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Business Up Front Brandon Rental Centers By Libby Hopkins Brandon Rental Centers have been a part of the Brandon community for more than 43 years. In 1970, Red “A.T.” Glass was renovating a shotgun cabin on his Brandon property when a contractor suggested he rent a generator from Brandon Rental. Three years later, Glass bought the company from the late owner’s widow. Glass, his wife Nell and their sons Ron and Robert operated the business. In 1975, Brandon Rental Centers became the first full-line Stihl Power Equipment dealer in the area. The business grew under the leadership of Glass’s son Robert to include three locations serving the Eastern Hillsborough communities. Currently, the company has locations in Seffner and Riverview providing event and equipment rental items to homeowners, businesses and a wide range of contractors. Dan Kozsuch manages both of the Brandon Rental Center locations. “Our family moved to the Brandon area in 1985 and my mother began her career as a bookkeeper at Brandon Rental Centers,” said Kozsuch. “I worked part-time throughout high school and college all while learning everything about the rental business from Robert Glass.” After returning from Ohio State University, Kozsuch took a full-time position at the company’s Riverview location, where he eventually started managing the store’s daily operations. “My experience at Brandon Rental Centers gave me the opportunity to take a position as district sales manager for a world-wide construction equipment company,” Kozsuch said. “After 12 years of traveling the Southeast, I accepted the opportunity to come ‘home’ and assume management of both Brandon Rental Centers’ location.” Whatever your project may be Brandon Rental Centers can assist you in selecting the proper equipment to do the job. When you need to purchase outdoor power equipment, or need equipment repairs, look no further because they are an Elite Stihl Dealer, Honda, and Wacker just to name a few. Their staff is also very eager to help. “Equipment and event rental is a very dynamic industry that can change on a day to day basis,” Kozsuch said. “I enjoy the rewards and the challenges that we face and experience daily. Nothing is more satisfying than helping a customer complete their job more efficiently or hearing from a bride that we were a wonderful part of her special day.” Currently, Brandon Rental Centers is participating in Stihl’s “Dealer Days” which is a national program offering promotions and pricing on selected Stihl products. “There are some great deals available on items for homeowners, commercial contractors and the farm/ranch industry,” Kozsuch said. “We are also very excited to receive our new WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
45’x83’ Nantucket sailcloth canopy. This canopy, along with our new whisky barrel inventory will make a great addition to our rustic/vintage wedding collection.” Kozsuch and his staff at Brandon Rental Centers love being a part of the community as well as giving back to it. “We support several local charities including The Brandon Foundation, The Arthritis Foundation and One Voice Foundation,” Kozsuch said. The company also supports the Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind’s Transition Program. “Every June, a group of students comes to Brandon Rental Centers for several weeks of work experience to help them transition to careers in the future,” Kozsuch said. “The students do everything from filing and organization work, to serving and operating equipment. It’s amazing what they are capable of and we look forward to participating every year.” Keeping things local is very important to Kozsuch and Brandon Rental Centers. He feels supporting local businesses and the local community has been one of the pillars of Brandon Rental Centers’ foundation for more than 43 years. “We strive every day to support local businesses, not only by serving their rental/sales needs, but also by shopping and using local venders whenever possible,” Kozsuch said. “We are also proud to be an Elite Stihl dealer, as Stihl is a large sponsor of Independent We Stand, the national movement to support local businesses.” Kuzsuch hopes that Brandon Rental Centers continue to grow and offer a diverse line of products to its customers. “Mr. A. T. Glass and Mr. Robert Glass built the business on the basis of providing the highest level of customer service and we will continue to maintain that high level as our primary focus daily,” Kozsuch said. “At Brandon Rental Centers, I truly cherish the fact that we are a locally based, family oriented company. The families and communities of our employees are just as valuable to us as the families and communities of our customers.” If you would like to learn more about the products offered at Brandon Rental Centers, you can visit them on the web at www.brandonrentalcenters.com. Brandon Rental Centers have two locations to serve you. Their Riverview store is located at 6801 U.S. Hwy. 301 and the store’s phone number is 813-677-7368. Their Seffner store is located at 436 W. M.L.K. Blvd and the store’s phone number is 813654-7368. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Rare Beef Well Done Page 70
VOL. 11 • ISSUE 7
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813.685.5673 Member Services: 813.685.9121 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Contents MAY 2016 Cover Photos by: Melissa Nichols
Business Up Front
Farm Credit
Literary Time Machine
Adam Putnam
Florida Garlic
Tomlin’s OH Demo
Veteran Urn Project
Page 38
Page 3
Page 10 Page 14
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 18
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Ag Community Leader Program
Page 26
Endangered Page 28
Page 32 Page 35
Bailey Farm Day Farm Bureau
Page 39
Monarch Butterflies
Page 40
Jack Payne
Page 42
John Dicks
Page 46
Ron Goodson
Page 52
Page 54 Page 56
Harvest Awards
Page 60
Strawberry Festival Banquet
Page 64
Meet the Minks
Page 74
J&K Aquaponics
Page 75
Whatever Pops
Page 76
Nutrition Agent
Page 83
Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President James Tew..........................Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2015 - 2016 Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents Valrico Office 813.685.5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
13103 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL.33626 Greg Harrell, William Clarke
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AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Letter from the Editor
STAFF
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Sales Manager Danny Crampton
We’ve all heard that 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, scientists, policy makers, and the list goes on and on. Cultivating the education of our youth ensures we will have a sustainable food system in our 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
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! 6
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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 Nick Chapman Vanessa Caceres Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121
A Mutually Beneficial Membership Dear Readers: I try my best to highlight Florida Farm Bureau activities in my monthly letters to you. We consider our organization to be the “Voice of Agriculture,” but please realize that voice is important to all of us not just farmers and ranchers. Consequently, it is very important to help keep that voice loud and clear as it must be heard. Simply put, we all anticipate the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. For that to happen farmers and ranchers everywhere have to be able to continue to produce the food we buy, prepare and consume. At times there are proposed changes to rules and regulations or other initiatives that pose genuine threats to agriculture as we know it today. Farm Bureau works to make sure agriculture is justly treated and thereby assured of its future as an industry that is so important to us all. That is an effort of substantial breadth and it is directed to consumers, lawmakers, regulators and others in a position to influence policy at the local, state and national levels. Additionally, it is a never-ending task, beginning with young children as we strive to teach them where their food comes from and progresses to engage consumers of all ages. We want all to understand the vital role of our industry and why it is essential – no, critical –that it be treated fairly and responsibly.
costly, collectively from more than 140,000 families in Florida those funds help assure the “Voice of Agriculture” is loud and clear in the Sunshine State. Beyond that, however, membership in Farm Bureau offers a great many benefits from lodging and auto rental discounts to a cadre of health benefits and savings on theme park tickets, plus much more. This edition of IN THE FIELD includes an article about those diverse benefits Farm Bureau families can enjoy. Please take a few minutes to read and learn how and why membership in Farm Bureau is beneficial to not only our industry, but to our members, too. If your family does not belong to Farm Bureau, please consider joining so our “Voice” continues to be loud and clear. If your family is already part of our Farm Bureau family, please consider suggesting membership to your friends and don’t hesitate to get involved in the many different things we do on behalf of our industry. To learn more, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for more information. Thank you.
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
Membership in Farm Bureau helps assure farmers and ranchers will be able to continue to produce the food we all eat. While family memberships are not that
Board of Directors
Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; James Tew, Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Member-at-large; Glenn Harrell; Board members: Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 8
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~ Amanda L., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital
The Care You Need, When You Need It. When it comes to all the health care needs of Amanda and her family, South Florida Baptist Hospital has always been her first choice. Both her children were born here, and Amanda counts on us to help keep the whole family healthy. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptist.org
Our Specialties: n ER: Efficient medical treatment for minor or major emergencies and illnesses n Surgery: Large operating rooms, high-tech equipment and spacious recovery rooms create a pleasant environment for patients n Heart: State-of-the-art heart and vascular center offering cardiac diagnostic services and procedures
Choose South Florida Baptist Hospital. To find out more: 1-800-BayCare WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Submission by Commissioner Adam H. Putnam
Summer BreakSpot
As Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, directing more locally grown products to Florida’s school cafeterias and encouraging healthy eating habits is one of my top priorities.
BreakSpot program helps to give children the environment and resources they need to succeed.
The vast majority of Florida’s agricultural bounty is in season during Florida’s school year, which allows our state to connect our world-class growers with our school children who need nutritious fuel to succeed. And with the help of Florida’s farmers, ranchers and fishermen, our department helps to provide nutritious meals to nearly three million kids a day during the school year.
The success of this program is dependent on our ability to reach students where they live and play during the summer months. Our department has worked diligently to address this challenge. Since taking over the program, the number of meals served through Summer BreakSpot sites has increased by 41 percent, and we are continuing on this upward trend. Last summer, the program provided more than 15.5 million meals to more than 300,000 children in need throughout Florida.
But while school is out for the summer, some children struggle to access wholesome meals that Florida agriculture provides. In order to bridge this gap for Florida’s children, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services runs the Summer BreakSpot program.
Children deserve the best start they can get in life, and research shows there is a direct connection between nutrition and academic success. By providing healthy meals year-round, we can enhance their academic performance and the early successes that lead to a lifetime of achievement.
The Summer BreakSpot program connects children with nutritious food by partnering with local entities, such as community centers, churches, the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA. In addition to providing access to meals, many of our partners provide recreational and educational opportunities. By providing essential fuel and a safe environment for constructive activities, the Summer
Thank you for working day in and day out to provide the fuel necessary for academic success during the school year and summer months. Visit FreshFromFlorida.com to learn more about this program and our efforts to direct more of our world-class agricultural products to school cafeterias.
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QUALITYProducers Trust AgroLiquid
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A Final Resting Place The Veteran Urn Project How can a love for country, veterans and woodworking blend in a unique way to give back to those who sacrificed so much? One local resident found a way after listening to the evening news. Tom Jones was retired from being a police offer and private investigator, and also served in the Army. He recounts what sparked him into action. “My wife heard a news report that a veteran at Bushnell had been buried in a cardboard box. We were shocked and thought it was disgraceful treatment of an American hero,” Jones said. That started the idea for making burial urns for indigent veterans. Then Tom’s wife suggested, “Why don’t you get the guys in the club to build urns.” Tom was then serving as Vice President of the Woodcrafters Club of Tampa. The idea started to really take shape when Tom went on a camping trip with his brother-in-law, Jim Orndoff, who worked for a funeral home in Pinellas County. He showed him some photos of typical burial urns, and told Tom that his funeral home saw several indigent veteran cases. Being a woodworker, Tom made a few samples and approached the club about taking on the project as a group. “A lot of the guys in the club are veterans, so they wanted to take on the project.” With that, the Veteran Urn Project was off and running. “I then approached the St. Pete woodworking club, and I got them to help us as well.” And since its inception in 2012, Tom said 14
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the idea has spread across the state and the country. He said it is impossible to tell how many different clubs are now doing this since each group supplies their own state, but he quickly listed at least ten clubs that he has had a hand in launching this idea. This includes several clubs here in Florida, and clubs in North and South Carolina, Michigan, Montana and Colorado. “It’s just starting to spread all over the country.” They have enjoyed tremendous community support for the project. “We had a guy in Inverness donate 1,200 pounds of wood. We had a company donate a storage unit to house our supplies and wood. And a man in Zephyrhills named Ross Strictland contacted me because he has a laser engraver, and he engraves all of the urns with the insignias of the different branches of service.” Tom believes they have produced almost 300 urns for indigent veterans here in Florida. Although recent news stories on veteran issues have helped shine a light on our military heroes, the problem of homeless and indigent veterans is still a national concern. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs still believes that there could be as many as 65,000 homeless veterans each day in the United States. Upon their deaths, many of these vets or their families will not be able to afford much in way of final arrangements, which is all the more tragic in light of the service they’ve provided. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
“We work closely with Hospice, local units of AMVETS (American Veterans), social workers at veteran nursing homes and the National cemetery in Bushnell. Each different county in Florida has a contract with a funeral home to handle indigent veterans. Some of the funeral homes have contacted our group and we provide urns, others funeral homes have not been as cooperative.” If you know of a situation where a family could benefit from the Veteran Urn Project, Tom encourages you to contact their group. “We request that the veteran really was indigent, but we’ve helped out families who really were broke. We just ask for proof that they served in one of the branches of the U.S. Military. We take it on a case by case basis.” Tom said they cannot honor folk’s requests that just want an urn that they can keep at home, they only honor the cases that are actually going to be buried at a national cemetery or a private cemetery. The outside dimensions of the urns are 9 inches deep, 7 inches wide and 7-8 inches high. This size accommodates the niches at the National Cemeteries. The club uses all different types of wood, including: pine, oak, cedar, cypress, black walnut, ash, popular and other woods that have been donated to the project. The front of the urn is engraved with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine or Coast Guard seal. “We just want to make sure these veterans get a decent burial. We have this engraved on the bottom of every urn that we make, ‘A place to rest honoring our American Hero Veteran’.” And Tom Jones and the Woodcrafters Club of Tampa have done just that, showing honor to those who have served this great nation. If you are interested in finding out more about the Veteran Urn Project, contact Tom Jones at Talloak4@msn.com. The group also has a Facebook page. They also accept donations of good quality wood for use in making the urns. Or if you are a woodworker and would like to learn more about the Woodcrafters Club of Tampa, they encourage you to visit their one of their monthly meetings held every third Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 2707 W. Waters Avenue in Tampa. The club welcomes visitor and new members, no matter their experience level. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Is It Natural Instinct or Can They Remember?
