Inn The Field magazine Hillsborough edition by Berry Publications, Inc

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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2016

813-752-2379

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I T F M I TJim F M J 2016(Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL â&#x20AC;¢ southsidewesternwear.com 3014 S. Redman Pkwy.

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by Nick Chapman

Business Up Front Loetscher Auto Parts You find yourself on the way home from work when you notice the steering on your vehicle just doesn’t feel right. By the time you reach your house the steering is sluggish as you wrestle your car into the drive. Your mechanic friend tells you it’s your power steering pump. What do you do now? You know you have to get it repaired, but do you buy a new part from the manufacturer, a used part or a part made by a third-party vendor? That’s where Loetscher Auto Parts can help out. Ken Anderson and Steve Holland have been in the auto salvage industry for 45 years, and their knowledgeable staff at Loetscher can help find the right part for your vehicle. Whether a novice or a do-it-yourself mechanic, their friendly staff can aid you in finding what you need to get you back on the road. They currently have nine employees handling sales, the dismantling of the vehicles and parts shipping. Loetscher Auto Parts is in the business of purchasing vehicles such as cars, trucks and RV Motor Homes and campers, then dismantling the good parts for resale to the public. They buy both used and damaged vehicles and have a large inventory for the customer to shop. Most of their available stock is pictured on their website at www.LoetscherAuto.com. Customers can search for a specific part based on the year, make and model of their vehicle. If they don’t have your part in stock, you can fill out a request form and they will search for an appropriate part and send you a quote on the going price. Of course you can bypass the web and visit Loetscher, and their staff will walk you through the process. “Our typical customer is a person that has a desire to save money on the parts they need,” said Steve Holland. He goes on to say that even if you have no mechanical skills of your own, you can request that your auto mechanic uses the quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Parts that Loetscher sells. “I would like to educate the consumer that there are savings in buying recycled parts. In the majority of cases, they will save money, save time and have a quality part. Purchasing an OEM part instead of an aftermarket part can be as good or better for their vehicle.” An aftermarket part is any part for a vehicle that is not sourced from the car’s maker. “Most of our parts are tested and can be purchased with a warranty.” “Our customers choose to purchase from us because of their trust that our part will solve their problem,” commented Holland. “They can trust the information about the part is accurate and that we will back up our warranty.” Holland went on to say they are the only known RV Recycler in Florida that allows customers to select and remove the parts they need. “Customers travel hundreds of miles to WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

purchase our parts, even though we offer to ship them.” Ken and Steve purchased Loetscher Auto Parts seven years ago, and have recently relocated to their new facility at 3302 Sydney Road in Plant City. When you visit their facility, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. “People can expect to find a very clean establishment with a very knowledgeable staff to help them.” Holland went on to explain the new location gave them more room for inside parts storage, and additional parking for customers. Ken Anderson commented that the new location combined with the improved parts and sales building have already contributed to increased sales. Another advantage to buying parts from Loetscher is that you are actually supporting a highly efficient recycling operation. According to the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), businesses like Loetscher Auto Parts play a keys role in making the most out of an “end of life” vehicle. They report the primary goals of the automotive recycling industry are to harvest automobile components for reuse and to recycle the remaining valuable materials. Loetscher does just that by removing parts such as engines, transmissions, doors and bumpers for reuse in other vehicles. Other parts that can also be remanufactured include starters, alternators and water pumps. Batteries, catalytic converters, tires and some plastics are removed and their materials are recycled into new products. Fluids such as engine oil, coolant, and gasoline are carefully managed to prevent releases by storing them in EPA approved containment areas and tanks. Once dismantled, the vehicle is sent to a shredding facility. Ken and Steve agree the recycling process is one of the most rewarding aspects of their work. Ken and Steve are more than business partners; they are life-long friends. The two have known each other since attending 2nd grade together at Yates Elementary in Brandon. They continued as classmates through Horace Mann Jr. High and Brandon Sr. High School, and rounded out their education at St. Pete Jr. College. After college, they purchased Brandon Auto Salvage from Steve’s father (Tharon Holland) in 1971, and have continued to operate that business as well over the last 45 years. They have brought that level of experience and teamwork to Loetscher Auto Parts in Plant City, and they hope the customers will keep rolling in to see the difference Loetscher has to offer. Loetscher Auto Parts is conveniently located at their new home at 3302 Sydney Road in Plant City, and can be reached at (813) 752-3770. Store hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2016

VOL. 11 â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 9

Anna Conrad Page 66

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813.685.5673 Member Services: 813.685.9121 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Contents JULY 2016

Page 3

Woody Ornamental Field Day

Florida Strawberry Festival Donates

Florida Malanga

Soil and Water Conservation

A Dog Of The Future

Ornamental Grasses

Meet the Minks

Fishing Hot Spots

Jack Payne

Market Watch

Rocking Chair Chatter

John Dicks

Activity

AG By The Numbers

Well-Chosen Tea Felicitous

A Closer Look

This Farm CARES

Recipes

Endangered Species

Literary Time Machine

Business Up Front

Page 10 Page 14 Page 18 Page 22 Page 24 Page 26 Page 28

Page 32 Page 35 Page 40 Page 42 Page 46 Page 48 Page 52 Page 54

Soil Testing

Page 56 Page 64 Page 74 Page 76 Page 78 Page 79

Florida Hops

Page 82

Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President James Tew..........................Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2015 - 2016 Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington

Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents Valrico Office 813.685.5673

100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire

Plant City Office 813.752.5577

1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams

Tampa Office 813.933.5440

13103 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL.33626 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares

AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2016

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IN NTHEFIELD IELD MAGAZINE

July uly 2016

Letter from the Editor

STAFF

Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Sales Manager Danny Crampton

The freshest, safest, best tasting food is just around the corner. Buying local is easy. Find a farmers market near you and encourage your local grocery stores and area restaurants to purchase more products from local farmers. This small step will help boost your local economy and get you exceptional flavor from fruits and vegetables that are recently harvested and packed with nutrients. Check out what is in season in Florida and plan your meals around it. We are lucky to have something fresh and nutritious available in Florida all year. Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture’s website at www.freshfromflorida.com for a chart of what’s in season. I can’ stress enough the importance of supporting your local farmer and rancher. It takes hard work to get the food used to prepare your meals from the field to the point of purchase. It is our duty to ensure that we continue to keep our food as close to our homes as possible. We are always looking for new article ideas. If you know someone you think has an interesting story, let us know. Thank you to our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing.

Sarah

Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Vanessa Caceres Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25

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 No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! 6

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July 2016

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 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 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. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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July 2016

100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121

You Don’t Read About These Young People in the Newspaper, but Maybe You Should Dear Readers: I am especially pleased with the article about Anna Conrad in this edition of IN THE FIELD. Anna, whom I have known for many years as her family and mine attend the same church, was recently elected one of eight Florida FFA officers. Please take a few minutes to read about Anna and the FFA. These young men and women represent the next generation of agriculture. But that’s not all. FFA develops future farmers, and it also helps foster the skills that our leaders of tomorrow must have. For an organization that was founded in 1928, it surely has come a long way. More importantly, it has had major impact on agriculture and leadership in many facets of life. There are currently some 15,000 FFA members in Florida and more than 610,000 nationally. Locally, you should know that leaders like Florida Representative Jake Raburn, Plant City Commissioner and Mayor Rick Lott, Alicia Wilkerson, Principal at JS Robinson and Lauren McNair with the Florida Strawberry Festival, were all active members and leaders in FFA. And as you can see, it didn’t end with FFA. Nationally, former FFA members have had an impact on agriculture, business, education, entertainment, government and sports. James E.Newsome, former president of the New York Mercantile Exchange, was Florida FFA president in 1977-78. Janice C. Eberly, a professor of finance at Northwestern University and former assistant secretary, economic policy, U.S. Department of the Treasury, was the first female national FFA president. Entertainers Trace Adkins, Lyle Lovett

and Willie Nelson were all FFA members. The same can be said of former President Jimmy Carter and a good number of elected officials at the local, state and national levels. I’ll bet you didn’t know former pro football and baseball player Bo Jackson was an FFA member in McAdory, Alabama. So was Green Bay Packer wide receiver Jordy Nelson in Riley County, Kansas. FFA has and is an important organization for helping to instill very important values in young men and women. It has as its purpose to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. We don’t read about these young people getting in trouble, but maybe we should read more about their achievements today and tomorrow. Join me in congratulating Anna and all of the FFA members. They are in great company. Many FFA members participate in Farm Bureau programs in our area. You can, too, by becoming a Farm Bureau member. To learn more about membership for your family and friends, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for more information. Thank you.

Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President

Board of Directors

Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; James Tew, Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Member-at-large; Glenn Harrell; Board members: Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 8

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~ Glenda R., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

The Care You Need, When You Need It. When it comes to all the health care needs of Glenda and her family,

Our Specialties:

South Florida Baptist Hospital has always been her first choice. From her

n ER: Efficient medical treatment for minor or major emergencies and illnesses

children’s stitches to her own robotic surgery, Glenda has received a lifetime of care here. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist

n Surgery: Large operating rooms, high-tech equipment and spacious recovery rooms create a pleasant environment for patients

Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistCare.org

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n Heart: State-of-the-art heart and vascular center offering cardiac diagnostic services and procedures

Choose South Florida Baptist Hospital.

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Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis and President Dan Waden with the University of Florida’s Director of Corporate Relations, Julie Conn.

Funding the Future: Florida Strawberry Festival donates $20,000 to berry research By Emily Topper The festival has donated over $320,000 since 1995 to the University of Florida for such research. When the 2016 Florida Strawberry Festival ended last March, a whopping 560,487 had attended the annual 11-day event. The festival is widely known throughout Florida, but the festival’s charity efforts are less talked about -- yet just as prominent. On Monday, June 27, Florida Strawberry Festival President Dan Walden and General Manager Paul Davis presented a $20,000 check to Julie Conn, the director of corporate relations at the University of Florida. The funds, an annual gift that the festival has been giving to the university since 1995, will go toward funding graduate students’ research, specifically toward growing and safeguarding strawberries. “We’re proud to be part of this,” Davis said. Much of the graduate research is done at the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, located in nearby Balm. At the center, researchers work on pest control treatments and breeding disease-tolerant fruit. The center also looks at ways to disperse strawberries across the nation, from the farms to supermarkets to homes. The center’s focus is largely on breeding, horticulture, pathology and ag economics. In neighboring Plant City, the center offers a distance education program for those interested in earning undergraduate or graduate degrees. Down the road, in Wimauma, researcher Vance Whitaker was responsible for breeding the Sweet Sensation strawberry variety, largely supported by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. It is this 10

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type of research that the Florida Strawberry Festival hopes will continue to make a positive impact on agriculture throughout Hillsborough County. Farmers are equally as involved in the process. Berry growers often connect with the graduate students, and can choose to harvest varieties of strawberries based on the research that the students have done -- such as with Sweet Sensation. Such research greatly helps the farmers, especially after the most recent growing season. Strawberry farmers in Hillsborough County saw exceedingly warmer weather, which led to an increase in the number of skinny, “nibbler” berries grown -- something further research could help combat. The University of Florida’s research is a continued way for farmers to learn about the newest, most efficient ways to protect and grow their berries in changing climates. With a festival that’s centered around the harvest, the Florida Strawberry Festival continues to be a big supporter of that continued research. Since 1995, the festival has donated $320,000 to berry research, including this year’s donation. “I’m really proud of that,” Davis said. “I’m proud that we can give back to our community.” Davis and Walden said that patrons are often curious about how festival funds are spent. “Everybody was curious about the funding,” Davis said. “I think this stuff needs to get out. We keep it close.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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A Dog of the Future By Libby Hopkins

