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CONTENTS
February 2020 VOL. 13 • ISSUE 4
28 PCYF ROUNDUP
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com Vice President – Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com
PAGE 10 PCYF Results
PAGE 35 Jack Payne
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 38 Endangered Species
PAGE 24 Parsnip
PAGE 40 Ranchers Daughter
PAGE 25 News Briefs
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 42 Bathology
PAGE 31 Recipe
PAGE 44 American grown
PAGE 32 PCSO
PAGE 45 PCCW
PAGE 33 Honeybees
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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State Director – David McCullers 1000 Hwy 630 W Frostproof, FL 33843 (863) 635-3821 crookedlakeranch57@gmail. com Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (813) 478-8141 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 287-1835 Dhunt285@aol.com Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Cattlewomen – President, Missy Raney PO Box 453 Homeland, FL 33847 (863) 205-3977 Raney747@gmail.com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Sgt. Tim Sanders 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 656-6119 brusso@polksheriff.org Warner University – Casey Wingate 7155 Wauchula Rd Myakka City, FL 34251 (941) 600-5772 Casey.wingate@warner.edu
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry
Letter from the Editor
Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez The Polk County Youth Fair wrapped up the last week of January and as I write this, the Florida State Fair is nearly complete. Following on the heels of those two fairs is the Florida Strawberry Festival, running February 27 – March 8.
Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols
When you mention a fair to most people today, their first thoughts are of stomach churning rides and equally stomach churning food. In actuality, fairs have deep ties to farming and ranching. Fairs began as an opportunity for families to share livestock, crops and agricultural techniques and equipment.
Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Anita Todd
While many fairs have grown to include all kinds of entertainment, you will still find the youth as they prepare for their future as leaders. The energy FFA and 4-H students put into their projects is evident. These competitions aren’t just for fun. They help educate festivalgoers about agriculture, all while helping to build the skills, self-confidence and leadership abilities of the students. There are many lessons to be learned through these projects including problem solving, time management, record keeping, networking, prioritizing and more. If you visit the Florida Strawberry Festival, after partaking of the requisite shortcake, stop by the livestock area and watch the youth as they show off the fruits of their endeavors. Let them know you appreciate their hard work.
Until Next Month
Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk 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 Polk County Catllemen’s Association.
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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.
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Dear members and friends, It is with great honor that I announce that I was recently elected the Polk County Cattlemens Association President. For those of you that do not personally know me, my name is Dave Tomkow, I am owner of Cattlemens Livestock Auction Market Inc. with my brother Mike Tomkow. I am a second-generation cattleman and a Polk county native. We have owned and operated Cattlemens Livestock Market for the last 30 years. We also have a cow/calf operation here in Polk County and I look forward to representing the cattlemen of Polk county for the next year during my term as the President of the association. Since Christmas, the cow and calf market has been creeping up. Prices are definitely better than they were at the end of 2019. It looks like it’s going to be a good start to the year. Hopefully we are going to have a mild winter that has had plenty of rain and what we hope will be an early spring. It is a good indication that we are nearing the end of winter with the fact that the groundhog did not see his shadow. In the coming year, we need to concentrate on a good health program for market cattle. If we can continue to prove that we have some type of health program in line for the cattle that we bring into the markets and do anything we can do to improve the health of the cattle before they are sold, it will continue to improve our reputation as producers as these calves are put on trucks to go out west. They will be healthier and begin gaining more quickly, which is the goal.
The 14th annual Polk County Cattlemens Association Trade Show & Ranch Rodeo will take place February 22 at the Polk County Agricultural Complex 1702 US 17 Bartow, Fl 33830. The trade show will begin at 9 am, the rodeo will start at 1 pm. We encourage you to come out and support the vendors at the trade show who will be introducing new products for the industry. This year the association is hosting a youth stampede race, a fun event and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Polk Jr. Cattlemen’s Association. For information about the youth stampede please contact Dr. Waters 863-632-1549. The rodeo will also be an exciting time for all who attend. Cattlemen’s Livestock is hosting a customer appreciation dinner sponsored by Multimin 90 at 6:30 pm on February 20 at Cattlemen’s Livestock Market auction 3305 US Hwy 92 W Lakeland, Fl 33801. I would also in closing like to remind you that this is that time of the year where many of our youth are involved in fairs. These youth may be raising cattle, pigs or plants, but regardless of the nature of their project, they are the future of agriculture. Support these youth, encourage them and help them keep doing what they are doing. Hope to see you at the Ranch Rodeo and a local fair.
Dave Tomkow
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR YOUTH FAIR RESULTS Isaac Waldman Bullseye 4-H Archery Jr. Instinctive Bow 1st Place
mercial Heifer Jr. Showmanship 1st Place
Caleb Eckstein Orange Blossom 4-H Sara Clanton Ft. Meade Com. 4-H ComArchery Inter. Instinctive Bow 1st Place mercial Heifer Inter. Showmanship 1st Place Abigail Eckstein Orange Blossom 4-H Archery Sr. Instinctive Bow 1st Place Peyton Chandley Lucky A’s 4-H Commercial Heifer Sr. Showmanship 1st John McClendon Orange Blossom 4-H Place Archery Inter. Sighted Bow 1st Place Caitland Pueschell Be A Champ 4-H Mason Toole Rowdy Ropers 4-H Commercial Heifer - Herdsman Award Archery Jr. Instinctive Compound 1st Winner - Individual Place Dundee Ridge Academy FFA CommerMyah Kane Lakeland Christian 4-H cial Heifer - Herdsman Award Winner Archery Inter. Instinctive Compound - Club/Chapter 1st Place Bailey Jackson Orange Blossom 4-H Tyler Bond Home Grown 4-H Archery Commercial Heifer - Eagle Award WinSr. Instinctive Compound 1st Place ner Annabelle Crandall Southern Variety Landen Zimmerman St. Paul Lutheran 4-H Food Preservation-Cran/Apple 4-H Archery Jr. Sighted Compound 1st Chutney Tri-Color Place Gracy Johnson Ft. Meade FAA Food Brendan Wren Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Preservation-Strawberry Preserves Archery Inter. Sighted Compound 1st Tri-Color Place Becca Mack Winter Haven HS FCCLA Josiah Waldman Bullseye 4-H Archery Foods - No Bake Oatmeal Cookies Sr. Sighted Compound 1st Place Tri-Color
David Rivera-Perez Karen M Siegal Academy Foods - Caramel Apple Truffles Tri-Color Tiffany Beam Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Home Furnishings-Ornaments TriColor Chase Higgins Southwest Middle FFA Home Furnishings-Wooden Lamps Tri-Color
Olivia Centanni George Jenkins Sr. FFA Woodworking - Cedar Bench Tri-Color Cameron Dicks Lucky A’s 4-H Gift Basket Auction- Game Night Tri-Color Jack Dierker Country Ridge 4-H Gift Basket Auction- Bathroom Tri-Color Paige Davis Frostproof FFA Gift Basket Auction - Florida Heritage Tri-Color
Kiley Proia Lucky A’s 4-H Home Furnishings- Cow Wall Décor Tri-Color
Isabella Hough Dundee Ridge Academy FFA Gift Basket Auction - Bakers Tri-Color
Paige Davis Frostproof FFA Home Furnishings-Cupcake Bombs Tri-Color
Katy-Grace Hixenbaugh Lucky A’s 4-H Gift Basket Auction-”Orange”You Glad Tri-Color
Jessica Steffen Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Home Furnishings-Baby Blanket TriColor Bailey Swanson Auburndale Sr. FFA Home Furnishings-Framed Needlework Tri-Color
Grayson Davis Frostproof FFA Gift Basket Auction- Ultimate Grilling TriColor Kati Wynn Rowdy Ropers 4-H Jr.Best Informal Outdoor Tablesetting 1st Place
Mikayleah Lamp Kathleen Middle FFA Addrienne Bell Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Home Furnishings-Floral Arrangement Jr.Best Informal Indoor Tablesetting Tri-Color 1st Place Kyndall Atkins Country Ridge 4-H Home Furnishings-Welcome Wreath Tri-Color
Grace Louise Hurst New Horizon 4-H Jr. Best Formal Tablesetting 1st Place
Quentin Dickson Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Brynna Dierker Haines City HS FFA Jr. Most Creative Tablesetting 1st Place Home Furnishings-Roosters in Kitchen Tri-Color Elizabeth Bennett Auburndale Comm Hanna Lightsey Farm Fresh 4-H Inter. Hannah Eckstein Orange Blossom 4-H Church 4-H Jr.Best Holiday TablesetGoat Tying Skills 1st Place Foods - Challah Bread Tri-Color Kiely Proia Lucky A’s 4-H Home ting 1st Place Furnishings-Teacher Appre Basket TriBailey Lightsey Farm Fresh 4-H Sr. Goat Olivia Williamson Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Color Molly Lewis Lucky A’s 4-H Jr. Judge’s Tying Skills 1st Place Foods - Succulent Garden Planter Choice Tablesetting 1st Place Tri-Color Cameron Dicks Lucky A’s 4-H Home Hannah Turcios George Jenkins Sr. FFA Furnishings- Centerpiece Tri-Color Brylie Greene Country Ridge 4-H Inter. Market Hog Grand Champion Hunter Brantley New Horizon 4-H Best Informal Outdoor Tablesetting Foods - Citrus Gift Box Tri-Color Elizabeth Bennett Auburndale Comm 1st Place Max Keen Bok Academy FFA Market Church 4-H Home Furnishings-Teacher Hog Reserve Champion Cameron Dicks Lucky A’s 4-H Basket Tri-Color Steven Diaz Winter Haven Chr. FFA Foods - Winter Chili in a Jar Tri-Color Inter.Best Informal Indoor Tablesetting Elizabeth Bazemore Market Hog Sr. Cameron Dicks Lucky A’s 4-H Home 1st Place Showmanship Contest 1st Place Nicole Bullard Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Furnishings-Baby Boy Basket Tri-Color Foods - Painted Desert Chili in a Jar Katy-Grace Hixenbaugh Lucky A’s 4-H Kendall Sowell Market Hog Inter. Tri-Color Abbegail Jernigan Southern Variety 4-H Inter. Best Formal Tablesetting 1st Showmanship Contest 1st Place Education Exhibits-How To Scrapbook Place Olivia Centanni George Jenkins Sr. FFA Tri-Color Audrie Bailey Market Hog Jr. ShowFoods - Mermaid Cookies in a Jar TriHannah Ogburn Frostproof FFA Inter. manship Contest 1st Place Color Taylor Clements Bartow Sr. FFA PhoMost Creative Tablesetting 1st Place tography - Sunflower Picture Tri-Color Jessie Bennett Hog Wild 4-H Bellamy Howell Hoof N Horn 4-H Veronica Pagan Boone Middle FCCLA Commercial Heifer-Overall Brahman Foods - Pretty Pink Pig Tri-Color Bailey Swanson Auburndale Sr. FFA Inter.Best Holiday Tablesetting 1st Grand Champion Photography - Sunflower Garden TriPlace Abbegail Jernigan Southern Variety 4-H Color Hannah Strickland Auburndale Sr. FFA Foods - Mermaid Cake Tri-Color Jordan Brantley Frostproof FFA Inter. Commercial Heifer-Overall Brahman Emmaleigh Anne Crawford Be A Judge’s Choice Tablesetting 1st Place Reserve Champion Lizzie Durrance Lucky A’s 4-H Foods - Champ 4-H Photography - Splendid Reese’s Chocolate Cake Tri-Color Swan Tri-Color Alli Gebhardt Rowdy Ropers 4-H Sr. Bryce Gary Lake Wales Sr. FFA ComBest Informal Outdoor Tablesetting mercial Heifer-Overall European Aaron Ellis Frostproof FFA Foods Kiley Decatur American Pride 4-H Metal 1st Place Grand Champion - Choco. Marshmallow Malt Cake TriWork - Horseshoe Rocking Chair TriColor Color Abigail Parmer Bartow Sr. FFA Sr. Best Lillie Myers Southern Souls 4-H Informal Indoor Tablesetting 1st Place Commercial Heifer-Overall European Sarah Grace O’Leary All Star 4-H Briley West Show N Out 4-H Outdoor Reserve Champion Foods - Orange Lemon Cake Tri-Color Sports Equip - Fishing Pole Tri-Color Gracie Sitek New Horizon 4-H Sr. Best Formal Tablesetting 1st Place Lillie Myers Southern Souls 4-H ComPAGE
