws where scrap yards have to report what is brought in. People bringing in items have to give their name. Criminals do not want to have to give their names when bringing in stolen materials. We have seen a big decline in agriculture theft, due to this new law,” said Sheriff Benton. Sheriff Benton does encourage growers and ranchers to get involved in the Ag Watch Program. Registering provides the Sheriff’s Office with your contact information should crime or trespassing become a problem on your land. The Sheriff’s Office will place a sign on your property with a number on it. The number will identify the property owner and contact information to help the deputy on duty. “I would encourage the agriculture community to call us if things are missing or they suspect that something is not right, this just may be the last piece of a puzzle to break up a ring of thefts and to solve a crime. We welcome community involvement,” she said. Susan Benton has made it her mission to get the community involved in policy that ultimately affects them. She created a partnership between the community and the Sheriff’s Office members. This partnership was the first ever Strategic Plan. This provided a clear vision and direction for the Sheriff’s Office and the Community. In creating this strategic plan, Susan invited many members of the community, from all bureaus and ranks, to be involved. Also included were members of the agricultural community. Continued on page 36
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Continued from page 35 She wanted input from all, so all could be represented and respected. Community members and Sheriff’s Office staff determined the vision and mission of the office, while staff identified the core values of the Sheriff’s Office. Much thought was given to it by all, and it was decided that the core values should be, Integrity, Quality Service, and Professionalism. These values are displayed on the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office letterhead and are also on the walls at the Sheriff’s Office. This plan gives members of the agency a sense of direction and a feeling of participation and ownership of their positions. In her second term as Sheriff of Highlands County, Susan has firmly taken steps to mold the agency into one of the best law enforcement agencies in the state. Focusing on an approach which is both values-based and performance-driven, Susan maintains a key understanding of the balanced need for enforcement and prevention to keep our community safe. Over the last six years, through major agency changes, she has brought the agency to full law enforcement accreditation from the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission after complying with over 250 professional law
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enforcement and operational standards. She has now begun the process of bringing the jail through the accreditation process. As far as her employees go, she encourages them to work as a team and to work together to solve problems. According to members of her staff, it is not uncommon to see Susan on the scene of a crime, observing and supporting those in the field, making sure her members have what they need to accomplish the tasks at hand. The pressure created by external factors of the economy could have created difficulties within the agency, but despite the current economic situation, the sheriff has found steadfast alternatives to diminishing services, laying off employees, and raising fees. Through community planning, she is using performance improvement methodologies and practices that have produced efficiencies by eliminating duplication of services and nonessential functions. One example is Sheriff Benton’s plan to bring E-911 services to a countywide consolidation, bringing the answering points together, providing better and faster response at a lower cost. In the last four years, Sheriff Benton has proposed no increases in requested budget dollars and has had minimal decreases over the last three
proposed budgets, all in an effort to promote fiscal responsibility by doing more with less. She has laid a solid groundwork for a high performing sustainable organization. When asked what she felt was her biggest accomplishment as Sheriff, Sheriff Benton mentioned two things. “First of all, we created a drug treatment program for inmates while they are incarcerated in our jail facilities. They can start the program here, and once they are out, they can complete the program outside the jail. It has made a huge difference in the revolving door. We are seeing inmates complete their time, and return to work, instead of drugs. Most don’t realize how drug abuse can affect the entire community. It hurts the person, their family, extended family, and they have to steal to perpetuate their addiction. Drug addiction impacts the entire economy of the entire area. You have to look at it on a big scale and realize money is well spent to save a human life. I have seen former inmates, still sober, staying out of jail, and getting their lives back, this means a lot. The other accomplishment that I am very proud of is our specially trained group of individuals who investigate crimes against children and the elderly. They work at our Children’s Advocacy Center. They work hand in hand with our Department of Children and Families and many other agencies. They help in the healing process, keep families intact, yet hold the offenders accountable for their crimes. With this program, everyone is on the same page, working together for the good of those involved.” Sheriff Benton summed it all up as she reflected on what her job means to her. “We want to make Highlands County a safer place to live. A place where people do not have to live in fear. Where all people are respected and appreciated, and that the right people are brought to justice for their crimes. We want to make sure that the quality of life that the community wants is upheld to the best of our abilities. We are nothing without the public’s trust, and this has to constantly be in our forethought. Also, if I never show up again for work, this place is going to keep running. It is not about me, but the people that work here, so they can take care of others. Everyday I need to come to work facilitating for my staff to advance professionally, so this agency will always have a group of highly trained professionals ready to protect this county. Sheriff Susan Benton has had many honors and accomplishments throughout her career, which include the Glass Ceiling award in 2005, sponsored by the Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, being named the American Legion’s Law Enforcement Woman of the Year in 2006 and in 2009, while serving on the Florida Sheriff’s Association, she was voted by her peers to serve as Chairman of the Board, the first time a woman has served in that capacity in the associations’ 115 year history. She also achieved the prestigious honor of induction into the Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2010. She also serves on the Children’s Services Council, the Board of Directors for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, and Chairperson of the Recovery Committee for the Missing and Endangered Person Information Clearing House Advisory Board. She has recently completed her charge as Chair of the Region 6 Domestic Security Task Force. Being a part of the agricultural community, and realizing the problems that growers and ranchers may face with crime, I feel confident that the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Benton have got us covered. I can also say as a citizen of this county, I do feel safe. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office has had a huge part in bringing our overall crime rate down and is helping to keep the quality of life that we expect, for all of us to enjoy! “In the Field Magazine” salutes Sheriff Susan Benton and her staff for their outstanding job and service to our community.
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You
g n i e b e ar
WATCHED!!!
