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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
February 2021 VOL. 14 • ISSUE 6
28 2021 POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR RESULTS
PAGE 5 Agvocating for Youth
PAGE 35 News Briefs
PAGE 10 Scott Angle
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 12 Ranchers Daughter
PAGE 38 Endangered Species
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 40
PAGE 18 Cold Protection
PAGE 41 Activity
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 42 Faster Growning Plants
PAGE 25 Kuri Squash
PAGE 43 Indoor Gardening
PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 44 Alpacas
A Closer Look
PAGE 47 PCCW
PAGE 32 PCSO PAGE 34 Gerbera Daisy
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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
Cover Photo By Melissa Nichols
PAGE 30 Recipes
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association
2020
State Director - David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 287-1835 Dhunt285@aol.com Alternate SD – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (941) 916-5093 cwebbowebb@aol.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 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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Agvocating for Youth
by Payge Dupre
Happy February! This is definitely my favorite month out of the year, because we usually get to attend the State Fair and see friends who we may only see once every year. I hope that the changes made this year are an inspiration for us to stop taking those moments for granted and never push things off further, because you don’t know what is held in tomorrow.
February. None of us wanted to wait until April and May when we’ve fed the animals to be ready for now, and some have even bred animals at a specific time just for this one show. But, we have to understand the circumstances and be grateful that we will still (hopefully) be able to do what we love this year.
This year, the Florida State Fair has been pushed back to take place April 22-May 2 in hopes to have a more “normal” fair. However, the dates for Swine & Steer shows remain in February, with swine being February 13 and 14, and steers being February 20 and 21. A lot of people were upset with the change and how it hardly affected market animal exhibitors, so I wanted to briefly explain why the changes were made this way.
Aside from State Fair, many of our Purebred beef exhibitors will be attending the Osceola County Fair & Livestock Show to represent us. This show usually entails cattle and exhibitors from across the country, as it is also serves as a point show for many breed associations. This will hold lots of competition for our youth and even adults, but I am positive they will all represent us well and would like to wish them the best of luck.
Swine exhibitors purchase their hogs each year at a specific date that they find feasible, or even breed their sows to farrow and have those pigs born at a specific time so that they can exhibit them at the Florida State Fair. A pig has an average daily gain of about 1.7 pounds. The Florida State Fair has a minimum weight requirement of 230 pounds, with no limit, but they are only paid for an animal weighing up to 280 pounds. Therefore, if they were to move swine dates back to, at the earliest, April 22, those pigs should gain roughly 115 pounds during that time. Even the kids who would be pushing to weigh in at 230 would weigh close to 345 pounds! That is way above the desired packer weight, and the exhibitor would not even be paid for their project at that point. As far as steers go, they are required to at least gain 1.75 pounds per day, with each individual steer’s minimum weight established at selection in August. Their final weight is established based off a certain number of days that you will have that animal on feed and in your possession. While many steers could use the extra days to gain weight, others are finished now. In order to have good beef, they need to be slaughtered when they are fresh and not wait an extra two months. So, I get why we’re all upset of the changes. We were all ready to get our cattle into the ring, some for their last time, this
I am super excited for the upcoming month and all of our juniors as always! We have made a comeback with doing what we love to do and fought through the inevitable. Thank you, everyone, for doing what is needed of you to make this possible for all of us! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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We will also have many exhibitors participating in the Florida Strawberry Festival next month. These exhibitors, along with Hillsborough County exhibitors, will be exhibiting their animals at various times throughout the duration of Strawberry Festival. The Mosaic Youth Swine Show will take place Thursday, March 4 at 7 PM with the sale on March 5 at 7 PM. Dairy Showmanship will take place Saturday, March 6 at 11 AM with the show at 1 PM, adult showmanship March 7 at 11 AM, PeeWee at 11:30, and Costume Ball at 12:30 PM, with the Plant Sale that afternoon at 2 PM. The Lamb Jumping Contest will take place Monday, March 8 at 3 PM, with the costume contest at 7 PM, and showmanship and the show Tuesday, March 9 at 3 & 5 PM. The Mosaic Youth Steer Show will take place Wednesday, March 10 at 6 PM with Showmanship March 11 at 7 PM, and their sale will be held Saturday, March 13 at 7 PM. Beef Breed Showmanship will take place Friday, March 12 at 6 PM with the show Sunday, March 14 at 11 AM. The Mosaic Poultry exhibits will be on display every day from 10 AM to 10 PM.
STAFF
Letter from the Editor
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols
The Polk County Youth Fair wrapped up in January and the Florida Strawberry Festival is just around the corner. While the Florida State Fair is a bit different this year, one thing is certain, these fairs have shown that agriculture and our youth are important. Although the COVID-19 pandemic changed things, each of these organizations made the determination that the show must go on. And that’s what is happening. In addition, there is a brand new show on the horizon. The Central Florida Youth in Agriculture Livestock Showcase & Sale will be held March 25-27 at Koren’s Quarter’s Show Facility in Plant City. It is open to all Polk County, FL youth that are residents or go to school in Polk County. For more information, check out their website at www.youthinagricluture.com. You will also find a schedule of events on page 39 in this magazine.
It is so exciting to see the youth get to showcase the hard work put into their projects in this difficult year. As I’ve said before, these competitions aren’t just for fun. They help educate and help build skills, self-confidence and leadership abilities in the students. There are numerous lessons learned through these projects, including problem solving, time management, record keeping, networking, prioritizing and more.
If you are a consumer reading this publication, please remember the blood, sweat and tears that went in to getting your food to the shelves in the grocery story, the farmer’s market, and, eventually, to your table. You can visit any of our fairs, go to the barns to visit and ask one of the youth about their project. They will be happy to share with you and help educate you as to where you food comes from.
A big thank you to our advertisers. You allow us to continue to cover what is growing and we wouldn’t be here without your support.
