In The Field magazine Hillsborough edition

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S. Jim Redman • southsidestores.com FFIELDMM AGAZINE.COM T F M 1 INTHEFFL IELD MAGAZINE March I 2013 June 2021 Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, 2WWW.IINTTHE3012 N HE IELD

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JUNE 2021 VOL. 17 • ISSUE 8

CONTENTS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS AUSTIN HOLCOMB

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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121

Cover Photo Couresy Berry Sweet Memories by Dee Dee PAGE 10 State Officer

PAGE 30 News Briefs

PAGE 14 Microirrigation

PAGE 32 YF&R

PAGE 15 New Extension Agent

PAGE 35 Frisee

PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots

PAGE 36 Cows Help The Planet

PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter

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Dairy For Bone Health

PAGE 24 ELAPP

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John Dicks

PAGE 50 Ag Literacy

PAGE 52 Activity PAGE 53 A Closer Look

PAGE 56 Scott Angle PAGE 57 Farm Credit PAGE 58 RVR Horse Rescue PAGE 60

PAGE 26 Healthy Herbs

PAGE 46 Endangered Species

PAGE 28 HCSO

Gardening Calendar

PAGE 48 Recipes

Hey Readers!

Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below

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

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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

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

Tampa Office 813.933.5440

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

AGENCY MANAGER Thomas O. Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


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STAFF

Letter from the Editor Happy June everyone! Summer will officially be here on June 20, but our summer temps have arrived with a vengeance. You can’t escape it! The shade offers a modicum of relief but not much. So please be vigilant when working outdoors. The Florida Department of Agriculture encourages the following to prevent heat illness: • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes. • Choose work attire wisely. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and protect your face by wearing a hat and sunglasses • Wear sunscreen. Sunburns make it harder to cool down and can cause dehydration. • Use a buddy system. Heat illness can cause confusion and even loss of consciousness, so work near a buddy to check on each other and stay safe. • Rest and cool down. Make sure to rest and cool down during the workday. • Stay alert, know the signs. Stay alert for signs of heat illness like headache, dizziness, fatigue or weakness. If suffering any of these symptoms, cool down immediately and call for medical assistance. It’s National Dairy Month! In 1937 National Milk Month was established as a way to promote drinking milk. It has developed into an annual tradition to celebrate the contributions the dairy industry has made after the National Dairy Council stepped in and changed the name to “Dairy Month.” Rather than waiting until National Dairy Month, you should celebrate dairy all year long! The benefits are numerous! Dairy products contain essential nutrients which may help manage your weight, reduce your risk for high blook pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. Dairy products are basically a natural nutrient powerhouse. We hope you are having a great start to summer. When you are out shopping for your family, looking for a new tractor, or a variety of other things, be sure to check out our advertisers. They help us to continue to cover what is growing, just like we have been doing since 2004.

Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor Patsy Berry Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols George Domedion Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909

Until Next Month

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

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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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

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AN IMPORTANT UPDATE AND MORE -Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Dear Readers – The wetland density issue continues and we are actively involved. Late in May we participated in a virtual workshop associated with this issue. While we were not permitted to participate in the actual session, we did submit questions and comments in advance for consideration by the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) and Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. These government agencies will ultimately present their recommendations to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners with regard to the Wetland Density Policy and any changes. Among questions and comments posed were: • What is the purpose of removing the Wetland Density Credit from unincorporated areas of the county when there isn’t a negative impact to the environment or an abundance of density to begin with? • Does removal of the credit or a portion of it pose a property evaluation problem? • How is the landowner compensated for the decrease in density? The Property Appraiser staff was asked to explain tax use codes versus future land use and how they differ; is potential density considered by the property appraiser for property tax purposes; acreage class values and which class dominates the Rural Service area; are small parcels more valuable than larger parcels on a price per acre basis; if proposed action prohibits subdivision of a parcel would value be reduced; impact on property value and the number of parcels that exist in the rural service area with lowland use codes. EPC staff was also asked for clarification and explanation of various considerations related to this issue ranging from an explanation of the review process to a determination of

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

wetland lines. We also submitted a range of questions to the county planning staff. Overall, we want to assure you that this is an important issue that we are closely monitoring on your behalf. We are not blindly opposed, but want our concerns addressed in a manner that is both fair and equitable. As part of our ongoing outreach to elected officials, we participated in recent tours with U.S. Representatives Vern Buchanan and Gus Bilirakis to help keep them abreast of the challenges our industry faces on a continuing basis and the actions we are taking and ways in which they can be of critical assistance. My thanks to Kenneth Parker, Executive Director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, and Judi Whitson, our Executive Director, for their tour participation with me. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, October 7. That’s our annual meeting date and we will be gathering at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds and hope to see you there. There will be more information as that date draws near. This is an evening activity that will begin at 6 p.m. Lastly, it’s summertime. Our kids are out. Please make sure they are safe and enjoy your time with them. In the meantime, if you need more information about us or our programs, please call us at 813/685-9121 or email: info@hcfarmbureau. org. 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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June State Officer Column

By Emma Poole and Christian Bentrovato Our entire team is working very hard to prepare for our upcoming state convention in Orlando. This is our most anticipated event of the year (especially since we didn’t get to hold it in person in 2020). As I have been preparing my retiring address, I have been going back through lots of old photos and reflecting on all the adventures I have been on over the last 8 years. It’s crazy to think of all the places I have gone to in this blue jacket and all the amazing people I have gotten to meet from across the U.S. and the globe. As we move deeper into state convention preparations, I know I will be looking back to many of these fond memories and remembering the good times I have had. I would like to wish all the teams competing at state convention the best of luck! I know this year has been extremely challenging and all our members from Miami to Pensacola have been working very hard to make it to the state contests! As one of our last duties as state officers, our entire team had the opportunity to help in the process of selecting the members that will begin serving our organization in the coming weeks. As Emma and I both know, it takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication to prepare yourself to screen for state office. I know that the individuals that were slated to be candidates are the best and brightest that our organization has to offer. Serving as a state officer entails many things and ultimately one of its most important tasks is carrying the torch forward. Our organization’s legacy spans 93 years and within those 93 years our industry has seen massive changes. As a state officer we are tasked with continuing this legacy and to build upon it. I wish them the best of luck and I know they will do an amazing job! Christian Bentrovato Area V State Vice President

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As our year begins to wrap up, I’ve seen more and more that there is beauty even in endings. This has never been more evident to me than during this past month. Our entire state officer team had the distinct privilege to travel all around the state to celebrate all of this year’s accomplishments with the

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chapters who have remained determined and resilient in spite of the unforeseen circumstances of this year! I personally had the pleasure of attending many banquets, including Suwannee, Tenoroc, Sugg Middle, Durant, and more. Each banquet and event brought with it a distinct lesson that reinforced my passion for the blue jacket. Among all of my banquet travels, I attended two inaugural banquets – Sugg Middle and Taylor County Middle. Both of these schools have relatively new agriculture programs that are in the beginning stages of growing and developing. In both instances, the advisors brought up a point to me that was refreshing and reminded me why state officers do what they do. As new members navigate the world of FFA, they hear about officer teams and state officers, but a lot of them never get to interact with people in higher positions. I never thought of it this way, but for some new members, even just meeting a state officer can be an impactful experience that only compounds their newfound passion for FFA. Of course, as state officers, we know that we’re just another person. But for a new FFA member, state officers can represent something much more – a promise of good things and success to come. This doesn’t just apply to our team; it applies to anyone. No matter your position, there are people watching you and looking up to you. It’s up to you to choose to be that reminder of what’s to come. Another end-of-the-year experience that every team has is State Officer Screening. This year, screening was held on May 23. I am proud of Carter Howell from the Durant Sr. FFA Chapter and Julia Heijkoop from the South Sumter FFA Chapter on being selected as State Presidential Candidates. As our year of service comes to an end, I am proud of the hands that Florida FFA is being left in, and I cannot wait for them to experience what will no doubt be one of the most impactful years of their lives. Emma Lauren Poole Florida FFA State Secretary WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


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Microirrigation in the Landscape By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent | Photos by Jacqlyn Rivas

Water is among our most valued resources. It is required for survival and is non-renewable at our current rate of consumption. The Florida 2070/Water 2070 Project (https://1000fof.org/) estimates that we will see an increase of 15 million residents by the year 2070. This will result in an increasing demand on water supply for growth. That said, water conservation is even more important today than in the past. There are several ways to conserve water in the landscape, one of which is microirrigation. It is a system that provides small amounts of water compared to an inground irrigation system, is easy to install, connects to an outdoor spigot/hose bib and provides 30 gallons per hour or less. There are four types of microirrigation: microspray, bubblers, dripper emitters and drip tubing.

see our calendar of events: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ hillsborough/upcoming-events/. For assistance with horticultural questions, call: 813744-5519 and visit us on Facebook for our FloridaFriendly Landscaping TM news. Hope to see you at a workshop soon. As always, remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat. Each of us can make an environmental difference. Contact Lynn Barber at labarber@ufl.edu.

The advantages of using a microirrigation system include: • Water is applied in gallons per hour vs. gallons per minute from an in-ground irrigation system • Evaporation and erosion are decreased • Design, installation and use are simple • Products are interchangeable among vendors • Used as “nurse system” to establish new plantings Maintenance is minimal. A monthly walk through your landscape beds will allow you to make adjustments or repairs as needed that could be due to lawnmowers, weed eaters or garden critters, such as armadillos leveling spray stakes.