By: Johnny Cone
Photo by CMFoto
Our dogs become so much a part of our lives that we often take their presence for granted. The same cannot be said for our dogs. They are watching our every move. They know when we are about to go to bed, about to eat, about to go to work, and everything else we do. In most cases our dogs know much more about us and our lives than we know about them. They know our mood, how we are feeling, what we had for lunch, and what we are doing, everything. Dogs are so perceptive of our lives that at times it appears they have some sort of sixth sense. And while that might be a possibility, dogs pick up most of their information about us through a combination of excellent hearing, sense of smell, learning by association, and memory. Our dogs watch, hear, and smell what we are doing. We most often have a lot going on in our lives that take up time and energy. Our dogs only have us. We are the center of their world. Their lives are uncluttered with jobs, social activities, civic obligations and the like. So they are free to focus completely on our every move. People are largely creatures of habit and ritual. We have the same daily routines. Most of us do the same thing and go through the same motions every morning when we are getting ready for work. It might be picking up a briefcase, a purse or the jingle of keys, but our dogs know we are leaving. When they hear the kitchen cabinets opening and closing they know we are likely going to have food. Dogs read our every move and store away when and why we make that move. Some things our dogs pick up on are much more mysterious. My dog Merlin regularly competes in various dog events. I don’t know how he knows but Merlin is well aware when we are on our way to a competition. I am pretty sure it is not my routine before we leave the house. I know it is not the fact that he is getting to go with me. Merlin often goes places with me. He accompanies me to the office, goes to visit friends and relatives, and virtually any place a dog is welcomed. On routine trips he simply gets into my vehicle and sits down. He is calm and relaxed. When we are on our way to compete he paces back and forth, makes noises, pants and generally acts excited. I have never been able to determine what he is picking up on but it is certainly something. I have a very competitive nature. So naturally my excitement and stress levels will be elevated. I cannot be sure but that is likely what he is pick-
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ing up on. But how would a dog sense mood changes so easily? The answer is not nearly as mysterious as it may seem. The answer lies in a dog’s senses of smell and hearing. Dogs hearing and sense of smell is so much more sensitive than ours that it can be difficult for us to comprehend. Our bodies change depending on our mood. There are chemical changes, our heart rate changes, our blood pressure changes, our rate of breathing changes, and our muscles tighten and relax. Dogs can hear our heart beat, they can hear the blood rushing through our veins, our breathing rate, and may even be able to hear our muscles tightening and relaxing. And they can certainly smell the chemical changes. The old saying that dogs can smell fear is actually very true. When we are angry or scared our bodies release adrenaline. It is the odor of adrenaline that lets dogs know someone is afraid or angry. The ability to smell and hear change in someone’s body has some uses far more important than our dogs being able to know what kind of mood we are in. Dogs have been taught to smell for cancer and other diseases in humans. And although I have never heard of anyone actively working with dogs detecting heart issues, they can certainly hear blockages in the heart. There are documented cases of pet dogs acting strangely or attempting to alert their owner a short time prior to the owner having a heart attack. Many times dogs can detect changes in human bodies that are serious health risks before the onset of symptoms. There are service dogs trained and living with owners with medical concerns that sense all sorts of medical issues. Dogs can detect changes in blood sugar, a coming seizure, and other medical issues. In most cases dogs are capable of alerting their master of these changes or coming episodes far enough in advance of onset that the owner has the opportunity to take action to prepare or even prevent it from happening. So the next time you notice your dog looking at you or feel his stare as you walk about the house, remember he is taking it all in. Your dog knows your habits, moods and why you do everything you do. He knows how you are feeling and notices any changes in your health. Chances are, your dog knows more about you than you know about yourself.
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By Rhonda Glisson A woman in agriculture, a business woman, wife to Greg, mother to Chris and Tim, and grandmother to Kaleb, Carter and Avery, and now a fellow hunter, are just a few ways that I can describe my friend Reggie Driskell Gordon. Reggie was born in Dothan, AL, but raised in Bowing Green, FL. As a teenager, Reggie started working in the feed business for Bob Fites Grower Supply in Bowling Green, and after realizing a true love for the agri-business, Reggie along with husband Greg, decided to purchase the store and changed the name to Heartland Growers Supply. They then opened up a second location in Wauchula in 1991. Chris Mellow, territory manager for Nutrena Feed Company said, “Reggie is a great person, she has compassion for people, is always helpful and is a key part of Nutrena’s partnership with Heartland Growers Supply. Regggie and Greg make working with Heartland Growers Supply a great pleasure and her passion for success helps lead the way for our success.” Reggie is not only active in the feed business, but has been involved with cattle for over 30 years, as she and Greg are owners of Rocking G Cattle Company. Their passion in both feed and cattle has been very instrumental in the youth of Hardee County. David Royal, Mayor of Wauchula said, “Reggie and Greg Gordon are two of the finest people I know. They are always there to help our youth and community. There are so many kids who would not have made it to the fair without their help and support. They both stand behind their word and their work.” Reggie, like me and so many other women, has supported her husbands and sons in their hunting. We have helped pack, cook, wash, and entertain fellow hunters, but it is amazing how one hunt on our own can change that.
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We are now not only supporting, but we are participating and Reggie is not only participating, she has gone hog wild. She and Greg, along with other couples, were invited to Merriam Turkey Hunt with Brenda Valentine at Tulloch Creek Ranch near Big Horn Montana. Reggie’s first time to hunt Merriam Turkey’s was not only successful, but she was presented with a grand prize from Brenda Valentine, donated by Commando Game Calls for tagging the largest turkey. Reggie then went to the First Annual Old West Invitational Turkey Shoot, which was held in Hulett, Wyoming in May. There were 62 hunters who participated, and using the official scoring method of the National Wild Turkey Federation, awards were given for the three largest turkeys harvested. Reggie took third place and received a Remington shotgun from the Remington Outdoor Foundation, title sponsor of the event. What’s next for the huntress? Reggie has now added Gator Hunting to enjoy and is off in October to hunt Elk with Brenda Valentine at their friend Bill Glisson’s hunting lodge/ranch, The Timbers At Chama in New Mexico. As you always tell me Reggie, Life is Good” my friend.
By Brenda Valentine The way I see it, turkey hunting is a whole lot like the flu. The more you’re around folks that have it the more likely you are to catch it. Some folks get a bad case of it every year no matter how hard they fight it, and some folks seem immune for years, but when they do catch it they usually get a full-blown case of the fever that knocks them off their feet for weeks. Such was the situation with Reggie Gordon of Wauchula. Reggie’s husband, Greg, Surrendered to spring turkey hunting fever years ago, and in the process became an accomplished caller, hunter, and guide. The Gordon’s are Diamond Life members of the National Wild Turkey Federation and both are very active volunteers with their local and state chapters. Reggie’s job puts her in the company of hunters every day and her lovely home has a gallery of wild turkey memorabilia, yet she had never caught even the faintest symptoms of turkey hunting fever. This petite blond was quite content to sleep late in the morning, dress in stylish clothes ad have a nice hairdo, rather than pack a shotgun around in the woods before daylight wearing camo from head to toe and trying to sound like a lonesome hen turkey.
This sweet life all ended the spring of 2009 when Reggie contracted a galloping case of gotta-get-a-gobbler fever. This serious affliction first reared its ugly head when I invited a few couples to join me in Montana for a Merriams turkey hunt. Reggie didn’t want to be the only person sitting in camp so she asked Greg to take her on a hunt in Florida so she could get the hang of it and maybe hunt in Montana. As so often happens, Reg shot a monster Osceola gobbler, thanks to Greg’s expert calling techniques. That sealed the deal for Reggie’s raging case of turkey fever. She fought it for a long time, but like the flu, it’ll finally get you when your resistance is low and you’re around others who have it. Gone is the fluffy hair and clean jeans, during the spring you’ll recognize Reggie by the camo cap, big grin, and trail of turkey feathers drifting from her hunting vest. I’m pleased to call Reggie Gordon my friend and so glad I helped inspire her to experience turkey hunting from the swamps to the mountain tops. She has three small grandkids now and she will most certainly share her gobble fever with them.
