In The Field magazine Hillsborough County edition by Berry Publications, Inc

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WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM July 2022 Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • southsidestores.com 3012 S. Jim Redman

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JULY 2022 VOL. 19 • ISSUE 9

CONTENTS LAYLA DRAWDY: THE EXCEPTIONAL EXCEPTION

40 Cover Photo by Karen Berry PAGE 10 Endangered Species

PAGE 30 News Briefs PAGE 32 Nigerian Dwarf Goats

PAGE 12 Credit PAGE 14 Mobile Irrigation

PAGE 35 Leeks

PAGE 48 Conservation District PAGE 52 Starwberry Crest FFA PAGE 56 Scott Angle

PAGE 16 Garden Damage

PAGE 36 Native Plants

PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots

PAGE 44

PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter

PAGE 46 Activity

PAGE 60 BMP Update

PAGE 47 Closer Look

PAGE 61

PAGE 26 Caladium

John Dicks

PAGE 58 Flip My Yard

Urban Farms

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. 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

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

Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dennis Carlton, Jr.....................President Jake Raburn................Vice President Tony Lopez..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2021 - 2022 Carl Bauman, Member at large, Christina Andrlik, Jake Cremer, Travis Council Tiffany Dale, Drew Futch, Rep. Lawrence McClure, Madison Astin Salter, Michelle Williamson, Gayle Yanes

Kaylee Poppell, 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. Julie Carlson, Amy Engle

Plant City Office 813.752.5577

PAGE 28 Business Up Front

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL.

July 2022

305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer

Tampa Office 813.933.5440

6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Jared Bean

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Letter from the Editor Oh Florida, you are really being extra this summer…..extra heat, extra humidity. You know what else is extra? Maybe it’s just my house, but the mosquitos are out of control. I’ve mentioned in the past how much mosquitos love me and that it’s an unrequited love. Right now I can’t even seem to make it out the door before I am being dive bombed by the pesky little critters. I seem to be especially susceptible to the saliva they inject us with when they bite. This saliva keeps the blood from clotting so they can indulge in their blood meal as long as they can, or until you realize you are dinner for a critter. This meal is what mosquitos use to nourish their eggs so they can make more of the annoying little flying pests that zoom by your ears so that you do a little dance and wave your hands around you head. Or is that just me? Male mosquitos feed on nectar. Let’s hear it for the boys! If you are like me, and extremely susceptible to this foreign substance, there are home remedies you can try. Google will be your friend in this search. And as I’ve said in the past, if you find one that works, please share it with me! In the meantime, please take care when working outdoors. The heat is seriously oppressive this year. I feel like it gets worse each year but that could just be me. One thing is certain, however, you must take care not to overheat. It can cause a wide range of problems and even death if you don’t so something to rectify it. Have a great summer and stay hydrated!

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor Patsy Berry Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols George Domedion Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Intern Maggie Fussell Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders 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 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909

Until Next Month

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Publisher/Photography Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

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.

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

Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

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New Farm Bureau Member Benefit; Election Year Obligations HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Dear Readers – There are two things I would like to bring to your attention this month. The first is a new feature for members of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. It is a new membership portal to provide Farm Bureau members a unified member experience. This user-friendly portal is a central hub for members’ needs. It allows members to update their personal information, renew their membership, create a unique login for each family member, easily review member benefits and access exclusive digital content. It also permits members to download their membership cards and access valuable discounts at just one place online. This new membership portal, MyFFBF.org, can be accessed at floridafarmbureau.org. Secondly, this is an election year and it is important that Hillsborough County Farm Bureau educate candidates about our industry, its importance to Hillsborough County and the challenges our farmers and ranchers are facing. While we do this continually with

elected officials at all levels – local, county, state and nationally, it is especially important during election years. This educational process is critical and an effort we, “The Voice of Agriculture,” consider one of our most important duties and one that cannot be overlooked, as it has a strong impact on the future of our farmers and ranchers. If you are a Farm Bureau member, please consider volunteering to help us in our educational efforts, and if you are not a member, please consider joining. Visit us at hcframbureau.org or contact our Plant City location at 913-685-9121. We look forward to having you join us! Thank you. .

Dennis Carlton Jr. Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors

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Dennis Carlton, Jr. , President; Jake Raburn, Vice-President; Tony Lopez Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes, Judi Whitson, Executive Director

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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es

Sweet Scented Pigeon Wings By Libby Hopkins

SEED

Clitoria fragrans is a rare species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common name pigeon wings, or sweet-scented pigeon wings. It is endemic to Central Florida. The plant is a federally listed threatened species of the United States.

servation for a statewide initiative to preserve seeds from species not currently represented in conservation collections. The RPCP has chosen three species for this project, one of which includes the federally threatened and Florida endemic, sweet-scented pigeon wings.

It a perennial herb or subshrub which grows up to half a meter tall from a woody taproot, sometimes reaching one meter. The slender, purplish, slightly waxy-textured stems have leaves alternately arranged.

Anthropogenic activities that pose threats to populations of this species include habitat loss due to agriculture and residential development, and fire suppression that leads to impaired quality of the remaining habitat. Like many species that inhabit fire-prone landscapes, fragrans rebounds quickly following fire events and flowers prolifically. It is a sight to behold to see these beautiful purple flowers speckled amongst the charred black landscape.

Each leaf has three elongated oblong or lance-shaped, bristle-tipped green leaflets each up to 4.5 centimeters in length. The inflorescences occur in leaf axils, each bearing one or two fragrant blooms. The flower may be up to 5 cm long and is mostly pale pinkish purple with darker rose-pink streaks at the center and a white spot below. The flower is resupinated, with the reproductive parts curving around to point toward the back of the corolla; this forces a visiting insect to rub against them and thereby transfer pollen. This plant grows in undisturbed areas in Florida scrub habitat, often in the transition between scrub and sand hill areas. It prefers open habitat where it is not shaded by tall woody vegetation. Periodic wildfire is common in this type of habitat in its natural state, a process which keeps the taller vegetation from shading smaller herbs and shrubs. The deeply rooting taproot helps the plant to survive fires and then re-sprout. The plant grows in dry upland areas of the scrub in white, yellow and gray sand types. This plant is known from several widely scattered populations. Many of these are located on protected land within the bounds of Seminole State Forest, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest and National Wildlife Refuge and Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Park. Many occurrences are located on the Avon Park Air Force Range, where the military is required to monitor them because of the species’ federally threatened status.

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Bok Tower Gardens and The Rare Plant Conservation Program (RPCP) are collaborating with the Center for Plant Con-

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A wild population of pigeon wings exists among the natural areas at Bok Tower Gardens and is from this population that seeds for project are being collected. In August of last year, 51 drawstring organza bags were placed over the fruits of different maternal parents to ensure that the seed collection will comprise a good sampling of the population’s genetic diversity. When the fruits ripen and dry, an internal mechanism twists the fruits open, ejecting the seeds from the parent plant. This seed dispersal mechanism is a shared trait of members in Fabaceae and is an adaptation to disperse the seeds more widely than if they were just dispersed by gravity, and serves as a means to expand the population into new areas. Seeds of species of Clitoria also have another interesting feature: the seed coat is sticky. This feature may aid in dispersal, as it can make the seeds easily stick to animals, although the true function of this remains a mystery. As for the seed being collected from at Bok Tower Gardens, once the seeds are mature they will be removed from the bags and counted. Seeds will be kept separate by maternal line. A subset of the seeds will remain in the National Collection seed storage facilities at the Gardens. The rest of the seeds will be packaged and sent to the National Laboratory for Genetic Resources Preservation for long-term storage to fulfill the goal of preserving seeds of this species under the Center for Plant Conservation project. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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FIVE TIPS TO GETTING AND KEEPING CREDIT

By Jim Frankowiak As the Federal Reserve battles inflation, consumers and businesses are looking at how to keep their credit scores in check, gain the most out of their credit and keep it strong and manageable. “The goal is to earn interest, not to pay it,” said Carol Roberts, one of several UF/IFAS Extension agents throughout Florida specializing in community resource development. “Now is the time to wipe out your credit debt and put that monthly payment into an emergency fund instead.” Roberts offers five insights to getting credit responsibly and keeping it healthy in the current credit-lending industry: 1. Know you have a credit score and how it affects your life. Even when you are not applying for a loan or credit card, your credit score is used by others to make decisions about you. Those “others” include auto insurers and employers. It is important to understand the five factors that impact your credit score. The biggest factor is your credit repayment profile. That equates to how well you pay off your credit accounts. If you are more than 30 days late paying a credit account, this is reported to the credit bureau, and that negatively impacts your credit score. Showing that you pay on time is important. Another big part of your score is how much you currently owe in relation to how much you have access to borrow. This is known as your debt-to-credit ratio. Using about 30% of your revolving credit limits combined is optimal. Also factored into the score is the age of each of your credit accounts and the types of credit you’ve used. Know which are revolving versus installment accounts. The bottom line: keep a watchful eye on how you manage your credit.