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We offer three types of microirrigation workshops to Hillsborough County residents: microspray irrigation for landscape beds, patio/container and vegetable garden microirrigation. One microirrigation kit is provided per household - one time only for each of the three workshops. Pre-registration is required. Please

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MEET DR. WAEL ELWAKIL

NEW HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION EXTENSION AGENT By Jim Frankowiak

Wael Elwakil, Doctor of Plant Medicine, is the new Commercial Fruit and Vegetable Production Agent at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) Extension in Hillsborough County. He is located in the Extension office in Seffner at 5339 South County Road 579. Elwakil brings a diverse background to his position. He was born and raised in Mansoura, Egypt, a city of more than 900,000 in a region of the country known as the Nile Delta. His father, a plant pathologist, is an emeritus professor at Mansoura University, and his mother is a retired science educator and administrator. His brother is a primary care physician, serving patients in Damietta. Dr. Elwakil’s career includes automotive work, tomato growing in the Sinai, vegetable variety research, and pesticide and fertilizer sales. The automotive stint was taken to help a friend whose business faced serious problems with its future in doubt. Elwakil turned the business around. He earned his undergraduate degree in Plant Pathology from Mansoura University. His education at UF, which includes both his Doctor of Plant Medicine and a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology, provided him with the opportunity to participate in a variety of agronomic and vegetable crop pesticide and disease research. “I have a profound respect for farmers and look forward to working with them in collaboration with our researchers at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC),” he said.

ect. “I was given the opportunity to improve and streamline that program for greater efficiency and higher educational value,” he said. While with Manatee County Extension, Dr. Elwakil lead and produced a three-part, 75-minute YouTube docuseries that includes: Horticulture – https://youtu.be/9VG7pAWBO5l Livestock – https://youtu.be/ySOx8glORB4 Marine – https://youtu.be/lwgmqexWWhw This video series is designed to raise agriculture awareness and familiarize viewers with various agricultural endeavors in Manatee County. Wael is anxious to meet commercial producers in the area and to learn of their specific needs and how he can assist them. He can be reached via email at wael.elwakil@ufl.edu or by telephone: 813/7445519, Extension 54134.

Following completion of his postdoctoral research, Elwakil joined the Extension faculty in Manatee County as the Commercial Horticulture Agent working with plant nurseries. That position also included working with 4-H and FFA groups in the county along with the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) and the ongoing plant projINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Summer Tampa Bay Storms

Summer is here, and with it, plenty of daylight hours to spend on the water fishing or boating. But while summer brings with it visions of sunshine and warm temperatures, it can also bring some chaotic weather that often puts a swift end to our water time activities. Thunderstorms, especially those with lightning, are all bad news if you’re caught unprepared on the water.

ing black clouds, often approaching from the southwest, south, or west.

Seasoned boaters and anglers have learned to watch to the skies for impending storms and if things don’t look promising, head for safety. Here are a few tips for keeping your eye on the sky:

• Even if a storm is still several miles away, the lightning it generates can easily reach you. Remember, lighting often strikes well before a storm. As well as after it has seemingly passed. Be observant, watching for the “coppery” haze and building cumulonimbus clouds that indicate a thunderstorm, and seek shelter well in advance.

• Bad weather is often forecast before you ever leave the shore, so make sure you check your local weather stations or local marine forecast paying careful attention to all marine warnings posted for your area or the area you may be heading. • Look for the telltale signs of a forming thunderstorm. Such as clumps of thick cumulus clouds (the puffy, cotton-ball type.) darkening into a towering, cumulonimbus cloud (think cumulous growing vertically, with an anvil-like shape at the top). Begin heading for safety whenever you see clouds in this formation. Severe winds, lightning, rain, or worse can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. • The severity of a storm can often be predicted by the shape and color of the leading edge. The darker, sharper, and lower the edge, the more severe the storm.

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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

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Capt. Woody Gore

• During the summer, thunderstorms will often build over the water when the humidity and temperature over land are high. As hot air radiates upward, it absorbs moisture from nearby water, ultimately rising to form a thunderhead. The telltale sign of these storms is fast-mov-

• How long do you have before a storm arrives? Try this trick. When you first see a lightning flash, count how many seconds pass before hearing the accompanying thunder, then divide by five. The result is the number of miles you are away from the storm.

• If you can’t outrun a storm or find some shelter, point your craft into the wind, and try to take approaching waves at a 90-degree angle. This will keep your pump in the water and lessen the chance of your craft getting rolled over. It’s also best to stay as low as possible so that your body is not the tallest target on the water. • Remember, whenever you’re venturing farther than just your local bay or shore, a handheld VHF radio can be a lifesaver. Many include a weather alert feature to warn of approaching storms.

Let’s Go Fishing - Tampa Bay Fishing Report July 2021 Snook: (Snook Closed until September)

So, you might want to think about giving them a rest during the closed season and try one of the other 200 plus species throughout Tampa Bay. Seems like snook are the number one target to catch, and while there are plenty around, perhaps when you catch one, take a moment to take a look at its WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


mouth. You’ll see why I’m suggesting targeting something different. So if you’re tired of the same old scenery and crowded fishing pressure, why not venture away from your favorite spots and find some new areas. There are still good reports coming in from the north end down past the Skyway.

Redfish: We’re seeing plenty of singles and doubles around the usual haunts. If you come across a large school of mullet, before the mullet skiffs bust them up, you’ll usually find a redfish nosing around inside. Live or dead bait works, but I’m finding dead bait, and a rod holder is working very well. You can expect some great action on incoming tides for those who like pitching soft plastics and topwater around the mangroves.

Spotted Sea Trout: You might

try suspending a shrimp under a popping cork with a medium split-shot about 8” ahead of a 1/0 circle hook. And work the cork by popping it, letting it set a moment, then popping it again. If that’s not working, re-

813-477-3814

Tarpon: Plenty of Tarpon at the

Skyway and on the beaches. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, or a crab should do the trick. If you’re casting to them, use a rod and reel combo that allows for a long-distance cast.

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move the cork and free-line a greenback or shrimp over some “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” deep grass. Topwater popping plugs or soft plastic jerk baits over any broken bottom grass flat can offer artificial anglers Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishsome excellent action. ing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas for over fifty years, he offers Mackerel & Sharks: I can’t say first-class customer service, family-oriented charters, and enough about the big Macka lifetime of memories. erel showing up all over the bay. They’re feeding on Ancho- Visit his website at www.captainwoodygore.com vies, Threadfins, and greenor send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore. backs. Hang a chum block over com or give him a call at 813-477-3814. the side and throw some cut chunks of Threadfins or Green- Member: ​FOWA-Florida Outdoor Writers Assoc., Memberbacks up-current and get ready. SEOPA Southeastern Outdoor Press Assoc. CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Cobia: Reports of a few CoOutdoor Writer & Speaker bias being spotted and caught around the bay. Most are cruising markers or following big rays or manatees around the flats. If you net your bait, keep a few smaller pinfish and use them for the Cobia.


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Courtesy of Florida Dairy Farmers floridamilk.com • Most of the dairy cows living in Florida are Holsteins. • Lafayette and Okeechobee are Florida’s leading dairy counties. • Most Florida dairy herds range in size from 150 cows to 5,000 cows. • Florida’s dairy farms are primarily owned and operated by second and third-generation farmers. • Florida dairy farmers recycle about 170,000 tons of byproducts such as citrus pulp, brewers’ grain and whole cottonseed that are consumed by the cows instead of ending up in landfills. • There are about 125,000 dairy cows in Florida that collectively produce about 300 million gallons of milk a year. • Each Florida dairy cow produces about 6-8 gallons of milk each day and is milked 2-3 times per day. • The average dairy cow weighs 1,400 pounds, which is about the same size of a mature male polar bear. • Cows chew their cud at least 50 times per minute. • According to ancient records passed down through the centuries, the making of cheese dates back more than 4,000 years. • One gallon of milk is approximately 345 squirts of a cow’s udder.

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Sponsored by:

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the June 2014 issue

289704-1

Dumb Questions Recently I have had some rather dumb questions asked of me when ordering food at the local fast-food restaurants. Sometimes I think the clerk is on auto mode, and really doesn’t hear what I am saying.

not to each other. So sad! You wait, one of these days a popular food chain will get tons of publicity when they announce cell phones are illegal when dining.

For instance, I went into a local fast food restaurant on Jim Redman Parkway to treat myself to an afternoon ice cream cone. I said, “I would like a small cone of chocolate ice cream.” She replied, “Do you want to eat here or do you want it to go?” “Well,” I said, “I’ll take a bite or two of it as I walk out the door and finish it in my car!”

A group of 40-year-old buddies discuss where they should go for dinner. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at a popular restaurant because the waitresses there have low cut blouses and nice figures. Ten years later, at 50 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the same restaurant because the food there is very good and the wine selection is excellent. Ten years later at 60 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at their same popular restaurant because they can eat there in peace and quiet and the restaurant is smoke free. Ten years later, at 70 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the same restaurant because the restaurant is wheel chair accessible and they even have an elevator. Ten years later, at 80 years of age, the guys once again discuss where they should dine. Finally it is agreed that they should meet at the same restaurant again because they have never been there before.

