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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Contents
VOL. 11 • ISSUE 1
Durant Agriculture Studies and FFA Page
66
Pictured on cover: Thomas Sturgis, Kendall Jenkins and Tim Cribbs
Cover Photo by Stephanie Humphrey
Adam H. Putnam
Page 10
Green Turtles
Page 15
Land Grant President for UF
Page 16
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 18
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Blueberry Short Course
Page 28 C.A.R.E.S.
Page 32 Literary Time Machine
Page 33
Chayote Squash
Dinner of Distinction
Page 42 Safeguard Your Kids Identity
Page 46
HCFB Meeting
Page 52
Bradley Ferguson
Page 56
Harvest Awards
Page 60
BMP For Cow/Caf
Page 70
Holiday Plants
Naturally Amazing
Page 84
A Closer look
Page 85
Market Watch
Page 88
Meets the Minks
Page 89
Meagan Petitt
Page 92
Hydro Harvest
Page 98
Evolution Of OJT
Page 100
Page 74
Battling Chefs
Page 78
Page 35
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Letter from the Publisher Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Patsy Berry, Lori DeMello, Kellie Corry, Karen Berry, Al Berry
10th Anniversary It’s hard to believe that In The Field Magazine is celebrating 10 years in business. I have to say I couldn’t be more proud of what we have accomplished. September 2004 I decided to embrace a niche market to promote agriculture and the idea was endorsed by Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. Together we continue to tell many stories of our farmers and ranchers who work day and night to provide food for our tables. Over the years many of you have written in or personally shared with us your thoughts and compliments, giving us numerous ideas on stories and reading our publications every month. A huge thanks goes out to each of our advertisers and contributors for making us a success. Because of your continued support, we have been able to grow through out the years, enabling us to have interesting, educational editorial content. So when you get your magazine by mail or pick one up or purchase advertising, you become a part of our team. I want to mention a few names of those who have made In The Field a continued success. The Hillsborough County Farm Bureau has been supportive in every aspect. Thank you to all the officers, Executive Committee and the Directors, with a special thank you to Judi Whitson. It’s an honor to be affiliated with an incredible group of people who continue to make a difference in the agriculture community. Thank You! Next on the agenda, Thank You’s go out to my team! To Al Berry (Dad), who has been with In The Field since it started, Sarah Holt our Senior Managing Editor has been with In The Field for eight years now and continues to work closely with our writers in gathering information for article content. Bob Hughens, our Office Manager, has been with In The Field seven years, Danny Crampton, our Sales Manager, has been with In The Field for four and a half years, Juan Alvarez our Creative Director has been with In The Field six years, Gordon Johnston our Distribution Manager has been with In The Field eight years. Also thank you to Tina Richmond, Melissa Nichols, Stephanie Humphrey, Jim Frankowiak, Libby Hopkins, Ginny Mink, Sean Green, Sandy Kaster, Woody Gore, and Les McDowell. This last thank you goes to some very special people. Thanks to my Dad and Mom, Al and Patsy Berry, they have continued being encouragers throughout this journey. To my sisters and their families…..thank you! Keep reading and don’t forget to support our farmers and ranchers. So, in this Thanksgiving season, I want to say “Thanks” to all of you as we celebrate 10 years. Remember No Farmers No Food!
Karen Berry Publisher, In The Field Magazin 6
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Editor Patsy Berry Office Manager Bob Hughens Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell
ABC Pizza..................................................91 Acadian Seaplants limited....................87 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers.............37 Alan’s Air Conditioning Service............36 All World Lift Truck Co. LLC...............109 Antioch Feed & Farm Supply.................15 Aquarius Water Refining.......................101 Arrowhead Archery................................94 Astin Strawberry Exchange...................91 Bankers South Group.............................55 Bill’s Transmissions................................80 Bingham....................................................77 Brandon Auto Services, Inc.....................11 Brandon Regional Hospital...................40 Brewington’s Towing & Recovery........69 Broke & Poor..........................................80 Cameron Financial Service...................25 Cecil Breeding Farm...............................49 Country Village.......................................41 Cresecent Jewelers................................11 Dad’s Towing...........................................45 Dr. Barry Gaffney, O.D. PA..................29 Dr. Pat Almerico.......................................11
Drexel Chemical Co.......................................108 Driscoll’s..............................................................27 East Coast Ag Products, Inc............................81 Everglades Farm Equipment..........................112 Exo Creative......................................................57 Fancy Farms.......................................................23 Farm Bureau Insurance-Valrico....................90 Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner............51 Farm Credit........................................................76 Felton’s.................................................................31 Fischbach Land Co............................................14 Florida Mineral, Salt & Ag Products..............13 Florida Strawberry Growers Asso................45 Forbes Road Produce........................................14 Fran Haasch.......................................................82 Fred’s Market Restaurant.................................19 Gator Ford.........................................................48 General RV.........................................................39 Grove Equipment Service...............................48 Grove Equipment Service...............................55 Grove Equipment Service...............................95 Gulf Coast Tractor............................................73 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply..............................3 Harrell’s Nursery, Inc........................................91 Haught Funeral Home......................................72 Helena Chemical-Tampa.................................69 Highland Corporation......................................34 Hillsboro Bank..................................................26 Home Protection Pest Control........................76 Huff Muffler..........................................................59 International Paper...........................................12 Jarrett-Scott Ford..............................................2 Johnson’s Barbeque........................................76 Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm.................................91 Ken’s Well Drilling............................................21 Key Plex..............................................................96 Koren’s Quarters...............................................59 Loetscher Auto Parts........................................39 Malissa Crawford..............................................25 Meryman Environmental..................................81 Mosaic..................................................................23 Nicole’s Cleaning Service.................................91 Pathway BioLogic.............................................50 Patterson Companies.......................................65 Parkesdale..........................................................34 Plant City Chamber of Commerce................83 Plant City Homestyle Buffet.............................5 Plant City Tire & Auto.....................................91 Quality Pumping Inc..........................................13 R&O Pest Control............................................24 Railroad & Industrial Fed Credit...................41 RCS Company....................................................59 S Bar S...............................................................37 Savich & Lee Wholesale.....................20 & 21 Seedway...............................................................9 South Fl Baptist Hospital..................................7 Southside Stores LLC...........................30 & 63 Southwestern Produce......................................51 Stephanie Humphrey........................................84 StingRay Chevy.................................................62 Stoller USA.........................................................54 Sweet Life Farms.............................................65 Sun Country Services....................................103 Syngenta...........................................................105 The Southern Barn..........................................52 Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort...............69 Tranzon Auction................................................86 Trinkle,Redman,Swanson,Coton,...................68 Verti-Gro, Inc.....................................................44 Walden Lake Car Wash & Service...............57 Wasabi Japanese Steak House.......................9 Wells Memorial..................................................64 Willie’s.................................................................81 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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BC1403144-0614
FARM BUREAU Dear Readers:
100toSouth MulrennantheRoad • Valrico, 33594 • 813-685-9121 I am both humbled and honored have been challenges our localFL industry partners face as elected president of YOUR Hillsborough County they strive to produce the high quality products Farm Bureau. All of us owe a debt of gratitude to our markets demand. Those tours are hard work outgoing president Danny Aprile for his years of and represent many hours of support from our service to our organization. I promise to do my A BUSY industry colleagues. We YOUR thank them and those TIME FOR best to continue the momentum he carried forth. legislators and regulators who take the time to FARMhand BUREAU learn first about who agriculture in ourfor area Dear Readers: Thanks, too, to those volunteered theand most reAs a sixth generation Florida farmer, I know the how and why we need their ongoing awareness, cent series of Ag-Venture sessions at the Florida State many challenges and opportunities allyear of us help This and support. This is an especially wonderful time of the forhave all of Fair. is an opportunity for third graders in Hillsborus and our families. I urge each of you to take the time to ough County to learn and experience different facets of in the agriculture industry and that is an industry Dear Readers: express your appreciation to those responsible for your agriculture, a substantial undertaking overfor several weeks There’s more. Ag-Venture, our program bringing that is global. Our major challenge is to continue well-being at home, at work and in population the communities that owes its to the volunteers assist. the story of success agriculture to many children throughwho school to produce the food our growing must whereIhave youboth live. am and honored to have been the challenges our local industry face as activities, is going on and we willpartners again be particiwhilehumbled the lands devoted to farming continue You should know that saying thanks its many elected president YOUR County they strive toalso produce the high quality products pating in Farm City Days through which wetobring to diminish. Theof good thingHillsborough is that the market Those of us who are involved in agriculture owe our stakeholders is an important part of what Farm Bureau Farm Bureau. All continues of us owe to a debt of gratitude our are living hard work the markets story of demand. agricultureThose to ourtours friends in for our products expand. Our taskto thanks to many. Our co-workers and employees, supplidoes. That is another benefit of membership. outgoing president Danny for his years of and represent many hours of support from our If you Tampa. is to effectively meet thoseAprile dual challenges while ers and customers, plus the researchers who work dilihaven’t checked out the benefits of belonging, please service to our organization. I promise to do confident my industry colleagues. We thank them and those precious environment. am gentlyprotecting to help usour meet the many challengesI we face and do. The modest fee associated with family membership to continue thetask momentum heforward carried forth. legislators andare regulators who take the time Lastly, you a member oflearn our FarmtoBureau we keep are up that and I look tothat helping help best to ustocompetitive in the marketplace is in Farm ifBureau is anot great deal. To more, please vislearn first hand about agriculture in our areayou and family, please join us. It isn’t necessary that us all do our part to assure that we do so. bemore a now global in scope. it: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for As a sixth generation Florida farmer, I know the how and why we need their ongoing awareness, farmer or rancher to join. Please visit information. many challenges and educators opportunities of us haveour help and support. We must also thank the thatall work with http:// hcfarmbureau.org Let me also tell you about the other new officers or call 813/685-9121 for thehelp agriculture industry and that is an are: industry youthinelected and theirlast interest andThey skills in agriculAbove all, we give thanks to our Creator for allowing us bydevelop your board month. more information. ture as they proceedOur from elementary andis middle school to live and work in a country has been There’s more. Ag-Venture, ourthat program for blessed bringingwith that isPresident global. major challenge to Ray continue Vice Will Womack, Treasurer Wood, on toto high school college. Those youngsters reprethe most productive agricultural onschool theand planet. the story of agriculture to children through produce theand food our growing population must Secretary Michelle Williamson and Member-AtOnce again, I am honored to be industry your president sent the future ourlands industry and to they theof producers Thanksgiving and the of thisbe holiday season. activities, is going on and and your we best will again particihave while the devoted farming continue Large BillofBurnette. My thanks toare each them and Happy my very best to you family. charged with feeding the world ofisthe future. pating in Farm City Days through which we bring to diminish. The good thing that the market our board for their willingness to serve. Sincerely, the story of agriculture to our friends living in for our products continues to expand. Our task Elected officials and the regulators we work with on a Tampa. isAstoI effectively meet those dual challenges while am sure all of you have come to realize daily basis are also due our thanks for taking the time and protecting our precious environment. I ambusy confident vacation time is over. We are particularly Thank you, putting forth the effort to understand the special needsatof Lastly, if you are not a member of our Farm Bureau we are up to that task and I look forward to helping Farm Bureau. This month we are completing the agriculture as they establish policy and enforce the rules family, please join us. It isn’t necessary that you be a us all do our part to assure that we do so. third of our legislative tours during which we take associated with that ever-changing legislation. There are farmer or rancher to join. Please visit some elected very substantial policyofficials issues facing ourofindustry and appointed to several our http:// hcfarmbureau.org me also tell you about the future other new officers or call 813/685-9121 for that Let will dramatically impact ofthey agriculture agricultural businesses in the this areas so can see Kenneth Parker - President not just hereby in Hillsborough County, throughout our elected your boardsome last month. They are: more information. agriculture at work, of thebut best management nation. My thanks those policymakers whoRay appreciate Vice President Will Womack, Treasurer Wood,of practices that to have been put into place and learn and understand the needs of our industry that relate to Secretary Michelle Williamson and Member-AtOnce again, I am honored to be your president and thoseLarge issuesBill of significance. Burnette. My thanks to each of them and my very best to you and your family. our board for their willingness to serve. Board of Directors
A TIME OF THANKS
Kenneth
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I would also like to express my appreciation to the memKennethFarmers Parker, President; Will Womack, Ray Wood, Treasure; Michelle Williamson, Secretary; bers of our Young and Ranchers groupVice-President; here in Member-at-large; Billcome Burnette; Board members: Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, As I am sure all of you have to realize the county. Their effortsChip are Hinton, substantial and have been Glenn Harrell, John Joyner,busy Gregat Lehman, Erin Nesmith, vacation is over. We Bureau are particularly Thank you, Jake Raburn, Marty Tanner, James Tew, recognized bytime Florida Farm at the Ron state level. Wetherington, and Ray Wood, month we are completing the is Executive Director TheirFarm FFABureau. For theThis Future scholarship competition Judi Whitson, third of our legislative during which especially innovative. That tours competition is openwetotake FFA elected and appointed officials to several of our members and requires them to submit a scholarship apINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2013 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M plication with their selectioninbased uponso need agricultural businesses this areas theyand candedisee Kenneth Parker - President cation. Once picked, theysome receive their own FFA jacket, agriculture at work, of the best management instilling a sense ofhave pridebeen and put ownership. practices that into place and learn of
Kenneth
Board of Directors
Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; Ray Wood, Treasure; Michelle Williamson, Secretary; Member-at-large; Bill Burnette; Board members: Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, Glenn Harrell, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Greg Lehman, Erin Nesmith, Jake Raburn, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Ron Wetherington, and Ray Wood, Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 88
THE FIELD M AGAZINE November 2014 INTIINN HE FIELD AGAZINE 2013 2014 THE FIELDMM AGAZINE NOVEMBER November
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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam It has been a great privilege to represent Florida as Commissioner of Agriculture for the last four years, and I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish together, not only for our $100 billion agriculture industry, but also for all of our state’s 19 million residents. We have worked hard to grow and protect Florida agriculture, safeguard our residents, foster academic success for our next generation and honor American veterans. To grow our agriculture industry, I launched the first-ever statewide television advertising campaign for “Fresh From Florida” products, featuring local products in simple recipes. We also established 52 retail partnerships to provide Florida-grown products to more than 12,000 stores worldwide. Consumers in more than 170 countries now enjoy “Fresh From Florida” products. In addition, we have worked to identify and eliminate threats to our industry like citrus greening and water supply issues so that this industry, and its 2 million jobs, continues to thrive. I also recognized an opportunity to improve the nutritional value of school meals by directing more wholesome, locally grown produce to Florida schools. We connected schools with local growers so they can access more fresh products at more affordable prices. With direct connections to growers, schools can save taxpayer dollars on transportation and processing of food purchases, and the produce they serve is fresher and more nutritious – giving students the fuel they need to succeed in the classroom. Safeguarding consumers from fraud is one of my most important responsibilities, so we worked to protect residents, particularly our
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most vulnerable, from charitable fraud, identity theft and telemarketing scams, among other threats. To honor the sacrifices of America’s wounded veterans, I established Operation Outdoor Freedom. Through this program, we dedicated areas of Florida State Forests for use by wounded veterans and installed equipment to accommodate special needs. Since 2011, more than 700 wounded veterans have enjoyed Florida’s great outdoors as part of Operation Outdoor Freedom events. For many of them, this was their first experience spending time with their peers outdoors after returning home from duty. While I’m proud of our accomplishments, I recognize our work is not done. Just five years ago, at the height of the global economic recession, the New York Times and TIME Magazine all but wrote Florida’s obituary. Since then, Florida has cut unemployment nearly in half, paid off $4 billion in debt and put another $3 billion in the bank. We were able to help Florida get back on the right track because we have fiercely defended a culture of problem-solving that has long been forgotten in places like Washington D.C., New York, Illinois and California. We must not relent. Florida can be the model for fighting the big problems that need solving for our children, grandchildren and all the generations to come who deserve a better version of the Florida we already love. Thank you for your continued support. I’m thrilled to serve as your Commissioner of Agriculture for another four years.
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Celebrating a most fruitful relationship between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
1979
Together we’re sure to enjoy many more years of sweet success.
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The Endangered
Green Sea TURTLES:
Don’t Crush!
Maybe I’m not the only one who thinks about Finding Nemo whenever someone mentions sea turtles (if I am suppose a number of these references will be lost on you). I guess there was just something about those surfer sounding reptiles that resounded within me. Perhaps it was the ease with which they just rode the current and quietly lived their lives without complaint. I can only presume I’ve a certain affinity for sea turtles (and Finding Nemo, but don’t tell anyone).