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Amazing Animal Tales By Kellie Duke
Two Goats and 9-1-1
You would really have to know my dear sweet Mother in Law to fully appreciate this story, but I am sure you will get a big laugh out of this one. One Friday afternoon, my mother in law, Mary Kate, called to let me know that she would be coming down for an overnight visit. Mary Kate grew up on a farm and loved to come see us because we lived way out in the country. She loved this peaceful quiet time and the general beauty of our country home. It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning and Mary Kate advised me that she was going into town to get us a few groceries. As she exited the back door, I heard quite a bit of commotion. All the commotion was coming from my mother in law, so I ran out to see what the problem was. Well, I could see it…it was there in plain sight...a large white Billy goat standing on the hood of her car. Mary Kate was shaking her fist and yelling for the goat to come down. I said, “Wait just a few minutes he will come down.” But she just couldn’t accept the fact that a goat was standing on her brand new car. She grabbed a little branch and tried to make him move, but he would not budge. Then as fast as a lightening, he jumped up on the roof of the car. This really infuriated Mary Kate and things really heated up. As she continued to yell and shake her fist, I ran into
the house to call 911. I was afraid he may jump on her and take her out! As I called 911, I heard a young lady on the line who seemed very serious at first. As I began to tell her to send someone out because there was a goat on my mother in law’s car, she began to chuckle. I said, “Please don’t laugh at me, my mother in law is scaring and aggravating the goat, he may jump on her and hurt her.” It was then that she told me that this was the second “Goat Call” they had received that day. Earlier that morning, another woman in the community had called and said there was a man back behind her wood fence yelling for help. According to this caller, the man had been yelling for help for at least 15 minutes. She was afraid to go back there. She said the man didn’t appear to have the energy to say anything but, “help, help.” The local Sheriff’s Department was contacted and they immediately sent out three deputies to investigate. As the deputies arrived to see about the man in trouble, they discovered that this man was instead a goat. After getting a good laugh out of this myself, I realized why she may not be taking this matter as a serious situation. Nevertheless, she reported that she was sending a deputy out right away. By the time the deputy arrived, the goat was nowhere in sight. As the deputy left he smiled and said, “Goats are keeping us real busy today, sure glad no one got hurt in all of this!”
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It is now the beginning of September. The primary elections are over. The race to win the general election is now moving into full swing. You have heard this is going to be one of the most important elections in our history. One of the reasons that is true is because of Amendment 4. I urge you not to easily tire of what is transpiring. As September and October progress, more and more advertisements, speeches and letters will be heard, seen and read about this issue. The Highlands County Farm Bureau, the Hardee County Farm Bureau and the Desoto Charlotte County Farm Bureau have all taken a strong stand opposing Amendment 4. Highlands County Farm Bureau and the Desoto Charlotte County Farm Bureau have ordered signs and other material to promote the defeat of this amendment. All three County Farm Bureaus will have a speaker about this issue at their respective annual membership meeting. There are predominately four people supporting Amendment 4. Lesley Blackner is a wealthy Palm Beach attorney who has used nearly $1million of her fortune. She is a co-author and founder of the amendment. Her logic dictates a business may have to wait two years before a project could be approved at a regularly scheduled election. The second person on the list is an attorney from Tallahassee. Ross Burman co-founded the Amendment 4 Political Action Committee. By virtue of his support for this amendment, he is saying that decision making on development will be in the hands of voters. Yet when voters in St. Pete Beach approved some development projects in 2008, he led the effort to overturn the election. The result has been endless litigation at the expense of the St. Pete Beach taxpayers. The third interesting character is Joseph Redner. He owns Mons Venus strip club in Tampa. It is believed that under Amendment 4, pornographic establishments will have fewer restrictions on where they can conduct business. Joyce Tarnow is the founder of Floridians for a Sustainable Population. According to her, Florida has too many people and Amendment 4 would curb growth thus helping to control population growth. As you read this, how much more do you want to know? Now is the time to learn what you can. Communicate with your friends, neighbors and family. Urge them to do the same. There are always two sides to every issue. I believe, in this case, we are on the right side. Go to www.florida2010.org as I have done to learn more. Amendment 4 must be soundly defeated!
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Dear In the Field readers, Hello! My Name is Valerie McKee. As the 2010-2011 State FFA Secretary from your area (the one and only Okeechobee, FL), it is my absolute pleasure to share with you about my recent travels as a state officer. After the incredibly exhausting and rewarding week of the 83rd Florida FFA State Convention where I was elected as State Secretary, my new team and myself attended our BLASTOFF training (Building Leaders And Strong Teams of Officers) at the Leadership Training Center in Haines City. There, we truly came together as one team and developed our objectives and goals for the year, as well as discovered each other’s unique strengths. The following week, our team traveled to Daytona to experience the National Leadership Conference for State Officers, a conference presented by two of the National FFA Officers for specific regions across the country. It was Florida’s year to host the conference, and so the state officer teams from Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina made the drive to the Hilton Hotel on Daytona’s beautiful coast line. That week, along with being exposed to the differences between our state’s FFA association and the surrounding states’ associations, we were taught valuable tips and information to better our performance in conferences and workshops as state officers. At the end of the week, thanks to the work of Florida FFA’s staff, the entire group of NLCSO attendees was able to experience EPCOT’s “Disney’s Leadership Excellence” program at the theme park in Orlando. After the completion of the program, we were given free access to enjoy the theme park! A few weeks after NLCSO, Clay Sapp, the State FFA President, and I were flown to Washington D.C. for the State President’s Conference, a National FFA Conference put on by the National FFA Officer team for the State President and another State officer from every state and Puerto Rico. Clay and I were given the opportunity to meet with my House Representative while there, Representative Thomas Rooney, District 16. It just so happened that during our appointment with him, the Ag Committee Hearing was about to take place, a committee he is a member of. Rep. Rooney brought us with him to the meeting to experience the Ag Committee from the floor! The State President’s Conference also provided other experiences, such as a tour of all the National Monuments, a meeting at the USDA building, sightseeing at many of the local museums, and a trip to the Nationals versus the Braves baseball game! We also appointed issues and committees for the National FFA Convention in October, as part of the Delegate Process for each state to participate in. I am the Committee Chairman for the “Increasing Student Voice at the National Level” Committee. The day that Clay and I were supposed to fly home, a series of unfortunate events occurred that made us miss our flight (in other words, we woke up too late and caused a lot of ruckus at the Ronald Reagan Airport). Thankfully, Florida FFA has a terrific Executive Secretary, Mr. Ronnie Simmons, who immediately began searching for another flight to get us home that day, considering the fact that both of our luggage bags had been checked and were in route to Florida without us. Needless to say, Clay and I learned our lesson about airports and respect for departure times. Currently, my team and I are putting together our first conference, the Chapter President’s Conference, which will coincidently take place at the same hotel we stayed at in Daytona for NLCSO. Though I do not wish to reveal the surprise of our entire focus for the conference, I will share with you our title: “Vision Overboard!” Chapter officers attending can expect to be challenged to lead with vision, as well as experience an exciting time in search for some vital, nautical items. I look forward to sharing more of my State officer experiences with you, readers, as God provides them for me to share. He has truly blessed me with an incredible opportunity to serve one of the very best student led organizations in one of the very best state FFA associations, and I am sincerely thankful. God Bless you! Valerie McKee State FFA Secretary
SEPTEMBER 2010
h t e b a Eliz ance
rr r u D r r a F
WAUCHULA
Our “Down Home Cook” of the Month is Elizabeth Farr Durrance. Elizabeth’s family has been involved in the cattle industry and agriculture for many years and over several generations. Elizabeth is married to W. Kelly Durrance of Wauchula. They have four daughters, Erica 23, Rebecca 22, Shelby 19, and Caroline 14. She is a 1979 graduate of Lake Wales Senior High School and 1984 graduate of USF in Tampa. Elizabeth has been a resident of Hardee County for 30 years and is the owner of Cat’s on Main in Wauchula. Cat’s on Main has been in operation since 1970 and was voted “Best Boutique” in the Florida Monthly Magazine 2009. Elizabeth is very active in the community and is the Director of the Wauchula Chamber of Commerce, a Main Street Member, and an advocate for Wauchula’s Downtown Development “With four daughters salads are often a staple and being creative and trying new recipes is fun,” said Elizabeth. Her daughter Caroline helped prepare this Cornucopia Salad, which is a Family Favorite!
