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Contents
VOL. 10 • ISSUE 7
Extension Centennial Page
88
The Redheaded Gardener
Recipes
Page 10
Page 50
Business Up Front
Honey Bee Swarms
Page 15
Page 52
Fishing Hot Spots
Peaches
Page 18
Page 56
Rocking Chair Chatter
Awards Banquet
GCREC Recognition
Commissioner of AG
CAL’s
Market Watch
Page 22
Page 64
Page 24
Page 70
Page 25
Page 74
Dry Creek
Alli Thomes
Page 26
Page 80
Florida Fava Beans
AG Hall of Fame
Butterflies
Naturally Amazing: Cordage Crafts
UAVs
A Closer Look: Yellow Sac Spider
Page 35
Page 82
Page 38
Page 84
Page 46
Page 85
E. Coli
Page 47
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Extension
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Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Pasty Berry We’ve all heard the old saying, “children absorb information like a sponge.” So let’s start now by supporting our youth to become the next generation of food system leaders, farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, agronomists, extension agents, educators, scientist, policy makers, and the list goes on and on. Cultivating the education of our youth ensures we will have a sustainable food system in the future. We need our young people to be prepared to take over the business of growing our nations food. When you see local FFA and 4-H students working on projects in the community, take time to let them know how much you appreciate them and their hard work. These organizations, and many others, have partnered for years to develop and plan educational programs to increase the agricultural knowledge of our youth. Increasing the interest our youth have on knowing how food is produced and where it comes from should be of the greatest importance. They need to know that they can have a viable and sustainable career in agriculture. Help us spread the word about agriculture by visiting our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing! Until Next Month,
Sarah
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. _ Numbers 6:25
Cover photo – The adults in the cover photo are (left to right) Extension Director Alec White, Lora Kiser, and Lester Hatcher conducting a youth nutrition education activity in December 1954.
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Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell
COVER PHOTO
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Office Manager Bob Hughens
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ABC Pizza..................................................91 Affordable Garage Door........................34 Ag Technologies.......................................31 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers............54 Alan’s Air Conditioning Service...........86 Antioch Feed............................................101 Aquarius Water Refining........................96 Arrowhead Archery.................................37 Astin Strawberry Exchange...................91 Bankers South Group..............................71 Bill’s Transmissions.................................97 Bingham....................................................87 Boots and Buckles..................................57 Brandon Auto Services, Inc...................68 Brandon Regional Hospital...................93 Brewington’s Towing & Recovery........45 Broke & Poor...........................................42 Cameron Financial Service...................23 Cecil Breeding Farm..............................30 Chad Jones............................................100 Country Village........................................36 Crescent Jewelers..................................79 Dad’s Towing............................................43
Dr. Barry Gaffney, O.D. PA...............................11 Dr. Pat Almerico.................................................13 Exo Creative......................................................94 Everglades Farm Equipment.........................104 Farm Bureau Insurance-Valrico....................90 Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner...........40 Farm Credit........................................................111 Felton’s...............................................................103 Fischbach Land Co........................................100 Florida Cattlemen’sFoundation......................42 Fla Dpt of Ag & Consumer Svcs...................59 Florida Mineral...................................................12 Florida Strawberry Growers Asso................55 Forbes Road Produce........................................14 Fran Haasch.......................................................58 Fred’s Market Restaurant................................23 Gator Ford.........................................................40 Gladstone Land................................................97 Grimes Hardware Center................................78 Grove Equipment Service................................19 Grove Equipment Service...............................44 Grove Equipment Service...............................95 Gulf Coast Tractor............................................48 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply..............................3 Harvest Meat Market.......................................19 Harrell’s Nursery, Inc.......................................91 Haught Funeral Home......................................72 Helena Chemical-Tampa.................................69 Highland Corporation.....................................23 Hillsboro Bank...................................................16 Home Protection Pest Control.........................21 Hydraulic Hose & Cylinder, Inc.......................36 Jarrett-Scott Ford..............................................2 Johnson’s Barbeque.........................................21 Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm.................................91 Keel & Curley Winery......................................63 Key Plex..............................................................98 Loetscher Auto Parts.........................................79 Malissa Crawford..............................................54 Mark Smith Excavating....................................91 Mid Florida American Pitt Bull.......................68 Mosaic..................................................................43 MudTitan..............................................................17 Napa.....................................................................14 Parkesdale..........................................................99 Pathway BioLogic..............................................77 Patterson Companies.......................................49 Plant City Awning.............................................39 Plant City Homestyle Buffet.............................5 Plant City Tire & Auto....................................91 Platinum Bank..................................................62 Railroad & Industrial Fed Credit Un............40 Savich & Lee Wholesale..........................20-21 Seafood Dive..................................................100 Seedway.............................................................45 Shrimp & Co. Express......................................13 Smolker, Bartlett, Schlosser............................45 South Fl Baptist Hospital..................................7 Southside Stores LLC............................29 & 76 Southwestern Produce......................................41 Stephanie Humphrey........................................84 Sweetlife Farms.................................................49 Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort.................17 Trinkle,Redman,Swanson,Coton,D................69 Verti-Gro, Inc....................................................68 Walden Lake Car Wash & Service...............91 Wallers................................................................27 Wasabi Japanese Steak House.......................9 Wells Memorial..................................................92 Willie’s.................................................................79 Windfield............................................................91
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Cool the Heartburn
Terry P., a real patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital
Robotic surgery speeds recovery. Terry lived with the pain of a hiatal hernia for 24 years. After his robotic surgery at South Florida Baptist Hospital, he no longer needed pain medication and returned to eating and sleeping normally.
General Surgery ■ C.R. Hall, MD ■ Stephen M. Butler, MD
“ I didn’t realize how sick I was until after the surgery. I feel like I’m 20 years old again.” ■ 40% of Americans suffer three to four episodes of heartburn a week. ■ Medications can help, but some can increase your risk of bone fractures,
intestinal infection and pneumonia. ■ Studies show most patients find relief for 10 years or more after robotic surgery. Minimally invasive robotic surgery at South Florida Baptist Hospital provides patients with less scarring, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and reduced pain. Our robotic surgeons are highly experienced in performing even the most delicate procedures for esophageal concerns.
To see Terry’s story, visit SouthFloridaBaptist.org/Robotics.
For a physician referral: (813) 443-3073 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM BC1401905-0414
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100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121 100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121
THANK YOU A BUSY TIME FOR YOUR
A BUSY TIME FOR YOUR FARM BUREAU FARM BUREAU dergarten and elementary students about con-
Dear Readers:
Farm Bureau board members, staff and volunReaders: teersDear are truly giving people. I want to recognize Dear Readers: them and some of the things they have done this Ipast month. Though this has beenbeen written am both humbled and honored to have I am both humbled and honored to have been before the end of our state legislative session, elected president of YOUR Hillsborough County elected president Hillsborough agriculture has recognized will be County assisted Farm Bureau. All of of YOUR us owe and a debt of gratitude to Farm Bureau. All of us owe a debt of gratitude through legislative action this year. outgoing president Danny Aprile for his years ofto outgoing president Danny Aprile for his years service to our organization. I promise to do myof
service to our I promise to doforth. my of Many thanks to organization. Representative Jake Raburn best to continue the momentum he carried best 51 to continue the momentum he carried forth. District on the passage of House Bill 487 that givesAshigh school students more opportunities a sixth generation Florida farmer, I know the to As a sixth generation Floridafor farmer, thecaearnmany industry certifications agricultural challenges and opportunities all Iofknow us have many challenges and opportunities all of us have reers. This bill, which Rep. Raburn introduced, in the agriculture industry and that is an industry in the agriculture and thatisisHouse, ancontinue industry had that zero in thechallenge Florida let’s is opposition global. Ourindustry major to is global. Our major challenge is to continue hopetothat its passage takes place since that will produce the food our growing population mustbe tomeaningful produce thelands food our population must mosthave for devoted ourgrowing industry going forwhile the to farming continue have while the lands devoted to farming continue ward. Jake, by the way, is a Farm Bureau board to diminish. The good thing is that the market to diminish. Thehere goodinthing that theOur market member emeritus Hillsborough County. for our products continues toisexpand. task products continues to expand. Ourwhile task isfor toour effectively meet those dual challenges
is to effectively meet those dual while There are other examples of challenges positive results protecting our precious environment. I am confident protecting our precious environment. I am confident fromwe Farm Bureau’s broad-based legislative iniare up to that task and I look forward to helping we are up to that task and I look forward to helping tiatives this session, and again my thanks to all us all do our part to assure that we do so. all do parttotomake assuretheir that we do so.officials who us took theour time elected aware position on each of these. Letof meagriculture’s also tell you about the other new officers Let meby also tellboard you about the other new officers Thatelected work is your critical. last month. They are: elected by yourWill board last month. TheyRay are:Wood, Vice President Womack, Treasurer
Vice President Womack,outreach Treasurer Ray ThisSecretary month thatWill legislative willWood, take Michelle Williamson and Member-AtSecretary Michelle Williamson and Member-Aton aLarge national perspective as Farm Bureau’s Bill Burnette. My thanks to each of them anand Large Bill Burnette. My thanks each of them and nualour Field to for Hill program occurs. Agriculture’s board their willingness totoserve. our Voice board for their to serve. Florida goes to willingness the nation’s capital in this endeavor as we will be meeting with our U.S. As I am sure all of you have come to realize As I am sure all of you have come to realize Senators and Congressman. Wish us well vacation time is over. We are particularly busyasatwe vacation time This is over. We and are particularly make thisBureau. important trip share the busy matters Farm month we are completing theat Farm Bureau. This month we are completing the of importance for Florida agriculture with our third of our legislative tours during which we take third of our legislative tours during which we take representatives in the U.S. Senate and House. elected and appointed officials to several of our elected and businesses appointed in officials to several oursee agricultural this areas so theyofcan agricultural businesses in this areas so they can see I also appreciate the time some of you took to agriculture at work, some of the best management agriculture at work, some of the best management participate in Ag Literacy Day last month. That practices that have been put into place and learn of that annual have beenopportunity put into placeto and learn of is anpractices important tell kin-
temporary agriculture here in Florida. This year’s readings came from Florida Farms at School, featuring Ag in the Classroom, FFA, 4-H, the Farm to School program, school gardens and other agriculture-related the challenges our local industry partners topics. face as
the challenges our local partners face as they strive to produce theindustry high quality products they strive to produce the high quality products While Ag Literacy Day focuses on grades our markets demand. Those tours are hard workK – 8, I our represent markets Those tours are hard work outwould like demand. you know an enhanced and manytohours of about support from our and represent many hours of support from our reach effort involving engaging our local Farm industry colleagues. We thank them and those industry colleagues. We thank them and those Bureau board and volunteers. If you belong to a legislators and regulators who take the time to legislators and regulators who take the time to group that wants to know about some aspect of learn first hand about agriculture in our area and learn first hand about agriculture in our area and agriculture, we would be pleased to meet with how and why we need their ongoing awareness, howand and why and we need their ongoing awareness, your group have a discussion that answers help support. help and support. and provides us with the opporyour questions
tunity more. to spread the word aboutfor our industry. There’s Ag-Venture, our program bringing There’s more. Ag-Venture, our program for bringing Call the number below and we will work out the the story of agriculture to children through school the story of agriculture to children through school details. activities, is going on and we will again be particiactivities, is going andthrough we will again pating in Farm Cityon Days whichbe weparticibring pating in Farm City Days through which weinbring That brings to mind the fact it isn’t necessary the story of agriculture to our friends living the story of agriculture to our friends living in for you to be involved directly in agriculture to Tampa. Tampa. participate; nor do you have to be a farmer or
rancher to are belong FarmofBureau. In addition Lastly, if you not a to member our Farm Bureau Lastly, if you are not a member of our Farm Bureau to supporting our important industry and family, please join us. It isn’t necessary that you be helpa family, please join us.join. It isn’t necessary that you be a ing toor assure our future, Farm memberfarmer rancher to Please visitBureau farmerfor or your rancher to join. Please visitown rewards. If ship family brings its http:// hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for http:// hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 you haven’t checked out the benefits of for belongmore information. moretoinformation. ing Farm Bureau, please do. The modest fee associated familytomembership in Farm Once again, Iwith am honored be your president and BuOnce again, I am honored to be your president and reau is a great deal. To learn more about Farm my very best to you and your family. my very best to you andhttp://hcfarmbureau.org your family. Bureau, please visit: or call 813/685-9121 for more information.
Sincerely, Thank you, Thank you,
Kenneth Kenneth
Kenneth Parker - President Kenneth Parker - President
Board of Directors
Board of Directors Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; Ray Wood, Treasure; Michelle Williamson, Secretary; Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; Ray Wood, Michelle Secretary; Member-at-large; Bill Burnette; Board members: Roy Davis, DavidTreasure; Drawdy, Jim Dyer,Williamson, Jim Frankowiak, Bill Burnette; Board members: Roy Davis, DavidJake Drawdy, Jim Marty Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, GlennMember-at-large; Harrell, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Greg Lehman, Erin Nesmith, Raburn, Tanner, James Tew, Glenn Harrell, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lehman, Erin Nesmith, Jake Raburn, Marty Tanner, James Tew, RonGreg Wetherington, and Ray Wood, Ron and Ray Wood, Judi Wetherington, Whitson, Executive Director Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 88 8
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Water Garden When the Sun Shines By Shannon P. Mitchell, The Redheaded Gardener
Well summer has arrived and it’s only May in the Sunshine State. By now your summer veggies and tomatoes should be well on their way to your kitchen and dining tables. You might even be starting your second or third succession plantings to reap future bounty. I, unfortunately, slow down a bit when 80+ degree weather hits. The head and heart are willing and full of ideas but the body doesn’t like the muggy tropical atmosphere in the garden. I’m fair-skinned and if I don’t garden in the cooler early morning or evening hours not much will get done in my garden due to what I affectionately call red-face syndrome. This is where my face turns beet red in the Florida heat and scares neighbors and friends. My red hair I like, my red face I don’t. It’s not very attractive. Therefore, keeping cool and keeping things that I’ve planted during our “Florida spring” watered and alive throughout our soon to be sweltering temperatures is my main gardening goal during the summer months. That and maintenance weeding – the drudge chore of the gardening world. Let’s face it, it’s not as exciting as planting and harvesting and watching the fruits (literally) of your labor form.
for these items was about $70. If the two together are too hard for you to find or more than you want to spend, most of the big box home repair stores carry more inexpensive simulated plastic whiskey barrels. Even large clay pots can work if they are plugged and have been sealed against water leakage on the inside. I just prefer the texture, form and size of the real barrels. Next decide what plants you would like to feature in your tub garden. You’ll want a few (1-2) upright bog type plants. These are plants that typically grow in bog-like conditions and don’t mind being a bit waterlogged near the surface. They are usually rushes, grasses or reeds but can be other upright plants like Louisiana Iris or Canna lilies that like these wet conditions. Just like in a real pond they are best situated on the outside edges of your barrel space.
However, there is one form of gardening that I find soul-nourishing and refreshingly cool during the hotter months of the year. Its water gardening. Overwhelming you say? No I couldn’t do that you say? Ponds require too much work! They’re too big to keep up with! Yes I’ve heard all those excuses.
Next you’ll want to choose a star blooming plant like a water lily (Nymphaea) or a water lotus (Nelumbo). These are the most spectacular plants that can accent your tub garden in the center space but there are many more similar growth-type plants that have unique blooms. While not as showy they are still beautiful choices in their own way. Water Hawthorne (Aponogeton distachyos), Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoids) and Yellow Snowflake (Nymphoides geminata) are a few that I have tried with good success in smaller water gardens. Their leaves and flowers tend to float on or above the water surface with roots anchored underwater on the bottom of the container.
