In The Field magazine Hillsborough edition

Cover Photo by Alexis Greene

Letter from the Editor

Whew! What a month we have had. That storm we were anxiously waiting for last month at press time, really packed a punch. The flooding was unprecedented. People are still cleaning up debris and I have a feeling we will be seeing piles of it beside the roads for some time. I know city and county officials are doing their best to ensure it gets cleaned up, but the massive amounts will definitely slow down the process.

But all was not terrible. It was so heartwarming to see neighbors jumping in to help neighbors. People that see each other daily with maybe a passing wave, were joining together to help clean up debris, and this was no small task. The massive amounts of rainfall from Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, then Milton, coupled with the extreme winds, didn’t just break trees and limbs, it uprooted many extremely large trees. Our landscape certainly looks different.

This month is the time we set aside to give thanks. Although I say it every year, we should give thanks daily, not just on the Thanksgiving holiday. On this day, we gather together to enjoy a feast and to reflect on and be grateful for what we have. If you know someone who doesn’t have anyone to enjoy this day with, open your home. Invite them in. Share your Thanksgiving with someone who may otherwise be spending it alone.

“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Until Next Month

Sarah Holt

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

De De Floyd

Melissa Nichols

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Alexis Greene

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

Autum Miller

Contributing Writers

Wade Osborne

John Dicks

Tiffany Dale

Social Media

Victoria Saunders

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association.

Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909

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.

YOUR NEW OFFICERS AND HURRICANE RELIEF

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

-Casey Simmons Runkles - President

Farm Bureau Family Members

I am honored to have been selected as your new Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President along with Vice President Brittany Coleman, Treasurer Clay Joyner, and Secretary Madison Astin Salter. We all look forward to serving you and our industry, especially in challenging times such as those that have recently impacted our industry.

Before proceeding, I would like to express my thanks to outgoing President Dennis Carlton, Jr., and his team for their service and success in helping the “Voice of Agriculture” be heard locally, statewide and nationally.

As many of you know, we have been working closely with our grassroots members, agency partners and elected officials to assess agricultural damage, losses and needed assistance to help relieve farmers and ranchers across Florida. In that regard, I would encourage farmers and ranchers to complete an assessment survey developed by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

To help farmers impacted by recent hurricanes, Farm Bureau has opened its Hurricane Relief Fund for Agriculture to help families that have experienced agricultural-related losses. Anyone can make taxdeductible contributions to the fund and applications are open through December 4.

Additional information on the assessment survey and relief fund, as well as other programs, is available by visiting the Florida Farm Bureau website at www.floridafarmbureau.org under “Quick Links”.

My thanks again for the opportunity you have given me and my Board associates as we strive to make our voice heard. Lastly, if you are not a Farm Bureau member, please consider joining so that you can help us advocate and educate on behalf of agriculture with our diverse audiences. And, if you are a member, please consider volunteering.

Casey Simmons Runkles

Casey Runkles - President

Board of Directors

Casey Runkles, Brittany Coleman, Madison Astin Salter, Clay Joyner, Michelle Williamson, Travis Council, Drew Futch, Steve Neely, John Bertram, Jim Romkey, Brian Shoop, Tommy Hubble.

HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle or the Eretmochelys Imbricata, as it’s known by its scientific name, is a critically endangered sea turtle belonging to the family Cheloniidae. It is the only extant species in the type of the Eretmochelys. The species has a global distribution that is largely limited to tropical and subtropical marine and estuary ecosystems.

Hawksbills are named for their narrow, pointed beak. They also have a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their shells that form a serrated look on the edges. These colored and patterned shells make them highly valuable and commonly sold as “tortoiseshell” in markets.

The appearance of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is similar to that of other marine turtles. In general, it has a flattened body shape, a protective carapace, and flipper-like limbs, adapted for swimming in the open ocean. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is easily distinguished from other sea turtles by its sharp, curving beak with prominent tomium and the saw-like appearance of its shell margins. Hawksbill shells slightly change colors, depending on water temperature. While this turtle lives part of its life in the open ocean, it spends more time in shallow lagoons and coral reefs.

Hawksbills are found mainly throughout the world’s tropical oceans, predominantly in coral reefs. They feed mainly on sponges by using their narrow-pointed beaks to extract them from crevices on the reef but also eat sea anemones and jellyfish. Sea turtles are the living representatives of a group of reptiles that have existed on Earth and traveled our seas for the last 100 million years. They are a fundamental link in marine ecosystems and help maintain the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Adult Hawksbill Sea Turtles typically grow to three feet in length, weighing around 180 pounds on average. The heaviest Hawksbill ever captured weighed 280 pounds. The turtle’s shell, or carapace, has an amber background patterned with an irregular combina-

By Libby Hopkins

tion of light and dark streaks, with predominantly black and mottled-brown colors radiating to the sides.

Crawling with an alternating gait, hawksbill tracks left in the sand are asymmetrical. In contrast, the green sea turtle and the leatherback turtle have a more symmetrical gait. Due to its consumption of venomous cnidarians, hawksbill sea turtle flesh can become toxic.

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is biofluorescent and is the first reptile recorded with this characteristic. It is unknown if the effect is due to the turtle’s diet, which includes biofluorescent organisms like the hard coral. Males have more intense pigmentation than females and a behavioral role of these differences is speculated.

Less is known about the life history of Hawksbills in comparison to several other sea turtle species. Their life history may be divided into three phases, the early life history phase from approximately 4–30 cm straight carapace length. The benthic phase is when the immature turtles recruit to foraging areas. Finally, the reproductive phase, when individuals reach sexual maturity and begin periodically migrating to breeding grounds. The early life history phase is not as geographically resolved as other sea turtle species. This phase appears to vary across ocean regions and may occur in both pelagic and nearshore waters, possibly lasting from 0–4 years of age.

Hawksbills mate biannually in secluded lagoons off their nesting beaches in remote islands throughout their range. The most significant nesting beaches are in Mexico, the Seychelles, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Australia. The mating season for Atlantic hawksbills usually spans from April to November. Indian Ocean populations, such as the Seychelles Hawksbill Sea Turtle’s population, mate from September to February. After mating, females drag their heavy bodies high onto the beach during the night. They clear an area of debris and dig a nesting hole using their rear flippers, then lay clutches of eggs

and cover them with sand. Caribbean and Florida nests typically contain around 140 eggs. After the hours-long process, the female returns to the sea. Their nests can be found on beaches in about 60 countries.

Raising awareness for Hawkbill Turtles is the first step to establishing nesting and foraging sanctuaries to protect them, though maintaining effective enforcement of those protective laws remains a more difficult element to consider. The good news is that there are already several countries that have banned all exploitation of Hawksbill Sea Turtles, their eggs, and their parts on the local level to improve international trade enforcement.

Wildlife exploitation is often driven by the demand for souvenirs and products made with animal parts. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is particularly vulnerable because of the beautiful golden-brown coloration of its shell, often used to make jewelry, trinkets, sunglasses, combs, and decorative pieces. Learning to identify, avoid, and report Hawksbill shell products is a key step in preventing their illegal trade.

Fishery bycatch is always a touchy subject in communities that rely on fishing as a source of income. Luckily, conservation groups are working to create sustainable alternatives that can benefit both the fisher and the marine environments they depend upon. Implementing circle-shaped hooks instead of common J-shaped hooks, for example, can reduce the amount of turtle bycatch in longline fisheries. In the United States, the NOAA has worked closely with the shrimping industry to develop Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) that reduce the mortality of sea turtle bycatch in trawls.

Satellite telemetry is also used by Hawksbill Sea Turtle researchers to track the animals and learn more about their feeding and migration patterns. The goal goes beyond scientific discovery since satellite images can help fisheries anticipate where turtles are more likely to encounter their boats and gear.

Cottage Food Laws of Florida

Libby Hopkins

Have you ever thought about owning your own home baking or cooking business? If so, there are a lot of steps that go along with offering your community your delicious chocolate chip cookies or your grandmother’s meatballs.

Many people nowadays own their own private cooking business, but there are many requirements that must be met before you take your business public. The Florida Cottage Food Laws are your guidelines on how to get your start.