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
The popular observation that fish are merely instinct driven has given way to new theories. Scientists now believe they possess compound mental and cognitive abilities with the capacity to remember. This ability to remember indicates the mental capacity for memory.
tor, food if previously eaten and predator if wounded or hooked. They may also get used to seeing it, which decreases its effectiveness. Psychologists refer to this as habituation (requiring memory) or getting used to something.
Scientist worldwide are conducting fish behavior studies in aquaculture and finding them capable of pursuing Machiavellian strategies of manipulation, punishment, and understanding while exhibiting stable communal traditions. There are many species that cooperate in recognizing predators and catching food.
Understandably, we know fish repeatedly eat and are hooked on the same lures and baits. However, this does not indicate a loss of memory. It can however, indicate a stronger urge to protect its territory or the basic instinct associating hunger with food. Territoriality cases in point would be that of a bedding largemouth bass. Tournament bass anglers often spend hours trying to hook a female bass guarding its bed. Time after time, she removes the lure before finally eating it, probably more through frustration rather than hunger. How about the monster snook, hooked many times previously, heads for the mangroves or dock pilings remembering this survival technique means freedom.
For fish to learn requires retaining an experience, object, event or information. To retain something necessitates the use of “short-term and long term memory.” Without getting into scientific rhetoric, short-term memory stores limited information for limited periods, roughly 15-30 seconds. This contrasted to long-term memory, where an unlimited amount of information is stored indefinitely and recalled from 30 seconds to decades later. Memory also involves and improves with practice, indicating the presence of: 1. Procedural (skill based) or how to do things, forage and catch food 2. Episodic (episodes) or objects, events and good or near fatal experiences. For example, fish quickly retain experiences with predators. 3. Spatial (navigate) learn to map and recognize bottom contours as they move about using the same routes from deep to shallow water and back. 4. Habituation (getting used to) repeatedly hooked on a certain lure or bait adequately reinforces this process. I can’t help but think had the scientist consulted with many aged or seasoned anglers they might have shortened the study considerably. Most longtime anglers would gladly explain that fish must have memories, how else could they differentiate between sounds, colors, navigate territorial waters; know what food to eat, and what is predator. Guess it takes someone with a PhD/Doctorate or other scientific title to explain it, before it is accepted as fact. Most seasoned anglers understand psychological reasoning leads to understanding. In other words, the behavioral characteristics of fish, how they behave to certain colors, noise, flash, and water depth, involves a learning process. To further what old-timers have known for years, studies done in aquaculture offer substantiated proof that fish do react to colors, noise and stimuli indicating the presence of memory. Which brings us to artificial lures and baits. Those who fish with regularity appreciate that this question is not easy to answer. Various reasons indicate fish interpret baits and lures as either food or preda18
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Consistently, successful anglers and hunters understand that members of our animal world use their senses starting from birth to gather information in relation to their world. However, without a memory all would be useless. The fact they have memories relates to the principal goals of species survival and becomes and important tool in the evolutionary process. Usually taken for granted, when given some thought, we soon realize these, marvelous creatures are actually fairly intelligent, often beyond our comprehension. So, treat them with the respect they deserve and remember that lifetime trophy you just landed did not become a trophy being stupid it simply made an error in judgment.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report June 2016 Let’s Go Fishing
Tampa Bay offers excellent angling with over 200 species of fish. Starting at the extreme north end it travels south for approximately 50 miles down to the Skyway Bridge. Pick a good day with a respectable incoming or outgoing tide and catch fish. The bay offers many places for anglers to fish from shore and those who like to wade-fish there are plenty of lush grass flats available.
Spotted Sea Trout
The bay area is seeing a return of really large spotted sea trout, many over 20 inches. Also the southeast shore and the south end of Tampa Bay are reporting good catches on incoming or outgoing tides. As always live free-lined greenbacks or shrimp are the best baits for Trout and I’ve had good success catching them on cut bait when red fishing. Or try a popping cork with a medium split-shot about 8”, about a WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore has been guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his level of customer service, experience and attention to detail allows him to offer 2/0 circle hook then find any good grass flat and you should catch all world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. the trout you want. Using topwater popping plugs or soft jerk baits when fishing broken bottom grass flats especially around potholes can offer artificial anglers some exciting action. Who knows you just might catch a few flounder.
Redfish
Redfish are popping up all over the bay and pushing in as the tide climbs. There is no shortage of large mullet and Redfish aren’t far behind. Green backs, small pinfish, shrimp, cut bait and for those that like pitching soft plastics and topwater’s around the mangroves you can expect some great action on high in coming tides. If you’re lucky to find a school moving around a shoreline, setup and wait they will move back and forth when feeding.
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
Mackerel & Big Jacks
The big mackerel have moved into the bay and it sure makes for an exciting “fun-fishing” trip for the kids. Mackerel are showing up all over the bay. Find a school of Threadfins, start chumming and hold on. I’ve been catching them up to 3 and 4 lbs. using long shank 2/0 hooks and fifty pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon 60# leader. Try a popping cork and split shot like you would for Trout. It works well when the Threadfins are really thick. There are some giant yellowtail jacks running around the bay. These are great fun to catch if you’re looking for a fight.
Snook
The Tampa Bay snook bite has been excellent on the grass flats. Greenbacks, shrimp, cut pinfish and cut ladyfish; or you can try your hand at something new and catch them on artificial lures, especially topwater’s early in the mornings. Sometimes the bites a little slow, so you might have to try different types or tactics. One thing I try is slowly reeling a nose hooked greenback thru the water; often this triggers a bite.
Cobia We’re seeing a few around the bay, most are cruising markers or following large rays or manatees around the flats. If you are mackerel fishing and you have a chum bag over the side; be sure to keep your eyes open for one or two to show up around your motor in your chum slick. Tarpon are at the Skyway. Grab a few Threadfins or large Green-
backs, a slow in or out tide anchor and chum by cutting some bait into pieces. Drift a couple of cut chunks of bait back in your slick and get ready.
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• The salivary glands of cattle, located beneath the tongue, produce 15-20 gallons of saliva per day. • More than 100 medicines, including insulin and estrogen, come from cattle. • Beef is the number one source of zinc in the human diet in the United States. • More beef is consumed on Memorial Day than any other day of the year. The Fourth of July and Labor Day typically tie for the second most popular beef-eating days. • Beef fat, called tallow, is an ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, candles, shortenings, and chewing gum. • Beef is a naturally nutrient-rich food, helping you get more nutrition from the calories you take in. • Beef has 8 times more vitamin B12, 6 times more zinc and 2.5 times more iron than a skinless chicken breast.
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Pirates One afternoon I stopped by to chat with John Shuppard at Crescent Jewelers in Plant City. I have known John for many years, and we always enjoy talking about old times. When I walked in John said, “Hey Al, have you heard any good jokes lately?” “No,” I replied, “Have you?” “Yea, did you hear the one about the seaman who met a pirate in a bar?” “No, tell it to me,” I replied. “Well,” John said, “A seaman met a pirate in a bar, and their talk turns to their adventures on the sea. The seaman notes that the pirate has a peg leg, a hook, and an eye patch. The seaman asks, “So, how did you end up with the peg leg?” The pirate replies, “We were in a storm at sea, and I was swept overboard into a school of sharks. Just as my men were pulling me out, a shark bit my leg off.” “Wow!” said the seaman. “What about your hook?” “Well”, replied the pirate, “We were boarding an enemy ship and were battling the other sailors with swords. One of the enemy cut my hand off.” “Incredible!” remarked the seaman. “How did you get the eye patch?” “A seagull dropping fell into my eye,” replied the pirate. “You lost your eye to a seagull dropping?” the sailor asked. “Well,” said the pirate, “it was my first day with my hook.” I’ve heard other pirate stories, but the one I enjoyed most is the one about the pirate with a parrot. This parrot could swear like a sailor, I mean he’s a pistol. He can swear for five minutes straight without repeating himself. Trouble is, the pirate who owns him is a quiet, conservative type, and this bird’s foul mouth is driving him crazy. One day it gets to be too much, so the guy grabs the bird by the throat, shakes him really hard, and yells, “STOP IT!” But this just makes the bird mad and he swears more than ever. Then the pirate gets mad and says, “OK that’s it. I am going to lock you in a cabinet.” This really aggravates the bird and he claws and scratches, and when the guy finally lets him out, the bird cuts loose with a stream of bad words that would make a veteran pirate blush. At that point, he is so mad that he throws it into the freezer. For the first few seconds there is a terrible noise. The bird kicks and claws and thrashes. Then it suddenly gets very quiet. At first the guy just waits, but then he starts to think that the bird may be hurt. After a couple of minutes of silence, he’s so worried that he opens up the freezer door. The bird calmly climbs onto the man’s out-stretched arm and says, “Awfully sorry about the trouble I gave you. I’ll do my best to improve my vocabulary from now on. By the way, what did the chicken do?”
We had a lot of sayings. We’d would straighten up and fly right. Hubba-Hubba, we’d cut a rug in some juke joint and then go spooning and cooing and pitching woo in hot rods and jalopies down lovers’ lane. Heavens to Betsy! Gee whillikers! Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat! Holy moly! We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley, and even a regular guy couldn’t accuse us of being a knucklehead, a nincompoop or a pill. Not for all the tea in China. Where have all those phrases gone? Long time passing: The milkman did it. Bigger than a bread box. Banned in Boston. The very idea! It’s your nickel. He’s pulling your chain. Knee high to a grasshopper. Fiddlesticks. You look the wreck of the Hesperus. Cooties. Going like crazy. Don’t take any wooden nickels. Oh my stars! There are more lost words and expressions than Carter has liver pills. But just as one never steps into the same river water twice, you cannot step into the same language twice. As my mother once said “Shoot a monkey, and Jan-a-men’s Buddie!” Remember the days of knickers, fedoras, peddle pushers, poodle skirts and saddle oxfords like Pat Boone wore. I suppose us older folks are blessed to have lived in a time where words that are no longer around are still a part of our memory. My wife, Patsy, was having problems remembering if she was taking her medicine as prescribed. She made a chart to show when she should take prednisone and other prescribed medicine. She would write the amount down each day and would cross them off as she took them. She thought how clever, then if she forgot to take them she could look to see if she crossed off, till one day, she could not remember if she had taken it or not. She checked the chart, and found it was not marked off, but could not remember if maybe she just forgot to cross it off! To solve the problem she went to Walgreen’s and bought a weekly medicine holder. She says the holder works fine as long as she can remember what day it is! In closing there’s the story of two elderly gentlemen playing cards on Saturday evening as they have done for the past 35 years. Joe, the older, had been having problems remembering what cards were what and usually needed help from his wife. At the end of the card game Ed said to Joe, “You did very good tonight. You didn’t need any help at all. Why is that?”
After leaving John’s Jewelry Store I went around the corner to Frank Cumming’s Walden Lake Car Wash. Frank was in his office going over some papers and asked me to come in and sit down. He said he had just read an email from an old friend. He used some old expressions that evidently got Franks attention as he continued to laugh as I sat down. Frank said, “Do you remember when we used language like, You sound like a broken record, For crying out loud, and mercy me?”
“Why ever since my wife sent me to that memory school, I haven’t had any problems at all, Joe said.”
Later that evening I started to think about some of the old sayings we used, but are now obsolete. Remember the phrases “Don’t touch that dial,” “Carbon Copy,” and “Hung out to dry?”
“Yeah...that’s it!” Joe turned to his wife and mumbled, “Hey, Rose! What’s the name of that memory school you sent me to?”
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“Memory school? What memory school?” Joe thought for a moment, “Oh, what’s that flower that’s red with thorns? A really pretty flower...?” “A rose,” Replied Ed.