Until Next Month
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols Blair Buchanon Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Anita Todd Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders
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. 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
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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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Here we are in February already. Hopefully the last of the winter weather is behind us and we can look forward to grass beginning to grow and become green again. We are still seeing a slow increase in the prices of quality calves at the market, as always, a little can go a long way in making them bring better money. Working on a good vaccination and health program helps us all. It looks like the Ranch Rodeo is postponed until a later date due to COVID-19. I know we are all tired of hearing about COVID-19, but we truly need to remember that there are still cases rising and it affects everyone different. We hope to have a dinner
coming up soon for the cattlemen’s members, of course we will limit the numbers and social distance. We had a great turn out for the All-Breeds Bull Sale at the beginning of the month. We would like to thank the consignors and buyers. It was an excellent bunch of bulls. Keep pumping the additional sources of protein to them and we look forward to seeing you soon! As always, I am a phone call away and here to help however I can. Thank you
Dave Tomkow
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD By J. Scott Angle
Your farms and Hugh Smith’s laboratory are a bulwark against It’s not Smith’s first rodeo. Working out of the UF/IFAS Gulf a nationwide infestation. All too often, what happens in the U.S. Coast Research and Education Center, he has played a key role in control of the silverleaf whitefly and of the diamondhappens here first when it comes to invasive pests. back moth. So it is with the Asian bean thrips. The whole country is looking to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural His experience taught him to balance the urgent and the imSciences to respond to the thrips’ arrival, says Smith. We have, portant. It’s urgent to stop thrips now. Job one is to figure out how to kill them. and we will. One measure of success of the efforts of those defending Florida against Asian bean thrips is the absence of panic-inducing headlines warning of catastrophe, Smith says. This is not a predator run amok. Smith aims to help you keep it that way so that regulators don’t have to step in to stop the spread of thrips to the rest of the state and nation.
In the long run, the important thing is to prevent thrips from reaching damaging levels in the first place. So simultaneously Smith studies thrips’ biology.
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Ironically, that involves the sometimes more difficult task of keeping them alive. By getting them to reproduce in the lab, Smith can accelerate his study of their vulnerabilities and have Scientists like Smith are in a race against the spread of pests, more specimens to increase the confidence in his findings. and industry has given him a head start against thrips—or at least prevented thrips from taking an insurmountable lead. He can then attack questions such as what point in thrips’ life Smith credits Glades Crop Care with first detecting Asian bean cycle are they most vulnerable to pesticides? Do they develop thrips in South Florida and immediately bringing them to the resistance? Do they have natural predators? At what numbers attention of the UF/IFAS entomology team. Asian bean thrips do they cause yield loss? are a serious threat to Florida’s multimillion-dollar snap bean industry. The only silver lining is that this new pest primarily Answers to these questions can result in recommendations for attacks legumes – beans, peas, and peanuts – while leaving how you manage them, which chemicals to use, which biocontrols show promise, and when to spray (or not to). Then there other crops alone. are the bigger questions of how far north Asian bean thrips will That gives Smith a fighting chance to figure out how to man- march. That’s the part that makes you and us the first respondage thrips with an ounce of scientific prevention so you don’t ers for a nation. face a pound of regulatory cure. Smith and UF/IFAS Extension Hendry County Director Craig Smith succeeds in part because of support from two teams. Frey are traversing South Florida trapping and collecting thrips. One is a network of growers, scouts, agrochemical representa- That, too, is science. Smith and Frey are comparing the use of tives and federal and state government officials that cooper- sticky cards vs. pan traps vs. manually inspecting plants to figure out ates to detect and fight off pests. what’s most efficient. The other is the vast expertise of UF/IFAS in so many agricultural sciences and what is believed to be the largest university In the end, more than one way may entomology team in the nation. That enables Smith to special- work. The urgent and the important ize in the pests that feed on the vegetables that Hillsborough thing, Smith says, is that UF/IFAS science comes up with a simple and Polk growers specialize in. way to improve your confidence in Because Florida’s multitude of crops, weather conditions, the decisions you make now and plethora of ports and more than 100 million annual visitors, it’s years into the future. long been ground zero for invasive species, whether plants, pathogens or animals. As a result UF/IFAS expertise in invasive species has evolved to meet the many challenges involved in Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for protecting against their spread. Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
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Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Participating Publix Super Markets
WISH FARMS VARIETY STAGE Home of the GT Grandstands • Mike Walker Daily: 12:30pm, 2:30pm & 4:30pm No 4:30pm show on Mar. 14 • Florida’s Frank Sinatra, Don Juceam Mar. 4 10:30am • What Remains Mar. 4 6:00pm • SouthBound Mar. 5 6:00pm • Sick Hot Mar. 6 6:00pm • “Ace” Jackson & The Jump Kings Mar. 7 6:00pm • Valley’s End Mar. 8 6:00pm • HeanonMusic Mar. 9 6:00pm • Honor American Heroes Mar. 10 5:45pm • oxford noland Mar. 10 6:00pm • Jimmy Mazz Mar. 11 10:30am • Bits of Grass Mar. 11 6:00pm • The Descendants Mar. 12 6:00pm • Baby Parade Mar. 13 10:15am • Unpainted Souls Mar. 13 6:00pm • HOLA! Plant City Mar. 14 6:00pm
SMITHFIELD STRAWBERRY TENT • The Stephanie Ann Show Daily: Noon, 4:00pm & 7:00pm • Kazual Daily: 1:00pm, 3:00pm & 6:00pm
ENTENMANN’S SHOWCASE TENT • Dennis Lee Daily: Noon, 2:00pm & 4:00pm No Noon show on March 7 • Born Lonesome Daily: 11:00am, 1:00pm & 3:00pm No 11:00am show on Mar. 7 • Electric Woodshed Mar. 4 6:00pm • Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins Mar. 5 6:00pm • Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show Mar. 6 6:00pm • Baby Contest Mar. 7 10:30am • The Detectives Mar. 7 6:00pm • Bound No More Mar. 8 6:00pm • Joe’s Garage Band Mar. 9 6:00pm • First Baptist Church Plant City Worship Team Mar. 10 6:00pm • Electric Woodshed Mar. 11 6:00pm • Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins Mar. 12 6:00pm • Florida Strawberry Festival Talent Show Mar. 13 6:00pm • The Detectives Mar. 14 6:00pm
STINGRAY CHEVROLET ENTERTAINMENT TENT • Deep Fried Strawberry Pie on a Stick Relay • Amish Donut Eating Contest • Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest • Strawberry Spaghetti Eating Contest • Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest • Super Dog Mega Corndog Eating Contest • Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest • Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest
Mar. 4 Mar. 5
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Mar. 6
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Mar. 8
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Mar. 9
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Mar. 4 - 14, 2021 Plant City, FL Humana SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS Mar. 4 & 11
Seniors 60+ get $2 Off At Gate Special Concert 10:30am Senior Drawing 11:45am Wish Farms Variety Stage
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TECO Ride-A-Thon Days Mar. 8, 9 & 10 Ride All Day $20 Caspers Company McDonald’s Food & Fun Friday Mar. 5
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$5 Off Midway Wristband Peanut Federation Present any TWOSDAY non-perishable food Mar. 9 item and get a coupon Single Rides $2 each for a Special Offer at Kids up to 17 FREE participating McDonalds with Paid Ride All Day for $25.00 Adult Admission
Grow Financial FCU AMERICAN HEROES DAY Mar. 10 ALL Military & Veterans, Law Enforcement & First Responders admitted Free with valid ID
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10pm - 2am $25
Farm Worker Appreciation Day Mar. 13
The Florida Strawberry Festival will be adhering to ALL guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Sponsored by Astin Farms Control, (CDC) as well as, local, county, and state mandates for the 2021 event. Per current restrictions, masks are required inside all Sun. Mar. 14, 6pm structures and anywhere social distancing proves difficult.
