In The Field magazine Hillsborough edition

PAGE 10

Endangered Species

PAGE 14

Land Protection Program

PAGE 16

Seamoss

PAGE 18

Fishing

PAGE 22

Rocking Chair Chatter

PAGE 24

FFA State Officers

PAGE 25

FB District Rep

PAGE 28

Landscaping

PAGE 30

News Briefs

PAGE 32

Honeybees

PAGE 35

June Plum

PAGE 36

Back 2 School

PAGE 37

Fawn

PAGE 38

FFA Convention

PAGE 44

John Dicks

Hey Readers!

PAGE 46

Activity

PAGE 47

A Closer Look

PAGE 48

Cattle and Greenhouse Gases

PAGE 50 The Garden Life

PAGE 56 From The Scientific Field

PAGE 58

Savory Strawberries

PAGE 60

Recipes

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

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042

*Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!

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

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

Carl Bauman................Vice President

Tony Lopez..............Treasurer

Madison Astin Salter..................Secretary

DIRECTORS FOR 2021 - 2022

Dennis Carlton Jr, Carl Bauman, Madison A. Salter, Tony Lopez, Tiffany D. Randall, Jake Cremer, Brittany Coleman, Travis Council, Drew Futch, Rep. Lawrence McClure, Sammi Wilcox, Michelle Williamson, Casey Runkles, 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, Jacob Jones

Plant City Office

813.752.5577

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

Jeff Summer

Apollo Beach Office

813.933.5440

6510 N. US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL.33572

Greg Harrell, Erin Campbell

AGENCY MANAGER

Thomas O. Hale

Letter from the Editor

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt

Editor

Patsy Berry

Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

Melissa Nichols

George Domedion

Florida is really outdoing itself this year. I guess the entire world is jumping on the heat bandwagon since we have had record-breaking heat in cities around the world. We’ve reached the hottest day on earth since records began. No surprise to those who work in the outdoors.

So how do we keep our cool when the temperatures are so high? It’s nearly impossible for us here in Florida but we do get acclimated to it. You still need to take care not to overheat. When the humidity is high (when isn’t it?) sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly and can keep you from releasing heat the way you need to.

Other things to consider when the heat and humidity are oppressive include trying to get your outdoor work done in the morning and evening. Yes, it’s still hot, but midday is typically when the temps are at their peak. Hydrate more than usual. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Wear light-colored, lose fitting clothes. Pace yourself. Also, it doesn’t hurt to check on your friends and neighbors to make sure they are weathering the weather.

As for pets, limit their activity. Don’t walk them on hot pavement. Dogs with short noses, like bulldogs, are especially prone to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and they may be unable to get up. To cool them down use a water hose and take them to a veterinarian. Heat stroke can lead to organ damage.

Stay cool when you can and have a great Summer!

Until Next Month

Sarah Holt

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Karen Berry

Melissa Nichols

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

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

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

Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

Planning for the Future of Agriculture!

-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Greetings,

We talk a good deal about the many ways our members work to make Our Voice – the Voice of Agriculture -- heard by all. Our efforts are directed to our members, lawmakers at all levels, and the people who benefit from our industry. This month began with an important gathering, the annual meeting of our Young Farmers and Ranchers. Many of the members of that group are actively involved in our organization at the local, state, and national levels. They are critical to the future of our industry. I encourage you to read about that meeting and the YF&R members from Hillsborough County who participated in this edition of In The Field.

Likewise, if you are a farmer or rancher in the 18-35-year-old range and not currently involved in our Young Farmers and Ranchers organization, please consider joining. In addition to offering many ways to become involved, we also offer educational opportunities to help our members such as public speaking, issues advocacy, business development, networking, service leadership, relating to the media, and telling the story of agriculture and its importance going forward. We recognize that engaging with the public and other important individuals and groups may be daunting, but we are here to help. So, don’t

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

let that get in the way of your involvement, we truly need your help and we are prepared to assist you.

I would also like to encourage you to read the article in this edition of ITFM about our new District Field Representative Lauren Philipps. She is an important link between our organization, members, and the state Farm Bureau office. Welcome Lauren, and thank you for your assistance.

Remember please to mark your calendars for the evening of October 5. That’s our Annual Meeting which will take place at the TECO Building on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.

Lastly, if you are not a Farm Bureau member, please consider joining so that you can help us with our role as the “Voice of Agriculture” whether it is locally, statewide, or nationally. Please visit www.hcfarmbureau. org for more information about member benefits and opportunities for engagement.

Dennis Carlton, Jr.

Dennis Carlton Jr.

Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Dennis Carlton Jr, President; Carl Bauman, Vice-President; Tony Lopez, Treasurer; Madison Astin Salter, Secretary; Tiffany D. Randall, Jake Cremer, Brittany Coleman, Travis Council, Drew Futch, Rep. Lawrence McClure, Sammi Wilcox, Michelle Williamson, Casey Runkles, Gayle Yanes

The Okeechobee Gourd

By Libby Hopkins

The Okeechobee Gourd, or Cucurbita okeechobeensis, as it’s known by its scientific name is a species of gourd in the family Cucurbitaceae, native to Mexico and the United States. There are two subspecies; one is endemic to Florida, primarily in the region around Lake Okeechobee, the other to the State of Veracruz in eastern Mexico.

Once abundant, it has state and federal listing as an endangered species. One of its peculiarities is the yellow corolla not so common in other Cucurbita species.

A climbing vine, the Okeechobee Gourd is a wetland gourd, growing fairly commonly as a vine in the bottomlands of the St. John’s River and the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee. It grew and reproduced in perfect sync with the natural hydrologic cycle of its habitat.

Over the summer, the heart-shaped leaves and cream-colored flowers covered the pond apple trees, which were natural trellises for wild gourds. The vines continued to climb during the wet season.

Protected above the rising water level, the flowers developed into orange-sized gourds, light green with faint stripes. These gourds contained the seeds for future generations. The vines dried, and the gourds fell to the water below.

The gourds floated on the receding waters of the winter dry season until they came to rest on exposed soil. And the cycle started again.

Okeechobee gourd is usually associated with pond apple trees on which it climbs and alligator nests which provide suitably elevated soil berms in full sun, with no competition from other plants.

Pieces of gourds have been found in rabbit nests, suggesting that the rabbits feed on and possibly disperse the seeds. The Okeechobee Gourd is dependent on the fluctuating water levels of Lake Okeechobee, with seeds germinating and sprouting during the low water levels.

Flowers open at dawn, but specific pollinators haven’t been identified. Likely pollinators include bees, flies, and squash beetles. Preliminary information indicates that pollination may be a problem for the species, especially in smaller populations. In one collection, hand-pollination is necessary to ensure a viable seed-set.

The fruit of this species, a gourd, is very bitter and potentially poisonous, and so is not used for food. While this species of gourd is not edible, it is particularly important to study and maintain it in the wild, as it is resistant to many of the diseases that affect economically important crops, including the cucumber mosaic virus, powdery mildew, and squash mosaic virus.

Interestingly, the Okeechobee Gourd’s seeds are edible and nutritious, and the flesh of the gourd can be used as a soap. It is also thought that the outer part of the gourd was historically used as a ball, rattle, or ceremonial cup.

As of 1930, at least 95 percent of the pond apple forests where this species once commonly occurred had been destroyed for agriculture and water-level regulation. This species is now found only in two disjunctive populations, threatened with continued water-level regulation practices and invasion of its habitat by non-native invasive species.

COMMISSIONER WILTON SIMPSON ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATION CYCLE FOR RURAL AND FAMILY LANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program, which partners with farmers and ranchers through conservation easements, aims to safeguard working agricultural operations that contribute significantly to Florida’s economy and the production of food and fiber. After Commissioner Wilton Simpson helped secure $400 million in funding for the program over the last two years, landowners can now submit their application online to the department through July 27, 2023. The department will then review the applications for eligibility. More information on the program and the application process can be found at: FDACS.gov/RFLPP.

“Food security is national security, and Florida’s agricultural lands are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our food and fiber production. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program plays a crucial role in preserving these vital resources for future generations,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I am proud to announce the opening of the program’s application cycle, which provides an opportunity for landowners to partner with us in conserving and protecting our working agricultural operations. Together, we will continue to support our farmers, ranchers, and producers in their efforts to safeguard Florida’s natural resources and sustain our agricultural heritage.”

