In The Field Magazine - Heartland

January 2011

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

®

2011 FAIR PREVIEW

Covering What’s Growing

HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

1

Okeechobee • We Specialize in Heavy Duty Truck Repairs • We Service All Makes and All Models!

• Fleet Discounts Available • Open Saturday for your convenience.

10% off repairs

with this ad!

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Okeechobee Dodge Chrysler Jeep | 4224 US Hwy 441 S. | Okeechobee, FL. 34974 2

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

!"#$%&'()*+,(#,-./01,,(#2003#40*#)5,#"0*)#6*,,%#!0--'%+)1#7+%%,*#+%#7,2,-8,*9#:;<;=##>+2)'*,&# ?80@,#ABCDE#?*,#7?-0%#B?F*,%2,9#G+-#!?(,19#H?*3#I0*,)25309#I,%%1#H+//,*=##G5?%3(#)0#?//#0'*# %,+J580*(9#4*+,%&(9#?%&#('..0*),*(#F50#5,/.,&#)0#-?3,#)5+(#!"#$%&'()*+,(#,@,%)#?#('22,((=# INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE January 2011 6209 N. County Road 663 ! Bowling Green, FL 33834 ! 863-375-4321! www.cfindustries.com

3

From the Managing Editor

Sarah Holt

January VOL. 3 • ISSUE 4

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

Cover Story January 2011

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.”—Edith Lovejoy Pierce Happy New Year! It is a time for new beginnings, a time when many resolutions are made and broken, but the most special thing about the New Year is - Fair season is here! It is an exciting time for FFA and 4H students who have been preparing their projects for their respective fairs. Many hours are put into these projects and the pride shows in their presentation. Please come out and support these young agriculturists and tell them you appreciate their hard work.

Dates for fairs in the Heartland area, as well as the Florida State Fair, are listed below. You will find more information on the fairs in the pages of this issue.

• DeSoto County Fair – January 20 – 30 • Charlotte County Fair – February 4 - 13 • Florida State Fair – February 10 - 21 • Highlands County Fair – February 11 - 19 • Hardee County Fair – February 19 – 26 • Okeechobee County Fair – March 11 - 20 A very special thank you goes out to our advertisers. You allow us to continue to cover what is growing. We would like to wish them, and you, a very prosperous New Year. We look forward to spending it with you.

Heartland’s AGRICULTURE Magazine

®

Sarah Holt

Johnny Cone

2011 FAIR PREVIEW

Covering What’s Growing

HARDEE • HIGHLANDS • DESOTO CHARLOTTE • OKEECHOBEE

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

1

2010 Fair Preview Pg. 30

Senior Managing Editor and Writer Sarah Holt

Editor/Writer 6 Farm Bureau Letter 10 Whipping Bowl 12 Grub Station Oak Street Deli 14 Business UpFront Creech Brothers Construction

22 Farm Bureau Highlight

Senior Managing Editor and Writer

Publisher

Karen Berry

Associate Publisher

15 Tree-T-Pee Follow-up

Until next month,

®

24 Rocking Chair Chatter 26 Young Farmer/Rancher Adam Sorrells 38 Woman in Agriculture Allison Super 48 Farm Bureau Field Agent Report

Rhonda Glisson

Office Manager Bob Hughens

Sales Manager Johnny Cone

Sales

Nick Massey Karen Berry Chass Bronson W. Russell Hancock Danny Crampton Ron Brown

Art Director Amey Celoria

Designer

Juan Carlos Alvarez

Staff Writers

Al Berry James Frankowiak Jack McConoughey

Contributing Writers Lindsey Sebring Nick Chapman Joanna Glisson-Lamarra

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

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

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

Photography

Jim Davis W. Russell Hancock INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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DESOTO COUNTY FARM BUREAU

CHARLOTTE/DESOTO

1278 SE US HWY 31, ARCADIA, FL 34266 863.494.3636

COUNTY FARM BUREAU

Greetings from the DeSoto/ Charlotte Farm Bureau! On behalf of the DeSoto/Charlotte Farm Bureau, I wish for all of you a prosperous and abundant New Year. Even though 2010 is now in the past, we can reflect on some of the highlights that were important to us in agriculture.

One highlight is that we have had the good fortune in this state of seeing Adam Putnam elected as Commissioner of Agriculture.

Our board formally endorsed Adam and we know that he is going to be a fantastic Commissioner. In the general election, we were also successful in defeating amendment 4. We appreciate all of you who actively worked for Adam Putnam and against amendment 4.

On December 1, 2010, we hosted a luncheon for our legislative delegation following their town hall meeting at the DeSoto County Administration Building. This was a good opportunity to meet with our senators, representatives and legislative aides. They were very receptive to our concerns and I believe that they truly understand the importance of agriculture to DeSoto County.

We did highlight five major concerns that we have coming up in the legislative session this fall.

1. General Ag Bill Strengthen state law against duplication of regulation.

2. Immigration FFBF Policy: Federal Issue 3. Energy Maximize potential for ag in energy arena.

4. Beekeeping Protect apiarists from overregulation by local government.

5. Agri-tourism Clarify the state’s role in promoting agri-tourism.

March 22, 2011 will be Florida Farm Bureau Day in Tallahassee. I would encourage as many of our members as

possible to attend this event. It is a great opportunity to meet with our legislators and see how the business of government is conducted in our state. If you are interested, please make a contact with our office.

Speaking of our office, I want to formally introduce our newest staff member. Ms. Katherine Renfro joined our staff as our new Administrative Assistant in the fall and is doing a fantastic job for us. She is from Highlands County and I believe she is planning to make her home here in DeSoto.

Stop by and meet her. She will meet you with a smile and will be able to help you with your farm bureau questions.

Another issue that we all need to stay in tune with is the EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria. This is a federal issue that singles out Florida and has the potential to do great harm to our ability to have a profitable agriculture industry in our state and county. If you do not know about this, please take the time to become aware of what this will do to our state and economy.

Because those of us in agriculture are now such a small minority of the American public, it is even more important that Farm Bureau has everyone who is associated with agriculture to be a member and to be a part of the “Voice of Agriculture.”

If you are not a Farm Bureau Member and you are reading this, please give some thought to joining our association. We need you to stand up and be counted as one of our members. You can help us make an impact in the political arena where our very way of life is at stake. Come join us.

Jim Selph, President

DeSoto/Charlotte Farm Bureau

DESOTO COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Selph, President; Jeffrey Adams, Vice President; Bryan K. Beswick, Secretary/Treasurer; Jim Brewer, John Burtscher, Mike Carter, Steve Fussell, Richard E. Harvin, Matt Sullivan, John Pfeil, Ann H. Ryals, Mac Turner, Matt Harrison 6

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

HARDEE COUNTY HIGHLANDS COUNTY FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU

1278 SE US Highway 31 Arcadia, FL 34266

1017 US Highway 17 N Wauchula, FL 33873

6419 US Highway 27 S. Sebring, FL 33876

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

Phone: 863.494.3636

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

Fax: 863.773.2369

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

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

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Charlotte Line: 941.624.3981 Fax: 863.494.4332

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President................ Jim Selph Vice President...... Jeffrey Adams Sec./Treasurer...... Bryan K. Beswick

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010

Phone: 863. 773.3117

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

DIRECTORS FOR 2009-2010

President................ Marty Wohl Secretary..........Drew Phypers Treasurer..........Scott Kirouac

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

Sam Bronson • Carey Howerton April Butler • Mike Milicevic Andy Tuck • Mike Waldron Jim Wood • Doug Miller Steve Farr • Lindsey Sebring Charles Lanfier

Susan Chapman County Secretary

County Secretary Janet Menges

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE SPECIAL AGENTS

Agency Manager Cameron N. Jolly

Agency Manager N. Jay Bryan

Agency Manager Chad D. McWaters

Agents Dawn A. Hines

Agent George L. Wadsworth, Jr.

Agents Joseph W. Bullington

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

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

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

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

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ants stretch when they wake up in the morning.

It’s against the law to have a pet dog in Iceland.

Thomas Edison, light bulb inventor, was afraid of the dark.

During your lifetime, you’ll eat about 60,000 pounds of food. That’s the weight of about 6 elephants.

Some ribbon worms will eat themselves if they can’t find any food.

The world’s oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old.

About 3000 years ago, most Egyptians died by the time they were 30.

More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones.

A sneeze travels out of your mouth at over 100 m.p.h.

In the White House, there are 13,092 knives, forks and spoons.

Slugs have 4 noses.

Recycling one glass jar saves enough energy to watch TV for three hours.

Lightning strikes about 6,000 times per minute on this planet.

Owls are the only birds who can see the color blue.

The average American drinks about 600 sodas a year.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

It’s against the law to slam your car door in Switzerland.

There wasn’t a single pony in the Pony Express, just horses.

Honeybees have hair on their eyes.

A jellyfish is 95 percent water.

In Bangladesh, kids as young as 15 can be jailed for cheating on their finals.

A company in Taiwan makes dinnerware out of wheat, so you can eat your plate.

The elephant is the only mammal that can’t jump.

The penguin is the only bird who can swim, but not fly.

America once issued a 5-cent bill.

You’ll eat about 35,000 cookies in your lifetime.

Babe Ruth wore a cabbage leaf under his cap to keep him cool. He changed it every two innings.

Fortune cookies were actually invented in America, in 1918, by Charles Jung.

A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue.

Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.

The pitches that Babe Ruth hit for his last-ever homerun and that Joe DiMaggio hit for his first-ever homerun where thrown by the same man.

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 January 15, 2011.

Winner will be notified by phone.

You Too Can Be A Winner - Enter Now! 8

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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

from

For Fruit Sales & Pricing Please Contact:

Fran Becker V.P. Fruit Procurement

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

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

James D. Webb, Jr. Senior Vice President Financial Advisor

611 US Hwy 27 South Sebring, FL 33870 direct 863 451 4035 fax 863 382 2212 toll free 800 962 2548 james.d.webb@mssb.com

1-800-330-3145 For 24-Hour Roadside Service Call: 1-863-452-2031

• AG TIRES • FUEL TANKS • TOOL BOXES • CUSTOM HITCHES– 5TH WHEEL, GOOSENECK • SEMI/RV ALIGNMENT • COMPLETE AUTO & TRUCK SERVICE 1109 W. Main St. • Avon Park, FL 33825 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

9

R E C I P E S

Papaya and Custard on Gingercakes Gingercakes

1 tablespoon powdered ginger 1/4 cup sugar 2 1/4 cups biscuit mix 2/3 cup milk or cream

Custard

1 cup milk or half-and-half 4 egg yolks 1/4 - ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Fruit

1 mango, chopped 1 papaya, seeded and chopped juice of 2 passion fruit ½ cup sugar

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

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

Preparation Gingercakes: Add ginger and sugar to biscuit mix; add milk and mix as directed. Bake at 400 degrees F as directed on box.

Custard: In saucepan, bring milk or half-and-half to a boil. In medium bowl, mix well egg yolks and sugar. Add 1/3 cup of hot milk to yolk mixture, stir well. Add yolk mixture to saucepan with milk, cooking over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture coats back of spoon. Remove mixture from heat and pour into bowl and add vanilla. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally.

to your table, all while feeding the world responsibly.

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

Fruit: Add chopped fruit to medium bowl. Mix in passion fruit juice and sugar. Refrigerate.

Serve Split baked gingercakes, placing bottom half on plate. Spoon fruit mixture on bottom half; spread 1 tablespoon of sauce over fruit mixture and place top half of gingercake on sauce. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

You love the traditional character of handcrafted shutters, but need them to work with your family’s active lifestyle. Norman’s most popular solution – Woodlore Shutters – help create the finished look of a carefully appointed home, with performance that makes life easier.

Our Visit room Showday!

To

Herb Roasted Florida Tomatoes Ingredients

4 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves 1/2 cup olive oil kosher salt freshly ground black pepper 4 pints grape tomatoes (red and yellow)

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Mention this ad for a FREE consultation & estimate.

Preparation

DeSoto Machine Shop

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add the tomatoes and toss. Pour into a baking dish. Roast uncovered for 40 minutes.

www.desotomachine.com

Nutritionals

MOWER

(800) 494-0335 (863) 494-0703 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

Guidelines for Reproducing and Using Norman Logos and Images

Triangle Spreader Manufacturing Co.

Recipes courtesy of FL Department of Agriculture

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Norman® USA

Custom Blended Foliar, Suspension & Solution Fertilizers Corporate ID Standards Manual

January 2011

2692 N.E. Nat Ave. Arcadia, FL 34266

Lake Placid Office 800-775-5594

Barney Cherry 863-441-1482

Charlie Norris 863-634-2041

Skip Fricke 863-441-3003

Dick Harvin 863-441-3008

Dwight Meeker 863-673-3013

NIC

Page 1

updated 01/2009

www.andersonsinc.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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AGRICULTURAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

LONG REACH SERVICES

t Lake & Pond Restoration t Canal Maintenance t Dredging

Oak Street Deli

Jeff Grooms 863.699.5700 t 441.4548

by Jack McConoughey

Nestled among the antique shops of beautiful downtown Arcadia sits the Oak Street Deli. Owner, Holly Incitti, purchased the building about a year and a half ago and decided to keep the restaurant located there.

