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Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
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JUNE 2019 VOL. 14 • ISSUE 8
CONTENTS STEED FARMS
64 PAGE 11 Farm Bureau Speech contest PAGE 12 Invasive Plants PAGE 16 Cyclestop USA PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 28 First Ladies of rescue PAGE 32 Hops Field Day
PAGE35 Moringa
PAGE 58
PAGE 36 Jack Payne
PAGE 59
PAGE 44 Alvin Futch
PAGE 62 Rainwater Harvesting
PAGE 45 Lazy Gardening
A Closer Look
PAGE 63
PAGE 46 John Dicks
Field To Hill
PAGE 48 Endangered Species
News Briefs
PAGE 51 EFNEP
RCMA
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 33 Fuel System Treatment
Activity
PAGE 66
PAGE 68
PAGE 69 Seeking Nominations
Hey Readers!
InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! PAGE
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dennis Carlton, Jr.....................President Jake Raburn................Vice President Tony Lopez..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2018 - 2019 Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Sambahv, Vincent Tort, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Julie Carlson, Amy Engle
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Artis Griffin
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6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Jared Bean
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Letter from the Editor
STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Patsy Berry Editor
We were just treated to the hottest May since records have been kept. For those of you wondering how long that is, it’s a whopping 125 years. We didn’t just break it a little bit, either. It was broken by almost 4 degrees. Heat affects us all, whether you have crops in the ground, a nursery, or livestock; each of us had different things to deal with thanks to this heat wave. But think about this. In the Panhandle, where Hurricane Michael made landfall, there was substantial destruction to agriculture production areas. This monster storm hit October 10, 2018. Eight months later, producers are struggling. I recently read an article written by Adam N. Rabinowitz, agriculture economist at the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and Crista Court, economist at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science in the Food and Resource Economics Department. The picture they paint is bleak. According to the article, “Many farmers in the region are unable to fully, or even partially, begin their usual production activities for the 2019 season because of the losses or damages sustained from Hurricane Michael. The lingering problems are more pronounced in field crops including cotton, peanuts, corn and soybeans, as well as fruits and vegetables, pecans and beef cattle. The most common reasons for the recovery delay: the lack of adequate financing and incomplete cleanup and repairs.” On an even more distressing note, “Some farmers have simply gone out of business or permanently stopped farming.” That’s not all. Mexico Beach, where the hurricane first made landfall, is basically gone. It was small before the hurricane hit. Now there is no gas station or grocery store in operation. Yes, it’s hot here, but the rainy season is upon is, as is hurricane season. Be prepared. Until next month,
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Sales Melissa Nichols Karen Berry Sarah Holt George Domedion Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
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.
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AN INTERESTING EDITION HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
Greetings, I hope all of you and your families are enjoying the summer. This edition of IN THE FIELD has several articles of particular interest. The cover story discusses Steed Farms and their decadelong commitment to Community Supported Agriculture. Take a few minutes to read about this innovative approach to agriculture that supports the farmer – Jenn and Shawn Steed and their six children – as well as their CSA members. The Women’s Committee of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau continues to support not only Farm Bureau initiatives, but our local community, as well. They once again organized and implemented the Youth Speech Contest for students in Hillsborough County, adding a category for Middle School students for the first time. “Team Holcomb” siblings Austin and Rebecca won first place honors in the High School and Middle School categories, respectively. They now move on to the District level competition in August, and we wish them the very best. This competition is another way Farm Bureau helps broaden the understanding of our industry. The committee is also in the midst of a drive for gathering donated school supplies that will be provided to students of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) here in Hillsborough County. Please give this drive your consideration. There’s more information in this issue as to where donated items can be delivered. Please note that cash donations would also be appreciated. My thanks to the Women’s Committee for their continued support of our community and all aspects of Farm Bureau programming.
The late Alvin Futch is also remembered in this issue. He was an active Farm Bureau member, a true gentleman and an asset to our community and industry in so many ways. Alvin will be missed, and we extend our sincerest best wishes to his family. I sincerely hope that by the time you are reading this letter lawmakers in Washington, D.C. will have finalized and enacted a disaster relief package for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Michael. Current disaster programs within the U. S. Department of Agriculture were not designed to address storms of this magnitude, and the federal government must take the steps necessary to provide much needed support. I know many of you have joined with Florida Farm Bureau to urge our lawmakers to take action in this regard. As always, I would encourage any of you who are reading this letter and edition of IN THE FIELD and are not members of Farm Bureau, to please give membership your family’s consideration. Remember, you don’t have to be a farmer or rancher to join. Your membership and involvement is vitally important to agriculture. For more information, visit: hcfarmbureau.org, stop in and see us at 305 South Wheeler Street in Plant City or give us a call: 813/685-9121. Thank you,
Dennis Carlton Jr. Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Dennis Carlton, Jr. , President; Jake Raburn, Vice-President; Tony Lopez Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Sambahv,Jay Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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AN INTERESTING EDITION
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HOLCOMB SIBLINGS TAKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU SPEECH CONTEST HONORS By Jim Frankowiak
Austin Holcomb, a 9th grader going into his sophomore year at Durant High School, and his Turkey Creek Middle School sister Rebecca, have been named winners of the Hillsborough County Florida Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest. “Team Holcomb” will represent the county at the August District competition. This year marked the first time middle school students were invited to enter the Youth Speech Contest.
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The presentation topic for competitors at both levels was “How recent natural disasters that had a major impact on agriculture have affected consumers.” Austin, the county’s first place high school winner received $125 and his sister Rebecca won $100 for her winning presentation. They will vie for $200 and $150, respectively, at the district level. State finals, which are only for high school level student competitors, will award $500 for first place and $250 for the runner-up. Finals will take place at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting, October 31.
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“I was very impressed by both of these students,” said Hillsborough Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Chair who helped facilitate the competition. “The content and complete thought processes in their speeches, were remarkable. I am very proud to have them representing Hillsborough County Farm Bureau at the District competition.” The competing students gave their speeches to members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee this past May 6. Each year, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s Women’s Leadership Program sponsors the statewide Youth Speech Contest with three levels of competition: County, District and State. The purpose of this contest is to promote a stronger interest and clearer understanding of the many aspects of agriculture; to provide opportunities for youth to gain knowledge, appreciation and understanding of agriculture; and help to promote agriculture’s many values and virtues. Student competitors must be at least 14 years of age and residents of the county of the sponsoring county Farm Bureau. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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BATTLING
Invasive Plants
GOOD INVESTMENT, BUT MORE FUNDING NEEDED, STUDY FINDS By Samantha Grenrock For decades, Florida communities have battled invasive plants on land and water. These plants disrupt native ecosystems and livelihoods, and more arrive each year. Now a new study from the University of Florida and The Nature Conservancy shows that nearly $45 million in state and federal funding per year is spent in Florida to gain the upper hand on invasive plants in natural areas and waters, and that success depends on how well The study draws from six years (2009 to 2014) of state and federal expenditures on control control efforts are funded. of invasive plant species in Florida conservaFlorida consistently ranks among the top tion areas. Researchers looked at where monthree states most affected by invasive plants, ey was spent across the state with respect to said S. Luke Flory, associate professor of ecol- known plant invasions. ogy with the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and one of the study’s authors. Their results suggest that in Florida, funding has gone toward controlling the most prob“Most plants have what we call ‘natural en- lematic invasive plant species where they are emies,’ which are pests, diseases or predators most abundant and of greatest concern. The that keep plant population at stable levels. study also found that greater management When a plant is introduced into a new area, expenditures led to less area invaded for the the natural enemies that used to keep them costliest invasive species, hydrilla. in check in their native habitat may not be present in that new area. Without any natu- Florida has many examples of successful conral enemies to stop them, these new plants trol of invasive plants, including melaleuca may dominate, negatively impacting existing and others. But, as with nearly all invasive plants, wildlife and the people who use those plants, the extent of control is directly determined by the amount of resources dedicated areas,” Flory said. to it, Flory said. For instance, aquatic plants such as hydrilla and water hyacinth clog waterways and drain- In the long term, invasive species decrease age canals. Cogongrass increases fire risk and biodiversity—the variety of plants and anidecreases pasture for cattle. Air potato can en- mals in an area. A recent UN global biodivergulf natural areas with its fast-growing vines, sity assessment identified invasive species as and Brazilian peppertree can alter habitat and a key driver of the decline of biodiversity and ecosystem services globally. diminish recreational value. Nearly 1,500 non-native plant species have established in Florida. Only a small fraction of these species become invasive, but those that do present a significant threat to the state’s $50 billion natural resource-based sectors, the study’s authors say.
Future research on invasive plants in Florida will need to identify emerging problem species, locate them when they are small, test control methods and determine when and where management is most effective, the study’s authors said.
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However, the study shows that funding initia- In addition to Flory and Serbesoff-King, the tives to counter plant invasions have been an study’s authors include lead author and UF /IFAS biological scientist Drew Hiatt; Deah effective and efficient investment. Lieurance, assistant Extension scientist and “Our findings demonstrate the need for con- coordinator for the UF/IFAS Assessment of tinued and sustained funding to efficiently Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas; address and manage the growing problem of and UF biology professor and Environmental invasions,” said Kristina Serbesoff-King, a sci- Defense Fund lead senior scientist Doria Gorentist with The Nature Conservancy and one don. of the study’s co-authors. The study was published in the journal Conser“Florida has a relatively high level of com- vation Science and Practice. Available to sustain mitment to invasive management – but it and enhance the quality of human life. With is unclear if current spending is sufficient to more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county prevent the establishment of new non-native Extension offices, and award-winning students species or dampen the spread of current and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and invaders,” Serbesoff-King said. “Consistent Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring sciencemanagement with sufficient and sustained based solutions to the state’s agricultural and funding is more effective than only increasing natural resources industries, and all Florida resispending when invasive plant populations dents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS. become highly problematic.”
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Business Up Front
By Jim Frankowiak
Being a biker in need of service, repairs or custom work on your ride usually meant two options: high cost dealerships where custom work was usually not done, or visiting “Old School” motorcycle shops not known for cleanliness, customer service, but pretty good when it came to custom work either on an existing ride or from the ground up. Lady bikers were particularly challenged, especially when it came to seeking service at the “traditional” shops. Cycle Stop USA brought a new option to both male and female bikers when they began operations in Plant City in 2009. The company started with a small shop on James Redman Parkway and moved to a larger location nearby and also opened a store in Tampa. The initial plan was to focus on tires, brakes, batteries and maintenance. There were changes to the Cycle Stop USA business plan going forward. Multiple locations have given way to a single shop on State Road 60, just west of Highway 39, and the pallet of services continues its initial focus, along with attention to Harley Davidson and Indian cycles and other major brands, even motor scooters and four-wheelers, as well as custom builds.
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“Our basic service areas remain unchanged, but through ongoing work from the same customers, they told us of other needs they had that we could meet and we have, “said Jason Hallman, who heads the family run business along with his daughters Amanda and Shelby and niece Kaitlyn Pemberton. Technical assistance is provided by Shannon Parkey and Shane Jones, a retired U.S. Air Force Specialist. Jason also has ongoing hands-on involvement and every member of the team is engaged in customer service, and each wears the
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Cycle Stop USA attire. The front of the store, which is home to a number of custom bikes for sale, and shop area are exceptionally maintained and always well lit. “More women are buying bikes than ever before,” Jason noted. “But they just want to be treated like one of the guys and that’s exactly what we do.” Jason’s wife, Karen, is a manager with the Polk County Early Learning Coalition, which is focused on readying more than 12,000 children for school and success. This family journey began in Detroit where Hallman grew up. His father, Rick, was always involved with motorcycles that he built and customized. “I grew up with a Harley in our living room,” he said. Jason’s neighborhood was also home to three motorcycle clubs within a one-mile radius. “My dad did not belong to a club, but many of his friends did and they often visited our home.” Growing up in the “Motor City,” Jason liked, but did not own, a motorcycle, but he did like drag racing and hot rods. Up until 2003, he was a “Ford Store” new car sales manager, but that all changed when his dad called from Bike Week at Daytona and told Jason all about his experiences there and the many custom cycles he saw. “I bought my first Harley shortly after that call and refocused my life to motorcycles and building our plan that has become Cycle Stop USA,” he said. Along the way, his family moved to Florida and he spent time overseeing automotive technical high schools in both Pasco and Polk counties, before opening his first shop in Plant City. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Marine Corps veteran, Jason’s dad had an informal, but ongoing involvement in Cycle Stop USA. Unfortunately, he passed away last year. Jason feels strongly about the path forward for his shop. “We are taking a hard look at expanding and franchising our approach to this business,” he said. “We refer to it as ‘Bike Shop in a Box’ and it reflects what we have learned since first beginning operations.” There’s also a pretty good chance Jason and Karen’s daughters may continue their involvement in the business over the long term. “We’ll have to wait and see on that,” he said. In addition to active involvement in the shop’s business, Amanda is an alumna of Strayer University, majoring in Finance, while Shelby majored in Business at Keiser University. “Overall, Plant City has been a good investment for us,” he said. “Our customers have allowed us to grow our business. Factory level service at independent level pricing is appreciated, along with our ability to do custom builds.” Verification of customer satisfaction is an ongoing process overseen by Jason’s niece, who contacts every customer within 10-days after service has been provided.