In fact, when I was in my senior year of high school a friend of mine, whose mom was a Science teacher in Fort Lauderdale, took the two of us to see the turtles come lay their eggs. It was incredible, Finding Nemo quotable incredible, “Oh, it’s awesome, Jellyman. The little dudes are just eggs, we leave ‘em on a beach to hatch, and then, coocoo-cachoo, they find their way back to the big ol’ blue,” (Crush – Finding Nemo). Unfortunately, they aren’t all so lucky! Childish memories and various other nonsense aside, the Green Sea Turtle is on the endangered species list. In fact, it came dangerously close to joining the dinosaurs. As close as 1979, there were only 62 nests located throughout the entire state. Last year, almost to the day, there were over 30,000 nests! This is a direct result of conservation efforts started some 30+ years ago. One of the first steps taken was to outlaw egg harvesting and the preparation of turtle meat based delicacies. The thought of eating sea turtles is slightly revolting to me, in fact, I can hear Crush say, “Oh, man. Hey, no hurling on the shell, dude, ok? Just waxed it.” However, since they grow up to 350 pounds they were easy targets on the fishing docket until their inclusion on the federal list of endangered species. Therefore, since they take thirty years to mature, it shouldn’t be that surprising that we are just now starting to see an increase in turtle activity along our shores. Though that doesn’t mean turtle is what’s for dinner! Because the majority of turtle nests in the continental US are found on Florida’s shores it is our responsibility to remain focused on their protection. They can lay up to 200 eggs which will hatch a short two months from the day they are left behind. By the way, their nesting season runs from spring to early fall and therefore we should be cognizant of the potential for their presence and keep our lights off when on the beach at night. This is because the hatching wee-ones will go into the light as if their names were Caroline (that’s a Poltergeist reference – hey, from childish to horror, I’m versatile). 16
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By Ginny Mink
Efforts are also being made to restrict beach development because some seawalls are hindering the nesting habits of these precious creatures. Seawalls enable beaches to be covered in saltwater during high tides and this could erode the sandy protective covering over nests, or drown the wee-babies hoping to make it to the big ol’ blue. Having seen a sea turtle lay its eggs, makes me more supportive of attempts to protect those hardworking creatures! Certainly there are other hazards that are hard to eradicate. We’ve still got to deal with pollution, styrofoam and fishing line, nets, soda can plastics and unconscientious boaters. In fact, there are actually veterinarians out there who specialize in turtle shell repair! They utilize rods to fix shells cracked by boaters. The rods keep the shell in place until it heals and then the rehabilitated turtles are returned to their own habitats. While there is great excitement over the influx of turtle nests, there is apparently another problem for them. That’s in the form of disease. It’s called fibropapillomatosis (FP) virus and is similar to herpes, causing numerous tumors to sprout up all over their bodies. Though the origin of the disease is, as of yet, unknown, there are suspicions that it’s tied to run off, and other hazardous pollutants strengthened by the presence of warmer waters. According to the FWC, “Turtles with FP have external tumors that may grow so large and hanging as to hamper swimming, vision, feeding, and potential escape from predators.” Thankfully, the FWC says that the survival rate for turtles who undergo tumor removal surgery is 90%! Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of vets specializing in this type of treatment but those that do reside here in Florida! So, there is hope for these amazing creatures! Thusly, I’ll leave you praying that these wonderful animals will realize their full potential, like Crush when asked his age, “Hundred and fifty, and still young, dude. Rock on.” That’s a little farfetched (though some turtles have been known to live that long). In actuality, Green Sea Turtles can live to be 80-100 years old, or more, according to the National Wildlife Federation. That’s just some of the reasons these beings are incredible. In closing, I hope that the reality of this information will instill this thought within you, “… we were like, “woaaaah.”, and I was like, “woaaaah.” and you were like, “woaaahh...” Indeed! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A land-grant president for UF By Jack Payne
The selection of Dr. W. Kent Fuchs (pronounced “Fox”) as the next president of the University of Florida should be cause for celebration for anyone who cares about Florida agriculture and natural resources. I’ll confess, I had some initial apprehension about whether an electrical engineer would be properly attuned to the importance of UF’s land-grant mission. But I had the chance to take the measure of the man one-onone over a 2½-hour dinner as part of UF’s efforts to recruit top leaders to apply for the presidency, and I’m convinced he will support university research, extension and teaching that improve the lives of all Floridians. I endorse Fuchs, who still has to be confirmed by the State University System Board of Governors. Fuchs was born into a hardscrabble existence on an Oklahoma farm. It was such a tough life that his dad decided Alaska would be more forgiving, and it’s where Fuchs grew up until the family moved to Miami, where he attended high school. And let’s remember, he’s provost at one of the most venerable of land-grant universities, Cornell. It’s the only Ivy League school with a horticultural department, much less a School of Integrative Plant Science like the one Fuchs helped launch. Before Cornell, he was a leader at Purdue, also a land-grant university, and taught and researched at a third, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With his Florida, agriculture, and land-grant bona fides, he sold me on being the right person for the job when he told me that if hired he would go on a statewide tour of stakeholder meetings. Not just to meet donors and alumni, but growers, commodity leaders, natural resource managers and UF/IFAS Extension agents. That’s a promising sign that he intends to honor the publicservice ethic of the land-grant university. He sees his new job the same way I see mine -- that his office is not a room in Gainesville, but it’s the entire state. He’s walking the walk in New York with the recently announced Engaged Cornell, a $150 million initiative that aims to institutionalize a mandatory public-service component in undergraduate education so students contribute to solving problems outside the university gates. UF’s land-grant mission is supposed to apply university wide. Traditionally, though, UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has more demonstrably implemented it than many other branches of the university. There’s potential for real change in this area as our medical center leaders see in Extension the opportunity to do so much more to promote public health. Similarly, our engineering administrators have approached IFAS about working through Extension to bring technical assistance to businesses and communities. There are also opportunities for IFAS to do more to serve Florida’s $142-billion-a-year agriculture and natural resource WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEF FIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
industries, particularly after six years of flat or declining state funding. Support from UF’s leader is essential to IFAS’s quest to provide solutions to citrus greening, efforts to tackle the state’s water quality and water supply challenges, ambitious plans to expand the work of our agricultural leadership institute and work in helping Florida prepare for climate change and sealevel rise. The land-grant system was founded more than 150 years ago on the noble proposition of democratizing higher education. Today we have an opportunity to define the 21st century landgrant institution that is true to its mission while responding to the pressing problems of today. Today IFAS seeks support from the UF administration to expand four-year online degree programs. We offer these at a discounted tuition to students who by choice or circumstance need a UF education to come to them instead of having to move to Gainesville. Appalled by anecdotes of students going hungry or even scrounging from garbage bins, we at IFAS have begun formally assessing the extent of food security on campus as the first step toward establishing a food pantry for students in need. We’re hiring more bilingual 4-H agents and partnering with organizations that serve minority populations as we seek to better serve people who have traditionally been underrepresented in our youth development programs. It’ll take a commitment from the top to secure the resources needed to realize IFAS’s potential. That commitment starts with an appreciation of the land-grant mission. Fuchs has looked me in the eye and shown me he has it. Over salad, I began probing the extent to which this man intended to honor the land-grant mission with action. By decafs and dessert, I was presenting him with the Gator pin right off my own lapel and letting him know he’d be receiving a copy of A Land Remembered from me. The presidential search committee on which I served declared a strong academic background an essential criteria for our next leader. The distinguished research background Fuchs has and his Ivy League experience more than satisfy that. Some of us on the search committee – which also included IFAS plant breeder Harry Klee -also championed an appreciation for the land-grant mission as an important consideration in the search for a new president. We’re gratified to see we have it in Kent Fuchs, and we hope you’ll get to see it when he visits your region. Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. IIN NTTHE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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Moon Phase - Does It Help Catch Fish? Every fisherman dreams of catching more fish! Is it possible to know in advance when you should go fishing so you can catch more than usual and maybe come home with dinner? Having fished for most of my life I’ve kept journals of how, what, when, and where concerning the best fishing and catching times. When I first started this fishing thing as a small boy, the best fishing times for me was what ever time happened to suit me. I tried different lures, baits and techniques until I’d spent a small fortune in my quest to improve my fishing catch ratio. Then one summer weekend, up on the Withlacoochee River my Aunt Fanny, an awesome bass angler herself, introduced me to this thing called the “Solunar Theory” or fishing by moon phases, and like most young anglers I had no idea what she was talking about. She gave me some information and an old book she had and told me to read it. What I was reading sounded way too complicated for me. All sorts of factors needed to be checked and I had to be at the water’s edge at exactly the right time, in fact: “To The Minute,” in order to improve on my catch. Basically, what I read was exactly what my aunt told me, that everything eats on a cycle. If the cows are lying down in the pasture, the rabbits are not looking for food and the squirrels are not scurrying around looking for acorns they are not eating, so guess what, the fish are not eating either. Man, was I really willing to take my hobby this seriously? Let’s just say that after a while, curiosity finally got the better of me.
So understanding this, and choosing times when sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset coincide with new or full moon phases, you’ll increase you chance of catching instead of fishing. However, if you’re going to catch fish you must, of course, assume there are fish in the area.
Choosing the Best Fishing Times
It’s actually fairly simple when you think about it. It’s just a matter of knowing exactly when the sun and moon will rise and set. Fish, much like other animals, are most active during 90-minute windows surrounding each of these four daily periods. You get 45 minutes before and after these four daily periods. Your catch ratio should increase during these four periods. However make sure you’re at the water’s edge on the days of new or full moon. That gives you a window of opportunity to catch fish like you’ve never done before. If you have to choose between sunrise or sunset and moonrise or moonset, always go with the moon since it’s the stronger influence.
To help determine whether there was any truth in the moon’s effect on the best fishing times, I kept a record of every trip I made over a period of 20 months. I recorded as much information as possible as it related to moon phases, weather conditions and what I caught. What I discovered convinced me that taking the moon into consideration, especially as it related to the tides, really worked. But, I also found it wasn’t nearly as complicated as folks would have us believe.
Now that you know moon phase fishing works, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t apply this information to help you catch more fish. Below are a few websites that offer good tidal information:
How Does Moon Phase Fishing Work?
Tampa Bay Fishing Report November 2014
Hunters for example, have always known that fish and game are most active at dawn and dusk -- sunrise and sunset -- but their activity surrounding moonrise and moonset is less noticeable since these events are likely to occur without effecting any change in perceived light. The rise and set of a new moon is invisible anyway, and overcast weather often hides a moon. Without prior knowledge of setting and rising times, two of the best fishing times could be missed every day! Almost every angler understands the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding. This tends to be during dawn and dusk, but what often goes unnoticed are the two periods elsewhere in the day, which are moonrise and moonset. These are important because these moon phases also have an effect on a variety of factors when they trigger a feeding pattern during these periods.
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http://www.tides4fishing.com/us/florida-gulf-coast/st-petersburg http://www.ezfshn.com/tides/usa/florida/st.%20petersburg#WF
Snook bite is going strong and with cooling water temper-
atures they should become even more active as they become more comfortable and not as lethargic. Having maintained decent snook action all summer, November should continue nicely with plenty of action. We’ve been catching exciting amounts of fish on both half and three-quarter day trips with most averaging in the 25-29 inch range with several over 30 inches. Our big fish for October was 36 inches. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
Redfish action was active last month and should continue
into November. Good redfish action should continue with catches around oyster bars, mangroves and grass flats. We’re catching plenty of redfish with many in the 29 to 35 inch range and these big fish can really wear you out. We’re using mostly cut pinfish and cut ladyfish or really large threadfins or greenbacks with the tails cutoff.
The Sea Trout bite continues getting stronger right into and through the winter months, so be prepared for some decent winter trout action on strong incoming and outgoing tides. Try fishing the grass flats with both artificial, live greenbacks and shrimp. Free line your baits, sometimes with a small split shot or sometimes with a popping cork and a small split shot to keep it away from the birds.
“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 world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814
Mackerel should still be hanging around the bay and near the beaches feeding on bait schools. If you’re interested in some extra excitement check out the mackerel bite. Live greenbacks or a silver spoon and if you’re really looking for some exciting action, try a topwater lure. Mangrove Snapper are found on every rock pile or structure around Tampa Bay and are fairly easy to catch. A small (knocker or Carolina rig) with a #1 or 1/0 hook should produce a nice dinner meal. They’re really partial to the small greenbacks and shrimp. When you find them and get a good bite going. It seems like they wise up shortly after you start catching them using one bait or the other. I always take both with me and when that happens I’ll switch around. Pompano are showing up around the bridges. I’m see-
ing some nice catches coming to the boat dock. Bridge pilings are a great place to find pompano, because the barnacles have grown up over the years and now attract small crabs, shrimp and other sources of food. Other places to fish are around the mouths of passes, mainly those with a drop off near the mouth of the pass. These are ideal spots to fish an incoming tide as pompano will be in the deeper water waiting for the tide to flush sand fleas, crabs, and other tasty morsels over the drop off. On the outgoing tide you can regularly find them on the top of the spoils foraging around looking for sand fleas
Cobia are
often found around range markers, channel markers and bridges during November. Toss them a pinfish, greenback or artificial eel bait and hold on.
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Cats spend 66% of their life asleep Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs All insects have 6 legs An ostrich’s eye is bigger than it’s brain Birds need gravity to swallow A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21 inch tongue Camel’s milk doesn’t curdle Fire usually moves faster uphill than downhill Frogs can’t swallow with their eyes open Elephants are the only mammal that can’t jump A hummingbird’s heart beats at over a 1,000 times a minute Cows don’t have upper front teeth Apples are more effective at waking you up in the morning than coffee It’s physically impossible for pigs to look up at the sky A group of frogs is called an army The only animals that purr are cats Small dogs usually live longer than larger breeds
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Elderly People A few months back I was having breakfast at the Hole-In-TheWall restaurant on the square in downtown Blairsville, Georgia. Now eating at the Hole-In-The-Wall is an experience all in itself, but to visit with the hometown folks is something else. I was eating some of their famous thick country fried ham, eggs and grits and overheard the old folks next to me talking about why it takes older folks longer to answer a question. Gafford, as he is known to his friends, hit the nail on the head when he said, “Us old folks have so much information in our brain that it takes longer for us to access it. Older peoples brains don’t get weak, the problem is, they simply know more, and it takes more time to figure out what to say.” From there the conversation went on to what they did last week. Fred spoke up with a brilliant thought, “Last week I got to thinking about when I grew up. I drank my bottled water out of a garden hose. And that’s not all. I think this recession is just dragging on. I don’t give a rip what they say on TV, it’s still rough as a cob out there. I always ask if they have a senior discount.” Zeke jumped in with full agreement. He said, “As a rule, I try to avoid all the fast-food restaurants because I’m not a real big fan of explosive diarrhea or clogged arteries, but I have to admit some of them kick out a good breakfast real cheap.” “Did you hear Clovis’ wife left him?” Zeke said. “He told me the other day he asked his wife what she would do if he won the lottery!” She said, “I’d take half, then leave you.” “That’s good,” he replied. “I won $20.00, here’s $10.00…I’ll see ya.” If you’re ever passing through Blairsville, stop in at the “HoleIn-The-Wall” for breakfast downtown at the square around the historic courthouse. These guys are usually there for a couple of hours. Have you heard the story of the man that could never find the time to fix his lawnmower? His wife kept hinting to him that he should have it fixed. But, somehow he always had something else to do first, the boat, working in the shed, playing golf…he always had more important things to do. Finally, she thought of a clever way to make her point. When he arrived home one day from playing golf with his buddies, he found her seated in the tall grass busily snipping away with a tiny pair of scissors. He watched for a minute, and then went into the house, and came back and handed her a toothbrush. He said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.” The last I heard the doctors say he will walk again, but most likely will have a limp. 22
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I enjoy those clean and simple jokes, like George, the farmer, that had so many children he ran out of names. To solve the problem he started calling his kids after something around his farm. It was the first day of school and the teacher asked each child their name. When he got to farmer Georges’ son, the boy replied, “Wagon Wheel.” The teacher said, “I need your real name boy.” The boy replied, “Sir, my name is Wagon Wheel.” The teacher, rather annoyed replied, “Okay young man, take yourself right down to the Principal’s office this minute.” The young man pushed himself out of his chair, turned to his sister and said, “C’mon ‘Chicken Feed’, he ain’t gonna believe you either!” Have you ever wondered why men are seldom depressed? Think about it. Men are happier people. Your last name stays put. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to the water park. The world is your urinal. People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. Phone conversations are over in 30-seconds flat. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. The same hairstyle lasts for years. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can do your nails with a pocketknife. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 25 minutes. If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah. If Mike, Dave and Chuck go out, they will refer to each other as Fatboy, Bubba and Wildman. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn’t. A man marries a woman expecting that she won’t change, but she does. I remember my mother telling me she was taught in a very small school, where several grades were often in the same classroom. There was no indoor plumbing in the building and the bathroom was an outhouse behind the school. There was one thing she said she could not figure out. She said, “We had to raise our hand and speak when called upon. But the funny part was when we wanted to go to the out-house, we raised our hand with one finger up for #1, and two for #2. For the life of me I never could figure out why the teacher wanted to know which bodily function was necessary, but that was the way it was!” In closing remember you don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Thanksgiving traditions start from the ground up. Thanksgiving is both a national holiday and a cherished tradition for families across America— including the Mosaic family. So as we give thanks for the many blessings of our great country, we also salute the farmers who produce the bountiful harvest that is too often taken for granted. It is our honor and our business to provide farmers across America the crop nutrients they need to bring food to all of us. We help the world grow the food it needs.