So, what are Cottage Food Laws? Cottage Food Laws are laws that certain states have passed concerning the production of certain types of foodstuffs for sale without a commercial license. These rules might also be called Home-Food Processing Rules or Baker’s Bills. Cottage Food Laws are for people who want to sell shelf-stable and low-risk food products from their home without the necessity of a commercial kitchen or regulatory inspections. Typically, the Department of Health or the Department of Agriculture approves and oversees cottage food businesses.

Florida Cottage Food Laws incorporate some of the best features to encourage entrepreneurship. Florida is among those states that make it easy to start your own cottage food business.

Cottage food operations do not require a license or permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and are not inspected by any state government entity. Florida Cottage Food Laws do not require you to register or do anything other than begin selling.

However, they do have rules on what you can and can’t serve, the maximum you can make annually, and require you to follow any local codes for business licensing, zoning, and other requirements. Always contact your local city/county office and verify if a business license is required prior to starting (https://cottagefoodlaws.com/).

Foods manufactured under the cottage food law are limited to products that are considered a low risk for causing foodborne illness. Many products are not allowed to be manufactured under the cottage food law because they require time/

temperature control for food safety to limit pathogenic micro organism growth or toxin formation.

Examples of products allowed to be sold as cottage foods are loaf bread, rolls, biscuits cakes, pastries, and cookies, candies, and confections, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit pies, dried fruits, dry herbs, seasonings, and mixtures. Home made pasta, cereals, trail mixes and granola, coated or un coated nuts, vinegar, and flavored vinegar popcorn and pop corn balls are also included

Cottage food operators may sell cottage food products on their website, by mail order, and direct to consumers in per son. Cottage food products cannot be sold wholesale. They must be properly packaged and labeled.

Cottage food operators can serve free samples for tasting, but the samples must be prepackaged. A cottage food operation must comply with all state or federal tax laws, rules, regulations, or certificates that apply to all cottage food operations. Gross sales for a cottage food operation must not exceed $250,000 annually (https://www.fdacs.gov/BusinessServices/Food/Food-Establishments/Cottage-Foods).

If you would like to learn more about the Cottage Food Law of Florida, you can visit the Florida Department of Agriculture’s website at www.fdacs.gov.

STRAWBERRY INDUSTRY REBOUNDS FROM HURRICANES THANKS TO RESILIENCY OF GROWERS, FARMWORKER HARD WORK AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

By Jim Frankowiak

The impact of hurricanes Helene and Milton on strawberry farms varied from farm to farm, but there was initial concern about the industry’s ability to rebound. However, the resiliency of farmers and the hard work of farmworkers quickly set those concerns aside.

Depending upon location, strawberry farm hurricane damage varied from near total devastation to minimal disruption. “Regardless of the extent of damage, our growers responded with hard work and problem-solving skills to repair and replant, as needed,” said Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) Executive Director Kenneth Parker. “We are also thankful to report that there have been no reported agricultural-related loss of life or injuries as a result of the hurricane,” he said.

“Whatever it took to get the job done was taken, from new plants and plastic to additional farmworker help. Cost was not a consideration,” said Parker.

“Fortunately, both plants and plastic covering, along with other materials were readily available to make the necessary repairs,” said Parker. “Our growers strive to have plants in the ground by November 1 of each season, and that was the case again this year despite the disruption and damage caused by the hurricanes.”

The FSGA is anticipating the same acreage of strawberries as was projected at the start of the season, which was well before any hurricanes. “We want our retailers and customers to know that Florida strawberries will again be available from Thanksgiving to Easter,” emphasized Parker.

Shortly after Hurricane Milton ravaged the area, U.S. Senator Rick Scott’s staff contacted the FSGA seeking the associa tion’s help in setting up a tour of strawberry farms for a firsthand look at the impact of the hurricane. In addition to Sen. Scott, the tour included Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Florida State Representative Lawrence Mc Clure, and Florida State Senators Danny Burgess and Jay Col lins. The group toured several farms and saw the range of damage brought by Hurricane Milton.

At the state level, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was tremendously helpful in supporting

the growers as they responded to fixing the damages incurred by the storm. County elected officials also made an effort to support local farmers. Since the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has no provision for waste disposal related to agricultural operations impacted by weather events such as hurricanes, Hillsborough County invoked the Emergency Event Act (EEA), giving farmers a reduced rate for disposal of waste and county landfills.

Florida Ag Commissioner Simpson has estimated Hurricane Milton caused between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion in damage to the state’s farmers and ranchers. That is in addition to more than $1.5 billion in damages already sustained from hurricanes, Idalia, Debby, and Helene over the past year.

Simpson included the assessment in a letter asking U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to make assistance available to Florida farmers through the Farm Service Agency

Change is Coming!

Capt. Wade Osborne

So far, we haven’t had typical fall weather here in the Tampa Bay area, but it’s coming. Above-normal temperatures have kept the water in the mid-70s. Usually, by now the water temperature on the grass flats is in the low 70s to upper 60s. Once it reaches those temperatures, which should be by the end of the month, your tactics will need to change.

First, you’ll have to catch bait in deeper water as it leaves the grass flats. I’ve already put one of my deep-water cast nets on my boat in anticipation. I recommend that you do the same unless you plan to buy shrimp before launching your boat.

Right now, catching bait is a breeze on most grass flats so a heavy cast net isn’t needed. The last thing you want to happen one morning is to show up to catch bait and it’s no longer in the shallows, it’s dropped off into deeper water and you’re not prepared to catch it.

Just like baitfish, gamefish remain on the grass flats for now!

The redfish action continues to please.

Schools of redfish continue to roam the flats, but now I’m encountering more rat reds than I did in October. I don’t have a problem with that because they’re still fun to catch and if you never have, they’re a blast. Riley found that out himself recently when he caught his first redfish. If you happen upon a school of small redfish and are hoping to take one home for dinner, it’s best to move on in search of larger fish. They’re still around, you just have to do a little looking.

Seatrout, out of all the inshore species, remain the most dependable, as far as fish for dinner. It’s been a banner year for seatrout, and I look for that trend to last right through the end of the year. With all the baitfish hatchlings we’ve had this year, the seatrout are not only plentiful,

Snook are still open to harvest until the first of December, so get out and take advantage of it. My clients are still catching plenty of snook. Some are in the slot, 28 to 33 inches, but most are just under or over the harvest slot. Oscar Santana and Kinh Shiau fished with me earlier this month and Oscar caught and released a 34” snook unharmed. It turns out, Oscar had never fished before and this snook was the first fish he’s ever caught. Unbelievably, he continued to out fish Kinh during the rest of the charter. Talk about beginner’s luck, now Oscar is ruined for life.

26-Year Veteran Fishing Guide, Captain Wade Osborne.

but they’re also fat. So much so, I find myself measuring more fish than normal because of their exceptional weight, just to find out they measure a ¼ to ½ inch short and have to go back in the water.

One tip I can give you, be patient when seatrout fishing. Don’t just anchor up in a likely spot and give it only 10-15 minutes. Also, do some live bait chumming. If you’re fishing in an area with a good tidal flow, chumming will draw fish to your boat. Doing so over time also brings in the big boys. Fish have a knack for knowing when other fish are feeding and don’t want to be left out. Chumming is like ringing a dinner bell!

As for Spanish mackerel, there are still a few around, but I’m not catching as many as before Milton. It’s also been very

ite spots in the middle of the bay. Spanish mackerel usually stick around in Tampa Bay until the water temperature starts reaching the mid-60s. Then you occasionally catch a few at the power plant outflows.

The shark fishing has slowed as well, but I’m thinking it’s only temporary. Once the water starts cooling off sharks will move toward the power plant outflows, too.

Even though the fishing this month has resembled October more than November, it won’t last. Make sure you’re ready! Be prepared to catch your bait around some of the bridge pilings or range makers scattered throughout Tampa Bay and to fish in deeper water also.

Afishionado, “Adventures in Fishing.”

Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Osborne has been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and writes for multiple publications. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email:

OUR PROFITS ARE YOUR PAYDAY

When you do business with Farm Credit, you are a member of a cooperative. When we do well, you do well. And we’ve been doing well for over 100 years.