Mason David Lucky A’s 4-H Jr. Goat Tying Skills 1st Place
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Emily Thomas Hog Wild 4-H Foods - Banana Nut Muffins Tri-Color
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Olivia Centanni George Jenkins Sr. FFA Briley West Show N Out 4-H Chili Cook Sr. Most Creative Tablesetting 1st Place Off - People’s Choice 1st Place Hannah Eckstein Orange Blossom 4-H Sr. Best Holiday Tablesetting 1st Place Jayden Black Show N Out 4-H Chili Cook Off - People’s Choice 1st Place Tomi Kate Snively Namesake 4-H Sr. Judge’s Choice Tablesetting 1st Place Alyssa Balliett Lake Wales Sr. FFA Chili Cook Off - Best Booth 1st Place Mollie Walker New Horizon 4-H Scrap Off Jr. Division 1st Place Harley Jones Lake Wales Sr. FFA Chili Cook Off - Best Booth 1st Place Alyssa Simmons Rowdy Ropers 4-H Scrap Off Inter. Division 1st Place Chloe Peterson Lake Wales Sr. FFA Chili Cook Off - Best Booth 1st Place Gracie Sitek New Horizon 4-H Scrap off Sr. Division 1st Place Matthew Hadden Frostproof Sr. FFA Chili Cook Off - Judge’s Choice 1st Caitlin Peuschell Be A Champ 4-H Cake Place Auction Winner N. Payton Ogburn Frostproof Sr. FFA Cadence Fussell Top Notch 4-H Cake Chili Cook Off - Judge’s Choice 1st Auction Winner Place
Frank Legner Winter Haven Sr. FFA Sr. Rabbit Judging Team 1st Place Jasmyn Bilano Dundee Ridge Middle Jr. Rabbit Judging Team 1st Place
Eli Clemons Frostproof Sr. FFA Cake Auction Winner
Iris Busby Horse Show Sr. English Highpoint Winner
Mariah Waldman Bullseye 4-H Cake Auction Winner
Myah Kane Horse Show Inter. Western Highpoint Winner
Ragan Ogburn Frostproof Middle FFA Jr. Poultry & Egg Judging Team 1st Place
Melanie Martinez Dundee Ridge Middle Jr. Rabbit Judging Team 1st Place
Kaley Baxter Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Horticulture - Calathea Medallion TriColor Jesse Bibby Bartow Sr. FFA Horticulture - Schefflera Tri-Color
Jackson Bruno Auburndale Sr. FFA Sabrina Vazquez Dundee Ridge Middle Horticulture - Azalea Tri-Color Jr. Rabbit Judging Team 1st Place Jack Dieker Country Ridge 4-H HortiEmma Leigh Crawford Be A Champ culture - Autograph Plant Tri-Color 4-H Jr. Poultry & Egg Judging 1st Place Olivia Foreman Bartow Sr. FFA HorticulMariela Tarango Ft Meade Com. 4-H ture - Purple Heart Tri-Color Inter. Poultry & Egg Judging 1st Place Jacob Lawson Auburndale Sr. FFA Ellie Grady Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Sr. Horticulture - Copper Plant Tri-Color Poultry & Egg Judging 1st Place Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Brett True Frostproof Sr. FFA Sr. Poultry Horticulture - Agave Tri-Color & Egg Judging Team 1st Place Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Alex Young Ft. Meade Sr. FFA Cake Ethan Schmidt Frostproof Sr. FFA Chili N. Payton Ogburn Frostproof Sr. FFA Horticulture - Impatiens Tri-Color Auction Winner Cook Off - Judge’s Choice 1st Place Sr. Poultry & Egg Judging Team 1st Place Carlie Shenefield Independent 4-H Taylor Clements Bartow Sr. FFA Cake Mario Tarango Jr. Horse Show Jr. Ranch Horticulture - Rainbow Fern Tri-Color Auction Winner Highpoint Winner Ethan Schmidt Frostproof Sr. FFA Sr. Poultry & Egg Judging Team 1st Place Macie Shenefield Kathleen Middle FFA Maribel Tarango Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Kinley Hardee Horse Show Inter. Ranch Horticulture - Split Leaf Monstrous Cake Auction Winner Highpoint Winner Hannah Ogburn Frostproof Middle FFA Tri-Color Jr. Poultry & Egg Judging Team 1st Briley Wetherington Lake Wales Sr. FFA Breanna Heath Horse Show Sr. Ranch Place Katherine Stokes Bartow Sr. FFA Cake Auction Winner Highpoint Winner Horticulture - Croton Tri-Color Aaron Ellis Frostproof Middle FFA Lindsey True Frostproof Middle FFA Katelyn McCullough Horse Show Inter. Jr. Poultry & Egg Judging Team 1st Bailey Swanson Auburndale Sr. FFA Cake Auction Winner English Highpoint Winner Place Horticulture - Impatiens Tri-Color
Gracie Tempore Frostproof Middle FFA Jr. Poultry & Egg Judging Team Justin “Riley” Phillips Southern Variety Hannah Jones Horse Show Sr. Western 1st Place 4-H Cake Auction Winner Highpoint Winner Barrett Jackson Orange Blossom 4-H Isaac Waldman Bullseye 4-H Jr. Whip Macie Shenefield Horse Show Jr. Champion Commercial Hen 1st Place Popping 1st Place Speed Highpoint Winner Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Moriah Waldman Bullseye 4-H Inter. Reagan Durden Horse Show Inter. Champion Male Bantam 1st Place Whip Popping 1st Place Speed Highpoint Winner Larryssa Rollen-Long Auburndale Josiah Waldman Bullseye 4-H Sr. Trick Dakota Smock Horse Show Sr. Speed Sr. FFA Champion Female Bantan 1st Whip Popping 1st Place Highpoint Winner Place
Elizabeth Tyer Tenoroc SR FFA Horticulture - Purple Heart Tri-Color Nala Day Lake Gibson Middle FFA Horticulture - Dish Garden Tri-Color Logan Waters Country Ridge 4-H Horticulture - Bromeliads Tri-Color Kyndall Aiken Country Ridge 4-H Horticulture - Citrus Grand Champion Jack Dierker Country Ridge 4-H Horticulture - Citrus Reserve Champion Derek Howad Bartow Sr. FFA Horticulture - Blueberries Grand Champion
Nathan Shirah Tenoroc SR FFA Sr. Traditional Whip Popping 1st Place
McKenzie Hollie Horse Show Overall Highpoint Winner
Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Champion Male Large Fowl 1st Place
Cameron Dicks Lucky A’s 4-H Home Furnishings-Floral Arrangement TriColor
Iris Busby Horse Show Traditional Dressage Grand Champion
Clayten Tschida Namesake 4-H Cham- Shane Lewis Auburndale Sr. FFA Hortipion Female Large Fowl 1st Place culture - Blueberries Tri-Color
Katelyn McCullough Horse Show Traditional Dressage Reserve Champion
Makayla Driggers Haines City HS FFA Champion Turkey 1st Place
Anna Parmer Bartow Middle FFA Horticulture - Blueberries Tri-Color
Maribel Tarango Horse Show Western Dressage Grand Champion
Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Overall Poultry Grand Champion
Hunter Roberts Bartow Sr. FFA Horticulture - Blueberries Tri-Color
Josephine Sutter New Horizon 4-H Jr. Poultry Showmanship 1st Place
Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Horticulture - Blueberries Tri-Color
Kainin Snyder Roads End 4-H Inter. Poultry Showmanship 1st Place
Dixie Stanley Bartow Middle FFA Horticulture - Blueberries Tri-Color
Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Sr. Poultry Showmanship 1st Place
Heidi Hiebert Bartow Middle FFA Horticulture - Blueberries Tri-Color
Gavin McKenzie Auburndale Sr. FFA Large Brown Eggs Grand Champion
Logan Waters Country Ridge 4-H Horticulture - Peaches Grand Champion
Olivia Foreman Bartow Sr. FFA Extra Large Brown Eggs Grand Champion
Matthew Bath Lake Gibson Middle FFA Horticulture - Peaches Reserve Champion
Annabelle Crandall Southern Variety 4-H Inter. PJ Pant Sew Off 1st Place Sydney Carter Golden Horseshoe 4-H Inter. Pillow Sew Off 1st Place
McKenzie Hollie Horse Show Western Kaleigh Solman Golden Horseshoe 4-H Dressage Reserve Champion Inter. Pillow Sew Off 1st Place Kinley Hardee Ranch Horse CompetiMaribel Tarango Ft. Meade Com. 4-H tion Boxing 1st Place Sr. Pillow Sew Off 1st Place Jessie Bennett Ranch Horse CompetiEllie Grady Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Sr. Pil- tion Sorting 1st Place low Sew Off 1st Place Luke Kinard Ranch Horse Competition Mattie Fountain Rowdy Ropers 4-H Roping 1st Place Jr. Storytelling 1st Place Jessie Bennett Ranch Horse CompetiSara Mills Home Grown 4-H Inter. tion Overall Highpoint Winner Storytelling 1st Place Mattie Fountain Rowdy Ropers 4-H Caleb Ramos Bartow Sr. FFA Sr. Story- Jr. Rabbit Judging 1st Place telling 1st Place Donna Carroll American Pride 4-H Morgan Mills Home Grown 4-H Jr. Inter. Rabbit Judging 1st Place Decorative Centerpiece 1st Place Aralyn Behr Polk County Sea Star 4-H Steven Diaz Winter Haven Chr. FFA Sr. Rabbit Judging 1st Place Inter. Decorative Centerpiece 1st Place Makayla Hoof Winter Haven Sr. FFA Corin Hockenberry Home Grown 4-H Sr. Rabbit Judging Team 1st Place Sr. Decorative Centerpiece 1st Place Carsyn McCain Winter Haven Sr. FFA Hubble Keller Show N Out 4-H Chili Sr. Rabbit Judging Team 1st Place Cook Off - People’s Choice 1st Place Destiny Marshall Winter Haven Sr. FFA Sr. Rabbit Judging Team 1st Place
Noah Ogburn Frostproof Sr. FFA Large White Eggs Grand Champion Maci May Roads End 4-H Horticulture Parsley Tri-Color Savannah Freeman Be A Champ 4-H Extra Large White Eggs Grand Cham- Erick Gonzalez Jean O’Dell Learning pion Ctr FFA Horticulture - Swiss Chard Tri-Color Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA Horticulture - Premier Award Winner Grant Spencer Jean O’Dell Learning Ctr FFA Horticulture - Swiss Chard Kyndall Akins Country Ridge 4-H Tri-Color Horticulture - Ornamental Plant Grand Champion Casey Berringer Bartow Sr. FFA Breeding Goat - Boer Grand Champion Aiden Comisky Bartow Sr. FFA Horticulture - Ornamental Plant Reserve Champion continues on page 18
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Brooke Allard Bartow Sr. FFA Horticulture - Blueberries Reserve Champion
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The Beginning of Springtime Fishing Dreams Capt. Woody Gore
Fishing around Tampa Bay recently is decent, given that cold fronts show up at seemingly unpredictable intervals. One day its cold and overcast with a falling barometer, and the fish will eat. Then two days later, the front passes, skies turn blue, temperatures warm, and the barometric gauge begins rising, and the fish get lockjaw. Well, that’s fishing in Florida. When fishing for reds, snook, and trout, the bait of choice for this time of year seems to be live shrimp hooked at the head or tail using a lightweight jig or circle hook. Or you might try looking for whitebait/greenbacks. Occasionally, you might find some on the grass flats. However, they are normally around deeper water markers or the Skyway Bridge. Remember, fish get sluggish during the winter, especially snook, and don’t seem interested in chasing a fleet-footed greenback. So it might help to damage your bait by squeezing it before casting or try cutting off the tail fins. However, when the fish are biting, it’s been decent with catches, including redfish, a few snooks, trout, and the ever-popular wintertime favorites’ ladyfish and Jack Crevalle. Like the one Cassie Levy is holding. Cassie is an excellent angler and past client. Also, if it’s sheepshead you’re into, the larger ones are showing up around bridge fenders and pilings, docks, seawalls, marina pilings, rock piles, and oyster bars. When sheepshead fishing use lives or frozen regular-sized shrimp broken behind the head, and then threaded on the hook followed by the head hooked from the side under the horn.