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mosaicco.com/florida
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GROWERS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED GROUPS GATHER FOR FALL BLUEBERRY SHORT COURSE By Jim Frankowiak
The berries in Plant City turned “blue” for the better part of October 7 as the Florida Blueberry Growers Association held its semiannual meeting and Fall Short Course at the Trinkle Center on the campus of Hillsborough Community College (HCC). The day- long event blended educational presentations with exhibits for allied industry members and the opportunity for the estimated 400 attendees to network. Following welcome remarks by HCC Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Bonnie Finsley Satterfield, the morning session, entitled “Blueberry Fundamentals – Updates on Timely Topics, began with a presentation by Dr. Peter Dittmar, Horticultural Sciences Departments, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida (UF) on winter weed management. His comments covered topics such as application methods, proper pacing for both pre and post emergence herbicide. Dittmar also discussed advantages and disadvantages of the use of landscape fabrics, as well as available resources in instances of herbicide resistance. They included county Extension offices and direct contact with him via email: pdittmar@ufl.edu. Dittmar also suggested the UF/IFAS site, Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), as another information repository available at no cost to interested parties. He specifically suggested the topic, Weed Management in Blueberries once on the EDIS site. Dittmar’s presentation outline, as well as those of others given during the meeting, is available online at www.floridablueberrygrowers.com. “Update on Bud Mites and Other Troublesome Pests in 2014” was the title of Dr. Oscar Li-
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burd’s presentation. He is with the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology and discussed blueberry bud mites, blueberry gall midge and chilli thrips. Liburd presented signs of the pests, suggested controls, management and monitoring steps that could be taken and variables related to each, as well as the effectiveness of various treatment options presented. During a break in presentations, Florida Blueberry Growers Association President Dudley Calfee expressed his thanks to the City of Brooksville, which is home to the annual Blueberry Festival, for its donation of office space to the association and the shared services of an Administrative Assistant. The dates for the 2015 festival are April 11-12, 2015. UF Plant Pathologist Dr. Phil Harmon then shared “Recent Observation on Diseases in Florida Blueberry Fields.” His comments reflected samples received by the UF Plant Disease Clinic during this year and noted Anthracnose and Algal Stem Blotch, telltale signs of related disease, management recommendations and suggestions for application and sanitation. Growers were given a dose of good news and marketers a challenge in brief remarks by FBGA Board Member Michael Hill regarding his recent participation in a trade association visit to Bogota, Colombia during which “we saw significant opportunities for our products in Columbia and elsewhere around the world,” he said. “Those are new markets for us, but we need the assistance of our marketers to take advantage.” Attendees were then introduced to the Blueberry Family Health Foundation and its mission by Executive Director Kari Rosenfeld who noted the ultimate goal of this new foundation is “to end type 2 diabetes in children.” The foundation, which was founded by families heavily involved in the blueberry industry, plans to kick off its national outreach program at the Blueberry Festival in Brooksville next year. She encouraged attendees to learn more about the foundation join and support its efforts. The foundation’s website is www. bbbfamilyhealth.org. and the blueberry industry is a primary partner. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Dr. Jeff Williamson reviewed hydrogen cyanamide practices in Florida blueberries relating to both traditional/dormant and non-dormant/evergreen production systems. His remarks covered variable considerations related to each system, recommendations and factors leading to both advantages and disadvantages to growers. The afternoon sessions included: • Update on Blueberry Cultivar Performance in Florida by Dr. Jim Olmstead of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department • Review of the 2014 Florida Blueberry Festival by Festival Coordinator Michael Heard Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and cost-sharing opportunities for blueberry growers by Jemy Hinton, BMP Implementation Team , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services • The Four R’s for nutrient management practices – David Royal, nutrient stewardship director of the Nature Conservancy • Freeze protection practices for Florida blueberries by Gary England, Lake County Extension In addition to the educational presentations, the meeting incorporated a trade show of varied blueberry industry equipment and service providers plus public sector resources. Additional association information, including access to presentations given at the Fall Short Course, is available at www.floridablueberrygrowers.com. The FBGA’s next semiannual meeting will take place in February, 2015. An official meeting announcement will be released before the end of this year. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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813-752-2379
Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • www.southsidestores.com
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GUTIERREZ FARMS AND OTHER LOCAL GROWERS RECOGNIZED FOR PROTECTING AND PERSERVING FLORIDA’S UNIQUE NATURAL RESOURCES
By Jim Frankowiak For Elias and Lorena Gutierrez, owners and operators of the family berry and vegetable farm that bears their name, the decision nearly a decade ago to embrace and voluntarily comply with Best Management Practices (BMPs) at their farm was not difficult. “It made sense to us for several reasons,” said Elias. “Those practices are based on the most recent technology and research that bring efficiencies to our operation while protecting and preserving the natural resources that are so vital for us and the crops we grow today and those we plan to grow in the future.” Gutierrez Farms is currently growing strawberries on 86-acres, while 19-acres are devoted to peppers and zucchini on 9-acres, all in the Plant City area. The family farm has been in operation for the past 18 years. The Gutierrez have four children: Elias, Jr – 16; Miguel – 14; Mariana -- 11 and four-year-old Jesus. Elias, Jr. and Miguel, both students at Plant City High School and Mariana, who attends Knights Elementary, are valued members of the family farm team. The older brothers have been active in FFA since middle school and their parents anticipate similar involvement by Mariana and Jesus once they enter middle school. The origin of BMPs can be traced to The Florida Watershed Restoration Act of 1999 and its directive to the state Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Water Management Districts to work together to reduce pollution in Florida’s waters with BMPs cited as the best way to achieve the goal. BMPs are guidelines to producers like the Gutierrez’ advising them how to manage the water, nutrients and pesticides they use in order to minimize agriculture’s impact on the state’s natural resources. Agricultural activity has been linked to the contamination of watersheds with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. At present, compliance with BMPs is voluntary and requires careful management of resources used, both in the amount used and the ways used. The state offers cost-share programs to producers who comply with BMPs that can mitigate the financial impact associated with the cost of equipment needed to aid compliance. In addition, both state and federal agencies offer assistance programs and services to producers complying with BMPs “The Gutierrez’s have gone beyond compliance,” said Jemy Hinton, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences BMP Implementation Team member, who has provided assistance and guidance to their operation for several years. Among the extra steps the Gutierrez’ have taken is the purchase and utilization of cloth covers for their strawberries when freezing temperatures are forecast. This is a costlier and more labor intensive alternative to the use of water during freezes, a traditional mode of frost-freeze protection by strawberry growers, but a recommended BMP. “This practice conserves water and avoids other impacts such as sinkholes and the formation of fungus on berries,” said Hinton. “We also fol32
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low BMP fertilization recommendations and only fertilize our berries after they have been established and then by drip irrigation,” noted Lorena. This procedure prohibits fertilizer run-off, which has been documented by various research studies. The Gutierrez’ also conduct soil and tissue testing of their crops. This type of testing is akin to a human “blood test” and specifically details what nutrients the plants need, thereby limiting unnecessary environmental impacts and only the most cost-effective use of fertilizer. This testing can be done by the grower and sent to the University of Florida/IFAS/Extension Soil Testing Lab or by a certified crop advisor. The Gutierrez’ have also implemented surface water ponds for freeze protection and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Mobile Irrigation Lab, another partner in the statewide BMP initiative whose serves are made available to producers for free. They can offer irrigation technical service. Because of the importance of BMPs and the need for all Florida farmers to lead way in environmental stewardship, Florida Farm Bureau established the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship program, or CARES, to publicly recognize how farmers and ranchers like the Gutierrez’ are voluntarily promoting environmentally sound and economically viable farming practices by implementing BMPs on their farms. Gutierrez Farms was nominated for CARES recognition by Hinton, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Environmental Manager Jessica Stempien and Hillsborough County Extension Agent Alicia Whidden. The Gutierrez’ and several other Hillsborough County farmers and ranchers were honored at the October annual meeting of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau for their participation and each was given a CARES sign to post at their farms. Florida Farm Bureau hopes this recognition will encourage other farmers to follow and to help preserve the land for the next generation. To date, more than 600 Florida farmers and ranchers have become active BMP program participants recognized through the CARES program. For the Gutierrez family the future calls for “more of the same with some expansion. We hope our children will continue their involvement in our farm,” said Lorena. “We plan to add some blueberries and Jemy has already given us the BMP handbook for that crop.” Congratulations to Gutierrez Farms, we are glad you CARE! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The Literary Time Machine: Ornamental Gardening in Florida
By Ginny Mink
Part 2 Previously we discussed how incredible it was that Charles Torrey Simpson, back in 1926, had a wonderful concept of natural preservation and conservation. This month we’d like to continue our voyage through this classic piece of literature. While we are still in the first chapter, there are some quite relevant, and probably even wholly useful things to consider herein. The first thing that stood out to us in this reading is how different the Florida of the 1920s must have been compared to the obnoxiously bustling metropolis it has become. In fact, one of the references to its natural habitat, found on page 2, took us quite by surprise. So much so, we’d like to present this historic piece of truth to you. Mr. Simpson revealed, “Most of the homes in Florida must be located in pineland for there is but little hammock in the state and it is not advisable to build in the lowland if it can be avoided. It is getting to be the fashion in some places – and a good fashion it is – to allow most of the clean, healthy pine tree to stand when preparing land for a home.”¹ Pinelands? Really? Did we sacrifice them all to Christmas and door wreaths (as is quite the fashion)? On top of that, how many of us are living on property replete with Cypress knees? We love his continued thoughts about preserving the pinelands, “They furnish some shade and shelter and blend well with the planted vegetation. They do not rob the ground to any great extent and they relieve the place of the dreadful appearance of bleakness and nakedness it would have if everything was cleared away.”¹ We wonder what he’d have to say about the fields of today. We wondered also what cattle ranches were like in his time. In fact, we wondered enough to look it up. Apparently, the first barbed wire fence for a cattle ranch didn’t happen until 1910 and that was in Osceola County. An even more amazing historic fact is that in the 1920s Texas tick fever had entered the state and therefore the Livestock Board of the time ordered all ranchers to dip their cattle every two weeks in an arsenic solution for the purpose of eradicating the infestation. This led to an increase in fencing on ranches to separate the infected from the healthy cattle*. Pictures that we looked at from that time show a lot of trees compared to what we’re used to today. Though we didn’t note that they were pines! Simpson continues his recommendations to preserve the natural flora and fauna by describing, specifically, some native species he says, “…should be left standing wherever possible.”¹ These indigenous species include: the saw palmetto, a dwarf cabbage palm (Sabal adansoni), the needle palm (Rhapidophyllum) and a low growing palm (Coccothrinax). Though he was certainly enthralled by the palms, he wrote the following that for us just summed up the awe and splendor that is Florida, “No word picture can give the faintest idea of the bewildering beauty of many of our hammocks. The live oaks and some other trees are draped with wonderful festoons of Spanish moss, the strange and startling cabbage palmettos are WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
everywhere in evidence, wild coffee and other handsome, shining leaved plants carpet the floor of the forest and an orgy of vines and creepers sprawls and clambers over all.”¹ We wonder how many today are so busy in their fast-paced worlds that their views of Florida’s regal magnificence has been obscured. We are so saddened by the change in times, the depreciation of appreciation. Seriously, how many people would ever think to describe Spanish moss as wonderful festoons? Instead we’d rather pull it down! Simpson wasn’t a stranger to such attitudes. He reveals a time he had a visitor, whom he says claimed to be an artist. Yet, he records the man’s comments about his property with great irritation. According to Simpson, the man announced after spending a good time in his hammocks, “If this timber were mine I would take my ax and cut out all the underbrush, the crooked and small trees and I would pull off and burn all that long moss and clean up all the rubbish you have lying around then it would look as though somebody had been here and done something.”¹ These comments deeply affected Simpson who adds, “That is just what the average person wants to do, he wants to clear up and improve, he wants to do something, he is sure nature hasn’t properly finished up her work.”¹ Surely he was right in his assessment, how many of us want to leave our marks and in so doing we are scarring the very land that provides for us daily? Why have we this overwhelming pride that convinces us we can somehow make God’s creation better than He did? Thusly, we shall conclude this segment of the literary time machine with yet another consideration for us all. Simpson admits, “I wish it were in my power to persuade my readers who come into possession of such land to leave this glorious vegetation essentially as nature made it. The small remnant of this untouched beauty is fast disappearing before the settler’s fire and ax and especially the onslaughts of the real estate developer. Mankind everywhere has an insane desire to waste the good and beautiful things nature has lavished on him.”¹ Indeed. Notes: *http://www.floridamemory.com/photographiccollection/ photo_exhibits/ranching/ranching2.php 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. 2-4).