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2. Know your score before applying for credit. Your ability to qualify for credit is based largely on your credit score and your income. You will have to report these when applying for a loan or a credit card. In some cases, you may also need to disclose other assets and monthly expenses. If your score is lower than the lender’s threshold, they can deny you the credit or approve you at a higher interest rate or annual percentage rate (APR). A higher rate raises the cost of borrowing. The higher your credit score, the lower the rate you can qualify for by the creditor. In this case, borrowing can cost less to pay back.

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3. What to consider when building or rebuilding credit. It is often easier to qualify for a store-specific charge card instead of a major credit card when building or rebuilding credit. If you obtain a credit card for a gas station or a clothing store, use this card to purchase a low dollar amount once a month, then pay the bill in full as soon as you receive the statement. Make sure the purchase is low enough to ensure that you can pay it in full. This will avoid any interest charges while building your credit. Be sure to pay on time for the full impact and avoid late fees which can also impact your credit score. 4. It is up to you to understand your credit limits. Financial institutions make money from your credit use. Often, they will entice the borrower toward easy credit terms, higher credit limits and more. If you know you are an impulse spender, don’t take the cards to go shopping. Better yet, load a gift card with the amount you intend to spend and use that to keep you from overspending and using your credit line. Credit is a convenience that allows us to spend tomorrow’s money today for a fee. The problem lies when you need tomorrow’s money for tomorrow’s expenses. This can lead to overextending your budget and relying on credit. Create a spending plan and plan your credit usage to avoid overextending. 5. If you have overextended your credit – be proactive to pay it off. Start by contacting your creditors and working with them to explore your options. If they don’t hear from you, they can’t help you. Remember, it is in their best interest to help you in some way so you can pay their bill and not default. Depending on the situation causing the hardship, they may allow you to skip a payment, revise a loan or freeze an account to avoid increasing the balance with more fees. If the situation has gone so far as to include a debt collector, know your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and consider seeking the help of a reputable credit counselor. For more information on dealing with debt, check out this video produced by UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County: https:// youtu.be/PTGuSt2_ut4 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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DISTRICT OFFERS FREE MOBILE IRRIGATION LAB SERVICES TO GROWERS

By Jim Frankowiak The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is offering Mobile Irrigation Lab services to area growers at no cost. The services provided assist the agricultural community with water conservation and water quality improvements. Every year, growers are facing greater restrictions, new regulations and increasing costs of water use. With the growing demand to produce more crops with fewer resources, efficient water use is essential for sustainable agricultural operations. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture–Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA–NRCS), the District’s Mobile Irrigation Lab helps growers stay within water use permitted quantities and is a free, voluntary, and confidential service - any grower can contact the District to arrange an evaluation.

tion Lab staff review the data and provide a report with recommendations for improvements and irrigation schedules. An irrigation schedule offers a general guide to determine when and how much to irrigate based on system efficiency, crop requirements and soil characteristics. The technician may return to collect data and review all information with the grower. The District may even provide free soil moisture-sensing devices to help adapt the schedule to the site and calibration and maintenance of the devices.

Typically, if all recommendations are implemented, growers can significantly improve their system irrigation efficiency which is helpful to any grower’s bottom line, as Once a grower has requested Mobile Irrigation Lab services, well as the region’s water rea trained technician visits the grower’s farm and collects field sources. data and information on the irrigation system. Mobile Irriga-

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For more information and to contact the District for Mobile Irrigation Lab services, contact Guillermo Alverio with the NRCS at 863-773-4764 x3.

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PLANT CITY GARDEN SEEKING DONATIONS TO REPAIR WEATHER DAMAGE, VANDALISM By Jim Frankowiak

The impact of a tornado that touched up and down around Plant City last month left its mark at the Plant City Commons Community Garden and Botanical Gardens along with senseless and serious vandalism on the night of June 27. “We had a section of roof sucked off, some damage inside and some damage out in the garden,” said Karen Elizabeth, CHHC, in an email seeking donations for needed repairs at the popular community center. “The garden and greenhouse were seriously vandalized on the night of June 27. Both were trashed. Many plants, stones and soil were duped into the 450-gallon fish tank that is part of aquaponic system,” she said. “Six fish died, the lettuces in the grow stands were pulled out and thrown about. The doors were opened only after the windows were smashed in. Splintered glass was spread across the floor. “Outside in the garden was a swath of destruction. Plant stands were overturned, potted plants dumped and strewn across the ground. There was a broken fan in the gazebo, broken window in the lending library and more. “We are heartbroken,” said Elizabeth. “We are all volunteers and work hard to maintain our programs to share with the community. Thankfully, our members rallied together to put everything back in order. Between the storm and criminal activity, the cost just keeps increasing.”

The garden, located at 2001 East Cherry Street on the east side of Plant City, has started a “Go Fund Me” campaign to underwrite repairs “needed to keep our grounds, Aquaponic, Hydroponic and plant starting programs cool, healthy secure, safe and available for our visitors and educational activities,” said Elizabeth. “The greenhouse is used for workshops, field trips for the community and various groups such as the Boy and Girl Scouts. We grow nutritious vegetables and herbs for our members and the community, donating some of these vegetables to local food pantries,” she noted. “The cooling system in the greenhouse is not working properly with the roof section missing. We want to repair this immediately so our services to the community are not interrupted. As a non-profit, we rely fully on volunteers and we are hoping to raise $2,000 to pay a local contractor to make the repairs to the greenhouse,” said Elizabeth. That goal may increase as costs associated with the vandalism are determined.

“Thank you for your contribution to our community,” Elizabeth concluded.

Plant City Commons, Inc. is a registered non-profit organization and donations are typically tax deductible.

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To donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/greenhouse-repairs-from-storm/donate.

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Boat Trailers Give Us – Choices Capt. Woody Gore

Each year an estimated ten million boaters will trailer their vessels. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, nearly 60,000 crashes involved passenger vehicles towing a trailer. Therefore, it’s no wonder that towing a vessel and highway safety are synonymous with safety on the road and water. Tow vehicles and trailers have specific safety standards. Consequently, knowing your trailer package’s size, weight, and length is critical in determining whether your tow vehicle has sufficient horsepower and braking power to handle the load. It’s important to know this information before hooking up.

with water, or use traffic cones. Practicing here will exert less anxiety and mental stress on yourself and others. And if you make a mistake, you probably won’t damage anything. Outside rearview mirrors are essential in towing and learning to trust them is necessary when backing. Mirrors allow you to see nearly everything behind and identify whether the trailer is going left or right. Since some of what you do at the boat ramp requires backing the trailer, it’s understandable you should be skillful at this maneuver, especially at crowded weekend ramps.

Which way is it going? Backing a trailer In combination with vehicle safety standards, always use a high-quality trailer hitch matching the weight of the trailered load. If you install it yourself carefully, follow the installation instructions (taking no shortcuts) or have it installed by a professional. One last thing about hitches is you properly attach the trailer and safety chains to the towing vehicle, ensure the ball is correctly engaged and locked onto the hitch, and adequately attach the safety chains. Since trailers must have lights, you’ll need to connect a trailer wiring harness to your vehicle. Today’s vehicles come equipped with expensive computer modules. And most require additional parts, so ensure you know what you’re doing before attaching the trailer wiring harness. Remember, if wired incorrectly, you could incur a costly repair bill. So, unless you know what you’re doing, have it installed by a professional.

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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

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Since a trailer is an extension of your vehicle, getting a handle on towing requires preparation and ample practice. First, you must know how your rig reacts when turning, backing, or maneuvering in and around tight spaces. So, it’s probably a good idea to practice in a large semi-empty unobstructed parking lot. You can use the parking space lines, set up a few old one-liter bottles filled

is different than backing a vehicle. Because the trailer turns in the opposite direction of the vehicle.

To understand, start by placing your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. As you slowly back up, turn the steering wheel by moving your hand to the left, and the trailer turns to the left. Now move it to the right, and the trailer turns to the right. Your trailer will always turn in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle. While it seems simple, a small steering wheel turn causes a significant turn for the trailer. Never back too fast. The slower you go, the easier it is to make corrections. On the other hand, over-steering will result in a severe angle between the vehicle and trailer, referred to as jack-knife. Stop backing; pull forward to straighten things out and start again. If you continue backing in a jack-knife situation, you will damage your trailer, vehicle, or both. Once you’ve had a long practice session, you’re off to the water for a day of fun with the family or fishing buddy. If it’s crowded when you arrive, don’t become frustrated, you know what to do because you’ve already done it. Please stop in the staging area, prepare your boat for launching, and enter the launch area when it’s your turn. Back down quickly and safely, hold the launching rope you WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

attached when you prepared earlier, unhook the winch strap on the boat and launch. Tie up to the furthest point on the dock and exit without delay. Here is one final tip about parking your rig. Make sure it’s straight and between the parking lines. Parking is a premium at most ramps, and there is no need to block

July Fishing Report Tampa Bay 2022 It is already July, and it’s HOT. If you’re fishing low water flats, especially before an incoming tide and your live bait starts to die, keep in mind the low water may deplete its oxygen. So, remember where it chased the outgoing tide from the shallow backcountry. Wherever low tides last through the night, remember that the previous day’s water temperatures have escalated and are now on the outside. Since the shallow water backcountry tends to lose its ability to retain oxygen, some backcountry flats and pools are carried out to your favorite fishing areas during outgoing tides.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”

813-477-3814

Capt. Woody Gore owns and operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas for the past sixty years. He offers first-class customer service, familyoriented charters, and a lifetime of memories. Call 813-477-3814 or Visit our website, www.captainwoodygore.com, or email us at fishing@captainwoodygore.com

As usual, July remains hot without any relief, at least for another couple of months. Despite the heat, anglers willing to endure high temperatures and humidity can look forward to catching plenty of fish. From Mackerel to Tarpon, everything cooperates and eats just about anything tossed in their direction.