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STRAWBERRY CREST INTRODUCES NEW AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY LEADER PROGRAM By Jim Frankowiak A “brainstorming” session seeking to make the current Strawberry Crest High School FFA/Agriculture program better has led to the introduction of a new endeavor, the Agriculture Community Leader Program. The genesis of the new program was a session involving Strawberry Crest Agriculture teachers Michelle Cesario, Susan Mayo, Andrew McNair and Christina Raburn, Assistant Principal for Curriculum. “We have partnered with some of the most prominent FFA alumni in the Cork, Plant City and Durant areas to create the ultimate Agriculture Mentor relationship,” said Raburn. “Each of our Agriculture Community Leaders has an extensive FFA background, and each has either worked or is currently working in the agriculture industry.” The new program was officially unveiled to a group of Strawberry Crest FFA members and incoming 9th grade students and their parents at a “Meet N Greet” held recently at the school with many of the mentors in attendance. Ag Community Leaders participating in the program at this time, include Erica Hall, former National FFA Officer and current Director of Development for Orphan’s Heart at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home; Jake Raburn, former FFA Chapter Officer, current District 57 Florida State Representative and Director of Marketing for Hinton Farms; Melissa Raburn, former State FFA President and Agriculture Teacher at Marshall Middle School; Lauren NcNair, former FFA Officer and current Public Relations and Media Representative for the Florida Strawberry Festival; Liz Pierce, former FFA Officer and Agriculture Teacher at both Turkey Creek Middle School and Plant City High School; Marshal Sewell former State FFA President, current representative at Monsanto and representative of his family farm, Sewell & Sewell; Ed Raburn, former FFA Chapter President and Agriculture Environmental Sargent at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; and, Tiffany Dale, current Director of Member Services and Community Relations for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Each of these community leaders has agreed to mentor our Agriculture students,” said Raburn. “They will also help coach and critique our teams so they are better prepared for various FFA competitions. 26
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This is really exciting because many of our mentors have won competitions at the District, State and National levels.” “Community leaders will speak at our club day meetings and help arrange Agriculture tours to ensure that our students become aware of the many career opportunities in the Agriculture industry. Some of our new partners will assist at our on campus facility, teaching students proper maintenance and guidance for various agriculture related activities such as planting and growing crops.” “The greatest aspect of this new partnership is that our students will be able to build relationships and network with people who are established in various Agriculture careers,” noted Raburn. “Additionally, our students will gain first-hand knowledge from our mentors regarding their chosen area of Agricultural work. For example, Jake Raburn will be able to guide and inform students on how FFA can prepare them for a career in politics, while Ed Raburn can provide information and guidance on career opportunities on the Agricultural Environmental side of law enforcement. Additionally, Tiffany Dale and Marshal Sewell can offer information and instruction on farming and methods used to raise and care for crops.” “Overall, we view this as a great opportunity for our students to meet and learn from FFA alumni about various career opportunities in Agriculture and to gain hands on assistance in the varied aspects of the industry.” “We are most appreciative of the commitment our mentors are making to our students,” said Raburn. “Our vision includes adding new community leaders in the future.” In addition to introducing the new Community Leader Program and participants, Meet N Greet attendees also heard from Ms. Lisa Hinton, Florida’s “Woman of the Year in Agriculture,” who spoke of the importance of FFA in both career and life. National FFA Officer Nick Baker also addressed attendees. For more information about the Strawberry Crest FFA Community Leader Program, email Susan Mayo at susan.mayo@sdhc.k12.fl.us. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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The Intrigue of the Scale: Rim Rock Crowned Snake
By Ginny Mink
Photo Courtesy of Dustin Smith - flickr.com/dsmiami really just compilations of what is believed to be true. Herpetologists Last month I took the kids to Repticon. Therefore, when I discovered (people who study reptiles and amphibians) think that larvae, spia snake on the endangered/threatened species list I decided I’d rehash ders, insects, worms, centipedes and maybe even small scorpions are that intrigue of the scale. I’ve always found snakes a bit interesting, on the rim rock crowned snake’s menu.³ probably because so many people feel quite the opposite. I am slightly rebellious in case you hadn’t guessed. This means that their potential meal ticket includes creepy crawlies you probably don’t want hanging around. Centipedes stink (pick one But, maybe reptiles aren’t your cup of tea. Maybe you get a little up and you’ll find out that’s true). Spiders can really give you a fright scared by the concept of one slithering by your foot, or hanging out (though they certainly have their own value) and scorpions are hugely in your carport. My Mammaw’s always concerned that one will get dangerous. While you may not have actually seen one, I can testify in her house if you hold the screen door open too long. If that’s your that they exist in Florida. I saw one on a fence post in Lakeland and position, I hope the plight of this snake, the rim rock crowned snake, was flabbergasted. Seems we have a tendency to think of them as deswill open your eyes to their redeeming value to the planet (and your ert dwellers. This is reason enough to keep these wee snakes around. yard). So what can we do about it? Well, the biggest hindrance to their continued existence is the fact that we are destroying their habitats. There is some debate about the rim rock crowned snake, Tantilla ooImagine that! Truth be told, people are the greatest destructive force litica. Some think that it is not morphologically different from the to all of God’s great creation. We don’t care enough about the land Tantilla coronata.¹ However, most research treats is as a separate spewe’ve been given as stewards. We’re far too concerned with bigger cies and so for the sake of this piece, I will too. Who am I to argue better houses and larger shopping centers. Such is the problem for the about accuracy of scientific names? rim rock crowned snake. For this wee snake, habitat loss, fragmentation, modification, and development are intensely injurious.¹ Rim rock crowned snakes are particularly interesting because they are only found in Monroe County (the Keys) and Miami-Dade County Though research shows that these snakes are capable of adapting to (in the mainland areas). This snake is not found outside of Florida.² some minor environmental modifications and human invasions, efTo me, that makes it a true Florida native (unlike a vast majority of forts must be made to provide them with protection. There are some the population here)! protected sites located at Port Bougainville, Key Largo Hammocks, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and John Pennekamp CorSpecifically, these small snakes, which don’t generally exceed 11 inchal Reef State Park. Unfortunately, it is not certain where there might es (and are usually 6-9 inches long)³ are found, “…on a low elevation be specimens in existence and therefore finding exact locations is key pine ridge called the Miami Rim Rock formation. It has also been to preservation. found from Key Largo to Key West.”² They apparently prefer to live in pine rocklands and tropical hardwood hammocks. Sandy, shallow If we can locate these snake populations, figure out how to prevent soil that overlays limestone is of particular preference to the rim rock water table alteration and soil compaction, and give them enough crowned snake.³ open space with intact native vegetation, it is believed that they will be able to coexist to some extent with humans and their developmenIf you’re going to keep your eye out for ‘em (while you’re in Miami tal desires. It’s up to us to look out for those things the Good Lord or the Keys), this is a solid colored snake whose scales are a pinkish gave us. If that means walking away from the selfish desire for more, brown. However, its head is distinctly darker brown, or black, with then let it be so! a tan or pink snout. Their bellies are uniformly white and some of them exhibit a sort of a ring separating the darker head from the I read somewhere that if trees gave out free Wi-Fi we’d be planting lighter body. At midbody the snakes display 15 dorsal scale rows with them left and right, but since they only give off oxygen, we tear them smooth scales. And, in case you were wondering, they have round down. Where’s the sense in that? Stewardship is a privilege and a duty. eyes.² When we shirk that responsibility we endanger more than the creatures we’ve been trusted to care for. We hurt ourselves and our chilAs stated previously, these are small snakes with smooth scales and dren. Take a stand for preservation. they are very rarely seen. In reality, they are pretty secretive, spending a lot of their time beneath the surface in stump holes and limestone Resources: crevices. They also like other forms of groundcover like debris and ³Florida’s Snakes: Rim Rock Crowned Snake (Tantilla oolitica) http:// fallen palmetto leaves, rocks, or rotting logs.³ ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/snakes/rimrockcrownedsnake.shtml ²Rim Rock Crowned Snake - http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/ Given the fact that they like to hide, it seems reasonable that their fl-snakes/list/tantilla-oolitica food of choice would be other entities with similar predilections. ¹Tantilla oolitica - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63954/0 And, since there are only 26 known specimens² (though it is presumed that there are potentially thousands alive)¹ all diet lists are 28
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Farming Solutions in One Simple Step
HPA Hires Regulatory Expert Highland Precision Ag hired its newest team member this week. Danny Kushmer, Director of Environment, Restoration and Compliance will be the point of contact and liaison between the farming community and local, state, and federal regulators. Kushmer is vital to HPA’s primary goal to provide a one-stop resource for growers worldwide. His expertise, from his background with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, makes him a excellent resource for farmers who spend large amounts of time and money interpreting rules and regulations and waiting too long for answers. Says Kushmer, “I’ve heard it said that once in our life we
Danny Kushmer will need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman and a preacher, but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.” “Regulations and water requirement have become a full-time job, and most of our customers need an advocate in this area. Danny’s role will be critical as we build a service model that helps our customers reach their full potential,” says CEO Steve Maxwell. HPA will provide customers with the expertise in all facets necessary to improve their bottom line with industry software products, data management, and consulting services.
About Highland Precison Ag
Highland Precision Agriculture blends farming and technology, creating a system to help growers reach their full potential by providing them with the tools to make accurate and timely decisions. Learn more at http://www.highcor.ag.
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Farm Credit of Central Florida declares $4 million cash patronage distribution for 2016 Farm Credit of Central Florida’s Board of Directors recently declared $4 million in patronage dividends to qualified Borrowers of the Lakeland based agricultural lending cooperative. “The board understands the critical role Farm Credit plays in sustaining our rural communities and agriculture,” Farm Credit of Central Florida Chairman of the Board, Robbie Roberson, said. “Patronage helps reward members for their loyalty to the association and returns money directly into the communities we serve.” Every year, the Farm Credit of Central Florida Board of Directors review the cooperative’s financial position and determine the amount of patronage that can be distributed to its members. Since 1988, Farm Credit of Central Florida’s board of directors has declared patronage refunds exceeding $152 million. To illustrate how much $152 million is; it would buy enough drip irrigation tape to circle the globe almost five times. It would feed the average family of four for ten years, purchase over 250 thousand iPhone 6’s, or 2,200 John Deere model 6140 tractors, or a dozen Lear Jets!
The $4 million declared patronage can lower a Member’s rate by as much as 0.75%. Eligible Member-Borrowers should receive their checks by early April. “Cash patronage not only benefits our Members’ wallets, it reduces their overall cost of borrowing and helps them understand the link between their investment in the association and the benefits derived from membership in a cooperative,” Farm Credit of Central Florida President and CEO Reginald Holt, said. “Patronage is a benefit of doing business with a cooperative and we are proud to demonstrate that.” Farm Credit of Central Florida is a member-owned agricultural lending cooperative serving 13 Central Florida counties, including, Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Volusia and Brevard. Part of the nationwide Farm Credit System established in 1916, Farm Credit of Central Florida provides loans, leases and crop insurance to over 1,000 farmers, ranchers, growers and rural homeowners.
For more information regarding the Farm Credit, please visit www.farmcreditCFL.com or 866.245.3637 32
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Florida Garlic
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Known for its pungent flavor, garlic is a culinary and nutrition superstar. A member of the allium family, along with onions and shallots, garlic is high in vitamins, minerals, and a host of nutrition-boosting compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Some of these compounds may help combat heart disease, strokes, and cancer, as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol. While onions produce a single large bulb, garlic produces a compound bulb consisting of multiple cloves. Garlic is sometimes classified as either hard neck or soft neck. Hard neck types grow in colder northern climates and have a stiff seed stalk. Soft neck varieties grow in the Southeast, including Florida and Georgia. Instead of forming a seed stalk when mature, the necks stay soft and are easy to cut. California is the largest producer of garlic in the United States. In Florida, garlic is planted from September through February and harvested in the spring and summer months. Elephant garlic, also called great-headed or Oriental garlic, looks like an enormous bulb of garlic. A single clove can be as large as an entire bulb of regular garlic. Interestingly, elephant garlic is actually more closely related to leeks than to garlic.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Fresh garlic is low in calories and has little to no fat, sodium or cholesterol. It contains a large number of active compounds that may help ward off cancer, heart disease, high blood glucose, and strokes. Garlic may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and support the immune system. Like onions and other alliums, garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic is an excellent source of manganese and vitamin B6, a very good source of vitamin C, and a good source of selenium. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, six cloves of fresh garlic (18 g) contains 27 calories, 1 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 6 g carbohydrate, and 0.4 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 15% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for manganese, 6% for copper, 5% for selenium, 4% for phosphorus, and significant amounts of calcium, iron, zinc and potassium.
PROMOTE A HEALTHY HEART
Garlic is very flavorful, thanks to its sulfur-containing compounds. These include allicin and sulfoxides, which also give garlic most of its health-boosting properties. Hydrogen sulfide gas also keep blood vessels dilated and relaxed and in turn, keeps blood pressure lower. Garlic promotes cardiovascular health in other ways as well. This allium can lower blood triglycerides and total cholesterol. It also lowers inflammation from oxidative stress by neutralizing highly reactive oxygen molecules and preventing them from damaging blood vessel linings. This helps decrease the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis. Additionally, garlic reduces the risk of clots in blood vessels by preventing clumping of platelet cells.
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FIGHT OFF DISEASE
Garlic has many compounds that help fight off disease. It has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. This allium may also help combat infection from other microbes including yeasts/fungi and worms.
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS
In addition to all of the sulfur-related compounds listed above, garlic may also help improve iron metabolism and regulate the number of fat cells formed in the body. Garlic is also a good source of selenium, a trace mineral that must be obtained from the diet. Selenium plays an important role in making antioxidant enzymes and preventing certain cancers and heart disease.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Although garlic is available in numerous forms—powder, flakes, minced, or paste, fresh garlic is the best choice for maximum flavor and nutrition. Choose fresh garlic that is plump, firm, and has intact skin. Avoid any that is soft, shriveled, or sprouting. Store fresh garlic uncovered in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. Whole heads of garlic can be stored for up to a month in room temperature. When ready to use, take the head of garlic and separate into the individual cloves by applying firm pressure with your hand or a knife. Remove the skin from the individual cloves by smashing or tapping with a knife until the skin loosens. You can reap the most health benefits from garlic by letting it rest after chopping or crushing it. More of the healthy compounds in garlic are preserved in fresh garlic, not processed extracts.
ENJOY GARLIC
There are countless ways to enjoy fresh Florida garlic. It can be used raw, sautéed, fried, or even pickled. Although commonly used in pasta sauces and meat dishes, garlic can be used in a variety of entrees in many different cuisines. More ways to enjoy garlic: • Cut off the top ¼ inch of a whole head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven for a creamy, mellow flavor • Infuse your favorite oil with garlic cloves to drizzle over any dish • Saute minced garlic to add flavor to any pasta sauce, meat, or vegetable dish • Cut a clove in half and rub onto sliced bread for garlic bread • Mince and mix with herbs to create a crust for roasted meats • Mince and add to marinades, salad dressings, dips, or cream cheese • Slice or dice and use in any stir fry Enjoy the pungent aroma and flavor of Florida garlic today while boosting your heart health.
