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March 2022 VOL. 19 • ISSUE 5
CONTENTS KENZIE WHEELER CHASING DREAMS Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL.
40 Cover Photo courtesy of Cliff Brown Via Captured By Crown
Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PAGE 10 Conservation Display
PAGE 30 News Briefs
PAGE 56 Scott Angle
PAGE 12 FDACS
PAGE 32 Endangered
PAGE 58 Urban Sweets
Dennis Carlton, Jr.....................President Jake Raburn................Vice President Tony Lopez..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary
PAGE 13 USDA
PAGE 35 Sugar Snap Peas
PAGE 62 Lazy Gardener
DIRECTORS FOR 2018 - 2019
PAGE 14 USDA Investment
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GCREC Faculty
PAGE 15 Invasive Pests
PAGE 44
PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 46 Activity
John Dicks
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 47 Closer Look
PAGE 24 Kids Veggies
PAGE 48 Gardening
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AgVenture PAGE 66 State Fair Results PAGE 68 Health Screening PAGE 69
PAGE 26 Business Up Front PAGE 28 Raptor Center
Disaster Assistance
Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
PAGE 52 State Officer
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121
Farm School
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Hey Readers!
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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
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Julie Carlson, Amy Engle
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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Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 2022
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
PARKESDALE’S Sweet LineUp.
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w w w. p a r ke s d a l e. co m INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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75866-1
STAFF
Letter from the Editor
Another fair season is in the history books. The beginning of the year is a busy time for youth in agriculture in the state of Florida. All their hard work is on display at these shows. Congratulations to each of you! Those participating next year have already turned the page and are preparing for their next year’s projects. When fair season starts again, plan on visiting the agriculture area of any local fair. Let exhibitors know you recognize the hard work they have done. The purpose of these projects is twofold. They expose youth to the industry, but also develop important life skills. Caring for an animal or plant, or other agriculture responsibility, helps make them more accountable and have a better understanding of life than a young person who has not had the opportunity to have these experiences. FFA and 4-H are incredible organizations. They help develop life skills and leadership for members. March is National Nutrition Monday, a campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is a perfect time to spread the word that making informed choices about where your food comes from and developing good eating habits starts right here in Florida. Look for the Fresh From Florida label when you are shopping for your family. Your food is guaranteed fresh, and you are supporting your local economy. Check out next month’s magazine for coverage of the events from the Florida Strawberry Festival! Also, as always, please support our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing.
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
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
Sarah Holt
Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
Dear Readers – We have just concluded the second largest event of the year showcasing Hillsborough County Agriculture - the Florida Strawberry Festival. Both, the Florida State Fair and the Florida Strawberry Festival enable our industry to tell the story of Florida Agriculture, demonstrate the economic value agriculture adds at both our county and state level and support our future agriculturists as they compete in various events and livestock shows. In that regard, we must not overlook the importance of those who support our youth, from their parents, mentors and teachers to financial sponsors from our community. You all help make it happen and for that I am most grateful. Please take the time to read about Hillsborough County Farm Bureau’s Ag Venture exhibit where 50,000+ attendees at the State Fair had the opportunity to learn about many different aspects of the agriculture industry through a number of hands-on learning experiences. I am grateful for our agricultural students and teachers who volunteer their time to make Ag Venture a success! Our county Farm Bureau has also been hard at work educating our elected and appointed officials about the role agriculture plays in our community
and the value agriculture adds to our economy through farm and ranch tours. I highly encourage you to reach out to your local lawmakers and encourage them to learn more about our industry and participate in a tour. I also encourage you to continue to support our local producers by looking for that “Fresh from Florida” logo and purchasing the products they grow and raise. As you can see, agriculture not only makes an impact at the Fair and Festival, but throughout our community. This only happens because of the great group of producers and volunteers we have. Many, if not all, are also valued Farm Bureau members. If you are not a member, I ask that you consider joining our organization. We would be honored to have you and encourage your involvement as we strive to make the Voice of Agriculture heard by all. If you and your family would like to join Farm Bureau, please visit us at hcfarmbureau.org or reach out to our office. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to having you join the Farm Bureau family!
Dennis Carlton Jr. Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Dennis Carlton, Jr. , President; Jake Raburn, Vice-President; Tony Lopez Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes, Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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Conservation Display Featured at State Fair Hillsborough’s Soil and Water Conservation District showcased a multi-faceted 1,800 square foot display in the center of the Ag Hall of Fame building at the 2022 Florida State Fair. The exhibit, themed “Conservation is Everybody’s Business” included agricultural, conservation and farming educational stations and handouts. The centerpiece of the exhibit was an “Our Pollinators” mural (8 ft by 24 ft) painted by area students. Lead painter, Katie Tyson of Riverview High School spent over 120 hours on the project and was assisted by Emily Akers, John Humphreys, Nicole Humphreys, Margaret Jeshow, Keegan Kreidler and Amelia Zeleznock. The design, featuring “Bees, Bats, Birds and Butterflies, Our Perfect Pollinators” was created by student Marcus Rogers.
and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Parts of the display were then moved to the Grimes Building at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Throughout the year HSWCD promotes conservation in approximately a dozen fairs and festivals with a viewing audience exceeding one million people. For further information, please contact Betty Jo Tompkins, Executive Director, HSWCD; (813)477.8332; bjt6890@yahoo.com.
For the opening day “Fresh from Florida” breakfast the painters all dressed as bees, bats and butterflies and entertained guests at the Mosaic sponsored event. In addition, one student dressed as a plastic pig, reminding fairgoers “Don’t be a plastic pig by using plastic bottles and bags.” Another student wore the City of Tampa’s “Trash Monster” outfit, reminding people not to add plastic bags to their garbage recycling. Included in the display was a #BEEYourBest coloring station with 24 different picture designs with a bee and reminders: “BEE Kind,” “BEE Generous” and “BEE Grateful” among the messages. Also featured was a painting station where fairgoers could add their own designs to colorful rain barrels.
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Participating with the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District in the display were the City of Tampa, Hillsborough Environmental Protection Commission, Florida A & M University, Florida Farm Bureau, United States Department of Agriculture
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FDACS Announces Appointment to Florida State Fair Authority Board By Jim Frankowiak The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has announced the appointment of Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil, to the Board of Directors of the Florida State Fair Authority. Bullard’s term began January 6, 2022 and ends May 29, 2025.
Thaddeus Bullard, aka WWE Global Ambassador Titus O’Neil,
Bullard is a philanthropist, author, athlete, and global entertainer. He graduated from the University of Florida and has since made it his mission to create change for those in need. Through his Bullard Family Foundation, in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, he continues to transform Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet School and the surrounding area into an innovative education and community hub to create lasting generational change. He was named a finalist for the ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in 2020 and 2021.
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“As a Florida native, it is a tremendous honor for me to be able to help
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shape, cultivate, and educate, those throughout the state in both affluent and underserved communities on the importance of agriculture,” said Bullard. “I’m honored to be serving alongside an esteemed group of advocates for Florida to continue making our great state one of the best places to live, work, and play in the world.” The mission of the Florida State Fair Authority and its Board of Directors is to create positive entertainment experiences through the annual Florida State Fair; a variety of year-round events; quality competitive programs; a commitment to agriculture, education and community service, and a focus on new opportunities. For more information about the Florida State Fair Authority, go to www. floridastatefair.com. The 2022 Florida State Fair will take place February 1021, 2022. For more information, about the Florida State Fair, visit www.floridastatefair.com
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USDA Announces Lakeisha Hood as Rural Development State Director Lakeisha Hood has been appointed State Director for USDA Rural Development in Florida and U.S. Virgin Islands along with seven USDA regional leadership positions. Hood most recently worked as Director of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). In that role, she managed the implementation of the state’s food and nutrition programs, including oversight of a $12 million operational budget and more
RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse and inclusive state workforce. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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than $1 billion of federal pass-through funds. Prior to joining FDACS, Hood served as a legislative assistant in the Florida Senate. A graduate of Alabama State University, Hood obtained her Master of Education degree from Auburn University at Montgomery and has earned law degrees from North Carolina Central University School of Law and the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. Hood currently resides in Tallahassee, Fla. and is a licensed member of the State Bar of Georgia.
USDA to Invest $1 Billion in Climate Smart Commodities, Expanding Markets, Strengthening Rural America By Jim Frankowiak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $1 billion in partnerships to support America’s climate-smart farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. The new Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities opportunity will finance pilot projects that create market opportunities for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use climate-smart practices and include innovative, cost-effective ways to measure and verify greenhouse gas benefits. USDA is now accepting project applications for fiscal year 2022. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, a climate-smart commodity is defined as an agricultural commodity that is produced using agricultural (farming, ranching or forestry) practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon. Funding will be provided to partners through the USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation for pilot projects to provide incentives to producers and landowners to: • implement climate-smart production practices, activities, and systems on working lands, • measure/quantify, monitor and verify the carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits associated with those practices, and • develop markets and promote the resulting climate-smart commodities. A range of public and private entities may apply, including: • County, city or township governments • Special district governments • State governments • Small businesses • For profit organizations other than small businesses • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) (other than institutions of higher
education) • Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) (other than institutions of higher education) • Private institutions of higher education, or • Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education. The primary applicant must be an entity, not an individual. Funding will be provided in two funding pools, and applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on: • April 8, 2022, for the first funding pool (proposals from $5 million to $100 million), and • May 27, 2022, for the second funding pool (proposals from $250,000 to $4,999,999). Proposals must provide plans to: • Pilot implementation of climate-smart agriculture and/or forestry practices on a large-scale, including meaningful involvement of small and/or historically underserved producers; • Quantify, monitor, report and verify climate results; and • Develop markets and promote climate-smart commodities generated as a result of project activities USDA is committed to equity in program delivery and is specifically seeking proposals from entities serving all types of producers, including small or historically underserved producers. Providing sufficient incentives to encourage producer participation and generating both verifiable greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration benefits are critical to project success and will be considered in the evaluation criteria. Visit usda.gov for additional information, including details on Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities and resources to support applications
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To learn more, visit: www.usda.gov
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USDA FUNDING PROJECTS TO PROTECT AGAINST INVASIVE PESTS AND DISEASES By Jim Frankowiak Lisa Meredith and Lynn Barber
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating more than $70 million to support 372 projects under the Plant Protection Act’s Section 7721 program to strengthen the nation’s infrastructure for pest detection and surveillance, identification, and threat mitigation; to safeguard the nursery production system; and to respond to plant pest emergencies. Universities, states, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, nonprofits, and Tribal organizations will carry out selected projects in 49 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Of the projects selected in fiscal year 2022, 28 are funded through the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN). The NCPN helps the U.S. maintain the infrastructure necessary to ensure that pathogen, disease and pest-free-certified planting materials are available for U.S. specialty crop producers who grow fruit trees, grapes, berries, hops, sweet potatoes, and roses. Since 2009, USDA has supported more than 4,800 projects and provided nearly $740 million in funding through the Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Preven-
tion Program. Collectively, these projects allow USDA and its partners to quickly detect and rapidly respond to invasive plant pests and diseases. Some of the projects funded include: Exotic fruit fly survey and detection: $5,742,671 in Florida and California; Agriculture plant pest detector dog teams: $5,887,418 to programs in California, Florida; Pennsylvania, New York and nationally to support detector dog team training and maintenance for domestic pest detection; Honey bee and pollinator health: $1,549,122 to protect honey bees, bumble bees and other important pollinators from harmful pests. USDA will use $15.5 million to rapidly respond to invasive pest emergencies should a pest of high economic consequence be found in the United States. In the past, USDA has used these funds to respond to pests such as the Asian giant hornet, spotted lanternfly, coconut rhinoceros beetle, exotic fruit flies and the box tree moth.
