In The Field magazine Hillsborough edition

Cover Photo by Alexis Greene

Letter from the Editor

As I write this, Florida is anxiously watching as Hurricane Milton heads toward the state. The current path shows it going directly over Hillsborough and Polk counties. We are basically in the center of the cone. It has shifted a bit south, but that isn’t going to help us out much. Especially for those on the coast who are still recovering, cleaning up, and counting losses from Hurricane Helene. Not only that but Hurricane Debby, a category 1 hurricane, dropped so much rain, that the ground is still saturated.

By the time you read this, the storm will have come and gone. Those in its path will be dealing with whatever destruction the storm, estimated to be a category 3 hurricane when it hits land, wrought.

There are many things to keep in mind after the storm. Make sure any contractors you hire are licensed and insured. If you lose power, discard perishable food if it is stored in temperatures above 41 degrees for more than 4 hours. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t respond to robocalls, text messages, or emails regarding insurance premiums or coverage. Call your local insurance agent or the number listed on your insurance card to verify any messages you may receive.

Check the Florida Department of Agriculture website at https://www.fdacs.gov/ Consumer-Resources/Storm-Preparation for more tips. Hopefully next month we will be back to business as usual.

Until Next Month

Sarah Holt

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

De De Floyd

Melissa Nichols

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Alexis Greene

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

Autum Miller

Contributing Writers

Wade Osborne

John Dicks

Tiffany Dale

Social Media

Victoria Saunders

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

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

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

Greetings,

OCTOBER

-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

I hope this letter finds everyone doing well as we move into the fall season. I want to take this time to thank everyone in the Farm Bureau family and the community for allowing me to serve as President of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau for the past seven years. It has been an honor to lead such a great organization that has a lasting impact in so many areas of the agriculture landscape. I would like to thank the Board of Directors and our Executive Director, Kaylee Poppell, for their continued leadership and efforts to ensure the success of our organization and the industry we represent.

As I transition out of the role of president, I am confident that the future of our Farm Bureau is bright. We have a strong foundation, dedicated members, and a commitment to supporting and advancing the agricultural industry in Hillsborough County. I have full faith in the incoming leadership and know that they will continue to prioritize the needs of our members and work tirelessly to promote, protect, and advance agriculture in our community.

I am grateful for the friendships I have made and the memories we have created together during my time as president. It has been a pleasure to work alongside each and every one of you, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together. The support and

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

camaraderie within the Farm Bureau family is truly something special, and I will cherish it always.

While I will no longer serve on the Board of Direc tors, I will still be actively involved in Farm Bureau and will continue to support our organization in any way that I can. I look forward to seeing all the amazing things that the future holds for Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and I am excited to watch the continued growth and success of our organization. Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your president, it has been an incredible journey!

Sincerely,

Dennis Carlton Jr.

Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Board of Directors

Dennis Carlton Jr, Casey Runkles, Madison A. Salter, Clay Joyner, Carl Bauman, Brittany Coleman, Travis Council, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Drew Futch, Brian Shoop and Michelle Williamson

LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLE

The Leatherback Sea Turtle or Dermochelys Coriacea as it is known by its scientific name, is the largest of all living turtles and the heaviest non-crocodilian reptile, reaching lengths of up to 8 feet and weights of 1000 lbs. It is the only living species in the genus Dermochelys and family Dermochelyidae. It can easily be differentiated from other modern sea turtles by its lack of a bony shell; instead, its carapace is covered by oily flesh and flexible, leather-like skin, for which it is named.

Leatherback turtles have a global range, although there are multiple distinct subpopulations. The species as a whole is considered vulnerable and some of its subpopulations are critically endangered.

Relatives of modern leatherback turtles have existed in relatively the same form since the first true sea turtles evolved over 110 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. The dermochelyids are relatives of the family Cheloniidae, which contains the other six sea turtle species. However, their sister taxon is the extinct family Protostegidae which included other species that did not have a hard carapace.

Leatherback turtles have the most hydrodynamic body of any sea turtle, with a large, teardrop-shaped body. A large pair of front flippers powers the turtles through the water. Like other sea turtles, the leatherback has flattened forelimbs adapted for swimming in the open ocean. Claws are absent from both pairs of flippers. The leatherback’s flippers are the largest in proportion to its body among extant sea turtles. Leatherback’s front flippers can grow up to 8 feet in large specimens, the largest flippers, even in comparison to its body, of any sea turtle.

The leatherback has several characteristics that distinguish it from other sea turtles. Its most notable feature is the lack of a bony carapace. Instead of scutes, it has thick, leathery skin with embedded minuscule osteoderms. Seven distinct ridges rise from the car-

apace, crossing from the cranial to the caudal margin of the turtle’s back.

Leatherbacks are unique among reptiles in that their scales lack keratin. The entire turtle’s dorsal surface is colored dark grey to black, with a scattering of white blotches and spots. Demonstrating countershading, the turtle’s underside is lightly colored. Instead of teeth, the leatherback turtle has points on the tomium of its upper lip, with backward spines in its throat to help it swallow food and to stop its prey from escaping once caught.

The Leatherback Turtle is a species with a cosmopolitan global range. Of all the extant sea turtle species, the Leatherback Turtle has the widest distribution, reaching as far north as Alaska and Norway and as far south as Cape Agulhas in Africa and the southernmost tip of New Zealand. The leatherback is found in all tropical and subtropical oceans, and its range extends well into the Arctic Circle. The three major, genetically distinct populations occur in the Atlantic, eastern Pacific, and western Pacific Oceans. A few hundred nest annually on the eastern coast of Florida.

Leatherback turtles face many predators in their early lives. Eggs may be preyed on by a diversity of coastal predators, including ghost crabs, monitor lizards, raccoons, coatis, dogs, coyotes, genets, mongooses, and shorebirds ranging from small plovers to large gulls.

Many of the same predators feed on baby turtles as they try to get to the ocean, as well as frigatebirds and varied raptors. Once in the ocean, young leatherbacks face predation from cephalopods, requiem sharks, and various large fish. Despite their lack of a hard shell, the huge adults face fewer serious predators, though they are occasionally overwhelmed and preyed on by very large marine predators such as killer whales, great white sharks, and tiger sharks.

By Libby Hopkins

The adult Leatherback has been observed aggressively defending itself at sea from predators.

Adults are prone to long-distance migration. Migration occurs between the cold waters where mature leatherbacks feed, to the tropical and subtropical beaches in the regions where they hatch. Mating takes place at sea. Males never leave the water once they enter it, unlike females, which nest on land. After encountering a female, the male uses head movements, nuzzling, biting or flipper movements to determine her receptiveness. Males can mate every year but the females mate every two to three years. Fertilization is internal, and multiple males usually mate with a single female. This polyandry does not provide the offspring with any special advantages. Female leatherbacks are known to nest up to 10 times in a single nesting season giving them the shortest inter-nesting interval of all sea turtles.

Leatherbacks have slightly fewer human-related threats than other sea turtle species, however, turtlefishery interactions may play a larger role than previously recognized. Their flesh contains too much oil and fat to be considered palatable, reducing the demand. However, human activity still endangers leatherback turtles in direct and indirect ways. Directly, a few are caught for their meat by subsistence fisheries. Nests are raided by humans in places such as Southeast Asia. In the state of Florida, there have been 603 leatherback strandings between 1980 and 2014. Almost one-quarter of leatherback strandings are due to vessel-strike injuries, which is the highest cause of strandings.

Light pollution is a serious threat to sea turtle hatchlings which have a strong attraction to light. Human-generated light from streetlights and buildings causes hatchlings to become disoriented, crawling toward the light and away from the beach. Hatchlings are attracted to light because the lightest area on a natural beach is the horizon over the ocean, and the darkest area is the dunes or forest.

On Florida’s Atlantic coast, some beaches with high turtle nesting density have lost thousands of hatchlings due to artificial light. The leatherback sea turtle is subject to different conservation laws in various countries.

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FAVORABLE PROFILE FOR APPLICATORS, HANDLERS AND FIELD WORKERS

FEMA Individual and Business Assistance Available for Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene

By Jim Frankowiak

Those affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for FEMA assistance to take care of critical needs.