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program has successfully acquired conservation easements on nearly 69,000 acres of working agricultural land to date. The program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the RFLPP coordinates with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

Recently, the Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of approximately 18,279 acres of working agricultural land through cost-effective conservation easements totaling $57,600,705. These easements serve as safeguards against future development, allowing agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida. The nine conservation easements marked the most acquisitions in the history of the program to be approved at

a meeting of the Governor and Cabinet. The Governor and Cabinet also voted to adopt an amendment to Rule 5I-7, F.A.C. to refine the rules that outline the procedures of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program which will make the process more streamlined and user-friendly for both applicants to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and management of the program. Additionally, participants will now be required to enroll in the department’s agricultural Best Management Practices program.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Simpson worked on legislation and budget issues to protect our precious natural resources. For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Simpson secured more than $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here: FDACS.gov/ RFLPPMap.

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SEAMOSS FOR THE WIN

By Libby Hopkins

Valrico, resident, wife, and mom of two little girls, Laura DiSalvo believes in the health benefits of Elderberries so much that she created a line of organic Elderberry syrups and gummies. “I have a degree in biology and a master’s in biotechnology business management,” DiSalvo said. “In the beginning of my working years, before I stopped to stay at home with my girls, I worked in a military lab, working on various contracts. I’ve been making Elderberry syrup and gummies since 2016, after trying the store-made ones from different stores. We were hooked on Elderberries, but the price for such a small bottle for all of us and how thick it was, I found myself looking for other options. I found a few people who sold it homemade, but I was not impressed. One was either too watery or another didn’t taste right, so I decided I was going to make my own and here we are.” Laura’s Organic Elderberry and Gummies was born.

Now DiSalvo has added seamoss to the products her company offers. “I actually had a customer and friend of mine who educated me on sea moss for quite a while now,” DiSalvo said. “I must admit, at first, the name itself seemed a bit off-putting. But boy, am I glad I gave it a chance! My friend couldn’t stop raving about the incredible benefits of seamoss gel. They spoke of its impressive nutritional profile, abundant vitamins and minerals, and potential health-boosting properties. Intrigued, I decided to explore this unusual marine plant further. Though hesitant initially, I dove into researching sea moss, and the more I learned, the more fascinated I became.” Seamoss gel, in particular, caught her attention. “It’s a smooth, gel-like substance obtained by soaking and blending the dried seaweed,” DiSalvo said. “Let me tell you, the benefits it offers are truly outstanding. It is a rich source of vitamins, min-

erals, and antioxidants to support immune function, energy, healthy thyroid functions, aid digestion, promote hair growth, healthy skin and contribute to overall well-being.”

If you ask DiSalvo what she likes most about her business, she will tell you it’s being creative. “What I love most about making seamoss gel is the creative freedom it gives me,” DiSalvo said. “I enjoy experimenting with flavors, adding my personal touch to create unique and delicious variations.”

From adding fresh fruits and natural sweeteners to incorporating herbs and spices, the possibilities are endless for DiSalvo’s seamoss. “It’s like being a culinary artist, crafting nutritious and tantalizing treats,” DiSalvo said. “But the most gratifying part of this journey has been the feedback from my wonderful customers. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with everyone raving about the taste of my seamoss products. It brings me immense joy to know that people are not only benefiting from the incredible nutrients of seamoss but also genuinely enjoying the experience.”

DiSalvo’s customers have been impressed with all of her products. “Customers have described my seamoss creations as creamy, flavorful and incredibly satisfying,” DiSalvo said. “Many have shared how seamlessly it fits into their daily routine, whether as is via spoonful, as a smoothie booster, a nutritious addition to their breakfast bowls, or even as a guilt-free dessert.”

It warms her heart to see her customers’ enthusiasm and witness the positive impact these products have on their lives. “If you’re one looking for a delicious way to enhance your well-

being, I encourage you to give seamoss a chance,” DiSalvo said. “Despite its initially off-putting name, I assure you, the taste and benefits are truly remarkable. Seamoss gel can become a delightful addition to you and your kids’ daily routine, supporting the whole family’s health goals and satisfying taste buds.”

If you would like to try DiSalvo’s Elderberry syrup or seamoss, you can visit her WWW.LAURASELDERBERRY.COM

SPOTTED SEA TROUT- June 2023

Capt. Woody Gore

Always A Tampa Bay Favorite

If you’re a trout enthusiast like me, here are a few tips for catching these Tampa Bay favorites as they appear on the coastal Tampa Bay flats.

Trout fishing improves significantly during the summer. Here are some tips for fishing these all-time favorites.

Since trout are semi-territorial, they tend to school together, often returning to the same areas. So, a good rule of thumb is locating grass flats with sandy, rocky bottoms or a combination of both. Since trout are notorious bait chasers, they typically chase their next meal and trap it on the surface. This form of surface-trapping food works in their favor. And could be attributed to Ivan Pavlov’s learned conditional behavior.

You are approaching likely trout fishing areas when you find lush grass flats with bait darting around. Continually scope the water, looking for feeding fish. When you find them watch closely to determine if they’re randomly feeding or chasing bait schools.

Fishing topwater lures is a hoot, especially when working with a group of actively feeding fish. Check weather conditions because trout fishing and a robust stormy cloud cover seem better.

On the other hand, schooling fish feeding over specific areas usually represents a consistent bait-feeding pattern. And even though they might be getting full, they may still want a nibble for dessert. That being the case, it’s time to rethink your presentation.

Keep reminding yourself trout get highly selective. Instead of fast and irregular, it’s time to slow down, which is difficult and often frustrates anglers. Therefore, you must make your lure look more tempting. For this reason, strikes often come

when the lure moves slightly after sitting idle or wobbles slowly across the surface. Another method uses rigged soft plastic lures. Remember, when using soft plastics. Almost every strike happens as the lures fall toward the bottom.

Like many other species, trout stop feeding or scatter when pressured by boats, anglers, or predators. If spooked badly enough, they are done for the day. With the number of boats and anglers racing around our waters, you’d think fish would become familiar with the sound of enormous engines; however, it depends on the whereabouts, water clarity, and depth. The most common error happens when someone carelessly roars into a good trout fishing area, shuts down, and throws out a 15 lb. anchor. Then they sit and wonder where the fish went.

Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

Regardless of the circumstances, it doesn’t mean the party is over when the bite slows. Some fish are there, just recovering from their last big feed. Kind of like us, after a large meal. So, enjoy the fact you’re on the water, slow down, relax, and pay attention to nature and what you’re doing. Often the bite continues after a few minutes. Remember, it’s called Fishing, not catching, so have fun.

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Member: CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer, Photojournalist & Speaker

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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Beavers have transparent eyelids so they can see underwater with their eyes shut.

In 2008, Usain Bolt set the 100 meters world record with one shoelace undone.

Two-thirds of the people in the world have never seen snow.

A squirrel can remember the hiding places of up to 10,000 nuts. Construction on the Pentagon began on September 11, 1941, 60 years to the day before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

A flea expert is a pullicologist.

Baboons cannot throw overhand.

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GRITS

Last year I went to my wife’s family reunion in Alabama. I decided to do a little “Southern Survey” on grits, since most everyone in attendance were true southerners. I know I have written about “God’s Manna From Heaven” before, but I thought you might be interested in the results of my survey.

My first question was, “What Are Grits?”

John “Greg” Davidson was a walking encyclopedia on grits. When posed the question he said, “I did an essay in college on the origin of grits. What do you want to know?”

“Well, John” I asked, “If a Yankee asked you what grits were, what would you say?” He replied, “First off, Yankees have attempted to create synthetic grits. They call it ”Cream of Wheat.” The main ingredient, as far as I can tell, is Elmer’s Glue mixed with shredded Styrofoam.”

I asked Jerry Davidson, Patsy’s uncle, “When they ask how grits are formed, what do you tell them?”

“No problem, I just tell them grits are formed deep and underground with intense heat and pressure much like a volcano. Then I give them the full story! I tell them it takes more than a thousand years to form a single Grit.

Most of the world’s grit mines are in the south, mainly Alabama and Georgia, and are guarded by armed guards with dogs. Harvesting the grit is a dangerous occupation, and many grit miners lose their lives each year so that grits can continue to be served morning after morning with the correct amount of butter.”

I asked Kim Strother, my wife’s cousin, about the best way to cook grits. She said, “There’s nothing to it. You boil a cup and a half of water with salt and a little butter, dump in about five tablespoons of grits. Let the grits soak up all the water, then put the heat to it. When you stick a pencil in the grits and it stands alone, the grits are done.”

Aunt Babs jumped into the conversations and said, “Do you know how to tell if the grits are buttered enough to eat?”

“What is your answer, Aunt Babs?” I asked.