Located at 301West State Road 60, Cycle Stop USA is open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday’s from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visit: www.cyclestopusa.com or call the shop at 813/754-2959 for more information. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Catching Summertime Sheepshead Capt. Woody Gore
Sheepshead fishing in the summer can be incredibly fun and they are great to eat, especially now that snook, redfish, and trout are off the menu.
What about Bait: Finding natural sheepshead
bait is not difficult; practically any marine-dwelling crustacean or bivalve living in saltwater will work. Of course, some work better than others and can be found in the wild or purchased at your local bait shop. However, I am going to give you a few clues on what to use when it comes to these bait stealers. Fiddler crabs, in my opinion, are one of the top sheepshead baits. I use a lightweight Carolina Rig or Knocker Rig in deeper water, like around bridges, and for anything shallower, I free-line them on a snelled Diachii circle hook. A close second to fiddlers that most folks never think about is the mud crab. This little guy lives under oysters and rocks and requires a little effort; so, yes, you have to get out of the boat and turn over some rocks and oyster clusters. So, before you head out sheepshead fishing, find some near shore oysters or rocks and capture a few dozen, or just purchase some fiddlers from your local bait store. My third favorite bait is a ¾ to 1-inch piece of fresh or fresh frozen shrimp. But stay away from old freezer burned shrimp because you are wasting your money. Shrimp are good sheepshead bait and are nearly as effective as fiddlers or mud crabs. And best of all they are easily acquired from your local bait supplier. So what kind of tackle do you need to catch sheepshead? Below are some suggestions. • Spinning Reel nothing larger than 2500 – 4000 series • Medium to medium/heavy 6 to 6½ foot spinning rod • 15lb. Seaguar Smackdown braided line tied • To 15 to 30 lb. Seaguar Fluoro Premier leader (https://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/double-uni-knot) • #1 or 1/0 Snelled Diachii circle hook (https://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/easy-snell-knot) • Weight 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 oz. the amount depends on current. • Free-line in shallow water15 to 20 lb. Seaguar Fluoro Premier leader • Carolina Rig 12”-18” inch 15 to 20 lb. Seaguar Fluoro Premier leader Now that you’ve gotten your gear where are you going to fish? Keep reading for some suggestions.
Where to Fish: Summertime sheepsheads are in the same places as in the winter. So if you are looking for some early morning summertime action, begin your search by checking submerged rock piles, jetties, and piers; as well as tidal creeks. Or if you prefer some grass flats action, sheepshead can be found milling around inshore broken-bottom seagrass flats searching for small tidal crabs, clams and other ecosystem tidbits. But the key to finding sheepshead in the summertime is looking for structures and habitats they associate with food. As like other species, the fish seem to be most active during the early morning hours. Of course, tides play a large role in their feeding habits as well. Fiddler crabs are, in my opinion, the number one sheepshead bait. There are three species of fiddler crab in Florida, and all can be found within the estuarine shorelines where the sand or mud substrate meets the water. Look for hundreds of small penny-sized holes, and hundreds more crabs to locate a colony. These small crabs can be captured by hand (quite exciting), or more skillfully directed into a bucket on its side using two 2’x4’s to guide the crabs into the bucket. Fiddler crabs are easy to capture in all seasons, but will not be active in the winter until mid-day, and will otherwise be deep in their burrows. A close second, shrimp are nearly as effective – on some days even more effective – as fiddler crabs, but are easier to find, fresh or frozen. Buy live shrimp, or very freshly frozen, and cut into small ½ to 1-inch pieces.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Mussels are part of the sheepshead’s natural diet, naturally found attached to substrates such as dock pilings, seawalls, piers or oyster reefs. The meat of a mussel gives off an attractive odor to sheepshead and is effective whether freshly collected and shucked, or purchased frozen. Clams are a major part of the natural diet of sheepshead. Taking the meat out of the shell saves the sheepshead time and energy, and gives off a strong scent. Clams can be found by searching for their trails in soft sediments in shallow estuarine waters or can be purchased frozen. Clam meat tends to stay on a hook better than that of other bivalves such as mussels and oysters. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Small oysters are also part of the natural sheepshead diet. Oysters can be found in brackish waters across the state, but are much easier to purchase frozen as bait. The reason for this is that oyster reefs can be extremely dangerous, as each shell is as sharp as a knife – one misstep and you are going to need a trip to the emergency room. Most commonly used for pompano, sand fleas aka “mole crabs,” are an excellent choice for sheepshead. Sand fleas live in the surf zone along most Florida beaches. They can be seen swimming back to the water after each wave, leaving a fast trail behind them. Many sand flea rakes are sold in tackle shops to capture these small crabs, or simply use your hands to filter the sand as the water and sand
retreat after a large wave. You can also usually find frozen sand fleas wherever bait is sold. Essentially, any marine-dwelling crustacean or bivalve you can get your hands on will attract the bite of a sheepshead. There are several species of crab that work well – blue crabs, mud crabs, and mangrove tree crabs just to name a few – and using any at a small size will produce bites. Every species has a “preferred” diet, but most of them are opportunistic predators. So if you happen to spot a sheepshead below the pier, and you only have a few mullet in your live well, cut the fish into small pieces, throw it on a small hook, and if the fish is hungry, you may get the bite.
ASK QUESTIONS WHEN HIRING CHARTER CAPTAINS When hiring a charter captain you are about to make a serious investment in not only money, but in your safety and the safety of your family, friends, and possible business associates. So before you pull the trigger and make that decision, be sure you investigate prospective captains. There are literally thousands of part-time charter captains operating throughout Florida to generate supplemental income for their primary jobs. However, only a handful of true full-time professionals operate true fishing businesses as their sole means of income. Both part-time and a few full-time have tried to circumvent the law and operate without the proper credentials. It is for this reason, the United States Coast Guard is making a concerted effort to identify and stop them. So, do not be anxious when interviewing a prospective captain. Ask to see their charter credentials and information. Any professional should be proud to produce his or her information and here are the top six items you should be interested in seeing: 1. Current United States Coast Guard Captains License, current licenses look like a passport and must be originals not a copy 2. Copy of their current liability and personal injury insurance. I would suggest they carry at least $500 thousand. 3. Copy of their Drug Consortium Certificate showing they participate in the Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. 4. Possess State fishing license to cover up to four (4) or up to ten (10) anglers 5. Possess First Aid Certificate valid within the last three (3) years 6. Possess the United States Coast Guard approved Type I Life Preservers w/reflective tape. One for each passenger including those under 90 pounds and children. Here are a few other questions you might consider when interviewing prospective captains. Ask how long have they been a captain and are they a full-time business supporting their families or a parttime hobby with another job paying their bills? In recent years, parttime captains have flooded the market and a few may be nearly as competent as their full-time counterparts. Still, the fact remains captains operating a daily fishing business are considerably more experienced and profusely better informed than those running part-time and weekends. It is also important to remember what full-time professionals bring to the world of fishing and boating. The number one being safety, professional captains are excellent seamen, with years of experience. They have the knowledge and experience to provide safe passage in all situations and weather conditions.
Another value experienced professionals bring to the table is an affirmative social approach to their full-time fishing business. So if you need a little fishing refresher or want to introduce the family to this world of fishing; why not extend an invitation to your spouse and children. Then again, if you only want to teach the kids to fish; it is vital you select a patient and child-friendly captain. Making the right choice in a captain can make or break the experience. The children will come away feeling satisfied and successful or never wanting to go fishing again. Overall, finding a reputable captain is not difficult, just pull up the Internet and you will find plenty of charter captains. Captains specialize in all facets and species of fish from freshwater to saltwater, inshore to offshore, and they are waiting to share their fishing world with you. BUT WAIT! A WORD OF CAUTION WHEN PRICE SHOPPING FOR A CAPTAIN! With all the available captains; I would be remiss without a word of caution when hiring a discount charter captain. Discount captains often will offer cut-rates to get your business. Why cut their rates? It is simply because they could be improperly licensed or credentialed, thereby allowing them to charter at price-cutting rates. So when price shopping, remember there are reasons a competitive captain is willing to negotiate and devalue their charter business. Although it may seem that a discount of $50 to $100 may be to your advantage, you must remember, cut-rate captains must still recover their business operating expenses, which always results in substandard and poor service somewhere in the charter. So does the old adage, “you always get what you pay,” for ring a bell? For over 45 years in the business world it has been my experience that a good customer will always remember “quality customer service” much longer than they remember the price. During my business career, I have pushed to surpass and live by the principles of excellent “Customer Service.” Primarily because I believe every discrepancy should be flexible, nothing is written in concrete, and everything negotiated to a related and mutual agreement.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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The top selling cereal in the United States is Cheerios, followed by Frosted Flakes. First Lady Julia Tyler used the title “Mrs. Presidentress” when her husband, John, was the POTUS. William Wrigley was in the baking powder business and gave a free pack of his gum with each box of his product. When he discovered that people were buying it just to get the gum, he decided to switch businesses. If you take your age and multiply is by 7, then multiply it by 1,443 the answer repeats your age 3 times. The nickname “john” for a toilet is in honor of Englishman John Harrington, who devised the first flush mechanism near the end of the 16th century. The highest scoring word in Scrabble is oxyphenbutazone, with a potential total of 1,178 points. The opening line to Jerome K. Jerome’s “Three Men in A Boat” starts: ‘There were four of us…’” Most bees buzz in the key of A, but when tired they buzz in the key of E.
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My Grandmother had a lot of wise sayings. One day I was in the kitchen with her and she said, “I’ll just give this a lick and a promise,” as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving the kitchen table and chairs.
Below is a list that I have put together over the years: • I have a bone to pick with you (a grievance to talk out) • Bee in your bonnet. (focus on one thing) • Cattywampus (Something that sits crooked such as a of piece furniture sitting at an angle. • Been through the mill (had a rough time of it) • Dicker (To barter or trade) • Hold your horses (Be patient) • Madder than an old wet hen (Really angry) • No spring chicken (Not young anymore) • Persnickety (Overly particular or snobbish) • Straight from the horse’s mouth (privileged information from the one concerned) • Kit and caboodle (the whole lot)
“What is that supposed to mean,” I asked, envisioning someone licking the floor. “It means that I’m in a hurry and I’m busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later.”
As Grandma said, “Hold your horses I reckon I’ll get this whole kit and caboodle done. Please don’t be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I am tuckered out. You know I ain’t no spring chicken!
“A lick and a promise” was just one of the many old phrases that I remember my mother, grandmother, and others, using, that they most likely heard from generations before them. Many old phrases have become obsolete or even totally forgotten.
And as for me as I write this column, I am going to give it more than just a lick and a promise.
As I child I often wondered why Grandma smiled all the time. In my later years I figured out why she smiled, because I have the same problem. She couldn’t hear a word they were saying.