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Florida
Chayote Squash By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
The chayote squash is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with cucumbers, melons, squash, and gourds. Also called vegetable pear, gayota, Madeira marrow, chocho, and papa del aire, chayote squash is most commonly available as a pear-shaped, light green squash. Some varieties have deep grooves in the skin, but those grown in Florida tend to have smooth skin. Native to Latin America, chayotes are grown in Florida, Louisiana, California, Mexico, and Guatemala. The chayote squash contains a single, edible seed, surrounded by a white flesh and thin, edible green skin. Its flesh is very crisp and juicy, much like a pear, and has a very mild, slight sweet and nutty flavor. Its mildness makes it an easy addition to any dish, as it adapts to other flavors easily and adds a light, crisp texture. It can be enjoyed raw or lightly cooked. Peak harvest for this vegetable is now, from fall through spring. NUTRITIONAL PROFILE According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one 3.5 ounce serving of raw chayote (100 g) contains 19 calories, 0.82 g protein, 0.13 g fat, 4.5 g carbohydrate, and 1.7 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 23% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for folate, 13% for vitamin C, 8% for manganese, 7% for zinc, 6% for pyroxidine, 5% for dietary fiber, 4% for iron and vitamin K, and significant amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and B vitamins. As with many other fresh vegetables, chayote squash contains a lot of nutrients for very few calories. HEALTH BENEFITS Vitamin C: For immunity and heart health Chayote squash is a great source of vitamin C, which helps to support the immune system. This vitamin is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. Chayotes and other foods high in vitamin C may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. This vitamin also acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. As a result, vitamin C has been associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Several large scientific studies have shown that a high consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fiber: For digestive and cardiovascular 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 assists with digestion and prevents constipation. As with many other vegetables, chayote squash contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help with weight loss by helping you stay full with very few calories. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas. HOW TO SELECT AND STORE Choose fresh, firm squash with a bright green color that is free of bruises, brown spots or soft spots. Medium sized squash are preferred over larger ones for their thinner skin and more tender pulp. Store in a paper bag or wrapped in newspaper in the refrigerator for best quality. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Chayote squash should not be stored at room temperature, where they might sprout. HOW TO ENJOY Chayote squash is delicious eaten raw or cooked. Raw chayote is very crisp and somewhat juicy with a mild, subtly sweet, nutty flavor. It can be shredded and added to salads or top sandwiches. Other ways to enjoy chayote squash include: • Add diced chayote to any egg, tuna, or chicken salad recipe. • Dip chayote slices in peanut butter, hummus, nacho cheese, or your favorite dip. • Add to fresh juices, such as carrot or tomato juice. • Grill with other vegetables • Chop and add to soups, stews, and casseroles • Roast in the oven as a side dish • Chayote can also be eaten boiled, mashed, or pickled Enjoy flavorful, delicious Florida chayote squash today. With its great crunchiness and low calories, chayote makes a nutritious and delicious addition to any raw or cooked dish. SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv046 http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Chayote_Squash_538. php#sthash.MR302tMk.dpuf INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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More info: Jim Dorman at Charlie’s Plant Farm, Inc | (813) 601-2540
Quality Fertilizer Quality Water Quality Yields
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The Ride
America’s First Frontier
By Les McDowell
Photos by Linda Constant
Boy have I taken a trip down memory lane the last few weeks. We have been working on getting the first season of Dry Creek put together and out on DVD. It was fun looking through our early episodes and having my mind flooded with stories of what happened during the filming. I never will forget our first episode when I was out in the woods and my horse got a vine wrapped around it’s back leg and we had a one man rodeo under an oak hammock. Everyone that day knew something special was taking place. There was a sense of something happening here and passion drove us. From just that first short episode we were told we had a time slot on In Country Television out of Denver, CO. They were on Dish Network and to us it might as well have been on NBC because our passion was fed like kerosene to a candle. 38
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We turned that episode into Progress, The Last Stagecoach. Don’t ask me how we were able to finish it on time for our first air date but our feet touched the ground running. We stayed in that running mode because we had to keep episodes coming. No budget but lots of heart and passion for Family Programing. I look back and scratch my head wondering how we did it. Before long we had a few episodes done and some folks were getting tired from trying to feed the network machine that was playing Dry Creek. Don’t blame them, there was no budget. Just when we thought we were out of bullets and horses (figuratively speaking )someone would step forward with better cameras and help. Other episodes came, The Wedding, Skunk Ape, Prayer Warrior, The Hand Shake, etc. That gave us 14 episodes that are now WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
on our first season DVD set. It’s been a long ride in a considerably short amount of time. From In Country Television to The Pursuit Channel to Blue Highways TV where we are today. What a ride! Dry Creek has been a wild ride that started with that vine wrapped around my horses hind leg and like that day when that horse spun around and my view from it’s back was showing my world as a blur as things spun around me. I can’t help but wonder if maybe I was knocked out and it’s all been a dream. Being voted Best Series/ Family Friendly in NYC, going to Washington DC to appear on The Jim Bohanon Show and an invite to The Sunscreen Film Festival. What’s next for Dry Creek? The ride continues with the making of our first one hour episode. It’s completed and in Los Angeles being looked at by some major networks. The response so far has been favorable and we are hoping for some great news soon. I feel the ride will continue and The Lord who took the reins from my hands to claim that horse a few years ago and got that vine unwrapped from my horses leg, has never handed them back over to me. HE is in control and I can’t wait to see where this ride called Dry Creek ends up. Everybody knows where Dry Creek is....cause it’s inside each and everyone of us. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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UF/IFAS celebrates supporters in third annual Dinner of Distinction By Mickie Anderson Photos by Ron O’Connor – Farm Credit
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences honored some of its most ardent supporters at its annual Dinner of Distinction, held at the UF Hilton Conference Center Friday evening. This was the third year for the awards banquet that recognizes individuals and organizations that support and advance UF/IFAS in its research, teaching and Extension efforts. It is held the same weekend as the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ TailGATOR event, which serves as both a celebration of alumni achievements and an opportunity for students to learn more about CALS while networking with alumni. During the banquet, UF/IFAS officials also honored state Rep. Bryan Nelson, who has a UF degree in ornamental horticulture, for his legislative efforts in support of UF/IFAS.
Friend of IFAS Award Madeline Mellinger is founder and CEO of Glades Crop Care Inc., the largest agricultural consulting firm in the Southeast U.S. The company does advanced crop scouting and pest and beneficial insect population analyses, handles food safety programs for fresh market crops and packers and offers companies help with sustainable Integrated Pest Management alternatives. Mellinger has served on a number of IFAS-related advisory boards, including the UF/ IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center, a vice president search committee and co-chaired the UF/IFAS Strategic Planning Committee. SHARE Volunteer of the Year
UF/IFAS Extension Outstanding 4-H Alumnus
Debbie Swindle grew up on a strawberry and vegetable farm and as an adult, remains involved in agriculture and cattle production. She has contributed to numerous scholarships and endowments that support UF/IFAS, hosted the UF/IFAS SHARE Council meeting and helped host the first Farm Ladies’ Breakfast for Ag women in Hillsborough, Polk and Pasco counties.
Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Adam Putnam, is a fifthgeneration Floridian, who grew up in the citrus and cattle industries. He joined 4-H at age 8 and spent the next decade in 4-H programs, including the State 4-H Council, where he was elected president. He earned a degree in 1995 in food and resource economics from CALS and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1996.
UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Horizon Award Flint Johns, a 2004 food and resource economics graduate, also earned a master’s in agricultural and biological engineering in 2006 – while remaining active on the rodeo circuit. After graduation, he went to work for Lykes Bros. Inc. and in 2011, was promoted to ranch manager, where he is responsible for the fourth-largest cow-
The 2014 Dinner of Distinction award recipients include:
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The Swindle Family calf operation in the country. He has served on a number of UF/ IFAS advisory and planning committees and tirelessly volunteers his time as a guest speaker and tour host for UF/IFAS groups. Luis Martinez earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in food science and human nutrition after moving to the U.S. from Ecuador in 2003. He served as a CALS ambassador and while in graduate school, invented a processing technology to enhance the flavor and aroma of coffee that is currently being used the Coffee Primero Company. He now works for Darifair and is responsible for 52 manufacturing plants. He chairs the Florida section of the Institute of Food Technologists and in that role has helped boost scholarship allotments as well as funding for student and alumni events. UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Award of Distinction Ernest Sellers of Live Oak earned his law degree from UF in 1967 and has helped UF, IFAS and CALS financially and by giving his time. He’s taught many undergraduate law classes offered through the Center for Agricultural and Natural Resource Law, served on the IFAS SHARE Council since 2003 and in 2012, was recognized as SHARE’s volunteer of the year. Roger West earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal sciences from UF before joining the Animal Sciences faculty. He chaired the department from 1985 through 1988, before retiring in 2002. Since leaving UF, he’s continued to donate his time and energy to many UF/IFAS clubs, animal sciences program and youth livestock judging teams.
Debbie Swindle ing with youth in both the dairy and county council clubs. She has chaperoned 4-H trips across the state, including the capitol. She is a member of the Florida 4-H Foundation Board of Directors and works with the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show Committee, where she helps promote Florida agriculture programs for 4-H and FFA members. UF/IFAS Research Partner Award The Florida Strawberry Growers Association has been instrumental in its support – financial and otherwise – of UF/IFAS research. The organization works with UF/IFAS scientists in a number of areas, including improving post-harvest technology, reducing carbon emissions and creating a reliable computer model system to predict when chemicals should be applied – which could help cut fungicide and pesticide use in half. UF/IFAS Champion Award Vam York was married to IFAS founder and former State University System Chancellor E.T. York for 64 years and as his partner, spent decades supporting his global work to end hunger. Since his death in 2011, she has continued in her steadfast support of UF/IFAS and its entire mission, including teaching, research and Extension. She is a longtime member of the Ag Women’s Club and endowed a scholarship that supports an outstanding CALS undergraduate every year. Among the projects she’s been involved with are the Austin Cary Learning Center that opened in spring 2014 and updating a long-term professorship in international agriculture.
4-H Lifetime Achievement Award Linda Syfrett is founder and president of the Okeechobee County Fair. She has been a 4-H leader in that county since 1987, workWWW. WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
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by John Dicks Photos Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Safeguard Your Kids’ Identity Most of us guard zealously our financial matters and keep private our personal information such as Social Security numbers. Being careless or cavalier about such items can lead to stolen funds from our bank accounts and a ruinous destruction of our credit records. But what about the financial affairs of our children? You might imagine that such would be a silly question to ask, particularly regarding our youngsters who likely have more interest in what goes into their iPods than what slips into their Piggy Banks. But here’s a surprising and rather disturbing number to consider. Every year, more than 50,000 children in Florida become victims of identity theft. Further it is been estimated that more than $100 million is stolen every year from those children whose identities have been compromised! That is a staggering and frankly shocking number. Fortunately, just a few weeks ago, a new law in Florida will help prevent such fraud from ever occurring. Parents or legal guardians will, however, have to take a few steps in order to make certain that their children are protected. At the bottom of this article you’ll find some information on how to do just that. It turns out that criminal minds truly know no bounds. Unlike honest folks, the bad guys recognize that kids have the purest and most unblemished credit history of anybody. There has never been a missed monthly payment nor late fee charged to a 10 year old with no credit card of his own. So, after the toddler’s Social Security number has been lifted from an innocent scribble by a parent on any number of documents that they may have been required to submit somewhere, it seems that somehow the bad guys have used such info on credit card applications that have apparently sailed right through. Can you imagine that credit cards have been issued to your kids and sent to financial predators all while you know nothing about it? Sometimes it’s a crazy world we live in and it makes it really
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tough to be a responsible parent. It also has come to light that some of the kids most prone to this type of fraud are those in foster care. Apparently their private and personal information, such as Social Security numbers, are listed on lots of documents, which are seen by lots of people. It’s almost unimaginable that each year over 50,000 kids in Florida are victims of such fraud, particularly when most parents are diligent about safeguarding their own financial records. This $100 million problem captured the attention of our Florida Legislature earlier this spring. It was such a concern that both the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the bill unanimously, sending it to the Governor who promptly and rightfully signed it into law, making it effective September 1st. It’s worth recognizing that whenever there is not a single dissenter on an issue in Tallahassee, you know it is a good law! The new law was named the KIDS Act, an acronym for Keeping I.D. Safe. It allows you, as parents, to set up credit records for your children and “freeze” them, effectively blocking thieves from using your kid’s personal information to open a credit card, loan or other financial account. Thankfully, the whole process is pretty simple to do. Any parent or legal guardian of a minor younger than 16 can do so. Under the law, the credit agency is allowed to charge a one time fee of upwards to $10 to do so, unless your child, unfortunately, is already a victim of identity theft, in which case the fee is waived. The “freeze” lasts until the parent or legal guardian removes it or the child reaches adulthood and asks for it to be removed. Generally, you’ll need to write a letter (there is a sample below) and include a copy of your kid’s Social Security card and birth certificate. Understand that there are three main credit reporting agencies and obviously you’ll be best protected by submitting a WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
“freeze” request to all three. Here’s how to contact the credit reporting agencies:
Contact your local police department and report the crime. Keep a copy of the report to show to creditors and credit reporting agencies.
Equifax Security Freeze P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348 www.equifax.com Phone: 800-685-1111
Contact the three credit reporting agencies and request any information they might have on your child’s credit.
Experian Security Freeze P.O. Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 www.experian.com/freeze/center.html Phone: 888-397-3742
Contact every creditor listed on your child’s credit report. Explain that this is a case of child identity theft and ask to have all accounts and collection notices removed immediately from your child’s credit report.
TransUnion Protected Consumer Freeze P.O. Box 380 Woodlyn, PA 19094 www.transunion.com Phone: 800-916-8800 Of course now that the problem has been identified, it is also great advice to pay special care regarding your children’s personal information. Remember, with just a name and a Social Security number a thief can open a bank account, obtain credit cards, etc. Here’s a list of some things to do, recommended from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Keep birth certificates, Social Security cards and other sensitive documents in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or home safe. Avoid carrying these documents with you. Be careful when disposing of documents containing personal information. Shred them before you throw them out. Avoid giving out your child’s Social Security number unless it is absolutely necessary. Ask why it is needed, how it will be protected, how it will be used, and if another form of identification would be acceptable.
Ask the credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your child’s credit report.
Freeze your child’s credit. Finally, here’s that sample letter (modified slightly for simplicity) that the Ag Department recommends you use to request a “freeze” on your kid’s financial records: DATE: Dear (insert the name of the reporting agency): I would like to open a credit record for my minor child and place a freeze on this record to protect my child’s credit. My name and address are as follows: My previous address is: My date of birth is: I have attached a copy of my Social Security card and a copy of my driver’s license, government identification card OR utility bill that shows my name and address, as required. My child’s name and address are as follows:
Limit the information you share about yourself and your child on social networking sites.
I have also attached a copy of my child’s Social Security card and a certified copy of my child’s birth certificate. If I am a guardian of the child, I have also included a valid Power of Attorney or court order that describes my authority to act on behalf of this child. Finally, I have enclosed my check in the amount of $10 here to cover the cost of the freeze.
Use only secure websites when sharing financial information online. A lock icon on the status bar of your browser means your information will be safe when it is transmitted.
Alternatively, if my child is an identity theft victim, I have enclosed a copy of the police report or other investigative report and the fee is waived according to Florida statutes.
Use strong computer passwords. Never write them down or share them.
And in the unfortunate event that you suspect that your child’s identity has been stolen, it’s important to take immediate action. The Ag Department recommends these steps:
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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s e p i c e R These recipesipes come from WWW.STRAWBERRYSUE.COM
Florida Strawberry Black Forest Cheesecake Topping INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups crushed Oreos 1/4 cup melted butter 24 oz cream cheese 3/4 cup sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup melted dark chocolate chips DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a food processor to mix crushed Oreos and butter together. Once evenly mixed, press into a springform pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Blend the cream cheese and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Add vanilla followed by the melted chocolate chips. Once crust is cooked, remove from oven and add cheesecake mixture. Bake at 425ºF for 10 minutes and then lower the temperature to 250º for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, combine mashed strawberries and water in a saucepan;
1 cup mashed strawberries 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 cups sliced strawberries 1/2 cup chocolate shavings Whipped cream
bring to a boil and simmer for about 3 minutes. Strain juice from cooked strawberries and add enough water to make 1 cup of juice. Discard pulp. Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt in a saucepan; stir strawberry juice into sugar mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until clear and thick, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir sliced strawberries into strawberry sauce. Remove cake from oven and top with strawberry topping. Place cheesecake in a refrigerator overnight to cool before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream just before serving.
Easy Strawberry Cobbler INGREDIENTS 16 oz strawberries 1 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar 1 stick butter 1 cup flour 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring strawberries to room temperature. Wash, drain and remove caps. Slice strawberries and toss with 1 tbsp of sugar. Place the stick of butter in a 9×13″ baking dish, or for a thicker cobbler use a 8×8″ baking dish. Put the baking dish in the oven to melt the butter. Meanwhile, in medium bowl combine sugar, flour, milk and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Remove baking dish from the oven and pour cobbler base into the middle of the pan. Next pour the prepared strawberries down the middle of the cobbler. Avoid your temptation to stir! Bake at 350°F for one hour. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious and easy treat!