She replied, “You hold an un-pealed ripe banana next to the bowl of grits. If the colors match, the grits are ready to eat.”

Those Alabama people know how to cook grits and make red eye gravy. Grits, homemade buttermilk bis-

Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the July 2019 issue

cuits and red-eyed gravy will beat a T-bone steak and baked potato every time. My mother made the best biscuits in the world, and always said you never ever substitute canned or store bought biscuits for the real thing because they cause rotten teeth and impotence.

Now I have some questions for you to help me answer. Does pushing the elevator button more that once make it arrive faster? If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from? Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle? How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire? Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet soup? Why is it that now everyone has a cell phone, no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to? Who decided “Hotpoint” would be a good name for a company that sells refrigerators? Who took the bite out of the Apple logo? Do Victor the Dog’s relatives still receive royalties from RCA Victor when they use his picture on their label? Why isn’t there a period after Dr on the Dr Pepper label? Can you knock the stuffing out of the Pillsbury Dough Boy? Was Betty Crocker ever a flour child? Why do people spend twice as much money on a shirt just because it has popular logo on it? And men, when you’re working on the car and your hands become coated in grease, why is it your nose begins to itch, and you have to tinkle?

I am not sure I have a firm grip on the situation we are in today! If you cross the Cuban border illegally you will be thrown into political prison to rot. If you cross the Venezuelan border illegally you will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed. If you across the Iranian border illegally you are detained indefinitely. If you cross the Afghan border illegally, you get shot. If you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally you will be jailed. If you cross the Chinese border illegally you may never be heard from again. If you cross the border into the United States you can get a job, drivers license, welfare, food stamps, credit cards, subsidized rent or a loan to buy a house, free cell phone, free education and free health care. I think I’ll change my name and get caught sneaking across the border into the United States.

Did you hear the story of the Florida senior citizen that was driving his brand new Corvette convertible on I-75 at 90 miles an hour? He looked in his rear view mirror and saw a FHP Trouper, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. The old sport floored it to 100 mph, then 110, and on to 120. Suddenly he thought, “What am I doing? I am too old for this,” and pulled over to await the trooper’s arrival. Pulling in behind him, the trooper got out of his vehicle and walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch, and said, “Sir, my shift ends in 15 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a good reason for speeding---a reason I’ve never heard before, I’ll let you go!” The old gentleman thought for a second and said, “Three years ago, my wife ran off with a Florida State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.”

“Have a good sir, Sir,” replied the trooper.

And in closing, don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia!

THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE ELECTION OF THE 2023-2024 STATE FFA OFFICERS

Each year, the delegates at the annual state FFA convention elect a team of student officers to lead the organization for the coming year. Serving as a state officer is a distinguished honor held by only a small group of students each year. State Officers travel more than 300 days per year visiting more than 70,000 students in nearly 350 FFA chapters throughout Florida. Additionally, the officers represent Florida at the National FFA Convention, attend the American Agriculture Experience and have the opportunity to interact with elected officials and business and industry leaders throughout the country.

The following students were elected by their peers at the 95th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo, held June 19-23, 2023, in Orlando, Florida.

State FFA President: Kayelee Ehrisman, Belleview FFA

State FFA Secretary: Jenna Larson, Okeechobee Brahman FFA

Area I State Vice President: Makenleigh Bledsoe, Jay FFA

Area II State Vice President: Hunter Sharp, Chiefland FFA

Area III State Vice President: Mackenzie Cunningham, DeLand FFA

Area IV State Vice President: Emma Self, Bartow FFA

Area V State Vice President: Spencer Baylor, Strawberry Crest FFA

LAUREN PHILIPPS NAMED FARM BUREAU DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

By Jim Frankowiak

Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) has named Lauren Philipps as the new District 6 Field Representative with responsibility for serving Citrus, Lake, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter counties.

As the district representative, Philipps works closely with county Farm Bureaus, regularly attending county events, representing the organization at activities and engaging with county Farm Bureau leaders, and members, as well as serving as liaison with FFBF.

Prior to her appointment as District 6 Field Representative, Philipps was FFBF Member Benefits Marketing Representative, working with various external organizations that serve FFBF members, the largest Ag organization in Florida with more than 132,000 members.

A native of Inverness in Citrus County, Philipps is the daughter of Tim and Stephanie Philipps. Growing up she was actively involved in 4-H and FFA, showing pigs and heifers. Philipps is an alumna of Central Florida College with an undergraduate degree in business management.

“I have a lifelong passion for agriculture,” she noted. “As a FFBF Field representative, I have the opportunity to develop relationships with farmers and ranchers leading to their long-term trust and confidence in me as someone they can count on for support.”

Philipps is engaged to Clay Cooper and they plan to marry in early 2024. They met during Ag competitions. “Clay went on to serve as the Citrus County Ag Extension Agent and through that experience, he was intro-

duced to FFBF and made me aware of the organization and its importance,” she said. Cooper is now manager of Fenco Farms, a Brangus cattle operation in Citrus County. “We travel together to Brangus sales across the country and also enjoy hunting,” she said. “Clay and I also look forward to raising a family.”

As Florida’s largest agricultural organization, FFBF represents farm owners who produce all 300 of the state’s agricultural commodities. The vision of the organization is “to be the most effective, influential and respected Farm Bureau in the nation, and to be truly recognized as Florida’s Voice of Agriculture.”

RED, WHITE AND BLUES!

Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

This time of year I’m thinking about a patriotic landscape of red, white and blue. Red is a great color for adding an eye-catching pop to your landscape. Red Penta, also available in other colors, Firespike and Salvia are good choices. Pentas can reach a height of 2-4 feet and spread of 2-3 feet, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Firespike can be 2-6 feet tall and a spread of 2-3 feet. Salvia /Sage can reach a height of 8-10 feet and spread of 1-10 feet. All are fast growers and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Great selections for white flowering plants include Scorpion tail, Mandevilla, Almond bush and Climbing aster. Scorpion tail blooms all year on what appears to be the curved tail of a scorpion. It is a Florida native attractive to bees, butterflies and birds. The white Mandevilla vine blooms profusely most of the year. This vine can be enjoyed in the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden at the Hillsborough County Extension office, although sports new plantings at this time. Almond bush blooms repeatedly from late spring through late fall, needs full sun and can grow to 8 feet plus. The scent is amazingly almond! Climbing aster, a native plant, can reach a height of 1-12 feet and spread of 2-4 feet. It prefers full sun and attracts butterflies and birds.

Blue selections can include ‘Indigo Spires’, a fast-growing Salvia, height of 1.5-3 feet attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with its blue/purple foot long flower spikes, and Plumbago, a sun-loving perennial butterfly attracting bush that has blue (or white) flowers all year. Blue daze, a groundcover, ½-1 inch height and 1-2 inch spread, shows off its blue flowers from spring to summer and needs partial shade. Maria Carver, horticulturist and plant enthusiast says “Blue daze and Plumbago are two of my favorites. Both have true blue flowers which are very rare in nature.”

You can add these plants to your landscape temporarily using the pot-in-a-pot method. Select the location for your colorful plants and dig the hole. Place an empty plastic pot of the same size in the hole. Leave the plant you purchased in its plastic pot, placing it inside the pot you put in the hole. If you want to change out these plants with the season, remove the potted plant and place it elsewhere, replacing it with a plant that will fit into your next holiday theme.

Add some sparkle to your landscape and celebrate our independence! Contact your local county UF/IFAS

Extension office for more information on Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM. If you live in Hillsborough County, contact our office at 813.744.5519 or stop by to take a stroll in the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden.

Contact: labarber@ufl.edu

Photo Courtesy Jackie Rivas

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest Accepting Entries

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its annual Youth Speech Contest which takes place August 15. This year’s topic is “How have supply chain issues impacted Florida agriculture?”

The contest is open to students aged 14 – 18. For more information, email: Kaylee.poppell@ffbf.org.

District Aims to Reduce Risk of Wildfires; Schedules Prescribed Fires for Hillsborough County

Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, and that is why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns from June through September on the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and Chito Branch Reserve in Hillsborough County.

The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is located south of Cross Creek Boulevard between U.S. Highway 301 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard near Thonotosassa. Approximately 700 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Chito Branch Reserve is located west of County Road 39 and east of Boyette Road near Lithia. Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

• Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

• Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.

• Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.

• Maintaining access for public recreation.