FEMA may provide financial help to assist you with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicles, etc). You may also qualify for help with childcare, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Help is available in many languages.

Don’t wait to apply for FEMA assistance and, if you do have insurance, do not wait to file an insurance claim for damage caused by the disaster.

If you have business losses, including property damage and economic losses, you may qualify for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at lending.sba.gov to learn more and apply.

Additionally, Florida homeowners and renters in 17 counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.

FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

Homeowners and renters in Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties can apply.

If you applied to FEMA after Hurricane Debby and have additional damage from Hurricane Helene, you will need to apply separately for Helene and provide the dates of your most

recent damage. Apply for either storm online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800- 621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI)

FEMA’s disaster assistance offers new benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors. In addition, a simplified process and expanded eligibility allows Floridians access to a wider range of assistance and funds for serious needs.

What You’ll Need When You Apply

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.

• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.

• Your Social Security number.

• A general list of damage and losses.

• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.

• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

For the latest information about Florida’s Hurricane Helene recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/ fema.

District to Hold Series of Hog Hunts in 2024-2025, Permits Available Online

By Jim Frankowiak

The Southwest Water Management District (District) land managers will hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the coming year to help reduce the feral hog population.

Prospective hunters can purchase permits for Phase I hunts beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 1, on the District’s WaterMatters.org/HogHunts website. Permits will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis until 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. 1, 2024, at 9 a.m.

• Includes five hunts that occur October through November 2024.

• 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. 3, 2024, at 9 a.m.

• Includes six hunts that occur January through February 2025.

• 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 2025.

• 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 in a minimum of four management hunts occurring March through October 2025.

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 16th consecutive year for the hunts. Last year’s hunts removed 719 hogs on 11 different tracts of land throughout the District.

October Treats!!

Capt. Wade Osborne

Just as expected for October, the redfish bite has turned on big time. Schooling redfish can be found on most grass flats throughout Tampa Bay. There are a couple of keys to success when targeting redfish.

First: If fishing a mangrove shoreline, fish tight to the mangroves. Redfish like to feed just inside the mangroves around the low-hanging branches and roots. It helps to chum with live bait to draw them out of the bushes.

Second: Always be on the lookout for mullet when pursuing redfish. Redfish usually travel within mullet schools, so when I see mullet heading my way, I take notice. If necessary, I’ll position my boat, so they pass downwind within casting distance, and I’ll start live bait chumming heavily. If redfish are mixed in with the mullet, you’ll know by the explosions on the bait that you just tossed out. The longer you chum, the more you draw to the boat.

per vessel limit per day, regardless of the number of passengers on board.

Now that water temperatures are on a downward trend the snook have become more active. With the snook spawn being over, the large females are now on the move and thinking less about love, and more about food. Ten or more snook can be caught within an hour if you hit the right spot, during good tidal flow. Just like with redfish, chum with live bait to get the action going. Some snook hot spots are mangrove points adjacent to deep water areas with mangroves adjacent to oyster beds and mangroves along creek or river mouths.

You only have until the end of November to harvest snook, so make the most of it. Snook have a slot limit of no less than 28 inches or more than 33 inches. The bag limit is one fish per person, per day.

Third: Learn to distinguish a mullet school from a redfish school, there is a subtle difference. Mullet tend to push water more aggressively than redfish and break the surface often as they move along. Of course, the tell-tale sign is when they jump out of the water. However, when redfish schools move across the grass flats, especially during a high tide, their wake can be hardly noticeable. Many times, you’ll just notice a slight difference in the ripples on the water’s surface.

Remember, there’s a one fish per person, per day bag limit on redfish and they have to measure between 18-27 inches to the tip on the tail to harvest. Any fish under or over those measurements must be released. There is also a strict two fish

The seatrout bite has been strong all year and continues to be robust. Grass flats in water between four to six feet deep have been the most productive for large keeper-sized seatrout, but they’re active just about everywhere. Lately, it seems an outgoing tide is the most productive, as far as, sheer numbers and larger sized fish.

I like to suspend a bait under a float when fishing for seatrout to keep the bait out of the grass. Then I’ll cast the bait 90 degrees off the side of the boat from the drift and let the tide carry the bait across the grass flat while keeping the bail open. Once a seatrout takes the float under, I close the bail with my hand, reel until the line is tight and lift the rod for a hook set.

Seatrout have a bag limit of three fish per person and a slot limit of 15-19 inches.

26-Year Veteran Fishing Guide, Captain Wade Osborne.

Here’s where it gets a little tricky: You can keep one per person over 19 inches if fishing from shore, but only one per vessel, regardless of the number of people if fishing from a boat.

As the month progresses and we move into November, more and more cold fronts pass through our area. Early on, the water temperature begins to drop with each passing front until it stabilizes. During this time, bait fish start leaving the grass flats for deeper water. Once the bait leaves, so do the fish.

When fish leave the shallows in search of bait, they’re more receptive to eating shrimp. The reason: Baitfish tend to move into deeper water in areas where snook, redfish, and seatrout don’t generally live. Then fish tend not to be as selective in what they eat.

Until then, carry on!

Afishionado, Adventures in Fishing.”

Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Osborne has been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and writes for multiple publications. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474

• Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.

• A fool and his money are soon parted. The rest of us wait until income tax time.

• The man or woman that invest all your money is called a BROKER.

• In 1908 the average wage was 22 cents an hour.

• If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.

• You should never test the depth of the water with both feet.

• You can avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

NEWSPAPER

Since my daughter, Karen, has taken over as publisher of the Plant City Observer, I have gained an appreciation for those that put each edition together. You have to hand it to them. They have a small space to cram their huge attention grabbing headlines, and always being on a deadline, very little time to think about them.

Some headlines that slip past writers and editors are down right hilarious. For example, “Unopposed Candidates Win.” Well now, can you imagine? What else would be the outcome? I gave the writer a pass, as I am sure he was past deadline for printing. Let me share some of the headlines I have collected over the years.

“Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax”

“Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over”

“Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years In Checkout Counter”

“Milk Drinkers Are Turning to Powder”

“Include Your Children When Baking Cookies”

From a police report in Georgia, “Crack Found In Man’s Buttocks.”

Some of the stories are beyond belief too; “Super-rats are being genetically modified to sniff out land mines for the Army.”

There’s the story of a guy that saw red and in a road rage attacked victims by squirting them with ketchup. He doused both a driver and cyclist. The judge gave him 220 hours of “high level” community unpaid work.

Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the October 2016 issue

There’s a story going around that many world leaders will reveal before the end-of-the year that aliens are visiting us. (I think they are already in Washington) Some activists are stepping up calls now for governments around the world to formally acknowledge that extra-terrestrials are contacting the human race. You can expect Washington to hold “World Disclosure Day” to raise the awareness of the so-called Roswell incident more than 70 years ago.

They claim an alien spaceship crashed on a remote ranch in New Mexico in the first week of July 1947. The Roswell Army Air Force issued a press release saying the military had recovered the remains of a “flying disc” which made front page news around the world.

A few days later General Roger Ramey made the announcement at a press conference that the found object was just a weather balloon. His report started claims of a cover-up.

“World Disclosure Day” will be designated as a day to draw focus on the issue. However, on that day the nations will comes forward to finally and formally acknowledge the alien presence.

Paul Hellyer, a former deputy Prime Minister and exdefense of Canada, spoke out at the first Canadian Na-

tional Inquiry into UFOs a few months back, claiming that a bunch of bankers, oil cartels, industrial corporations and military intelligence agencies were behind the cover-up.

Many believe an alien craft did crash at Roswell and the US and Canadian governments signed a deal not to tell the public about the visitation.

I enjoy the way the Plant City Observer uses headlines in their police report each week. I wonder what heading they would have given this story if it had happen in Plant City?

A south Florida man pulled over for speeding called 911 to report a potential murder in hopes of avoiding a ticket. He was stopped by a police officer in Melbourne for driving over the limit. When the officer who cited him turned his back the man dialed 911.

“There’s definitely someone going to get shot. Please, please,” a man says on the 911 call released by officials.