Wish Farms Variety Stage
Visit FLstrawberryfestival.com
Entertainment subject to change. General admission required.
or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets! #berryfest21
Mar. 10 1:00pm Mar. 11 2:00pm Mar. 12 3:00pm
• T-Mobile • ZYN • Smithfield • Alessi Bakeries • AMSCOT • Astin Farms • Candyland Warehouse • Global Frequency Living • Circle K • Local Ford Dealers • O’Reilly Auto Parts • Grove Equipment Service • Stingray Chevrolet • Uncommon USA • Netterfield’s Concessions • Verizon Wireless • Badcock Home Furniture &More • Good Health Saunas • GT Grandstands • Dakin Dairy Farms • Krazy Kup • Russell’s Western Wear • TrueStim • AT&T • Images Everywhere! • Master Spas • Truist • Choo Choo Lawn Equipment • Entenmann’s INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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By Marisol Tarango
CONFESSION OF A RANCHER’S DAUGHTER The rancher’s daughter’s life is defined by cattle. And why wouldn’t it be? The rancher’s daughter has spent the majority of her life taking care of cattle. She has partaken in the glorious parts of raising cattle, helping bring in the herds, chasing down runaways, and raising an orphaned calf that now views her as its mother. She has also bravely drudged through the unsung parts of raising cattle when she has hauled water to sick cows, sloshed through the mud to feed the heifers, and run barefoot across the yard trying to beat the cows to the gate. The American rancher is defined by caring for cattle and the rancher’s daughter is proud to carry on that tradition.
CONFESSION # 20: Cows aren’t my favorite. This may be a shocking confession coming from someone who is passionate about the ranching life, but it is true. You may ask yourself, “How could someone whose livelihood and life revolves around cattle, not have cows are their favorite animal?” Mainly, there is the fact that cows are generally stupid creatures. Well, not stupid, because if cows were stupid, they would not be able to get into the situations that ranchers happen find them in. Let’s just say cattle generally make poor life decisions. Deciding to eat the horse’s food instead of staying on THEIR side of the pasture where they were perfectly content grazing five minutes ago. Or deciding to go on a day excursion into another pasture only to discover later that they cannot get back through the fence to their calves.
Though cattle are iconic to ranching, and you can’t really separate the rancher from cattle. As the rancher’s daughter, though, cattle have always been a means to an end for me. Cattle give ranchers something constructive to do with our horses that fulfills both the human and horse’s need for purpose. Cattle are a means of making a living that allows ranchers to be outside and in nature, enjoying God’s creation and a slower pace of life. Cattle are a source of food and materials that keep people fed and their feet warm. Cattle are service providers that keep pastures down and also taxes. These creatures give ranchers the means and a reason to live the life that we want to live. Even though cattle allow ranchers to live their lifestyle, cattle also cause ranchers a lot of stress and gray hairs. This often poses the question of whether ranching is worth it all, but what else it the rancher really going to do? The other evening as I sat in the truck with my head on the steering wheel groaning, “I… hate… cows…” My sister smartly said to me, “Well, else what are you going to do for a living then?” To which I replied through gritted teeth, “Raise cows.” Reader, please fully know that I understand the irony of this, yet I can’t fully explain my reasoning either. Raising cattle is the same as inheriting an ugly family heirloom that you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of, and it ends up growing on you until you proudly display it where every guest can gaze at it (whether or not they appreciate its beauty). Cows may not be awe inspiring in their looks, but there is something about a well-built bovine that fills the eyes and the heart. Cows may not be as loyal as a dog, but they will nurse their babies as long as they can. Cows may not be quite as affectionate as other animals, but you do become attached to them. You become attached to the cow that you raised up from a heifer and now eagerly watch for her calf every year. You become attached to the bull that you buy day old bread for just so he can have a treat. You know you have become attached when you have to convince yourself that you cannot keep every calf this year. Even though cows aren’t my absolute favorite animal, they are my cows after all… and yes, they are kinda cute.
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You might say that all creatures have their problems, but I don’t feel that cattle compensate for their faults as well as other animals. Take horses for example, these noble creatures not only invoke majesty, but they think beyond their stomachs (most of the time). A horse will work their heart out for you; they will strike a lope even when they are worn out. And somehow, they seem understand your mission and make it their own as well. Or what about dogs? I am not a dog person, but they have caused me less grief on average than a cow. A dog forms a bond with a human, and they take that human as their master. Dogs are so fiercely loyal they are willing protect their human from anything that they deem dangerous, even to the point of If you have questions or comments for the Rancher’s Daughter laying down their life. And cows?... They just kinda walk around you can reach her at mtranchersdaughter@gmail.com in the pasture and have babies.
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Tampa Bay Fishing Report
What happened to the cold weather last month? For the most part, it seemed like spring all month long. The fish can’t decide whether to run for the rivers and creeks or stay on the flats. Well, maybe this month we’ll get some colder temps. Now don’t get me wrong, I like these warmer winters. Like most crackers born in Florida, I start digging out the winter duds when the temps drop below 70 degrees. Overall, the fishing has been good in the Tampa Bay area, with plenty of snook, reds, trout, and sheepshead. The Tampa Bay grouper trolling bite has been reasonably okay. With most success trolling various rock piles and bottom structures in and around the 20 to 25-foot range. So many folks think the only place to catch inshore gags is the shipping channels. Well, guess again, there is plenty of structure around if you’ll take time to look for it on your bottom machine. Try this, when you catch a gag, mark the location and go back to see what kind of bottom you just came over. Often a pinfish, grunt, fresh whitebait dropped down on a knocker rig at the same location will produce other nice fish. Finding new locations is time-consuming, and you can believe no one is giving you a free ride with their numbers.
