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DEALING WITH THE Q BIOTYPE WHITEFLY By Jim Frankowiak Photo courtesy of Lyle J. Buss and http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/LSO/bemisia/old-bemisia.htm The whitefly is not new to Florida. In fact, Bemisia tabaci, the sweetpotato whitefly, was first reported in the Sunshine State in 1900, but it did not become a serious pest until the state was invaded by a new species or subspecies known as the “B biotype” or silverleaf whitefly in the late 1980’s. It spread rapidly to many broadleaf food and ornamental crops, causing direct damage, physiological disorders such as squash silverleaf and tomato irregular ripening and spread of viruses in tomato, cucurbits and beans. Just over 10 years ago, a second biotype, known as the Q biotype, was initially detected in ornamental greenhouses and has now been detected in the Palm Beach County landscape and from nurseries in a number of Florida counties. As a result, there is now more than one biotype of the whitefly which may complicate management for nurseries, vegetable growers and homeowners. Adding to the management challenge is the fact that to the unaided eye, the Q biotype is identical to the B biotype and can only be identified using genetic markers that can only be manifest through laboratory tests. “The Q biotype is likely to have been introduced into Florida multiple times prior to its first detection on perennial plants in the landscape of Palm Beach County,” said Dr. Hugh Smith, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Nematology, Vegetable Entomology at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Research and Education Center, Wimauma. “Consequently, there is cause for increased vigilance both in ornamental nurseries and commercial vegetables where it potentially could cause significant economic loss. However, it should be noted that the Q biotype has yet to become a serious pest of agricultural crops anywhere in the U.S., and its potential to affect Florida agriculture remains uncertain at this time.” Dr. Smith noted the Q biotype whitefly has become an important pest around the world because of “its propensity to develop high levels of resistance to a number of insecticides representing different insecticide classes. Nevertheless, there are still products available to manage this pest, but they must be evaluated under Florida conditions and in Florida crops and ornamental plants.” It is also important to rememWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ber that not all of the insecticides available to control whiteflies in ornamentals are available for the vegetable market. With regard to homeowners, Dr. Smith said that other than soaps and oils, there are few, if any, products available at local retail nurseries that “we would recommend to homeowners for managing whiteflies.” Professional pest control companies do have access to insecticides that have activity against whiteflies. “However, it should be noted that insecticide use can lead to worsened whitefly problems because of their potential to adversely affect natural enemies. It is important to use insecticides judiciously to minimize effects on natural enemies, as well as to minimize selective pressures that can lead to resistance” he said. Recognizing the Q biotype whitefly may adapt differently to Florida’s unique environments, scientists with UF/IFAS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Plant Industries have initiated a cooperative effort to manage this pest. Researchers throughout Florida will continue their efforts in the following critical areas: • Detection and Survey • Chemical and Biological Control • Potential for Disease Transmission • Resistance Detection and Management • Outreach Dr. Smith recommends biotyping as the first step in dealing with potential whitefly problems whether in agriculture or the landscape. Information for biotyping is available by contacting Dr. Cindy McKenzie, H.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Fort Pierce, FL, Phone: 772-462-5917, Email: Cindy.McKenzie@ars.usda.gov. “Once biotyping has been completed, I recommend contact with local Extension offices for appropriate steps to take to control the whitely,” said Dr. Smith. Additional information is also available online at: www.flwhitefly.org or www.mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/lso/bemisa/ bemisa.htm. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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VOL. 11 • ISSUE 12
A Powerful Synergy Page 70
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813.685.5673 Member Services: 813.685.9121 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Contents OCTOBER 2016
Dealing with the whitefly
There’s a new whitefly in town
Hillsborough County Fair
Swine Exhibitors
Page 3
Page 14
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 18
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Florida Strawberry Festival Theme
Page 26
Endangered Species
Page 28
Florida Mulberry
Page 40 Page 42
The Kilgore Seed Co.
Page 60 AG Expo
Page 66
John Dicks
SWFWMD
YoYo Juice
Soil and Water Conservation
Page 46 Page 48 Recipes
Page 52 Literary Time Machine
Page 74 Page 76 Activity
Page 78
Page 54
A Closer Look
A Community Effort at Strawberry Crest
Jon Poppell
Page 56
Page 35
Page 79
Page 82
Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President James Tew..........................Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2015 - 2016 Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents Valrico Office 813.685.5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
13103 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL.33626 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
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AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October 2016
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IN NTHEFIELD IELD MAGAZINE
October ctober 2016
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Letter from the Editor
STAFF
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Sales Manager Danny Crampton Did you feel that? The temperature actually dropped! It’s nice to wake up to cooler mornings. I hope this trend continues. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says, “Winter will be much milder than normal, but coldest in early to mid-January, from late January into early February, and in mid-February. Rainfall will be above normal in the north and near normal in the south.”
Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols
I found some fun facts about October. On October 1, 1896, free rural delivery of mail started in the United States. On October 5, 1947, the first presidential telecast address from the White House was made by Harry S. Truman. On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in America. On October 18, 1867, The U.S. flag was formally raised over Alaska. It is also National Cookie Month, National Chili Month, National Pizza Month and National Dessert Month, just to name a few.
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez
On a more serious note, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, although every month should be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This annual campaign from The National Breast Cancer Foundation is to increase awareness of the disease with a mission to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.
Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Vanessa Caceres
About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed. In 2016, there are more than 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. Be vigilant. Early detection is when it is likely to be most easily treated. Until Next Month
Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey
Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks
Sarah The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! 6
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In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121
A LOT COMING UP The weeks ahead are very busy with a range of things for all of us to do. One of the most important is the General Election November 8. I sincerely hope that those of you who are of voting age have registered and plan to vote. If you need information about the candidates or maybe have other questions about the election, please take advantage of the 2016 Florida Election Guide. This is a great resource for the upcoming election that has been jointly prepared by Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida Chamber of Commerce. This book lists the candidates for state and federal offices and proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot. It also details the Florida Chamber of Commerce endorsements. It can be accessed via the web at www.FloridaFarmBureau.org. Also, if you have any questions about any of the candidates or issues on this year’s ballot, I encourage you to contact Florida Farm Bureau’s Legislative office in Tallahassee at 850-222-2557. The Hillsborough County Fair will take place over two weekends this month: October 20 – 23 and October 27 – 30. There’s an article in this edition of IN THE FIELD with more information on the fair and some of its new offerings this year. The fair is a wonderful opportunity for all members of the family to enjoy a range of entertainment, special treats and information about agriculture, its history and importance in the county.
understanding and appreciation of where their food comes from and the important impact Agriculture has on their lives every day. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is proud to sponsor Ag-Venture with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – Extension, 4-H, the county and Florida State Fair. Florida Farm Bureau will be holding its 75th annual meeting October 26 – 28 in Orlando. I hope to see you there as we celebrate our organization’s Diamond Anniversary. Florida farmers and ranchers grow nearly 300 different commodities across the state, making agriculture the second largest driver of our economy. Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agricultural organization with more than 144,000 member families. If you are not a Farm Bureau family and would like to join, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for more information about the ways in which you can help as we look forward to the future. My thanks, too, for casting your ballot November 8. Thank you.
Kenneth Parker Kenneth Parker - President
If you have third-graders in your family or your neighborhood, you’ll know that they are looking forward to Ag Venture at the Florida State Fair during the October 25 – November 4 timeframe. This is a “hands’on” learning experience designed to teach 3rd grade students in Hillsborough County about the importance of agriculture and to help them develop an
Board of Directors
Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; James Tew, Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Member-at-large; Glenn Harrell; Board members: Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Bradley Ferguson, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Tony Lopez, Lawrence McClure, Rep. Jake Raburn, Emeritus, Sambahv, Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Ron Wetherington Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 8
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FIGHTER. SURVIVOR. JODI. AGE 39 BC1606711-0916
Jodi has a family history of breast cancer, so she’s always been proactive about her health care. Near the holidays she discovered a lump, and she turned to BayCare’s team of physicians. Finding it early was a gift she is grateful for, and with the support of her family and friends, Jodi is fighting her cancer. Schedule your mammogram at a BayCare facility. Our breasts. Our health. Our care.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR OCTOBER 20-23 AND 27-30 “Country Pride – County Wide” By Jim Frankowiak
The 2016 Hillsborough County Fair with “Country Pride – County Wide” as its theme this year is set for October 20–23 and 27-30 at the fairgrounds located at 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover just north of State Road 60. With its ongoing commitment to preserving the heritage of traditional county fairs, the Hillsborough County Fair offers countless ways for residents of all ages to display their talents. “From cooking to rug hooking and baking to picture taking, sewing to growing and showing animals large and small, there’s just about something for resident participation,” said Fair Executive Director Tom Umiker. “There will be lots of blue ribbon, eye catching entries reflecting the diverse talents of county residents. We encourage early entries in areas such as Fine Art, Photography and Family Living with forms available on our website: www.hillsboroughfair.com.” In addition to preserving the history of county fairs, this year’s Hillsborough County Fair marks the introduction of a new program designed to introduce young local residents to exhibiting animals at the fair. The Youth Poultry Layer Project was organized by the newest member of the fair staff, Suzanne Holcomb, with strong assistance and support from Bill and Rhonda Burnett, owners of Harold’s Farm Supply in Dover. Rhonda is also the leader of Antioch Critters, a noteworthy 4-H Club whose members always do well at exhibits. “With the support of the Burnettes, youth of any age were given the opportunity to pick up five baby chickens at Harold’s in July with the understanding that they would feed and care for them and record their costs and detail the steps they took to care for them leading 14
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up to the fair,” said Holcomb. “We are delighted to report that 23 youngsters from kindergarten through the 12th grade agreed to participate in the program and will exhibit their chicks throughout the fair.” Holcomb anticipates that number will more than double for the 2017 fair. “This is a great way for our farmers and ranchers of tomorrow to learn about and participate in programs such as this and go on to exhibit at the state fair, Florida Strawberry Festival and other competitions,” said Umiker. “In addition to offering an entry level program, this type of engagement is a great starting point for engendering appreciation for county fairs and a commitment to keep them going through participation and volunteerism, both of which are vital.” The Hillsborough County Fair annually attracts 25,000 attendees “and that figure continues to grow as does participation in our Youth Livestock shows and Family Living competitions where we enjoy an annual increase of approximately 10 percent,” said Umiker. The Fair’s Entertainment Tent will once again offer fairgoers an opportunity to relax and enjoy and even participate on stage in the Children’s Pageant, Western Wear Contest or County Fair Talent Showcase. “We have a new entry in the tent this year with a Gospel Jam that will take place on both of the Fair’s Sunday afternoons during which some old-time hymns mixed with contemporary music will give audience members an inspirational uplift,” he said. Also new this year is an expanded, temperature controlled area of some 7,000-square-feet where Family Living, Arts & Crafts, Fine Art and Photography will be displayed. Adding to the livestock area WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
where youth and their animals will show each day is an agriculture education center that offers fairgoers a chance to learn about life on the farm or in the country. From baby chicks to the “milkable” cow or the new scavenger hunt in the livestock area, “we’ve mixed education with entertainment down on the farm,” said Umiker. Paid Arena Events at the Fair will again include Ranch Rodeos, Truck and Tractor Pulls, Lawn Mower Pulls and a Demolition Derby. Advance ticket sales are taking place at many local outlets. Of course, it wouldn’t be a fair without traditional midway rides, tasty fair foods and livestock shows. Yes, there will be free entertainment like Robinson’s Racing Pigs and Paddlin’ Porkers and a Firefighter Show, plus some thrilling circus acts. More information about the fair is available by visiting: www.hillsboroughfair.com. The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District will have two special events at the Fair. The first is a Great Plant Auction in cooperation with local nurserymen. This will take place at 11 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, October 22, with a preview of plants starting at 9 a.m. There will also be a 4-H/Rotary Barbecue at the auction tent with the $10 per meal ticket including admission to the fair. The District will introduce its Haystack Dinner Sunday, October 30 from 1 – 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $10 and tickets for children under 12 are $6. Diners will be able to watch their vertical tacos being made to order while also enjoying special surprises for both young and old. Every dinner ticket includes free Fair admission. Proceeds from both the Auction and Dinner will benefit District youth programs, the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge and agricultural college scholarship. More information about both events, including the placement of dinner orders, can be done by calling 813/752-1474, Extension 3 or 813/477-8332. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Soft Plastic Artificial Lures
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
After one of our early cold fronts moved through the area last fall, I was guiding a fishing trip in upper Tampa Bay. The morning was cool but comfortable, however the recent week of cooler weather had taken its toll and the water temperature had dropped considerably. When temperatures drop this quickly fish often become uncomfortable as they’re adjusting to the new changes. You find this scenario in shallow water places like Tampa Bay, because the waters seem to cool off even quicker, which makes the reds, snook and trout somewhat lethargic. Sudden drops in water temperatures can also suspend feeding patterns putting them on the move looking for more tolerable temperatures. We started out using live shrimp on the bottom and caught a few smaller redfish. Then as the tide turned we began catching a few medium size trout, but nothing to brag about. What we did catch was plenty of pinfish, lizard fish and grunts. It was approaching noon and the water temperatures seemed to be warming somewhat, somewhere around the mid-sixties. I’d had all the pinfish I could stand, so I suggested we switch over to artificial lures. The guy’s seemed somewhat hesitant at first, but I assured them if they fished them correctly, they would catch fish. We still had good moving water and fishing the points, bites and creek mouths located throughout upper Tampa Bay we’d be ok. Did we catch any fish on live shrimp? Certainly! But we caught more on Gulp! Unlike live shrimp, where we could only catch one fish per shrimp; we were able to catch several fish per soft plastic before having to change our lures. The soft plastics also enabled us to cover more area and we could keep our bait in the strike zone longer without losing it to pinfish.