Learn More,
Learn more on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website: aphis.usda.gov. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Tampa Bay Fishing Report March 2022 Capt. Woody Gore
Hot…Cold…Cold…Hot…Blowing… Calm…Calm…Blowing
It will be nice when the weather settles down. March typically brings the start of good fishing. Hopefully, this year will be the same. Having the severe bouts of Red Tide in recent years did not help but lets keep our fingers crossed; perhaps, we can skate by without a repeat performance. Overall, fishing in the bay area slows a bit during cold spells. But you can still catch fish. Although, not the numbers we get in the spring and summer. Once a haven for trout, reds, and snook, the Fort Desoto area is making a comeback. Deep grass flats hold some nice fish around potholes and mangroves. Water temperatures affect the morning bite, but late afternoons and warmer temperatures seem to produce better.
pushing inside to markers and back onto the grass flats. You are assured that things are about to go gangbusters when this happens.
Snook:
Snook are just coming out of their winter haunts. However, many are pushing back into shallow water flats, mangrove islands, and shorelines. Warm days following a week of high temperatures usu-
Rock piles, docks, oyster bars, and bridge fenders still hold sheepshead. Some nice fish reported in the 2 to 5 lb. range. If you fancy yourself a sight angler, you owe it to yourself to match wits with a grass-flat sheepshead. It is loads of fun and taking odds, bet on the sheepshead. Good inshore Mangrove snapper action around markers, deep rock structure, and deepwater docks prove productive. Try chumming to get them going in deeper water, then sit back and have fun.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Should start to see some greenbacks around the Skyway Bridge reasonably soon, if they are not there already. Then WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ally causes a stir in some adventurous linesiders with afternoon bites fair to good. They should begin moving from deepwater canals, rivers, creeks as the water temperatures continue rising. Good Snook action typically starts on deeper flats with moves to shallow warmer waters.
Redfish:
March Redfish should prove exciting. Schooling fish show up around flats following bait and larger schools of mullet. Mangrove shorelines with cuts into the backcountry often produce good fish. Working artificial topwater lures like MirrOLure Top Dog slowing over grass flats or around Mangroves prove worthy of the effort. Later as the suns get up, try fishing soft plastic lures on lightweight jigheads for reactionary strikes. Live baiters can expect equal success using greenbacks or dollar-size pinfish. Areas like those for Snook work for Redfish, especially outside grass flats.
Spotted Sea Trout:
Trout, oh fantastic trout, where are you? So many favorite spots do not produce like last year. Usually, the deeper water grass flats on moving tides will do the trick.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore owns and operates the area’s number one outdoor fishing guide service. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg areas for over sixty years, his service offers world-class fishing and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the area’s most experienced captains, Capt. Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, email wgore@ix.netcom.com, or call at 813-477-3814. Member: FOWA-Florida Outdoor Writers Assoc., MemberSEOPA Southeastern Outdoor Press Assoc. CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer & Speaker
Plenty of others to catch:
Sheephead are everywhere, probably until April, especially bridges, oyster bars, deepwater docks, rock piles, and fish attractors. Grouper, and Snapper, are doing well and should continue. Fishing around the structure or one of the many fish attractors is an excellent place to start.
Good luck on the water this month and, “LET’S GO FISHING.”
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• In 2016, $135.5 billion worth of American agricultural products were exported around the world. The United States sells more food and fiber to world markets than we import, creating a positive agricultural trade balance. • The millennial generation (people aged 34 and under) includes 257,454 farmers. More than 20 percent of all farmers are beginning farmers (in business less than 10 years). • One U.S. farm feeds 165 people annually in the U.S. and abroad. The global population is expected to increase to 9.7 billion by 2050, which means the world’s farmers will have to grow about 70 percent more food than what is now produced. • Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable overall and among the world’s safest, thanks in large part to the efficiency and productivity of America’s farm and ranch families. • Women make up 30 percent (969,672) of the total number of U.S. farmer operators.
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April Fools Jokes Ever wonder who started April Fools’ Day? There are many theories how the tradition began, but none of them have ever been accepted. The origin of the “custom of making April Fools” remains as much a mystery to us now as it was back in the 1700s. Although not a national holiday in any country, it started becoming popular in the 19th century when people started playing practical jokes on one another. On April 1, 1957 a BBC News show announced that thanks to a very mild winter and the virtual elimination of the dreaded spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. They even went so far as to tell their viewers how they could grow their own spaghetti tree by placing a spring of spaghetti in a can of tomato sauce and hope for the best. Hundreds were taken in. I recall on our radio show “This’n That” with Ercelle Smith in the mid-nineties, we told our audience that Crea Beauchamp and Coleman Davis were looking for spaghetti pickers, and would pay $10.00 an hour. Crea and Coleman went along with our April Fools joke. We told our audience that their spaghetti farm was a side venture from their Badcock store, and their crop came in early. We gave out the stores phone number a couple of times, and in about ten minutes Coleman called back and said their lines were overflowing and they had all the pickers they needed.
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We pulled a prank on Doris McDonald one day when she stopped by during “This’n That” to bring us home homemade cookies. We took a quarter and ran a pencil around the edge of the quarter a few times leaving black carbon on it. Ercelle said, “Doris, Al wants to check your stability. Take this quarter and with your left
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Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the March 2018 issue
index finger on one side, and your right index finger on the other side, see if you can roll the quarter from the top of your forehead down across your nose to you chin with dropping it.” She did it perfectly and left the radio station with a black line from the top of her forehead to her chin. Then she went shopping downtown, and finally after about three stores the clerk inquired about the line on her face. She was a good sport, but not to be outdone, the next week she turned a polecat loose on me in the radio station control room. I didn’t realize I could move so fast. We all got a laugh when she told us it had been de-skunked. In 1962 there was only one TV station in Sweden, and it broadcast in black and white. But on April 1, 1962, the station’s news anchor announced on the evening news that thank to new technology, viewers could convert their existing sets to display color reception. All they had to do was pull a nylon stocking over their TV screen. Thousands of people gave it a try, and many caught on to the joke. Color broadcast actually started in Sweden on April 1, 1970. Taco Bell Corporation took out a full-page ad that appeared in six major newspapers on April 1, 1996, announcing it had bought the Liberty Bell and was renaming it the Taco Libery Bell. Hundreds of outraged citizens called the National Historic Park in Philadelphia where the bell was located to express their anger. Everything settled down a few hours later when Taco Bell revealed that it was just a practical joke. The best line of the day was when White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale. Thinking on his feet, he responded that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold. It would now be known, he said, as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A barber in Columbus, Ohio, on April Fools’ Day, 1980, went to work without a shirt on — wearing only a bow tie and pants. He put up a sign in front of his one-man shop that read: “Topless Stylist on Duty Today.” Police said his ad caused traffic to back up and a muckety-muck from the state’s licensing board stopped by to check on the shenanigans after receiving a call from the vice squad. On the morning of Friday March 31, 1972, an eightmember team of scientists from Yorkshire’s Flamingo Park Zoo was having breakfast in the dining room of the Foyers House hotel, on the shore of Loch Ness. They were there on a joint mission with the Loch Ness Phenomena Bureau to prove the existence of a monster in the loch. They had developed a new form of “hormone sex bait” that they hoped would lure Nessie out of the depths. As they dug into their bacon and eggs, the manager of the hotel approached them. Someone had just called, she said, to report seeing a “large hump” floating in the loch near the hotel. Intrigued, the team put down their knives and forks and walked outside. Sure enough, a large, dark object was bobbing up and down in the waves about 300-yards offshore. One of the leaders of the team immediately swung into action. He directed the team into their boat, and they headed out to investigate. Twenty minutes later, at around 9 a.m., they returned, dragging behind them a bizarre object. It appeared to be the dead body of the Loch Ness Monster. Within hours, news of the discovery had reached the rest of the world. Television news anchors solemnly informed their audiences that the Loch Ness Monster had been found, but was dead. Reporters rushed to the loch to get more details. Local residents confirmed that something weird had been dragged out of the water. A 23-year-old area resident, said, “I touched it and put my hand in its mouth. It’s real, all right. I thought it looked half-bear and halfseal... green in color... with a horrific head like a bear with flat ears. I was shocked.” Other witnesses told reporters the creature had been between 12 and 18 feet in length and must have weighed up to 1½ tons. They said it had a green body without scales and was like a cross between a walrus and a seal. Eventually reporters contacted the Director of the Flamingo Park Zoo, who said, “I’ve always been skeptical about the Loch Ness Monster, but this is definitely a monster, no doubt about that. From the reports I’ve had, no one has ever seen anything like it before... a fishy, scaly body with a massive head and big protruding teeth.” The next morning, April 1, the discovery made frontpage headlines around the world. The British press dubbed the creature “Son of Nessie.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Kids and Vegetables
Kimberly Bragg-Armatrout, NDTR Hillsborough County Extension, Health and Nutrition Agent Email: braggk@hcflgov.net 813/744-5519 Ext. 54136 As a kid, you either liked spinach or hated it. The kids that liked spinach liked it because they wanted to be big and strong, like Popeye the Sailor Man, toot, toot! But if they didn’t care about being big and strong, they probably hated spinach. Why do kids look at spinach and hate it? Some say it is the color green - yuck! On the other hand, kids who try spinach may not like the taste because it is bitter. Whatever the reason, we need to get kids to eat more vegetables. Encouraging children to eat vegetables is necessary because they offer many benefits. They provide nutrients that prevent or lessen chronic diseases as they age and provide nutrition that will help them grow and be healthy adults, and they provide energy throughout the day.
your kids will like. Dunking is fun, so add a dip. Dunking might entice them to eat their vegetables. Offer vegetables at every meal, including snacks. The more they see them, the better chance you have of them eating them. The old hiding game will work if you can’t seem to get your children to eat their veggies. You can add vegetables to any meal by cutting them very small and hiding them in food. Spaghetti is an excellent dish to use when adding vegetables. You can add carrots, celery, mushrooms, spinach, and even squash. Just about any vegetable can be added to spaghetti! Another good dish to hide vegetables in is a casserole. Again, just cut the vegetables small, so the children don’t notice them. But my favorite dish is mashed potatoes and cauliflower. I do about half of each and mash them together. My family loves them!