Snook Redfish and Trout have remained steady. Snook

seems to be biting everywhere. Especially around the flats and mangrove shorelines, and always willing to take greenbacks tossed in their direction.

Redfish action throughout the bay seems consistent with

plenty of slot fish waiting to tug on your line. Trout usually haunt the same areas as snook, and redfish often cruise open water flats and sandy patches. You’ll also find them moving into the mangrove shade during the day. However, the trout usually stay on the open grass flats hanging around sandy potholes and deeper grass.

Cobia are usually found around markers, buoys, and sandy broken-bottom grass flats, especially those holding bait. When fishing open water flats, it’s always a good idea to rig a rod and reel for something more extensive like cobia. Tarpon fishing should continue strong this month. Many begin

moving offshore to spawn. Threadfin herring, crabs, and larger greenbacks are Tampa Bay favorites and work well for tarpon.

Spanish Mackerel are on fire, and July fishing should be no exception. Find schools of threadfins or greenbacks, net a few, put out a chum bag, and hold onto your rod and reel. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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• It wasn’t until the Civil War that left and right shoes were made. • There are an average of 216 noodles in a can of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. • It’s been estimated that 15% to 20% of people who receive gift cards never redeem them. • An octopus has nine brains, one for each of its arms and one in the head. • In springtime, a wild male turkey’s head can turn a brilliant red, white or blue in a matter of moments. • Play-Doh was originally intended to be wallpaper cleaner. • It’s scientifically proven that the sight of red makes you hungrier than any other color.

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HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

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Grandpa I am now at the age and have grandkids that call me Grandpa. Now I realize why Grandpas smile all the time! It’s because we can’t hear a word your saying. Not being able to hear to well can cause some embarrassing moments, like the time when the kids went to church with Grandpa and Grandma. Halfway through the service, the grandpa leans over and whispers in his wife’s ear, “I’ve just let out a silent fart. What do you think I should do?” The Grandma replies, “Put a new battery in your hearing aid.”

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I love the story of the couple that went out to dinner to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. On the way home, she notices a tear in his eye and asks if he’s getting sentimental because they’re celebrating 50 wonderful years together. He replies, “No I was thinking about the time before we got married. Your father threatened me with a shotgun and said he’d have me thrown in jail for 50 years if I did not marry you. Tomorrow I would have gotten out of jail and would be a free man.”

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Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the July 2018 issue

Three old men were talking about their aches, pains and bodily functions. One 75 year-old man says, “I have this problem. I wake up every morning at seven and it takes me 20 minutes to pee.” The 80 year-old man says, “My case is worse. I get up at eight and I sit there and grunt and groan for half an hour before anything happens.” The 90 year-old man says, “At seven I tinkle like a horse on flat rock, and at eight I poop like a cow.” “So what’s your problem,” the other two ask? “I don’t wake up until nine,” he responded. Life is short, that’s why I eat my dessert first. My childhood punishments have become my adult goals. 1-Going to bed early. 2-Not leaving my house. 3-Not going to a party. You know you really have to stay positive in your golden years. For example, the other day I fell down the stairs…instead of getting upset I just thought, “Goodness, that’s the fastest I’ve moved in years.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

How many of these old sayings do you remember your grandfather saying? “Gooder’n snuff and not half as dusty.” “Saints alive!” “Land sakes!” “I’ll tan your hide!” “He’s so cheap, he squeaks when he walks!” “Tight as Dick’s hatband!” “When they were handing out the brains, she thought they said trains, and she missed hers!” “When you wallow with the pigs, expect to get dirty.” I went to Winn-Dixie in Plant City the other day and saw a grandfather with his two-year old grandson. It was obvious that grandpa wasn’t having an easy time of it, with the youngster scaling up and down every aisle, and grabbing all the candy his little hands would hold.

we will be out of here. When the screaming didn’t stop, the grandpa continued. “Jimmy, there is no reason to get angry, it will not take much longer.” The screaming continued and grandpa said, “Jimmy, I promise you we will be out of here in just a few minutes.” When I came out of the store I saw them in the parking lot, the child still screaming and the older man still talking softly and quietly to him. I couldn’t help myself. I walked over to the old man and child. “Sir,” I said, “I must say you are an amazing grandfather, the way you talked to the boy despite all of his screaming, Jimmy is a lucky kid to have a grandpa like you.” “Thanks,” said the grandfather, “but I’m Jimmy! This rotten little boy’s name is Anthony.”

Grandpa, however, kept his cool, and talked softly to the child. “Jimmy, relax, it won’t be long, and

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UF RELEASES FOUR NEW CALADIUM VARIETIES

By Jim Frankowiak

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has introduced four new caladium varieties. Florida serves as the sole source of caladiums for the world, satisfying the needs of growers and consumers globally.

• UF-15-441 (‘Firefly’): Many leaves with a creamy center and green margins sprout from this variety. It tolerates the sun and can perform well in both shady and sunny locations in the landscape.

“Caladiums love summer rains and heat and thrive in our climate,” said Zhanao Deng, a UF/IFAS professor of environmental horticulture who breeds caladiums. “They have colorful leaves that can rival many flowers and offer many months of color in gardens and patios. Caladium bulbs produced in Florida can sprout fast and put out attractive plants in the gardens or in containers in a few weeks.”

• UF-16-597 (‘Spicy Lizard’): This novel strap caladium is quite different from many other varieties with numerous burgundy spots scattered over a largely green leaf blade. It is well suited for use in the landscape.

Since 1976, UF/IFAS researchers have been breeding caladium cultivars. Deng, a scientist at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC), has developed four new varieties he describes as: • UF-R1410 (commercially called ‘Dots Delight’): This plant sports a novel color pattern, with white main veins and multiple light pink spots. It tolerates sunburns and resists leaf-spot diseases well. • UF-15-21 (‘White Lightning’): This caladium has white strap leaves with light pink streaks. It performs best in shady locations in the landscape.

Caladiums grow particularly well in Highlands County – about 60 miles south of Lakeland, in the heart of Florida. Deng calls the Lake Placid-Sebring area a “sweet spot” for producing caladiums since it has many months of frost-free weather, plenty of rain, fertile muck or organic soil. Terri Bates, owner of Bates Sons & Daughters in Lake Placid, said she’s always looking for unique, disease-resistant caladium varieties that produce a good yield. “‘Dots Delight and ‘White Lightning’ fit all the criteria,” said Bates, a big fan of Deng’s work. “Nothing looks like Dots Delight, and we have had a lot of success with that variety. White Lightning is a white strap (plant), and white straps are in very high demand. It also has a pale pink blush, which is different. The yields and demand are good.

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“We grow 12 UF/IFAS varieties developed by Dr. Deng, and they are a huge asset to our business as well as the landscape/retail garden center industry,” she said.

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Farming is stressful Help is available Call 211 Or Text ‘FarmFL’ to 898-211 Working on a farm can be physically and emotionally demanding. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, you’re not alone. Nine in ten farmers cite financial issues, farm business concerns and fear of losing their farms as mental health stressors. Call 211 to speak to someone who will listen and provide the resources you need to get through tough times. Calls are confidential and can be anonymous.

Learn more at 211.org

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Business Up Front

TRACTORS PLUS DIESEL SERVICES

By Jim Frankowiak

A YOUNG COMPANY WITH WELL-EXPERIENCED STAFF

Tractor Plus Diesel Services is a relatively young company, but its owner and his staff are well known and appreciated locally for their expertise and fair pricing. Owner Craig Jones and his sons Corey, Cory and Christian bring more than 30 years of experience to their customers. “We serve the agricultural industry throughout the local area, working on trucks and tractors,” said Jones. “In addition, we repair cars, A/C units, semis, power units and hydraulic cylinders and hoses. While much of our work is on diesel-powered tractors, trucks and power units, we also service gas-powered vehicles and equipment.”

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The market area served by Tractors Plus includes Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties, primarily, but Jones and his son also travel to assist customers as far away as Sebring, Orlando and Zolfo Springs. Customers have the option of having their equipment serviced on site or at the Plant

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City location of Tractors Plus Diesel Services, 5705 Hovan Avenue. “Our daily business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with emergency service provided on the weekend,” said Jones. “Our company is young, but we bring decades of experience to our customer,” noted Jones, who has been serving customers in the area for more than three decades. “I hold a Masters Degree in John Deere equipment repair and our company is licensed by the State of Florida for A/C repair. I guess you could say that I’m the face of John Deere in this market. “I’m pleased to have my sons working with me and I have had each of them learn at my side over the years.” In addition to years of experience, Tractors Plus offers highly competitive pricing for its services and an overriding commitment to treating customers in the same way they want to be treated – fairly. “The response to our company opening has been very strong and we appreciate that,” said Jones. “We welcome the opportunity to serve new customers.” Jones can be reached by telephone at 863/450-0265 or via email: tractorsplusdieselservices@gmail.com or bigdog32136@yahoo.com. Tractors Plus Diesel Services is located at 5705 Hovan Avenue, Plant City, FL 33565.