I’m here to tell you that it can be easier than you think. Start small. Try a tub water garden first to get your “hands wet.” I prefer a half whiskey barrel with a plastic tub liner. I bought my whiskey barrel at Lowe’s and the liner I found on-line through Amazon. Total expense
Other additions to consider are floating water plants and also underwater oxygenating plants if you plan to have fish or other wildlife included. Floating plants are free-floating forms that trail roots down into the water without anchoring. Oxygenating plants live wholly
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submerged and provide much needed oxygen to wildlife below the surface of the water, mainly fish. The most common floating plants you may have heard of are Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) or Water Lettuce (Pistia stratioes). Oxygenating examples are Anacharis (Elodea canadensis) and Vallisneria (Vallisneria americana). I recommend either of these types of plants be used with extreme caution. If let loose into Florida waterways by accident they are considered invasive. Most of the time you’ll find them available in the aquatic fish or aquarium trade pet stores or online. When setting up more expansive and complicated ponds they can be used (purposely contained) to biologically filter water and support wildlife. When you need to thin out or dispose of them please compost and don’t allow to escape your confined water garden area. Some easy and fun plants to start with that I can suggest for upright accent bog plants are Corkscrew Rush (Juncus effusus spiralis), Dwarf Papyrus (Cyperus isocladus), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and LanceLeafed Arrowhead (Sagittaria graminea). As mentioned above Iris are popular as well. I love the Black Gamecock Purple Louisiana Iris. They all lend themselves to smaller tub settings. My favorite water lilies varieties I’ve tried with success include the beautiful pale but vibrant blue Dauben and the pretty and diminutive purple Panama Pacific. Note that most water lilies come in annual tropical or perennial hardy varieties. There are even night blooming varieties you can try. The tropical tend to do better in our Florida climate. Planting these tub gardens is easy. First tip is to place the container in its final destination. Once you fill it with water it will be hard to WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
relocate. Lilies, lotus and bog plants can be planted in plastic pots or clay pots. I like clay as they have more weight to them and can sit on the bottom of the tub easily. Place a piece of mesh or a coffee filter over any holes that might be in the bottom of the planting pots. I use soil from my yard and not a commercial potting mix. Potting mixes have additives that tend to float out and dirty the water. Ground soil is closer to the substance the plants would grow in in the wild. I plant the plants three quarters of the way full in the pot using ground soil and then top with a layer of sand. Finally, I gently place a layer of washed gravel or small garden stones around the top where the plant meets the soil. I then gently lower the potted plant into the tub so it gently absorbs the water and place it depending on growth pattern. Edge for bog, center for lilies and lotus. Floaters just need to be floated on the surface. Oxygenators can be weighted with a rubber band and stone to sit on the bottom of the tub under the surface. Sometimes you may need to use a brick or two to set the pots at the right heights. This depends on where you want the plant to visually come even with the water surface. That’s about all there is to creating your water garden. Most of the plants can be found seasonally at your big box stores or ordered online. PondPlantsOnline.com is a good source but there are many more. To keep them blooming you can purchase specifically made fertilizer tabs from the online sources. Your garden may require a clean out once a year. You’ll want to scoop leave debris out regularly. Plants may need to be divided and repotted. I’ve found that they reproduce readily so you may have plenty to share. The best place to situate them is in full sun for maximum bloom. Give it a try and cool off for the summer. Happy Gardening! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Business Up Front FLORIDA MINERAL, SALT & AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS: A Family Business Helping Agriculture Feed the Hungry
By Jim Frankowiak
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The Clark brothers – Mike, Steve and Greg – own and operate Florida Mineral, Salt & Agricultural Products, LLC (FMS), a company formed in 1991 that provides vitamins, minerals and protein for livestock in the Southeast and beyond via their own brand and private label initiatives for other companies.
mills and feed companies in Florida and throughout the Southeast. We recently entered into a new private label agreement that will take our products into states well beyond those we currently serve,” said Mike. FMS products are now available at mills, feed and hardware stores.
“Ours is a family business that can trace its beginnings to the summers my brothers and I spent on the farms of our grandparents, both on our mom (Lena) and dad’s (Carl) side of the family. After our father retired from the Air Force while at Mac Dill Air Force Base, his last post, he went to work for Purina Mills in Ybor City, and later managed the feed mill operations of Tampa Independent Dairy Farmers Association (aka TIDFA, and presently known as Southeast Milk Inc., aka SMI) for over 45 years,” said Mike Clark. “We know first-hand and appreciate the hard work of dairy farmers, cattle ranchers and farmers and we are committed to helping them produce the food that is vital to us all.”
With regard to continuing the legacy of FMS, Mike and his brothers have offered their children the opportunity to learn to work hard, “but the decision to join the business long term is up to our kids,” said Mike. “Presently my daughter Stefani assists us by managing our website, Facebook, Twitter accounts, and is instrumental in creating our advertising for this publication, as well as others. We also are fortunate to have friends of the family who share our commitment and work with us to carry on the business,” said Mike.
Mike and Greg were brokers and distributors for North American Salt (NAS), which owned Huco Minerals (where Steve worked for over 15 years) in the late 1980s. NAS decided to get out of the minerals business and emphasize the water softener salt and grocery salt side of their endeavor. “The mineral side of the business produced too much dust that covered the bagged grocery salt and they decided to get out of that business,” said Mike. The Clark’s bought the business from NAS and that marked the birth of Florida Mineral, Salt & Agricultural Products. FMS is located on the east side of Tampa on a three-acre site that had been the home of a Cargill Nutrena plant built in the late 1950s. In addition to nearby highway access to I-4 and I-275, the site has railroad link, though it is currently inactive. Mike serves as president and operations manager of FMS, Steve is general manager and secretary/treasurer, while Greg is sales manager and vice president. “As a family business, we all wear many hats and share multiple responsibilities,” said Mike. “When we were considering the purchase, our father was particularly helpful guiding us to the non-complete feed side of the business which he thought offered a better opportunity for us, and he was right,” said Mike. Other attractive aspects of the transaction were an existing customer base, plus the Clark Brother’s product knowledge and customer relationships.
FMS manufactures high quality vitamin, mineral and protein supplementation products for beef, dairy, equine and other livestock species. The company is Florida’s only manufacturer of pressed protein blocks and poured molasses blocks for livestock. FMS also offers livestock supplements in bulk, bagged and liquid form.
Though FMS began its operations with the benefit of an existing customer base, the brother’s hard work and commitment to their customers has helped to expand its distribution well beyond Central Florida to the balance of the state and others in the Southeast and Puerto Rico. “In addition, we manufacture private label products for WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The Clark brothers are active in industry associations. Mike is currently a vice president with the Florida Feed Association and Greg and Steve are both engaged with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Hillsborough Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “We also support the Florida State Fair, Florida Strawberry Festival, 4-H, FFA and several churches and their mission outreach efforts, both locally and internationally.” “We have also become involved with and support a program called, Drive to Feed Kids (www.drivetofeed.com), who’s motto is ‘Changing lives one meal at a time’ developed by Nutra Blend (one of our major suppliers) to help feed hungry people throughout the U.S. and in our local communities,” said Mike. “One aspect of the program involves the provision of backpacks with food items to feed needy children when they are not in school such as during the weekend. It’s really neat to be involved with industry people all working together to help those less fortunate. “There’s a lot of talk about various actions that must be taken to provide food for the world population that is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050. We have joined the ‘Enough’ movement at www.sensibletable.com to learn more about what can be done to have a food secure world. We would like to challenge others to go to the website to join the movement, too. Realistically, it is many companies like ours and the products we manufacture that are important to agriculture as it strives to meet the growing need for food,” said Mike. “That’s a responsibility we take seriously and work hard to meet.” For more information about Florida Mineral, Salt & Agricultural Products, visit: http://www.floridamineralonline.net. The Clark family would like to offer a special thank you to several valuable staff members, Dorothy Love & Norman Popp for 22 years of service, Frank Cisco for 12 years of service, Brent Butler for 5 years of service, Zach Rodgers for 2 years of service, as well as our sons, Matt (currently working), Stevie, Taylor, Colby, Austin, and Caleb. We would not be successful without our family, loyal employees and customers. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Keith & Heidi Ruzzo
Tampa Bay Fishing Report MAY 2014 The bait is finally showing up on the grass flats and that means one thing, we’re finally going to catch fish. So now it’s time to get that net out, get it repaired and get those net throwing muscles loosened up. Because unless you’re an artificial angler, you’ve got some work to do before you can catch a few fish.
MACKEREL and they should be in full swing this month. Good catches have already been reported, some ranging 3 to 4 lbs. Chum them up with some live threadfins or greenbacks, send one up current on a free-line with at least 50# leader and a long shank silver 2/0 hook and hold on to that rod and reel.
SNOOK are everywhere and like the last two months they continue to bite. A good tidal grass flat, mangrove shorelines, passes or cuts from upper Tampa Bay all the way to Sarasota will prove productive.
Also, remember when the mackerel show up so do the Sharks. So, if you like catching a few black tips they will be around your boat especially when the mackerel are feeding.
SPOTTED SEA TROUT should continue improving, especially as bait moves onto the flats. Look for lush grass flats with plenty of sandy potholes. These potholes should produce some good size fish using small popping corks or free lined. I’ve also found some really nice trout in deeper rocky bottom water. REDFISH should start settling in for the summer. Check your favorite oyster bars, cuts and broken bottom grass flats on the last of an outgoing tide and the first of an incoming. Don’t forget those large schools of mullet as Redfish feed right along with the big mullet and usually follow the larger schools. Use artificial lures, greenbacks and cut bait. COBIA should start crusing the sandy flats and markers looking for easy meals and they will eat just about anything tossed at them. They tend to follow large rays and manatees. Threadfin Herring throughout Tampa Bay means SPANISH 18 18
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TARPON are showing around the Skyway with a few on the beach. They should move inside during the summer around deeper flats. Expect plenty of activity by months end and on through the summer. Try free-lining some threadfins or greenbacks and small crabs.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years, he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com
or give him a call at 813-477-3814
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2% Farm and ranch families comprise just 2 percent of the U.S. population. Today’s farmers produce 262 percent more food with 2 percent fewer inputs (labor, seeds, feed, fertilizer, etc.), compared with 1950. Farmers and ranchers receive only 16 cents out of every dollar spent on food at home and away from home. The rest goes for costs beyond the farm gate: wages and materials for production, processing, marketing, transportation and distribution. In 1980, farmers and ranchers received 31 cents. Careful stewardship by farmers has spurred a nearly 50 percent decline in erosion of cropland by wind and water since 1982. More than half of America’s farmers intentionally provide habitat for wildlife. Deer, moose, fowl and other species have shown significant population increases for decades. Farmers, ranchers and other landowners have installed more than 2 million miles of conservation buffers under farm bill initiatives. Buffers improve soil, air and water quality; enhance wildlife habitat; and create scenic landscapes. Farmers have enrolled a total of 31 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program to protect the environment and provide habitat for wildlife. Since its inception in 1985, the program has helped reduce soil erosion by 622 million tons and restored more than 2 million acres of wetlands. In 2010, $115 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. www.fb.org
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Technology I have been into electronics most all my life. To the best of my memory it started when I was about 12 years old. I recall stringing a copper wire with a tin can on each end between our houses over to Pat Sweeney, my next door neighbor. We would talk to each other by speaking into the can. I don’t think it really worked, but we made a project out of it. The best thing that came from it was the birds would perch on it, and we would then make a list of all the different ones. Over the years everything has change in the electronic world of communication. I was discussing the change with a couple of old timers at the Sawmill Restaurant in Blairsville, Georgia recently. Rufus Jasper had just purchased his first cell phone, and was trying to get some help from Buster McCraw, who knew as much about the phone as Rufus. Buster said he heard where some construction men dug a trench that was 12 feet deep in Ellijay, a neighboring city, and found pieces of comer wire dating back almost a hundred years. He said they concluded that the city’s ancestors already had a telephone network back then. Gertrude the waitress overheard the story and said she had just read where some archaeologists dug to a depth of 50 feet on Brasstown Bald, and found traces of old copper wire. She said her family had lived in Brasstown forever, and she believes that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communication network at least 100 years earlier than the one in Ellijay. Bubba, sitting at the next table downing four scrambled eggs, six pieces of toast, and at least a pound of grits, along with who knows how much bacon, joined in and said he had just read an article in the newspaper where someone was digging a well in Sam Johnson’s pasture off Old Owltown road there in Blairsville, and found absolutely nothing down to a depth of 100 feet. Bubba said they concluded that 300 years ago, Blairsville had already gone wireless. I have had some interesting things happen to me over the past few years with my cell phone. I recall stopping at a rest stop on I-75 to use the rest room. I went to the men’s room. The first stall was taken so I went to the second one. As soon as I sat down I heard the voice in the next stall say, “Hi there, how is it going?” Well, I am not usually one to strike up a conversation while sitting on a commode at rest stop on I-75. I paused a moment and said, “I’m doing okay.” He replies, “So, what are you doing?” Now this is getting a bit weird, but I replied, “I’m headed back to Plant City, Florida…” Then I hear the person get a little upset, and he said, “Look let me call you back. Every time I ask you a question this screwball in the next stall keeps answering me.” Here’s how to tell if you are addicted to your cell phone. Do you use the menu light as your nightlight? When getting into a car accident, is your first response, “Can you wait a minute, I’m bleeding?” Does raising your children interfere with programming your cell phone? I read the other day where a woman was buried with a cell phone in her casket to keep her connected to the departed world. They said it was put on vibrate in order to not disturb others buried nearby with the ringing. I suppose next the phone companies will have no roll-over 22
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minutes, unlimited casket conference calling and hands free dialing. I can hear the conversation now, “I can’t hear you, my phone went dead. Call me back you’re breaking up, I think I am in a dead zone.” And for a Jay Leno moment, “no roaming charges.” Did you hear the story about the man frantically speaking into his cell phone: “My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!” “Is this her first child?” the doctor asked. “No, you idiot!” the man replied. “This is her husband!” I can’t verify this next story or not, but it all started with a phone call to the Florida Department of Agriculture. A farmer was told he could get paid for not raising hogs by the government. So he called the Dept. of Agriculture, and they suggested he write a letter and explain to them what he wanted. The letter read: My friends, Arnie and Jessica, over in Bartow, received a check the other day for $1,000 from the government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the “not raising hogs” business myself next year. What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best type of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all government policies. I would prefer not to raise Razor Back hogs, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I can just as easily not raise Yorkshires or Durocs. As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven’t raised. My friend Arnie is very excited about the future of this business. He has been raising hogs for 20 years and the most he ever made was $420 in 1978, until this year, when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs. If I can get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 “not raised” hogs, which will give me $80,000 income the first year. Then I can buy a real big boat and a cottage on Lake Marion. Now another thing: these hogs I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs I am not going to raise? I want to get started not feeding as soon as possible, as this seems to be a good time of the year to not raise hogs and grain. I am also considering the “not milking cows” business, so please send me any information on that also. In view of these circumstances, I understand that the government will consider me totally unemployed, so I plan to file for unemployment and food stamps as well. Be assured that you will have my vote in the coming elections. Thank you, Jack & Arlene PS: Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese? Until next month, remember to make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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GULF COAST RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER HOLDS ANNUAL RECOGNITION By Jim Frankowiak
Joyce Jones; shown here with Rudy Jones, her husband, Mrs. and Dr. Zhanao Deng and Dr. Craig Stanleyu The Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) held its 4th Annual Honors and Awards Event last month, recognizing faculty, staff and student members of the GCREC team at Wimauma and Plant City campuses. The day after the event, a member of the staff – Joyce Jones – took top University of Florida-wide honors with the Superior Accomplishment Award. GCREC nominations originate with colleagues at the center and are kept confidential until the annual award event, which included lunch at the center. Winners were announced by those who nominated them. “We were especially pleased with the large number of nominations this year,” said Center Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl. “Winners in each of the six categories were selected by a committee which had developed a specific point system to guide its deliberations.”