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU CELEBRATES AGRICULTURE AT ANNUAL MEETING By Jim Frankowiak It was a genuine celebration of agriculture in Hillsborough County. That was the 72nd Annual Meeting of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau (HCFB), held in early October. Following welcome remarks by HCFB President Kenneth Parker to the nearly 400 family members in attendance, the District 9 FFA President gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The ”Brian Sutherland Band” then played the National Anthem. Following dinner, which was served by members of the HCFB Board of Directors and several other friends of agriculture, Tommy Hale of Farm Bureau Insurance introduced his colleagues and the business portion of the meeting took place with the approval of the 2013 minutes and treasurer’s report as presented by HCFB Director Bill Burnette. The evening’s recognition activities then began with Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) staff member Michael Rogalsky presenting (County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship) C.A.R.E.S. Awards to the following for their excellence in environmental stewardship: • Sam Astin of Astin Farms • Dennis Carlton of Carlton Ranch • James Tew • Greg Shiver, J & R Nursery • Marc Sewell of Sewell Farms • Charlie Grimes Jr. and Sr., Grimes Produce • Hilda Castillo of Castillo Farms • Jay Sizemore • Whinfred and Glenn Harrell of Harrell’s Nursery • Lorena and Elias Gutierrez of Gutierrez Farms • Merced and Dee Chaves of Merced Chaves Farms • Christine Grovenstein, Seeds of Love Nursery • Carol Hinton of Hinton Farms These awards, which include a sign for posting at each of the recognized operations, honor recipients for taking voluntary steps to protect land and water quality by implementing Best Management Practices (BMP’s). Since its inception in 2001, the C.A.R.E.S. Program 52
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has recognized more than 600 agriculturists statewide and involves partnerships with more than 60 organizations, including The Mosaic Company, which underwrote the cost of the recognition signage. HCFB board member Michelle Williamson then presented the Champion of Agriculture Aware to U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross for his ongoing industry support. Dr. Chip HInton, also a member of the HCFB board, recognized State Rep. Jake Rayburn for his efforts at the state level with the Friend of Agriculture Award. Outgoing board member Greg Lehmann was extended the HCFB appreciation for his years of service on the board. The HCFB Nominating Committee then presented the six nominees to the board and opened nominations from the floor. None was received and a vote followed with election of the following board members for four year terms: William Womack, James Tew, Marty Tanner, Jim Frankowiak, Buddy Coleman and Bradley Ferguson. Williamson reported on the varied activities of the HCFB Women’s Committee, which included Ag-Venture, Ag-Abilities and other outreach initiatives in support of agriculture in Hillsborough County. She also encouraged attendees to volunteer by contacting: women@hcfg.org. Tiffany Dale and Erin NeSmith detailed the activities of the Young Farmers and Ranchers group, including statewide recognition for the group’s Activities of Excellence. HCFB and FFB Board Member Ron Wetherington recognized special guests in attendance and they included elected officials Ross and Raburn, Florida’s Farmer of the Year Dennis Carlton, Hillsborough County Extension Director Stephen Gran, FFB Director Dan West and Jason Davison of the FFB Field Staff. Special thanks were directed to the evening’s cooks, the Farm Bureau Agents, and to the Farm Credit staff for providing dessert. For additional information about Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, including membership benefits, visit: www.hcfb.org. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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NEW FARM BUREAU BOARD MEMBER CONTINUES A DEEP BERRY HERITAGE By Jim Frankowiak
You might say new Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board member Bradley Ferguson has berries in his blood. The Dover-based production manager for Florida Pacific Farms is responsible for overseeing 350 acres of strawberries and 50-acres of blueberries. Ferguson was born and raised in Alachua County. He and his family relocated to the Dover area in January of 2013 when his current position was offered to him. Ferguson’s berry heritage can be easily traced to his grandfather, Dr. Alto Straughn, an agricultural researcher, educator and commercial farmer. A member of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, Dr. Straughn is regarded as one of the state’s most progressive watermelon farmers and the person most responsible for launching the blueberry business in Florida through his work with southern highbush blueberries.
A University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension leader, Dr. Straughn helped develop statewide planning and reporting systems and implemented the county program review system. He also pioneered the use of computers to enhance Extension’s response to client needs. While working for Extension, Dr. Straughn developed successful beef cattle, blueberry, watermelon and timber farming operations—enterprises that cover over 2,000-acres around Gainesville. He and a partner also grow blueberries in southern Georgia. Ferguson worked for his grandfather before, during and after he completed his undergraduate degree in horticulture at the University of Florida. “My grandfather not only taught me a great deal about our industry, he also gave me a deep appreciation for this business that is so important to all of us,” said Ferguson.
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“Up until early 2013, he was the only person I ever worked for and the decision to move to my current position was difficult. I wanted a new challenge. Although my grandfather was initially disappointed in my decision, he now recognizes and supports the new challenges I am facing and how they will benefit my career.”
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Prior to moving to Hillsborough County, Ferguson served on the board of Alachua County Farm Bureau. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Kenneth Parker recruited him for a similar post here. “Bradley is a young man that exhibits a maturity level and knowledge beyond his years,” said Parker. “We are fortunate to have an advocate and asset such as him on our board. We will be a better organization because of his involvement.” While serving on the Farm Bureau board of directors, Ferguson plans to focus on educating “those who have responsibility for enacting legislation leading to regulation that impacts our industry. I believe it is important for them to have a clear understanding of our industry so that they can act in a manner that is appropriate and not over-regulate due to a lack of knowledge of agriculture,” he said. “I will do whatever I can to assist.”
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Ferguson and his wife, Jennifer, have a two and a half year old daughter Emily and expect their second daughter before the end of this year. His spare time is spent with his family, deer hunting and watching football and he, like Gator fans everywhere, is hoping for better results on the gridiron this season. Bradley and Jennifer also enjoy horseback riding. That’s western style for him and hunter-jumpers for Jennifer. “I am sure we will become active in the activities of the Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers group here in Hillsborough County,” he added. “Especially after Emily’s sister arrives. While Alachua and Hillsborough counties are miles apart, there are strong similarities, according to Ferguson, “The Plant City area is very similar to Alachua County and where I grew up.”
Congratulations on your election to the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and best wishes for your growing family. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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For Greater Performance And Profit!
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Pathway BioLogic | 111 E. Tever Street, Plant City, Florida | 813.719.7284 www.PathwayBioLogic.com 58
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR
PRESENTS ANNUAL HARVEST AWARDS
By Jim Frankowiak It has become a tradition in eastern Hillsborough County, the annual Harvest Awards luncheon, signifying the start of the Hillsborough County Fair, which this year – the fair’s 21st -- was expanded to include two consecutive weekends and several new events, including a truck and tractor pull, Mexican-style bull riding and first-ever demolition derby. The first of five Harvest Awards -- Urban Agriculturist of the Year --was presented to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Partnership School in Tampa, an elementary school with 300 students in grades kindergarten through grade 5. The honor recognized “the unique educational opportunity provided to students on the MOSI grounds through an urban farming project that enables them to grow and cook vegetables,” said award presenter and Hillsborough County School Board member Cindy Stuart
The fair’s Outstanding Public & Community Service Award was given posthumously to former Hillsborough County Commissioner James “Big Jim” Selvey by former Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent and Supervisor of Elections Dr. Earl Lennard. “Jim Selvey was big in stature, but more importantly he was big in heart, too. “An Auburn University alumnus, Selvey was a south county agriculturist, politician and realtor “whose life was marked by public service, graciousness and decades of service to the Boy Scouts,” noted Lennard. “Always a true southern gentleman, Big Jim was on an out of state camping trip with the Boy Scouts, just a few days prior to his death.” Former Hillsborough County Extension Director Michael F. McKinney was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Hillsborough County Tax Collector Doug Belden. After 18 years with the Extension Service at Purdue University in his home state of Indiana, McKinley became Hillsborough County’s Extension Director, serving from 1986 through 1997. “His tenure was marked by expansion and the introduction of innovative programs that won national recognition,” said Belden. During his award acceptance remarks, McKinley recognized those who helped him through mentoring and active participation in some of his programs, among them an educational outreach initiative designed to help policymakers gain an under-
standing of agriculture that became instrumental in their subsequent actions. Among those public officials present and recognized by McKinley were former County Commissioner Jan Platt and former County Administrator Pat Bean. Agribusiness of the Year honor was given to Farm Credit of Central Florida, represented by Chief Lending Officer Craig Register. The award was presented by State Representative Ross Spano who noted the importance of Farm Credit’s financial services to agriculture, the expansion of those services to include home loans and how they contribute not only to individual farmers, but the “vibrant local economy. Additionally, these are local services that involve local decisionmaking by a board comprised of local members,” said Spano. State Representative Jake Raburn then recognized the Sizemore’s of Plant City as Farm Family of the Year. “The Sizemore family has been part of Hillsborough County’s agricultural community since the 1800s and their hard work and investments in time and land have led to the formation of many important agribusinesses in eastern Hillsborough County. As an active member of that industry, I am pleased to honor the Sizemore family.” The Fair’s Harvest Awards Host Committee membership includes Joshua Burgin, Kathy Curry, Stephen Gran, Richard Joyner, Wesley Joyner, the Honorable Earl Lennard, Yvette Lewis, George Parker, Christine Smith, the Honorable Ronda Storms, Michelle Williamson, the Honorable Stacy White and Tom Umiker. Each of the awards included custom historic images courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center and Plant City Photo Archives, Inc. Master of Ceremonies Burgin concluded the program with special thanks to the many volunteers who through their tireless and ongoing efforts “have been responsible for making the Hillsborough County Fair a wonderful family event that celebrates agriculture and its importance.” The several hundred attendees then enjoyed a Mosaic-sponsored luncheon catered by BubbaQue’s.
Outstanding Public & Community Service Award given posthumously to former Hillsborough County Commissioner James “Big Jim” Selvey, presented by former Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent and Supervisor of Elections Dr. Earl Lennard.
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Urban Agriculturist of the Year Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Partnership School presented by Hillsborough County School Board member Cindy Stuart
Lifetime Achievement Former Hillsborough County Extension Director Michael F. McKinney was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Hillsborough County Tax Collector Doug Belden
The Sizemore’s of Plant City were recognized as the Farm Family of the Year, presented by Jake Raburn.
Farm of the Year
Farm Credit of Central Florida, presented by State Representative Ross Spano
Agribusiness of the Year
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DURANT AGRICULTURE STUDIES AND FFA ACTIVITES An Enviable Record of Achievement Plus A Good Deal More
By Jim Frankowiak
It’s hard to believe Durant High School will not celebrate its 20th anniversary until this coming August. That’s especially true if you have a chance to visit the Agriculture Department’s Coach’s Trophy Room where evidence of local, state and national recognition for wide-ranging and diverse successes abounds. Durant students have held 11 state FFA offices since it’s opening in 1995. Durant FFA members have won 105 state titles and four at the national level. There are more on the horizon, too.
now part of the Agricultural Education faculty at the University of Florida, Chuck Lambs, retired; Kim Matthias, who is teaching out of state; Richard Albertson, retired; Kitty Davis, now teaching in Georgia and Scott Brooks, General Director of Career and Technical Education for Hillsborough County Schools. Other former faculty include Kelley Ware, an Ag teacher at Newsome High School, Kenneth Hiscock, also an Ag faculty member at Newsome, Bob Ward, retired and Jason Steward at Tomlin Middle School.
But those honors reflect much more than student success. “We’ve been blessed here at Durant High School from the very beginning with committed and hard-working teachers, focused students, a supportive administration, families that aren’t afraid to help, industry members that just won’t say no and a community that cares and steps up with assistance when needed,” said Ag Department Head Tim Cribbs, who has been at Durant since the beginning, nearly 20 years ago.
The mix of students in Ag studies is about “60 percent male and 40 percent female,” said Cribbs. “We find that girls out participate the boys when it comes to our FFA activities.” The Durant Ag faculty offers students involved in FFA to participate in 18 different and diverse Career Development Events. “I am pleased to note that our CDE participants regularly place in the top 5 statewide in those events,” said Cribbs. The Parliamentary Procedures team, which took top state honors in June and is competing at the national FFA convention in Louisville at this writing, includes Mariah Kunze, Clint Walden, Kent Greenwood, Alyssa Shepherd, Haley Burelson and Kaitlyn Taylor. Cougar Mylie Feaster took top state honors in the Job Interview event, which involves preparation of a resume and cover letter, follow-up, the actual position interview and completion of a job application. “We also had two students who won Proficiency Awards and proceeded to the national level competition.” Alex Fernandez won gold honors at national for his Turf & Landscape Management effort, while Cassidy Hasting won a silver medal for her sheep production project. Over the years, eight Durant FFA students have received American Farm Degrees, the highest level of FFA recognition for projects.
And there’s even more. “We take deep pride in our students and how they do in class, with FFA activities and their support of the community through several important programs. And it doesn’t stop when they graduate as our alumni continue to support us long after that last class and graduation,” noted Ag faculty member Thomas Sturgis, who has been at Durant and an Ag faculty member for 19 years. Cribbs, Sturgis and Kendall Jenkins comprise Durant’s current Ag faculty, which has ranged in size from four members when the school opened to seven during the late 90s and until 2006, but department enrollment has remained constant over the years at approximately 475,” said Cribbs “and I believe that says a good deal about the commitment of our faculty to our students and FFA activities.” That translates to about 10,000 students since Durant opened its doors August 21, 1995. There are approximately 2300 students currently enrolled at the high school. Former Durant Ag faculty includes Dr. Grady Roberts, who is 66
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The year 2007 marked the beginning of the Durant FFA Sweetheart Scholarship Pageant, which Jenkins began to oversee in 2013. “This is an exciting opportunity for students that may not necessarily be interested in showing livestock,” she said. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Nick Bogdan 9th grade FFA member
Jacob Gainer President of our 9th grade J.F. St. Martin chapter
Photos by: Ali Baker
“This year we had 15 students compete for the title and the top three finishers received over $2,000 in scholarships combined.” It has to be noted that Ag faculty members at Durant are not compensated for activities that take place after 3:15 on school days or at any time on the weekend. “And there are months when the number of hours devoted to after school activities is very substantial,” said Cribbs, “but that’s part of being an Ag teacher and an accurate reflection of the industry. Ag work is not 9 to 5, and I am glad that my wife comes from an Ag family so she understands all of those hours. If she did not have that background, I doubt that she would be so tolerant.” Durant Vocational Agriculture courses include Ag Communications, Animal Science and Services, Technical Agriculture Operations (Mechanics), Horticulture and Forestry. “Our students also have the opportunity to participate in an Agribusiness Cooperative Education,” said Sturgis. “This is planned and supervised OJT-type experience that contributes to the participating student’s education and employability.” Students get a job at a local Agriculture Business and sign out of school after lunch to report to work – they get high school credit and on-the-job training simultaneously.” “Our curriculum also offers students the opportunity to gain industry certifications in agricultural communications, nursery operations, agricultural mechanics and animal science,” said Cribbs. “Our teaching and after class activities are not limited to the classroom. Durant has a full working farm for hands on application of lessons learned in the classroom.” That “farm” includes a one-acre strawberry field, an ornamental plant nursery, an acre of citrus and 12 head of cattle, as well as a shop for ag mechanics. “The proceeds from some of those operations are used to support our community service projects,” said Sturgis. Among those is Operation Bike Drop through which underprivileged elementary school students are given bicycles. “That effort has WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Brent Delones, and Michael Woody welding
been underway for 15 years,” noted Cribbs, “and we have given away approximately 70 bikes during that time.” Tools for School is another that provides back packs filled with school supplies for needy students at Trapnell Elementary School. “Our students also provide several Thanksgiving baskets to needy families, and they do that working with local churches selecting the recipients.” Students also give back to FFA through participation in the annual Beast Feast, a wild game cookout held at Haines City with the proceeds contributed to the state Leadership Training Center, also at Haines City. And there is the tradition of buying back the FFA blue jackets from students who have held state office. Durant has been able to buy those jackets back at $500 each and the jackets are on display at the high school, while the funds were donated to the FFA Alumni Scholarship Foundation. Another measure of recognition for Durant’s Ag program comes from former students who are now engaged in the teaching of agriculture. That list includes Brett Wheeler, Melissa Sampson, Julia McConnell, Debbie Berry, Kelley Ware, Kenneth Hiscock, Michelle Curts, Kelcie Williams, Melissa Raburn and Audra Maxwell. “Industry support of our program is another blessing that we enjoy,” said Cribbs. “Local strawberry growers, cattlemen and merchants have been most generous with the cash and other donations. Harold’s Farm Supply and Southside Farm Supply are among the local businesses that help us and Brandon Farms literally oversees our strawberry operation,” Sturgis added. “Just this week, we received a donation of 12 autodarkening welding helmets for the Agriculture Mechanics program from Zachry Industrial – Glenda Garrison and Mr. Roy Tillis.” Continued on pg. 97 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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WORKSHOP SHOWCASES BENEFITS OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR COW /CALF OPERATIONS AND HOW TO PARTICIPATE
A Win for All Very often when people think of cattle, they quickly associate Texas and cattle raised in the Lone Star State. In truth, Florida is the birthplace of the cattle industry in this country thanks to Ponce de Leon and his second trip to this country in 1521. That’s when he brought horses and seven Andalusian cattle, the ancestors of the Texas Longhorns. He and his fellow Spanish explorers literally turned Florida into America’s oldest cattle-raising state thanks to the pasturelands those early visitors discovered in what is present day Florida. Today, there are more than 11 million acres of total pasture and rangeland in Florida, five million of those acres are improved pasture. These lands release oxygen to the atmosphere, help to significantly cool surrounding surface temperatures, naturally filter pollutants from runoff water, reduce soil erosion, replenish our water supply and provide aesthetic and recreational values. Given the large amount of pasture acreage, improperly managed cow/calf operations may adversely affect the quality of our water resources. Florida’s cattle industry is committed to fostering water resource protection and has been involved both in the development and fostering of Best Management Practices (BMPs) designed primarily to protect water quality while also helping to conserve water resources in the state. BMPs trace their beginnings to the 1972 Federal Clean 70