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July 2022

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NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

SWFWMD Conducting Prescribed Burns through September The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns now through September at the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve (south of Cross Creek Boulevard between U.S. Highway 301 and Morris Bridge Road) and Chito Branch Reserve (east of Browning Road and west of County Road 39 near Lithia. The burns will include approximately 700 acres and are being conducted to reduce the risk of wildfires.

USDA Conservation Innovation Grants Available

USDA Distributes Emergency Relief Program Applications

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $900,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for agricultural resources priorities in Florida this fiscal year. Those priorities are climate resilience, grazing, soil health and urban agriculture.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has mailed 303,000 pre-filled applications for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). This is a new program designed to help agricultural producers impacted by wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, winter storms and other qualifying natural disasters experienced during calendar years 2020 and 2021.

Grants ranging from $25,ooo to $250,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds from non-federal resources that can include cash or in-kind contributions. U.S.-based nonfederal entities and individuals may apply for projects in Florida. The deadline for proposals is August 31, 2022. For more information, contact the NRCS Office, 201 S. Collins Street, Suite 2, Plant City, FL 33563. Telephone: 813/752-1474, Ext. 3.

The distributed forms include eligibility requirements, outline the application process and provide estimated payment calculations. Producers will receive a separate application for each program year in which an eligible loss occurred. Receipt of a form does not confirm eligibility. Completed ERP applications must be received by the FSA no later than July 22, 2022.

Florida Farm Bureau Honored for Excellence in Communications The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) recently recognized professionals from Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) for exceptional work in communications. FFBF Staffers Cacee Hilliard, Amanda Overstreet and Rachael Smith took top honors for Best Magazine, Best Graphic Design and Best Unique Tactic or Execution.

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Organic producers and handlers may also apply for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program through participating State agencies. The Organic Certification Cost Share Program covers 50 percent or up to $500 per category of certification costs in 2022.

USDA/APHIS Funding New Pest Management Projects The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is accepting project suggestions for fiscal year 2023 Plant Protection Act funding up to $75 million with up to $7.5 million for projects under the National Clean Plant Network. The projects help to prevent, detect and mitigate invasive plant pests and diseases. Project suggestions should be submitted by August 1, 2022. For more information, visit: www.aphis.usda.gov/ppa-projects.

UF/IFAS to Introduce New, High Yield Blueberry Cultivar

“Communications at the state level are integral to the mission of Farm Bureau,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, “These professionals help ensure we are closely linked to our grassroots members and serve as critical partners highlighting the important work farmers and ranchers do each day, allowing us to be a powerful voice of agriculture across the country.”

Albus, a new blueberry cultivar, is to be introduced this fall offering multiple advantages to growers in the central region of Florida. In addition to good flavor, Albus offers high yield production. UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeder Patricio Munoz noted the current average yield for blueberries in Florida is 4,000 pounds per acre, while the low end of production of Albus in trials across seven locations yielded 8,000 pounds per acre. Its highest was 19,000 pounds.

USDA Accepting Applications for Organic Programs

USDA Conducting Feral Swine Damage Survey

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program and Organic Certification Cost Share Program. The programs help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting a Feral Swine Damage survey to measure costs of feral swine damage to crop operations. NASS is contacting 11,000 producers nationally, including 3,400 producers in the southeast.

To apply, producers and handlers should contact the USDA Food Service Agency (FSA) at the USDA Service Center Telephone: 813/752-1474. As part of completing the applications, organic producers and handlers will need to provide documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses.

NASS recommends responding online using the “Respondent Portal.” Respondents may also respond by mail. The deadline is August 12, 2022. For more information, contact the NASS Southern Regional Field Office at 800/253-4419,

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Auto Services Inc.

“We Are A FULL SERVICE Garage”

• Body Shop • Used /Reman Transmission • Engine Diagnostic/Tune Up • Maintenance/Repairs • CV Axles • Drive Shafts • AC Repair GUARANTEED USED PARTS • Alternator/Starter • Large selection of Used Tires • New and Used Glass Installed • Brakes

(813) 689-8255 2 Year Part Replacement & Labor Guarantee!

3159 Hwy. 60 East

3 miles east of Brandon Serving Brandon Since 1971

www.brandonautoservices.com

for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.

For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events

This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

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The Nigerian Dwarf Goat Club of Florida By Libby Hopkins

Nigerian dwarf goats are ideal livestock to keep on homesteads both large and small. A small stature or “mini goat” of this type can even be kept on a suburban homestead, using a dog box as a shelter and the fenced in backyard as its home. These miniature goats first arrived in America during the 1950s by a dairy farmer from West Africa. The goats made the journey over on the ship basically as a feeder animal for the big cats that were being transported to several zoos in the United States.

tary for the Florida Pinto Horse Association and had been for a few years, plus a Director of the Dixie Paint Horse Club and I did not want to have a board position at that time. I was just going to be a member.”

Thankfully, a lot has changed for the good for the mini goats! They have become very popular and even have their own club here in Florida.

The purpose of NDGCF is to share experiences with members’ Nigerian Dwarf goat, learn and support the youth that are interested in Dairy goats. “Everyone is welcome, it does not matter if you have Nigerian Dwarf goats or other breeds or just have an interest in goats,” Ray said. “We try to meet every other month at a volunteer hosts place, we have a club meeting, then a covered dish lunch and then some kind of topic.”

The Nigerian Dwarf Goat Club of Florida (NDGCF) is run by Sami Ray. She is the club’s current president. “I have had a farm since 1995,” Ray said. “I started riding horses when I was 14-years-old in Pinellas County and boarded my horse in Pinellas Park until my husband, John, and I moved to Wesley Chapel in 1995.” The couple bred Paint horses for more than 20 years. “I got my first pet goats in 1995,” Ray said. “In 2009 I had one left out of three, the other two had passed from old age. I got two more goats so he would have goat friends and I got my first registered Nigerian Dwarf doe, which was pregnant and off it went!”

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Currently, Ray has 67 goats, mostly Nigerian Dwarf, one that is a Nubian, one is an Oberhasli and several Mini Lamanchas. “The lady I purchased the first registered doe from was one of the founders of the Nigerian Dwarf Goat Club of Florida,” Ray said. “They were getting ready to have their first meeting at the end of 2009. I did not go because I was already the secre-

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July 2022

That all changed in 2010. “In 2010 I was Secretary for NDGCF and became president when someone had to step down in 2012. Since the original By Laws and Constitution did not specify term limits, I have been president ever since!”

The club has had veterinarians from the area come to speak on topics such as parasites, FAMACHA, blood drawing and fecal class. “Parasites are a big issue in Florida,” Ray said. “A representative from UF/IFAS Extension has come down and given us a presentation on Milking and Udder Health. So far, we have not had to charge for any of these speakers, they have all volunteered. We do duplicate subjects because we have new members every year.” The club also puts on an ADGA (American Dairy Goat Association) Nigerian Dwarf 2 Ring Show every March. “We work on that all year long as well,” Ray said. “The club has given several youth scholarships out and had youth contests.” Ray loves being a part of the club. “I just love our group,” Ray said. “They are just super nice people and a pleasure to be around. We all work together very well. It is fun helping new WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

goat owners and everyone learns new things.” NDGCF hopes to grow its members over the next year. “I would like to see the club grow and more people get involved with the board and managing the club,” Ray said. “I am always looking for new topics and speakers. It would be great if more youth kids would get involved with the club, not just for the show.” Keeping things local is very important to Ray and NDGCF. “Even though we have members all over the state, the majority are here in the Tampa Bay Area,” Ray said. “We hold our show here at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. In 2023 we will be holding the show at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. March 11th, 2023 will be our next March Mini Madness ADGA Nigerian Dwarf Dairy Goat Show.” If you would like to learn more about The Nigerian Dwarf Goat Club of Florida or if you’d like to become a member, you can visit their website at www.ndgcf. net.

With every generation,

we get better at protecting our environment. Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

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FLORIDA LEEKS By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science

Have you ever seen those gigantic green onions in the grocery store or farmer’s market and wondered what they were? Leeks resemble a large scallion but have a milder and sweeter flavor. They are a delicious addition to soups, casseroles, entrees, and as a side dish. Once cooked, leeks become sweeter and more tender. Leeks are native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, and are grown in some parts of the United States, including Florida and Wisconsin.

cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and several types of cancer, including colorectal, laryngeal, and ovarian cancers. Leeks have very high levels of these disease-fighting compounds, putting it alongside other veggie superstars such as broccoli, parsley, and shallots. As with most other nutrients, eating whole vegetables yields more benefit than taking supplements.

A member of the Allium family along with garlic, scallions, and onions, leeks have a white bulb with a deep green leafy top. The white bulb is sliced and cooked. The dark green leaves are tougher and can be added to soups or stocks for flavor. Leeks can be found year-round, but peak season is from June through November. The categories of leek are based on the season of harvest. Sometimes leeks are also categorized as common leeks or Chinese leeks, the latter being thinner, and smaller with stronger onion flavor.