The Dalai Lama once said, “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others and if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Dr. Christopher Sakezles wanted to create a medical device that would not only help in teaching medicine but also not cause harm to a living creature. “SynDaver Labs was formed in September 2004 to create synthetic human tissue and body parts for the medical device industry,” Sakezles said. “Our products are used by medical device engineers to replace live animals in device development testing.” For the first several years after SynDaver Labs was formed, Sakezles and his team worked exclusively in medical devices, but in 2009 when he moved back to Tampa, he started working on models for medical education as well. “We still sell to the medical device industry but our core customer base is now made up of universities and military customers.” SynDaver Labs manufactures the world’s most sophisticated synthetic human tissues and body parts. Their synthetic human bleeds, breathes, and employs hundreds of replaceable muscles, bones, organs, and vessels which are made from materials that mimic the mechanical, thermal, and physicochemical properties of live tissue. This validated technology is used to replace live animals, cadavers, and human patients in medical device studies, clinical training, and surgical simulation. Their focus to date has been the development of synthetic human tissues for use in medical device verification and validation tests. However, they are now in the process of simultaneously increasing the number of tissues in our library, expanding the body of live tissue data upon which these materials are based, and reducing the overall cost of the technology. 14

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SynDaver Labs’ ultimate goal is the replacement of live animals and human cadavers in medical education and training with synthetic analogs which are more cost-effective than the relevant animal or human model. The company is also developing a family of synthetic humans which breathe, bleed, and react to stimulus with autonomy, some purely synthetic and some with living cells. One of SynDaver Labs’ synthetic cadavers can be seen at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa (www.mosi.org). The company was recently approached by UF to create a synthetic canine. “We were approached by the University of Florida,” Sakezles said. “They recently stopped using live animals in training at their college of veterinary medicine and were greatly dissatisfied with the educational experience provided by cadavers.” Much like our human models the canine is made primarily from water (about 85 percent by mass). The remainder is salts and fibers (all plant-based or synthetic). “The canine model we are currently building is modeled after my own German Wirehaired Pointer,” Sakezles said. The SynDaver Surgical Canine is a revolutionary high fidelity surgical trainer. The model provides an unparalleled platform for repeatable surgical procedures. The canine features customizable pathology integrated with complete vasculature. The system affords surgeons an incomparable experience in surgical situations commonly faced by veterinarians. “People in the industry are universally skeptical when they hear about what we are attempting, but we have received rave reviews so far by everyone who has actually seen it and you have to put hands on it to understand what we have accomplished with this model,” Sakezles said. “We expect this model to comWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

pletely replace live dogs and dog cadavers at all U.S vet schools. Adoption at OUS schools will take a bit longer due to our limited exposure outside the domestic market but I expect wide worldwide adoption over the coming decade.” The company has started a crowdfunding campaign to help raise funds for the production of the synthetic canine. “We were attempting crowdfunding as a means to put these models directly into the hands of the schools least likely to move away from live animal use,” Sakezles said. They have however had some difficulties raising funds for the canine production. “I think part of the problem was that we were jumped on early by misguided and incorrect vets in the USA who said that live animals are not used in training anymore. Also, all of the large U.S. animal rights organizations have refused to help or even mention us.” If you would like to learn more about SynDaver Labs and the different products they have, you can visit their website at www.syndaver.com or call 813-600-5530. If you are interested in donating to the production of their canine, you can visit their fundraising page at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/syndaver-synthetic-canine-a-veterinaryrevolution#/. SynDaver Labs is located at 8506 Benjamin Rd. in Tampa. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Mike Big Mac

Fishing Report Tampa Bay July 2016 Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

Snook – Snook fishing will continue strong this month with larger fish still on the beaches. Expect to see them bunching up near passes and deeper holes. They often appear to have lockjaw, but patience seems to pay off when looking for larger fish. We always seem to get some really large fish using dead bait, like cut ladyfish or chunk pinfish tossed out and left sitting on the bottom. Of course artificial lures usually produce some awesome early morning action and if you’ve passed the learning curve you can have a great time tossing plastics around an incoming our outgoing tidal grass flat. Who knows you might even pick up a nice redfish or big yellow mouth sea trout. Redfish - July should see more redfish action around the Tampa Bay area. This past month we could find some fish, but getting them to bite with any consistency was sometimes difficult. Those we did catch we got on dead baits. Occasionally we’d catch one or two on a cut pinfish, sardine, threadfin or ladyfish, but not with the action we are used to seeing. With tons of bait around its likely the fish are not that hungry, but at least they’re out there. The bay area notoriously produces good catches of redfish. You just need to find the ones ready to eat. Like snook early morning top-water artificial lures on the grass flats offers some good visual excitement as well. Work both incoming and outgoing tides. Spotted Sea Trout

- Trout fishing can always be fun, especially when you find some larger fish willing to eat. I’ve been getting into some good action in deeper water and around the fish attractors using free-lined greenbacks. Also check out the deep grass flats (3-4 ft.) using a popping cork with greenbacks, small pinfish (the flats are full of them) or shrimp. If you are into artificial lures, trout love to hit plastic lures, especially those with lots of actions. Jig heads and soft plastic with action tails will always do the trick.

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Cobia - Markers and sandy flats equal Cobia. These fish

frequent markers especially those holding threadfins. They also cruise the flats following rays and manatees. When marker fishing, keep a chum bag out, you just never know what might show up. When we mackerel fish, especially with a chum bag or when we’re cutting bait to attract the mac’s, it usually brings in a cobia or two. Keep a larger rig ready just in case one comes cruising by.

Mackerel & Bluefish

- Tampa Bay is loaded with big Spanish mackerel and bluefish and fishing this month, as in the past couple of months, should be great. Just look for schools of threadfins, put out a chum bag and hold onto your rod and reel. I’m seeing mackerel catches up to three and four pounds and some of the biggest blues ever. This is some real excitement on light tackle but you need to use small wire leaders or heavy 60# leader and inexpensive 2/0 long shank silver hooks. For some exciting top water action try tail hooking your bait and let it work against the current. This forces the bait to the top resulting in some great top water strikes. You can bet that when mackerel fishing there’s always a chance of catching a nice shark or two, or a cobia, which certainly adds to the excitement. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep a fresh chum bag over the side.

Tarpon - Tarpon fishing at the bridge and the beach has its good and bad days. Recently we’ve been seeing nice pods along the beach. Threadfins, crabs and larger sardines should do nicely. I’m seeing a few rolling in upper Tampa Bay while Mackerel fishing, especially if I’m cutting chunks of bait and feeding it over the side. They should start to show around the upper bay bridges. If you’re a night fishing person try fishing bridge light lines. WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.

Trout

snook Snapper – Grey Snapper seem to be showing up every-

where. Pieces of live shrimp or cut sardines on a ¼ oz. or heaver (depending on the current) knocker rig usually works great. Just find a bridge, rock pile, dock or just about any structure and its fish-on.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814

Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.

Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.

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We are eating 900% more broccoli than we did 20 years ago. The most popular sweet pepper in the United States is the bell pepper. Pancakes have become so popular, that people don’t just eat them for breakfast anymore. Many people like to eat pancakes for dinner! Darker Green lettuce leaves are more nutritious than lighter green leaves. Americans eat about 30 pounds of lettuce every year. That’s about five times more than what we ate in the early 1900s. In the United States, lettuce is the second most popular fresh vegetable. The name asparagus comes from the Greek language and means “sprout” or “shoot.” Peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in America.

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Quiz I have always enjoyed putting together puzzles and solving riddles. They say it keeps your brain alert. Guess it first goes back to the time when I was a child and my dad asked me if there were five blackbirds sitting on a telephone wire, and two decided to fly off, how many would be left? My answer was three, but he said I was wrong. There would still be five because they just decided to fly, but had not flown off the wire. His favorite was one I still have not been able to solve. Three men go into a motel. The man behind the desk said the room would cost $30.00. So each man paid $10.00 and went to the room. A while later the man behind the desk realized the room was only $25.00, so he sent the bellboy to the three guys room with five $1.00 bills. On the way the bellboy couldn’t figure out how to split $5.00 evenly between three men, so he gave each man a $1.00 bill and kept the other two dollars for himself. This meant that the three men each paid nine dollars for the room, which is a total of $27.00. Add the two dollars that the bellboy kept and you have $29.00. The question is, ‘Where is the other dollar?’ Now, try this one! Think of a number from 1 to 10. Multiply that number by 9. If the number is a 2-digit number, add the digits together. Now subtract 5. Determine which letter in the alphabet corresponds to the number you ended up with. (Example: 1=a, 2=b, 3=c, etc.) Think of a country that starts with that letter. Remember the last letter of the name of that country. Think of the name of an animal that starts with that letter. Remember the last letter in the name of that animal. Now, think of the name of a fruit that starts with that letter. Are you thinking of a Kangaroo in Denmark eating oranges? If you didn’t, you are among the 2% of the population whose minds are different enough to think of something else. About 98% of people will answer with kangaroos in Denmark when doing this exercise.

year. What are the only two perennial vegetables? 4 - In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn’t been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle? 5 - Only three words in English begin with the letters ”dw” and they are all common words. Name two of them? 6 - Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh. 7 - Name six or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with letter “S.” 8 - How many sides are there on a standard pencil? 9 - How many hot dog buns are in a standard package? 10 - On the back of a $1 bill, what is in the center? 11 - How many curves are in a standard paper clip? In closing let me tell you the story of the little old Christian lady living next door to an atheist. One morning the lady came out on her front porch and shouted, “Praise the Lord!” The atheist yelled back, “There is no God.” She does this every morning with the same result. As time goes by the lady runs into financial difficulties and trouble buying food. She goes out on the porch and asks God for help with groceries, then say’s “Praise the Lord.” The next morning she goes out onto the porch and there’s the groceries she asked for, and of course she says “Praise the Lord.”

Now lets do some “Brain teasers”! (Answers at the end of this article) 1 - A man is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven’t eaten in three years. Which room is safest for him?

The atheist jumps out from behind a bush and says, “Ha, I brought those groceries – there is no God.”

2 – In 1958 a woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over five minutes. Finally, she hangs him. Two minutes later they both go out together and enjoy wonderful dinner. How can this be?

ANSWERS FOR THOSE WHO KNOW EVERYTHING 1 - Boxing. 2 - Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.)

1 – Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends. 2 – What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward? 3 – Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every 22

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ANSWERS TO “BRAIN TEASERS” #1 - The third. The lions that haven’t eaten for three years are dead! #2 – The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry. #3 – Sure you can name them: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Now a quiz for people who know everything! (Don’t peek-answers at end of article)

3 - Asparagus and rhubarb. 4 - How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems. 5 - Dwarf, dwell and dwindle. 6 - Lettuce. 7 – Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings and stilts. 8 - Six. 9 - Eight. 10 - One. 11 - Three.

3 – Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday?

The lady looks at him and smiles. She shouts “Praise the Lord…not only did you provide for me Lord, you made Satan pay for them!”