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By Jim Frankowiak
Water Act (FCWA) that required states to assess the impacts of nonpoint sources of pollution on surface and ground waters and establish programs to minimize these impacts. In 1978, Florida established a program that includes BMPs to minimize nonpoint source pollution through both regulatory and non-regulatory means. FCWA also mandates that states identify impaired waters and set total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for pollutants entering these waters. This led to the 1999 Florida Watershed Act, providing the framework for the state’s TMDL program. Once a TMDL has been established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the agency may develop and adopt a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), which details the activities that watershed stakeholders will undertake to reduce point and nonpoint source pollutant loadings. In watersheds with BMAPs, such as the Hillsborough River watershed, and in some other restoration focus areas, agricultural producers are required by state statute either to implement Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)-adopted BMPs or conduct water quality monitoring prescribed by FDEP or the applicable water management district. BMAPs are being developed for nearly all of the state’s watersheds. Participation in these approved BMPs offers ranchers and other agriculturalists the advantages of: • A presumption of compliance with state water quality standards WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
• A release from those regulations for those pollutants addressed by the BMPs • Assistance with BMP implementation, including eligibility for available cost-sharing It must also be noted that some BMPs help participants operate more efficiently and reduce costs while helping to protect the environment, such as soil and tissue testing to determine fertilizer rates. Federal and state agencies recently conducted a workshop, Cost Share & Best Management Practices for Cattle Operations, at Crystal Springs Preserve in southern Pasco County for area industry members. The Preserve is owned by the Thomas family which also operates the adjacent Two Rivers Ranch, long recognized and honored for its sustainability and environmental stewardship. Annually, the Preserve, a 525-acre environmental education center, helps to educate 50,000 students through site visits and programs plus distance learning initiatives resulting in global reach. The workshop was sponsored by Florida Farm Bureau, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Hillsborough Soil & Water Conservation District. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Workshop speakers included representatives of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, FDEP, Hillsborough County Environmental Protection, FDACS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, UF/IFAS Extension, Nature Conservancy and Florida Farm Bureau. Presentations covered a range of topics and overview of the Hillsborough River Watershed BMAP, soil/tissue testing practices and benefits, how to participate in BMP programs and available cost-sharing at the local and federal levels to a panel discussion on permitting questions and the availability of technical assistance, as well as various “how to” suggestions for cattle operations, 4R Nutrient Stewardship and Florida Farm Bureau’s County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship, a program to recognize farmers in Florida who practice environmental stewardship. Information on the various presentations given during the workshop is available by visiting: www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy/BMP-Implementation/BMP-Workshops-Events. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Consider Reds and Whites for Holiday Plant Selections LYNN BARBER, FLORIDA-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPINGTM AGENT
The classic holiday plant selection is most likely the Poinsettia. This is a beautiful landscape, container or houseplant that was introduced in the United States in 1825 by Joel Poinsett, the ambassador to Mexico. The traditional Poinsettia is bright red, which is more easily established for outdoor use than other colors. After much breeding, several other colors are available, which include pink, peach, white, burgundy, yellow and marbled variations. What some think of as the flower is really the leaves, aka bracts. The actual flowers are the tiny clusters in the middle of the bracts. This is a “short day” plant, meaning it blooms when days are short and nights are long. Blooming requires an extended period of darkness. If planted near artificial light, such as a street light or exterior house lighting after October 1, there will be a delay in flowering. This tropical plant likes temperatures in the area of 7580 degrees during the day and 65 degrees at night. Indoors, don’t fertilize or overwater. Give it a drink only when the soil is dry. You can plant Poinsettia outside after the last chance of frost has passed. Outdoors, it should be located in the sun and away from artificial light. Prune to 4-6 inches of stem on each branch; then fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer from March to October. This plant has received a bad reputation as being poisonous, but it’s not. There is white, milky sap in the stem. However, if you are allergic to latex, you are probably better off not handling this plant. Amaryllis, another holiday favorite, is a bulb that pro74
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duces large trumpet-shaped flowers which add a pop of color when planted in groups. It is also a good container plant and can reach a height and spread of 1-3 feet. This bulb needs well-drained soil and soil pH that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline, 6.0-7.2. Any soil texture works well, from clay loam to sandy loam, from sand to sandy clay. Amaryllis has medium drought and low to no salt tolerance. It makes a great impact when planted in terraces, at gate entrances or as a border plant in groups of 10 or more. Plant this bulb between September and January. Amaryllis performs best in partial shade and well in sun. Propagation is from seeds, cuttings and smaller bulbs attached to the “mother” bulbs. You can leave bulbs in the ground for years or dig them up and replant them during September and October. Gardenia produces fragrant white flowers and sports glossy dark green leaves. This plant can reach a height and spread of 4–8 feet. Full sun to partial shade provides the best flowering. Well-drained soil that has been amended with organic matter is preferred. Soil pH for Gardenias is acid to slightly acid, 4.5-6.5. Any soil texture will work. This large shrub has medium drought and low to no salt tolerance. It should be fertilized 2-3 times each year. After flowering has been completed, it can be pruned. However, if you prune after October 1, that activity will decrease the blooming the following year. Bud drop, caused by insects, root injury and weather conditions, can be an issue. Propagation is by grafting or cuttings. Many cultivars are available with varying flower size and flowering times. Gardenia can WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Photo credit Harry P. Leu Gardens Hippeastrum ‘Dancing Queen’
Photo credit Harry P. Leu Gardens Gardenia jasminoides ‘ variegata’
be used as a hedge, groundcover, is beautiful in mass plantings or as a specimen plant. Mine is near the front porch so I can smell the blooms while sitting on the swing and enjoying nature. Christmas (and Easter and Thanksgiving) cactus are each distinct with variations in their leaves and flowers. This article is focusing on Christmas cactus which, like Poinsettia, is a short-day plant. For this plant to bloom during the holidays, move it to a dark area from 5pm to 8am daily for six weeks. Christmas cactus grows best if it is placed in bright light. If indoors, place the plant within six feet of a window. Light exposure in a north window is not effective, so use south, east and west windows. It prefers well drained soil. Propagation is from cuttings. Flowers vary in color from white to pink to red and more! This plant is great in containers on a front porch, lanai or as a houseplant.
Photo credit Harry P. Leu Gardens Hippeastrum ‘Voodoo’ closeup (P)
at a Glance” by Sydney Park Brown, http://edis.ifas. ufl.edu/ep349,“Amaryllis” by Sydney Park Brown and Robert J. Black, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/ EP06000.pdf, “Gardenias at a Glance” by Sydney Park Brown and Joan Bradshaw, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP33800.pdf, and “Colorful Christmas Cactus Care” by Dan Culbert at: http://okeechobee.ifas. ufl.edu/News%20columns/Christmas%20Cactus.htm from which information contained in this article was adapted. 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 813-7445519, visit our website at: http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl. edu and visit the University of Florida website: http:// solutionsforyourlife.com or http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
For more information about these holiday gems, please see the University of Florida publications, “Poinsettias WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Smokin’ WE’RE
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Chef OFF!
Battling Chefs
The coveted Chef Off cutting board trophy, the winning chef gets to hang it in their restaurant for a year until the next competition.
By Libby Hopkins
Being a journalist, I would have to say is the best job in the whole wide world. I get to travel to really cool unknown places and let the rest of the world know about them. I get to meet the most interesting people, who do amazing things for their community. I also get to do some once in a lifetime type things like judge a cooking contest. This past October, I was asked to represent In the Field Magazine as judge for the Second Annual Chef Off at The Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market. I have to tell you I felt like Amanda Freitag, the judge from the Food Network’s show, Chopped. I was honored not only to represent our magazine, but I also got to meet some very distinguished people from the Tampa Bay community, which included, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Bay Times journalist Ernest Hooper, MOSI’s Interim President/CEO Molly Demeulenaere, and Creative Loafing’s Food and Drink Editor Meagan Habuda. Awesome job or what? The chefs that competed in the Chef Off were Chef Lori Staczewicz and Chef Brett Wright of The Mermaid Tavern and Chef Suzanne Crouch and her team from Ella’s Folk Art Café. Both The Mermaid Tavern and Ella’s Folk Art Café are located in Seminole Heights and this was The Mermaid Tavern’s second time competing at the event. The chefs and their staff had only one hour to prepare a dish with products and produce provided by vendors from the market. Each chef was required to bring their own protein for their dish. The chefs were not allowed to pick their products or produce. They had to take what they were given and make something amazing out of it. “I can’t tell you what I’m making but what I can tell you is that it’s going to be fresh and local Florida food,” said Chef Brett Wright. “I’m hoping to win because this is my first time at the Chef Off but really, it’s all about having fun and raising money for a good cause.” The cause that Wright was talking about was Meals on Wheels of Tampa. All the proceeds from the Chef Off went to the charity. 78
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Meals on Wheels serves more than 750 individuals in Tampa with a hot, nutritious meal delivered to their door by a volunteer. The quality of the food provides nourishment for the body. The encouraging words from volunteers, provides enrichment for the soul. For many of the homebound residents the charity serves, a visit from a volunteer is the only human contact they will receive each day. “Since our office is here in Seminole Heights, the market director thought we would be a good fit for this event,” said Andrea Brogen, Director of Community Relations for Meals on Wheels. “I hope we can raise some awareness about our organization through the Chef Off and maybe even bring in some volunteers to help us.” Ernest Hooper has gone on a few ride-alongs with the volunteers at Meals on Wheels so when he found out the proceeds benefitted the charity, he wanted to be a judge. “It really is a terrific organization and when I heard the proceeds from this event were going to Meals on Wheels, I knew I had to be a judge,” Hooper said. “This is really a unique event and I’m interested to see what the chefs have to offer.” This was Molly Demeulenaeres first time judging at the Chef Off and she was happy to help pick the best chef with the most culinary talent. “I am making my decision based on the chefs’ presentation, creativity and of course how their finished product tastes,” Demeulenaere said. Mayor Buckhorn is a self-proclaimed “foodie” and he came to the event on an empty stomach so he would have room savor both chefs’ creations. “I didn’t eat all day in anticipation of judging the event,” Buckhorn said. “Tampa really has become a foodie town between the food trucks, craft beers and our amazing local chefs. It’s really putting Tampa on the map as a food destination.” All of us were starving as we sat there watching the two chefs slice, dice and spice their food creations. They only had an hour to prepare
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The Chef Off ’s judges (from left to right) Creative Loafing’s Food and Drink Editor, Meagan Habuda, MOSI’s Interim President/CEO, Molly Demeulenaere, In The Field Magazine’s Libby Hopkins, Tamp Mayor, Bob Buckhorn and Tampa Bay Times journalist, Ernest Hooper.
The Mermaid Tavern’s Chef Lori Staczewitz and her team accepts the Chef Off cutting board trophy from Mayor Bob Buckhorn. For the second year in a row, The Mermaid Tavern has won the Chef Off. their meals but this starving journalist felt like it was an eternity before the first dish was placed in front of us. Chef Lori and Chef Brett of The Mermaid Tavern served their dish first. It was Gulf Triple-Tail and purple yam pancake covered with a tamarind sauce and green papaya salsa. It was out of this world. We all went back for seconds.
The Mermaid Tavern’s Chef Lori Staczewitz and Chef Bret Wright winning dish, Gulf Tripled-Tail and purple yam pancake covered with a tamarind sauce and green papaya salsa.
Next up was Ella’s Folk Art Café’s Chef Suzanne’s creation that was lamb with pumpkin curry served in a kalabasa pumpkin. It had a great fall look to it and it tasted amazing but I have to be honest, I liked the chefs from The Mermaid Tavern’s dish better. So did the other judges. We declared The Mermaid Tavern the winner for second year in a row. Chef Lori and Chef Brett get to hang the coveted Chef Off cutting board trophy in their tavern for another year. Tiffany Ferrecchia-Maietta is the director of Tampa Bay Markets and the host of the Chef Off. She was thrilled that this year’s Chef Off was able to raise $1000 for Meals on Wheels of Tampa. “I am thrilled we were able to help raise money for Meals on Wheels and that everyone had a great time at the market and the event,” Ferrecchia-Maietta said. “The Chef Off is a great way to get the local restaurants in Seminole Heights involved with the community and raise money for a great cause.” If you would like to learn more about the amazing food served at The Mermaid Tavern or Ella’s Folk Art Café, you can visit them on the web at www.mermaidtaverntampa.com and www.ellasfolkartcafe.com. If you would like to visit one of Tampa Bay Markets’ artisan markets, you can check out their markets’ schedules on their website at www.tampabaymarkets. com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Ella’s Folk Art Café’s Chef Suzanne Crouch’s creation that was lamb with pumpkin curry served in a kalabasa pumpkin. It had a great fall look to it and it tasted amazing. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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“Development in Harmony with Nature”
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W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
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Naturally Amazing Activities
By Sean Green Photo by Jennifer Pohlhaus
Craft Stick Hot Pad Thanksgiving is nearly here and I’m sure many of our readers are preparing for festive gatherings, good cheer, and hopefully plenty of food. It’s this time of year that the term “Home Made” is most often associated with food. If you like the idea of “Home Made” and could use some unique and functional additions for the dinner table, then we have the perfect craft for you. I ran across this craft while looking for weaving ideas and was so overwhelmed with its elegant simplicity I could not resist sharing harmonicmamma’s (Jennifer Pohlhaus) rendition of this craft. A hot pad is always a handy kitchen accessory to have around, even better if it’s one the kids have made for you. This craft is fairly simple but does require assistance or at least preparation from a teen or adult. The project consists of stringing popsicle sticks and wooden beads together to make a hot pad.
Suggested Material: 5/8” Wooden Beads (at least 32 beads) Craft Sticks / Popsicle Stick (at least 32) 3/8” wooden dowel (optional center plug)
Directions:
Drill or Dremel Tool Drill bit (1/16” suggested) 100% Hemp or Cotton twine (1mm diameter)
1
Drill holes in each of the craft sticks at 3/8” (hole A) , 2”(hole B) and 4” (hole C)
2
Cut three lengths of twine at about 10”, 20” and 30”.
3
Tie a knot in the end of each of the lengths of twine and string it through a single craft stick. 10” through (hole A), 2” through (hole B), 30” through (hole C)
4
Thread a wooden bead onto the twine for the two holes that are at 2”(hole B) and 4” (hole C) Do not put beads on the twine close to the edge (hole A), this one is the center .
5 6
Thread another craft stick onto the twine.
7
Tighten the twine as much as possible around the wooden dowel (optional) and tie the loose ends together.
Repeat step 4 and 5 until the hot pad forms a circle. (about 32 sticks)
813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis)
Picture credits: Photo: Sean Green I hope you all had a terrific October, filled with the Halloween traditions of costumes, masks and sweet treats. I can tell you I have and this month, I want to share with you, a curious little creature that I have run into (often with my face) along our beautiful hiking trails. There are many insects that have really cool patterns, it’s always a bonus when nature reflects deeper truths. A smile is the best natural defense we can have; that is the lesson. The tiny native spider that gifts us with such wisdom is the spinybacked orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) and chances are, you have seen this masked spider in greater numbers recently. Hopefully, a closer look will illustrate why this particular spider is considered one of Florida’s most beautiful spiders. In Florida, the spinyback orbweaver is most common in October and November but can be found throughout the year with the exception of December and January. Its native habitat spans the United States as well as many temperate, tropical regions that include rainforests, scrub forests, agriculture and suburban regions throughout the world. Much of what we know about the spinybacked orbweaver result from studies that were conducted in our own Florida citrus groves. The spinyback orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) is an “Old World” species, meaning that is found in the “Old World” continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia as well as the “New World” of the Americas. Although other species in the Gasteracantha genus are pantropical, (found in tropical regions of major continents), our species, Gasteracantha cancriformis is the only species of its genus with known distributions in the New World. This species looks like no other spider in Florida, making it very easy to identify. It has six pointed abdominal “spikes” along the parameter of the abdomen that have the potential to puncture human skin if touched at the wrong angle with sufficient force. The spikes themselves do not produce any venom and their function is not yet well understood. Some researchers speculate that the spikes could function to deter predators from attempting to swallow them. Like all spiders, the spinyback orbweaver produces venom that is injected into prey through the use of fangs. These spiders are generally harmless to humans, bites are reported to feel about like the burn of a fire ant bite and are frequently encountered by citrus workers but are also common around the house and in nurseries. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Photo: Alexander Gabrysch The Gasteracantha genus consists of a number of species with significant color variation. Such variation may not seem unique at first glance, after all, many spiders have evolved to sport bright colors as a function of luring prey into the web, Agriope is a common example of such color function. As a genus however, Gasteracantha does not follow suit, its color variation seems to be more related to its geographic location than the attraction of any insect. Studies have revealed that most members of the Gasteracantha genus have a black body and legs regardless of their geographic location. Female spiders typically have white spots on the bottom of a spiked abdomen and males are generally similar but have a gray abdomen and nubs where the spikes would be on a female spider. It’s the spike coloration that associates the spider with a specific location ranging in hues of red, orange, and yellow. Because this species displays regional color variations, researchers are able to study genetic adaptations to specific environments making this species in particular, a valuable scientific resource. Our Florida species is typically white with black spots and red spikes or nubs. The female spider constructs a new web at a slight angle each night and rest facing down near the bottom of the web. Male spiders hang around from a single strand nearby. Mating behavior is initiated with the rhythmic 4 beat tempo of a male spider drumming on the female spiders web. This courtship continues with a dance and shimmy along silk lines, if the male is successful, he will be strapped down by the female for copulation. Once the females eggs are fertilized an egg case is secured to nearby leaves and hundreds of eggs deposited along the underside in an oval mass. She protects the eggs with several layers of special silk, first a tangled layer of coarse silk reinforced with a thick line of rigid dark silk, and finally, an external layer of golden silk. Construction of the egg sack will conclude her life and the spiderlings are left to fend for themselves. As you can see, despite beginning life with parental abandonment and struggling to reach adulthood only to manifest an identity crisis, the Spinybacked Orbweaver manages to keep a perpetual smile through it all. Anyone that tells you we have nothing to learn from animals should have taken a closer look.