Leeks are very flavorful, thanks to their sulfur compounds. These compounds pack a big health punch as well. They may help prevent clumping of platelet cells in the blood because they possess substances with fibrinolytic activity. Additionally, these sulfur compounds may play a role in lowering blood pressure cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All of these benefits translate into a healthier heart.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Like onions, leeks are very nutritious and high in vitamins A and K and folate, iron, calcium and manganese. They are also high in fiber and low in calories and have mild diuretic properties. They contain a myriad of active compounds that may help ward of cancer, heart disease, high blood glucose, and strokes. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw, chopped leeks (104g) contains 32 calories, 1 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 8 g carbohydrate, and 1 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 29% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin K, 11% for manganese, 7% for copper and vitamin B6, and plentiful amounts of fiber, magnesium, calcium, folate, and iron.

Folate Leeks are high in folate, which helps with several important functions in the body. Folate is well-known for its role in preventing neural tube defects. This vitamin also supports our cardiovascular system by keeping homocysteine levels in balance. High levels of homocysteine increase risk for many types of heart disease.

Phytonutrients Fight Disease Onions contain high levels of different phytonutrients, organic compounds in plants that may boost health. Among the phytonutrients, flavonoids (especially quercetin), are plentiful in leeks. Studies have shown that quercetin protects against

How to Select and Store Choose leeks that are smaller, since they are not as tough as larger ones. Look for leek greens that are dark green with no yellow or wilted spots. The white stem should be firm with no discolored areas. Leeks can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wash very well immediately before use. Cooked leeks can be refrigerated for up to two days. They may also be blanched and then frozen for later use.

How to enjoy Leeks have a mild, sweet onion flavor that is very versatile in a variety of dishes. Save the dark green leaves to make stock. The white stems can be braised, sautéed, grilled, or roasted. They may also be sliced thin and eaten raw in salads. Leeks can be added to soup or stew and pairs well with eggs, fish, potatoes, and casseroles. More ways to enjoy leeks: • Sauté in butter over low heat • Add finely chopped leeks to salads. • Make vichyssoise, a cold soup made from puréed cooked leeks and potatoes. • Add leeks to broth and stews. • Braise with fennel or mustard seeds for an easy side dish. • Add sliced leeks to your favorite omelet or frittata recipe. Enjoy the mellow, sweet flavor of Florida leeks today.

SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/leeks.html INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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My Favorite Native Plants Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent

After paging through the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design, I identified 14 native plants that are my favorites. The top five were hard to choose and are firebush, beach sunflower, climbing aster, coontie and blanket flower. Ornamental grasses are not included because I recently published an article about muhly and fakahatchee. Our ecosystem contains many native plants which provide shelter and food for birds, butterflies, bees and animals. Your site conditions, sun, shade, mature size (height and spread), soil pH, soil moisture and texture, should be considered when making plant selections. Firebush, Hamelia patens, a fast-growing large shrub, can reach a height of 5-20 feet and spread of 5-8 feet. It can survive in full sun or partial sun/shade and has low to no salt tolerance. The orange-red flowers attract birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Some people prefer the darker green foliage in the shade; others prefer the orange/red/yellow leaves in full sun. This shrub dies back if there is a freeze, but shoots appear when the temperature warms and post-pruning. Beach sunflower, Helianthus debilis, a fast-growing perennial can reach a height of 1-4 feet and spread of 2-4 feet. It has high drought and salt tolerance and prefers full sun. This plant attracts butterflies and birds, sports year-round flowers and is a great groundcover. We have it around our two-level pond in the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden at our office courtyard.

ers attract birds and butterflies. This plant is in the mint family. Coontie, Zamia floridana, is a fast-growing native palmlike plant. It can reach a height of 1-5 feet and spread of 3-5 feet. Coontie is highly drought tolerant, easy to propagate from seed, attracts birds and butterflies and is the sole larval food source for the atala hairstreak butterfly. Blanket flower, Gaillardia pulchella, is a fast-growing native perennial that can reach a height of 1-2 feet and spread of 2-3 feet. It has high drought tolerance, prefers full sun, produces yellow/orange/red, summer flowers that attract butterflies. It is easy to propagate from seed. Once established, irrigation may not be needed. For more in-depth information on these and other FloridaFriendly native plants, using your browser, go to ‘Ask IFAS’ followed by the name of the plant. You can order a free copy of the FFL Plant Selection Guide from Southwest Florida Water Management District. Look under free publications, then Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM. https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ resources/free-publications 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.

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Climbing aster, Aster carolinianus, can reach a height of 1-12 feet and spread of 2-4 feet. It prefers full sun and does well in partial sun /shade. Lavender fall flow-

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LAYLA DRAWDY: The Exceptional Exception

By Jim Frankowiak

Layla Drawdy is celebrating her 20th anniversary as a successful member of the agricultural business based in Plant City, but also assisting customers throughout Florida and southern Georgia. She is currently general manager for Mayo Ag Services, a position she has held since 2019. Mayo Ag Services is a fourth generation, family owned and operated, full service Ag supply business that has been serving farmers since 1957. The company operates in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Since its founding, Mayo Ag Services has grown from a small farm supply store to a national corporation that offers dry fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, seed, crop protection products, credit options and most importantly, sound advice. “We work hard so that farmers can rely on our operation and services to meet the majority of their needs,” said Drawdy. “We consider our customers as family and strive to serve them and meet their needs.”

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Drawdy is one of few women that have achieved such a standing within the Ag industry. “I feel the key to my success and acceptance within the Ag business has

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July 2022

been hard work, perseverance and honesty,” she said. “I learned every single bit of business the hard way. You can go to school; you can take all of the tests, but you never really learn anything until you learn it first hand by seeing it, listening and being involved. I just haven’t ever given up. I don’t know how to do that. I truly care about my customers; some of them have just become my family. When we depart or end a call ‘love you’s’ are exchanged. I hope they know I mean it.” A Plant City native, Layla took Ag classes at Tomlin Junior High with Mr. Silas and Mr. Harget. “I went to Plant City High School and received my diploma in 1995,” she said. “I earned undergraduate credits at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) campus in Plant City for horticultural and agricultural classes. Her first job in the Ag business was in 2002 as a counter clerk a company called ProSource One, formerly Terra Asgrow, an agricultural farm supply company. “I worked at their Plant City location,” said Layla. That position brought Layla into contact with Ag Sales Representative Jimmy Cross. “He and I and his wife Sara hit it WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

“When I was down as far as I thought I could possibly be, God would send an Angel in some way, shape or form to remind me that He was in control, He loved me and would provide.”

off quickly and they became some of my best friends and they still are today. They’re both 77 years old. He showed me around and mentored me in the beginning of my career. If not for him, this wouldn’t have worked out for me. He was my insurance policy!” Drawdy was also the first advertising salesperson for IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE. She began her sales career in 2006 with Cross as her guide, and worked in outside sales until appointed to her current position in 2019. “I cover central Florida and assist other salesmen with direction, as well,” said Drawdy. “I am crop consultant, assisting in fertilizer, chemical and seed programs and purchasing. I am a constant source of ever-changing information for all of our Mayo growers. I even take care of customers in Georgia now.” Layla is married to Dustin, a 3rd generation Florida freshwater tropical aquarium fish farmer. “He is Vice President of Oak Ridge Fish Hatchery with a degree in Aquaculture and a seat on the board of directors of the Florida Tropical Fish Farm Association. “We met when he came to buy supplies for the fish farm at ProSource. We’ve begin together now for 18 years. Our farm raises over 40 species of aquarium fish. With around 400 live bearing ponds and eight fish houses, we raise and grow fish and wholesale them to distributors that supply all of the large pet store chains. We also directly supply privately owned local pet stores, as well. We also have a small cattle ranch.”

ing back,” she said. “I personally know what it’s like to be a single parent; working very hard and barely making ends meet. The only future I could think about was making it to the next day. “I have also unfortunately experienced many of my loved ones that have narrowly survived cancer; sadly some did not survive, even my own mom. I wouldn’t wish that suffering on anyone. I think these real life experiences have been the reason that I am drawn to help with these types of charities. “When I was down as far as I thought I could possibly be, God would send an Angel in some way, shape or form to remind me that He was in control, He loved me and would provide. I give all praise of anything good in life to Him and all He has given us, so we give back when and where we can. I saw a famous quote once that said, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth’ and that really resonated deeply to me.”

Layla and Dustin have five children: William, a TECO lineman; Courtney, a Florida Mortgage Firm manager; Stephen, a Publix distribution warehouse supervisor; Dax, a baseball player and fisherman, and Abel, a flag football player and Lego master builder. “I am the proud ‘LuLu’ (our family name for grandmother) of my precious, 14-mointh-old granddaughter Stella Faye, the daughter of William and Courtney Drawdy.”