So, how do we get children to eat more vegetables? First, it is imperative to set a good example. If you don’t eat vegetables, then why would your child?
Being creative is the key. Of course, it would be nice if kids just liked their vegetables because it would save a lot of trouble. But being sneaky is fun too!
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Keep trying different vegetables. Sometimes you need to cook and season vegetables differently to get a taste that
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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Receives National County Activities of Excellence Honor By Jim Frankowiak
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) awarded Hillsborough County Farm Bureau (HCFB) the 2021 County Activities of Excellence (CAE) award. Broward County Farm Bureau was also a CAE award recipient. AFBF’s CAE recognizes county Farm Bureaus across the nation which demonstrate a commitment to improving county programming while showcasing innovation. AFBF recognized 18 counties with 2021 CAE awards. HCFB has hosted AgVenture for more than 27 years. The eight-day event welcomes local elementary students
Boxes were available to Hillsborough County teachers for a nominal $25 fee. The activity was popular and 93 boxes were distributed to teachers throughout the county. The AFBF honor is one of several national awards this innovative alternative program has received.
Now celebrating 103 years, American Farm Bureau has served farmers and ranchers across the country as the Voice of Agriculture®. The innovative, action-oriented programs developed by county Farm Bureaus are a huge part of the overall success of Farm Bureau. The AFBF County Activities of Excellence (CAE) Awards are designed to celebrate unique volunteer-driven programming at the local level. We aim to recognize and share successful county Farm Bureau programs and activities to help generate even more grassroots activity. The CAE program categorizes activities into the following areas: Education and Ag Promotion, Member Services, Public Relations and Information, Leadership Development and Policy Implementation. Up to 24 county Farm Bureau activities from across the nation will be selected to display in the Trade Show at the American Farm Bureau Convention January 7 - 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. Individual county activities and multi-county collaborative activities selected will receive $2,250 toward expenses incurred to participate in the CAE program at the American Farm Bureau Convention as well as four free convention registrations.
Awards are judged based on the following membership groups: O Up to 1,000 members O 1,001-3,000 members O 3,001-5,000 members O 5,001 + members O Multi-county activities
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to learn about Florida agriculture through interactive and hands-on demonstrations. Due to unforeseen circumstances with COVID-19, HCFB created and implemented “Ag-Venture in a Box” and brought Ag-Venture directly to students so that they did not miss out on the popular, annual event.
Business Up Front
Fazoli’s By Taylor Jenkins
When it was announced that East Hillsborough County’s local Fazoli’s would be relocating last year, leaving Plant City without a staple in their fast-casual food scene, it was disheartening for so many in the area that had come to love those comforting Italian dishes and famous breadsticks. But within a few months, the ever-growing base of Central Florida’s die-hard Fazoli’s fans would receive great news regarding one of their favorite chains as the location was leased by The Keys Group — operated by brothers Rodney and Brady Keys — with the intention of renovating and reopening the store. That moment came in February, surrounded by Plant City commissioners and hungry patrons, as The Keys Group celebrated Fazoli’s Plant City reopening its doors to the public. “Plant City has been great,” Rodney Keys said. “We’ve heard from former guests that patronized the location when it was open before and they’re very excited to see us there so it’s been wonderful so far… We’re excited to join the community and want to see everyone stop by and say hi to my brother and I, along with our wonderful management team.” Restaurant ownership has been a family business for the Keys since their father, Brady Keys Jr. opened up his first restaurant, All Pro Chicken Supreme, in 1967. Mr. Keys was the first African American to own a restaurant franchise, KFC and Burger King. Despite exiting the business of restaurant ownership when they sold their last KFC in the early 2000’s, they have continued to work in the industry as airport concessions partners, operating Hudson News gift shops at Orlando International Airport. And after years of interest in Fazoli’s specifically, and time spent looking at opportunities to open one in Orlando, the brothers saw Plant City’s open location as a no-brainer.
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“A friend of a friend talked to me about Fazoli’s three years ago and I knew about the brand because I previously had one around the corner from my house in Altamonte Springs,” Rodney Keys said. “I used to go through the drive through and get the most wonderful food for my growing kids. So I knew of the brand and visited the Plant City location several years ago to see how the brand had reintroduced itself to Florida. As it turns out, I signed a development agreement to built three stores in Orlando and before I could get them going, the Plant
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City location became available so we jumped on it and took it over.” And while Rodney Keys sees the value in the Fazoli’s franchise itself, he also sees the value in a location like Plant City, a small town that he says closely resembles the towns in Georgia where they had previously operated a number of their KFC franchises. “In 1983 my dad purchased four KFC locations in southwest Georgia, with the hub being Albany, a small, 100,000-person town,” Rodney Keys said. “They led us to build eight other stores in other small towns throughout southwest Georgia like Moultrie and Sylvester and Thomasville and a lot of them mirror Plant City. For example, we experienced the Pecan Festival in Sylvester and that’s a lot like the Strawberry Festival in Plant City. So we know how to run stores in small southern towns and we’re really excited about the opportunity to get back to what we know.” Fazoli’s Plant City marks the restaurant’s 217th location in the nation — primarily located in Midwest cities such as Louisville, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Kansas City — and the third location in Florida. And here at Plant City’s newly reopened location you’ll be able to find all of your classic favorites, from spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti and chicken alfredo to pizza and salads and, of course, those legendary breadsticks. “Fazoli’s has the most loyal guests in the fast-casual industry that I’ve ever seen, and that includes fast food,” Rodney Keys said. “If you’re a guest of Fazoli’s, you will seek it out and drive to go get it. It’s the loyalty of that guest base that makes it so unique. The Fazoli’s leadership are amazing people, the recipes are top-notch, it’s just an allaround great organization.”
Visit: Fazoli’s 238 W Alexander St, Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 441-4260 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Sign up
for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events
This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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TAMPA BAY RAPTOR CENTER NEEDS LAND FOR REHAB FACILITY
The Raptor Center of Tampa Bay, a non-profit organization that annually rescues, raises, rehabilitates and releases hundreds of wild, native birds of prey from across the greater Tampa Bay area, is in need of two-to-eight acres of land in eastern Hillsborough County for a new facility. The organization, which was founded in 2018, had a commitment for a parcel of land, but that donation of land did not materialize causing Raptor Center officials to restart their effort to secure land. “We need a donation of two to eight acres of land in eastern Hillsborough County that have both water and power,” said Raptor Center Nancy Murrah. Currently, her home is the location for Raptor Center services for birds such as bald eagles,
wood storks and great blue herons. “We would be pleased to provide naming rights for this new facility to the land donor,” Murrah added. “While I am happy to have the Center based at my home, there are limitations that force us to transfer our birds in need to other facilities, if they have room, as far as Orange County.” she said. “A new location would enable us to care for area birds locally. Murrah said the Center has commitments from Mosaic to construct flight cages at the new center, enabling birds undergoing rehab to safely fly within a controlled environment. TECO has also agreed to provide flight cages once the land has been given to the Center. In addition to caring for birds of prey, the Center hosts environmental/nature education events for the general public , including children’s programs and work in conjunction utility companies and other corporations to provide solutions for avian conflicts to reduce mortality.
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Potential land donors may contact Murrah at 813/205-1851 or via email: nmurrahfireflymai.com. The Center’s website is raptorcenteroftampabay.org.
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NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
Farm Bureau Member Benefit at WorkBoots.com Florida Farm Bureau members receive a special 10% discount on equipment, apparel and footwear at WorkBoots. com. Enter the Florida Farm Bureau promo code at checkout to receive discounts on popular brands like Ariat, Durango, Justin, Wolverine and more! WorkBoots.com is devoted to outfitting American workers with shoes, boots, clothing and equipment that can handle the toughest tasks and job sites. If you don’t know the Florida Farm Bureau promo code, contact your county Farm Bureau office or click here to log in and access your digital Member Benefit Guide.
Military Ag Tour March 18
FSU & UF Basketball Tickets
The 7th Hillsborough County Military Agriculture Tour is set for March 18 to introduce active duty, transitioning, veterans anmd their spouses to the diversity and opportunities in Hillsborough County agriculture. The all-day tour will include stops at G & F Farms, Woods Nursery, Oak Ridge Fish Hatchery the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulfcoast Research and Education Center (GCREC).
Florida Farm Bureau members can receive up to two (2) free tickets to UF and/or FSU basketball games this season. Tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability, weather cancellations and other unforeseen events. Not all home games are eligible for this promotion. To access free tickets, visit: Apps.FloridaFarmBureau. com/promo/.
Reservations are limited. Register at HCFLGov.net/Vets2Ag net/Vets2Ag or by calling Simon Bollin 813/853-1086.
Protecting Florida Wetlands The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is reminding across the state how wetlands work hard for us, cleaning pollutants out of our water, storing water and controlling flooding. Through the NRCS Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) preserve and restore wetlands. A landowner can sell a conservation easement to limit land uses, restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and prevent property development. Agricultural producers also conserve and protect water quality, reduce soil erosion and create wildlife habitat with financial and technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program ((EQIP). Contact the USDA Plant City Service Center for more information at 813/4734882.
Conservation Reminder The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is reminding conservation partners that up to $225 million in funding is being made available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The partner-driven program leverages collective resources to find solutions to address natural resource challenges on agricultural land. This year’s funding announcement includes opportunities for projects that address climate change, benefit historically underserved producers and support urban agriculture. More information is available at the USDA Plant City Service Center, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 201, and Telephone: 813/473-4882.
National 4-H Council Receives $50 Million Gift
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The National 4-H Council has received a $50 million gift from writer and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift from Scott, former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is the largest gift ever received by the Council, which will seek input from stakeholders for the best utilization of these significant funds.