Snook (Closed)
If live bait is your choice, shrimp fished on a free-line usually entices snook to bite. However, artificial’s typically work fine when fished correctly. Soft plastic jerk baits on a 1/16 or 1/8 oz jig head will also produce the right action during the winter. But remember to slow it down in the winter, never working it too fast. Topwater lures worked slowly across a Tampa Bay broken bottom grass flat seems to provide a better response during early mornings. Snook, redfish, and trout seemingly cannot resist a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. and a walkthe-dog action.
Sheepshead are everywhere during the winter months. This hard-mouth
stripped convict with toothy, boney mouths means aggressive hook sets. Try fishing around markers, bridge fenders, docks, seawalls, rock piles, oyster bars, or practically any structure. Shrimp, rock, and fiddler crabs usually produce, but green mussels and oysters also work. Many anglers like oysters and mussels the best, and so do sheepshead. Don’t forget to smash the shells into small pieces in your bucket using it for chum. Don’t be surprised if you catch some gray/mangrove snapper at the same locations.
Redfish (Closed) Bea Wilson pictured with a redfish caught while fishing
with her husband Ross, (who unfortunately is no longer with us.) Bea and Ross fished with me for over 12 years and became close friends. Artificial’s work for redfish as well as cut baits, small pinfish, and dead-sticking stinky baits usually attract a redfish’s attention. So try suspending some smelly bait like cut mullet or a chunk of crab, and letting it sit in likely areas; if a redfish is close, they’ll find it. Grass flats with broken bottom, submerged oyster bars and mangrove shorelines like those found around Picnic Island, Simmons Park, Bishop Harbor, Joe Island, Weedon Island, Fourth Street, Cypress Flats, Rocky Point, Double Branch, and Culbreath Isle Flats are good starting points.
Spotted Sea Trout (Closed), but you’ll find plenty around deep water flats
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on strong tides. They eat shrimp, pinfish, and greenbacks. A popper cork proves deadly at enticing trout, especially when rigged with shrimp, either
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“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” live or artificial. Also, try bouncing a soft plastic jig off the bottom, but remember the bite usually comes as the bait is falling, so don’t be surprised to have a fish on just after the lure or bait hits the water and starts falling. Also, don’t be shocked if you catch a flatfish (Southern flounder) like this one caught by Capt. Mark Gore’s client on a recent Tampa Bay charter. Look for hard sandy or rocky bottoms and broken bottom grass flats with plenty of potholes.
Cobia likes to piggyback of big stingrays and Manatees. As the waters cool, you should see them around the hot water discharges of power plants. But don’t think you’re going to be alone, there will be plenty of other anglers to keep you company. Get some extra-large shrimp rig them on a ¼ to ½ oz jig head, and that should do the trick. But small or chunk crab also works. You’ll also catch plenty of smaller sharks, Spanish mackerel, and some pompano. Also, watch out for the manatees; there are hundreds in hot water runoffs.
Captain Woody Gore’s Guide Service: The area’s top-notch outdoor fishing guide service. He’s guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years and offers firstclass customer service, outstanding fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single Boat, Multi-Boat and Group Charters: With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any size group, outing, or tournament.
Website www.captainwoodygore.com Email fishing@captainwoodygore.com
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2020
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With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment. Ashlee, seen here with her father, Bud, is a secondgeneration employee. As a reclamation ecologist, she works to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, agriculture, restored streams, and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
Sign up
for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review 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
Funding for this statement was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services.
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2020
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continued from page 11 Sara Clanton Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Breeding Goat - Boer Reserve Champion
Katelyn Glass Haines City HS FFA Commercial Market Steer Reserve Champion
Addison Riner Be A Champ 4-H Goat Show Inter. Herdsman 1st Place
Kyleigh Criswell Dundee Ridge Academy FFA Purebred Beef Brangus Female Reserve Champion
Jayden Black Show N Out 4-H Breeding Goat - Pygmy Grand Champion
Brianne Pueschell Be A Champ 4-H Open Show Market Steer Grand Champion
Jessia Browning Kathleen Sr. FFA Goat Show Sr. Herdsman 1st Place
Payge Dupree Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Brangus Bull Grand Champion
Jayden Black Show N Out 4-H Breeding Goat Pygmy Reserve Champion
Elizabeth McDowell Orange Blossom 4-H Open Show Market Steer Reserve Champion
Gabriella Gibbs Be A Champ 4-H Breeding Goat - Other Breed Grand Champion
Carlee Taylor Hoof N Horn 4-H Market Steer Jr. Showmanship 1st Place
Mariah Waldmen Bullseye 4-H 4-H Inter. Individual Horticulture Judging 1st Place
Sara Clanton Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Market Steer Inter. Showmanship 1st Place
Conner Belisle Treasure of Life 4-H 4-H Sr. Individual Horticulture Judging 1st Place
Peyton Chandley Lucky A’s 4-H Market Steer Sr. Showmanship 1st Place Market Steer Carcass Contest Grand Champion Market Steer Carcass Contest Reserve Champion Market Steer Eagle Award Market Steer Herdsman Award
Bailey Swanson Auburndale Sr. FFA FFA Sr. Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place
Quentin Dickson Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Breeding Goat - Other Breed Reserve Champion Gabriella Gibbs Be A Champ 4-H Breeding Goat - Sr. Showmanship 1st Place Sara Clanton Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Breeding Goat - Inter. Showmanship 1st Place Mason David Lucky A’s 4-H Breeding Goat - Jr. Showmanship 1st Place Preston Brennen Hoof N Horn 4-H Breeding Goat - Dairy Grand Champion
Caroline Hickey Bartow Middle FFA Rabbit Show Best of Show
April Diaz Auburndale Sr. FFA FFA Sr. Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place Philip Shaske Auburndale Sr. FFA FFA Sr. Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place Tyler Brannon Auburndale Sr. FFA FFA Sr. Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place Brooke Allard Bartow Middle FFA FFA Middle Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place
Carlee Taylor Hoof N Horn 4-H Purebred Beef -Brangus Bull Reserve Champion Kylee McMullen Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Brahman Breed Female Grand Champion Carlee Taylor Hoof N Horn 4-H Purebred Beef - Brahman Breed Female Reserve Champion Kylee McMullen Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef -Brahman Breed Bull Grand Champion Chasey McCrimmon Bartow Middle FFA Purebred Beef - Brahman Breed Bull Reserve Champion Gann McKenzie Auburndale Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Grand Braford Female Grand Champion Carlee Taylor Hoof N Horn 4-H Purebred Beef - Ultra Black Female Grand Champion
Lachlan Caliguiri Southern Souls 4-H Breeding Goat - Dairy Reserve Champion
Savannah Carroll American Pride 4-H Rabbit Show - Jr. Showmanship 1st Place
Sara Clanton Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Breeding Goat - Meat Grand Champion
Layla Henson Polk County Sea Star 4-H Rabbit Show - Inter. Showmanship 1st Place
Makayla Eldridge Bartow Middle FFA Breeding Goat - Meat Reserve Champion
Kally Henson Polk County Sea Star 4-H Rabbit Show - Sr. Showmanship 1st Place
Mattie Fountain Rowdy Ropers 4-H Jr. Demonstrations 1st Place
Zibe Stein Jr. Ranch Hand 1st Place
Savannah Willis Bartow Middle FFA FFA Middle Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place
Weslee Howell Inter. Ranch Hand 1st Place
Layne Walker Ft. Meade Com. 4-H Market Steer Herdsman Award
Luke Kinard Hog Wild 4-H Sr. Ranch Hand 1st Place
Jack Dierker Country Ridge 4-H Market Steer Eagle Award
Brooklyn Cribbs Auburndale Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Angus Bull Grand Champion
Abby Eckstein Orange Blossom 4-H Sr. Livestock Judging 1st Place
Sarah True Frostproof Middle FFA Market Steer Gain-In Weight 1st Place
Breanna Huggins Lake Wales Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Angus Bull Reserve Champion
Zibe Stein Market Steer Fitting Contest 1st Place
Kaydee Clark Kathleen Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Hereford Female Grand Champion
Katelyn McCullough Winter Haven Chr. FFA Inter. Demonstrations 1st Place Melanie Cavajal Haines City HS FFA Sr. Demonstrations 1st Place Julissa Colvano Haines City HS FFA Sr. Demonstrations 1st Place Mattie Fountain Rowdy Ropers 4-H Jr. Illustrated Talk 1st Place
Mathisen Keeble Southern Souls 4-H Inter. Livestock Judging 1st Place
Dixie Stanley Bartow Middle FFA FFA Middle Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place Nevaeh Lenton Bartow Middle FFA FFA Middle Team Horticulture Judging 1st Place
Evelyn O’Leary All Star 4-H Inter. Illustrated Talk 1st Place
Raelan Sherouse Kathleen Cattle Crew 4-H Jr. Livestock Judging 1st Place
Dustina Garcia Haines City HS FFA Purebred Beef - Zebu Female Grand Champion
Gracie Sitek New Horizon 4-H Sr. Illustrated Talk 1st Place
Tiffany Beam Bartow Sr. FFA Sr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Chloe Peterson Dog Show - Jr. Overall Highpoint Winner
Mackenzie Long Bartow Sr. FFA Sr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Reanna Brown Haines City HS FFA Purebred Beef - Zebu Female Reserve Champion
Rylie Bova Dog Show - Jr. Reserve Highpoint Winner
Macey Merritt Bartow Sr. FFA Sr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Megan Heter Dog Show - Jr. High Score Winner
Karson Russell Bartow Sr. FFA Sr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Grace Hurst New Horizon 4-H Purebred Beef - Zebu Bull Reserve Champion
Michelle Lightsey Dog Show - Inter. High Score Winner
Logan Stripling Dundee Ridge Academy FFA Jr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Kylee McMullen Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Brahman Female Grand Champion
Reha Bartel Dundee Ridge Academy FFA Jr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Kylee McMullen Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Brahman Female Reserve Champion
Michelle Lightsey Dog Show - Overall Rally Highpoint Winner
Mackenzie Woodruff Dundee Ridge Academy FFA Jr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Kylee McMullen Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Brahman Bull Grand Champion
Michelle Lightsey Dog Show - Overall Obedience Highpoint Winner
William Dykes Dundee Ridge Academy FFA Jr. Team Livestock Judging 1st Place
Chasey McCrimmon Bartow Middle FFA Purebred Beef - Brahman Bull Reserve Champion
Gabriella Gibbs Be A Champ 4-H Goat Show Eagle Award
Payge Dupree Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Brangus Female Grand Champion
Chloe Peterson Dog Show - Sr. High Score Winner Chloe Peterson Dog Show - Overall Agility Highpoint Winner
Kaydee Clark Kathleen Sr. FFA Commercial Market Steer Grand Champion
Camdyn Herman Be A Champ 4-H Goat Show Jr. Herdsman 1st Place PAGE
Mattie Fountain Rowdy Ropers 4-H 4-H Jr. Individual Horticulture Judging 1st Place
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2020
Cherish Hutchinson Haines City HS FFA Purebred Beef - Zebu Bull Grand Champion
Jayden Black Show N Out 4-H Purebred Beef - Ultra Black Female Reserve Champion Paige Blankenship Bartow Middle FFA Purebred Beef - Ultra Black Bull Grand Champion Carlie Shenefield Kathleen Cattle Crew 4-H Purebred Beef - Angus Female Grand Champion Raelan Sherouse Kathleen Cattle Crew 4-H Purebred Beef - Angus Female Reserve Champion
Shellieann Bosley Frostproof Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Hereford Female Reserve Champion Nick Gilbreath Frostproof Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Hereford Bull Grand Champion Carlie Shenefield Kathleen Cattle Crew 4-H Purebred Beef - English Breed FemaleGrand Champion RaelynnSherouseKathleen Cattle Crew 4-H Purebred Beef - English Breed FemaleReserve Champion NickGilbreathFrostproof Sr. FFAPurebred Beef - English Breed Bull Grand Champion BrooklynCribbsAuburndale Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - English Breed Bull Reserve Champion PaygeDupre Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Chianina Female Grand Champion PaygeDupreLake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Charolais Bull Grand Champion LeighaAldemanFrostproof Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Charolais Bull Reserve Champion WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Macy Bozeman Southern Souls 4-H Purebred Beef - Rommaster Female Grand Champion