Layla and Dustin also manage the Plant City Raiders 11U Youth Travel Baseball team. “We are able to run this local youth baseball team by either fund-raising or full team sponsorships,” she said. “There are a lot of children that are far more talented than recreational little league play. Travel ball gives them the opportunity to play and grow on their skill level. It is typically extremely expensive annually. Our goal has been to give that same ‘affordable’ opportunity to the players we have. My husband coaches the team with three other coaches: Trey Ennis, John Cruz and Dustin Hartline, and I take care of all of the fund-raising and outfitting, etcetera.” The Drawdy’s have also supported the community through Hardwood BBQ. “We have raised nearly $100,000 in the past eight years for local charities, families or individuals in need. We also support our local schools that have children in need,” she said.

Layla, both as a business manager and mother, supports local charities, schools and Ag groups. “The motivation is paying it forward, making a difference and giv-

Congratulations Layla for your achievements and service to the Ag industry and local community. You are indeed an “Exceptional Exception!” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Great health care is closer than you think. South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org

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Time Flies With New Laws!

by John Dicks | Photo by iStock Always about this time of year, it seems that we hear people talking about how amazing it is that the year is more than halfway over! With the heat and humidity of summer staring straight at us, it’s hard to imagine that Christmas is barely five months away. Even sooner, is the recognition that kids will be returning to school in just a few short weeks. It’s as if the clock and the calendar have somehow been kickstarted into a hyper gear and things have started moving very, very fast.

Worth pausing for a second is to take note that some important things also just got going. These came compliments of our Florida Legislature which, while it was in session earlier this year, passed some 280 new laws, most of which actually took effect just a few weeks ago on July 1st. I suppose it goes without saying that first amongst our review should be that Florida now has an officially declared desert; non other, of course, than our very own favorite Strawberry Shortcake! Receiving such recognition had been attempted before, but this year the goal was achieved, led by Plant City’s State Representative, Lawrence McClure, along with strong support from other local legislators and many determined fans of the luscious red fruit our area is so well known for and duly deserving of. Regarding the rest of legislative matters becoming effecting this summer, it should be noted that all comes on the heels of passing Florida’s biggest budget ever of nearly $110 billion for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The record spending plan was bolstered by federal stimulus money and higher than expected state tax revenues. With all the extra money pouring in, Lawmakers passed a wide-ranging tax plan that includes a series of sales-tax “holidays.” Among them is one on school supplies including clothing, wallets, and bags. They’ll have tax exemptions starting July 25 and lasting until August 7. Another is the much talked about onemonth suspension of the state gas tax in October. Ironic, isn’t it, that it comes

precisely leading up to the election in November. What timing! Here’s a few other tidbits worth noting, which recently took effect. If you ever use the smartphone apps UBER or Lyft, you’ll be pleased to know that new operational and insurance requirements went into affect that should help the safety of those rides. Now the cars being used by drivers must be current on safety recalls and the owners and drivers must meet minimum state insurance levels. Still on the subject of automobiles, now in effect is the Child Safety Alarm Act, which requires that all vehicles used by child care facilities to transport children must be equipped with an approved alarm system that prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for the presence of children before leaving the area. One more which sounds like something appealing to many, though may turn out difficult to enforce, is that now officers will be able to ticket drivers with fines up to $114 for playing loud music in their vehicles. The law deems “loud music” to be anything audible from 25 feet away, and more restrictions apply within close distance of schools, hospitals and churches. In an apparent switch from the Legislature’s recent, sometimes micro-management of local government’s operations, this year state officials in Tallahassee enabled local Florida governments with the ability to prohibit smoking at public beaches and parks. It’s part of the Florida Clean Air Act which aims to not only diminish the effects of second-hand smoke on people, but also the impact on the environment. Interesting is that an exception is made for cigar smoking. Imagine that! Finally, and worth special recognition, at least as far as I’m concerned, is a bill many of us have advocated for years. Starting in the academic year 2023-24, Florida becomes the largest state to mandate personal finance education for high school graduates. That one, was smart, indeed!

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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned 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. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.

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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally

by Sean Green | Photos by April Green

Plaster Casting Foliage If you have never done plaster casting before, you are in for a treat this month. Plaster casting is simply making a mold of an object and filling the mold with plaster. The possibilities are endless, but can include sea shells, seeds, fruit, animal track imprints, and foliage just to name a few. This month we are making a mold by creating imprints of plant foliage in clay and casting it with plaster. The results are a casted piece that can be painted, stained, even refined by carving. I have tried several types of modern “modeling material” and personally, I find natural clay works the best for this project for molding foliage. Some of the modern modeling material tends to stick to the plants too much and does not separate well. The sky is the limit for possibilities with this project, there is no way all possibilities could be covered, but we would love to see your creations if you are willing to share pictures with us.

Materials: Foliage clipping Toothpicks Rolling Pin Clay (natural clay suggested) Plaster White Glue (optional) Wax Paper

The Mold: (do this first)

The Plaster:

Roll the clay out onto a flat plane about twice as thick as you want your final plater piece to be. Arrange foliage on the clay to create a nice composition. Gently press the foliage into the clay, use a rolling pin. Gently remove the foliage leaving the impression in the clay (use a toothpick if necessary) Create a basin structure around the composition to give shape to your cast piece. Build wall or use cookie cutter shapes or any other object to trap the plaster while it dries.

Plaster is designed to dry quickly. Thin mixture will not take long at all, but may be more fragile. To strengthen plaster, rather than mix with water only, we mixed white glue with it.

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Mold Leather July 2022

Mix White Glue and Water at a ratio of about 1:4 Sprinkle plaster into the water slowly while stirring to the consistency of pancake batter. (thinner for more detail) Pour the plaster into the mold and let it dry completely. The plaster will be a lighter shade and cold to the touch. Gently remove the casting from the clay by peeling the clay from the bottom of the cast like you would a banana.

Trim Leather

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A Closer Look

by Sean Green | Photos by April Green

American Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) Florida’s tropical environment is like an amusement park to entomologists, herpetologists, and the adventurous in spirit. If you have children that routinely bring home lizards, snakes, and a variety of insects, you have first-hand evidence of a primal fascination with the world around us. I was that boy and never outgrew my fascination. Our paradise is an ideal habitat for a diverse population of critters. Of the many pets a child may bring home, lizards are usually among the first. This month we will take a closer look at a strikingly attractive native lizard known as the Carolina green anole, and how, despite pressure from the invasive brown anole, it is moving up in the world. Anoles belong to a family of lizards known as the Dactyloidae which include over 400 species worldwide. Their native range includes the tropical and subtropical habitats in South America, Central America, Mexico, and through the West Indies and several East Pacific islands as well as the southeastern United States. In the United States however, our only native anole is the Green anole or Carolina anole. In 2011, our little friend gained the distinction of being the first reptile to have its complete genome published. What was learned in the process is interesting. Based on the most recent DNA sequences and morphology studies, some authorities now consider Dactyloidae a subfamily of Iguanidae, making the tiny lizard a distant relative of a modern dragon (Iguana). What’s more fascinating however, is the evolutionary superpowers this little guy has. Anole lizards have become the best examples of adaptive radiation, which is, in layman’s terms, the ability to quickly evolve into new forms to survive environmental change, threats, or new resources. It’s natural selection at its finest. A recent example of this amazing ability can be found right here in the United States by watching the interaction of our native Carolina green anole and its response to the introduced Cuban brown anole. For a long time, what appeared to be diminishing populations of our Carolina anole was blamed on the Brown anole. It wasn’t until a formal study was done that we discovered our native anole is not becoming extinct, but rather, moving up in the world. Our Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis) has a natural range that is limited to the southeast. We have two significant introduced species. The Cuban green anole (Anolis portcatus) which is nearly indistinguishable from our native species and the Brown anoles (Ano-

In October of 2014, a research report was published in the journal Science that illustrates adaptive evolution, which can result from an interaction of closely related species enabling one or both species to quickly evolve to survive the competition for resources without causing local extinction. Dr. Yoel Stuart of University of Texas and Dr. Todd Campbell of University of Tampa led a group of researchers in experiments designed to explore the notion that the brown anoles are forcing green anoles to higher ground. Dr Campbell conducted the experiments among the dozens of tiny one-acre manmade islands in the Mosquito Lagoon near Titusville. These small islands of debris are the result of dredging operations that took place in the 1950s and were an ideal environment for the study. Campbell found six islands that had existing populations of the green anole but no brown anole population, so he got permission from federal authorities to introduce brown anoles to three of the islands. The migration of the green anoles to shrubs and trees was recorded as was a population decline of green anoles soon after the brown anoles were introduced. A Decade after finishing his research, Dr. Stuart proposed revisiting the islands to further

the investigation and discovered that the green anoles that were thought to have diminishing populations were not becoming extinct at all but rather, had moved to higher levels in the trees and developed bigger toe pads than those of which were on islands isolated from the brown anoles. The toe pads of the green anoles that were displaced also had more lamellae, which are adhesive scales that allow them to cling to a variety of surfaces like a gecko does. Surveys of reptile and amphibian abundance were repeated by Cassani et al. 15 years apart and confirmed a continual a drop in green anole populations corresponding to an increase in brown anole populations. But both Campbell and Cassani et al. acknowledge the possibility that may simply have shifted upwards, out of sight, pointing out that the green anole has been seen shifting upwards a bit in the presence of a brown anole and the morphological changes that were documented earlier would be a competitive advantage for climbers. They suggested that the green anoles were not becoming extinct, but rather, living higher on the tree and were invisible to researchers. Stuart suggested that green anoles default may be life in bushes and branches and perhaps ancient relatives of the Cuban green anole, which were also tree and shrub dwellers, found their way to Florida and in the absence of brown anoles, began filling the ground niche. When brown anoles eventually arrived in Florida, the green anoles reverted to the ancestral niche higher in the bush that they kept for millions of years. Throughout the Caribbean are examples of high perching species, all have larger toepads and more lamellae than ground dwelling species. There was no evidence that this change caused by the presence of the Brown anoles (Anolis sagrei). The team then reared hatchlings from both groups of anoles, and sequenced masses of genetic variation confirming the two groups were not closely related to each other. With detailed surveys of each island, they ruled out environmental differences that could have caused the morphology. Their work successfully isolated the interaction between the Brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) and the Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis) as the primary influence in the adaptive radiation of the Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis). So when you get out to your garden this month and see one of our native green anole, take a closer look, you are watching evolution in real time. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

July 2022

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lis sagrei), a species that has become the fall guy for seemingly diminishing populations of the Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis). The brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) are a successful and dominant group of ground dwelling anole and was first known in Florida in 1887 (Garman 1887) These lizards have been coming into our Florida seaports since the 1940s and are now well established, in fact, they are thought to be the most abundant species of anole in the southern half of Florida (Campbell 2003). There has been recent concern that the Brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) are pushing our native Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis) into extinction.