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Cornucopia Salad Ingredients 1 head lettuce (any variety), washed, patted dry, and torn into pieces 1 cup of diced green bell pepper 1 cup of diced celery 1 cup frozen green peas (uncooked) 3 bananas, sliced and tossed in ¼ cup lemon juice (optional) 1cup grated Cheddar cheese ¾ cup raisins 1 cup mango or mandarin oranges ¾ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or salted peanuts ¾ cup chopped green onion with tops 10-12 slices bacon, crisply cooked
Dressing • 2 cups mayonnaise • 1 tablespoon white vinegar • ¼ cup sugar In a large rectangular dish, layer salad ingredients in order listed, stopping after bananas. Mix dressing ingredients and let stand for 5 minutes. Frost entire top of salad with dressing, covering it completely. Sprinkle layers of cheese, raisins, oranges, nuts, chopped green onion, and bacon. Chill for 3 to 4 hours before serving.
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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n a m Wo
URE
ULT C I R G A N I By Kellie Duke
Cindy Webb Teaching Agriculture This year was Cindy Webb’s first year teaching Agriculture, but it was anything but a new subject for her. “I’ve always had a love for agriculture, and it seems to be a thread that runs throughout my family. I grew up in Northwest Florida in Bonifay, where my grandfather was a farmer and my dad and brother both were ag teachers and FFA advisors. My husband and his family have always been involved in agriculture, too.” Webb began her teaching career at Desoto Middle School teaching Science, then moved closer to home and taught third grade. When the high school ag teacher position opened in July last year, she looked on it as an opportunity to reach more people to inform them of the importance of Agriculture. Webb graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Agricultural Communications. “I knew I wanted to work in Agriculture in some aspect, but didn’t really know how or where. I met my husband, Orrin, at a Beef Cattle Short Course while at U.F., and after seven months we were married. I moved to Babcock Ranch where he was employed as cattle foreman, and I soon began working on the ranch, also. We worked our way up to the management level, and continued to work there for another 10 years, managing the ranch operations including cattle, horses, hunting, and forestry.” While at the ranch, Cindy served on the local Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as the Telegraph Cypress Water Management District. Eventually, the Webbs moved “to town” (Punta Gorda), and Orrin took a job with Walco International, while Cindy took classes to get her teaching certification. In the meantime, the Webbs had two children, Hilary and Haley. “Both our kids were born while we were living on the ranch, and I wouldn’t have traded that time in our life for anything. We’d strap them in their car seats and ride for hours checking cows, water, fences, etc., and they both loved it. It has given them a love of nature, cattle, and especially the agricultural industry.” Oldest daughter Hilary graduated from Charlotte High School and went on to serve the state as the Florida FFA President. Haley will be a senior at CHS this year, and hopes to serve as an FFA State Officer the following year. They have both shown steers and heifers all over the state, and have many buckles to show for it. Both of the girls have a passion for agriculture that runs deep, and will no doubt both end up working in the industry in some capacity. Cindy and Orrin have both been active in the Charlotte County
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Cattlemen’s Association for many years, and after seeing a need for more support for the local ag education program, they began the Charlotte Sr. FFA Alumni chapter several years ago. “Little did I know when we started the alumni chapter that I’d end up being the ag teacher. I just wanted to support the program and the teacher, Ted Lynn. Our county only has one school that offers ag education, and yet it is one of the top industries in the country. I couldn’t stand to see that program disappear, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone and reach as many students as I possibly can to convey the importance of agriculture. I tell the students that they may never work in the ag industry, but whatever they decide to do in life, knowing where their food and fiber comes from, as well as something about what goes into growing that food and fiber, is vital to everyone. I’ve always taught that importance in whatever subject I happened to be teaching, from 3rd grade to 12th grade. I just want to do whatever I can to promote agriculture.” One really neat thing that Webb is looking forward to this year is her first class of third graders coming up to high school. “I have about 90 freshmen signed up to take Ag Foundations this coming year. Many of the students were my students in third grade, or I knew them in elementary school anyway. I hope they remember what I taught them way back then, and that’s why they’re signing up for my class.” This past year was a really busy one for Webb, with teams competing in Forestry and Poultry at state competition, a Livestock Evaluation and a Horse Judging Team, as well as a Land Judging Team that competed at national competition in Oklahoma. She also had a student who competed in Prepared Public Speaking at the State FFA Convention, as well as having a daughter with a top 4 winning Steer Proficiency. “I am so proud of all of these students. They went from having a teacher with 25+ years of experience, to having a teacher with no experience teaching agriculture, and it was a huge adjustment for us all. We all worked really hard and had a very successful year. I look forward to next year and I have a new respect for the hard work and dedication of ag teachers. While I think it is one of the hardest teaching jobs there is, it is also one of the most rewarding, as you get to see your students setting and achieving their goals in an area that’s vitally important to our country and to our world.”