“There’s a man with a gun. I see him looking at me, but I don’t think he sees I am on a cell phone. I swear I am so scared I might get myself killed!” Police officers were sent to the scene, but the officer who originally pulled the man over stayed put. The 911 dispatchers had, in the meantime, tracked down the name of the caller and announced it over the police radio, which alerted the officer standing next to the man. Now, instead of a $150 speeding ticket he got a year in jail!

Then there’s the story of the man that goes to see the Rabbi. “Rabbi, something terrible is happening and I have to talk with you about it.”

The Rabbi asked, “What’s wrong?”

The man replied, “My wife is going to poison me.”

The Rabbi being very surprised, asks, “How can that be?”

The man then pleads, “I’m telling you, I am certain she’s going to poison me. What should I do?”

The Rabbi replies, “Let me talk to her, I’ll see what I can find out and I’ll let you know.”

A week later the Rabbi calls the man. He says, “I spoke with your wife on the phone for three hours. You want my advice?”

The man said, “Yes” and the Rabbi replied, “Take the poison.”

I’ll close with this story. An old farmer in Paso County had owned a large farm for many years. He had a huge manmade pond out back with a beautiful picnic area. For years it was the perfect place to unwind or hold a family get together. As the farmer grew older, his oasis was used less and less. It eventually became the local swimming hole and while his neighbors occasionally took advantage of the pond, he rarely made an appearance.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond. He hadn’t been there in a while and felt the urge to pay a visit to check things out. As he neared the pond, he heard loud playful voices giggling and laughing. He came closer and was astonished to see that a bunch of young women had decided to skinny dip in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of the pond. One of the women shouted to him, “We’re not coming out until you leave!”

The old man replied, “I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim or make you get out of the pond naked. I’m here to feed the alligator.”

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY RESIDENTS

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

You may not know that the University of Florida (UF) has an extensive number of publications that can provide answers to your questions regarding horticulture, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H. As an Extension Agent in Environmental Horticulture, focusing on Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM, that is the focus of this article.

I selected my four favorite publications to share with you and summarized the contents. They are Central Florida Gardening Calendar, Landscaping in the Shade, Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide, and Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Principles.

Central Florida Gardening Calendar – This is a monthby-month guide that provides information on what to plant (annuals/bedding plants, bulbs, herbs, vegetables) and what to do (trees, shrubs, bulbs, lawns, flowering plants, pests fertilizer, irrigation). It also includes what to do every month: adjust irrigation based on rainfall and restrictions, prune off dead blossoms and seeds to encourage new flowers, monitor plants for early signs of insects and disease, plant trees, shrubs, and flowering annuals/perennials and water until established, see The Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design, mow lawns at recommended heights every 7-10 days during warm months and every 10-14 days in cool months.

Landscaping in Florida Shade – provides the preferences of many shade-tolerant plants, such as four or fewer hours of full sun, all-day dappled shade, high, and shifting shade. Difficult shade areas include dense and dark areas with no sun, in the shade of buildings, dominated by tree roots, and very wet or dry locations. There is a list of plant types that are generally good candidates for shade in north, central, and other considerations for growing plants in the shade. The plant list includes north, central, and south Florida and turf, small trees under 30 feet, palms/cycads, shrubs, plants, ornamental grasses, ferns, groundcovers colorful annuals and perennials and assorted houseplants.

Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide – This publication lists the steps involved in vegetable gardening. The site should be near the house, on a well-drained site with a close source of water and at least six hours of sunlight each day. Create a garden plan before you plant and create a list of supplies including plants. This article includes information on soil preparation, organic matter, compost, cover crops (green manure), adjusting the soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation and drainage, extending the gardening season, pest management, no-pesticide approaches, and using pesticides wisely. There is a detailed planting guide for Florida vegetables that covers north, central, and south Florida.

Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension

Edible Landscaping Using the Nine Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Principles – provides detailed information and links to University of Florida publications that make your edible landscape much easier to create and manage. The principles and one of the many tips per principle include: right plant, right place (follow planting dates for your region’s season), water efficiently (observe your plants and watch for signs of water stress), fertilize appropriately (amend soil with compost or other organic amendments), mulch (mulch your vegetable garden, herbs and fruit trees to control weeds, etc.), attract wildlife (the majority of fruit/vegetable crops need pollination to set fruits), manage yard pests responsibly (use the Integrated Pest Management process to make decisions about pest management), recycle yard waste (purchase a bin, build a compost pile or check with your Extension office to see if they offer a class), reduce stormwater runoff (collect rainwater in rain barrels for use on nonedible plants if harvested off a roof structure or check with your Extension office for a workshop) and protect the waterfront (do not plant edible crops that require tilling, irrigation or fertilization within a minimum of 10 feet of water bodies).

If you are looking for a garden stroll, please consider our Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden in the courtyard of our office at Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584. This garden is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Contact: Lynn Barber @ labarber@ufl.edu

Florida Strawberry Festival Announces Theme For 2025 Event

The Florida Strawberry Festival announced the theme for its 90th annual event – “The Stage Is Set!”

“Over the decades, the Strawberry Festival’s goal has been to honor the traditions of our past while striving to provide our guests with something new and exciting to experience,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson. “For BerryFest25, the Festival will say farewell to our 35-year-old soundstage that has created so many unforgettable memories as we will welcome in a new entertainment experience and a new soundstage that will provide us the opportunity to bring the best artists to Plant City.”

A new theme is created for each year’s Festival to offer patrons a glimpse of the experience they will have at the 11-day event. It also unifies vendors, FFA chap-

ters, organizations, corporate partners, and exhibitors, who create parade floats and displays throughout the event.

The Festival’s strawberry character, featured in each year’s theme artwork, is an iconic part of the event’s branding and advertising efforts. In this theme’s artwork, he wears sunglasses and an FSF-branded cowboy hat. He strums a guitar while standing in front of the GT Grandstands.

“The Strawberry Festival will always focus on supporting our agricultural community and youth in agriculture. One way we celebrate agriculture is through our stellar headline entertainment,” said Robinson. “The Stage is Set” for the 90th Annual Florida Strawberry Festival where you will find great entertainment, delicious food, unbelievable vendors, agricultural exhibits, and thrilling midway rides!”

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FARM BUREAU HOLDS 82ND ANNUAL MEETING

By Jim Frankowiak

More than 300 Farm Bureau family members joined together at the 82nd Annual Hillsborough County Farm Bureau (HCFB) meeting at the TECO Expo Hall on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) President Jeb Smith was the event’s keynote speaker.

Smith’s address to the members included several topics of importance to agriculture and Farm Bureau members, as well as all consumers, regarding the national agricultural trade deficit and its impact on our economy and food security. He also emphasized the importance of supporting local and American Ag production to ensure a stable and secure food supply. President Smith also stressed the need to get the next generation involved in agriculture, highlighting the importance of connecting with our youth.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to hear the awardwinning speech of Ashlyn Demanovich, a member of the Durant SR FFA Chapter and winner of the FFBF District 6 Women’s Leadership Youth Speech Contest. The topic was “How does Florida Farm Bureau connect youth with the agriculture industry?” Ashlyn will be competing against other district winners at the upcoming FFBF Annual Meeting later this month. Fostering the fellowship, friendship, and fun of the annual meeting was a steak dinner prepared and served by the Hillsborough County Cattlemen and HCFB Board of Directors. The meeting also included updates regarding Farm Bureau policies and priorities in the upcoming sessions, the Women’s Committee programs, and a cake auction that benefited the Young Farmers and Ranchers program.

HCFB Board of Directors members Dennis Carlton Jr., Tiffany Dale, Carl Bauman, and Jake Cremer completed their board terms and have rotated off the board. New officers of the

HCFB will be selected at the board meeting this month. “We are so grateful for the knowledge, expertise, and service that Dennis, Tiffany, Carl, and Jake brought to our board. We are truly going to miss each of them!” said Kaylee Poppell, Executive Director of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau.

“We are also so grateful for our sponsors who help make our Annual Meeting, as well as our Annual Education programs such as Ag-Venture and Ag-Abilities possible,” said Poppell. “Mosaic, Everglades Equipment Group, Jarrett Scott Ford, Lykes Brothers, Ardent Mills, Farm Credit of Central Florida, and Fresh Pak Produce are wonderful partners of HCFB and we are so thankful for their support of our programs!”

For more information about HCFB, including membership benefits and opportunities, visit: www.hcfarmbureau,org.