SELECTED REFERENCES
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.comz
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STRAWBERRY CREST FFA CHAPTER HOSTS “BAILEY FARM DAY” The Strawberry Crest FFA Chapter hosted the inaugural “Bailey Farm Day” at Strawberry Crest High School. Bailey Elementary School students in kindergarten, participated in “Bailey Farm Day,” an event designed to increase agricultural awareness for youth who typically do not have any exposure to American agriculture. Chapter members prepared stations to host 120 kindergarteners. The first station was the beef station where members were able to educate the young citizens about beef by-products, as well as how to properly handle and raise cattle. Members were also able to provide students with live animal displays, including a Brahman bull, a goat, a pig and other animals. “Is that a camel?” said a kindergarten student while pointing to a Brahman bull. Next, students moved to a seed station which provided information about how plants grow starting as a young seedling and transform into a beautiful flower. Many students were intrigued to find out what was needed to help a plant grow, as they did not realize that there are so many elements crucial to this process. The Strawberry Crest students at this station were able to teach about each part of the flower and how the plants help each other. By the end of this station the kids were able to make a radish seed necklace, which was a great hands-on experience. Following the seed station, the children moved to the dairy station. At this station the kindergarteners learned the difference between a cow and a heifer and how many of our everyday products are derived from a dairy cow. These students were given an opportunity to make butter from heavy whipping cream and loved the idea of “shake, shake, shake – shake your butter!” Lastly, Strawberry Crest FFA students provided a petting zoo for the students. At this station they summed up what the children had experienced throughout the day and had a short presentation explaining the parts of a chicken and rabbit and had a matching game to see how well the student educators did. This station allowed them to walk around and interact with a wide variety of animals including a piglet, four chicks, one chicken, two pygmy goats, two ducklings and a Californian rabbit. “Bailey Farm Day” was an opportunity for children to learn and for FFA members to serve as ambassadors for American agriculture. 38
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FARM BUREAU MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Ever-Changing and Much to Offer By Jim Frankowiak
Whether you are a current Florida Farm Bureau member or thinking about joining, there’s no better time to look at the many and diverse benefits available. First and foremost, Florida Farm Bureau is a strong advocate for the thousands of Florida families involved in agriculture. It is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization governed by and representing farm and ranch families united for the purpose of formulating action to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity and social advancement, thereby promoting the quality of life for everyone in our state. As the “Voice of Agriculture” Farm Bureau’s legislative staff serves as catalysts for a grassroots process and helps members maintain contact with elected officials at the local, state and national levels. The organization also enjoys support from the Young Farmers and Ranchers group and Women’s Leadership Program. “While many are familiar with the varied insurance coverages available through Florida Farm Bureau, I think it’s safe to say just as many are not familiar with the many benefits membership in Farm Bureau has to offer,” noted Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Kenneth Parker. “And that list of member benefits continues to grow,” he added. Those member benefits include travel discounts, health and wellness, family entertainment and much more. Travel discounts are available through Choice Hotels International, Red Roof Inn, Wyndham Hotel Group, Alamo Rent-A-Car, Hertz Car Rentals, Enterprise, InterContinental Hotels and LaQuinta. Health and wellness savings are available through Creative Benefit Design, ScriptSave, QualSight LASIK, Clear Value Hearing and Security. Family entertainment specials are offered by Six Flags Over Georgia, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Wild Adventures, Tickets at Work, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Six Flags, Broadway, Movies, FSU and UF baseball tickets, FSU basketball tickets and the Florida Agriculture Museum. Home and Auto member benefits include the GM Bonus Cash Offer Program, Child Safety (car seat), PowerNet Glob al, Ferrellgas, AmeriGas, Security Safe Company, Sea Tow and the FAMA Buyers Club. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Farm/business special offers include Case-IH, Grainger, Polaris, Grasshopper, Caterpillar and $500 Reward – No Trespassing Signs. Financial member benefits are offered by Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Insurance, Estate Planning, Accidental Death Coverage and notary services via your local Farm Bureau office. The first of this month, Florida Farm Bureau unveiled the Farm Bureau Member Rewards MasterCard®. This credit card was designed specifically for Farm Bureau members and offers new cardholders who activate and use their card a $25 statement credit, up to 5,000 bonus points and a lucrative introductory balance transfer offer right from the start! Florida Farm Bureau members, who continue to use their card on purchases of $10,000 or more very year, will also have their annual member dues paid for by Farm Bureau Bank. This card not only offers low pricing and great rewards, it also features solid protection against unauthorized transactions through cuttingedge chip technology. For more information or to apply for the Farm Bureau Member Rewards MasterCard, contact your local Florida Farm Bureau agent or visit https://www.farmbureaubank.com/ CreditCards. Current and prospective Florida Farm Bureau members are encouraged to visit www. floridafarmbureau.org/membership for information on all Farm Bureau member benefits, or the other Farm Bureau social media platforms: www.facebook.com/FlaFarmBureau;, www.twitter.com/ FlaFarm Bureau, www.instagram.com/flafarmbureau/. www.pinterest.com/FlaFarmBureau/, https://www.youltube.com/channel/ UCo1CjmW7Ev71S1u6Fn2wWWg or www.flickr.com/photos/floridafarmbureau/ “One final thing,” said Parker. “Here in Hillsborough County our members also enjoy a barbecued steak dinner at our annual meeting as an added benefit of membership.”
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Migration of Monarch Butterflies
By Lynn Barber
In Florida, we have more than 180 butterfly species that include 170 native/newly established species. We have the highest number of butterflies east of the Mississippi River, which means Florida is a perfect spot for butterfly gardening. Butterflies are important because they are pollinators and provide natural pest control. My bucket list has included the migration of Monarch butterflies and I have successfully checked that ‘to do’ off my list! I vacationed in Mexico to view the Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) prior to their leaving two mountain sites for the United States and Canada. Each Fall eastern United States and southern Canada Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) travel up to 3,000 miles to central Mexico mountains for the winter, generally from November to some point during the following March. This includes Florida’s Monarch butterflies. The first Monarch site we visited was El Rosario, located in the state of Michoacan, in the mountains near Angangueo, approximately 100 miles west of Mexico City. El Rosario is the most easily accessible Monarch viewing site. This overwintering site generally has more than 100 million adult Monarchs and, this year, we were told there were 150 million at this site. There have been several recent media articles about the plight of the Monarch butterflies and the best news 40 40
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is that it appears there has been a reverse in their decline. We witnessed one burst of butterflies leaving a cluster which was truly amazing. The Monarchs were landing on us and on the ground, which at this site was pretty flat. We could hear the movement of their wings, like leaves rustling in trees. The second adventure was to Sierra Chincua, 10,000 feet elevation, and a more isolated site. Frost was on the ground as we started our trek up the mountain. This was more physically challenging because the viewing area was at a significant slope. There were 130 million Monarchs at this site. All viewing areas are roped off so the general public must remain in specific areas and there are volunteers making sure this happens. Those of us that love gardening want to attract wildlife to our landscapes. In order to create a butterfly garden which will attract these winged beauties, we need to know about their life cycles and survival needs. Butterfly life cycles are comprised of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis) and adult. Females lay eggs which hatch in a few days on host plants. Larva have a large appetite and quickly consume larval host plants which is the reason we plant them. When the larva is fully grown, it attaches itself to a branch or twig or even part of your home’s exterior overhanging surface. Then the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
Butterflies need host plants for larva (most important) and nectar plants for adults (less important because of the availability of many alternative nectar plants). Non-native milkweed, such as the Scarlet milkweed, has become invasive and can alter Monarch butterfly migration behaviors. For a list of native larval host and nectar plants, refer to the Native Habitats document below which also contains the link for Asclepias species that are native to each region in the United States. You can also contact The Suncoast Native Plant Society for additional information and consider joining that organization: http://www.meetup.com/Suncoast-Native-PlantSociety/. There are several University of Florida publications about Monarch butterflies, creating native habitats for Monarchs and butterfly gardening. Those listed below contain a significant amount of information that will assist you in creating a habitat that you and the Monarchs will enjoy for many years to come: Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae), by Andrei Sourakov, at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in780 WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
Native Habitats for Monarch Butterflies in South Florida by Rebecca G. Harvey, Patricia L. Howell, Carol Morgenstern, and Frank J. Mazzotti, at: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw311 Butterfly Gardening in Florida, by Jaret C. Daniels, Joe Schaefer, Craig N. Huegel, and Frank J. Mazzotti, at: http:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw057 Community ButterflyScaping: How to Move Beyond Butterfly Gardening to Create a Large-Scale Butterfly Habitat, by Kathy C. Malone, Wendy Wilber, Gail Hansen, Jaret C. Daniels, Claudia Larsen, and Esen Momol, at: http://edis. ifas.ufl.edu/ep420 The information contained in this article was adapted and extracted from the documents above. For more information about the nine principles of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program or for assistance with gardening-related questions, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or visit our website at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat.
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Replenished reefs
By Jack Payne One of the features that makes Hillsborough County so economically powerful is that it doesn’t limit its enterprises to land.
those fish and pay money to local businesses that can put people on or in the water.
Its gulf-side location gives it an economic extender. The Gulf of Mexico provides Tampa with a great diversity of wildlife as well as a playground, a transportation corridor, and a tourist magnet.
What’s really going to make the 500 acres of TECO land in Apollo Beach special is its development as the Florida Conservation and Technology Center. TECO is creating an Energy Technology Center on the site to showcase cutting-edge alternative energy generators.
This economic engine runs on science. Coral ecosystems are key. The challenge is that the Gulf’s health is hidden under its surface. You can’t see coral reefs disappearing unless you’re a diver. You can’t see bleaching that indicates sick coral. The quality of the water in which coral bathes is expressed in arcane indicators such as parts per million, and we only know something is wrong when something dramatic like an oil spill or a red tide happens. In Apollo Beach, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and The Florida Aquarium are growing coral in greenhouses that will be transplanted into the ocean to repair reefs. If we succeed, we will be restoring important habitats that many species depend upon, including fish that we enjoy catching and eating. It could boost coastal economies by attracting divers and a fishing crowd that’ll be looking to spend money on food, gas, and somewhere to sleep. In a series of tanks just a mile south of Tampa Electric Company’s (TECO) Manatee Viewing Center, UF/IFAS marine biologists Joshua Patterson and Mark Flint and The Florida Aquarium’s biologist John Than are building a better coral reef. It’s a modest operation, with offices in a quad-wide trailer generously provided by TECO and a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse built and run by The Florida Aquarium. With Flint diagnosing coral diseases, Patterson developing aquaculture methods, and Than bringing his years of aquarium husbandry experience to play, they’re putting the science of medicine and genetics to work on having replacement coral ready that could prevent localized extinctions of some Florida-area species. Replenished reefs protect shorelines against storm surge and lessen the effect of sea-level rise. Reefs are fish condos that attract myriad species – including the humans who seek to swim among or catch
To the south of the TECO project, The Florida Aquarium operates its Center for Conservation (CFC) from this site and is constructing a Sea Turtle Rescue and Research facility. CFC partners at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) held a grand opening in April for its marine-focused Suncoast Youth Conservation Center in April and has plans on the books for a state-of-the-art marine fish hatchery. The vision is that your kids will visit the complex on school field trips, where IFAS scientists, Florida Aquarium biologists, and FWC scientists will draw back a curtain on the underwater world. Students will be able to see for themselves and participate in the important work being done to protect and restore sea turtles, coral, and sharks. Add TECO’s involvement, and entrepreneurs in solar and other renewable energies will get a first look at the science on which they can base commerce. In the future, it could be the site for a UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist program, where we train budding ecotourism operators or folks who just plain want to take better care of the state’s natural resources. The partnership of UF/IFAS, TECO, The Florida Aquarium and FWC puts science at the service of the Tampa area. We hope you’ll support efforts like the Center for Conservation. The sea hides many secrets, but at the center, these four partners hope to make the benefits of science visible and bring the deep sea up to the surface where you can see it and appreciate it.
Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS 42
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Revisiting Smartphone APPs For Farmers
About this time last year, I wrote an article titled The Top Ten Smartphone Apps for Farmers. With technology changing constantly and so quickly, it makes sense to revisit some of this year’s crop of best Apps available. The first App that I described last year, called Theodolite, is still high on the list. It’s a multifunction App that combines a compass, rangefinder, GPS, mapping and navigation calculators along with a geo-tag camera. The App can help you lay out rows and plantings, keeping things straight and level. When not used on the farm, it’s a veritable wonder and terrific tool that’s indispensable for hunting, hiking, boating and even golf. Too bad that it’s no longer free, but it’s still a bargain at $5.99. The task of managing livestock has birthed a number of Apps. Among the free ones are Farm Track Livestock Manager and one developed in Australia named iHerd.
The first one is a sophisticated database letting you carry in your pocket detailed information on specific animals in your herd. You can track a calf’s age, weight gain, general health and other info including detailed notes along with its picture. The information can be logged manually or collected with a scan of a tag number. Similar information can be collected and stored with iHerd. The App is gaining popularity outside of its originating Australia, probably because it offers free synchronization of your data with multiple devices (such as iPhones and iPads) so that you can keep things updated without re-entering information. Like most things offered for free in the world of technology, this means that you’ll gain info from ads by sponsors, but it is still popular enough to be reportedly used by over 40,000 people in 120 countries. Sometimes what you consider to be great little Apps suddenly just disappear. Last year, for example, I suggested that if you used Julian dates to track things, you might consider putting on your phone the App J2D. It was simple and worked quite well. Unfortunately, this nifty tool just vanished when I got a new iPhone later last year. For some reason it didn’t migrate to the new phone and it disappeared form the iTunes store. Fortunately there are some others that work about as a well, including the free, extremely simple one known simply as Julian. The ever popular weather Apps have improved to be even better than what I thought was already great. Unfortunately, the one that I mentioned last year as having promise, produced by UF’s IFAS program, is not one of them. It’s called My Florida Farm Weather, and while it works, it simply doesn’t compare to the more powerful ones. One that I particularly continue to like is WunderMap. It has great animated graphics and, unlike most other weather apps, it gives you real time reads of many local personal weather stations. They refer to this as making it hyper-local since you can get a good handle on whether the weather next door is starting to freeze as opposed to what may be happening many miles away at the official station located near the airport.