Originally from New Jersey, Holly and her husband moved to Arcadia eight years ago after falling in love with the quaint country town. Working alongside Holly at the restaurant is her son, Rainer, who is learning the business and currently known for carrying on the family recipe of Sloppy Joes. Holly’s mother also assists at the restaurant making her famous macaroni and cheese and her potato soup, among other dishes.

When first entering the Oak Street Deli, customers are eagerly greeted by the sweet smile of Kayla. Kayla’s grandmother, popularly known as “Grandma” by all, also works at the restaurant adding her southern niche to the food. DeAnna, originally from California, adds her west coast influence of healthy dishes to the menu. Scott, the sandwich maker, is responsible for the wonderful meatball sub and the deli’s famous Cuban sandwiches. “Our Cubans are one of the most popular and best around,” Holly proudly explains. Besides great sand12

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wiches, the deli features a daily special, which is faxed to numerous businesses each day, and also comes with free delivery. Oak Street Deli is also home to some amazing desserts. For those of you that remember the coconut cake that Howard Johnson’s served years ago, the deli has the same cake available to their customers. “We will even make a special cake, pie or whatever dessert especially for our customers with a couple of days notice,” Holly said. Whether it’s their popular strawberry shortcake made with Splenda for special customers, or flan [which is available every Friday], to the simplicity of Jello, Holly makes sure the customers are happy.

Besides great food, Oak Street Deli also holds some great history. While dining at the deli, a copy of the Arcadian from 1949 was available under glass at our table. The walls are also filled with personal history of previous customers. Thousands and thousands of signatures bound the walls of the deli.

“People will actually come in and look for their name, where it was written years ago,” said Holly as she pointed out some of the writings on the walls. While eating one can also look at the antiques available for sale around the restaurant.

The Oak Street Deli is open seven days a week during season from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Every second Friday night, they are open for the car show held in downtown Arcadia, and they are also opened every fourth Saturday serving a full breakfast. The restaurant area can also be reserved for parties, receptions, meetings, etc. in advance. Catering for the event is also available by visiting the restaurant or calling (863) 4943898.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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Johnny Georges’

TREE T-PEE

Business UpFront

Tested by the Freeze

by Jack McConoughey

by Mark Cook Not many construction companies were able to survive during the last couple of years in the state of Florida, let alone prosper. And while not quite hitting the revenue they saw a few years back, Creech Construction of Okeechobee has carved out a niche, literally, by adapting, including a custom cabinet line that has really taken off. Owner Danny Creech feels fortunate.

“We have been really blessed the last couple of years,” said Danny. “Not a lot of people in my industry have been able to keep things afloat and many that are, are barely hanging on. I learned a lot of things from my father who started this business and being able to do a variety of things has been the key to us staying in business.”

Creech Construction’s roots began in Michigan around 1972 where Danny’s father began building homes, additions, and even had a cement plant for many years. Danny was at his father’s side every chance he got.

“I tell people I helped my Dad from the time I was old enough to ride in the truck,” said Danny. “Every evening after school, weekends and summers I spent not only watching but also working. A lot of children of business men aren’t expected to do the tough work but in my case I think my Dad made me work harder than anyone on the crew. There isn’t a grunt job in our business that he didn’t have me doing. But I’m glad he did.

Now even to this day I can put on a tool belt, climb a ladder or dig a ditch with the best of them. It’s helped us get to where we are today.”

The Creech family finally decided to move to Florida in 1980 and Danny Creech spent his teenage age years in Florida.

In 1987 he started working fulltime with his father, then got his contractor’s license in 1994 and opened up his company. Creech Construction began in the spec home business and things were very good for several years. The business grew but, like many in the state of Florida, 2008 saw the end to the building boom and Creech was feeling the effects.

“We knew we were going to have to make some serious changes as the writing was on the wall as far as new house construction,” he said. “While I wasn’t a trained cabinet maker there

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January 2011

was and still is a great need for custom cabinetry.”

In the course of the building boom Creech had some issues with getting materials and orders from cabinet contractors from time to time. He saw an opportunity and began working the cabinet line and things continue to get better.

“I think part of the success we have is our quality is number one. I refuse to use particleboard for any cabinet or counter top.

All our work is done using a number of woods like maple, oak, cherry and birch.”

“Number two is our prices. We can usually figure to come in around 20 percent cheaper than the big box stores on our bids and that’s with a much better quality material.”

“And lastly the service we offer. People deal directly with me on the jobs we do. We try to sub as little work out as possible so we are the main ones you deal with from the bid till the last drop of glue is dry.”

One who has seen the quality of Creech Construction is April Phelps of Okeechobee. “I have nothing but great things to say about Danny and his company,” April said. “The work he does is impeccable. I actually changed the design of my house he built and he had no problems with adapting. He was easy to contact when I had questions and did the work in a timely manner with no delays. I’ve seen a number of other projects he has done and they are wonderful. I recommend to everyone I know to use Creech if they have any type of construction need.”

While the cabinet building business has been a key to survival Creech Construction doesn’t stop there. “We still build homes when the work is available and right now we are doing a lot of metal buildings,” Danny said. “We can do remodels, bathrooms, door and window install, pretty much any construction work you can name we will do. And we don’t mind driving.

In the last couple of years we’ve been to Chokoloskee, to West Palm, Sebastian and Daytona Beach. If a customer has a job we will be there ready to work.”

Danny Creech can be reached at 863-634-7301 for all your construction needs.

With two nights of freezing temperatures recently, citrus growers across Florida took extra precautions to ensure the lives of their trees. A little less stress was welcoming to those farmers who use Johnny Georges’ Tree-T-Pee. With temperatures dropping to 25 degrees, trees without the Tree-T-Pee were surrounded with ice. However, those with the Tree-T-Pee did not have a drop of ice on them. Monitoring temperatures in the groves both nights, Johnny is proud to share that the temperature inside the Tree-T-Pee never got below 40 degrees.

Johnny explained, “with the irrigation systems running, it was like a steam bath coming up around the tree keeping it warm.” As the morning sun hit the black on the Tree-T-Pee, it immediately absorbed the warmth, causing the temperatures to be raised by 10 degrees inside the Tree-T-Pee. “It produces phenomenal results,” Johnny has been told. He’s also received numerous notes. One in particular read: The Tree-T-Pee is such a simple idea. All we have to do is reach out, grab a hold and embrace it - it’s there and it will change the world. For more information, visit http://treetpee.com When people ask Johnny why he does what he does, he states, “The inspiration that makes me the man I am, causes me to strive to be a better person, and gives me my passion...is my son Wesley.”

Johnny gives all the credit to God being number one in his and his son’s life. He also added, “We are humbled and blessed by the attention given. I thank God and Pine Levels Methodist Church in Arcadia for their support and prayers. Changing the world doesn’t happen over night, but with the Tree-T-Pee, we’re going to do it!”

ers Farm No Food No

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

15

Sub-District FFA Contests

• Herbiciding • Fertilizing • Hand Labor • Irrigation Maintenance • Hedging & Topping • Spray Application • Mowing • Discing • Tree Removal ...and much more Pricing available upon request

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Sebring Senior FFA Chapter hosted the Sub-district Contests at South Florida Community College in the University Center. Lauren Welborn, Chairman from Sebring Sr. and Brittany Gates, Alternate Chairman from Avon Park Sr. emceed the event, provided judges, timekeepers, refreshments, etc. for the activity.

Megan Stein from Sebring Sr. was elected 2011 Sub-District Chairman and Brittany Gates was re-elected to serve as Alternate Chairman.

The winners in the High School and Middle School will advance to District competition on Thursday, January 20, 2011.

High School

Middle School

Tractor Operations 1st Matthew Pettit, Sebring Sr. 2nd Christian Valdez, Clewiston 3rd Josh McClean, Avon Park Sr.

Opening & Closing Ceremonies 1st Hill Gustat Middle: Jessica Belcher, Alex Hornick, Teresa Ware, Zack Smith, Victoria Sawicki, Renz Torres & John Tantillo 2nd Avon Park Middle: Hannah Farr, Julianna Jackson, Emily Jahna, Alex Bilbrey, Stephanie Albright, Brooks Whidden & Haley Richardson 3rd Sebring Middle: Jonas Dickens, Dylan Schmotzer, Jacob Cooper, Krystal Dombroski, Laura Eshelman, Kara Faircloth & Brianna Hood

High School Extemporaneous Speaking 1st Charlie Brown, Avon Park Sr. 2nd Elton Gargano, Sebring Sr. 3rd Taylor Corbin, Clewiston High School Prepared Public Speaking 1st Megan Stein, Sebring Sr. 2nd Calago Hipps, Avon Park Sr. 3rd Heidi South, Lake Placid Sr.

WITH QUALITY TOL HEDGERS AND TOPPERS

Contact: Kevin Sanders 863-990-3093 Office: 863-494-3066 160*34*5085 kevin@sorrellscitrus.com www.sorrellscitrus.com

Parliamentary Procedure 1st Avon Park Middle: Brooks Whidden, Hannah Farr, Julianna Jackson, Alex Bilbrey, Haley Richardson & Kelsey Cole 2nd Hill-Gustat Middle: Teresa Ware, Victoria Sawicki, Renz Torres, John Tantillo, Emily Little & Kasey Starling 3rd Sebring Middle: Danai Shreeves, Lacey Clark, Laura Eshelman, Krystal Dombroski, Blake Vickers & Tori Stephenson

Creed 1st Taylor Crutchfield, Sebring Sr. 2nd Hayley Stephens, Moore Have 3rd Rebecca Corley, Clewiston Parliamentary Procedure 1st Avon Park Sr.: Zack Farr, Charlie Brown, Calago Hipps, Emily Whitman, Kyle Jahna & Zachary McKinney 2nd Sebring Sr.: Megan Stein, Lauren Welborn, Tara O’Berry, Ashley Palmer, Carlee Hill & Kari Ast

Extemporaneous Speaking 1st Mirah Alvarez, Hill-Gustat Middle 2nd CJ Wilson, Lake Placid Middle Prepared Public Speaking 1st Krystal Dombroski, Sebring Middle 2nd Taylor Shoemaker, Hill-Gustat Middle Creed 1st Jessica Belcher, Hill-Gustat Middle 2nd Ariel Bauer, Sebring Middle 3rd Kelsey Cole, Avon Park Middle

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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FRESHWATER FISHING IN POLK COUNTY

By Captain Dick Loupe

Bass & Specs (Crappie)

Well let’s talk about Bass fishing to start. Right now bass are in transition. What this means is that the fish are coming out of the summer pattern when they are more lethargic. That does not mean that bass will not bite, it just means that you slow down your presentation. Summertime baits were worms worked through the grass and the pads. Another good place to find them was around cat tails, pencil reeds, and running water. For instance, when it rains and you have run-offs it washes worms and other insects into the water for an easy meal.

Now that you are coming into fall fishing it’s a different ball game. The water temperature is coming down

and these fish are getting frisky. They are getting ready for spawning season, which is just around the corner.

Already, on some of our lakes here in central Florida, bass are moving back up into the shallow water and are looking for places to bed. The males will move up first to determine where to prepare the bed. Then, once he has been able to entice a female to join him, around January, February, March and April your big females will move up to spawn. This is when you need to be on the water because this is when you are most likely to catch a big fish. Do me a favor … take a picture and release her, so she can

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lay those big babies. If you want a mount, measure the length from the tip of the mouth (closed) to the tip of her tail (pressed together) in the same way you would for a tournament or for determining legal length. Then measure the girth (around the largest part). Any good taxidermist that creates replicas can recreate your bass with these measurements and a good picture.

Some of the best baits to be using during the spawning period are lipless crank baits, such as Strike King’s Redeye Shad and Rat-L-Traps. You’ll want to fish the grass lines, boat trails and eelgrass beds. Other baits that fair right now are Reaction Innovations’ Skinny-Dipper, Bitter Baits’ Naked Swimmer, and the Rage Tail made by Strike King. It would take a lot of time to tell you how to rig and fish these baits, so let me make a suggestion, stop

by Bridgemaster Fishing Products (also known as the fisherman’s candy store) and they will be glad to show you how to rig and fish these baits. They usually have the baits in stock. I will tell you this, if you ever learn how to use these baits it will be hard for you to ever put it back down. Of course, it is hard to beat a good old standby shiner, since this is the natural forage of the bass.

Now let’s talk a little about Speck fishing because it is really getting fired up. This cool weather has really got these fish moving. The fish are still out in deepwater but this month they will be moving to the grass and pads to begin their spawn. Then you will have about four months of good pole bending fun. While they are still in deep water, here are a few tips. Baits that are going off the shelf are Roadrunners and small tubes and curl-tail grubs, mostly in colors of green or chartreuse. You want to watch for the schooled up minnows that are being pushed to the surface. It looks like an irregular circle of tiny ripples that are different from the rest of the body of water. Most likely, these minnows are being “corralled” by a school of Specks. Daytime creels are usually quality over quantity.

Still, I have seen boats with four or six poles just drifting or trolling during the day, although right now the majority of the Specks are being caught after dark, using lights to draw in the schools of baitfish.