There’s an Amish store/gas station in Blairsville with a sign out front that reads, “Eat here, and get gas.” While traveling on I-75 Patsy said she was getting hungry, so we pulled into a drive-through. “Is that for here or to go?” She asked. “Well, since I’m in at the drive-thorough I think I’ll have the order to go.” The one time that I still shake my head about is the when I ordered some chicken nuggets. I saw on the menu I could order 6, 9 or 12, so I asked the teenage clerk for a half dozen nuggets. “We don’t have half dozen nuggets,” She answered. “You don’t?” I replied. She said, “We only have six, nine, or twelve.” “So I can’t order a half dozen nuggets, but I can order six?” “That’s right.” “O.K., In that case I’ll order six!” One, time while on the road, I went through a drive-thru and ordered two cups of coffee, one with cream and sugar and the other one black. “Which one do you want the cream and sugar in?” she asked. I thought for a moment, and said, “put the cream and sugar in the one on your right.” Over the years I have remembered numerous restaurant signs. “Hot drinks to take out or sit in.” “Open seven days a week. Closed Sundays.” “Three out of four people make up 75% of our population.” “Things I don’t have: Muffins, 16 ounce cups and a girlfriend.” “Boneless Bananas.” At a Dry cleaners in Tampa, “Drop your trousers here for best results.” Tailor shop in Orlando, “Ladies may have a fit upstairs.”

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On a loan company window, “Now you can borrow enough money to get completely out of debt.” I have noticed a lot of talking going on at restaurants these days. The next time you go out to eat just look around at all the people talking. Yes, talking on their cell phones and

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Speaking of old timers, three of them were chatting at a restaurant. They sat down at a table while waiting to be served. One of them said, “Hey Jake! Isn’t this your 50th anniversary?” Jake replies, “Yep.” “Well,” the old timer asked, “what are you planning on doing?” Jake replies, “Well, I remember taking my wife to Arizona on our 25th anniversary?” The other old timer asked, “Oh ya, so what are your plans for your 50th anniversary?” Jake replies, “I’m going back to pick her up!” One of my favorite places to eat in Plant City is Johnson’s Bar-B-Que at the Farmers Market. I asked, Owen, son of Fred Johnson, who runs the restaurant, if he remembers anything funny that has happened during his noon rush hour! Owen laughed, and said, “Recently a member of a local business was leaving, and management decided to throw him a farewell luncheon. They made reservations for 30 people. On the day of the event the place was crowded, but we seated them immediately. People who had been lining up for a table seemed unhappy, and we thought we heard some disgruntled comments. Our suspicions were soon confirmed. In a couple of minutes a waitress announced over the speaker: ‘Starving --party of four.’” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY’S BEST KEPT SECRET In 1987, the citizens of Hillsborough County, troubled by its growth rate and development, voted overwhelmingly to dedicate funding to buy and protect environmentally sensitive lands. That commitment has continued for over 30 years resulting in the purchase of 63,000 acres of natural Florida. Hillsborough is the 5th largest county in the state with over 1½ million people. Even so, 28 local nature preserves offer a wilderness experience that can be enjoyed every day from sunrise to sunset. The Jan K. Platt Environmental Land Acquisition and Protection Program – ELAPP for short – has been a citizen-led effort since its inception. Volunteers serve on committees that oversee every part of the program, and some (called the “Trail Cats”) even contribute their time and energy towards maintaining the trails. Managing 63,000 acres is no easy task and a detailed management plan is developed for each preserve. Hillsborough County staff conduct prescribed burns, maintain wildlife inventories, and monitor populations of protected animals and plants, as well as undesirable species.

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ELAPP is a voluntary preservation program – meaning that it is non-regulatory and eminent domain is not used to acquire land. Anyone can nominate a property for consideration. Over the years 410 sites have been reviewed and 56 have been acquired. Each site is scored on its environmental character-

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istics, the cost relative to the site, the ease of acquisition, and how threatened it is by development. To date, $264 million have been spent towards this effort, but 32 percent of that total was joint funding with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, FL Forever, the FL Communities Trust Program, FL Fish and Wildlife, FL Department of Transportation, and local municipalities. ELAPP and agricultural enterprises also collaborate since agricultural lands are valued as buffers between the preserves and urban development. This is often done through conservation easements and cattle leases. The cattle aid in the management of invasive plants and the leases provide income for the preserves. The authors of this article recently completed a 9-part Florida Master Naturalist course sponsored by the University of Florida/IFAS. The lectures were delivered virtually but several “real-life,” in-the-field experiences were required. We chose to hike three of ELAPP’s 28 nature preserves and thoroughly enjoyed the diverse habitats, well-marked trails, and wildflowers: Alderman’s Ford in Plant City, Cypress Creek in the Tampa Palms area, and Bell Creek in Riverview. An excellent brochure can be found online which provides the address, amenities, and miles of trail (search “ELAPP Nature Preserves”). Additionally, a newsletter, called The Trailblazer highlights events in Hillsborough’s preserves and conservaWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


tion parks such as guided hikes, canoe trips, birding tours, and which native plants are in bloom each month. We are eager to visit more ELAPP preserves and are grateful to the citizens, county leaders, and organizations that made, and continue to make, them possible. ELAPP is a 30-year success story that reflects what citizens can do to protect natural Florida. As Hillsborough County continues to develop at an alarming rate, the 63,000 acres of habitats and resources that have been preserved and protected become increasingly precious. For more information on ELAPP or how to nominate a site, call (813) 672-7876. Jemy Hinton is a retired Extension Educator (UF/IFAS) with the Agriculture BMP Program and was formerly an environmental specialist with DEP doing eco-system management. She also acted as a district agriculture liaison. Sydney Park Brown is a retired Hillsborough County Extension Horticulture Agent and State Specialist with the UF/IFAS. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Healthy Herbs

Dennis Gretton got into farming by way of his grandfather. Gretton’s grandfather had a farm in Michigan and he helped his grandfather as a child. “I don’t really have a farming background, but my grandfather always had a farm when I was a kid growing up in Michigan,” Gretton said. “I’ve always played with plants and when I eventually moved to Florida, I was looking for a new business to get into and growing plants, herbs and vegetables was it.” Gretton and his wife, Donna, are the owners of D&D Growers, which is a small herb and vegetable nursery in Lithia. “It started out as $100 investment that I took to a local nursery that was going out of business,” Gretton said. “I bought a bunch of plants that were woody ornamentals and then Donna said she wanted an herb garden, so I told her to design the garden and I would build it for her. We started off with 30 herbs or so when we first started.” D&D Growers was born. Donna Gretton is a former school teacher and since she wanted her very own herb garden, Dennis made sure she got it. “I love just being able to go out in our garden and see the herbs growing and smell their amazing smells,” Donna said. “There is just something so peaceful about being in the garden.”

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The Grettons also love being able to educate their customers on how to grow herbs and how the herbs they offer are grown. “I’ve taught myself how to grow herbs in Florida cli-

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By Libby Hopkins

mate outdoors, without greenhouses since I got licensed in 1993,” Gretton said. “I’ve been doing plant shows around the state for more than 30 years and we are known for telling our clients on how to grow their plants and herbs. We tell them to master growing one type of plant or herb and then move onto another. We want our clients to learn how to grow their own garden and keep it going. We are all here to make the world a better place, so why be in competition with each other? We need to help each other.” The couple also educates their clients on the health benefits of having fresh herbs on hand around their homes. Herbs are loaded with impressive health benefits, including boosting psychological health, reducing the risk of cancer, regulating bowel movement and fighting inflammation. They are rich in antioxidants essential to treat various health problems, support cardiovascular health, fight against bacterial and fungi, help with treating cough and cold, alleviating pains, supporting flawless skin, supporting healthy bones, promoting long hair and helping fight infection. Many studies have shown that consuming herbs improves cognitive function. If you wish to improve your psychological health, incorporate rosemary into your diet. This miraculous herb is beneficial for other health problems as well, but it is ideal for the brain. It not only improves memory, but fights factors that cause severe brain diseases, for example, AlzheimWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


er’s (www.naturalfoodseries.com/15-health-benefits-herbs/). The couple offers their clients some awesome recipes to go along with their healthy herbs. “I have an amazing palate and I love the tastes our herbs have to offer,” Gretton said. “I have found new ways to dry our herbs and incorporate them into some delicious recipes. For instance, I use our lemon balm to make lemon balm cookies. I would say this is absolutely my favorite part of what we do. I love cooking and making up new recipes from what we grow. I don’t sleep a whole lot, so I used to get up and go play in our nursery. It’s much easier for me to get up in the middle of the night and go play in the kitchen, creating new recipes and then trying them out on Donna.” Donna’s favorite is the lemon balm cookies by the way. The Grettons are looking forward to getting back into doing the plant show circuit and doing workshops. “We will be doing shows this summer and fall,” Gretton said. “We have missed doing them since the pandemic hit last year. We’ve been taking our time to get our nursery back into shape to get ready for the upcoming growing seasons.” If you would like to learn more about D&D Grower or if you’d like to make an appointment to visit their nursery in Lithia, you can contact Dennis Gretton at 813-716-5038. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR DUMPING OIL Sheriff Chad Chronister

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Plant City man after he illegally dumped oil which caused thousands of dollars in damages to wetlands in Plant City. HCSO, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), investigated the incident, which occurred over a period of time in April 2021 on the 4000 block of Cooper Road. DEP units tested the substance and verified it to be oil. The large dumping measured approximately 80 feet long and 12 feet wide. Due to the spill, fish, vegetation, and wildlife had all been affected in the immediate area.