Refinancing Buildings Fences Equipment

Need a memory boost? The anthocyanins in strawberries have been shown to increase short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks.

Well-maintained trees and shrubs can increase property value by up to 14%.

The ancient Romans thought strawberries could cure bad breath and chronic fainting.

Over the course of its life, a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide.

Split a double strawberry in half, share it with the opposite sex, and you’ll find love (at least according to legend).

The shade and wind buffering provided by trees reduces annual heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.

Indians called strawberries “heart-seed berries” and pounded them into their traditional corn-meal bread.

One tree can absorb as much carbon in a year as a car produces while driving 26,000 miles.

Fresh juice from sieved strawberry pulp has a cooling effect on feverish patients.

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Weight Loss

My wife and three daughters are always working on losing weight. Daughter number two, Lori, has had some remarkable results with her program. She said the other day that she didn’t want to brag or make anyone jealous, but she can still fit into the earrings she wore in high school.

While millions are always dieting, they lose sight of the health benefits of being over weight. A recent report states that being over weight is not as harmful to the body as is commonly believed. They say being 10 to 15 pounds over weight could protect people from ailments ranging from TB to Alzheimer’s disease. Those carrying 20 to 25 pounds are better able to recover from such adverse conditions such as emphysema, pneumonia and other injuries and infections, states the report.

Thirty to forty pounds of extra weight could help fend off breast, kidney, pancreatic, prostate and colon cancer. And even an extra 40 pounds may improve eyesight, reverse baldness, cure the common cold, and reduce global warming.

Over all, the study concludes, over weight people are happier, more successful in business, smarter and friendlier. This study was funded by a research

Sara Lee and Krispy Kreme.

I am a firm believer if you drink a diet Coke with a Hershey candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are canceled out by the diet Coke. Things licked off knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something sweet. Examples are peanut butter on a knife making a sandwich and ice cream on a spoon making a sundae. Foods that have the same color have the same number of calories. Examples are spinach and pistachio ice cream, mushrooms and white chocolate, pink grapefruit and ham. REMEMBER chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color you want. Also, chocolate is a vegetable, and chocolate comes from the cocoa bean, and beans are vegetables.

I am sure a number of you reading this article have at one time or another has joined Weight Watchers. This is a worldwide organization. One Weight Watchers group in Sweden a few years back went in for a weigh in only to have the floor beneath them collapse. One member said, “It felt like an earthquake, and as we tried to abandon the

grant from McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, Domino’s, Starbucks, Haagen Dazs,

Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the November 2015 issue

room everything fell thru to the first floor. Evidently we didn’t lose enough weight, so they changed our menu for the rest of the month.”

According to a study by researchers at a couple of universities, your credit card could be making you fat. It has been known for a while that we are more likely to spend more when we are paying by card than by cash, the study results found that paying with plastic also has disastrous results for your waistline, as people are more likely to buy junk food and “bad for you” products – which tend to be impulse purchases – when paying by credit card. To keep off the pounds and save yourself some money, draw out enough cash for the day and then leave your cards at home.

Recently I read a story about a 44-year old British man that weighed 980 pounds. He supposedly had emotional issues and turned to eating for comfort. He died of pneumonia after undergoing a gastric sleeve operation that removed three-quarters of his stomach.

In a newspaper article it was stated that his mother fed and bathed him regularly. He purportedly consumed around 20,000 calories a day in a diet that included six-egg fried breakfasts, lunches and dinners with pizza, kebabs and take out food including about 12 Big Macs. He also reportedly consumed 3.5 liters of coffee and 2 liters of carbonated drinks every day.

Some countries, such as Switzerland and the UK, have facilities for cremation for obese people. However, this is not the case in Austria. When a 440-pound woman was being cremated it caused the oven to over heat and almost burn the facility down. When the temperature reached 572 degrees Fahrenheit, officials realized there was problem when thick black smoke started coming out of the building.

Firemen said that after reports of similar problems at other crematoriums, officials are now considering a ban on larger bodies.

Adam was walking around the Garden of Eden feeling very lonely. God asked Adam what was wrong. Adam said he didn’t have anyone to talk to, so God decided he would give him a companion and it would be a woman. God told Adam that the woman would cook for him, wash his clothes, and always agree with every decision he made. She would bear his children and never ask him to getup in the middle of the night to take care of them. She would not nag him and would always be the first to admit she was wrong during a disagreement. She would never have a headache, and would freely give him love and compassion whenever needed. Adam asked God what a woman like this would cost him. God told him, “An arm and a leg.” Adam replied, “What can I get for just a rib?” The rest is history.

UF EXPERT: WHILE HURRICANES ARE ON YOUR MIND, GET YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTED

By Brad Buck

Hurricanes Helene and Milton left many homeowners with flooded septic tanks. To make sure your system is ready for future storms, a University of Florida scientist has suggestions for you.

“If you are one of those homeowners with a flooded septic system, it’s likely not working properly and should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible,” said Mary Lusk, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences. “If your system was not flooded, you can take time now to get an inspection to make sure your system is good before next year’s hurricane season arrives.”

About 2 million Florida homes – or about 30 percent of the state’s residents -- rely on septic to treat wastewater, Lusk said. When they flood, they can fill with debris and must be professionally cleaned.

“You can’t really prevent flood damage,” said Lusk, author of a new Ask IFAS document on septic systems (https://edis. ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ss739). “If it happens, it happens. But take time during the hurricane offseason to make sure your system has been regularly pumped and inspected. We recommend doing this about every three years or so.”

In addition to an inspection, here are two more tips for the future:

• Next year, if a hurricane is forecast, reduce water use in your home as much as possible in the days leading up to the storm. This will reduce the amount of waste your system has to treat during that vulnerable time when soils may flood.

• Purchase a temporary toilet or toilet seat that you can use on a bucket, so you’ll be prepared in case your lot floods, and you have to stop using your household toilet. These can often be found in the camping sections of sporting goods stores or at online vendors.

Septic systems are made of two parts: a septic tank and a drain field.

Flooding associated with hurricanes can decrease the depth of unsaturated soil in a drain field and thus lower the ability of

the septic system to work properly, Lusk said.

“Septic systems rely on unsaturated soils to safely remove germs from human waste, and a flooded lot with a septic system means a lot that isn’t doing its No. 1 human health job,” she said.

When Milton roared through Florida, dumping more than a foot of rain in some places, it rendered some septic tanks ineffective.

Flooding from a hurricane can mean a system that is not usable for days or weeks, while the homeowner waits for flood water to go away, said Lusk, a faculty member at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center.

“This makes it very hard to live a normal day-to-day life because the homeowner has to find other ways to dispose of household wastewater, including toilet waste,” she said.

For now, if you still have flooding on your lot, limit household water use as much as possible and consider portable toilets or making temporary toilets from buckets so you’re not adding new material to the system, she said.

UF STUDY: NATIVE PLANTS OUTPERFORM NON-NATIVE SPECIES FOR GROWTH AND FLORAL ABUNDANCE

By Brad Buck

If you want more reasons to plant native species, here’s new evidence from University of Florida research: Native plants outperform non-native ones in growth and floral abundance, thriving better under both full and partial irrigation.

That means more pollinators, such as bees, are attracted to them.

The research also showed native species adapted better to local environmental conditions, meaning they required less water. That translates to lower maintenance costs.

For the study, scientists selected 20 plants – 10 native and 10 non-native -- based on several criteria:

• Their anticipated value to pollinators (particularly bees).

• Diversity in bloom times.

• A mix of flower colors and shapes to attract different pollinators.

Scientists planted the species at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy and at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra. They used different irrigation levels and native and non-native plants to see how well the plants would grow.

While full irrigation enhanced plant survival during the first year of the two-year study, native plants generally outperformed non-native ones in both overall plant size and flower density, regardless of water levels.

“This suggests that native plants are more resilient and waterefficient, which is important in areas with water restrictions or droughts,” said Joanna Silva, a doctoral student who conducted the research -- with funding from USDA-NIFA -- under the supervision of principal investigator Rachel Mallinger, an assistant professor of entomology. “Native species not only help conserve water but support pollinator populations, which is a key strategy for addressing global pollinator decline.”