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Capt. Capt.Woody WoodyGore Gore(www.captainwoodygore.com) (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Snook (Catch & Release Only) You can catch them, but you’ve got to put them back. Tampa Bay Snook fishing is one of those on again and off again things in the cooler months. If you can get whitebaits, the snook bite is not too bad. Greenbacks reported at the skyway but use your ¼ inch eight to 12 foot net because of the small threadfins. As usual, if the temps 2020
Capt. Woody Gore
begin dropping, look for canals, rivers, creeks with deep muddy-bottoms. We’ve had some action on warmer overcast days using artificial lures like the DOA and Gulp Shrimps. Also, you can try your favorite jerk bait on a light jighead.
Redfish (Catch & Release Only) With
March comes some of the best sight fishing because the algae start dying and the water clears up. The low tides and clear water make catching redfish a dream. As always, we’re catching reds in with mullet schools using both live bait and artificial lures. Larger redfish schools should begin showing up, but there are plenty of singles around for now. Again, large schools of mullet are often the key to finding reds. They like staying with those mullets, so keep your eyes open. You’ll also find redfish around the flats near Weedon, Double Branch, Simmons Park, Ft. DeSoto, and Joe’s Island. Soft plastics are always fun and expect some good excitement when pitching around the mangroves on high incoming tides on low tidal flats.
Spotted Sea Trout (Catch & Release Only) You will continue finding some sound bites on incoming or outgoing WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tides. However, topwater lures on a calm early morning tidal flat can be tremendous heart-stopping action. Also, you can try live shrimp, artificial like a DOA or Gulp shrimp. An artificial shrimp works well under a popping cork on most broken-bottom grass flats. The trout bite is doing okay around the Pinellas Point and Ft. DeSoto flats. In the Northwest and center bay areas, don’t forget to check the flats around Weedon Island, 4th Street. Good fishing on the flats located Southwest of the Howard Frankland Bridge, Culbreath Bayou, and Cypress Street. Moving down the bay, check the Simons Park, Joes Island, and Tarpon Key because they produce some excellent trout action in the south.
Cobia If the cooler temps stay as expected, the cobia bites should continue around the power plants. The cobia bite has been slower without the colder water temps needed to send them looking for warm water. But plenty of small black tips and occasionally a pompano are caught around the Big Bend Power Plant and readily take shrimp offered on a jig. These guys are loads of fun and pretty good table fare provided you bleed, eviscerate, and quickly put them on ice until you can finish cleaning them.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas for over fifty years, he offers first-class customer service, family-oriented charters, and a lifetime of memories.
Visit his website at www.captainwoodygore.com or send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore. com or give him a call at 813-477-3814. Member: FOWA-Florida Outdoor Writers Assoc., MemberSEOPA Southeastern Outdoor Press Assoc. CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer & Speaker
Sheepshead: Sheepshead should continue around bridges, oys-
ter bars, and deep water rocks. Try using small rock crabs, fiddler crabs, shrimp, or oysters. When fishing around the bridges, try scratching the pilings to get them going.
Gag Grouper The Tampa Bay grouper trolling bite been reasonably okay. With most success trolling various rock piles and bottom structures in and around the 20 to 25-foot range.
With every generation,
we get better at protecting our environment. Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
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Time to Review Cold Protection for Your Plants Molly Griner Master Gardener Volunteer UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
While central Florida offers year-round gardening, it is not unusual for brief, but devastating cold temperatures to occur in the months of January and February (and remember those unusually cold temperatures at Christmas). These brief periods can be very frustrating as we witness plant damage from brutal temperatures. Here are a few tips on how to help protect your plants from cold damage before, during, and after frost or freezing temperatures. BEFORE: PLAN AHEAD When selecting plants for your landscape, select mostly cold hardy varieties, either Florida native plants or non-native Florida-Friendly selections appropriate for our hardiness zone, which is 9b. (The USDA Hardiness Cold damaged plant. Photo credit: Zone Map divides North Anne Yasalonis, UF/IFAS Extension America into 11 separate planting zones; each growing zone is 10°F warmer (or colder) in an average winter than the adjacent zone.) Include evergreen plants as well as flowering, so if a hard freeze occurs, your hardy evergreens will stand out beautifully, while cold-damaged plants recover. Avoid pruning landscape plants in the fall, as pruning will produce tender new growth which is more susceptible to cold damage. If you have plants that you anticipate covering for protection, stock up on lightweight covers during the year (e.g., inexpensive sheets at garage sales, commercial frost-protection sheets, etc.). Maintain a 2-3” layer of organic mulch in your plant beds, as mulch moderates soil temperatures. If you have tropical cold-tender plants in your landscape, consider the following ways to decrease cold damage: (These would be plants rated for hardiness zone 10 or higher.) 1. Install cold-tender plants on the south/southeast side of buildings. 2. Install shade tolerant tender plants below tree canopies, as tree canopies provide a protecting micro-climate. 3. Avoid planting cold-tender plants in low places of your yard (cold air settles in low spots of the landscape). 4. Avoid planting cold-tender plants in areas of poor drainage. 5. Consider planting cold-tender tropical plants in containers, which can be brought inside during cold weather.
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WHEN COLD TEMPERATURES ARE PREDICTED Specimen plants can be covered with protective covers including sheets and lightweight blankets. Coverings should be removed or at least ventilated as temperatures rise during the day. For best protection, coverings must touch the ground completely; commercial covers work well, as they can be purchased in large sizes.