OUR PROFITS ARE YOUR PAYDAY

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

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

AG

LOSSES DUE TO HURRICANE DEBBY EXCEED $93 MILLION

The agricultural production losses Florida experienced due to Hurricane Debby have an estimated value between $93.7 million and $263.2 million, according to a preliminary UF/ IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) report based on producer surveys. The Category 1 storm made landfall on Aug. 5 near Steinhatchee, Fla, and affected more than 2.2 million acres of agricultural lands — 68% of it used for grazing.

FLORIDA AG EXPO NOVEMBER 7

The annual Florida Ag Expo will take place November 7 at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in southern Hillsborough County at Wimauma. For more information on the day-long event for specialty crop growers, visit: floridaagexpo.net.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR OCT. 30 – Nov. 11

The annual Hillsborough County Fair is taking place October 31 through November 11. The fair offers a range of competitive events for all ages, as well as many entertainment options. Visit hillsboroughcountyfair.com for more information and tickets.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS NOVEMBER 3

Daylight Saving Time (DST) officially ends Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m. Remember to turn your clocks back one hour. DST will resume on the second Sunday of March, next year.

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

ALYSSA VINSON – NEW EXTENSION URBAN FORESTRY AGENT

By Jim Frankowiak

“Our mission is to make the science and technology needed to sustain the trees, woodlands, and forests accessible to landowners, communities, and professionals within Hillsborough County and the entire Tampa Bay area,” said Vinson, a Certified Arborist.

“Trees and forests affect nearly every aspect of our lives. The Tampa Bay watershed’s urban and rural forests protect our supply of fresh water, remove airborne pollutants to purify the air, protect soils from erosion, and provide for nature–based experiences. Our trees and forests provide habitat for wildlife and serve as preserves of biological diversity and as sources of raw materials and fuel. They shape the recreational landscape, help stabilize our farms, and enhance the economic vitality of our cities,” said Vinson.

“We serve all of Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Brandon, Temple Terrace, Lutz, Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City Center, and Plant City and neighboring communities,” she noted.

Born and raised in Ft. Wayne, Indiana where her mother worked at an ornamental plant nursery, she became involved in home vegetable gardening and gained familiarity with forests and ecosystems, “I always enjoyed fishing, camping, and hiking while growing up,” she said.

Vinson moved to Palm Harbor prior to her sophomore year in high school. She graduated from Tarpon Springs High School and attended the University of South Florida (USF), earning an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Policy. Vinson went on to earn a Master of Science degree

in Forest Resources and Conservation from the University of Florida (UF). She is currently pursuing a doctorate in interdisciplinary Ecology at UF.

In her late teens and early twenties, Vinson led back-country trips in Alaska that included backpacking, rock climbing, and more. While at USF she met her husband Ray when they were both working for the USF Outdoor Recreation Center. Ray is on the staff of the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. They have two children, Annabelle, nine, and five-year-old Luke. The Vinson family enjoys spending time outdoors, both on land, hiking, camping, and biking, and at sea, where they fish and scuba dive.

Prior to joining Hillsborough County Extension, Vinson was an Extension Agent in Manatee County for five years, leading the Residential Horticulture and Master Gardener Volunteer programs.

In addition to her duties as an Urban Forestry Extension agent, Vinson co-hosts Cultivating Curiosity, a monthly, First Friday podcast with Nassau County Extension Director Taylor Clem, Ph. D. who specializes in Environmental Horticulture. The podcast delves into the world of plants from the microscopic to the ecosystem level. You can subscribe to the podcast on all major podcast platforms or visit their website https://sites. google.com/ufl.edu/cultivating-curiosity/home for more information.

Agent Vinson can be reached via email at alyvinson@ufl.edu or by calling: (813) 744-5519.

FLORIDA SAND PEARS

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

Most of us think of pears as juicy and sweet with its familiar pear-shaped fruit, but did you know there are such things as Florida sand pears? Fresh sand pears are more round than pear shaped and are crispier and grittier inside, which gives them the name of “sand pears.” They more closely resemble Asian pears in their shape and texture than they do the traditional pear types such as Bartlett. Like Asian pears, sand pears are sweet, juicy, and crunchy. Sand pears are often used in jams, pies, pear butter, canned or dried, as well as eaten fresh off the tree.

In addition to pears, other members of the Rosaceae family include apples, cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, quinces, strawberries and almonds. In addition to sand pears, other types of pears that grown in Florida include Hood, Pineapple, and Flordahome pears, and all are delicious for eating. Pear trees are more often grown in the northern parts of Florida because they require a period of dormancy and an accompanied chilling at 45 degrees or less to bear fruit. Hood pears are good for eating out-of-hand as well as for cooking. They are golden yellow with a soft, buttery flesh and a slightly tangy flavor, much like Bartlett pears. Pineapple pears are hard and used mostly for canning. Flordahome pears are sweet, juicy, and savory and good for eating raw.

Nutritional Profile

Fresh Florida sand pears are a fantastic source of vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber, riboflavin, and potassium. The outer peel of sand pears is thicker than that of other types of pears and is entirely edible and contains most of the fiber in the fruit. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one medium pear (178 g) contains 101 calories, 0.6 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, 27 g of carbohydrate, and 5.5 g of fiber. It also provides 22% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for dietary fiber, 17% for copper, 10% for vitamin C, and 9% for vitamin K. Pears also contain significant amounts of potassium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and many of the B vitamins.

Fiber

Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases, by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Fiber binds to the cholesterol-containing bile salts and helps to excrete them out of the body. It also promotes bowel regularity and increases satiety levels, which can aid in weight control.

In addition to the effects of fiber on regularity, other compounds in sand pears promote healthy digestive functioning and offer protection from colon cancer. Pears are one of the top foods for high fiber.

Antioxidants

Florida sand pears are full of disease-fighting antioxidants, which neutralize destructive free radicals in the body. The vitamin C and vitamin A in pears, as well as other compounds,

have antioxidant qualities. Copper also supports the function of antioxidants, sweeping up free radicals. When healthy cells are damaged, they are more susceptible to disease and certain types of cancer, and antioxidants may help slow the progression of conditions like asthma, arthritis, and colon cancer. Diets that contain fruits high in antioxidants are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and multiple types of cancer. Pears also contain flavonoids that improve insulin sensitivity, a key factor that can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Vitamin C

In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C has many important functions in the body. Eating foods like pears that are high in vitamin C significantly raises the amount of iron your body absorbs, which helps prevent anemia. In its most famous role, vitamin C supports the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses, and may possibly shorten the duration and intensity of a cold. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple.

How to select and store

When sand pears begin to turn yellow and either fall off, or can be easily pulled off the tree then they are ready to harvest and eat. The texture is smoother and less gritty the earlier they are picked but will not ripen further once off the tree. Choose pears that are free of blemishes or bruises and feel heavy and firm for their size. Ripe sand pears can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing.

How to enjoy

Ripe, juicy, sand pears are delicious eaten out-of-hand. Pears can also be cooked, poached, made into jam or jelly, or incorporated into salads and desserts. Other ways to enjoy fresh sand pears include:

• Slice pears and toss with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and walnuts for a delicious salad.

• Dice pears and mix with other fruits in a fruit salad

• Serve pears with blue cheese for a simple appetizer or dessert.

• Add chopped pears, ginger and honey to oatmeal for a breakfast treat.

• Core pears and poach in apple juice or wine.

• Thinly slice pears and top a freshly baked cake

• Add thin slices of pear to peanut butter or grilled cheese sandwiches

Enjoy sweet and juicy Florida sand pears today. It’s a delicious way to get plenty of fiber and other nutrients.

Selected References

http://www.ifas.ufl.edu https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/columbiaco/2019/07/01/floridasand-pears/#:~:text=Florida%20pears%20are%20round%20 and,of%20the%20soft%2C%20juicy%20flesh.

DISTRICT MAKES JOINT LAND PURCHASE WITH HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY IN THE ALAFIA RIVER

WATERSHED

By Jim Frankowiak

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Governing Board approved the purchase of the Mattaniah Property, in partnership with Hillsborough County, in the Alafia River Watershed. This 629-acre parcel of land adjoins the Alafia River Reserve, which is in existing District ownership and managed by Polk County, and contains portions of English Creek, Thirty-mile Creek, and the North Prong of the Alafia River in Hillsborough County.