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Grandma and Grandpa went to church. Halfway through the service, Grandpa leaned over to Grandma and said, “I just let out a silent fart. What do you think I should do?” Grandma leans over and replies, “Put a new battery in your hearing aid.”
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One late afternoon a police car pulled up in front of Grandma’s house, and Grandpa got out. The polite policeman explained that this elderly gentleman said that he was lost in WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
the neighborhood park and could not find his way home. “Pop,” Grandma said, “You’ve been to that park for over thirty years! How could you get lost?” Leaning close to his wife’s ear so that the policeman could not hear, Grandpa whispered, “I wasn’t lost, I was just to tired to walk home.” Grandma had a missed to a few Sunday sermons so the preacher stopped by her house to visit. As he sat on the couch he noticed a large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table. “Mind if I have few”” he asked. “No, not at all.” Grandma said. They talked for a while and as the preacher stood to leave, he realized that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he almost emptied the bowl. “I’m terribly sorry for eating all of your peanuts. I really just meant to eat a few.” The preacher said. “Oh that’s alright,” Grandma said. “Ever since I lost my teeth, all I can do is suck the chocolate off them.” A concerned grandpa went to a doctor to talk about his wife. He said to the doctor, “I think my wife is almost deaf because she never hears me the first time and always asks me to repeat things.” “Well,” the doctor replied, “go home and tonight stand about 15 feet from her and say something. If she doesn’t reply, move about five feet closer and say it again. Keep doing this so that we’ll get an idea of her hearing loss.” Sure enough, the husband went home and did exactly as instructed. He started off about 15 feet from his wife in the kitchen as she was chopping some vegetables and said, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” He heard no response. He moved about five feet closer and asked again. No reply. He moved five feet closer, and still no reply. He got fed up and moved right behind her, and spoke into her ear, and asked again, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” She replied, “For the fourth time, vegetable stew!” I’ll leave you with Grandma’s nine important facts as you get older. • Death is the number 1 killer in the world. • Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. • Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years. • Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing. • All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. • the 60’s people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal. • Life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow. And Grandma’s favorite saying: “As you go through life one learns that if you don’t paddle your own canoe, you don’t go anywhere.
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FLORIDA HEAT WAVE EXPERTS BEWARE OF HEAT RELATED STRESS ON THE FARM AND RANCH. BELOW IS A LIST OF HEAT WAVE EXPERTS. DON’T HESITATE TO CONTACT THEM FOR INFORMATION IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING HEAT STRESS ON YOUR FARM OR RANCH. PLANTS/FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING
HEAT STRESS AND CATTLE
Larry Williams Residential horticulture agent – UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension 850-689-5850 llw5479@ufl.edu
Raluca Mateescu Associate professor of animal sciences (352) 392-2367 raluca@ufl.edu
Edmund Thralls Residential horticulture agent UF/IFAS Orange County Extension (407) 254-9200 ethralls@ufl.edu Lynn Barber Florida-Friendly Landscaping Agent – UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension 813-744-5519 x 54105 labarber@ufl.edu Nicole Pinson Urban horticulture agent – UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension (813) 744-5519 X 54145 nicolepinson@ufl.edu
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Susan Haddock Commercial horticulture agent– UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension (813) 744-5519 ext. 54103 szcrmchz@ufl.edu
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Jonael Bosque Agriculture agent – UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County (863) 773-2164 jonael@ufl.edu
AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND HEAT STRESS Tracy Irani Professor and chair of family, youth and community sciences (352) 273-3446 irani@ufl.edu HEAT AND HUMAN HEALTH Jeanette Andrade Assistant professor of food science and human nutrition (352) 294-3735 jandrade1@ufl.edu
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The First Ladies of Rescue
By Libby Hopkins
A SMALL URBAN FARM TURNED ANIMAL SANCTUARY.
There is an old saying that, “Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.” Chelsea Edmonds and her wife, DeAnn McRae, have definitely taken this statement to a whole new level. They did this by starting a chicken and cat rescue at their home. “I was raised on a large family farm in Kansas, but met and married a Tampa native, DeAnn McRae,” Edmonds said. “DeAnn and I have rescued feral cats for 25 years. It was never anything formal or organized and we funded it ourselves.” About four years ago, the couple got six little hens for themselves. “I am an American history buff and named all six for the first ladies of the United States. Michelle, Grace, Eleanor, Betsy, Eliza and Edith,” Edmonds said. “When we added four more, we had Barbara, Mamie, Lucy and Priscilla. It was 2014 and political rhetoric was heating up, so we joked it was the only place left in the country where Republicans and Democrats live harmoniously.” As word got out that the couple had chickens, people who knew them as private rescuers began calling about an abandoned rooster or a hen wandering a parking lot at the nearby grocery store. “We are inadvertent rescuers; I guess, but on January second of 2018 it all became very real,” Edmonds said.
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Edmonds was meeting up with a man who had asked on Facebook for blankets and coats for the homeless in Tampa. The couple had purchased a dozen blankets to donate to the gentleman. When Edmonds went to meet the him, that’s when the couple’s small home rescue grew from just cats to including chickens. “As we stood there unloading my trunk,
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this thing that barely resembled a bird flew into traffic,” Edmonds said. “We grabbed him and what we had was a hideously charred rooster. I still can’t figure out how it could be anything but a Molotov cocktail that hurt the rooster because he had a concussion and was severely burned.” Edmonds took the injured rooster straight to the local veterinarian. She left the vet’s office with a $600 vet bill. “I decided right there that we would organize,” Edmonds said. “No one else was going to raise the money to save an animal that can be replaced for $3 at the feed store chick bin. I put the rooster on our new Facebook page and made him available for virtual adoption,” It didn’t take long, only a few hours, and that rooster had a benefactor. “It was my high school teacher and she has remained steadfast in her support of us, just being named our Fowl Friend of 2018,” Edmonds said. Since Edmonds is a history buff, she and McRae wanted to pay homage to their own chickens, so they named their rescue, First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary. “We mostly end up with feral roosters and hens that I suspect are dumped by those not allowed to have them,” Edmonds said. “There is Wing Dixie, who was found in the Winn Dixie parking lot, and George (Jenkins) who was found at Publix. We get injured birds brought in anonymously. It’s a problem as the sanctuary laws don’t allow even for injured birds to be removed for treatment, so, when I get a vague and nervous call and the person wants to meet somewhere, I assume it’s someone trying to do the right thing despite the city laws meant to protect the chickens but that somehow simultaneously prevent them from receiving critical medical care.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The couple works with several different wildlife rescues. “We aren’t licensed for domestic wildlife rehab and it isn’t our thing,” Edmonds said. “They don’t want to do domestic cats or chickens, so we work together because I will get calls for an owl or osprey and I can get it to a licensed rehab on a holiday and they will have chickens dumped off and they can get them to us.” The couple loves what they do, even though they are faced with various challenges. “I love the work we do. I love the animals. I love most of the people, but it is also really hard work and some of the people make it tough emotionally,” Edmonds said. “We hate to say no, but we have grown so quickly and are still so small, we have to limit ourselves to orphans and the injured, the real hardship cases.” Edmonds and McRae hope that people will reach out to them if they are looking to adopt a cat or chicken in the near future. “One way folks can really help us is to please consider us for adoption of healthy, good temperament roosters, kittens or cats,” Edmonds said. If you would like to learn more about First Ladies Farm and Sanctuary, or if you’d like to adopt a rooster, chicken or cat, you can visit their website at www. firstladiesfarm.com or call 813-477-9948. They are located at 13028 Shadow Run Blvd. in Riverview. Tours of the farm are available by request only.
We’re Growing the Population of Florida Scrub Jays Our efforts to protect native wildlife species have helped the endangered Florida Scrub Jay population not only survive, but grow. As part of the Mosaic mining process, we designated 850 acres of habitat, and then worked with local environmental experts to relocate Scrub Jays. Now the Scrub Jay population, which had only a five percent survival chance 15 years ago, is once again growing and thriving.
To learn more visit www.MosaicCo.com/Florida
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GCREC HOPS FIELD DAY
AN UPDATE ON THIS POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE FLORIDA CROP By Jim Frankowiak
Hops in Florida? A few years ago, the prospect of growing hops in the Sunshine State was hardly a discussion topic. However, since 2014 the number of craft brewers in Florida has jumped more than six-fold from around 45 to nearly 300 at present, and these brewers have an interest in brewing beer with locally grown hops. Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center are heavily involved in this subject and brought interested parties up to date on their progress at a day long Hops Field Day late last month. The popularity of this subject was well attested by the more than 120 attendees from across Florida. Hops are the flowers of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus. They are used primarily as a bittering, flavoring and stability agent in beer. In addition to bitterness, hops impart floral, fruity or citrus flavors and aromas. The hop plant is a vigorous, climbing, herbaceous perennial, usually trained to grow up strings in a field called a hop trellis, hop garden or hop yard. The collaborative research team at the GCREC refers to their field as a hop yard and they have the largest in Florida. Here in the U.S. the majority of hops are grown in the northwest. Internationally, significant and highly desired hops are grown in Eastern Europe and Australia. Ultimately, and if appropriate, the Hops team at the GCREC would like to develop and maintain Florida production guidelines for hops producers in Florida. This is an entirely new subject, but much progress has been made since this project began four years ago. Center Director, Dr. Jack Rechcigl, began the session citing hops as one of several alternative crops under study at the GCREC to help Florida growers. He detailed the scientific interest in this program from both domestic and international hops producers, with exchange trips to Europe and Australia to help instruct and advance the Florida initiative. “We have had several local brewers produce beer made with hops grown here at the center,” he said, noting “Deng Good,” named in honor of GCREC Plant Breeder Dr. Zhanao Deng, a member of the hops team. This effort has been supported by UF/IFAS, Hillsborough County, a number of brewers, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and other industry representatives.