The 2014 winners were: OPS Employee of the Year – Heather Adkison, staff member in the Plant Pathology Laboratory of Dr. Gary Vallad TEAMS Non-Exempt Employee of the Year – Scott Hughes, also a member of Dr. Vallad’s Plant Pathology Laboratory
TEAMS Exempt Employee of the Year – Jeb Cofer, Farm Manager Undergraduate Student of the Year – Caitlyn Chandler, Plant City
Graduate Student of the Year – Zhe (Peter) Cao studying under Dr. Zhanao Deng, Environmental Horticulture Faculty Member of the Year – Dr. Gary Vallad, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology and Associate Center Director upon the August retirement of Dr. Craig Stanley
The GCREC OPS (Other Personnel Services) and TEAMS (Technical, Executive, Administrative, Management Services) Awards are designed to recognize employees who have gone above and beyond their required duties to serve the mission of the GCREC. This is typically manifest through excellence in customer service, time invested in Center committee activities, other service activities that benefit the Center, creation of novel techniques or equipment for research and actions. The Undergraduate Student Award recognizes academic achievement. Excellence in the classroom must be coupled with a strong record of extracurricular involvement, particularly in leadership roles and in service-oriented roles in the community. The Graduate Student Award recipient must have demonstrated academic achievement. Additionally, the nomination must describe the research capability of the nominee in terms of his or her proficiency in lab/field skills and demonstration of high-level research thinking and writing. The nomination was also elaborate on the areas of teamwork ability, ethics and integrity in research and service to the GCREC. The GCREC Faculty Award is designed to recognize a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the areas of service and education. Exemplary service activities are those that benefit the agricultural community, the university, the state, our nation and our world. Exemplary education is reflected by excellence and innovation in teaching, advising and extension activities. Each of the Center honorees received a gift bag which included a stadium jacket with the GCREC logo and Outstanding Award Recipient embroidery on the front along with other items. Jones, a Senior Agricultural Assistant to Dr. Deng, initially won the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)-level Superior Accomplishment Award earlier in April which included a $200 bonus. All of the winners in her IFAS category, Science/ Technical, then became eligible for the campus-wide honor. She was awarded a $2,000 bonus, tickets to an upcoming UF football game, which she will attend while dining and mingling with dignitaries in the UF President’s Box. The University-wide Superior Accomplish Award recognizes staff members who contribute outstanding and meritorious service, efficiency and/or economy, or to the quality of life provided to students and employees. Recognition by one’s peers is the highest point of achievement. Jones is the third GCREC employee to be awarded this prestigious honor. Kudos and thanks to these award winners from IN THE FIELD.
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GATORS GATHER AT PLANT CITY; UPDATED ON CALS’ OPPORTUNITIES New Dean Elaine Turner “Catches Up” By Jim Frankowiak
University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) alumni, students, prospective students, parents and friends gathered at the Trinkle Center on the Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College last month for an update on new programs and opportunities offered at CALS. The program emphasized CALS’ outstanding academic programs and student services including one-on-one advising for all 21 undergraduate majors, career and internship resources, and opportunities for professional development and leadership. The third largest college at UF, CALS is the fourth largest college of agriculture and related sciences in the United States and the only UF college to offer a formal upper-division Honors Program. Boasting an 11-to-1 student to faculty ratio, CALS also offers seven pre-health majors. Food Science and Human Nutrition Assistant Professor Wendy Dahl recounted a number of individual student stories which she termed “student reflections” that were of significance to both the students and her during their time at CALS. Among those reflections was “Justin, now at FSU medical school,” another student who is now studying veterinary medicine at UF and a first generation college student currently enrolled in dental school. “We take mentoring seriously,” said Dahl. “In order to prepare letters of recommendations for our students, we must get to know them so we can help them reach their dreams.” New CALS Dean Elaine Turner was also to speak at the Gator Gathering, but was unable to do so because of an unanticipated delay at an earlier function in Lakeland. Dean Turner asked that we share the following: “I’m so sorry to have missed the Gator Gathering in Plant City, it sounds like we had a great crowd! I really appreciate the efforts of Cathy Carr and her team in planning and organizing this event. As Cathy mentioned, I was presenting two scholarships at the Science and Engineering Fair of Florida awards ceremony in Lakeland, and we thought the timing would work for me to attend both events. But, it didn’t work out as we had hoped. Providing scholarship awards at the state science fair was a new initiative for us this year, we presented awards of merit at eight of the regional science fairs earlier this spring. Continuing to recruit outstanding students to our programs is one of our highest priorities and we want to make sure students who are interested in science and technology are aware of the opportunities we offer in CALS. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Another top priority for CALS is making sure our curricula remain relevant and timely – our newest major, Marine Sciences, which is offered in cooperation with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is growing well, and there also seems to be renewed interest in programs that address our natural resources and the environment. I’m pleased that you were able to hear from one of our outstanding teachers, Dr. Wendy Dahl, who will be recognized at our Scholarship and Leadership Awards Banquet this week as one of our Undergraduate Teachers of the Year. Dr. Dahl is not only engaging and innovative in the classroom, but she is also involved in addressing various aspects of students’ academic experience through scholarly inquiry. She also values making personal connections with students in order to help guide their path to success. Promoting excellence in teaching and advising has been a long-standing priority for CALS. Ultimately, our goal is student success – enabling all of our students to leave CALS and UF with the knowledge and skills they need for their next step in life – whether that step is further education or directly into a career. We want to make sure their experience inside and outside of the classroom provides the challenges and opportunities needed for success, including experiences in research, leadership, globalization and service. If you are an incoming CALS student, welcome to CALS! We look forward to connecting with you soon. If you are not quite ready for college, but are considering UF for the future, we hope you will take a good look at what CALS has to offer. To our current students who were in attendance, keep up the good work – just a few more weeks left in the semester. To our CALS alumni – thank you for your continued support of the college. I hope to connect with you at another event in the near future. And to the parents, family members and other friends who joined us in Plant City, thanks for your interest and support of our students. It’s Great to be a Florida Gator – especially in CALS!” For more information about the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, visit: www.cals.ufl.edu.
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America’s First Frontier
By Les McDowell
Photos by Linda Constant
Social Media at Dry Creek
friends and gossipping, terms were different though. If someone tagged someone, that meant they hit them. If someone Twittered it was because they had to much corn whiskey. All this thinking lead me to write a poem to put everything in perspective in this social media, computer age.
Cowboys and Computers Cowboys used computers way back before those fancy college boys. Take the term “floppy disc,” I pulled one behind my tractor for years. As a scene is playing out on the dusty streets of Dry Creek I get to thinking, cameras, lights, and giant reflectors are in place to harness and guild the light to a clothes line where a lady stands hanging up clothes. A familiar buzz brings my thoughts back to 2014, as I grab for my pocket. I might also add, the Dry Creeks sound man sitting behind his controls gives me a disgusted look. That look says, all phones are supposed to be off. I see I have a message and settle back down in my chair. As the director calls “Action”, I watch the scene before me being played out and I once again begin to think, long before your address had a @ in it, long before Facebook or computers, news traveled and traveled fast. At the Dry Creeks clothesline, where cameras are gathered and a boom mic hovers above our Gladys, the town gossip, she is (in todays vernacular) posting a comment. That comment will be shared by a passerby of her clothesline (her Friend) then make it’s way through town. Gladys is the pioneer in social media. It’s funny how computers and social media work hand in hand today to recreate a time in history so long ago.
If I had a “mouse” I’ll get a hungry cat. And I used a “cursor” that almost cost me a wife. Driving cattle down a rocky road now that’s a ”Hard Drive.” I’ve spend a lot of time “on line”....until I got that blamed hook out. I had a “megabyte” once down on Smith pond. I used a “ram” when I needed baby sheep. I had a bunch of “windows” the problem was my neighbors could tell how much beer I drank. So you fancy college boys don’t throw your fancy computer terms my way..... Unless you want to get reprogrammed the COWBOY WAY! Buzz, Buzz! My pocket is vibrating again. I grab my phone and look at the screen. It’s a message from craft services saying, “disregard my last message, lunch was ready” Gladys already told everyone. Boy the old way was fast! Only in Dry Creek. Everybody knows where Dry Creek is.....cause it’s inside each and everyone of us.
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Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM: Dollar Smart and Water Wise Saturday, June 28, 2014, Hillsborough County Extension Service Lynn Barber, IF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Our response to a very similar educational event in February 2014 was so great, we are holding it again with some changes. For those of you that don’t know, FFL 101 is an annual (semi-annual this year) function dealing with many of the principles of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM program. UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County agents and staff will be presenting. There will be five timely topics to choose from. All presentations will be available on our website after the event and will be on flash drives distributed one per household. The presentation topics include: Water-Wise Plants; Succulents and Cacti; 9 Steps to Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM; Microirrigation Workshop and Recycle Your Yard. FFL 101 will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County from 9 am – 12 pm on Saturday, June 28, 2014. The event is free, as is the parking. You will be able to speak with UF/IFAS Extension professionals about your Florida-Friendly Landscape and participate in docent tours of the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden and our perennial garden. There is easy online registration! http://dollarsmartandwaterwise.eventbrite.com. By attending FFL 101: Dollar-Smart and Water-Wise, you will learn simple and affordable ways to practice Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM principles in your landscape. You will receive several handouts, and there will be drawings at the wrap-up session for many, many prizes. We hope you will be able to join us and learn more about plant selection and placement, microirrigation, how to recycle your yard and much more. Anne King has attended several FFL 101’s in the past and said, “These are ‘do not miss’ events! I have learned so much and put that knowledge into practice in my landscape. The information is priceless. Sign me up for the next 20 years!” For assistance with horticultural questions, call: 813-744-5519 or visit us at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. More gardening information is available at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu and http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Remember to reuse, reduce and recycle. 28 28
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CANTALOUPE SAFETY UPDATE® By Jim Frankowiak
The cantaloupe industry and its regulatory and educational partners have and continue to work hard to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks such as the two that occurred in 2011 in Colorado and 2012 in Indiana. This team effort has worked particularly well in Florida where no incidents have been reported and random regulatory inspections have found no issues related to either the production or handling of cantaloupe in the Sunshine State. Regardless, this broad-based team continues its vigilance and seeks further process enhancements going forward, all fostering consumer safety and protection as related to the consumption of canaloupes. That was the essence of the messaging shared at a recent Food Safety Update for Cantaloupe Growers held at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. The meeting, the third of its type held since the outbreaks of 2011 and 2012, brought together experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), academia and Extension offices in Hillsborough and Manatee counties plus added support from the Florida Food and Vegetable Association. The meeting attracted grower and packinghouse representatives from across Florida. The session began with updates from FDA Produce Safety staffers Drs. Annemarie Buchholz and Michael Mahovic with a progress report on the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010, legislation signed into law by President Obama in early 2011. That act aims to ensure the U.S. food supply is safe by shifting the focus of federal regulators from responding to contamination to preventing it. The agency is seeking comment and input on the scope and substance of the proposed legislation before it is finalized. More information is available at http://www.regulations.gov. Dr. Mahovic than reviewed the findings and select recommendations which came as a result of an Environmental Assessment conducted at the Indiana farm where the 2012 incident originated. Additional FDA response to the outbreaks included unannounced visits to cantaloupe packing houses in 2013 in the U.S. to assess current practices, identify unsanitary conditions that “may affect the safety of cantaloupe destined for distribution to consumers,” the agency said in a letter to the industry. Inspections were conducted at cantaloupe packing houses in at least eight states, including Florida. “Florida packing houses did well during these 2013 FDA inspections with no adverse findings,” said Dr. Michelle Danyluk of the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Citrus Research and Education Center. “While there were no incidents reported, the visits indicated the need for better written Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures for all equipment and facilities, as 32
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well as improved recordkeeping.” Those inspections also determined that the cantaloupe industry in Florida was well aware of the incidents of outbreaks in other states “and had made adjustments to address the risks at their operations.” That awareness and industry response attests to the effectiveness of Extension outreach in Florida and the dedication of the industry to food safety. Dr. Keith Schneider with the University of Florida Food Science and Human Nutrition offered guidance to attendees on the preparation of Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) in a fashion that enables employees to perform the tasks correctly without any additional instruction, while showing an auditor precisely how the task is performed. His presentation included samples of effective SSOPs. The establishment of record-keeping and documentation procedures was also presented by Dr. Schneider. His comments covered the requirements of records, supporting documents, retention requirements, the proper way to correct and/or amend records and the overall admonition to make records as clear and as straightforward as possible. Western Research Update on Control of Human Pathogens on Melons was presented by Dr. Trevor Suslow of the Department of Plant Sciences, University of California – Davis. His remarks were followed by Dr. Bledar Bisha of the University of Wyoming who reviewed the scope and findings of a study entitled, Control of the Microbial Quality of Cantaloupes Via Employment of a Processing Line Incorporating Chlorine Dioxide as an Intervention Step, where they evaluated a packinghouse in Colorado, Dr. Jeffrey LeJeune with the Food Animal Health Research Program at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center reviewed the findings of his study “Can we Control Listeria and other Pathogens in the Field?” Foodborne bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, though typically occurring at a low rate annually, is susceptible to high risk populations such as pregnant women, those over age 60, newborns, infants and the immunocompromised. The result among these populations may result in meningitis, stillbirth, miscarriage, septicaemia, endocarditis and pneumonia. The meeting concluded with “Cantaloupe Guidance Updates: National, Eastern and FSMA” presented jointly by Martha Roberts of the University of Florida and Alicia Whidden, Hillsborough County Extension, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Copies of all Cantaloupe Safety Update presentations can be viewed and/or downloaded at fshn.ifas.ufl.edu/Food-Safety/. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
EPA SEEKS COMMENTS FOR PROPOSED CHANGES TO AGRICULTURAL WORKER PROTECTION STANDARD
Deadline June 17®
By Jim Frankowiak
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to hear from the agricultural community regarding recently proposed changes to its Worker Protection Standard (WPS). To that end, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hosted a meeting last month with growers and grower organizations to permit EPA to better inform the grower community on the proposed changes and how best to comment. The session was held at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), Lake Alfred, FL and included interactive engagement with several other sites across the state. Another session is slated to take place from 10 am to noon, May 16 at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, 2725 South Binion Road, Apopka, FL. Richard Pont with EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs represented the agency and provided an overview of the changes, answered questions posed at Lake Alfred and from other state locations and offered guidance for commenting on the proposed changes by the June 17, 2014 deadline. Pont noted the WPS was established in 1992 “to provide workplace protections for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers to prevent or reduce occupational pesticide exposure and incidents and/or illnesses.” The standard is applicable to agricultural establishments that include farms, nurseries, greenhouses and forest operations. The reasons for the proposed rule change, according to Pont, are “to reduce occupational pesticide exposure and incidents, improve clarity of the rule to increase compliance and to provide better enforcement tools.” The proposed rule change covers training, notification, hazard communication, minimum age, personal protective equipment (PPE), entrance to restricted areas, decontamination, emergency assistance, requirements during application and revised definitions.