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July 2016

Florida Ag: By the Numbers

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam

Florida’s farmers and ranchers take enormous entrepreneurial risk multiple times per year every single year knowing that they could lose it all. Florida’s farmers, ranchers, foresters and fishermen deal with international competition, disastrous weather events and threats from pest and disease. Despite all of this, and because of the industry’s innovation, Florida agriculture remains strong and resilient. Nearly 48,000 farms on 9.5 million acres in Florida grow around 300 different products. Our agricultural industries contribute more than $120 billion to our state’s economy, support 2 million jobs and rival the economic impact of tourism and construction in Florida. The annual “Florida Agriculture: By the Numbers” report gives an in-depth analysis of Florida agriculture and reflects the impact and importance of agriculture in Florida. Some of the highlights from the most recent report, released in July, include: Florida ranked first in the nation for the value of production of oranges, grapefruit, fresh market snap beans, cucumbers, squash, fresh market tomatoes, watermelon and sugarcane. In addition, Florida’s livestock industry performed very well; sales of livestock and products increased to $1.8 billion, up from $1.5 billion the previous year. Sales of cattle increased to nearly $870 million, an almost $200 million increase from the previous year, and Florida now ranks 10th in the nation or beef cows. 24

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In terms of total value of production, Florida accounted for: · 60 percent of the total U.S. value for oranges ($1.17 billion) · 58 percent of the total U.S. value for grapefruit ($117 million) · 39 percent of the total U.S. value for fresh tomatoes ($437 million) · 39 percent of the total U.S. value for fresh cucumbers ($65.3 million) · 35 percent of the total U.S. value for snap beans ($77.4 million) · 27 percent of the total U.S. value for bell peppers ($164 million) In the 500 years since cattle, citrus and other crops were introduced to Florida by the Europeans, our state’s farmers and ranchers have helped pave the way for the United States to become a world leader in agricultural production. Florida’s agriculture industry continues to responsibly provide food and jobs for Floridians, while maintaining our state’s rich cultural history. On the whole, last year was a successful year for many of Florida’s farmers and ranchers - let us hope that next year proves to be even more prosperous. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Central Florida Farm Plugs Customer Service and Environmental Stewardship In 1958, Walter H. Bethel started a small cattle and poultry operation in Central Florida. Today, the family-run business has grown into a leading agricultural company that produces cattle, citrus, sod and grass plugs on over 4000 acres throughout the Southeastern United States.

we can be is beneficial to everyone.”

Twice named one of the “Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Florida” in the late 90’s, the company that started with poultry as its main focus was creative enough to use established relationships with grocery stores like Winn-Dixie in the early 80’s to develop a market for their growing sod and turf products. This new venture ultimately resulted in vendor numbers with big box stores nationwide.

Established 15 years ago, the CARES program was founded by Florida Farm Bureau as a way to thank farmers who go above and beyond taking care of the land they farm. Its mission is to promote environmentally sound farming practices while educating the public on agriculture’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.

From the beginning, Bethel Farms has been committed to servicing their customer’s needs through a wide variety of products. Their planning and development process focuses on new products that address industry and customer issues. “We’re constantly searching for new ways to solve old problems,” said Will Nugent, Bethel Farm’s President. “ We focus on doing our job well and anticipating trends and our customers have come to appreciate that.” Bethel Farm’s forward thinking has not been limited to production and service. The company has been a longstanding advocate for environmental stewardship in agriculture. They helped develop Best Management Practices (BMP) for the Peace River and Manasota Basin in 2003 and 2004, and began implementing BMPs for citrus and sod once the manuals were completed. BMPs are science and research-based field-tested practices that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means for improving water quality and conservation. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), over 12 billion gallons of water is conserved each year through the implementation of BMPs “Through the implementation of advanced water management practices, we’ve been able to save as much as 40 percent on irrigation water,” said Nugent. “Being as environmentally sensitive and friendly as

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As a result of their dedication to the preservation of Florida’s natural resources, Bethel Farms was recognized by the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program in 2013.

The CARES program is a voluntary program requires farmers and ranchers to implement BMPs on their farms. Producers that implement BMPs highlight agriculture’s commitment to fostering water conservation and land protection through their continued efforts. “We want to show where we can save water, save chemicals, save fertilizer, and only put out what we need,” Nugent said. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is highlighted through the utilization of some of the latest technologies in agriculture. Bethel Farms uses a computer program that enables farm managers to plan all aspects of production. By combining the software with GPS guided applicators, they are able to avoid nutrient run-off and nutrient leaching on the farm. Bethel Farms has also implemented water management programs that consist of capturing surface water and water retention areas for irrigation, and the use of telemetry systems that monitor weather and irrigation along with other parameters critical to resource management. “It’s our obligation to protect the environment that provides us with the ability to produce agricultural products,” said Nugent. “ This is our heritage, and we will continue to search for new ways to promote the legacy of agriculture in Florida.” To find out about more farmers and ranchers who are doing their part to conserve our natural resources, visit www.thisfarmcares.org.

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By Ginny Mink

Nowhere Else in the World: Florida Grasshopper Sparrow

Last month we learned about sea turtles. If you have read these articles for any length of time then you know that we are particularly interested in endangered species that are strictly attached to Florida. So, when we discovered the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, we got excited! According to the National Audubon Society, “The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is a federally endangered bird found nowhere else in the world.”¹ When those words come across in our research, there’s a greater sense of urgency for us to convey to you the value of God’s creation. If these birds are indeed found nowhere else in the world, we need to help them survive! Therefore, let’s learn enough about them to actually be helpful in the midst of their plight. The Florida Grasshopper Sparrows are found in Central and South Florida, but only on the dry prairie areas of those locales and they don’t migrate. Apparently, these birds are so rare very few people have ever seen them or even know they exist. They get their names from the sound of their calls. We would have assumed it was based on their diet. However, they make a buzz sound that reminds you of a grasshopper’s signature wing rub. These birds are ingeniously designed to blend well with their prairie habitats. They are white, black and brown with intricate designs on their feathers. Almost hand-painted to camouflage. An interesting point is that the males only sing a couple months out of the year and even then it’s only for a few hours a day during their nesting season (April-July). Rarely seen, these wee birds lay 3-5 eggs on the ground because they are a ground dwelling bird.² They use grass lumps and palmettos as nesting material to create dome-like structures. The male sings for the sake of protecting his territory and he helps raise the kids (nice). They eat bugs and seeds. Apparently they don’t generally go too far from their birthplaces over the entire course of their lives. Herein lies the problem, 85% of Florida’s prairie ecosystems have been destroyed by our desire to provide more pasture land for cattle. This wouldn’t be too bad if those modernized or “improved” pastures were able to support the lives of these little birds. Unfortunately, that is not the case. These wee birds are in need of a nearly perfect, just as God originally designed it, prairie. They need the cycle of burning every two years which will leave prairies with very little (hardly any) trees or brush. The news only gets worse! This year’s numbers are the worst they have ever been, and that’s with three conservation areas in place and 28

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plenty of understanding as to what the Florida Grasshopper Sparrows need. Researchers are still trying to figure out what’s going wrong. The list of potential problems includes: predators, bad burning, genetic issues, fire ants, and disease. The three designated sites are: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Avon Park Air Force Range, and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. The decline in population numbers is significant enough to lead to genetic troubles if that hasn’t already been an issue. We’re talking about previous numbers of over a hundred birds (singing males, which is how they track them) in each area and now we’re down to 60, 10 and a couple. This is a for real species in peril! More bad news, in May of 2016, heavy rains flooded the prairies and destroyed a vast number of the known nests (all in one day). Thankfully, there is a crew of people who love these birds and are devoted to their well-being. These sweet people went out and rescued babies and unhatched eggs. They sent the rescued individuals to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation where many of them lived and that increased the number of captive species to 30. This was a light in the dark tunnel of these birds’ lives. Additionally, subpopulations of these birds are located on private lands. This means that there is at least a bit of hope that the birds have found homes elsewhere. The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow was declared federally endangered in 1986, although Florida gave it that designation in 1977. If the number of sites as homes for the birds increased to 25, or if 50 breeding pairs (on 10 sites) could be verified, the birds could be removed from the endangered list. Research shows that habitat restoration appears to be a positive factor for the Florida Grasshopper Sparrows when it comes to rehabilitation and increasing numbers. What can we do? It would appear that the best option is to help support the sites that are homes to these birds. If there’s a way to assist in funding for them that would probably be the best first move. Aside from that, if you own pasture in the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow’s home range, perhaps you can consider learning a little bit more about proper burning and preparations for their well-being. You can make a difference for them, if you really want to. Resources: ¹National Audubon Society- http://fl.audubon.org/birds/floridagrasshopper-sparrow ²Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission- http://myfwc. com/research/wildlife/birds/florida-grasshopper-sparrow/information/ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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WOODY ORNAMENTAL FIELD DAY BENEFITS COUNTY, GROWERS AND LOCAL NURSERYMEN By Jim Frankowiak Woody ornamental (trees and shrubs) production is an important part of horticulture revenue in Hillsborough County with sales in 2014 approaching nearly $148-million. Additionally, that production takes place on 3,400-acres within the county. “With such a large portion of land used for the industry, it is important to use water, fertilizer and herbicides efficiently to keep water safety at its peak,” said Shawn Steed, Multi-County Environmental Horticulture Product Agent with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Science UF/IFAS Extension Agent. Steed, his UF colleagues and leading industry professionals recently held a field day at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center to discuss ways to best grow plants in central Florida, especially in the hot and rainy summer months. There were nearly 40 attendees at the daylong session sponsored by Southern Ag, Harrell’s, Mosaic, Airtec Sprayers Inc. and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. “The production of woody ornamental plants in central Florida comes with myriad issues from weed control, fertilizer efficiency and container soil moisture, especially in the hotter summer months,” said Steed. “The objectives of the field day were to increase knowledge of new technology for moisture control and herbicide application, herbicide treatment and improving container grown plant growth with fertilizers and balancing pH.” Knowledge gained, behavioral changes and economic impacts were tracked using post-program surveys and personal testimonies. In addition to Steed, field day presentations were given by Dr. Cami McAvoy, Dr. Chris Marble, Dr. Nathan Boyd, Martha Glenn, Dr. Juanita Popenoe, Dr. Tom Yeager and Dr. Paul Fisher. Field day activities included several programs. One dealt with water 32

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efficiency, including irrigation monitoring and new technology with moisture controls and a novel approach of plastic wrapping one-gallon container beds; how to improve plant growth with different fertilizer choices, balancing pH in containers; biological amendments and multiple field trials with a presentation on pre-emergent herbicides, their efficacy, liquids v. granular, their effects on popular tropical container grown plants and pre and post control of weeds in containers. Attendees were also given the opportunity to view displays of six experimental trials and related presentations given by UF/IFAS experts with an opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions about the trials. Trial information was also provided. After the experimental trials and herbicide sprayer demonstration, a discussion occurred regarding the importance of the experiments and what could be done for future trails. The overall impact of the field day was multi-fold. Horticulture producers in attendance will be able to reduce loss from weed pests through understanding the effects of different herbicides on common weeds; their effects on popular tropical plans and which formulations might work better. The information gained will also allow producers to increase profits from better and faster plant growth through the educational information they received about different fertilizers, biological additives and how to balance the pH of containers for optimum nutrient uptake. “The long term sustainability of our local communities and water supply will be positively impacted from the education of our producers on irrigation monitoring to reduce water, fertilizer and herbicide inputs,” said Steed. For more information and results from the Woody Ornamental Production Field Day and continuing research on woody ornamental productions, visit: www.hortagent.blogspot.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Florida

Malanga

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

Mashed, fried, boiled, sautéed, and roasted, malanga is a versatile and delicious root vegetable that can be eaten much like you would eat a potato. Popular in the tropics and South America, this tuber is also grown in Florida. Malanga is very similar to its cousin taro. Cormels are edible tubers formed in the soil at the base of the malanga plant, which surrounds a central tuber, the corm. Malanga are about the size and shape of a white potato, covered with a brown, textured skin. This tuber ranges in size from half a pound to over two pounds. The flavor is nutty, unlike other root vegetables. Much like a potato, the inside of the malanga is very crisp and ranges in color from yellow, cream, or pink. Its texture is also like that of a potato, and it adds flavor, thickness, and creaminess to soups. Interestingly, malanga is often milled into flour and is one of the most hypoallergenic and easily digested foods in the world. Malanga flour can be substituted for wheat flour to make cookies or bread, which is especially useful for those who are allergic to gluten in wheat or other grains.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Malanga are jam-packed with a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Compared with potatoes, the malanga is higher in fiber, calories, and vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 2/3 cup serving of cooked malanga (85g) contains 90 calories, 1 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 23 g carbohydrate, and 2 g of dietary fiber. Malanga is a great source of riboflavin, folate, iron, and vitamin C.