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The simplest way to rig, insuring the most hookups, is simply inserting the hook point into the head of the shrimp, thread it back to the carapace and bring it out the top. Another alternative, especially if you need extra casting distance, is removing the tail, insert hook into the tail, threading back to just before the carapace and out the top. Some anglers do not believe artificial lures catch fish, especially when the water gets cold. However, it has been my experience they do. I’ve spent many winter days on the water tossing artificial lures, which confirms again that plastic, and especially scented plastic, does work. It’s not live bait and using artificial lures is not as simple as dropping it over the side of the boat. You must fish it differently, especially in cooler water. Here’s what you need to do. Cast toward and repeatedly target likely ambush and holding points, which also include depressions or sandy pot holes located on shallow broken bottom grass flats. Keep in mind the flow of current and try to work the lure in the same direction as the current is flowing. It often takes more than one cast to spark the interest of a fish. Remember the water temperature has them lethargic and the first cast may only wake them up, but the second or third could bring a drag screaming strike. As a notorious twitch and jerk angler this is probably the most difficult thing for me to do when using an artificial shrimp is to slow it down. But when I do I certainly get more strikes. So, for that reason I’ll give the accolades to Merrill “Canoeman” Chandler for teaching an old dog a new trick. Merrill would always tell anyone that asked how to work an artificial shrimp. “If you think you’re working it slow enough… slow it down.” I believe that live and natural bait will always be part of fishing; on the other hand I also know that the new generation of artificial lures, both hard and soft plastics being introduced yearly, will catch fish in almost any water temperature.
October 2016 Fishing Report Tampa Bay “Let’s Go Fishing”
Years ago on the Capt. Mel Berman’sv radio show, I heard Exude products advertised and from that time on scented baits have always been a favorite. I’ve caught thousands of fish using them. I’m also a fan of the light weight wide-gap jig head. A few years ago a friend of mine, Capt. Dave Blanchard from Pumpkin Jigs, created a weedless 18
jig head, manufactured locally here in the Bay area. I use it exclusively and it works great around the grass flats.
Snook - As the water temperatures start cooling down the snook fishing should brighten up in Tampa Bay. We’ve maintained decent snook action all summer and October should turn out nicely. Although I’m not seeing as many big fish as I did earlier in the year there are plenty of fish to catch and release. Anglers have been catching and releasing nice fish with most averaging in the 22-27 ctober 2016 October
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“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain 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 me a call at 813-477-3814 inch range with a few pushing the slot. Artificial lures are a blast for those who enjoy matching wits with a linesider and live bait, freelined or under a cork always seem to do the trick.
Redfish - The redfish were booming in late September compared
to August and this month should also be good with many pushing the upper slot and a few in the 30 to 35 inch range. When redfish hesitate to take live greenbacks or pinfish, which is seldom, try tossing out a piece of cut bait, i.e. mullet, bluefish, or ladyfish. If redfish are in the area they’ll find it. I like to suspend it under a cork to let the scent travel with the current. They also like artificial lures like a gold spoon and scented plastic baits.
Sea Trout – The Trout bite will continue into winter so be pre-
pared for some decent October trout action. Drift any broken bottom grass flat, tossing livebait free lined or under a popping cork, or toss around some hard or soft plastic artificial lures and have a ball catching a mess for dinner.
Mackerel, Sharks, Bluefish, and Cobia - Large schools
of mackerel, bluefish, yellowtail jacks and ladyfish are still around the Bay chasing bait. As you travel the Bay watch for diving birds and you’ve found feeding fish. Set up a drift near the activity and get ready for some fast and furious drag screaming action. I use 60 lb. Seaguar leader and long shank Daiichi 2/0 hooks. Believe me when I tell you to be prepared to re-tie and use plenty of hooks. Be prepared for the occasional cobia or shark to pop up at the worst moment, always have an extra rod and reel rigged and ready to toss a small pinfish to a passing cobia.
Mangrove Snapper – These great eating fish are all over the bay and not bashful about eating small greenbacks or shrimp. You must be quick or they’ll clean your hook before you know it. If you feel the bump and do not hook up, reel in because your baits gone.
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• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. • You should always drink upstream from the herd. • Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in. • A fool and his money are soon parted. The rest of us wait until income tax time. • The man or woman that invest all your money is called a BROKER. • In 1908 the average wage was 22 cents an hour. • If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment. • You should never test the depth of the water with both feet. • You can avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.
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Newspaper Since my daughter, Karen, has taken over as publisher of the Plant City Times & Observer, I have gained an appreciation for those that put each edition together. You have to hand it to them. They have a small space to cram their huge attention grabbing headlines, and always being on a deadline, very little time to think about them.
I enjoy the way the Plant City Times & Observer uses headlines in their police report each week. I wonder what heading they would have given this story if it had happen in Plant City?
Some headlines that slip past writers and editors are down right hilarious. For example, “Unopposed Candidates Win.” Well now, can you imagine? What else would be the outcome? I gave the writer a pass, as I am sure he was past deadline for printing. Let me share some of the headlines I have collected over the years. “Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax” “Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over” “Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years In Checkout Counter” “Milk Drinkers Are Turning to Powder” “Include Your Children When Baking Cookies” From a police report in Georgia, “Crack Found In Man’s Buttocks.” Some of the stories are beyond belief too; “Super-rats are being genetically modified to sniff out land mines for the Army.” There’s the story of a guy that saw red and in a road rage attacked victims by squirting them with ketchup. He doused both a driver and cyclist. The judge gave him 220 hours of “high level” community unpaid work.
“There’s definitely someone going to get shot. Please, please,” a man says on the 911 call released by officials. “There’s a man with a gun. I see him looking at me, but I don’t think he sees I am on a cell phone. I swear I am so scared I might get myself killed!” Police officers were sent to the scene, but the officer who originally pulled the man over stayed put. The 911 dispatchers had, in the meantime, tracked down the name of the caller and announced it over the police radio, which alerted the officer standing next to the man. Now, instead of a $150 speeding ticket he got a year in jail!
There’s a story going around that many world leaders will reveal before the end-of-the year that aliens are visiting us. (I think they are already in Washington) Some activists are stepping up calls now for governments around the world to formally acknowledge that extraterrestrials are contacting the human race. You can expect Washington to hold “World Disclosure Day” to raise the awareness of the so-called Roswell incident more than 70 years ago. They claim an alien spaceship crashed on a remote ranch in New Mexico in the first week of July 1947. The Roswell Army Air Force issued a press release saying the military had recovered the remains of a “flying disc” which made front page news around the world. A few days later General Roger Ramey made the announcement at a press conference that the found object was just a weather balloon. His report started claims of a cover-up. “World Disclosure Day” will be designated as a day to draw focus on the issue. However, on that day the nations will comes forward to finally and formally acknowledge the alien presence. Paul Hellyer, a former deputy Prime Minister and ex-defense of Canada, spoke out at the first Canadian National Inquiry into UFOs a few months back, claiming that a bunch of bankers, oil cartels, industrial corporations and military intelligence agencies were behind the cover-up. Many believe an alien craft did crash at Roswell and the US and Canadian governments signed a deal not to tell the public about the visitation. 22
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A south Florida man pulled over for speeding called 911 to report a potential murder in hopes of avoiding a ticket. He was stopped by a police officer in Melbourne for driving over the limit. When the officer who cited him turned his back the man dialed 911.