The research supports efforts to encourage the use of native or Florida-friendly plants in landscapes, contributing to water conservation, Silva said.

That makes these findings particularly important for landscapers, gardeners and nurseries, she said.

“Many commercially available plant mixes include native and non-native plants, but sometimes, some of these plants do not provide sufficient resources for pollinators – such as a nectar and pollen -- and they require more maintenance than most ecologically friendly plants,” Silva said.

From this study, nurseries, gardeners and landscapers can learn that Florida-friendly plants are suited for local conditions, requiring less water and maintenance, she said.

“By planting native plants, they can create more sustainable landscapes that conserve water and support local pollinators and wildlife,” Silva said.

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

Check Your Irrigation Timer

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers now that daylight saving time has ended. The time change is a good time to make sure irrigation system timers are set correctly to ensure that the systems operate consistently with year-round water conservation measures. All 16 counties throughout the District’s boundaries are on year-round water conservation measures, with lawn watering limited to twice per week unless your city or county has a different schedule or stricter hours.

Know and follow your local watering restrictions, but don’t water just because it’s your day. Irrigate your lawn when it shows signs of stress from lack of water. Signs of stressed grass include:

• Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least onethird of your yard.

• Grass blades appear blue-gray.

• Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

Florida Agricultural Sector Asked to Share Impacts of Hurricane

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP)is conducting a survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Milton.

Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl. edu/MiltonAgImpacts or report information to their local UF/ IFAS Extension office by calling or visiting in person.

2024 Florida Ag Expo Canceled

As a result of the impact Hurricane Milton has had on Florida’s agriculture community, co-sponsors of Florida Ag Expo – the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Wimauma in south central Hillsborough County and AgNet Media have decided to cancel the 2024 Florida Ag Expo. The annual event was scheduled to take place at the GCREC on November 7.

District Rescinds Water Shortage Order

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has rescinded the Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order enacted in November 2023. This action eliminates one-day-per-

week water restrictions for Hillsborough and Pinellas counties; however, Pasco County and the City of Tampa will remain on one-day-per-week watering by local ordinance.

Hurricane Recovery Assistance

Florida agriculture was hit hard by hurricanes within the last few months. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a range of disaster assistance programs available to Florida ranchers and farmers. For the latest information on USDA recovery efforts, visit the Hurricane Recovery webpage on farmers.gov and https://www.usa.gov/disasters-and-emergencies

Other recovery program information through the Department of Homeland Security (DHA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also available by visiting https:// www.fema.gov/disaster/current.

You may also contact your local USDA Service Center. In Hillsborough County, the Service Center is located at 201 South Collins Street, Suite 201, Plant City. Telephone: 813/752-1474.

District Awards Grants to Hillsborough County Schools for Water Resources Education Projects

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) awarded $108,937 in grants to 51 educators within the District as part of the Splash! school grant program. The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources in grades K-12.

Splash! grants encourage hands-on student learning through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities as well as engagement of the greater school community through awareness campaigns. Each school district allocates a portion of its annual youth education funding provided by the District to support the Splash! grants in their county.

The District awarded grants to the following schools/teachers in Hillsborough County:

• Heritage Elementary School - Jean Josephson

• Knights Elementary School - Caylee Thompson

• Medical Academy at D.W. Waters - Brittany Loubier-Vervisch

• Newsome High School - Julie Wernicki

• Oak Park Elementary School - Kaylin Schemmel

• Pierce Middle School - Sigrun Ragnarsdottir

• Spoto High School - Robert Lacombe

• Tampa Bay Technical High School - Julie Sackles

• Temple Terrace Elementary School - Naomi Frierson

• Town and Country Elementary School - Krystal Greenberg

• Wharton High School - Christi Atkinson

• Woodmont Charter School - Raina Fiallo

Grants are available to support water education programs and activities that are focused on water cycle basics, freshwater or estuarian ecosystems, water quality and water conservation. For more information, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants.

UF SmartAg certificates prepare students to enter agriculture’s AI job market

By Brad Buck

Graduate students from across the University of Florida can leap into the future workplaces of agricultural technology.

Through two Smart Ag certificate programs, started in 2022, the agricultural and biological engineering department (ABE) offers classes in which students can learn and apply artificial intelligence concepts.

The courses are open to any UF graduate student.

Through courses in the programs, students make themselves more marketable for the workforce, said Tom Burks, a UF/IFAS professor of agricultural and biological engineering.

“At this stage of their lives, without job experience, having classroom experience in the domain they want to work in is valuable,” said Burks, who teaches several courses in both of the SmartAg certificates. “It demonstrates ability.”

Concepts of SmartAg systems can be applied to many careers, ranging from production and precision agriculture to robotics, food processing and packaging, vertical farming and more.

The certificates provide students with a sequence of required courses, in addition to elective courses in an area of their interest. Students must pass 12 credit hours to earn a certificate.

Burks gave several examples of how courses in the SmartAg programs can develop marketable skills:

• In Applied Statistical Machine Learning, students learn practical machine learning techniques focused on applying statistical methods, designed for those with a basic understanding of regression. The course emphasizes using AI and machine learning tools to enhance students’ research projects or build professional portfolios. Statistical Machine Learning, on the other hand, delves deeper into the mathematical and theoretical foundations of machine learning, providing a more in-depth exploration of statistical methods, making it suitable for those looking to specialize in the statistical aspects of machine learning.

• In Control Methods in SmartAg Systems, they learn to design, analyze and simulate classical and modern control approaches as well as artificial intelligencebased control approaches in theoretical, modeling and practical applications. This could lead to jobs designing and testing control systems for production agriculture, precision agriculture, food processing, water resources and more.

• In Advanced Precision Agriculture, students explore technologies that support precision farming and managing natural resource data. They learn to use tools like GPS, GIS, variable rate technologies, automated guidance systems, and software to improve farming efficiency and data management. This can lead to careers

in precision agriculture, environmental management, or roles focused on technology integration in farming operations and natural resource planning.

• Students in Applied Control for Automation and Robotics learn the theory behind autonomous vehicles and serial link manipulators along with fundamentals for machine vision-based control. This could lead to jobs developing robotic applications for production agriculture, water resources and other applications that require robotic solutions.

Students laud the program for its rigor.

“As someone who doesn’t have an engineering background, I was worried I would really struggle with the classes,” said Amber Riner, who earned her master’s degree in agronomy this summer and graduated with a SmartAg certificate. “However, all of my professors throughout these courses were really friendly and worked to make the course material accessible to students from all backgrounds.”

Faculty have chimed in as well about the usefulness of the SmartAg certificate classes.

For example, Dana Choi, an assistant professor agricultural and biological engineering at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, said the module titled, “Wireless Sensor Networks,” provides students with hands-on activities that closely simulate real agricultural scenarios.

“For example, they set up sensors to track moisture levels or temperature changes, transmitting real-time field data to a cloud server,” Choi said. “Students develop valuable skills in data analytics, system design, and remote agricultural management. These exercises not only equip students with the ability to integrate IoT devices but also enhance their understanding of how such technology can lead to more sustainable farming practices. This handson approach not only improves learning outcomes but also showcases the innovative work our department is doing to advance precision agriculture.”

Students must put together portfolios of their course work, which makes them document and think about what they’ve learned that could be useful in the workplace, Burks said.

“The portfolios are a positive thing to have on your resume,” he said. “The certificate shows a potential employer that you’ve achieved these competencies. The SmartAg skills are the middle ground between theory and application.”

In an article co-authored by Burks, ABE Chair Kati Migliaccio and assistant professor Adam Watson, the scientists say: “The sustainability of our world food supply chain will likely depend on many factors, including a favorable climate, water availability and quality, soil fertility and conservation, production costs and efficiency…(and) we believe that SmartAg students empowered with emerging AI approaches hold promise for the future.”

FLORIDA KIWI

By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science

The cooler fall months are peak season for fresh kiwis. Kiwi, also called kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry, is native to China and Taiwan and a member of the Acinidiaceae family. Kiwi has a distinctive fuzzy brown peel which covers a bright yellow to green flesh with multiple small, edible black seeds. It has a sweet and slightly acidic taste and can be eaten raw or cooked. The juice can be used as a meat tenderizer.