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by John Dicks
If you want a free and very high quality look at local radar, check out MyRadar. So popular is this App that it has been downloaded 20 million times! It gives you fast and easy access to animated radar displays showing you what’s going on around you so you can quickly see what weather is coming your way. The popular Farm Log remains a very useful App. This freebie helps you keep organized by letting you record your tasks and times while on the run and later refer back to them to see when you did what in a logical calendar format. Still popular and helpful app is TractorPal. It lets you keep an inventory and info on your vehicles and equipment such as serial numbers and maintenance logs. It’s a lot simpler than keeping hand written notes stashed away in file folders. And the important information is always right at hand, sitting in your pocket. Last year I spoke of being amazed at a free translation App named iTranslate. It requires a data connection (which, of course, most smartphones have) but with the App you can type an English word or phrase and have it display the words in Spanish or whatever number of languages it offers. This year the upgrade really is amazing, at least for wearers of an Apple Watch. Today, I can speak English into my Apple Watch and within seconds see the phrase or sentence translated into another language. Push a button on the screen and the tiny speaker speaks the words loud enough for someone to hear. Even more powerful, though it has a few kinks since it is so new is Microsoft Translator. It was developed just a few months ago and the brilliant team at Microsoft has, not surprisingly, learned from its competitors and is refining this remarkable fast, powerful and free pocket translator. After you dictate, it will quickly speak the foreign language words for you loud enough for someone to understand and also display them in very large print, utilizing the entire screen on your phone. Two people using the same App can have a nearly instantaneous and fluent conversation in English and any of over 50 different languages including Spanish, German, Dutch, Arabic and Chinese. And the cost for this marvel? Free. Yes, FREE! It really is an amazing world we are living in! John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor.
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Reclaiming the land for future generations is
Ashlee Harrison, Reclamation Ecologist South Pasture Mine, Hardee County
As an ecologist, I am part of a dedicated team that oversees the reclamation of Mosaic’s mined lands. Before phosphate operations begin, I work with scientists, engineers and environmental specialists to carefully plan for reclaimed land uses. Last year, those plans included planting more than 2 million trees — and reclaiming land for wildlife habitats, parks, agriculture and other productive uses. There’s a reason Mosaic’s 4,000 Florida employees are so passionate about reclamation: we know our kids and grandkids will enjoy these lands for generations to come. We help the world grow the food it needs.
®
mosaicco.com/florida
© 2016 The Mosaic Company
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Remembering Ron Goodson
Nearly a year has passed since the May 19, 2015, death of Ron “Big Ron” Goodson, but Plant City and Dover residents have made sure that the longtime farmer is anything but forgotten. Goodson was born Aug. 5, 1948, and grew up on his family’s strawberry farm in Dover. His father, E.O. Goodson, started farming when he got out of the United States Army. E.O. would have some of his children stay home from school at a young age to work on the farm. The eldest child, Ron Goodson started driving a tractor by himself at the age of five. By that time, he could already drive a straight line in the field. As he got older, he worked for a short time at the railroad but later decided to farm full-time. Ron began working for Fulwood Farms in Ruskin in 1971, where he met his longtime friend and Fancy Farms grower Carl Grooms. “It was long hours and hard work,” Grooms said. “I was small back then, and needed Big Ron’s muscle power to help me lift heavy equipment. As life went on, we stayed in touch. We had hours of phone conversations solving the problems of the world at that time. When he spoke, you listened, for he was full of knowledge.” Later, Ron moved back to Dover a few years later. He farmed with Roland Dukes and Glenn Williamson, and established Ron Goodson Farms in the late 1980s. “He was a great farmer,” Mark McDonald, of Sweet Life Farms, said. “He took great pride in growing and packing a superior strawberry that looked great and tasted great.” Josh Young, owner at Crop Protection Services of Florida, described Ron as an icon in the farming community. “His faith, integrity and dedication allowed him to continue farming in this ever-changing agricultural industry,” Young said. “Ron believed in hard work, he started nothing that he didn’t finish. He was old school and had very little tolerance for inspectors.” Ron was quick to lend a hand to fellow farmers, friends and anyone in need of support. “Whenever I needed help, Ron was there,” Mike Lott, of Lott Farms, said. “I remember many a freeze night checking the thermometer, feeling the strawberry leaves, checking for frost and calling Ron to see what he was going to do. He had a gift for knowing when was the 52
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right time to turn the water on.” When Lott was in a car accident in 2009, it was Ron who cut his ditches every day for him without asking for anything in return. “It warms my heart just thinking about all he gave to me and so many,” Lott said. “While we were both farmers, we are also both Christians.” And Ron wasn’t just a helpful farmer -- he was a good one. A really good one. “It might seem silly to say, but I’m convinced he could grow a crop of just about anything, in the middle of a paved road if he wanted to,” Joey Gude, of Brandon Farms, said. “He was a great farmer and even greater friend. I myself have had ups and downs, but during those times his old, black truck would show up in the afternoons ... Big Ron would encourage me and never left a doubt in my mind that he didn’t believe it. He was a man I respected and he deserved it.” Strawberry farms would continue to have special meaning for Ron -- he met his future wife, Debbie, in a strawberry field. The couple’s first date was at the Lakeland Steak n’ Shake, and they went out almost every night after that. The couple was married on Dec. 10, 1971, and spent 43 years together. Ron’s mother, Ida, described Debbie as “an answer to prayer.” Together, the couple had two children: daughter Lamonica and son ‘Russell. In 1992, Ron helped Russell start his own farm. Growing up, Russell remembered wanting to be just like his dad. “He was my hero and best friend,” Russell said. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. He taught me so much about farming and being a good Christian man. We loved him so much and miss him deeply. We will always treasure the time we had together. He was the best.” Like her brother, Ron’s daughter, Lamonica, had fond memories of her father throughout her life. He was her protector, and made her feel loved. “I am so blessed to have him as my daddy,” she said. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A devoted Christian, Ron taught his children that they should not work on Sunday to respect the Lord’s day. This also gave Ron’s workers a chance to attend church. He wanted them all to know Jesus Christ. Lamonica remembers her father kneeling beside his bed in prayer, and praying Psalms 91 over the family. He passed on his strong faith to his family by example. Ron attended First Baptist Church of Dover. It was known throughout the community that if the doors to the church were open, Ron and his family were there. His family and friends knew him as an honest, hardworking man that would stand for what he believed in. “Ron Goodson was a great Christian man who had a very active and vibrant faith in Jesus Christ,” McDonald said. “He had a great testimony because he practiced what he preached. He loved the Lord, his church and his family. I miss him greatly and was very blessed to call him a friend. I was also very blessed to have been able to work with (him) for many years.” “Ron was the most trusted and honest man I’ve ever known,” Ed Swindle, another one of Ron’s friends, said. “If he told you it was raining outside, you didn’t have to go look -- you just get your raincoat.” As their friendship went on, Swindle said Ron became more like a brother to him. “Every few days when I got home around 5 p.m., he would be sitting in his truck waiting for me,” Swindle said. “Sometimes we would talk more than an hour about farming, family and how good the Lord has been to all of us.” Ron would go to the Turkey Banquet and Future Farmers of America (FFA) Feast Beast with Swindle every year. “He liked the Beast Feast best,” Swindle said. “They always had frog legs, and he could eat more frog legs than anybody I know.” Swindle wasn’t only close with Ron -- he was close with the rest of the Goodson clan, as well. Swindle worked with Debbie Goodson in the family’s church nursery for over 20 years. “I knew Ron and the entire family for many years,” Swindle said. “He told me he was the luckiest man in the world when he married Debbie, and he was.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
When Ron was admitted to the hospital late in life, Swindle said that he kept up his positive spirit. “For several months, I visited him several times each week and he never complained,” Swindle said. “He talked about his family ... and they supported him while he was in the hospital.” Ron especially liked to talk about his pride and joy: his granddaughter, Carly. Born in 2006, Carly knew Ron as “Papa.” If Ron ever went one day without seeing her, Carly looked forward to being told how much he had missed her. Ron called her “Papa’s Girl,” and would tell her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. He told her, too, that he would always pray for anything specific in her life -- anything from a test at school or if she wasn’t feeling well. As he had for his granddaughter, Ron had a prayer and a few words of advice for anyone who needed it. “He had the most unusual ability to listen to you,” Roger Blanco, Ron’s friend, said. “In all the years of knowing him, he was the one person I could talk to and walk away feeling better -- not because of what he said, but what he did. In every major event we encountered ... he was steady.” Even in his own trying moments -- such as when he went in for open heart surgery -- it was still Ron who comforted his family. He gathered them around to pray, and told them not to cry if he didn’t make it out because he would be in Heaven, with Jesus. Ron wanted others to know how they could get to Heaven, too. He recited Bible verses, including Romans 10:9: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” His faith was a sentiment that surpassed his life, and carries on today. “Ron was a big man,” Lott said. “When he shook your hand, you realized how big his hands were. But so much bigger than that was the size of his heart.” “Ron might be gone,” Swindle said. “But with all that he gave to us, he will never be forgotten.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink
On our Literary Time Machine voyage last month we discussed native ornamental trees that could enhance the looks of our homesteads. Now we will move into a focus on native ornamental shrubs. Mr. Simpson’s list appears to be alphabetical in this section. So we’ll do our best to adhere to that design. He first mentions the Amelanchior botryapium which he says is also called the Juneberry. This is a northern Florida native, “…whose foliage is white and woolly when young…”¹ Having no concept of what a “white and woolly” shrub might look like, we decided to look it up. In an article entitled, Juneberries – They go where blueberries can’t, by Jim Ochterski, we discovered that they actually do look “white and woolly” because they bloom with a vast number of seemingly clumping white flowers. We also discovered that they are actually edible and can be just as delicious as blueberries.² These might be worthy of further investigation especially since we are hugely supportive of plants with dual functionality (décor and dessert). Next Mr. Simpson mentions the Aronia, or chokeberry, which is also a north Florida native. However its appearance differs in color from the Juneberry. He explains that it is a shrub, “… with attractive pink or purplish flowers which is often grown in gardens.” The concept of something being called a chokeberry piqued our interests though and so, once again, we did a little investigating. This led us to an article on a site called, Eat the Weeds. The piece was written by Green Deane and entitled, Chokeberry: Bushy Health Food. He says the aronia was given the “unfortunate name of chokeberry.” And he continues, “But the main point is their bitter edible berries are one of the richest sources of the stuff we – at the moment – think are good for us: Anthocyanins. They are water-soluble pigments that protect our 54 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE May 2016
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cells from free radicals.” Apparently anthocyanins are what make blueberries blue.³ While that’s some pretty cool information, the sheer name of this berry would probably make us steer clear. What about you? Oh and then there’s the fact that one commenter on this piece stated that the seeds of the chokeberry were toxic. Therefore we advise that you do your research before you eat anything found in nature. When we saw the next shrub on the list, admittedly, there was a thrill within because this is a shrub that we have a personal affinity for even though it doesn’t serve multiple functions. It is the azalea. Yet, Mr. Simpson revealed something that shocked us. He wrote, “According to Small there are four species of these fine plants growing wild in Florida, A. canescens, the Mountain Azalea; A. nudiflora, Wild honeysuckle; A. viscosa, Swamp honeysuckle, and A. serrulata, the latter being confined to Lake County so far as is known.”¹ Honeysuckle is an azalea? What? Now that’s a flowering plant with an additional benefit. Have you ever tasted the nectar of a honeysuckle? You totally should. There’s a great instructable located at: http://www.instructables. com/id/Honeysuckle%3a-Harvesting-the-Sweet-Nectar-ofLife/?ALLSTEPS that will show you how to carefully pinch the calyx and remove the style so that you can taste the honeysuckle’s sweetness. We recommend checking it out. Thus far Mr. Simpson has really kept us rapt with educational and gardening possibilities. His next suggestion, Bejaria, racemosa, is a little less interesting, at least from our perspective. He explains, “It is an evergreen shrub which bears rather large white or pinkish, attractive flowers. It has hard wood that is difficult to transplant but may be grown from seeds.”¹ If evergreen shrubbery is your thing then the racemosa might be a viable option. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
We were glad to see more berries in his next two suggestions: Byrsonima lucida, Locustberry, and Callicarpa Americana, French mulberry. However, locusts are certainly not desirable so it was pertinent to discover whether or not they were fond of this locustberry. The University of Florida IFAS’ website offered some interesting information, “The beautiful colors of the flowers attract different species of butterflies…Fruits of the locustberry ripen in the summer and are appealing to mockingbirds and other forms of wildlife. This plant can also take on an oriental or bonsai appearance with the proper pruning.”⁴ Butterflies and mockingbirds are infinitely more desirable than locusts for sure! As far as the French Mulberry, well, there is apparently much debate about its edibility. Some report that it could make good jelly as it is sweet and aromatic. Others say that they got nauseous after eating jelly made from this same berry and that the raw fruit has an unpleasant flavor. So, for the sake of safety and gut comfort, we’ll say, “Don’t eat ‘em.” However, Mr. Simpson adds that these shrubs, “… form much of the food of birds returning from their migration north from the tropics.”¹ Obviously they do serve a purpose and they are pretty interesting to look at if you’re so inclined to investigate. Amazingly, we only made it through the first page of this section because there was so much we didn’t know anything about. We hope that you have been enlightened and have discovered some interesting shrubs to add to your gardens. Look for us next month when we discuss even more native ornamental shrubs! Resources:
¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 105). ²Ochterski, Jim. (2011). Juneberries – They go where blueberries can’t. http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2011/10/03/juneberries%E2%80%93-they-go-where-blueberries-can%E2%80%99t/ ³Dean, Green. (2014). Chokeberry: Bushy Health Food. http:// www.eattheweeds.com/chokeberry-bushy-health-food/ ⁴Gilman, Edward F. (1999 & 2014). Byrsonima lucida Locustberry. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp081 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Rockin’ it at State: Tomlin’s OH Demo Results I’ve told you before that my dear friend, Tracie Goff, is super great at telling me about cool things happening in the agricultural arena. This time around she had the distinct pleasure of assisting Tomlin’s ag teachers with their students’ ornamental horticulture demonstrations (OH Demos). She volunteered a lot of her time and is certainly worthy of commendation on that front. That said, the whole thing was a smashing success! Tomlin’s teams won first place at district and then progressed on to compete at State. Yes, you read that right, all of Tomlin’s teams won first place at district level. Mega kudos should go out to Kelly Goff and Kayla Giorgi (Tomlin’s coaches). That’s a lot of kids to haul up to Gainesville for the State Competition at UF. While the coaches are undoubtedly key contributors to the success of the Tomlin FFA students, the kids themselves are deserving of recognition! That’s why we gathered the results from Kayla Giorgi. She explained that there are five categories of competition: Marketing, Artistic Arrangement, Production, Landscaping, and Consumer Use. Tomlin brought home first place in three of the five categories! I’d say they made quite an impression. Avery Surrency and Autumn Miller participated in the Marketing category with an ingenious product they called, “Sassy Southern Scent Lavender Potpurri.” Kayla said, “They were able to make the product for the judges as well as explain their business model and how they are able to interact with their customers to best sell their products.” The girls had their own thoughts to share and since they took first place at State, it’s no wonder they are well pleased with the experience.
