In The Field magazine Hillsborough edition

Pumpkins

PAGE 16

Food Forest

PAGE 18

Fishing

PAGE 22

Rocking Chair Chatter

PAGE 24

Home Repairs

PAGE 28

McNeely Farmily

40

PAGE 30

News Briefs

PAGE 32

Agritourism

PAGE 35 Dill

PAGE 38

Turkey Creek School

PAGE 42 Harvet Awards

PAGE 44 John Dicks

PAGE 47 A Closer Look

Hey

PAGE 48

WLI Class

PAGE 52 Hog Hunts

PAGE 53 Swine Exhibitors

PAGE 56

From The Scientific Field

PAGE 60 Recipes

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL.

Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Insurance Services: 813-685-5673

Member Services: 813-685-9121

OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Dennis Carlton, Jr.....................President

Carl Bauman................Vice President

Tony Lopez..............Treasurer

Madison Astin Salter..................Secretary

DIRECTORS FOR 2021 - 2022

Dennis Carlton Jr, Carl Bauman, Madison A. Salter, Tony Lopez, Tiffany D. Randall, Jake Cremer, Brittany Coleman, Travis Council, Drew Futch, Rep. Lawrence McClure, Sammi Wilcox, Michelle Williamson, Casey Runkles, Gayle Yanes

Kaylee Poppell, 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.

Julie Carlson, Jacob Jones

Plant City Office 813.752.5577

305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563

Jeff Summer

Apollo Beach Office

813.933.5440

6510 N. US Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL.33572

Greg Harrell, Erin Campbell

AGENCY MANAGER

Thomas O. Hale

Cover Photo by Karen Berry

Letter from the Editor

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt

Editor

Patsy Berry

Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

Melissa Nichols

George Domedion

Fall is officially here! Growing up in rural Kentucky, Fall meant changing leaves and cooler temperatures. The days were still warm, but the nights were noticeably cooler with the shortening of daylight hours. The air was full of the smell of burning wood and wispy clouds of smoke from chimneys painted the sky. Fields lay dormant, waiting for spring and new signs of life.

Now the temperatures may have dropped a degree or two, but it’s still hot and humid, the nights are getting longer, but the fields are being prepped and planted for a new growing season, not the dormancy of the fields in my old Kentucky home.

Fall, specifically the month of October, brings us to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. It can be hard to know what to say to someone facing this challenge. But checking in on a cancer patient will mean more than you know.

Each year in the United States, about 240,00o women get breast cancer and 42,000 women die from the disease. Men aren’t immune, they can also get breast cancer but only about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but it can also affect younger women.

Be vigilant. Women between 40-44 have the option to start screening yearly. Those in the 45-54 range should have a mammogram yearly and 55 and over can switch to every other year or stick with the yearly. No matter your age, if something doesn’t seem right, get checked. Early detection can save your life.

Sarah Holt

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Karen Berry

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

Contributing Writers

Woody Gore

John Dicks

Tiffany Dale Social Media

Victoria Saunders

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

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

Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.

to you. - Numbers 6:25

Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

Many Opportunities for the “Voice of Agriculture”

-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Greetings,

We have just concluded one very important Farm Bureau gathering, our annual Hillsborough County membership meeting. This event is always a highlight of our year as our members come together to celebrate the achievements of our industry. Later this month, Florida Farm Bureau will be hosting their annual membership meeting as well. I was very pleased to see so many of you at our annual county meeting and expect many of you will also attend the state meeting. Both events offer dialogue on the many important issues facing our industry along with the opportunity for fellowship.

The state meeting is particularly important as it provides input used to revise the Florida Farm Bureau policy book, while also providing insights from presenters of the American Farm Bureau Federation and other industry supporters. Those information exchanges are vital to our industry.

My personal thanks to Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson for his presence and remarks at our county annual meeting. As many of you know, he is a long-term member of our industry and a neighbor in nearby Pasco County.

In addition to those gatherings, this month also marks the fall session of Ag Venture, which is designed to teach Hillsborough County 3rd graders about the importance of agriculture, where their food comes from and how our industry impacts the economy. This is

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

accomplished through student visits to multi-stations at the Florida State Fairgrounds, each representing different aspects of agriculture and some hands-on activities. There will be more on that activity in next month’s edition, as well.

As the “Voice of Agriculture” our efforts are multifaceted. From providing input to our local, state and national Farm Bureau leaders on the issues our industry faces, to educating youngsters about agriculture’s importance to them every day, our task is substantial and never-ending. Effectively serving in that capacity is something we could not do without the ongoing assistance of our volunteers for which I am most thankful.

If you are not a Farm Bureau member, please consider joining so that you can help us with our role as the “Voice of Agriculture” whether it is locally, statewide or nationally. And, if you are a member, please consider volunteering at whatever level is practical for you. We need your help and would be pleased to have you actively involved. Please visit www.hcfarmbureau.org for more information about member benefits and opportunities for engagement.

Dennis Carlton, Jr.

Dennis

Carlton Jr.

Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Dennis Carlton Jr, President; Carl Bauman, Vice-President; Tony Lopez, Treasurer; Madison Astin Salter, Secretary; Tiffany D. Randall, Jake Cremer, Brittany Coleman, Travis Council, Drew Futch, Rep. Lawrence McClure, Sammi Wilcox, Michelle Williamson, Casey Runkles, Gayle Yanes

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The Ochlockonee Moccasinshell

By Libby Hopkins

The Ochlockonee moccasinshell or the Medionidus Simpsonianus as it’s known by its scientific name, is a species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusk in the family Unionidae or a river mussels.

The Ochlockonee moccasinshell is a small freshwater mussel that can reach a length of 2.2 inches. This species is ovalshaped with an outer shell color that is light brown with dark green rays carved into the shell, and a bluish-white inner shell. Its valves are thin with two teeth in the left valve and one in the right.

The Ochlockonee moccasinshell is a filter feeder (filters food out of water) that primarily eats plankton and dead organic matter. Due to its extreme rarity, the life history of the Ochlockonee moccasinshell is not known. It is believed that males release sperm in the water and the females receive the sperm through a siphon. Eggs are fertilized in the female’s shell and the glochidia (larvae) release into the water. The larvae attach to the gills or fins of a host fish to develop. When the larvae metamorphose into juvenile mussels they release from the fish and settle in their primary habitat.

The Ochlockonee moccasinshell inhabits large creeks and mid-sized rivers of moderate current that contain a sandy, gravel floor. Distribution is very limited as it is only found in the Ochlockonee River system in Georgia and Florida.

Freshwater mussels face a host of threats due to an increased human population and development. The main threat to freshwater mussels is the impoundment of waterways. Waterways are impounded for fresh water supply, flood control and hydropower.

Impounding waterways causes the water current’s velocity to decrease, causing sediment to build up in the river and covers the mussels located in the substrate. Impoundments also cause habitat fragmentation, separating mussel populations and also individual mussels from algae and host fish. River dredging also threatens to destroy freshwater mussel populations on the river floors. The Asian clam, an invasive species, can out-compete the Ochlockonee moccasinshell for resources in its habitat. Pesticide and chemical pollution poses a significant threat to mussels since they are filter feeders and may ingest chemicals directly from their habitat.

The Ochlockonee moccasinshell is protected as an endangered species by the Federal Endangered Species Act and as a Federally-designated endangered species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule. It is one of the target species in a seven-species Federal Recovery Plan.

Specific actions needed to recover the species include secure extant subpopulations and currently occupied habitats and ensure subpopulation viability. Searches for additional subpopulations of the species and suitable habitat, that is determined through research and propagation technology the feasibility of augmenting extant subpopulations and reintroducing or reestablishing the species into historical habitat. Develop and implement a program to evaluate efforts and monitor subpopulation levels and habitat conditions of existing subpopulations, as well as newly discovered, reintroduced, or expanding subpopulations. Develop and utilize a public outreach and environmental education program. Assess the overall success of the recovery program and recommend actions.

This sprawling

boasts

in addition to 3 vacant, buildable lots tucked at the end of a quiet country road in Lithia. The potential for 7 homes on over 42 acres makes this the perfect place for a family compound or private community.

IF IT’S HALLOWEEN, IT’S TIME FOR A PUMPKIN TIPS ON PURCHASING, CARVING OR EATING

By Brad Buck

parchment at 350 to 375 degrees. Keep a close eye on them; stir them a few times. They should be done in 10 to 15 minutes.

• Seeds from a pie pumpkin are likely to be more tender and flavorful than a large carving pumpkin since pie pumpkins are selected for their flavor, and carving pumpkins are not.

Now that you’ve removed what’s inside the gourd, you’re ready to carve it.

It’s almost Halloween, so you might be in the market for a pumpkin to greet your trick-or-treaters. But not just any pumpkin – a jack-o’-lantern. If you are, now is the time to buy one.

“A lot of people want a jack-o’-lantern,” said Bob Hochmuth, assistant director of the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center-Suwannee Valley. “Demand is very high.”

With a couple of exceptions, few pumpkins grow in the Sunshine State, because of heat, humidity and white flies, Hochmuth said. Most jack o-'lantern pumpkins Floridians buy are shipped from states in the Northeast and the Carolinas.

A good jack-o’-lantern has a strong stem and does not show signs of mold, said Danielle Treadwell, a UF/IFAS associate professor of horticultural sciences.

“The best -- biggest, most unique -- decorative pumpkins usually sell out early,” Treadwell said.

If you invest in one of these, keep it cool and dry, out of direct sunlight, preferably in the house, in the air-conditioning, and place it on a sheet of wax paper or parchment to protect your furniture and countertops from damage, she said.

ADDITIONAL TREADWELL TIPS ON BUYING AND PREPARING YOUR PUMPKIN FOR CARVING:

• Avoid pumpkins with fruit or stems that have a cotton-like or powdery coating on them. It may cause the pumpkin to soften more quickly, and it may be difficult to carve.