Jordan Brantley Frostproof Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Simm-Angus Female Reserve Champion
Macy Bozeman Southern Souls 4-H Purebred Beef - Rommaster Female Reserve Champion
Autumn McMahan Top Notch 4-H Purebred Beef - Simm-Angus Bull Grand Champion
Macy Bozeman Southern Souls 4-H Purebred Beef - Rommaster Bull Grand Champion
Macey Merritt Bartow Sr. FFA Beef Breeding Sr. Showmanship 1st Place
Briley Wetherington Lake Wales Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Maine Anjou Bull Reserve Champion Baylie Jones George Jenkins Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Simmental Female Grand Champion Ensta Albritton Bartow Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Simmental Female Reserve Champion Peyton Chandley Lake Wales Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Simmental Bull Grand Champion Bailey Jones George Jenkins Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Continental Breed Female Grand Champion Briley Wetherington Lake Wales Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Continental Breed Female Reserve Champion Payge Dupre Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Continental Breed Male Grand Champion Leigha Alderman Frostproof Sr. FFA Purebred Beef - Continental Breed Male Reserve Champion Lillie Myers Southern Souls 4-H Purebred Beef - Simm-Angus Female Grand Champion
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Chasey McCrimmon Bartow Middle FFA Beef Breeding Inter. Showmanship 1st Place Lillie Myers Southern Souls 4-H Beef Breeding Jr. Showmanship 1st Place Autumn McMahan Top Notch 4-H Purebred Beef - Individual Herdsman Award Bailey Lightsey Farm Fresh 4-H Purebred Beef - Club/Chapter Herdsman Award Morgan Lightsey Farm Fresh 4-H Purebred Beef - Club/Chapter Herdsman Award Hanna Lightsey Farm Fresh 4-H Purebred Beef - Club/Chapter Herdsman Award Hattie Lightsey Farm Fresh 4-H Purebred Beef - Club/Chapter Herdsman Award Ryder Lightsey Farm Fresh 4-H Purebred Beef - Club/Chapter Herdsman Award
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As you transition from Winter to Spring: Supplement your cattle with Sulfate-Free FMS Super-Min, Super-Mol, and Super-Pro Products enhanced with
We Proudly Support the Plant City Strawberry Festival Youth Livestock Scholarship Program
Come out and see the students agriculture projects and the futureleaders of Florida Agriculture at the Florida Strawberry Festival February 27 - March 8 www.flstrawberryfestival.com
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Give us a Call and Let us EARN your business! Greg Clark 813-765-4557 or Gary Peeples 863-559-3315 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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2020
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Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Publix
Our Perfect Vision! Feb. 27 - Mar. 8, 2020 • Plant City, FL
Artists Appearing on the
Soundstage:
Roots & Boots - Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw & Collin Raye
Fri. Feb. 28, 7:30 $35
Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots
Sat. Feb. 29, 7:30 $35
PATTI LaBELLE Mon. Mar. 2, 7:30 $35
Sara Evans
Skillet
Tue. Mar. 3, 7:30 $30
Tue. Mar. 3, 3:30 $30
Dick Fox’s Golden Boys - Starring Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Rydell Thu. Mar. 5, 3:30 $30
Sat. Mar. 7, 3:30 FREE
Michael Ray
Fri. Feb. 28, 3:30 $25
An Evening with 98°
Sat. Feb. 29, 3:30 $30
Battle of the Bands Finale
Tommy James & The Shondells
Thu. Feb. 27, 7:30 $51
Thu. Feb. 27, 3:30 $25
Mon. Mar. 2, 3:30 $25
Thu. Feb. 27, 10:30 FREE
Rascal Flatts
The Oak Ridge Boys
NEAL McCOY
Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra
MercyMe
Thu. Mar. 5, 7:30 $40
Charlie Wilson
Eli Young Band
Sat. Mar. 7, 7:30 $45
Sun. Mar. 8, 3:30 $35
Sun. Mar. 1, 3:30
Chubby Checker & the Wildcats
Josh Turner
Wed. Mar. 4, 7:30 $35
Wed. Mar. 4, 3:30 $25
Jimmy Fortune and Dailey & Vincent Fri. Mar. 6, 3:30 $20
REBA McENTIRE Sun. Mar. 1, 7:30 SOLD OUT
$35
Ricky Nelson Remembered (The Nelson Brothers) Thu. Mar. 5, 10:30
FREE
Darci Lynne & Friends: Fresh Out of the Box Tour Fri. Mar. 6, 7:30
$25
Lynyrd Skynyrd Sun. Mar. 8, 7:30 $56
Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available! While online, check out the Free Entertainment, Special Days & Discounts and full Schedule of Festival Events.
Home of OUR
#berryfest20 Concert dates and times are subject to change
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• Images Everywhere! • Verizon Wireless • Global Frequency Living • AT&T • Circle K • Wyndham Vacation Resorts • Vision Auto Glass • AMSCOT • Uncommon USA • Stingray Chevrolet • Candyland Warehouse • Local Ford Dealers • Dakin Dairy Farms • Master Spas • Good Health Saunas • Grove Equipment Service • Metro by T-Mobile • Netterfield’s Concessions • Alessi Bakery • O’Reilly Auto Parts • Badcock Home Furniture &more • Astin Farms • EVOLVE Pet Food • General RV Center • Florida Blue • T-Mobile • Dennis Hernandez & Associates • New York Yankees
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The first annual fair in the American colonies was held in 1641 in New Amsterdam (now New York City) to showcase farm products of the local area. The USDA estimates that more than one million customers visit farmers’ markets each week. The USA’s first state fair was held in Syracuse, New York in September of 1841. The average supermarket carrot travels 2,000 miles from field to table. USDA surveys suggest that most farmers’ market produce travels less than 50 miles to market. The first time that fairgoers ate hot dogs and ice cream as they walked along the midway was during the Saint Louis World’s Fair in 1904, thus coining these two foods as the world’s first “fast foods.” One cup of strawberries is only 55 calories.
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oemdeies H em
R I’ll bet everyone that reads this column has a favorite home remedy handed down over the years. Medical science has come a long way, and has almost put the home remedies out of circulation. I started doing a little research and found a lot of interesting remedies. Here’s one I’ll bet you never heard. Put a bar of soap at the end of your bed for leg cramps. I recall my grandmother saying it worked every time for her. My dad always said, “If you can’t fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem.” Before writing this article I went around town and asked a few of my friends what some of their home remedies were. The first stop was Michael Cameron’s office. He said, “Avoid cutting yourself when slicing tomatoes by getting someone else to hold the tomato for you.” Ferris Waller’s favorite was, “Avoid an argument with your wife about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.” Jim Scott said his favorite was, “You need only two tools in life-WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct tape.” And Bob Fulks said, “If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxative; then you’ll be afraid to cough.” They say if you have a sore throat wrap your dirty socks around your neck. Another one for a sore throat is to gargle whisky and warm water. Many people prefer to forego the water. To avoid the mess when your toilet backs up, use the yard. Then there is one highly unlikely cure for lockjaw. You are supposed to take tea with ground up insects and other bugs, with cockroaches for preference, and then drink it. A rather painful “cure” for stuttering was to take the shank of a freshly slaughtered calf and hit the stutterer in the mouth with it. One primitive culture’s answer to a snake bite was to immediately rip a live chicken in half and place one side of the carcass against the wound. If you have a wart rub it with a piece of red meat and then bury the meat at full moon. By new moon, two weeks later, the wart is supposed to have gone away.
Did you hear the story a few years back about a very large, old, building that was being torn down in Chicago to make room for a new skyscraper? Due to its proximity to other buildings it could not be imploded and had to be dismantled floor by floor. While working on the 49th floor, two construction workers found a skeleton in a small closet behind the elevator shaft. They decided that they should call the police. When the police arrived they directed them to the closet and showed them the skeleton fully clothed and standing upright. They said, “This could be Jimmy Hoffa or somebody really important.” Two days went by and the construction workers couldn’t stand it any more, they had to know who they had found. They called the police and said, “We are the two guys who found the skeleton in the closet and we want to know if it was Jimmy Hoffa or somebody important.” The police said, “It’s not Jimmy Hoffa, but it was somebody kind of important.” “Well, who was it?” “The 1956 Blonde National Hide-and-Seek Champion.” Oh, here’s a good one! A good samaritan was walking home late one night when he came upon this drunk on the sidewalk. Wanting to help, he asked the drunk, “Do you live here?” “Yep.” “Would you like me to help you upstairs?” “Yep.”
Enough of the remedies! Did you hear the story of an old woman riding in an elevator in a very lavish downtown building in New York, when a young and beautiful woman smelling of expensive perfume, gets into the elevator. She turns to the old woman and says arrogantly, “Romance” by Ralph Lauren, $150 an ounce!” On the next floor another young and beautiful woman gets on the elevator and also very arrogantly turns to the old woman saying, “Channel No. 5, $200 an ounce!” About two floors later, the woman has reached her destination and is about to get off the elevator. Before she leaves, she looks both beautiful women in the eye, then bends over and farts and says…….. “Broccoli 49 cents a pound!”
When they got up on the second floor, the good person asked “Is this your floor?” “Yep.”
Have you ever noticed how quiet it gets when you get on an elevator? No one seems to have much to say. I try to liven things up. One time while on an elevator in Tampa I whispered loudly into my cell phone, “So Doc, exactly HOW contagious are we talking? Really? My goodness, that is serious. I am in an elevator. Of course there are other people on board. Do what? OK, Thanks Doc, Bye!” I covered my mouth with my shirt and asked the man next to me, “Would you please push the next floor for me?” Everybody got off when the doors opened.
“Would you like me to help you upstairs?”
If you want to get in on the fun, next time you’re on an elevator stand silent and motionless in the corner facing the wall. PAGE
I have a friend in Atlanta that is always pulling practical jokes on the elevator. He got a lot of laughs when he arrived at his floor, and quickly grunted and strained to yank open the doors, then acted embarrassed when they opened by themselves. He went a little to far and got arrested when he boarded an elevator with a cooler with “human head” written on the side of it.
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Then the good samaritan got to thinking that maybe he didn’t want to face the man’s irate and tired wife because she may think he was the one who got the man drunk. So, he opened the first door he came to and shoved him through it then went back downstairs. However, when he went back outside, there was another drunk. So he asked that drunk “Do you live here?” “Yep.”
“Yep.” So he did and put him in the same door with the first drunk. Then went back downstairs. Where, to his surprise, there was another drunk. So he started over to him. But before he got to him, the drunk staggered over to a policeman and cried “Please officer, protect me from this man. He’s been doing nothing all night long but taking me upstairs and throwing me down the elevator shaft!” Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the February 2016 issue WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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FLorida
Parsnip By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science The parsnip is a member of the Umbelliferae family, which includes carrots, parsley, fennel, and dill. Parsnips have a similar shape to carrots but are typically white to cream colored and have a delicious sweet and nutty flavor. The colder temperatures in winter help convert the starches to sugar, enhancing its natural sweetness. This root vegetable is fairly easy to grow in Florida and its peak season is in the winter. The parsnip can be eaten cooked or raw and is quite high in several vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It can easily be used in place of potatoes or carrots.