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Hillsborough County Agribusiness Development Manager, Simon Bollin, noted the growth of craft breweries in the state which means “there is a growing market for Florida grown
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hops, and certain brewers such as Cigar City and 3 Daughters have produced beer from hops grown at the GCREC.” Dr. Deng gave attendees an overview of hops variety trials at the GCREC. Some 22 varieties have been tried and the team has enhanced production through the use of artificial lighting (LED lights) to extend day length similar to that of the northwest. This process has made it possible to produce crops in the spring and fall, a capability unique to Florida grown hops. Management practices employed during the first two years of trials at the GCREC were discussed by Dr. Aleyda Acosta Rangel. “Maximum yield of hops plants takes place 3-4 years after planting and continues for 6-8 years.” Variables that are being studied include plant spacing, the rate of nitrogen fertilization, as well as trellis design and plant height. “Our ultimate goal is to provide the best possible guidance for Florida hop growers,” she said. Dr. Gary Vallad, a plant pathologist and member of the collaborative research team, discussed common disease issues among Florida grown hops. “Florida has much greater precipitation than the Yakima, Washington area where the majority of hops are grown in this county,” he said. “The Yakima area also has winters and we, in Florida, do not. Winter kills pathogens and that is beneficial.” He discussed a variety of actions that can be taken to lessen the risk, among them wind breaks and the use of shorter trellises. Regular hop yard scouting was recommended by Entomologist, Dr. Hugh Smith, for hops producers. “Weekly scouting of 20 percent of your crop and vary that pattern each week is important,” he said. “Also, include the highest points of your hop yard, with particular attention to cone damage followed by foliage and stems.” “Florida is a hot spot for nematodes,” said Dr. Johan Desaeger, a nematologist at the GCREC and member of the hops team. He advised growers to look at plant roots, noting root knot and sting nematodes most closely associated with hops grown in Florida. “When establishing your hop yard, check your land before you plant and pick the right variety of hops. Plant physiologist, Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, concluded the presentations with an overview of Florida hop yard establishment including site selection, field preparation, bedding, pole installation, wire installation and planting, as well as specifics related to each step in that process. “We recommend tissue culture plants versus rhizomes,” he noted. His remarks also detailed various costs associated with hop yard establishment and new research trials for the near term. Dr. Agehara encouraged interested parties to follow the GCREC hops research team on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GCREC.Hops. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fuel System Treatment Basics
Internal combustion engines rely on maintenance. Since we rely on internal engines for so many things; recreation, our jobs and on a daily basis, transportation, it is on us to maintain those engines so that we can make our daily lives better. Maintenance can usually be summed up with these common things: • Oil changes • Cleaning air filters • Changing spark plugs • Maintaining air pressure in the tires One of the most overlooked areas of maintenance is our fuel system. Now that pump gas contains up to 10% Ethanol the rules have changed. Ethanol seems rather innocuous and in many ways it is. Without going into the politics of the reason Ethanol is in our fuel, we can look into the damage that Ethanol can do, especially when ignored. For starters, Ethanol is “hygro-scopic,” meaning that it absorbs water, whereas gasoline is “Hydro-phobic,” meaning that is repels water. The closest analogy that one can make is to compare pump gas to a bottle of Italian dressing (oil and vinegar). I’m certain all of us have been to a local Italian restaurant and seen that when the dressing bottle sits, the oil and vinegar separate in the bottle. This is called “phase-separation” and when there is Ethanol present in gasoline [fuel] it can create an environment conducive to water absorption and wreak havoc in an otherwise perfect fuel system. Our fuel systems are vented to the atmosphere, which means that once phase-separation occurs the process of water absorption is accelerated and within weeks, untreated fuel starts to deteriorate fuel lines, rust forms (even on stainless parts) and can lead to costly repairs. Even when treated with traditional fuel treatment products, fuel still gets contaminated because traditional fuel system treatment products are petroleum-distillate based. While these products are fantastic at providing an extra measure of cleaning a combustion chamber, lubricating fuel system components and even raising octane levels…none of the petroleum-based products prevent phase-separation. Unless you address the Ethanol problem correctly, you are only treating the symptoms. Until we can prevent phase-separation we aren’t preventing anything and this is why I believe that treating your fuel system needs to be part of your regular scheduled maintenance regimen. Unless you treat your fuel with a non-petroleum distillate-based product, you are masking the problem and chasing your tail. The only other
In the last eight years or so, we have seen incredible damage to fuel systems due to humidity in motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs that have either been neglected or simply put in storage for an extended period of time. It can cost upwards of $1,000 to completely replace all of the components in a motorcycle’s fuel system with labor. In this scenario “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure” holds true. So, let’s say that you do not want to use Ethanol-free fuel, or you cannot find Ethanol-free fuel. What can you do? Instead of treating the fuel simply for octane or additives, we need a product that solves more than one problem. Sentry Fuel treatment systems, based in St Petersburg, offers a fantastic product that not only treats your fuel, produces a clean lubricant through the process of combustion, but it also does two things most other products simply cannot. When added to your fuel, Sentry prevents phase separation, but it also does something else. Since Sentry is not a petroleum distillate-based product, it is not hydro-phobic, meaning it does not repel moisture. In fact, Sentry is such an advanced product that in addition to doing all of the awesome things we use fuel treatment products for, Sentry also emulsifies water into a combustible liquid and [essentially] makes water burn! We sell Sentry in 8 ounce and 32 ounce bottles. We also put it in the fuel systems in all of our Annual scheduled maintenance services. The bottom line here is that without some type of treatment, your fuel may contain up to 10% Ethanol and even though one bad apple shouldn’t spoil the whole bunch, your fuel system will last longer and perform much better when a non-petroleum based fuel treatment is used consistently. Ride Safe -Jason Hallman Cyclestop USA
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course of action is to eliminate the Ethanol in the fuel completely. Ethanol-free fuel is not always available, it costs more money and is [generally] available in a lower octane rating. I’ll get to octane and its effects at another time, but lower octane ratings can lead to detonation.
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Florida
Moringa
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Fresh moringa is a very nutritious green vegetable that grows very fast and easily in Florida. It can be grown almost yearround in Florida’s warm climate. It is named “the tree of life” because it is an important food source in developing countries. Other names for this tree are drumstick tree, horseradish tree, and benzoil tree. The leaves, seed pods, and seeds are edible, but not the flowers, root, or bark. Most of its nutrients are concentrated in the leaves. Moringa is very high in the antioxidant vitamins A and C, the B vitamins, and many minerals. High in calcium, iron, and protein, moringa is also a great choice for plant-based protein. The leaves are a complete protein source. Some research shows that moringa may help with blood sugar and blood pressure control.
Nutrition According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 100g portion (roughly five cups) of fresh raw moringa leaves contains 64 calories, 8.3 g of carbohydrate, 2 g of dietary fiber, 1.4 g of fat and 9.4 g of protein. It also contains 92% of the daily reference intake for vitamins K and B6, 60.2% for vitamin C, 55% for riboflavin, 47% for vitamin A, 41% for magnesium, 31% for iron, 22% for thiamin, and significant amounts of many other vitamins and minerals including niacin, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and folate. That’s an amazing amount of concentrated nutrients in only one cup and a great way to get more vegetable-based protein!
Vitamin K Moringa is bursting with vitamin K. This vitamin is an essential component for clotting of blood in the body. This vitamin also helps maintain bone health by transporting calcium and metabolizes the mineral into your skeleton. Several research studies have found that vitamin K boosts bone mineral density and reduces fracture rates in people with osteoporosis. As a result, the Institute of Medicine increased its daily recommendation of vitamin K. Moringa is a very rich source of vitamin K and also contains other bone boosting nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.
Moringa is considered a great source of manganese, an important mineral that plays a role in a variety of physiological functions throughout the body. Manganese is needed for glucose, protein, lipid, and cholesterol metabolism from the foods we consume, as well as for pancreatic function and development. The mineral is important in normal skeletal growth and development, prevention of sterility, and synthesis of thyroid hormone.
How to Select and Store Choose moringa leaves that have a deep, vibrant green color with no signs of wilting or yellowing. The leaves and stems should look fresh and tender, and be dry to the touch. To store raw moringa, pat leaves dry with a paper towel, place in a tightly wrapped plastic bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Keep refrigerated for up to five days. Do not wash until immediately before use.
How to Enjoy
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, much as you would eat spinach. Rinse well under running water and discard the stems. The “drumsticks,” or immature seedpods are also eaten after boiling, cooking, or roasting, and used in soups and curries. The seedpods are extremely nutritious as well, high in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Young leaves can be chopped and enjoyed in salads and vegetable dishes or used as a garnish. More mature leaves are better when cooked. Other ways to enjoy moringa leaves include: • Sautee with curry leaves and spices • Add leaves to clear broth or stews • Steep leaves in hot water and drink as a tea • Chop and add to scrambled eggs Enjoy fresh Florida moringa today. It’s full of vitamins and nutrients and flourishes during the summer months in Florida.
References https://www.echonet.org/moringa http://ediblenortheastflorida.ediblecommunities.com/moringa-tree-uses
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Manganese
By Jack Payne The low prices led to suspicions. It had to be more than just cheap labor that allowed imported tomatoes to sell for less than it cost to grow them here. Zhengfei Guan, an agricultural economist at the University of Florida, found the evidence in plain sight on the Internet – sort of. It was buried in government websites. Mexican government websites. In Spanish. With the help of Spanish-speaking research assistants, Guan produced a report documenting Mexican government subsidies to its nation’s tomato growers. Government funding helped cover the costs of irrigation, greenhouses, postharvest management, marketing, and more.
Wade is researching what it costs to reduce use of nitrogen and phosphorus that feed algae blooms. What she learns could contribute to a public policy discussion about who should pay those costs. Later this year we’ll bring another economist to Immokalee to provide agrobusiness education to growers in the region. SWFREC will be the only UF/IFAS off-campus research station statewide with more than one economist. A UF/IFAS economist at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona runs the numbers on whether ranchers from Polk, Hillsborough and surrounding counties can afford to run cattle on their land. Still others have examined whether a “Fresh From Florida” label influences decisions to buy locally grown fruit.
Zhengfei Guan Agricultural leaders delivered the information to Washington, D.C., to back their pitch for fair trade. Last month, the U.S. restarted an investigation into Mexico dumping tomatoes on the U.S. market.
UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has long helped Hillsborough and Polk County producers with the plant science to grow crops. But UF/IFAS also has a strong team of scientists who help local producers grow crops profitably. I’ve invested in agricultural economists because farmers’ livelihoods depend as much on markets as they do on sunshine and water. Guan works in the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, but our ag economists don’t need to have a Hillsborough address to work on local growers’ needs. For example, last month economist Ariel Singerman, from the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center, is hosting his fourth annual gathering to investigate the cost of growing the fruit in Southwest and South Central Florida for Floridians’ morning glass of orange juice.
Ariel Singerman Singerman’s data can tell a grower whether he or she is spending more than average on fuel, planting new trees, irrigation, and many other costs. Two years ago, UF/IFAS hired a natural resource economist to be stationed at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee. Our timing was prescient. Tara Wade attempts to put prices on things that markets don’t, such as clean water. The relevance of such expertise has become evident as algae blooms and red tides have risen to the top of the state’s environmental agenda.
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Economists in Gainesville specialize in producing reports on the economic impact of agriculture in Hillsborough, Polk, Hardee, and every other county in the state. They are a powerful demonstration to urban residents, policy makers, and others not connected to farming, what an important economic role agriculture plays in their communities. When hurricanes ravage farms, forests, and ranches, these same economists document the economic losses. This information is crucial to efforts to get relief funding for producers. UF/IFAS is the only organization with the capacity to answer so many questions about the economics of local food, feed, fiber, and fuel production. There simply isn’t a better place to invest public money in the science of consumers’ choices and farmers’ choices. Because economists look at both ends of the field-to-fork chain, they can help bridge the divide between people who work some of the state’s most productive agricultural land and the food shoppers in some of Florida’s most densely populated coastal communities. No matter where these economists operate, they’re working on things relevant to Hillsborough and Polk County. The Food and Resource Economics Department’s reach exemplifies how UF/IFAS is the entire state’s local agriculture and natural resources university.
Tara Wade
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Hayk Khachatryan
Up at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Orange County, an economist uses hightech tools to inform Hillsborough-area nurserymen about what catches a shopper’s eye in looking over a landscape. Hayk Khachatryan puts virtual reality goggles on subjects, shows them virtual home landscapes or nursery displays and decodes what they’re thinking based on where their eyes wander.
June 2019
Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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OPTIMIZING SOIL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS PAYS OFF IN SANDY SOILS Healthy soil is alive, a living ecosystem, and serves as the foundation for agriculture. Sometimes, it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. When treated like dirt, soil is less productive, and the fertility of the land may be diminished. One new technology, called Cool Terra®, provides growers a way to enhance soil vitality for greater yield in strawberry fields like yours. In fact, Cool Terra has shown some of the greatest results in the type of high sand, low organic matter soil common in Florida’s strawberry fields. Just like a coral reef supports sea life by providing structure, resources, and habitat in an otherwise barren ocean floor, Cool Terra can support plant life by: •Optimizing water retention in the root zone •Enhancing nutrient exchange and availability •Building lasting soil structure •Providing an environment for microbes A 2018, 32 acre commercial trial in Polk County Florida using Cool Terra demonstrated improved strawberry yields by over 500 flats per acre. The increased strawberry yield provided a revenue impact of over $4K and a grower return on investment of 15.5x!
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ALVIN C. FUTCH: CARRYING FORWARD HIS FAMILY’S LEGACY
BY Jim Frankowiak April 16th marked the day Alvin C. Futch went to be with the Lord. To detail all that this fifth generation Floridian did during his life to help and guide his family, serve the community and so much more, it’s important to recognize the legacy he brought forward. That legacy began in 1845 when Baptist Preacher John Futch came to Plant City from southeast Georgia to serve congregations in and around this area. A ministry he undertook on horseback, visiting church members at several locations once each month. Though not a preacher, Alvin carried forward that legacy of service many different ways, and it is a factor reflected in the lives and services of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “His uncle was involved in the community and politics, two areas he introduced to my father while he was very young,” said Alvin’s son Carson. That involvement, as nearly all of Alvin’s, took place behind the scenes without fanfare, but with significant results.