• You can wash stems and fruit with room temperature water and a soft brush. Make sure the fruit and stem dry quickly, and don't let moisture remain on the fruit.

• Limit the number of days the pumpkin is outside in Florida. If the weather is dry and warm, and your display location is out of direct sun, you can put the pumpkin out a few days before Halloween – as long as you’re not carving it. If you are carving it, you can put it out on Halloween.

HOW DO YOU GET THE SEEDS OUT AND WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THEM?

• Scoop out the seeds with a large metal spoon and put them into a bowl. The seeds can be separated by hand, or by sieving in a colander or over a narrow-gauge wire rack -- similar to the kind you use to cool cookies.

• Wash and dry the seeds with a paper towel. Roast the seeds with a little olive and salt (or garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, etc.), spread on a cookie sheet lined with

“If you seek a pumpkin to carve, select ones that have enough surface area to create the face or other image,” Treadwell said. “Some people prefer wide and short ones -- which are best for wide grins -- while others seek tall narrow ones, which are great if you want to include eyes, a nose and a mouth.”

There are two types of pumpkins: Those you carve (Cucurbita pepo) and pie pumpkins (Cucurbita moschata).

MAKING PUMPKIN PANCAKES

In addition to carving the pumpkin and eating seeds, you can make traditional pumpkin pancakes, said Andrea Nikolai, family and consumer sciences agent and a registered dietitian for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County.

Here’s Nikolai’s recipe:

You need --

• 2 cups of flour

• 1 tablespoon of baking powder

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons of oil

• 1 ½ cups of low-fat milk

• ¾ of a cup of canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree

• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar.

Then:

Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice) in one bowl.

In another bowl, mix together 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 ½ cups low-fat milk, ¾ cup canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree (from your pumpkin) and 2 tablespoons brown sugar.

Add the bowl with the eggs to the other bowl and mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto a lightly oiled preheated pan.

Pancakes are ready to flip when the edges start to look a little dry and you can see small bubbles forming on the pancake surface. Flip and cook about another two minutes (or until golden brown).

A COLLEGE FOOD FOREST

By Libby Hopkins

Paul Rabaut is the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Sustainability Coordinator and local food advocate. “My wife and I have been deeply involved in growing local food, flowers, AG education and even started up a curbside compost collection business to make sure we have the soil resources we need to keep the cycle growing,” Rabut said. “We have sold off the compost business and now concentrate on our small urban flower farm in Tampa www.bluehousefloralstampa.com, where we grow and arrange local flowers. I also manage 25-50 rooftop bee colonies on the HCC Ybor Campus and offer free beehive experiences open to our students and the public.”

Rabaut is a molecular biologist by training, but his passion has always been connecting people with our environmental systems through food. “I have a bunch of roles in the Food Forest at the HCC Brandon Campus,” Rabaut said. “I built out a lot of the design concepts for the Food Forest. I help collect human and financial resources to use at the Food Forest. I try to connect different stakeholders with resources and each other so the project become resilient. I can also sling some mulch and wheel some compost with the best of them. I am a pretty decent grower as well.”

The HCC Food Forest began during the 2014-2015 school year. It was a Student Government project, and the Students for the Environment (SFE) club was mainly driving the project. “It is a big project and needed continuous maintenance, so when those students moved on to bigger and better things, the Food Forest began to have some trouble and fell into disrepair,” Rabaut said. “It really needed to be institutionalized by having a permanent office at the college adopt the project and be the through line as the student involvement would ebb and flow. The HCC Sustainability Office did that around 2019, when I became the coordinator, but then COVID hit, and we really began revitalization efforts in 2021 as people returned to campus.”

HCC Club and students are now involved with the Food Forest. “We also have student interns in sustainability who have been instrumental organizing workdays, recruiting and finding other student champions.” Rabaut said.

The HCC Food Forest still has some challenges. “When you have great soil you get some great weeds,” Rabaut said. “We have spent the last year or two building up the carbon content of the soil to retain moisture and nutrients, before investing in a lot of plants. This means lots of mulched open sunny sections, creating a situation ripe for a weed problem. We can keep the situation under control for most of the academic year when there is a large student and employee presence, but the summer heat and lack of volunteers make for some tough challenges. We have invested in some large silage tarps to keep the ground covered and the weeds down. Those have been amazing.”

Rabaut and HCC have high hopes for their Food Forest. “Just like we need a diverse set of plants and animals for sustainable ecosystems, I hope that the Food Forest draws in a diverse set of disciplines, ideas and people,” Rabaut said. “My hope is that no matter who you are or what you do, that you can find something beautiful to experience, some food to taste, a sense of peace in a busy world and dare I say something to learn?”

Keeping thing local at the HCC Food Forest is extremely important to Rabaut and HCC. “I think the U.S. is due for a food revolution,” Rabaut said. “At some point we decided that price and convenience would always rein over taste, nutrition and quality. I think it is time to reintroduce our community to the true taste of a tomato, broccoli, or sugar apple freshly picked

by themselves and the Food Forest is a great place to do that. We have free seed libraries at our campuses to support individual gardening, permaculture sites on our campuses, and free tours of local urban farms to experience the full food story. Locally grown food, grown and cared for by the people in your community is a sacred thing and worth investing in.”

If you’d like to become involved with the HCC Food Forest or if you’d like to be a sponsor of the HCC Food Forest, Rabaut has a few ways to connect. “We publish our Food Forest workdays and events on our Eventbrite page at www.eventbrite.com/o/hcc-office-of-sustainability-36909630413. They are open to anyone,” Rabaut said. “If you have a large group or would like to organize your own work day, you can always send me an email sustainability@hccfl.edu.”

Ever Been Sea Sick? You’re Not Alone?Capt.

Woody Gore

What is Motion Sickness? Almost everyone is susceptible at one time or another, except when fishing with Captain Woody. That’s the nice thing about fishing with Captain Woody Gore; you don’t have to worry about this problem. Why? Because he has suffered from motion sickness since childhood and does not fish areas that might subject his clients to sea sickness.

If you’ve ever been sick to your stomach on a rocking boat or a bumpy airplane ride, you know the discomfort of motion sickness. Although it doesn’t cause longterm problems, motion sickness can make your life miserable.

Whether you call it motion, air, or sea sickness, people often experience this terrible feeling from cars, airplanes, trains, amusement park rides, boats, or when cruising on ships.

What are the symptoms of motion sickness? Motion sickness may cause one or all the following:

• Headache

• Pale appearance.

• Nausea or vomiting, or both.

• A general feeling of being unwell (malaise).

• Cold sweats, which means you sweat even though you’re not overheated.

• Symptoms usually go away soon after the motion stops. However, in severe cases can take a few days for symptoms to go away completely. People may become used to the movement on extended trips, such as a cruise. When that happens, your symptoms often subside. But when you are back on land, the lack of motion sometimes causes the symptoms to return.

Causes of motion sickness?

When the inner ear, the eyes, and other areas of the body detect unexpected or conflicting motion messages, it sends them to the brain, and motion sickness occurs. Parts of your balance-sensing system (the inner ear, vision, and sensory nerves help you keep your balance) may sense that your body is moving, while the other parts do not feel motion. For example, if you are in the cabin of a moving ship, your inner ear may feel the motion of big waves, but your eyes don’t see any movement. Often, this leads to a conflict between the senses and results in motion sickness.

The best way to treat motion sickness is to try and stop the movement. If you can’t prevent the action, sit or lie in an area with the slightest indication. In an airplane, try to sit near the wings. On a ship, stay on the deck and look at the horizon. Or, if you are inside, move to the ship’s center. You can also take prescription and nonprescription medication to prevent or reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Most medicines work best if taken before travel. The drugs or pills work in different ways; some work like sedatives that minimize the effect of motion, while others reduce nausea and vomiting.

Motion Sickness Treatments:

The following medicines may help prevent symptoms of motion sickness:

• Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

• Promethazine (Promethegan)

• Antihistamines, including dimenhydrinate, otherwise known as (Dramamine)

•  Warning: do not give your child antihistamines unless recommended by your child’s physician. Be sure to follow the doctor’s advice on how to share it.

Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

People often try alternative methods of preventing motion sickness, such as taking ginger or wearing acupressure bands. There is little scientific evidence that these methods work, but there is no harm in giving them a try.

Folks sometimes wonder why I chose charter fishing when I have a problem with motion sickness. Occasionally, I travel near shore, but only on calm days.

Having tried all the medicinal products with no positive results, I recently heard about a few non-medicinal remedies and tried them. Here’s what’s worked for me in recent years. Both have worked for me without any drowsy side effects. Now, whenever I’m fortunate or perhaps unfortunate enough to get outside to fish near-shore waters, I have a couple of products that seem to help keep my motion sickness in check, and I would recommend them both.

Quease Ease Inhaler

Essential oils helpful for relieving nausea include Peppermint, Ginger, and Spearmint. The four essential oils used Quease Ease are Peppermint, Ginger, Spearmint, and Lavender. Ginger, spearmint, and peppermint are essential oils that reduce nausea and vomiting. Lavender was added as an anxiolytic and antispasmodic. Although there is no evidence for the effectiveness of the collective combination of these essential oils, individual studies demonstrate efficacy for both inhalant and botanical forms of the essential oils.

Pirates’ Gold Cinnamon-Ginger Candy

Some further investigations revealed that

Captain Woody Gore owns and operates the area’s Number One OutdoorFishing and Environmental Guide Service. Capt. Woody’s associate captains have guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tarpon Springs areas for over fifty years. He offers world-class fishing and adventures with a lifetime of memories. Single or Group Charters are all the same. Just tell him what you need, and he will make it happen. Visit his website at www.captainwoodygore. com, send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore.com, or give him a call at 813-477-3814. Professional Fishing Guide and Environmentalist, Outdoor Writer, Speaker, and Photo, Journalist. Capt. Woody Gore

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Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Dark green vegetables include more vitamin C than light green color vegetables.