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Omar Antonio Hernandez Following a thorough investigation, deputies within HCSO’s Environmental Enforcement Unit (EEU) identified and arrested the suspect, Omar Hernandez, 33. It is estimated that the dumping caused more than $10,000 in damages. Based on the size of the dumping, the DEP requested an emergency clean-up and contracted Hull’s Environmental Services in Tampa to rehabilitate the area. Hernandez faces a felony charge of Causing Pollution That Harms Or Injures Human Health Or Welfare.

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“We all must do our part to take care of our environment for ourselves and the generations to come,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This suspect acted selfishly, without thinking about how his actions would affect those around him, including innocent animals near the area of this dumping. Let this arrest be a lesson to anyone who thinks they can get away with dumping their waste in areas not meant for it: You will be caught and you will face the legal consequences for those hazardous decisions.” Used oil can be safely disposed of at most automotive maintenance facilities or auto parts stores. It should be placed in a plastic or metal container and tightly sealed. Anyone with information about an agricultural/environmental crime or a loose animal is asked to call (813) 247-8200. You can also stay updated with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office by following @HCSOSheriff on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube

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NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

Farm Bureau Members Save on Car Seats and Boosters

Farm Bureau Member Benefits Florida Farm Bureau members can save with Dungarees and its massive inventory of premium men’s and women’s work wear brands, including one of the largest selections of Carhartt items. Members save 10% on orders under $200 and 15% on orders over $200. Shoppers must enter discount code FLFRB on the last page of checkout. Start shopping by visiting: www.Dungarees.com.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Offer Savings to Farm Bureau Members

Farm Bureau members can save on three types of child safety car and booster seats through the Child-Saver Program. More information and the required order form are available by visiting the Member Benefits section at floridafarmbureau. org. There is a co-pay required for the seat selected and there is a three seat limit.

GCREC FACULTY MEMBERS HONORED AT UF AG CEREMONY

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Two faculty members of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) were honored at the recent, 14th Annual Florida Agricultural Experiment Stations Research Awards ceremony. Farm Bureau members now save 15% at IHG Hotels & Resorts when stays include a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Reservations must be made in advance through the “Book Now” link at the IHG website: IHG.com. Stays must include one night on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If any part of the stay includes one of these nights, the discount will be applied to the entire stay.

John Diaz, Assistant Professor of Ag Education and Communication at the Plant City Campus shared honors with human resources manager Rebecca Decker from the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center “for their enormous contributions to inclusion, diversity, equity and access within UF/IFAS.”

COVID-19 Resources on Florida Farm Bureau Website

Associate Professor Vance Whitaker at the GCREC in Balm was presented “The Plant Breeding Innovation Award for his “trailblazing efforts in strawberry breeding.”

Florida Farm Bureau has developed a COVID-19 resources website page that includes a variety of agricultural and state and federal links related to the pandemic. The site is continually updated and can be accessed at: floridafarmbureau.org/ covid-19-resources/.

The overall theme of the event revolved around the resilience and adaptability of UF/IFS personnel during the 2020 pandemic.

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BUSY TIME FOR FARM BUREAU’S YOUNG FARMERS AND RANCHERS;

VARIED OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION, GROWTH AND RECOGNITION By Jim Frankowiak

Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) here in Hillsborough County, as well as across the state, are in a very busy time of the year for varied opportunities provided to them. Comprised of young men and women between the ages of 18 and 35, each has expressed a desire to network, share ideas, participate in community projects and hone their leadership skills. These Farm Bureau members represent the future leaders of agriculture.

• Achievement in Ag Award – recognizing young farmers and ranchers that have excelled in their farming/ranching operations and honed their leadership abilities to superiority.

Most recently, Hillsborough County YF&R members and prospective members were given the opportunity to tour Riverview Flower Farm as guests of farm owner Rick Brown. The event included a tour of the operation, facility and information about the business and successes achieved over nearly four decades.

• Excellence in Ag Award – judges participants on their involvement in agriculture, leadership ability, involvement and participation in Farm Bureau and other organizations such as those serving various civic, service and community groups.

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Among those successes is the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture’s Environmental Leadership Award, which recognized the farm’s environmental practices. Those efforts have prompted other growers to visit Riverview Flower Farm to observe and come to understand the various aspects of the “Green Growing” technology continually applied at the farm. At this time YF & R members across the state are getting ready for the annual Leadership Conference to be held July 9-11 at Sanibel. In addition to networking and educational opportunities, the annual gathering also highlights three competitions that recognize participant accomplishments and tests their skills. They are:

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• Discussion Meet – simulates a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant with focus on exchange of ideas, and information on a pre-determined topic.

Florida Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee provide an outlet for those who are involved in agriculture, supporters of agriculture or interested in agriculture to come together. Whether it is to gain knowledge, grow professionally, give back to the community or meet the farmers, ranchers and agriculturists who provide food, fiber, plants, fish and more to consumers around the world – there are so many opportunities to be involved. For more information on the local, state and national level opportunities available to Young Farmers and Ranchers, visit: floridafarmbureau.org. Interested individuals may also visit the Hillsborough County YF&R page on Instragram: @hillsborough_yfr. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


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FLorida FRISEE

By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Fresh Florida frisee is a beautiful leafy green. This frizzy, ruffled, fancy salad green is often used in gourmet salad mixes, providing interesting texture and flavor. Also known as curly endive, frisee has a unique, mildly bitter and nutty, bright flavor. The leaves are serrated and twisted, a dark green color at the base that fades to a lighter cream color near the core. It adds visual appeal, crunch, and flavor to any dish. Technically, frisee is not actually a lettuce, but rather a member of the chicory family, along with endive. Frisee is traditionally served in a salad with poached eggs, but can be mixed into any salad or enjoyed cooked. Fresh Florida frisee is still available for a few more weeks before the summer heat arrives.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Fresh Florida frisee is very low in calories and high in nutrients, particularly folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K. Its high fiber content helps reduce glucose and cholesterol levels, and aids in promoting satiety with very few calories. The darker colored leaves contain more nutrients than the lighter colored ones. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a two cup serving of fresh frisee (100 g) contains 17 calories, 1 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 3.4 g carbohydrate, and 3 g of dietary fiber. One serving of frisee also provides 192% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin K, 72% for vitamin A, 36% for folate, 18% for manganese, and plenty of iron, zinc, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and many of the B vitamins. That’s an amazing amount of concentrated nutrients in only one serving and a great way to get filled up on fewer calories!

min! Vitamin K 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. Frisee, spinach, and other leafy greens are very rich sources of vitamin K, and contain other bone boosting nutrients such as calcium and magnesium.

Manganese Fresh frisee 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 frisee that has crisp, curly leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing. The leaves and stems should look fresh and tender, and be dry to the touch. To store, 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 two weeks. Rinse well immediately before use.

How to Enjoy

These antioxidants are particularly beneficial in protecting blood vessels from oxidative stress, which results in atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Several of the carotenoids are especially important for good eye health, offering protection to the retina and macula.

Fresh frisee is most commonly eaten raw in salad either by itself or mixed with other greens. It can also be sautéed, braised, steamed or chopped and added to vegetable or bean soups. Its slightly bitter flavor goes well with fruit, citrus, bacon, and blue cheeses. When sautéed, its flavor becomes more mellow. Although frisee is best known for its starring role in salad, there are many other ways to enjoy this nutritious leafy vegetable, including: • Sauteed lightly with olive oil and herbs • Grill and top with salad dressing • Tossed into a stew or soup • Use as a sandwich topper • Use leaves as an edible garnish under fish or chicken Enjoy fresh Florida frisee today. Eat more of these leafy greens and reap all of the health benefits they offer in one delicious package.

Vitamin K

SELECTED REFERENCES

Frisee is bursting with vitamin K. A two-cup serving of fresh frisee provides more than 100% of your daily needs for this vita-

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

Antioxidants Fresh Florida frisee is full of antioxidants in many forms, including flavonoids and carotenoids. These compounds help provide anti-inflammatory effects, which is beneficial in warding off many major diseases. Other antioxidant nutrients high in this leafy green vegetable include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and manganese, zinc, and selenium.

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3 WAYS COWS HELP THE PLANET Courtesy of Florida Dairy Farmers floridamilk.com

In Florida, dairy farmers and 125,000+ dairy cows produce more than 300 million gallons of milk every year. While producing this delicious and nutritious food, they’re also helping the environment and providing us with sustainable nutrition. HELP WITH FOOD WASTE Agricultural byproducts that are inedible to humans, such as orange peels, cottonseed hulls and expired baked goods, can make up around 30% of a dairy cow’s diet. Thanks to a unique digestive system, cows can process and convert these byproducts into nutritious milk and keep them out of landfills. Florida dairy farmers upcycle around 170,000 tons of these byproducts as cow feed each year! PROVIDE BENEFICIAL COMPOST Cow manure, a byproduct of dairy farming, acts as a natural fertilizer and renewable energy source. It is rich in nutrients, reduces the need for artificial chemicals, and fertilizes farmland to improve crop production in a natural, sustainable way. One cow produces enough fertilizer to grow 56 pounds of corn or 84 pounds of tomatoes.