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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By Johnny Cone Get Ready for Classic Cars, the throaty sound of American muscle and the smell of burned rubber. The first annual Sebring Thunder event will be held September 17 through 19. This unique event will have something for everyone. Cool cars, food, music, a swap meet, and a good time for all. The event will begin with a Kickoff Friday September 17 at 5 pm with a welcome reception at event headquarters, historic Kenilworth Lodge. There will be registration available for those that have not pre registered. Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt, entry into the burn out, tickets to the BBQ on Saturday night, and a drive on the track at the Sebring International Raceway on Sunday. Those that only want to show their car without attending the burnout, BBQ, or track run, can register for free. The fun continues on Friday evening with a burn out in downtown Sebring at 7:30 pm. Entered cars will get a chance to participate in a drag style burn out. Saturday morning starts out at 8 am with a drive from the Kenilworth Lodge to the circle downtown. Members of the local Rotary Club will be on hand to help exhibitors park their cars. The Car show runs from 9 am to 3pm. A live band and a DJ will be on hand to keep the music going throughout the day. There will be a swap meet, food vendors and other fun and interesting things to keep everyone entertained. Cars will be judged and awards given in various categories. At 3 pm, everyone will head back to the Kenilworth Lodge with a poolside BBQ at 6pm. Sunday Morning starts out with a ride down the Sebring International Raceway. Exhibitors will get a change to run a few lap on the track behind a pace car. After their run, exhibitors will get a chance to have a photo of their car taken on pit row. This event promises to be a great time for exhibitors and attendees alike. Classic cars, food, music and fun, it just does not get any better than that. Organizers are expecting 250 to 350 classic cars on hand. It is going to be a fantastic weekend and you will not want to miss a minute of the fun. . So make plans now to attend. For more information on this event, call 1-800-423-5939. Or check them out on the web at www.sebringcruise.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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Every now and then I have one of those so-called “Bad Days.” You know the kind, where everything seems to go wrong. The car won’t crank. You spill gravy on your new tie. You misplace your cell phone and can’t find it when you call on another phone because it’s on vibrate. I was having one of those days last week, or at least I thought it was a bad day until I received e-mail from Mac Smith. He wrote about the average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska being $80,000. He said he read, at a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were being released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers. No sooner had the seals been released, in full view, a killer whale ate both of them. And if that wasn’t enough, there was the story of a woman who came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of a wire running from his waist over the electric kettle and into his ear. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she whacked him with a plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places. Up to that moment her husband had been happily listening to his iPod. Some time back the New York Times had a story that would tend to make anyone unappreciated. The owners of a publishing company are trying to figure out why no one noticed that one of their employees had been sitting dead at his desk for five days before anyone asked if he was feeling bad. The 51 year-old man was a proofreader at the New York publishing company for 30 years, when obviously he had had a heart attack in the open-area office he shared with more than 20 associates. He passed away on Monday, but no one noticed until Saturday morning when an office cleaner asked why he was working during the weekend. His boss said, “George was always the first guy in each morning
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and the last to leave at night, so no one found it unusual that he was in the same position all that time and didn’t say anything, He was always absorbed in his work and kept pretty much to himself.” A post mortem examination revealed that he had been dead for five days after suffering a coronary. George was proofreading manuscripts of medical textbooks when he died. Did you hear about a doctor that was addressing a senior citizen audience in Lakeland? He said the material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here years ago. Red meat is awful! Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High fat diets can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. However, there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all, and we all have eaten, or will eat it. Can anyone here in the audience tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it? After a few seconds an elderly gentleman on the front row raised his hand, and said, WEDDING CAKE. I don’t know about you, but as for me I can’t figure out why all the fuss over showing your ID! After all, if you are pulled over by the police you show your ID. Also, I must show my ID when I show up for a doctor’s appointment, when renewing my driver’s license, applying for insurance, donating blood, collecting my boarding pass at the airport, making a debit purchase, especially when out of state. I have even had to show my ID to a new teller at my bank. My point is, we citizens are required to prove who we are nearly every day. Why should we exempt anyone? Just a thought… Do you remember, “Kids Say the Darnest Things?” For those who do not, it was a comedy series hosted by Bill Cosby that aired on CBS from January 1998 to June 2000. The show was based on a popular feature of Art Linkletter’s television series, Art Linkletter’s House Party, which aired five days a week on CBS for more than 20 years. If that show were still running today my cousin Susan Waitley’s granddaughter would be a perfect candidate for the show. One afternoon as Miranda drifted off to sleep to take a nap, she said, “I miss Aunt Net…when will she come to visit us? I love it when we have customers!” Have you heard the story of Gertrude, the church gossip and selfappointed monitor of the church’s morals, who always kept sticking her nose into other people’s business? Several members of the church did not approve of her extra curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. Gertrude made a big mistake when she accused Fred, a new member of the choir, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the towns only bar one afternoon. She quickly told Fred and several others that every one seeing it there would know what he was doing. Fred a man of very few words, stared at her for a moment, turned and walked away. Later that evening, Fred quietly parked his pickup in front of Gertrude’s house, walked home, and left it there all night. I’ll close with a short quiz. Go to page 55 for the answers. 1 - From which animals do we get catgut? 2 - What is a camel’s hair brush made of? 3 - The Canary Islands in the Atlantic are named after what animal? 4 - What color is a purple finch? 5 - What country do Chinese gooseberries come from?
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LOOK WHO’S READING Rockie Powell reading In The Field while watching the sale at the Okeechobee Livestock Market. ® Your AGRICULTURE Magazine
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Participants sign up for real-life Florida ‘FarmVille’ By Stu Hutson FarmVille, Facebook’s most popular game, allows millions to till digital soil and trade products in a virtual market. Now, University of Florida faculty are bringing social networking to reallife agriculture, and they want players. “Social networking is changing our personal lives and the business world in ways that we could have never predicted a few years ago,” said Allen Wysocki, an associate professor of food and resource economics at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “It only makes sense to bring that to agriculture.” For the past two years, Wysocki has worked with IFAS faculty and stakeholders across the state to set up a Florida version of the website MarketMaker. The site allows farmers and seafood producers, both large and small, to set up profiles featuring details of their operation such as pictures and maps. Buyers looking for specific products can use the site to find nearby producers. The site also features extensive demographic information, including listings of potential buyers, allowing farmers to seek out new markets. The site isn’t just for bulk trading, however. It’s also designed to be accessible for those who just want to find fresh local food. The site even offers recipes that use locally available, in-season foods. The MarketMaker team unveiled the Florida version of the site July 31 at the annual Florida Small Farms Alternative Enterprises Conference. The site is still in its infancy, with relatively few farmers signed up. But interest is growing rapidly, and Wysocki expects to have a viable number of farmers using the site by early 2011. “One of the biggest challenges we face as farmers is finding markets for what we grow,” said Eva Worden, who has set up a profile for Worden Farm in Punta Gorda. “The site is easy to use, and it could potentially open whole new areas of opportunity. So, we have high hopes.” MarketMaker was originally developed at and is hosted by the University of Illinois. Initially designed in late ‘90s as a way to find new markets for cattle in Chicago, the site is now available in 16 states and Washington, D.C. “Florida was, in many ways, a whole new ballgame for MarketMaker,” said Darlene Knipe, who developed the site with her husband, Richard, as faculty at the university. “The state has so many unique products and very different overall agricultural infrastructure.” Although the site is just getting started in Florida, it could soon expand beyond agricultural food products. Knipe hopes it will someday help distribute two other large Sunshine State products: horticultural crops and biomass such as bagasse that can be used to produce energy and ethanol. “We’re really only limited by the willingness of businesses and individuals in Florida to get involved,” Wysocki said. To sign up, visit http://fl.foodmarketmaker.com. Those less familiar with social networking can get help from their local extension agent. “This is designed to be an accessible tool,” Knipe said. “In some states, even Amish farmers have been benefiting from it … through their local extension agent, of course.”