VITAMIN C: FOR COLD AND CANCER PREVENTION

Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer as well as the common cold. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron when eaten together. It also plays an important role in the development of strong bones and teeth. Current research findings support that vitamin C’s benefits come from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of produce, including malanga, is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as eating malanga.

FIBER: FOR REGULARITY AND HEART-HEALTH

Malanga, as well as the other root vegetables, contain a significant WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is best known for preventing constipation and assisting with digestion. Another important function is its ability to lower cholesterol, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerosis. Eating fiber-rich foods is a delicious way to help keep your arteries clear of plaque. Fiber can also help maintain steady blood sugar levels by preventing spikes in blood sugar followed by low levels. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas.

HOW TO SELECT AND STORE

Choose tubers that are firm and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with bruising, soft spots, or excess moisture. Fresh malanga root should be stored at room temperature and should be used within a week. Malanga can also be refrigerated for longer storage. Immediately before using, scrub the root with a brush under running water, trim ends and remove the skin. Rinse each piece after peeling and cover in cold water. The root can also be dried and ground into flour. Malanga flour is a good substitute for wheat flour for those who are intolerant to wheat or gluten.

HOW TO ENJOY

Malanga root can be prepared the way you would a potato, yam or other root vegetable. It should be cooked prior to consuming. Malanga can be peeled, sliced and fried as chips, or boiled and pureed for a creamy soup. When it is overcooked it acts as a natural gluten-free thickener for stews and other dishes. Boiled or steamed malanga can be mashed with butter and cream to use as a side dish much like mashed potatoes, or cut into pieces and roast with salt and pepper like home fries. Malanga fritters, a delicious side dish, is made by grating the root, mixing with flour, egg and herbs, and pan-frying in small spoonfuls or patties. The leaves are also edible and nutritious.

HERE ARE SOME MORE SERVING IDEAS:

• Mash boiled malanga with milk, yogurt, or chicken broth • Saute sliced malanga with sliced carrots, rutabaga or parsnips for a mixed root vegetable dish • Roast cubed malanga with olive oil and salt • Grate and use for hash browns, dumplings, or potato pancakes • Combine with tuna fish and steamed green beans in a salad nicoise • Use the flour as a wheat flour substitute in quick breads and cakes Enjoy fresh Florida Malanga today! Try it instead of potatoes for a delicious and nutritious twist.

SELECTED REFERENCES http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/FCS/FlaFoodFare/Malanga.pdf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv090 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Florida-Friendly Ornamental Grasses

Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent Ornamental grasses are a great addition to any landscape. They add texture, color, form and interest. These grasses need the same types of maintenance as other landscape plants (water, fertilizer, pruning, division), but generally require much less. As with all types of plants, consider the site conditions of your landscape, which include sun, shade, mature size (height and spread) for placement purposes, soil pH, soil moisture and soil texture. Other considerations when selecting plant material include annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous, warm or cool season, growth form (creeping or clumping), foliage color, time of flowering, winter characteristics and invasive potential. The ornamental grasses below thrive in central Florida. Purple fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rubrumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, can reach a height of 4-6 feet and spread of 2-4 feet and prefers full sun. This grass needs soil pH that is acidic to slightly alkaline, from 4.5-7.2. It has moderate drought tolerance and needs well drained soil moisture. Purple fountain grass has narrow purple leaves with purple-pink or copper flowers in summer and fall. This is an excellent ornamental grass when used in mass plantings, containers, as an accent, border or cut flowers. It can reseed into surrounding areas which could be a good or bad thing, depending on your location and preference.

Muhly grass, Muhlenbergia capillaris, a native plant, reaches a height of 3-4 feet and spread of 2-3 feet. It prefers full sun, can tolerate extreme drought and flooding, has moderate salt tolerance and works well in wetland sites and beachfront landscapes. Any type of soil texture is acceptable, from clay loam to sandy loam, from sand to sandy clay. Muhly grass has narrow foliage and produces pink/ purple fall flowers. It is used as a border, accent, in mass plantings and as cut flowers. Fakahatchee grass, Tripsacum dactyloides, another native, reaches a height and spread of 4-6 feet. It prefers full sun, does well in partial shade/partial sun and tolerates flooding and standing water. Fakahatchee grass produces cream/yellow/ orange/red flowers from spring through summer and is a larval food plant for the Byssus Skipper butterfly. This ornamental grass also requires minimal maintenance which consists of pruning once a year, late winter or early spring (February and March in central Florida) before you see new shoot growth. 40 40

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Tiger grass, Thysanolaena maxima, can reach a height and spread of 6-10 feet. It prefers partial sun/partial shade and is fast growing. Soil pH should be acid to slightly alkaline, 4.57.2. Any type of soil texture is acceptable, from clay loam to sandy loam, from sand to sandy clay. Soil moisture should be well drained to medium drained. Tiger grass has medium drought and medium salt tolerance. This grass has a bamboo-like appearance with linear leaves and golden brown flowers in summer. It can be damaged by cold weather but will return in the spring.

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I planted three of the four ornamental grasses presented above around my pool enclosure because the hedge that existed was performing poorly. I’m very happy with the look of these grasses and minimal maintenance requirements. All of the grasses in this article are easy to divide, share with your friends and neighbors or create more color in your own landscape. Once established, irrigation may not be needed at all. You can consider annual fertilization, but these plants generally obtain enough nutrients from the soil, and you may want to submit a soil sample for pH testing which is performed at our office for $3.00 per sample. For more information on how to take a soil sample, please see the University of Florida publication, ‘Soil Sampling and Testing for the Home Landscape and Vegetable Garden’ by Rao S. Mylavarapu at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss494. For additional information on Florida-friendly ornamental grasses, please see: ‘Considerations for Selection and Use of Ornamental Grasses’ by Mack Thetford, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep233; “Muhlenbergia capillaris Muhly Grass’ by Edward F. Gilman, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp415 and ‘Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ Purple Fountain Grass’ by Edward F. Gilman, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp464. For assistance with horticultural questions, call us at 813-744-5519 or visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. You can listen to us each Saturday morning from 8-9am on Your Neighborhood Inspiration Station AM 1110 WTIS. More gardening information is available at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu and https://www.facebook.com/HCFFL/. Remember to reuse, reduce, recycle and repeat.

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Have License Will Travel By Jack Payne

Leaders are change agents, but the new Extension boss for Southwest Florida, Brenda Rogers, sees a big part of her job as preservation of agriculture. That means saving citrus. Extension must continue to do all it can to help growers survive greening until the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences delivers a long-term solution. Rogers also sees stemming the tide of concrete that continues to wash over farmland as part of her mission. That can probably only happen if Extension can help make it as profitable to grow food as it is to grow subdivisions. It’s a tall order. I’m optimistic that Rogers will succeed, though. When Dean of Extension Nick Place and I looked for the first new Extension district director in 14 years for the area that includes Hillsborough, Polk and nine other counties, we wanted a few things. First, a deep appreciation for agriculture and Extension tradition. Also, a record of improving communities. And finally, a valid driver’s license. More on that one later. Rogers has agriculture and Extension in her blood. She grew up the daughter of a third-generation Florida dairy farmer. Her dad’s operation was in Manatee County, and her grandfather and great-grandfather farmed in Pinellas County. She’s a proud member of the Manatee County Agriculture Hall of Fame, inducted as Agriculturalist of the Year in 2009. She was honored in 2006 as a Friend of the Manatee County Farm Bureau. As a child she participated in 4-H, showing dairy cows, learning about horticulture, leadership, and how to cook and sew. When she grew up, she trained in home economics and became an Extension agent. For years she worked for UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension teaching nutrition, public policy and consensus building, leadership development, consumer skills, and resource management (water conservation, recycling, and cutting back on energy use). She loved the work and was dedicated to the organization. But she saw an opportunity to help her community on a broader level. Rogers became director of the Manatee County Community Services Department in 2010. That put her in charge of county agriculture, the Extension service, probation services, veterans’ services, transit, and other government functions essential to making Manatee County a great place to live. She led discussions on agricultural land stewardship programs and agricultural awareness education. Among the projects she’ll continue is leading Leadership Manatee’s Agriculture Day and serving on the Manatee County Farm City Week Committee. Rogers saw the opportunity to help all of Southwest Florida when Charlie Vavrina retired after 14 years as the area’s Extension district director. The years she put in making Manatee better convinced Nick and me that she would do the same for the entire region. So all that was left was the license. She’s going to need it. Extension district directors put in lots of windshield time. They’re not armchair administrators. Rogers logged almost 11,000 miles in her first four months.

Rogers has an office in Plant City, but she has already crisscrossed her territory from Dade City to Naples in her Toyota Camry hybrid. In just a few months she has visited 67 of her Extension agents, whether they work in Immokalee, Bartow, Seffner, Palmetto or points between. That kind of face-to-face contact will be essential to her success. Rogers leads 11 county Extension directors, who are in turn the bosses of the agents who directly serve you. Rogers’s job is to learn what it is you need and then equip her agents to provide you with it. Her firm footing in the region’s agricultural traditions notwithstanding, part of Rogers’s job will be to lead change as well. After all, Florida is changing, and so are the needs of its 20 million residents. So she’ll continue to support Extension’s work in helping struggling growers come up with a Plan B that allows them to stay in agriculture and not have to sell their land to developers. Through field days, workshops, field visits, and an expanding Web library of how-to documents, her district will continue to educate farmers on possibilities. UF/IFAS scientists are working on developing alternative crops – peaches, pomegranates, olives, even hops – for those looking for relief from the incessant battle against psyllids and the disease they spread in groves. I’m also counting on Rogers to play an active role in bringing more of the University of Florida to Hillsborough, Polk and the surrounding area. It doesn’t even have to be an IFAS-controlled part of UF. Rogers sees great promise in the kind of outreach that’s begun in Sarasota through the UF College of Engineering’s Innovation Station to support and direct students into the classes and internships to guide them toward a UF engineering degree. Rogers will be talking to commissioners and community members about how science can improve their lives. Then she’ll help connect them to those in Gainesville who can provide that science. It could be that what you need is found in the College of Engineering, the College of Public Health and Health Professions, or the College of Veterinary Medicine. The common denominator is Extension carrying out the land-grant mission of bringing university-produced knowledge to the people. That knowledge is ever evolving as our scientists continually expand what we know. But the Extension dedication to sharing that knowledge with you, the people who can benefit most from it – that will never change. Please wish Rogers well in her new job, which is a lot like her old job. That is, improving the lives of Southwest Floridians. You can wave at her through her windshield. Or, if you need to talk, she needs to listen. You can reach her at bgrogers@ufl.edu or 813-757-2195.

Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS 42

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July Marks Mid Summer With Many New Laws In Florida by John Dicks

It seems that for most people in Florida, July marks the middle of summer. What often slips by unnoticed is that it’s also the month that many new laws go into effect.

some free-market changes pushed by the Legislature this year. One allows advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances.

This year there’s 159 of them, that while our Legislature passed the measures just a few months ago during the session that ended in March, they didn’t actually become law until July.

Also health related is a new law which will allow the beginnings of telemedicine in Florida. This will enable practitioners using technology to provide healthcare from elsewhere including even from other states.