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By properly recycling cow manure, farmers protect nearby lakes, rivers, and streams. Farmers store manure and spread it on their fields according to a nutrient management plan

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based on the types of soil found on the farm, the terrain of the fields, and the amount of nutrients the farmers’ crops need. YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT IS SMALLER THAN EVER Thanks to dairy farmers’ unwavering commitment, the environmental impact of producing a gallon of milk today is significantly less than in previous years. For example, compared to 2007, producing a gallon of milk required 30% less water, 21% less land, and had a 19% smaller carbon footprint in 2017. Dairy farmers have always looked for more sustainable practices. If you look even further back and compare today’s practices to 70 years ago, each gallon of milk uses 65% less water, 90% less land and has a 63% lower carbon footprint. The future is bright also, by 2050, dairy farmers across the nation have committed to carbon neutrality or better. Our commitment is to continue producing nutritious milk, while keeping cows happy and healthy and staying environmentally responsible so that you and your family can have access to fresh local milk. Learn more about Florida dairy cows and farm practices. And remember, when you drink milk, you’re also contributing to Florida’s sustainable nutrition.

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WE BUY FARMS Gladstone Land is actively acquiring farms in Florida. We offer owners and farmers three options: 1. We buy farms and provide long-term leases to the farmer.

2. We buy land that farmers would like to farm, but not own.

3. We buy farms with leases in place or can be leased.

Please contact Bill Frisbie at Gladstone Land: (703) 287-5839 bill.f@gladstoneland.com | www.GladstoneFarms.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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AUSTIN HOLCOMB

2021 FLORIDA STATE FAIR CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS AND MORE!

By Jim Frankowiak

June is National Dairy Month and it is fitting that we are featuring Austin Holcomb, a young, hard-working dairyman and more – a lot more – in this issue. First off, Holcomb – a junior at Durant High School -- is the 2021 Florida State Fair “Champion of Champions.” That is a unique program offered by the Florida State Fair which gives youth exhibitors the opportunity to show their prize-winning animals, as well as the option of participating in numerous educational activities. The participating exhibitors not only earn animal premiums, but by participating in the educational activities, they can earn additional achievement premiums. On the final day of the fair, the top 32 Senior Champion Youth Exhibitors compete to be the “Best of the Best” in the final round robin competition. The overall program relies on sponsorships and would not be possible without their support. 2021 was the 24th year of the Champion of Champions program.

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The presenting sponsor is Mosaic Company along with Premier Sponsors: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Roman Three Ranch, Doyle Carlton III & Family, Jack and Alice Richardson Charitable Foundation, Inc., Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, Florida Farm Bureau and Publix. The program has a total of 49 sponsors currently and hopes to grow that number as program interest and participation increases.

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Back to Austin Holcomb. The 2021 Florida State Fair was by no means his first competitive engagement. He has been competing and winning locally, statewide and nationally for many years, beginning with participation in various 4-H programs at the age of 8. Austin’s achievements at the fair are impressive and go back to 2016 when he was the Dairy Champion Youth Intermediate Winner, which he repeated in 2018. In 2019, he took 2nd Place honors in the Champion of Champions program as the Rabbit Champion Youth winner. A year ago, Austin placed 3rd in the Champion of Champions competition and was 2nd place in the Dairy Champion Youth. This year he placed 2nd in Beef Champion Youth and 3rd in Dairy Champion Youth. Leading up to the Champions competition at the fair, Austin took high honors in the Open Guernsey Show, Open Holstein, Youth Guernsey, Open Red Brahman and Youth Red Brahman. Austin qualified on both Beef and Dairy in the Best of the Best competition, but he chose to compete in the dairy group in which his topics were products and marketing and round robin focus was on milk grades and skeletal systems of sheep. He plans to use his winnings to increase the size of his dairy herd which now numbers 21 pure bred dairy cattle. His competitive record is impressive (He has 13 showmanship buckles for wins at the state and national levels) and it must be noted, much – if not all -- of the WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


decades of involvement in various 4-H initiatives. That includes the Hillsborough County 4-H Youth Foundation, Florida 4-H Dairy Youth Committee, several Fair Dairy Committees and organization help for state-level dairy judging contests. Among Holcomb’s many roles, he has served as a club leader, state advisor and a coach to the youth. Not surprisingly, his Florida team, which included Austin, took several national honors.

inspiration, guidance and push comes from his family. Austin was born on his parent’s dairy farm in upstate New York. “He had a play pen in the barn,” said his father Chris, who along with his brother Ryan successfully competed in dairy events in New York, North Carolina and Georgia. The Holcomb family moved from New York to the Lithia area of Hillsborough County and resides at C & S Farms with a portion of their dairy cattle. The balance of the family’s herd, including Austin’s, are at Milk-A-Way Dairy in Webster, Florida. His mother, Suzanne, who also competed in various Ag events while growing up, is Manager of the Greater Hillsborough County Fair after serving as Fair Administrator and a multi-year volunteer. Austin’s father Chris holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Florida. He was a Florida Dairy Youth Specialist for UF/IFAS Extension and has since moved into the dairy pharmaceutical business. He is currently an Animal Health Care Representative with Endovac Animal Health. Austin is the oldest of three Holcomb children. His sister, Rebecca, 15, also manifests that competitive spirit riding “English” out of Galaxy Farms in Riverview, Florida. She has qualified for the Pony Finals of the United States Equestrian Federation, an annual championship for pony hunters, jumpers and equitation. Austin and Rebecca have an 11-year-old brother, Colby, who is active in the 4-H Dairy Youth Program, winning the 2020 Junior Dairy Champion of Champions honor. He also plays traveling soccer for the Fishhawk Soccer Club. Austin’s grandparents – Gene and Jody Holcomb – have also been instrumental in the competitive successes of the family and its ongoing support of agriculture. Gene was inducted into the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) Extension Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in 2019 for his more than three

The top six winners from the Florida State Fair Champion of Champions Contest have the option to serve as Ambassadors. This is Austin’s third year serving as an Ambassador. In this role, Ambassadors serve as spokespersons, promoting the Florida State Fair’s Champion Animals and Champion Youth Program by speaking about the program throughout the state to potential exhibitors, sponsors and the general public. According to fair officials, potential exhibitors listen to the Ambassadors, hearing about what they have learned through their experiences. While Austin is heavily involved in Ag-related activities, he is also a member of the Durant High School varsity cross country team and the Dynamo traveling soccer team. Not surprisingly, Austin works hard in school, too. He has a weighted grade point average (GPA) of 4.38 that puts him in the top 10 percent of his class. Long term, Austin hopes to earn his college degree by way of an appointment to one of the U.S. service academies that include The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland or the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. “I’d like to become a helicopter pilot,” he said. Congratulations and best of luck to Austin Holcomb, the 2021 Florida State Fair Champion of Champions and fifth generation of the Holcomb family helping to advance agriculture. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Gene was from upstate New York and his grandparents’ families each owned a dairy farm. It was the upbringing of his parents with farming and 4-H that led to them marrying and owning their own farm. Gene’s parents gave his sons – Chris and Ryan – cows for Christmas one year to foster their 4-H and FFA activities. So, you can see the foundation for Austin’s interest, competitiveness and hard work had its beginnings with his family over the past four generations. Parents actively supporting their children in agricultural activities and other endeavors is a hallmark of the Holcomb family and another reason Austin’s record of achievement is so impressive.


ADDING DAIRY FOR BONE HEALTH Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture

Strive to get three servings of low-fat or fat-free, nutrient-rich dairy foods, like milk, yogurt and cheese, every day. According to Florida Dairy Farmers, dairy products contain nine essential nutrients, including calcium and potassium, which may help to better manage your weight, build strong bones and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. Check out these 10 tips from MyPlate on how you can make wise choices in the dairy group:

3. Top off your meals. Use fat-free or low-fat milk on cereal and oatmeal. Top fruit salads and baked potatoes with low-fat yogurt instead of higher-fat toppings such as sour cream.

1. Skim the fat. Choose fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk. If you currently drink whole milk, gradually switch to lower-fat versions. Switching to these versions cuts calories but does not reduce the amount of calcium or other nutrients.

5. Swap the cream in your coffee. Get your calcium along with your morning caffeine boost. Make or order coffee, a latte or cappuccino with fat-free or low-fat milk.

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2. Boost potassium and vitamin D and cut sodium. Choose fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt more often than cheese. Milk and yogurt have more potassium and less sodium than most cheeses. Almost all milk and many yogurts are fortified with vitamin D.

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4. Choose cheeses with less fat. Many cheeses are high in saturated fat. Look for “reduced-fat” or “low-fat” on the label. Try different brands or types of cheese to find the one that you like.

6. Substitute! When recipes such as dips call for sour cream, use fat-free or low-fat plain Greek yogurt instead. Use fat-free evaporated milk instead of cream and try reduced-fat ricotta cheese as a substitute for cream cheese.