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The Futch family has always worked hard at the endeavor at hand, particularly agriculture. Typically, that began at an early age and carried forward. In Alvin’s case, he became a member of the then Future Farmers of America, now called FFA,
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and excelled. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming local president and moving on and upward to State Secretary, leading to the highest recognition awarded at the state and national levels. A true entrepreneur, Alvin focused on cattle, citrus and construction, comfortable getting his hands dirty or wearing a suit to meet with bankers and politicians. Whatever it took to get the job done, Alvin was always ready. And, that included community service, as well. He served on many boards, including Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Plant City Rotary, Elks and the Mt. Enon Cemetery trustees to name a few. His diverse service was recognized as he was named Agriculturist of the Year by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Farm Family of the Year in the county and recipient of the Plant City Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also an active member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Plant City. Rotary was very important to Alvin and he strove to live by the Rotary motto, “He profits most who serves the Best.” Carson, and his sister Janet, note their father regularly applied the Rotary Four Way Test to any prospective endeavor before moving forward. That test set forth four questions: Is it the truth? Is WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? His adherence to that testing resulted in many achievements such as his varied business interests, community service projects and even the books he authored with his “scribe,” late cousin Charles, who typed the stories, written in long hand by Alvin on legal pads, into a Word document so they could be edited. Longtime Rotarian and Plant City Attorney Charles “Charlie” White said Alvin “was effective as a Rotarian thanks to his ideas and leadership.” One project of particular note, according to White, was the planting of a million-plus pine trees within the Cone Ranch property north of Knights Griffin Road in the 1990s. “That project continues to benefit the county and its citizens. That was Alvin’s idea and he saw it through,” said White. Fellow cattlemen, Jay Mueller of Polk County, and Alvin, shared a common interest in cattle and the history of Florida. “Alvin was a dear and kind man and friend,” said Mueller. “We would often visit one another and exchange books about the history of Florida, particularly of this area.”
since. When we bought the new building and needed a board table, he had it all taken down and donated it to Farm Bureau. Every time I walk in the board room, I think of Mr. Alvin,” she said. Alvin is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Jo, his children Carson, Janet, Morris and Wayne. He also leaves his grandchildren: Drew, Alexandra, Drake, Brice, Darrell, Clark, Mary Clare, Connor, Anna Grace, Phillip and Katelynn, as well as eight great grandchildren. His family has created an Internal Revenue Service-recognized scholarship fund for local students “as it was one of our father’s pleasures in life to help and encourage young people to receive a college degree, especially in agriculture,” said Janet. Those wishing to support the fund may do so by sending their donation to the Alvin Futch Scholarship Fund, Inc. c/o Harman & Peaslee, CPA, 303 Warnell Street, Plant City, Florida 33563.
Alvin shared his personal history through two books he wrote with the help of his late cousin Charles, a retired banker. “Wild and Wooley and Full of Fleas” detailed Alvin’s life growing up on his family’s cattle ranch in a narrative unique to Futch. Those adventures in Alvin’s words continued with “Sawmill.” Alvin was particularly proud of the compliment he received from Patrick Smith, author of “Land Remembered,” who termed “Wild and Wooley” a “Good job done on Florida folklore.” Smith had been Alvin’s inspiration for his literary works. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson echoes a common sentiment of those who knew Alvin. “From the first time I met Mr. Alvin, I felt a familiarity with him,” she said. “He was the kindest, most complimentary man I think I’ve ever known.” She also witnessed the continuation of his legacy during the 2019 Farm Bureau Field to the Hill event when she met Alvin’s granddaughter, Mary Clare, who is interning with Florida Farm Bureau. “She handled all the meetings and arrangements in D.C. while we were there.” Whitson also noted the wood for the board table in the new Farm Bureau office in Plant City was donated by Futch. “He told us he pulled those pecky cypress logs out of the Little Withlacoochee River in Pasco County and they were cut into lumber in 1976, 43 years ago, and had it stored in his barn ever INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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HURRICANES
Time To Get Serious! by John Dicks
There are some old sayings in life that have been said so often you’d swear they were true. It seems that’s particularly so when spoken about the weather.
out the water from Hillsborough Bay in Tampa, generating surreal pictures of a flooded street along Bayshore bordered by a dry, muddy bay bottom before the water rushed back in to fill its empty seabed.
There’s the one that says “if you want to make certain that it rains tomorrow, make certain that you wash your car this afternoon!” Now that makes absolutely no sense at all, but for some reason it always seems to work, at least for me.
Even now, some eight months after last year’s devastating Hurricane Michael slammed into Florida’s panhandle; much of that area is still in its own cleanup mode. The city manager of Panama City said recently that 90% of homes and buildings were damaged.
The opposite is true, too. No doubt you have often heard the admonition that “if you want to make certain that there’s no rain tomorrow, just be certain to carry with you an umbrella.” Neither one of those things can possibly be true. There is absolutely no scientific evidence behind either of them, but chances are you’ll hear one or the other a zillion times before the end of summer.
Probably the worst hit, in Mexico Beach, there still is no gas station, no grocery store, nor any bank operating in town. Buildings still look like the hurricane hit last week. Collapsed walls, shattered and shuttered windows, downed trees alongside roads, and the ubiquitous blue tarps covering rooftops appear everywhere.
All of that being said, I’ve chosen to write this month about hurricanes. After all, what better way to ward off the nightmarish seasonal monsters than to talk straight up about them. Mind you, this is not meant to be your generic article on hurricane preparedness. Yes, you need a plan; and it is really wise that you prepare one for your entire family on what it is you are going to do and where you are going to go before the TV reporters are seen leaning into the wind down at the beach with the waves crashing behind them. You also need water, and nonperishable food; and you need batteries. Always, you need batteries. Chargers for your cellphone are essential, too. You know all, or at least most, of this stuff already. Surely, too, there will be plenty of articles written about getting prepared, particularly now that we’re heading straight into the season. Hurricanes are, though, a very serious matter. While I may have started this article with a bit of levity, when the subject turns to hurricanes, it is indeed, a matter about which I am very serious. If you have lived here for any moderate length of time, you’ve certainly had a taste of the bitterness hurricanes bring. Fifteen years ago Florida was battered with four, hitting us in all directions. Plant City sustained such flying debris and damage that we were forced to dip into reserves to pay for the cleanup (of which was fortunately later reimbursed by the Federal Government). Two years ago brought us Hurricane Irma, with winds so powerful it sucked
Yet relying upon help from the Federal Government appears next to impossible. Even with the start of a new Hurricane Season, the members of Congress want to battle each other over the passage of a disaster relief funding bill. That normally happens within weeks following a major storm. Unfortunately not so, it seems, with this grid-locked Congress. The bottom line is simply this. Don’t take lightly the subject of hurricanes. It seems that some people sort of imagine that a hurricane, knocking out power for a while, is like an external weather force making us all go camping for a few days. We will all get to commune with nature! Well, understand, I love camping. I’ve camped in wonderful and crazy places all over the world, like Antarctica, Africa, South America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and all over America. Yet every one of those nights I was camping was because I wanted to. It has never been because the weather forced me to (except for that one scary night, climbing way up on Mt. Rainier, when we got caught off guard in a blizzard, but that’s another story!). Camping can be wonderful, but I’d rather not endure it when there’s no end in sight. Resetting the microwave clock following a minor power outage pales to having no power for days or weeks. Seriously. Make a plan. Pack an emergency kit of food, water, and essentials. Then let’s hope and pray that we never, ever have to use it!
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John Dicks is both a lawyer and businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands, which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do.” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
An Endangered Species of Potentially Biblical Proportion:
Torreya taxifolia
By Ginny Mink
When we set out to choose the endangered species to write about this month, we had no idea that the potential history of this particular species would be so intriguing. In fact, when we discovered that the Torreya taxifolia was one of the most endangered trees on the planet that was enough of an eye catcher for us. But, as we continued our research, interesting aspects of the story began to unfold. Given the fact that there is less than one percent of the Florida torreya’s population remaining, it is considered the most endangered conifer in North America. According to a number of pathologists and biologists, this species has reached a now or never need for help. In fact, Edward O. Wilson, now 88 years old, first examined the gopherwood trees located in Torreya State Park, back in 1957. When he returned in 2018, he planted a seedling.¹ If you are even remotely familiar with Biblical scripture, you might have heard that the ark, built by Noah, was constructed of gopher wood. There has been a long debate over what tree this gopher wood came from. Some people living in Florida’s Panhandle believe that this endangered conifer was the source of that wood. Known as gopher wood, which of course has some Biblical significance, it’s also commonly called stinking cedar, though it is not a cedar. This name is derived from the intense smell that comes when you roll the stems and needles between your fingers.² Though the concept may seem farfetched, there is reason to believe the theory is possible given the name of the tree itself. Of course, this tree grows between Chattahoochee and Flint along the Apalachicola River.³ So, the distance between that and Mount Ararat is significant. But, if you believe Scripture, then you know nothing is impossible with God. Then, what if this really is the tree Noah used to build the ark and we are letting it die off? That seems pretty significant to us! Unfortunately, some people wonder, “Does it make sense to save a tree like the torreya that has a tiny historical range and no commercial value?”¹ In the past, it is possible that 650,000 torreyas lived in the Panhandle alongside fan-leafed palmettos and gigantic southern magnolias. They were part of a giant veil over this historic habitat. And, in the 1800s, the trees were used to make shingles and fence posts as well as fuel for the steamboats that trudged up and down the Apalachicola River. Sadly, a fungal blight began attacking these trees somewhere around the time of World War II.¹ Apparently, this fungus, which the tree cannot seem to defend itself against, works to strangle the trees. Add to that, recently, Hurricane Michael. This category 4 storm spent an extraordinary amount of its energy in the Panhandle while the Apalachicola River area experienced its strongest winds. Canopy trees, a source of protection for the gopherwood, were toppled, leaving these sensitive trees exposed to a deadly amount of intense sunlight. In fact, there are now only a few hundred trees left in their native wild habitats.² As we know from research, this species was thriving until the 1950s. That fungal disease decimated them so intensely, that by 1962, their natural habitats only held “nonreproductive stump sprouts”³ It took another 22 years before this species got placed on the endangered list via the US Endangered Species Act. Though there is a recovery plan in effect, the 1,000 trees alive in 1996 have been reduced to a mere few hundred in 2018. In the 90s, scientists didn’t know what was causing the demise.³
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Now that they do, they are considering some very controversial recovery methods. Things like gene-editing and other biotechnologies. Of course, the old-fashioned method of crossbreeding has also been considered, but this method
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can take decades. And, it is quite probable that the Florida torreya doesn’t have that much time left. There is, however, some hope coming out of the Atlanta Botanical Garden where more than 800 trees are being propagated, grown in pots, and planted in various locations in northern Georgia. Their hope is to eventually restore this species to the wild.¹ The bottom line here, is that if something is not done to help these trees, they will very definitely go extinct and in a rather short period of time. In August of 2017, working with the Fish and Wildlife Service, those at the Atlanta Botanical Garden created a five-year conservation plan. Determining how to battle the fusarium fungus, a non-native invader, is also a big part of protecting and preserving these trees. Thankfully, there are small groups, like Torreya Keepers and Torreya Guardians, who are also working to conserve the gopherwoods in their native locales and on private property. If you think this tree is an interesting topic, we definitely suggest reading the more in-depth articles found in our resources’ section. And, as always, we want you to remember that we are supposed to be stewards of this planet and all that lives upon it. That means we need to take care of those things God put here from the beginning, and maybe even used in His storyline, like the gopherwood tree! Resources: ¹Marinelli, J. (2018). For Endangered Florida Tree, How Far to Go to Save a Species? YaleEnvironment360. https://e360.yale. edu/features/for-endangered-florida-tree-how-far-to-go-tosave-a-species-torreya ²Kahn, B. (2019). The Race to Save the Most Endangered Conifer in America. Earther. https://earther.gizmodo.com/ the-race-to-save-the-most-endangered-conifer-in-america-1833785742 ³Torreya taxifolia. The Gymnosperm Database. Conifers. https://www.conifers.org/ta/Torreya_taxifolia.php Photo Credits: Manners, M. (2013). Stinking Cedar. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/ivaCUs). Zona, S. (2007). Torreya taxifolia 1a. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/ eQgHDw). Rare Plants of Georgia Photo Gallery’s photostream. Knight, G. (2006). Georgia DNR- Wildlife Resources. Torreya taxifoliaphoto-closeup of cones- Gary R. Knight. Flickr (https://flic. kr/p/ZLBNWX). Organizations that You Might be Able to Help: http://torreyakeepers.org/ http://www.torreyaguardians.org/guardians.html https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/torreyastate-park https://atlantabg.org/ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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HILLSBOROUGH EFNEP CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY; RECOGNIZED STATEWIDE AND NATIONALLY BY Jim Frankowiak
2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), a free nutrition education program for limited resource families supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and here in Florida the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Florida A&M University. Hillsborough County is a UF/IFAS partner providing education and information to county residents and businesses through workshops, publications and mass media. EFNEP is one of the Extension initiatives. Staff members work in local communities to teach participants skills and strategies to stretch their food dollars, eat nutritious meals and improve their overall health. EFNEP’s 50th anniversary was celebrated in early May during an Extension open house event at its offices in Seffner. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in hands-on demonstrations, tour the gardens and sample stir fry cabbage and yogurt parfaits. Youngsters in attendance were invited to participate in a special game designed to help them sort food groups. “We also took advantage of that event to honor a number of local individuals and partners through the presentation of awards,” said Hillsborough County Extension Agent II/EFNEP Supervisor Pam Bradford. Those honors were to be presented at a statewide event the next week in Gainesville, but a number of the Hillsborough County recipients would not have been able to attend so the county event was selected for those presentations. The National EFNEP Adult Participation Award was presented to Judith Thompson, an active participant in EFNEP’s pilot the Faithful Families curriculum, offered at The Rock Church of God by Faith in Tampa. “Throughout the course, Judith prepared many of the suggested recipes and tried them with her family, who enjoyed them,” said Bradford. “She leads by example and encourages others to increase their physical activity while working on their nutrition. Judith’s renewed passion for healthy living for herself and her family is the embodiment of NIFA’s People Goal.”