By Ginny Mink
wait to do it again!” We’ll be looking for their new ideas next year. The Artistic Arrangement category was headed up by Aidan Vaughan and Sophia Pal. Kayla told me, “This team created an Indian Wedding Garland, which is an elaborate, flower necklace given at a traditional Indian Wedding.” I can only envision a lei but when you look it up online you’ll find a far more elaborate design. You should totally check that out. When asked about their thoughts, this team agreed, “It was really fun to make these garlands and learn about a new heritage. We practiced a lot to be the best.” They achieved a very respectable second place designation in that category. Christian Bentrovato was the man behind the Production demo category. According to Kayla, “His project showcased how to grow microgreens at home using recycled containers. The microgreens are grown from seeds, like radishes, but harvested when the shoots are about two inches. This was his first year doing a project.” Which is impressive in and of itself. Although he received third place status, that has only been the catalyst for further competitive aspirations. Christian said, “I can’t wait to compete in OH Demos again in high school. I learned a lot about public speaking through this process.” We wish him continued growth.
Autumn said, “I have learned that hard work pays off. We put a lot of effort into our project. I have enjoyed learning about business models and aroma therapy.”
On the Landscaping scene, Brenna Mae Sturgis and Emma Stephens brought home first place! Their obviously proud coach shared, “These girls showed the judges how to program a landscape timer for their home. They made their demo fun by adding comedy and knowledge they learned in the classroom.” It’s always great to see kids employ the skills we give them in the classroom. No doubt Kayla and Kelly are both thrilled.
Avery added, “OH Demos is one of the best experiences ever; can’t
But, they might not be as excited as the girls were. Brenna Sturgis
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said, “I was shocked and surprised. I know we were ‘ok’ at our ornamental horticulture demonstration, but not so good we could win states!” A calmer Emma Stephens added, “OH Demos are a lot of hard work and a lot of practice. I had a great partner, though, that I enjoyed working with! I still can’t believe we won the state competition as 6th graders.” That is definitely an admirable accomplishment for these two young ladies. Finally, Taryn Storter added her expertise to the Consumer Use category and it paid off with a first place win! Kayla explained, “Taryn created, for the judges, her signature Storter Strawberry Sugar Scrub which is made using fresh Plant City Strawberries as well as good things for your skin like: brown sugar and coconut oil. This is Taryn’s second year in a row that she has won a State Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration. Last year she competed in the Marketing category.” Certainly not new to the OH Demo world, Taryn stated, “It was so much fun to go up to Gainesville with my friends and compete and ultimately win State Champion.” You’ll probably hear her name again if she sticks to that drive and ambition. Congratulations, Tomlin Middle School FFA. It’s true, hard work really does pay off! Keep it up. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Harvest Award Nominations Sought
By Jim Frankowiak
Fair Manager, Tom Umiker on left, Fair Board Member, Robert McElheny on right
If you know a family, individual or organization that has made a substantial commitment to preserving the Agricultural Heritage of Hillsborough County, the Hillsborough County Fair would like to hear from you by July 1. That is the deadline for receipt of nominations for the 2016 Harvest Award.
Annual Harvest Award categories include: • Farm Family of the Year • Lifetime Achievement • Posthumous • Outstanding Agribusiness • Outstanding Public & Community Service • Urban Agriculture/Agriculturist •Young Farmer/Rancher/Nurseryman (Under 40) • Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Last year’s recipients included the Alvin Futch Farm Family of the Year; Lifetime Achievement designee Robert (Bob) Morris; Urban Agriculturist Lynn Barber; Young Farmer/Rancher/ Nurseryman Vincent Tort and the Progress Village Civic As-
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sociation for its Outstanding Public & Community Service. Official nomination forms are available at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. More information and other locations where official nominations may be picked up are available by calling the fair at 813-737-3247. The Harvest Award Committee will accept self-nominations. Nomination forms require the name of the nominee, contact information (phone, email, mailing address), number of years the nominee has been involved in agriculture or in business and at least one page of text detailing why you feel the nominee is deserving of the Harvest Award and its mission “To recognize the accomplishments of families, individuals and organization for their achievement and commitment to agriculture and to preserve the Agricultural Heritage of Hillsborough County.” Completed nomination forms and supplemental information must be provided to the Harvest Awards c/o Hillsborough County Fair, P.O. Box 100, Sydney, Florida 33587 no later than July 1, 2016.
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Florida Strawberry Festival Market Steer and Swine Exhibitors Banquet
2: Florida Strawberry Festival scholarship winners, from left: Alex Aponte, Jacob Burnette, Anna Conrad, Meredith Del Castillo, Haley Flack, Cassidy Hasting, Clay Joyner, Morgan Lee, Joshua Lewis and Jonathan Rowell.
3. Bill McClelland Memorial Scholarship winner Meredith Del Castillo pictured with members of the McClelland family and members of the presenting Swindle family.
5. Roy Parke Memorial Scholarship winners Alex Aponte and Jonathan Rowell, pictured with members of the Parke family.
6. Jim Walden Memorial Scholarship winner Jacob Burnette, pictured with members of the Walden family.
9. Mosaic Beef Breed Scholarship winners Jacob Burnette and Anna Conrad, pictured with livestock committee chairman Jim Jeffries.
10. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Grand Champion Emma Stephens, pictured with Festival President Dan Walden.
13. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Junior Division Record Book Award winners, from left: 1st place Shalee Conrad and 2nd place Samuel Shiver. 64
14. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Intermediate Division Record Book Award winners, from left: 2nd place Raegan Rucker and 3rd place Elizabeth Ford.
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4. Jim Redman Memorial Scholarship winner Anna Conrad, pictured with members of the Redman family.
7. Heather Layton Memorial 8. Tricia Cauley Memorial Scholarship winners Scholarship winner Morgan Lee, Joshua Lewis, Cassidy Hasting and Haley Flack, pictured with members of the Lay- pictured with members of the Cauley family. ton family.
11. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Reserve Grand Champion Shalee Conrad, pictured with award sponsor Nick Thurston representing Sunshine Bank.
12. Mosaic Youth Swine Show class winners, from left: Julianne Ream, Kaylee Devane, Samuel Shiver, Elise Griffin, Cole Hanson, Shalee Conrad, Emma Stephens, Emma Miller and Rhet Conyers, pictured with award sponsor Nick Thurston representing Sunshine Bank.
15. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Senior Division Record Book Award winners, from left: 1st place John Banks, 2nd place Kenneth Hattaway and 3rd place Taryn Storter, pictured with award sponsor Brittany Lopez representing Farm Credit.
16. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Junior Division Showmanship Award winners, from left: 1st place Shalee Conrad, 2nd place Samuel Shiver and 3rd place Haley Bell. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
17. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Intermediate Division Showmanship Award winners, from left: 1st place Julianne Ream, 2nd place Emma Grace Futch and 3rd place Gracie Gainer.
20. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Intermediate Division Herdsman Award winners, from left: 2nd place Elise Griffin and 3rd place Corbet Wyatt.
18. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Senior Division Showmanship Award winners, from left: 1st place Cole Hanson, 2nd place Jade Banks and 3rd place Rachel Carter.
21. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Herdsman Award winners, from left: 1st place intermediate division Brooke Callis, 2nd place senior division Cole Hanson and 3rd place senior division Kenneth Hattaway.
23. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Premier Exhibitor Award winners, from left: Junior Premier Exhibitor Shalee Conrad, Intermediate Premier Exhibitor Julianne Ream and Senior Premier Exhibitor Cole Hanson, pictured with award sponsor Michael Lopez from Southside Stores.
26. Mosaic Youth Steer Show overall winners, from left: Overall Reserve Grand Champion T.J. Hutchinson and Overall Grand Champion Jonathan Rowell, pictured with steer committee chairman Jon Poppell. WWW. WWW.IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
19. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Junior Division Herdsman Award winners, from left: 1st place Morgan Chancey, 2nd place Samuel Shiver and 3rd place Mathew Diem.
24. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Grand Champion Buyer Award presented to Brittany Lopez representing Farm Credit, pictured with reserve grand champion exhibitor Emma Stephens and award sponsor Natasha McClelland representing the McClelland family.
27. Mosaic Youth Steer Show division winners, from left: Division 1 Grand Champion Ethan Vaughan and Division 1 Reserve Grand Champion Alexa Diaz.
22. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Senior Herdsman Award winner Brooke Callis, pictured with award sponsor Brett Mueller from Hillsboro Bank.
25. Mosaic Youth Swine Show Reserve Grand Champion Buyer Award presented to members of the Swindle Family representing Circle S Farms, pictured with reserve grand champion exhibitor Shalee Conrad and award sponsor Natasha McClelland representing the McClelland family.
28. Mosaic Youth Steer Show division winners, from left: Division 2 Grand Champion Dakota Allen and Division 2 Reserve Grand Champion Garrett Gould. INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE AGAZINE IN
29. Mosaic Youth Steer Show division winners, from left: Division 3 Grand Champion Jonathan Rowell and Division 3 Reserve Grand Champion T.J. Hutchinson. M May ay 2016 2016
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30. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Grand Champion Buyer Award presented to Mike Lott representing College Hunks Moving Junk, pictured with grand champion exhibitor Jonathan Rowell and award sponsor Natasha McClelland representing the McClelland family.
31. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Reserve Grand Champion Buyer Award presented to the Conrad family representing Circle S Farms, pictured with reserve grand champion exhibitor T.J. Hutchinson and award sponsor Natasha McClelland representing the McClelland family
32. Mosaic Youth Steer Show class winners, from left: Alex Aponte, Clayton Brock, McKenzie Shelby, Jake Stines, Dakota Allen, Clay Joyner, Jonathan Rowell, T.J. Hutchinson and Megan Todd.
33. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Junior Di- 34. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Intermediate Division Re- 35. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Senior Division Record Book vision Record Book Award winner: 3rd cord Book Award winners, from left: 2nd place McKen- Award winners, from left: 1st place Jacob Burnette, 2nd place Brooke Varn. zie Shelby and 3rd place Cheyenne Lopez. place and 3rd place Elizabeth Ford.
36. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Interme- 37. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Junior Division Showman- 38. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Intermediate Division Showdiate Division Record Book Award win- ship Award winners, from left: 1st place Madi Conrad, manship Award winners, from left: 1st place T.J. Hutchinner: 1st place Noah Rebman. 2nd place Matthew Del Castillo and 3rd place Garrett son, 2nd place Clayton Brock and 3rd place Ethan Vaughan. Gould.
39. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Senior Division Showmanship Award winners, from left: 1st Jacob Burnette, 2nd place Jonathan Rowell and , in a 3rd place tie, Cassidy Hasting and Morgan Lee. 66
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40. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Junior Division Herdsman Award winners, from left: 1st place Cade Fitzpatrick, 2nd place Ashley Sanchez and 3rd place Reagan Messick.
May 2016
41. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Intermediate Division Herdsman Award winners, from left: 1st place Jake Fitzpatrick and 2nd place Ramsey Bowers.
42. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Senior Division Herdsman Award winners, from left: 1st place Albert Branch, 2nd place Gresham Stephens and 3rd place Cassidy Hasting. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
43. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Premier Exhibitor Award winners, from left: Intermediate Premier Exhibitor T.J. Hutchinson and Senior Premier Exhibitor Jacob Burnette, pictured with award sponsor Jon Poppell from Poppell Insurance.
44. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Gain-In-Weight Award winners, from left: 1st place Claire Gill, 2nd place Coley Riley, 3rd place Angelic Alex, 4th place Cole Harrell and 5th place Jacob Ross, pictured with award sponsor Alan Kicklighter from CIF Distributing.
45. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Carcass Contest Award winners, from left: Grand Champion Carcass Winner Albert Branch, Reserve Grand Champion Carcass Winner Madison Smith, 3rd place Cheyenne Lopez, 4th place Cassidy Hasting, 5th place Nathan Hood, 6th place Mitchell (Bryson) Parker, 7th place Dakota Allen, 8th place Chase Campbell, 9th place Raelyn Hudson and 10th place Luke Williams, pictured with award sponsor Nick Thurston representing Sunshine Bank.
46. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Overall Grand Champion Producer Award presented to Mr. Ford of MP & Ford Cattle Company.
48. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Grand Champion Carcass Producer Award presented to Kelly Ware of Beef Crafters, pictured with Grand Champion Carcass winner Albert Branch. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
47. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Overall Reserve Grand Champion Producer Award accepted by T.J. Hutchinson on behalf of producer Jason Clark.
49. Mosaic Youth Steer Show Reserve Grand Champion Carcass Producer Award presented to Greg Lehamn of Barrington FFA, pictured with Reserve Grand Champion Carcass winner Madison Smith. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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provides a full line of
Organic Products and Systemic Nutritionals for the Strawberry Industry.
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By Leslie Buchanon
Rare Beef – Well Done Imagine walking into your local grocery store, choosing a steak from the meat counter, scanning the Q-code on the label with your phone and instantaneously knowing where the animal was raised. While this may sound like a dream to some, this will soon become a reality for beef consumers in Florida. Due to the combined efforts of 12 cattle ranchers throughout the state of Florida, local consumers will soon be able to purchase high quality beef products that will carry the coveted Fresh from Florida seal while supporting Florida ranchers and the Florida economy. According to The Washington Post, millennials, Americans born between 1980 through the mid-2000’s, are the largest, most diverse, and most educated generation of consumers in the United States. Despite being the largest group of consumers, millennials have grown up with almost no understanding of how their food is grown. A large majority of millennials are three to four generations removed from the farm, however they have a great desire to know more about the food they consume. The desire to ‘know the farmer’, know where their food comes from, and even harvest their own food, has led to a ‘backto-the-basics’ movement among this generation which has also led to a dramatic increase in the agritourism industry in Florida in recent years. The Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign (FAPC) was created in the early 1990s by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to assist Florida farmers in promoting their locally grown and harvested commodities. Through this program the Fresh from Florida trademark logo was conceived for producers to proudly display on their packaging. A recent study by the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education revealed while most consumers had a moderate level of recognition of the logo and held a favorable attitude towards the logo, most consumers preferred Florida products and felt a sense of pride and ownership in purchasing products 70
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carrying this prestigious seal. This seal has played an integral part in assisting millennials with choosing locally grown and harvested Florida commodities. In 2015 the Florida Cattle Ranchers, LLC (FCR) was established to provide beef consumers with locally raised products at the grocery store. FCR is made up of 12 ranchers throughout the state of Florida who share a desire to bring Florida born and raised beef to consumers for the first time in decades. The diversity among the founding members of FCR is as varied as it is interesting. From multi-generational ranchers to first generation ranchers, from veterinarians to a member whose ancestry dates back to the days when the Seminoles grazed cattle in Florida, FCR is bringing homegrown beef to the state of Florida that will be marketed under the Fresh from Florida brand. Cary Lightsey, one of the twelve founding members of the FCR, owns and operates Lightsey Cattle Company in Lake Wales with his brother Layne and each of their respective families. Cary explains, “For the past several years we have been receiving requests from local consumers wanting to buy our beef cattle for their freezer. We explained that we do not market our cattle right off the pasture, and that they go to feedlots and are finished on grain before being processed and delivered to grocery stores and meat markets. They want to buy local from someone they know that raises their cattle in a humane and healthy manner. So by WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
the procedure of the FCR, we can follow our beef through the same process, only within our own state, and know it is our beef when it is available at the meat counter or on a restaurant’s menu. We are proud of our beef and we can’t wait to showcase the new logo and packaging to the consumers; a perfect product for their protein diet.” In addition to Cary Lightsey, additional founding members include Doyle Carlton III of the Roman III Ranches in Wauchula, Ken Griner of Usher Land & Timber in Chiefland, Roger Clift of Clift Cattle Company in Homosassa Springs, Brad Etheridge of Etheridge Cattle Company in Williston, Dr. Robert Gukich, DVM of the G7 Ranch, Inc. in Lake Wales, Bo Hobby of the Rockin’ H Ranch in Williston, Woody Larson of Dixie Ranch, a division of Family Tree Enterprises, LLP in Okeechobee, Don Quincey of Quincey Cattle Company in Chiefland, Dan Ryals of Ryals Cattle Company, LLC in Arcadia, Alex Johns of the First American Ranch and National Resource Director for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. of Brighton, and finally, Gene Lollis who works as Ranch Manager for Buck Island Ranch of Lake Placid (Buck Island Ranch and MacArthur Agro-Ecology Research Center are not affiliated with FCR). Returning Florida beef to Floridians hasn’t been an easy process for FCR as it has taken years and countless hours of work to achieve. Cattle ranching is the oldest industry in Florida dating back to 1521 when Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon arrived on the sandy shores of Florida with seven head of Andalusian cattle in tow. According to Fox News by the mid-17th century there were more than 20,000 head of cattle owned by the Spanish, as noted in a tax collector’s census. The free-ranging, heat tolerant cattle were known as “Cracker Cattle.” The Florida Beef Council estimates there are curWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
rently over a million beef cows and 15,000 cow-calf producers calling the Sunshine State home. Florida cattle ranchers are also proud to note that our state is home to 9 of America’s 25 largest cattle operations, with Deseret Ranch in St. Cloud being the largest. Of utmost importance to FCR members is the health and quality of their herds. Members of FCR are certified under the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program. This nationwide voluntary program was established by The Beef Checkoff and provides beef producers with the training and tools necessary to provide beef consumers with a safe, healthy, wholesome, high quality product, all while implementing humane handling practices on the ranch. Dr. Temple Grandin, whose research on livestock welfare is internationally acclaimed, believes the effects of the humane treatment of cattle on the ranch and at the feedlot produce benefits that can be seen at the time of processing, such as more efficient weight gain and a more tender product. One of the ways cattle producers improve the quality of their herd is through crossbreeding techniques which will, in turn, improve the carcass characteristics of their cattle. Crossbreeding works as a result of hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis. The University of Florida IFAS Extension defines hybrid vigor as, “the amount by which crossbred animals exceed (or differ) from the average of the purebred parents used in the cross.” By crossbreeding, cattlemen can complement the desirable traits of different breeds. Crossbred Brahman cattle have long been the choice of commercial producers in Florida due to their increased fertility, longevity, heat and insect tolerance, and their overall efficiency in forage conversion. Continues on Pg. 78 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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813-752-2379
Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies
3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • www.southsidestores.com 72
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At Nature’s Classroom By Ginny Mink Jaidyn, the 12 year old, is in 6th grade this year (his birthday is 11 days past the cut off so he had to wait an extra year to start school, just to clarify). Having been a middle school teacher, I am aware of the fact that students visit Nature’s Classroom during their 6th grade year. Thankfully I didn’t teach 6th grade, but that also meant I never made it over to Nature’s Classroom. When a friend at church mentioned that they were having an open house there, I determined that the kids needed to take a trip for Meet the Minks. The open house was on a Saturday and cost us $10 to attend, but it was well worth it. As I drove down the not-dusty (because I went the speed limit) dirt road, the kids were full of questions. Mostly of the, “Where are we going?” and “Are we there yet?” varieties.
We then entered the indoor displays where they housed small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Herein happened perhaps the greatest comment of the day. Zeke squealed with excitement as he pointed at a terrarium, “Look! An iquanee!” Yes, that’s a long e sound rather than the necessary soft a. He was certain of his declaration too. Hazel chuckled, “He said iquanee!” Yes, indeed, he did. There was a small alligator in one of the aquariums and Zeke was certain that it wasn’t real. The volunteer confirmed that it was and Zeke responded, “What? You have a real alligator in there?” He was indignant. Whether he was concerned with the size of the aquarium, or the sheer issue of captivity, I’m not certain, but it was apparent he didn’t like the idea of an alligator being in a tank. This is probably because he, too, is a monster who likes to run free.
At the entrance we were greeted by two women. One peeked in and asked Zeke, “Have you been here before?” He told her, “No.” To which she responded, “Are you sure? I think I saw you driving a red sports car.” Without further consideration, he corrected her, “No, it was blue.” Laughter ensued, I can assure you.
We headed toward the plant garden having decided to forego the nature walk as sprinkles were beginning to dot our hair. Zeke didn’t want to color anything else but he was happy to plant some flower seeds. Hazel, on the other hand, was thrilled at the opportunity to color a paper butterfly ring and then plant some flowers. By this time they were getting tired and a wee bit cranky.
The sky was pretty gray so I was a wee bit concerned that we might get rained on. Therefore I instructed the kids to head toward the animal exhibits first. Hazel wasn’t too enthusiastic because she had spotted a pavilion where kids were using sidewalk chalk to color all over the ground. She’s quite the budding artist and if there’s coloring or painting involved she’s all about it.
Our last foray was at the art display where Hazel was inspired by all the pieces created by kids. Zeke, however, was attempting to be a one man wrecking crew. He just had to touch every piece he could reach no matter how many times he was instructed to keep his hands to himself. In reality, he was more interested in returning outside to go up and down the rather steeply inclined stairs, than looking at art.
I guaranteed her that we would return and that seemed to quell the uprising. There were coloring books for the kids to take around to each enclosure where volunteers waited to educate and offer animal shaped stamps to their visitors. Stamps always go over well and both Zeke and Hazel were enthusiastic.
I almost forgot, Hazel did not let me leave without allowing her to go color with the sidewalk chalk. At that point nearly every square foot of the pavilion’s concrete slab was colored. There were chalk pieces everywhere. Recall that I mentioned Zeke is a wrecking crew and a monster? He thought stomping on the chalk pieces was hysterical. Needless to say, he managed to get in trouble before we left and I was able to save some pieces from utter annihilation.
We visited the bird section first where we saw several owls (my personal favorite) and then we moved on to the raccoons, who were sleeping. When we arrived at the opossum space we were informed that it had passed on. The same was true with the largest alligator at the facility. I made a joke about all their animals dying and the dirty looks I got were quite intense. The bears were of special interest to the kids but ultimately they spent more time staring at the panther. She wasn’t enclosed with the bears, don’t worry. Although that might have made for an intriguing spectacle. In truth, I think we were all a bit amazed at the size of the panther’s tail. Its length and diameter was far greater than anticipated. It seemed like one good whack with that tail might knock you down. Having finished up in the animal exhibiting area we went to the pavilions where the kids were able to make stamped leather key chains, tissue paper flowers, paper plate turtles, and do a lot of coloring. PBS was there and they were handing out temperature sensitive cups. Hazel and Zeke are still amazed when I pour sweet tea in their yellow cups because the coldness of the tea turns the cup green wherever it touches. J says it makes the tea look unappetizing since it appears mold colored through the transparency of the cups. I’d have to agree. 74
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All in all though we had a good time. The two not-so-wee-ones got to make stuff and J got to joke about making stuff out of the animals. He thinks his hunting humor is hysterical and while perhaps it is, Nature’s Classroom (or any other zoo-like facility) is probably not the best locale for trying it out. Somehow I’m going to have to teach that boy tact! When asked about their experience, several weeks later, the Mink kids provided the following: Zeke’s summation: “I like the animals at there. And I like the alligators and the turtle.” Yep, he was still concerned about the alligator. I knew it! J’s conclusion: “Everything there could have been put to better use. Like raccoon fur hats…” This is according to his wannabe comedic insight. Told you he needs tact. Hazel responded: “I liked the nature. I like making butterfly stuff,” she paused as if considering what all went on and then with great enthusiasm concluded, “Chalk!” You can take ‘em to see, and do, mad cool stuff but sometimes all Hazel is going to remember is what she got to color with. Point taken. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
J & K AQUAPONICS – Making Life Better for Others By Jim Frankowiak
Brothers Ken and Jimmy Goff grow and sell tilapia fish and blackberries. The blackberries are grown using aquaponic s and are harvested and for sale this month and next. Tilapia are available year round. Neither is startling news since the greater Plant City area is well known for its berry crops. Granted, those are primarily strawberries. There are a host of fish farms in the area, as well. What’s interesting is how and why the Goff brothers do what they do. Older brother Ken, who is 70, was for several decades the owneroperator of the Harvest Rain Ministries food bank, helping those in need with food. A sedentary retirement was not for him, and he began to study different ways he could possibly continue to help the needy while in retirement. “I discovered tilapia and was intrigued by references to the species in biblical times,” he said, referring to Gospel accounts of Jesus’ miracle feeding multitudes with just a few fish and loaves. “Some think those fish were tilapia and that really fit what we are trying to do,” said Goff. Younger brother Jimmy, who is semi-retired, used the skills he developed while working for Royster and Publix, plus running his own landscaping business, to turn “My brother’s ideas into reality,” he said. “Jimmy also took those ideas and expanded upon them into expanded applications and various crops,” said Ken, who also readily admits, “None of this would have happened without Jimmy’s help.” Ken and Jimmy acquired several above ground swimming pools several years ago and began to raise tilapia protected by a plastic hoop roofs on their property west of Plant City, but the Goff brothers, who live together, weren’t done. Those protective hoop roofs had been in use on their land for a number of years while they grew orchids.