How to Enjoy
Nutritional Profile
Some serving ideas include: • Serve on a crudite tray with other fresh veggies • Cut into sticks to dip into dressing or hummus • Toss with olive oil and roast with potatoes and mushrooms • Grill whole with other vegetables • Mash boiled parsnips and mix with butter • Cook and puree into soup as a thickener • Stir fry with other vegetables Fresh Florida parsnips are delicious and in its peak season today!
Parsnips are high in fiber and a rich source of folate, potassium and vitamin C. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw sliced parsnip (133 g) contains 100 calories, 1.6 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat, 24 g of carbohydrate, and 7 g of fiber. It provides 37% of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin C, 9% for magnesium, 5% for vitamin B6, 4% for iron and calcium, as well as significant amounts of vitamin A, folate, thiamin, potassium, phosphorus and zinc.
Lung health Parsnips and other foods rich in vitamin A may be beneficial to your lungs. Researchers at Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A, and increase the likelihood of developing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in animals exposed to smoke.
Fresh parsnips can be used in salads or with dip. They are delicious cooked and can be baked, steamed, simmered, sautéed, or sliced and fried like chips. Parsnips can be used in a similar way to carrots or potatoes but have a sweeter taste, especially when cooked.
Selected References http://www.whfoods.com http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/
Eye health With very high levels of beta carotene, vitamin A and C, parsnips are good food for your eyes. In a study of over 50,000 women, those who consumed the highest dietary amount of vitamin A had a 39% reduced risk of developing cataracts. In another study that looked at the incidence of cataract surgery and diet, researchers found that those people who ate diets that included carrots had half the risk of cataract surgery. Beta-carotene also provides protection against macular degeneration and protects night vision.
How to Select and Store
PAGE
Choose parsnips that are cream colored and straight from tip to shoulder. They should feel firm and smooth. Avoid those that are cracked, sprouting, or feel limp or rubbery. The youngest, smaller roots tend to be the most tender and sweet. They can be left in cold gardens to overwinter under a layer of mulch, or stored in a cold room or refrigerator, similar to how you would store carrots.
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NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
NCBA Taking Applications for 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award
CARES Video Resources for Teachers
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is accepting applications for the Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing the nation’s best cattle and livestock operations and their stewardship and conservation efforts, by March 6. The nomination packet is available at https://www.environmentalstwardship.org/media/esap/docs/2020-esap-application.pdf. Farm Bureau Members Save with Grainger Farm Bureau members can save time and money with Grainger. Use account number 85 6485677 to create your Grainger account and gain access to the deepest discounts Grainger offers, as well as free shipping. For more information about this Farm Bureau member benefit, visit: https://www. grainger.com/content/farmbureau.
Florida Farm Bureau is offering a series of County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) videos to teachers as resources they can use to educate their students about sustainable agricultural production across Florida.
USDA Seeks Input on Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Rule
The videos include segments from local producers Jones Potato Farm in Parish, Fancy Farms in Plant City, Southwest Cattle Company in Odessa and Ruskin-based Speedling. For more information, visit: www.thisfarmcares.org/caresmedia.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging public comment on its interim rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP is the USDA’s premier conservation easement program, helping landowners protect working agricultural lands and wetlands. Comments may be made through March 6 on the Federal Register. Electronic comments must be submitted through regulations.gov under Docket ID NRCS-2019-0006. All comments received will be available on regulations.gov. NRCS Plant Guides Aid Landowners with Planting Projects The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides conservation plant information to conservation planners, researchers and others using plants in their natural resource conservation projects. This information is provided through the PLANTS Database which is accessible online at https://plants. usda.gov. There are over 500 Plant Guides available, including grasses, legumes, wildflowers, shrubs and trees.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is asking residents who irrigate their lawns to consider “Skipping a Week” or more of watering during the cooler winter months. Grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months, according to research by the University of Florida. One-half to three quarters of an inch of water every 10-14 days is sufficient. Significant rainfall can permit homeowners to turn off their irrigation system and operate it manually, as needed. Grass needs water when blades are folded in half lengthwise on a least one-third of the yard; grass blades appear blue-gray; or grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after being walked on. Reduced lawn watering during the cooler months helps conserve drinking water supplies. FDACS Receives USDA Grants The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced $10.2 million in grants to support disease prevention and emergency response training and exercise projects, as well as targeted projects to enhance laboratory diagnostic capability. Among grant recipients is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), which is receiving a $22,525 grant for training and exercise priorities in livestock industries and $150,000 for the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Kissimmee, Florida to enhance testing capacity for Chronic Wasting Disease. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
February
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Water Management District Asks Homeowners to “Skip a Week” of Winter Irrigation
By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Part 65 Hopefully your new year is off to a wonderful start and you are considering preparing for spring. Spring brings with it the opportunity to revitalize or completely alter your home gardens. Thankfully, over the many years we have been traveling on the Literary Time Machine we have had the privilege of learning about plants that do well in Florida. We hope to continue that tradition as we dive, once again, into Mr. Torrey Simpson’s 1926 book, Ornamental Gardening in Florida.
We’ll start this month’s travels at the Peperomia. He describes it as being, “…a very pretty, rather small plant with thick, peltate, glossy leaves which have elegant radial bands of silvery color.”¹ He further explains that, “It does well in partial shade and likes a moist atmosphere but must have good drainage.”¹ This plant apparently hails from Brazil and the name is totally unfamiliar to us. A little research revealed that this is commonly grown as a houseplant. They come in different varieties and textures and can be grown together in the same pots. Growing them in bright spots help achieve the rich colors they are known for. You should definitely check out some of the beautiful options.² Apparently, they will do ok if you forget to water them because they are capable of holding water in their fleshy stems. And, you don’t need to fertilize them, but if you want them to grow more quickly you can apply any fertilizer specifically designed for indoor plants. Another note: don’t eat them and don’t let your animals ingest them either!² Looking at additionally cool plants he suggests, we arrive at the Rhoeo discolor. He writes, “(It) is a striking plant from Mexico and the West Indies with long, rather wide, half succulent leaves that are rich purple below and finely colored above. This plant does well for rockeries although it flourishes in the shade.”¹ Purple being our favorite color, of course we were drawn to the concept of this plant. But we have to admit we were a little confused about his meaning of “rockeries.” Was he implying the concept of xeriscaping? Research suggests that rockeries are rock gardens and that essentially, they are based on the same concept as xeriscaping, with the focus being on adding plants that require minimal amounts of water. So, we were forced to wonder if the Rhoeo discolor was really a good plant for this layout. Unfortunately, all the information we could find was located on Pinterest. So, we will just have to assume that it’s worth the try. Oh, and by the way, this plant is better known as Moses in the Cradle.
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Another beauty mentioned by Mr. Simpson is the Ruellia formosa. He describes it as, “A neat plant from Brazil which bears an abundance of rather large, funnel shaped, bright red or scarlet flowers. It is a fine window and porch plant and would doubtless do well in the ground in a sheltered place.”¹ As we all know, red flowers draw hummingbirds, so we had to wonder if this was a good option should that be our goal. From
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what we could find, it would appear that hummingbirds are actually responsible for pollinating these flowers. This is one we will have to add to our own porch décor for sure! Keeping on the path, we arrive at the Torenia fournieri. He says, “(It) is a delicate, small plant with opposite leaves and large, snapdragon-like, blue, purple, and yellow flowers. (It’s) Fine for damp, shady places such as fern pools or the walks of slat houses. Once seeded, young plants are pretty sure to keep coming up to renew the old ones as they die out.”¹ Slat houses? Obviously, this is a term commonly used in 1926, but what are they and why would these plants do well on their “walks?” Maybe we are just ignorant, but slat houses are also known as lath houses. They are described as an “open-sided structure used to provide shade to tender (or young) plants; the roof is constructed of laths or slats, spaced with gaps as wide as the slats themselves, providing approximately 50% shade.”³ We can only assume that the walks are the spaces that lead up to them as that would keep these plants in some shaded areas. We’ll end our time with another interesting looking plant, the Tradescantia reginae. Mr. Simpson writes that they are, “Upright growing plants with broad, ovate leaves that are half succulent and striped and barred lengthwise with silvery green and purple, often cross flecked with silvery lines.”¹ He adds that it is, “An exceedingly rich and beautiful plant that likes half shade and a moist situation. There is great variation in the color pattern of the leaves.”¹
These are more commonly known as Spiderwort or Widow’s Tears and are more frequently used as houseplants. While our goal is to provide you with outdoor ornamental gardening tips, there are times when it makes sense to add some gorgeous house plants to your porches and patios. This is especially true if they could potentially attract hummingbirds to your location. That said, we hope that you have learned about some new and intriguing plants to add to your landscape designs. Until next month, happy gardening! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 198-199). ²Costa Farms. Peperomia Peperomia spp. http://www.costafarms.com/plants/peperomia ³Dave’s Garden. Definition of slat house. https://davesgarden. com>guides>terms Photo Credits: Woods, Kerry. (2016). Peperomia repens- Piperaceae. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/LZeQm1 Say, Rosa. (2014). Moses in the Cradle. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/ oxKM2T Worthington, Len. (2011). Torenia fournieri. Flickr. https://flic. kr/p/ah1ZzE Zona, Scott. (2011). Ruellia elegans. Flickr. https://flic.kr/ p/9yL6MF WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Polk County Youth Fair Roundup
The Polk County Youth Fair takes place the last week of January every year. The events began on Saturday with the horse competitions. The exhibitors come from all areas of Polk County with their horses in tow prepared to compete for a coveted trophy or buckle. This day long event takes place at the outdoor arena. The winners of the horse events this year are as follows, Jessie Bennett- ranch horse all around champion and sorting champion, Iris Busby – Sr English champion, Traditional Dressage Champion, Reagan DurdenIntermediate Speed High Point, Kinley Hardee- Intermediate Ranch High Point and Boxing Champion, Brianna Heath- Sr Ranch High Point, McKenzie Hollie- All Around High Point Horse Show and Western Dressage Reserve Champion, Hannah Jones- Sr Western High Point, Myah Kane- Intermediate Western High Point, Luke Kinard- Roping Champion, Katelyn McCullough- Intermediate English High Point and Traditional Dressage Reserve Champion, Macie Shenefield- Jr Speed High Point, Dakota Smock- Sr Speed High Point, Maribel Tarango- Western Dressage Champion, Mario Tarango JR- Jr Ranch High Point.