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Remember that covering plants will offer protection from frost damage more than from damage due to actual freezing temperatures. For extra protection from freezing temperature, you can construct a makeshift “greenhouse.” Create a frame around your plant from wooden Cold damage on jasmine and a Robellini posts or pvc pipes, and palm. Photo credit: Anne Yasalonis, UF/IFAS cover with protective Extension cloth; place a heat bulb inside for extra warmth. (In the past, Christmas lights were ideal for this plan. Newer “cool” bulbs won’t add warmth.) On the day of an expected freeze, water in-ground plants. Moist soil will absorb more heat than dry soil and can slightly raise soil temperature. Turn off automatic irrigation during freezing temperatures. Place pine straw or hay against the plant center of favorite plants (remember to remove after freezing temperatures). If you have a grafted tree or shrub, wrap the trunk with a blanket to protect the grafted area. Bring container plants inside to a garage or porch. Group multiple containers together against an east/southeast wall. Create a “lean-to” with tarps to cover and place a heat bulb inside. AFTER THE FREEZE Cold temperatures accompanied by wind can dry plant tissues. Water plants on the day after a freeze to replenish needed moisture. To prune or not to prune? Generally, it is recommended not to prune cold damaged stems or branches until the possibility of freezing temperatures has ended for the winter. Unsightly dead blooms or foliage can be removed. The reason to delay complete pruning is that in our inevitable days of warmth following a freeze, pruning can encourage new tender growth. If we experience subsequent freezes, this new growth can be damaged, resulting in more injury to an already stressed plant. While it is very frustrating to live with brown, damaged plants when the weather is balmy and sunny, it may help to remember that those unattractive brown and wilted stems help protect the plant parts below the damaged areas. Pruning can be resumed in the spring (around early March). To learn the extent of damage, scratch the surface of woody stems until you see green, which indicates healthy plant tissue. Prune just past this point. Visit this website for more information on protection of plants from cold damage. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg025 Visit this website for a list of suggested cold-hardy native and Florida-Friendly plants for central Florida. http://floridayards.org/fyplants/index.php DID YOU KNOW? Frost occurs when water vapor freezes on plant surfaces, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
usually on clear nights with still air. Frost can occur when temperatures are above freezing (32 degrees F). A freeze occurs when the air temperature reaches below 32 degrees F. Freezing is often associated with low humidity, and wind which damages plants through the drying of plant tissues (desiccation). A hard freeze occurs when air temperature reaches below 28 degrees F. This article was written by Master Gardener Volunteer Molly Griner under supervision of the Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and Residential Horticulture Agent Anne Yasalonis. 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. Give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu. The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteerdriven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution.
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• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans eat an average of 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries every year. • Ancient Romans believed strawberries had medicinal powers. • There is a museum in Belgium dedicated to strawberries. • Native Americans ate strawberries long before European settlers arrived. • Strawberries are believed to help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. • Strawberries contain high levels of nitrate. • The strawberry belongs to the genus Fragraria in the rose family, along with apples and plums. • June 14th is National Strawberry Shortcake Day
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Unusual Contest
We all love to watch contests, everything from football to the strawberry shortcake-eating contest at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. There are hundreds of weird and unusual contests going on all over the world every day. Every year, young men in a Sudanese tribe take part in a fourmonth long eating contest. The goal is to eat as much as possible staying as still as possible (since moving burns calories). At the end of the four-month period, they’re carted out in front of their fellow villagers and judged on their roundness. I know a couple of people who could win this one hands down. Just park them in front of a TV with a barrel of nacho cheese and they could make history. One of the oddest competitions known to man is the World Worm Charming Championship that has been held in a small village in England since 1980. Contestants stake off a small plot of land and, for 30 minutes, coax as many earthworms out of the dirt as possible without digging for them or using drugs. They use vibrations, by inserting a stick in the ground, and rubing it with another stick. Some say they make “earthworm music,” and the worms come to the top. Whoever collects the most worms, wins. Grand prize is a fishing pole! Men are asked to test their strength in Finland every July by running through a 772-foot obstacle course while carrying their wife on their back. The winner wins his wife’s weight in beer. The rules are: You must be married to the woman you are carrying, and she must be over 17 years of age, and weigh at least 108 pounds. Each time you drop her during the contest a 15-second fine is incurred. The sport originated as a joke in Finland, and is supposedly reminiscent of the past when men courted women by running into their village, picking them up, and carrying them off. According to the records, the first “World Toe Wrestling” competition started in 1976 in a pub in the UK. The locals kicked off this competition by having contestants lock their big toes together, and attempt to force their opponent’s foot to the ground. The organizers were so excited about this game they applied in 1997 to have it included in the Olympic games. Unfortunately the supporters of this competitive sport were turned down. Toe Wrestling doesn’t sound like much, but past participants will testify to the contrary, as they have broken toes and sprained ankles to prove it.
Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the January 2016 issue cluded people walking, talking, running, dancing drinking, eating and even kissing. One of the most famous competitive events of all time was the “Bunion Derby.” It was the first, and last, transcontinental running race between Los Angeles and New York City. No wonder they called it the “Bunion Derby!” It started on March 4, 1928. By the end of the first day, 77 runners had dropped out. Only 80 left Oklahoma! By the time they got to Chicago only 65 remained in the race. Finally, on May 26,1928, 55 runners made it to the finish line in New York. The winner, had a 15-hour lead, and was Any Payne, a 20-year-old Cherokee farm boy from Oklahoma. His time was 573 hours, 4 minutes, and 34 seconds over 83 consecutive days. He won $25,000 and paid off the family farm debt. If you’re over 65 listed below are a few games you can play! 1 - Sag. You’re it. 2 - Pin the Toupee on the bald guy. 3 - 20 questions shouted into your good ear. 4 - Kick the bucket. 5 - Red Rover, Red Rover, the nurse says bend over. 6 - Hide and go pee. 7 - Spin the bottle of Mylanta. 8 - Musical recliners. Speaking of competitive senior citizens, have you seen the movie, Age of Champions? The movie is about five competitors who sprint, leap, and swim for gold at the Senior Olympics. In the movie there’s a 100 year-old tennis champion, 86 year-old pole-vaulter, and a rough and tumble basketball team, known as the “Tigerettes,” made up of grandmothers who discover the power of the human spirit and triumph over the limitations of age. Adolph Hoffman, 88, wins the track and field events, and 90 year-old swimmers Bradford and John Tatum win the swimming competition. It’s a fact that brains of the elderly are slow because they know so much. The elderly have so much information in their brain that it takes longer for them to access it. The seniors’ brain is somewhat like a computer. A computer struggles when the hard drive gets full. Likewise, senior citizens brains take longer to access information because it has so much information stored over the years. Some doctor’s say the brain of the elderly does not get weak, it is slower because of all the information taken in over time, and they simply know more.