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7. Limit sweetened dairy foods. Flavored milks, fruit yogurts, frozen yogurt and puddings can contain a lot of added sugars. These added sugars are empty calories, so it is best to choose sweetened dairy foods less often. 8. What about cream cheese? Regular cream cheese, cream and butter are not part of the dairy food group. They are high in saturated fat and have little to no calcium. 9. Keep it safe. Avoid raw milk or any products made from unpasteurized milk. Store milk and other dairy products in the refrigerator at a temperature below 40 degrees F. If food has been left at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees F for more than two hours, discard it even though it may look and smell good. 10. For lactose intolerance. Try lactose-free milk, drink smaller amounts of milk at a time or try a milk alternative such as soy milk. Calcium can also be found in foods such as some canned fish, beans, leafy greens and soy products. The amount of calcium that can be absorbed from these foods varies.

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Summertime! by John Dicks Summertime! Ain’t it grand?! Yes, I’m sure we’d all agree that it’s great; particularly with all that we have been through over the last 12 months since this time last year. I took a look at some pictures from last year. It seems that we spent a lot of time at the beach. Maybe you did, too. Family was there, which was, of course, wonderful. Yet other than the locals, and by that I mean us folks fortunate enough to live in central Florida, the beaches had some room to roam. Tourists were mostly staying home last year, because, of course, the pandemic was raging. That took a bite out of the economy, but let’s admit that it was more than a bit pleasant to stroll along the shore without having to worry about stepping on somebody lying in the sand. There was plenty of room to play catch with a football, or attempt to catch the evening’s supper while fishing, all spread out from similar anglers hoping for the same. We were constantly reminded to socially distance ourselves from people, yet found it relatively easy to do since so few others were even around. Maybe it’s one of the things we can look back upon and smile about; or perhaps it has made a big story that we’ll be able to share with the grandkids. Having plenty of personal space was one of those bright spots in life that we can use to compare against the sheer misery that COVID otherwise brought us. Granted, we’re not yet “out of the woods,” so to speak. You can feel it, though, as we have “turned the corner” and life is renewing. It should make this year’s 4th of July become even more appropriately named Independence Day because it will certainly be one to remember. Just for trivia sake, it is worth noting that summer is officially defined as the minute in time marking the exact halfway point of Earth’s revolution around the sun. Technically, it occurs when our planet arrives at that spot in space where the

North Pole is at its maximum tilt (some 23.5 degrees) toward the sun. This place in our orbit is referred to as the Summer Solstice, and for the record, The Old Farmer’s Almanac (still my very best source for all of life’s important information) lists that the summertime moment this year as officially being marked on the calendar at Sunday, June 20, at 11:32 pm, Eastern Daylight Time. Think about that for a second, because frankly it’s a bit strange. Summer this year sneaks in upon us in the middle of the night, right before midnight! It seems to me that it ought to instead come blazing in right at sunrise. We should see it, not celebrate it in the dark, though I suppose it could be a good excuse for fireworks (if ever an excuse is actually needed). When the sun does finally rear it’s head the next morning, it will already have begun its march back along the horizon towards the south, making the daylight hours shorter each day until December when we reach the winter solstice, and start the process all over again. We might expect all of this to happen with some precision, as in summer starting every year at precisely the same time. There is, though, a bit of wobble in our orbit, and, of course, our revolution around the sun is not precisely 365 days, which is why we have Leap Year and its extra day thrown in every four years. Fortunately, our friends at the The Old Farmer’s Almanac keep up with such things, including what the astrophysicists, or at least, the mathematicians, continue to calculate while keeping track of it all. Having said that, we know already, that we can mark our calendars for next year’s summertime to kick off a few hours later than this year. It’s scheduled for precisely Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 05:14, am, EDT. In the meantime, let’s celebrate the joys of summer, thankfully with the sights of the pandemic starting to fade in our rear view mirror!

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

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

RED CHESTS: RUFA RED KNOTS

By Ginny Mink

While sitting here in Hebron, Kentucky watching these amazing little red chested and headed birds flying up to the bird feeder hanging on the back porch, I’m thinking about what species to highlight this month. And then, the red chests of the Rufa Red Knot show up on the screen and it became an easy choice. While we introduced these birds to you four years ago, it seems a good time to remind you of their existence again now. Oh, and the little red birds we were enjoying here…house finches (you don’t see that color in Florida though). In December of 2014, the Rufa Red Knot was added to the Endangered Species register under the threatened category. This was due, mostly, to the loss of both nonbreeding and breeding habitats necessary to sustain the livelihood of these birds. At the time that the Rufa Red Knot was added, no proposal for critical habitat designations was made.¹ The Rufa Red Knot makes one of the longest migratory voyages on earth, from South America to the Artic, that’s over 9000 miles to fly (twice) every year. Of course, a flight like that requires some insane stamina and that makes these shorebirds stop in Florida and Atlantic City and other locales to feed. The trip these birds make is in sync with the time that horseshoe crabs spawn. Sadly, the horseshoe crab populations are also declining which is directly impacting these birds.²

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In an attempt to monitor the Rufa Red Knots, who are known to be the “longest-distance migrants in the animal kingdom,”³ one, banded in 1995, earned the name Moonbird. This is because, over the course of his life he had traveled the distance required to visit the moon and make it halfway back. Imagine how exhausting the journey is for these birds! This is why their food sources and habitat requirements are so very essential.³

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These birds, in general, have been called birds of perpetual summer because their migratory processes follow the summer season across the globe. Or, at least, that is how it seems. They will stop, briefly, in April at the Fort George Inlet, which is located just east of Jacksonville. At this time, they will hang around gorging themselves for anywhere between a week and ten days. They eat tiny clams here in Florida and enjoy the horseshoe crab in Atlantic City and other areas up the East Coast.⁴ If you are wondering what these birds look like, they are considered medium sized with a wingspan of 20 inches and bodies that are about 9 to 11 inches in length. During the breeding season, it is far easier to recognize them due to the distinct red coloring that can be seen on the face, breast, and upper belly. The shade of red varies, and the females are duller in coloring, though still red. The other feathers are a dark brown to black.¹ Delaware Bay, one of their other stopping locales, supposedly supports between 50 and 80 percent of their migrating population. So, Florida and South Carolina, among other states, are important contributors to the success of the Rufa Red Knots’ journey, too. Thankfully, the Defenders of Wildlife organization is seeking to help prevent the harvesting of the horseshoe crabs while protecting the coastal habitats these birds require.² It is important to note here, for the sake of understanding just how desperate the situation is for the Rufa Red Knot, that Moonbird was last seen in 2015 and was at least 22 years old. Yet, over the course of his lifetime he witnessed the loss of nearly 80 percent of the Rufa Red Knot population. It is probably time to up their status to endangered, and no doubt this is an area that organizations like Save our Seabirds will be focusing on in the near future.³ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


on the beaches so that we don’t disturb them. We need, also, to support organizations that are fighting to limit the harvesting of the horseshoe crabs because their eggs are an essential element of the Rufa Red Knots’ diet. Remember, we are stewards here and He entrusted us with His beautiful creation for a reason. Let’s be who He designed and allow His creatures to live the life He intended as well.

The Fort George Inlet isn’t the only place in Florida that you can spot these birds. In fact, they have been known to winter in Florida in Jacksonville, but also in Pinellas and Manatee counties as well as the mouth of Tampa Bay. Yes, dear ones, they are here! And, now is probably the time for you to be able to see them.⁴ The Rufa Red Knots’ range spans over 40 states and 24 countries! These are truly remarkable and resilient birds, but they cannot bring their own populations back without our help. We need to be mindful of our habits

Resources: ¹US Fish and Wildlife Service. (2015). Status of the Species- Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa). https://www.fws. gov/verobeach/StatusoftheSpecies/20151104_SOS_ RedKnot.pdf ²Defenders of Wildlife. Rufa Red Knot. https://defenders.org/wildlife/rufa-red-knot ³Hardy, Miri. (2021). Bird of the Week: Rufa Red Knot. Your Observer. https://www.yourobserver.com/article/ bird-of-the-week-rufa-red-knot ⁴Spear, Kevin. (2014). Threatened: Birds of perpetual summer that refuel in Florida. Orlando Sentinel. https:// www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-red-knot-declared-threatened-20141209-story.html Photo Credits: Breese, Greg. (2010). USFWS Endangered Species. Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa) at Mispillion Harbor, Delaware, candidate. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/8FgABc & https://flic.kr/p/8FjM8L

With every generation,

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

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®


RecipeS Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Chef Justin Timineri

Florida Sweet Corn with Southern Barbecue Butter DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven broiler on high. In small saucepan over low heat, combine barbecue sauce and butter until melted and smooth.

2. Place sweet corn in a medium-sized baking dish and pour barbecue mixture over sweet corn. Broil sweet corn, 4 inches from broiler, being sure to watch the whole time.

3. Turn and baste the sweet corn until golden. Serve warm

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients

1/4 cup your favorite barbecue sauce 1/4 stick butter 4 ears fresh Florida sweet corn, shucked kosher salt to taste fresh ground pepper to taste

Sweet Corn & Black Bean Enchiladas 1.

1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 cup fresh corn kernels 2 bell peppers, diced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 cup salsa, your favorite kind 1 can low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas

2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided 1 can enchilada sauce 1 tablespoon vegetable oil pan-release cooking spray kosher salt to taste freshly ground pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray an 11x7-inch (2-quart) baking dish with pan-release cooking spray. Add vegetable oil to a medium pan. Cook onion, corn and bell peppers over medium high heat for 3 minutes. Add cumin, salsa and black beans and continue to cook for two awith salt and pepper to taste. Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.

an even amount of the filling mixture in each of the 10 tortillas. Using 1 cup of shredded cheese, 2. Place evenly distribute it on top of each of the 10 tortillas. Carefully roll up each stuffed tortilla, and place them seam side down in the sprayed baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas, spreading to coat all tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.