Eating more fruits and vegetables could significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, high B.P, obesity, heart disease and some cancers.

Lime oil is useful to cool fevers. It can also stimulate and refresh a tired mind and helps with depression.

Sapodilla is a uniquely tasting fruit. It had a soft brown flesh with flavors like a sweet mix of brown sugar and root beer.

An orange’s vitamin C content helps fight back assaults from viruses and germs, cold and fatigue.

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

Outhouse

Most of you people reading this column have never used an “outhouse.” For years before indoor plumbing this was all that was available in town or on the farm.

I did a little research and found some interesting stories on the use of these marvelous legends of America.

Outhouses With Two Holes: No, these old vintage structures weren’t usually doing double duty. Rather, most contained two holes of different sizes - one for adults and one for children. Don’t think those kids wanted to sit on the bigger hole and risk the consequences. However, that being said, some large families would have multiple holes for use at the same time. In Montana, there was once a hotel that had an outhouse with 12 seats.

The crescent moon cutout and the star cutout on the door of many outhouses goes back to Colonial times. In a time when few people could read, the crescent moon was the symbol for women while the star cutout was for men.

It is thought that the men, in general, let their outhouses fall into such bad shape that it was the women’s outhouses that survived the test of time. The cutout also let in light, as there were usually no windows.

Outhouse Builders: During Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration - the WPA - there were teams of outhouse builders who built most of the outhouses in rural areas.

Toilet Paper: Considered a luxury by most rural families, newspaper or pages from old catalogs were more often used. The average outhouse was usually three to four feet square by seven feet high with no window, heat, or electric light. Due to the odor, most were built between 50 and 150 feet from the main house, often facing away from the house. So that they didn’t have to smell the unpleasant odor, many people left the door open while they were using it. Old-timers will admit that they had trouble breaking this habit with the invention of indoor bathrooms.

Most interesting were the two story outhouse. The upstairs facilities were situated a little further back so that the “materials” released from the second floor would fall behind the wall of the first floor. There are a few of these old relics still around.

The outhouse had always seemed a fitting memorial to the ingenuity and practicality of their founders, those restless,

imaginative spirits who first caught the scent of opportunity in the Western breeze.

There was once a country boy who hated using the outhouse because it was hot in the summer and freezing in the winter, plus it stank all the time. The outhouse was situated on the bank of a creek and the boy determined that one day he would push that outhouse into the creek.

So one day after a spring rain the creek was swollen so the little boy decided today was the day to push the outhouse into the creek. He got a large stick and started pushing. Finally, the outhouse toppled into the creek and floated away. That night his dad told him they were going to the woodshed after supper. Knowing this meant a spanking, the little boy asked why. The dad replied, “Someone pushed the outhouse into the creek today. It was you, wasn’t it, son?”

The boy answered yes. Then he thought a moment and said, “Dad, I read in school today that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree and didn’t get into trouble because he told the truth.”

The dad replied, “Well, son, George Washington’s father wasn’t in that cherry tree.”

I love the story of the kid that comes home from college. His father is a farmer, and he’s shoveling all the manure onto the hay crop to fertilize it. The kid says, “Hey Pop, I learned in college that there is an easier way to everything.” They go in to town, and buy some dynamite. The plan was to rig it up under the outhouse and blow the manure into the hay field. They got it all rigged up, but they don’t see Grandma coming to the outhouse. Ka-Boom!

The manure goes flying, and so does Grandma. Plop! She lands in the hay field. They run to her, “Grandma, Grandma, are you all right?”

She said, “Yes I’m fine. Phew! I’m glad I didn’t let that one out in the kitchen.”

Then there’s the story of Ma who was in the kitchen fiddling around when she hollers out, “Pa! You need to go out and fix the outhouse!”

Pa replies, “There ain’t nuthin wrong with the outhouse.”

Ma yells back, “Yes there is, now git out there and fix it.”

Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the October 2017 issue

So, Pa moseyed out to the outhouse, looks around and yells back, “Ma! There ain’t nuthin wrong with the outhouse!”

Ma replies, “Stick yur head in the hole!”

Pa yells back, “I ain’t stickin my head in that hole!”

Ma says, “Ya have to stick yur head in the hole to see what to fix.”

So with that, Pa sticks his head in the hole, looks around and yells back, “Ma! There ain’t nuthin wrong with this outhouse!”

Ma hollers back, “Now take your head out of the hole!”

Pa proceeds to pull his head out of the hole, then starts yelling, “Ma! Help! My beard is stuck in the cracks in the toilet seat!”

To which Ma replies, “Hurt’s, don’t it?”

The Outhouse Poem

Author Unknown

The service station trade was slow The owner sat around, With sharpened knife and cedar stick Piled shavings on the ground.

No modern facilities had they, The log across the rill Led to a shack, marked His and Hers That sat against the hill.

“Where is the ladies restroom, sir?” The owner leaning back, Said not a word but whittled on, And nodded toward the shack.

With quickened step she entered there But only stayed a minute, Until she screamed, just like a snake Or spider might be in it.

With startled look and beet red face She bounded through the door, And headed quickly for the car Just like three gals before.

She missed the foot log - jumped the stream The owner gave a shout, As her silk stockings, down at her knees Caught on a sassafras sprout.

She tripped and fell - got up, and then In obvious disgust, Ran to the car, stepped on the gas, And faded in the dust.

Of course we all desired to know What made the gals all do The things they did, and then we found The whittling owner knew.

A speaking system he’d devised To make the thing complete, He tied a speaker on the wall Beneath the toilet seat.

He’d wait until the gals got set And then the devilish tike, Would stop his whittling long enough, To speak into the mike.

And as she sat, a voice below Struck terror, fright and fear, “Will you please use the other hole, We’re painting under here!”

USDA EXPANDS PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP PEOPLE IN RURAL FLORIDA REPAIR HOMES

DAMAGED BY SEVERE WEATHER AND NATURAL DISASTERS

By Jim Frankowiak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced it is expanding its Single Family Housing Home Repair Loans and Grants in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas Pilot Program to make it easier for people in rural areas across the U.S., including Florida, to access loans and grants to repair homes damaged by a presidentially declared disasters in calendar year 2022 through the conclusion of the pilot on July 18, 2025.

This USDA pilot program significantly expands eligibility for people seeking Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants to repair and rebuild their homes damaged in areas of presidentially declared disasters from twenty-four (24) States and U.S. Territories to include all homes damaged by a presidentially declared disaster. As a part of this pilot, USDA is making a number of changes, including:

• Lowering the minimum age from 62 to 18 for eligible homeowners

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

• Financing costs to relocate mobile and manufactured homes.

Funds may be used in presidentially declared disaster areas that occurred since July 18, 2022, as well as Tropical Storms Nicole and Ian, and Hurricanes Nicole, Ian and Idalia. Funds may also be used in areas subject to future natural disasters in the next two years.

The homes must be located in eligible rural areas and presidentially declared disaster areas.

Applications must be submitted directly to the Rural Development State Office. For more information on how to apply, contact the appropriate Area Office found here, https://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-page/florida-and-virgin-islands-contacts, or visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-rural-disaster-home-repair-grants.

District Offers Free Recreation Guide

By Jim Frankowiak

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has published a new, free recreational guide highlighting nearly 70 properties within its multi-county jurisdiction. With its new design, users can scan QR codes to discover specific up-to-date details about each property.

There are thousands of acres of recreational lands throughout the District and access to most of them is free to visitors. The new recreation guides also allow users to take notes, learn about various

District’s recreation website. In ad dition, the recreation website fea tures georeferenced maps, which visitors can download to be used with map apps that require no cell service.

Outdoor lovers also can check out the new Water Matters Podcast found on the District’s recreation webpage or major podcast plat forms. The podcast features Feli cia Nudo, land manager, who dis cusses what it’s like to experience the recreational side of the great outdoors on District lands.

OUR PROFITS ARE YOUR PAYDAY

ONE BIG HAPPY FARMILY

By Libby Hopkins

The McNeely Farmily Rescue and Sanctuary is built on a foundation of years of rescue and love. Their expansion from paw prints to hoof prints is to provide rescue, rehabilitation and retirement for domestic and agricultural animals. “I have been helping animals since I was a little girl,” said owner April McNeely. “My mom used to tell me that I had the ‘magic touch’ and any animal in the world would come to me or listen to me. She used to tell the neighbors and people from work I could find their animals or calm them down if they were anxious after a traumatic event. She of course hated that I always snuck them all in.”

McNeely Farmily Rescue and Sanctuary is owned and operated by The McNeely Family, April, her husband Bryan and their daughter Phoenix. “Our farm functions because our fam-

ily functions with love,” McNeely said. “We decided years ago that we were going to choose rescue as the future for our lives. Honestly, rescue has always chosen us.”

April is her husband’s legal caregiver through the VA, so they a team of all sorts. “We came to Hillsborough County after Hurricane Michael hit our home in Panama City in 2018,” McNeely said. “It was a blessing actually because the VA down here is top notch, and my husband is a double amputee. My husband struggles with a brain injury and short-term memory loss due to his tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. When he came back, he had what we called ‘episodes’ and would just lose where he was and what he was thinking and take a fight or flight stance. If someone he trusted wasn’t around, it would end up in unpredictable circumstances.”

In 2017, Bryan had an episode and April wasn’t there. “He was triggered, flipped out, hopped on a motorcycle and sped off and drove into a truck,” McNeely said. “It was not a suicidal event, but more a triggered episode, and that is the night he lost his right arm and right leg. One of the things that happens with Bryan is that he has days where he can’t remember why his limbs are missing. Those days became consumed with emotional hours of explanation and repetition, fear of waking up in a new place and I got backed up. Laundry backed up. Chores backed up. My emotions backed up.”