Proposed changes to training include annual training, expansion of training content, reduction of the “grace period” for training and recordkeeping of training for two years. Additionally, employers would be required to provide a training record copy to employees, worker trainers must complete an EPA-approved training program. With respect to notification, treated areas would have to be posted when restricted-entry interval (REI) is greater than 48 hours. Also, early-entry workers would have to have oral notification that includes information about the pesticide application, specific task to be performed and the amount of time that the worker is allowed to remain in the treated area. Notification records must also be kept. Changes to hazard communication include removal of the requirement to post application-specific information at a central display, while making application-specific information, labeling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available and records related thereto kept for two years. “Currently, there is no age restriction for either pesticide handlers or early entry workers entering during REI, but under the new rule they would be required by be at least 16-years-old. The minimum age would not apply under the exemption for owners and the owner’s immediately family,” said Pont. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for respiratory protection would be subject to similar standards adopted under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for respirators that covers a fit test, medical evaluation and respirator training with the addition of a requirement for recordkeeping of the respirator program. There would also be specific requirements for closed WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
systems based on the existing California standard, but not establishment or a requirement to use a closed system. “Currently, workers and others are prohibited from being in areas adjacent to treated areas (i.e., entry-restricted areas) during pesticide application, but this only applies to nurseries and greenhouses,” said Pont. “Under the proposal, similar entry-restricted areas would be established for farms and forests during pesticide applications, using the same criteria for nurseries. Further, WPS entry-restricted areas would be limited by the boundary of the establishment owner’s property.” The proposed changes would stipulate minimum amounts of water required for decontamination use by workers, handlers and early-entry personnel (one-gallon per worker and three-gallons per handler/ early-entry worker). Additionally, running water would be required at permanent mix/load sites for handler eye flushing. Emergency Assistance transportation to an emergency medical facility for workers or handlers who may have been exposed to pesticides must take place within 30-minutes of learning of the exposure under the proposed standard change. In addition, employers would be required to provide the product’s SDS, labeling and specific information about the product, as well as the circumstances of the application and exposure to either the exposed person or to medical personnel providing treatment. Application requirements that would change include “immediate cessation or suspension” by the handler or applicator if any person other than a trained/equipped handler enters the entryrestricted area, while continuing to prohibit application of a pesticide in a manner that results in contact. “There are additional changes to WPS definitions,” said Pont. “Key among them is the expanded definition of immediate family and the number of farms eligible for the owner and immediate family exemption. The handler definition changed to clarify the range of tasks that constitute handler activities.” The proposal also adds the definition of authorized representative, closed system, commercial pesticide handler employer, commercial production, employ, enclose cab, enclosed space production, entry-restricted area, forest operation, labor contractor, outdoor production, personal protective equipment, safe data sheet use and worker housing area. The cost the proposal is expected to range annually from $61.9 $72.4-million. “That is from $25 - $30 per employee or approximately $400 for large farms and $150 for small farms,” said Pont. “These changes are projected to reduce an estimated 50 – 60 percent of incidents each year that would prevent acute agricultural worker illnesses that cost from $10-$14 million during that same time period.” Comments on the proposed WPS changes must be postmarked by June 17 of this year. Pont offered two resources for developing effective comments: http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html#tips and http://www.regulations.gov/docs/Tips For Submitting Effective Comments.pdf Those comments must be submitted to http://www.regulations.gov and identified by docket number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0184. Additional information on the proposal is available at www.epa.gov/pesticides/ . Washington State University – Extension has developed a matrix that compares the proposed revision with the existing rule. That comparison is available is available at http://pep.wsu.edu under the heading: News & Updates.
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Care Packages for Our Troops by: Clay Joyner
The Strawberry Crest FFA Chapter sent out hope to our troops overseas. This year students came together to create shoeboxes of supplies donated by students, families and community. The FFA members bagged care packages with things like snacks and personal care items to send to our military personnel deployed around the world. Some items included toothpaste, toothbrushes, sausages, as well as other necessities. In January, Army 1st Sergeant William Riley was a guest speaker at the FFA club meeting. He spoke to the students about what the care packages mean to military who is serving overseas and away from their families. In February during National FFA Week on club day, gallon Ziploc bags were packed and prepared hoping to send some cheer to those who are making the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country. The entire FFA chapter help assemble the baggies along with State FFA Secretary Wally Martin and State Area IV State Vice President Brett Wasden joined in with the community service project. During the Christmas holiday season, students created and wrote holiday cards with special notes of encouragement. As a chapter, they hoped to send a little kindness and well wishes to show how very much we appreciate our troops.
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Florida
Fava Beans
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Fresh Florida fava beans are as delicious as they are nutritious. Also known as broad beans, Windsor beans, horse beans, English beans, and field beans, fava beans are harvested between January and June in Florida. The plump green pods resemble a large green bean, but with flatter, larger beans inside the pod. Each pod contains four to eight light green seeds. Their flavor ranges from sweet to bitter, and is smoother, sweeter, and richer than most other beans. While popular in Europe and the Mediterranean, fava beans are becoming more popular in the United States as well. High in protein, this legume can be eaten raw or cooked and is easy to incorporate into any meal. NUTRITION PROFILE Rich in fiber, nutrients, and protein, fava beans are bursting with nutrition. Naturally free of cholesterol and saturated fat, and low in calories and fat, these legumes are a fantastic vegetarian source of lean protein. Fava beans are very high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamins A and C, the B vitamins, and folate, iron, and phosphorus. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of boiled fava beans (170 g) contains 177 calories, 13 g protein, 1 g fat, 33 g carbohydrate, and 9 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 44% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for folate, 37% for dietary fiber, 36% for manganese, 23% for protein, 22% for copper, 21% for phosphorus, 18% for magnesium, 14% for iron, 13% for potassium, 11% for zinc and thiamin, and plentiful amounts of other valuable nutrients, such as riboflavin, calcium, niacin, vitamin K, and selenium. Folate: Essential vitamin at any age Florida fava beans are a great source of the B vitamin folate, a vitamin that can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects) in the fetus. Pregnant women should consume a diet high in folate, and eating fava beans and other legumes, vegetables, and fruits every day can help. Folate is also essential for growth and development, and plays a key role in DNA formation. Its heart-healthy benefits come from its ability to lower homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood that is correlated with heart disease. Additionally, low levels of folate have been linked with low energy levels, depression and even memory impairments. So it’s an essential vitamin for everyone, in addition to its significant importance for the developing fetus. A one cup serving of fava beans provides almost half of your daily folate requirements. Thiamin: For Good Memory Fava beans are a good source of thiamin, also known as vitamin B1. One cup provides 11% of your daily requirement for this B vitamin. This nutrient is involved in enzymatic reactions relating to energy production and is also essential for cognitive function. Thiamin is required for the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for memory. Protein: For many cellular functions Protein is the second most abundant substance in the body, after water, and plays an important role on many levels. Adequate protein intake is not typically a concern in the Western diet, but an emphasis on plant-based rather than meat-based proteins is associated with WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
better health and decreased incidence of certain cancers. Fava beans are an excellent source of protein. A one cup serving provides almost a quarter of your daily needs. Many important components of the body are comprised of protein, including antibodies that fight infection, hormones that control a variety of physiologic functions, and enzymes that increase the rate of chemical reactions in the body. Protein is also a major source of energy and required for the maintenance and repair of tissues. Fiber: For regularity and heart health Florida fava beans are high in both insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber is important in regulating a healthy digestive tract and preventing constipation or diarrhea. Soluble fiber is especially important in its cholesterol reducing abilities, especially that of low density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” type. Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases, by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. As with many other legumes, fava beans contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help with weight loss by helping you stay full with very few calories. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas. A one cup serving of fava beans provides over one third of your daily fiber requirement. How to Select and Store Choose fava beans with fresh, firm, green pods. The smaller beans are younger and more tender. They are best eaten right away, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Fava beans can also be dried, frozen, or canned. Dried beans can be stored for up to one year in a cool place, such as a cabinet. How to Enjoy Young fava beans can be eaten raw or cooked with the pod, or the beans can be popped out of the pod and eaten out-of-hand. Surrounding each bean is a whitish to light green shell that some cooks remove before use, though this step is not necessary. • Combine fresh fava beans with Pecorino cheese and salami • Boil fava beans then blend into a dip with spices and yogurt • Cook beans with onion and tomato sauce • Use in place of chickpeas in hummus • Mix into a pasta dish with olive oil and other vegetables • Sautee whole pods in olive oil for a crunchy, savory snack • Serve cooked fava beans alongside braised or roasted chicken • Braise with pancetta or bacon and onions • Toss cooked fava beans into any vegetable salad for a protein boost • Add cooked fava beans to chili, chowder, or any soup Enjoy delicious Florida fava beans in their peak season today. Add delicious flavor and extra protein and fiber to any dish, dip, or stew. SELECTED REFERENCES http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/fava-beans-nutritionselection-storage http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv017 http://www.florida-agriculture.com
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B
Where have the
utterfies gone?
Schaus Swallowtails By: Ginny Mink
Photo credit should be: Larry Reeves, University of Florida These are images from Elliott Key, Biscayne National Park from our 2013 Schaus surveys. Individuals were temporarily captured, marked and released unharmed.
As little children we view life with fanciful imagery flitting around in our childish imaginations. We believe in things that are wholly impossible, like egg delivering rabbits, fat men that come down chimneys (even when we don’t have them) and fairy women that have a repulsive infatuation with dead teeth. Indeed, it is those fairies that flit around the most, particularly in the dreams of little girls. Of course, when we consider the probability of such ridiculousness we have to laugh at our own naiveté. However, I’m forced to wonder if perhaps there is some value in sweet fluttery wings. Certainly they’re not attached to humanoid beings, but what is better than butterfly kisses? How sad a world this would be without the decadent beauty, the immeasurable grace and humble agility found in butterflies! It is ever so important that we educate ourselves on those species that are on the endangered lists; butterflies, absolutely, but other creatures and vegetation as well. Thusly, as we begin our series on endangered Florida species we introduce to you the Schaus Swallowtail butterfly. This particular butterfly is super cool as it can stop mid-air and fly 38
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backwards so that its enemies come up empty. Since the adults only live for a month, it’s imperative that we get their numbers up. In 2012, according to Jaret Daniels, PhD, monitors only located four adults in their natural habitats. He shared the fact that these extremely endangered creatures only reproduce once a year, during the rainy season. So, he said, when they have one or two bad years it drastically affects their progeny. The Schaus Swallowtail is known to only live in the Florida Keys (particularly on small islands in Biscayne National Park and on northern Key Largo – though they haven’t been seen there in years). The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says, “To avoid extinction, this species needs to start repopulating other suitable habitats from Biscayne Bay to Matecumbe Key.” Ricardo Zambrano, a biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), is working on monitoring the butterflies. He shared that the FWC is working in conjunction with the University of Florida (UF) and the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). They are collaborating on population WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
increase methodologies, not to mention funding. Jaret Daniels, an entomology professor at UF is spearheading the actual breeding facilities. Perhaps you wonder, like I did, what it means to monitor a butterfly. I had visions of little tracking devices, like ankle cuffs, though that seemed terrifically far-fetched to me. Thankfully, Ricardo clarified that it’s based more on observation of the butterflies in their primary habitats. He said they live in tropical hardwood hammocks and that due to the density of the vegetation it isn’t always easy to view the butterflies. However, when trying to replenish an endangered population, not only must you observe and record, you have to capture and release. Initially, these butterflies are contained by licensed individuals, onsite. Later a few of them are transferred to the UF facility where they are given a nice netted structure and a host plant. That plant is designed to instigate egg laying. So far this process has been going well.
serious public attention. Like most animals and vegetation on these lists, even with proper restoration techniques the use of pesticides, insecticides, habitat destruction and natural disasters have devastating consequences.
Dr. Daniels shared the fact that they now have several adult Schaus Swallowtails in captivity and that they also have several hundred green eggs (which females lay, individually, on wild lime and sea torchwood leaves). That’s a huge difference given the starting number of 4 in the wild. There are definitive plans to release the adults born in captivity sometime in the very near future. Unfortunately, like Dr. Daniels said, no one really knows the potential for success. It’s like releasing them into a box of uncertainty due to the relative unavailability of causality information. It’s hard to know what is triggering problems for this rare butterfly. Without that knowledge, all that researchers, environmentalists, biologists and enthusiasts can do, is hope and pray.
If you’d like to read more about the Schaus Swallowtail butterfly check out these sites: http://butterflyrecovery.org/species_profiles/schaus-swallowtail-butterfly/ http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/invertebrates/ schaus-swallowtail-butterfly/ http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/schaus_swallowtail.htm http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wildlife/endangeredschaus-swallowtail-butterfly-may-be-all-but-gone/1248986
Perhaps we should ask ourselves, “…are butterflies just a trifle, whose loss will be passionately felt by a small number of people but which will not have any real negative effects upon future generations?” (Glassberg, J. – American Butterfly Fall 2010). If they are more than that, a significant part of the ecosystem that deserves the right to maintain its existence, then we owe it to these tiny winged, delicate and dainty creatures to rectify our wrongs and protect them where and when we can. Besides, butterflies are gorgeous and all little girls love them (mine specifically). Do we want to allow that joy, that wonder, to diminish and ultimately disappear because we’re too busy building townhouses, condos and strip-malls? Really?
According to Ricardo Zambrano, butterfly watching has been on the rise in the last few years. In fact, it may, in the very near future surpass ornithology (the study of birds: bird-watching). Thusly, if you are planning on delving into the butterfly watching sphere you might want to be on the lookout for the Schaus Swallowtail. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service it has, “black-brown wings with yellow markings and a broad rusty patch underneath the hind wing.” The adults and their caterpillar offspring eat the nectar and leaves (respectively) of torchwood trees. While this species has been on the endangered list for the last 20 years or so, it has recently gained some WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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The work we do at Mosaic is critical to helping feed the world. We provide farmers with phosphate crop nutrients that enable them to produce more food on less land.
IMAGINE A WORLD WITH HALF AS MUCH FOOD. Without crop nutrients, that would be our reality.
Essential crop nutrients — like phosphate mined and manufactured in Florida — are responsible for 40-60 percent of the crop yields farmers produce worldwide.* That translates into more abundant and affordable food here at home. As our world keeps growing, Mosaic keeps working to help put food on the table, for all of us.