Overall in 2018, 823 adults and 4,055 youth graduated from the EFNEP educational series, making it one of the most successful in Florida. Lanzot was also recognized with The Outstanding Performance Award, one of four so honored in Florida “for demonstrating sustained excellence, creativity, a passion for EFNEP and much more, propelling EFNEP to the highest level.” Two EFNEP partners in Hillsborough County were also recognized at the event. The School District of Hillsborough County – Adult Education & Health & Physical Education Departments along with Advent Health were both honored for their involvement in EFNEP. “The School District serves as a distinguished and vital partner in the EFNEP mission with both youth and adult participants,” noted Bradford. “For several years, the Youth EFNEP unit has worked with students in Title 1 schools, specifically in physical education classrooms and the Adult EFNEP unit has worked with ESOL, GED and C.A.R.I.B.E. classrooms across the county. “To address the need for increased access to healthy food in USDA-defined food desserts, Advent Health developed and funded the Food is Health Program,” said Bradford. “Through this partnership, EFNEP participants were able to receive nutrition education combined with free health screenings before and after EFNEP programming. In addition, participants received $10 produce vouchers redeemable at a mobile food pantry or product stand after each class.” More EFNEP information is available at: https://efnep.ifas.ufl.edu. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Three members of the Hillsborough County EFNEP team – Leslie Lanzot, Yvette Polite-Dennis and Norma Ross – won The Over the Mark Award, which recognizes EFNEP Program Assistants (Pas) who graduated 200 or more EFNEP adults or 1,000 or more EFNEP youth for the previous federal fiscal year. “These PAs mastered outreach and partnership during the previous year,” said Bradford. “They adjusted their work schedules to meet participants where they are and when they can meet. They form solid partnerships with community organizations that result in EFNEP goals being met.”
s e p i c e R
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Citrus and Yogurt Cake q Ingredients q 2 Florida oranges, 1 zested and 1 sliced thin 2 Florida grapefruit, 1 zested and 1 sliced thin 4 Florida Key limes, 2 zested and 2 sliced thin 2 ½ cups Florida sugar 1 cup plain (whole fat) Greek yogurt 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 6 eggs, room temperature 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon baking soda Pinch of sea salt
PREPARATION Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Zest 1 orange, 1 grapefruit and 2 Key limes into a small bowl and set aside. Slice the other half of the citrus into thin rounds and set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale yellow in color. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each egg. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating
with the yogurt. Mix until combined, being careful not to over-work the batter. Gently fold in the citrus zest. Pour into a well-oiled bundt pan or two loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes. Using a plate or cake stand, place the sliced citrus around the outer edges, overlapping as you go. Gently unmold the cake and place on top of the sliced citrus. Serve warm or room temperature.
Florida Guacamole q Ingredients q 2 Florida avocados, pit removed and mashed 1 Florida tomato, diced small 2 Florida Key limes, juiced ¼ red onion, diced small 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, roughly chopped ½ teaspoon cumin Several dashes hot sauce (optional) Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
PREPARATION
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Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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When you’re pregnant, there are so many questions. WHERE TO HAVE YOUR BABY shouldn’t be one of them. Which car seat? What stroller? And oh, the discussions about the name. With so many questions surrounding a new baby, we want to give you one definitive and easy answer. The hospital you choose. At BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital, we have exceptional doctors and nurses to give you and your new baby an extraordinary level of care during labor and delivery, in a comfortable, spacious room. If you’re expecting, or thinking about having a baby, come in and see for yourself. Take a tour of South Florida Baptist Hospital and sign up for one of our free prenatal classes. Visit SouthFloridaBaptistMaternity.org to register.
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By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Last month’s literary time machine adventure was focused solely on the night blooming cactus. We hope, that since it was the right time of year to experience these extraordinary blooms, you took the time to locate some and view them for yourselves. But, as all travels are, it is time to keep moving and see what new things we can learn and what additional plants are recommended by Mr. Torrey-Simpson. Keeping in mind that we are in the exotic vines and creepers section of the book, we’d like to discuss Clerodendron thomsonae. According to Mr. Torrey-Simpson, “Every one in South Florida has seen and admired this delicately beautiful vine with its white, baggy calyxes and crimson corrollas. It is of easy culture, growing almost anywhere, but perhaps does better with shade part of the day.”¹ He informs readers that it is originally from West Africa. Some of us are originally from South Florida, so we wondered if this was a vine we’d ever seen. This was particularly important to us since he said everyone there had seen them. Upon further research we discovered that they are commonly known as the Bleeding Heart Vine and are now called the clerodendrum thomsoniae. Though minimally familiar looking to us, we do think they are quite striking and might be worth researching to see if they will grow here. Having arrived at the University of Wisconsin’s Master Gardener Program site, we realized that there is some controversy, though minute, over this plant. Mahr, the author of the piece we discovered, writes that this plant, according to the International Plant Names Index, has been labeled part of the mint family, but the USDA Plants Database says it’s a verbena. She adds that, “It was traditionally placed in that family, but despite being reassigned to Lamiaceae (mint), not everyone has adopted that change.” It always amuses us when Mr. Torrey-Simpson suggests plants whose classifications people can’t seem to agree upon.² Anyway, will it grow here? That’s what we really want to know. The website, Hunker.com, informs us that, yes, these will grow in central Florida as perennials. It instructs us to plant in welldrained soil in partial shade and be careful about what herbicides are used. Because Florida soil is sandy, it is necessary to add compost, manure, or peat. These plants come as root balls, so dig the hole as deep as it is presently, but twice as wide. Trellises are recommended, but keep in mind that it twines around things instead of holding on with tendrils. You can prune them to control their shape and they can even be grown in containers.³ More information about all that can be found on the site we referenced below.
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Continuing on, we arrive at Clitorea ternatea, or Butterfly Pea. That name grabbed our attention, and Mr. Torrey-Simpson describes it this way, “This too is well known and a favorite, its large, pea-shaped flowers being intensely blue. Said to be hardy halfway up the state though it comes from Ternate, one of the Molucca Islands.”¹ A couple of things grabbed our attention here, the intense blue color, and the fact that we have never heard of the Molucca Islands.
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Part 57 If you read regularly, you know what are fans of the Dave’s Garden website. So, we used it to take a look at what we he says is also called the bluebell and blue pea vine. He’s got some gorgeous pictures on the site and they definitely make us wish we had some trellises covered in these “intensely blue” flowers. He advises that they can take full sun to partial shade, have average watering needs, and are considered evergreen. They grow year-round but can be planted as annuals. Birds, butterflies, and bees find the plant attractive.⁴ So, if that sounds appealing to you, this is definitely one you should consider adding to your yard. But what about the Molucca Islands? Well, first of all, they are usually spelled Maluku. Secondly, they were historically considered the Spice Islands and in fact were invaded and enslaved by the Dutch as a means of controlling the spice trade. They are located on the Australian-New Guinea continental shelf. Some of the islands have volcanoes on them, but they also contain rainforests, mangroves, and savannas. They got their spice name because mace, nutmeg, clove and several other spices grow there. If you care to do more research on them you will find that they are a gorgeous tourist destination as well.⁵ This voyage we learned about both exotic vines and exotic places. Maybe you will consider adding these uniquely beautiful flowering vines to your landscaping plans. Or, perhaps, the Maluku Islands have intrigued you enough that you will put vacationing there on your bucket list. Either way, we hope that you learned something new, and that you will join us on our next adventure. Until then, happy gardening! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 183). ²Mahr, S. (2007). Bleeding Heart Vine, Clerodendrum thomsoniae. University of Wisconsin-Madison Master Gardener Program. https://wimastergardener.org/article/bleeding-heart-vineclerodendrum-thomsoniae/ ³Starr, J. (?). How to Grow Bleeding Hearts in Florida. Hunker. https://www.hunker.com/12425859/how-to-grow-bleedinghearts-in-florida ⁴Dave’s Garden. Clitoria Species, Bluebell, Blue Pea Vine, Butterfly Pea. Clitoria ternatea. https://davesgarden.com/guides/ pf/go/528/#b ⁵Maluku Islands. New World Encyclopedia. http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Maluku_Islands Photo Credits: PINKE. (2013). Bleeding Heart vine with (f)lowers in my garden. Needs bigger pot. June 2013. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/ePAzCy). Rulkens, T. (2013). Clitoria ternatea-blue. Flickr (https://flic. kr/p/eeME5q). Achilli, F. (2014). Pulau Maitara and Pulau Tidore from the Floridas Restaurant in Pulau Ternate (Ternate Island), The Moluccas (Maluku). Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/paCi5B). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Leather Strop
Father’s Day is almost here so this month we’re doing a project that might work as a quick Father’s Day gift. A leather strop is a traditional means of keeping his favorite knife or straight razor sharp. There are different styles of straps made; some have canvas or denim glued to the rough side of the leather, leaving the smooth side for a fine finish. In the interest of simplicity, our project will only use three pieces of leather. We are using a thick leather strap two and a half inches wide, but if you have an old belt lying around that is fairly wide, this is a great project for repurposing that old belt. The tools used for this activity are suggested to make things easier, but this project can certainly be done without special tools. In its simplest form, a leather strop can be little more then a strip of leather glued to a piece of wood or fashioned with a hole with which to hang it from a nail.
Supplies:
10 oz Leather Strap 2 ½ inches wide about 25 inches long Leather scraps for a handle and ring Fabric Glue (for leather) C-Clamps Scrap Wood (for clamping leather)
Leather Knife or utility razor Edge Beveller or skive tool Stitching Groover or Border tool Steel Leather Stamp Burnishing tool or wooden dowel Sandpaper
groover or use a stamp tool to stamp designs and edges into the leather. Glue and clamp the handle and key ring holder to the ends of the leather strap, allow at least an hour to dry.