One that has garnered much conversation and debate affects school choice. Parents will now gain greater access to schools with available classroom space. Parents will have the ability to transfer their children to any public school in the state that isn’t at capacity. The law gives preference to students living in the district, students moving because their parents are active-duty military personnel or students moving because of foster care placement or court-ordered custody arrangements. Probably to give school boards around the state time to implement the new opportunity, the school choice provision which is now effective new law, won’t actually allow parents to use the benefit until the school year 2017-18.

In an effort focusing on environmental protection, the Legislature passed a measure which provides funding for water resource projects and land acquisition in the Florida Keys. Also tucked into legislation this year was an allocation of $204 million for Everglades restoration. Concerned with the ever growing costs of higher education, a new law was implemented with the goal of understanding and planning for college costs so as to prevent financial surprises which lead to significant student loan debt. Included in the measure are mandates to provide tuition and fee transparency, textbook cost predictability and overall accountability.

Also new is a change in the use of EBT (often referred to as food stamps). Now people who are eligible for the EBT cards will be able to use them to make purchases at fresh produce markets.

Seeking to provide more safety to motorists is a new directive for the Department of Transportation to install roadside barriers where state roads are next to lakes and ponds. The bill that created this provision was called “Chloe’s law” and is named after a UCF student who died last summer when she crashed into a retention pond and drowned in Orlando.

Taking a giant leap in the direction of solving some growing technological quagmires, guardians or trustees of estates can now gain legal authority to manage digital assets and electronic communications. This should enable heirs to gain access to passwords for such things as social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.

Showing particular disdain for local police speed traps, the Legislature made it clear that local law-enforcement agencies cannot use ticket quotas. Specifically the law requires individual local governments to submit reports to the Legislature if traffic-ticket revenues cover more than 33 percent of the costs of operating their police departments.

In an attempt to stave off “Big Brother” government intrusion, any food contests or cook-offs lasting no more than three days and hosted by a school, church, religious organization or nonprofit will not be subject to the rules of “public food service establishments.” That will eliminate the need to pay licensing fees or being subject to inspections.

While most of the new laws which became effective in July were general in scope to our entire state population, there were a few which focused on farms and the Ag industry.

Legislators showed some love to taxpayers again this year. There is now a new exemption from sales taxes on food and drinks sold by veterans’ organizations and an exemption for manufacturing equipment and machinery. Also, the ever popular back-to-school sales tax holiday will be around again this year. The date is set for August 5-7.

We now have an official state honey. Tupelo got the nod. It’s harvested from the Ogeechee Tupelo tree found mostly only in northwest Florida. The Legislature further usurped the power of local governments by prohibiting them from enforcing local ordinances or policies which restrict or regulate agritourism activity on land classified as agricultural land. Also becoming law this summer was one that exempts drivers of certain farm vehicles from having to have a commercial driver’s license.

There were some notable healthcare bills that were part of

John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor. 46

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A Well-Chosen Tea By Libby Hopkins

It has been said that “Tea is the cup of life” and there are many of us who feel they can’t live life without it. I include myself in this group. I love just about any kind of tea; hot, cold, sweet, un-sweet, you make it, I’ll drink it. I think this is why I fell in love with Felicitous Coffee and Tea Shop in Tampa. It’s a quaint little shop that is hidden along a side street off the traffic packed Fowler Avenue. “Felicitous was originally located in Lutz and started off as an existing thrift store and was already named Felicitous,” Rani Chehal of Felicitous Tea and Coffee said. “I had wanted to convert it over to primarily a coffee shop that also had thrift and vintage goods for purchase. I decided to keep the name because one of its meanings is ‘well-chosen and admirably suited.’ When that location didn’t work out, I knew that the next place I wanted to relocate to was the USF area.” Felicitous is unique due to its atmosphere. It also has amazing employees and a wonderful community of friends but being located in an early 20th century Florida bungalow is a big part of the charm. “Customers often say they feel like they are walking into someone’s home and in a way, they are,” Chehal said. “Everything from the quaint size of the building, eclectic furniture as seating and upcycled and handmade décor just adds to the coziness of the shop.” Chehal strongly believes in shopping local and keeping things local. “Being local is very important to me,” Chehal said. “We try to educate the public on how important it is to spend as much of their dollars on independent businesses in order to 48

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keep the local economy strong. There are just so many benefits, not to mention the diversity it creates instead of living in a sea of repetitive chain businesses that lack unique character. I ended up in this business because I always enjoyed trying out local eateries and finding all the hidden gems that my city has to offer. You never forget those experiences and the people you can meet there.” The tea she uses at Felicitous comes from locally owned TeBella Tea Company in Tampa (www.tebellatea.com) as well as other local tea makers. TeBella Tea is a family owned company committed to providing quality, innovative tea and tea accessories. As a local business in the heart of Tampa Bay, TeBella is proud to be active members of the community. You will often find TeBella Tea out and about participating in local farmers’ markets, fundraisers and community events all around the Tampa Bay area. They strongly support social and environmental responsibility. They carry a large selection of USDA-certified organic loose leaf teas as well as several other teas from small artisan gardens that engage in organic farming practices, yet for whom the certification process is cost prohibitive. “The bread for our paninis comes from La Segunda, a local bread shop that has been around for over a hundred years,” Chehal said. “We also have various local pastries and desserts delivered every week.” Chehal is also a strong supporter of local artist in the Tampa Bay area. “The artwork in our gallery revolves every two months with the works of different local artists in the Tampa WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

area,” Chehal said. “We also host a monthly (on sabbatical in the summer) open mic night that displays the talents of locals that might perform in various ways such as music, poetry or even comedy. There are also occasional local artists that perform solely on their own on individual nights from time to time.” Chehal hopes more people will come to Felicitous Coffee and Tea shop to have a great cup of tea or coffee while they meet new people from the community. “For me, opening this shop wasn’t about the money, it was more about creating that place that you wish existed and know that you just have to be the one to make it happen,” Chehal said. “Meeting so many wonderful people has enriched my life so much more than being in a secluded office could ever do.”

If you would like to learn more about Felicitous Coffee and Tea Shop, you can visit their website at www.felicitouscoffee.com or stop by and have a cup of tea or coffee. The shop is located at 11706 N. 51st St. in Tampa. The shop’s hours of operation are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sundays Noon – 11 p.m.

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Giving back to our communities is

As a training specialist for our Florida phosphate operations, I help ensure the safety of our employees and the environment while producing top-quality crop nutrients for our farmers in America and all over the world. At Mosaic, we’re proud to share our passion for agriculture and environmental stewardship with the next generation. In fact, I’m one of hundreds of Mosaic employees who volunteer annually — whether it’s at youth fairs, Junior Achievement or backpack food-packing events. For me, giving back is more than a job. It’s about nourishing the communities where we all live, work and play. We help the world grow the food it needs.

Tiffany Wengyn, Environmental Health & Safety Training Specialist Florida phosphate operations

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Recipes

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Chef Justin Timineri

Melon Muffins Ingredients 1 watermelon 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened 3 ounces low-fat lime yogurt 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime zest

DIRECTIONS Slice watermelon into 1-inch thick cross sections. Using a 1 Â˝ wide biscuit cutter, cut watermelon sections into circles. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese and yogurt; mix well. Arrange melon circles on a plate and top each with a teaspoon of yogurt sauce and pinch of lime zest. Serve immediately.

Watermelon and Shrimp Cocktail Skewers INGREDIENTS 1/2 medium-sized watermelon, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 32 cubes) 32 large shrimp, cleaned, poached and chilled 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1/4 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or mild-flavored vinegar) 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce kosher salt to taste fresh ground pepper to taste 8 (6-inch) bamboo skewers

DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and the peanut butter until completely blended. Add in the garlic, ginger and soy sauce until fully combined. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour most of the dressing over the shrimp, reserving some sauce for dipping. Chill marinated shrimp for 1 hour. To assemble, alternate shrimp, watermelon cubes and torn basil leaves on 8 skewers. Serve skewers with leftover sauce. 52

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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink Last month we learned a lot about native ornamental shrubs thanks to Mr. Charles Torrey Simpson’s tutelage in his 1926 book, Ornamental Gardening in Florida. This month we are voyaging forward on the Literary Time Machine to his chapter entitled: Native Ornamental Vines. One of the coolest things about the Literary Time Machine is that you never know what you’ll learn. We are excited to find out. Join us! There’s no introduction for this chapter of the book. He simply begins his list of vines starting with the Ampelopsis arborea, which he later tells us is the Peppervine.¹ We’ve no clue what it is. So, why not find out? One site informed us that it’s a close cousin of grapes and will quickly take over your garden.² Another, more intensely informative site, shared that some people have experienced stomach upsets and throat issues after eating the colorful berries. It explained that the peppervine utilizes something called calcium oxalate as a defense mechanism. It’s a crystal that can burn your throat (probably where the vine got its name).³

Part 21

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “Crossvine gets its name from the cross-shaped pith, as seen from a transverse section of the stem.”⁴ Unfortunately, that did little to help us in the visual department and we were unable to locate pictures to assist in that endeavor. However, we did discover that Native Americans had quite an affinity for the crossvine because they used it for medicinal purposes including: rheumatism, headaches and diphtheria.⁴ Sometimes we wonder if Mr. Simpson picked the vines on his list due to their beauty or their inherent value. His next choice probably answers that question. He writes, “Calonyction aculeatum and C. tuba, Moon vines. Two species that grow in southern Florida and in places form a considerable element of beauty as they scramble over thickets or climb the outer trees of hammocks.”¹ Yep, just as we suspected, it’s all about the aesthetics for him. We, however, like the added value in some of his other suggestions. But we will admit the moon vine’s flowers are quite pretty.

Unless you intend to read more about how to remove the calcium oxalate, that site advised only eating a few of the grape flavored berries, which are ripe when they are black. If you do your research though, you can make wine, jam, and juice from these berries!³ This could be a worthwhile endeavor since these vines love warm weather and the berries show up right around the beginning of school.

Nicker beans, or guilandina, were the next vines on his list. Once again we were confronted with something we’d never heard of. His description left us wanting more information. He wrote, “A couple of striking, tropical vines, very thorny and having pinnate leaves. Both grow in Lower Florida, the one having the well-known gray nicker beans; in the less known species they are yellow.” We wondered how he arrived at his “well-known” label since the names were foreign to us.

Next on Mr. Simpson’s list is the Crossvine, or Bignonia crucigera. He describes it as, “A tall growing vine clinging by branched tendrils that end in small disks…It bears large, dull red, trumpet-shaped flowers and is often cultivated.”¹ Of course, his description doesn’t do well to answer our question: Why is it called the crossvine with a Latin name that sounds a lot like crucifix to us?