Then there’s the story of the man that goes to see the Rabbi. “Rabbi, something terrible is happening and I have to talk with you about it.” The Rabbi asked, “What’s wrong?” The man replied, “My wife is going to poison me.” The Rabbi being very surprised, asks, “How can that be?” The man then pleads, “I’m telling you, I am certain she’s going to poison me. What should I do?” The Rabbi replies, “Let me talk to her, I’ll see what I can find out and I’ll let you know.” A week later the Rabbi calls the man. He says, “I spoke with your wife on the phone for three hours. You want my advice?” The man said, “Yes” and the Rabbi replied, “Take the poison.” I’ll close with this story. An old farmer in Paso County had owned a large farm for many years. He had a huge man-made pond out back with a beautiful picnic area. For years it was the perfect place to unwind or hold a family get together. As the farmer grew older, his oasis was used less and less. It eventually became the local swimming hole and while his neighbors occasionally took advantage of the pond, he rarely made an appearance. One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond. He hadn’t been there in a while and felt the urge to pay a visit to check things out. As he neared the pond, he heard loud playful voices giggling and laughing. He came closer and was astonished to see that a bunch of young women had decided to skinny dip in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of the pond. One of the women shouted to him, “We’re not coming out until you leave!” The old man replied, “I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim or make you get out of the pond naked. I’m here to feed the alligator.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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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.
711 E. Lancaster Rd Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-2121
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2402 Police Center Dr Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 717-9100 6706 N. 53rd St Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 744-2220 Sales: Ray Reteneller (813) 230-4216 or Mike Sanders (813) 240-7316
2001
2003
Present
©2016 International Paper Company. All rights reserved.
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Florida Strawberry Festival Announces 2017 Theme
The Florida Strawberry Festival released the theme for its 82nd annual event – “We’re Playing Your Song!” “Yes, it highlights our entertainment,” said General Manager Paul Davis. “But most of all, it points to our focus of providing what our visitors like.” A new theme is created for each year’s Festival to offer patrons a glimpse of the experience they will have at the 11 day event. It also unifies vendors, FFA chapters, organizations, corporate partners and exhibitors who create parade floats and displays
throughout the celebration, said Davis. The Festival’s strawberry character featured in each year’s theme artwork is an iconic part of the event’s branding and advertising efforts. In this theme’s artwork, he wears a baseball cap and sunglasses and plays a guitar. “It is our goal for every person who walks through our gate to leave satisfied, knowing we offered them something that they personally enjoy,” said Davis. “We think this theme reflects that well.”
About the Florida Strawberry Festival The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, nearly 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry 26
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shortcake. The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival where “We’re Playing Your Song!” takes place March 2-12 in Plant City, Fla. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest17).
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The Plight of the Piping Plover By Ginny Mink Last month we wrote about the Suwannee Cooter because we found the name amusing, though their plight is not. This month the piping plover stood out, maybe alliteration will be enough to draw your attention as well. If not, the pictures should do wonders for pulling on the heart strings. Seriously, look at how cute these wee birds are. How could you not want to know more about them and how to help? The piping plover has no problem sharing its habitat with a number of other birds. The black skimmers and least terns all enjoy similar locales. However, in all populations across the United States the plover is either threatened or endangered. In fact, it is also listed as endangered in Canada.¹ Some say that these birds remind them of windup toys because they will quickly dart across the beach in search of food. They gladly eat marine worms, crustaceans, small marine animals and their eggs, and a variety of insects. Most of these delicacies will be those that have washed up on shore.² Their nests are small depressions in the sand, which are called scrapes and they are often located in the same vicinity as those made by least terns. When their wee-ones are in danger, they will present a broken wing display to draw attention away from their children and toward themselves.¹ The piping plover is named after its melodic mating call. This small shore bird shows a single black band around its neck when in its breeding plumage. It has a pale underbelly and orange legs. When that is considered with its stout but short bill, this bird is easily identified.² Plovers are used as indicator species for barrier beaches. When they are not nesting on the beaches that is an indicator that things in the climate and composition have changed. Researchers believe that the changes noted by the piping plovers will also impact other nesting birds and sea turtles.² Due to their sandy colored upper body, piping plovers choose to walk or run rather than fly. Their bright white bellies would draw attention to them if they were to take wing. However, before they breed, the males will conduct an elaborate flight pattern to gain the attention of the ladies sitting below them in the breeding grounds.² Most plovers breed every year and some of them are ready to do so the first spring after they hatch. Their breeding season begins in early spring and they start making nests and laying eggs in April and the beginning of May. Both sexes incubate the eggs over the course of 28 days and their clutch generally consists of 3-4 eggs. Most of the young are ready to go out on their own by August or September.² Due to the fact that plovers love the beach, they are endangered by 28
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the other things that share that affinity. Humans are a significant problem, as are feral cats. In fact, in New York City the American Bird Conservancy has asked that the feral cats on Jones Beach be removed.² Of course, there are other issues the piping plovers face. Beach habitats are frequently harmed by shoreline development and the stabilization projects that go with them. Oddly enough, poorly sited wind turbines, and oil and gas industry operations are all contributors to the birds’ decline.² Thankfully, the critical nesting habitats are now being protected. That has aided in some significant population increases. Public education and limiting off road vehicle traffic are some other ways of making a difference in the successes of this bird species.² No doubt you might be wondering how these birds are attached to Florida. In truth, they don’t breed here but they do spend their time wintering here. They are protected by the US Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In Florida, they are protected by the management of their wintering grounds. When they are disturbed, their survival odds are significantly reduced. That is why you might see their wintering areas protected by signs along the beaches of Florida.³ The US Fish and Wildlife Service has published a revised copy of their Piping Plover Recovery Plan, it was produced by the Atlantic Coast Piping Plover Recovery Team in 1996. Their desire was to increase the population, and provide long-term protection, for breeding and wintering plovers. The plan delineates some very specific objectives that have currently not been reached.⁴ You can feel free to read all the steps and recommendations necessary for achieving these objectives. But, since you are probably incapable of standing watch over wintering birds, or traveling up north to guard their nesting grounds, you can keep an eye on the beaches in your area. Whenever big money wants to over develop for selfish gain, take a stand. We are being entrusted with this planet by God, so it is our duty to protect all He has put here. That includes those little birds, the piping plovers, who are willing to sacrifice their own lives for their babies. Resources: ¹American Bird Conservancy: https://abcbirds.org/bird/piping-plover/ ²Defenders of Wildlife: https://www.defenders.org/piping-plover/ basic-facts ³Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: http://myfwc. com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/birds/piping-plover/ ⁴US Fish and Wildlife Services: http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_ plan/960502.pdf WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Florida
Mulberries By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
While Florida is famous for its strawberries, the Sunshine State is also home to another delicious type of berry, the mulberry. The mulberry is a member of the Moraceae family, which also includes figs, jackfruit, and breadfruit. Bearing a resemblance to slender blackberries, mulberries are delicious eaten out-of-hand or made into jellies, desserts, or beverages. The tree is naturally resistant to disease and insects, and the berries are popular with wildlife. In the United States, the mulberry tree is grown mainly from Florida to west Texas.
The three main types of mulberries are white, black, and red. White mulberries are named after the white color of the flower buds, not the color of the actual berry, which can be pink, white, purple, or black. White mulberries are sweet, but have less flavor and tartness than the red or black varieties. Black mulberries are known as the most flavorful variety. They are grown in Florida and California. Black mulberry trees are known for their longevity, and can sometimes produce fruit for more than a century. Red mulberries are reddish to black in color, and sweet with a little tartness. Peak season for mulberries in Florida extend from summer to early autumn, and the black mulberries have a longer season than the white and red types.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Sweet, tart, and refreshing, fresh Florida mulberries are packed with powerful, disease-fighting antioxidants, fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of fresh mulberries (140 g) contains 60 calories, 2 g protein, 0.5 g fat, 14 g carbohydrate, and 2 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 85% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 14% for vitamin K and iron, 10% for dietary fiber, and plentiful amounts of potassium, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, the B vitamins, and other nutrients.
VITAMIN C
One cup of mulberries provides almost a full day’s worth of your daily vitamin C requirements. This vitamin is important for a healthy immune system, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron, and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth. Eating foods high in vitamin C will help your body absorb more of the iron you consume through foods and supplements. Current research findings support that vitamin C’s benefits come from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of produce, including mulberries, is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as eating the fruit itself.
RIBOFLAVIN
Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, is one of eight B vitamins. All of the B vitamins help the body to convert food into fuel which can WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
then used as energy for the body. The B vitamins are needed to help the nervous system function properly, as well as for maintaining a healthy liver, skin, hair, and eyes. In addition to the above functions, riboflavin works as an antioxidant, much in the way as vitamin C does. Riboflavin is also needed to help the body change vitamin B6 and folate into forms the body can use. It is also important for red blood cell production.
FOLATE
Florida mulberries are a good source of the B vitamin folate, a vitamin that can reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord (neural tube defects) in the fetus. Pregnant women should consume a diet high in folate, and eating berries and other fruits and vegetables every day can help. Folate is also essential for growth and development, and plays a key role in DNA formation. Its heart-healthy benefits come from its ability to lower homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid in the blood that is correlated with heart disease. Additionally, low levels of folate have been linked with low energy levels, depression and even memory impairments. So it’s an essential vitamin for everyone, in addition to its significant importance for the developing fetus.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Choose mulberries that are deeply colored. They should feel firm to the touch, but not hard or mushy. They are best eaten as soon as possible. They can be stored for several days, in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze mulberries in a sealed plastic bag for up to several months. The frozen berries can be tossed straight into a smoothie, or thawed before use. Wash the berries right before you plan to eat them, but not in advance since the extra moisture can cause them to perish quicker.
HOW TO ENJOY
Fresh mulberries are delicious eaten out-of-hand. They can also be made into wines or jellies. When dried, they bear a resemblance to raisins. Other ways to enjoy them include: • Tossed in a vegetable or fruit salad • Dipped in chocolate • Sliced over cold cereal or hot oatmeal • Baked into a cake or pie • Stirred into a pitcher of water, lemonade, or iced tea • As a topper for ice cream or shortcake or yogurt • Blended into a smoothie or milkshake Enjoy deliciously sweet Florida mulberries today before the season is over. With its naturally sweet flavor and vivid colors, they make a nutritious treat any time of the day.