Kiwifruit may be eaten raw, juiced into a beverage or used in savory dishes or baked goods and desserts. The entire fruit, including seeds and skin, are edible, but most commonly the skin is discarded. They have a sweet, tropical flavor that is slightly acidic, and the flesh contains multiple small edible black seeds that provide a light crunch to the texture.

Nutritional Profile

Kiwi fruit are high in vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium, phosphate and dietary fiber. These nutrients are important for a strong immune system, a healthy digestive system, lowering cholesterol levels, and prevent the negative effects of free radicals. The darker pigmented varieties also provide a rich source of antioxidants. The outer peel is entirely edible and contains most of the fiber in the fruit. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one fresh whole kiwi (69g) contains 42 calories, 0.8 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat, 10 g of carbohydrate, and 2.1 g of fiber. It also provides 106% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for vitamin C, 30% for vitamin K, 8% for fiber, and 6% for potassium, as well as significant amounts of magnesium, iron, folate, and calcium.

Antioxidants: Fight off disease

Kiwi is very high in disease-fighting antioxidants, which work to neutralize destructive free radicals in the body. When healthy cells are damaged, they are more susceptible to disease and certain types of cancer, and antioxidants may help slow the progression of conditions like asthma, arthritis, and colon cancer. Diets that contain fruits and are high in vitamin C are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

Vitamin C also has other important functions in the body. Eating kiwi and other foods high in vitamin C can significantly raise the amount of iron your body absorbs. Adequate intake and absorption of iron is necessary to prevent anemia. Vitamin C also supports the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple.

Fiber: For regularity and good health

Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases, by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Fiber also promotes bowel regularity and increases satiety levels, which can aid in weight control. In addition to the effects of fiber on regularity, other compounds in kiwi make this fruit especially effective in promoting healthy digestive functioning. Eating kiwi can be an effective treatment for constipation without the side effects or risks of medication. Kiwi is high in both soluble and insoluble fiber which has great benefits for both the heart and digestive system.

How to select and store

For optimal taste, choose a ripe kiwi that yields slightly to gentle pressure and has a fragrant smell. Look for a fuzzy skin that is free of cuts or blemishes. The ripening process can be accelerated by placing the fruit in a paper bag overnight. Once ripe, refrigerate for up to one week. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing. Kiwi can also be peeled and frozen for later use, but the texture will be altered.

How to enjoy

Fresh kiwi are delicious enjoyed fresh out-of-hand at their peak of ripeness. They can also be baked, roasted, sauteed, pureed or made into jams, compotes, ice creams and syrup. The flavor is enhanced when combined with vanilla, lemon, strawberries, and other fruit flavors. Kiwi are also delicious in savory applications when cooked with pork, lamb, grilled shellfish and chicken.

Ways to enjoy fresh kiwi include:

• Chop and add to cereal, oatmeal, or fruit salad

• Dice and use to top ice cream or yogurt

• thinly and top a peanut butter sandwich

• Use fresh kiwi as a meat tenderizer

• Blend with other fruit to make a smoothie or freeze into a sorbet

Enjoy this beautiful, fragrant fruit during Florida’s peak season, knowing you will get loads of nutrition with every sweet, juicy bite.

Selected References

http://www.uga.edu http://www.whfoods.com http://aic.ucdavis.edu/profiles/

BayCare’s new South Florida Baptist Hospital brings the latest advancements in health care to Plant City and the surrounding communities. You’ll find a state-of-the-art facility that has expanded orthopedic, heart and vascular, labor and delivery, emergency and surgical services. The new Charles and Betty Grimes Medical Arts Building gives you convenient access to a full range of care, including imaging, labs and select BayCare Medical Group providers’ offices. You can expect clinical expertise combined with compassionate care delivered by a team that treats you like family.

WHEN SHADE LOVING PLANTS ARE NOW IN THE SUN

Yes, this is a minor inconvenience considering the devastation that has occurred in so many areas from two hurricanes. That said, rehabbing our landscapes a little at a time does provide exercise, a sense of satisfaction and completion, and fresh air. I highly recommend long gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, shoes and a hat. You may also need a shovel, hoe, pruner, wheelbarrow and more.

Removing branches, moss and leaves in the area you want to tackle first is a good start. Put the debris in a pile, garbage can, wheel barrel or another container. You can determine whether the shade loving plants can survive with partial or full sun by checking the Florida-Friendly landscaping Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design. You can access this Guide at:

https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/ FFL-Plant-Guide_v03222022_web.pdf

The most important page in this Guide is page 41 which contains the key to symbols and abbreviations. Next, check the page to see central Florida, which is where we are located. Turn to page 101 and find the information about gloriosa lily, which grows well in all three areas, north, central and south Florida. This plant prefers partial shade/partial sun and full shade. You may want to transplant the gloriosa lily in a shady area in your landscape now that the current location has full or near full sun. This way, you can plant sun-loving plants in

the area where you removed the lily. Check with your neighbors and friends to determine if they have the same or opposite situation. Sharing plants is a lot of fun.

Another alternative would be to consider using shade cloth above the plants on a frame or other structure. Shade cloth is available in different percentages of shade/sun protection and several colors. A greenhouse is another option but will be much more expensive.

If you prefer not to perform the plant relocation and/or landscape maintenance, consider hiring someone to do it for you. Another option is to get a few of your gardening friends together and work on one area of one yard at a time; then move to the next yard another day. A couple other tips include bend from your knees – not from your waist. Don’t carry things that are too heavy – two people can carry the same heavy object at the same time. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Contact: Lynn Barber, labarber@ufl.edu

Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

DURANT FFA ATTENDS NATIONAL CONVENTION

HERE ARE SOME SIGHTS FROM THE 97TH NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION HELD IN INDIANAPOLIS, IN.

During the 5th general session on October 25, Carter Howell recognized Florida FFA State Staff along with his Advisors on stage in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Field. Pictured from left to right - Florida FFA State staff (Ronnie Simmons - not pictured) Hannah Cantrel, Erin Walker, Mitchel Singleton, Carter Howell, Greg Lehman, Thomas Sturgis, Brittany Coleman and Suzanne Cribbs (accepting for Tim Cribbs).

Members from the Durant and J.F. St. Martin FFA chapters attended the 97th annual national FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana October 22-26. This was an extra-special convention for these students because Durant's very own Carter Howell was elected FFA Southern Region Vice President a

year ago and is now helping fulfill his obligation to coordinate the national convention. Carter (in the middle) is surrounded by members of the chapter, along with FFA advisors and parents. This is Durant's very first national officer. This year, there were over 71,000 in attendance.

During the 4th general session of the 97th national FFA Convention, Suzanne Cribbs received an Honorary FFA Degree for her late husband, Tim Cribbs, who was Carter's agriculture teacher. Thomas Sturgis also received his Honorary FFA Degree at that same ceremony. This is the highest degree that the FFA can bestow to supporters of the FFA.

During the final general session on October 26, Carter Howell brought his parents on stage for a special moment to recognize all their efforts over the years in raising Carter. Pictured with Carter are his parents, Jerry and Kim Howell.

SANCHEZ FARMS:

Growing Strawberries, Vegetables, Flowers and Much More

By Jim Frankowiak | Photos Courtesy of Alexis Greene

Officially Sanchez Farms Santa Maria Tepos, LLC (Sanchez Farms), this Plant City grower of strawberries, vegetables, and flowers is so much more.

“While we are committed to growing the best quality berries, vegetables, and flowers that we can, we also want to preserve our Mexican heritage and provide families like ours with the same opportunities we had,” said Sanchez Farms owner, Fidel Sanchez.

Born and raised in the Mexican State of Oaxaca, Sanchez literally grew up in agriculture, working in the fields from a very early age and continuing so today. “I only went to school for a short time before becoming a full-time farm worker,” he said. He moved to California in 1985, where he continued his work in agriculture, and then moved to Florida in 1997. “We were poor and there were few opportunities in Mexico,” said Sanchez. “The United States offered us many opportunities.”

Since moving to the Plant City area in 1997, Sanchez was able to begin his own farm which now comprises 160 acres, headquartered on South Forbes Road where he grows strawberries, and vegetables, including squash, cucumbers, pickles, and peppers.