We help the world grow the food it needs. ®
mosaicco.com/florida *
Source: Agronomy Journal
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What’ll They Think of Next By Ginny Mink
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Aerial intrusions, hackers, identity theft, satellite spying, GPS, and unmanned drones, for some of us this sounds like the makings of a great James Bond movie, or else some other sci-fi, futuristic nonsense. Of course, if you are even the slightest bit tech savvy you are very aware of the reality of Big Brother’s far-reaching influence. No doubt you have heard a lot of negative hype about the concept of unmanned, radio controlled airplanes flying around taking pictures of you without your knowledge or consent. It’s the new photographic spy system many are utilizing and people are certainly disturbed by the possibilities therein. However, like various things in life, negativity has a tendency to disguise positive value. Thusly, let us introduce you to the positive side of fixed wing drones, or as designers are preferring to call them, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). They are making some significant gains in the agricultural realm! There are a number of UAVs available on the market, quad--copters and hex-copters are the ones most people are familiar with. However these particular models use up a lot of battery in a short amount of time. That’s why the newest UAV member, the fixed-wing version, is getting a lot of attention. Apparently it can run for up to an hour on a single charge. Sixty minutes will allow it to cover a lot of ground while following GPS waypoints with great accuracy. In addition, the aerial photography it is capable of providing you with is comparable to those that you are seeing from satellite imagery and helicopter flyovers, think Google Maps and Google Earth - except these pictures will be taken by you as you fly your UAV over your pastures, groves and farmland. Sound a little Jetson-esque? I suppose a large portion of you are wondering why on earth you’d want to do that, so I’ll tell you. These amazing technological innovations will assist you in spotting crop diseases and pests. They could very well enable you to spot spray problematic areas and they will certainly empower you to create 3D maps of your farmland. I was never much into geography but I always loved topographical maps, I loved the way they rose and fell, the way you could really understand the layout of the land. That’s what 3D maps will do for you, of course you’ll only get the visual feel, but it’s better than a flat picture! Imagine being able to pinpoint a weedy area, or a section of land that seems to be under-the-weather, analyzing soil conditions and counting crops. Some of you have very large pieces of property and these UAVs can cover big spaces in an hour, way more than you can, and they’ve got a bird’s eye view! With these eyes in the sky you can save money by only adding necessary pesticides, fertilizers and nutrients. Hyperspectral cameras will, in the future, allow you to see specific types of vegetation due to the light spectrums that bounce back (I know it seems far-fetched; I told you this was a little sci-fi). Imagine being able to see what weeds are trying to join your wheat and then being able to specifically target 46
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them from above! There are insane applications here and thusly, it’s something to get excited about. Other countries are already utilizing this impressive technology and developers here are calling them “personal farming implements,” however due to FAA rules, there are definitely restrictions. The good news is that the FAA is set to present some new regulations in 2015 that should include UAV’s in air-space guidelines. These little airplanes are big helps and farmers should be able to utilize them over their own fields (after all, the military is using them on a regular basis…). This is an incredible piece of equipment that can fit in a small suitcase and be controlled via laptop or tablet, from up to four miles away! Can you see that far? While we want to present to you the sheer awesomeness that these have the potential to be, we also don’t want to fool you into thinking this is going to be like driving the radio-control big foot trucks you played with as kids. No, there’s a rather large learning curve, obviously you have to learn to fly! But also, in order to utilize the amazing photographic capabilities, there are programs that have to be put into place and learned. The 3D AERO, a newish fixed-wing UAV costs $1350, it’s cheaper than a tractor, but it can’t mow your fields. In addition, the programs and software you’ll have to learn are provided for free but we doubt they are anything simplistic. Indeed, the greatest ordeal will be learning how to use everything. These lovely creations are still in the developmental process and truth be told, the prices range from $500 to $100,000. Certainly you’re only going to get your money’s worth if you actually utilize their capabilities, understand that UAVs, like all technology will always be improved upon and redesigned. Think about what computers used to look like as you walk around with your smart phone with its word processor app. Never in a million years would we have dreamed those up, neither would farmers consider a wee-plane flying around spot spraying aphids, or helping count the strawberries in row 240. Yet, here we are, 2014, and there are actually UAVs out there capable of so doing. What’ll they think of next? If you’d like to read more about UAVs check out some sites we utilized for this article: http://www.farm-equipment.com/pages/Spre/PFD-Featured-ArticleDrones-Could-Change-Face-of-No-Tilling-May-23,-2013.php http://agroinnovations.com/blog/2014/03/21/farm-hack-fixed-wingdrones-for-farm-monitoring/ http://www.agriculture.com/news/technology/trimble-rolls-out-cropscouting-drone_6-ar41300 http://www.futuristspeaker.com/2013/08/agriculture-the-new-gameof-drones/ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Shrimp Skulls and E.coli. By Ginny Mink
What?
There are just a few things that are definitively disallowed as topics for discussion at the dinner table. I have friends that are nurses and so they have, on occasion, violated those rules with abandon. However, there remains the certainty that I will get quite irate if they cross the line and discuss vomit while I am attempting to put anything in my mouth for sustenance purposes (Mt. Dew not included). That said, I also don’t really want to hear about diarrhea or anything that might lead to it. Thusly, I wanted to warn you prior to reading this article that we will be discussing a diarrhea and vomit inducing nasty- better known as E. coli.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, I’m not sure what happens to the P in the acronym) Escherichia coli (E. coli) is actually not problematic in all instances. Apparently there are a number of E. coli bacteria that are typically found in animal and human intestines and they’re helpful! There are, of course, those strains that are harmful (sometimes even deadly). The main culprit is labeled STEC (shiga toxin-producing E. coli) and it’s the one you hear about the most. There are a couple of forms of STEC but the one we see in greatest proportions in the US is designated: E. coli O157:H7. Sometimes they shorten it to: E. coli O157 or simply O157. E. coli O157 was first identified as a disease causing agent in 1982 due to investigations into an outbreak of stomach troubles (namely diarrhea and vomiting– I warned you). This heinous entity can infect anyone, but children and the elderly are at a higher risk. Thankfully, most people are better within a week, though who wants to spend a week in the loo? Sadly, there are people who get far worse infections and these can be life-threatening. Symptoms are usually slow to develop with a typical incubation period of 3-4 days; however, you could get hit with it in as little as 1 day, or in as many as 10 days, after exposure. STEC hangs out in the belly of cud-chewing, four-compartmentstomached animals like antelopes, deer, goats and cattle. In fact, the main source for human exposure and infection is cattle even though the STEC that attack us don’t typically make other animals sick. The methods of exposure are so repulsive I hate to have to share them with you but suffice it to say, it’s when we ingest tee-tiny pieces of poop via contaminated meat or vegetable products. I told you it was gag-tastic. So now that I have sufficiently got your gut flip-flopping, I’d like to share with you the possibility for light at the end of the drain (I mean tunnel). There have been multiple studies published on this topic, namely how to reduce E. coli in cattle. This is due to the fact that Americans consume 200 pounds of meat, poultry and fish per capita each year, half of which is beef! If beef is potentially a disease carrying entity then certainly we should be working to discover safer methods of production. In 1998 an interesting piece of cattle raising methodology was brought to the forefront when Cornell University researchers discovered that grain increased the acidity in a cow’s colon thereby augmenting E. coli acid resistance. That might not sound like a big deal but if E. coli can resist acid, it can live in a human’s stomach WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
and intestinal region as the acids there will be ineffective at eliminating it. What to do? Well, in the 1998 study it was recommended that cattle producers feed their animals hay and fresh grass for the last five days prior to slaughter. The reason? Grain fed cattle demonstrated a growth of about 100 million E. coli cells, a million of which were acid resistant. However, according to their research, when the cattle ate only hay for the last five days of life there were only about 10,000 E. coli cells and next to none of them had the ability to become acid resistant. Of course, there are only a small percentage of cattle that carry the deadly E. coli strain people are concerned with, but since they all go to the slaughter house there’s no way of knowing which one is the malefactor More recently a study done at the University of Florida (UF) on cow uterine diseases may have added clues to potentially improving food safety. The crazy thing is that it’s based on chitosan, a sugar taken from the tough exoskeleton of shellfish: lobster, shrimp and crab. It’s excreted by these animals and is a fibrous substance that’s had its share of fame. Some claim it’s useful for obesity, high cholesterol, Crohn’s disease, kidney failure, anemia, insomnia, periodontitis and even aiding donor tissue in surgery. Certainly not all of these claims are backed by research according to WebMD. So, how’s it helping cows and preventing E. coli? According to UF researchers (Jeon, S., Oh, M., Yeo, W., Galvão, K.N., Jeong, K.C. – 2014) the chitosan microparticles killed bacteria in the cattle uteri and therefore it may have the capability of doing the same with the E. coli bacteria that have plagued beef loving Americans for over thirty years (remember it was identified in 1982). In fact, another study led by Dr. Jeong, when he was at the University of Wisconsin, showed that the addition of chitosan microparticles had a direct correlation to the “pronounced decrease in the shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle” (Jeong, K., Kang, M., Kang, J., Baumler, D. and Kaspar, C. – 2011). Perhaps it was the discovery that chitosan microparticles connected and killed E. coli in vitro that spurred the UF researchers to test whether the same would happen in vitro in cows with uterine disease. His co-researcher, Klibs Galvão, told us that E. coli can give calves diarrhea, too. E. coli is bad news and has a wide reach. The most recent episode was in 2010. In that outbreak 21 people across 16 states became quite ill. One of the victims was a Floridian. When we allow bacteria to become resistant then we enable them to do us great harm. In fact, over twenty thousand people die in the US each year due to diseases that don’t respond to our current antibiotics. We have to find other ways of eliminating and containing them. Perhaps shrimp skulls (an oversimplified and humorous summation) will straighten things up? For now though, tons more research is needed and thankfully we have UF and Cornell researchers on the job!
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RecipeS Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Sweet Corn with Southern Barbecue Butter DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven broiler on high. In small saucepan over low heat, combine barbecue sauce and butter until melted and smooth.
2. Place sweet corn in a medium-sized baking dish and pour barbecue mixture over sweet corn. Broil sweet corn, 4 inches from broiler, being sure to watch the whole time.
3. Turn and baste the sweet corn until golden. Serve warm
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
1/4 cup your favorite barbecue sauce 1/4 stick butter 4 ears fresh Florida sweet corn, shucked kosher salt to taste fresh ground pepper to taste
Sweet Corn & Black Bean Enchiladas 1.
1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 cup fresh corn kernels 2 bell peppers, diced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 cup salsa, your favorite kind 1 can low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained 10 (6-inch) corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided 1 can enchilada sauce 1 tablespoon vegetable oil pan-release cooking spray kosher salt to taste freshly ground pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray an 11x7-inch (2-quart) baking dish with pan-release cooking spray. Add vegetable oil to a medium pan. Cook onion, corn and bell peppers over medium high heat for 3 minutes. Add cumin, salsa and black beans and continue to cook for two awith salt and pepper to taste. Remove pan from heat and let cool slightly.
an even amount of the filling mixture in each of the 10 tortillas. Using 1 cup of shredded cheese, 2. Place evenly distribute it on top of each of the 10 tortillas. Carefully roll up each stuffed tortilla, and place them seam side down in the sprayed baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas, spreading to coat all tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly around edges. Remove enchiladas from oven and let cool slightly. Serve enchiladas with diced Florida avocado, salsa and sour cream
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Honey
Bee
Swarms By Nancy Ham, Hillsborough County Master Gardener/IFAS Advanced Beekeeper and Nicole Pinson, Urban Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
During Florida’s spring and early summer, homeowners may experience a fascinating phenomenon that can intrigue or alarm them. They may suddenly notice a large cluster of insects in a tree or object near their home that was not in this location earlier. Upon further investigation, they may discover the insects are honey bees, present in large clusters called swarms. Why do bees swarm? Honey bees are social insects that live in colonies of up to or more than 80,000 individuals. Within their colonies, the queen lays over 1,000 eggs each day during spring, which allows the colony to dramatically increase in size. The colony therefore is a society made up of thousands of individuals, of which each has a role and function. However, the colony is more than just a collection of thousands of individuals. It is also a single entity that acts as a whole for the survival of the colony. This is called a superorganism. One of the functions of a superorganism is reproduction, and the colony reproduces by swarming and establishing a new colony separate from the parent colony. What is a swarm? When the colony prepares to swarm, the workers within the colony select several fertilized eggs, and feed these larvae a special diet to create new queens. They usually create multiple new queens to ensure the survival of the parent colony. The older worker bees leave with the old queen and leave behind the younger nurse bees to care for the brood and the new queen. At the right moment, the old queen and the older workers exit the parent colony in a large mass. They usually do not fly long 52
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distances, and will land on a structure a short distance from their parent colony. This is the cluster of bees that suddenly appears in the homeowner’s yard. While the swarm is hanging out at their first landing area, scout bees fly in all directions looking for suitable locations to establish a permanent home. This process can take only a few hours or can last a few days. The entire swarm will leave once a new location is selected. Are swarms dangerous? Caution should be taken anytime there is a cluster of insects that can sting. However, new swarms usually do not exhibit defensive behavior, as they have nothing to defend. They have left their home behind and have not yet begun to build a new home. Once the bees start building new comb, they have established a new hive location and will defend the new location. Although many homeowners express delight in having feral colonies on their property for the increased pollination activity and joy in watching them, safety of humans and pets must be considered. Bees sting by injecting victims with venom. Bee stings are uncomfortable and a small percentage of humans have an allergy to bee venom, which can cause respiratory problems. When the feral hive is located near human or pet activity, the homeowner should consider removal. Are they Africanized bees? All honey bees are programmed to swarm regardless of their genetic makeup. Although the Africanized honey bee (AHB) swarms more often than the gentle European honey bee, it does not mean the swarm in your backyard is Africanized. Although behavioral characteristics can give an indication, identification of the AHB can only be made from lab analysis. The WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Photo: European honey bees, Apis mellifera by Ashley N. Mortensen, UF/IFAS
best recommendation for homeowners is to limit contact with the swarm until it leaves, or to contact a registered beekeeper for removal or a licensed pest control operator for eradication. How are bees removed? The method of removal is up to the homeowner. Many homeowners are very aware of the value of honey bees and the challenges beekeepers face in keeping them healthy. Destruction of the swarm or colony is not their first choice. In this case, the homeowner can contact a registered beekeeper that is experienced in bee removal. It is important to select a registered and experienced beekeeper to reduce the chance of human injury or property damage. A registered beekeeper has the personal protective equipment to safely handle bees. This includes a veil, possibly gloves and a jacket, a smoker, and some type of container to transport the bees. As a homeowner, it would be foolhardy to allow someone without the necessary experience and equipment to attempt bee removal. When you encounter a swarm, do not use wasp or hornet spray. Most beekeepers will not attempt a capture if the bees have been sprayed, because they are unlikely to introduce bees carrying pesticides into their apiary and because the likelihood of survival is low. To find a registered beekeeper trained in bee removal, consult the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Bee Removal or Eradication List, available on their website. Beekeepers on this list are not only registered but have received training in AHB issues. Many of the registered beekeepers on this list offer removal services as part of their business and charge a fee. If the bees are located inside a wall or in a location not easily accessed, discuss the method of removal WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
before removal is attempted. Most beekeepers are not licensed contractors and will not be responsible for building repairs. In the event the homeowner has already sprayed the bees or simply wishes the bees be eradicated quickly, FDACS also lists licensed pest control operators (PCO) on the same list previously mentioned. These operators have received special training in bee eradication and responding to AHB. They are verified as having a valid license and the proper personal protective equipment. Only a licensed PCO can use chemicals to eradicate the bees. The PCO has been trained in the use of these chemicals and a registered beekeeper cannot use chemicals to eradicate the bees. For questions, please contact our office. The Hillsborough County Extension Service is located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, Florida, 33584. Our office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Look for Master Gardener plant clinics and UF/IFAS horticulture information at your local events and libraries. References Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bee Removal or Eradication List http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Environmental-Services/Consumer-Services/Bee-Removal-or-Eradication-List UF/IFAS Extension African Honey Bee Extension and Education Program: http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/afbee/bee_removal.shtml
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They’re not just from Georgia anymore! By Ginny Mink
In previous years Florida was well known as a citrus growing state and while Florida is still a big hub in the citrus industry, significant health problems have created a massive decline in production. There are two main culprits in cahoots to destroy citrus as we know it: citrus canker and citrus greening. Canker has some potential to be dealt with but greening, well, that’s a whole other story! In fact, the greening that has overtaken many groves is not only decreasing citrus production by 30%, it’s even putting some grove owners out of business. However, farmers are a resilient breed, they are not the kind that take a beating and run, tail-between-the-legs, boo-hooing all the way home. No, they suck it up and figure out new paths to take with their land and their time. That’s where the newest stone fruit on the Florida front comes in: peaches. They’re not just from Georgia anymore! I guess the next question is, why peaches? I know my Pappaw would have asked that question since he was from Georgia (and proud of it) and that, according to his perspective, “s’ where peaches are from.” Who in the world would have imagined Floridians growing these fuzzy delicacies? That honor goes to the University of Florida (UF)! In fact, the stone fruit breeding program was initiated in 1952 and has been going strong ever since. The concept was that if possible, UF would develop stone fruit that could do well in subtropical conditions while bearing fruit ahead of all other southeastern producers. This goal is being achieved in more ways than its original visionary, Dr. Ralph Sharpe, ever dreamed. There are currently more than thirty Florida varieties of peaches available thanks to all the research and determination found in the stone fruit breeding program at UF. Each 56
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variety has its own chill unit requirement; that just means that it has to be exposed to a certain number of hours at a temperature below 45˚F and above 32˚F. Higher chill units are for areas of northern Florida whereas the farther south the planting occurs, the lower the chill units. This is an important factor when considering peach planting. Clint Updike, owner of Sunny Florida Peach Company, has had some experience in this new field and was able to offer valuable insight. He got interested in growing peaches when he took a trip to Brazil for the sake of learning more about citrus greening. He told us, “In ‘08 I went down to Brazil to check out the greening situation. I realized we were going to have to find an alternative crop for citrus. That’s how I got into the peach business. I was losing growers to citrus greening and I was seeing production go down. Basically I knew that we’d have to do something to utilize the land so I started looking into peaches and started recommending peaches to other growers and all. I realized we’re going to be in trouble, here in Florida in years to come, with citrus greening. For me, looking for alternative crops that my growers can plant and utilize the irrigation system that was already implanted, well, the peaches was the perfect pick basically because peaches are the same kind of setting as citrus. We can utilize the irrigation system that was already there in the citrus groves, just take the citrus out and put peaches in.” Clint assured us that like most things, it’s not as easy as it sounds. There is definitely a learning curve. It has taken him quite a few years to figure out how to get bigger fruit. He said, “It wasn’t just get in WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
there, plant a tree and go on with it. I mean it was a lot of heartache, tears; a lot of upsets along the way. Our first three years were tough. We’re learning and we finally got a good feel for it now, a real good feel for it. It’s not as easy as you would think it would be. From thinning the tree, to pruning the tree, everything is so different. This peach thing is really risky. I had probably about 20 acres that’s got cold damage; that cut my crop in half. I had 30 acres that bloomed way too early this year and that’s not good.” Certainly there are pitfalls with any new venture. However, Clint says he’s, “picking peaches and selling peaches.” He shared that his company manages and maintains roughly 300 acres of peach groves throughout central Florida. Thusly he recommended the UFOne (250 chill units), UFSun (100 chill units) and the UFBest (100 chill units); these are the varieties he has had success with. However, he is currently experimenting with the UFGems (100-150 chill units). He concluded by telling us, “I’ve been growing peaches for almost five years now. It’s a good fit for old citrus land. I’m growing peaches that compete with Georgia size peaches and North Carolina size peaches. The only competition we have is Chile and then Georgia comes in after us. There’s nothing up north so we’ve learned that we can ship these peaches north, and they love them up there!” Thusly there’s a market and a manager for peaches if you’re interested! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Fresh From Florida: Nurturing Success. Growing the Future.