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Enduring Florida: Gopher Tortoise
By Libby Hopkins
Gopher tortoises have been around for millions of years, but today they are a threatened species in Florida and several other states. Their imperiled status means that these tortoises are protected by state law and must be left alone. The major issue facing these gentle and important creatures is that human development keeps encroaching on their native habitats. Many are found in North Central Florida, but they can be found throughout the state except in the southern tip. The gopher tortoise prefers dry habitats such as longleaf pine scrub, oak sand hills, oak hammocks, sand pine scrub, wiregrass flat woods, dry prairies and coastal dunes. One of the reason gopher tortoises are so heavily protected is that they play an important role in many Florida ecosystems. They are a keystone species, meaning that many other species in the ecosystem rely on gopher tortoises to survive. The gopher tortoise creates burrows in the ground which are more like an underground community. They provide homes to a variety of other creatures in addition to the tortoise. In fact, hundreds of different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects and even birds have been known to use gopher tortoise burrows. Different animals use the burrows in different ways, sometimes to provide quick shelter from predators, or as a temporary refuge from the fires which are a natural part of the landscape in upland ecosystem. Gopher tortoises have stumpy elephant-like back legs which are not webbed. Their front feet are shaped like shovels for digging burrows. Gopher tortoises also have a special bony plate on the front of their shells directly behind the head. This plate is called a nuchal scute. Gopher Tortoises go through four stages during their life cycles: Hatchling, Juvenile, Sub-adult, and Adult. Determining what stage they are in is done by measuring how long the top of their shell is, which is called the carapace length. Their appearance also changes as they age. Gopher tortoises can live 40 to 60 years in the wild, though captive tortoises may live more than 90 years. Males reach adulthood at approximately nine to 12 years of age, whereas a female may take 10 to 21 years to reach maturity depending on local resource abundance and latitude.
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The breeding season occurs between March and October. Females typically lay one clutch of five to nine ping pong ball-sized eggs per year. Eggs are deposited between May and July. Gopher tortoises’ nest in open, sunny locations, frequently within the soft mound of sand at the entrance of their burrow, called the burrow apron. Egg incubation lasts 80 to 110 days, and hatchlings typically emerge from their nests between August and November. Tortoises exhibit no maternal care of their eggs or young.
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Gopher tortoises are herbivorous. They feed on low-growing plants like wiregrass, broadleaf grasses, gopher apple, and legumes. Tortoises are resourceful grazers, so the core plants within their environment likely make up the bulk of their diet. Tortoises may alter their diet seasonally depending on forage availability. They typically forage within 160 feet of their burrow but will travel farther if forage is unavailable. Gopher tortoises may drink water that has pooled following a rainstorm, but generally consume an adequate amount of water from forage plants. The primary threat to the gopher tortoise is habitat loss through habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation, particularly from urbanization and development. Land development for residential homes generally occurs in the same high, dry habitats that the tortoise prefers. Lack of appropriate land management, especially prescribed burning, has also contributed to population declines in areas where natural habitat remains. Additional threats include increased risk of road mortality due to fragmentation, particularly of females searching for suitable nest sites. Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) also poses a potential threat to gopher tortoise populations as evidence suggests URTD may be partially responsible for declines in some populations. Human harvest and habitat degradation from fire suppression has also significantly depleted gopher tortoise populations in the Florida panhandle. The gopher tortoise was listed as a Species of Special Concern in Florida in 1979 and was reclassified as a State-designated Threatened species in 2007. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) created its first Gopher Tortoise Management Plan following this reclassification. The goal of the management plan is to “restore and maintain secure, viable populations of gopher tortoises throughout Florida so the species no longer warrants listing.” This goal can be attained by achieving the following conservation objectives, which are to minimize loss of gopher tortoises, increase and improve habitat, enhance and restore populations and to maintain the gopher tortoise’s function as a keystone species. Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida, handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is an illegal activity unless conducted under a valid permit issued by FWC. If you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the road in the same direction it was headed if it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to another location or put the tortoise in a car as this constitutes illegal possession.
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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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FLORIDA SUGAR SNAP PEAS By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Fresh Florida sugar snap peas are at their peak now in the spring months, March through April. A member of the legume family, sugar snap peas are a cross between snow peas and garden peas. Sugar snap peas are eaten whole, pods, peas, and all and delicious either raw or cooked. Their pods are round, differing from the flat pods of snow peas. Each pod contains three to five peas. In edible pea pods, such as in sugar snap peas or snow peas, the fibers run in only one direction, which makes them easy to chew and not tough. Sugar snap peas were developed in 1979, and only 5 percent of all the peas grown are sold fresh. The fresher the peas, the better the taste, as the sugar content of peas converts to starch shortly after harvesting.
Nutrition Sugar snap peas are considered an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamins C, K, and A. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one ¾ cup serving of fresh sugar snap peas contains 40 calories, 2 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 9 g carbohydrate, and 2 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 42% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 21% for vitamin A, 13% for vitamin K, and significant amounts of thiamine, folate, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, and potassium.
Antioxidant vitamins Fresh sugar snap peas are high in a variety of nutrients, including antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that work together to promote a healthy heart. This legume boasts high levels of the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body and prevent its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron, and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth.
intakes of vitamin K were correlated to a higher risk of hip fracture in both men and women.
How to Select and Store CChoose firm, green pods that are free of blemishes, wrinkles, or yellowing. Fresh sugar snap peas will snap crisply when bent. Sugar snap peas are best eaten as soon as possible, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. They can also be blanched and frozen to enjoy for later use.
How to Enjoy Fresh sugar snap peas are delicious eaten out-of-hand. They can also be enjoyed raw in salads or on a crudite platter with dip. They are also delicious when lightly stir-fried, grilled, roasted, or steamed. Older, larger snap pea pods may have a tough string that runs from top to bottom of the pod; remove before eating. Sugar snap peas are fairly delicate and are cooked for a very short time to maintain their crisp texture. Here are some more ideas on how to enjoy: • Boil in salted water until crisp-tender, about 1-2 minutes • Stir-fry sugar snap peas with teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds • Toss raw or steamed snap peas into salads • Sauté with butter and sliced almonds for an easy side dish • Toss into soups and stews Enjoy fresh Florida sugar snap peas in their peak season today. You can boost your health and lower your risk of cancer by eating more of these crisp, sweet vegetables.
SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.wikipedia.org
Minerals for a healthy heart Sugar snap peas are also high in other important nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and folate. Potassium and magnesium work together to promote healthy heart functioning and lower high blood pressure. A healthy heart rhythm is influenced by these minerals. Potassium helps regulate fluids and mineral balance, aids in muscle contraction, and helps transmit nerve impulses.
Bone up on Vitamin K Florida sugar snap peas provides 13 percent of your daily vitamin K requirements. This vitamin is crucial in the blood clotting process and plays an extremely important role in bone health. Several large research studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Framingham Heart Study have found that lower INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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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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Kenzie Wheeler Chasing Dreams
By Tiffany Dale
Photos courtesy of Taylor Jenkins/Plant Cit Obsever
No matter what stage Kenzie Wheeler may find himself on in life, there’s something about strawberry fields, his hometown, baseball, riding side-by-sides, hunting, fishing, 4-H, FFA, family and the Florida Strawberry Festival that is in his blood. Wheeler, a Dover native and finalist on NBC’s The Voice, is thankful for his roots in Dover as his fame continues to grow. Wheeler proudly reports, “Dover, Florida” when asked where he is from. Not Tampa, not Plant City, not Brandon, but Dover. Wheeler is proud of his roots. Through his success in Season 20 of NBC’s The Voice, Wheeler has had the opportunity to travel across the country and perform from California to New York. No matter where Wheeler travels to perform, he is still proud to call Dover, Florida home. “Dover is where I grew up. I live just a few minutes from the Dover post office and what I consider ‘Downtown Dover.’ It is meaningful to me; it’s my home,” expressed Wheeler.
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Since he was a child, Wheeler has always enjoyed hunting, fishing, agriculture, riding side-by-sides and playing baseball. “I started playing tee ball when I was five at Mike E. Sansone fields in Plant City,” said Wheeler. Agriculture has also been an important component of Wheeler’s life. “I began in 4-H and then continued into FFA as a student at Turkey Creek,” said Wheeler. Naturally, as a member of FFA in the Plant City area, most students who participate in showing livestock hope to be drawn for the opportunity to show at the Florida Strawberry Festival. As Wheeler reflects on his time as a student, he excitedly remembers how he was drawn twice to show his pig while he was a Turkey Creek Middle School FFA member. Wheeler is thankful for the guidance and leadership of Mr.
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Buddy Coleman and Mrs. Allison Sparkman as they played a role in shaping his upbringing in a rural lifestyle. Wheeler continued as an active member of FFA as he entered Strawberry Crest High School. Wheeler showed steers and was positively influenced by teachers such as Mrs. Susan Mayo, Mrs. Julie Alfonso, and Mr. Richard Albertson. Throughout high school, Wheeler remained active with baseball but began to focus more on another talent he had possessed since he was a young child, his ability to sing. Wheeler was always encouraged by his family to sing, even from a young age. In high school Wheeler began to perform in the community. Whether it was karaoke or a show at Uncle Mike’s in Plant City or competing in contests and performances around town. In just a quick interaction with Wheeler, it is evident as to what is important to him and was instilled in him by his family: faith, family, a rural lifestyle, community and that “old” sound in country music. As Wheeler reflects on growing up in Dover, he truly emphasizes the importance of family and the gratitude he feels for the investment and encouragement they have always offered. “I was raised to respect my elders, say yes ma’am and no sir, and with a foundation in faith,” said Wheeler. “I can’t thank them enough for who they are and how they raised me.” The family who encouraged Wheeler throughout the years in all that he pursued, also encouraged him to submit an audition video for The Voice. After several years of contemplation and preparation, Wheeler made his submission for Season 20 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
of The Voice. Wheeler successfully screened and auditioned for The Voice in California and turned not just one, but all four of the judge’s chairs on the show. “I was hoping to get at least one chair turned, and I couldn’t believe it when all four chairs turned,” said Wheeler. Wheeler went on to compete on judge Kelly Clarkson’s team and ultimately came in second on Season 20. Wheeler has had the opportunity to perform at Blake Shelton’s “Old Red” venues in Oklahoma, Nashville, and Orlando. Wheeler has also had the opportunity to perform in the Opry Plaza in Nashville, in Pennsylvania and in New York among other places. In addition to his success with The Voice, Wheeler also released an album named Dover in 2018. Since the conclusion of Season 20 of The Voice, Wheeler has returned to the Dover area and signed with a local production group, Five 5 Studios. While Wheeler’s appreciation and loyalty to his community is evident as he chose a local production company, he also plans to travel back and forth to Nashville. As Wheeler continues to grow as an artist and in fame, one of his dreams came true as he had the opportunity to perform at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival Wish Farms Soundstage as part of the Headline Entertainment lineup. Wheeler was among others such as Lady A, The Beach Boys, Jake Owen, and Nelly, just to name a few who also be performed on the Wish Farms Soundstage throughout the duration of the Florida Strawberry Festival this year. “It means everything to me to have the opportunity to perform at the Florida Strawberry Festival. When I was younger my mom and family used to always tell me, you’re going to sing on the Wish Farms Soundstage someday,” said Wheeler. “I cannot thank Paul Davis and everyone at the Florida Strawberry Festival enough for this opportunity. It has always been a dream of mine to perform at the festival.”