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The bean is the fastest growing vegetable. A cat’s jaw cannot move sideways. Al Capone’s business card said he was a used furniture dealer. Genghis Khan started out life as a goat herder. The second longest word in the English language is “antidisestablishmentarianism”. The San Francisco cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments. The youngest Pope was 11 years old. The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven is $6,400.00. Reindeer like to eat bananas. The amount of tropical rain forest cut down each year is an area the size of Tennessee. If you feed a seagull Alka-Seltzer, its stomach will explode. The Amazon rainforest produces half the world’s oxygen supply. Armadillos can walk under water and can be house broken. A family of six died in Oregon during WWII as a result of a Japanese balloon bomb. Impotence is legal grounds for divorce in 24 American states Marijuana is Spanish for Mary Jane. Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart. An elephant can be pregnant for up to two years. The growth rate of some bamboo plants can reach three feet in one day. A flamingo can eat only when its head is upside down. Crickets hear through their knees. A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won’t. The way you get more mules is to mate a male donkey with a female horse. The “ZIP” in zip code stands for “Zone Improvement Plan.” Horses and rabbits cannot vomit. Michigan was the first state to have roadside picnic tables. Answers to quiz from Rocking Chair Chatter: 1 - Sheep and hogs 2 – different types like goat, sheep, most recognized is squirrel 3 - The Latin name was Insularia Cararia-Island of the Dogs 4 – Distinctively crimson 5 – New Zealand
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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Young Farme
COLLEGE & CAREER Growing up in agriculture has been a great thing for Garrett Duke. From the time he planted his first citrus tree at eight years old, until now, agriculture has been a major part of his life. “I remember starting out and how I used to help fertilize small trees by hand. Now, I sit in my tractor and use the spreader to give the trees a shot of good nutrition. My past experiences have given me a direction to go in with my career and helped me to appreciate the farming industry,” Garrett said. Garrett is currently a senior at the University of Florida, where he is majoring in Agriculture Operations Management with a minor in Horticulture Science. This past July he had the opportunity of a lifetime. He was selected to be Florida’s New Century Farmer. With this honor came a five day all expenses paid trip to Des Moines, Iowa, where he met with other young people in production agriculture throughout the country. The conference is sponsored by Pioneer, Case, and Rabo AgriFinance. The purpose of the conference is to develop a continual program of activity and information focused on farming as a career and also to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit and personal and professional growth of young people who have committed to a career in production agriculture. The New Century Farmer Program enabled Garrett to learn cutting edge information about the agricultural industry, as well as to create a networking experience that allowed him to expand his circle of knowledge. “I met people from all over the country who came to share their farm story and were just as passionate about farming as I am. Whether their crop was corn, cotton, soybeans, or peaches, they all had the same desire that I have, to be in production agriculture,” Garrett said. Some of the topics covered at the conference were global marketplace, farm financing, consumer trends, farm succession, putting together a business plan, new and emerging farm machinery, sustainable agriculture, ag policy, and risk management. Other activities that Garrett was involved in at the conference included a tour of Pioneer, where seed research is being
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rs & Ranche
rs
Garrett Duke
done to benefit growers. The farm tour also included a trip to Barilla Pasta, which is one of the largest pasta manufacturing plants in the world. Here they showed every process from bringing in the grain by train and truck, to shipping the pasta out to buyers. Garrett also toured an ethanol plant while at the conference. He pointed out that it was great to see and understand the production process of ethanol, as well as to see how the byproducts are used to help make cattle feed. “The one thing that we all had in common at the conference was that almost everyone had some cattle. It was interesting to see how livestock impacts the rest of the agriculture industry. Seeing other people with so much optimism about agriculture is really encouraging. A statistic that made everyone stop and think was this, that the average farmer today is feeding three times the people he fed in 1950 due to the population growing by approximately 200,000 per day. The statistics say it all, our world population is going to continue to grow and we need to make sure our farmers and ranchers are supported so they can continue to produce the food we need.” Garrett would like to encourage all young farmers and ranchers in the Heartland to apply to the New Century Farmer Program and take advantage of a great way to learn more about production agriculture.
A Closer Look: Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis)
A Closer Look: Imperial Moth
By Sean Green
Moths and butterflies have represented our notion of beauty and wonder for thousands of years. “Psyche,” the Greek Goddess, is depicted in ancient art with butterfly or moth wings. The wings of a butterfly often designate the soul in Western art, and are commonly painted as fairy wings. Children are naturally fascinated with the colorful fluttering of this ancient insect that often serves not only our esthetic interests, but our intellectual and spiritual as well. The lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are suspected to date back to the Cretaceous period (ending 65 million years ago). The Saturniidae, are among the largest and most spectacular lepidoptera, their ancient subfamilies occur only in the Americas, while other “modern” Saturniidae are widely distributed. Evidence suggests that the Saturniidae first evolved in the American tropics probably in the late tertiary period. The Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) is a modern species of Saturniidae common in Florida. This magnificent moth is among the least harmful to crops and its stingless larval stage (caterpillar) make it a safe species to observe. The colorfully fuzzy caterpillar is between three and four inches long and adorned with impressive but harmless horns. If you are lucky enough to have found a caterpillar, consider the dangers it has overcome to survive to this stage. Two broods per year can occur in Florida, typically in August and September. Adults emerge before sunrise. After midnight the next day the slightly larger female wafts a medley of pheromones on the wind to seduce males to her stationary location. Once paired, the two moths are vulnerable to predators; foraging raccoons are especially fond of these moths and often consume the adults before eggs can even be laid. Females lay the fertilized eggs at dusk, singly or in groups of two to five, on both surfaces of host plant leaving the eggs twice as visible and vulnerable than other Lepidoptera species that only lay eggs on the underside of leaves. Females do not protect the eggs once they are laid, making them a buffet for birds, beetles, and other insects. Some parasitic wasp species can completely eliminate the chance of any eggs hatching to reach the larval stage (caterpillars). If the eggs survive long enough to become translucent white in color, they are ready to hatch. After hatching, the caterpillars crawl away from the egg before settling down to feed in solitude and must survive new enemies such as hornets and yellow jackets, both of which hunt young caterpillars to feed their young. The caterpillar will have five instars (stages) to complete before reaching adulthood. At the end of each instar, the caterpillar attaches itself to the major vein of a leaf and begins to molt. Enzymes are secreted to digest the inner layers of the existing cuticle (skin), detaching the animal from the outer cuticle. The caterpillar emerges from its old cuticle and begins the next instar. E. imperialis will eat its own molt for protein if a host plant is not available. Caterpillars feast on a variety of
host conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs including Pine (Pinus), Oak (Quercus), Box Elder (Acer negundo), Maple (Acer), Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and Sassafras (Sassafras albidum). Contrary to popular belief, adult moths do not eat clothing, in fact, they do not feed at all. They do not have the mouthparts to do so. Adult moths emerge for the sole purpose of mating and typically do not live beyond a few days, surviving solely on the stored fat they have accumulated in their larval stage. When the caterpillars are ready to pupate, they will abandon the tree in search of a soft soil patch in which to burrow underground to pupate. The mature caterpillar will have one of two basic color forms, a black/orange form or a green/yellow form. Variation within these two forms will color the head, spines, body, and feet. When pupation is complete, the adults emerge from the ground and the cycle begins again. Adult females are typically more yellow in color and nearly always larger than males, especially when carrying eggs. Males have more purple on the wings and have fuzzier antennae that are designed to detect the aroma of the female Imperial Moth. Moths and butterflies continue to inspire authors such as Gene Stratton Porter, an amateur naturalist. Two of her books feature E. Imperialis. In “A Girl of the Limberlost (1909)” the moth is featured as an important character in the plot of the story. “Moths of the Limberlost (1912)” is a nature book illustrating both the science and wonder of the moths of the Limberlost Swamp. I encourage you to likewise welcome inspiration by observing this species with the childhood sense of wonder that so many of us suppress as we age.