Long & Scott Farms, Inc. Scott Family Growing great produce since 1963 Fresh From Florida Members since 2002 “Throughout four generations, we continue to grow sweet gourmet corn, pickle cucumbers, kale, watermelon, red, green and savory cabbage.” “We greatly appreciate all that Fresh From Florida does to promote our industry, they are a great partner.” Home of Scott’s Maze Adventures fall corn maze and Scott Country Market & Café.
For more information on member benefits visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call (850) 617-7399.
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Local Friends
By Libby Hopkins
The City of St. Petersburg is a very tight knit community. You can feel the family atmosphere as soon as you attend an event in the city. I was immediately welcomed into the “family” when I attended the Local Buds: A Late Night Market this past April. The event was hosted by Illene Safranko of The Urban Canning Company (www. theurbancanningco.etsy.com), which is a local cannery that offers one of a kind, hand preserved foods such as jams, pickles, chutneys, salsas, and other artisan canned goods. Safranko was taught the art of canning from her uncle and she is keeping the art form alive and well. She wanted to put together an event that would showcase some of the local food artisans and their delicious goods. “I wanted to localize Local Buds for other people who are making really delicious, local, handmade food but don’t have a brick and mortar shop where they can sell it, but do work at the local markets each week,” Safranko said. “I want people, who live in the community and are interested in local food, to know where they can go on a weekly basis to get groceries from our artisans.” 60
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Safranko is a member of the community, non-profit organization, Keeping St. Petersburg Local. According to the organization’s website (www.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org) their mission is “To build a thriving local economy and a unique community. We do this by nurturing connections for and acting as the voice of locally-owned, independent businesses and by raising awareness of the importance of buying local.” The organization has also helped Safranko form many bonds with the vendors at the local markets in St. Pete. “I work closely with the organization and I wanted to focus on vendors who solely make products here in St. Pete,” Safranko said. Local Buds was held at the historic St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. It is oldest and largest shuffleboard club in the world. The first courts were built in 1922 and the club was formed in 1924. It originally had 110 courts but later downsized to the 76 courts. It is a members-only club but on Friday nights they open their doors to the public WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
for free shuffleboard. This is one of the reasons Safranko held the event at the club. “I wanted to make the event feel like a party setting but family-friendly because we have so many kids who come out and play shuffleboard on Friday nights.” Safranko is also a member of the club. Christine Page is the president of the shuffleboard club and she felt the event was a perfect fit with the club. “I love it and this is the first time we’ve done an event like this and I hope there will be more,” Page said. “When Illene approached about the event, we said ‘yes’ and she just ran with it.” Other vendors and guest were pleased with the way the event turned out and hoped there would be more of them in the future. “There are a lot of great local businesses and vendors here, so that’s why we wanted to participate with Local Buds,” said Jessica Arkwright of the St. Pete District Markets (www.stpetemarkets.com). Christa Leonard of Geraldson Community Farm in Bradenton (www.geraldsoncommunityfarm.org) drove all the way to St. Pete just to attend Local Buds. Leonard has worked at different markets with many of the vendors at the event and wanted to be there to show her supWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
port and to help out as well. “I just wanted to help out in any way I could because we are all part of this local movement,” Leonard said. “We are all connected here from doing the markets in St. Pete, so I think it’s a nice way to give back.” Everyone who attended Local Buds, from the vendors to the guests, all seemed like one big extend family. They laughed together, ate dinner together and even played shuffleboard together. “I think that St. Pete has that family essence about it,” Leonard said. “You typically meet people here and you instantly become connected especially with the local vendors. Everyone really wants to better the city and that’s how we all become a family.” Safranko is hoping to host another Local Buds in about six months at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. The St. Pete Shuffleboard Club is located at 559 Mirror Lake Drive N. in St. Petersburg. For more information on the shuffleboard club, you can visit them on the web at www. stpeteshuffle.com.
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Trust. Compounded Daily.
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2014
Livestock Awards Banquet
The Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center in Plant City was teaming with proud FFA and 4-H members on April 10. After handshakes, laughter and a pulled pork, Chicken and roast beef dinner, catered by Sonny’s BBQ, the Show began. Jim Jeffries, the President of the Florida Strawberry Festival, settled everyone down with a sincere welcome to those that were there to celebrate accomplishments and recognize those that have supported 4-H and FFA.
Scholarship Winners (left to right) Miranda Lane, Zachary Zolna, Aly Joyner, Jacob Thornton, Darby Hastings, Cole Ebdrup, Hunter Hampton, Tori Griffith, Alyssa Shepherd, Brooke Freeman, Levi Mayo, Alex Fernandez, Kyle Maidens, Mylie Feaster, Lindsey English, Kacee Lewis and Dalton Dry
Trophies, plaques and checks were presented to dedicated and hard working youth.
Grand Champion Steer Buyer Joel Connell, representing Charlie Grimes, LLC, pictured with exhibitor Clay Joyner and award sponsor representing the McClelland Family 64
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Dalton Dry, winner of the Heather Layton Memorial Scholarship
Aly Joyner, winner of the James L. Redman Scholarship, with members of the Redman family
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Cole Ebdrup, winner of the Jim Walden Scholarship, with members of the Walden family
Steer Show Carcass Contest Winners Margaret Holt, Brooke Freeman, Jacob Thornton, Lane Harrell, Gresham Stephens, Alyssa Shepherd, Megan Todd, Clay Joyner
Reserve Grand Champion Steer Buyer - Members of the Swindle family of Rockin’ S Farms, with exhibitor Shannon Gill
Lindsey English, winner of the Roy Parke Memorial Scholarship, with members of the Parke family
Steer Show Grand Champion Carcass Producer Awards Scott Vaughn - Gulf Sierra Cattle
Steer Grand Champion exhibitor Clay Joyner with Reserve Grand Champion exhibitor Shannon Gill
Steer Show Premier Exhibitors Haley Riley, Junior Division, Cassidy Dossin, Alyssa Shepherd, Senior Divison
Steer Show Division Champions (left to right) Division 1 Champion Justin Stallard, Division 1 Reserve Champion Mylie Feaster, Division 2 Champion Clay Joyner, Division 2 Reserve champion Shannon Gill, Division 3 Reserve Champion Margaret Holt and Division 3 Champion Nathan Claunch WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Steer Show Class Winners (left to right) Jacob Thornton, Justin Stallard, Mylie Feaster, Gregory Berrios, Anna Conrad, Shannon Gill, Clay Joyner, Nathan Claunch and Margaret Holt
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Steer Show Gain-In-Weight Winners First Place Ethan Ohnstad, Second Place Hanna Simmons, Third Place Traile Robbins, Fourth Place Mary Colding, Fifth Place Brooke Freeman.
Steer Show Record Book Winners Junior Division: First Place Kayla Mosley, Third Place Haley Riley. Intermediate Division: First Place Cassidy Dossin. Senior Division: Second Place Alyssa Shepherd, Third Place Katherine Stafford
Steer Show Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Producers - Glen Ford and Michael Paul of MP & Ford Cattle Company
Steer Show Showmanship Winners Junior Division: First Place Anna Conrad, Second Place Margaret Holt, Third Place TJ Hutchinson. Intermediate Division: First Place Cassidy Dossin, Second Place Jarrett Gillman, Third Place Morgan Gaudens. Senior Division: First Place Brooke Freeman, Second Place Justin Stallard, Third Place Zachary Zolna.
Cole Hanson and Zachary Bozeman with award sponsor Judy Barta of Sunshine State Federal Savings & Loan
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Swine Herdsman (left to right) Senior Division third place Eric Hartman, second place Michael Nading, Intermediate Division first place Tanner Ashley, Carlos Curnow, II, third place Reagan Messick, Junior Division first place Sophie Aten, second place Corbett Wyatt and third place Samuel Shiver
Steer Show Herdsman Winners Junior Division: First Place Haley Riley, Second Place TJ Hutchinson, Third Place Allison Lane. Intermediate Division: First Place Joshua Lewis, Second Place Landon Messick, Third Place Jarrett Gillman. Senior Division: First Place Alyssa Shepherd, Second Place Levi Mayo, Third Place Nathan Claunch.
Swine Show Class Winners Rachel Carter, Cole Hanson, Haley Zvirblis, Justin Cain, Colten Drawdy, Colton Stubbs, Rylee Vanstronder
Swine Premier Exhibitor (left to right) Junior premier exhibitor Corbett Wyatt, intermediate premier exhibitor Tanner Ashley and senior premier exhibitor Michael Nading
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Swine Reserve Grand Champion Buyer - Representative of the McClelland Family, Awards Sponsor, with Representative of Controls & Weighing
Swine Show Intermediate Division Record Book Winners - (left to right) 1st Place Kenneth Hattaway, 2nd Place Destiny Cox
Swine Show Senior Division Record Book Winners - (left to right) 1st Place Zachary Bozeman, 3rd Place Jacob Gainer
Swine Show Junior Division Record Book Winners - (left to right) 2nd Place Corbett Wyatt, 1st Place Meghan White, 3rd Place Austin Holcomb
Miranda Lane, winner of the William R. McClelland Scholarship, with members of the Swindle Family
Swine Showmanship (left to right) Representative from the Hoof N’ Horn, awards sponsor, senior division second place Colton Stubbs, third place Michael Nading, first place Rachel Carter, intermediate division first place Tanner Ashley, second place Reagan Messick, third place Carols Curnow, II, junior division first place Emma Futch, third place Marissa Zolna and second place Austin Holcomb WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Celebrating 100 Years of Extension
Florida EXtension A century of serving florida
By Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam This year, Florida’s land grant universities – the University of Florida and Florida A&M University - celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which created the Cooperative Extension Service. It was a time when rural communities were suffering from hunger and malnutrition, and the extension service was created to help counter those challenges by converting the research findings of a land grant university into practical knowledge that could benefit surrounding communities. Extension offices were opened up in each of Florida’s 67 counties to provide resources and offer classes, consultations and demonstrations on topics ranging from agriculture to family care. Though our country has changed dramatically over the last century, the chalCommissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam lenges that existed then still remain today, but have taken on new forms. Hunger, for example, is a growing concern as the world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. And with that exponential population growth comes the tremendous challenge of feeding more people with fewer resources. With the guidance of science and the transfer of knowledge through the extension service, Florida’s farmers are able to produce more products on less land and using fewer resources. In the coming decades, the extension service will be critical in building on this success to help Florida agriculture meet the demands of our world’s growing population. Meanwhile, Americans still face challenges with proper nutrition, struggling with weight and health issues that result from obesity. In fact, 65 percent of adults in Florida and one in three kids are now considered overweight or obese. In Florida alone, treatment of obesity-related diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and more will cost billions of dollars by 2030. The extension service plays an important role in educating Floridians about health and wellness, such as teaching students where food comes from, informing consumers about nutritional information and providing simple steps to make a healthy meal at a low cost. Only through continued efforts by the extension service and the many other partners involved can we reverse the obesity trend in Florida. For the past century, the extension service’s work has led to drastic improvements in agricultural productivity and efficiency - and our everyday lives for that matter. With the challenges we face moving forward, the mission and importance of the extension service is as relevant as ever. Congratulations to the Cooperative Extension Service on its 100th anniversary, and here’s to many more.
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Market Watch: Plant City Get Fresh Market by: Libby Hopkins
The Plant City Get Fresh Market made its community debut on April 9 and it was met with rave reviews. With just 10 vendors offering everything from fresh local organic produce to homemade crafts, the market has already generated a waiting list of vendors who want to join. “The idea behind the Plant City Get Fresh Market is to provide our community with organic and nearly organic, healthy food choices from our local farmers and our creative local people who are doing some amazing things,” said Karen Elizabeth, the market’s manager. Elizabeth is also the founder and president of Plant City Commons Community Garden, as well as a certified holistic health coach. She is very focused on getting people healthy and eating well. Eating healthy and organic foods is becoming more important to many people nowadays. They also want to know where their food comes from, how it’s grown and who is growing it. Many people that I talked to at the market said local food tastes better, is more nutritious, and it supports local farmers, that’s why they like it. “I teach folks how to eat healthy and the market makes it easy for people to come and find all the healthy food in place,” Elizabeth said. “It’s been an overwhelming success right from the start, which is very unusual.” She is also thrilled with the fact that so many people have been coming to the market with very little advertising of it. The market only has a Facebook page, but word of mouth has been spreading and more people are making their way to the market. “We only have 10 vendors and we are running out of space,” Elizabeth said. Everyone thought the market would be a slow to start, but that’s not the case. One of the produce vendors made $400 in just four hours. “We really hit the ground running and we are going to keep running with it,” Elizabeth said. 74
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The market is also bringing the community together and starting to build bonds with the vendors and their customers. Toni Magnusson-Cooper is the owner of Sereniteas and Soothers and one of the vendors at the market. She makes teas and lotions from fresh local herbs and vegetables. She is thrilled to see the community come together over the market. “It is awesome to see the residents of Plant City enjoy shopping local in their community,” Magnusson-Cooper said. “They were very excited about the market.” In addition to Sereniteas and Soothers, Eco Farm of Plant City (www.ecofarmfl. org) is another vendor. Their mission is to form a sustainable, eco-friendly, farm-based intentional community that provides for most of the needs of the community members. They sell fresh, local organic produce at the market. Many people are starting to shop more at local farmers markets. According to an article on the website Do Something (www.dosomething.org), “Local food and markets builds community. By getting to know the farmers who grow your food, you build understanding, trust and connection to your neighbors and your environment. The weather, the seasons and the science of growing food offer great lessons in nature and agriculture. Visiting local farms with your friends and your family brings that education and appreciation to the next generation. Supporting local farms today helps keeps those farms in our community, ensuring that our children and grandchildren have access to nourishing, flavorful and abundant food.” Elizabeth has many plans for the market and she wants more of the local businesses and farmers involved with the market. Since she is a certified holistic health coach, she wants offer classes at the market on healthy eating and lifestyles. She would also like to have gardening and farming demonstraWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tions as well. “I would like to have people come and give talks about how to grow organic food,” Elizabeth said. “Education is a very important part of eating healthy.” If you would like to learn more about the Plant City Get Fresh Market, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PlantCityGetFreshMarket or contact Elizabeth at 813-277-4069.The market is held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. It is located in the Train Depot at 102 N. Palmer St. in Plant City.