This is the first joint acquisition project with Hillsborough County in approximately 20 years. The county has agreed to assume the management and maintenance costs associated with the Mattaniah Property and the property will be managed consistent with the county’s management plan for the Alafia River Corridor River Preserve.

The Mattaniah Property is approximately 43% uplands with the balance being wetlands. This acquisition meets all four of the District’s Areas of Responsibility, which are water supply, water quality, flood protection, and natural systems, and will protect portions of English Creek, Thirty-mile Creek, and the North Prong of the Alafia River. The property contributes to the completion of the Alafia River Corridor project within the District’s Florida Forever Workplan.

The parcel is being purchased for approximately $6.7 million, and will be split equally with Hillsborough County, with funds from the Florida Forever Trust Fund.

The Mattaniah Property is located on the west side of Carey Road, roughly one mile south of State Road 60 and three-quarters of a mile north of Nichols Road.

JOHN BERTRAM AND STEVE NEELY JOIN FARM BUREAU BOARD

By Jim Frankowiak

Bertram, born in New York State, moved to Florida as a child and attended the University of Florida, where he earned an undergraduate degree. He then earned his Master of Business from the University of South Florida. Bertram is also an alumnus of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“I have worked for a family agricultural business - Lykes Bros. Inc. - most of my 26-year career,” said Bertram. “That has included heavy involvement in a diverse set of Ag businesses – Operational and Financial management, Citrus, Cattle, Forestry and Carbon, Sugarcane, Sod/Turf, Land Management/ Leasing, and Conservation/Environmental Services. Bertram is currently Vice President of Finance for Lykes Bros.

“My primary background and training is financial and operational analytics, and I have broad experience in all facets of corporate, asset management, and strategic planning.”

Bertram and his wife, Isabel, to whom he has been married for 23 years, are the parents of a 21-year-old daughter, Sydney, and an 18-year-old son, John Jr. Both children are in college.

“As a Farm Bureau board member, I want to help advance the goals of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, advocate for the Ag community and business interests and strengthen my professional network,” Bertram said.

Neely was born in a small town in northeast Iowa, Charles

City, and spent most of his childhood in McPherson, Kansas. He grew up on a small farm and when he moved to Kansas at age seven “I worked every summer on a 1,200-acre wheat farm.”

Neely is an alumnus of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Milling Science and Management with minors in Math and Chemistry.

“I have been employed in flour milling since graduating from Kansas State, all with the same parent company – Cargill/ Horizon Milling/Ardent Milling,” he said. Neely is currently the Plant Manager for Ardent Mills, Port Redwing, Fla. He and his wife, Ticha, have been married for 27 years. They have two boys, Chase, 23, and Cole, 22.

“As a Farm Bureau board member, I hope to help advocate, educate, and enable the Agriculture industry, as well as helping in any way possible.”

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau strives to connect with its legislative delegations at the local, state, and national levels regarding all things agriculture. The collective effort among county, state, and national Farm Bureaus leads to solutions for agriculturalists and rural communities in economic, educational, and social fields. Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is active in the community, legislature, and grassroots of Agriculture production, educating and working in various ways to serve as the “Voice of Agriculture.”

John Bertram and Steve Neely have joined the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

SG TRAILER SALES

By Jim Frankowiak | Photos Courtesy of Alexis Greene

SG Trailers is a family-owned and locally managed trailer dealer and manufacturer that takes pride “in providing unparalleled customer service backed by years of industry expertise,” said Andre Avramovic, who owns both the dealership and manufacturing company with his wife Krystle Jaynes. Jaynes also owns Enhanced Healthcare, a healthcare provider offering services tailored to individual healthcare needs on-site and via telehealth.

SG Trailers offers a range of trailers, including utility, cargo, and dump trailers, as well as other types. “We have a wide selection to meet our customer’s needs,” Avramovic said. “Utility trailers are our specialty. In addition, with our fabrication shop, we can also customize trailers to meet most any customer design requirement.” SG Trailers also offers customer assistance with trailer hitches, electrical repairs, and more. “Frankly, if it has to do with trailers, we can probably provide the service,” he said.

SG Trailers also offers trailer repairs and maintenance services. “Our overall goal is to meet all of the requirements of our customers with the highest quality trailers and services at the best price possible,” Avramovic said. SG Trailers offers its customers five, flexible financing options plus a rent-to-own option.

“We recognize purchasing a trailer, whether new or used, is an investment,” Avramovic said. “And that is why we offer flexible financing options to make buying a trailer as affordable as possible. Office Manager Mercedez Hoffa works closely with SG Trailer customers to find the best financing solution for their budget.

Avramovic relocated to Florida in 2013 and established SG Trailer Sales in January of 2022. He worked in trailer repairs for seven years following work in the manufacturing and erection of cell phone sites. “Initially, our focus was building trailers,” he said. “We were good at it

Specializing in High Quality

Utility Trailers and Excellence in Customer Service at the Best Possible Pricing

and found great customer acceptance. That led to the establishment of our dealership, and we are looking at expanding our line of trailers as we move forward. We build about 60 trailers a month and plan to relocate our manufacturing operation to a larger facility on the west side of Plant City in the near future.”

SG Trailers serves a very broad customer base. “Our market area covers the State of Florida from Ocala to Ft. Myers and everything in between,” Avramovic said. SG Trailers also recognizes the importance of community engagement and support. The companies are actively involved in FFA’s Pig N Poke, Pinecrest Elementary, Robinson Elementary, Plant City Little League, Dover Patriots, as well as Calendar Girl competitions for multiple schools in the Plant City area. They also support Florida Youth at Heart, a program that serves the children of deployed military in hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

If you are in the market for a trailer, parts, or repairs, visit SG Trailer Sales, 301 Highway 60 West in Plant City, Florida 33567. The hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The company’s website is: www.southerngracetrailers.com and telephone number is 813-730-1038. You may also email Andre at andre@southerngracetrailers.com. Feel free to call or email with any questions or for more information.

District Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Funds Water Resources Projects

By Jim Frankowiak

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Governing Board has adopted a $231.6 million budget for fiscal year (FY) 2025, including $86.6 million for Cooperative Funding Initiatives and District grants for water resources projects.

The budget reflects the District’s commitment to protect Florida’s water resources and to improve Florida’s economic vitality. Some of the key initiatives in the budget include:

• $76.5 million for the development of alternative water supplies to ensure an adequate supply of water resources for all existing and future reasonable and beneficial uses.

• $18.9 million for the management and improvement of critical flood control and water conservation structures, canals, culverts, and levees.

• $10.2 million for surface water restoration initiatives and water quality improvement projects to treat stormwater runoff before discharging directly or indirectly to water bodies.

• $6.1 million to manage approximately 460,000 acres

of conservation lands for the statutorilymandated purposes of protecting and restoring their natural condition and, where appropriate, providing for compatible recreational uses for the public.

Through cooperative funding partnerships, the District will leverage funds for a total regional investment of approximately $161 million for sustainable alternative water supply development, water quality improvements, and other water resource management projects.

For the 13th year in a row, the District’s Governing Board has adopted a millage rate equal to or less than the rolled-back millage rate, for a cumulative rate reduction of 51%. The adopted FY2025 millage rate is 0.1909 mill, 6.6% lower than the current fiscal year, which will help lessen the tax burden for Florida residents by saving taxpayers $9.5 million in property taxes.

For the owner of a $150,000 home with a $50,000 homestead exemption, the District tax would be $19.09 a year, or about $1.59 per month. The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.

ROBERT TRINKLE, A GENTLEMAN & SCHOLAR

by John Dicks

Recently we lost someone who many knew as one of our very finest. Robert S. Trinkle, noted lawyer, community servant, and world traveler, passed away September 20, 2024, at the age of 90.

It was an honor knowing Robert some 50+ years. As a term of endearment, which certainly fit him well, he was “a Gentleman and Scholar.”

Robert Trinkle was a man of deep faith who loved and cared for his family, friends, and community. Much respected for his excellent skills as an attorney, he also was one who insisted on finding time to help others and causes that he found to be both just and honorable.