Conservation District Honors Outstanding Partners and Volunteers

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HUMPHREYS FAMILY

KATIE TYSON AND HSWCD

By Jim Frankowiak An enthusiastic crowd of over 140 individuals joined Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation Supervisors and staff recently at an awards ceremony and luncheon in conjunction with the 2022 Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge. Despite continuing issues with COVID, 2021 – 2022 was a record-breaking year for the Conservation District. Youth programing for inner city, urban, suburban and rural communities included poster contests that drew over 500 entrants, participation in almost a dozen fairs, festivals and special events, an 1,800 square foot exhibit in the Ag Hall of Fame building at the State Fair, and an array of other programs, projects and activities. In addition, a number of cost share funded projects for bonafide agricultural operators to implement soil and water related conservation practices were accomplished. Since the awards luncheon was not held in 2021, awards in some categories included 2021 and 2022 winners. Recognized at the luncheon for “2021 Outstanding Supporter of the Year” was Duggal and Sons Farm, with Kay and John Sullivan of Winthrop and Millennium receiving the 2022 award.

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Honored as “2021 Outstanding Volunteer Family” was the Holt’s, with the 2022 award going to the Humphreys family. Both families had provided the District tremendous assistance over the past two years on a number of outstanding projects. Also recognized was Judi Whitson, recently retired Executive Director of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau for her service to the Conservation District.

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Honored for the “Outstanding Project of the Year” for 2022 was Fancy Farms. However, Carl and Dee Dee Grooms were further surprised when representatives of the University of Florida Extension Service joined the luncheon to announce that the Grooms family had just been named to the 2022 Florida 4-H Hall of Fame. That official recognition will take place in Gainesville at 4-H University in July. The next award presented went to the Florida State Fair as “Outstanding Cooperating Partner” for their continued support of conservation programming. Receiving the recognition were Cheryl Flood, CEO, Florida State Fair Authority, Lynann Hudson, Agribusiness Director and staff. The final award was presented to Katherine “Katie” Tyson, a graduating senior from Riverview High School. Katie’s volunteer activities at the Conservation District included over 120 hours painting an original mural depicting “Bees, Bats, Birds and Butterflies, Our Perfect Pollinators,” which formed the centerpiece of the District’s State Fair exhibit. In addition, the District awarded Katie the first $1,000 Mike Hepburn scholarship, named for the former Board Chairman that passed in 2021. Closing out the event were door prizes, gift bags and the announcement of the Conservation District’s new two-year program, “Operation Pollination.” This program, open to individuals and families, businesses, civic clubs, churches, educaWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

JOHN AND KAY SULLIVAN

JUDI WHITSON

tional institutions, governmental entities, schools and youth organizations, is designed to bring awareness of the crisis currently being faced by a depletion of pollinators that are critical to the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts. Participants in the program can conduct projects ranging from planting wildflowers and milkweed to supporting bee colonies and butterfly habitats. Further information is available by contacting Betty Jo Tompkins, HSWCD Executive Director, (813) 477.8332 or bjt6890@yahoo.com.

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STRAWBERRY CREST FFA WINS AT FFA STATE CONVENTION THE ALL FRESHMAN TEAM WON AT THE STATE LEVEL AND WILL NOW ADVANCE TO THE NATIONAL COMPETITION IN INDIANAPOLIS. By Taylor Jekins Strawberry Crest’s FFA was represented at last month’s 2022 Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando, where their team of seven freshmen competed and later came away victorious in their Agriculture Issues Forum Leadership Development Event.

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The Agriculture Issues LDE is designed to stimulate interest and critical thinking around local, state, national and international issues related to agriculture, food and natural resources. And this event, open to one team per high school FFA chapter throughout the state, required teams to investigate and research these topics before completing a written portfolio that details their selected issue, holding a number of in-person presentations within their local community and ultimately presenting their portfolio at the Convention for judging.

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Crest’s selected topic was, “How are consumers’ perception and selection of food choices influenced by social media and confusing food labels?” “It was mostly about finding a relevant issue in agriculture so we kind of sat there and I said, ‘I think this would be fun to do,’ with my team,” member Milee Hasting said. “So we just started throwing ideas out there with social media and how relevant it is and then we were thinking, what’s confusing when we go into the store? Food labels. There are all of these practices that people don’t know about so that really sparked our interest. So we turned it into a presentation, a really fun one with jokes but also a lot of information as well. That’s kind of how it all started up and the kids wrote everything. Our teacher helped us with a couple of things but she really left it up to us.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Their preparation began in October of 2021 before they thoroughly researched their prompt, developed a presentation and held forums before the Florida Farm Bureau, the Rotary Club of Plant City and the Rotary Club of Brandon, among others. The team used all seven members to represent two different social media groups in their presentation, with one group representing those who are very knowledgeable about food labels and are very involved on social media and advocate for the food industry and another group that was misinformed and lacking knowledge on the food industry while spreading false information. Then the seventh member of the group served as the moderator. Through their skit, the team portrayed both groups going back and forth on issues such as GMOs and gluten and antibiotics on the food products that everyone sees in stores as they shop. Members of Crest’s state championship team include Tess Aguero, Jaden Ausburn, Jaylene Carey, Alivia Eben, Milee Hasting, Rachel Moore and Hope Storter, led by advisor Susan Mayo. On the heels of their state championship, Crest’s team will represent the state of Florida as they present at the 2022 National FFA Agriculture Issues LDE, scheduled for October 26 and 27 during the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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FIGHTING FOR EAST HILLSBOROUGH

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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

You grow the world’s best strawberries in Hillsborough County in part because you have the best varieties to choose from. Kenneth Parker enlists the nation’s best agricultural scientists to create these berries.

By J. Scott Angle

For example, the center could house the development of a smart weed sprayer that delivers herbicide only where weeds appear, not on all plants. It could be the den of discovery for machine detection of disease not visible to the naked eye.

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We’ve long known that the farmer-scientist alliance in Hills- In short, it’ll be a hub to assemble the high-tech expertise Florborough is special. Recently we got to show it off as a national ida needs to remain globally competitive. Parker is serving as an ambassador to legislators, major agricultural producers and model. association leaders we need to get behind our movement to The National Agricultural Alumni Development Association bring the benefits of this technology to your farm. honored the Florida Strawberry Growers Association with its Corporate Partner Award for major contributions to a university. Parker not only believes in the mission of UF/IFAS but in how we carry it out with research farms like GCREC, located away UF/IFAS wanted more people nationally to have the names from Gainesville and in the communities they serve. As Parker Parker, FSGA and Hillsborough on their lips as a reminder to puts it, our scientists who study strawberries are actually surrounded by strawberry farms. Parker drops in so often that we put more Florida berries on their lips, too. may set aside office space for him. My team asked Parker to come to Arkansas to accept the award on FSGA’s behalf and represent Hillsborough ag on a Parker knows that the challenges of growing strawberries will national stage. Parker says that when the University of Florida only get steeper in a world of weirder weather, pandemics and an increasingly global economy. The farmer-scientist alliance asks something of him, it’s hard to say no. I count on that! our two organizations embody has to stay strong to surmount FSGA and UF/IFAS go back decades. Today, UF/IFAS varieties these challenges. make up 90 percent of the 11,000 acres of strawberries grown When a new scientist arrives at GRREC, getting to know Hillsaround Plant City. borough County means paying a visit to Parker. When agricultural and biological engineer Dana Choi arrived early this year, Parker has been an outstanding contributor to this legacy. A major milestone in that record of support occurred nine years Parker set her up for local farm visits. ago when FSGA provided five years’ salary for us to bring on a breeder with expertise in genomics to help UF/IFAS strawber- Choi came away with an understanding of what she can do to ry breeder Vance Whitaker. Seonghee Lee is still with us, and help growers’ bottom line—and with FSGA support to do it. Her the two of them continue to work together to create varieties first grant from the association has inspired her to work on a robot-type tool to release just the right number of mites in just like Medallion®, which first appeared in Florida fields in 2021. the right places to attack the pests that attack strawberries. Parker had recognized how genetics and genomics were becoming indispensable to cutting-edge agriculture the way the The NAADA award is one way for us to say thank you to Parker tractor and synthetic fertilizers previously heralded new eras of and the FSGA. But I hope we’re consistently thanking the industry by delivering the discovery and skyrocketing productivity. A third revolution, if you will. innovation you need to continue growing Parker’s already working on the fourth. He has been a cham- the world’s best strawberries. pion for establishing what we’re calling the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, still in its drawing-board phase. It will Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s be a place at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Vice President for Agriculture and Natu(GCREC) in Balm for us to harness the immense potential of ral Resources and leader of the UF Insticomputing power to save you on labor, chemicals, water and tute of Food and Agricultural Sciences wait times for new varieties. (UF/IFAS).