SELECTED REFERENCES
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.florida-agriculture.com http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/ mulberry.html INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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INTRODUCING THE BEST-IN-CLASS
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Introducing the Best-In-Class Standard 6-Year Warranty*, available on all Compact Utility Tractors*. You expect the highest quality when you buy a Deere, now expect it longer... We take pride in working with those who work with the land. With superior customer support through leasing, rentals, in-field service support, technology, the best parts availability, and loyalty programs just to name a few, we’re ready to be your equipment partner for the long haul. And with the Best-In-Class Standard 6-Year Warranty*, your partner for the long-er haul… Give us a call or visit us online today EvergladesFarmEquipment.com
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There’s a New Whitefly in Town, the Q-Biotype
By Susan Haddock, Commercial Horticulture/Integrated Pest Management/Small Farms Agent, UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension
Since the early 1900s whiteflies have been common pests on ornamental and vegetable plants. Adults resemble tiny white moths and tend to take flight when plants are disturbed or sprayed. Most adult whiteflies are about 1/16 inch long with four wings. The body and wings are covered with a fine white powdery wax. Immature whiteflies or nymphs are flat, oval and smaller than a pin head, and are found on the undersides of leaves. The nymphs vary in appearance from whitish to light green to transparent to a black center with white fringe. Identification is based on adult characteristics. Bemisia tabaci, the sweet potato or tobacco whitefly is the specie most ornamental and vegetable growers, and landscapers have encountered. Identification of B. tabaci differs from other whiteflies in that they are very tiny (less than 1/25 inch), the wings angle sharply downward covering the sides of the body, the head and body is yellowish in color, and the wings are pure white with no bands or spots. Research has determined that this specie has a number of ‘biotypes’ or ‘races.’ Each biotype has unique geographical distribution and genetic makeup. The most important biotypes in Florida are the ‘B’ and ‘Q’ biotypes. Although ‘B’ has been a pest in Florida land40 40
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scapes and greenhouses since the 1980s, it is controlled using an integrated pest management program. The bad news is that the ‘Q’ biotype is very resistant to common pesticides, insect growth regulators and neonicotinoids, used to suppress outbreaks in landscapes and greenhouses and has been identified in the Tampa Bay region. According to the UF/IFAS Whitefly Pest Alert: “It can be characterized as being virtually immune to the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen (Distance), having strikingly reduced susceptibility to the IGR buprofezin (Talus), and having a reduced susceptibility to the neonicotinoids insecticides imidacloprid (Marathon or Merit), acetamiprid (TriStar) and thimethoxam (Flagship)…as determined by laboratory bioassays.” Over 500 species of plants are host to whiteflies. Common ornamentals include: poinsettia, hibiscus, ivy, gerbera daisy, lantana, verbena, garden chrysanthemum, salvia, and mandevilla. Whitefly damage can be recognized as chlorotic spots, leaf yellowing, leaf drop, stem blanching, and plant death with high infestations. Plant damage is caused by whiteflies feeding on plant phloem. They inject enzymes and remove sap which reduces the hardiness of the plant. Look for tiny gnat-like WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
insects on plants. Both adults and nymphs are found on the underside of leaves. Plants may have sooty mold or black fungus on the leaves. At this point the ‘Q’ biotype is not causing big problems in landscapes, however, it is capable of carrying and spreading a number of devastating viruses that can significantly affect crops and be very costly to farmers. Because so many of our suburban neighborhoods and landscapes border farms that produce major economic crops in Florida, landscapers are on the front line to
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stop the spread of the ‘Q’ biotype whitefly. DO NOT take infested plant material with live whiteflies off the property. Securely bag infested plant clippings and put in the trash, not the landfill. For verification that you may have the Q-biotype sweet potato whitefly, contact your UF/IFAS Extension office for instructions on how to submit samples. Professional landscapers are urged to contact the Extension office for pesticide treatment recommendations and mode of action rotation schedules.
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Swine Exhibitors 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival HALEI ALDERMAN ARIEL ALDOUS KAGEN ALRED TANNER ASHLEY MAHAYLA AUSBURN JADE BANKS ASHLYN BARROR HALEY BELL CHASE BRAGLIN JAKE BRAGLIN WYATT BROWN LYNZI BUTLER RUSSELL BUTLER RACHEL CARTER MORGAN CHANCEY CHANCE CHRISTIE NICHOLAS CLAUSSEN RHET CONYERS DESTINY COX BRYSTAL CUNNINGHAM MATHEW DIEM JESSE DONNELL WYATT DRAWDY OLIVIA ENNIS CASSIDY ERAMO CHASE FARRIS CASSANDRA FINCHER ELIZABETH FORD MAKENNA FOX EMMA GRACE FUTCH JACK GARDNER
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ALEXIS GILBERT LOGAN GOODYEAR MATTHEW GREENAKER ADDISON GRIFFIN AVA HASTING MILEE HASTING KENNETH HATTAWAY WILL HAXTON VALENTINA HEGEDUS TIFFANEY HENRY CARTER HERNDONSTALVEY WYATT HINTON AUSTIN HOLCOMB ANNE-MARIE IAMPIERIMCGINNIS SETH IRWIN MICHAEL JONES JR. GARRETT LINTON SIERA LINTON ELAM LIVERMORE CECILY LLAUGER DAKOTA MCARTHUR EMMA GRACE MCCONNELL COOPER MCDONALD KYLEIGH MURRAY COREY NEAL ALLEE NORIEGA JACOB OGEDN LUKE PATTEN
October 2016
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PARTS & EQUIPMENT IN STOCK AT KENNCO YEAR ROUND!!!! You know what works... and we’ve listened to you.
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Fall For Florida Leaves Colorful View Of Electoral College by John Dicks
Do you the feel that crisp seasonal bite in the air? Yes, Fall is here. But for Florida, rather than any chilly Autumn air, that evening sting comes mostly from the non-stop nagging political TV ads! Probably more so than any other state in the union, we’ll keep getting barraged with campaign commercials right through election day, set by our nation’s Constitution as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, otherwise referred to this year as November 8. Clinton vs. Trump. Trump vs. Clinton. Over and over again, each one tarnishing the other. Yet almost surprisingly, on a trip to California in September, I saw hardly a single Presidential campaign commercial! The same is also true this election cycle for the state of Texas. It may seem strange that next to nothing is being spent on the Presidential campaigns in the two largest states in the nation. The reason, however, can be found in the results of our infamous Electoral College. When our Constitution was being drafted at the Convention of 1787, several methods of electing the President were considered. Some suggested leaving the selection to Congress. Others argued that the governors of the states should do it, or alternatively, by the state legislatures. Still other delegates advocated for a direct popular election by the people. After much compromise and deliberation (that for sake of time I won’t delve into), the method for picking our President was chosen to be by a fabricated system named the Electoral College. Some changes over the years have naturally been made but the framework still remains. Every four years, Electors (as determined by the states) meet to vote for President. Each state (and the District of Columbia) sends a number of Electors equal to its congressional delegation, thus at least three, representing that each state has two Senators and at least one member of the House of Representatives. California, our nation’s most populous state, sends the largest delegation with 55 Electors. Texas is number two with 38 and Florida and New York are tied at third with a delegation of 29 Electors. The total number of Electors meeting in the Electoral College is 538.
Each state’s delegation is determined by the state’s popular vote on November 8. And it is effectively a “winner take all,” meaning, of course, that even in a close election where one candidate gets just one more vote than the other, the winner gets the state’s entire electoral votes. Thus if Trump wins Texas, as expected, the entire slate of 38 will be pledged for Trump. Likewise, if Clinton wins California, as expected, she gets all 55. Consequently, in those states where the lead for one or the other is so large, valuable campaign resources simply are not spent on Presidential campaigns and instead are shifted to the states, like Florida, where the outcome is expected to be razor-edge close. Simply put, our state’s 29 electoral votes are up for grabs and polls indicate that the race is so close that the outcome could go either way. Interesting is that diving deeply into the research of both Democrats and Republicans suggest that a swing of a few votes either way right here in Hillsborough County could determine the results. That’s why in addition to nonstop campaign commercials we’re seeing so much of the candidates themselves constantly visiting our Sunshine State. Clinton and Trump both desperately want and need our 29 Electoral votes! So how does all of this add up? Since there are a total of 538 votes in the Electoral college and the Constitution requires a majority to win, the magic number each candidate is looking for is 270. There is the unusual possibility that neither candidate could get to 270 since the Electors are not required (though they are expected) to vote as pledged. That’s happened more than you would imagine, the most recent being in the year 2000 when Bush vs. Gore saw Florida playing such a significant role. Such unusual votes by the Electoral delegates have never been a number high enough to have influenced the outcome of a presidential election. If it did happen and no candidate receives a majority (at least 270), then the matter is determined by Congress where the President is elected by the House of Representatives and the Vice President is elected by the Senate. That could lead to a President of one party and a Vice President of another, making for strange times, indeed.
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. 46 46
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The Family Business There is an old saying that says, “If you can raise a family, you can build a business.” Rose and Scott Laviano tend to agree with this statement because they were high school sweethearts from Massachusetts who raised a family and started their own business called YoYo Juice. “After high school we started a family right way and now have three children, Joe 23, Scottie 20, and Caitlin 16,” said Rose Laviano. “Scott began working in retail customer service while I stayed at home to take care of the family. We have been involved with organizing various fundraising events and booster clubs for our children’s sports teams, as well as donating back to the public through our corporate connections and sponsors. It has been a dream of ours to one day move to Florida, open our own business and work together as a family.” Their son, Scottie Jr. came up with the name for their business. “After-school activities didn’t leave much time, some days, to sit down together and eat as a family,” said Rose Laviano. “We would say to the kids ‘You’re on your own for dinner, have what you want’ (YoYo’s for short). Since we were taking over a juice and smoothie shop, we felt we just had to name it ‘YoYo Juice.’ The name also relates to how ‘You’re on Your own’ when it comes to your health.” YoYo Juice serves a variety of fresh-squeezed juices, all natural and no sugar added smoothies, salads, gourmet wraps, and snacks. “All of our specialty menu items are customizable to the customer’s choice,” said Scott. “We also provide online-ordering at www.yoyojuice.com for saving time and convenience, as well as catering for schools, birthday parties, corporate functions and sporting events.” They do not add turbinado, sugar or stevia in any of their smoothies and juic48
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es. All of their menu items are guaranteed to the customers’ satisfaction. “We have the capability of customizing any of our menu items and we keep a history of our customers’ orders,” said Scott. “They just provide us their phone number and we take care of everything else. This enables us to provide excellent customer service as well as getting to know their likes and dislikes. We also have several types of VIP and frequent diner rewards. Customers can earn free and discounted items, Military discounts, and fitness membership discounts.” There are some great health benefits to drinking fresh juices and fruit smoothies. Vegetables and fruits supply the body with a wealth of vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity and fight oxidative stress in the body. Most Americans only get 59 percent of the recommended amount of vegetables daily and 42 percent of fruits, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Juicing also affords you an opportunity to experiment with vegetables you might not normally consume or know how to use in recipes, like kale or beets, which are bursting with nutrients such as vitamin K and B vitamins. The Laviano’s are strong supports of shopping local and keeping things local. “Shopping local is very important to us,” said Scott. “We are not a franchise and do not have the backing and advertising opportunities that a national chain would. As members and on the Board of Directors for the Valrico Fishhawk Chamber of Commerce, we support, shop and network with other local community businesses to enable their growth as well.” The couple locally sources their produce for their juices and smoothies as well. “Ninety-five percent of our fruits and produce is purchased in Plant City from Plant City Produce,” said Rose. “The yogurt for our smoothies comes from Boynton Beach, Florida.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The Laviano Family and YoYo Juice are very involved with the community as well. “We are very active in the community and we support local schools, Relay for Life teams, and Best Buddies, just to name a few,” said Scott. “We have our concession trailer ‘YoYo-onthe-Go’ and we are able to bring our healthier items anywhere. We are able to do private catering for parties, corporate lunches, sporting events, and community food truck rallies.” If you would like to learn more about YoYo Juice and the products they offer, you can visit their website at www.yoyojuice.com or call 813-653-4300. You can also check out their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/yoyojuiceinc. YoYo Juice is located 1044 Bloomingdale Avenue, Valrico.