In an effort to have some comfort, McNeely brought home a kitten. “We named it Peep because it had one eye severely infected,” McNeely said. “I put that kitten on Bryan’s chest and for the rest of the day he smiled and kissed Peep and watched over him. I did all of the laundry. I did all of the paperwork. I relaxed for a longer than normal time. I knew that day we needed rescue just as bad as a rescue needed us. I knew when Peep passed away because we found it too late, that we could do better, and we were both willing.”

This was the family’s adventure into the rescue world. “So, the hunt for land started,” McNeely said. “We found that in Plant City and started building for goats and fowl and other things. Our focus was to take in all of those animals who don’t get a chance at life because they were not born blessed with a normal life. We also expanded our goal to help those that were born blessed but were not lucky to have a loving family. We always try and when we succeed, we determine if they should be with a family or if they should retire here on the

farm in their tailored routine to their special needs and never have to worry about triggers or not getting the special care that they deserve. There are handfuls of people out there that would love to provide. But if your life isn’t in the mentality of a caregiver, it’s easy to stop giving and caring and those special needs become a burden, essentially ending in an animal euthanized or given to shelter.”

Their rescues are special needs. “Our animals are special needs,” McNeely said. “That requires a different protocol for each one and it’s all different. Volunteering and learning that is a lot. We haven’t’ begun to ask anyone to try to get into that with us. The part we could use help with is all grunt work. Physical dirty farm work and it’s very hard to ask these generations to get dirty, honestly. We do have volunteers that help with events around town. They also come love on the farm animals and give them all fruits and veggies. Spoiling them is so awesome!”

The McNeely FaRmily Rescue and Sanctuary has some upcoming fundraisers over the next few months. If you’d like to learn more about their farmily, you can visit their website at www.mcneelyfarmilyrescue.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php.

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

Four Florida Colleges Ranked Among the Top 100 in the U.S.

U.S News & World Report ranked four Florida colleges among the nation’s top colleges and universities. The four schools are: University of Florida, No. 28; Florida State University, No. 53; University of Miami, No. 67, and University of South Florida, No. 89. The study evaluated 1,500 colleges and universities using up to 19 measures of academic quality.

Strawberry Festival Announces 2024 Theme

The theme for the 89th annual Florida Strawberry Festival is “Out of this World.” In announcing the theme, Festival President Kyle Robinson, noted “The sky’s the limit. Our board of directors, staff and maintenance crew have been hard at work this summer planning and preparing an ‘out of this world experience for all of our guests.”

The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival takes place February 29 – March 10 in Plant City. For more information, visit: www. flstrawberryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#berryfest24).

Homegrown Hillsborough Seeking Volunteers

Homegrown Hillsborough, a community development initiative seeking to create a stronger food system, is seeking volunteers. Led by Hillsborough County Extension, the program is recruiting volunteers for its Data Collection and Community Engagement phase during which they will attend a variety of community events this fall and winter. The goal of this phase is to engage residents and organizations, inviting them into the network.

Volunteers must have a personal vehicle able to accommodate a six-foot long canopy and be available on weekends and some evenings. Individuals under 18 must have parental approval. High school students are welcomed to apply. For more information and/or to volunteer, email Hillsborough County Extension Food System Program Coordinator Monica Petrella via email at: PetrellaML@hillsboroughcounty.org.

Farm Bureau

Activates Hurricane Relief Fund

Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) has activated its Hurricane Relief Fund to support farmers and ranchers who have suffered agricultural losses due to Hurricane Idalia. Anyone wishing to make a tax deductible donation may do so online or by mail:

Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Fund

Hurricane Idalia Relief Fund

P.O. Box 147030

Gainesville, FL 32614

Farmers and ranchers affected by Hurricane Idalia should visit the FFBF Hurricane Relief Page for more information at hurricanerelief@ffbf.org.

Florida Ag Expo November 9

Florida Ag Expo is set for November 9 at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Balm in southern Hillsborough County. The day-long event will include a trade show, educational sessions and field tours. For more information and registration, visit: FloridaAgExpo. net.

Extension Ag Tour – November 30

The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Hillsborough County Extension Ag Tour is set for Thursday, November 30. The all-day event begins at 8 a.m. following a light breakfast as the charter bus departs from the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) located at 14625 County Road 672 in Balm.

The group will visit a plant nursery, aquaculture production facility, cattle ranch, strawberry farm and two UF/IFAS research campuses. In addition to a light breakfast, the tour will include refreshments and lunch.

Registrations, which are $69 per tour group member and open to the public, must be made by October 31. For reservations and more information, visit: Ag Tour - UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough Co. 2023 Tickets, Wimauma | Eventbrite or contact Extension at 813/744-5519.

Florida Ag Landowners Encouraged to Apply for USDA Conservation Stewardship Programs

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS in FL) is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), climate-smart practices through EQIP and CSP funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).

While NRCS accepts applications for these programs yearround, Florida producers and landowners should apply by November 17, 2023 to be considered for funding in the FY2024 current cycle.

Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers with one-on-one help and financial assistance to plan and implement conservation practices to address a variety of issues such as water quality degradation, soil erosion, soil quality degradation, and inadequate habitat for fish and wildlife.

Using new conservation practices or activities, agricultural producers can adopt practices and activities that expand on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat, all based on management objectives specific to their farming operation.

Through RCPP, NRCS seeks to co-invest with partners to implement projects that demonstrate innovative solutions to conservation challenges and provide measurable improvements and outcomes tied to the resource concerns they seek to address.

Contact NRCS at the USDA Service Center for more information. The Plant City office is located at 201 South Collins Street. Telephone: 813/752-1474.

Workshop Teaches Benefits, Law of Agritourism

Many farmers are incorporating tourism into their operations to draw visitors and earn an alternate source of income. If you’re interested in establishing an agritourism business, you can now register for and attend a workshop scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. November 14 on Zoom.

Luis Rodriguez and Allie Williams, the agriculture agents for UF/IFAS Extension Polk and Hillsborough counties, respectively, will host the workshop.

Topics include:

• Laws and regulations of agritourism in Florida.

• Cottage food and winery laws.

• Florida Agritourism Association overview.

“Farmers are increasingly interested in agritourism as a secondary source of revenue,” Rodriguez said. “I want the participants to understand the Florida Agritourism law, how they can implement

By Brad Buck

agritourism within their farm, what activities are considered agritourism and what resources are available for them.”

Rodriguez and Williams work with small farmers in their respective counties. Additionally, the two agents attended the Florida Agritourism Association Conference in July, where they met people who incorporate tourism into their agricultural operations.

“The small-scale producers often look for additional revenue sources to support the farm, and with agritourism a hot topic, we decided to offer this workshop,” Williams said.

Florida is a natural location for agritourism as it marries the state’s two largest industries to provide an on-farm recreational experience for consumers.

According to this AskIFAS publication, agritourism provides many opportunities for people to learn about the origin of foods they eat. For example, school children come to farms for field trips. Agritourism can also benefit the environment and wildlife. Some types of agritourism include bird watching, wildlife viewing and fishing.

It allows the public to participate in activities that involve:

• Special events, like venues for weddings and parties.

• Recreation such as hayrides or mazes.

• Entertainment, including festivals.

• Education, such as farm tours.

• Harvest-your-own activities (U-Pick).

“In my role, I work directly with small-scale farmers and livestock producers,” Williams said. “Some of these producers have brought up the idea of adding an agritourism component to their farm. I see agritourism as a way to share with others about agriculture and provide opportunities to understand the work that goes into growing their food.”

ABOUT UF/IFAS

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS

FLORIDA DILL

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

Fresh Florida dill is used for both its leaves and seeds. Dill pickles may come to mind when you hear the word “dill,” and dill seed is what flavors the pickles. Dill is best planted in the fall between September and December, and fresh dill is most readily available in the spring and early summer. Dill weed (or leaves) are generally referred to as an herb, while dill seed is considered a spice. Dill seeds taste a little like mild caraway, while dill leaves have a distinct mild licorice flavor.

The scientific name for dill is Anethum graveolens. The word dill derives from the Saxon word “dilla,” meaning to soothe. This herb has medicinal properties and is known to help with digestion. While dill is well-known for flavoring pickles and potatoes, it is often used as a garnish and in ranch dressing. Fresh dill can be consumed raw or very lightly cooked to retain its distinctive flavor.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

High in nutrients, dill leaves are a nutritious addition to any dish. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw dill sprigs (9 g) contains 4 calories, 0.3 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 0.6 g carbohydrate, and 0.2 g of dietary fiber. One cup of dill sprigs also contains substantial amounts of iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C and K.

Calcium: Strong bones and more

Dill leaves are an excellent non-dairy source of calcium. Calcium is important in maintaining the strength and density of bones. Additionally, this mineral has been shown to prevent bone loss that can occur as a result of menopause and reduce symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome. Adequate calcium intake is needed to prevent calcium stores being leached out of bones. Calcium also plays an important role in muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and cell membrane function.

Vitamin K: For blood and bone health

Dill leaves are a rich source of vitamin K. This vitamin is an essential component for proper blood clotting in the body. It also helps your body transport calcium and metabolizes the mineral into your skeleton. Several research studies have found that vitamin K boosts bone mineral density and reduces fracture rates in people with osteoporosis. As a result, the Institute of Medicine increased its daily recommendation of vitamin K.

How to Select and Store

Harvest fresh dill leaves as soon as they are sprouting. You can trim how much you want to use. Extra dill can be frozen or dried for later use. Look for leaves that are bright green and feathery.