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About 85 years ago there were numerous endurance tests in the United States. Some of the marathon competitions in-
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NEW YEAR NEW
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DEERE
Call local Everglades today or visit us online at www.EFE1963.com! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE Februarylocation 2020 24 your
FLorida
KURI SQUASH
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Kuri squash is a beautiful, cheerfully colored orange-red winter squash in the species Cucurbita maxima. It looks like a small, smooth pumpkin without the vertical ridges. Other names for this root vegetable include red kuri squash, Japanese squash, baby Hubbard squash, or onion squash. The bright orange skin is thin and surrounds a delicate, firm flesh. The taste is sweet, nutty, and mild, and described as similar to chestnuts. The texture is prized for being rich and smooth. Most weigh between three to seven pounds and have a teardrop shape, much like a pear. Kuri squash is grown in Japan, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, and the United States. Within the US, this squash is produced in California, Florida, and Colorado. Kuri squash is delicious when cooked and eaten plain, and can also be made into soups, stews, casseroles, bread, muffins, and desserts.
Nutrition Information Kuri squash is a great source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, and the B vitamins. This squash is also delicious and low in calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of fresh boiled, cubed kuri squash (140 g) contains 60 calories, 1.3 g of protein, 0.14 g of fat, 15 g of carbohydrate, and 2.5 g of fiber. It provides an 51% of the recommended daily requirement for vitamin A, 26% for vitamin C, 10% for potassium, and 5% for iron and calcium. Kuri squash is also a good source of magnesium, folate, phosphorus, and dietary fiber.
B vitamins: Good for the Heart Fresh Florida kuri squash is a good source of vitamin B6 and folic acid, two B vitamins that are linked to cardiovascular health. They work to reduce high levels of homocysteine, a compound that has been shown to cause damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Kuri squash is also a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help lower high cholesterol levels, another risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Insoluble fiber helps promote satiety and weight control, as well as bowel regularity and healthy gastrointestinal tract functioning.
Kuri squash is an excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which function as very powerful antioxidants in the body that neutralize free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to cells and are involved in cholesterol accumulation in the arteries, which leads to atherosclerosis and heart disease. These harmful compounds also play a role in nerve and blood vessel damage in those with diabetes. In addition to their protective effects against free radical damage, vitamin A is also required for good eye function and vitamin C plays a role in strong immunity.
How to Select and Store Choose squash that is brightly and deeply colored and free of soft spots or blemishes. The vegetable should feel heavy for its size. It can be stored for three to six months in a cool and dry place.
How to Enjoy Florida kuri squash are flavorful and sweet and can be enjoyed in countless ways. This winter squash is excellent when baked, steamed, boiled, or made into pie. Try roasting it with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or boiling cubes in a soup. Other serving ideas include: • Boil, combine with butternut squash, rutabaga, turnips, or potatoes, and mash for a quick side dish • Blend cooked squash puree with apple cider for a delicious autumn drink • Stir cooked puree into yogurt or a smoothie • Mix chunks or puree into oatmeal, soups, stews • Use as a substitute for canned pumpkin in pancakes, breads, cookies • Cut out the top, scoop out the seeds, and roast the entire squash. Then use it as a serving bowl for soup, stew, or chili Enjoy fresh Florida kuri squash today during its peak harvest. With its sweet, delicious flavor, long storage life, and stellar nutrition status, kuri squash is a winter treat.
Selected References http://www.edibleplantproject.org http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Vitamins A and C: Fight Free Radicals
By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Welcome back to the Literary Time Machine! Our last voyage took us through some interesting conversations about Loquats. But, as we near the end of Mr. Torrey Simpson’s book, the reality is, as with every journey here, we have no idea where this month’s travels will take us. We’ll start this month off with the Mammea americana, Mammee apple, or St. Domingo apricot. He writes of it, “A magnificent tree from the Lower West Indies and northern South America with thick, glossy leaves and attractive white flowers. It bears large, sometimes squarish fruits that are well flavored and in all is one of our finest trees. Very tender when young but we have had here at Miami great trees seventy feet high with intensely dark foliage that have bloomed and borne fruit each year.”¹ Are you wondering, as we are, “What in the world kind of tree is he talking about?” The concept of “squarish” fruits is an interesting one. We needed to see those! The Growables website provided us with a wealth of pictures. And, in truth, we’re not sure we would say these fruits are “squarish,” but they are definitely not well-rounded. And, according to their site, the Mammea americana “is one of the best kept tropical fruit secrets.”² They add, “The tree is a great asset in the home landscape that will provide a point of pride among your neighbors.”² The flowers are certainly unique looking enough to consider having in the yard. This moves us on to Mangifera or Mango. “Everybody in Lower Florida knows the mango for its rich fruit but few stop to think what a glorious tree it is. It has a clean trunk, an immense, rounded head of handsome foliage, the leaves being long, thick and glossy and of a variety of rich, soft colors when young. It is especially ornamental when it is covered with its erect panicles of brownish flowers and again when loaded with fruits, each flushed green, yellow and red. For months in spring and summer it bears this wonderful crop which to those who live here is far better than peaches.”¹ It is apparent that Mr. Torrey Simpson had a definite affinity for mangoes. However, we feel compelled to admit that we disagree with his summatory statement. And, maybe you are on our side of this as well? We do not think mangoes are better than peaches!