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Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly around edges. Remove enchiladas from oven and let cool slightly. Serve enchiladas with diced Florida avocado, salsa and sour cream

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UF/IFAS Researchers Develop Outreach Programs to Improve Ag Literacy and Heighten Career Interest among Youth By Jim Frankowiak

Agriculture is the second largest industry in Florida with an estimated market value of more than $7.46 billion, according Amanda Hodges to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, the uncertainty of the industry’s future labor force continues as the average age of farmers increases annually. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is working to address this shortfall through youth outreach programs that increase Ag literacy and generate awareness of career opportunities in the field. A case in point is the youth outreach program developed by UF/IFAS entomologists to raise awareness of the risk that invasive species bring to Florida and related career opportunities in agriculture to help address this challenge to growers. “From an early age, many students are interested in science,” said Amanda Hodges, UF/IFAS Extension associate scientist and director of the Doctor of Plant Medicine Program. “Students know so much more about human health medicine, but the thought of really considering this whole other side of science related to food production and the environment is really important so that students are aware it is an option. Most students we encountered just have not considered these topics as intensely as they may have considered human or animal health systems.”

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These outreach programs are designed to be adaptable to local curriculum needs and are customizable to cover specific agricultural topics. The biggest challenge in the future will be creating space in curriculum for agriculture education. The program has developed online materials with the hope to return to classrooms in the future once pandemic restrictions lessen. Information on these online materials is available at: dpm.ifas.ufl.edu/youth-outreach/.

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Naturally Amazing Activities

By Sean Green

Independence Day. The Farmers Way As we approach the upcoming Independence Day celebrations, lets pause to celebrate the agricultural history that nurtured our freedom. In Colonial America, local agriculture was the primary livelihood for early immigrants. Settlers had a home garden from which they feed their family and many settlers additionally worked small farms, of which the crops were shared and sold in the community. Agriculture is no less significant today than when we claimed our independence. This month let’s celebrate our independence with colors from the field that can be shared with your neighbors in the same spirit that united the various ethnicities that we proudly call the “land of the free.” The below ingredients are just a suggestion, my own expression. Please be creative with yours and share pictures of your Independence Day platter.

Supplies: Strawberries Blueberries Bananas Wooden skewers Platter

• Plan you flag (or any pattern) • Cut fruit up into thick slices (at least 3/8”) I learned this the hard way when the skewers tore thin sliced fruit. • Gently slide the individual fruit slices onto the skewer to create the flag.

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*Alternatively, slice and arrange the fruit and purchase tiny toothpick flags with which to pierce and eat individual pieces. I did not consider this alternative until I was more than halfway through this project.

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ANaturally Closer Look Amazing

by Sean Green

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)

If you have had a chance to fit some hiking into your schedule, I hope you saw wildlife along the way. Though we are always surrounded by wildlife, we rarely get a chance to take a closer look. I was blessed this month with the opportunity to spend time with a few Eastern Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) while on an early morning hike. We tend to see more wildlife on early hikes and on this trip we were greeted by three beautiful Eastern Cottontail rabbits. We stood still and to our surprise, their curiosity drew them within feet of us. We got some great shots, camera of course, and a chance to just sit with them while they munched on the ground cover. This experience is the “closer look” I wish for all of our readers and the inspiration from which our series was born more than 10 years ago. As a volunteer at Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds, we often taught our young patrons about two native species of rabbit that can be found in Florida. The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) which can be recognized by its white fluffy tail and large ears and the Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris). Although similar, the Marsh Rabbit has smaller ears, darker fur, and does not have the characteristic white “cotton” tail. Though our lesson was short and simple, our young students could readily identify each species on site and would occasionally point them out during school tours. We’re going to dig a little deeper into the rabbit hole to highlight some interesting details about these two species, both of which can be readily found in central Florida. The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is the most common rabbit species in North America. There are five recognized subspecies in the continental United States. Its natural range includes parts of southern Canada, most of Mexico, Central America, and the northernmost tip of South America. Its historic range has expanded to the north and west through the history of the United States as forest were cleared by early settlers during our westward expansion. The ideal habitat for the Easter Cottontail is characterized by open grasslands and fields that provide a variety of herbs, and grasses to feed on. While the food source is important, the rabbits also need shelter from predators. Thick patches of dense shrubbery provide a means for the rabbit to feed in an open field and dash to safety into nearby brush. This ideal habitat is created when forested land is cleared and replaced by farmland, fields, and pastures. We often see the Eastern Cottontail in urban environments because common landscape design includes both shrubbery and open grassy areas. Eastern Cottontail rabbits do not dig their own underground nest to protect their young, instead, they create a shallow nest of grass and fur above the ground and near bushes, trees, or fallen logs. While it may seem like a bad strategy to build a nest right out in the open, it works because many rabbit predators will not risk spending much time exposing themselves to their own predators in an open field. Occasionally, the Eastern Cottontail will use an underground burrow, however, when it does, it is usually borrowed from another species such as a woodchuck or gopher tortoise. The adult rabbit protects

The Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) is the second species we see in Florida in addition to the three recognized subspecies. Its range is much more limited than the Eastern Cottontail and is restricted to the coastal Southeast. The northernmost part of the range begins in the dismal swamp of Virginia; the range continues south along the east coast of the Carolinas, and Georgia, terminating with the entire state of Florida. The marsh rabbit is found only near bodies of persistent water such as swamps and rivers, as well as transition zones between fresh water and brackish water such as estuaries. These rabbits have evolved to be strong swimmers, one of the physical adaptations is they have less fur on their hind legs than the land-dwelling Eastern Cottontail. The reduction in fur is thought to help reduce drag, enabling the Marsh Rabbit to swim better. Marsh Rabbits make their homes on small islands in mangrove swamps or on high ground within tidal marshes. This adaptation provides effective protection from many predators that will not be very inclined to swim to an island to chance finding a rabbit meal. I am especially fascinated with its strategy for hiding. They submerge themselves like a gator in muddy water with only their nose and eyes sticking up above the water. To make sure their ears do not give them away, they fold them back against their neck, so they do not stick up out of the water like a flag to predators. Their greatest predator is the Great Horned Owl, but alligators, snakes, bobcats, and coyotes also hunt this tiny rabbit. The Marsh Rabbits short legs are an advantage when swimming, but a disadvantage on land and when chased by a predator, it will run, (not hop), in a zig zag pattern, a strategy that is rarely successful. The Marsh Rabbits best defense is to make it to the nearest body of and swim to thick aquatic vegetation, a strategy that is far more effective. Like their cottontail cousins, the Marsh Rabbit creates a nest of grass and fur near thick vegetation but out in the open more often than in a hole. Marsh Rabbits look remarkably similar to the Eastern Cottontail with a few distinctions. Marsh Rabbits have smaller bodies and ears than the Eastern Cottontail and of course, lack the characteristic white cotton tail. The Marsh Rabbits fur and tail are darker than that of the Eastern Cottontail tail and although is sometimes seen during the daytime, they are less likely to be active during the daytime than the Eastern Cottontail. Both species are adorable and fascinating in and of themselves. Florida has a lot of habitats overlap and you can often see both species in the same area. If you have not had the chance, I encourage you to get out on the hiking trails and take a closer look. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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the young bunnies within the nest by staying away until it is necessary to visit the nest to feed the babies. She will always be nearby watching, but avoids drawing attention to the nest with repeated visits. This is important to remember should you find a nest in your yard. The best way to protect any baby bunnies within the nest is to avoid drawing attention to them. A predator such as a hawk could be watching and will investigate what the attraction was as soon as you leave and make off with an easy meal.


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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD By J. Scott Angle

Charles Barrett

Shawn Steed

Zachary Medon

With the trees in pots at 1D Tree Farm in Plant City, it wasn’t soil moisture probe is a state-certified agricultural best mancomplicated for Zachary Medon to gauge how much water agement practice aimed at protecting the quality and quantity of agricultural water. they were getting. In fact, Medon says, the trees talk to him. When 1D expanded to a second site off of Highway 60 and Mud Lake Road, though, Medon inherited the care of inground trees. They talked, too, and told him they could do better, but they wouldn’t tell him how. The secret was hidden underground. Medon called Shawn Steed, a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent based in Hillsborough County. Steed speaks tree language, too, but he couldn’t translate what the trees were saying either. So, he told Medon about some technology that he thought could.

I have prioritized the updating of UF/IFAS fertilization rate guidelines, and I believe use of the probes will help growers who fertilize through irrigation to adhere to BMP guidelines both old and revised. Please consider contacting Steed (ststeed@ufl.edu; 813-7445519) to inquire about getting a probe. If you’re enrolled in the BMP program, you can qualify for cost-sharing.