How to Enjoy

Rinse under running water immediately before use. Dill leaves can be added to cheese, salads, sandwiches, or used as a garnish. Dill seeds are often used in soups and sauces, pickles, salads, fish, and eggs. Several ways to enjoy this herb include:

• Use sprigs to top sandwiches

• Mix into egg salad or tuna salad

• Use tender young leaves raw in a salad

• Mix with Greek yogurt for a healthy dip

• Sprinkle dill leaves over bread with butter

• Use to flavor soups or veggie dishes

• Sprinkle over fresh popcorn

Enjoy fresh Florida dill. Eat more of these leafy sprigs and reap all of the health benefits.

SELECTED REFERENCES

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com http://www.florida-agriculture.com

LOCAL RESIDENTS AND FFA STUDENTS BEAUTIFY HISTORIC SCHOOL BUILDING

THE HISTORIC TURKEY CREEK SCHOOL BUILDING GOT AN. EXTERIOR SPRUCE-UP THANKS TO FUNDS LEFT OVER FROM THE TURKEY CREEK HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION.

By Michelle Caceres

What do you get when you combine a couple of civic and preservation-minded local residents, a sum of money, a historic building and a class of middle school ag students? You get a school beautification project.

Last week, FFA students at Turkey Creek Middle School, led by ag teacher Jessica Hawkins, planted low-maintenance foliage around the front entrance of the historic Turkey Creek School building that sits vacant on the school property. The project was funded by leftover money the nonprofit Turkey Creek High School Alumni and Friends Association Inc., established in 1997, had to spend to close its account. After partnering with the school board to install a new fence around the historic structure, their account still held a couple hundred dollars. After careful consideration, they decided to purchase plants to beautify the front of the building. Ag students, eager to get their hands dirty, assisted with the project.

Dee Dee Grooms and Dana Fortinberry, whose alumni association boasts more than 600 members on its Facebook page, is grateful for the community support for their fundraisers through the years. From a brick fundraiser to golf tournament, members of the community raised funds to support the aging structure. “We wanted to let everyone know what we’re doing with the money because it had been sitting in an account for years,” said Fortinberry. “We needed to dissolve the account but wanted to put the money to good use and if nothing else we’ll have the outside looking good.”

Turkey Creek School has witnessed generations of students pass through its hallowed halls. It was a symbol of pride and a testament to the community’s commitment to education. However, in recent decades, those hallowed halls have fallen into disrepair and its future remains uncertain. Currently it sits vacant, the newer school buildings surrounding it as a reminder that, once a building becomes worn out, it can be replaced.

“I was in one of the last middle school classes in the mid-90s to attend school in the building and it was really cool,” said Hawkins.

The very first Turkey Creek School, established in 1873, was actually a one-room log cabin. In 1908, the initial five-acre

property was purchased by the Hillsborough County School Board from Tampa Bay Land and Lumber Company and a two-story frame building was constructed on the site. Six students graduated from the school, named Turkey Creek High School, between 1908 and 1909. The following year, the school board closed the high school and, until 1928, it served as a primary school, serving students in grades one through eight.

The school was fondly referred to as a “strawberry school,” which opened in summer and closed in winter so students could help their parents, many of whom owned farms, with the strawberry harvest.

In 1927, a two-story brick building was completed (the building that still stands on the property today) and once again high school courses were added to Turkey Creek School. The last senior class graduated from the school in 1972, when Turkey Creek, Pinecrest, Plant City and Marshall high schools were consolidated into one school: Plant City Consolidated Senior High School.

Fortinberry and Grooms were members of the last graduating class.

They became advocates for the building ever since the 1990s, when they learned from then-principal Ron Frost the school board wanted to tear down the structure and erect a parking lot, they’ve advocated for the building’s survival. “I ran into Dee Dee at the old K-mart and she said something needed to be done to save the building, that’s how it started,” said Fortinberry.

In 2001, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

No task was too challenging. “My brother-in-law Ludo Van Den Bogaert was instrumental in getting a matching grant from the state,” said Fortinberry. “He filled out the grant application and then we took a group of people and drove to Tallahassee to a meeting with the State Historic Preservation Board where we tried to get the grant money.”

They were awarded a grant to repurpose the building but when the school district told them they were going to reopen the building to use as classes again, they had to give the money back to the state. The district later reneged and the building continued to sit empty.

“I was so mad that I went to our school board member and told him we had given up that money so he agreed to take care of the outside,” said Fortinberry. The brick was reappointed and the windows replaced.

In 2005, the Hillsborough County Commission allocated nearly $4 million for the closed building to be used as a library.

Budget cuts brought those efforts to a screeching halt.

Yet the building still stands. “It’s been through every hurricane we’ve had and she’s still standing like a grandmother,” Fortinberry remarked.

Even grandmothers need a little extra love. The duo remain committed to continuing their restoration efforts. “It’s sad that it’s sat for more than 20 years with nothing done to it,’ said Grooms. “It needs a lot of work done on the inside.”

environment.

Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

®

With every generation, we get better at protecting our

EXTENSION: GETTING BETTER WITH AGE

By Jim Frankowiak

For more than 100 years the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Hillsborough County, most commonly known as “Extension,” has been providing educational resources and services to strengthen communities, sustain agriculture and natural resources, promote healthy families and individuals and enhance personal and community quality of life.

Extension provides education and services within the following categories:

• 4-H Youth Development

• Agriculture

• Family, Nutrition, Health & Finance Education

• Lawn & Garden

• Urban Trees, Forestry & Natural Resources

• Professional Horticulture

The Cooperative Extension Service (Extension), a national initiative, had its beginnings in 1914 when Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, which provided a means for disseminating and implementing research-based information from land-grant universities. It is a partnership between state land grant universities, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the county governments throughout the nation. All of these groups share in the planning, financing and operation of Extension programs. Here in Florida, Extension is administered by the University of Florida (UF).

The transfer of knowledge from the university to people throughout the state is facilitated by Extension faculty located in each of Florida’s 67 counties. The partnership between counties and UF is the heart of the County Extension Service mission and enables the university to extend its knowledge base to each community.

The mission of extending and implementing research-based information to the people of Florida has not changed. County Extension faculty develops educational programs based on the needs of their citizens and commercial customers. These

priority issues form the basis for major educational programs which are conducted across Florida.

Information is delivered by computer software, seminars, video presentations, online or by the traditional methods of lecture and print. Extension customers participate in classes statewide and implement new information in their businesses, homes and communities.

While many people recognize the 4-H and agricultural components of Hillsborough County Extension, the department has much more to offer residents of the county. Headed by Director Stephen Gran, Hillsborough County Extension provides education and services in:

Agriculture, Natural Resources and Urban Forestry:

• Helping growers implement Best Management Practices (BMPs)

• Selecting appropriate crops

• Pest control suggestions

• Preventing and managing invasive species

• Agribusiness management

• Education for small farm owners

• Commercial nursery production

• Safe and efficient use of pesticides and fertilizers

Family and Consumer Sciences:

• Nutrition, health and food safety

• Disaster preparation and recovery

• Parenting and family life

• Personal finance

• Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

• Florida Master Money Mentors

• Childcare provider training

4-H Youth Development

• Leadership training for youth and adults

• School and community group programs

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional training

• School enrichment curricula

• Learning life skills

• Projects encouraging civic engagement

• Projects for every interest

Environmental and Urban Horticulture

• Commercial landscape industry trainingand licensing

• Plant and turf selection

• Irrigation efficiency

• Pest/disease identification and trouble-shooting

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program

• Master Gardener Volunteer Program, including speakers’ bureau, garden tours and gardening workshops

• Demonstration gardens

• Soil pH testing

• School and community gardens

In addition, the Hillsborough County Extension Department is also home to the Agriculture Economic development Council (AEDC) which initiates and assists with efforts to create an atmosphere that is conducive to the continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses within the county for the benefit of all of its residents.

Homegrown Hillsborough, a network of community members with the mission to grow a strong food system, is also part of the department. The program’s vision is “to create an integrated food system that is diverse, reliable and creates opportunity for active participation.”

Homegrown Hillsborough will act as an educational and community development initiative with a focus on community nutrition, food entrepreneurship and agricultural production that will strengthen the relationship that Hillsborough County residents have with their food.

Hillsborough County Extension is currently partnering with more than 90 agencies and organizations at the local, state and national levels to help achieve its mission to educate and inform residents of the county.

With respect to accountability, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County provided $12.80 in additional support and economic impact for every $1 invested by the county. The earning capacity of Extension program participants grew by more than $7.1 million as a result of certifications achieved. Water conservation grew by 129,252,068 gallons as a result of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and Water Wise programs. Overall, 92 percent of Extension program participants reported a knowledge gain or improved quality of life.

For more information on UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County educational programs and how they may help you, visit the Extension office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584 or syfl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough. You may also call 813/744-5519.

Expanded virtual program offerings reduced the need for in-person education, while still delivering quality and impactful results.

4-H youth tour local agriculture operations to learn about career opportunities in the industry.

Farm tours increase awareness of agriculture in the community.

Demonstrating aerial drone use in agriculture.

Extension improves the competitiveness of the production agriculture industry in Hillsborough County by providing research-based technical and educational resources.

Allie Williams - Sampling hay to test nutrient quality.

Master Gardener Volunteers planning native plants at a county park.

COUNTY FAIR TO RECOGNIZE 2023 HARVEST AWARDS’ WINNERS

Outstanding agricultural leaders from throughout Tampa Bay will be honored at the 2023 Harvest Awards Luncheon, kick ing off the Hillsborough County Fair at noon on Thursday, November 2. Honorees this year include Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Doug Holmberg; Farm Family of the Yea recipient, the Winfred Harrell family; Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Dee Dee Grooms; Outstanding Farmer/Rancher Joe Sumner; Outstanding Public and Community Service, Fred Williams and Memorial Tributes to Timothy Cribbs and Clyde Dixon, Sr.