Nicker beans were discovered by a Prussian naturalist who was later captured by pirates. Which is interesting because the seeds within the spiky pods of the nicker beans are capable of traveling across the ocean! They’ve been used as coffee substitutes, to make buttons, and for the sake of medicinal purposes. Also, in the Caribbean they are sometimes used to replace marbles.⁵

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One other totally notable aspect of the nicker bean, and its value to the earth, is that it’s a food source for the rare Miami Blue Butterfly! It grows in coastal areas, mangroves, tropical scrubs and hammocks.⁶ Mr. Simpson wasn’t joking when he called it a thorny bush. A few pictures can verify that description (just go look for yourself). The longest section of this chapter is Mr. Simpson’s obvious affinity for the Morning Glory. He expounds, “An immense genus of some four hundred species scattered over the world but mostly in tropical countries…Here in Florida are a number of fine species, some that are cultivated and others that should be…There are several others found wild in Florida that are well worthy of cultivation.”¹ He names one specifically, “One of these is called Ipomaea microdactylum but now put in another genus grows in the South part of Dade County in ragged limestone rock. It bears an abundance of very handsome crimson flowers and should, if possible, be introduced into cultivation.”¹ The Atlas of Florida Plants says that this particular morning glory is on Florida’s endangered list. Maybe we should see if it’s capable of growing further north? There’s more to this chapter, but we’ve run out of room in the article. As is always our goal, we hope you learned something (or a couple of somethings). Until next month, keep gardening and growing (in vegetation and knowledge). Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 109-111). ² Kimbrough, Marian, MG. (2007). Peppervine (Ampelopsis arborea) Galveston County Master Gardeners Magazine. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2008/ jan08/Peppervine.html ³Merriwether’s Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Texas and the Southwest. http://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/09/peppervine.html ⁴ USDA. Plant Guide. Crossvine. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/ pdf/pg_bica.pdf ⁵KEW Royal Botanic Gardens - http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/research-data/resources/legumes-of-the-world/genus/ guilandina ⁶University of Florida IFAS extension, Lee County: http://lee.ifas.ufl. edu/Hort/GardenPubsAZ/Nickerbean_Caesalpinia_bonduc.pdf Photo Credits: Cross Vine- Bobistraveling- https://flic.kr/p/eZKCWG Moon Vine- Eran Finkle - https://flic.kr/p/5Ek2BB Morning Glory- Lisa Ann Yount- https://flic.kr/p/Ga7E7N WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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UF/IFAS Details Best Management Practices for Small Scale Horse Operations By Jim Frankowiak

There is growing concern among local, state and federal regulatory agencies about the “impaired watersheds in our area,” noted Jemy Hinton, a member of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) Implementation Team, at the opening of a recent meeting for small scale horse operations.

landowners. Extension offices statewide offer soil testing at a nominal cost. This analysis helps in selection and fertilization,” he added. Jennings also reminded the more than 40 attendees of the fertilizer labeling which consists of the percentage each of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in that order on labels for all fertilizers sold in Florida.

Responding to this, BMPs have been developed and are being implemented voluntarily across Florida. The BMPs are guidelines advising producers, including operators of large and small scale horse farms, how to manage the water, nutrients and pesticides they use in order to minimize agriculture’s impact on Florida’s natural resources.

He went on to discuss the different options available and the characteristics of many potential pasture grasses and forage. Grazing management and the use of rotational practices was cited as a way to rejuvenate forages which do not have that opportunity if horses are kept in the same pastures continuously. In terms of pasture weed control, Jennings said “a healthy pasture is weed control at its best” and offered suggestions for bring pastures back, including the need to adhere to herbicide label application details as “they are the law” in Florida and must be closely followed.

To further help address this concern, a “Poop and Pasture” program was held last month at Hillsborough County Extension geared to the challenges and interests of small scale horse operations in west central Florida. The “Poop and Pasture” program was designed to help small scale horse farms better manage their pastures, as well as encourage implementation of sound manure storage and disposal methods. Florida pastures and forage crops can provide a major part of the nutritional needs of horses almost year-round, if properly managed. “Pasture management BMPs are designed to reduce surface water runoff that can further impair watersheds,” said Pasco County Extension Agent Ed Jennings whose presentation focused the many aspects of managing pastures. Key management considerations, according to Jennings, include climate, weather, soil fertility and moisture capacity, equipment and both the willingness and ability of the landowner to manage pastures. He defined climate as “long term” while weather is “short term.” “Soil testing is of particular importance since the target pHs of are keyed to the different grass and legume options available to 56

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Jennings also commented on how pasture mowing may be of assistance, but also reminded attendees “there is no silver bullet when it comes to effective pasture management” and offered the following website as a comprehensive source of pasture management guidance: http: //edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Another challenge facing equine operators regardless of size is effective management of manure, which typically consists of feces, urine and bedding. While sometimes considered waste that’s a nuisance and costly item to dispose of, it can be a beneficial source of nutrients, if managed properly, advised Dr. Carissa Wickens, an Assistant Professor at the University of Florida and Extension Equine Specialist. Dr. Wickens characterized the impact of manure management if you consider the “manure production” of a single horse weighing approximately 1,000-pounds. “Manure for that one horse amounts to WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

about 50-pounds a day, 9.1-tons per year, containing 11-pounds of nitrogen, two pounds of phosphorous and eight pounds of potassium.” When stall bedding is factored in, total waste production per horse per year is about 876-cubic-feet (32-cubic-yards). One approach that has proven effective for managing manure is composting, a process also applicable for certain instances of equine mortality. “Composting produces a more homogenous material and the final product is dry, making it easier to spread and manage,” she noted. The final product may also have marketability as a soil amendment, growth media, mulch or slow release fertilizer. “Also, well composted manure has an earthy smell, offers a 25-50 percent volume reduction and destruction of pathogens and weed seeds due to the heat of composting,” Wickens said. Compositing is essentially the same process as natural decomposition except that it is enhanced and accelerated by mixing organic waste with other ingredients in a manner that optimizes microbial growth. Dr. Wickens offered suggestions for building a composting system, including location of the compost pile and its management; determining composting bin size to effectively accommodate a composting operation and trouble-shooting tips. She concluded her remarks with a discussion of composting as an option for dealing with an instance of equine mortality, which together with manure management are “important aspects of hose ownership and equine facility management,” she said. Attendees were directed to several web-based resources for additional information: • Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: http:// www.freshfromfloida.com/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy/Enroll-in-BMPs/BMP-Rules-Manuals-and-Other-Documents Florida’s Online Composting Center: http//Sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/compost.info • Managing Horse Manure by Composting by Dr. Lori K. Warren: http://cflag.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/2005Equineinstit/Composting.pdf • Extension: http://www.extension.org • Animal Carcass Management: http://www.flsart.org/acmwg/documents/documents.htm

COST-SHARE OPPORTUNITIES Participating in Best Management Practice Programs (BMPs) as detailed during the Poop and Pasture Program also offer commercial equine operations the opportunity to gained assistance from various Cost-Share Programs of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Please note that cost-sharing are limited to commercial equine operations. Specific programs/practices, maximum reimbursement, cost-share rates and applicable maintenance periods for commercial equine operators in the Southwest Florida Water Management District are detailed in information that is available on line at: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy/BMPImplementation/Cost-Share-Pprograms WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Stephen Matthew Drawdy Class of 2016

Strawberry Crest High School Honor Grad Graduated with honors and as a Certified Veterinary Assistant with a 4.5 GPA. He plans to attend community college to complete his prerequisites before attending a major university to pursue his degree in veterinarian medicine. Stephen is fluent in American Sign Language. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Society of High School Scholars, the Marine Science Club, and FFA. He is an avid fisherman, a self-taught drummer, a huge Tampa Bay Lightning fan, and is learning to play hockey in a local league. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be prouder of all of Stephens accomplishments but even more so of the fine young man that he has become. Against all odds he never ceases to amaze us and we are truly blessed by God to have him as a son. We love you Stephen, Dad, Mom & Brothers!

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SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT UNVEILS HILLSBOROUGH 100 CHALLENGE By Jim Frankowiak Goal to Complete 100 Conservation Projects in One Week

The challenge has been issued: Complete 100 conservation projects in Hillsborough County during the period April 22 – 30, 2017. The gauntlet was laid down by the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District at a gathering held last month at the Hillsborough County Extension Center and is aimed at urban, suburban and rural communities in the county. “These projects will involve school groups, youth organizations, civic clubs, educational institutions, governmental entities, Chambers of Commerce, associations, corporations and individuals all working together to spread the conservation message,” said the District’s Executive Director Betty Jo Tompkins. “The projects will be determined by the individual groups and coordinated by the District.” The Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge was the brainchild of Tompkins and was favorably acknowledged by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack earlier this year. It is the first such effort of its kind nationally to be undertaken by a county. Tompkins cited the following reasons for the importance of efforts such as the Hillsborough 100 Challenge: • Water issues continue to dominate in communities throughout the U.S. Water conservation is everyone’s business and even small conservation efforts such as turning off faucets, using low-flow systems, recycling water, planting drought-tolerant yards and trees, can greatly enhance water savings if practiced by everyone. • Approximately two-million people die worldwide as a result of ingesting polluted water and another 20-million are debilitated each year • As the world’s population grows, it is estimated that food production must increase by 70 percent by 2050 to meet worldwide demand • To meet such demand agricultural operators, science, technology and industry must mobilize within every county, state, and nation throughout the world. American agriculture is a world leader in this effort, and Hillsborough County ranks fifth in Florida and among the top 60 of the nation’s largest agricultural producing counties. 64

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“Our overall goal is to bring greater awareness of how everyone can become committed and involved in conservation, making Hillsborough County a national model for this important effort,” said Soil Board Chairman Mark Proctor. There’s no limit to the types of projects that will be conducted during the Challenge.” Over one hundred program attendees enjoyed a luncheon featuring Hillsborough County harvested items donated by a number of companies and individuals: • Tomato Products – Lipman Family Farms • Cucumber Dish & Eggplant Dish – Roy & Leta Davis Frozen Yogurt & Fresh Milk – M & B Products (Dale & Andrea McClellan) • Blueberry Cobbler & Ginger Blueberry Beer – Blues Berry Farms (Susan & Scot Dumke) • Peach Lemonade & Peach Crisp – The Southern Peach Company (Anthony & Debbie Gill) • Strawberry Shortcake- Fancy Farms (Carl & Dee Dee Grooms) Attendees heard from several different groups that have committed to projects. Among them were Hillsborough County 4-H, Girl Scout Troop 267, Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, National Association of Underwater Dive Instructors, Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee with projects ranging from recycling and the decoration and sale of rain barrels to litter pick-up and plastic bead pick-up from the waters of Tampa Bay. Tompkins noted “the conservation movement truly began in the 1930’s when, along with the Great Depression, America experienced its worst ecological disaster, the Dust Bowl. A severe and sustained drought resulted in extensive soil erosion in the Great Plains. Massive black dust storms covered the countryside and blocked the sun, extending across the country and over 300-miles into the Atlantic Ocean. “It is said that while testifying before Congress, Soil Scientist Hugh Hammond Bennett threw back the curtains revealing a sky blackened by dust. At that time the Congress unanimously passed legislation declaring soil and water conservation a national priority and policy. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

“In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote all state governors recommending legislation to allow landowners to form soil conservation districts. That same year the Florida Legislature passed what has become to be known as the Soil and Water Conservation Law. Today there are over 3,000 soil and water conservation districts within the United States, 58 of which are in Florida,” Tompkins said, noting the local District was organized August 5, 1946 “to provide a local grass roots mechanism to deal with soil, water and other natural resource problems and in preventing problems from occurring in the county.” The District’s programs include educational outreach such as land judging, Envirothon, speech and poster contests, Ag Venture, fair and festival displays and other initiatives. Services include various cost-sharing and financial assistance programs, design and technical assistance for a variety of projects, as well as coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Florida Department of Agriculture. Activities are directed by a board of five supervisors, each elected in the county’s general election to a four-year term. Supervisors receive no monetary compensation for their services. Current Supervisors include: Chairman Mark Proctor, Vice Chairman Roy Davis, Treasurer Mike Hepburn, and Board members Deborah Tamargo and David Maynard. Additionally, the District has an Advisory Board and three full time employees to help carry out programming. Additional information on the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge, including a project participation application, is available by calling 813-752-1474, Extension 3.