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Southwest Florida Water Management District cooperate on reimbursing growers for part of the cost for soil Steed called on regional specialized water Extension agent moisture probe purchase. Contact agbmphelp@fdacs.gov or Charles Barrett, the university’s foremost expert in soil mois- SWFWMD at carole.estes@watermatters.org or matt.vinzant@ ture probes. He came down from his office in Live Oak to de- watermatter.org. liver and install it next to a row of Little Gem magnolias. Barrett has had great success with its adoption among Suwannee Val- Our Extension team helps Florida agriculture in many ways, but ley farmers who use them to tell if their crops are getting too one increasingly important one is in encouraging your adoption of agricultural technology such as probes. UF/IFAS agents much water, too little, or just the right amount. like Steed and Barrett work hard to make it as easy as possible 1D was the first Hillsborough County site. Medon was a bit wary for you. Part of that is the credibility they build as champions of the instrument at first. How accurate would it be? Was it go- for innovation through unbiased information on other aspects ing to cost a lot? How clearly would the data speak where the of farming. trees would not? Invite Steed or other agents from Medon trusted Steed because the agent had helped before. the UF/IFAS Extension HillsborDuring the first few years of running 1D, Medon and owner Joe ough County or Extension Polk Diaz had questions about fertilization, irrigation, variety selec- County offices to your farm. You tion, pests and weed control. Steed’s information proved reli- know your global competitors have able and helped maximize production. So, they regarded him cheap labor, a lot less regulation as credible when he and Barrett showed up with a three-foot- and even subsidies from their government. Innovation will keep you long staff to be inserted into the ground. making a living from farming. UF/ The data it yielded spoke clearly: the Little Gems would do IFAS is where you get it. better by reducing irrigation by 25 percent. Medon adjusted accordingly, and the trees instantly thrived. For about a year now he has relied on the probe to consider soil moisture, air temperature and rainfall in guiding his irrigation decisions. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Since then, Steed has delivered probes to a Hillsborough Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF InCounty sod producer. He and Barrett would like to see more stitute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). widespread adoption of the technology statewide. Use of a

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INSURANCE: YS TO MANAGE YOUR RISK

hase risk management coverage with Farm Credit of Central Florida, we n of our commission as patronage dividends to eligible stockholders.

dends could help lower the cost of insurance premiums, saving you manage your risk.

Central Florida is glad to discuss how we can save you money on your with patronage dividends. Feel free to contact our crop insurance na Thomas, at 407.721.4687 or rthomas@farmcreditcfl.com.

d distribution is subject to eligibility. Certain limitations, conditions, and exclusions rance. Please refer to the policy for more details.

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honored to be appointed to this group of directors. I have respected and admired the organization and the board members my entire career and look forward to contributing.” The organization’s mission is to be the premier partner with farmers and rural communities throughout all Central Florida by providing reliable, consistent credit and financial services.

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Reed is a Licensed Real Estate Land Broker and the owner of Fischbach Land Company in Brandon, Florida. He is a multi‐generational native Floridian, who was born and raised in Brandon. He specializes in agricultural, commercial, and development land; as well as acreage homesites and transitional land. Reed has a proven reputation of integrity and work ethic that focuses on solutions to cater to the client’s specific land and agricultural needs.

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Real Estate A Brokerage Services Comme Since 2008 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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property owners in their real estate land decisions. Over the years, he has come to know the landowners of farms, horse communities, agriculture, and commercial community. He has seen the area grow into today’s eclectic mix of properties, such as agriculture, farms, horse and equestrian, along with transitional and development that supports the tremendous growth now in the area. He has always been close to the land and knows the Central Florida region intimately. In private life and through his love for horses, Reed has always been close to the land and knows the Central Florida region intimately. Reed resides in Lithia with his family.


RVR HORSE RESCUE HAS MASSIVELY SUCCESSFUL GRAND OPENING The 501(c)(3) is located in Plant City and focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming injured or sick horses. By Breanne Williams

RVR Horse Rescue invited the public out to its long-awaited grand opening last month.

the individual horses and detailed the progress they’ve gone through since finding a home at RVR.

The rescue, which moved to its home on West State Road 60 in Plant City in January 2020, has been patiently waiting for the pandemic to end so it could safely show off the new facilities to the public. Once vaccines became widely available and the county’s community spread began to decrease the rescue decided it was finally time to open its gates and let the public meet the horses and volunteers that comprise the 501(c)(3).

Usually RVR doesn’t open its doors to the public because there simply are not enough volunteers to consistently offer tours of the property. Some of the horses at the rescue are looking for their forever home while others are there for the long-haul.

“We just really would like to thank everybody in Plant City for coming out and welcoming us to the community,” Kelly Ford, vice president of RVR, said. “We really feel welcome here and we love it. We would love to welcome some of our Plant City neighbors to volunteer with us or adopt a horse. Of course as a 501(c)(3) all of the donations people give go to the care of the horses. We are all volunteers and none of us get paid so it’s great that the community can know that every penny they donate goes right back into caring for these rescued horses.”

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The community responded in full spirit and flooded the facility throughout the entirety of the event. The parking lot remained full, the tables at the barn were never empty and the barns had a steady stream of curious attendees who had the chance to get to know the horses’ history prior to coming to the rescue. Volunteers on site shared stories of working with

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Horses that were looking for their new parents were shown in a ring behind one of the barns and many gathered to watch as their volunteer walked them around and answered questions. RVR was also sharing information on how to get involved with the nonprofit for horse lovers who were looking for a new place to volunteer. Originally RVR was located in Riverview and the group has been in operation for more than a decade. The horse rescue focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming injured or sick horses. It prides itself on taking in “the worse cases of abuse and neglect” and then offering those horses a second chance at life. It is an accredited Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance organization and received its 501(c)3 non-profit status in 2001. The massive attendance to the grand opening also helped raise funds for the group, which is entirely volunteer run. A live band called Classix in one of the open barns had many dancing and tapping their feet along with the music. There WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


were baked goods from 3C’s Catering, a hot lunch, raffles, RVR merchandise and a variety of other goods were for sale at the barn as well.

and from south Florida. People follow us on Facebook and when they saw we were having this event they really committed to coming out and supporting us.”

Local families hung out on the property for most of the day and children had the chance to toss a ball at a dunk tank, play corn hole and spin a giant dial for prizes. This was the first Forever Home event at the Plant City location and Ford said they plan to have many more in the future.

For those who missed the grand opening but still want to check out the facility, RVR is hosting another event June 18. The “Save a Horse, Rock a Cowboy” by Soul Circus Cowboys concert is a ticketed event. Tickets are $45 and it includes admission, a meal and two drink tickets. The concert will be from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can also buy a table for a group. Head over to RVR Horse Rescue’s Facebook page to find more information about the event and click on the link to grab your tickets

“We were thrilled with everything, we were really, really thrilled,” Ford said. “We got a lot of positive feedback and everyone seemed to really enjoyed the music and the great food. If I had to guess I would say throughout the day we had 700 or 800 people come through. What was interesting was people seemed to stay longer, which is probably because of the music. I was stationed in the big barn and saw several people come through multiple times. We had a lot of people express an interest in volunteering. I was surprised also at how many people drove from really far distances to see us in action. We had some from Jacksonville, Gainesville, Dunedin

RVR Is located at 1710 W. State Rd. 60. To learn more visit rvrhorserescue.org or email contact@rvrhorserescue.org. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Free Resources: Central Florida Gardening Calendar and Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide

Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County labarber@ufl.edu The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) has many excellent tools for gardeners. The Central Florida Gardening Calendar is a favorite for those of us that like to get our hands dirty! This resource provides information you need on what to plant, what gardening tasks to perform and when. These tasks include pruning, fertilizing, scouting for pests and much more. Focusing on the month of July, under the category of What to Plant, the headings include: Annuals/Bedding plants, Bulbs, Herbs, Palms and Vegetables. Each category includes a link to other UF publications by topic. For example, under Vegetables, Okra and Southern peas can be planted. Under the category of What to Do, the headings include: Trees, Lawns, Fertilizer bans, Vegetable garden, Azaleas, Irrigation, Pests on ornamental plants and Citrus.

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Another excellent resource is the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vh021. This publication provides information about Florida vegetables and includes yield, days to harvest, spacing plants and rows, seed depth and transplantability. You will also find recommended varieties for our area with notes/remarks and products currently labeled for insect management in home vegetable gardens.

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For more information on What to Plant and What to Do, you can access the Central Florida Gardening Calendar at: http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450. It is a great, free resource. You can read this document and the Vegetable Gardening Guide online, print them or pick up copies at our office. We can purchase a variety of plants that are available, but that does not necessarily mean they are the right choice for the month or season. Both gardening calendars will help you select the right plant which can save you time and money by planting, fertilizing and pruning when appropriate. For assistance with horticultural questions, call: 813-744-5519 or visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. You can access our calendar of events at: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/ upcoming-events/. Our Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Facebook page is located at: https://www.facebook.com/ HCFFL/. We hope to see you at an upcoming workshop soon. Remember to reuse, reduce, recycle and repeat.

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St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation presents

July 1–31 Your donation can give hope to the extraordinary kids at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital by providing ways for them to cope during their hospital stay.

Find out how you can help: StJosephsChristmas.org

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21-1527330-0521


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CITRUS PACKING HOUSE Citrus packing house equipment for sale. Mikey Fertilizer Spreader, two wind machines. Call 863-324-2833 2020 MAHINDRA 3650 HST tractor 49hp, cab, loader, and 3rd function. Warranty. $39,900 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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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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MILL CREEK ARENA SPIN GROOM Mill Creek arena spin groom grader. $1,000 Ask for Alive 813-759-8722

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