Let me tell you about a guide trip that I had the day after Thanksgiving. I had a friend, Jeff, from Charlotte, North Carolina that wanted to take his Dad and his Mother in-law on a trip. So I took them, along with two more family members, to Lake Kissimmee. We loaded up the pontoon and headed out to find a surprise waiting for us. Wow, was I surprised at what happened in that three and a half hour trip. Jeff told me, “Dick, sure would like for Dad to get a big fish.” “Jeff,” I said “I will do my best to do just that, but it is in God’s hands, and He has the final say.” We started out with four dozen shiners and we had about six shiners left when Maylan (Jeff’s Dad) and Barbara (Jeff’s motherin-law) said there was a good fish that just ran a minnow to the top, so I put her shiner close to the spot and then Maylan’s cork just vanished. He set the hook and the fight was on. We finally got the fish in the net and this is what it looked like; just shy of 11lbs.

Man, what a fish! This is the biggest bass he has ever caught. The first thing he said was “I am putting her on the wall!” Jeff looked at his Dad and said “I don’t think so. He puts all his big fish back.”

Maylan replied “Oh, no!” but it was too late. I had already put her back into the water so she could have a good reproductive cycle this spring, ensuring that we have more trophy bass for anglers to enjoy in the future. As you can see, we got a good picture, which could be used to make a replica if he so desires.

Another benefit of having a replica as opposed to a skin mount is that the replica will hold up better over the years. We caught quite a few more bass and we kept some 1-1 ½ pound fish for them to eat. So, as a guide, this was a great trip. I wish they could all be that way. Happy Thanksgiving to Jeff and Debbie, Maylan, Barbara, Pam, and Aubrey.

I hope all of my readers enjoyed plenty of turkey, ham, or maybe even fish and gave thanks for all of their blessings - past, present, and future.

I wish each and every one of you the Merriest of Christmases and a happy and prosperous new year and may your blessings overflow.

Good fishing & God bless, Capt Dick

Captain 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

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2010

19

Heartland’s Growing Businesses

NWTF Convention and Sport Show Introduces Many New Features The National Wild Turkey Federation is bringing an exciting, new show to Nashville Feb. 17-20, 2011, and everyone is invited.

For the first time, NWTF members and active duty military personnel will get free daily admission to the 35th annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“We’re excited to offer free daily admission to NWTF members as a way of thanking them for their support, and to members of the military to show appreciation for their service to our nation,” said George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO. An annual NWTF membership costs just $30 and includes free daily admission for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and entry in a free drawing for a gun.

Visitors should bring their NWTF membership card or military identification for quick admission to the exhibit hall and to be eligible to win great prizes at the show. For replacement NWTF membership cards, contact the membership department at (803) 637-3106 or membership@nwtf.net.

Attendees can browse 625 booths full of hunting and outdoor gear on the NWTF’s largest-ever show floor, plus meet and get autographs from some of the biggest names in hunting, hear expert turkey callers, attend seminars by some of the world’s best turkey hunters and view the work of master taxidermists and callmakers.

Convention functions kick off Thursday, Feb. 17, at the newly renovated Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center and the fun will continue through Feb. 20. The show floor, which is the size of 4.5 football fields, will be open to the public Feb. 18-20.

2011 Convention Sponsors MidwayUSA – Official Sponsor Academy Sports and Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Bank of America, Benelli USA, Browning-USRAC, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, Chevrolet, Federal Premium Ammunition, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Marlin Firearms Company, Mossberg & Sons Inc., Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nationwide, The Outdoor Connection Inc., Remington Arms Company Inc., Rivers Edge Treestands, SHE Outdoor Apparel, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Weatherby Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester/Olin Corporation 20

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January 2011

New this year the NWTF is also featuring: • A brand-new, head-to-head turkey calling competition on Thursday • Free game call appraisals for turkey, duck, goose, deer and predator calls • Call-building seminars by award-winning callmakers • A seminar on recruiting and leading 21st century volunteers by motivational speaker Tom McKee • A day dedicated to the youth calling divisions • Opportunities to sign up for the NWTF Camo Cruise – the ultimate hunters’ vacation – which will set sail Sept. 14, 2011 • Plus much, much more!

In addition to tons of activities available to adults, there will be a variety of activities for kids such as airgun and archery ranges, hands-on educational activities, youth seminars and more.

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 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

For more information about the 35th annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, call (800) THE-NWTF or visit www.nwtf.org.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

January 2011

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answers on page 39

Carey Howerton

Farm Bureau HIGHLIGHT

By Jim Frankowiak The fact that Carey Howerton is on the board of Farm Bureau in Highlands County should be no surprise. His parents, Charles and Donna, have also served on the board.

Doing things in a family way is a Howerton family tradition. Carey and his sister, Christi (now Mrs. Gose) grew up in Lorida where he worked on his dad’s sod farm. He played high school football and baseball and showed steers through his involvement with FFA and 4-H. He attended South Florida Community College where he received his associate’s degree in Ag Science and then went on to Florida Southern College in Lakeland where he majored in turf grass management. While at FSC, he was a charter member and actively involved in Alpha Gamma Rho. AGR provided many contacts which have allowed him to network and make connections all over the state of Florida.

His experience on the family sod farm and degrees helped him at work where he is in turf sales for Lykes Brothers Inc. The farm in Lake Placid produces and harvests St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses. His job takes him across Florida from Jacksonville to Key West and all points in between. Lykes Brothers, located in Glades and Highlands Counties, spreads out on 337,000 acres. The property is home to integrated cowcalf, forestry, sugar cane, citrus and landscape operations.

Married to Laurie, also a Florida Southern graduate with a Citrus Marketing degree, the Howertons have a three-yearold daughter Caylee and the family enjoys deer hunting on its leased property near Perry in north Florida, a family thing, if you will.

Serving on the Farm Bureau board is important to Carey since it enables him to help “keep an eye on local and state issues that effect agriculture in our county,” he said. He is also on Farm Bureau’s State Sod Advisory Board where his background and expertise in the turf business can be brought to bear.

“It’s important to continually monitor pending legislation and regulatory actions that potentially impact agriculture,” said Howerton. “Those of us who have grown up in agriculture are good stewards of the land. We recognize the proper use of our natural resources, it is vital, especially as it relates to our livelihood today and in the future.

22 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE January 2011

“We don’t want our legislators or those serving in a regulatory capacity to enact laws or regulations that would be inappropriate or fail to recognize the responsible way in which the vast majority of us involved with agriculture conduct ourselves. Working with Farm Bureau is helpful in that regard.

“I would urge anyone concerned about property rights and emerging issues that could affect their property to become members and to get actively involved with Farm Bureau and its programs,” said Howerton. “It just makes good sense.”

That makes a lot of good sense if you think about the county and the role of agriculture. The primary source of economic activity in Highlands County is agriculture and the vast majority from citrus, cattle and dairy operations. The citrus industry employs between 2500-3000 year round and that number nearly doubles during the October – May harvest season. It is estimated that citrus in the county has an annual economic impact that exceeds $200 million.

The cattle industry is the greatest user of lands in the county, some 420,000-plus acres of the 700,000 acres of land that makeup Highlands County. The county ranks first in the state in the number of beef cows and second in beef cows and calves. There are over 72,000 head of beef cows and more than 121,000 total cows and calves grazing annually in the county. Most recently, the more than 300 beef producers in the county report annual gross sales of over $31 million. The majority of cattle ranches in the county are family owned and operated thanks to the hard work and commitment of many generations.

So, as you can see there are some very important reasons for Howerton and his associates on the Farm Bureau Board in Highlands County to exercise ongoing vigilance on laws and regulations potentially impacting agriculture.

But there’s more to Farm Bureau, including youth programs and activities for young farmers and ranchers and benefits available to all members. For additional information about Highlands County Farm Bureau, including membership, visit: www.highlandsfarmbureau.com.

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January 2011

23

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Some things I just don’t understand! For instances, why don’t we, as a family, play monopoly, rummy or Chinese checkers anymore. Now we eat a frozen dinner in front of the TV, get up and go to the computer to check our e-mail and see who has sent us something on Facebook. Seems like those things we once did as a family are a thing of the past.

As we get older there are new games to play. Games like: 20 questions shouted into your good ear; hide-and-go-pee; Red Rover, Red Rover, the nurse says bend over; pin the toupee on the bald guy; and musical recliners.

And as you age you know you’re in menopause when you sell your home heating system at a yard sale and change your underwear after a sneeze.

Speaking of menopause, there’s the story of a lady that sent a letter to the maker of Tide detergent. “Dear Tide,” she wrote, “I am writing to say what an excellent product you have. I’ve used it all my married life, as my mom always told me it was the best.

Now that I am in my fifties, I find it even better! In fact, about a month ago I spilled some red wine on my new white blouse. My inconsiderate and uncaring husband started to belittle me about how clumsy I was and generally started becoming a pain in the neck. One thing led to another and somehow I ended up with his blood on my new white blouse.

I grabbed my bottle of Tide with bleach alternative, and to my surprise and satisfaction, all of the stains came out! In fact, the stains came out so well the detectives who came by yesterday told me that the DNA tests on my blouse were negative. Then my attorney called and said that I was no longer considered a suspect 24 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2010

in the disappearance of my husband.

What a relief! Going through menopause is bad enough without being a murder suspect! I thank you once again for having such a great product.

Well, I have to go now and write to the Glad Bag people.”

I’ve noticed over the years as people grow older their values change.

Nowadays you can watch people spend their hard earned dollars on lottery tickets with the hope of hitting it big, knowing full well they have a better chance of being hit by lightening than winning the jackpot.

It reminds me of a grown

man we’ll call Fred that was living at home with his elderly father and working in the family business. When the doctor told him his father was not long for this world, he realized that he would

soon inherit a fortune when his father expired. With that in mind he decided to find a wife with whom to share his fortune.

One evening at an investment meeting, he noticed the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. To him she was knockdown gorgeous. “I may look just like an ordinary guy,” he said to her, “but in just a few months my father will die and I will inherit a fortune.” Impressed, the woman asked for his business card and four days later… she became his stepmother. Guess this proves that women are better at financial planning than men.

One day we’ll be like the three sisters, ages 92, 94 and 95, that lived in a house together. Late one night the 95-year-old draws a bath. She puts one foot in and pauses. She yells to the other sisters, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?” The 94-yearold yells back, “I don’t know. I’ll come up and see.” She starts up the stairs and pauses, “Was I going up the stairs or down?” The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having a cup of coffee listening to her sisters, she shakes her head and says, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful, knock on wood.”

She then yells, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.”

My father-in-law, now 90 years old, moved down to Plant City a few years back after the passing of his wife of over 61 years. Moving to a mobile home park was quite a transition. He was telling me the other day about his neighbor. They exchange stories every now and then about

their mobile home park living experiences. Joe said to Bert, “My wife and I attended a party last year in a park where we lived before moving to Plant City. The last Saturday of every month they have an evening potluck supper. We play bingo, reminisce, drink a little wine and talk about the good ole days.

We heard Thelma Johnson’s grandson was staying with her for a few weeks. The rumor was going around that he got in a scrap with the law in Miami over some marijuana and came to Plant City to avoid the heat. Thelma was well known around the park for her delicious brownies and she always baked a quadruple batch for each get-together. She even made extra this time for people to take some home with them at the end of the party. For some reason they were extra good for this week’s party and every last one of them were eaten. Not one left over! We later found that Thelma’s grandson, Martin, laced the brownies with some of his marijuana.

Knowing this, I guess it offers a logical reason for everyone feeling good that night. By the time Joe put on the bunny hop record, everyone was in a real good mood and it was the first time the whole place got up and danced. That is, until the cops came to check all the noise complaints. And that’s another story…”

Okay, life begins at fifty. But, it’s at that age when everything else starts to wear out, fall out, leak or spread out.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2010 25

Adam Sorrells

Adam Sorrells was born in Arcadia, FL in 1984, where he attended preschool through high school. When Adam was 10 years old his dad bought everyone in his family a horse. After that, they would go out and ride every Sunday afternoon as a family. “Those were some of the best times I can remember growing up. Once I was old enough I was allowed to help round up and work cows that my dad owned here in town. Every summer and Christmas break I would work for my dad either working cows, putting out bulls, selling calves, and any other odd jobs that needed to be done on the ranch,” says Adam. This is really where his interest in animals and his desire to spend his life in a field where he could work with animals every day. As he got older, and into high school, Adam thought of careers where he could work with animals. “Everyone always said that I should become a vet. The more I thought about it the more I liked the idea.” So from about ninth grade on it was his dream to become a vet. He spent most of his time in high school striving to get good grades so he could get into a good school. Adam was able to graduate in the top ten percent of his high school class and was accepted into the University of Florida. He attended UF for four yours and received a bachelors of science in Animal biology in 2006. “It was a great experience where I spent time in a fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho. This was an agriculture based fraternity so there were many others who had interests in either working in the livestock field or in veterinary medicine.” Adam’s time at UF gave him insight on how to be a successful student and gave him real direction in life.

Adam also met his wife, Summer, at UF during his freshmen year. They dated all the way through college and were married in May 2006. “During my senior year, I started the process of applying to vet school. I applied to UF first of all, also Auburn, LSU, NC State, and Georgia. Mostly schools in the southeast so I would be close to home.” Adam had also heard about a school on the island of St. Kitts in the Virgin Islands called Ross University. It is a well established school and he knew of a few vets in the area that had attended and spoke very highly of it. So he applied there as well. “I was not given interviews anywhere except Ross University. I went to the interview in Miami in July 2006. I was accepted soon after and had to make the decision to move to a tropical island with my new wife to live for two and a half years.” Adam didn’t want to wait and reapply the next year

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so he opted to start school in St. Kitts in January of 2007. He and his wife went down picked out a house to rent, bought a car and planned the next few years in one weekend. “My wife and I had no idea what we were getting into. It was a great experience for us and we learned a lot about ourselves and how to appreciate everything that you have.” There were times where they had no power for weeks, could not get basic food (milk, bread, eggs) at the grocery store, and had hurricanes that shut the island down.