NATIONAL WINNER NATALIE MILLER DISPLAYS HER POSTER

One of the meeting attendees and presenters – Natalie Miller -- garnered local and national honors for her poster, which was designed around the theme “Local Heroes, Your Hardworking Pollinators,” featuring a bright assortment of smiling bees, birds, butterflies ad flowers. The eight-year-old daughter of Megan and Colin Miller, Natalie’s poster took top honors in the National Association of Conservation Districts’ poster content, a first time achievement for a local District competitor. A student at Claywell Elementary School, Natalie’s poster won area and state poster contest honors on her way to the top national award. She was among individuals and organizations that detailed their initiatives in support of the District. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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July 2016

Anna Conrad NEW STATE FFA OFFICER, AREA V VICE PRESIDENT By Jim Frankowiak

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Continuing Her Family’s Rich Agricultural Heritage In 1988 the name was changed to the National FFA Organization, now commonly referred to as simply FFA, to recognize that the organization is for those with diverse interests in the food, fiber and natural resource industries, encompassing science, business and technology in addition to production agriculture.

Anna Conrad has just become a state FFA officer, the Area V State Vice President, a major accomplishment, but not a surprising one. The daughter of Jason and Stephanie Conrad, Anna was born into a strong agricultural family, growing up on a cattle ranch in the Dover area. She has two sisters, Madi, 15; Shalee, 10; and a brother, eight-year-old Tucker. “I loved raising cattle and was happy to help take care of them with my family as we rode around the pastures on four-wheelers,” she said. “When I was eight I joined 4-H and showed my first heifer at the Florida Strawberry Festival and Hillsborough County Fair,” she said. Anna’s love for animals continues to grow, as has her herd, which now numbers 26. She has also participated in countless cattle show exhibitions, both in and out of state, counting the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), which is held in Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, as one of their favorite places to show cattle. Conrad has done well competitively. Her heifer won Overall Grand Champion honors in 2014 at the Florida Strawberry Festival and her steer won the Lightweight Division Championship at the 2015 festival. “I joined FFA in the sixth grade just as many members of my family had done.” In addition to being involved with 4-H and FFA, she also participated in dance, swimming and gymnastics, “but after attending my first state FFA convention and becoming involved in various workshops, including leadership sessions, I found something that had a profound impact on me,” said Anna. “I gave up those other interests and really concentrated on FFA and its diverse programs. I know this is the place I am supposed to be.” Originally known as “Future Farmers of America,” the organization was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. They brought together students, teachers and agribusinesses to solidify support for agricultural education. Since then, millions of agriculture students have donned the official navy blue FFA jacket and championed the FFA creed. The organization’s membership includes minorities and women. The organization is expanding the nation’s view of traditional agriculture and finding new ways to infuse agriculture. FFA nationally has more than 610,000 members in 7,665 chapters throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is the largest career and technical student organization in the U.S. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

The Florida FFA Association has over 18,000 middle and high school student members as part of over 300 local FFA chapters throughout the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA Career Development Events (CDEs) are contests that members compete in to test their skills learned through agricultural education instruction. Supervised Agricultural Experience Programs involve hands-on application of concepts and principles learned in the classroom. They are grouped into four areas: * Exploratory – learning about the “big picture” of agriculture and related careers * Research/Experimental Analysis – conducting research or analysis of information to discover new knowledge * Ownership/Entrepreneurship – planning and operation of an agriculture-related business, and * Placement – working either for pay or experience in an agricultural setting For Anna it all came together very quickly. “I was shy and very reserved as a student at Tomlin, but that first state FFA convention helped me break out of my shell as I became comfortable speaking publicly and actively participating in several sessions.” Breaking out of her shell was exactly what happened as Anna’s participation in CDE’s has also been well noted. She has been on three State winning teams, several top 5 and top 10 placing teams and recently was second in the State High School Extemporaneous Public Speaking Event. Her active participation has also grown remarkably as Anna became president of the FFA Chapter at Plant City High School and also served two consecutive years as president of Florida FFA’s District 9, comprising chapters in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties with some 4,000 active members. With election to state FFA office, Anna has become part of the eight-member team of officers, all of whom have agreed to commit the next year to service as full-time leaders. “I am honored and pleased to serve and represent my area and to advocate for both agriculture and FFA,” she said. The FFA state officer team will help foster chapter programs across the state, actively participate in the leadership conferences and serve as voting delegates at the national FFA convention in October. “In January we will all participate in an international trip to a country that has yet to be determined,” she said. Recent FFA international trips have included visits to South Africa, China Continues on Pg. 70

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and Brazil. Although state officers are volunteers, FFA does help cover some travel expenses in and out of state. Her upcoming international trip is one that she will seek sponsorship for, to help cover the expense. “We do spend a good deal of time in Gainesville and we have male and female dorm rooms at the new FFA headquarters on the grounds of Florida Farm Bureau.” Anna also wants to help expand on the understanding of the many facets of FFA. “A lot of people have the mistaken impression that FFA is strictly focused on production agriculture,” she said. “Yes, we have a strong production agricultural focus, but we are also heavily involved in public speaking, education, communications and the development and support of policies through engagement in the political process.”

very quick to share credit for her successes with thanks to her family and the community for their support and prayers. “Knowing that my community and family are behind me, gives me a tremendous support system.” It should be no surprise that Anna’s parents were both actively involved in FFA. That involvement in agriculture continues today as her parents are actively involved in the Florida FFA Alumni Association and the Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Association.

After her term as a state FFA officer, Anna plans to attend Warner University in Lake Wales where she intends to major in agricultural studies and pre-law. “I really enjoy the one-on-one time between students and faculty at Warner. That is a personal college experience that is just right for me,” said Anna. Though she plans to study pre-law, law school may or not be her next step. “If I do pursue a law degree, I would focus on agricultural law, and I do know that I will become involved in Ag policy development and politics whether I pursue a law degree or not,” she said. Anna’s other interests include watching sports of any kind, which she terms “a stress reliever,” and involvement with Welcome Baptist Church in Lithia, the church her family has attended for many years. “That’s a small church and we are all like one big family there,” she said. Anna recently helped organize a girl’s bible study group at the church. “My faith is very important to me and I hope it shines through me,” she said. Anna’s achievements as both an exhibitor and member have come from her commitment and hard work, but she is also 70

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Congratulations, Anna. Your community is definitely in your corner! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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Aquaponics with a Twist

By Ginny Mink

So, let me first tell you that this month has been a whirlwind of activity. We just bought an acre (a wet acre, but an acre nonetheless) and are hopeful about starting our own, very mini, farm (eventually) Therefore, we were a little pressed for figuring out what to do about this month’s adventure. Then I had a brilliant idea: aquaponics…with a twist (a big, probably not valid, twist). I tried to keep the plan from all the kids. Jaidyn (J) usually knows in advance what I’ve got up my sleeve but this time I wanted to surprise him too. I took the kids to Publix and I let them pick whatever they wanted to have for dinner (that did not involve cooking) because I told them we would be having a picnic. In truth, I just needed to eat up some time before we could start the real fun. “We’re doing Meet the Minks tonight,” I had announced to the kids prior to our arrival at Publix. “What is it?” Hazel asked with a slightly exaggerated level of exasperation (she’s getting to be quite dramatic). Jaidyn answered, “It’s a surprise. I don’t even know what it is.” I smiled. I like leaving him wondering too. Unfortunately he’s pretty adept at asking seemingly innocent questions that ultimately give him enough information to figure out just what’s going on. So, before we’d finished our picnic he knew exactly where we were headed. I was bummed. Anyhow, Hazel declared, “If it doesn’t involve horses I don’t want to do it!” Zeke, ever his big sister’s best friend and faithful supporter, announced, “Me neither!” I just thought, “UGH these ungrateful children!” but I said, “Then you can wait outside while we have fun.” This was one of those statements that aided in J’s deductive reasoning, dear Watson. 74

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“No!” They declared in unison. “But what is it?” Hazel questioned. “A surprise.” I said and smiled back at her. She was not even slightly amused. And all I could think was, “Dear God, please don’t let this idea backfire!” As cute as you might think they are, they can be some real rabble rousers. At Publix, Hazel picked deviled eggs with her lunchable and Zeke chose potato salad to go with his. But, he ate some of Hazel’s eggs (and so did J). Note to self, all three kids like deviled eggs, get Mammaw to make them (because I hate doing it). We ate our meals (I had hummus and pretzels) while standing at a tree in a shaded area of the Publix parking lot. I told the kids it was an impromptu picnic but I’ll admit I was wishing we’d had a blanket or something in the car. Since we just got a new car I was kicking myself about having not transferred the blue sheets from the van into it. That would have worked well. But as it was, we ate our dinner standing up, food and drinks resting on a stump. Not exactly ideal. “Is it time yet?” Hazel asked. I smiled, at least she was slightly curious about what we were doing next. I was really excited about this plan (even if it was a bit far-fetched from an agricultural standpoint). We arrived at our destination and the kids still had no idea where we were, or what we’d be doing there. It was hysterical really because most kids (by Hazel’s age I think) know what a movie theater is. Even once inside, with all the posters, they were clueless. We met my friend, Morgan, and her son, Caleb (one of J’s friends, an additional surprise for him), and then we entered the theater to watch: Finding Dory (see the aquaponics twist?). Now, my little ones haven’t see Finding Nemo but they know who Nemo is. So they were a little bit interested, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

but not nearly as excited as I thought they would be. It was disheartening if you want to know the truth.

long.

Of course, it was a night movie so it was destined to end after their bedtime and therefore I was destined to have to deal with cranky kids. They did pretty well ‘til about the last half hour. Then I had to listen to Hazel’s, “It’s too long….” repetitive complaints. And I had to keep my eye on Zeke who was playing acrobat on the rails.

Here’s where I try to tie in some aquaponics…Dory is on a mission to find her parents and she discovers that they are located in…oh wait, I can’t tell you anything about the movie. Man! I guess you’ll have to watch it and then find the aquaponics tie-in yourselves. At least you can see that this is a movie about tropical fish and they’re a staple in aquaponic ventures.

I’d tell you about specific reactions to parts of the movie but I don’t want to be accused of being a spoiler. I can tell you that this was Hazel and Zeke’s first movie theater experience, and the first one I’ve seen in a theatre in at least six years. I wouldn’t pay to see it again. I’d recommend you just wait ‘til it comes out on DVD, or Netflix, whichever is cheaper and quicker. It was a good movie but Hazel was right, it was too

I’m sorry. Maybe next month we’ll be ready to do something really agricultural on our property. Something the kids have never done. That shouldn’t be too hard since they’re city kids living out in the boonies now. If you have any suggestions, or supplies (we want to have chickens and dairy goats), feel free to send me an email: ginnymink@gmail.com.