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By Melissa Nichols Photo courtesy of Sheppard Klein photography. The 2014-2015 Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart is Allison Thomas. Alli is 20 years old and was raised in the sweet southern town of Dover. This led Alli to have an inborn fondness for agriculture and finally to her passion and love for cattle. In second grade Alli joined the Antioch Critters 4-H club with Rhonda Burnette as her leader. This unearthed her passion for agriculture and cattle. Rhonda Burnette not only gave her invaluable knowledge and life lessons, but she also allowed for Alli to house her many project animals at her barn since where Alli lives is not zoned for those type of animals. Alli feels blessed and eternally indebted to have Ms. Rhonda in her life as a mentor, role model, and friend. FFA truly impacted Alli. It molded her into the person that she is today. She joined FFA in the 6th grade. During her FFA career she held numerous officer positions and participated in various career development events including forestry and livestock judging. In high school at Strawberry Crest, Alli joined the Agricultural Issues team, 80 80
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succeeding in winning the state level and went on to be awarded a bronze medal on the national level, she also participated in the Agricultural Communications CDE team placing second at the state level. Last, but definitely not least two years in a row she participated in the Parliamentary Procedure CDE, which is the most competitive career development event in the FFA, and both years Strawberry Crest placed third at the state level. While she is proud of her time in the FFA, her most prized accomplishments are not in the trophies and titles she won, but in the lifelong lessons and character building qualities that she gained. Alli is known to maintain a positive demeanor regardless of the situation. She always has a smile on her face. She leaves a lasting impression on people and upon first impression, people often notice that Alli is dedicated and charismatic. Her greatest area of strength is through her work ethic and ability to learn quickly. In whatever it may be, she delves herself whole-heartedly into it and gives it her all. WWW. WWW.IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
Alli Thomas is a Real Sweetheart! Alli values integrity, and honesty and that is imperative in the society today. She prides herself as honest and fair and she hopes to be able to instill these same values in youth through her mentoring while serving as the Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. These strengths allow for her to have a platform to share her passion for agriculture, in particularly the beef industry.
be competing at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention in June for the opportunity to serve as the Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. In closing Alli says “I stand true to the fact that even though the beef industry was not my heritage, it will be my legacy.” Good luck to Alli and all the girls competing for this year’s Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart.
Her future plans entail always being involved in the industry in which she has found a home. After receiving her AA in agriculture from Hillsborough Community College she has plans of transferring to either the University of Florida or Texas A&M to major in Agricultural Communications with a minor in finance. After graduation she hopes to own a large cattle operation of her own and use her degree toward a career in the cattle industry. While the beef industry is something that she may not have been born into, once she discovered it, she realized that she had found a home along with her passion. As she started devoting herself to showing cattle, not only did she find success in the ring, she found herself with a yearning to become more involved with the beef community. It was at this time that she became a member of the Hillsborough Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Alli has been involved in showing cattle since 2008, competed on the HJCA Quiz Bowl team for two years, held both Reporter and Presidential offices, volunteered to educate the public on beef in many events, and participated in numerous cattle shows. Not to mention volunteering on beef committees throughout Hillsborough County and raising her own herd of Maine-cross cattle. It is through these activities that her passion for the industry not only flourished, but grew and allowed for her to come to the realization that it is crucial for her to take such a vital part of what she has become and follow it into a career. At the end of the day, the memories and values that she has gained in the beef industry have clearly become her future. Alli has been told her whole life that if she has a passion to follow it as far as she can and that is exactly what she plans to do. Alli says “Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s sweetheart is an excellent way of allowing me to have a platform for my passion for the cattle industry. No matter what happens I am forever grateful for the opportunity I have been blessed with at the county level. Already I have met amazing people and made lifelong memories proving that the sweetheart title is about much more than a crown and sash, but instead about being an ambassador and spokesperson for the beef industry.” Alli will WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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FLORIDA AG HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS SOUGHT Youth Program Applications Also Encouraged
By Jim Frankowiak
The legacy of the men and women who have nurtured the development of Florida agriculture is rich and diverse, marked by innovation and significant achievements. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, which has been recognizing these people of distinction since 1980, is seeking nominations for 2015 inductees. “For the last 34 years it has been our honor and pleasure to recognize the broad contributions inductees to the Florida Hall of Fame have made to agriculture in Florida,” said Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation President Reggie Brown. “We are now inviting and encouraging nominations for the men and women who have demonstrated dedication to advances in agricultural production that we will honor next year.” The Foundation has inducted 144 honorees since 1980. Those interested in making nominations are directed to the Florida Ag Hall of Fame website, floridaaghalloffame.org, and click on the “nominate” tab. “The site offers detailed instructions that may be easily downloaded and printed,” said Brown. Nominations and supporting materials must be postmarked no later than September 1. “The Hall of Fame is an important dimension of Florida’s agricultural industry and we encourage Floridians to begin the nomination process now,” said Brown. Inductees are selected each year from among nominations made by the community. Those inductees are honored at a banquet held in conjunction tithe Florida State Fair in Tampa. The 2015 ceremony is scheduled for February 10, 2015.
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The Hall of Fame Class of 2014 included: Scottie Butler, Gainesville, former general counsel, Florida Farm Bureau Federation Bruce Christmas Sr., Cottondale, former Director of the Poultry Evaluation Center at the University of Florida Dr. Elver “Doc” Hodges, Wauchula, retired Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida Dallas Townsend, retired Director of the University of Florida Hendry County Extension Office Information on the 2014 inductees, as well as all members of the Hall of Fame, is available via the Hall’s website. “In addition to honoring men and women who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in Florida, the Hall of Fame fosters the mentoring of our youth, who represent the future of Florida agriculture,” noted Brown. “This aspect of the program provides a selected group of students with an opportunity to see agriculture’s rich heritage and to peer into its future.” The Foundation offers up to 10 $500 scholarships each year to encourage young men and women to continue their education beyond high school. These scholarships are awarded at the annual Hall of Fame banquet and are open to students enrolled in college or be a high school graduate of 2015 or earlier. Scholarship funds require proof of college enrollment. Students may only receive the scholarship twice. Completed nominations should be mailed to Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Nominations, 100 South Mulrennan Road, Valrico, FL 33594. The deadline for 2015 nominations is September 1, 2014. Additional information is also available by calling: 813250-1918. Applications for the youth mentoring and scholarship programs are located on the foundation’s website, floridaaghalloffame.org, along with information as to where completed applications are to be mailed and deadlines for each.
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Naturally Amazing Activities
By Sean Green
Cordage Crafts
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Directions:
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Fold the cordage in half
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Keyring Paracord items have become pretty popular lately. You can find wrist bands, key chains, and ankle bands at seemingly every gas station. The items are rather attractive and they have a durable, earthy feel to them. The practical benefit these items offer is the utility of having cordage should you ever need it. Many of the items sold in stores however, are not designed with utility in mind and a great deal of effort would be necessary to untie the knots before having usable cord. This month we will make a cordage item that is attractive and practical. The knot used is called a highwayman’s hitch, and when tied in succession is an attractive and sturdy knot that can be released with one quick tug.
Material: Cordage 550 paracord boot string hemp twine, etc...
Twist the top to form a loop so the left strand crosses over the right strand.
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Push the right side strand up through the top loop / Pull left strands to tighten * Notice the top loop now leans to the left Whichever side the loop leans towards that’s the side you bring pull through the * The bottom loop will be the “Loop” end of ei- top loop. ther a wrist band or key chain, adjust the size appropriately Push the left side strand up through the top loop / Pull right strand to tighten * Notice the top loop now leans to the right Push the right side up through the back of the top loop, now you should have two loops (top and bottom) Holding both loops, tighten the left strand
5
Repeat this process until the desired length is attained (or you run out of bootlace) Finish up with a simple overhand knot
Attach a key ring to the top loop for a keychain / If a wrist band is made, double up the overhand knot so it barely fits through the loop
813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563
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A Closer Look
By Sean Green
A Closer Look: The Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium)
Early last month, Mazda announced a recall of an estimated 42,000 vehicles because spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent house. Affected models include the Mazda 6 sedans manufactured from Sept. 14, 2009 through May 2, 2011 with the 2.5L engine. The recall was initiated because if a spider web blocks the airflow, there is an increased potential for the fuel tank to crack and possibly ignite. None of the official recall notices include much information about the spider species instigating the recall, however, Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes accurately reported the “Yellow Sac Spider” is attracted to the hydrocarbons in gasoline and can find its way into the fuel tank. There are important characteristics of the Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium) that arguably should have been reported. A closer look at the Yellow Sac Spider will, at the very least, give you an idea of what’s under the hood. The Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium) is part of a larger family of nearly 400 species worldwide. Members of the Cheiracanthium family are documented beneficial predators providing a valuable service to Florida’s Agriculture Industry. Eggs are laid in June and July in small silk tubular “sacs”, hence the name Sac Spider. The female will enclose herself in the protective sac with the eggs and remain with her brood until after their first molt. Cheiracanthium do not build a nest to capture their prey, but rather, are nocturnal hunters that roam about at night in search of food much like the Wolf Spider (Lycosidae) that most Floridians are used to seeing at night. Each day the Yellow Sac Spider builds a new retreat for their diurnal rest. Of the variety of Cheiracanthium in Florida, there are only two that are of medical significance, these are Cheiracanthium mildei and Cheiracanthium inclusum. Both can be found all year in Florida and adults are most prominent from April to November. C. mildei is a species introduced from Europe during the 1940s and is reported to have reduced the population of citrus black fly in Florida 52-66% according to a 2005 study. C. mildei is more aggressive than its native counterpart and has been observed biting without provocation. This species is most often found in manmade structures and lays eggs almost exclusively indoors, often in the corners of walls where the ceiling meets but can occasionally be found under rocks near the home. The young spiderlings will remain in their protective sac during the day and venture out cautiously at night for hunting. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
C. inclusum is our native species and is by far the most studied. Its prey includes a large variety of insects and spiders, often much larger than itself. Its bite is more destructive than that of C. mildei with fangs that can easily penetrate human skin. Unlike its introduced cousin, C. inclusum is usually found outside and consequently most bites are incurred in the field or in the garden during the warm humid months of summertime. Their venom does contains a cytotoxin (cell killing) similar to that of the brown recluse, however, studies have not reproduced significant necrotic damage in either species and the small necrotic wound that could be reproduced healed much faster than that of the wound caused by the brown recluse. Although both species are capable of delivering a necrotic wound, these spiders are not deadly. There is enough evidence to warrant caution with this species. Although it does have the potential to inflict a serious wound, we can say the same for other common and venomous spiders such as the brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) and even more so for the toxins commonly used in pest control. The Yellow Sac Spider remains one of the most beneficial species in agriculture, especially significant for the citrus crops. This species is pretty abundant but seldom noticed. The next time you fill up for gas, look around in building corners that form an interior right angle, you may be surprised to discover how abundant these spiders really are. Because we know Cheiracanthium is a nocturnal species, they can very easily be eliminated by vacuuming them up during the daytime when they are at rest in their retreat sac. Disposal of the vacuum bag will be necessary to prevent re-infestation. In the field, C. inclusum can be managed with sticky traps set to capture the spiders when they hunt nocturnally. Field observations have concluded that the female Cheiracanthium are attracted to sticky traps that contain the parapheromone trimedlure, a powerful lure for the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), a common food source. The Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium) is a more likely candidate to blame for the frequent misdiagnosis of Brown Recluse bites and should be approached with caution though not necessarily fear.
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1950’s – Youth Nutrition Education activity. Extension Director Alec White seated on the left.
Ground Breaking for Extension Service office in Seffner – August 3, 1973 Carl Carpenter Jr. – County Commissioner Robert Curry – County Commissioner Rudy Spoto - County Administrator Bob Lester – County Commissioner
1938 - Florida Representatives to National 4-H Club Camp, now called National 4-H Conference. Third from left - Hillsborough County representative Gladys Hazen.
1930’s – Home Demonstration Education Program emphasizing proper nutrition for development and growth.
Louise Timmerman and Alec White (Extension Director) Testing Soil - 1954
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE CELEBRATES
Centennial
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his year marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, the federal legislation that formally established the Cooperative Extension Service in the United States. The roots of agricultural extension can be traced to the early years of our country. There were agricultural societies and clubs after the American Revolution and beyond. The Morrill Act signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 established land-grant universities to educate citizens in agriculture, home economics, mechanical arts and other practical professions. Though initially meaning the application of scientific research and new knowledge to agricultural practices through farmer education, extension now reaches a much broader audience.
The Smith-Lever Act established the partnership between the agricultural colleges and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide for cooperative agricultural extension work that would: • Develop practical applications of research knowledge • Give instruction and practical demonstrations of existing or improved practices or technologies in agriculture Funding is provided annually by the federal government based on a population-related formula, the State, through the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and Hillsborough County government. Over the last century, extension has adapted to changing times while addressing a wide range of human, plant and animal needs in both urban and rural areas. Today, Extension nationally works in six major areas: 4-H Youth Development Agriculture Leadership Development Natural Resources Family and Consumer Sciences Community and Economic Development 88
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By Jim Frankowiak
There are approximately 2,900 extension offices nationwide. Land grant universities in Florida are the University of Florida (UF) and Florida A & M University. The transfer of knowledge from UF to people throughout the state is facilitated by Extension faculty located in each of Florida’s 67 counties. This partnership between counties and the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is the heart of the Cooperative Extension Service mission and enables UF to extend its knowledge base to each county. Focus areas and priorities for UF/IFAS statewide include agriculture, community, family, food, gardening, natural resources, wildlife and youth. Here in Hillsborough County the roots of Extension can be traced to the work of the first county agricultural agent, Jack Peters. Reports indicate that he served prior to the passage of the Smith-Lever Act and his salary was paid entirely by the county. He performed most of his services as a “farm caller.” Upon finding a farmer at home, he would assist him in any possible way with any agricultural problem. Following are the individuals who have led Extension in Hillsborough County: Jack Peters R.T. Kelley C.P. Wright Alec White Jean Beem Ed Richards Michael F. McKinney Mary Chernesky Joe Pergola Debra Jo Kinsella Stephen Gran
1950’s - Jean Beem, Assistant County Agent, demonstrating how to take a soil sample for “Florida Gardenland” television program. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Ground Breaking for Extension Service office in Seffner – August 3, 1973 - The photo shows Jim Griffin, now deceased. Jim was the Executive Vice President of the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association at that time. The state FNGA state office was located in Tampa at that time. I took the photo. Jim was a strong supporter of Extension. We had a strong working relationship with Jim and FNGA. I’m not sure where the mule originated. It may have belonged to Jim. The idea for the groundbreaking theme came from Jean Beem, County Extension Director at the time.