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Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Citrus Dream Milkshake Ingredients
1/2 ounce natural sugar 4 ounces grapefruit juice 4 ounces orange juice 2 drops natural vanilla extract 4 ounces low-fat milk
DIRECTIONS Pour the orange juice, grapefruit juice, milk, sugar and vanilla extract into a blender with 2 ounces (approximately 4 cups) of ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass, add a straw and serve. Garnish with sliced fruit.
Florida Steak Bowl INGREDIENTS 1 eight-ounce strip steak 1 teaspoon Latin spice mix 2 ears corn, roasted and kernels removed from the cob 1 large tomato, diced 1 cup black beans, from a can, drained 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, hand torn 1/2 lime, juiced (plus more if desired)
1/4 teaspoon powdered cumin Your favorite hot sauce (for heat) Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste 1 cup leaf lettuce, rinsed and chopped 2 cups brown rice, cooked as directed on package
DIRECTIONS
Generously season the strip steak with the Latin spice mix on both sides. To grill, place steak on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill the steak, covered, 12 to 15 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 10 to 13 minutes) for medium rare (145°F) to medium (160°F) doneness, turning occasionally. When desired temperature is reached, remove steak from grill and let it rest. To cook indoors, preheat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the preheated pan. Carefully add the seasoned steak to the oiled sauté pan. Cook steak for 2 to 4 minutes on each side until desired internal temperature is 52
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reached. Remove steak from pan and let rest. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the corn, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, diced tomato, hot sauce and black beans. Stir ingredients to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Slice the steak against the grain into 1/4 inch strips. In two serving bowls, layer the rice, salsa and lettuce and place the steak strips on top. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink
Time travel is a fascinating thing. When we jump on the literary time machine we are given the opportunity to voyage back to 1926, ninety years in the past, and see what plants and gardening recommendations were advisable at that time. Who would think that a nearly 100 year old book could still hold relevance and give us insight from whence we came? We bet Mr. Charles Torrey-Simpson never dreamed his book would go this far! Last month we concluded with a study on bulbous plants, and this month we are going to take a look at what Mr. Simpson calls: Miscellaneous Air Plants. Maybe you know a thing or two about air plants, but our knowledge doesn’t go too much further than staghorn ferns and Spanish moss. We wonder what Mr. Simpson can teach us this month. He first discusses a genus of bromeliads known as catopsis. He says, “One of these has rather wide soft, somewhat glaucous leaves, while those of the other are narrower, stiff and green, but although the two names...are given for these in the botanies yet the descriptions are so poor that I cannot tell which is which.”¹ He then gets a little irritated. He writes, “Grisebach says in his Flora of the British West Indies that both are the same, and this is wrong. Probably none of the authors ever saw either of the plants in a growing state and describe them from hearsay or dried specimens. Both have rather attractive, white flowers and are striking ornaments in our low hammocks.”¹ He was pretty protective of the plants he experienced personally. Not to interrupt the flow of the time travel experience, but when we have to quote words we don’t know, it is a little disparaging. Therefore, we would like to illuminate the meaning of the word glaucous for ourselves and our readers. Merriam-Webster informs us that glaucous means either pale yellow-green, light bluish-gray, or bluish white in color. Although, it could also mean that the plant had a waxy or powdery coating that kind of makes it look frosted but can 54
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be rubbed off. So, for us, that meant we needed to see the plant. You can determine the right definition via the picture, too! His next inclusion is one we are familiar with, but its scientific name was intriguing, dendropogon. This, he says, is Spanish moss. And he informs readers that it can be found in the swamps of Virginia all the way down South to Uruguay and Chile. He does make one distinction though. He says, “On Paradise Key in Dade County another species grows which is more silvery in appearance than the former.”¹ Rhipsalis finds its place on his list, but that is shocking since everything else seems to be bromeliad based. He explains that it is, “A slender, trailing, practically thornless cactus.”¹ Then he makes the experience personal by adding, “I have had the plant many years on my place and it may easily be propagated by pressing the berries against a fissure in the bark of a tree when the seeds will germinate and soon produce fine, striking plants.”¹ We had to wonder a little about rhipsalis so we looked it up and discovered that it is commonly known as mistletoe cactus. But, there are about 50 members in its genus. Most of them are found in Central and South America but only one is found in Madagascar and Africa. The berries he suggested for propagation are pea-sized.² As he closes this section it is important to note his affinity for bromeliads. He is very specific about them in his conclusion saying, “It is often difficult if not impossible to tear one of these Bromeliads from the tree and make it live, even if all the roots come with it.”¹ That’s a nice way of telling you to leave them alone. But if you just can’t help yourself, he continues by giving detailed directives, “If it grows on a branch cut it off below where the plant is attached and nail or wire it to a tree and if it is on the bark of a trunk or large branch cut the bark from under the plant, being careful to not greatly disturb the roots. Then tack or wire this bark onto another tree and the epiphyte will not be injured.”¹ Sometimes his quotes WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
seem like typos because of the absence of commas, but we guess commas weren’t as common 90 years ago. In case you never developed a love for bromeliads as Mr. Simpson obviously has, it might be time to do a little more research on them. They are incredible plants that grow on trees (or rocks) and produce some of the most gorgeous flowers you have ever seen. And, believe it or not, you have probably even eaten one at some point in your life since pineapples belong to the bromeliad family. Until next time, do a little reading on bromeliads and get yourself prepared for our next voyage which will take us into the most gorgeous and dainty world of: Orchids! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 116-117). ²CactiGuide.com. Genus: Rhipsalus. http://cactiguide.com/ cactus/?genus=Rhipsalis Photos: Catopsis- by: Nico Nelson - https://flic.kr/p/aBegGj Rhipsalis- by: Mike Steinhoff - https://flic.kr/p/hZzq5a Bromeliad- by: Earnest McGray Jr. - https://flic.kr/p/dbvc8D WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Getting Involved: A Community Effort at Strawberry Crest By Ginny Mink
Strawberry Crest is still a relatively new school, as local schools go. So, it is in the process of constantly attempting to improve upon and build its agriculture program and FFA participation. Interestingly enough, this intense devotion to improvement has garnered a serious amount of community backing and support. This year the team at Strawberry Crest admittedly decided at, “kind of the last minute,” to grow some strawberries. Unfortunately, when you consider at the last possible moment, that planting an entire crop of the area’s most precious commodity is a good idea, you need some sort of miracle to get the job done. Although better planning on their part is seriously recommended, Strawberry Crest’s FFA was somehow able to rake in the support. We spoke with Strawberry Crest’s FFA Vice President, Destiny Cox. The Reporter, Raelyn Hudson, was present as well. Although Raelyn was pretty quiet, Destiny was a plethora of thrill and enthusiasm over the radical accomplishments realized on their campus. According to her, Matt Parke of Parkesdale Farm was a huge contributor to the success of the endeavor. She told us that he came out with two tractors. One was used to create the rows in the field and the other was designed to lay the plastic. Although they only covered a half acre tract, she was super excited by the fact that Mr. Parke allowed some students to ride the tractor that was laying the plastic “so they got the full experience.” Some even got to drive the tractors and he taught them all about why strawberries are planted that way. She then informed us that Josh Young, of Crop Protection Services, supplied the plastics and will be providing the fumigants and fertilizers for the endeavor. This was particularly incredible in her mind because those are the things needed to ensure that they have a successful crop. He has also offered to come and speak to their classes to discuss what he does at Crop Protection Services and how he is helping the community. Dennis Der was another significant contributor, according to Destiny. In reference to the strawberries potential success, she has been informed that if they are unable to utilize and sell all the strawberries they produce, Mr. Parke will put them to good work as strawberry milkshakes at Parkesdale Farm. Everybody loves a good strawberry milkshake and this year’s season might include strawberries raised at Strawberry Crest! 56
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But, this experience with community involvement has not been the end all be all. In fact, the Alumni Association is particularly involved thanks to the leadership of Matt Hudson as its President. Other community leaders are also actively participating in assisting in the growth and direction of the Strawberry Crest agriculture program. Destiny listed, Danny Perkins of Antioch Feed, Bill Burnett of Harold’s Feed, Wallace Ranch, Dennis Der, and our very own well-loved, Ed Raburn. She also informed us of the success during the recent Ag-stravaganza event held at Strawberry Crest on the 26th of September. Items that they had purchased for an auction were purchased and re-donated for future events. Community leaders and supporters were willing to donate hogs and heifers for the competitions coming up in the spring. Mr. Perkins will be supplying all the hog feed, and the heifers came from Wallace Ranch. Essentially, it was an all-around success. It is apparent that Strawberry Crest’s three advisors are doing a phenomenal job with the students under their care. They are instilling in them a desire to persevere through the unknowns of agricultural success, and they are supporting them as they reach out to the community for assistance. Destiny wanted to be sure that these three individuals got attention as well. So with our support, Destiny and the FFA officers would like to thank: Susan Mayo, Michele Cesario, and Andrew McNair. Before we closed our conversation with the two young ladies, we asked if there was anything else they would like to say. Destiny responded, “We’re just trying to get our program to grow and we just want to thank the people that have already offered to help us. And, if anyone wants to donate supplies for our heifers that would be awesome! Or if they want to donate contest supplies that would be great too. Anything and everything can help and we are just greatly appreciative for that. We want to show the importance of agriculture because without agriculture we wouldn’t be able to feed the people that we feed. Not a lot of people know what the FFA is about and how important agriculture is. We just want to say thank you to all of the people that are helping us spread the word.” If you are interested in assisting Strawberry Crest on their agricultural journey, you can contact Destiny Cox at (813) 727-2523 with donations and supplies. They are truly grateful for all that the community has done, and will do, for their program. Looks like they are off to a good start this school year and we will look forward to strawberry samples soon! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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The Kilgore Seed Co. One of the many businesses that Plant City is known for is the Kilgore Seed Company, and its buildings were prominent both along the tracks between North and South Drane and just west of Collins Street, and the two red brick buildings at 208-212 South Collins Street adjacent to the big curve in the S track. The story of the birth of the seed company is an interesting one, according to the Bruton and Bailey book, Plant City; Its Origin and History. In 1905 Henry Madison Kilgore journeyed from Texas to Bartow, Florida, where he married Flossie Motes. He then moved to Tampa for a short while, then on to Plant City where he operated a barber shop. Flossie Motes Kilgore learned about seeds while working with an uncle in the business in Bartow and began preparing packets of seeds for display and sale out of the barber shop. The seed business flourished and soon Henry Madison Kilgore was pedaling seeds door to door to farmers, first on foot, then with a horse and buggy. By 1910 they opened their first retail store, but mail-orders had become the bulk of sales, and they amassed a mailing list of nearly 40,000 names for the increasingly popular Kilgore Seed Company an60
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By Plant City Photo Archives, Inc. nual catalog. Mr. Kilgore became the president of the Southern Seed Association, and by the late 1920s there was a Kilgore Seed Company store in every major vegetable-producing area in the state. About 1930 the Kilgores sold the business to the Asgrow Seed Company and retired. Henry was elected to the State Legislature in 1932 and represented East Hillsborough in Tallahassee for two years, and later started Kilgore Hardware and Auto Parts, Inc. in Tampa. After the Kilgores sold the business, Harry Manee became president and served until he retired in 1966. In 1968 the business (Kilgore and Asgrow) was sold to the Upjohn Company and in 1970 the name was changed to Asgrow Florida Company, and, although the management remained the same, the Kilgore name disappeared. Henry and Flossie had two sons, Ottis Kilgore worked for the Kilgore Seed Company for 45 years, and Madison Adair Kilgore bought and operated the Kilgore Hardware and Auto Parts Company. Sources: Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Jr. Plant City; Its Origin and History, and Plant City Photo Archives, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Jim Frankowiak
FLORIDA AG EXPO – NOVEMBER 2 – AT GCREC Premier Event for Florida Fruit and Vegetable Growers