In addition the Fair will recognize the 2023 “Friends of the Fair:” Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Posse, Hillsborough County Cattlewomen, Commissioner Michael Owen, Central Maintenance and Welding, Pipe Pros, TEW Electric, Ed &Terri Kelly, ACME Barricades, Stepps Towing, McCullough and Scott Contractors, Odiorne Insurance, Tampa Bay Times, I Heart Media, In The Field Magazine, America Show Camels, Bill Barlett, TECO Peoples Gas, Astin Farms, and posthumously, Robert McElheny.

Awardees represent multiple facets of the agricultural community, and all have compelling stories to tell.

Doug Holmberg – Lifetime Achievement

“Educator, agricultural innovator, horticultural leader, and creative thinker” are just a few of the phrases that describe Doug Holmberg, winner of this year’s Harvest Award for Lifetime Achievement. Doug’s formal career as an educator began in 1961 when he moved from South Dakota to begin teaching agriculture at Horace Mann Middle School in Brandon, where he would serve for the next 30 years. However, he began his own business breeding, growing, slaughtering and retailing geese from the time he was 13 years old. With 200 birds, he quickly learned the concept of vertical integration that would influence him in his later career. He served as President of his 4-H Club and FFA Chapter and when his high school FFA instructor had a heart attack, the principal assigned Holmberg

at 16 to teach the class, and never used a substitute teacher. Holmberg received his degree in agricultural education from South Dakota State University and later a Master’s degree from the University of Florida. He held the position of President of the Hillsborough Ag Teachers Association for 10 years and served as President of the State Ag Teachers Association. In 1962 he began his horticultural operation on just over two acres of land. A year later he married Sherrill Lewis and they were parents to three terrific children, as he ran his ag operation and teaching school concurrently for three decades.

Always an innovator, Holmberg patented over 15 items that are now industry-wide staples. When Vietnamese refugees came to the US, Holmberg trained many of them using photo cards on budding techniques for citrus. His employees were so adept that one could bud 6,000 plants in a single day with a 98%- 99% success ratio, almost unheard of in the industry. Today Holmberg Farms produces about 40 varieties of citrus, 40 varieties of tropical fruit and 40 varieties of woody ornamentals on his over six-hundred-acre operation.

While he’s been farming for over sixty years, Doug Holmberg is not slowing down. With more than 100 employees he’s busy each and every day looking for the next great trends in agriculture and horticulture, while he and his family support their church and community.

Winfred Harrell Family – Farm Family of the Year

For many in agriculture, it’s a family affair. And so it is for Winfred Harrell, who, with his family, own and operate Harrell’s Nursery and Harrell’s Liner Farm. Started in 1960 in his 100 x 100-foot backyard in Plant City, it has grown to a major operation with approximately 145 full time employees.

According to Winfred, the core of everything rests with his faith, family and employees. “The good Lord has blessed me. My daughter, Amy Wineinger runs my office operations, while my stepson Doug Padgett and nephew Kyle Harrell are part

of my management team. But the truth is, many of my employees have been working with me 20, 30 or more years, that they are all like family,” states Winfred.

Winfred and his family were originally fishermen, residing in Hudson, Florida. In 1951, at the age of 10, he and his family moved to Plant City to open a fish market. In fact, the first plants he sold were to customers in the market. For 25 years he worked as an electrician at Coronet Phosphate Mine, while also working the fish market and building his nursery business. He left Coronet in 1986 to focus full time on the nursery operation. While he initially expanded to three acres in Springhead, today’s nursey includes 275 acres under production, with additional land available for continued expansion. Today Harrell’s Nursery sells wholesale to distributors and retailers throughout Florida, as well as the entire east coast of the United States, Texas and Puerto Rico, among other areas. He attributes much of his success to understanding trends and being on the forefront of plant production techniques. In addition to the major nursery, Winfred also operates Harrell’s Linder Farm which produces 90% of its plant material from cuttings. To illustrate how dramatically things have changed over the years, he points out that when he started most nursery operations were small mom-and-pop businesses, where plants were grown in metal cans. There was no PVC, no ground cover and no plastic containers being used at that time.

Today technology plays a major role in the family’s business, providing time for service to the ag community, community in general, as well as to youth and their church.

Dee Dee Grooms - Outstanding Woman in Agriculture

Mention the name “Fancy Farms” and the name Dee Dee Grooms immediately comes to mind. Since the farm’s inception in 1974, its matriarch has exemplified the family’s commitment to high quality production agriculture coupled with community service. Even today, Dee Dee can be found at the farm’s offices handling the myriad of day-to-day activities, while always fixing the noontime meal for friends and family alike.

When Carl and Dee Dee started Fancy Farms in 1974, the Grooms could hardly imagine how their farm would grow and flourish over the ensuing years. Throughout its growth, Dee Dee has been integral in every decision. The family was part of the founding of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, as well as active in the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and Farm Bureau.

Of special pride has been her involvement in the annual 4-H Strawberry U-Pick held at Fancy Farms for almost 20 years. Prior to that, 4-H’ers had been to the farm to glean fields for charity with Dee Dee and her family. With her support, in 2023 this annual event raised a whopping $21,000, and well over $100,000 since its inception. But their support for youth isn’t limited to 4-H, as they’re extremely active in a myriad of FFA chapters throughout Hillsborough County, as well as other youth groups.

An excellent baker, she’s won numerous awards at the Florida Strawberry Festival and provides many of the recipes featured at the Fancy Farms Market Bakery, which is operated by the family. In fact, when the market reopens for the season in December, items served will include her strawberry jam and her delicious strawberry vinaigrette, which will be paired with her fresh strawberry salad.

While daughter Kristi runs the market, son Dustin runs the day-to-day farming operations, which in addition to straw-

berries, includes growing blackberries, as well as all types of peas, corn and okra. And for Dee Dee, one of her favorite activities, along with her husband’s, is promoting the strawberry industry at every opportunity, including hosting groups from around the corner and around the globe.

Joe Sumner III - Outstanding Farmer/Rancher/Nurseryman

The2023 Outstanding Farmer/Rancher/Nurseryman recipient is Joe Sumner III, a 7th generation cattle rancher whose family came to Florida in the late 1800s. In 1909 they settled in Hillsborough County, where Joe still operates a cow/calf operation with his wife Nikki and children Joey and Kayleigh. Joe proudly has one of the very few true Cracker cattle herds left in the state of Florida. In addition to his cattle operation, he owns a habitat restoration company that restores habitats throughout Florida back to their natural state.

Joe and his family are very active throughout the community and strive to help less fortunate individuals and families in the south county area.

Fred Williams - Outstanding Public and Community Service

Fred Williams has been a lifelong agricultural advocator and has always been heavily committed to the community. He has served on the Florida FFA Foundation Board and led a highly successful capital campaign for the FFA Leadership Training Center, while serving as President of the Board. Fred is the Co-Founder of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce Pig Jam, which has become a terrific community tradition. One of Fred’s other major activities is his involvement with the Florida Strawberry Festival, where he serves on the Steer, Swine and Plant Sale committee. These events have made it possible for 4-H and FFA youth to receive top dollar for their entries.

For Fred, community service just comes naturally, and he’s always willing to lend his support throughout the community.

Timothy Cribbs and Clyde Dixon Sr.- Posthumous Memorial Awards

Timothy Cribbs of Plant City was a 39-year agricultural teacher and Department Head at Durant High School. He served as the Florida Strawberry Festival Livestock Judging Chair and fielded numerous outstanding FFA judging teams over the years. Cribbs was a member of the Florida FFA, where he served on the Board of Directors and was named to their Hall of Fame. At the University of Florida, he was an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. In addition, he was a member of the Georgia Hunting Club.

He loved his family dearly, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, hunting, fishing and being an avid fan of the Florida Gators.

Clyde Dixon Sr. of Plant City was a Veteran of the United States Navy., having served in World War II and retired from careers in construction and crop insurance. Clyde was a longtime volunteer at the Hillsborough County Fair, helping with many projects throughout the years and always willing to help youth. He assisted with the Youth Dairy Program and helped many students in the Hillsborough County 4-H Dairy Club.

Participants in the Harvest Awards Program will enjoy a luncheon and receive gift bags full of items from area businesses and commodity groups, as the Hillsborough County Fair kicks off its 11-day run from November 2 -12.

The End Of Cash?!

by John Dicks

We certainly have some sweet traditions in this country. Can anything be more steeped in Americana than walking past Publix and getting greeted by a smiling young face offering to sell you some Girl Scout cookies?!

Granted that cookie season doesn’t kick off until the first part of the new year. Now, though, we’re full swing into the Fall Product Program that the Girl Scouts currently have going, and I find myself wanting to buy all that they have to sell of magazine subscriptions, nuts and candies.

There’s really no good way to say, “No thank you.” Unless, of course, you don’t have any cash in your pocket!

Admittedly, it’s a bit of an awkward situation; but one in which I’m frequently finding myself.

Fortunately, the smiling young lady, who was, I’m guessing, about nine or 10, offered that she could also accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Square, or Zelle. Well, now, what do I do?!

For a brief moment, I wondered whether she might also have one those tablet devices that she would swing around like all the cashiers seem to do suggesting that I leave a tip for the transaction!

It did make me ponder a bit, though. Is anyone really using much cash these days?

Sure, there is still that underground economy out there where cash is exchanged with the hope of skipping any taxes due on the deal. It’s also a lot easier (and more discreet) to slip a dollar, or five-spot, or even a Benjamin ($100) into a Birthday card than it is to do a direct to direct iPhone transfer.

The real question, though, is whether the exchange and use of spending with greenbacks now so low that Bureau of Engraving & Printing (BEP) is at all worried about going out of business?