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Market Watch: By Libby Hopkins
Children are the greatest imitators. They can imitate just about everything and anyone they see, including adults who run artisan markets. It does this locavore’s heart good when I see children learning how to support local and keep the local economy going but running their own artisan market. Yes, you just read that correctly, kids running a market. Sure, there are adults involved but the kids pretty much run the show at the Tampa Kids Market. Tiffany Ferrecchia-Maietta is the Director of Tampa Bay Markets and a few years ago, her good friend, Marisa Langford, partnered with Tampa Bay Markets to provide the markets with playgrounds for children. “The playground area was successful and began to take off to where the kids wanted to become vendors themselves,” Ferrecchia-Maietta said. “We decided to test it and create the first kids market inside the Fresh Market at Hyde Park Village in 2012.” Once the first market was launched, it began to take on a life of it’s own. “Marisa then decided that she needed to pass it on to someone who could operate the market full-time and expand it to other market locations,” Ferrecchia-Maietta said. “That’s when the official company, Tampa Kids Market was born. It is owned and operated by Andrea Bowe and Regina Hord.” Bowe and Hord call themselves “mom-preneures” and they work as independent marketing consultants and are the owners of Fit4Mom Tampa Bay (www.tampabay.fit4mom.com), the number one Mommy & Me fitness franchise in Tampa Bay. They believe strongly in living a life that teaches their children about good work ethic, creativity, fitness, nutrition and balance. “Having the ability to bring the Tampa Kids Market to your neighborhood allows us to share our vision with your family and others,” Bowe said. Bowe enjoyed working with Langford in the early stages of the market and when Langford decided she needed someone to run the market full-time, Bowe took it over. “I enjoyed working with Marisa in the early stages of her project because I saw how many kids out there really wanted to get out in front of the screen and do something real,” Bowe said. “My parents instilled in me a great work ethic and I be88
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lieve kids out there haven’t lost that, they have just gone indoors to their computers to work. Kids really want to make things, sell things and learn to communicate with people face to face.” The Tampa Kids Market is a place where kids will practice being vendors in an open-air market. Kids work alongside adult vendors and market sponsors in a small group setting that simulates the larger market that they are located within. They can set up a free vendor booth or performance area and sell their handmade crafts, art, allnatural food items or conduct their performance art or music. “Everyone involved in the kid’s market has a family friendly business or service that they want to promote and we try to promote community businesses at each locations,” Bowe said. “We have been running the Tampa Kids Markets along side Tampa Bay Markets four locations at Hyde Park, Carrollwood, Seminole Heights and Wesley Chapel.” Many of the families who have attended the Tampa Kids Market love it and they are delighted to see kids in charge. “Kids and parents who participate are so thrilled that they have a place to exhibit for free and in a real market,” Bowe said. “We have artists, musicians, bakers and jewelry makers to name a few entrepreneurs who all learn so many things like banking, inventory control, marketing and public relations.” Another thing that makes the market so special is the time the families put in together to help their children prepare and implement their entrepreneurial ideas. “It truly is a family affair and we know we are bringing families closer each time they participate,” Bowe said. Bowe hopes to continue to grow the Tampa Kids Market and see it inspire more children in the community to become entrepreneurs. “I hope that we can continue to grow in the community here in Tampa and eventually share our model with farmer’s markets across the U.S.,” Bowe said. “We have been running as a very grass roots organization without any big sponsorships to pave the way for a lot of education programs or marketing but we know this project is an amazing idea and will continue to grow and expand organically.” If you would like to learn more about the Tampa Kids Market or if you would like to become a vendor, you can visit the market’s website at www.tampakidsmarket.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
By Ginny Mink
Gus Trent We were driving to Mammaw’s, I think, when I pointed out the window and said, “Look, Hazel, horses.” Immediately I watched her head turn from her car seat way in the back of the van so that she could look out at the horses. “I like horses,” she announced matter-of-factly. “They’re big,” I told her. “Yeah, they’re big but I want to ride ‘em.” This, I thought, from the girl who cried about wee little goats! Of course, she’d had one other experience with horses at the rescue in Lakeland and had done well. I wondered, then, if perhaps I might find a way for her to get to, “ride ‘em.” Indeed I did, and therefore I owe great debts of gratitude to Gus Trent! I called Gus up and suggested this month’s Meet the Minks experience, and without hesitation he schedule us in for two days later. I was thrilled and a little trepidatious as I didn’t want Hazel, or Zeke (for that matter) to freak out. Amazingly, the Wednesday we’d scheduled for, my husband, Chris, was home, so he got to attend his first Meet the Minks’ adventure. And what an adventure it was! Gus’ ranch is way out there, at least from our humble Seffner abode and I passed it up once. Thankfully, a helpful neighbor noticed me squinting at mailboxes and pointed us in the right direction. Had I gotten her name, I’d thank her publically. Anyway, the road to the ranch has a fence and it was quite amusing to see my not-so-agricultural-at-all husband get out and open it up like a pro to let us in. Gus was waiting for us with three horses. Hazel saw them as we pulled in and started squealing, “I want to ride ‘em! I want to ride one!” Then came the, “please, please can I ride one?” I just chuckled. Jaidyn, normally so stoic questioned, “Are we going to really ride horses?” I looked at him in the rearview and winked. His face lit up. Zeke, sat silent in his car seat. I wonder, now, what he was thinking? Was he having goat face flashbacks? I’m not certain. Chris got out and grabbed Zeke while I did my best to keep Hazel calm. After introductions, Gus began to explain to the kids how to approach the horses, to stay away from their hind-ends and to stay calm. I could tell the last part was killing Hazel. I think she was still mumbling quietly, “I want to ride one, I want to ride one.” Gus situated J first. He showed him how to hold the reins and navigate. J looked so stiff in that saddle it was hard not to laugh at him. When he finally convinced Beau, the horse, to go, he had a hard time sitting up straight. I joked to Chris, “He looks like he thinks that saddle’s a La-Z-Boy,” Chris laughed and I added, “Maybe it’s just a lazy boy in the saddle.” You probably would have done better with the joke had you seen the way J was leaning. Gus constantly had to tell him to sit up straight. He looked like he was riding a horse that had suddenly taken off with him and was barreling through the field at 50mph. Seriously, it was quite the sight, especially since he was barely even moving due to the stiffness with which he held the reins. The poor horse had to have been confused by the vocal commands to move and the physical rein commands to stop. At least we weren’t worried that Beau would run off with him! With J situated, Gus turned his attention to Hazel. He asked her if she wanted to ride and she nodded so vigorously I thought her head might roll off. He set her up on the horse and then asked her if she’d
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let Zeke sit with her. Gus positioned everyone properly, Hazel holding onto the horn with both hands after wrapping her arms around Zeke’s mid-section. Gus took the reins and began to walk the two of them around. Unfortunately, something occurred and he had to stop momentarily which left Chris and I standing there with Zeke and Hazel on a horse. The horse, Natanya, got curious about the wee-ones on her back and turned her head to get a closer look. That’s when Zeke’s horror movie flashbacks must have kicked in because he lost it. I was terrified that he’d get the horse all riled up and there my children would go flying; so, I quickly removed him from the saddle while Chris maintained Hazel’s position. Amazingly, Natanya took everything well and once Zeke was far enough away from her, he calmed down. Big horse faces in his were apparently even scarier than little goat ones. Gus came back and this time he got on the horse with Hazel and they went riding around. He let her hold the reins without his hands on them and she announced, “I’m steering, by myself!” He laughed but told me, “She’s a natural; I’d like to work with her.” I had to agree with his opinion because she seemed completely at peace on a giant animal that could stomp her flat. She wore a huge grin and was just wholly at ease; I was amazed. Chris could hardly get the grin off his own face watching his baby girl ride around regally. Later, we put Zeke back on for a stroll with Hazel and he was fine. It’s just the animals getting eyeball to eyeball with him that freaks him out. Gus told us, “I think this is the youngest kid I’ve had on a horse.” I guess we’re record setters around these parts. Hazel had the joy of riding an additional horse, Remo, while J still looked wholly uncomfortable on his own. I say he looked uncomfortable solely based on his recliner-esque lean. Aside from that, he was smiling. All in all, I’d say they had a tremendous time. In fact, it’s been nearly a week and Hazel brings it up at least once a day. “It was sooooo cool!” She tells me frequently. “I like riding horses!” In fact, on the way to church, after the horse-riding experience, she made up her own repetitive song. This is how it went: “I was riding the horse And he made it go through The water bottles And it was soooooo Much fun And I want To ride Remo againnnn” Seriously, that’s what she was singing in the back of the van. I had J write it down so that I could remember it! I’d say this Meet the Minks had the greatest impact on her. J said he’d like to do it again but when I told him that Gus usually makes people learn all the ins and outs of horse care prior to letting them ride, he changed his mind. “Let J scoop poop!” Hazel said, thinking his work would get her some more rides. I just laugh and laugh and laugh and look forward to our next escapade! Don’t you?
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Neat Kid, Neater Story:
Meagan Petitt By Ginny Mink
It’s pretty safe to say that we are inundated with bad news about the state of America’s youth. We experience a barrage of negativity about them on the nightly news. So, when we see an opportunity to introduce (or reintroduce) you to a kid that’s making great gains and doing cool things, we jump at the chance. Therefore, we’re bringing Meagan Petitt back to your minds. We did an article a few years ago about her beginning archery accomplishments. We told you back then that’d she’d be a kid to keep an eye on and we were definitely right! We had the pleasure of chatting with Meagan recently and got a full update. She told us, “So, after the last time we talked, I won the 2013 National Championship but then I had gone to Nationals again this year, and won that as well. I was astounded that I was able to win both of them two years in a row! And then, I’m sponsored by a bow company called, Mathews and our local archery shop, Adventures Archery. So, it was a big surprise, being under eighteen; that’s a big risk for companies to take. I have been certified as a Level 1 Archery Coach. I’ve set eleven state records and I’m also sponsored by another company called VaneTec.”
Meagan and Coach Scott Team USA 92
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We asked her to tell us a little about Nationals. She explained, “Last year there were maybe about 15 competitors, but archery has made a big pick up with the sport and there are now over 20 competitors and all of the shooters are great shooters. Age range WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
they have a club program there. So, I’m hoping that if I get in there I can join the team. I have a 5.4 GPA, weighted. I’m hoping to get a bunch of scholarships if they’re applicable.”
is from 14-17. If you would like to go you can just sign up to go to Nationals but that is where you get your National Ranking from. There were people from Colorado, Oklahoma, California, Texas, Florida and all over.” We wanted to know how she prepared for these wins. She told us, “I practice almost daily. I’ll practice anywhere from two to three hours a day. The people that I compete against have been shooting since they were like eight years old and I’ve been shooting for almost three years in comparison. So in order to get to the same level that they are, I have to put in a lot of practice. It’s kind of repetitive, it’s muscle memory so if you don’t practice it your endurance isn’t up to par. I have a target in my backyard, it’s a standard red, yellow and blue that you see and I try and shoot for the middle. I’m about 50 meters away.”
In closing Meagan was sure to add, “Without my parents I wouldn’t be able to go to any of my competitions. They’re my number one supporters. Then, I’d like to thank, my coach, who has put many, many hours in shooting with me. His name is Scott Barrett. Then the shop and Mathews and VaneTec for taking the risk in sponsoring me!” So, we make this declaration over this talented and kind teen, when (not if) she gets in to UF, she’ll be moving towards her lifelong (since she was 6 years old) goal of becoming a veterinarian. In addition, the archery skills she gains on the UF team will help ensure her ability to try out for the World Team, another dream of hers. We concluded by telling her we’d be praying for her health, perhaps you’ll join us in that endeavor?
Since we’re not that archery savvy we were curious about other target options. Meagan explained, “There’s actually different targets that people will shoot at through archery. There’s 3D, where you shoot at rubber animals as if you were hunting in the woods. There’s fields where you shoot at a bunch of different distances a day, not just one. There’s different things for different people, what they would like to shoot in, and their style. I’m trying to get more into 3D this year, so we’ll see how that goes. It’ll be fun.” We joked and asked if she planned on shooting squirrel. She chuckled and responded, “Shooting squirrel doesn’t sound that bad; they’re fast so it’d be definitely a challenge!” No doubt! As much as we’d hope Meagan’s life has been peaches and roses, she shared, “I’ve had some difficulties this year, like health wise. I have a symptom called chiari malformation, my brain stem sticks down too far in my spinal column which has resulted in a bunch of different other symptoms. I have scoliosis and chronic migraines. So, because of that it’s been difficult for me to practice. In the middle of shooting I’ll have to stop, or not be able to finish a competition, and practicing hasn’t been as much as I probably should have been because it’s debilitating. But, I just try to push through it. I was diagnosed, in 2008 and then all the symptoms in the past few years have increasingly been getting worse. So, I’ve been under treatment for the past, almost two years. It’s definitely been a battle.” Battles are nothing for Meagan though. Like she’d told us earlier, she’s just been pushing through and that means making some significant academic achievements too. She revealed, “I’ve recently been inducted to Rho Kappa, it’s a social honor society club. You volunteer and you promote the social studies classes and elections and different things. It’s supposed to recognize good grades throughout my social studies classes. I’m a senior this year. Right now I’m applying for colleges. I am hoping I get into UF. My coach, coaches at the University of Florida and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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continued from pg. 67
Durant’s legacy of success in its varied Ag program and FFA projects has made it the “go to” school for students seeking a strong and diverse experience in agriculture. “Some parents have actually relocated to residences within our area and there have been students who have selected Durant as their school of choice,” said Sturgis. The school of choice selection permits students enrolled at another high school to switch to another high school with district permission. Durant Ag faculty members also help with FFA activities beyond those in which their students are participants, serving as judges and helping events in other ways. Cribbs annually organizes a livestock judging contest for middle schoolers from across Florida. This competition is held in conjunction with the Florida Strawberry Festival and involves swine, beef and lambs. Sturgis is a volunteer for the Swine Shows at the Florida Strawberry Festival, Hillsborough County Fair and the Florida State Fair. He also serves as Chairman for the Rabbit and Poultry Show at the Florida Strawberry Festival. All of these activities and events could not take place without the encouragement and backing of Durant High Schools’ Administration. “Principal Pam Bowden has always been very supportive of our Ag program,” noted Sturgis. “We say Durant is a high school where student pursue their dreams. If that dream includes just about any aspect of agriculture, we can help make it come true.” As to the future, it “will be more of the same with an eye to technological developments within the industry, “said Cribbs. For more information about Durant High School and its award-winning Ag program, visit: durant.mysdhc.org. Go Cougars!