Fruit and vegetable growers in the Sunshine State are encouraged to register (at no charge) for Florida Ag Expo, the only show in the state offering the latest information on new production trends and techniques, sample new varieties and participate in field trials. Producers of tomato, strawberry, pepper, cucurbits and more will have the opportunity to discover new ideas for increasing yields and bolstering their business. The event will once again tavke place at the University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Wimauma November 2. Florida Ag Expo is organized by Florida Grower Magazine in cooperation with UF/IFAS, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Committee and Florida Strawberry Growers Association. The show’s educational agenda will include updates on biologicals, Q biotype whitefly, mites affecting strawberries and fungal problems, nematode management, hops and blackberries as well as other topics keyed to grower interests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit an expansive exhibit area where scores of industry suppliers will be featuring the latest products, equipment and service innovations. At this year’s Florida Ag Expo, there will be an opportunity for attendees to participate in a 75-minute pest identification session that focuses on key pest of horticultural crops including whiteflies, spider mites, aphids and thrips. This will be a hands-on session that will teach participants how to identify pests using a hand lens, microscope and the naked eye. They will also learn how to identify common natural enemies that help control these pests, including predators and parasitoids. CEUs have been applied for and anticipate 1.5 units to be available to participants. Additional sessions focused on the identification of important diseases in vegetable and fruit crops will include: 66
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• Vegetable Pest Identification – Dr. Hugh Smith – 10:45 a.m. and 1:30p.m. • Small Fruit Pest Identification – Dr. Justin Renkema – 10:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. • Disease Identification – Dr. Gary Vallad and Dr. Natalia Peres – 10:45 and 1:30 p.m. Each session is limited to 25 participants. Session registration will be available at Florida Ag Expo at the front desk in the main building. Additional information on session content is available by emailing Dr. Smith (email: hughsmith@ufl.edu). Field tours – among the most popular features of Florida Ag Expo – will be led by a team of UF/IFAS researchers through plots adjacent to the GCREC, which are home to a range of studies covering new varieties, crop protection methods, water conservation and other subject areas. Tours begin at 10:45 a.m. and after lunch at 1:30 p.m. Field tours participants will qualify for 1.5 CEU units. This year’s tour highlights include: Plant Health Vegetable Pathology: (Gary Vallad) • Use of copper alternatives for managing bacterial spot of tomato and pepper. • Demonstration of a supplemental fumigation strategy for managing Fusarium wilt of tomato. • Evaluation of fungicides for the management of vegetable diseases. Weed Science: (Nathan Boyd) • Weed management programs for cabbage • Weed control in vegetables with fumigants • Fumigant/herbicide programs for vegetable production Entomology: (Strawberry; Justin Renkema) WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
• Two spotted spider mites: identification, damage, management • Broad mites & cyclamen mites • Chilli thrips: a new strawberry pest • Pamera seed bugs & Armyworms
• Blackberry cane pruning and training for successful fruit production • Use of the plant hormone gibberellic acid to artificially induce flowering and improve fruit set
Horticulture
Miscellaneous Post-harvest disorders of Fruits and Vegetables (Steve Seargent) Vegetable Entomology (Hugh Smith)
Breeding: (Sam Hutton) • The tomato hybrid trial tour will showcase some of the latest UF/ IFAS and commercial hybrids, alongside several proven varieties that are industry standards. The tour will also include virus-inoculated demonstrations plots of hybrids with TYLCV resistance. Horticulture: (Shinsuke Agehara) • Blackberry cultivar evaluation: ‘Nachez’, ‘Navaho’, and ‘Ouachita’
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New this year will be a CORE CEU session to enable growers to earn 1 Core. The Core session will be held from 3:10 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Note – schedule and speakers are subject to change). For registration and additional information about Florida Ag Expo, visit: http://www.floridaagexpo.com.
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provides a full line of
Organic Products and Systemic Nutritionals for the Strawberry Industry.
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A POWERFUL SYNERGY The Partnership of UF/IFAS and the FSGA
By Jim Frankowiak
It is almost unbelievable that the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) began in November of 1982 with a total budget of $85,000 for salaries, marketing, research and expenses for its first year of operation. From that very modest beginning, the FSGA and its partnership with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) coupled with the hard work of strawberry growers have grown into a substantial economic force which last year recorded sales approaching $350 million and an overall economic impact of $750 million. Dr. Chip Hinton was the part time executive director and Glenda McNary was the other member of the FSGA staff at the time of FSGA’s formation, both working part-time. The association was brought about by “a group of young Turks of the industry,” said Hinton, who served as the FSGA’s executive director through 2006, “and they signed a note to finance the association during its formative years.” The FSGA mission as set for by its founders – Carl Grooms, Allen Williford, Tommy Brock, Johnny St. Martin and Bob Hinton --from the outset was to become “partners in research, promotion and member/community service.” Although strawberries had been grown in the Plant City area since the 1880s, growers continually relied on plants from California. “Those strawberries were nowhere near the quality of today’s berries, and about a third rotted on the plant,” said Hinton. “There was minimal disease resistance, too. And we were paying royalties in excess of $260,000 for plants not suited to our climate.” The “Turks” recognized that strawberries grown in the Plant City area were marketable at a time when berries from California were 70 70
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simply not available. Collectively they saw an opportunity over the long term provided varieties could be developed that were better suited for the Plant city area climate even though the development of new strawberry varieties is a rigorous process that takes anywhere from seven to 10 years. While the FSGA was in its infancy, the City of Oxnard, California invited Ron Wetherington and the late Roy Parke along with Hinton to be guests and provide guidance on how that western town could replicate Plant City’s Renowned Strawberry Festival. “That trip provided us with an opportunity to meet with strawberry researchers at the University of California at Davis and it gave us an insight into their breeding program,” said Hinton. For many years, the UC-Davis program had been the hallmark for strawberry variety research and development. “That helped us understand what would work for us and what would not in our own Florida breeding program.” That understanding among the newly formed FSGA led to meetings with UF/IFAS officials and the development of a research program tailored to the needs and capabilities of strawberry growers in the Plant City area. UF is a land-grant university, and as such has as its mission to focus on “the teaching of practical agriculture, science and engineering -- without excluding classical studies-- as a response to the industrial revolution and changing social class.” Florida’s governing body for higher education created IFAS in 1964 by reorganizing UF’s College of Agriculture, School of Forestry, Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
into a single unit. Today, UF/IFAS includes: Extension offices in each of the state’s 67-counties, 12 Research and Education Centers, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, the School of Natural Resources and Environment, the Center for Tropical Agriculture, portions of the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant Program and International Programs. At the time the FSGA was formed, there was a small Strawberry Research Center near Plant City with a very modest staff, while the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) of UF/IFAS was based in Manatee County near Bradenton. Plant Pathologist Dr. Charley Howard developed the Sweet Charley, Florida Bell and Dover varieties at the Dover research facility and they were the first patented strawberries developed in Florida for Plant City area growers. “That was a turning point for the industry,” said Hinton. The majority of royalties from the sale of those Florida patented plants supported research for continued development of varieties that would be beneficial for Plant City area growers. The FSGA created the Florida Strawberry Patent Service and it holds exclusive rights to license agreements for growing Florida patented strawberry varieties and the collection of royalties. The FSGA’s Florida Strawberry and Research Education Foundation oversees and funds approved research programs. In the early 2000’s budget cuts prompted UF/IFAS to take a hard look at its various research and education centers across the state. Dr. Jack Rechcigl, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center director, both then and currently, was directed to consolidate and modernize facilities located at Dover and near Bradenton. “Tomato growers wanted the center to remain in Manatee County, while strawberry growers did not want to lose their center in Dover,” he said. “The discussions became so strained, the option of closing both facilities seemed to be the only way to bring the discussion to a conclusion, while meeting budget constraints. However, thanks to the efforts of tomato grower Jay Taylor and strawberry grower Marvin Brown a site committee made up of growers from Manatee and Hillsborough counties made recommendations as to where the new center would be located. The group agreed the location of the new facility would be based upon the best offer we would receive from either Hillsborough or Manatee County.” The winning location was in Balm in southern Hillsborough County. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners offered 475-acres at no cost, Governor Jeb Bush permitted the $14 million from the sale of the former center in Manatee County to the local public school system to be used to construct the new facility and the Hillsborough offer also included $500,000 from the Phosphate Trust Fund. “The offer and land was ideal for our needs,” said Rechcigl. The location offers research fields, state-of-the-art clean housing and laboratory facilities. That whole process involved a great deal of support at the county and state levels from the agricultural industry. “Chip Hinton, Stephen Gran, Hugh Gramling and others were instrumental in securing support from Tallahassee and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners,” said Rechcigl. “Our center faculty and staff have doubled since we moved to Hillsborough County. We are now at 150.” In addition to doubling in size, the ”Strawberry Team” as current FSGA Executive Director Kenneth Parker refers to the researchers at the GCREC, is a group of scientists who work especially well with one another, colleagues at Gainesville and strawberry growers. In addition to strawberry breeder, Dr. Vance Whitaker, the “team” includes Dr. Natalia Peres, Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, Dr. Nathan Boyd, Dr. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
Zhengfei Guan, Dr. Johan Desaeger, Dr. Seong Lee, Dr. Joe Noling, Dr. Hugh Smith and Dr. Justin Renkema. Gainesville faculty members providing ongoing assistance include Dr. Kevin Folta, Dr. Clyde Fraisse and Dr. Steve Sargent. Graduate students from around the world are also part of the team and “thanks to support from the FSGA we have on campus housing for 27 students,” said Dr. Rechcigl. That support has included facilities and faculty expansion, initiatives at the Plant City campus of UF and more. “This is a powerful synergy that exists because of the cooperative effort of UF/IFAS and strawberry growers in Florida,” said Parker. “We are truly blessed to have this partnership. Our team covers all disciplines that affect strawberry production including the ‘Premier’ breeding program on the planet for short day varieties of strawberries.” “Perhaps one of the most valuable assets IFAS has is the Cooperative Extension Service and our local agent, the queen of strawberries, Ms. Alicia Whidden,” added Parker. Current FSGA President Todd Jameson concurs on the value of the partnership. “Our industry has benefitted tremendously,” he said. “The many research projects that have been funded through plant royalties have provided our industry with varieties and cultural practices that enable growers to produce a superior strawberry. This not only benefits our industry, but our community, as well.” When formed in 1982, the FSGA was committed to supporting research leading to the development of strawberry varieties that would thrive in the greater Plant City area. UF is about to introduce the 14th variety. That work has been most beneficial to Florida growers, but there has been an added benefit. Those Florida varieties also do well in other parts of the world. Californian Roy Ekland recognized that and saw a marketing opportunity for his company in the international marketplace. He struck a deal with UF and the FSGA and Ekland Marketing has represented Florida varieties for more than 30 years. The substantial royalties from those sales, which are collected by the FSPS, further support research initiatives of the FSGA. While new strawberry varieties continue to be a focus of research activities, there have been other, important and beneficial developments, as well. Among those was the move from overhead to drip irrigation, eco-friendly disease control and fertilization programs leading to enhanced profitability, laboratory assistance for identification of plant diseases and recommendations for treatment, weather monitoring for guidance in the application of pesticides and more. Dr. Jack Payne, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and lead of UF/IFAS, best sums up this synergy – “The UF/ IFAS partnership with the Florida Strawberry Growers Association exemplifies the land-grant mission of providing the science of solutions to the communities we serve in Florida. We recognized the FSGA as our research partner of the year in 2014 because we have worked so well together in addressing the many challenges faced by the state’s strawberry growers.” “The FSGA has been instrumental in support UF/IFAS research. The resulting science has not only created new varieties, but it has improved post-harvest technology, reduced carbon emissions and created reliable computer model system, to predict when chemical should be applied – which could help cut fungicide and pesticide use in half,” Payne said. And to think it all began in 1982 with an annual budget of $85,000 and two, part-time staffers. HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE IINNTTHE
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SWFWMD UPDATING PRIORITY LIST AND SCHEDULE FOR SETTING MINIMUM FLOWS AND LEVELS FOR SURFACE WATERS AND GROUNDWATER SYSTEMS By Jim Frankowiak
Under Florida law, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) manages the water resources for west-central portion of the state. It is one of five Districts in the state and it encompasses approximately 10,000-square-miles in all or part of 16-counties, serving a population of 4.7 million people.