It was his name listed first on the shingle of the law firm where I started work as an attorney. Still to this day, the firm carries proudly the moniker of Trinkle Redman; and it is where he essentially shunned retirement, and continued onward until just a few months ago, dispensing advice and serving as “Of Counsel.”

Robert “loved the law,” as we sometimes say about attorneys devoted to the practice. He said he seemed destined to be a lawyer since both his father and older brother were already. “So I determined that I might as well learn to like it,” he chuckled, knowing that it was both true and that he liked it nonetheless.

He worked first with his father when the firm

name was Trinkle Moody. As years passed, the name changed with other lawyers joining, later settling into Trinkle Redman. A fine reputation it gained for legal counsel, all while producing public servants and elected officials including Judges, legislators, commissioners, and a Mayor, with Robert, the ever-constant captain at the helm.

Somehow, as a “young man” (which is how he always referred to me) I convinced both Robert and one of his partners, Jim Redman, to promise me a job starting when I graduated from law school. That was enough for me to get a loan to pay for tuition.

A year before I finished, I asked Robert, out of respect, for advice on what courses I should take. He laughed quietly, smiled, and simply said I should just sign up for whatever interested me. It made no difference, he said, since they would just straighten me out when I got started.

Later, to his surprise, I came home as the only Plant City attorney with a course specialty in admiralty and maritime law, and an understanding of piracy of the sea! Some may not have shared Robert’s response, but he was delighted and thought it was terrific.

Silly as perhaps it was, it perfectly describes Robert Trinkle. He simply loved learning! To him, it made no matter what the subject was; anything you learned, only made you smarter!

Never did he stop learning, either! Just weeks ago, during our last visit, he was devouring several newspapers on his iPad. Regardless of the subject, Robert knew lots about it and was eager to learn more. He was current on news, world affairs, and sports, and as a season ticket holder from the very beginning, always ready to rant about the Bucs.

It’s not hyperbole referring to Robert as a lifelong learner. He always was, says his family and friends. One Plant City High School classmate, longtime community leader, and personality, Al Berry, once said about Robert, “That man, he had a brain! He could remember anything. He had a brain that couldn’t wait!”

Yes, learning couldn’t wait for Robert, nor would it stop. Consider continuing education, which all attorneys do, but most get by with local courses and meetings. For Robert, though, his brain tugged him to combine education with travel (another lifelong passion) and study in summer seminars at Oxford University in England.

Yes, of course, he would study the beginnings and fundamentals of our legal system in the heart of where it all began. While there, though, Robert decided to also delve into biblical archeology and review the Dead Sea Scrolls and other biblical era texts, and do so in their original language!

No matter his pursuits in life, Robert was a man of focus. Mind you, it was not just aimed at his profession, but life itself as exhibited by his insatiable love for travel. Europe and Africa always intrigued him. Yet so, too, did athletics, which he equally excelled in.

Much to his amusement, I think I never beat Robert in a tennis match, not even a set! Then, too, there was football, for which he not only was a fan as previously noted, but it provided him, as a player, an opportunity to use that same skill of focus and determination.

Rarely for example, did he regale anyone with the story of his interception against Plant High School which ultimately led to the victory by Plant City. Proud he was, though, that as Co-Captain it led our Planters to win the Southwestern Conference championship!

Determined, demure, dignified, humble, stoic. We’ll all surely miss him. Truly, Robert Trinkle was a “Gentleman and Scholar.”

Just a few out of many worth noting: Indiana University, B.S University of Michigan Law School, J.D. Board of Trustees, Florida Southern College

Board of Directors, South Florida Baptist Hospital

Board of Trustees, St. Joseph’s Baptist Healthcare President, Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City Citizen of the Year

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.

ASSESSING AND REPORTING AGRICULTURAL LOSSES AND DAMAGES FOLLOWING HURRICANE HELENE

Florida’s agricultural producers are encouraged to complete the following five steps related to assessing and reporting agricultural losses and damages as a result of Hurricane Helene:

1. Document all losses and damages from the hurricane. Take photos or drone images before cleanup occurs, with date, time, and location stamps enabled. Keep a work log of all hours you or your employees spend on hurricane cleanup and repairs.

2. Contact your insurance agent about filing claims for any damages or losses covered by insurance. File a claim before any non-emergency cleanup or repairs are made.

3. Report farm damages or crop/livestock losses to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Farm Service Agency (FSA), even if you are not enrolled in an FSA program. Information reported to the USDA FSA is used to determine eligibility for agricultural disaster declarations. Producers can also email reports to the FSA disaster group inbox at SM.FPAC. FSA.FLFSA.Disaster@USDA.GOV  – please indicate the county of loss in the Subject Line – emails sent to the disaster group inbox will receive an auto-reply acknowledging receipt. has context menu

4. Investigate agricultural disaster assistance programs that might be available through agencies such as:

• USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) – https://www.fsa.usda.gov

• USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – nrcs. usda.gov

• USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) – https://www.rma. usda.gov

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) – fdacs.gov

• Your water management district – watermatters.org

5. Take the UF/IFAS EIAP Disaster Assessment Survey. This survey is used to estimate the state- and later county-level production losses for agricultural operations in Florida and results are communicated to state and federal agencies to inform their decision-making processes. Producers can access the survey at or by contacting their local UF/IFAS Extension county office to report by phone, receive a paper copy, or request an in-person assessment, where available. Hillsborough County Extension may be reached by phone at 813) 744-5619.

SOUTHERN LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITIES CREATE AI CENTERS TO ENCOURAGE FASTER, ACCURATE SOLUTIONS TO PRACTICAL PROBLEMS

By Brad Buck, with contributions from Karen Brasher and Erin Yates

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help feed the world and preserve our natural resources. To maximize the bandwidth of AI, scientists are working together to develop robotics and precision agriculture, use drones effectively, and more. Recognizing the strength of collaboration, universities across the South are launching centers where researchers combine brain power and data to help agricultural producers.

Developing technology faster

To expedite the ability of AI technology to solve agricultural and environmental problems, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plans to build a 19,000-square-foot AI hub at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Balm, about 25 miles southeast of Tampa.

The Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture will serve as a world-class research, Extension, and development facility, led by GCREC Director Jack Rechcigl and associate director, Nathan Boyd.

At the hub, AI scientists will collaborate with UF/IFAS researchers and industry to study ways to breed plants that resist pests and disease, thus boosting crop yields for farmers. The facility will include office space and space for workshops and creating technology prototypes to get innovations to market quicker.

“The survival of our agricultural industries like fruit and vegetable production depends on the development of new technologies utilizing AI to assist growers in production,” Rechcigl said.

Rapid Robotics

In 2023, Mississippi State University launched the Agricultural Autonomy Institute (AAI), a pioneering interdisciplinary center focused on advancing autonomous technologies in agriculture.

AAI aims to transform farming with innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing, improving onfarm precision, efficiency, and economic growth. It leverages MSU's strong foundation in precision agriculture, aiming to boost productivity and address labor shortages, which could position Mississippi as the “Silicon Valley of agricultural autonomy.”

Scientists in the university’s Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) are developing autonomous systems to change the future of agriculture:

Robotic systems enhance cotton harvesting by selectively picking mature bolls and employing AI for non-destructive grain sensing.

Autonomous systems estimate crop yields early in the season and detect volunteer cotton plants, integrating AI to bolster precision agriculture.

Through rigorous research, public demonstrations, and educational outreach, MSU is equipping a new generation of agricultural professionals, ensuring continued leadership in integrating AI into farming and addressing broader goals of food security and environmental sustainability.

A ‘Future Farm’

In June, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) and Grand Farm, a leading innovator in agricultural technology, announced a collaboration to create a robust regional agricultural innovation ecosystem.

Situated on 250 acres in Perry, Georgia, CAES and Grand Farm are coming together to build a working innovation farm. With field projects planned for 2025, UGA Grand Farm will harness the power of precision agriculture, robotics, and data analytics to increase productivity, conserve resources, and ensure food security for future generations.

“By bringing together the college’s world-class researchers and the UGA Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture with Grand Farm's cutting-edge technologies, we will revolutionize the way we feed and clothe the world’s population,” said CAES Dean and Director Nick T. Place.