All and all though it was a great experience and the schooling that he received there was second to none in his opinion. There are countless stories about the school and island life.

Adam and Summer then moved to North Carolina where he attended his clinical year at NC State University.

There he received clinical training in a working hospital setting. “I enjoyed everything about the school and the state.

During this time we got our first dog together and found out that my wife was pregnant. Between that and school I was very busy.” He finished his time there in August of 2010 and graduated from Ross University on August 30, 2010 (his birthday).

Since graduation, Adam has been working at Animal Ark of Arcadia, and has worked as a technician since graduation while he finishes all of his licensing.

During this time he has worked under Dr. Overcash, where his family has been coming as long as he can remember. “It has been a learning experience and I have enjoyed every minute.

The staff at Animal Ark is the best that I have ever worked with and they are very caring and compassionate.” When he began vet school, Adam talked with Dr. Overcash about working with him after school and eventually buying the practice from him. “It has always been my dream to work in my home town as a general practitioner. So many people now want to specialize and work in large cities, since ninth grade and even before I have wanted to work in Arcadia and provide the best animal care possible.”

Adam and Summer’s daughter was born on September 29, 2010. They bought a house in Arcadia and are in the process of fixing it up to move in next year. “I have just taken my three day practical test in Las Vegas and I am waiting to take my state boards in the next couple of weeks. If everything works out I will hopefully be working full time as a mixed animal practitioner at Animal Ark of Arcadia and I will begin buying the practice from Dr. Overcash all at the beginning of the year,” said Adam.

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Young Farmers & Ranchers

By Kayley Cobb

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; As farmers and ranchers work year round to bring their crops or livestock to market, there are many obstacles they have to face and plenty of hurdles they have to jump. Some of those hurdles involve disease, government regulations, unwanted pests, costs, drought, or as experienced recently…a big freeze! In Philipians 4:6, God tells us to be anxious for nothing, but to be in prayer and make our requests known to God. In a freeze situation like this, we can irrigate our crops and do our best, but when it comes down to it, the fate of it all comes down to the weather and God Almighty. Some of us think we are only supposed to pray for health and healing, but according to this scripture, we are supposed to pray for everything! I can tell you this last chilling freeze in December had many a farmer and rancher on their knees. The word supplication used in this scripture means to ask for humbly and earnestly. It refers most to the attitude of our prayer. God hears the prayers of his children when they come to him, asking in his name with a humble heart. The next time you are faced with a tough situation, whether it be a health, financial, or an agricultural issue, and you are anxious and upset, turn to God, our Heavenly Father, and ask in Jesus’ name…he will hear your prayers.

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January 2011

27

Adam Putnam’s Dream Team On December 21, 2010, Commissioner-Elect Putnam announced staff appointments for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Mike Joyner joins Putnam’s team as Assistant Commissioner and Chief of Staff with Marion Aller, Shannon Shepp and Jay Levenstein as Deputy Commissioners.

“Five weeks ago, Commissioner-Elect Putnam asked us to put the best team on the field to serve the people of Florida,” said Transition Team Executive Director, Trey McCarley. “Through the tireless work of the Transition Team I am confident that these individuals provide the necessary proactive, progressive and innovative leadership needed to make the Department second to none.”

“I would like to thank the transition team for the countless hours that have gone into assisting in the selection of the following individuals to join the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” said Putnam. “We are fortunate to be handed a strong department by Commissioner Bronson and I want to thank him and his staff for the seamless transition.”

The announced appointments include the following: Mike Joyner, Assistant Commissioner/Chief of Staff: Joyner has more than 25 years experience building partnerships between the private and public sectors to advance common-sense business, natural resource and environmental policies. He joins the Department from the private sector after having previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Environmental Protection and stints at the Florida Farm Bureau and Florida Forestry Association.

served as a Cabinet Aide to Governor Jeb Bush and worked as Legislative Director for Congressman Porter Goss.

Cheryl Flood, Director of External Affairs: Flood joins the Department after having served as the Chief of Staff for Congressman Adam Putnam. She previously worked in the Department as Deputy Legislative Affairs Director under Commissioner Bronson.

Marion Aller, Acting Deputy Commissioner: Aller joined the Department in 1986. She has previously served as Director of Food Safety and held several technical positions in the Bureau of Pesticides, rising to Chief in 1992.

Matt Joyner, Director of Federal Affairs: Joyner comes to the Department from the private sector in the financial services arena after having previously served as Chief of Staff and District Director to Congressman Adam Putnam.

Jay Levenstein, Deputy Commissioner: Levenstein joined the Department in November 1993. Prior to his role as Deputy Commissioner under Commissioner Bronson, he served as the Department’s State-Federal Relations Director, Legislative Affairs Director, Chief of the Bureau of Animal Disease Control and Senior Attorney.

Grace Lovett, Director of Legislative Affairs: Lovett comes to the Department from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where she served as Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs. She has also previously worked for the Florida Public Service Commission, The Rubin Group and Florida Credit Unions.

Shannon Shepp, Acting Deputy Commissioner: Shepp joined the Department in 2001 as assistant division director and has served as the Fruit and Vegetables Division Director since 2004. Prior to the Department, her career included public affairs management in the citrus and home building industries and service as a legislative assistant in the Florida Legislature.

Lorena Holley, General Counsel: Holley joins the Department after having served as the Senior Attorney in the Office of the General Counsel Division of Economic Regulation and Division of Appeals, Rules and Mediation at the Florida Public Service Commission since January. Prior to this role, she served the PSC as Chief Advisor to the Commissioner.

Jim Boxold, Director of Cabinet Affairs: Boxold joined the Department in 2003 and served as Commissioner Bronson’s Chief Cabinet Aide. Prior to joining the Department, he

Ronald Russo, Inspector General: Russo has more than 20 years of law enforcement leadership experience. He most recently served as the Florida Department of Transportation’s In-

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spector General, where he supervised all statewide internal personnel misconduct cases, as well as criminal investigations and internal and external audits.

Sherman Wilhelm, Director of Policy and Budget: Wilhelm joined the Department in 1986 as Staff Counsel to the Commissioner, a position he held for 13 years. In 1999, he was promoted to Director of the Division of Aquaculture and has been serving the Department in this capacity since.

Sterling Ivey, Press Secretary: Ivey joins the Department after having served as the Governor’s Press Secretary since 2008. His previous experience includes Communications Director for the Department of State, Assistant Superintendent of Communications for the Pinellas County School Board, Public Affairs Director for the Department of Corrections and the Polk County Sheriff’s office.

Mike Gresham, Director, Division of Administration: Gresham joined the Department as Director of Administration in January. Prior to working for DACS, he served as Director of Administration at the Department of Insurance and Support Services for the Department of Revenue.

ties within the Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement before being promoted to Director.

Rich Budell, Director, Division of Agriculture Water Policy: Budell joined the Department in 1985 and served as Assistant Director of the Office of Water Policy, Assistant Director of the Division of Agricultural Environmental Services and Chief of the Bureau of Pesticides before being promoted to his current position.

Dr. Thomas Holt, Director, Division of Animal Industry: Holt joined the Department as the State Veterinarian and Director of the Division of Animal Industry in 2004 after retiring from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Leslie Palmer-Boxold, Director, Division of Aquaculture: Palmer-Boxold has served the Department since 2002 as the Director of Federal and State Relations, having previously served at the Department of Environmental Protection.

Tom Steckler, Acting Director, Division of Consumer Services: Steckler joined the Department in 1997 and most recently served as Assistant Director of Standards and Assistant Director of Consumer Services.

Andy Rackley, Director, Division of Agriculture Environmental Services: Rackley was appointed Director of the Division of Agriculture Environmental Services in 2008 after more than 30 years in private business.

John Miller, Director, Division of Dairy Industry: Miller has been with the Department since 1990, previously serving as Chief of Dairy Laboratories, certified as a Milk Laboratory Evaluation Officer, and Chief of Dairy Inspection within the Division.

Jerry Bryan, Director, Division of Agriculture Law Enforcement: Bryan joined the Department in 1994 and served in three other capaci-

Lee Cornman, Acting Director, Division of Food Safety: Cornman joined the Department in 2005 and has almost 40 years of experience

in food safety and operations.

Jim Karels, Director, Division of Forestry: Karels has been the Director for the Division of Forestry since 2008. In this position, he oversees all wildland fire and management.

Ellen Prince, Acting Director, Division of Fruits and Vegetables: Prince joined the Department in 2003 after having worked for the Processed Products Branch of USDA for 35 years.

Connie Crawford, Director, Division of Licensing: Crawford joined the Division of Licensing in 1985 and was appointed Director in 2008.

Nelson Mongiovi, Director, Division of Marketing and Development: Mongiovi joined the Department in 1987 from Gannett Broadcasting. Throughout his career he has garnered three Emmy Awards, a National Gabriel, and more than two dozen Associated Press and United Press International awards.

Dr. Wayne Dixon, Acting Director, Division of Plant Industry: Dixon joined the Department in 1980 and has served as Assistant Director and Bureau Chief of Entomology, Nematology and Plan Pathology for the Division of Plant Industry before his current position.

Izzy Rommes, Director, Division of Standards: Rommes joined the Department in 1993 and has previously served as the Chief of the Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection and Assistant Director of Standards.

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2011 FAIR PREVIEW The DeSoto County Fair Dates: January 20-30, 2011 Admission: $5.00 Location: DeSoto County Fair Association, Inc., 100 Heard St., Arcadia Website: http://www.desotocountyfair.org Features: The main focus of the DeSoto County Fair is the youth of the county. The fair has no paid employees so all funds raised goes into maintaining the fairgrounds, producing the fair and awarding 10 $1,000 scholarships to DeSoto County High School graduates.

The fair consists of pageants for the young ladies and talent shows for the youth and adults. In the barn, beef, swine, rabbit, poultry and goats are exhibited and judged.

Beef and swine are sold at auction to benefit the exhibiting youth. Support in this area is important, as many participants use the proceeds from the sale of their animals to build an educational fund. Sales often exceed $200,000.00 in revenue for the youth. The exhibit building provides space for the 4-H exhibitors and students to show off their projects and earn awards.

The Fair supports High School students by allowing them to handle parking concession. Proceeds are donated to them to support their functions.

Last year a sponsorship program was initiated to enhance the ability to continue to support the youth through scholarships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make Tracks to the Fair!â&#x20AC;? Please come often and bring a friend to the 2011 DeSoto County Fair!

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The Highlands County Fair Dates: February 11-19, 2011 Location: 681 Magnolia Ave., Sebring Website: http://www.hcfair.net

The Charlotte County Fair Dates: February 4-13, 2011 Admission: $7.00 Adults, $5.00 Students, free for children 5 & under Location: Charlotte County Fair Grounds, 2333 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte Website: http://www.thecharlottecountyfair.com Features: The fair will feature Southern States Bull Riding on Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6, at 2:00 p.m. both days. Daily shows, music, ride and games will provide plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Features: Appearing at the Fair this year will be Mark Yuzuik Master Hypnotist, Tommy Brandt, Groovus with Shannon Marrero the Heartland Idol, The Caboodlestoppers, The Martin Family, Rod Green Master of the Chainsaw and Avon Park High Choir. In addition we will also be having the Cooking Contest and the Community Arts and Crafts booth, which is open to the public.

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On February 11 the Jr Miss Highlands County pageant will be held, with the Miss Highlands County being held on Saturday, February 12. Then on Monday, February 14 the Little Miss Highlands County Pageant will be held. Information regarding the pageants will be posted on the Fair website.

The Jr Livestock Shows will be held as follows:

Poultry Judging – Saturday, February 12th Hog Show – Sunday, February 13th Rabbit Judging – Monday, February 14th Pee Wee Show – Tuesday, February 15th Steer Show – Tuesday, February 15th Heifer Show – Wednesday, February 16th Auction – Thursday, February 17th

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Please come out and support all of the 4-H and FFA members on their livestock projects. If you are interested in bidding at the Auction please contact the Fair Office.