tect the water resources and allow sustainable withdrawals to meet human needs. If actual flows or levels are or expected within the next 20-years to be below established minimum flows or levels, the District develops and implements a recovery or prevention strategy in accordance with Florida law.
The District’s goal is to meet the water needs of current and future water users while protecting and preserving the water resources within its boundaries. A 13-member Governing Board oversees District activities. The District’s Governing Board is comprised of unpaid volunteers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate to set policy and administer the budget. District funding originates from voter-approved ad valorem property taxes and other intergovernmental resources.
The District recently held a public meeting at its offices in eastern Hillsborough County at which MFLs Program Lead Doug Leeper reviewed the Proposed 2017 Minimum Flows and Levels Priority List and Schedule and Reservations List and Schedule, which also identifies established and planned development of reservations. Reservations set aside water from water-use permitting for the protection of fish and wildlife or for public health and safety concerns.
Central to the District’s mission is maintaining the balance between the water needs of current and future users while protecting and maintaining water and related natural resources which provide the District with its existing and future water supply. One of the mandates the District must meet is the establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for aquifers, surface watercourses and other surface water bodies to identify the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area. River, streams, estuaries and springs require minimum flows, while minimum levels are developed for lakes, wetlands and aquifers. MFLs are used in the District’s water use permitting program to ensure that withdrawals do not cause significant harm to water resources or the environment. Water bodies with adopted minimum flows and levels, and those the District is currently or planning to work on, are identified in its Minimum Flows and Levels Priority List and Schedule. The list and schedule are updated annually and based upon the importance of the listed waters to the state or region and the existence of potential for adverse impacts associated with water use. The District collects and analyzes a variety of data for each water body to help define significant harm and for application of methods that are used to develop minimum flow or level recommendations. This is done on a continuing basis. An essential component of the District’s minimum flows and levels establishment process includes the voluntary use of peer review in which independent scientists review and comment on proposed minimum flows or levels and the methods used for their derivation. The establishment process also includes an opportunity for public review, which affords all interested stakeholders an opportunity to provide comments prior to incorporation of the flows or levels into District rules. The intent of the process is to be inclusive while developing scientifically defensible minimum flows or levels that will pro74
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In person and remote attendees were given the opportunity to comment to allow time for consideration of their input in advance of this month’s District Governing Board meeting when it is anticipated the Priority List and Schedule will be submitted to the Board for approval. Interested parties were given three weeks after the meeting for written or oral comments. “I was pleased to see stakeholders take advantage of the opportunity to be involved in this process and to give us their input,” said newly appointed District Government Board member Michelle Williamson, a Plant City area strawberry grower. Input received during the session at District office included: • Suggested inclusion of Warm Mineral Springs on the priority list and schedule for development of minimum flows and levels • Clarification of the District’s adoption and use of water reservations • Identification of stakeholder groups to be engaged for discussion of the proposed reservation for Lake Hancock • Earlier completion of re-evaluation of several northern Tampa Bay area wetlands as it relates to the ongoing renewal process for Tampa Bay Water’s Consolidated Water Use Permit Leeper expressed his appreciation for comments and noted that each will be given District staff consideration as the Priority List and Schedule is finalized for submission to the Governing Board. The District’s current Priority List and Schedule is accessible at: http:// www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/mfl/reorts/GBApproved2016MFLs PriorityList Schedule.pdf The draft 2017 Priority List and Schedule is posted at: http://www. swfwmd.state.fl.us/projects/mfl/reports/Porposed2017MFLs-PriorityListSched.pdf Leeper may be reached via email: doug.leeper@matermatters.org. The District’s website is http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Jim Frankowiak
CONSERVATION DISTRICT HEAVILY ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Fostering Stewardship of Water and Soil
The preservation of our land and water is the focal point for the more than 3,000 soil and water conservation districts across the U.S. The districts were formed toward the end of the Dust Bowl that occurred in the 1930’s causing widespread soil erosion coupled with severe water shortages, resulting in legislation initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
While much time has passed since the districts were created, the need to protect “those natural assets is just as important today, if not more so, then it was when they were first created,” said Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) Executive Director Betty Jo Tompkins. “If you look to the immediate future and global population growth estimates, it is vital that we protect those assets if we are to be able to feed the growing population of our world.” To make that happen, the HSWCD is active on a variety of fronts, from reaching out to the community to gather input on areas of concern, to raising funds designed to help foster awareness and understanding among youth, the farmers and ranchers of tomorrow, as well as future leaders. The District held a recent Local Working Group Meeting at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, inviting area agricultural producers, partner agencies, associations and the general public to learn about Best Management Practices and available Cost Share Programs. There was also an opportunity for attendees to introduce and discuss local issues and concerns. “There is a close partnership between Soil and Water Conservation Districts nationally, state Departments of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS),” reported HSWCD Chairman, Mark Proctor, a meeting presenter. “Our mutual
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conservation programs benefit all, but there are no fees charged to users of district services,” continued Proctor. It should also be noted that the districts have no regulatory authority and all participation in its conservation programs is voluntary. “Our cost share programs cover engineering services to qualifying agricultural operations” said Tompkins, who also noted cost share programs are limited to bona fide agricultural operations actively participating in Best Management Practice programs. “While there are funding limits to cost-share projects, participants in the county range from small and mid-sized operations to large scale farms and ranches with a great deal of program diversity.” The basis for cooperation and assistance between districts and the USDA/NRCS is a memorandum of understanding to achieve “the common objective of helping to bring about the use of each acre of agricultural and other land within the limits of its capabilities and the treatment of each acre in accordance with its needs for protection and improvement.” The HSWCD was formed in August of 1946 “to provide a local grass roots mechanism to deal with soil, water and other natural resource problems in general, and to prevent and resolve problems within Hillsborough County. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) administers soil and water conservation programs assigned to it by the Florida Legislature. The recent Local Working Group meeting involved representatives of the HSWCD and its board, FDACS and USDA/NRCS, as well as the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Hillsborough County Extension Service. Several farmers, whose crops include
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strawberries, blueberries and aquatic plants, along with representatives of local engineering firms and the general public participated in the session. Those unable to attend were given two weeks following the meeting to provide their input or detail questions or areas of concern. Topics discussed during the session included new technology capable of extracting water from air as an alternative water source; funding resources for cost share programs; concern over pesticide use; water drainage and flooding; available grants; surface water ponds; the use of drones in agriculture, and other areas. “Resolutions were developed on a broad range of these subject areas,” said Tompkins. “These resolutions stipulate various actions that will be taken to provide assistance and they range from sharing information resources to site visits for analysis and next-step recommendations.” Tompkins noted one very important resolution that will be submitted to the State Working Group was the break down of local funding pools into counties comprising a Conservation Development Team (CDT). Locally, the CDT would consist of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Hernando counties as potential recipients of available project funding. “Attendees also suggested sessions take place more frequently,” said Tompkins. “We are planning to have Local Working Group meetings twice a year going forward.” Additional information on NRCS programs is available by visiting: Pest Management - http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ fl/technical/ecoscienc/pest/ Cost Share Programs – http://www.ncrs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ main/fl/programs/ You may also contact Lisa Harper, 813-752-01474, Ext. 112, for informational hard copies.
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Local Working Group discussion closed with a presentation on the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge scheduled for April 22 – April 30, 2017. The Challenge’s goal is to complete at least 100 conservation projects in urban, suburban and rural areas of Hillsborough County during that time frame. All individuals and groups are encouraged to participate. The HSWCD, in cooperation with local nurserymen, is presenting the Great Plant Auction October 22 at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. “This fund-raising event will feature annuals, bromeliads, ferns, perennials, landscape and butterfly plants, bushes, trees and plant nutrition items,” said Tompkins, noting that all proceeds will support HSWCD youth programs, the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge, 4-H, FFA, the County Fair Youth Plant Show and an agricultural scholarship fund. She also noted the 4-H/Rotary Barbecue will also be taking place at the auction tent “with a $10 meal, which includes admission to the Hillsborough County Fair,” which is taking place at the same time. The auction will begin at 11 a.m. with a plant preview starting at 9 a.m. On October 30, the HSWCD is presenting its first Haystack Dinner, during the second weekend of the Fair. This is an additional fundraising activity for district youth programs. Tickets for adults are $10 and $6 for children under 12 with each including admission to the fair. Haystacks are actually vertical tacos with ingredient options including meat, cheese, chips, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream, peppers, onions, guacamole and black olives. The Haystack Dinner will be served from 1 – 7 p.m. and includes dessert and beverage, along with a real “haystack” where children can search for prizes. For additional information, including Haystack Dinner sponsorship opportunities, contact Tompkins via email: bjt6890@yahoo.com. Orders for the dinner may also be placed by calling 813-752-1474, ext. 3 or 813-477-8832. To receive free Fair admission, dinner tickets must be purchased in advance of each event date.