The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

Livestock Antibiotics Now Require a Veterinarian's Prescription

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented changes to how antimicrobials (antibiotics) will be sold for livestock production through the Guidance for Industry (GFI) #263. None of the standard antibiotic products have been banned for use; they just will not be sold over the counter (OTC) and will require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. The intent of the FDA rule is to reduce antibiotic resistance in animal and human medicine. Examples of antibiotics that will no longer be sold OTC include Oxytetracyclines (LA 200, Scour tablets), Penicillin (injectable and mastitis tubes), Sulfa-based antibiotics (injectable and boluses), Tylosin (injectable), and Cephapirin (mastitis tubes).

More information is available at: www.fda.gov.

Landowners Encouraged to Apply for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has opened the 2023 cycle for landowners to apply for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), an agricultural land preservation program designed to protect important agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent conservation easements.

Landowners can submit online applications until July 27 via https://www.fdacs.govhttps://fdacs/gov/rflppapplication.

Online CORE Training Now Available for Nursery and Greenhouse Employees

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in CORE training for nursery and greenhouse workers is now available online 24/7, 365 days a year at a cost of $30. The 50-minute course covers information on pesticide application, safety, storage, mixing and loading, and principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The class can be found at CORE Training for Nurseries and Greenhouses – Nursery Scout Training (instructure.com).

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Immune-boosting therapy helps honey bees resist deadly viruses

by Samantha Murray

Scientists have successfully tested a novel way of boosting honey bees’ immune systems to help them fend off deadly viruses, which have contributed to the major losses of the critical pollinator globally.

In a new study, the research team, which includes entomologists with the University of Florida, the Agricultural Research Service-USDA, Louisiana State University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, showed that prompting honey bees’ cells to produce free radicals helped the bees weather a host of viruses. In fact, the treatment greatly reduced, and in some cases, nearly eliminated virus activity in full scale field studies.

“This approach is especially exciting because it doesn’t just target a specific type of virus but helps with many different viruses,” said Daniel Swale, senior author of the study. Swale is the associate director for training and special projects in the UF Emerging Pathogens Institute and associate professor in the UF/IFAS entomology and nematology department.

“Additionally, we demonstrated that our treatment works both in the lab and in colonies that each contain 80,000 bees in the field. This is huge because, in a hive setting, bees are exposed to so many different viruses and stressors, so successfully controlling viruses in that environment is very encouraging,” said Swale, who completed some of this research while at Louisiana State University.

Honey bee colonies, and the beekeepers who manage them, play an important role in food production by pollinating many crops. In recent years, honey bee populations have seen significant declines, and viruses, while not the top cause of honey bee deaths, are among the main contributors.

“Varroa mites are the number one cause of honey bee losses, but it’s important to point out that varroa mites, aside from physically weakening bees, also transmit viruses to bees. If we can mitigate viruses in honey bee colonies, that would be a big step forward,” said Michael Simone-Finstrom, a co-author of the study and a research molecular biologist with the ARS Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Lab in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In the experiment, the researchers used a compound called pinacidil to alter potassium ion channels, a protein found in the cells of bees’ and most living things. Altering these channels produced slightly more free radicals.

“While free radicals are often bad for cell health, in moderate amounts they can be therapeutic, as we see in this study. In this case, the additional free radicals signal to the immune system to ramp up, which helps the bees fight off viruses,” said Troy Anderson, a co-author of the paper and a professor of entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The scientists administered the drug to honey bee colonies by mixing it into sugar water and drizzling the water over the honey comb at night. The bees then consumed the sugar water and fed it to their young. During the day, bees are constantly moving in an out of the hive, so giving them the treatment at night maximizes the number of bees that will receive it.

The treatment protected bees from six potentially deadly honey bee viruses: Israeli acute paralysis virus, deformed wing viruses A and B, black queen cell virus and Lake Sinai viruses 1 and 2. The researchers also showed that pinacidil helped more bees survive in colonies heavily infested with varroa mites.

Administering pinacidil to commercial honey bee hives may only be feasible for some beekeepers, the researchers said, but the study opens the door to identifying other active ingredients that may work better and cost less.

“One of the big take-aways from this study is that potassium ion channels can be a target for improving immune system function in honey bees and possibly other insects. We would like to find a molecule, such as a peptide, or a new technology that has the same effect as pinacidil but is more accessible to beekeepers,” Swale said.

FLORIDA JUNE PLUMS

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

Fresh Florida June plums grow in June and throughout the year. Also called Jew plum, golden apple, Jamaican plum, Polynesian plum, and great hog plum, the June plum thrives in frost-free places and is native to islands from New Guinea to Tahiti. In the United States, June plums are produced in South Florida, California, and Puerto Rico.

This small round fruit has green skin and a central pit that is high in vitamins and minerals. The fruit is both sweet and tangy and tastes like a cross between pineapple, apple, and mango. It is typically eaten out-of-hand but can also be used to make jams and jellies. The leaves of the June plum tree are also edible and are delicious as part of a fresh salad. The tree grows fast and fruits when it is young and can be grown in a pot or in any type of soil.

Nutritional Profile

Fresh June plums are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. In addition to its antioxidants, June plums are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and a host of other vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and thiamine.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) is essential for optimal eye health and can help prevent night blindness. This antioxidant also plays a role in immunity by supporting the white blood cells in fighting infections. This vitamin is also involved in hearing, taste, and normal fetal development. Zucchini is considered a very good source of this important nutrient.

Both vitamin A and vitamin C also have anti-inflammatory

properties that make them helpful for protecting against conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation plays a big role.

Vitamin C

June plums are high in vitamin C, which contributes to a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation, and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. This vitamin also enhances iron absorption from other foods, which reduces the risk of anemia. Additionally, it aids in the development and maintenance of healthy capillaries, gums, and skin, as well as strong bones and teeth.

Ways to Enjoy

Fresh June plums can be enjoyed raw and cooked at any stage of ripeness. Green, unripe fruits can be peeled and sliced, and then tossed into salads or sprinkled with salt or sugar and eaten out-of-hand. The fruit can also be juiced or cooked into jams, jellies, or chutneys, or boiled in soups and stews for savory and sweet applications. The fruit is ripe when the peel turns golden yellow and is most sweet then. June plums can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Enjoy fresh Florida June plums in their peak season today. They’re delicious and they’re good for you!

Selected References

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ https://www.specialtyproduce.com

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS TO SPONSOR FIRST EVER BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH

Everyone’s invited to a new FREE event at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds from noon to five p.m., Saturday, August 12, 2023. The County Fairgrounds, in conjunction with the Hillsborough County School System, will be hosting its first-ever “Back 2 School Bash” featuring a vast array of fantastic, free, fun events and activities, including yard games, inflatables, dodgeball and volleyball, face painting, hay rides, a cakewalk and more surprises.

According to Fair Manager Suzanne Holcomb, “We’re offering this FREE Event as an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the entire east Hillsborough community and all of Hillsborough County for all the support they’ve given us over the past few

years. Everyone is invited and we hope that those attending will bring school supplies to donate for distribution to schools that need extra support.”

Businesses and civic groups may also secure spaces to offer attendees giveaways and other fun activities; but won’t be able to sell merchandise in the free spaces. Also available will be a wide variety of delicious food trucks with an array of foods available for purchase.

Further details for participating as a vendor/exhibitor in this event are available on the Fair’s website: www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com or by calling the fairgrounds at (813) 737-3247. See You There!!

ALGORITHM WILL MAKE THE NORMALLY ACCURATE FLORIDA AUTOMATED WEATHER NETWORK EVEN MORE RELIABLE

By Brad Buck

A new algorithm is set to further bolster the credibility of the Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN), a system that farmers count on for such data as temperature, humidity, wind and rain.

Among other improvements, the technology will send an email to FAWN technicians, letting them know when readings are out of a normal range, said Rick Lusher, director of the UF/IFAS-run system. It will also review historical meteorological data in a matter of minutes – rather than days – to check if readings are outside normal parameters.

“Everything on our website is data driven. If we can tell the user that we have a daily quality assurance process to make sure our data are reliable, that makes us that much more trustworthy,” Lusher said.

In existence for about 25 years, FAWN provides real-time data and helps agricultural producers make decisions related to irrigation scheduling, freeze protection and chemical application. FAWN has stations in remote areas from the Panhandle to Homestead.

Even though the system’s measurements are already highly accurate, the algorithm will help enhance FAWN’s datasets, Lusher said.

Currently, FAWN relies on a fairly basic quality control process. In the field, technicians check sensors annually using what Lusher calls a “black box.”

“It’s like a FAWN station in a box,” Lusher said. “You set it next to the (FAWN) tower. You check the station data against the black box data and see if they agree within certain percentages. If station data are outside those percentages, FAWN technicians replace the sensor.”