This season has been difficult for Sanchez Farms due to the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “We had much to repair and replace due to the hurricanes,” said Sanchez. “We have completed those repairs, which involved portions of the farm’s irrigation system and plastics covering the 110 acres of strawberry growing areas. That work has been completed and the farm is moving forward. “That will delay harvesting and that means we will probably take advantage of Upicking at the end of our growing season,” he said.

The hurricanes also forced Sanchez to delay his annual Festival de Cempasuchil. This is a traditional Mexican flower festival that is part of The Day of the Dead

celebration, a way to honor loved ones who have passed away. The celebration is known in Mexico as El Dia de Los Muertos. The celebration is very popular in Mexico, particularly in Sanchez’ home state of Oaxaca. Part of that tradition is flowers known as Cempasuchil. He began the celebration six years ago in memory of his late mother.

“We always celebrate the day of the dead so that our children can see what we’re doing as they are growing up and so they don’t lose our tradition,” he said. In addition to remembering those who have passed, the celebration permits attendees to walk among the flower beds on Sanchez Farms, often taking photos and purchasing flowers. Each year during this celebration, Sanchez creates an altar for his mother and other loved ones who have passed.

“I don’t want to lose this tradition so I can teach my children and others about my culture because it is something beautiful.”

In addition to preserving his heritage, Sanchez wants to provide the opportunity for other families to come to America and take advantage of the same opportunities afforded to families like his. “My future and that of my family in Mexico was very limited,” he said. “The chance to come to America enabled me to achieve what I have and I want to share this same opportunity with other families. I am most grateful for the chance to give my family a better life than would have been possible had I not come to this country.”

More information about Sanchez Farms is available on FaceBook at Sanchez Farms Santa Maria Tepos LLC.

Water Apathy – WAPATHY

Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

Some things in life we take for granted, like water. We drink it, cook with it, shower with it and use water to irrigate our landscapes. Approximately 50 percent of the water we use is for landscape irrigation. Lawns and landscapes need ½ - ¾ inch of water per application. Using more is wasting water.

Many times, it appears we have become WAPATHETIC – apathetic about water. As you know, apathy means lack of emotion or interest. We may over-irrigate our lawns and landscapes; then wonder why there is an increase in pests, diseases, weeds and non-surviving plants. We may have a well and think there is an unlimited source of water. Maybe our rain shutoff device (required by law to be installed and functioning) is no longer in working order. There are several types of rain shut-off devices. Some are more effective and efficient than others.

The average life expectancy of a rain shut-off device is approximately 1-5 years. The internal cork-like mechanism that swells from rainfall overrides the irrigation system when the setting for rainfall has been reached. When the internal component deteriorates, the shut-off device is inoperative.

There are easy ways to check the rain shut-off device to be sure it is functioning.

1. If your irrigation system runs when more than ½ - ¾ inch of rain has fallen, the device may need to be reset to ½ - ¾ inch, or you may need to contact a Florida Irrigation Society certified contractor*.

2. If your rain shut-off device is located under trees, eaves or other obstructions, the device cannot operate properly.

3. If you have a wired versus wireless rain shutoff device and the wire is not connected to the control box or is cut, it cannot work properly.

* Contact a certified irrigation contractor to evaluate your shut-off device to be sure it is functioning correctly.

Will Stone and/or Heather Crowley, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, are available to talk with you about your irrigation water use. They work closely with high water users, defined as 15,000 gallons a month or more. You can contact Will or Heather at 813-7445519. All of us can conserve irrigation water. Using a rain gauge to balance supplemental irrigation with the rainfall you receive can reduce the water you use and keep your plants healthy.

All of us have many opportunities to use water responsibly. There is an OFF position on your irrigation controller. It works well for me….and could for you. It’s easy to turn on when needed. If you are interested in finding other ways to conserve water in your landscape, attend a rainwater harvesting or microirrigation workshop at the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. Our next workshops for these classes will be start again in February 2025. View our calendar of events at: https://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. You can attend in person or via Zoom. Let’s all save water, time and money.

Contact Lynn Barber at: labarber@ufl.edu

for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review Sign up

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.

For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900.

To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events

This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,166,732 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/ HHS, or the U.S. Government.

by John Dicks

LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR

One of the many great things about being a Grandfather, particularly during this time of year, is getting as gifts from our grandchildren all of those hand-painted, hand print turkeys!

You know what I’m talking about. We did it ourselves a zillion years ago, and thankfully, the tradition is still running at full steam. It’s the fine art made when the kids in the single digit age group (1-9), plant their hands on paper and draw around their outstretched fingers creating a rough (very rough) outline of a turkey gobbler, all ready to be colored.

The youngsters share such a delight in this discovery that they repeat the process over and over and over yet again, filling in the hand print turkey with faces, and smiles, and feathers. Naturally, with so many completed masterpieces at their fingertips, the logical question is what to do with (or at least how to dispose of) them all.

That’s where grandparents fit in and happily join in the fray. Our part of the fun is to simply laugh and smile at the silliness of all the hand print turkeys, and show the kids how my hand print turkey is a far larger one than theirs, all while gleefully spreading them around the refrigerator, snugging them securely under magnets for proper display!

Well, yeah, that’s a blast; and frankly, it’s certainly more fun (and less messy) than any of those annual Halloween pumpkin carving festivities!

That’s the great thing about this time of year. There’s lots of things going on to keep us busy and occupied, in good spirits, and focused on the future.

Frankly, after all that we’ve been through over the last few weeks, with politics, hurricanes, and even a rough college football season, we really need this time of thankfulness in November, and especially the spiritualness of December.

For Thanksgiving, it marks this year as the 403rd of this very special celebra-

tion. Remember, the Pilgrims had a rough go of it, both on their maiden voyage of the Mayflower, and during their first year in the “new world.” So in 1621 they celebrated with their new friends they called Indians, with a feast to remember, and it’s been going on ever since.

Some people, of course, celebrate the occasion with a big family, filled with smiles, lots of laughter, and a wide variety of homemade specialties to add to the meal. Other people are more sedate and reserved and enjoy the luxury of dining out, exchanging the prep and cleanup time for the chance to spend a bit longer, catching up with folks and family they have missed throughout the year.

Many more choose simply to be alone, or just share a little while with a “bestie,” quietly reflecting on the year and the experiences it has brought, and what more might be before the beginning of the next new year.

Thanksgiving, indeed, is special; and it’s one of those holidays that often just sneaks up on us, yet magically happens right when we need it. Maybe that was the thought and part of the brilliance behind the decisions of two of our very best Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

President Washington, in 1789, issued the first national Thanksgiving proclamation. Nearly a century later, it was Abraham Lincoln, during the midst of the Civil War, who actually pronounced a national day of Thanksgiving to be held every November.

More specifically, and as every grade school child is taught to know, Thanksgiving is officially recognized annually on the 4th Thursday in November. For this year, that makes it arrive late on the calendar; the very latest it can possibly be, being pegged for the 28th.

Presumably that will shorten the holiday season running into Christmas. Then again, who can complain about Christmas being so near? After all, that’s yet another great thing to be thankful for!

John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a Blueberry Farm and have Agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!”. John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.

USDA ACTIVATES PROGRAM TO HELP PEOPLE IN RURAL FLORIDA REPAIR HOMES DAMAGED BY SEVERE WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands Lakeisha Hood Moise has announced the availability of the Department’s Single Family Housing Home Repair Loans and Grants in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas Pilot Program to make it easier for people in rural areas across Florida to access loans and grants to repair homes damaged by presidentially declared disasters through the conclusion of the pilot on July 18, 2025.

As a part of the pilot, which was introduced in the aftermath of the calendar year 2022 disasters, USDA made a number of changes to its Single Family Housing Home Repair Program, including:

• Increasing the maximum grant amount from $10,000 to $15,000.

• Loans and grants can be combined for up to $55,000 in assistance.

• Refinancing debt and reimbursing repair costs incurred as a result of the natural disaster and prior to the date of the application.

• Financing costs to relocate mobile and manufactured homes.

Funds may be used in presidentially declared disaster areas designated most recently as a result of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as those areas that have been subject to natural disasters since July 18, 2022.