1939 – Home Demonstration exhibit at State Fair. Better Nutrition for National Defense
Jean Beem Extension Director
1948 – Hillsborough County Agricultural Agents. Left to Right, Edwin Booth, S. Frank Neff, Alec White, and J.O. Armor.
1935 – Home Demonstration exhibit at Florida Strawberry Festival. Shows the amount of food that must be canned annually to supply an average family.
Stephen Gran is the current head of Hillsborough County Extension and he oversees a staff of 35. The county, like much of Florida and the U.S., has a rich 4-H history that has adapted to changing times since its beginnings in the early 1900s. The roots of the 4-H program in the county began in 1912 with the founding of tomato and corn clubs, which were coordinated through what is now known as the Extension Service. Miss Mollie Evers, a Plant City teacher, became the county’s first Home Demonstration Agent after completing training at Tallahassee in preservation of food in tin cans. Her purchase order of 6,000 tin cans was the first for the state Extension program. Evers’ annual salary was $150 which she used to purchase canning supplies and for train fare. Girls who were members of tomato clubs would preserve and can the surplus of tomatoes grown in the county. Boys worked in similar clubs, which were known as corn clubs, coordinated by Peters and Tom Kelly, who would come to be County Agriculture Agent. Kelly replaced Peters in 1915 and became the county’s Extension Agent. The corn clubs focused on production agriculture, primarily swine projects. Club programs were initially based at individual’s homes and then on to schools. Currently, most clubs are located within the community and are not school-based. At one time, there were three Extension offices in the county, one in downtown Tampa, another in Ruskin and a third in Plant City. Those offices were consolidated into a single location in Seffner in 1974 and that office continues operation today. The Board of County Commissioners provides funding and support beyond that which Extension receives annually from the federal government.
1955 – Hillsborough County 4-H member, Kenneth McRae, receiving scholarship award from Southern Dolomite Corporation.
Current Extension educational programming in Hillsborough County is focused on the following areas: • 4-H Youth Development – an educational program for boys and girls ages 5 – 18 that encourages participants to develop their skills and talents to the fullest. Youth actively participate in activities, events, competition and projects that develop and strengthen life skills. • Agriculture – programming focuses on citrus production, commercial fruits and vegetables, environmental horticulture production and small farms and alternative enterprises. • Family, Nutrition, Health & Finance Education – offers educational programs in the area of family life, parenting, foods, nutrition and health, personal financial management and housing and home improvement. Information is shared via classes, webinars and newsletters. Free financial mentoring is also offered on an individual basis. Classes are offered at Extension and other locations throughout Hillsborough County. • Lawn & Garden – assists with answers to questions concerning home lawn and garden care. The information provided emphasizes the protection of Florida’s natural resources while maintaining a beautiful landscape. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program is designed to educate homeowners about how to design, install and maintain healthy landscapes that use a minimum of water, fertilizer and pesticides leading to low-cost, low-maintenance and attractive landscapes that add value to the community and reduced the chance of polluting the water supply.
While the Extension mission of extending and implementing research-based information to the people of Florida has not changed, the information and delivery methods have improved substantially. The driving force for these information delivery methods are the needs of the citizens of each county in the state. County Extension faculty develops educational programs based on issues determined by their urban and commercial customers or citizens. These priority issues form the basis for major educational programs that are conducted across the state.
• Urban Trees, Forestry & Natural Resources – provides the science and technology needed to sustain the trees, woodlands and forests by homeowners, landowners, communities and professionals in the county.
Information is delivered by satellite courses, computer software, seminars, video presentations, the web or by the traditional lecture and print media. Customers participate in classes and utilize new information in their businesses, homes and communities.
Additional information about each of these program areas will be provided in this and subsequent editions of IN THE FIELD. Extension will host a centennial commemoration open house event Thursday, October 9 at its offices located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. Telephone: 813/744-5519. The website is: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/.
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• Professional Horticultural Services –offers solutions for commercial companies, governmental employees and practicing industry professionals in the county and surrounding areas. ProHort promotes sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
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UF/IFAS EXTENSION HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY URBAN HORTICULTURE: MASTER GARDENER AND FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPINGTM PROGRAMS Lynn Barber and Nicole Pinson
The Urban Horticulture Program in Hillsborough County has been managed by six Agents: Milford Jorgeson, Roger Newton, Sydney Park Brown, Marina D’Abreau (now Denny), Nicole Pinson and Lynn Barber (FFL). Their focus historically has been much the same as it is today: to provide educational outreach to the community. Prior to the mid-1970s, horticulture agents managed commercial and residential horticulture and production. At that point these disciplines separated. Over the past century, we have been focusing on many of the same issues and opportunities, including citrus culture, integrated pest management, environmental conservation and edible gardening, all providing solutions for the betterment of Hillsborough County residents and the environment. Innovative technology has allowed us to reach more people using multiple media than was available to our predecessors. Urban Horticulture includes the Master Gardener and Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) programs. The Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) program, originally named Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, was created in 1992 and funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). This program is a joint venture of the (FDEP) and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS). The FFL program works in cooperation with the state’s five water management districts and other agencies and organizations to achieve the common goals of water conservation and water quality protection. The focus of this program is to preserve and protect Florida’s water resources. FFL promotes the nine principles with public outreach and education statewide. These principles include: right plant-right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, recycle, control yard pests responsibly, reduce stormwater runoff, attract wildlife and protect the
waterfront. Agent Lynn Barber and staff teach composting, vermicomposting and rainwater harvesting workshops at the Extension office one Saturday each month from February through November and at locations throughout the county. FFL is responsible for the management of the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden, a demonstration garden in the courtyard of our office, which demonstrates the nine principles of FFL. The garden is a collection of gardens which convey landscape design and maintenance ideas, showcase plants which are outstanding performers in central Florida, and provide a beautiful, serene setting for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of our visitors. Our weekly radio program, Garden Talk, on Inspiration AM 1110 WTIS at 8:00 am each Saturday morning, provides relevant and timely horticulture and other information to many surrounding counties. Archived shows can be heard at: http://www.wtis1110.com/ garden-talk-2/. Annual FFL: 101 events are held which focus on water conservation and other environmental issues. Our next event is on June 28, 2014 at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Since 1994, Tampa Bay Water has funded FFL positions in Hillsborough County (and Pasco and Pinellas Counties). Over the course of the past 20 years, Tampa Bay Water has invested in UF/IFAS Extension FFL programs in the amount of approximately $3.31 million. The UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Master Gardener Program began in 1980, along with three other Florida counties. Master Gardener programs exist in 59 of Florida’s 67 counties and the program is active in all 50 states. In 1972, an innovative Extension agent in the State of Washington reasoned that well-trained volunteers could respond to many of the everyday homeowner questions freeing him and his colleagues for more technical and difficult problems. The Extension agent selected, trained, and certified volunteers as Master Gardeners. They soon succeeded in meeting his desired objectives - in fact they exceeded his expectations. This led to the genesis of the Master Gardener volunteer program. The Hillsborough County Master Gardener Program is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS). Four students from the original Master Gardener class still serve as volunteers in today’s Master Gardener Program. Eileen Hart, Bob Dickey, Mary Kay Ross and Jean Skoien continue to provide their gardening expertise and involvement, along with 146 more Master Gardener volunteers. These volunteers provide local residents with research-based gardening information that covers planning and maintaining urban, suburban, and rural landscapes and emphasizes Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM, while promoting the prudent use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. You may find these MGs answering questions at the Extension office’s Home Horticulture Help Desk, providing presentations at local libraries, staffing information booths at fairs and expos and maintaining our teaching and demonstration gardens. Hillsborough County Master Gardeners spend many hours in service to their county – during 2013, they provided more than 10,000 hours and their cumulative time is valued at more than $200,000. Nicole Pinson, Hillsborough County Master Gardener Coordinator says, “Our volunteers possess an ability to solve problems and determine appropriate recommendations that extend the educational potential of the agent, provide cost-effective delivery of services, decrease environmental impacts and afford opportunities for civic engagement, camaraderie and connecting with the community.”
we’re creative. (So You don’t have to be) • graphic design • social media online marketing • content development • branding web design
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www.exocreative.com 813.704.5968 Plant City 94 3.7.14 in the field.indd 1
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Celebrate 100 Years of Extension! Bring your plant samples and horticulture questions to our staff and Master Gardeners. Attend one of our monthly triple workshops: Compost, Water-Wise (Microirrigation) and Rainwater Harvesting. You can call, e-mail our visit our office. The Hillsborough County Extension Service is located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, Florida, 33584. Our office hours are Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The Master Gardener e-mail address is hillsmg@ad.ufl.edu. Check out our website for upcoming educational events at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/ calendar_old.shtml and register for our triple workshops at: http:// www.eventbrite.com/o/hillsborough-county-extension-service468730304?s=6298232. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Jarrett Scott Ford awards scholarship to local FFA members Jarrett Scott Ford and the Ford Motor Company through the National FFA Scholarship program have awarded three area FFA members $1,000 scholarships. The recipients are: Taylor Harrelson, Plant City, Levi Mayo, Strawberry Crest, and Alyssa Shepherd, Durant High School. The Built Ford Tough - FFA Scholarship Program is designed to recognize FFA members’ talents and accomplishments while encouraging their future academic achievements. The scholarship is one of 530 scholarships awarded by Ford Division, Ford Motor Company Fund and Ford Dealers to FFA members who are high school seniors planning to attend college in the fall of 2014, or current collegiate students. This program is a part of Ford’s overall commitment to the National FFA Organization. Ford has supported the National FFA Foundation since the first F-Series truck was introduced in 1948, and has sponsored the Built Ford Tough collegiate scholarship program since 1997. To date, the program has awarded $8,145,000 in scholarships to 8,184 FFA members throughout the country. Ford knows the value of hard work, and believes that hard work should be rewarded. Educating aspiring young people to become the leaders of tomorrow is just another way of ensuring a successful future.
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We buy farms Gladstone Land is actively acquiring farms in Florida. We offer owners and farmers three options: 1. A long-term sale leaseback transaction allows farmers to free up capital to improve their farming operations.
2. We buy land that farmers would like to farm, but not own.
3. A cash purchase while retaining the existing tenant or finding a new one if needed.
Please contact Bill Frisbie at Gladstone Land: (703) 287-5839 bill.frisbie@gladstonecompanies.com | www.gladstoneland.com
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MAHINDRA 8560 40 actual hrs., 2wd, diesel, 83hp, shuttle shift, warranty. $22,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
CALLER ON HOLD A low cost service that enables you to communicate important information about your business to customers while they are on hold. No monthly payments or annual payments. Call today and ask for Al 813-763-2220
P RODUCE FRESH PRODUCE Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
MIS C. NEW HOLLAND Crop Saver Preservative for hay 2, 50 Gal. Drums. $200 each OBO. 813-620-3006 FOR INFORMATION on the first and only patented organic doctor approved Viagra-like effect coffee contact Al at: 813-763-2220.
LAW N EQUIP MENT/ S UP P LIES
MASSEY HARRIS FERGUSON NO. 16 PACER With belly mower $1950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR Zero Turn Mower. 52" cut, 23 hp. Kawasaki engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
KUBOTA B6100E Tractor with 48" woods belly mower. $1,750. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
S ERVICES
INDEPENT ACCOUNT MANAGER In The Field Magazine is looking for an independent account managers to Join our team! Please contact Danny @inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909
2012 MASSEY FERGUSON 2615-4L 4X4, shuttle shift, loader with skid, steer bucket. 94.5 hours, warranty. $22,900 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620 2.66 ACRE NURSERY FOR SALE OR LEASE N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq ft frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout. Call Bruce 863-698-0019
F OR S ALE
B UILDING S UP P LIES
REAL ES TATE
HUSTLER RAPTOR 42" cut, 21 hp Kawasaki engine. 3 year warranty. $2,799 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
2001 KUBOTA B7500 4x4 with box blade, belly mower & loader. 1,064 hours. $8,500 Call Alvie (813)759-8722
HORSE FOR SALE Cremello Grade Gelding. 13 year old any one can ride! $3,000 (813)650-7766
info @inthe fie ld m a g a z ine .c o m
May 2014 May 2014
ONLY $10
Launches Your Classified Ad! Call us @ 813-759-6909 to get your Classified into our May 2014 Hillsborough and Polk In The Field Magazine! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Farm Credit—Your
One Stop Lender
• Agriculture • Operating • Youth Steer Projects Expenses Photo by Ron O’Connor – Farm Credit • Residential • Livestock Farm Credit of Central Florida Directors, Ron Wetherington (L), Property • Equipment and Dennis Carlton, Sr. (Right) hold an oversized check symbol• Hunting & • Crop Insurance izing the $145 million in patronage refunds, or profit-sharing, the Recreational cooperative’s board of directors has declared since 1988. Sharing in Properties the association’s profits can significantly reduce the cost of funds to its Member/Borrowers.
OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
1-866-245-3637
www.farmcreditcfl.com Eligible Farm Credit of Central Florida Members Share in $3.5 Million Patronage Refund Farm Credit of Central Florida Chairman of the Board, David J. Stanford, a Winter Garden citrus grower, announced the association’s eligible Member/Borrowers will benefit from patronage refunds, or profit-sharing, of $3.5 Million, significantly lowering their cost of borrowing. Farm Credit of Central Florida is a Member-Owned cooperative lending funds to ranchers, growers, farmers, and rural homeowners since 1917. Eligible Members will receive their patronage refund 100% in cash. “The patronage refund is a reward to our Members for their loyalty and is proof positive of our adherence to cooperative principles. The patronage refund is a critical component of the Farm Credit Advantage,” Stanford said. “This strong patronage refund continues the tradition of Putting our Profits in our Members’ Pockets. I am pleased to report 100% of this patronage refund will be paid in cash and represents a return of over 16% of earned interest. The resilience and perseverance of our Farm Credit Members through one of the most devastating depressions since the 1930s has helped our association to grow and prosper,” said Reggie Holt, Farm Credit of Central Florida, President & CEO. Since 1988, Farm Credit of Central Florida’s board of directors has declared patronage refunds exceeding $145 million. The coop’s service area spans from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic coast serving 13 central Florida counties including, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard. For perspective, the $145 Million would pay the entire Tampa Bay Rays team payroll for two and a half seasons, buy 2,400 John Deere Model 613D tractors, or 15 Lear Jets! Stretched end to end, 145 million dollars would stretch from Lakeland, FL to Los Angeles almost six times, or halfway around the globe at the equator! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
• Agriculture • Youth Steer Projects • Residential Property • Hunting & Recreational Properties
• Operating Expenses • Livestock • Equipment • Crop Insurance
OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
1-866-245-3637
www.farmcreditcfl.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2014
103
MORE BANG FOR THE
NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE!
BUCK
Serving our customers with 12 locations New Port Richey
Leesburg
727-842-8618
352-315-1016
6918 US Hwy. 19 New Port Richey, FL 34652
Plant City
2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567
1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748
813-737-1660
Package a fleet of tractors, gators and other equipment together with a 2 or 3 year lease and always have new, worry free equipment with service available from Everglades Farm Equipment fleet of road service technicians.
Okeechobee
820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972
JDL - Largo
863-763-1921
6782 118th Ave. North Largo, Fl. 33773
727-259-7748
Fort Pierce
6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947
Palmetto
772-461-5568
906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-3281
Loxahatchee
13295 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Fort Myers
561-784-4000
9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-332-5045
Belle Glade
Corporate Headquarters
Immokalee
775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142
239-657-4413
2017 N. W. 16TH Belle Glade, FL 33430
561-996-6531
Naples
Comming soon 2014 Naples , FL
Since 1963
Some restrictions apply, see dealer for complete details . Some pictured items may have been used for display purposes only. Leases must go through John Deere Financial. With great deals on new tractors and gators all year long, check with your local dealer for additional savings.
www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com 104
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2014
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