That seldom happens – maybe once or twice a year, he said. “We do all we can as humans to ensure the FAWN data are as accurate as they can be,” Lusher said. “That includes routine station maintenance and field testing with the black box, but we collect so much data that it is impossible for us to sit and look through all that data every day and spot suspect measurements.”

“The algorithm will do that,” he said. “It will automatically go through all the data every day and look for odd patterns using statistics, compare the data to historical values, compare values at nearby stations, etc., and then let us know if anything looks suspicious. A human can’t do that.”

The algorithm is being developed by Ziwen Yu, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering. When it’s completely implemented – in the next year or two, the algorithm will check FAWN data, including temperature, and compare those values to historical readings to ensure FAWN values are reasonable.

When readings are way off, they will be labelled out by the algorithm running daily, and FAWN technicians will receive an alert at the same time, telling them that data or a sensor might be suspect.

“That alert lets FAWN technicians know to keep an eye on that sensor,” Lusher said.

The algorithm will be run automatically on a server on the main UF campus in Gainesville.

The algorithm, while useful, will not replace FAWN’s technicians, but will leverage their efficiency in identifying faulty sensors and maintaining the functionalities of FAWN’s weather stations.

“Our technicians go into the field to test individual sensors to make sure they are functioning properly and to do routine station maintenance – a critical part of our program, so technicians are still needed for FAWN to work properly,” Lusher said.

FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

Proficiency Award Winners

Case Watson - Beef Entrepreneurship

Savannah Rice - Diversified Livestock

Rebecca Holcomb - Equine Placement

State Winning Proficiency Award -

State Winners

Parliamentary Procedure: Peyton Haxton, Caroline

Haxton, Gabby Howell, Savannah Rice, Cooper

Davis, Lyla Bent

Employment Skills: Gabby Howell

Conduct team

Employment skills

The three state Proficiency Award Winners will be competing at the National FFA Convention in November.

Ag Issues Team

2nd in the State-Conduct of Chapter Meetings

Ian Mercer, Julianna Parmentier, Mya Salters, Annika Legg, Connor Kennedy, Kaylee Marsh, Madison Hurley

3rd in the State Discussion Meet- Lyla Bent

4th in the State Agriculture Issues- Kiah Swilley, Annistyn Griffin, Addison Griffin, MacKenzie Nolte, Grace Merrell

State Star Greenhand Finalist - Emma Leiss

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

First in the State, headed to Nationals Farm and Agribusiness Management team - Peyton Eatman, Natalee Francis, Ryan Bentravato and

State Winning Proficiency Award - Equine Placement – Rebecca Holcomb

Diversified Livestock – Savannah Rice

team - Gracie Garner and Jaida Davis

5th in the State- Marketing OH Demos - Alexsandra Goulding and Marley Mueller.

PCHS placed top 12 in the state and competed at Convention in the Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE - Makinley Jensen, Alexsandra Goulding, Hayden VanEepoel, Ava Swindle, Marley Mueller, Kyleigh Meiers, Braxton Willis.

PCHS placed top 20 in the state to advance to the Employability Skills LDE at convention- Kendall Donaldson.

PCHS had four State Degree recipients- Judson Smith, Kendall Donaldson, Julia Jones and Kenley Connell.

Both Chapters (Sr. and Jr.) earned the Premier Chapter Award

Event. This team worked extremely hard and research the topic of audit fatigue on local farmers. The team also presented to many local civic organizations and did an outstanding job. This team brought home the second-place award. A huge thanks to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association for their guidance and support. The team consisted of Macey Riley, Marlena Lott, Rease Marchese, Eliana Jett, and Brooke Wright.

Strawberry Crest FFA also had Spencer Baylor as a candidate for the Area 5 Vice President. We are excited to announce that Spencer Baylor won and will be representing Florida FFA for the next year.

STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL

Strawberry Crest FFA had a busy week at the 95th state FFA convention. The competition started early in the week with the extemporaneous public speaking state Preliminary contests. Milee Hasting, a current sophomore, competed in this contest and moved on to the state finals. Milee Hasting did an outstanding job and ended up placing 4th in the state. In the final round she went against all students that were graduating seniors. Strawberry Crest FFA chapters are extremely proud of Milee and can’t wait to see how she does next year in the competition.

The Elton Hinton Strawberry Crest FFA Chapter, which is made up of all freshmen, also competed in the Agricultural Issues Leadership Development

The chapter got recognized for many other competitions that occurred during the school year including 1st place OH Demonstration for Hope Storter, 2nd place for Nursery and Landscape and Agricultural Communication. Other top five awards in Meats Evaluation, Floriculture, Dairy EvaluationOH Demo, and Tractor Driving.

Did your school do well at the FFA State Convention?

Contact sarah@inthefieldmagazine. com and let us know how you did.

Lindsey Randall. 2nd in the State- Artistic Arrangement OH Demo

AGRITOURISM IN FLORIDA IS A BOOMING BUSINESS

By Michelle Caceres

Florida is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches and thriving tourism industry, however not far from the beaches, nestled between our east and west coasts lie a thriving $132 billion agriculture industry that provides millions of local jobs and puts food on tables across the country.

These farms, ranches and vineyards across the state are opening their gates, barn doors and fences, issuing a heartfelt invitation to sample the abundant bounty and natural beauty found in the state through the growing Agritourism industry, the marriage of Florida’s two top industries, agriculture and tourism, that is proving successful for farmers and farm visitors. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Agritourism, encompassing direct spending by visitors, revenue generated from farm-based activities and related purchases such as food, souvenirs and accommodations, contributes more than $2.8 billion annually to the state’s economy.

Like the seeds that sprout from the ground, people across the state are turning to a wide range of Agritourism businesses, from farmers’ markets and u-pick farms to vineyards and eco-tours, to attract visitors seeking an authentic rural experience. With less than two percent of Americans living on a farm, the public is becoming more removed from farming practices and agricultural production and is more interested than ever in learning where their food comes from and meeting the farmers that grow it.

“Agritourism, one of the state’s fastest-growing new business ventures, allows small farms to survive and thrive,” said Lena Juarez, Executive Director of the Florida Agritourism Association. “It’s the ultimate field trip where Floridians and visitors to our state want to return to their rural roots and experience the joys and benefits of farm life.”

Thanks to legislation passed within the last decade, barriers have been removed to make these opportunities readily available to Florida’s farmers and ranchers. In 2013, the Florida Legislature passed SB 1106 and Florida Statute 570.88 that broke down barriers of local legislation and provided limited liability for Agritourism operators. Florida Statute 570.85 eliminated the duplication of regulatory authority over Agritourism, meaning local governments couldn’t create new ordinances or rules that limit Agritourism activities on land that has an agricultural classification.

“It’s a wonderful thing that the Florida government did by allowing for Agritourism,” said Triple C Ranch owner Lisa Connet.

When she and her husband Chris retired in 2016 she sold their business in St. Cloud and the couple moved to the almost 40 acres they purchased in Brooksville in 2014 and grew Triple C Ranch into a thriving Agritourism destination.

“We were too young to retire and were looking for someplace a little more rural and laid back,” she said. “We both love horses and my husband wanted some cattle so we bought the farm and started boarding horses and offering trail rides.”

Over the last several years, the business thrived as the couple converted several buildings into cottages that they rent on Airbnb. They renovated a barn and host weddings and other events. Her husband got his wish of owning cattle. He breeds and sells Brahman cattle. “It’s been a lot of hard work but we’ve met a lot of wonderful people and it’s nice to share this experience with them,” she said. “Some visitors have never seen or touched a horse, never fed a goat and never eaten eggs that chickens just laid on our farm.”

Now almost ten years after they purchased the land, the Connetts are selling their property and ready to retire for the second time. “Farming isn’t for the faint of heart and we’re selling to somebody younger to keep on keeping on,” she said.

For Moore Exotic Animal Ranch owner Kristin Lloyd, who started her Agritourism business three ago, she’s hoping her neighbors will one day sell their property so she can expand the existing 1 1/2-acres in Riverview to give her more space to build additional enclosures for more creatures. Lloyd, an animal lover, worked at a specialty veterinary surgical clinic for large animals until the COVID pandemic shuttered her business. What had been a hobby (caring for about 20 or 30 animals on her property) became a money-making venture.

“I was homeschooling my two children and saw what impact it was having on them so started offering free tours for homeschool groups so they could see the exotic animals up close,” she said.

Lloyd had just become licensed with the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to own, breed and broker the animals, which she said was a simple and straightforward process. “As long as you follow the rules it’s not as complicated as people make it out to be,” she said. “It’s important to follow the rules and procedures.”