Photos courtesy of Cliff Brown Via Captured By Crown
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As Wheeler’s dreams come true in his success in singing, he has not lost sight of his roots. His love and appreciation for his family, faith, community, and rural lifestyle it is evident in his style of music. Wheeler grew up listening to artist like Keith Whitley, George Strait, Tracy Lawrence and others and lives the life he portrays in his music. “I have always wanted to be known for bringing the old sound of country back, and also my mullet of course,” said Wheeler.
FARM BUREAU MEMBER BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
By Jim Frankowiak
Farm Bureau is highlighting some member benefits now available such as saving up to 15% when reserving that includes Thursday through Sunday at IHG Hotels. Reservations must be made at least three days prior to arrival. Ready to book your trip? Visit https://bit.ly/ ffbfIHG/ Florida Farm Bureau Members can save over 40% on a Sam’s Club Membership through Tickets at Work? Visit https://bit.ly/ffbfTicketsatWork to create a free account using the Florida Farm Bureau company code!
For most families, expensive prescriptions are a necessity. Florida Farm Bureau members can save up to 80% off the cost of prescriptions. ScriptSave WellRx Premier gives you substantial savings on all brand name and generic prescription drugs, and it is available for your entire household – even your pets! Use the farm bureau group code while creating your account at https://bit.ly/ffbfScriptSave
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Saving money on everyday necessities has never been easier! Florida Farm Bureau members receive 10% off at Workboots.com. Members save by entering the Florida Farm Bureau promo code at checkout to receive discounts on popular brands like Ariat, Durango, Justin, Wolverine and more! Learn more about the partnership with Workboots.com: https://bit.ly/workbootsffbf
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GCREC ADDS TWO FACULTY MEMBERS, EACH WITH STRONG AI EXPERTISE By Jim Frankowiak
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) has increased its faculty with the addition of two, new members, each with strong artificial intelligence (AI) expertise. They are Drs. Daeun (Dana) Choi and Xu (Kevin) Wang. Choi is an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. She earned B.S. degrees in Biomechatronics Engineering and Economics from Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea in 2011. She earned M.S. and Ph. D. degrees in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from the University of Florida in 2013 and 2017, specializing in precision agriculture technologies with artificial intelligence (AI). Before joining the GCREC faculty, she worked as an assistant professor at Penn State University from 2017 to 2021, and developed automated system for mushroom harvester, robotic fruit tree pruning and thinning, and apple yield forecasting using computer vision. Inspired by real-world challenges in agriculture, her research focuses on developing field robotics and AI specialized in precision agriculture to assist human operations in crop production with an emphasis on improving sustainability, productivity, and safety. Motivation of her research is to improve traditional farming practices for the optimal use of biological, time, and financial resources by designing lowcost field devices and machines through the newest data processing and automation techniques. Two significant research areas of her lab are: (1) intelligent sensors for accurately monitoring field variables in agriculture, and (2) automated multirobot systems using drones, robots, data, and information and communications technology (ICT). “The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that food demand will require a substantial increase of global food production of 70 percent by 2050,” noted Choi. “How can we produce more food with better quality sustainably? The advancement of farming technologies, the transition from conventional farming practices to mechanization, automation, and robotics has been imperative for precise and scientific farming techniques. Precision agriculture optimizes farming inputs using scientific solutions which have been important
Wang, Assistant Professor in Phenomics for Plant Breeding Applications at the GCREC, earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science and Technology at China Agricultural University. Afterward, he joined the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering for his my Ph.D. at Kansas State University (KSU). “Today’s agriculture faces a myriad of challenges including an increasing population, more demand for agriculture products mainly due to climate change and limited resources to increase agriculture productivity,” said Wang. “Meeting these needs requires an increased agriculture productivity of which plant breeding can play an integral role. Plat phenomics tools can effectively accelerate the plant breeding cycle mainly through improving the accuracy of genomic selection. As an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, I will collaborate tightly with specialty crop breeders. My research objective is to optimize crop-specific phenotyping by maximizing automated data acquisition, processing, and modeling, especially with more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to accelerate the specialty crop breeding cycle. My research includes (1)building automated proximal and remote sensing systems for highthroughput plant phenotyping, (2) developing novel data processing and image analysis pipelines for plant trait extraction, and (3) implementing big-data based, cutting-edge machine learning methods for complex plant trait evaluation and crop yield prediction.” Welcome to the GCREC Drs. Choi and Wang! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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in the advancement of agricultural and biological systems. Data-based agricultural practices use real-time and historical data along with robotics to make specific decisions for sitespecific application in the field. This helps farmers in several ways, such as producing accurate diagnostics of individual areas or even individual plants, preventing crop damages from weather event, and controlling yield potential while reducing costs and environmental footprint.”
A Date To Remember
by John Dicks There are certain dates in history that seem to standout, forever etched in our minds.
clared? Where and with whom did you spend your time? Who did you call? What did you do?
To our generation, certainly September 11, 2001, marking the date of the attack on the World Trade Center, is one we will always remember.
All of us have stories painted in our minds from the pandemic; and they will be shared with family and friends, perhaps for generations. Some suffered personal pain, sickness, and even death. Many lived through loneliness, detachment, and despair.
Vivid memories are also attached to July 20, 1969, the date on which Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil Armstrong took what he grandly referred to as his “one giant leap for mankind” and made the first in forever bootprints on the face of the moon. Another notable date is November 22, 1963. To this day, nearly 60 years later, conversation still turns to the question of “where were you, and what were you doing,” when you heard that President John Kennedy had been assassinated. There are also other significant dates. Many people reflect on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor), and, of course, we annually celebrate on July 4th, our Declaration of Independence, stated and signed in 1776. What’s interesting, though really not all that surprising, is it seems now that a new memorable date is seeping into that list marked on our Timeline of Life. The date is March 11, 2020, barely two years ago, yet in many respects a marker of time that changed our lives in so many ways.
We mastered new skills, such as zoom calls and virtual document signing. We sanitized everything within our reach and coped with wearing uncomfortable masks. Fist bumps replaced hugs and even handshakes. We dined outdoors rather than risk the closed confines offered inside. We ordered our groceries for home delivery, and even had medical exams done through FaceTime. Many of us scrambled and endured long lines seeking the security and liberation brought through vaccination. We adapted and worked hard to overcome the frustration, limitations and constantly changing situations thrown at us by the ever threatening, and mutating, coronavirus. Recently, though, news, and new developments, have become most encouraging; and finally it appears that the tide may be turning on the power of the pandemic.
Where were you? What were you doing? What were you thinking? March 11, 2020 kicked off a season of time fraught with confusion, fright, disappointment, inconvenience, and more than a tad bit of paranoia.
Barely a month has passed since the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) relaxed its mask guidelines and seemed to concur with the suggestion that the pandemic phase of the virus may soon shift to that of endemic. It is the term used to imply that the sheer number of global vaccinations, along with an otherwise large infection rate, will result in the virus eventually fading in severity and allow us to return to some semblance of a regular, everyday life.
Yes, it’s been a long two years; and regardless of whether the date will be carved into the stone of our memories, the experience, no doubt, will always linger, if only in our subconscious.
While it would be nice to have someone ring a bell, sound a horn, or otherwise announce an “all clear” signal, none will likely be heard. Thus prudence would encourage us to be on guard, but at least to breathe a deep, sweet, sigh of relief.
As institutions and government agencies starting gearing up to fight the unknown, recall your own personal experience. What were you doing, for example, when the lockdown was de-
Turn now, our attention to, and conversation of “what are your plans, and what will you be doing, post-pandemic?”
It was then, and on that day, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to be a global pandemic.
I’m smiling at the very thought of it!
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a Blueberry Farm and have Agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!”. John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Seasoning Camping Cookware Have you noticed that the gear you cook with when camping always seems to need more work than what you have at home? Cookware for camping is not much different than your home cookware, other than perhaps not having a factory seasoning on it. A typical mess it is made from stainless steel and can be seasoned in the same manner as the cookware you have at home. I found a really good posting of the science behind seasoning cookware, the technical term for this is Fat polymerization, and thought I would try it on my camping mess kit. This month, we will share the results and the project with our readers. If you want to know all the details of the science behind seasoning cookware, Sheryl Canter shares it here: http://sherylcanter.com/wordpress/2010/02/black-rust-and-cast-iron-seasoning/
Materials:
100% Flaxseed Oil (Food Grade) Paper Towels Oven Mitt DIRECTIONS:
Heat the wpan in a 200°F oven (to open pours and assure the cookware is dry) Remove the pan from the oven Turn the oven off Rub oil into the heated pan (let it sit until the oven is cool again) (once cool) rub all the oil off, leaving only a very thin coat of oil in the cookware. Place the cookware into the oven Turn the oven on to bake at its highest setting (> 500°) Wait for the oven to reach temperature Set a timer for 60 min Let the cookware bake for 60 min Turn the oven OFF, but DO NOT open the oven or remove the cookware, let it cool inside the oven for 120 min Repeat the process until the cookware has an even brown coat on the cooking surface (6 to 8 times) Note: The mess kit in the pictures is the progression of only 4 cycles of oil. Continue the cycle for at least 6 cycles, or until your cookware has a nice even brown coating.
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There should be no need to scrub your finished cookware clean. If plain old water does not rinse your food out, let it soak and gently wipe with a sponge. Your cookware will become more non-stick over time, this project will create a good starter seasoning on your camping cookware.