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July 2016

Market Watch: Growing Rootz

Seminole Heights is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing areas in Tampa Bay. With its eclectic mix of restaurants, hipster bars and retro-themed shops, you would think it would be difficult to find farm-fresh eggs or organic produce. That’s not the case in Seminole Heights because you can find these items; all you have to do is stop in at Jug & Bottle Dept. (www. jugandbottledept.com). The Seminole Heights liquor store carries the locally grown, organic, hydroponic, herbicide/pesticide-free, soy-free, GMO-free and grass-fed products offered by Growing Rootz. Carlen Garmon is the owner of Growing Rootz and she loves the fact that she has a little pop-up market inside Jug & Bottle Dept. “The thing I like most about the Seminole Heights community is that it really is a community,” Garmon said. “We’re kind of known as the ‘hippie’ part of town and that’s exactly why I fit in. A large majority of the people here feel the same way that I do about nutrition, whole foods and sourcing locally in addition to all the other parts of life we do just a little different to be a little more sustainable.” When she first moved to Seminole Heights a few years ago, she visited many of the establishments in the area to offer her locally sourced produce and products. “Even though Jug & Bottle Dept. wasn’t opened yet, one of the restaurant/ bar owners who I spoke with was also one of the partners at the store and asked that I return when their business was underway to discuss partnering,” Garmon said. “The partners decided to give the eggs and dairy a shot. A year later, they still carry my eggs in-store.” 76

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By Libby Hopkins

They put the produce idea on the back burner while the store solidified their business in the neighborhood. “Just a few months ago, they approached me with the idea of offering the produce in a market-style setting for the community within their store,” Garmon said. She likes that the community is all about giving back and reaching out to each other, all while supporting one another. Garmon is originally from Michigan where she was the second of four children. Her parents were dedicated to sustainable living. “We always had a garden and had rabbits and chickens,” Garmon said. “My mother always cooked from scratch. We made seasonal trips to local you-pick farms for what we weren’t growing ourselves.” When Garmon turned 14, she got her first job at a landscaping company with a retail nursery. “My job included watering plants, weeding beds, laying sod, planting trees, learning about growth and pruning, in addition to horticulture disease and how to treat it,” Garmon said. “I nursed plants back to health and learned Latin.” In 2000, Garmon was diagnosed with Hyperinsulinemia and was immediately thrown into a very specific nutrition plan, along with having to take Metformin each day to keep her sugars balanced. In 2011 she became pregnant and like so many new moms do, she started taking notice to the quality of food she was eating. “At first I started cutting out practically everything in my home that was processed or contained ingredients WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

I couldn’t pronounce,” Garmon said. “Next I really started looking at the quality of proteins we were consuming and why this produced labeled ‘organic’ really meant anything of importance.” All this research lead her to start making her own cleaning products, changing her body care products and seeking local farmers to purchase food. It also lead her to starting her own business of providing the community with a one-stop service that offer access to everything healthy and organic. Growing Rootz was born. “It’s a lot of work keeping up with everything but it doesn’t feel that way because I love it and believe that is often the missing link for small, local, family farms these days.” All of Growing Rootz products are sourced locally from farms all over Florida. “When it comes to ingredients, I have always been devoted to offering the very best options that there are to offer,” Garmon said. “For example, the protein bites I carry contain a whey protein that is from grassfed, GMO-free fed animals and have been created in Tampa.” Keeping things local and shopping local is extremely important to Garmon. “I believe it is even more pertinent that we support small businesses and acknowledge who the real hard workers are around us,” Garmon said. If you would like to learn more about the products offered at Growing Rootz, you can visit Garmon’s website at www. growingrootz.net. You can also check out Growing Rootz products at Jug & Bottle Dept. located at 6203 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa.

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July 2016

Naturally A Closer Look Amazing Activities

by Sean Green

DIY Portable Air Cooler Summertime has only just begun and it’s HOT! This is the time of year the AC unit is most likely to fail and I can tell you from personal experience that it does not take long for the temperature and humidity to rise to “uncomfortable” in the middle of a summer day. If you have access to ice, a simple and fairly effective portable air cooler can be made for less than $20 and can be used as a back to cool a small room when the main AC goes out, keep the car cool in the heat of the day, or keep the tent cool for summertime camping. With ordinary ice, the cooler will output air temperatures of around 40°F for several hours. It is well known that adding salt to ice will not only melt the ice, but actually lower the temperature of the resulting slurry to well below freezing (32°F), more salt results in colder temperatures.

Materials: Utility Knife Styrofoam Cooler PVC Elbow (2” or 3”)

Fan (4 to 6 inch) Water Salt Ice

Trace the circumference of the PVC elbow onto the top lid of the cooler.

Cut a hole for the fan in the top lid of the cooler Cut at 45° angle to create a smaller interior diameter and provide a better seal.

Cut a hole for the PVC elbow (exhaust) in the top lid of the cooler. Cut at 45° angle to create a smaller interior diameter and provide a better seal.

Fill 1/3 of the cooler with tap water

Add at least 1 pound of salt to the tap water *more is better* (table salt works better than rock salt)

Fill another 1/3 of the cooler with ice * leaving 1/3 air space for circulation *

Plug the fan in to circulate air through the cooler, cold air should exit the exhaust PVC

As an alternative to an AC powered fan, consider looking for fans that can be powered with batteries or solar panels, so it can be used for camping or power outages.

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A Closer Look

by Sean Green

Land Planarians (Bipaliinae) only on snails and slugs. Bipalium adventitium, an earthworm eater, is found in the northern states and only grows to about 4 inches. It is identified by its single narrow stripe running down its back side. This species finds its prey by following a chemical trail left by the earthworm through the soil. Bipalium pennsylvanicum, also an earthworm eater, is known as the three lined land planarian and has a dark brown head and three stripes running the length of its body. This species was only known to be found in Pennsylvania when it was first described by Robert E. Ogren in 1987 but in 2014 populations were confirmed in coastal South Carolina. Bipalium vagum is the mollusk eater (snails and slugs) and one of the two that are likely to be found in Florida. They are throughout the southeastern US. Bipalium vagum can be identified by its three thick dark stripes running the length of its body, and two dark spots on its head, but it’s most defining characteristic is that it is the only species with a full neck collar. Bipalium kewense, another earthworm eater, is common in the southern states and can grow to more than 10 inches. This species is characterized by five distinct dark stripes running the length of its body, the middle stripe being thin, and the stripes terminate at the head to create a partial collar. Bipalium kewense is perhaps the most studied of the four species. So far though there is still very little understanding of any species.

North America is home to a growing number of invasive species that are introduced through transcontinental shipping of agriculture. Some are welcome, some simply tolerated, and some violently despised. During the rainy season each year, my fascination with a particular resident is renewed as I watch it make its way across my front porch. The critter is a predatory land planarian (flatworm). It looks like a long skinny worm with a head resembling that of a hammerhead shark, a characteristic that has inspired it’s common name “hammerhead worm.” This invasive species, and it’s relatives thrive in our Florida climate and will probably become naturalized. For some, this worm is a hero, for others a villain, with a closer look, you can decide for yourself if it’s friend or foe. Planarians or flatworms are common in salt water, fresh water, and terrestrial environments. These animals are known for their ability to regenerate body parts and are often a featured high school biology experiment that demonstrates regeneration. When split properly, both halves will regenerate into two separate individuals. Planarians that live on land (land planarians) comprise the family Geoplanidae, “Geo” (earth). Within the Geoplanidae family, there are some flatworms that are characterized by a half moon or pickaxe shaped head they comprise a subfamily of flatworms commonly called “hammerhead worms” or Bipaliinae “bi” (two) + “pala” (spade). The genus Bipalium is endemic to India, Indochina, Indonesia and Japan. In the United States there are four introduced species of Bipalium, three of them prey only on earthworms, and the forth, prey WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Though we know very little about these species, the two species that are known to exist in Florida are being well studied and there have been some interesting discoveries. Florida fisherman are well aware of the dangers associated with Tetraodontiformes, an order of fish associated with the powerful neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin (TTX) such as pufferfish and porcupinefish. The neurotoxin (TTX) is approximately 25 times more toxic than potassium cyanide for oral lethal dose according to its MSDS sheet and can enter the body through ingestion, injection, inhalation or abrasion. The neurotoxin (TTX) common in these fish were previously unknown in land dwelling invertebrates, however, recent studies have confirmed that TTX is distributed through the body of both Bipalium adventitium and Bipalium kewense paralyzing prey several times the size of the planarian. The toxin TTX has also been found on egg capsules of Bipalium adventitium and is thought to be a means of protecting the eggs from predators. Once its prey is subdued by the neurotoxin, the Planarian will push it’s pharynx out of its mouth to secrete enzymes that dissolve its preys flesh allowing the Planarian to suck the liquefied tissue into its body in much the same way a spider would consume its prey. Bipalium are not known to have any natural predators in the United States. In feeding trials, two snake species and six salamander species were tested as potential predators. Only a few salamanders (2%) struck and ate the planarian the other potential predators would not even recognize the planarian as potential prey. The mechanics for the production of TTX in marine animals is not fully understood and is currently the only model that exists for attempts to understand similar terrestrial systems. More research will need to take place before any reasonable conclusions can be made about this species. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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FLORIDA HOPS TRIAL UPDATE – A Good Beginning

By Jim Frankowiak

Representatives of the growing craft beer community in Florida recently gathered at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education (GCREC) for an initial report on hops grown at the center under a new project taking place at the center. The project, which received the majority of its funding from a U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, is to determine the viability of Florida grown hops “with specific emphasis on the selection of suitable hop varieties and determining the horticultural practices that can increase yields,” said GCREC study team leader Dr. Zhanao Deng. The growth of brewing and sale of craft beers in the state is on a significant upswing, with annual sales approaching $900 million and yearly production by more than 150 in state brewers exceeding 1.2 million barrels. With that growth comes a growing need for the highest quality ingredients, locally grown, if possible. Hops, one of the primary ingredients for craft beer, have traditionally been acquired from either the northwestern U.S. or Germany. Several Florida growers are testing the viability of growing hops in the sunshine state. That led to an initiative involving representatives from the UF/IFAS Apopka center, GCREC, Hillsborough County Agriculture Development Board, Extension and Cigar City Brewing that resulted in the preparation of a proposal for a Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant to support further research regarding the growth of hops in Florida. The team won the more than $158,000 grant that led to the construction of a hop yard 82

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July 2016

at the GCREC and a second trial. The initial GCREC trial included three varieties of young hops plants – Cascade, Hallertauer and Saaz grown in containers for six months in greenhouses at the GCREC. The Cascade variety was the best performer of the three varieties. In addition to the grant, the project has received monetary support from the GCREC, Cigar City Brewing, The Bailey Family Foundation, Hopsteiner, Chemical Dynamics, Crooked Can Brewing Company and “ongoing input and support from many craft brewers in Florida,” said Deng. “We continue to look to local brewers and hop growers for their input as we proceed with this study.” Construction of the GCREC hop yard began this past March and consists of eight rows, each containing five, 25-foot utility poles connected by galvanized wire. Hops plants are spaced from 2.5 to 3.5 feet apart and rows are 15-feet apart, which corresponds to 830-1,163 hops plants per acre. The overall size of the GCREC Hop Yard is about an acre. Planting took place April 8, 12 and 19. One side of the hop yard includes two varieties (Cascade and Chinook) under the aegis of GCREC Assistant Professor and Plant Physiologist Dr. Shinsuke Agehara. His focus is the evaluation of two nitrogen fertilization rates (0.75 and ↓l.0 lb./acre/day) and three plant spacings (2.5, 3 and 3.5-feet). The other side of the hop yard contained 13 varieties and was under the supervision of Dr.Deng. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

The GCREC team had hoped to plant 22 varieties of hops in the hop yard, but planted 13 that were sourced from Freshops in Oregon and Hopsteiner in Washington State. All varieties were rhizomes, portions of hops’ plant stems underground, and there were instances of viruses among the plants. “Future trials will include tissue culture plants to help assure we will not have similar virus problems,” said Deng. Best growth performers thus far include Cascade, Chinook, Nugget and Wiliamette. Next are Centennial, CTZ, Magnum, Fuggle and Perle varieties with Crystal, Saaz and Tettnanger lowest in growth. Cigar City Brewing’s Joey Redner has been a supporter and participant in the research taking place at the GCREC. “I am pleased with the results so far, but more work needs to be done. There appears to be potential for year round yields plus development of Florida varieties over a longer period of time.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Grower Ricky Burts Jr., who sells craft brewers three varieties of hops he grows at Burts Farms near Inverness, was favorably impressed by the growth rates and looks forward to future developments. “We began growing hops just over a year ago and it has been a great addition to our family agri-business,” he said. Initial focus of the study is to determine the best production system for hops varieties most suitable for growing in Florida and that includes evaluation of year round production potential along with a review of North Carolina State University trials data and comments from hops researchers. The team also hopes to include added hops varieties from sources with climates similar to Florida.

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