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The Hardee County Fair Dates: February 19-26, 2011 Location: Wauchula Website: http://www.thecharlottecountyfair.com Features: The fair will feature Southern States Bull Riding on Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6, at 2:00 p.m. both days. Daily shows, music, ride and games will provide plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Saturday, February 19 Armbands 12:00 – Closing $20.00 12:00 Gates Open 12:00 Midway Opens 7:00 Miss Hardee County Pageant

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Monday, February 21 Children’s Day All Children High School and Under Admitted Free Armbands 1:00 – Closing $15.00 1:00 Gates Open 1:00 Midway Opens 5:30 Rabbit Show 6:30 Dairy Show 7:00 Grooming Contest 7:00 Junior Miss Pageant Tuesday, February 22 Merchants Day $20.00 Armbands 5:00 – Closing $5.00 Coupon Available 5:00 Gates Open 5:00 Midway Opens 5:00 Poultry Showmanship 7:00 Swine Show Wednesday, February 23 Dollar Day – All Rides $1.00 5:00 Gates Open 5:00 Midway Opens 6:00 Breeding & Heifer Show 7:00 Steer Show Beef Showmanship after Steer Show Thursday, February 24 Merchants Day $20.00 Armbands 5:00 – Closing $5.00 Coupon Available 5:00 Gates Open 5:00 Midway Opens 6:00 Farm Credit Livestock Buyers Dinner 7:00 FFA & 4-H Livestock Sale Friday, February 25 Madness till Midnight Admission Free with purchase of $20.00 Armbands after 8:00 PM 5:00 Gates Open 5:00 Midway Opens 7:00 Prince & Princess Pageant 7:00 Ranch Rodeo Bronc Riding, Team Sorting, Barrel Racing, Double Mugging, Calf Doctoring, Mutton Busting (6 & Under) Saturday, February 26 Last Blast $20.00 Armbands (12:00 – Closing) 12:00 Gates Open 12:00 Midway Opens 4:00 Little Miss Hardee County Pageant 4:00 Mexican Band 7:00 Mexican Bull Riding, Mutton Busting (6 & Under)

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Located At: 3305 Hwy. 92 E. • Lakeland, FL 33801

The Okeechobee County Fair Dates: March 11-20, 2011 Admission: $5.00 Students Location: Agri-Civic Center & Fairgrounds, 710 East Web Site: http://www.okeechobeecountyfair.com Features: This year’s theme is, “Hometown Heroes.” People who have heroic accomplishments will be nominated and recognized during the fair. The process for nominating will be publicized at a later date.

Wade Shows will be back with their thrilling rides and games of chance. Ride wrist bands will be available every day with specials on some days. All rides will be free the first hour on Friday, opening day. Wednesday will be Dollar Night with entry, rides and at least one item of food from each vendor costing only $1! The yummy food will tickle your taste buds. The large exhibit tent will be full of competitive exhibits including baking, canning, fruits, vegetables, plants, quilts, paintings, photography, sewing, wood carving, and a Lego building contest. The competitions have separate categories for youth and adults. Also on display will be various commercial and non-profit exhibits, as well as wonderful educational school presentations. The 4-H and FFA students will show various livestock projects, including poultry, rabbits, lambs, pigs, steers, beef breeding cattle, and dairy cattle. The ever popular petting zoo, pig races, and magic show will return to delight people of all ages. The Okeechobee Cattlemen will present the always fun Spring Rodeo on the first Saturday and Sunday.

Miss Teen Okeechobee County Fair will be crowned on the first Saturday, and Little Miss on Friday evening. The Pageant features a wonderful show by the entrants coordinated

by Leslie’s Dance Studio. Miss Teen has the opportunity to participate in the Miss Florida USA Teen Contest.

Guitar Hero, Okeechobee Idol, a family & individual contest, and Karaoke are some of the other fun events at the fair. The last Sunday will feature our annual Demolition Derby on our newly renovated site. It’s a crash you won’t want to miss! See you at the fair!

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Allison Flint

By Jack McConoughey

Born in 1975 in Pennsylvania, Allison Super Flint became the fourth child of John Carter Super and Trudi Hake Super. Out of the four children, sister Florence Kristen, and brothers John Todd and Scott Carter, Allison was the youngest. “My siblings and I were raised on a farm in southern Chester County, just outside Lancaster County, right in the heart of Amish Country. My upbringing was simple, full of hard work and close to nature,” said Allison.

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“My parents were strict but nurturing - we could have anything we set our minds to we just had to work for it.” Her parents used their adult wisdom to teach her. “Like the time I wanted a team of Clydesdales. I was quickly made aware of the total impracticality of my wish and slowly switched to just a pony at the tender age of 4.”

Allison’s love of horses was now turned to ownership and she has more to ride than attempting to saddle gates, pigs, calves, trees and other dangerous objects! At age eight, she took formal riding lessons and prepared for the show ring. The work ethic that had been ingrained in her brewed a competitive spirit that made showing horses inevitable. Her involvement started with 4-H and then went on to showing Hunters and Jumpers. Allison’s sites were set for the Olympics, so at age 13 she was offered the chance to spend the summer training and showing in New England with the Chef D’equipe to the U.S. Equestrian team, Michael Paige. The experience was well worth the hard work it took to get there. The school year following proved eventful with horse shows, field hockey in the fall, lacrosse in the spring and the world of high school! “My sites for the Olympics had tempered as my sites became set on being more ‘well rounded’ in high school.”

Following graduation and taking some classes at Penn State University, she fell in love and was married. Allison’s marriage quickly turned into an unhealthy and extremely abusive relationship. During this time, her parents decided to downsize and move to Florida. “After numerous trips to the hospital with broken ribs, chipped teeth, bruises and mental torment and confusion of who I am, how did someone with such dreams and a great family end up in such a debilitating situation? My parents watched me for seven years deteriorate from the daughter they knew. They tried to help, I refused help, a common response in abusive relationships.”

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“We better grow what we like to eat, because we may need to eat a lot of it” —Allison A good friend contacted Allison and asked her to ride a horse for her. “The more I was back in the saddle I started remembering who I once was. My confidence got stronger until I got up the nerve to contact my family,” says Allison. After filing for divorce and talking with her father, Allison moved to Florida. Her father put her in contact with a friend of his, Marshall Orr. “I began riding horses with Marshall and was taken by the world of Reining.”

Fascinated, Allison rode hours with him sometimes just watching and soaking up every move he made. “I was truly honored to have the chance to train with yet another great horsemen respected nationally for his accomplishments.” Her parents purchased a Rugged Lark stud by Look Who’s Larking, two great horses who attained the coveted title of Super Horse in both their careers. They began the breeding and performance business Super Performance Horses LLC. And she began showing the 4 year old stud Larkin’s Sugar Bandit under the instruction of Marshall Orr. “This was just what I needed. I worked hard every day. We traveled all over Florida to NRHA events and was always at the top if not first.” In the spring of 2003 “Bandit” and Allison qualified for the Rookie of

nization that will use horses, sometimes rescued or neglected, to provide equine psychotherapy to people and children in need free of charge. “It became a goal of ours to help people deal with their loss, abuse, fears, etc. through getting back to nature. Out here on the farm or around the animals you are closer to God. There is peace, even when life is full of troubles it is about taking time to find your peace. Get your strength back so you can see the beauty in this world.”

Allison and Steve have been blessed to be able to farm and ranch and it has helped them to stay grounded, to maintain a simple lifestyle with life in prospective. “Our organization began well and then we had a set-back as our home caught on fire. Fully recovered and all the better for it we are moving forward. We know now this may take years to realize our dream but God has taught us much patience!”

In 2010, Steve and Allison began the Bar 4J Bar Ranch Inc. and S.A. Flint Farms. They are obtaining land to raise beef cattle on and are farming two crops a year, fall and spring. “Our present crops are yellow squash, zucchini, butternut, buttercup and

the Year. During that time her mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. With a successful surgery, and long recovery, the Super family was lifted up by their extended family in Desoto County, including Marshall and Charlotte Orr. In 2004, Allison married Steve Flint and began working with his families ranch in DeSoto County and began showing Bandit again in 2006 at NRCHA events. “With the trips to Marshall Orr’s and the cow help from my husbands, friend Jay Holmes, and advice from Ralph Cutchens, Bandit and I qualified for the World show out in Texas. We made it to the top ten and finished seventh in the nation and tied eighth in the World!” In 2007, Allison put off showing while she and Steve went to work full time on his family’s ranch. “I thank God for Steve. He is more than a husband and more than a business partner. He is my best friend above all. It is true that you don’t know how much you can love until you are open to receive it.”

We began farming a spring crop of watermelons and working cows when needed. Growing up in Pennsylvania, the Super’s never grew watermelons, it was always corn, apples, pears, grapes, strawberries and an occasional row of pumpkins for the kids. So she was learning and also having prayers answered. “God was steering me back to my roots, simple in nature, hard work, but fulfilling something I could never get in town, so to speak.” Being around her stepchildren, Megan and Shelby Flint, had opened up her hardened heart. “I had not always made it easy on them to get that close to me after what I had been through, but God was preparing me for the future.” In May of 2008, Allison and Steve’s daughter, Anna Leigh Flint, was born.

In 2009, Allison and Steve continued to farm watermelons and later that year they began Rugged Cross Ranch, a non-profit orga-

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spaghetti squash and our spring crop is watermelons.” They have worked with some of the local churches and organizations that provide lunches and dinners for those in need to give them vegetables in lieu of cutting down on waste out of the field. “It does not sit well with our hearts to let vegetables go to waste just because they don’t make grocery grade.” As a mainly agricultural community it will do us good to continue to work together in providing hope for one another in these tough times. “I am thankful that we are in a time now where success is not measured on what kind of car you drive or how big your bank account is but you should deem yourself a success for sticking it out and still being here!”

Allison deems herself fortunate to be a women in agriculture in Desoto County. “There are many women here that I respect and hope to follow in their success as I grow in my knowledge of ranching and farming. I hope to be an example for some young women who may have lost their way, made some wrong choice and suffered some in process. I hope they read this and see that there is hope, there is peace, even in the midst of all the trouble and tragedy life brings that if you open your eyes wide enough or squint hard enough you can find it, that precious hopeful peaceful bliss you felt as an innocent child before you felt life’s bumps and bruises.” Through God she has learned forgiveness, unconditional love and finding peace. “I don’t have the strength to make it in this world, but God gives me his strength and most of all he shows me his grace. Our world is beautiful I am proud to help it grow!”

Allison has also designed a line of t-shirts to inspire peace and hope. For more information on her t-shirts, please call 863990-5794. If you know of any organization, or families in need of produce please contact Allison and Steve at 863-494-1385.

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Jeanette Foley of Arcadia

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by Jack McConoughey As a little girl, Jeanette Foley helped her mother, the owner of Wheeler’s Cafe in downtown Arcadia. “I can remember standing on two Coca-Cola crates to wash dishes,” recalls Jeanette. She actually didn’t start cooking until she was 22 years old. Later in life, Jeanette assisted in running the cafe for 20-plus years and then became instrumental in starting a ladies group dedicated to helping their community. They call themselves, “The Ladies Who Lunch.” For five years now, the ladies have been gathering at Hillsboro Baptist Church once a month for time together, building a program to help others, and enjoying some great food prepared by Jeanette Foley. Jeanette loves to cook and said she always includes two of her favorite spices in just about everything she cooks, basil and dill. “I also use a lot of butter. I’m like Paula Dean, if it doesn’t have ‘butta’ is isn’t worth eating.” There is plenty of food to go around at the luncheons, such as roast beef, dressing, macaroni and cheese, okra and tomatoes, breaded tomatoes, five bean salad, deviled eggs, Italian green beans, cranberry mold, and her famous red velvet cake. Each month Jeanette makes a different kind of cake and decorates according to the holiday. Besides eating well, the ladies have taken on community projects from taking lap robes to nursing homes, to making care packages with clothes and toys for foster children. Currently the ladies are clipping coupons for Operation Coupons, who in turn send them to service men and women overseas. “I want to wear out, not rust out,” says Jeanette. To her, and the other ladies, it’s important to stay active and enjoy each other’s company, along with good food. The ladies meet the second Wednesday of every month in the Fellowship Hall of Hillsboro Baptist Church.

As soon as anyone meets Jeanette, they are quickly greeted by a smile followed by a hug. “I love life and believe that everyone should have no less that 12 hugs a day. I also love God and my country. Everyday is better than the day before. I smile at everyone cause it helps to brighten their day, and people will always smile back!” Jeannette’s positive outlook on life, sweet smile and hugs truly draw people into her life as a great lady and down home cook.

When asked to share her recipe for Red Velvet Cake, Jeanette gladly told her secret: Use a Duncan Hines Red Velvet Cake Mix, add three shakes of nutmeg and three shakes of ginger to the mix, add cherry pie filling in between the layers and ice with butter cream icing.

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Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science Papayas are delicious, beautiful fruits brimming with vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants. With a sweet, tropical flavor similar to cantaloupe, papaya is harvested in Florida yearround. Their flesh is a rich reddish-orange color and surrounds an inner cavity filled with edible black seeds. The seeds can be ground and have historically been used as a peppercorn substitute.

Nutritional Profile According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one medium-sized fresh papaya (304 g) contains 118 calories, 1.8 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat, 29.8 g of carbohydrate, and 5.5 g of fiber. It provides an astounding 313% of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin C, 29% for folate, 22% for dietary fiber, 22% for potassium, and 17% for Vitamin A. Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of folate and potassium. In addition, it is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin K.

Protect Against Heart Disease Filled with beneficial antioxidants, papayas are brimming with vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients help prevent atherosclerosis by preventing the oxidation of cholesterol and its accumulation on blood vessel walls. Additionally, papayas are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help lower high cholesterol levels, and folic acid, which can convert harmful homocysteine into benign substances.

Papayas contain the enzyme papain, which is commonly used as a meat tenderizer and is thought to act as a natural digestive aid in the body. Consuming papaya may also help prevent colon cancer.

The fruit is full of cancer-fighting compounds, including folate, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. These nutrients and antioxidants fight free radical damage in body cells.

Decrease Inflammation Papain has also been shown to help decrease inflammation.