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A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green Photo Credit: April Green
Peacock (Pavo)
Although not a native species, the peacock is well known in Florida and one of the most recognizable birds in the world. Distinguished by colorful tail feathers that can reach over a yard in length, there is no mistaken identity if one is seen in Florida. I am always fascinated when I see these large birds along a hiking trail or in one of the many beautiful parks we have in central Florida. They are great subjects for photography because they don’t fly around as much as smaller birds. This month we are taking a closer look at one of the most colorful introduced species in North America, commonly known as peafowl. The term “peacock” refers to the adult male member of the (pavo) genus. The adult female is known as a “peahen.” The term peacock is often used as a general reference to birds in the (pavo) genus regardless of sex or species and more accurately should be referenced as “peafowl.” Peafowl were introduced to Kauai, Hawaii in 1860 when Kauai was part of the Hawaiian Kingdom in the reign of King Kamehameha the Great. Eventually, breeding populations spread and became established on the larger Hawaiian Islands. In 1879, Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin is thought to have brought three breeding pairs of peafowl to his newly purchased California ranch Rancho Santa Anita, a portion of which would later become Arcadia, California with a growing population of hundreds of peafowl by the time of his death in the early 20th century. This is thought to be the first introduction of peafowl to mainland North America. Peafowl have been revered throughout history as a spiritual symbol in India where they are indigenous. Because they are part of the pheasant family (Phasianidae), they were a popular game bird in Medieval Europe through the 16th century until larger North American turkeys (Meleagris) were imported from Mexico and the peafowl was disregarded as an inferior to the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Though peafowl are rarely sought for their meat today, their value has not diminished among bird enthusiasts. Peafowl are counted in the most beautiful birds in the world and are a popular commodity among breeders. New color morphs are created by mixing species and the hybrids tend to be not only a tougher stock, but also more colorful with variations of purple, red, bronze, black, jade and even pure white. This has resulted in peafowl being distributed throughout North America as a livestock species that sometimes make their way into the environment as a feral species. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, feral populations of Indian peafowl were first record-
Though beautiful, feral peafowl populations can become problematic. They are omnivores and will eat whatever they can find including snakes, mice, rats’, frogs, lizards, and a variety of insects. This sounds like great news until we add the seeds, grains, berries and produce to the menu. Thus begins the downhill slide towards pest status. In addition to their voracious eating habits, they are very loud birds. Their call sounds a bit like a cat fight through a megaphone. Granted, having these birds in your yard might be better security that a barking dog in the middle of the night, but you will also be startled awake with every false alarm and mating call. These birds are not very smart and have been known to attack their reflections in a well cleaned and waxed car. Their tough beak and spurs can easily damage the car finish. I have read about homeowners complaining about the bathroom manners of guest peafowl in the yard. Apparently, when they go, they go big, like the size of a dog mess and the smell seems to be just as big and on par with that of a vulture. Peafowl are classified as domestic livestock in Florida and therefore are not protected by state laws that protect other wildlife. This means the state has no authority to regulate the bird regardless of its nuisance behavior. It is the local laws of the community that come in to play when questioning what actions constitute a legal response to remove or eliminate of the peafowl when it becomes a nuisance. If you would like suggestions for discouraging peafowl from your yard, please email me at green. sean.d@gmail.com. There are two naturally occurring species of peafowl in North America, the Blue Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) of India and the Green peafowl (Pavo muticus) indigenous to Burma, Thailand, Indo China, Malaya and Java. Both can be seen all year long in Florida. Peafowl walk on the ground often but are quite capable if flight. Even mature males with tail feathers approaching four feet long can take to flight nearly vertically. Though they are capable of flight, they tend to remain in the same territory through their life and build a ground nest by lining a shallow hole with branches. For this reason, they have become popular captive birds for collectors and tend to remain in parks and zoos that want the benefits of a domesticated bird. They begin breeding at about two years, reach full maturity at four years to live and breed for as long as 20 years. These are fascinating birds to run into when you are active on the hiking trails or in our parks, especially if you can grab a telephoto lens and take a closer look. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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ed in Orange County, near Orlando in the 1950s and are now known in at least 20 Florida counties. Florida and California are the two states that are most likely to have feral populations of peafowl.
GREEN LIGHT
ON GARDENING IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
March will be here soon! We’re past the last chance of frost which means we can start spring gardening: pruning, recycling, spreading mulch, planting vegetables and checking your inground irrigation system. It’s a good time to shape and reduce the size of landscape plants. We experienced more winter cold spells than normal this year, and many of us had significant freeze and frost damage. Don’t prune Gardenias and Azaleas until after they have bloomed. For ornamental grasses, cut the stems to 4-12 inches above the ground, depending on the size of the clump. Check your inground irrigation system. If you have misdirected sprays, plant interference or leaks at the base of your pop-ups, these issues need attention. Sooner is better than later.
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Recycle your landscape clippings in your compost bin. If you’re raking oak leaves, compost or use them as mulch in a landscape bed. To learn about the do’s and don’ts of composting, sign-up for a composting workshop offered once a month from February through November, currently via ZOOM and in person. Use your
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browser to access Hillsborough County Extension Calendar of Events. Before the temperatures get too high and mulching becomes a challenge, take the time now to apply organic mulch if it is less than three inches deep. Move mulch away from the stems of your plants. It’s a great landscape addition because mulch adds nutrients to the soil when it decomposes, retains soil moisture, reduces runoff and erosion, regulates soil temperature, suppresses weed growth and protects plants from lawn mowers and weed eaters. What to do and when? It’s easy. View “Ask IFAS” Central Florida Gardening Calendar, which provides a month by month list of what to plant and what to do; such as pest control, pruning, lawn maintenance and irrigation. Another excellent resource that will make your life easier is the Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide. This publication helps you plant the right vegetable at the right time of year and contains information on soil preparation, fertilization, irrigation, pest management approaches, planting dates, days to harvest and more. While you can purchase many varieties at garden stores, it is important WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
that you are purchasing recommended varieties. This publication provides varieties and other important notes about staking, harvesting and moisture. We will be planting beans, southern peas, peppers, sweet potatoes and tomatoes in March. If you like to grow your own herbs and spices, consider basil, lemon balm, mint, oregano and rosemary. Bulbs provide color, form and texture. Some beauties are Amazon lily, crinum, and agapanthus.
For assistance with horticultural questions, call: 813-744-5519. Planting a garden with family and friends is productive and fun. Consider joining a community garden in your area. Life’s too short not to garden. Lynn Barber is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Contact her at labarber@ufl.edu.
Lynn Barber is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping TM agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Contact her at labarber@ufl.edu.
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Farm School
Megan and Zach Shue and their three children, Josh, Gunnar and Baylee own Black Rock Farms in Dover. “We are a homeschool family,” Megan said. “I started homeschooling about eight years ago. I immediately noticed a need for hands on learning but wondered how I could keep the attention of my kids and teach them responsibility. We started small, by learning about chickens and gaining hands on experience with them.” In 2017, The Shue’s lives were upset, Megan was assaulted and developed PTSD. “Not only was I affected by the experience but so where my kids,” Megan said. “My love for animals grew, they understood me and our kids, and our anxieties.” So, in 2019, the family decided to grow their own farm. “We did this by welcoming all kinds of animals we could love on,” Megan said. “We want to be able to offer others this same experience. I grew up in the Ocala area, many of friends had animals. But I never got the opportunity to own farm animals. It was always a desire of mine.”
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Black Rock is unique in the fact that they are an educational farm. “We offer kids classes for all ages,” Megan said. “You can also schedule tours where you can gain hands on experience with things like milking a
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By Libby Hopkins
goat, bottle feeding babies, learning about labor and delivery of animals, animal care, etc. When you come to our farm, you’re not just feeding animals, you get to immerse yourself into farming.” Agriculture education teaches not only about agriculture and natural resources, but science, math leadership and a variety of other skills that can be used in life both in and outside of agriculture. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, in 2020, 19.7 million full and parta time jobs were related to the agriculture and food sectors, 10.3 percent of total U.S. employment. Direct on-farm employment accounted for about 2.6 million of these jobs, or 1.4 percent of U.S. employment. Employment in agriculture and food related industries supported another 17.1 million jobs. Of this, food service, eating and drinking places accounted for the largest share, 10.5 million jobs, and food/beverage stores supported 3.3 million jobs. The remining agriculture-related industries together added another 3.3 million jobs. “I realized from my own kids how fast, their attitudes and emotions changed when farming became a part of living for us,” Megan said. “When you own a farm it’s not just a hobby, it becomes a lifestyle. My kids learned the value of patience, getting your hands dirty, and working together. I want to able to share this with other parents. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
There is something about being able to see life being born, and animals needing you that truly brings out something in you.” Keeping things local is extremely important to The Shue’s. “Keeping things local is super important to us,” Megan said. “Supporting a small business is supporting a family’s love for what they are doing. Why would you not support someone who genuinely cares about their business?” If you would like to learn more about Black Rock Farms or the classes they offer, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/blackrockfarms1.
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Florida FFA State Secretary Carter P. Howell
While at the State Fair, the Florida FFA Association also holds several competitive events such as Livestock Evaluation, Horse Evaluation, Poultry Evaluation, and Meats Evaluation. These contests test student knowledge in various fields and enable them to develop transferable skills relevant to a career in one of these fields. Perhaps the most rewarding experience at the State Fair is the opportunity to work in the Florida FFA Association Pork Trailer in cooperation with the Tama County Pork Producers and JBS. Throughout the Fair, we each work shifts in the trailer as an official vendor at the Fair. We are involved in every step of the process, from preparing the pork to passing it out of the window for the customer to enjoy. This serves as one of the largest fundraisers for the Association. With the help of generous volunteers and donations, we can fund programs throughout the year from the proceeds over a short period.
February has always been a hectic month for the Florida FFA Association and State Officers. Fortunately, this February was no different with the State Fair back to its traditional dates. The Florida State Fair took place from February 10 through February 21, with thousands of FFA members participating in various activities throughout the statewide event. While at the Fair, the State Officer Team helps facilitate many of the activities within the agribusiness department. Some of these include clerking for livestock shows, delivering skillathons for students, and assisting with livestock checkins. While working the livestock shows, I was able to feel right at home as I have exhibited beef cattle for the last six years. My favorite part of the Fair was seeing each member exhibit their livestock project to the best of their ability. It is evident that these individuals willingly take the opportunity and genuinely have a passion for what they do. Exhibiting animals at the Fair also allows students to interact with the public as they walk through the barns on the grounds. Being able to spark a dialogue with someone with little to no knowledge of the agricultural industry can prove invaluable as we can communicate the true message of agriculture through unique stories and experiences.
The State Fair certainly was a long and tiring 12 days, but the experiences shared with FFA members, Staff, Teachers, Advisors, and teammates made the work enjoyable. Moving past the Fair, National FFA Week was in full swing, and to celebrate, my teammates and I were able to visit many FFA chapters across the state to gather in fellowship, fun, and FFA! During these visits, we were able to share the value that FFA has had in each of our lives and get to know many members personally while hearing their stories. The State Finals in the Tractor Operations Career Development Event was also held in February, and a new State Champion was crowned. Congratulations to Briar Mitchell from the Dixie FFA Chapter on his big win! March will undoubtedly be a busy month as we continue to facilitate the activities of Florida FFA, including numerous State Competitions, State Leadership Summit, and the continuance of Chapter Programs across the State. Best, Carter
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Not only are we presented with the opportunity to witness student success in the show ring, but we can gain a glimpse into just how much knowledge each student has as they test their understanding of their species in their skillathon and record book process. The Florida State Fair has the most comprehensive youth livestock program in the country that emphasizes industry knowledge geared towards preparing students for a career in their desired field. The State Fair and the FFA share a common interest in developing the next generation of America’s workforce in the agricultural industry and beyond and provide students with the opportunity to learn by doing through these sanctioned events.