The homes must be located in eligible rural areas and presidentially declared disaster areas where individuals and households have also been designated eligible to apply for financial and direct services from FEMA.

Applications must be submitted directly to the Rural Development State Office.

For more information on how to apply, contact the appropriate Area Office found here, https://www.rd.usda.gov/contactpage/florida-and-virgin-islands-contacts, or visit https:// www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housingprograms/single-family-housing-rural-disaster-home-repairgrants.

FULL HOUSE AND GROWING

By Libby Hopkins

Joy and Steve Miller of Antioch didn’t grow up on a farm or have an agriculture background, but the couple, along with their children, Danielle, Seth, Caleb, and Gideon, do have a love for animals of all kinds. “I don’t have any background in agriculture or farming at all,” Joy Miller said. “I lived either in a neighborhood or on an acre of land at a lake growing up. My husband, Steve doesn’t have a background in agriculture either.”

When we first spoke to the Miller’s in 2022, their farm, Full House Farm, was working on growing and goat product business. Now, they have a fully operational website, more goats for sale, and more goat products to offer their clients. “This whole business started because of our daughter, Danielle, getting a goat to show at a goat show,” Joy said. “Danielle is now 21 years old and part of the family business.”

The family works very hard on their farm and that is what they like most about it. “We breed and milk Saanen, Lamancha, Sable and Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats,” Miller said. “Our goats are carefully bred to improve conformation and milk production. We milk twice a day year-round. We also participate periodically in the ADGA milk test, Linear Appraisal, and mentor 4-H youth who show in several ADGA goat shows every year, including the Florida State Fair youth and open shows.”

Their goal with Full House Farm is to be good stewards of the animals and land they have been given while at the same time teaching the next generation valuable life skills and pro-

ducing quality milk and goats. “Full House Farm came into existence when we decided the house was full and we needed a herd name for our goats,” Miller said. “We started selling milk in 2017 as the herd grew and streamlined milking and breeding so we would have milk year-round. I found out that I was pretty good at milking and midwifery.”

The Millers have several 4-H youth and alumni who also work with the goats and show them. “As we’ve grown, we’ve maintained our herd of Nigerian and Lamancha goats, then added Saanens, fell in love with them, and decided to expand the Saanen herd,” Miller said. “That decision was cemented by our Saanen doe, Brigitta, becoming our second finished Champion Saanen taking eight Best in Show Senior Doe awards in the 2024 show season.”

The Millers use the best practices for the care and well-being of all their goats and products. “Our goats all have dry shelter, free choice hay, local perennial peanut when available, and more love than they know what to do with,” Miller said. “They are fed locally milled grain on the milk stand. We vaccinate yearly for tetanus and Clostridium when the goats are not in milk. We only use medications when necessary to treat a serious illness or disease and pull any milk during the full withdrawal period if the animal is in milk. Most of our babies are dam-raised and separated at night for around two weeks so we can milk their dams, then sold at weaning.”

In the case of a weak baby, large multiple births, or unfore-

seen issues, they then bottle feed any babies as necessary with heat-treated goat milk. “Our entire herd has been CAE negative by yearly testing since 2017 with no cases of CL or Johnnes ever.”

Their milk is sold for pet consumption according to Florida Law for raw milk. “We machine milk into a closed system where the teat is cleaned, milk is filtered, then poured directly into new containers and chilled,” Miller said. “All milk sold fresh has never been frozen.”

Full House Farm also offers goat cheese and Carjeta. “Small batch cheeses are made with our raw goat milk,” Miller said. “Selection and availability are dependent on milk supply and stock. We recently started offering Carjeta, which is a goat milk caramel. We offer fudge and other treats. As always, homemade in small batches to expect amazing tastes and slight variation between batches.”

If you would like to learn more about Full House Farms, their goats, or their goat milk products, you can visit their website at www.fullhousefarmgoats.com.

QUARTERLY GCREC TOUR HIGHLIGHTS NEW DEVELOPMENTS

By Jim Frankowiak

The October quarterly tour of the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Wimauma in southern Hillsborough County provided attendees with the most recent news on various programs underway at the center.

The tour began with a presentation by Associate Center Director Dr. Nathan Boyd, who is also Professor of Horticulture, and his Center team, who are using artificial intelligence to revolutionize weed management in specialty crops such as vegetables. Ongoing improvements in software and hardware have been made to precisely detect weeds and avoid herbicide application in areas where weeds are not present.

The latest updates have increased coverage area and achieved faster application speeds to compete with traditional broadcast and banded sprayers. This innovative technology has shown potential for reducing post-emergence herbicide use by more than 60 percent when combined with pre-emergence herbicides in the vegetable plasticulture system’s row middles saving up to $62/ha.

With lower herbicide volume use, the technology has proven effective in controlling weeds between plasticulture beds, managing nutsedges that penetrate the plastic, and controlling broadleaf and grass weeds in transplant holes, matching the efficacy of traditional sprayers. Additionally, the team is researching precision fumigation, mapping technologies, and weed emergence models to help growers enhance their weed control planning and reduce their reliance on herbicides by using real-time detection and mapping.

Dr. Natalia Peres, Professor of Plant Pathology, reviewed the capabilities of the Center’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic which specializes in identifying diseases and pests in locally grown crops, including strawberries, vegetables, and ornamental plants. “Over the years, we have developed rapid diagnostic techniques, such as PCR, for the most important strawberry diseases,” said Dr. Peres. “Our PCR method can deliver a preliminary diagnosis to growers within 24 hours. This quick turnaround allows growers to make timely decisions on pest control measures.”

Dr. Peres provided links for additional Clinic information, and they are:  https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/08/15/

uf-scientists-use-ai-algorithm-to-improve-strawberry-disease-detection/ and  https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ news/2014/10/08/ufifas-created-strawberry-monitoringsystem-set-to-expand/.

Advancements in plant breeding and agricultural production through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications were discussed by Dr. Xu Wang, Assistant Professor of Ag Engineering. His lab integrates remote sensing technology on both ground and aerial vehicles to conduct large-scale crop monitoring, enhancing breeding selection, disease detection, nutrient deficiency assessment, and yield prediction.

“By developing machine vision models, our team enables breeders to accurately quantify key strawberry tissues, such as runners, fruits, and flowers.” He said. “Additionally, we are creating 3D (three dimensional) models of strawberry plants and fruits, both indoors and outdoors, to improve biomass estimation and yield measurement.”

Through drone-based remote sensing and machine learning, Dr. Wang’s lab is improving trait prediction accuracy and accelerating the strawberry breeding cycle. His research demonstrates significant potential for AI-driven advancements in plant breeding and agricultural productivity.

The strawberry and small fruit crops entomology program at GCREC under the supervision of Dr. Sriyanka Lahiri, Assistant Professor of Entomology, reported several developments for pest management in strawberry in 2024.

“The efficacy of a biopesticide (Captiva Prime) that is made up of capsicum extract and garlic and canola oil showed good performance in suppressing the invasive chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, in a two-year field study,” she said. “Combining the biopesticide with a release of predatory mites, Amblyseius swirskii, showed effective suppression of the chilli thrips also. In addition, Beauveria bassiana strain GHA (BoteGHA), an entomopathogenic fungi, showed tremendous potential for chilli thrips management. Together these three integrated pest management tools can benefit growers battling this devastating pest of strawberry.”

Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, Associate Professor of Horticulture, told the tour attendees “Our lab studies how plants adapt to environmental changes, from climates and abiotic stresses to soil nutrient dynamics. By unraveling these complex processes, we develop and optimize agronomic practices to improve crop stress resilience, productivity, and resource use efficiency. We study a wide variety of horticultural crops, including strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, tomato, pepper, potato, green beans, artichoke, and hops. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for agriculture!”

Dr. Agehara also noted “nitrogen, an essential macronutrient required in the largest quantity for crop production, is highly mobile in soils, posing risks of environmental pollution through leaching. Conventional fertilizers release nitrogen rapidly through dissolution upon contact with water, whereas fertilizer coating technology allows for gradual release of encapsulated nitrogen through diffusion.