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‘FLIP MY FLORIDA YARD’ SEASON 2 STREAMING NOW By Tory Moore

Earlier this year, 10 homeowners across 10 Florida counties were chosen to have either their front yard or their back yard “flipped” into a Florida-Friendly paradise. Now, the hard work of the landscape teams, planners and designers comes together when season two of ‘Flip My Florida Yard’ airs this summer on local PBS stations and later available for streaming on the Discover Florida Channel, which is available through Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Roku and other streaming services. The Discover Florida Channel also has a downloadable app so you can watch episodes on your phone or tablet.

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The Florida-based gardening show travels to yards around the state and gives them the ultimate Florida-Friendly Landscaping makeover all in eight hours. Using the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL), this transformation creates yards that protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources through science-based landscape practices. Each transformation is led by a UF/IFAS Extension agent.

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“This show is a great way for Florida residents to learn more about the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program and how to design, plant and maintain landscapes while protecting Florida’s natural resources,” said Tina McIntyre, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County Florida-Friendly Landscaping agent who supported a yard makeover this season. “The nine FFL principles are a holistic way of looking at and managing a landscape, and residents will learn that they can have a profound effect on our environment by following them,” said Tom Wichman, FFL program assistant director. Each yard makeover is completed while the owners were away visiting a state park. Crawford Entertainment filmed the series in Florida locations with Chad Crawford as the show host and on-air help from UF/IFAS Extension faculty and staff.

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“So many homeowners in Florida want an environmentally friendly landscape. They just don’t quite know where to start,” said Chad Crawford, host and series creator of ‘Flip My Florida Yard.’ “My hope is that this series gives residents the tools and inspiration they need to take action.” FFL, based at UF/IFAS and led by Esen Momol, is a 29-year partnership between UF/IFAS and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which is the sole sponsor of the series. “We encourage Floridians of all ages to watch the show and implement FFL principles in their landscapes,” Momol said. “UF/IFAS Extension is located in all 67 counties around the state and is ready to help Floridians have more sustainable landscapes. When Floridians use low-maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices in their yards, we all become part of the solution to protect our waterways and ecosystems.”   Further announcements of show air dates can be found on ‘Flip My Florida Yard’ social media pages. Casting applications to have your landscape flipped to a Florida-Friendly landscape for season 3 of the show are now being accepted thru July 10. You can learn more at: https:// www.flipmyfloridayard.com

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UF/IFAS BEGINS RESEARCH TO UPDATE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR KEY FLORIDA CROPS

By Tory Moore | Fertilizer application being made to corn in Florida. Photo by Cristina Carrizosa UF/IFAS received $8.8 million to conduct new research that will provide farmers with new and improved recommendations for fertilization of key Florida crops. The funding, approved by the Florida Legislature, will be administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Farmers apply fertilizers to their crops within recommended parameters commonly referred to as “best management practices” (BMPs). Florida BMPs come from UF/IFAS research that establishes appropriate fertilization rates for maximum economic crop yields and minimal nutrient losses to the environment. With advancements in crop production brought about by selective plant breeding, improved growing techniques and emerging technology, new research is needed to update UF/IFAS nutrient management recommendations for key crops grown across the state. “This research and the Extension activities resulting from it are important to Florida producers because many of the UF/IFAS fertilizer and nutrient management recommendations are decades old,” said Thomas Obreza, senior associate dean for UF/IFAS Extension and project leader. “Since that time, better plant genetics have increased yield potential, and technology has improved production practices. Our recommendations need to be brought up to date to align with current conditions.” Using the appropriate amount of fertilizer or other inputs is also important for producers because it impacts their bottom line.

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“Economics and resource-use efficiency are also important to our producers when they consider nutrient management,” Obreza said. “We will incorporate both of those aspects as we revise our nutrient management recommendations.”

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Research in the first year will focus on five priority crops identified by the legislature: tomatoes, potatoes, citrus, grain corn and green beans. Hemp and forage grass will also be studied. Most of the work will be done with grower-cooperators in their fields, and it will cover production areas across the state, from the Panhandle to South Florida. Research will take place in line with the crop seasons – tomatoes and green beans starting in the fall, potatoes in the winter and corn next spring. Citrus will start once the research teams are ready and will continue year-round. UF/IFAS is slated to begin this work in late summer. Projects of this nature take two to three years to complete the research and develop new recommendations. Tomato and potato research will build on work started in 2021, supported by previous Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services funding. The new $8.8 million allows UF/IFAS to continue this research and expand it to additional crops at different locations across the state. “UF/IFAS has an abundance of faculty with education, training and experience in soil fertility, agronomy, horticulture, water management and other aspects of Florida crop production that equip us for a project of this size and scope,” Obreza said. “We will have experienced and early-career faculty working together to produce unbiased scientific research results that will allow our Extension specialists to develop nutrient management recommendations for maximum economic yield while minimizing potential negative environmental effects.” Featured UF/IFAS photo shows an elevated tractor applying fertilizer to a corn field. Credit: Cristina Carrizosa, UF/IFAS

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NEW RESEARCH IDENTIFIES THE NEEDS AND TOOLS TO HELP URBAN FARMERS SUCCEED by Tory Moore

The needs of commercial urban agriculture (CUA) operations in Florida have been relatively unknown, which led UF/IFAS researchers to dig deeper. A newly published study explains the most common challenges these farmers face and opportunities that could help them thrive. An urban commercial farmer can be defined as a person in an urban area who is typically running a for-profit business on a smaller scale than traditional commercial farms and who sells directly to consumers, instead of through other channels like grocery stores. Data reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture focus on more traditional, rural farms, which leaves a blind spot for urban and other non-traditional farms. Previous research has focused on urban agriculture producers in regions much different than Florida, so researchers wanted to find updated information on Florida’s commercial urban agriculture. “Agriculture is one of the top three industries in Florida, a state that is rapidly urbanizing,” said Catherine Campbell, UF/ IFAS assistant professor who specializes in food systems and leads the research project. “This increase in urbanization has led to a steadily increasing interest in developing commercial urban agriculture as an important piece of the Florida agriculture puzzle.” Supported by UF/IFAS SEEDIT research funding, researchers surveyed 53 farmers in major metropolitan areas across the state. The data captured information on future opportunities, barriers and needs. Researchers found labor was the most common barrier for urban farmers. Access to capital and profitability came in second and third, respectively. “These growers are newcomers in a space that does not have the deep roots and connections that rural agriculture has, so many of these farmers are struggling to find sources of information appropriate to their operations and support from farmers like them,” Campbell said. The study also found that when they look to future opportunities, farm operators select value-added products as a top choice; for example, a product like a salsa made from the grower’s recent tomato harvest. Additionally, many operations incorporate agritourism — like farm tours, field days or educational events.

Farmers identified other common opportunities. Those included growing new crops to meet consumer demand, offering online sales and delivering training and workshops. All of these opportunities allow CUAs to diversify their offerings to clientele and build on their existing community of customers. Researchers plan to use these findings to develop resources and to provide additional support for urban farmers through Extension efforts. “This research was an important first step in understanding Florida urban farmers and to identify opportunities to support them in the future,” she said. “We already have several resources in the works that we hope will provide urban farmers with the support they need to remain profitable and expand their customer base.” “Urban agriculture is important to the state, its residents and the communities that thrive on the experiences and goods that urban farms provide,” said Damian Adams, UF/IFAS associate dean for research. “Urban farms are not just sources of good, local food. They reflect the character of the community and its ties to the land. These farms are important, and this research helps identify the challenges that urban farms face and helps keep them competitive – and keep them on the landscape – in a rapidly urbanizing and extremely competitive environment. This is important work that will have positive impacts on the lives and livelihoods of Floridians.” For more information on urban farms and community food systems and resources to support them, visit programs.ifas. ufl.edu/urban-agriculture. The new study, “Commercial Urban Agriculture in Florida: Needs, Opportunities, and Barriers,” can be accessed at doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05038-22.

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“This was not particularly surprising to us,” Campbell said. “Agritourism is attractive to CUA farms because they are able to take advantage of their proximity to their customers and potential farm visitors, and they are able to add agritourism to their operation without the up-front cost or added effort that adopting new crops requires. And selling value-added products like jams and pickled vegetables to farm visitors fits along with an agritourism model.”

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