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SINCE 1922
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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
By J. Scott Angle
FLORIDA’S AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS ENSURE MORE tens of thousands of candidates in search of the high-yield, FOOD CHOICES AND AN ECONOMIC BOOST planet-friendly, delicious foods you crave. We are investing in faculty and have launched a new Ph.D. program, the first of its Last summer’s historic heat in the West scorched our food kind in the state and one of just a few in the nation. supply. It threatened workers’ health, shriveled crops and stressed water resources. The nation’s land-grant universities like UF are essential to creating a viable future for agriculture. Their public funding gives More frequent extreme weather events like the heat wave them a public focus. The close relationships that the landmean we must change the future of farming if we want to be a grant university in every state has with local farmers ensures nation that feeds itself. that faculty members focus on addressing farmers’ needs, not academic esoterica. These relationships also give our plant Florida offers a window on that future. Scientists working to- breeders access to commercial farm acreage to grow new gether with farmers have placed a big bet on plant breeding varieties under real-world to innovate our way to agriculture that’s both more resilient conditions once they against intensifying weather and that delivers more climate identify promising candisolutions, such as carbon sequestration. dates in the lab. For consumers, this will mean more food choices. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or UF/ IFAS, plant breeders are working on new versions of old favorites. They’re also working on planting the seeds of potential new industries—with the jobs, businesses and tax revenue that come with that—by developing varieties of foods that Florida currently can’t produce commercially. That is, more made-inthe-USA choices in the produce aisle.
Federal agriculture policy includes recognition of America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners as important players in combating the climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Florida’s farmers, We did it with blueberries. Through the development of variet- in partnership with UF/ ies that thrive in Florida’s soil and weather, it grew an $80-mil- IFAS and the non-profit lion-a-year enterprise from scratch. We did it with clams, too, Solutions from the Land, teaching out-of-work fishermen whose livelihood was out- are leading a statewide lawed by a gillnet fishing ban to become clam farmers. Visitors conversation on how to to the fishing village where this work was centered pass a sign incentivize more climateboasting that it’s a leading producer of U.S. farm-raised clams. smart production of food, fiber, feed and fuel. We’re trying to write another “Clamelot” story with many landbased crops, such as artichokes and pomegranates. We even In short, Florida’s stakhave high hopes for Florida-grown hops being developed at ing a big bet on farming’s the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center to future. The beauty of plant breeding is that it can be trained support a burgeoning craft beer industry. on virtually any threat to the food supply. Triple-digit temperatures certainly represent a major one. If our plant breeders can perfect a papaya variety that grows in Florida, it could convert the continental U.S. from being the We don’t believe last summer was a one-off. We’re working on world’s leading importer of papayas to a major producer of what will be on your fork a decade from now, no matter how them. Florida-produced vanilla could also be a game changer, challenging the conditions on the farm that produces it. as 80% of the world crop comes from a single country—Madagascar—and we are its biggest customer. Why is Florida the future? Because in a state with 300 commodities, we have long been a leader in plant breeding to produce food that tastes better, needs less water, resists pests and disease so that we can use fewer chemicals, and can be harvested before global competitors flood the market with food produced with labor paid a fraction of what we pay.
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UF’s universitywide $80 million artificial intelligence initiative is giving our breeders a powerful new tool for sorting through
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Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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URBAN SWEETS Kylie Navarro is the co-owner and operator of The Urban Whisk, which is small baking and catering business in Temple Terrace. “I started up this business with the help of my fiancé, Jonathan Walsh,” Navarro said. “Since I was very young, I’ve had a passion for baking and creating beautiful, delicious desserts for my family. My very first real job with food was in Vero Beach, where I worked in a small family-owned Italian bakery called Carmela’s Italian bakery. The owner and I were the only employees and much of the time she would leave me to run the store while she ran her errands and tended to her children.” Running that bakery really paved the way for what Navarro wanted to do the rest of her life. “My belief was that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” Navarro said. “Once I moved away from Vero Beach, I moved to Tampa and got a job as a Publix cake decorator. There is where I sort of fine-tuned many of the skills I had already learned and gained even more knowledge about the food industry.”
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Navarro loved working in the bakery, but missed spending time with her family. She decided it was time to start The Urban Whisk. “I didn’t want to continue working for many reasons, but also felt that I couldn’t just give up and stop baking and bringing in money all together,” Navarro said. “That’s when he told me I needed to start up my own bakery. He knew I had the skills, the passion and the want for it. I just needed to do it. It was definitely difficult figuring out where to even start, but once I did I never looked back. From that day on, it took me about four months to do everything I needed to do to finally get my business up and running and that is how The Urban Whisk came to be today.”
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By Libby Hopkins
If you ask Navarro what makes The Urban Whisk different from other local baking and catering companies, she’ll tell you it’s because she bakes at home with lots of love. “I am a home bakery,” Navarro said. “I do a little bit of everything and I work a lot with people. I will go above and beyond to meet a customer’s needs and make sure they have a satisfactory experience. I’ve done a few custom orders as well for customers with food allergies/sensitivities and have modified recipes to fit what the customer is looking for. Also, since I am a cottage bakery, by law I am required to deliver my product, which I think also sets me apart from other bakeries in my area.” Navarro loves that her business allows her to be at home with her children and still keep her baking passions alive. “What I like most about what I do with the urban whisk is that I am able to pursue my passion as well as stay at home with my kids,” Navarro said. “I never wanted to give up my dreams about owning my own bakery or working with sweets, but I also didn’t want to miss out on so many precious and important moments with my babies. I would have hated to be working while they took their first steps, or said their first word. Starting up this bakery has allowed me to be exactly where I want to be in life. It truly is the best of both worlds for me.” Keeping thing local is also very important to Navarro. “Keeping things local to me is very important,” Navarro said. “If I need a product or if I am wanting to go out and eat, I do eat or shop local first. I know how it feels when people buy things from me knowing that they could probably go and make themselves just as easily. They are helping me buy my kids next meal, buying a couple gallons of gas, or buying diapers for my kids. I understand the importance of supporting a local business WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
and just how big the impact is, so I’m a very strong believer in shopping small. It also helps you to get to know your neighbors, which helps to strengthen the community. It’s vital and imperative that we don’t lose that sense of community.” Navarro is focusing on taking The Urban Whisk to the next level, which is opening a brick and mortar shop. “The hopes for my business are to eventually open a brick and mortar store,” Navarro said. “My dream is to walk up to a store every day with my logo on it, unlock the doors, switch on the lights and see my dreams before me. I am extremely grateful for how my community has treated and supported me throughout my journey. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has definitely been worthwhile. I’m happy to live in Temple Terrace, a city who strongly believes in shopping small.” If you would like to learn more about The Urban Whisk, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theurbanwhiskbakes.
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THE LAZY GARDENER
By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent, UF/ IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
A few years ago, I wrote an article about being a lazy gardener. To this day and, I believe, for the remainder of my gardening days, I will remain one. You, too, can have a beautiful garden while maintaining a lazy gardener lifestyle. Right plant/right place, the first of the nine Florida Friendly Landscaping™ principles, includes knowledge of your site conditions. Other components are hydrozoning, consideration of plant size and keeping it simple. Right Plant/Right Place: Analyze sun, shade, water requirements and soil composition. Lazy Watering: Hydrozone – group plants by water needs, use microirrigation and harvest rainwater from roof structures for ornamental plants, not edibles.
tion but for mature plant size, saving time, work and money. Keep It Simple: If you are too lazy to water during dry spells, plant drought-resistant bloomers or wait until the rainy season to plant. If you are too lazy to rake leaves or pine needles when they fall, create selfmulching landscape beds. If you are too lazy to plant annual flowers, plant perennials. Sweat Savers: Repeat your successes and plant reseeders. Remove dead flowers from a plant to encourage further blooming and save seeds. Use a timer system to perform 15 minutes of a dreaded gardening activity, then stop when the timer goes off. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish!
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Size: Determine garden dimensions, mature plant size and least number of plants needed to fill space. Lazy and smart gardeners do not plant for instant gratifica-
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Time Saver: Wear gloves. This saves time cleaning your hands and fingernails.
Maximize Your Laziness: Use your friends wisely. Start a friends’ gardening group. Learn to love volunteer plants (those that come up on their own) and permanently borrow plants from your friends and neighbors. Asking first is always a wise move! Divide and relocate perennials: no money spent, save on gasoline and no need to shop. Wait a minute!! No shopping???? Lazy Maintenance Plants: Slow growers need less pruning. Wide spreaders mean fewer plants required. Drought tolerant require less watering. Pest and disease resistant need less Lazy Pest Management. Low Demands and High Returns include: Dracaena, Plumbago, Firecracker Bush, African & Walking Iris, Thryallis, Pentas, Firebush, Croton, and Salvia. These are just a few. For more ideas, go to UF FFL and view a copy of The FloridaFriendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design. Page 31 is the key to the information provided. Look for my suggestions on Limitations to Lazy Gardening in an upcoming addition. To view and register for upcoming workshops, go to the ‘UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County’ calendar of events. Lynn Barber is the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Contact her at labarber@ufl.edu.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU CELEBRATES AG VENTURES 22nd YEAR AT THE FAIR By Jim Frankowiak
Agricultural education, regardless of age, is a year round objective for Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and this year marked the 22nd anniversary of its Ag Venture exhibit at the Florida State Fair. Officially “Ag Venture at the State Fair,” this Ag education initiative is a collaboration involving Florida and Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and the Florida State Fair. Ag Venture at the State Fair included nine stations where attendees participate in hands-on activities. These stations included:
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• Making butter while learning about the dairy industry • Planting radish seeds, which they can take home to grow • Taking a beef cattle quiz and learning about beef byproducts • Creating NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium) bracelets, learning about the essential elements for plant growth. This station is sponsored by Nutrients for Life. • Germ City - here attendees’ hand-washing skills were tested • Goods from the Wood, featuring forestry and byproducts • Citrus - attendees had the opportunity to juice fresh oranges • Strawberry DNA, sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association • Taking a quiz and learning about bees, pollination and honey
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Ag Venture also included additional areas where attendees could milk a dairy cow, see a visual display of a chicken coop and learn about food groups. While Ag Venture at the Fair has a 22-year history, its legacy – just as that of fairs across the county – began in this country in 1807 when Elkanah Watson exhibited two sheep under an old elm tree in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Watson, who had served as an advisor to President George Washington, traveled in Europe and learned about agriculture practices there. He exhibited his sheep because he was proud of their fleece, which WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
was as fine as any he had ever seen, even in Europe. Watson was surprised at the large turnout his fuzzy farm animals attracted. Seeing this, Watson figure even larger animals would draw even greater attention, and they did, leading to the formation of the agricultural fair industry and where it is today. “Ag Venture at the Fair drew approximately 50,000 attendees,” said Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director Judi Whitson, who is soon to retire from her position. “That estimate consisted of equal numbers of children and adults.” Given exhibit attendance and the hours of the fair, the successful presentation of Ag Venture requires a large team. The ‘team” is comprised of middle and high school Ag students from throughout Hillsborough County and one school from Polk County. “We are extremely thankful for the willingness and commitment from our local Ag programs in helping educate State Fair attendees on the agriculture industry” said Kaylee Poppell, who is the new Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Executive Director. Ag Venture requires 25 volunteers each day or some 300 for the entire fair. “In addition to the former team member now teaching in Polk County, our volunteer group from Hillsborough County also includes teachers who served as Ag Venture team members when they were in school,” noted Poppell. In addition to Ag Venture at the State Fair, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau host Ag Venture field trips for 3rd grade students in Hillsborough County twice a year, Ag in the Classroom activities and other Ag education initiatives for Hillsborough County residents of all ages to help them understand both the importance of agriculture to each of us and the overall economy in the county.