When used topically, papain may improve healing from cuts, rashes, stings, and burns. In addition, the antioxidants in papaya (vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene) also have an antiinflammatory effect. Some research studies have shown that diseases with an inflammatory component, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis may show an improvement in symptoms with adequate amounts of these nutrients.

Improve Lung Function Papayas, and other foods rich in vitamin A, may be beneficial to lung health. Researchers at Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A, and increase the likelihood of developing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in smokers.

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With very high levels of beta carotene, vitamin A and C, papaya is good food for your eyes. In a study of over 50,000 women, those who consumed the highest dietary amount of vitamin A had a 39 percent reduced risk of developing cataracts. In another study that looked at the incidence of cataract surgery and diet, researchers found that those people who ate diets that included cantaloupe had half the risk of cataract surgery.

Data from a large study of over 100,000 men and women indicated that eating three or more servings of fruit per day lowered the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) by 36 percent, compared with people who ate less than 1.5 servings of fruit per day. ARMD is the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Researchers concluded that the vitamins and carotenoids in fruit were responsible for the protective effect on the development of ARMD.

How to Select Papayas Choose papayas that are slightly soft with reddish-orange colored skin if you plan to eat them within a day. Those with patches of yellow color will ripen in a few more days. Green papayas are better cooked or used in specific types of cuisine, such as an Asian salad.

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Papayas that are partly yellow will ripen in a few days when stored at room temperature. Ripening can be hastened by placing them in a paper bag with a banana. Ripe fruit should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days.

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January 2011

For the most antioxidants and the most delicious flavor, eat fully ripened papayas. Ripe papayas are juicy and sweet and delicious eaten straight out of hand. Other ideas include tossing sliced or cubed papaya into fruit or veggie salads or chicken salad. More delicious suggestions with papaya include: •

Mix dried papaya with nuts for a portable trail mix

•

Freeze spears of papaya on a stick for a popsicle

•

Puree papaya and freeze in ice cube trays. To serve, toss 1-2 frozen papaya cubes into juice or iced tea

•

Cut papaya into large chunks, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and put under the broiler until top is browned

•

Cut papaya in half lengthwise and place on grill

•

Dice and mix with black beans in a salsa

•

Puree with strawberries and a banana for a smoothie or as a nutritious sauce for ice cream or yogurt.

With so many ways to enjoy this delicious fruit, eat more fresh Florida papayas today! These locally grown treats are sweet and juicy, low in calories, and contain no fat or cholesterol.

Selected References http://www.whfoods.com http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

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Coyotes...

A Newcomer….

By Johnny Cone

I

saw my first Florida coyote in Levy County in the early 1990’s. I was heading to my hunting lease near Cedar Key. I first thought it was a dog standing in the dark beside the road in the middle of nowhere. But as I slowed down thinking it might be someone’s lost hunting dog, I saw the unmistakable long bushy tail and pointy nose. Although I had only seen them on television and books, I immediately recognized it as a coyote. When I got to camp I mentioned seeing the coyote to a couple of the guys I hunted with. I got some skeptical looks.

So I dropped the subject. A few years later, I was turkey hunting during spring season in Polk County. I was working my call with high confidence that my clucks and purrs would be irresistible to a Gobbler I knew was in the area. When I caught some movement behind a stand of palmettos I was sure the Gobbler was coming. But instead of a gobbler, a coyote came around the palmettos. I watched him a brief moment, sure he was looking for the hen turkey that had been calling. I slowly raised my shotgun and sent a load of number 4’s his way. At that point all I really knew about coyotes in Florida is that there had been at least two but now one of those was no more. I had been running around the woods of Florida my entire life and had never seen a coyote until these two crossed my path.

These days, coyotes are a common sight throughout Florida, occurring in wooded, rural and suburban environments, as well as within the city limits of major cities. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, coyotes began appearing in Northwest Florida in the early 1970’s and have been expanding their range since that time to include the entire state. A 2007 FWC report documented the presence of coyotes in all of Florida’s 67 counties. How they got here in the first place has been open to debate. Many scientists feel that they arrived via a natural eastward migration that has been occurring since the decline of the Red Wolf.

Additionally, some coyotes may have been brought in from western states over the years and released. Released coyotes have been documented in Gadsden, Liberty, Columbia and Polk

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Counties. There is an instance from quite a few years ago in which a fox hunter in Polk County released coyotes, thinking he was replenishing a depleted fox population with animals sold to him as “black fox.”

It is almost a given that coyote numbers will continue to increase throughout the state. Coyotes are considered a generalist species. Unlike most other carnivores, coyotes will eat whatever is available. They will feed on virtually anything including wildlife, feral animals, domestic pets, road kill, carrion, garbage, livestock, fruit, vegetables and even insects. Coyotes have been documented to raid endangered sea turtle nests on panhandle beaches. In some areas they can be a major predator on deer fawns and turkey poults, potentially outcompeting native predators and putting a huge amount of pressure on prey species ill equipped to avoid this nontraditional predator.

The extent of their impact on agricultural operations is unknown at this time. Experience with coyote losses among the agricultural community is quite varied. Richard Lingenfelter owns and operates Lingenfelter Groves on the edge of the Green Swamp, growing organic Amber Sweet oranges. A few years ago coyotes began to show up on his property. They took a liking to Mr. Lingenfelter’s oranges and began eating the fruit right off the trees. To date, Mr. Lingenfelter has killed a total of 31 coyotes, including two all black specimens.

Dave Beerman, a Ranch Manager at the Stokes Ranch, first began seeing coyotes in the early 1990’s. They have seen sporadic calf losses due to coyotes over the years. As a matter of note, Dave says that calf losses have been more noticeable among calves born to first calf heifers.

Lyle Combee commonly sees coyotes at his operation. Recently he and Bridget Carlisle were watched by a pair of coyotes as they took soil samples. Although Lyle has had some cases in which coyotes have drug off a calf that died from other causes and had a case where coyotes repeatedly attempted to unearth a dead cow that had been buried, he has experienced very little in the way of direct losses from coyotes.

Chad Jackson, a Herdsman at Rogers Brothers in Highlands City, saw a few calf losses to coyotes a couple of years ago, but has not had any in the last couple of years.

When it comes to the question of how to control coyotes, or if it should even be attempted, several things must be kept in mind. While coyotes may be one of the most adaptable animals on the face of the earth, they have also experienced more control efforts than just about any other species. They have been shot, trapped, poisoned, hunted with dogs and from helicopters, and have even had biological methods of control attempted on them. Despite this, as a species they flourish. Their numbers remain strong in their traditional range in the western United States and they have expanded their range to include most of North America. Their expansion aided at least in part by the decline of other species of predators in much of their new range.

Another documented factor in the coyote’s success is that when a local coyote population is under stress from control efforts, they produce larger litters and may even breed more often.

When control of a coyote or group of coyotes becomes necessary, the species receive no protection from the State of Florida. They can be shot or trapped with a live trap. However, live trapping can be extremely difficult, due to the intelligence and wariness of the species. There is a reason they are often referred to as Wiley. If needed, a gun and light permit can be applied for from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Once obtained, a gun and light permit allows land owners to use a spotlight at night to aid in locating and shooting them. Leg hold traps are illegal without a special permit from the Executive Director of the FWC and poison may not be used under any circumstances.

Other methods can be used to discourage coyotes from causing damage.

Livestock guardian dogs are used with good success in some situations. Several breeds of dogs were bred specifically for the task of guarding stock and are well suited for use against coyotes. These breeds include Anatolian Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, Akbash, Kuvasz, Marem-

ma, as well as other similar breeds. These dogs live with and basically become part of the herd. Donkeys and Llamas have been used in similar fashion with some success.

While dogs and other guardian animals work on smaller operations, they are often impractical on larger operations. In those cases one method that may discourage coyote livestock predation is to ensure there is plenty of “easy” food around for the coyotes. This is accomplished by leaving plenty of cover and habitat for smaller animals such as rabbits, field mice and other small animals. Planting a food source favored by small herbivores to further encourage their presence could help as well. A coyote expends much less effort and faces a greatly reduced risk of injury feeding on small animal as opposed to attempting to take livestock. If there are plenty of small wild animals around, chances are they will feed on those rather than taking livestock.

This may sound a bit off the wall, but coyotes themselves might at times act as a deterrent against other coyotes preying on livestock. Something that was repeated numerous times in researching and interviewing for this article is that if the coyotes that are present in a particular location are not causing livestock loss or crop damage, the best advice was to leave those coyotes alone. Coyotes like most canines are highly territorial. A breeding pair will stake out and defend a territory from intrusion by other coyotes.

Those “other” coyotes may not share the resident coyotes on their views of what is and is not a good food source. Additionally, young coyotes learn much of their hunting skills and feeding habits from their parents. So the offspring of non livestock killing coyotes stand a reasonable chance of not getting in the habit of taking livestock.

Like them or not, coyotes have become part of our state and are here to stay. Time will tell if they become a serious problem or remain a sporadic nuisance. Who knows, maybe coyotes will develop a taste for the Burmese Pythons, Gambian Pouch Rats and Nile Monitors that have invaded our state. That would be a fair trade.

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A Closer Look: Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans)

A Closer Look: Green Lynx Spider

By Sean Green

D i s t r i ct 6 Up date From the Desk o f Andy Neuho fer In December, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation hosted County Farm Bureau presidents from across the state. Attendance was down a bit due to the first freeze. To those who did attend, I humbly thank you.

During the two day meeting, a multitude of issues were covered and discussed. An overview of the political landscape was presented on the state and national levels. Many changes have taken place and it is imperative members get to know newly elected officials and be sure to strengthen existing relationships.

Legislative issues were presented to the participants. A summary of the veto override, which helps agriculture, was given. HB 981 was passed during the regular legislative session but was vetoed by Governor Crist. The Legislature voted to override the veto. This bill will help landowners who wish to sell their land by eliminating fear of losing their agricultural assessment. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to enter into agreements with the Department of Agriculture and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to provide uniform regulations of pesticides applied to state waters. There are several other items as well. If you wish to have a copy of the summary, contact me via the information listed below.

Legislative issues in 2011 will include strengthening the laws against regulatory duplication, immigration, energy, beekeeping and agri-tourism.

Other items include new rules being implemented by the IRS via the Obama Health Care 48

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bill. Beginning in 2011, corporations and organizations will be forced to provide a 1099 to ALL of the companies with which that corporation or organization does business if more than $600 per year was exchanged. Ladies and gentlemen, that includes the phone company, the electric company, and the tire shop down the road. ALL is the key word and it applies to corporations, not individuals. We hope to get that overturned in the new Congress.

The EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria are still in play but we do have a temporary reprieve.

Rest assured, we will continue to work on this issue to help stop undue regulatory burdens.

Opportunities for renewable energy were presented, as was the new Florida Animal Care Trust of which Farm Bureau is involved. The latter should help producers by stopping ridiculous rules such as the infamous pig amendment in our state constitution.

I realize the news is not all good just after the Christmas season but remember, freedom is not free and we will continue to be diligent to help the Florida farmer and rancher. If you wish to get involved but you’re not quite sure how or where, give me a call or send me an email.

Andy Neuhofer

Andy Neuhofer Field Representative District 6 Andy.neuhofer@ffbf.org 352.318.2506 www.floridafarmbureau.org

The Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans) is the largest North American member of the Oxyopidae family of spiders (lynx spider).

This nimble hunter does not build a web to trap its prey, but rather, stalks and pounces on it like a cat earning it the distinction of its common name Linx. Its eyesight is nearly as good as the Jumping Spider (Salticidae) and it shares the fascinating ability to spit venom like the spitting spider (Scytodidae). Despite its formidable characteristics, this spider has very little potential as a threat to humans, in fact, this species is often referred to as “Farmers Friend” because of its potential in agricultural pest management. In field studies the green lynx spider has been observed feeding on destructive moth larva such as Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm,tomato fruitworm), Alabama agrillacea (cotton leafworm) and Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper). Although this species is a very active predator of destructive pests, it is an opportunistic feeder and just as eagerly feeds on beneficial insects such as honey bees (Apis mellifera) and social wasps (Vespidae). In nature, balance is achieved through the biodiversity of the microhabitat in which the spider exists, more investigation will be needed to support farmers that are moving towards biologic solutions in pest management.

Our native green lynx spider (Peucetia viridans) is the most commonly submitted for identification to the Division of Plant Industry entomologists and can be distinguished by its unique physical characteristics. The body is transparent green with red spots along the side, however, pregnant females are able to change the color of their abdomens to shades of green, purple, yellow, and white for camouflage. The legs are also transparent and tend towards pale shades of green and yellow with light brown knees. The long black spines at the ends of the legs are one of the identifying features of this species, the other (If you get close enough to observe), are that six of its eight eyes are framed in white and arranged in a hexagonal pattern, its other two eyes are situated just below the hexagon near the fangs.

Peucetia viridans do not populate as fast as other species, they only create one generation per year and have a long maturity period.