Production:
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Create a paper pattern for the handle and cut two matching pieces of leather (to be glued together) Create a paper pattern for the ring holder and cut one piece of leather to be folded (to be glued together) Spread glue on both the handle and the key ring, clamp leather between wood, let dry for at least an hour. ** (Leave about an inch unglued, it will later be glued to the leather strap) ** Dampen the sides of the leather, one item at a time (Handle, Key Ring holder, strap) and bevel the edge of the leather
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with either an edge beveller, skive tool, or razor. Dampen the sides of the leather and burnish with wood until the leather is smooth and shiny. Heat (more than pressure) is what we are after when burnishing. Wet and work in small sections. When burnishing is complete, decorate the ends (not the main strap) by carving a grooved border with the stitching
Expensive leather conditioners are not necessary to maintain the leather strop, inexpensive shoe cream (not polish) will keep the strop in good shape for decades if used regularly (once or twice per year).
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Household casebearer (Phereoeca uterella)
Last month one of our readers sent us a letter and package asking us to “identify the enclosed critters.” Which we love doing by the way. She estimated the critter was about 1/8” long, and described it as having a “dark protrusion at one end when its moving,” and continued to say, “it scoots along in a jerky way.” Upon inspecting the specimens that were sent in, we suspect these Critters were an insect commonly known as the household casebearer (Phereoeca uterella). These strange insects are the larvae of one of Florida’s smaller moths and related to the common clothes moth. They cloak themselves in a protective cocoon that looks like a sandy pumpkin seed. This month we will take a closer look at this harmless critter that is likely to become a house guest during the balmy days of Florida’s summertime. The household casebearer (Phereoeca uterella) is a member of the Tineidae family, which includes many species of case bearing moths. Some moths in this family may be considered household pests while others might be viewed as beneficial. The most common name for this critter is the plaster bagworm, for its vaguely similar behavior to true bagworm moths (Psychidae). The household casebearer (Phereoeca uterella) creates a cocoon and plasters tiny bits of sand, rust, insect droppings, fibers, and bug parts to the outside of its cocoon in much the same way a true bagworm will attach twigs and other items from its environment to its cocoon. However similar, this critter is not a true bagworm, but rather a different caterpillar that has become particularly well adapted to the household biome in which its empty casings are often a common adornment in the homes and garages of the Deep South. Most of us associate caterpillars with the destruction of crops and plants, this caterpillar, however, is happier cleaning house than eating salad. In 1957, Dr. Lawrence A. Hetrick, former professor of entomology at University of Florida, found that the most common food source for the household casebearer was old spider webs, of which they apparently consumed in large quantities. If cobwebs and spider webs in your house freak you out, this is the perfect guest to invite home. In addition, this little critter will readily eat the webs of booklice (Psocoptera) and webspinners (Embioptera). Other than old casings perhaps being a bit unsightly, the household casebearer (Phereoeca uterella) is not considered a crop or household pest. In the pioneer days of Florida these insects would prolifer-
The household casebearer is only one species of case bearing moths that you may find in your home during the hot humid summer months. Other species that may be more problematic are the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella), that can devastate your wardrobe, and the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) that will get into any grains that are left unprotected in your pantry. All case bearing moths are difficult to control with spray on pesticides because the cocoon is somewhat resistant to moisture. Mechanical removal with a broom and vacuum is probably the easiest solution. Keep in mind however, that these critters like humidity, so a dehumidifier or good working AC will usually prevent these larvae from reaching adulthood. Bay leaves contain essential oils such as eucalyptol and terpenes that are said to repel insects and I have verified that on many hiking trips to repel mosquitoes, but I have not tested the effect on moths. Studies have proven that peppermint oil and chestnut oil repel spiders, which would in turn help eliminate the primary food source (spider webs) of the household casebearer. It may be fun to try some of the natural repellents that our Southern ancestors once relied on. Take a closer look at these little critters, If you are anything like me, they will amuse you for hours. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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ate within the humid wooden homes of the South. Insects could easily enter a drafty home to maintain the food supply of household spider populations. The household casebearer (Phereoeca uterella) had a niche in consuming the pure protein of abandoned spider webs, bug parts, animal dander, and even human hair that would collect in the corners of the house. One of the factors that limit this insect’s potential as a pest today is that the larvae of this species require high humidity to complete its pupation into adulthood. Although you may occasionally find these insects in your household, modern air conditioning creates an inhospitable environment for populations to persist the way they did long ago. Outside of the household, this caterpillar is exposed to more potential threats then can be found in a home. When threatened, the household casebearer will retreat into its cocoon and sometimes seal itself in with silk. The cocoon itself is very difficult to tear open and would discourage many potential predators. There are, however, at least two natural predators that can overcome the caterpillar’s fortified cocoon. Both the braconid wasp, (Apanteles carpatus) and an Ichneumonid wasp, (Lymeon orbum) are known to have parasitized the household casebearer as a suitable breeding host and therefore have potential as a biologic control agent.
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JULY 4TH CELEBRATION Thursday, July 4, 2019
(Rainout date Friday, July 5 - 9:00 pm Fireworks only, no games or vendors, gates open 8:00 pm)
6:00 to 9:30 pm - Plant City Stadium 1810 East Park Road, Plant City FL 33563
(No street parking on Park Road, Jim Johnson Road or GFS Drive) FREE ADMISSION - $5 PER CAR PARKING - PARKING OPENS 5:30 PM - FIREWORKS FINALE 9:15 Climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses and more! Scheduled to appear on stage: Solaris Band
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Rainwater Harvesting Now’s a Good Time to Ready, Set and Capture! LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING™ AGENT
Did you know that one inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof will yield 623 gallons of water? Yes, that’s hard to believe…until you attend a workshop, receive your rain barrel, take it home, hook it up and it rains. With an average annual rainfall of approximately 50 inches, each household can save more than 31,000 gallons a year if you had sufficient storage capacity. We offer Rainwater Harvesting workshops one Saturday a month at the Extension office in Seffner for a cost of $5.00. At this workshop, you will learn that a rain barrel is any device used to collect rainwater mainly for landscape irrigation. The benefits of capturing rainwater include reductions in potable water use for a landscape, erosion and stormwater runoff. These benefits are extremely important because of the decrease in: the amount of water you purchase, the soil washing away from your landscape (erosion) and stormwater runoff which moves fertilizers, pesticides, oil, gas, trash, etc. from your property into a storm drain, and ultimately into Tampa Bay, resulting in algae bloom, fish kills, etc.
Did you know that we offer triple workshops (rainwater harvesting, composting and microirrigation) nearly every month of the year at our office in Seffner? These educational programs are $5.00 per household per workshop, attendance one time only, as a Hillsborough County resident. If you have not attended, think about this: after the rainwater harvesting workshop, you will receive one rain barrel that staff and Master Gardeners have drilled and spigoted. After composting, you receive a compost bin, kitchen compost bucket and compost thermometer. After microirrigation, you receive a microirrigation kit, hose nozzle and rain gauge. Pre-registration is required. Check out our website which contains the calendar of events at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/.
Attendees will learn how to make their own rain barrels, to set up their barrel at home, the ideal locations with or without gutters and to create a stable platform/base for their rain barrel. We provide information on why an overflow on a rain barrel is important and how to create one, connecting multiple rain barrels, and the maintenance needed. Instructions are provided on painting rain barrels, safety considerations and use of products to kill mosquito larvae. Harvested rainwater can be used on ornamental plants, but not edibles, and this will also be fully explained during the workshop.
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For horticultural assistance, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 813-744-5519, or visit at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Stroll through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, our perennial garden and Girl Scout Troop created Pollinator Garden. We hope to see you at our upcoming workshops and remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU
REPRESENTATIVES MEET WITH STATE’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS IN WASHINGTON
By Jim Frankowiak Members of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau traveled to the nation’s capital in mid-May to meet with Florida’s Congressional delegation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss various federal policies that affect agricultural producers in the Sunshine State and nationally. They were part of a group representing farm families throughout our community and our state. The local group included Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson, Florida Strawberry Growers Association Executive Director Kenneth Parker, Tiffany Dale, Director of Member Services and Community Relations for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Florida Farm Bureau District 5 Field Representative Brianne Bird. Their visit included a series of conversations on hurricane recovery in the Panhandle, water quality issues in South Florida, trade policy reform, the implementation of the Farm Bill and agricultural labor. The local representatives also met with officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. All sessions were part of Florida Farm Bureau’s
“There were several aspects of these meetings that are particularly important to note,” said Parker. “Our elected officials – those lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who represent our farm families in Hillsborough County have a genuine understanding of the challenges our ranchers and growers face, particularly seasonal fruit and vegetable growers. They are working together to level the playing field in a timely manner, and for that we are most thankful.” “It is such a privilege to live in a country where we have direct access to the government and elected officials,” noted Dale. “It is imperative that we voice our concerns about agriculture and the future of an industry that generates a livelihood for countless Floridians and is a major factor in our overall state economy. This trip provided access and opportunities to hopefully leave our nation’s decision-makers with a clear understanding of both the importance and urgency our industry has with re-
gard to issues that are outstanding and need prompt action,” she said. This annual event is a positive example of citizen participation in representative government. Farm Bureau volunteers seek constructive policy solutions that benefit our industry and society on the whole to sustain our domestic food production. “Our members were solid representatives of agriculture in our state,” said Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Dennis Carlton, Jr. “I appreciate their willingness to leave the county and participate in the Field to the Hill trip to Washington. “I also wish to extend my thanks to our Congressional delegation for the hospitable welcome they gave to our members while in Washington. They have told me those meetings with our national representatives were excellent and constructive and dealt with a number of issues, including those of concern and importance to our growers. Collectively, those issues have a direct impact upon their livelihoods, as well as the quality of life for all Floridians.”
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Field to the Hill trip, an annual initiative providing members with an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogues with our national leaders.
STEED FARMS: CELEBRATING COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE
By Jim Frankowiak What began as an ornamental liner nursery in 2000 has become a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operation, growing organic fruits and vegetables sold directly to members 24 weeks out of each year. That’s the short story of Steed Farms and it continues. The farm is co-owned by Shawn and Jenn Steed and their six member “crew” which includes ; Anna, 12; Nathan, 11; Noah, 8; Katie, 6; James, 4; and three-year-old Paul. In 2003 the operation moved from its original location to its current, 17-acre site on Highway 39, south of Plant City and State Road 60. At that time, it was still propagating plants in trays, but that changed following a Steed family trip in 2007 to Oregon and Washington during which the family was introduced to the CSA concept. “We thought the idea of connecting our local community with locally grown produce might be something we could start in Plant City,” said Shawn. “Our first CSA season began in 2008 with one customer. When the ornamental tree market declined during the ‘Great Recession’, I became the Ornamental Production Agent for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) program, working with growers in Hillsborough and Polk counties.” The Steed family currently grows edible crops on approximately two acres and leases out the balance of the farm.