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Sunday is one of the busiest days of the fair as people from all around come to see one of the largest market swine shows in the area. This year, the fair added a livestream to the swine and steer shows, which allowed those unable to attend to watch remotely. The swine show had 363 participants. Grand Champion was Hannah Turcios and Reserve was Max Keen. For the first time in fair history the show placed top 5. In addition, the committee organized a tribute to Dylan Webb. They framed his final show number and officially retired his #350
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By Melissa Nichols
and held an overall showmanship championship drive between the Junior winner, Audrie Bailey (Dylan’s sister) Kyndal Sowell (his cousin) and Elizabeth Bazemore (a good friend). The Overall Champion Showman was Kyndal Sowell who gave the belt bundle “Dylan Webb Memorial” to his sister in an emotional display of kindness. This year the PCYF Swine Committee also put into place a Jr. Committee made up of alumni. They worked the ring the entire show and some even assisted with the sale. The week continued with the archery contest, commercial heifer show, goat tying, dog show, top ranch hand contest, and rabbit showmanship. Goat tying winners were Jr. Division 1st Mason David, 2nd Harlee Lightsey, 3rd Kailey Mcrae, Intermediate Division, 1st Hannah Lightsey, 2nd Landon David, 3rd Wesley Howell, Sr. Division 1st Bailey Lightsey, 2nd Hattie Lightsey, 3rd Alex Young. The top ranch hand winners were Jr. Division 1st Zibe Stein, 2nd Macie Shenefield, 3rd Raegan Hansel, Intermediate Division 1st Wesley Howell, 2nd McKenzie Hollie, 3rd Paige Blakenship, Sr. Division 1st Luke Kinard, 2nd Brayden Salebao, 3rd Maribel Tarango. Tuesday is always the market swine sale and cake auction and this year also served as the day of the whip popping contest. Wednesday is the day of the Chili cookoff where teams representing 4-H and FFA compete with the best chili recipe for the trophy and bragging rights. It is also poultry showmanship and the goat show. Goat show Eagle Award Winner was Gabriella Gibbs, who also won Sr. Showmanship, Intermediate showmanship winner was Sara Clanton, Jr. Showmanship winner was Mason David. Grand Champion dairy doe was Preston WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Brannan, Grand and Reserve Registered Pygmy doe was Jayden Black, Grand Champion market wether was Sara Clanton, Grand Champion Registered Boer, Gabriella Gibbs was Grand Champion market wether. Wednesday the steer committee was also able to provide a “BEEF” luncheon for all steer exhibitors, the meal was prepared by Joe Bennett and Eric Dykes, the grill was provided by the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association and paid for by Suncoast Credit Union, Kelley Automotive Group and Roughride Cattle Services. Thursday is the purebred beef show and market steer show/ showmanship contests. This year the steer show had 64 exhibitors, 31 from commercial and 33 open exhibitors. The Grand Champion Commercial Steer was Kaydee Clark with a Clark Cattle & Citrus steer, Reserve was Katelyn Glass with a G7 steer. Grand Champion Open Steer was Brianne Pueschell and Reserve was Elizabeth McDowell. Sr. showmanship Grand Champion of the steer show was Peyton Chandley, Intermediate was Sara Clanton, Jr. Carlee Taylor.
Jack Dierker, Herdsman was Lane Walker, Zibe Stein was awarded new exhibitor of the year. Carcass winners were Olivia Thompson Grand Champion carcass and Titus Hilleshiem Reserve Champion carcass. Friday is also the day of the plant sale. The steer committee was also excited to have prizes for exhibitors who were doing good deeds, helping others, cleaning and working. With the help of the show sponsors, more prizes were given this year than ever. Justin Sharpless, Warner Ag Professor, steer committee member did a great job emceeing the show (along with the Polk County Federation Officers) and Sale (along with Marty Higgenbotham) where he gave a short bio on each exhibitor before they sold.
The steer show this year was able to have multiple new contests such as the team fitting, which took place Friday morning. The first-place team in team fitting was Payge Dupre, Zibe Stein and Quintin Dickson. The Eagle Award winner was
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Charity Events Benefiting the Florida FFA Foundation
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For more information, visit FlaFFA.org • Sponsorship Opportunities are available.
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Recipe These recipes come from WWW.STRAWBERRYSUE.COM
Simply Sweet Florida Strawberry Pie Ingredients
Chilled pie dough for one 9-inch pie 5 cups of quartered and hulled strawberries, divided 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/8 teaspoon salt Whipped cream Pie crust
Heat oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet on a middle oven rack.
Filling
Add 2 cups of strawberries to a small saucepan. Mash strawberries until chunky. Add sugar, corn starch, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon juice and salt. Roll out pie dough to fit pie dish. Press dough down Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirinto dish so that it lines the bottom and sides. Trim ring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and glaze has dough so that about ½ inch hangs over edge of dish. thickened; 3 to 5 minutes. Cool completely. Crimp edges of dough around dish. Combine remaining 3 cups of strawberries with cooled Pierce bottom of the crust with a fork (this prevent strawberry glaze. Stir until strawberries are well coatair pockets or bubbles from forming while baking). ed. Spoon strawberry filling into cooled pie crust. Place pie crust onto preheated baking sheet and reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F. Bake 20 to Refrigerate pie at least 2 hours before cutting to allow 30 minutes or until the crust is golden. Remove from filling to set. Top with whipped cream. oven and cool.
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
BUST OUT THOSE JEEPS FOR SOME GOOD FUN
One of the things I absolutely love about the men and women who work at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is that so many of them dedicate their time and efforts to raising money for local charities throughout the year. One of the annual events occurs this month, “Jeepin’ with Judd,” with proceeds going to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. It’s the sixth year in a row for the three-day event that has grown each year. When it started in 2014, we had no idea just how successful it would become. It started as a one-day event with about 300 Jeeps participating. And like anything else, each time we do one, we learn from the experience, and get ideas on how to make it bigger and better for the next year. This year’s “Jeepin’ with Judd” is a three-day event that starts on Friday, February 21st, and wraps-up on Sunday, February 23rd, and it all happens at Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow. Looking back at last year, we had a total of 2,092 Jeeps in attendance, and the Orlando Jeep Club led 6,134 trail runs. About 8,000 people came out during the weekend. The people who work to put this all together know what they are doing, and the feedback we get each year proves that.
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“Jeepin with Judd” is a great family event and even if you don’t have a Jeep, you can still come and check it all out, there is
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no admission fee for spectators. We will have bounce houses for the kids, some quality food available on site, and a lot of merchandise vendors. There will be about ten trails to choose from that range from scenic to advanced and each one will be led by a Trail Ride Leader. Most of the trails require 4WD, but there are a couple of trails for those who are just getting started in the Jeep-Life, and want to work their way up. Those trails are also great for just taking a leisurely ride and enjoying the beauty of the surroundings. There are campsites available on a first-come, first-serve basis; $20 (per night) will get you a primitive camping spot, and it’s $30 (per night) for RV’s and trailers. Again this year, Kelly Buick GMC of Bartow has donated a “Cheep” Jeep to be raffled off. This year, it’s a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. Only 3,000 raffle tickets will be sold, and a ticket is available for a $20 donation. The drawing for it will be on the last day of the event, and you needn’t be present to win, but why wouldn’t you be? Please, make sure you go to JeepinWithJudd.com for any questions you may have regarding rules, regulations, requirements, and fees. Know before you go. We want everyone to be prepared and ready to have a great time. I hope to see you there. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
AN OVERVIEW OF THE HONEY BEES POLLINATION INDUSTRY This article was written by Master Gardener Volunteer Debra Howell under supervision of the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Residential Horticulture Agent Anne Yasalonis. Did you know that each honeybee produces a mere teaspoon of honey during its lifetime, but they are still one of the major contributors to our food resources? Were you aware that 80% of the food consumed in America is directly or indirectly pollinated by bees? A good example is California, who is globally the largest commercially producing almond grower. Every single almond has come to fruition as a result of the pollination of almond blossoms by honeybees. The knowledge of these facts should cause concern considering the threats to our honeybee populations. Honeybees were brought to America by the early white European settlers. These bees are known globally as European common or Western bees. According to the Los Angeles County Beekeepers, “The creation of the United States can be found in the footsteps of the honeybee.”. Honeybees are fascinating creatures which achieve four stages of life. It is classified as a complete metamorphosis consisting of the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. The honeybee colony contains workers (non-reproductive females), the male “caste”, which are drones, and the mother of the colony, which is the queen. Like in Great Britain, it is all about the Queen. Under the usual conditions, the queen is the sole reproductive colony female, producing as many as 1,500 eggs daily. The queen possesses the queen mandibular pheromone which alerts the colony to sense their queen’s presence. The colony itself is a biological unit called a superorganism. In this respect, the reproduction of honeybees results in the forming of a new colony through swarming during the spring and early summer months. According to University of Florida IFAS publication EENY5687, “European Honeybee Apis mellifera Linnacus and Subspecies (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae)”, in the colony, unfertilized eggs develop into drones (males) and fertilized eggs develop into females. Female larvae that are fed pollen, nectar and brood food become adult workers. Female larvae fed a rich diet of royal jelly, pollen and nectar develop into queens. The process of metamorphosis in honeybees is different for each caste, with drones having the longest developmental time at 24 days, followed by workers at 21 days and queens at 15 or 16 days. According to Dr. Jaime Ellis, who directs honeybee research at the University of Florida, in his recent podcast “Buzz on Florida Honeybees”, there are 5,000 registered beekeepers in Florida alone. These bees are trucked all over the United States. With 20,000 species on the planet, 320 of those bee types are based in Florida. The three stressors of bees are: nutrition, queen quality and Varroa. Therefore, the primary issues in beekeeping are managing nutrition, managing queens, transporting bee and management of Varroa mites. Registered beekeeper, Robbie Bell, who is an associate of Dr. Jaime Ellis, states that Varroa is the biggest problem for modern-day beekeepers. These huge parasites transmit pathogens fatal to honeybees. Varroa mites burrow into the honeybees and suck blood from the adult bees, resulting in deformed baby bees. At this point, most of the worker bees disappear, leaving a queen, food and several nurse bees to care for the surviving bees and their queen. Add to this the fact that we lose habitat daily to urbanization, you can begin to understand the issues facing today’s beekeepers.
Even despite these issues, beekeeper Robbie Bell is always booked up for his pollination services. Just like the harvesters, pollinator services follow the crops. Back in the 1990’s, Robbie Bell pollinated the Cape Cod cranberry bogs of Ocean Spray. He did watermelons in Florida, strawberries and cantaloupes. Then came the California almonds. These almonds are 100% dependent on bees and are required to have four hives per acre in order to obtain crop insurance. California is the only place in North America where almonds are cultivated for commercial distribution. 90% of these almonds are sent to Asia, where they would have to literally be hand-pollinated were it not for the availability of almonds from California. After about a month in California, Bell returns his eight semi-trucks full of bees to Florida, where he turns his attention to melons, cantaloupes, etc. Bell says Florida beekeepers sent out 560 truckloads of bees in January to California. He says, “The driving force in honeybee industries are California almonds.”. There is a down-side to the shipping of bees, however. They are a fragile insect being hauled over the roads for long periods of time. Therefore, some are lost from the transportations process. Bell states that there have been good and bad years for the beekeepers. The mid-1990’s saw a decline in natural pollinators, due in part to habitat loss. He then began to receive calls from watermelon growers for pollination services. An interesting aspect of beekeeping is the necessity for, and use of, the invasive Brazilian pepper as a pollination source. Not only is this plant necessary, it is the most important honey source in Florida, nutritionally speaking, as it feeds the bees through the winter. Registered beekeeper Bell began to ply his trade with his grandfather’s hives. By 1980, he had 300 hives. Bell spent eight years as a Publix meat cutter but has provided pollination services for 39 years. His family has been involved as well, with his wife, Melony, travelling with daughters Ashley and Whitnie in the early years, to visit their dad as he provided pollination services for alfalfa and clover farmers in North and South Dakota. Bell’s wife, Melony, who is a member of Florida’s House of Representatives, has a bill going forward in support of a new honeybee license plate with the proceeds going to honeybee research. This research will benefit scientists like Dr. Jaime Ellis and other University of Florida IFAS researchers, to address the issues facing today’s beekeepers. For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Visit us in person, give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas. ufl.edu. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Bell states that another issue facing honeybees are neonicotinoids which are new pesticides that are “playing havoc with this industry”. He states that, “these new pesticides which are in use to help combat citrus greening, are messing up the bee’s guts so they cannot process their food”. Bell goes on to say that many beekeepers are wary of placing their bees in groves where neonicotinoids are in use. It is for this reason that orange blossom honey, which was once a roadside staple, is now difficult to find. It is also important that beekeepers prevent colony collapse disorder by maintaining good apiary hygiene through Best Management Practices (BMP’s).
By Jack Payne | UF/IFAS One of the greatest compliments the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences gets is some variety of, “If it weren’t for IFAS, I wouldn’t be in business.” It’s the ultimate endorsement of impact. It’s not just the testimonial. It’s who it comes from. The experts. You.
We can achieve more of these kinds of breakthroughs if we have the resources to do so. Workload not only helps us pay researchers’ salaries, but it contributes to the Extension workforce that delivers UF/IFAS science to your community.
Every year we strive to provide more of the know-how that keeps you in business. To do that, we have to make the business case for more funding from the Legislature. We call it “workload” – how much of a funding increase we request to keep up with your needs.