The homeschool groups enjoyed learning about the animals in her collection, which includes lemurs, sloths, Patagonian mara, anteaters and kangaroo. Eventually, she started offering appointment-only tours for larger school groups to learn about the more than 60 animals living on her property. “The tours are educational and entertaining,” said Lloyd.

She just started offering an industry tour for FFA groups to learn about the day-to-day tasks of running an Agritourism business. “They get a behind-the-scenes tour and see that it’s hard work,” she said. “They see every-

thing, including my boyfriend’s fruit trees that he grows and sells on the property, irrigation techniques and the greenhouse we’ve built.”

For Lloyd, establishing a good support system and being a member of organizations like the Florida Agritourism Association have helped her leverage their expertise and connections to help her grow a successful business. “The Florida Agritourism Association were my advocates before I was even USDA licensed,” she said. “You find the right people to help and you realize you don’t have to do this alone.”

Through a successful marketing campaign, she’s seen an increase in the number of groups that visit the ranch. “Next month we have someone from Europe coming here while on vacation because they want to see our baby anteater that was just born,” said Lloyd.

Lloyd plans to attend its convention in Gainesville this month to learn from others who’ve been working in the industry for a long time so her business can grow bigger and better.

Even though the to-do list is exhaustive and time off limited, Lloyd can’t imagine doing anything else. “It’s

just more rewarding than my old job,” she said. “I watch my plants grow, I watch my animals have babies and know I’m the facilitator for their well-being and happiness.”

As the demand for authentic experiences and sustainable tourism grows, Agritourism in Florida stands as a promising sector. By leveraging Florida’s diverse agricultural offerings, Agritourism operators can capitalize on year-round tourism and integrate themselves into Florida’s thriving economy.

For information on agricultural-related events, to explore local farms and know what’s in season and where to buy, follow the Florida Agritourism Association at www.VisitFloridaFarms.com, on Facebook or download the Florida Agritourism Association’s free app in the Apple or Android app stores.

Agritourism operators can visit its website to view a toolkit that provides expansive information and resources related to both the marketing and technical aspects of running an Agritourism operation.

“Agritourism affords farmers and ranchers who would otherwise have to sell their land an opportunity to make some revenue and share the farm experience with others,” said Connet.

Fast First Half of 2023!

by John Dicks

About this time of year, every year, if you’re like me, you sit up with a start and realization that half the year has already come and gone!

Crazy, ain’t it?! We’re now officially closer to Christmas ahead of us than we are to New Year’s Day behind us!

That proverbial, annual trip around the sun has us now headed back toward home. Already the summer solstice is over and our sunsets are done drifting to the north. As if drawn by a Milky Way magnet, the Sun is marching back to the left and sizzling into the Gulf of Mexico a bit more southwest than we would otherwise imagine that it should be.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that summer is over. We’ve still got plenty of sweatin’ left to do. Hanging out at the beach, or fishing in a placid lake still makes many a memory for one to grasp and hold onto. It’s just that when that yearly halfway mark gets hit, it tends to jumpstart the notions of things you’ve got to get done, sooner than later.

There are only a few more weeks until school starts, about the same number of days before football season kicks off, and then those big holidays start lining up encouraging us to celebrate the season by spending even more (though not necessarily in that order)!

Frankly, this year of 2023 was one that I stared at on the calendar with excitement as its first few days got started. I figured it had to be better than 2022, if for no other reason than there were no major elections staring at us, and screaming straight in our face!

When the incessant inundation of crazy campaign commercials starts hitting repeatedly from any and all directions, safely avoiding them is the one thing we strive for and can all be thankful about. That’s part of the joy that the odd-numbered years (like 2023) bring us, and it’s true even if our respite

from election politics is providing a joyous bliss only until the year end.

So what shall we make of this second half of the year? Perhaps a vow to make is in order. It should be one that encourages, if not directs us to get out more often and enjoy fully what’s left of the year.

Granted it’s as “hot as blue blazes” out there. That’s what my Mother always called it, and she was right about everything and first to let you know it! So that’s certainly one thing we all have to deal with.

Fortunately, Florida has plenty of places to cool off since we are, naturally, surrounded by water. One of my favorite ways to do so, and allow us to genuinely enjoy it all, is by visiting our state parks. An easy drive of only an hour or two will get you into some of the world’s best (and most gorgeous) places for cooling off including so many of the wonderful springs we are blessed with like the Weeki Wachee, Rainbow, Homosassa, Ichetucknee, and Silver Springs, just to name a few.

We Floridians are fortunate to enjoy one of the largest state park systems in the country with 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites spanning nearly 800,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beaches. The great thing is that none are really that far to drive to, and the price is right when you can score an exceptional bargain by getting free entrance to all of them through an annual Florida State Park Pass for just $60, or a Family Pass for only $120.

Here’s a link for info on all of our Florida state parks, with details on what each park offers (including camping in many of them) and where you can purchase an Annual Pass: www.floridastateparks.org.

However you decide to best spend the remaining half of the year, make it and all of 2023 one really to remember!

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.

A Closer Look Leather Bookmark

Naturally Amazing Activities

by Sean Green

When you mention bookmarks these days many will assume you’re talking about a web browser. Bookmarks, like the books they belong in, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Digi tal copies of a book cannot replace the personal connection the printed version offers. Likewise, there is nothing quite like a book mark that has acquired its character through countless pages of beloved literature. This month we are making a magnetized leather bookmark that will not only endure, but will gain charac ter the more it’s used.

Supplies:

Thin Leather Scrap (1-2 oz)

Felt

Strong Magnetic Strip (Ideally Neodymium)

Fabric Glue

Cutting Tool (Leather knife, Scissors, Razor)

Leather sewing needles (optional)

Production:

Waxed Cord (optional) Leather Stamp (optional)

Your bookmark design should be symmetrical and double the length you want sticking in the book. The finished piece will be folded in half over the page.

Lightly draw the shape of your bookmark onto leather with a sewing needle.

Cut the leather and felt to shape

Cut magnetic strips to fit within both sides of the bookmark leaving a couple mm space on each side and space to fold the bookmark in the middle.

Sew an outer seam of 2 mm to secure the leather and felt (optional)

The fabric glue will likely hold well enough, but hand stitching will certainly make the bookmark more durable and attractive.

Stamp or decorate the leather bookmark

Spread fabric glue onto the leather

Sandwich the magnetic strip between the glued leather and felt, allow to dry.

Closer Look

Scrub Palmetto Scarab Beetle (Trigonopeltastes

floridanus)

Florida is the only state in the continental United States in which a truly tropical ecozone occurs naturally. For us, this zone is called the “Neotropic ecozone” and although it begins just south of the Tampa Bay area, we are in a transition zone between the Neotropics and the Nearctic ecozones. Being in a transition zone means that we get to see some very interesting wildlife, plants and insects that are rare or nonexistent in the rest of the United States. This month were featuring the Scrub Palmetto Scarab Beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus); a rare insect found only in our endangered Florida scrub habitat. This beautiful insect is a Florida treasure that may not be around much longer if our Florida scrub habitats are not protected from loss at the hands of residential, commercial, and agricultural development.

Trigonopeltastes is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the beetle family Scarabaeidae. The taxonomic name comes from the Greek “trigno” (Triangular) and “peltast” (an ancient type of shield). There are more than 20 described species within the genus with populations in both North America and Central America, only two however, in the United States. The most common of the two species is the delta flower scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta) so named for the distinguishing pattern resembling the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet “delta” (Δ). The least common of the two species is the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus), long considered one of the rarest beetles in the United States. The palmetto scarab beetle is distinguished from the delta flower beetle by the “V-shaped pattern rather than the “delta” pattern.

Flower chafers as a group are known to feed on nectar, pollen, sap, and soft rotting fruit. The larvae feed on decaying plant matter and serve a role as a detrivore. Not much is known about the specific habits of scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus), however, it is known that some of the species in Africa and India are known to be predacious. In a 2014 study conducted at the Archbold Biological Station and along the Lake Wales Ridge, University of MissouriColumbia biologist James Carrel discovered something very interesting about our endemic scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus). His finding revealed that anoth-

er species endemic to Florida’s scrub habitat, the red widow spider (Latrodectus bishopi) preys on five species of scarab beetle that are also endemic to scrub habitat, the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus) being one of them. This study suggests that the red widow spider (L. bishopi) and the palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) coevolved in scrub habitat and the red widow has evolved as a specialized predator of scarab beetle, depending on it almost entirely as a primary food source.