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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AgCalendar What’s going on InTheField?
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9/11 -12/10 -- Two Guys Gun Show Turner Agri-Civic Center, Arcadia 9/12 - 18/10 – NCBA Fall Legislative Conference, Washington, DC 9/12 - 15/10 – National Goat Conference, Tallahassee 9/14/10 - DeSoto County Chamber of Commerce Annual Member Banquet, Kingsway Country Club, Lake Suzy 9/15-17/10 – Florida Turfgrass Association Conference & Show, Orlando 9/16/10 – Florida Earth Water Module, West Palm Beach 9/16 - 17/10 – UF/IFAS Grazing Management School, Sebring 9/17/10 - Circus Turner Agri-Civic Center, Arcadia 9/18/10 – Florida State Fair Educational Seminar, Tampa 9/18/10 – Responsible Dog Owners Day, Petco, Sebring 9/23 - 25/10 – The Landscape Show, Orlando 9/24/10 – 16th Annual Quality Replacement Heifer Sale, Arcadia 9/30/10 – Cow/Calf BMP Field Day, Alachua 10/1/10 – Florida State Fair Swine Deadline 10/1/10 – Angus & Brangus Bull Sale, Arcadia 10/1/10 – Mo Brangus Bull Sale, Arcadia 10/1/10 – Crooked Lake Ranch Bull Sale, Frostproof 10/1 - 2/10 – Florida Ranch Rodeo Finals and Cowboy Heritage Festival 10/12/10 – Range Cattle REC Field Day, Ona 10/18-21/10 – UF/IFAS Reproductive Management School, Labelle 10/28/10 – Cow/Calf BMPs Field Day, Lake Wales 11/6/10 – UF/IFAS “Livin’ the Country Life” Seminar, Parrish 10/18/10 – Cow/Calf MBPs Field Day, Marianna INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
Naturally Amazing Activities Create an Insect Collection By Sean Green Insects are fascinating to watch and if you’re anything like me, you’ll enjoy the process of research while learning about the insects you find. Research need not be limited to live specimens; insect collecting is the art of preserving insects and the science of researching and documenting data to accompany the collection. This month we will create a simple butterfly or moth collection with an insect relaxing technique that can be used for any insect. Finding a dead specimen is easier and safer than chasing live ones and often results in a better looking collection. The potential for wing damage is much higher with live specimens and the chemicals traditionally used in a Kill Box are highly toxic. Most of my Butterfly and Moth collections are created from dead specimens found in both rural environments or while hiking and canoeing. Gas stations attract large moths and a variety of other insects, look near lights, around propane tank racks, and near outside bagged ice freezers. Screened in pools are a good place to find butterflies that have become trapped at the end of their lifespan, likewise the leaf trap in a pool will contain insects and is great for finding hard body insects such as beetles. When hiking, the best specimens will be in streams, along clumps of twigs that may have trapped butterflies that have fallen in the stream, (please remove any trash you find). There are two main ways of displaying insects. Pinning is the least expensive and most traditional method. It involves sticking a pin through the insect. I do not pin my insects because I prefer an undamaged specimen. A Riker mount is an attractive and non damaging alternative to pinning. It is a shallow, glass topped box filled with just enough cotton filler to hold the insect in place by slightly compressing it against the glass top and the cotton filler. Riker mounts can be purchased in some retail art and science supply stores and can sometimes be found in frame shops. When an insect dies it becomes brittle as it dehydrates making it impossible to pose without breaking it. The relaxing chamber rehydrates the insect so it will not break when you set it for mounting. Specimen Data is also important and makes your collection valuable. Data cards can be printed on blank tear out business cards to be inserted into the Riker mount with the specimen. At the very least the data card should include: Common Name, Scientific Name, Collectors Name, Collection Date, County, City, and State. Supplies: Relaxing Chamber (air tight plastic container) Tweezers Water Bottle Paper Towel / Facial Tissue Mounting Paper (Tracing Paper) Setting Block (Styrofoam Block) Moth Ball Flakes (containing paradichlorobenzene) Riker Mount Relaxing Chambers can be made from a plastic airtight container. Line the bottom of the container with a paper towel or facial tissue, then mist the paper towel to dampen it but not soak it, the idea is to create a humid environment. Mold can form very easily in a humid environment and will ruin the
specimen. Some science supply stores sell relaxing fluid that contains fungicides, however Lysol or moth crystals can be added to the container to prevent mold. Setting Blocks are used to manipulate winged insects without damage to the body or wings of the insect. Ideally, your specimen’s wings should be spread to showcase the shape and coloration of the wings. Blocks of wood with an adjustable center groove are sold in science supply stores but a simple setting block can be made from Styrofoam or balsa wood by cutting a center groove wide enough and deep enough for the body of your insect. Do not use the foam sold for artificial flowers. It tends to crumble easily and will leave foam dust all over your specimen. Alternatively, you can glue strips of corrugated cardboard together to create a grooved surface to work with. The Riker Mount can be purchased or home made. To make your own, find a shallow box with a lid and a piece of glass cut to fit the inside of the box lid. Cut the middle surface area of the lid out, leaving about a half inch all the way around. Secure the glass to the inside of the lid with carpenters glue or a strong glue gun. Fill the bottom part of the box with cotton filler or matting (purchased in quilting supply stores). For protection from mites, booklice, and dermestid beetles, slip flakes of moth balls under the matting. Relax the specimen by placing a layer of dry paper on top of the damp paper towel to keep the specimen from direct contact with moisture, then place the specimen(s) on top of the dry paper and seal the relaxing chamber with its lid. Let the specimen(s) relax for at least 24 hours depending on the size of the specimen. Larger specimens may take as long as two or three days. During relaxing the specimen is absorbing moisture back into its cells, it will feel like a live insect when it has absorbed enough moisture to manipulate without damage. Setting the specimen (in this case a butterfly) is the process of manipulating the insect to showcase its features. Carefully pick up the butterfly by its thorax (middle part at the base of the wings). Gently squeezing the thorax will open the wings. While holding the butterfly by the thorax gently and slowly work the individual wings with tweezers from the base of the wing, moving the wing both up and down and front to back as if it were flying to loosen them up for final setting. Touching the wings with your fingers can make the butterflies scales fall off. You can do the same for the head and antenna, if your specimen is properly rehydrated and you take your time, you will not twist its head off or break the antenna. Final Setting is done when the butterfly is limber enough to move easily without breaking. Set the butterflies body in the groove of the setting block so the bottoms of the wings are touching the top of the setting block. With a pin or tweezers, one side at a time, carefully move the hind wings backward and the front wings forward until they are in a position that best displays the color pattern and wings shape. I like to keep the wings slightly overlapping. When one side of wings is in position, lay tracing paper over the wing with the edge of the tracing paper lining up with the groove and the rest covering the wing. Secure the tracing paper with pins close to the wings but not through it. Repeat the process for the other side of wings. Let the butterfly dry on the setting block a day or two before placing it in the Riker mount.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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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
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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.