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The CSA model is a system that connects the producer and consumers within the food system more closely by allowing
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the consumer to subscribe to the harvest of a certain farm or group of farms. It is an alternative socioeconomic model of agriculture and food distribution that allows the producer and consumer to share the risks of farming, while enjoying the benefits. The model is a subcategory of civic agriculture that has an overarching goal of strengthening a sense of community through local markets. In return for subscribing to a harvest, subscribers receive either a weekly or bi-weekly box of produce or other farm goods. Often, farmers develop relationships with subscribers by regular communications regarding what is happening on the farm, inviting them for harvest or holding an open-farm event. Some CSA operations, like Steed Farms, offer full and half-share memberships. A full share is currently $540 and a half share is $270. The former entitles the member to 24 weekly pick-ups of 7 – 12 items, while the latter provides 12 weekly opportunities. “We grow about 60 different varieties of vegetables that include salad greens, cooking greens, vegetables, season fruits and herbs,” said Shawn, who has responsibility for planting, maintenance and harvesting. Jenn oversees member relations, marketing and the coordination of deliveries since Steed Farms offers both on farm pick up, typically on Saturday’s during the November – June season, or home delivery for an additional fee. “We begin to plant in August with the first harvest near Thanksgiving. We finish our season in May.” “The kids pitch in when needed for planting and harvesting,” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
said Jenn. “Otherwise, you can find them hunting for bugs, building secret hideouts or playing any manner of games around the farm.” Shawn and Jenn met on a blind date arranged by mutual friends in March of 2000. He had just begun his liner nursery and Jenn was in her first year of her Audiology Doctoral program at the University of South Florida (USF). The couple married in May of 2005. Jenn, a Doctor of Audiology, has been an audiologist since 2003 and currently works on a part-time basis at J.C. Audiology. Shawn grew up in Broward County and finished high school in Gainesville, while Jenn is an alumna of Plant City High School. Neither was involved in ag-related extracurricular activities while growing up, but their children are members of Turkey Creek 4-H and have raised turkeys, chickens, rabbits and plants. They are also participants in a number of sports. For Shawn, “growing plants or helping others to grow or to appreciate plants is a vocation,” he said. “It was demonstrated to me at an early age by my parents with their attention to and enjoyment from their landscape and gardens. I enjoyed being outdoors and taking science classes and those passions led to a Bachelor of Science degree in horticultural science from UF. I was blessed with a research assistantship from UF for a Master of Science degree in Horticulture (Vegetable Crop Production) with a minor in Weed Science. I started growing and selling tree liners while getting my college degree in order to practice what I was taught and earn some money. “I continue to grow because those passions and my calling haven’t changed. The challenge is keeping the farm economically sustainable to be able to continue what I enjoy,” he said. “We love the communal aspect of our CSA operation,” said Shawn. “Several of our family members have been part of the CSA for over five years and we consider them friends. “It’s so important to teach people where food comes from,” Jenn said. “How it’s grown, what it needs to thrive, how long it takes to reach maturity, 110-days for sweet potatoes, for example. We love providing our community with food. It is fascinating to experience the way food brings people together – young, old, working, retired, families, couples and singles. It is a blessing to be part of that network.”
“It is extremely difficult to grow organically in Florida because of variable weather, all number of pests, high humidity and very poor soil composition, but we are committed to growing our crops and our farm sustainably. We use organic inputs/ pesticides, cover crops, crop rotation and practice integrated pest management (IPM). We are committed to increasing the health of our soils by adding organic matter yearly. We have increased the organic matter fraction of our soils by 100 percent and it is still increasing after 10 years of growing.” CSA farms in the U.S. today share three common characteristics; an emphasis on community and/or local produce, share or subscriptions sold prior to each season and weekly deliveries to members/subscribers. The functioning of a CSA also relies on four practical arrangements: for farmers to know the needs of a community, for consumers to have the opportunity to express to farmers what their needs and financial limitations are, for commitments between farmers and consumers to be consciously established and for farmers’ needs to be recognized. “Joining a local CSA cuts out extra steps between the farmer and the food you east,” said Jenn. “Buying produce from a grocery store involves harvest, transportation, distribution, supermarket chain and finally the consumer. Your local CSA – harvest to consumer, with produce often picked the day you receive it. This results in less nutrient loss, peak freshness and a reduction of fossil fuels.” Since the 1980s, community supported farms have been organized throughout North America. It is estimated that more than 13,000 CSA farms are in operation in the U.S., both within and outside urban areas. The largest subscription CSA with over 13,000 families is located in Capay Valley, California. More information on Steed Farms and becoming a CSA member is available at its website (http://steedfarm.yolasite. com/), www.steedfarm.blogspot.com through www.localharvest.org or at Steed Farm on Facebook and Instagram. You can contact them at SteedfarmCSA@gmail.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Jenn shared a recent message demonstrating the notion of community support from a CSA member at the end of this season. “I am really going to miss you and your perfect veggies and fruit,” the member said. “I am not kidding when I say that (getting the CSA box) was the highlight of my week.”
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
USDA SEEKING FEEDBACK FROM SOUTHEAST GROWERS The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is seeking feedback from growers about 2019 crops, stocks, livestock inventories and values. NASS will be contacting growers via the Internet, mail, phone or in person. The results will be released June 28.
Federal Funds Available for Organic Certification Costs Federal funds are available to help farmers applying for organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program of the USDA. The program provides costshare assistance up to 75 percent of certification costs annually to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification. Maximum funding is $750 per certification scope. More information is available by contacting the USDA Farm Service Agency, 201 South Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563. Telephone: 813/752-1474.
Beef Quality Assurance Program Manual Available An official manual for the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Program is now available. The 124-page manual, managed by the producer education team at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, covers topics such as food safety, animal well-being, worker safety and environmental stewardship. To view the new BQA manual or to become BQA certified, visit: BQA.org.
UF/IFAS Offers Hurricane Preparedness Assistance The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is offering Floridians practical tips and information to help them weather a potential storm. This information is available at: disaster.ifas.ufl.edu.
Grainger Offers Farm Bureau Members Exclusive Pricing, Free Shipping Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) members receive exclusive pricing on select categories and brands from Grainger, plus free standard ground shipping on all standard Grainger products. Use the FFB Account Number 856485677 at your local Grainger branch, create an online account at Grainger.com/ FarmBureau or call Grainger at 1-800-472-4643 to create a new account or update an existing account. In all cases, reference the FFB Account Number 856485677. Visit https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/grainger/ for full details.
New Water Policy Director Named
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Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried has appointed Christopher Pettit as Director of Agricultural Water Policy, working with agricultural producers, industry groups, state agencies, universities and water management districts throughout the state to
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develop and implement agricultural best management practices that address both water quality and water conservation. These best practices are practical, cost-effective actions to conserve water and reduce pesticides, fertilizers and pollutants entering Florida’s water systems. Pettit previously served in the Office of Counsel for both the South Florida Water Management District and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and most recently served as the Policy Legislation Manager for Palm Beach County Utilities. He has also served as a Law and Policy Fellow at the University of Florida Water Institute, a Law and Policy Fellow at the Mote Marine Laboratories Marine Policy Institute and co-authored a U.S. Agency for International Development toolkit for climate resilient water utility operations being used internationally.
NRCS CHANGING TO STRENGTHEN TECHNICAL INPUT; COMMENTS WELCOMED USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is expanding the technical input in program development and technical services in program delivery. There are changes expanding the membership on the State Technical Committee and expanded avenues through which technical service providers can be certified. Other changes include the administration of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevent Act Program, Healthy Forests Reserve Program and the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program. You may submit comments on the proposed changes by visiting: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for comment on Docket ID USDA-2019-0005.
FLORIDA AG HALL OF FAME NOMINEES SOUGHT Nominations are being sought for the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. Help recognize distinguished contributors to Florida agriculture. Begin the nomination process by visiting: http:// floridaaghalloffame.org/nominate/. The deadline for nominations is September 1.
USDA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications for certain practices under the continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), both new and existing contracts. This year’s signup will include such practices as grassed waterways, filter strips, riparian buffers, wetland restoration and others. The FSA is also reopening signup for existing Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) agreements. More information is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/crp. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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FARM BUREAU WOMEN’S COMMITTEE COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR RCMA
By Jim Frankowiak Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is collecting school supplies for students attending Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) educational facilities. This is a community service project of the committee headed by Michelle Williamson. It is underway now and will continue through the end of July. “This is an initiative open to all female Farm Bureau members in Hillsborough County,” said Williamson. Current active members of the committee include Williamson, Judi Whitson, Gayle Yanes, Brooke Hansen, Jemy Hinton, Lisa Strange, Tiffany Dale, Karen Hamilton, Betty Jo Tompkins and Sonia Tighe. “We would be delighted to have other female Farm Bureau members in the county join us in this important program,” she said.
may email – women@hcfb.org -- for more information. “We will also gladly accept cash donations,” said Williamson. Items and donations can be dropped off at the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau office, 305 South Wheeler Street, Plant City, FL 33563 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Organized in 1965, RCMA now has 68 childcare and youth education centers in 20 Florida counties, including Hillsborough. All serve the rural poor numbering more than 6,000 children from as young as six weeks. RCMA has as its mission “to open doors to opportunities through quality child care and education from crib to high school and beyond.” More information about RCMA is available by visiting: http:// www.rcma.net.
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Desired donated items are school supplies for all levels. You
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WEDGWORTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SEEKING NOMINATIONS By Jim Frankowiak The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture & Natural Resources (WLIANR) is accepting nominations for Class XI participants through July 15. This two-year comprehensive program, which begins in November, is designed to develop the leadership skills of participants involved in agricultural and natural resource enterprises in Florida through training sessions, workshops and travel to Washington, D.C. and abroad.
NOMINATION FORMS, WHICH MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 15, AND OTHER INFORMATION ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.WEDGWORTHLEADERSHIP.COM.
HARVEST AWARDS NOMINATION DEADLINE: July 1
The Hillsborough County Fair is accepting Harvest Award nominations through July 1. Award recipients will be presented at the Fair’s kick-off luncheon October 17.
ture or Agriculturist, Outstanding Young Farmer/Rancher/ Nurseryman under age 40, Outstanding Woman in Agriculture and Posthumous Memorial Award.
Individuals can either nominate themselves or others in eight different categories: Farm Family of the Year, Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture, Outstanding Agribusiness, Outstanding Public & Community Service, Urban Agricul-
The Harvest Awards recognize the accomplishments of families, individuals and organizations for their achievement and commitment to agriculture and to preserve the agricultural heritage of Hillsborough County.
Nomination forms are available online at www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com, at the Fair Office in Valrico, the Extension office in Seffner, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association in Dover or the Soil and Water Conservation District office in Plant City. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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In The Field Classifieds ANIMALS & NEEDS
Info@inthefieldmagazine.com
2017 MASSEY FERGUSON GC1710
Tel: 813.759.6909
Tractor, loader back hoe, 22.5 hp, 4x4. $12,500 Call Alvie for details. Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & 813-759-8722 exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813)752-2230. Call Don 2012 MAHINDRA 4025-4 Ammerman. www.ammermans.com Low hours with 6ft rotary cutter. July 14, 2019, Nov. 24, 2019 Ready to get to work! Call Alvie for additional information. $11,500 813-759-8722 BUILDING SUPPLIES
ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
JOHN DEERE
METAL ROOFING
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
ALUMINUM
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
WINDOW SCREENS
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660
2005 MAHINDRA 6500
SOLD
4X4, 65 hp with loader. 1,000 hours. $15,900 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. ELECTRIC PLUCKER Call Ted(813) 752-3378 Plucks 4 chickens in 15 seconds. Barely used! Call 863-409-8496 CABINETS All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. TILLER Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. 5ft wide tiller. Very low hours, Call Blake 813-752-3378 like new. Call 863-409-8496
VINYL SIDDING
FOR SALE
Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378
OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE
MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES
Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.
Bread warmer, chrome trim. You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378
DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER
No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are Many standard sizes in stock. energy star, lifetime warranty. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
FARM EQUIPMENT INTERNATIONAL 574 TRACTOR
2wd, 67hp tractor. In very good condition! Asking $7,950. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
JOBS MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
MISC. FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
24 HOUR SERVICE
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173
FOR RENT
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
USED MACRO HARVEST BINS
ID 44”X44”X16”, qty. approx. 750. Green “Intercrate” harvest RPC’s, qty. approx. 4,000. H.D. Budd Farms, Inc. 813-716-7670
MASSEY FERGUSON 360 Grading Tractor. $6,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
2013 MAHINDRA 3616L TRACTOR
SOLD
36hp, 4x4, tractor with cab and loader. 408 hours. $15,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
I4 POWER EQUIPMENT
Spring is here, and the grass is growing again! Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Plant City 813-752-4459
FINISHING MOWER
3pt hitch, category 1, made by BEFCO. 50” Good for 20-50hp. ONE owner. Good shape. $500 - 813-365-0245
TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC
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Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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TOP DOLLAR PAID FOR FIREARMS We Have 100+ Years Combined Experience. Estate Collections Welcome. No Collection is Too Big or Too Small. Cash or Consign. Pickup Available. Call 888-659-9909 or visit GunAuctionsUSA.com
TRADE • BUY • SELL? Since 2004 In The Field has been Hillsborough and Polk Countys #1 Agriculture Magazine. Call Us at 813-759-6909 to place your Ad Today!
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