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Hydro Harvest Farms
By: Nick Chapman
There is a simple equation for those wanting to pick fresh fruit and vegetables right off the plants year round at the same location: Hydroponic farming plus u-pick harvesting equals Hydro Harvest Farms in Ruskin. John and Terrie Lawson have been providing their vine-ripe produce for retail sale for the last nine years at their hydroponic farm off Shell Point Road. They also specialize in the sale and installation of hydroponic gardening systems. The neatly organized rows of white towers with overflowing green plants are highlighted with touches of red, yellow, white and purple of ripening fruit ready to harvest. Visitors can gather their choices at a leisurely pace. There are also selections of local foods, honey, eggs and fresh picked food available in the shop area. John and Terrie are happy to give newcomers a tour of what’s available and to answer questions about hydroponics. “We have about 26,000 plants growing here now,” said John Lawson. “So there’s a high plant density.” This amount of plants would take up several acres with traditional farming methods. This is only possible with their vertical hydroponic towers, aided by an automatic watering system. John, “We don’t waste an inch!” They use organic practices, so no harmful sprays are applied. Currently their list of growing produce includes:
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Lettuce Bok Choy Kale Collards Broccoli Cauliflower Arugula Bell peppers
Tomatoes Beans Cucumbers Eggplant Swiss chard Jalapeños Strawberries Onions
John explained the basics of hydroponics are fairly simple. The plants are grown in an inert medium like perlite that adds no nutritional value to the roots. The nutrients are dissolved into water and delivered to the plants through the watering system three times daily. Since the plants are in vertical tiered towers, the runoff from the top tier waters the second tier, all the way down to the base container. The essential nutrients are absorbed by the plants each cycle, creating a highly efficient and ecologically sound system. “On average the towers have 24 to 30 plants in them, and we’re using a gallon or less of water per each tower,” John said. This also helps improve yield, speed harvest and reduce certain plant diseases. Hydro Harvest Farms has helped install several hydroponic systems in Tampa Bay area schools, from elementary to college. In fact, they encourage families to bring their children to the farm to show them where their food comes from, and establish an interest in gardening early. “Every school should have some type of garden, whether hydroponic or a raised bed garden. Especially at the elementary school level, because that’s when the children are really interested. And if you can WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
keep that level of interest early, they will continue to carry that out throughout their lives.” John and Terrie open their farm up for several community events during the year. This past October, they held their 8th annual Halloween “Boo-Fest” that included activities like potting a plant, inflatables and a free pumpkin pie for each child. During the first two weekends in December, they have holiday family events, and perhaps a visit from Santa (who looks suspiciously like John). In the spring, they have an Egg-Scavenger Hunt that actually has the children searching out answers to agricultural questions through hands-on learning stations. They also offer school and group tours to the farm. The Lawsons also participate in many community happenings like the Ruskin Seafood Festival, Ag-Venture and Ag-Abilities. The farm offers “Double Up Food Bucks” in August to families on SNAP programs and their loyal customers. There are also free
classes on hydroponic gardening, and their systems have been on display at the Florida State Fair, and EPCOT’s Flower and Garden Festival. Details on these and many other happenings are available on their website. “I had no agricultural background whatsoever,” John confesses when he and Terrie came up with the idea for starting Hydro Harvest Farms. He left a job he had with a beer distributor for twenty four years. They purchased the piece of property where the farm currently stands, researched their idea and “jumped in with both feet.” Terrie continued her job with the U.S. Post Office during the first few years, then retired and works full time at the farm now. Terrie admits, “My college background was in nutrition and diet therapy.” She moved to Florida and couldn’t find work. So after a brief career in real estate, she went to work with the postal service until retirement. “Now I’m doing what I originally wanted to do with my life.
Hydro Harvest Farms is located at 1101 Shell Point Road E in Ruskin. They are open Monday thru Saturday from 10-5, and Sunday 11-4. The farm is open most days, except for major holidays and some days during the summer months. Need more information? Visit their website at www.hydroharvestfarms.com, you can even sign up for their quarterly enewsletter that contains farm events and coupons. They can also be reached at (813) 645-6574. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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THE EVOLUTION OF ‘OJT’ AT PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL By Jim Frankowiak
On the job training, or OJT as it is most commonly referred, has a long and rich history at Plant City High School that traces its beginnings back more than three decades. Back then, OJT for participating Raiders was developed to help out Plant City’s farming community. During the strawberry season, students –typically sons and daughters—helped growers from planting through the harvesting of their crops.
secure, good employment for students.” Currently, 85 Plant City High School students participate in the OJT program with employment at 52 local businesses.
Since then OJT “has had several focuses,” said current OJT Supervisor and Business Tech Department Head Sharon Bridges. “Business, Child Development and Agriculture have now been combined into one class, Business Cooperative Education and the purpose is multifold from having students learn what it takes and how to become good employees to exposing them to different career paths – all while they are receiving class credit.” Many of the OJT jobs have led to internships, promotions and lifetime careers, Bridges noted.
Participating entities include TECO, the City of Plant City, Publix, McDonald’s, YMCA, Marine Sports, Felton’s and a host of others. The agricultural sector includes several farms and equestrian facilities.
“My role as OJT Supervisor is to step in the worksite and see what my students are doing on the job and offer suggestions on how they could improve their experience,” she said. “My overall vision for OJT is to develop more relationships with local businesses leading to 100
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“OJT involves many industries,” said Bridges. “Among them are manufacturing/assembly, retail, government, utilities, fast food, health and fitness, industrial, transportation, childcare and agriculture.”
The OJT program requires students to submit timecards, which document their hours worked, unpaid breaks and total hours paid. All timecards must be verified by their supervisors at the worksite in order for students to receive class credit for OJT. If students change jobs, they must document hours spent applying and interviewing for other positions. “Plant City High School offers two periods of OJT,” said Bridges. “For each OJT class period, students must be either gainfully employed or searching for a position five hours per week.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
In addition to worksite exposure, the OJT program has offered participating students other benefits. For Todd Miller, his cashiering and food line work at Taco Bell “has helped me overcome my shyness by enabling me to become comfortable talking to people I come in contact with while at work.” After high school, Miller plans to enlist in the U.S. Air Force with a focus on opportunities where he can develop his mechanical skills. Jared Robinson appreciates the early dismissal from class and the money he earns at Popeye’s where he is a cashier through the OJT program. “The program allows me to leave school at 1 for work and that gives me income and sufficient time to complete my school assignments after work without unreasonable hours.” Robinson plans to enroll in college after high school. “Productive” is the word Dayvia Robinson uses to describe her cashiering position at Popeye’s within the OJT program. She also echoes the comments of Allen relative to income and wise use of time. Dentistry is her goal after graduating from Plant City High School. Raydience Tanning is where Zach Wrenn is employed and engaged in a range of customer service activities and sales. “It’s a good job that appeals to me and uses the skills I plan to further develop while studying business management at the University of South Florida. “I am a Plant City girl and I like to take care of my students through this program,” said Bridges who has been at Plant City High School for the past four years after a six-year term at Tomlin Middle School. Her family has been engaged in agriculture locally for several generations. “It is gratifying to receive positive feedback from our participating employers during my site visits. They appreciate the work of our students and what we do to oversee the program.” And while the students like experience and pay, “we really appreciate Ms. Bridges,” said Wrenn. “She cares about us and how we are doing in the program.” If you are a Plant City area business and would like to participate in the Plant City High School OJT program, contact Bridges at 813/757-9370, Extension 279. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Sights from the 9th Annual Antioch Days, held November 1, 2014 on the campus of The Church at Antioch, East Thonotosassa Baptist.
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Ask The Landscape Doctor By Keith Valentine
Correct Pruning procedures for Trees as well as Ornamentals Walt Disney may not have done landscape maintenance, however someone knew what to do in maintaining the theme parks. I love the look of well maintained landscaping and enjoy shaping the hedges and trees. There is a knack for it and once you get it down you can do so much for that plant. Let’s discuss the tree first. The tree is a different story. The goal for shaping trees is to establish a main central leader. Young trees should be pruned to guide growth so their canopy clears building structures while ensuring that they develop strong structure. Established older trees in urban landscapes should be pruned primarily to reduce risk, preserve a tree structure that provides clearance, and improve the aesthetic value of the property. Dr. Ed Gillman from the University of Florida stated three basic steps to developing and maintaining a dominant central leader for the tree. The first step is to identify the branch or stem that will make the best trunk. It should be among the largest in diameter and in the center of the tree crown (but it does not have to be straight) and free of cracks, openings, mechanical damage, large pruning wounds, inclusions, cankers, or other defects that could compromise its strength. The second step is to identify the branches that are competing with this branch (i.e., those with large aspect ratio, i.e. those that are large relative to the trunk). The final step is to remove competing branches back to the trunk or subordinate them with a reduction cut, or a combination of both. Remove and/ reduce some branches that are clustered together and growing from the same point on the trunk. Dr. Gilman goes on to compare this trimming to raising a child. Structural pruning should be thought of as a process that trains and improves tree structure over a period of time rather than a one time event. That tree changes each year, as so, continued trimming is needed as the tree develops. Now lets discuss ornamental trimming. Using a Viburnum odaratissimum as an example, the Viburnum O, we will call it, is a fast growing plant and can be planted as a hedge or a tree. You decide what you want it to be. It is all a matter of how you trim it. That is the same with all ornamentals or trees. It is all in the trimming from the early start of either item. Most ornamentals can be grown and shaped into trees (standards). It is back to trimming the trees by choosing the best and strongest main (central) leader of the bush or tree. It is in the development from the start. The Viburnum O trimmed into a hedge will be full and can look good up against a home. If not trimmed it will grow out of hand all up against the home and look terrible. From the three-gallon plant in the ground start trimming it a little on the top after initial planting (approximately four weeks after planting) to promote growth and on the side of the hedge, all of them as a whole not individually, but as a whole hedge and they will grow together as one. Once they are at the height you like up against the home, keep trimming at that height and width from then on. They will be full and healthy and add value to the home. Till next time The Landscape Doctor
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Long-lasting residual control with Quilt Xcel速 Quilt Xcel速 provides preventive and curative disease control and the xylem systemic mobility of its active ingredient provides uniform disease control throughout the plant, even to new growth. This powerful formulation provides long-lasting residual control of a broad spectrum of diseases, such as anthracnose and powdery mildew helping strawberry growers produce the highest-quality crop possible. To learn more, visit www.syngenta-us.com.
息2014 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some crop protection products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your local extension service to ensure registration. Quilt Xcel速 the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are registered WWW. INTHE MAGAZINE.COM trademarks ofFaIELD Syngenta Group Company. For more information, visit www.syngenta-us.com. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE November
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Swine tagged for Florida Strawberry Festival show
Exhibitors who were drawn to show a pig in the 2015 Florida Strawberry Festival’s Mosaic Youth Swine Show brought their pigs to the festival grounds on Monday, November 3, to be tagged for the upcoming show. Eighty-five exhibitors attended the event where each pig’s ear is tagged for identification purposes, and exhibitors show documentation proving they have met the academic requirement of at least a 2.5 grade point average. “We have a great group of swine exhibitors this year,” said Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis. “I was very impressed by the quality of pigs they brought and pleased to see how excited they are about their projects.” For many years the festival has been forced to hold a drawing to choose swine exhibitors due to the large amount of youth who want to show, Davis said. In the drawing for the 2015 show, held in September, 234 applicants vied for the available positions.
FFA chapter. Once exhibitors are drawn, they purchase their pigs in September or October and spend the next several months growing and training their animal to compete in the market show. The 2015 Florida Strawberry Festival Swine Show will be held Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Grimes Family Agricultural Center, and the sale will take place on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.
A b o u t t h e F l o r i d a S t r aw b e r r y F e st i va l The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, over 500,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its world-famous strawberry shortcake. The 2015 Florida Strawberry Festival, inviting patrons to “Come Join The Party!” will be held Feb. 26 through March 8, 2015 in Plant City. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest15).
Swine exhibitors range in age from eight to 18 years old and must be a resident of Hillsborough County and a member of a 4-H club or
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USDA RAISES MICROLOAN “CEILING” TO $50,000; NOW INCLUDES ORGANIC FARMERS IN LOAN PROGRAMS By Jim Frankowiak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expanding access to credit to help more beginning and family farmers through a multi-step initiative which is part of the 2014 Farm Bill. “Eligibility has been expanded and the lending limit of the department’s microloan program has been increased from $35,000 to $50,000,” said Farm Loan Manager Bronwyn Bethea-Myers of the USDA Farm Service Agency based at Plant City. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the microloan program.
a basic application form, an environmental checklist and wetlands highly erodible land certification form. Application documents are also available by calling the Plant City FSA office, 813-752-1474 and they may be emailed or mailed to interested parties. The office is located at 201 South Collins Street, Suite 201, Plant City, FL 33563 Microloan applications are reviewed and approved or denied locally. “While I have up to sixty days to review microloan applications, I currently an able to do so in approximately 30 days,” said Bethea-Myers.
“Additionally, the lending process for the microloan program has been simplified, the “farming experience” requirement has been updated to include other valuable experiences and there has been an expansion of eligible entities to reflect changes in the way family farms are owned and operation,” she added. The new changes took place November 7.
The 2014 Farm Bill has also broadened USDA support for organic farmers. The department’s varied loan programs no longer differentiate between non-organic and organic farmers. There also are cost-sharing programs designed to help producers gain their organic certification. Earlier this year, USDA unveiled several new and expanded efforts to foster continued growth of the organic industry both domestically and abroad. Major trade agreements for organic products have been signed with Canada, Europe and Japan. That effort is to continue.
The microloan changes announced by the USDA “will allow beginning, small and mid-sized farmers to access an additional $15,000 in loans using a simplified application process with up to seven years to repay,” said Bethea-Myers. The applicable interest rate at the time this article was written was 2.125 percent. She noted that this program is an option only to those who have been unsuccessful in securing loans from traditional funding sources. Microloan funds may be used for annual or term operating experiences, but not land purchases. In addition to farm related experience, other types of skills may be considered to meet the direct farming experience required for farm loan eligibility such as operation or management of a non-farm business, leadership positions while serving in the military or advanced education in an agricultural field. Also, individuals who own farmland under a different legal entity operating the farm now may be eligible for loans administered by the USDA’s FSA. The department is encouraging producers to comment on the microloan process, the definitions of farming experience and business structures through December 8, the public open comment period. Those comments can be provided to the USDA by visiting https://www. federalregister.gov/articles/2014/10/08/2014-24046/farm-loanprograms-entity-eligibility and clicking on “Submit a Formal Comment.” Those interested in applying for a USDA microloan may secure application document online by visiting www.fsa.usda. gov. Once on the site, click on “Program & Services” and then “Farm Loan Programs”. At that point, click on the “Farm Loan Application Forms” and once there, select the “Microloan Package.” Bethea-Myers said the required microloan documents include WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The USDA is also assisting organic producers access programs that support conservation, provide access to loans and grants, fund organic research and education and mitigate pest emergencies. Specific support provided as a result of the new Farm Bill includes: • $20 million annually for dedicated organic research, agricultural extension programs and education • $5 million to fund data collection or organic agriculture that will give policymakers, organic farmers and organic businesses data needed to make sound policy, business and marketing decisions • Expanded options for organic crop insurance • Improved enforcement authority for the National Organic Program to conduct investigations • $5 million for a technology upgrade of the National Organic Program facilitating the provision of certified organic operations across the supply chain For more information about USDA programming, visit: www.usda.gov For those interested in additional information about organic farming and certification, Bethea-Myers suggested contacting Hillsborough County Extension at 813/744-5519. On the web: hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu . The Extension office is located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Captan 4L & Captan 80WDG Captan 4L & Captan 80WDG
provide consistent performance for disease control in strawberries and other fruit crops. Apply alone or in a tank mix. Captan 4L & Captan 80WDG are proven performers you can count on all season long.
• Two premium formulations – Captan 4L & Captan 80WDG • Economical control of Anthracnose, Botrytis and Leaf Spot on Strawberries • Also labeled for other crops such as Blueberries • Goes into spray solution quickly • No known disease resistance • Easy to measure • REI = 24 hr. • PHI = 0
For more information about Captan 4L & Captan 80WDG, contact your local retailer or visit our website, www.DrexChem.com, where you can find labels, SDS and information on all of our products. Drexel Chemical Company P.O. BOX 13327, MEMPHIS, TN 38113-0327 (901)774-4370 • Fax (901)774-4666 E-mail: info@drexchem.com www.DrexChem.com
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Classifieds
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YOU CAN CUT ROADS WHILE YOU LAY ROWS
Photo Credits Rebecca Handley Photography LLC
Technology from Everglades Farm Equipment and John Deere Integrated Solutions allows you to control your gas flow. We can show you how to save time and money with John Deere. Everglades Farm Equipment has support for the John Deere AMS systems and other row crop systems in: • Plant City • Belle Glade • Fort Myers • Immokalee • Okeechobee • Palmetto www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com 112
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