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While we are on a roll with familiar tropical fruit, we will join Mr. Torrey Simpson at the Musa, or Banana. Of which he writes, “All the Musas are native of the Oriental tropics, some having valuable fiber, others good fruit, and generally they are orna-
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Part 77
mental…Plants grow to thirty feet high and form great masses. It is believed that the plantain, which does not succeed well here, the red baracoa, the Martinique and a number of other forms are merely varieties…but it is probable that but little is really known of the origin of this plant which has been cultivated for long ages and all around the warmer parts of the world…”¹ He continues, “The horse banana is somewhat hardy and does well in South Florida- in fact it is grown all over the state…Anyhow it is one of our grandest ornamentals and is more emblematic of the tropics than almost any plant we grow…Recently the culture of hardy strains of this species has been attempted in the Peace River Valley and other places in South Florida and it is believed they will prove successful… Elsewhere I have stated that I have not had much success with most of the ornamental bananas but it is to be hoped that they may do better in the hands of others for we need a great deal of just such glorious decoration as they can give.”¹ We hate to rain on his banana tree parade, but if there was a banana tree growing in the yard, we’d probably pay to have it removed. Yes, that seems extreme, but cockroaches and rats seem to be really drawn to banana trees and their multitude of deep hiding spots. Love the bananas, hate the pests! Our ride on the Literary Time Machine will stop at Punica granatum, or Pomegranate. “A large shrub or small tree from North India and Persia with narrow leaves and splendid orange or scarlet flowers. These are followed by large, brightly colored, reddish fruits. The rind is leathery but the seeds are surrounded by a pleasant-tasting pulp. Usually hardy as far north as Washington and Baltimore and a splendid plant for the northern half of Florida, but in the more tropical part it generally does rather poorly.”¹ As we disembark, each to go our own ways until next month’s adventure, we wish you much joy and health and happy gardening! Until next time! 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. 218-220). ²Growables Grow Florida Edibles. Mammey Apple- Mammea americana. https://www.growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/tropicalapricot.htm Photo Credits: Belli, Arria. (2008). Mamey fruit cut open. https://flic.kr/ p/4Rts3X Coniferconifer. (2014). Pomegranate. https://flic.kr/p/pnh3nn WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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2021 Polk County
YOUTH FAIR RESULTS
By Melissa Nichols The fair this year was far from the normal the parents, participants and fair volunteers are used to, but the consensus is that everyone is grateful to have been able to have it. The events were scaled back from the years past with smaller groups of people and crowds, but it was still nice to see some sense of normalcy for those who worked all year long. With over 300 pigs making weight and over 75 steers making weight the market shows were still successful. The beef breed and purebred show, goat show, and horse show all had a good turn out with exhibitors from around the county adhering to the mask and social distancing requirements to keep the fair going. Companies such as Southern Homes, Kelley Buick, and Purebred Beef Show
Reserve Champion Zebu Bull Shayanne Larue
Supreme Female Grand Champion Elizabeth McDowell Supreme Female Reserve Champion Kylee McMullen Supreme Bull Grand Champion Kylee McMullen
Reserve Champion Brahman Bull Kylee McMullen
Overall Continental Female Grand Champion Elizabeth McDowell Overall Continental Female Reserve Champion Lily Harwell Overall Continental Bull Grand Champion Marissa Dawes
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Grand Champion Zebu Female Madison Petter
Reserve Champion Brahman Female Chloe Oaks Grand Champion Brahman Bull Kylee McMullen
Supreme Bull Reserve Champion Kylee McMullen
Overall Continental Bull Reserve Champion Pacy Bozeman
Grand Champion Brahman Female Kylee McMullen
Grand Champion Brangus Female Payge Dupre Reserve Champion Brangus Female Bryanna Mixon Grand Champion Brangus Bull Kaylee Mixon Reserve Champion Brangus Bull Carlee Taylor Grand Champion Brahman Breed Female Kylee McMullen
Reserve Champion Zebu Female Kayley Best
Reserve Champion Brahman Breed Female Chloe Oaks
Grand Champion Zebu Bull Evangelina Garcia
Grand Champion Brahman Need Male Kylee McMullen
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Chic-fila (owner Scott Brickhouse) came together to feed many of the exhibitors throughout the week for no charge to the kids. Whip popping took place in the horse arena and still had a large turn out. Across the board we are grateful for the fair supporters, volunteers and board members who pulled off the fair this year. We are looking forward to next year and hopefully being able to have a fair like in the years past. Congratulations to the winners on all your arduous work and excelling in the area in which you competed. This year reminded many of us of the FFA closing ceremonies President part “As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone and above all be honest and fair in the game of life.”
Reserve Champion Brahman Breed Female Kylee McMullen Grand Champion Angus Female Lily Harwell Reserve Champion Angus Female Carlie Shenefield Grand Champion Angus Bull Gracie Benefield Reserve Champion Angus Bull Brooklyn Cribbs
Grand Champion Main Anjou Female Sara Clanton Reserve Champion Main Anjou Female Mattisen Keeble Grand Champion Main Anjou Bull Briley Wetherington Grand Champion Simmental Female Lillie Myers Reserve Champion Simmental Female Baylie Jones
Grand Champion Simmental Bull Grand Champion English Breed Female Peyton Chandley Lily Harwell Grand Champion Simm Angus Female Reserve Champion English Breed Marissa Peters Female Carlie Shenefield Grand Champion Chianina Female Lilly Harwell Grand Champion English Breed Male Gracie Benefield Reserve Grand Champion Chianina Female Reserve Champion English Breed Male Caitlin Pueschell Brooklyn Cribbs Grand Champion Rommasater Female Grand Champion Charolais Female Macy Bozeman Elizabeth McDowell Reserve Champion Rommaster Female Reserve Champion Charolais Female Macy Bozeman Baylie Jones Grand Champion Rommaster Bull Grand Champion Charolais Bull Macy Bozeman Marissa Dawes WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Grand Champion Ultra Black Female Carlee Taylor