The bright coloration of both the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) and the delta flower scarab (T. delta) are thought to be a function of bastesian mimicry in which they resemble the coloration of less palatable meals. Two examples of insects advertising an honest warning are the Red Widow spider (L. bishopi) and the Dark Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus), both of which are venomous and common predators know to avoid them and continue searching for an easier meal. Such coloration is a defense mechanism that deters some predators such as birds, but is not so effective in deterring predators such as wasps and spiders.

The scrub palmetto (Sabel etonia) is the primary host plant for which the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) gets its name, and the host plant is just as rare as the insect being found only in Florida, and only in specific regions in Florida. The scrub palmetto is often cultivated and used in Florida landscaping as an accent plant. Because this plant is endemic to Florida and evolved to withstand periods of drought, it is an amazingly easy plant to maintain in a Florida landscape. One of the things our readers can do to help preserve Florida’s rare and endangered species is to include them at home. The scrub palmetto (S. etonia) and scrub palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) will thrive in well-drained sandy soil common through central Florida. I am of course encouraging our readers to add endemic plants to their landscape and if that is not an option, I hope our readers will at least make a trip to some of Florida’s scrub habitats to take a closer look at the rare insects and plants that can be found nowhere else such as the Scrub Palmetto Scarab Beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus).

A

by Sean Green | Photograph by Tim Lethbridge

CATTLE AND GREENHOUSE GASES: SEPARATING HYPE FROM SCIENTIFIC REALITY

In the struggle to combat climate change, the arrow of blame has frequently been aimed at cattle production. However, claims that methane emissions from cattle are major contributors to climate change must be critically examined and questioned. A closer look at the scientific data behind greenhouse gases will shed light on the complex relationship between cattle and greenhouse gas emissions, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting factors that play a more significant role in our changing climate.

Greenhouse gases blanketing earth’s atmosphere trap heat creating the “greenhouse effect.” Since the beginning of time, greenhouse gases like car-

bon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxides (N2O), methane (CH4) and water vapor have created a ceiling of sorts that traps heat from the sun and blankets our planet with it. If not for this greenhouse effect, Earth would be uninhabitable. Many greenhouse gases occur naturally but some are the result of human behavior. As greenhouse gas emissions have increased and continue to trap heat, they are causing the planet to overheat, what is referred to as global warming or climate change.

However, not all greenhouse gases are created equal. According to Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a UC Davis professor who studies animal agriculture and its relationship to air quality and the climate,

Bridget Stice, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

we must look at them individually and understand that they don’t all behave or warm in the same way. For example, scientists have assigned a “global warming potential (GWP100)” score to various greenhouse gases over a 100-year period. According to GWP100, carbon dioxide has a score of 1; methane, 28; and nitrous oxide, 265. In other words, 1 kilo of methane is 28 times more potent than 1 kilo of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Sounds bad for methane, right? But what we also need to consider is methane that is released into the atmosphere hangs around for about 12 years, whereas carbon dioxide can remain in the atmosphere anywhere between 300 and 1,000 years. It makes comparing the greenhouse gas effect of the two gases kind of like comparing apples to oranges.

When discussing greenhouse gases, it is also important to differentiate gases that are “fossil” gases and those that are “biogenic” gases. Fossil gases result from the burning of fossil fuels from deep in the earth, where they have been stored for millions of years, away from the atmosphere. Once burned, they remain in the atmosphere for centuries.

Whereas biogenic gases like methane produced by cattle, begin as carbon dioxide that is already in the atmosphere. Biogenic gases have been cycling through the atmosphere since time began. In the biogenic carbon cycle, plants absorb carbon dioxide, and through the process of photosynthesis, they harness the energy of the sun to produce

carbohydrates, like cellulose that is inedible to humans. Cattle and other ruminant animals can digest cellulose in their rumens. Some of the carbon in the cellulose is converted to methane (CH4) and released into the atmosphere. After about 12 years, the methane is converted back into carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Biogenic gases, like methane emitted by cattle, is recycled carbon. As long as herd emissions remain the same for more than 12 years, no additional methane – or warming – is being added to the atmosphere.

Because beef production has become more efficient, the US cow herd size has been shrinking over the past 50 years, while beef production has remained nearly constant. In 1975, there were approximately 46 million beef cows in the US. As of January 1, 2023, the beef cow herd is estimated to be around 29 million head. Yet in 1975 about 25 billion pounds of beef was produced in the US and in 2022, about 28.5 billion pounds of beef was produced, from a much smaller herd of cattle.

Advanced research and technologies are finding even more new ways to reduce and mitigate the impact of cattle on the environment. It is important that we be conscious and respectful to our planet. However, if we are ever able to change the warming trend from greenhouse gases, it is critical that we understand the facts and work together to find lasting solutions. Beef production, and its consumption, is not a major driver in climate change, it might even be part of the solution.

Bridget Stice

The Polk County Livestock Extension Program is designed to provide educational programs and assistance for livestock producers, and promote agricultural awareness and its importance to our food system and economy. This agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating these livestock Extension programs in Polk County. The agent delivers educational programs in livestock production and management, forages and pastures, plant science, farm management, and agricultural awareness. Contact Bridget Stice via email at bccarlis@ufl.edu or (863) 519-1048

THE GARDEN LIFE

By Libby Hopkins

Melissa de Céspedes is a first-generation, Florida-born, Cuban-American and a health and environmental scientist. “I have been one since I was a child and then grew up and got a degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. in human health,” de Céspedes said. “I was perusing an academic career for the first part of my life and then during COVID, I really sat down and thought about how I wanted to live the rest of my life. I wanted a career that was more nature-oriented and bring health and environmental science to clients.”

Her plan was to do this through garden education. “I wanted to create gardens and landscapes for clients that allow them to be more in tune with nature,” de Céspedes said. “My approach is science-backed and ecosupportive since this is how I differentiate myself from other landscaping companies. I offer garden design, 1:1 coaching, and workshops. I specialize in using Florida native plants and kitchen gardens and am Gardenary certified.” The Florida Good Life was born.

The mission of The Florida Good Life is to convert all yards, balconies, and gardens into functional and natural spaces. “We help homeowners, schools and busi-

nesses adapt their outdoor spaces for maximum food production and minimal maintenance,” de Céspedes said. “We promise a thriving, productive garden that provides you with nutrient-dense, naturally grown food.”

de Céspedes and her team at The Florida Good Life value reducing our carbon footprint and plastic use, improving human health, and providing food security and safety. “We currently service in-person in the Tampa Bay area and virtually elsewhere,” de Céspedes said. “We assess the soil on their property because Florida is very diverse. Based on what the client envisions their outdoor living space as we help them make the right decisions and help them to avoid critical errors for their outdoor living spaces.”

The Florida Good Life offers and array of services from kitchen and salad gardens to various gardening workshops. “Coaching is essential to establish what you want to grow, where to grow it, and how you can be successful,” de Céspedes said. “Native or kitchen garden-focused sessions are available in addition to professionally installed kitchen gardens with custom soil blend, organic seeds and seedlings, and year-long support.

We also serve schools, restaurants, new housing developments, and most commercial outdoor spaces in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas.”

de Céspedes and her team also host pop-up gardening events in the community. “Success is built on connection,” de Céspedes said. “That’s why keeping things local is extremely important to us. We partner with many local businesses to host our events, as well as support businesses in our community by inviting them to be a part of our events.”

The Florida Good Life will be hosting their Welcome to Fall Garden Party on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Apollo’s Bistro in Apollo Beach. “Join us for our first garden party and kick off the season of cooler weather and pumpkin spice,” de Céspedes said. “Guests will tour the clean eating initiative garden and make new plant friends. The bar will feature an herbinspired cocktail and the kitchen will serve up delightful bites to graze on. The activity table will feature a pumpkin decorating activity and garden party guests will receive a potted herb gift to take home. This event is a perfect way to unwind, enjoy time with friends and family and meet other plant enthusiasts.”

If you’d like to learn more about The Florida Good Life or if you’d like to acquire their services, you can visit their website at www.floridagood.life.

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

FLORIDA SMALL FARMS FACTS AND THE UF/IFAS EXTENSION POLK COUNTY SMALL FARMS PROGRAM

By Luis Rodriguez, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

A Small Farm

When we think about a small farm, immediately we think about the size of the farm. Although size often plays a factor in how much a farmer can produce, a small farm is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as one producing products for sale with revenue of less than $250,000 annually. Approximately 90% of all farms in Florida are classified as small farms.