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Ken continued his research and came across aquaponics, which refers to any system that combines conventional aquaculture, such as raising fish with hydroponics, simply put cultivating plants in water. In normal aquaculture, excretions from the fish being raised can accumulate in the water, increasing its toxicity. In an aquaponic system, such as the one constructed and operated by the Goff brothers, water from the fish tanks is to their hydroponic system, you might call it the blackberry grove, where the by-products are broken down by nitrification bacteria into nitrates and nitrites, which are utilized by the blackberries, and the water is then recirculated back to the aquaculture system. The transition from orchids to tilapia and blackberries also included crops of tomatoes, onions and spices before the major emphasis became the berries. “We still grow some of the other items, but our main focus is on blackberries,” noted Ken. “Both the tilapia and blackberries are popular and are something we can do as we age since production of both is not as hard as other crops,” said Jimmy. While the brothers sell both tilapia and blackberries, “our goal is not profits, but enough to cover the costs associated with raising the fish and berries and maintenance items we must buy,” said Ken. The brothers do what they do because they “want to make life better for others.” If you want to help the Goff brothers help others, you can buy their tilapia year round or blackberries right now by calling 813-752-7002, that’s Jimmy’s cell phone. You can also reach Jimmy by email: jimgoff@tampabay.rr.com. Their operation – J & K Aquaponics -- is located just off Forbes Road on Pearl Mary Circle.
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Market Watch: Whatever Pops By Libby Hopkins
Think fast, what is your favorite treat to cool you down from the stifling heat of summer? Mine is a popsicle. Don’t get me wrong, I love ice cream, but there is just something about a popsicle that cools me off. It was a popsicle that cooled me off at a recent trip to the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market. I stopped by the Whatever Pop stand to grab a cold treat. One bite of my coconut-lime Whatever Pop and I was hooked! I had to find out more about this amazing cold and tasty treat. Steve McGlocklin is the “Chief Chiller” of Whatever Pops and the whole idea of making popsicles came about while he and his then girlfriend, now wife, were on vacation about five years ago. “My girlfriend and I took a vacation five years ago after we got engaged,” McGlocklin said. “We walked into a shop what sold pops and we immediately knew we wanted to do this in Hillsborough County. We were looking for a part-time business and had thought about smoothies, but we felt this was much cooler.” Later that night, they were calling friends and family to let them know they got engaged. At the same time they were making those calls, they were Googling ice pops. “When my wife proposed, I kiddingly answered ‘whatever’ and having two teenage daughters at the same time who loved the word ‘whatever,’ we started talking about what kind of pops we would make, we said, ‘whatever sounds good.’ We then knew that was a great name, ‘Whatever Pops’,” McGlockin said. “We are now very happily married and love our part-time business.” So where exactly did popsicles come from and how did they become 76
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so popular? According to the History website (www.history.com), “Popsicles are an invention credited to young Frank Epperson. Frank was just a boy in 1905 in Oakland, California, when one night he accidentally left a glass filled with water, powdered soda mix and a wooden stick for stirring outside overnight. When young Frank found the glass in the morning, the soda mixture was frozen solid, so he ran the glass under hot water and removed the ice pop using the stick as a handle. Frank knew he had a great idea on his hands, and he kept making the pops for his friends, and when he became an adult he made them for his own children. In 1923, Epperson filed for a patent for his invention. Up until then, he had been calling the frozen treats ‘Eppsicles,’ but his children insisted on calling them ‘Pop’s ‘sicles.’ The latter name stuck and the Popsicle was born.” McGlockin sold his first Whatever Pop in on July 1, 2011. “We contacted Tampa Bay Markets and they requested a sample,” McGlockin said. “We spent a couple of weeks testing pops on the family and took eight sample flavors to the market.” Once they tried his blackberry, honey and green tea pop, they said, “You are in.” “We were very lucky to build a great relationship with Tampa Bay Markets and also got into the food truck scene,” McGlockin said. Whatever Pops are made with fresh local and organic ingredients. “We buy from local fruit stands and farmers’ markets,” McGlockin. “We put great care into how we make the pops; what ingredients we use and we taste every batch.” The pops are a favorite at all the local markets in the area. “I can’t tell you how many times a customer is WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
walking away, takes a bite and turns to say ‘Wow!’” McGlockin said. Keeping things local and supporting local is very important to McGlockin and his wife Nancy. “A strong local economy only helps our local businesses,” McGlockin said. “We are very lucky to have great produce and restaurants that are local, and we see that firsthand at the markets and food truck rallies. We find that we make the best pops when we mix high quality local and organic products.” McGlockin and his wife are working hard to make Whatever Pops grow in the upcoming year. “We would like to continue our market and food truck presence, but we are very excited to be opening our first store in Seminole Heights sometime later this summer,” McGlockin said. “We will serve our great pops but we will be able to offer more flavors of pops, house made gelato and ice cream, acai and fruit bowls, waffles on a stick, shakes, smoothies, coffee, tea and so much more.” If you would like to learn more about Whatever Pops or to see what markets they will be attending, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WhateverPops.
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Due to Florida’s unique sub-tropical climate, Florida’s ranches are predominately commercial cow-calf operations. Through the marketing of their calves, ranchers are able to produce an income which sustains the many integral working parts of the ranch. Traditionally, Florida ranchers breed their cattle through a natural breeding process, raise the calves that are produced, and sell them to feedlots in the Midwest when they reach weaning age where they are fed until they achieve harvesting weight. The rising price of corn, along with the rising freight costs to transport corn and grain to Florida, left Florida ranchers no choice but to ship their calves out west in order for their cattle operations to be profitable. Don Quincey and other members of FCR have been able to work together to establish an alternative option for their cattle operations. These producers have generated feedlots and facilities for calves to be weaned, preconditioned and finished without ever leaving the state. Along with an agreement with local peanut producers, rotational crop planting, and the implementation of state of the art technology, Florida is now able to produce over 200 bushels of corn per acre in an economically and environmentally friendly manner which greatly decreases the costs of locally feeding cattle to a harvesting weight. At the same time, FCR is helping to sustain and strengthen Florida’s economy. Because the cattle are fed in Florida, FCR members are purchasing goods from local farmers, suppliers, businesses, and veterinarians which boosts Florida’s overall economy. Through the production of homegrown Florida beef, FCR is also reducing Florida’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for semi-trucks to travel cross-country delivering calves to feedlots, essentially increasing the safety of all drivers, in addition to reducing the costs of repairing the wear and tear on our roads and interstates. Shipping calves to west-
ern feedlots also has a negative effect on the health of calves. Calves can spend as much as 22-24 hours standing non-stop on trucks which can cause calves to lose at least 9 ½ % of their body weight. The financial benefits that result from producing homegrown Florida beef pale in comparison to the environments benefits that result from the conservation efforts of FCR. Cattlemen own and maintain a large portion of the undeveloped land in Florida which provides natural habitats for many species of wildlife, both native and endangered species. The land owned by FCR members also contributes to the Florida Wildlife Corridor that allows the wildlife of Florida to move freely throughout the state, eliminating the need for them to cross major highways or stumble into communities or subdivisions. While the property owned by FCR members provides safe environments for wildlife, it also provides open green spaces which sustain clean water and a clean atmosphere. It is through the hard work and many years of planning that the members of the FCR are prepared to bring a product to your grocer’s shelf that is truly “Rare Beef – Well Done”. This phrase is not only the tagline for FCR, it’s also their way of life. FCR believe homegrown beef that is born and raised in Florida is rare, while also creating a product that is completed in a manner that is certainly “well done” through the implementation of safe and humane handling practices. Fresh from Florida Beef will soon be available at a grocery store near you. When you purchase Fresh from Florida beef you are supporting Florida’s economy, protecting the environment and wildlife habitats, while reducing Florida’s carbon footprint. Most importantly, you are protecting one of Florida’s oldest heritages while building a sustainable Florida for generations to come.
813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563
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“Farm Credit is easy to work and meets “Farmwith Credit is easyour toneeds.” work — Shad and Billy Simmons
with and meets our needs.” — Shad and Billy Simmons
“Farm Credit is easy to work with and meets our needs.” — Shad and Billy Simmons
Shad and Billy Simmons grow strawberries on land Billy’s grandfather bought in 1920 — both are past presidents of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.
Loans made for farmers by farmers, since 1916. Farm Credit is the nation’s leading provider of Shad andcredit Billyto Simmons grow strawberries on land agriculture andgrow Shad and Billy Simmons land Billy’s grandfather bought in 1920 strawberries — both areon past rural America. Billy’s grandfather bought in 1920 —813.719.7341 both are past presidents of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. FarmCreditCFL.com presidents of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.
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Congratulations to members of the Durant FFA Congratulations to members of the Durant FFA chapter who competed in Gainesville at the FFA State Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Contest on April 22. This was a state contest where all 12 district winners came to compete. These students put together and gave a 7 - 10 minute demonstration and had to answer questions about some facet of the horticulture industry. Winners are as follow: • Production Division: Rachel Carter and Olivia Johnson, State Champions
• Landscaping Division: Tiffany Wilson and Sydney Craig, 2nd Place • Artistic Arrangement: Noor Pal, 12th Place Students will receive their awards at State FFA convention in June. A special thank you goes out to Harris Citrus Nursery for all their help with Durant High Schools OH Demos.
PARTS & EQUIPMENT IN STOCK AT KENNCO YEAR ROUND!!!! You know what works... and we’ve listened to you. Kennco’s new line of Strawberry Equipment is compatible with your current equipment and proven to form rounded beds on 48” row centers, lay tight plastic and drip, resulting in the best berries.
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NEW NUTRITION & HEALTH AGENT JOINS EXTENSION Jamila Lepore has joined Hillsborough County Extension faculty as the Nutrition and Health Agent. Extension is an educational service provided by both the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and Hillsborough County. It provides information to the public through workshops, publications and mass media. In 1914, Congress established the Extension Service in order to provide a means for disseminating and implementing research-based information from land-grant universities. UF is Florida’s landgrant university and the transfer of knowledge from UF to the people of Florida is facilitated by Extension faculty located in each of the state’s 67-counties. This partnership between counties and UF is the heart of the Cooperative Extension Service mission, enabling the university to extend its knowledge base to the community. County extension faculty develop 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 statewide. Lepore, who is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist is “passionate about education and nutrition” making the Extension opportunity “a perfect fit” for her. Prior to joining Extension, she worked for Monin, a French company known for the development and marketing of gourmet flavorings. While with Monin, Lepore was involved in the development of improved flavoring for restaurant and coffee house products; reviewed nutrition analysis for product labeling, produced samples for customers and conducted internal and external sensory panels related to product development. “While I enjoyed my work with Monin, I was working primarily in a lab and really didn’t feel I was making a difference,” she said. “I wanted to get out and connect with people.” “I plan to bring a new perspective on nutrition and health to my Extension position,” she said. “I’d like to incorporate more physical activity education and possibly training into my programming as nutrition is really only one piece of the puzzle. I also want to work toward using technology more to help people in innovative and interesting ways. The moment someone learns something new and decides to take action on it is so rewarding.” Lepore’s blog –No Nonsense Nutritionist -- offers additional insights into her Extension plans. “It’s my approach to life and wellness. I have a moderate approach to nutrition – there are not ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods per se and no magic pills to solve your problems. I try to weed through the nonsense so many people get in the media WWW. WWW. IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
By Jim Frankowiak
and from ‘experts’ and help to empower them to make decisions that are right for them and their needs.” A native Floridian, Lepore was born and raised in Dunedin with moves to Orlando and Brandon. She was a member of the first graduating class at Newsome High School. She has an older sister, younger brother and younger sister. Her parents are entrepreneurs with several businesses in the auto industry. As a youngster, she spent summers visiting her maternal grandparents on their farm in Kewanee, Illinois, southwest of Chicago in Henry County, where they raised beef cattle and hogs, plus chickens for eggs, feed corn and a few goats. In addition to the Girl Scouts, Lepore was involved in dance since she was 8-years-old. That included ballet, tap and hip-hop, as well as a show choir and competitive performing arts. As a teenager, Lepore faced some nutritional challenges that “probably led to my ultimate interest and education in diet and nutrition.” After graduating from Newsome, Lepore enrolled in New York University where she studied French, public policy, social studies with an eye “to saving the world,” she said. “But that changed as I approached my junior year and I came to the realization that my future was in nutrition.” That timing was critical as Lepore had one month left at the time she made her career path decision to take advantage of a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship she had been awarded. She transferred to the University of Florida where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition: Dietetics and Master of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition. Lepore also met her husband, Ryan, while at UF. They were married in 2012 and he is dentist in practice in Palm Harbor. Not surprisingly, they share common interests. “I feel fortunate that my fun and enjoyment at work really does extend into my life as well. My favorite things do revolve around health and fitness. I enjoy cooking and being creative in the kitchen, going to the gym or for a walk with my husband, and exploring restaurants for good food and wine,” she said. “I also love going to hockey games, Gator football, and on the opposite side of that— winding down with a good book. For more information, you can reach Lepore via email: jlepore@ufl.edu or by calling her at 813-744-5519, Extension 54136. Her office is located at 5339 County Road 570, Seffner, FL 33584.
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4031 US HWY 129 Live Oak, FL 32606 386.362.7626 Read's Forklifts has been serving Live Oak Florida and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. We are an authorized dealer for Taylor Forklifts, SSI, Cummins B&C series, Multisweep, Heli, Perkins and more. Some of our services include: Trained Industrial A/C Repair Cummins Off Road Certified Friendly Sales Department Taylor Forklift Repairs Industrial Tires Available
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ANIMALS & NEEDS ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813) 752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com July 17, 2016, Nov. 27, 2016
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