Females usually construct only one egg sac per year, typically in September and October. Each

egg sac contains an average of 200 bright orange eggs, but can contain as much as 600. The female binds the upper leaves of shrubs to form a protective shelter for the eggs sac and clings to the bottom of the shelter, guarding it relentlessly. The spiderlings complete one molt as embryos within the egg and are ready to hatch in about two weeks. Mother spider helps the spiderlings hatch by tearing open the egg sac for them. Once free, the spiderlings will remain near the safety of the egg sack and the protective mother spider for about 10 days, finally dispersing by ballooning their way to independence and either overwinter or begin feeding on whatever tiny insects they can find. The green lynx will have to survive eight instars to reach maturity. Under laboratory conditions males mature in about 288 days and females average 301 days.

Peucetia viridans have excellent eyesight and can see their prey up to four inches away. Their speed and agility enable them to hunt their prey rather than wait for it to become tangled in a web. Furthermore, they can escape larger enemies with greater ease. Another fascinating arsenal at its disposal is its ability to squirt venom from its fangs like the spitting spider (Scytodidae). Used primarily as a defense mechanism, Peucetia viridans can squirt venom up to 20cm in a long narrow stream. This behavior is typically observed in mature females protecting the egg sac and spiderlings. Egg sac predators include ants, mantidflies, and jumping spiders that feed on emerging spiderlings. Larger enemies include other spiders, sphecid wasps, birds, lizards and snakes. It is unclear whether the spitting behavior is for the protection of the female or her spiderlings. Peucetia viridans is not as accurate in her spitting attack as Scytodidae, therefore it is assumed that the behavior serves as a preliminary defense mechanism directed towards larger targets. There are no recorded observations of juveniles or males spitting venom, it is possible that the spitting behavior is associated only with female spiders protecting her egg sack and spiderlings from large predators.

The Green Lynx Spider (Peucetia viridans) has earned its reputation as a formidable hunter and “Farmers Friend,” to what extend this distinctions applies depends on you. One thing that is certain is that this spider will bring no harm to the gardner or farmer and is one of the more interesting native species in Florida.

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Heartland’s Growing Businesses

Educating Today’s Youth to be Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Vina Jean Banks While students throughout the state rise each morning to head off to school, for 4-H and FFA students, their morning begins as they hurry out to feed their animal projects. Their mornings usually start much earlier than most kids as they have the responsibility for another living animal. The students are the primary care giver for their projects. Animals must be fed, watered, bathed, walked/handled, groomed, and housed so they can grow to their maximum potential to bring home that Grand Champion ribbon!

Isn’t it just amazing that we have young 8 year old students that take on the project of raising a hog to show at the Florida State Fair in February? What an awesome undertaking as there are so many parts to the project. Showing an animal at the State Fair not only entails raising the animal, as this is the traditional foundation of livestock competitions, but the animal is just the tool that all the education components of the project is built around.

Many years ago the Florida State Fair had the opportunity to add another educational component to the Youth Animal Projects.

In conjunction with the University of Florida, the Champion of Champions program was developed. A four year rotation was designed where the exhibitors would receive additional educational information related directly to their animal. One year they learn about the health issues of their animal. They may learn how to correctly give an injection or read a medication label and determine the correct dosage to be used. During another year they will study about the correct nutrition for their animal. They may learn about different feed types, how to select an animal, or even how to tie knots. The other two years they will learn about marketing and reproduction specifically related to their animal.

Participation in the program has increased by more than eighty-five percent since the inception of the program. According to one exhibitor, “The Florida State Fair has been the most educational, competitive and fun-filled fair that I have ever been to.”

Another said, ”The Champion Youth program has inspired me to learn more about my animal projects and to strive to succeed in all of my livestock competitions. Without the program, many young people like myself would not have the opportunity to exhibit or learn so much about livestock.”

The premise of the Champion program is that the exhibitors can earn points (which are converted to monies—Achievement Premiums—after the Fair) by participating in various educational activities. These activities are: providing a correct and complete entry, attending an educational seminar, giving a pre-fair talk, completing a record book, taking a record book skills test, participating in a Skilathon, Showmanship, creating an educational poster, giving an illustrated talk or demonstration, and volunteering in the Ask Me Booth. All the activities were designed to give the exhibitor a better understanding of their project.

At the 2010 Florida State Fair Youth Exhibitors earned more than $150,000.00 in Achievement Premiums. In order to continue to grow and fund this program we are always looking for sponsors.

If you are interested in the future youth of our state, who will be our Agriculture leaders and voters of tomorrow, please contact Vina Jean Banks, Director of Agribusiness, 813-621-7821 ext 4338, or banksv@doacs.state.fl.us.

AgCalendar What’s going on InTheField?

• 1/8/11 – 3rd Annual Sporting Clay Shoot, Quail Creek Plantation, Okeechobee

• 1/20/11 – UF/IFAS Cattlemen’s Institute and Allied Trade Show, Kissimmee

• 1/8-9/11 – 2nd Annual Arcadia Days

• 1/20/11 – Vegetable Gardening in Florida – The Basics, Jessie Brock Community Center, Winter Garden, FL

• 1/11/11 – Ocala Bull Sale, Ocala • 1/14/11 – Walden Farms Bull Sale, Okeechobee • 1/15/11 – Florida Bull Test Sale, Marianna • 1/15/11 – Vegetable Gardening in Florida – The Basics, Orange County Extension Education Center, Orlando 50

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• 2/2–5/11 – NCBA Annual Convention, Denver • 2/10–21/11 – 2011 Florida State Fair, Tampa • 2/26/11 – Salacoa Valley Farms Bull Sale, Fairmont, GA

To advertise your business in Heartland’s Growing Business Showcase, please call Nick 863-224-0180

To advertise your business in Heartland’s Growing Business Showcase, please call Nick 863-224-0180

Please patronize these fine businesses in your area.

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Thank You...

To Highlands County Farm Bureau’s Heritage Sponsors.

Uncle Orion

By Ron Lambert Greetings to all of you out there who look forward to receiving the latest issues of In the Field magazine.

We have seen the year 2010 come and go, and have the challenge before us to make the most of 2011. This month I will share memories with you folks about my Uncle Orion Shackelford. He was a man whom I admired for many reasons, the most notable being that he was an all around kind, considerate and Godly man in all he said and did.

Uncle Orion was born in 1919 here in what of course is now Hardee County. He married my Aunt Lillian in 1940. At that age he had already been farming with his father, Lee Shackelford, because he truly grew up into what was then known as ‘truck farming.’

During those years, a huge amount of produce was sent North by rail. There are numerous accounts in written history of this area that list volumes shipped of various crops which were grown, packed, and loaded on rail cars to all major Northern markets.

These crops included green beans, corn, squash, cucumbers, strawberries, melons, eggplant, and pretty much any type of vegetable you ever heard of. Believe me, farming was big business in this area for at least 50 years.

As I mentioned earlier, my Aunt Lillian and Uncle Orion were married in 1940. He was farming with his father Lee who suffered a fatal heart attack in 1943. Although at that time the father of two sons, Roland and Kenneth, Uncle Orion enlisted in the Navy and served on the aircraft carrier Bunker Hill for the duration of the war. After being discharged from military service, he returned home to pick up the farming life. A third son, Lamar was born in 1947.

I am recounting some of what I was told and some of what I actually saw regarding his farming career. Of course during that time he also had both citrus and cattle to be cared for as well.

I know that they grew strawberries long before Plant City emerged as the source of strawberries that it is today. Bowling

Green was known as the strawberry capital of the world. Wauchula was known as the cucumber capital of the world.

As best as I am able to confirm, my Uncle Orion raised a spring and fall crop for 46 years. He grew a wide variety of crops including melons, peas, squash, and eggplant. Even so, it seems as if he was most heavily involved in growing cucumbers.

As a teenager, I recall going out to the fields after school and on Saturdays to help with the harvest. At that time you had what was known as pickers and luggers. As you can guess a picker did just that, picked the vegetables in a hamper and a lugger came along with a burlap sack known then as a croker sack. You lugged these sacks of cucumbers out to the drive middle, and

loaded them on a truck. I have included a picture of a load of squash heading to market.

Uncle Orion’s commercial farming career came to an end in 1976. It had gotten to a point where he had to give up something he loved to do. Over the years he had learned so much about what a particular crop needed, and when to plant for best yields. He was meticulous in preparation of the land for each year’s crops. Back then farmers liked to plant a piece of new land as often as they could. This kept down disease and weed competition, which seemed to make for healthier crops.

Even now as I drive around the county I might pass a pasture somewhere and think to myself, Uncle Orion cleared that land, and raised cucumber or peppers back around 1967.

After his commercial farming career ended, he continued to raise a large garden next to their home. They raised enough produce to put up all they needed, as well as share it all throughout the community. He planted these gardens in the spring and fall up until the year 2002.

Along about 2000-2001, Lillian’s, his beloved wife of 62 years, health began to fail and she went home to be with the Lord. Uncle Orion did all right for a few months, but the years began to catch up with him as well. After suffering a heart attack in January of 2003, he was reunited with Aunt Lillian later that same year.

There are those of you who will read this who knew Orion Riley Shackelford to be a great farmer, father, and friend to many, he was such an inspiration to those who knew him well.

I will share one more thing that I recall today just a vividly as the day that I heard it said. Marcus Shackelford, his nephew, spoke at his funeral and the first thing he said was this, “Orion Shackelford born 1919, died 2003. I won’t try to convince you that he was in a class of his own, but I will say that it won’t take long to call the roll in the class he was in.”

I regarded this as a tremendous tribute to this man, and really don’t know how a person could ask for a higher tribute than to be remembered in such a way.

This sums up some of the things I recall about Orion Shackelford, a farmer who put food on the table of many a home in these United States, a hardworking, humble, God fearing man who was truly what we would call the backbone of America. I am thankful to have had the privilege to have known him.

Until next month, Have a Blessed Day.

Please support these businesses!

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To Replant or Not to Replant That is the Question

by Justin Smith In the mid 1950’s there was a television game show named The 64 Thousand Dollar Question. This catchy title quickly developed into a household phrase. Through time and inflation it has changed to include various adaptations. But, for the question at hand, to replant or not to replant, the original title of $64,000 is very fitting.

There was once a time that if a citrus tree looked a little sick or maybe the foliage was beginning to thin, then it was time to go. It would not be long before a new one was in its place and the cycle continued. However, as we are all aware this is no longer the case. We are constantly adding more diseases and pests to our list of potentially fatal hazards. Every year there are more trees dying and we are looking for ways not to push them. We ask ourselves, is there anyway I can make that tree last just one more season?

If you begin adding up the high cost of inputs, then taking into thought the volatile juice market and finally consider the very high mortality rate in citrus right now you must start questioning the financial return possibility on resets. On one hand if you don’t reset you will not have a citrus producing grove for very long. What you will have is a pasture with a few orange trees for shade. On the other hand if you replant in a disease ridden environment will the young tree even live long enough to produce a decent fruit crop? If the tree does manage to live how much time and money will have to be invested causing it to take that much longer to become profitable? Next will the producing portion of the grove generate enough to take care of themselves plus the growing number of juvenile trees? It could be that an empty spot is cheaper to take care of than the young tree which may never make it to adulthood. So, in these considerations we have the $64,000 question.

Now, you may be thinking one of two things. First you may say I am a small grower and I’m not spending $64,000 on young trees. Just hold on and we will take a closer look at that statement. Or, you may be on the other side of the fence and be thinking I wish I only had to worry about spending $64,000 on my resets. If the latter is the case then the now more common expression “The 20 Million Dollar Question” may suit you better.

It does not matter, either way it’s phrased we just need to take a look at the cost. To do this lets break it down to a small per tree scale.

The information pertaining to young tree costs is taken from a paper published by the University of Florida, Institute of Food

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and Agricultural Sciences in 2006, titled “An Economic Assessment of the Future Prospect for the Florida Citrus Industry.” The mature grove budget information is taken from Dr. Ron Muraro’s 2009-2010 custom management budget analysis for South West Florida.

The cost associated with the first year of young tree establishment includes removal of old tree, sight preparation, re-set cost, planting, watering and maintenance. This translates into a whopping $24.35 per tree. The maintenance cost for year two and three, respectfully, are $6.24 and $7.07. After year three it is assumed the young trees will be incorporated into the maintenance schedule for the mature trees.

According to Dr. Muraro’s budget for the 09-10 fruiting season, it cost $1,285.36 per acre, in South West Florida, to produce citrus for the juice market. This budget analysis also assumes treatment for Canker and Greening. Taking an average 130 trees per acre there will be an associated cost of $9.89 per tree.

So let’s begin adding all this together.

Year 1

$24.35

Year 2

$ 6.24

Year 3

$ 7.07

Year 4

$ 9.89

Year 5

$ 9.89

Total $57.43 An accepted industry average allows for trees to become commercially viable producers in year five so the cost of establishment is only calculated to the point of beginning a return on investment.

Assuming the same average of 130 trees per acre this allows for a total cost of $7,466.52 per acre associated with the establishment of reset trees before they begin a return on investment.

This translates into just over eight and one half acres or 1,114 trees to reach $64,000.00.

The decision when and if to reset must be done on an individual basis and there is no perfect formula for everyone. If no one ever resets then in a short amount of time we will no longer have a citrus industry in Florida. But, an industry must be profitable in order to survive as well. Hopefully this information will be useful in making that decision for your business. One thing is for sure, to replant or not to replant truly is a $64,000.00 question.