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“In our lab, we are studying the nitrogen release patterns, movement, and supply capacity of polymer-coated nitrogen in Florida’s sandy soils,” he said. “Additionally, we aim to determine the optimal application rate and placement to enhance the performance of polymer-coated nitrogen in tomato production.”

The next quarterly tour is scheduled for January 23 at 10:00 a.m., and attendees can register by emailing the Center’s Alice Akers aliceakers@ufl.edu.

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Plant City-based, international grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and pineberries, Wish Farms, is pleased to announce that its farm has harvested the first strawberry flat in the state of Florida.

Farm manager, Chris Parks, announced the accomplishment to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, which celebrates the annual feat officially kicking off the season.

“This achievement means a lot to us at this moment in time. The last few weeks have been challenging after our farm sustained quite a bit of storm damage,” PR Director Nick Wishnatzki said.

G&D Farms, considered to be the largest contiguous strawberry farm in the world, is located in Duette, Manatee County,

and represents 650 planted acres of strawberries and pineberries. The area experienced 100mph+ winds from Hurricane Milton. The storm ripped up plastic beds, drip tape, and flung a 20-foot tall, 11,500-gallon tank nearly a mile into the nearby forest.

“It makes me very proud that only three weeks ago, this devastating storm made a direct hit, and here we are talking about harvesting the very first strawberries from this farm. It speaks volumes about the resilience and hard work of our farm team, as well as our whole family of growers who worked many overtime hours to get their farms repaired,” Wishnatzki said.

The company is optimistic that the season will be a success, and berry flavor will be exceptional. Shoppers will be able to find Florida strawberries on grocery store shelves in the coming weeks.

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

‘Cutting-edge

science’ from

UF/IFAS

Extension helps farmer

preserve water, other parts of his ecosystem

By Brad Buck | All photos, “Courtesy, Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS photography.” Video and SOTs, “Courtesy, UF/IFAS video.”

For about 20 years, Colin Furness and his family have bred and raised miniature cattle and donkeys, and specialized in getting people started with their own herd of mini livestock. They raise registered Herefords, Florida Cracker cattle and a crossbreed they call “crackerfords.” They also run a herd of commercial cattle and sell pasture-raised beef directly to consumers throughout Central and Southwest Florida.

About 10 years ago, Furness found the invasive tropical soda apple on their 75-acre farm, and he called Jonael Bosques, the director of UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County. Bosques got beetles for him as part of a plan to manage the noxious weed.

That was the beginning of a working relationship between the Furness family and UF/IFAS Extension that now includes preserving water quality and other environmental stewardship. “Jona visited our farm and walked the pastures with us,” said Colin’s son, Dyllan, who co-owns the farm. “He introduced us to soil testing and shared ideas about ways to improve grazing practices. One of the ideas he suggested was to add cross fencing for rotational grazing of cattle.”

Then, with help from Bosques, the Furnesses worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to add fencing and solar wells through a cost-share program designed to improve water quality on farms like theirs. Fencing let them establish a rotational system and riparian buffer between their pastures and wetlands.

“When we instituted rotational grazing, we were able to keep the cows out of the wetlands,” said Furness. That means the cattle’s waste doesn’t enter the water, so cleaner water is now coming from the farm and going down the Peace River to the Gulf of Mexico.

Recommendations from Bosques have given what Dyllan Furness calls a “holistic” feel to the farm – and resulted in numerous environmental improvements. One of those improvements is better water quality.

“Our family is concerned about conserving Florida’s environment,” Furness said. “That starts with being good stewards of the land and water. Seasonal and forested wetlands make up a good chunk of our property, where they provide habitat for wildlife and help recharge groundwater. They also improve water quality by slowing and filtering water as it flows off our farm. To promote the integrity of these wetlands, we wanted to exclude our livestock from these areas for most of the year.” Every year or so, Bosques walks the ranch with Furness, who pays heed to Bosques’ science-based recommendations. By about his third visit – in the third year – Bosques started seeing improvements.

“Every time they call, we are ready to help. He and his family take ownership of our suggestions. Not everyone does that,” Bosques said. “I have seen a lot of improvements.”

It goes beyond better water. The Furness farm consists of a balanced ecosystem where wildlife and cattle thrive.

“You see the results of somebody that’s willing to implement what your recommendation is, and that’s been a pretty interesting process,” Bosques said.

He credits Dyllan Furness – and what he calls the “younger generation” -- for taking responsibility for preserving the natural resources of his agricultural operation.

“We want this farm to be here in production for 50 more years, at least, so that older generation has to have that mindset of sharing governance with the incoming generation,” Bosques said.

For a small, family farm, UF/IFAS Extension provides an invaluable service, Furness said.

“We have access to cutting-edge science,” said Furness, who, like many farmers these days, works at it part-time. During the week, he’s the director of communications for an ocean research institute.

FFA TEAMS

MULRENNAN MIDDLE FFA

Our Mulrennan Middle FFA Officer team consists of 10 outstanding 7th and 8th graders who are eager and excited to make a positive impact on our school and community! Our officer team has hit the ground running participating in leadership conferences, helping with school events, preparing for various CDEs, and working together as a team to plan chapter meetings for the FFA members of our school. This year’s officer team is excited about creating strong relationships with fellow officers, showing their livestock animals, competing in CDEs together, participating in community service events, and helping our FFA chapter grow. We are excited for a successful year and to see what is in store for this team!

TURKEY CREEK FFA

Turkey Creek FFA has always been a staple in the agriculture community. We take great pride in representing our chapter and families at the highest level. We are so excited to have our first ever Jr. FFA Sweetheart and Jr. Mr. FFA Extravaganza for our members. The buzz has been nonstop since it was announced. We love to experience new things but hold those long-time traditions close to our hearts. We look forward to our annual Strawberry U-Pick and visiting our neighboring elementary school to share the love of agriculture with the younger generation. Turkey Creek FFA is a family, and we are all thankful to be a part of its history. -Turkey Creek 24-25 Officer Team

Recipes

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Florida Strawberry or Blueberry Pop Pastry

Ingredients q q

2 ½ cups fresh Florida strawberries (or blueberries), diced

2 tablespoon Florida sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

1 teaspoon water

1 cup confectioners sugar

1 box pie dough, store bought

florida Strawberry or Blueberry Icebox Pie

Ingredients q q

4 cups fresh Florida strawberries, sliced (or blueberries)

1 tablespoon Florida sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

3 cups heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS

1/4 cup confectioners sugar

1 teaspooon vanilla extract

8 to 10 full sheets of graham crackers, roughly crushed

Chef Justin Timineri

DIRECTIONS

In a small sauce pot over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups diced strawberries, corn starch, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook, while stirring, until a sauce has formed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Reserve ¼ cup of the strawberry mixture to make the glaze.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Unroll the pie dough and cut out 4 matching rectangles. In a small bowl mix the egg and water to create an egg-wash. Place an even amount of the strawberry mixture to the center of half of the rectangles, and do not overfill. Leave a clean edge around the dough to seal properly. Place another piece of the

cut pie dough on top of the mixture and use the tines of a fork to seal. Transfer the pastries to a parchment lined cookie sheet. Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of the egg-wash. Sprinkle each pastry with the remaining sugar. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl mash the reserved berry mixture with a fork. In another bowl, add in 1 cup confectioners’ sugar and a small amount of the strawberry mixture, stir until completely combined. Adjust consistency with more confectioners’ sugar or strawberry sauce. Drizzle each tart with the glaze.

In a small sauce pot over medium-low heat, combine 2 cups sliced berries, corn starch, lemon juice, sugar, and lemon zest. Cook, while stirring, until a sauce has formed, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.

In a large mixing bowl add the heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract. Wisk to form stiff peaks.

Line the inside of a 9x5 inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Extend the plastic wrap over edges, for easier removal.

To assemble, spread an even thin layer of the whipped cream on the bottom. Next add a layer of crushed graham crackers, then a layer of sliced berries then drizzle a layer of the berry sauce. Repeat this process until the pan is full. Cover the pie using the extended plastic wrap and freeze.

Before serving, place the frozen pie in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Use the extended plastic wrap to remove pie from the pan and place on a platter. Slice and serve cold. Garnish with whip cream, crushed graham crackers and/or berry sauce.

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