Those Extension needs are extensive. For example, there are about 25 county agent positions on hold because we lack funds, even where counties have approved paying part of those salaries. A workload increase would also allow us to consider adding regional specialized agents in precision agriculture, farm enterprise management and natural resources management.
If you’re one of those folks who say you wouldn’t be in business without IFAS, please say it to a legislator. Call, write, or even visit Tallahassee if you can. You have a powerful voice. You’re the proof that state dollars are spent effectively.
It depends on state funding. Like cops on the beat or schoolteachers in the classroom, agricultural scientists in the lab, greenhouse, demonstration farm, or experimental grove are public servants.
You may have your own story of how UF/IFAS science improved your bottom line. Please tell people in Tallahassee about it.
Because your work is largely hidden from the public – and from legislators – so is ours. Please help us tell the story of how we feed Florida, the nation, and the world.
At the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, UF/IFAS scientists continue to make breakthroughs that have the potential to improve your bottom line. They include: • The “Florida Brilliance” strawberry developed by Vance Whitaker that has quickly become popular among Hillsborough-area growers. • Gary Vallad’s advances in understanding how management of battle bacterial spot in tomatoes at transplant facilities can reduce outbreaks in the field.
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• The collaboration of Natalia Peres with a global team of scientists on how to reduce plant pathogens through the use of ultraviolet light. The technology has been tested at GCREC fields.
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Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2018
EVERGLADES PYTHON HUNTING
by John Dicks
Kill a python, win a T-shirt! That pretty much sums up the new program from Florida’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Right there on the website, when you drill down through the pages and links at myfwc.com, it plainly states that its recently announced “Python Pickup Program is a new incentive program that is designed to encourage the public to kill and report Burmese pythons to the FWC. The first time a participant submits proof of a python they have killed, they will receive a t-shirt. For each proof of python submitted, participants will gain one entry into the grand prize drawing.” I suppose that most everyone has by now been hearing about the plethora of pythons that have really been getting out of control in Florida, particularly down in the Everglades. The slithering reptiles are an invasive, non-native animal and they have been over-competing with other local creatures, threatening to take over the environment, not to mention scaring the daylights out of tourists who spot 12 ft. long specimens of the most unwelcome snake! By one estimation, the pythons have had a decimating affect on the small mammal population in and and around the Everglades. It was estimated that more than 90% of mammals such as raccoons, possums, marsh rabbits and white-tailed deer have become casualties of the python. Birds and even gators have also been seen in the coils of the constrictors. Apparently, so prevalent have become the pythons, and without any known natural predator other than humans, that the snakes just lie around basking in the sun, not at all frightened by even the most ambitious hunter sneaking up to grab them by the tail and slip them into a bag. At least that’s how it appeared to me while watching some videos of the participants in the recent 2020 Python Bowl. Yep, that’s right! Smack dab in the middle of all the football bowl games, the FWC and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) teamed up with a few other entities to bring about some national awareness to the situation and an end to some of these nuisance snakes. Some 750 people from 20 states signed up for the 10 day event held in January. It even had a title sponsor, Bass Pro Shops, which helped with prizes for the winners. Only 80 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades were removed, but the grand prize winner was responsible for eight of them! He got an ATV.
Another guy snatched a monster of a snake which stretched to just shy of 13 feet! He collected $2,000 in prize money. While the 2020 Python Bowl is now over and done with, there’s still that FWC “Python Pickup Program” awaiting eager participants. If for some reason you’d like to get in on the action, and I’m certainly not recommending nor even suggesting such, the FWC provides some help so as not to send you charging into the wild with no idea of proper techniques to use in python wrangling. For beginners, the FWC offers a free online training course, including an educational video. For even more preparation, you can participate in some “Python Patrol” trainings, which are (literally) hands-on classes using live pythons. The 2-3 hour classes must be popular since, according to the FWC website, the “space is limited and pre-registration is required.” Once you feel confident (and careful) with your quest for some snake snatching satisfaction, upon success you can get that free “Python Pickup Patrol” T-shirt by sending an email to pythons@MyFWC.com with the following: • A photo that shows the snake has been killed and can be identified as a Burmese python • The date the python was captured and killed • The location where the python was captured (GPS coordinates are preferred) All of the valid submissions will be entered into a grand prize raffle which will be drawn later this year in October. There’s no indication just yet as to exactly what that grand prize will be but WFC promises that “once determined” it will listed it on the website. Happy hunting, if you dare!
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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.
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Adding Predators to Property: Will You Help the Florida Panther?
Florida ranks number three on a list of states with the most endangered species. Apparently, there are 135 endangered species that call Florida home. And, one of the country’s most endangered is the Florida panther.
forested areas, agricultural land, and marsh shrub swamps whenever they are available. Unfortunately, people that have these types of land are not necessarily welcoming to adding predators to their property.³
In case you were wondering, Florida is only surpassed by California and Hawaii, both of which have an insane number of endangered species. California counts 299; their most endangered is the San Joaquin kit fox. Hawaii lists a whopping 503 endangered species! The akiapola’au, a forest bird, is their most endangered. But, since we don’t live in California or Hawaii, we will continue to hone our focus in on Florida’s endangered animals. A few years ago, we wrote about the Florida panther and as always, we hoped that time would change things. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in the panther’s plight.
The reality is that the panthers’ greatest threats are the degradation and fragmentation of their natural habitats. Our desire to accommodate our own desires, be it housing or freeways, has encroached on the land that they need to survive. Attempts at protection have been shot down. In fact, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned for the protection of about three million acres in September of 2009, but that very next year the Obama administration denied the petition. They got some additional supporters and sued. They lost that and appealed. Then, in 2011, they tried to get the panther reintroduced to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge but that petition was denied as well.²
The Florida panther is actually part of a Puma subspecies. But the ones that live in Florida are the only known breeding populations in the eastern part of the country. Listed as endangered in 1967, and placed into a recovery plan in 2008, the rules require that three populations of nearly 250 each be established. Unfortunately, it would appear that we will not be able to establish groups in these numbers without creating additional populations outside of South Florida. That means private landowners will have to be willing to support the endeavor.¹
On the bright side, in 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created a Florida Panther Recovery Implementation Team. In 2016, a female panther crossed the Caloosahatchee River to venture into lands in Charlotte County. This was big news. Even better news came in 2017 when it was confirmed that she had mated and produced two litters of kittens. And we are now seeing that male panthers are branching out into areas of Georgia. Because these animals are reclusive, people rarely see them. But thanks to the recovery team, better methods of tracking them have been instituted.¹
As of today, the Florida panther is the only large feline in the southeast of the country. Historically, puma populations existed on both the east and west coast and jaguars came as far east as Louisiana. Now, the panther is the only big cat to exist in the south. There are still western pumas, but the distance between them and the panther is over 1000 miles. And the news gets worse, the panther only roams in five percent of its former range with only 100 to 120 individuals alive today.²
The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service has some tips for helping them in this worthwhile venture. They suggest driving slowly in areas considered “panther country.” This is particularly true during the early evening, night, and early morning hours. If you see panthers, they want you to share that information with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888404-FWCC (3922). Finally, they really hope that you will support panther research. You can do so by purchasing a “Protect the Panther” license plate.³
Baby panthers, should you ever be lucky enough to see some, are super cute. They are gray with blackish or dark brown spots and they have five bands around their tails. But, by the time they are about six months old the spots are barely visible. Adult panthers are a tan color, though they may exhibit darker browns and rust colors along the middle of their backs. They also have black tipped tails and ears. Males will weigh up to 160 pounds and can be nearly seven feet long from tail to nose. Females are a good deal smaller weighing up to 115 pounds and are about a foot shorter than males.³ For panthers to successfully reproduce and expand their populations, we really have to do something about their habitat. They require very large areas to meet all their needs. Panthers are energetic and social creatures. They select their habitats based on the availability of prey and they require dense understory vegetation in order to rest, den, and feed. Research has shown that they will naturally select prairie grasslands, PAGE
By Ginny Mink
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Panthers are super cool animals. They deserve the freedom to roam the southeast as they have in the past. If you have land that can be utilized, consider working with one of the organizations mentioned in this article to help this species survive. As we tell you each month, every animal and plant on this planet was placed specifically here by God and it is our duty to be stewards of His creation. Do what you can to make a difference! Resources: ¹U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Florida Panther Puma concolor coryi. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/florida_panther/wah/ panther.html ²Center for Biological Diversity. Florida Panther. https://www. biologicaldiversity.org/species/mammals/Florida_panther/ index.html WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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CONFESSION OF A RANCHER’S DAUGHTER By Marisol Tarango A rancher’s daughter is pretty tough. She works outside most of the time and often wonders why people go to the gym. There are so many things to be done on the ranch that not exercising is not possible. When her dad brings home a load of feed, she’s the one helping unload it. When it’s just her and her dad (and maybe some siblings), and a cow has to be roped and doctored, she’s the one who has to hold the cow down. When her dad is training a horse and needs her to ride it while he controls the horse from the ground, she says a prayer, climbs into the saddle, and says a lot more prayers until both of her feet are back safely on the ground. The rancher’s daughter is tough, because there are things in ranch life that just have to get done.
on, then run back into the warm house. When I am ready for school, I dash back out to my truck and enter a wonderfully preheated cab. Often, during the times that fence has to be mended in the dark or we have to pioneer a new idea (that may or may not work, but is our only chance)to get a cow back on her feet or to get a piece of equipment loaded on the trailer, I think that maybe doing homework from the comfort of my bed (with maybe a cup of coffee) doesn’t sound too bad. When these thoughts do come to mind, they are usually followed with the thought that my 13- year-old self would have scoffed at the degree of softness to which I have descended.
Since starting college, the outdoor, adventurous life that I led as a rancher’s daughter has been put on hold as I pursue a higher education. Instead of trudging to the barn on a freezing morning to take care of animals that must be fed despite my discomfort, I dart outside to start my truck and turn the heater
Being out of school for a break and back in the saddle has taught me to not take for granted the ease that I have in my life and it has also reminded me of why I chose to continue my family’s legacy of ranching. Not only for the joy and excitement of a cow chase, but for the contentment that a hard day’s work brings and the perspective of life that it gives.
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Over Christmas break, though, I was thrown back into the adventurous and risky business of being a rancher’s daughter. CONFESSION #8: College maybe, sorta, just might have During my first days of freedom from school, I helped my dad and other cowboys gather and pen cows for a rancher, and made me a little (little) bit soft. being out there with the cow crew, I had no option of backGrowing up I was strong for my size and always surprised peo- ing out. On the morning of the first day, I was careful to cross ple with what I could lift or shove. In high school unloading through the marsh exactly where everyone had gone because feed and hay was a twice a week work out. I spent at least six I knew my horse would not get bogged down in the mud, but hours a day outside doing chores, riding horses, and hiking and by the third day I was crashing through cypress heads trying to climbing in the woods. I enjoyed being active and doing hard turn back cows before they got away again. (Tip: Hold your arm work with my family, and it took a lot to tire me out. But after over your face so the branches don’t get you.) Chasing cattle three years of college, I have noticed that it’s not as easy to through the woods and swamp and having to go into places on swing my saddle up on a horse and that it takes a little more my horse that I had always been taught to avoid, would have effort to unload the feed and hay, on the occasion that I am definitely done my 13- year-old-self proud and it gave me a satisfaction that was worth leaving my warm bed. home to help unload it.