The new Tifton Integrative Precision Agriculture Research, Education and Demonstration Laboratory will be the first in the Southeast to provide state-of-the-art collaborative spaces, autonomous equipment, and job training for the next generation of agricultural leaders.

“We are thrilled for this opportunity to demonstrate the latest technologies across Georgia's commodities,” said UGA-Tifton Assistant Dean Michael Toews. “These labs and collaborative spaces will be within walking distance to horticultural, row, turf and citrus plots, providing stakeholders the ability to see and test technologies for adoption on their farms.”

About:

The University of Florida, University of Georgia, and Mississippi State University are part of a system of agricultural research centers at land-grant universities in the southern United States where scientists collaborate to conduct research and outreach focused on conserving the region’s natural resources and sustainably feeding a growing global population.

#SouthernAgResearch

Shows an artist’s rendering of the planned AI center at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Courtesy, UF/IFAS.

Shows Jack Rechcigl, director of the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Courtesy, UF/IFAS.

HEALTHY TAILZ

Wilfry and Jocelyn Garcia are the pawrents of Eli, a Golden Retriever, and Leo, a German Shepherd. They are also the owners of Waggly Taliz, a local Tampa dog treat business. “My wife Jocelyn and I recently started Waggly Tailz with the main goal of providing quality nutritious treats for dogs,” Wilfry Garcia said. “Although neither of us have culinary or agricultural backgrounds, my wife has always enjoyed baking as a way to express her creativity in the kitchen and share her love for baking with close friends and family. Waggly Tailz originally started thanks to our two lovely dogs, Eli and Leo. Caring for them as family members has always been our top priority, this is why we regard with high importance their nutrition and well-being. Combining my wife’s passion for baking, and our desire to enrich not only our dog’s nutrition but also those in our community, is what inspired us to start our small business.”

Waggly Tailz currently offers four different kinds of dog treats. “Our treats are naturally preserved and made using only natural locally sourced fruits and vegetables,” Garcia said. “Each treat choice is made with ingredients that serve a beneficial purpose to the pups’ health. It’s just a simple way to allow the pups to enjoy a tasty yet healthy snack.”

Their treat flavors are, OatSome Treat, which is a healthy treat, made with ingredients rich in soluble fiber, vitamins, and minerals that promote a healthy gut and aid in digestion. Blueberry Yum has ingredients rich in fiber, omega-3, and healthy fatty acids that support and promote joint health. ToothSome Fresh is a plant-based treat made with ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals that benefit and refresh your pup’s teeth. Sweet Woofs is a nutritious treat made with ingredients rich in fiber, omega-3, and vitamin A, that promotes a healthy skin and coat.

By Libby Hopkins

“We believe that what makes us different from other local vendors is the purpose/intention behind each ingredient that we incorporate in our treats,” Garcia said. “All of our treats are handcrafted with a nutritional benefit in mind. It is essential to keep in mind that feeding the pups a diet packed with real, fresh, natural ingredients impacts their health and overall well-being in a tremendous way. A treat can always be tasty yet nutritious at the same time.”

The Garcia’s love being a part of the local farmers and artisans’ markets in the Tampa Bay area. “Local markets and festivals allow us to connect with our community and share our nutritious treats throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding areas,” Garcia said. “These events are a perfect way to get to know other small local businesses in the area and support each other as a community.”

The couple’s dog treats get great reviews from other pawrents and their fur kids. “Most of the feedback that we have received from our customers is a positive one,” Garcia said. “Many have shared their appreciation for providing natural fresh treats for their furry friends to enjoy and have also shared how much they love our concept and mission. Like us, many of our customers hold with high regard the nutrition and well-being of their dogs and this is something that highly motivates us to continue moving forward with our small business.”

If you ask the Garcia’s what they like most about owning Waggly Tailz, they will tell you it’s combining two of their passions. “What we like most about what we do at Waggly Tailz is having the opportunity to combine our love for baking while positively impacting the lives of dogs in our community,” Gar-

cia said. “We truly enjoy seeing our furry friends wag their tails while enjoying our fresh, natural treats.”

Keeping things local is also important to the Garcia’s. “Waggly Tailz is very personal to us,” Garcia said. “Although our ultimate goal is to reach as many people and dogs as possible, no matter their location nationwide, our treats will always be made with love from Tampa Bay. We participate in many local markets and events every weekend throughout the Tampa Bay area; we invite everyone and their lovely dogs to come by and visit us for a tasty, nutritious treat.”

If you’d like to learn more about Waggly Tailz or if you’d like to get your fur kids some yummy dog treats, you can visit their website at www.wagglytailz.com. Follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wagglytailz to see which markets they will be at in the Tampa Bay area.

GLEANING PARTNERS NEEDED!

By Jim Frankowiak

Let’s begin with a definition of “gleaning” - It’s an ancient tradition mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible that allowed gleaners into fields and orchards to pick fruits and vegetables after a grower’s harvest. Leviticus 23:22 is one biblical reference to gleaning and there are others. Surprisingly and disappointingly, one quarter of all food produced for human consumption is lost annually in the United States. That’s enough to feed 49 million people.

Why does this occur? The produce may not be marketable or not worth the cost of picking so it is sometimes plowed under or left to rot, though it is perfectly edible and nutritious.

The Society of St. Andrew (SoSA), a hunger relief organization based in Virginia, began the Gleaning Network in 1979 and “established a presence in Florida in 1995,” said SoSA’s West Central Florida Area Gleaning Coordinator Forrest White. He oversees and coordinates gleaning activities in Hillsborough, Polk, Hardee and Manatee counties.

“We have a statewide volunteer base,” noted White. “When we set up a gleaning event, all of our volunteers receive an email with specifics on the event. We have hundreds of existing relationships with feeding ministries and agencies. Locally, we do a lot with Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa and have also distributed through Feeding Tampa Bay.

“We also do lots of distribution in Polk County through Dream Center of Lakeland, Blessings and Hope Food Pantry and Volunteers in Service to the Elderly,” said White. “We never have a hard time distributing gleanings. Feeding organizations are desperate for fresh produce.”

“From December through March, SoSA had weekly gleans at the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC),” said White. “One of my favorite gleans this year took place at Tomlin Middle School in Plant City. One of the Ag teachers there reached out to me and we got hundreds of pounds of strawberries, as well as some other fresh produce.” “First and foremost, we deeply respect and appreciate the work of all farmers on farms big and small,” said White. “We never want to add to their workload but are simply looking to partner with them to help end hunger and eliminate food waste. In addition to recruiting volunteer gleaners, we strictly follow parameters set by individual farms and we always have staff present on site before volunteers arrive and we stay until all have left. We also take care of finding the receiving agency and coordinating pickup with them.” All we really need is field access and a timeframe to conduct our gleaning.*

White noted that all gleaners are required to sign a liability waiver prior to gleaning and farmers are protected under the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act.

“Participating growers can receive a federal tax deduction for gleaned and donated crops, as provided by law,” said White. “At the beginning of every year, SoSA sends a letter with the date, type and amount of donated produce from the previous year. ”I have been blessed to serve for more than two decades with the Society of St. Andrew,” said White. “It is a beautiful thing to see people of all ages coming together in Florida’s fields to harvest for people they likely will never meet. When the food makes it to the tables of the hungry, I believe it’s nourishment both for their body and soul, a tangible reminder that they are valued and no matter their circumstances there is hope for better days. There are storms of nature and of life. None of us is ever more than a storm or two away from being on the receiving end of the help we provide.”

For more information about the Society of St. Andrew Gleaning Network as either a potential partner or volunteer, contact Forrest White via email at: westcentralfl@endhunger.org or by telephone: 804/938-1026.

HOW TO GET A PROPERTY TAX BREAK FOR YOUR AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS

If you own agricultural land in Hillsborough County, you may be qualified for a significant tax break.

Bob Henriquez and his team at the Hillsborough Property Appraiser’s Office are going to bat for farmers and agricultural landowners in the county by spreading the word about the Greenbelt laws that may offer up to 90 percent tax relief.

“Since taking the office of Hillsborough County Property Appraiser in 2013, Bob Henriquez has always made our agricultural properties a major priority,” explains Fred Montes, Senior Director of Greenbelt for the HCPA.