FARM BUREAU BUYER’S CLUB Purchase the finest agricultural products from Florida and around the nation through the Florida Agricultural Marketing
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Approved COSCO child safety car seat for $25. Limit three per member. Child booster seat for $15. Limit three per member. Order forms are available at county Farm Bureau offices or by clicking on Member Benefits at http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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_Heartland
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2010
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Snapper & Golf Cars
Parts & Service Pick up & Delivery Short and Long Term Rentals on Golf Cars Storage of Golf Cars
We sell new and used EZ-GO, Yamaha, Bad Boy Buggies, Stealth, used Club Cars, Snapper lawn mowers. 315 S. Parrott Ave. Okeechobee, FL 34974 863-763-6434 gilbertgolfcars@hotmail.com • www. gilbertgolfcars.com
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Wicks, Brown, Williams & Co. Sebring
C. Mark Cox, CPA, Partner John W. Davis, CPA, Partner Tanya E. Cannady, CPA
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W. Bruce Stratton, CPA, Partner Find pictures from recent events.
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Find out more about our mission.
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Cheryl M. Williams, CPA, Partner Corey A. DeHays, CPA
140 South Commerce Avenue Sebring, Florida 33870
(863) 382-1157 wbwtaxmgr@wbwcpa.com
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C L A S S I F I E D S HUSQVARNA IZ 5223-Demo zero turn mower. 52” cut, 23 hp Kohler engine, 5 yr. warranty. $5,999 (MSRP $9,699) Call C&J Equip., Lake Wales, 863-638-0671 1984 KUBOTA B6200-2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower $3,750.00. 863-698-2967 1983 KUBOBTA B6100HSE-2wd tractor • $3,500 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 w/front brooms and box blades. Never used, sold new $31,270.Sell $27,000, balance of warranty. 813-623-3673 WANTED-PARTS OR TRACTOR-For Massey 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 2010 KAWSAKI Mule Trans 4010. $9499 or $199 per mo. Sky Powersports/Lake Wales 863-676-2245 2000 LULL 644B-42’-Reach forklift 3,952 hours. $29,469 Call 863-698-4114
2010 KAWSAKI Mule Trans 4010. $9499 or $199 per mo. Sky Powersports/Lake Wales 863-676-2245 ANGUS FREEZER BEEF-$2.75/lb. cut and wrapped. Whole, Half or Quarter. Cash, Mastercard or Visa 863-206-2828 2004 MASSEY FERGUSON 461-2-55 pto hp, 2 wheel
Call “The Land Lady” Acreage, lakefront ranches, “mini” farms. Mary Adsit, Realtor 863-285-7118 www.maryadsit.com 2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON•-Dyna Glide Streetbob, cobalt blue, only 368 miles, EXCELLENT condition.Extras added!!! Ready to ride. $12,000 Serious Inquiries Only! (813)659-3402
drive, shuttle shift, hydrolic remotes. $10,500. Call 813-752-8722
SURPLUS WINDOWS-Starting at $55.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378
1952 JOHN DEERE TRACTOR-M MODEL Runs Good! $1,985 O.B.O. Jim 863-858-2226 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 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 With front end loader. 45hp cab, AC, Synchro Shuttle, 4x4, R4 tires. Asking $19,000 863-443-1862 Ask for Darren.
H Now Hiring H Account Executive and Writers. Please email us at:
info@inthefieldmagazine.com We look forward to hearing from you!
NEW Steele Mobile Home Tubs. $125.00 54” X 30” Call us today. 813-752-3378 ask for Ted.
GOOSENECK BRAND-24X6, Canvas Top, 3 Compartments. Call 863-528-4356 or 863-692-1082
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
1984 KUBOTA B6200-2 wd, w/4 ft. Finish Mower $3,000 • 863-698-2967
John Kilgore Real Estate Inc.
HOMOSASSA LOT-One acre lot, high & dry, approx. 100 yds. From the Mason Creek River. Fishing & Boating Heaven! 813-503-9033
LOOKING FOR REALESTATE We can help today! Call today and ask for C.D. “Chip” Boring GRI, CRS, Broker/Owne 863-385-0077
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
**Lake Placid Christian School Students: Have Your Parent(s) Sign Here:_________________ and please return to Mr. G.
2010 KAWASKI Mule 610 4x4. $6499 or $125 per mo. Sky Powersports/Lake Wales 863-676-2245
2010 KAWASKI Mule 600 Red. $5499 or $125 per mo. Sky Powersports/Lake Wales 863-676-2245
2010 KAWASKI Teryx 750 4x4 $8499 or $150 per mo. Sky Powersports/Lake Wales 863-676-2245
2010 KAWASKI Brute Force 750 ATV. $5999 or $125 per mo. Sky Powersports/Lake Wales 863-676-2245
TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED ADS CALL 813-759-6909
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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RELEASED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA/IFAS (U.S. PVP PENDING)
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1 results from trials at The University of Georgia 2 results from trials at The University of Florida