Well I may be clinging to tradition, but the good news is that demand is actually still quite strong for good old fashioned “folding money!”

Probably it’s because American currency is considered to be the world’s defacto universal, or even “world” currency. I mean, really, if you want to keep some cash under the mattress for those times of “just in case”, would you rather lift the sheets and see dollars, or euros?

Silly question it is. Likely even the folks in Europe who actually use euros would rather see and save dollars!

So the printing presses at the BEP are still running night and day, churning out the pretty paper to meet the needs of Girl Scouts and global exchanges the world over.

Of course calling our cash “paper” is a bit more than a misnomer. The bills today are produced on a “paper” composed of 25% linen and 75% cotton.

The “paper” is made specifically for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing by a company in Massachusetts and it’s actually illegal for anyone other than BEP to possess it. It has red and blue fibers distributed randomly throughout to make counterfeit more difficult, and everything from the $5 bill and above is made with specific watermarks and security threads.

Each bill is still unique and printed with a specific serial number for tracking. There’s so many bills coming off the presses, that the serial “numbers” include letters to allow for a higher count with less printed digits.

The number of $100 bills far exceeds the printing of anything else. Last year the BEP printed more than two BILLION of them; to be exact, it was 2,125,536,000! By comparison, the lowly dollar, or buck, had less than a billion spitting off the presses (918,560,000 of them).

The lonely $2 Jefferson bill had more than 100 million printed (108,352,000), which frankly seems like a lot considering that few people pass them around. So little use of them is made that the two years prior the BEP didn’t even bother to print any!

All in all, the the BEP is as busy as ever. It makes me proud and happy to say that at least for now, in so far as circulation of the American currency, there’s no truth to “The Buck Stops Here.”

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

A

by Sean Green

The Golden Rain Tree Bug (Jadera haematoloma)

Modern commerce is characterized by global trade. We decorate our homes with ornamental plants that are indigenous to foreign countries, we consume produce that is grown in foreign soils, and unfortunately, the consequences are that we subject our environment to the introduction of plant and animal species of which there is no natural defense. When foreign plant species are introduced into North America, they can soon become invasive. The term “invasive” is not restricted to foreign species alone, but rather, characterizes any living organism, foreign or domestic, that is not native to the local ecosystem and causes harm to that system. Unfortunately, global trading of plants often results in an introduced species becoming invasive but sometimes, our own native species can become efficient consumers of introduced species that may have otherwise become a problem, such is the case with an insect a co-worker asked me about last month.

The insect of concern was identified as the Golden Rain Tree Bug Jadera haematoloma (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847). This insect is found in alarming abundance when they emerge but rarely become more than a nuisance and never a pest. In fact, by many accounts, this insect can be considered beneficial. In the interest of evolutionary biology, this insect is worth a closer look. It’s rapid evolutionary adaptation to changing weather patterns and new food sources is astounding. This month we will look at the Golden Rain Tree Bug Jadera haematoloma, its origins, host plants, and its extraordinary capacity for adaptive evolution.

Jadera haematoloma, is known by many names; as the red-shouldered bug due to its distinctive red marks along the front sides of its thorax. These “true bugs” are also commonly called the soapberry bug because they

feed exclusively on the seeds of plants in the soapberry family Sapindaceae, which include maples (Acer), balloon vines (Cardiospermum), and soapberry trees (Sapindus). One member of the soapberry family is the golden rain tree Koelreuteria paniculate, a native to eastern Asia that was introduced to the west from China in 1747 and reached America by 1809. Thomas Jefferson received seeds from a French associate and is thought to have been the first to germinate seeds of a species that has become one of the most popular landscape trees in the world. The golden rain tree also seems to be a favorite among the Jadera genus and its appetite for these seeds has earned it the common name of the golden rain tree bug.

The Jadera genus is comprised of more than 40 species throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World and 17 species in the New World, two of which range in North America, the golden rain tree bug Jadera haematoloma, by far the most common, and the scentless bug Jadera antica. Both species can be found here in Florida and are common in suburban environments that include the host plants they feed on, which are often the ornamental plants and shrubs that are popular choices for landscaping. Although these insects appear in shocking numbers, they rarely, if ever, bring harm to the host plant, in fact, they could be considered beneficial. The Jadera genus primarily feed on sap from fallen foliage, flowers, buds and seeds, but also feed on sap leaking from a tree and dead insects on or near the host plant.

Schaefer and Chopra (1982) reported that Jadera have a clear preference for plants of the Sapindales, especially of the Sapindaceae. Furthermore, observations concluded that Jadera haematoloma feeds on a variety of plants but

prefers our southern Florida balloonvine, Cardiospermum spp. Sapindaceae. The first real study of the biology of this insect and its host plants was conducted in 1987. The study included field investigations of five members of the genus to determine the insects host preferences to concluded that Jadera haematoloma, the most common species, preferred plants in the family Sapindaceae (Soapberry), Cardiospermum corundum (Balloon Vine), and the Golden Raintree, Koelreuteria paniculata Laxmann. The Jadera genus and specifically the golden rain tree bug Jadera haematoloma, is noted for its rapid adaptive evolution. In the mid1950s the Taiwanese Flamegold Koelreuteria elegans was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant and soon naturalized. The Flamegold is structured differently than other members of the soapberry family. The capsules are smaller and the seeds are not as deeply embedded.

In a paper published in the scientific journal Genetica (2001), it was shown that the evolution of a colonizing population of Jadera haematoloma on the Taiwanese Flamegold Koelreuteria elegans had taken place in only a few decades. The evolutionary adaptations included a shortening of the insect’s beak length by 20 percent and these bugs evolved to mature 25 percent more rapidly, are 20 percent more likely to survive and lay almost twice as many eggs as their ancestral species that were not reared on the seeds of the Taiwanese Flamegold Koelreuteria elegans. The Golden Rain Tree Bug Jadera haematoloma can be found all year in Florida, as well as other warm climate states and, regardless of the time of year, they are likely to be found in great numbers. Fortunately, these fascinating insects are not harmful to either your plants or your health, so don’t be afraid to take a closer look when you have the chance.

FSGA’S TIFFANY DALE SELECTED FOR WEDGWORTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE CLASS XII

By Jim Frankowiak

Tiffany Dale, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s (FSGA) Director of Business Administration and Finance, has been selected as a member of Class XII of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLI). She is one of 30 members of the two-year leadership development program, which will have its first seminar in Gainesville in November.

Participants have committed to 11 seminars, totaling 55 days, which further develop their leadership capacity in representing agricultural and natural resources industries in Florida. The seminars will be held across the state, in Washington. D.C. and include a two-week international learning experience. The program is structured to broaden participants’ perspectives and builds a network within the agricultural industry and beyond so that its graduates are equipped to effectively address challenges of local, state, national and global dimensions.

Dale and her class members were selected through a rigorous nomination and application process with nearly 70 candidates competing for the 30 available seats. The group represents Florida agriculture’s diversity through their employment in

24 different sub-sectors of the industry. Class XII members also bring geographic diversity to the program, representing 2l counties in Florida.

WLI is administered by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) and house in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. The WLI inaugural class was hosted in 1992 and has approximately 400 program alumni which include both participants and their spouses.

FLORIDA CONSERVATION COALITION AND HILLSBOROUGH NURSERYMEN PRESENT

Super Plant Auction to Benefit Youth Programs

Sunday, November 12. 2023 @ 1:00pm Hillsborough County Fair

215 Sydney Washer Road, Dover FL 33527

Sponsored by:

Offering a Vast Array of plant material, including:

• Annuals

• Perennials

• Bushes

• Ferns

• Butterfly & Landscape Plants

• Plant Nutrition

Enjoy this great opportunity to buy beautiful plants and Trees at reasonable prices and benefit youth and adult Conservation programs in Hillsborough County!

For further information, please contact:

Betty Jo Tompkins • 813-477-8332 or bjt6890@yahoo.com

Florida Conservation Coalition • advocating • educating • facilitating Conservation programs for youth and adults. SEE YOU THERE!!!

October 27, 2023 at 1 PM

October 27, 2023 at 1 PM

(CONSIGNMENTS ONLY, FOR CONSIGNMENT INFO PLEASE CALL) (CONSIGNMENTS ONLY, FOR CONSIGNMENT INFO PLEASE CALL)

Expecting 300 +/- HD QUALITY CROSSBRED HEIFERS - 50 HD CHAROLAIS BULLS

DISTRICT TO HOLD SERIES OF HOG HUNTS IN 2023-2024, PERMITS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE

By Jim Frankowiak

District land managers plan to hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the feral hog population.

Prospective hunters can purchase permits for Phase I hunts beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 3, on the District’s WaterMatters.org/ HogHunts. Permits will be available on a first come, first serve basis until they are sold out. The cost is $75 for each permit. A complete list of hunts with locations and dates is also available online.

The District has a three-phased hunting system. The first two phases of hunts will have separate registration processes. The single top producer from each Phase 1 and Phase 2 hunt will be asked to participate in hog management activities for Phase 3.

All hunts will adhere to the hog-dog format. No still hunts will be available. The program works like this:

PHASE 1 HUNTS

• Registration will occur Oct. 3, 2023, at 9 a.m.

• Includes five hunts that occur October through November 2023.

• A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit.

• Permits are transferable.

• The top producer on each Phase 1 hunt will be placed on the District’s ‘top producer’ list and will be awarded participation in our Phase 3 hunts, free of charge. We no longer award free admission into Phase 2 for our top two producers of the Phase 1 hunt.

• Failure to follow regulations or poor behavior issues will disqualify registrants for incentive consideration at the sole discretion of District staff. Participants will be provided the opportunity to refute the decision.

PHASE 2 HUNTS

• Registration will occur Dec. 5, 2023, at 9 a.m.