The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser doesn’t determine taxes or collect them. Their goal is to be accessible, accountable, and transparent in assessing property values – and to ensure everyone gets the tax exemptions they deserve, as soon as possible.

So, what is “Greenbelt” and who qualifies?

Greenbelt classification means agricultural property owners are taxed on the income-earning potential of their land (use value), rather than on what a buyer would pay for the land (market value). This can save farmers huge amounts of money they can then put back into their businesses, homes, and the local economy.

To qualify, your property must be primarily used for agriculture, and large enough to support commercial operation. Hobby and personal-use farms are not eligible; however, a wide range of agricultural operations receive Greenbelt tax breaks, including pastureland, timberland, nurseries, sod production, croplands, citrus, strawberries, and much more.

Montes explains that when assessing properties, “Mr. Henriquez always says, ‘Tie goes to the Taxpayer,’ a principle our Greenbelt Department upholds when inspecting agricultural properties in Hillsborough County.”

There is no minimum land size, however, property owners must manage their agricultural operations like any other business, says Montes. That means maintaining business records, reporting income and expenses, and demonstrating an expectation of profitability.

“You must submit your Greenbelt application to the HCPA office by March 1 of the year you are applying,” Montes explains. “Additionally, your commercial agricultural operation must have been active on the property by January 1 of that same year.”

The HCPA office is also here to help you navigate the free application process.

“Ours is a service-oriented office,” says Henriquez, “and our goal is to give our customers world-class customer service. We’ll communicate in whatever form works best for you, and we’ll do everything we can to get your exemption granted.”

Henriquez has also ensured that applications are now available in Spanish as well as English, which he notes “has greatly benefited our taxpayers as we continue to become a more diverse community.”

Agribusiness is a huge driver for the economy, down to the smallest businesses, and as Property Appraiser, fifth-generation Floridian Henriquez has consistently advocated for the agricultural community.

Says Henriquez, “Ensuring that every qualified agricultural operation receives their exemption is not just a matter of fairness, it is crucial for the economic viability of Florida.”

For more information or to apply for your Greenbelt tax break online visit hcpafl.org. The office is also happy to take your call at 813-272-6100.

Bob Henriqrez, Property Appraiser

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

We’re bringing the Pesticide Information Office (PIO) to you on Nov. 7 at the Florida Ag Expo at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma. The PIO’s Dr. Brett Bultemeier will deliver a seminar on major EPA updates, label changes, exam updates, and more.

Even if you think you know pesticide safety rules, it’s a good idea to check in because they’re changing. And there’s a lot at stake with using pesticides safely. Failure to be in compliance can make you less safe and less effective, harming you, your family, or your business.

Bultemeier will give you the rundown on how testing will change next year. Traditionally, UF/IFAS Extension offices have served as testing centers. And we loved that, because we love to open our doors to producers for any reason in any season.

But because of computer-related reasons Bultemeier will go into during his seminar (some of which you can also read about here(https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/2024/09/05/florida-pesticide-testing-updates/), there will be new testing sites next year. Bultemeier can give you a preview of how to get ahead of the changes and how to make sure you and your co-workers have access to the exam.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs is the regulator for pesticide safety, and it has been a great partner. FDACS is in the process of considering a testing vendor, alternate sites and remote proctoring to keep testing going without skipping a beat.

This will be a big change for those of you who have traditionally tested at Extension offices, but here’s why I think in the end, it’s going to be good for you.

First, we can do more to help you prepare for the exam. We’re educators. The time and expertise of our county agents and other Extension employees is better spent helping you pass the exam than watching you take it.

The PIO calculated that UF/IFAS Extension personnel spend more than 20,000 hours a year proctoring. Think of how that time could be spent tutoring, teaching, producing educational materials, hosting seminars and spending time in the field with our growers. In other words, the things they’re really good at.

In fact, Extension personnel can put more time into the programming so you can get the CEUs you need if you don’t want to have to take the exam again. They can focus on helping you be safer and more effective with pesticides, in part by following all the rules.

There are lots of good reasons to attend the Expo. It’s a day of educational talks, field tours and a trade show. You can meet the UF/IFAS faculty who work to help solve your challenges. And there’s a free lunch.

If you can’t make it GCREC on Nov. 7, you can still get great information from the PIO on your schedule:

• Visit the PIO website (https://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/)

• Call the office at 352-392-4721.

• Call Bultemeier’s direct line at 352-294-6941.

• Email Bultemeier at bwbult@ufl.edu.

• Subscribe to Bultemeier’s blog(https://blogs.ifas. ufl.edu/pesticideinformation/#:~:text=August%209,%20 2024.%20We%20all%20know%20there%20are).

J. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Provost. He served as UF’s Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS) from July 2020 through January 2024.

Dr. Brett Bultemeier

VETERANS FLORIDA AGRICULTURE PROGRAM NAMES

NEW EMPLOYMENT TRAINING SERVICES MANAGER

By Jim Frankowiak

Veterans Florida, a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state, has named Keith Gerena Manager of Veterans Employment Training Services.

Gerena, a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, has a strong agricultural background that will assist him in advancing the specialized training programs offered by Veterans Florida Agriculture Program that equip veterans with the skills they need to succeed in the agricultural sector. These programs include hands-on experience in crop management, livestock care, and sustainable farming practices.

“I lived in a small, high-altitude town known as Cubuy, Puerto Rico, within the El Yunque rainforest,” said Gerena. “Our family land is always filled with the sounds of the rainforest. Roosters being our alarm clock at times, a daily reminder of the ecosystem around us.”

“My days began before dawn as we tended to our animals, a task that required constant attention. We had a couple cows that provided us with fresh milk, which we learned to turn into butter and cheese. Our horses were not just there for riding; they played a crucial role in helping us with the farm’s daily chores and maneuvering through the rugged landscape.”

“We also raised goats that thrived on the local vegetation, which not only gave us meat but also companionship. Chickens provided us with fresh eggs every morning and had enough to sell and give to neighbors.”

“Running a farm in the rainforest came with its own set of challenges, and we relied on sustainable practices to navigate them. Composting waste, using natural fertilizers, and rotating grazing areas were all part of our routine.”

“Organic was a way of life. I never seen a pesticide used on any crop. If it went bad or got sick we cut it out. However, I never saw a bad crop as we grew many things from exotic fruits like guava, acerola, tamarind, mangos, bananas, and root vegetables. Living an organic lifestyle was second nature to us.”

“We also grew malanga, yuca, and plantains. The vibrant colors of our crops painted our farm, from the rich greens to the bright colors. I remember smells in the early mornings,

smells from the vegetation and tropical flowers to which I still remember. Here in Florida sometimes... I can smell home,” noted Gerena.

“In addition to training programs, the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program also facilitates connections with veterans, industry professionals, and agricultural organizations,” said Gerena. “This network can help veterans build relationships, share experiences and find mentorship.”

“The Veterans Florida Agriculture Program offers various workshops and certification courses that cover essential topics in agriculture, such as organic farming, agri-business management, and pest management, helping veterans enhance their qualifications,” said Gerena. “As we work with potential employers, we emphasize that veterans bring unique skills and a strong work ethic to the agricultural industry. Many veterans have experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, making them valuable assets to employers.”

“We also point out that employers can benefit from resources available from Veterans Florida and state tax incentives when they hire veterans. Highlighting these benefits can encourage businesses to consider veterans when filling agricultural positions,” said Gerena. “Employers can also collaborate with the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program to host workshops, internships, or job fairs, which can attract a motivated and skilled workforce while giving veterans a direct pathway to employment.”

Veterans Florida Agriculture Program also partners with local colleges and universities to offer agricultural degrees and courses tailored for veterans, making it easier for them to transition into civilian educational settings,” said Gerena. “The Florida Veterans Agriculture Program also provides information on scholarships and financial aid specifically for veterans pursuing education in agriculture, which can help reduce the financial burden.”

“And we help veterans engage in practical, hands-on learning experiences at farms and agricultural projects that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings,” he said.

For more information about the Veterans Florida Agriculture Program, visit veteransflorida.org. You may also call Veterans Florida at 850-296-9176.

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for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review Sign up

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

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

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

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

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