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2022 RESULTS
2022 CHAMPIONS OF CHAMPIONS “The Best of the Best” 1st Place THE CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS – Payton Davis from Ocala 2nd Place Champion of Champions – Nathanael Monroe from Floral City 3rd Place Champion of Champions – Adrianna Loper from Gotha 4th Place Champion of Champions – Danielle Miller from Plant City 5th Place tie Champion of Champions – Samantha Harper from Palatka and India Wilson from Orlando 6th Place Champion of Champions – Rebecca Lyons from Wesley Chapel 2022 CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS RESULTS YOUTH DOG Junior Champion – Gideon Miller, Plant City Intermediate Champion – Anna Radajcsics, Bradenton 4th place Senior Champion – Leilani Hammel, Sarasota 3rd place Senior Champion – Tailyn Mullet, Sarasota 2nd place Senior Champion – Danielle Miller, Plant City Champion Youth for Dog Show – Hailey Jones, Sarasota
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YOUTH LLAMA Junior Champion –Leonard Greeley, McAlpin Intermediate Champion – Raina Ishak, Lutz 4th place Senior Champion
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– Jayden Benson, Riverview 3rd place Senior Champion – Maddison Young, McAlpin 2nd place Senior Champion – Alicia Jenkins, Tampa Champion Youth for Llama Show – Maya Miller, Dunnellon YOUTH RABBIT Junior Champion – Jason Peoski, Riverview Intermediate Champion – Audrey Brogan, Land O’ Lakes 4th place Senior Champion – Archer Konow, Dade City 3rd place Senior Champion – Nathanael Monroe, Floral City 2nd place Senior Champion – Hannah Rudolph, Palmetto Champion Youth for Rabbit Show – Carissa Johnson, Myakka City YOUTH STEER Intermediate Champion – Reagan Hancock, Morriston 4th place Senior Champion – India Wilson, Orlando 3rd place Senior Champion – Gabe Mitchell, Trenton 2nd place Senior Champion – Madison Lefler, Dover Champion Youth for Steer Show – Payton Davis, Ocala YOUTH DAIRY Junior Champion – Kenslee Heinke, Wimauma Intermediate Champion – Lindsey Hartwig, Dade City 4th place Senior Champion – Rebecca Holcomb, Litha
March 2022
3rd place Senior Champion – Rebecca Lyons, Wesley Chapel 2nd place Senior Champion – Jenna Larson, Okeechobee Champion Youth for Dairy Show – Logan Shoop, Wimauma YOUTH POULTRY Junior Champion – Amelia Zeleznock, Wesley Chapel Intermediate Champion – Micah Evans, Brooksville 4th place Senior Champion – Imogen Lanzetta, Litha 3rd place Senior Champion – Caroline Evans, Brooksville 2nd place Senior Champion – Hunter Fraccica, Spring Hill Champion Youth for Poultry Show – Samantha Harper, Palatka YOUTH GOAT Junior Champion – Hunter Roof, Oak Hill Intermediate Champion – Malia Sabatini, Deland 4th place Senior Champion – Ashlyn Miller, New Smyrna Beach 3rd place Senior Champion – Danielle Miller, Plant City 2nd place Senior Champion – Adrianna Loper, Gotha Champion Youth for Goat Show – Kalina Deans, Venice YOUTH SWINE Junior Champion – Ellie Smith, Riverview Intermediate Champion –
Walker Scott, Brooksville 4th place Senior Champion – Payton Davis, Ocala 3rd place Senior Champion – David Austin, Deland 2nd place Senior Champion – Charleigh Wood, Lakeland Champion Youth for Swine Show – Nathanael Monroe, Floral City YOUTH BEEF Junior Champion – Julie Portillo, Deltona Intermediate Champion – Reagan Hancock, Morriston 4th place Senior Champion – Chloe Davis, Ocala 3rd place Senior Champion – Judson Hancock, Morriston 2nd place Senior Champion – Madi Lefler, Dover Champion Youth for Beef Show – Spencer Baylor, Plant City YOUTH SHEEP Junior Champion –Julie Portillo, Deltona Intermediate Champion – Mia Portillo, Deltona 4th place Senior Champion – Madison Braun, Deltona 3rd place Senior Champion – Ashlyn Miller, New Smyrna Beach 2nd place Senior Champion – Abbaigaelle Millard, Enterprise Champion Youth for Sheep Show – Hayley Luznar, New Smyrna Beach
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UF/IFAS, UF College of Medicine
Offering Health Screenings for Farmworkers By Jim Frankowiak
With about 200,000 migrant farmworkers in Florida, UF/ IFAS Extension and the UF College of Medicine will screen as many as possible for various health conditions and give them nutrition information to help improve access to much-needed health care.
Beatty will screen for diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, major depression, heart disease and Chagas disease. These diseases often go unrecognized for years, if not decades, before they manifest clinical signs and symptoms. He is particularly passionate about Chagas.
The screenings began at Wimauma and will continue throughout Florida. As part of an overall UF/IFAS Extension statewide health initiative, they plan to help an underserved population with preventive and health-maintenance care.
“Over 300,000 people in the United States are infected, but less than 1 percent have been diagnosed,” Beatty said. He is pioneering a program researching the prevalence of this disease here in Florida because at least 18,000 are estimated to be infected.
Project leaders are starting in Wimauma because it’s one of many places around Florida with a huge influx of migrant farmworkers, particularly during the winter harvest season, said John Diaz, president of CAFÉ Latino – the Coalition of Florida Extension Educators for Latinos. Diaz is coordinating the fair with Dr. Norman Beatty, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases and global medicine in the College of Medicine, which is part of UF Health, the university’s academic health center, and an affiliate faculty in the UF Center for Latin American Studies.
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“Our plan is to continue to offer these health fairs throughout Florida where we are needed the most,” said Dr. Beatty. “Partnering with UF/IFAS, we hope to reach these underserved communities,” he said. “Our strategy is to utilize a mobile approach to health care delivery. This is an essential workforce that often suffers from a lack of resources and significant health care disparity.”
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“Chagas is found throughout Mexico, Central and South America,” Beatty said. “It can be a fatal disease that often goes overlooked among the Latin American population. Early screening and linkage to health care resources can help those at-risk for these diseases receive the care they need and prevent future complications.” In addition to health screenings, COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to those who have not been inoculated or need a booster. UF/IFAS Extension and the College of Medicine are coordinating efforts with the UF College of Veterinary Medicine and the Hillsborough County health department. “While the doctor performs the screenings, UF/IFAS Extension agents and staff will give information to farmworkers about improving their health via activity and nutrition,’ said Diaz, an assistant professor of agricultural education and communication at the UF/IFAS Plant City office.
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USDA Offers Disaster Assistance for Producers Impacted by Inclement Weather
By Jim Frankowiak
Growers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.
The Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged farmland or forests.
Producers with crop insurance should contact their agency within 72 hours of discovering damage and be sure to follow up in writing within 15 days. If the crop is covered by NAP, the grower should file a Notice of Loss (also called Form CCC576) within 15 days of loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours.
FSA also has a variety of loans available including emergency loans that are triggered by disaster declarations and operating loans that can assist producers with credit needs. These loans can be used to replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, or refinance farm-related debts, and other needs.
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) reimburses producers for a portion of the value of livestock, poultry, and other animals that died as a result of a qualifying natural disaster event or for loss of grazing acres, feed, and forage. And, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides assistance to producers of grazed forage crop acres that have suffered crop loss due to a qualifying drought. Livestock producers suffering the impacts of drought can also request Emergency Haying and Grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres. The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides cost share assistance to rehabilitate and replant tree, vines or shrubs loss experienced by orchards and nurseries. This complements NAP or crop insurance coverage, which cover the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. For LIP and ELAP, producers will need to file a Notice of Loss for livestock and grazing or feed losses within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days. For TAP, producers and landowners will need to file a program application within 90 days.
It is critical to keep accurate records to document all losses following a devastating cold weather event. Livestock producers are advised to document beginning livestock numbers by taking time and date-stamped video or pictures prior to after the loss. Other common documentation options include purchase records, production records, vaccination records, bank or other loan documents, and third-party certification. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and longterm support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Additional details, including payment calculations, can be found on USDA’s NAP, ELAP, LIP, and TAP fact sheets. On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disasterat-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help producers determine program or loan options.
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USED SCAG ZTR 52” Liberty zero turn with Kaw engine. $3,500. Call Jeff 813-752-1066
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Cover More Ground with CKP
Contact
Eden Miller 321-501-2729
emiller@ckpinsurance.com
The USDA Risk Management Agency helps protect your Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) from the elements. Let CKP Help You Protect Your PRF Our trusted risk advisors are trained to help you analyze complicated insurance data so you: • Protect your land and livelihood against potential losses during times of drought. • Make the most informed decision for your business. • Never purchase unnecessary coverage and pay more than you need.
“Anyone can sell you a policy. But CKP invests the time to understand your individual needs and develop a strategy that will produce the best coverage results.”
Why now? • • • • •
Very affordable – Government subsidized Premiums are not due until October 1 No adjusters needed No claim forms Protects your cash flow
877-CKP-INS1 (877-257-4671) ckpinsurance.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2022
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2022
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