• Includes five hunts that occur January through February 2024.

• A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit.

• Permits are transferable.

• The top producer on each Phase 2 hunt will be placed on the District’s ‘top producer’ list and will be awarded participation in our Phase 3 hunts, free of charge. We no longer award free admission into Phase 2 for our top two producers of the Phase 1 hunt.

• Failure to follow regulations or poor behavior issues will disqualify registrants for incentive consideration at the sole discretion of District staff. Participants will be provided the opportunity to refute the decision.

PHASE 3 “AS-NEEDED” MANAGEMENT HUNTS

• Includes management hunts that can occur between March through October 2024.

• Only those registrants that qualify as top producers following the Phase 1 and 2 hunts will be contacted to take part in management hunts during this period.

• Management hunts offered to top producers will be free of charge and non-transferable.

• Phase 1 and Phase 2 top producers, without rule violations, will be offered participation on a minimum of four management hunts occurring March through October 2024.

The District-managed properties will be temporarily closed to the public during the hog hunts. Only permitted hunters will be allowed access.

Feral hogs, which are not native to Florida, can cause damage with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They also prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread of exotic plant species by transporting seeds and/ or providing germination sites through rooting.

This is the 15th consecutive year for the hunts. Last year’s hunts removed 523 hogs on nine different tracts of land throughout the District.

2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Swine Exhibitors

Tregg Aguero

Juliet Aldazabal

Mitchell Amole

Jaylyn Barter

Braxton Battaglia

Bristol Bedenbaugh

Lena Bent

Sloan Bland

Jackson Blanton

Madison Bond

Kourtney Boyette

Brooklynn Brewer

Sophia Briel

Lillian Cannon

Ethan Carlin

Harper Cauley

Rocco Cesario

Brayden Cole

Reid Connell

Tucker Conrad

Brody Cook

Harrison Cornelius

Braxton Crumley

Conner Cummins

Ciera Diaz

Charlee Davis

Lauren Dix

Lucas Dusnik

Abbigail Dusnik

Lainey Dyches

Payton Flanagan

Hunter Freeman

Tyler Fry

Kendall Gee

Easton Goff

Tyler Gonser

Kaleb Green

Kenan Hench

Addison Herlong

Adrianna Herlong

Marlee Howard

Taylor Iturriaga

Raniya Jackson

Declan Layton

McKenzie Linoln

Anna Lovell

Carter Lynch

Jayden Lyons

Makayla Mahoney

Lyala McCay

Charlee McDonald

Kyleigh Meiers

Brody Mesa

Avery Messick

Addie Miller

Ellie Miller

Corey Neal

Caroline Newman

Cooper Newman

Brylynn Newsome

Kayden O’Dell

Ivy Ogden

Abbigail Phillips

Brooke Purcell

Jackson Raburn

Danielle Ricks

Hannah Rooks

Brock Sampson

Bryson See

Karisa Sheldon

Madalynn Shirah

Riley Sumner

Cameryn Smith

Carly Steward

Kendall Stiles

Evelyn Stolle

Tucker Thomas

Fisher Thomas

Jovee Tkach

Adelynn Tkach

Hope Tribbe

Evelyn Vasher

Kaygenn Wood

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

By J. Scott Angle

Gary Vallad wants you to spend less and earn more.

He advises against putting something on your crop just to make it look better, so you spend less. Instead, ask yourself if it improves yield, so you earn more.

Vallad has been helping area growers prevent, detect and manage crop diseases for 16 years. He has come to visit many of you to diagnose what’s going on in your fields.

I hope you’ll visit him at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) on November 9 at the Florida Ag Expo when he presents the latest on local plant disease.

Unfortunately, Vallad laments, you’re just might be seeing more of him this year due to El Niño. The predicted weather pattern, he explains, typically brings us cooler and wetter weather. Plants stay wet longer, which gives disease a better chance to take hold.

He’s a star researcher in the UF/IFAS Department of Plant Pathology—in fact, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has in the past honored him as its researcher of the year. But he identifies as a “house doctor,” the guy who comes out to your farm to diagnose disease or help you figure out whether it’s even a disease that’s making your plants look sick.

While Vallad sees a future of increased disease pressure, he also sees science keeping pace with that pressure.

He’s a consummate team player in the GCREC scientific corps. Vallad works with plant breeders to help them incorporate disease resistance into new tomato varieties. He has talked with weed scientist Nathan Boyd (who’s also in charge of Expo seminar programming this year) about whether the machine Boyd is teaching to target only weeds might also learn how to apply fungicides only to diseased plants.

Vallad doesn’t yet know how artificial intelligence will influence his work. He just knows that it will.

For now, Vallad leans more on traditional tools as he makes his rounds in Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk counties. He carries a pocketknife, zip lock bags, and a hand lens. The most important tool, though, is the F150 he’s put 80,000 miles on to get from the lab to your field.

Vallad’s one of many reasons to attend the Florida Ag Expo. It’s one of our biggest Extension events, with seminars, giveaways, a trade show and plenty of opportunities to mingle with Vallad, other scientists, friends, and colleagues.

As much as Vallad knows about plant disease, there’s one thing you know better than he does: your own farm. Vallad believes that when you share what you’re seeing, you make him better at his job. That’s important, because his job is to help you become better at yours.

Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

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Recipes

These recipesipes come from WWW.STRAWBERRYSUE.COM

Candy Corn Strawberries

qPreparation

1. Wash and dry fresh Florida Strawberries.

q2. Place a toothpick through the green top leaving it long enough to hold for dipping.

What’s white, orange, and yellow on the outside and red on the inside? Strawberries decorated to look like Candy Corn. Fun and easy to make, Candy Corn Strawberries are one of my favorite ways to serve strawberries in the fall.

INGREDIENTS

• Fresh Florida Strawberries washed and dried leaving the green tops on them ( make sure they are dry or the chocolate will not stick)

• Three glass bowls to microwave candy melts

• Toothpicks

• Parchment paper

• White, orange, and yellow candy melting chips available at your local baking supply and craft store.

Florida Strawberry Pop Tarts

3. Melt each color of chips in separate glass bowls stirring every 30 seconds being careful not to burn it. The chips will not loose there shape while melting that’s why you need to stir it to see if it’s melted. Watch it carefully so you don’t burn it.

4. Hold the berry by the toothpick dip in white first all the way to the green top, place on parchment paper to set.

5. After the white hardens dip in orange repeat steps above then finish in the yellow.

6. Place in cupcake papers for easy serving.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pack of Pillsbury

Refrigerated Pie Crust

• Strawberry jam (recipe here)

• 1 egg white

• 1¼ cups sifted powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Sprinkles

For over three decades the sale of Pop Tarts has increased year over year. According to Kellogg, they sell over 2 billion, yes, billion with a “b,” Pop Tarts every year. It seems people can’t get enough of this fast breakfast treat! Of course, not many breakfast foods can claim to be ready faster than a bagel and still fill you up.

And while Pop Tarts are selling like delicious hot cakes, there’s one easy way to make them even better… Make them yourself! You’d be amazed at how easy homemade Pop Tarts are to make and how much more delicious they are than the store bought stuff.

Plus you can control what goes into them so they aren’t overly sweet or have added preservatives you don’t care for. It is a little curious how long Pop Tarts can stay refrigerated without going bad…

Two ways you can make this. Either make your own pie crust or buy the pre-made stuff. I prefer to just buy the pre-made dough. It’s super easy to work with and will save you some valuable family time. Either way these will be flakier than regular Pop Tarts and won’t suffer all the crumby messes they are known for.

DIRECTIONS

q q

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Unroll the pie crusts onto a floured surface. If you have a rolling pin, feel free to thin them out a bit. A little crust goes a long way here. Use a cookie cutter in whatever fun shape to cut out your crust, or go for the classic 3 inch by 5 inch Pop Tart rectangle. You will need each piece to be the same size and an even number, half for bottom and half for top.

Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into the middle of the bottom pieces. Spread evenly but leave around 1/4 of an inch on the sides. Carefully lay the top layer on top of the dough and use a fork to smush the edges together so nothing leaks out.

Poke a series of holes with a thin knife blade across the tops so they can vent, then bake for 20-25 minutes on parchment paper, just until they start to turn golden brown.

Meanwhile we’ll make the frosting by whisking the egg whites until peaks form. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla, whisking until smooth.

Spread a thin layer of frosting on the tarts once they are finished baking and have had time to cool. Top off with sprinkles and you’re ready to go!

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26' Class A. Only 19,689 miles. Call Roger 813-752-9434

OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE

Bread warmer, chrome trim. You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378

DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER

No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378

KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES

Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378

JOBS

MECHANIC NEEDED

Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345 or Alvie 813-759-8722

PARTS COUNTER HELP

Wanted for parts look up and sales. Experience in the agriculture equipment service. Speak with Alvie. 813-759-8722

2023 HORSE TRAILER

Express Bumper Pull Slant load 2 Horse with front tack room. Exiss-Model 01700020

G.V.W.R. 7000 Shipping Weight 2600 Transferable Warranty

$17,000.00 Call or text 813-446-4864 for more information

PRODUCE

FRESH PRODUCE

Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!

CITRUS PACKING HOUSE

10 Box bin dumper, 500-gal Stainless steel soak tank, Roller bed washer, Pre-dryer roller bed, Waxer machine, Gas headed dryer, Roller bed for grading, and Parker sizer with 7 stations, 2 industrial wind mills. Located in Winter Haven Call or text (813) 220-7186

FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722

24 HOUR SERVICE

Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577

ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING

Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & Repair. Legendary service for over 20 years! 813-752-0821

SHOWER STALLS - FIBERGLASS

Scratch and dent shower stalls - fiberglass perfect for hunting camps. $150 you pick! Call us! 813-752-3378

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