State Agricultural Facts

According to Florida’s Agriculture and Food System Fast Facts 2022, Florida has a total of 47,5000 farm operations; 9,700,000 acres in farms, and 204 acres is the average farm size. In 2019, agriculture and food systems contribute to the state economy with $11.28 billion in sales revenue in production, $39.48 billion in sales revenue in processing and manufacturing, and $106.01 billion in sales revenue in distribution. For more information about Florida agriculture access Florida’s Agriculture and Food System Fast Facts 2022 here: https://branding.ifas.ufl.edu/downloads/uploads/Extension%20Brochures/IFAS/Florida-Agriculture-Food-SystemFast-Facts.pdf

State Trends

State and national trends show an increasing number of citizens exploring small-scale fruit and vegetable production and alternative crops for local consumption. Meanwhile, consumers are on the lookout for locally grown, quality foods and seeking a connection to the farm. Polk County also has approximately 26% Hispanics, creating an additional need for other agricultural commodities such as tropical fruits and vegetables and resources available in Spanish. Because of this, it is important to have a reliable source with science-based information to help new or beginner farmers and small farmers succeed in their agricultural operations and break language barriers.

The UF/IFAS Small Farms Program Polk County

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Polk County, translates research to help the people, businesses, and neighborhoods of Polk County solve problems, develop solutions, and build a better future through youth development, nutrition and agriculture and natural resources education. The Small Farms Program aims to provide education and resources to Polk County small farmers to develop their potential and increase local access to safe, quality, Polk-grown products. The program teaches topics such as:

• Farm best management practices

• Sustainable agriculture

• Row Crops

• Agribusiness

• Agritourism

• Backyard chickens

• Beekeeping

• Other agricultural topics relevant to small farmers. The program promotes practice adoption among farmers to increase their product yield, quality, and food safety practices while minimizing production costs and increasing ag awareness.

We offer services such as:

• Agricultural workshops covering multiple topics under agricultural commodities, agritourism, and agribusiness.

• Site visits and phone or office consultations.

• Teaching and resources to farmers about best management practices.

• Soil sampling

• Pest identification

• Other services related to small farm production systems.

UF/IFAS Small Farm and Pesticide Education Polk County Agent

Luis O. Rodriguez is the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Pesticide Education Extension Agent, Polk County. The agent has a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus. The agent is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs for UF/IFAS Polk County Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises and Pesticide Applicators Training programs. Some of the agent areas of specialization are animal science, small farms crop production, beekeeping, farm safety, small farms business development, agritourism, pesticide applicator training, Integrated Pest Management (IPMs), and Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs). The agent is bilingual in both English and Spanish and provides science-based information in these two languages. The agent’s contact information is as follows:

Luis O. Rodriguez Rosado, Extension Agent I

Small Farms and Pesticide Education

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu

863-519-1049

http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ www.facebook.com/PolkExtension

Resources of the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Pesticide Program in Polk County:

• The Agent has a blogpost page and can be accessed here: https:// blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/author/luisrodriguezrosado/

• The agent had developed, in conjunction with other agents, a series of videos for pesticide applicators called The Right Dose in English and Spanish as a resource guide for their studies for the General Standard Core Test. The links can be found here: English: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2022/11/15/the-rightdose-video-series/ Spanish: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2022/11/15/la-dosiscorrecta-serie-de-videos/

• UF IFAS Polk County YouTube Small Farms playlist: https://www. youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2H6GdrW22sumg3ePrVQdGUavkbJB 8ODV

• The agent has developed, in conjunction with Jonael Bosques (UF/ IFAS Hardee County) a Spanish Backyard Chicken online workshop titled “Manejo de Aves de Corral en Florida”: https://ifas-cafelatino. catalog.instructure.com/courses/manejo-de-aves-de-corral-enflorida

Upcoming events for UF/IFAS Small Farms and Pesticide Programs Polk County:

Small Farms:

• Pasture Management for Small Farms: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pasture-management-for-small-farms-tickets-647061447207 (Multiple dates)

• 2023 Summer Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-summer-southwest-floridasmall-farmer-network-meeting-tickets-626241454047 (July 19, 2023)

• Basic Backyard Chicken Workshop: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/basic-backyard-chicken-workshop-tickets-601451827607 (October 12, 2023)

Pesticide Training:

• General Standards Pesticide Core Exam Prep. Training and CEU's Training: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/general-standardspesticide-core-exam-prep-training-and-ceus-training-tickets-632702388877 (June 28, 2023)

• 2023 South Central Florida CEU’s Days:

• July 7, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-south-central-floridaceus-days-day-1-tickets-598640970257

• July 13, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-south-central-floridaceus-days-day-2-tickets-598665934927

• July 21, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-south-central-floridaceus-daysday-3-tickets-598678873627

UF SCIENTISTS SEE BRIGHT FUTURE AS THEY SEEK SAVORY STRAWBERRIES – AND HIGH YIELD

By Brad Buck

Strawberry consumers love the fruit’s sweet flavor, and University of Florida scientists are trying to meet that desire, while also helping growers produce high yields.

But genes and volatile compounds that control flavor are difficult to pinpoint, said Mark Porter, a Ph.D. student in the Plant Breeding Program at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. In a newly published paper, Porter leads three authors who outline the past, present and potential future of breeding flavor into strawberries.

For years, scientists tried to find just the right genes for flavor, but they lacked a genetic map. Researchers found the GPS in 2019, when the first cultivated strawberry genome was published, said Porter.

“Think of it like you want to get to Seattle from Florida without a map or road signs,” he said. “With the construction of the first strawberry genome and the reduced cost of obtaining genetic information from our strawberries, we can now find the location in the genome that’s responsible for production of aroma compounds. That’s akin to scientists who study humans finding the genes that control eye color.”

Scientists also know that simply breeding for more sugar in berries will result in lower yields for growers.

“Now, we have the tools to find the right genetic combination for flavor and yield in strawberries,” Porter said.

UF/IFAS is adding these tools to its arsenal to breed strawberries for many traits, including flavor, yield and disease- and pest-resistance. For example, GCREC recently hired Kevin Wang, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, who’s using artificial intelligence to help plant breeders at the center.

Still people’s taste buds can be finnicky. Depending on who’s eating the fruit, people prefer differ-

ent aromas and tastes, so it’s important to conduct taste-test panels with your demographic of interest, said Porter, who’s doing his doctoral research at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC).

Those consumer panels – conducted at the UF main campus in Gainesville -- tell scientists the strawberry varieties they prefer and why. From that data, scientists select strawberries for certain genes.

Porter’s co-authors on the paper are his faculty advisors at GCREC: UF/IFAS horticultural sciences Assistant Professor Seonghee Lee and Professor Vance Whitaker.

“In order to increase U.S. consumption of strawberries and other healthy fruits, we must continue to prioritize improving flavor in new varieties,” Whitaker said. “But we also have to keep improving yield and disease resistance for our growers. To do all these things at once, we have to work smarter and harder.”

UF/IFAS strawberry breeders are prolific. Of the 12,000 acres of Florida-grown strawberries, UF/ IFAS cultivars are grown on 10,000. Varieties from

the fruit are grown in 36 countries and on all continents except Antarctica.

Genetics will continue to help traditional fieldbreeding efforts, which will increase the odds of the next generation of strawberries being more flavorful, Porter said.

“There are over 100 aroma compounds controlled by different genes,” he said. “That means you want to combine as many genes as possible in your latest variety. It is also hard to uncover the genes controlling specific aroma compounds because the chemistry behind identifying the aroma compounds is technical and takes a long time. That contrasts to traits like fruit size, which can be easily measured many times in a season.”

WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME

Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.

Recipes

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Chef Justin Timineri

Florida Chicken, Avocado and Swiss Wrap

Ingredients q q

3 Florida chicken breasts

1 large Florida avocado, peeled and sliced

4 slices Swiss cheese

4 whole-wheat wraps

¼ cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 lemon, juiced

1 lime, juiced

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

In a small bowl combine the yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice; season with sea salt and pepper, to taste. Place two slices of cheese on top of each wrap, place on a cookie sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and add chicken slices to each wrap. Add sliced avocado, sprinkle with lime juice, and top with yogurt sauce. Fold the wrap to create a sandwich.

Florida Avocado Crostini

Ingredients q q

2 Florida avocados, halved, pitted and peeled

4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into 3-inch pieces

1 medium baguette, sliced into ½-inch-thick rounds

Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing

2 cloves garlic

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange prosciutto in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp; let cool. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with oil. Bake until light golden brown around edges. Rub bread with garlic cloves. Mash avocados with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Spread avocado on baguette slices. Top each with a piece of prosciutto and serve.

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