Naturally Amazing Activities PINE NEEDLE BASKETRY

By Sean Green The air is filled with good cheer and the aroma of a buffet of conifers to suit the taste of anyone celebrating the holidays with a natural tree. I am inspired by the warmth of the human spirit contrasting our cooler seasons, and the beauty of traditions that are threaded together the final months of the year. Crafts that celebrate ancient tradition tend to also reaffirm our human potential to coexist with nature. Making baskets from naturally renewable resources is common in every culture. This month we will feature a craft that symbolically celebrates not only the ties that bind humanity, but also honors an ageless dependence on our environment to provide our needs.

Pine needle basketry is at least a 9,000 year old tradition predating pottery technology. Although it is not known when pine needles were first used to create baskets, the Seminoles are thought to be the first pine needle basket makers. Historic evidence suggests shell needles were used to sew bundles of pine needles together with fern roots or the variety of swamp grasses available. In Florida, we have two native species of pine that are treasured by basket makers throughout the United States for their long pine needles.

The Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) is essential for the survival of many Florida wildlife species such as the gopher tortoise, Florida mice, and eastern diamondback rattle snakes. These pines take 100 to 150 years to become full size and can be found in flatwoods and upland ecosystems. Its

Foundation Coiling (the central ring) 1. Cut a four or five foot length of stitching and thread one end through a large eye darning needle.

2. Select two clusters of pine needles (4 to 6 individual needles) of nearly the same length.

3. Align two inches of the stitching with the cluster sheaths in the same direction the needle grows.

4. Beginning ¼ from the sheath, loop the stitching around the cluster, creating a ¾ inch coil (8-10 turns) 5. Gently bend the cluster to form a small loop, wrap the stitching around the loop to create the center loop of the basket.

6. Bend the cluster snuggly to the side of the loop you created and thread the stitching through the center hole of the loop; this will bind the cluster of pine needles to the center loop in a coiled pattern.

needles can grow to lengths of between eight and eighteen inches long making it the favored species for basket makers.

Slash pine (Pinus elliottii) seeds are an excellent food source for gray and fox squirrels and wild turkey, it is found in wet flatwoods, and swampy areas. Prior to the 20th century, the U.S. Navy created an industry associated with this species harvesting the resins for the maintenance of wooden ships and production of turpentine. You may still find older trees with “cat face” scars left by gum tappers slashing triangular chunks out of the tree to harvest the resins. It was this practice that gave the tree its common name. The leaves of this species produce needles ranging in length from five to eleven inches long and are also a popular choice for basket makers.

Materials: • • • •

Dry Pine Needles Darning Needles Stitching (Raffia, Hemp, Sweetgrass, etc) Drinking straw cut to one inch (used as a bundle gauge)

Preparing the pine needles 1. Soak the pine needles 30 minutes, rehydrating them until they can be bent without breaking.

2. Place the pine needles on a towel, gently blot dry, and group the needles by size 3. (optional) Remove the pine needle fascicle (cap)

Support Coiling (the second ring) The second coil is a support coil that is attached to the central coil; the coil is stitched to the middle of the center bundle, NOT the center loop. This process consists of several coil stitches followed by a figure eight stitch through the bundle.

1. Slide the drinking straw gauge over the pine needles in the coil, add three or four individual needles every time you coil the cluster until the straw is full, and then add needles to maintain the diameter of the bundle as necessary.

2. Make several (5 or 6) coils around the cluster of pine needles, like you did in the beginning.

3. Make a figure eight stitch secured through the center coil bundle (not the hole in the center) 4. Continue coiling to complete the second ring.

Stitch Coiling (the pattern rings) All stitching is done in a spiral pattern. The pattern will radiate outward and the space between stitches will naturally grow with the diameter of the basket. There is a variety of stitches commonly used, some more complicated than others. The Chain Stitch is the simplest and is the suggested stitch for your first basket.

There will be a good side and a bad side for this stitch. The good side is the side that should be visible.

1. Coil the stitching around the pine needle bundle 2. Stitch in between the bundles to the right of the stitch on the previous coil, creating a swirling pattern

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Vero Beach Jackpot Hog Show Lake Placid Middle School FFA

“ Can You Out Shoot a CattleWoman? ” Sporting Clay Fun Shoot 100 Targets Place: Quail Creek Plantation, Okeechobee, FL

On December 11, 2010 several 4-H FFA members from Lake Placid went to the Vero Beach Jackpot Hog Show. The members included Channa Potter, Tyler Akins, Talon Youngman, William Hernandez, Kiara Slade, Tiger Youngman, Caleb Leal, Cheyenne Slade, and Oksana Hammonds. Channa Potter, Tyler Akins, Kiara Slade, Caleb Leal, and Cheyenne Slade all won first in their class. Kiara Slade won Reserve Grand Champion on her hog and

received $250. She also won Grand Champion Junior Showman, winning $100. William Hernandez won Grand Champion Sr Showmanship, also winning $100. Cheyenne Slade got second overall in intermediate showmanship and Oksana Hammonds placed third overall. They were accompanied by Keith and Tanya Slade, Rita Youngman, Mr. and Mrs. Leal, and advisor Dale McQuillen.

Date: Saturday January 8, 2011 Time: 8:30 AM Sponsored by:

Awards sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Florida: Trophies- Top 2 Teams, Top 2 Individuals, 2nd to Last Individual, and Top Ladies and Youth Winner of “Can You Out Shoot a CattleWoman” to receive special gift.

Sponsorship and Registration: Magnum: $400 (4 Shooters, Lunch, Station Sponsor, ammo not included) Bird Shot Station Sponsor: $100 (a Sign at a Station) Slug Single Shooter: $85 (Includes 100 Targets and Lunch, ammo not included) Five Stand Practice: $25 (25 Targets only)

Golf Cart Reservation(20 available): $25 Lunch Only $15 Raffle Drawings: Shotgun Raffle $10; Door prize $1; 50/50 Green Bird $5.

Shotgun Sponsored by Joe Marlin Hilliard Proceeds to Benefit Florida CattleWomen, Inc. educational & youth programs & scholarship fund For Information Call: Melissa S. Montes De Oca (863) 634-7712; Wendy Petteway (863)781-3986 or Quail Creek Plantation (863) 763-2529; For Registration form visit http://www.floridacattlemen.org/cattlewomen 56

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Hardee County 2010 PREVIEW SHOW

by Jack McConoughey The Hardee County 2010 Preview Show was held December 10 and 11 at the Hardee County Cattleman’s Arena. Sponsored

by Peace River Electric Cooperative, the show welcomed more than 170 registrants from various counties, giving them the opportunity to prepare for local and state fairs. The first 50 registrants received a free rope halter courtesy of Farm Credit. A free exhibitor clinic started off the show on Friday evening, followed

by Showmanship. The Showmanship exhibitors ranged from children age seven and under up through adults. Saturday, the following divisions were represented: Division 1 Steers, Division 2 (Brahman, Brangus, Brahman influence), Division 3 (FrenchSimmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais, Limousin), Division 4 (English - Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn), and Division 5 (Maine, Maine influence, Chi influence, Limousin cross). Division awards, Showmanship awards, Supreme Grand Champions, Reserve Supreme Grand Champion and Grand Champion awards were presented at the close of the day. “With this show, we wanted the younger ones and first time showers to feel comfortable before moving on to the county and state fairs,” said Nell McCauley, Chief Marketing and Member Services Officer for Peace River Electric Cooperative.

Judging the show was Wesley Hudson of Harrison, AR. Wesley was voted Herdsman of the Year by the American Hereford Association in 1989 and has been awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Arkansas. Wesley has shown and exhibited many champions at local, state, regional and national levels, including 10 National Champion Hereford and Polled Herefords. Previously, he has judged the Angus Junior National Show and will also serve as judge for the North American Livestock Show in Louisville, KY. The second annual Preview Show proved to be a great success!

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3 Things Every Puppy Should Know

by Johnny Cone The key to a great dog is to get your puppy off to a great start. Some folks think that it is okay to let puppies be puppies and you can always train them later. I don’t hold that belief. Puppyhood is a time of great learning for canines. They are going to learn whether we teach them or not. So you can let your puppy do as it pleases and learn a bunch of bad habits and poor behaviors, or you can begin training immediately and teach your puppy the basics it needs to know in order to be a well behaved adult dog.

There are three basic rules or behaviors every puppy needs to know in order to be a social adult dog that is not a nuisance or potentially harmful.

These are a combination of social behaviors and command cues that govern the dog into having good manners in the home and around people.

These rules are as follows: No Jumping, no biting and leave It. Having a tiny puppy excitedly jump and dance around your feet in an effort to get your attention is both cute and entertaining. But when that tiny puppy is a 75-pound dog, it is annoying and potentially dangerous. An adult dog can easily knock someone down, potentially harming them. The best way to avoid having an unruly dog that knocks down everyone it meets is to teach the dog that this behavior is unacceptable while it is young and small.

This training is not difficult but it does take consistency and participation by everyone in the home. The way this is best accomplished is to never welcome a puppy that is jumping up on you trying to get your attention. When the puppy tries to jump up on you, say the command “OFF” and turn away from the dog. Don’t touch the dog, don’t get into long conversations with the dog, do not push the dog away. Keep your arms folded in front of you and do not look directly at the dog. Just say “OFF” one time and turn away from the dog. If the dog runs around you to face you, keep turning away. If the dog keeps it up begin walking away, continuing to ignore the dog. Sooner or later the dog will calm down

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and cease jumping. This is where timing is important. As soon as the dog is calm and not jumping reach down, pet and praise the dog in a calm warm voice. If when you reach down, the dog gets excited and starts jumping again, immediately stand up, repeat the “OFF” command and resume ignoring the dog. This may take a few times but the dog will get the idea. The dog wants your attention and you want a calm dog. The dog will learn that it only gets what it wants by being calm. With this method there are no harsh corrections that may cause the dog to be fearful of you, no complicated training progressions, and no drama. All you are doing is withholding something the dog wants until the dog gives you what you want. Adding the command “OFF” is adding a cue to remind the dog of what is expected.

Puppies use their mouths in play and to explore their world. Their mouths become their hands, touching, tasting and testing everything they come into contact with. When puppies interact with other canines there are some instinctive self restraints to keep biting from getting out of hand. But these restraints don’t always transfer to humans. So it is up to us to teach them restraint. Teaching this restraint works much the same way as with jumping. If the puppy starts mouthing or biting you, get away from it and ignore it. You can add a cue of “no bite” if you like. Anytime you are playing with or petting the dog and it begins to nip and bite, stand up, fold your arms, give the command “no bite” and then ignore the dog. Allow a short time to go by then pet or touch the dog again. If it responds properly, give warm verbal praise. If it attempts to nip again, repeat the process of ignoring the dog. The puppy will get the idea pretty quickly if you are consistent. Again, you are accomplishing what you want by controlling something the dog wants.

Our hands are not the only things puppies get their teeth into. Given the opportunity they will destroy our shoes, clothes, couch, carpet, and anything else they can get their teeth in to.

This is where “Leave It” comes in. You can use leave it to cause your dog to let go of things and to turn its attention away from anything you don’t want it to bother. As an example of how this works; your puppy grabs your shoe and begins to walk away with it. You give the “leave it” command, the dog drops the shoe and ignores it. Teaching “leave it” is a bit more complicated than teaching a puppy not to jump or bite. But it is still not difficult.

It just requires a bit of effort. To begin teaching “leave it” you are going to need some high value treats, a leash and collar, and a few things that your dog will find value in but not as valuable as the treats. A few slices of white bread and a couple of dog toys usually work well. Place the value items scattered about in the area. Then place the puppy on the leash and with one of the high value treats in your right hand, approach one of the value items with the puppy. As soon as the puppy shows interest in the value item, give the command “leave it.” If the puppy looks away from the value item and looks at you, immediately give it the treat and move on to another value item. Repeat the process again at the new item. Sometimes puppies will not immediately look at you on the leave it command. If this happens with your puppy, put the treat in front of its nose and lure its head around to face you. When it is facing you say the “leave it” command and give it the treat. Then move on to next value item and repeat the process. The puppy should get the idea pretty quick. Once the puppy is consistently looking at you immediately upon the “leave it” command at a value item, it is time to put the command into practice. Begin using “leave it” anytime your puppy grabs or pays attention to something you don’t want it to. At first it is a good idea to keep some treats handy to reinforce the command when the puppy is successful. If you keep practicing with the value items as well as using it in real life situations your puppy will quickly become very reliable with the “leave it” command.

Raising a puppy into a well behaved reliable adult dog takes a little effort. This effort is well worth it and you will be repaid by having years of companionship with a well mannered dog.

Teaching these three rules will get you and your puppy off to a great start.

If you have a dog question you would like answered in the magazine, email it to Johnny Cone, Johnny@inthefieldmagazine. com.

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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January 2011

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January 2011

63

Get your advance tickets today! www.flstrawberryfestival.com

MAR. 3 - MAR. 13, 2011 - PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

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Artists Appearing on the Wish Farms Soundstage: .38 SPECIAL

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Mon. Mar. 7 3:30 pm Charley Pride $15 & $20 Mon. Mar. 7 7:30 pm Clint Black $20 & $25

Tues. Mar. 8 3:30 pm Chubby Checker $15 & $20 Tues. Mar. 8 7:30 pm Chris Young $20 & $25

Wed. Mar. 9 3:30 pm Tanya Tucker $15 & $20 Wed. Mar. 9 7:30 pm Rick Springfield $20 & $25

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