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Naturally A Closer Look Amazing Activities
by Sean Green
Driftwood Candle Holder
Driftwood and distressed wood has plenty of character and is often a popular choice for home decor and you need not pay designer rates to have an attractive addition to your home. This month we will create a simple candle holder out of wood you can find on your next trip to the beach, hiking trail or maybe even in your back yard wood pile.
Materials:
• Driftwood • Tea light Candles (1 ½” diameter) • Drill • Forstner Bit (1 ½”)
Drill a 1 ½” diameter hole in the driftwood to the depth of about ½” (the height of the candle) Repeat for number of candles desired.
Optional
If you are talented with a knife or rotary tools, intricate designs can be carved around the candle hole for a more refined piece. Although the piece in this activity was not treated in any way, your piece can be treated with wood dye, paint or sealer. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. With a set of forstner bits various size holes can be made to hold glass beads, wooden beads, lights, pictures in the round, bottle caps, or anything else interesting that can be fit into the hole.
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Fishing Spiders (Dolomedes)
Some of Florida’s largest spiders are among the most interesting to watch. Unfortunately, the perception of danger often corresponds with the size of the spider. The inborn fear of spiders is hardcoded into our DNA to actively detect and avoid specific threats that have persisted throughout human evolution; spiders and snakes are two of the most prominent of inborn human fears. A spider’s size does not accurately reveal a spiders human threat. Take for example the widow spider (Latrodectus), the most venomous spider in North America but certainly not the largest. Besides tarantulas, fishing spiders (Dolomedes) are among the largest spiders in North America. In Florida, there are only a few species of orb weaver that rival the fishing spider in size; the golden silk orb weaver (Nephila clavipes), the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia), and the giant lichen orb weaver (Araneus bicentenarius). It’s worth noting, that the largest of spiders tend to be among the least dangerous. Now that I have set your mind at ease, we will take a closer look at these gloomy spiders to prime our Halloween spirit. Fishing spiders (Dolomedes) is a genus of large spiders in the Pisauridae family, commonly known as nursery web spiders. The common name “Nursery Web” for this family of spiders describes the spiders excellent maternal behavior. Spiders in the Nursery Web family create an egg sack for their young and carry it around in their jaws (chelicerae) until the spiderlings are ready to emerge. When the time is near, the female spider will find vegetation suitable to build a special nursery web from which she will suspend her egg sack. She will then stand guard to watch her spiderlings, which could number thousands, emerge from their egg sack safely. Unlike many other spiders that die before or during the emergence of their offspring, the nursery web spider remains in the nursery web until her young have grown through their first molt and set off on their own. Interestingly, a recent study revealed that it is the male members of this species that die before the spiderlings emerge and their death is not at the hands of the female as is with other spider species. Studies revealed that male fishing spiders take one shot in breeding. The male spiders pedipalps look like small legs near the jaws and are used to deliver sperm. For many spider species, the pedipalps will swell with sperm and diminish back to normal once the sperm is delivered and often become a meal for the female if the male is not successful in presenting a nuptial gift to distract her from making a meal of him. The male fishing spider however, will curl up and die on his own immediately after copulation, his pedipalps remaining engorged. If you have the devotion to research, observe, and appreciate spiders as pets, Fishing spiders are one of the best. Fishing spiders do not spin webs and wait for prey, they are active hunters and very quick, which is always exciting to watch, not so exciting to recapture should they escape their habitat. They do not hide or burrow like tarantulas, so observation within their habitat is easy. They have a fairly peaceful temperament and will typically flight before fight, however, keep in mind, any spider will certainly bite if it feels trapped. The spider can be handled safely with a gentle hand so long as it is allowed to choose WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
to crawl into your hand rather than being forced or trapped into it. Even if a bite occurs, the venom is on par with a bee sting and will not be an emergency unless there is an allergic reaction. Mature fishing spiders are typically most active between May and September. You may spot some in October and perhaps early November before the weather prompts a slowing of activity. Spiderlings hatch from July through September and early October, if you’re lucky enough to find a young spiderling, these would be one of the most rewarding insect pets you could hope for, certainly more exciting than the exotic Tarantulas you will find in pet stores, and you will gain valuable knowledge of our indigenous species. We have at least six species of Dolomedes in Florida, below is an introduction to the three largest species that are indigenous to Florida and would be the most interesting to observe in the wild or in captivity. Two of the three species (D.okefinokensis) and (D. tenebrosus) are unique for their female giganticism and are prized by collectors in Northern states. The term “Dolomedes” is derived from the Greek “dolomed”. In Greek mythology, Dolos (sometimes pronounced “Dolus”) is the spirit of trickery and guile. Therefore, Dolomedes can be interpreted as meaning wily or deceitful. Giant swamp fishing spider (Dolomedes okefinokensis) If your thinking of the Okefinokee swamp that straddles the Georgia–Florida line this is the origin of the spiders common name. Okefinokee (the name of the swamp) + -ensis, a Latin ending that means “found at, living in (a place).” Some sources claim this is the largest species with females body length reaching up to 30mm. Dark fishing spider (Dolomedes tenebrosus) This is our Halloween spider, remember that Dolomedes means deceitful, the term “tenebrosus” from the Latin “tenebrae”, a term that means shadows or darkness, therefore, this spider is the Dark Deciever. This spider is the second largest. The females body length can reach about 26mm. This spider is commonly found in upland habitats such as deciduous forests on decaying tree trunks, tree holes, crevices, and under loose bark but can also inhabit Florida’s wetlands and swamps. Striped Fishing Spider (Dolomedes scriptus) This is the smallest of the three featured Dolomedes. This species has a well developed stripe and the ‘W’ pattern on scriptus is outlined in white all the way across the abdomen, which may be the inspiration of the spiders taxonomic name scriptus from the Latin “scriptus” which means “to wright”. Female body length can reach 21mm. This species is most common in faster flowing bodies of water and in seasonal floodplains. I will encourage you to get out on the hiking trail and look for these beautiful spiders this month. If you have the time and patience to simply sit and watch one for an hour or two, it may be a rewarding experience. Should you decide to look for a pet,.. please do plenty of research so you can keep and observe the spider in a healthy state before returning it to the wild. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Jon Poppell
elected to Florida Strawberry Festival board of directors The Florida Strawberry Festival board of directors voted to elect its newest member. Jon Poppell, who has served as an associate director for 15 years, was elected from a field of 13 fellow associate directors. “It’s quite an honor to be selected to join such an esteemed group,” said Poppell. “I have always enjoyed the Festival and the work here, and I hope to contribute to the betterment of the association.” In addition to serving as vice president of personal lines at Poppell Insurance, Poppell currently serves as chairman of the Festival’s steer committee. He has previously served as chairman of the swine committee and worked as a festival volunteer for many years before becoming an associate director.
With Poppell’s election comes a vacancy in the group of associate directors. The board of directors plans to elect a new associate director before the end of the year, said Walden. About the Florida Strawberry Festival The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of Eastern Hillsborough County. Each year, nearly 500,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival takes place March 2-12 in Plant City. For more information, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest17).
“Jon has a great passion for the Festival,” said Festival President Dan Walden. “I look forward to working with him in the future on upcoming projects.” A position on the board of directors became vacant in June with the death of longtime director Terry Ballard. “It’s very bittersweet knowing that I’m filling his shoes,” said Poppell. “If I can do half as well as he did, I’ll be doing well.” 82
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Priced to sale. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FORD 6700 TRACTOR
$3,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 ROSSI CADDY 8 HAY RAKE Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FOR SALE
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
REAL ESTATE PROPERTY AVAILABLE
10 - 30 acres of property available for farming in Pasco County. Call Nick 813-967-3858
METAL WAREHOUSE
3200 sq. ft. Metal warehouse for lease. Located in E. Bartow off of highway 60. For more information call 863-221-0986
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
4X8 sheets 4” on center. $26.95 Call Blake 813-752-3378
MOBILE HOME TUBS
Metal brand new in bo 54” Mobile Home Tubs Call Ted (813) 752-3378 $199.00
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We
are a Simonton/MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
FARM EQUIPMENT FMC 352
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
7X15 LAWN TRAILER
Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
2015 MAHINDRA EMAX TRACTOR 4wd with 60” mid mount mower. 39 hours, warranty. $9,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
JOBS GROVE EQUIPMENT SERVICE
FOR SALE
17 acre blueberry farm, turn-key operation. Located near hwy 98 & 54. Polk & Pasco line. Over 24,000 plants, 12” well. equipment, everything you need. $285,000 Call 863-604-2526 or 863-689-5458
is looking for agriculture/tractor mechanics SERVICES at both the Bartow & Plant City locations. Having own tools is a plus. Pay based on skill and ex- CALLER ON HOLD perience. Call Bartow at 863-537-1345 or A low cost service that enables you to Plant City at 813-759-8722 communicate important information about your business to customers while they are Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders”. on hold. No monthly payments or annual payments. Call today and ask for 813-754-1766 Al (813) 763-2220
HELP WANTED
Agricultural parts person needed. Computer skills a must, experience a plus. Apply @ Grove Equipment Service in Plant City. Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?
Call us today! 813-759-6909 or email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com Let us help you get rid of it!
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
BRAND NEW HUSTLER X1
BUILDING SUPPLIES
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LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
October 2016
MISC. FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
EFFECTIVE PEST CONTROL
STARTS WITH PAL ADIN® Start the strawberry season with Paladin ® soil fumigant for broad-spectrum control of weeds, nematodes, and soil-borne diseases. Since 2012, growers in Hillsborough County have relied on Paladin® fumigant to effectively control sting nematodes, purple and yellow nutsedge, and charcoal rot. And Paladin® has proven cost-effective while delivering high yields.
We are committed to providing our growers and distributors up-to-date information on proper product stewardship for successful use. To learn more, visit our website or contact your local distributor.
paladin.com
Paladin® soil fumigant is a restricted-use pesticide. Always refer to and follow the federal label requirements for crops, specific use rates and application directions.
WWW. HEFIELDtrademark MAGAZINE.COM Paladin isIN a Tregistered of Arkema.
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