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Blow Flies (Calliphoridae)
There are few insects that are regarded with as much disdain as flies, particularly blowflies. Many of us are familiar with the term blowflies; we associate these flies with death and decomposition because they play an important role in the process. I find it interesting that insects with the ugliest jobs can be some of the most beautiful. This month we will take a closer look at the blowfly, one of the most beautiful flies you will ever see, but not likely to be your most endeared. The common name blowfly has its origin in the term flyblown that dates to the early 16th century and literally describes the state of the flies host. The term eventually became a synonym for tainted by impurities or harmful organisms. Shakespeare used the term with such meaning in Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Tempest, and Antony and Cleopatra. By the 17th century, fly blow became the common term used by entomologist to describe fly eggs or larvae deposited on meat or open wounds. From this history the flies typically requiring a meat host to develop were commonly called blowflies. The type genus name Calliphora comes to us from the Greek kalos (beauty) and phora (bearer), beauty bearer and was formally named in 1830 by Jean Baptiste Robineau Desvoidy. Calliphoridae adults are strikingly colored metallic blue green or black and are about twice the size of a common housefly. Some species have silver faces, others bright yellow. Eyes are often bright red or orange. Adult blowflies feed on nectar and are therefore regarded as pollinators; however, the adult female additionally requires protein for egg development and typically sources it from carrion in which the eggs are laid. The female can lay several generations of eggs during her lifetime. Each generation will consist of up to 200 eggs and she will lay upwards of 2,000 before the end of her life. Larva hatch 8 to 24 hours after the eggs are laid depending on temperature. The larva develops through three instars (stages) before crawling out of the host to burrow into the ground or leaf litter for pupation. During their development, they feed on carrion or livestock by producing enzymes that break down the proteins of their host so they can grind through the flesh with their mouth hooks. It is important to note that the rate at which larva develop is highly dependent on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. These factors make forensic entomology a valid science, but not a perfect science. Forensic entomology has become a popular fascination with TV hits such as CSI, but the real field work is nowhere near as clean and glamorous as it may seem on TV. The benefits of understanding insects that play a role in decomposition, specifically, the blow fly, have led to gruesome but fascinating benefits. The tiny larva of these flies, (better known as maggots), are incredibly effective at what they do, and that is consuming dead stuff. Maggots have been used for medical purposes longer than history has reported. An article in Markell and Voge’s Medical Parasitology 9th Edition (p. 328-334) suggests that the indigenous people of Australia, the Hill people of Northern Burma, and possibly the Mayans of Central America all used maggots for the cleansing of wounds (debridement). The earliest written evidence of such practices comes to us from Napolean’s surgeon general, Baron Dominique Larrey, who in 1829 docu-
Although the characteristic feeding behavior of blow fly larva is to consume dead tissue, there are some species that feed on live tissue (myiasis) and others that feed on both live and dead tissue. The New World screwworm fly (cochilomyia hominivorax) for example, threatened the cattle industry in North America through the late 1950s when a sterile release program was piloted in Florida by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which was thought to have successfully eradicated the screwworm from the rest of the United States by the mid-1960s. In September of 2016, an occurrence of the reemergence of the screwworm threat was confirmed when the corpse of an endangered species, the Florida Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium), was found with a hideous head wound filled with the larva of New World screwworm fly (cochilomyia hominivorax). By October of 2016, the United States Forestry Service (USFS) confirmed 51 cases of infestation, 47 of which were Key Deer, four of which were pets. The thought of fighting screwworm again is not a pleasant one; it would be devastating in more ways that we can cover in one article. There are about 1,200 known species of Calliphoridae (blowfly), only a fraction of which are a real danger to human life or our livestock. However, when you are out on the trails, please take a closer look. There is great information available to help identify the species we need to be concerned about. The link below is a great start and provides a means with which to report any suspected indication of screwworm. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/ bro-new-world-screwworm.pdf INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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mented observations that some flies destroyed dead tissue and aided the healing of wounds. This practice was deliberately continued through the American Civil War and World War I before its emergence in civilian practice as a treatment for osteomyelitis. Dr. William S. Baer developed a method for rearing maggots in a sterile environment so they would not spread new infections while cleaning the dead tissue of his patients. Although reliable methods of rearing larvae in a sterile environment were established over 100 years ago, the practice of MDT (maggot debridement therapy) is taking a slow road to acceptance. In 2003, MDT for horses was reintroduced in veterinary circles for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis and chronic ulcers and in 2004 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved maggots as a medical device for human beings. I have always been a champion for the superpowers of animals and insects, and I will not refrain from doing so in this article. The larva of these flies consumes dead tissue with more precision than is surgically possible with even our best technology. As if the mechanical service of these tiny janitors were not enough, they also secrete substances that disinfect the wound, a product of self-preservation for the larva. Nature has a keen way of problem solving, and in this case, the larva produces secretions that eliminate microbial attacks. Clinical trials have proven that the secretions these maggots produce disinfect the wound and in vitro studies have demonstrated the capacity to destroy MRSA, group A and B streptococci as well as gram positive aerobic and anaerobic strains of the same.
Bathology 101
Maya Angelou once said, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love.” Cynthia Young-Jennings (CJ) would agree because she has become an accomplished “Bathologist” by combining her 24-years of medical experience to formulate her own unique natural and handmade organic soap and lotion recipes that are both luxurious for your skin and kind to the earth. “While working in the medical field, I went to lunch one day and thought about all the things I had wanted to do with my life,” CJ said. “I had to take a leap of faith, so I went back to work and resigned! With $200 in my pocket, I launched Sweet Harvest Farms. A boutique with antiques, handmade dolls and soaps. I knew very quickly that the soaps I was wholesaling in should not be leaving your skin dry and melt quickly, not if they were true soaps anyway.”
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Things started to really change for CJ once she took her leap of faith. “My husband was in the military and while we were overseas I started doing research using the medical knowledge I already had but also garnering knowledge from those that had been making real soap for years,” CJ said. “I sat down and started to formulate recipes. The first bar I made was ‘No More Eczema’ to help my granddaughter. It is still one of my most popular. Everyone in the family and a few friends, have had their hands in bringing Sweet Harvest Farms to where it is now. My goal has and always been to create the best organic bath and body on the market and I truly believe that is what I have done and so do my customers.”
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By Libby Hopkins
Sweet Harvest Farms offers and eclectic blend of all-natural, homemade soaps, nurturing body lotion, lip balms and handmade laundry soap. “Folk art and whimsy,” CJ said. “Our patented recipes produce some of the most luxurious and amazing soaps on the planet! Made in small batches, each bar is individually hand cut to order. This ensures both high quality and freshness.” Sweet Harvest Farms handmade organic soaps and bath and body products do not contain parabens, sodium lauryl Sulfates, phosphates, harsh chemicals, mineral oils or petroleum by-products of any kind, so you can buy with confidence knowing that what you are using is made with the most sensitive of skin in mind. “What you see out there at shows, markets and even in stores and on the internet are ‘bases’ or ‘melt and pour’ products that contain inferior oils and harsh detergents to create that big lather,” CJ said. “They melt quickly, get gooey, dry out your skin and leave film on your tub and everywhere it touches. In other words, the same stuff you might find at your grocer. Making true soap is laborious and dangerous because you have to use lye to get real soap and that may be why there are not that many soap makers left. Everything I do is from scratch and 100 percent organic. It truly is a labor of love!” Sweet Harvest Farms’ soaps last 8-10 weeks in the shower, clean without drying and create a rich creamy lather which WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
soap melts within a week or two, leaves your skin itchy and dry or seams to leave a film on your skin, then you probably aren’t using true soap. Once you use a Sweet Harvest Farms bar you will know the difference immediately.” CJ does her best to grow the Lavender, Rosemary and other herbs she puts in her products. Her customers and sellers love that her products are organic and made locally in Florida. “I hear quite a bit from stores that carry our products that “If it weren’t for your organic bath and body’ we couldn’t pay our rent,” CJ said. “Now, that might be a bit of an exaggeration but it has been repeated time and time again. My customers worry what will happen once I retire! I assure them that won’t be anytime soon and when I do a family member will carry on. I have customers that have been with me for many years and even many in Europe who won’t use anything else.”
comes from CJ’s formulation of using the right combinations of oils. “Read your labels,” CJ said. “Everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream. Labels can also be deceitful so you have to really do your research. If your
If you would like to learn more about the different products offered at Sweet Harvest Farms or if you’d like to purchase any of CJ’s products, you can visit their website at www.sweetharvestfarms.com. The website also lists the different artisan markets CJ attends monthly and stores in the Tampa Bay area that carry Sweet Harvest Farms products.
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By Jim Frankowiak
“AMERICAN GROWN”
CAMPAIGN INTRODUCED AT SOUTHEAST FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONFERENCE; FLORIDA PRODUCERS INVOLVED Demand American Grown, a non-profit organization created by growers to address the growing financial crisis in American Farms, unveiled its campaign at the January Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Founded by farmers and growers from Florida, Georgia and Michigan, Demand American Grown developed and launched its campaign to remind and encourage consumers and community groups to buy American foods and produce. This is an issue of health and American farm vitally, critical and extremely time-sensitive. “The two million plus family farms in America are facing a profound economic crisis,” said campaign organizers. “Over 100,000 farms have been lost to foreclosure in only the last five years, and farm debt is at an all-time high of over $400 billion.” “American family farms have always faced and overcome great challenges, but farming is being increasingly outsourced by a handful of mega-corporate entities to third-world countries where workers are paid less than $1 per hour. A mere five percent of U.S. companies now control sales of over 75% of all the food grown in America. Increasingly, they are selling third world grown foods, reaping big profits and causing foreclosures on our farms. The American Grown campaign is sounding the alarm, educating customers and community groups about this crisis, and encouraging them to speak out.”
the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Commissioner Nikki Fried, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA), Florida Blueberry Growers Association and their counterparts in Georgia. In addition, we have hundreds of growers now engaged in three states: Florida, Georgia and Michigan.” “We started with fruit growers mainly, but are now engaging produce growers,” noted Chiles. “Our first job is consumer awareness and engagement. We are also developing a policy strategy to save family farms that deals with clear and transparent country of origin labeling, trade practices and tariffs, climate issues, reforms needed at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare farmers and especially carbon farming initiatives and USDA subsidy reform,” he said. At the campaign unveiling, attendees were given American Grown Trucker caps to wear and distribute to growers not in attendance. Additional information, including a video and social media platforms, can be accessed at www.demandamericangrown.org. The campaign seeks to involve producers, sponsors and consumers through a variety of initiatives from financial support to social media outreach. The campaign also has a hotline for the provision of comments. That number is 1-855-USGROWN (874-7696).
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Demand American Grown Campaign Director Lawton “Bud” Chiles said, “We have strong support and involvement from
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Polk County Cattle Women
N
ot sure where to start… As always, I am so thrilled to see all the exhibitors, parents, and numerous volunteers that make up the Polk County Youth Fair. As I walk through the barns, I am consumed with elation, as I see love and laughter, children smiling interacting with each other and their animals, families supporting each other, friends helping/teaching each other; all the while the smell of pee and poop fill the air. Gotta love it… Thank you to all who worked so hard and volunteered your time, to the sponsors, and to the buyers. Thank you! The Florida Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Legislative Quarterly in Tallahassee was a great success as we worked together brainstorming for the short term and long term of the Cattle/Beef Industry. The Florida State Fair was as always, was a huge success as FCW from all over the state were there to distribute beef samples and speak on the importance of and nutritional value of beef. Thank you, ladies. Upcoming Events/Mark your Calendar’s (Some Dates have changed):
• Agri Fest – March 9-10, 2020 and March 10-16, 2002, approximately 6000 Fourth graders and their teachers from all of Polk County come to the extension office for an Agriculture Field day of sorts. Volunteers are always needed, if you are available to help, please call Lori Kuehl #863-533-0561 X 112. • Polk County Cattlemen’s Summer Meeting, Dinner & Cake auction – Thursday, April 23, 2020. The dinner will be a DERBY DAYS themed event. Please come dressed in your best Kentucky Derby attire. Ladies there will be a BIG Hat contest. There is sure to be a lot of fun and laughs had. Please plan on attending. As always, PCCW welcome new members. If you are interested in joining, We’d love to see new faces. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, #863-205-3977.
Missy McLaughlin-Raney Polk County Cattlewomen President
• Cattlemen’s RANCH RODEO & Trade Show - February 22, 2020 – This is our biggest fundraiser, and the means to fund our scholarships throughout the year. It is a lot of fun, although it is a lot of work. If you’ve never been, you definitely need to join in the activities. You will be hooked…
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