Herdsman Award Individual Bailey Jackson
Reserve Champion Ultra Black Female Truman Taylor
Eagle Award - Lillie Myers and Caitlin Pueschell
Grand Champion Ultra Black Bull Colton Blakenship
Archery Competition
Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis Female Isabella Rodriguez
Division 1 - Junior Instinctive Long or Recurve Bow
Junior Placings
Grand Champion American Shorthorn Female Sara Clanton
1st - Caroline Waldman 2nd - John Helms 3rd - Eli O’Leary
Showmanship
Division 3 - Junior Instinctive Compound Bow 1st - Nolan Baker 2nd - Mason Toole 3rd - Liam Dearie
Senior Showmanship 1st - Kylee McMullen 2nd - Chloe Oaks 3rd - Sara Clanton Intermediate Showmanship 1st - Bryanna Mixon 2nd - Kyleigh Chriswell 3rd - Carlie Shenefield Junior Showmanship 1st - Kaylee Mixon 2nd - Madilyn Nichols 3rd - Elizabeth McDowell Herdsman Award Individual Madilyn Nichols Herdsman Award Club/Chapter Ridge 4-H Club Eagle Barn Award Marissa Peters
Division 4 - Junior Sighted Compound Bow 1st - Jadyn Davis 2nd - Alyssa Elliott 3rd - Aubrey Weeks 4th - Bennett VanHook Intermediate Placings Division 5 - Intermediate Instinctive Long or Recurve Bow 1st - Isaac Waldman 2nd - Joy O’Leary 3rd - Christopher Chenowith Division 7 - Intermediate Instinctive Compound Bow
Class 19 Shelby Garrett Class 20 Haylie Stephens Junior Division Class 21 Madison Knight 1st - Kolton McRae, Llucky A’s 4-H Class 22 Madison Keller Intermediate Division Class 23 Alyssa Hillman 1st - Laney Cash, Winter Haven ChrisClass 24 tian FFA Brendon Turcios 2nd - Mason David, Lucky A’s 4-H Class 25 3rd - Mariela Tarango, Ft Meade Com- Jadyn Knox munity 4-H Class 26 Lindsey True Senior Division Class 27 Brayden Salevao 1st - Alex Young, Ft Meade Community Class 28 4-H Max Keen 2nd - Tobey Price - Bartow Senior FFA Class 29 Mollie Walker Class 30 Market Hog Show Madyson Carter Class 31 Grand Champion Market Hog Tobey Price Tobey Price, Bartow Senior FFA Class 32 Brooke Hunter Reserve Champion Class 33 Haylie Stephens, Kathleen Middle FFA Brooklyn Kling Goat Tying Skills Contest
Junior Showmanship Camdyn Herman, Be A Champ 4-H Intermediate Showmanship Haylie Stephens, Kathleen Middle FFA Senior Showmanship Tobey Price, Bartow Senior FFA Class Winners
Class 1 Noah Burnett Commercial Heifer Show Class 2 Bennett Vanhook Grand Champion Overall Brahman Class 3 Influence Division 8 - Intermediate Sighted TJ Lucas Sara Clanton, Ft Meade Community Compound Boy Class 4 4-H 1st - Mason Stoval Delaney Price 2nd - Savannah Freeman Class 5 Reserve Overall Brahman Influence 3rd - Jayden Black Camdyn Herman Raelyn Sherouse, Kathleen Cattle Crew Class 6 4-H Senior Placings Shelby Eldridge Class 7 Grand Champion Overall European Division 9 - Senior Instinctive Long or Carson DIcks Influence Recurve Bow Class 8 Carlie Shenefield, Kathleen Cattle Crew Brynna Dierker 4-H 1st - Benjamin Chenowich Class 9 2nd - Emmie O’Leary Leah Dunham Reserve Overall European Influence Class 10 Erista Albritton, Bartow Senior FFA Division 10 - Senior Instinctive Long or Caleb Fletcher Recurve Bow Class 11 Junior Showmanship Ashlynn Carroll 1st - Macie Shenefield 1st - Mariah Waldman Class 12 2nd - Bella Dykes Larryssa Rollen-Long 3rd - Josephine Sutter Division 11 - Senior Instinctive ComClass 13 pound Boy Luke Denton Intermediate Showmanship Class 14 1st - Raelan Sherouse 1st - Chase Durden Nolan Russell 2nd - Lillie Myers 2nd - Hannah Bustamante Class 15 3rd - Carlie Shenefield 3rd - Katie Clark Alyssa Nieves Class 16 Senior Showmanship Division 12 - Senior Sighted Compound Charley Palmer 1st - Taylor Gutman Bow Class 17 2nd - Sara Clanton Mackensie Crews 3rd - Macey Metti 1st - Josiah Waldman Class 18 2nd - Kendalyn Spurlock Jayden Stinson
Family & Consumer Sciences Child Development Emely Linares, Haines City High School FCCLA Food Preservation Caitlynn Robertson, Lake Gibson Sr Gibson FFA Eleanor Barber, All Starts 4-H Club Home Furnishings Mason Dicks, Lucky A’s 4-H Cameron Dicks Lucky A’s 4-H Mikaela Brooks-Brown, Southwest Middle FFA Olivia Foreman, Bartow Sr. FFa Kiley Proia, Lucky A’s 4-H Elizabeth Bennett, Auburndale Community Church 4-H Peyton Chandley, Lucky A’s 4-H Educational Exhibits Corin Hockenberry, Homegrown 4-H Photography Emmaleigh Crawford, Be A Champ 4-H Peyton Chandley, Lucky A’s 4-H Mariela Tarango, Ft. Meade Comm 4-H Metal Work Noah Ogburn, Frostproof FFA Outdoor Spots Equipment Caleb Fletcher, Lake Givson Sr. FFA Woodworking Madesyn Brooks-Brown, Southwest Middle School Gift Baskets-Silent Auction Brynna Dierker, Haines City High FFA Jeremiah Dooley, Orange Blossom 4-H Jillian Allgood, Fort Meade M/Sr. FFA Cameron Dicks, Lucky A’s r-H Jack Dierker, Southern Charm 4-H
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1st - Myah Kane 2nd - Rylee Fountain 3rd - Adelynn Wilkeson 4th - Carina Bonachea
3rd - Rebecca Pace
Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida Strawberry Mascarpone Panini
Chef Justin Timineri
DIRECTIONS Heat a panini press or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of mascarpone on top of each of the 8 bread slices. Add an even layer of fresh sliced strawberries to 4 of the bread slices. Use the other 4 slices of bread to top the sandwiches. Brush the sandwiches with butter and grill or press until golden, about 5 minutes.
INGREDIENTS 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin 8 slices fresh bread (1/2 inch thick) 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese confectioners’ sugar for dusting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
q
Transfer the panini to a cutting board and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm.
Single Serve Fruity Pizza
q
Ingredients 1 (9-inch) whole-wheat pita bread 1 orange, peeled and sectioned 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced 1/4 cup cantaloupe, sliced 1/4 cup fresh blueberries 1 ounce light cream cheese 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
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Combine cream cheese and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until well blended. Spread cheese over pita. Decorate with fruit by creating a fun face or pattern.
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
GREAT FUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE
It’s our seventh year hosting Jeepin’ with Judd at Clear Springs Ranch (near Ledley Wear Road and Cox Road) near Bartow! Each year we learn how to make it bigger and better for the next year, and this year’s SOLD OUT event is set to be the best yet. We’ve come a long way since our 300 registered Jeeps at our one-day event in 2014 – this year there are 2000 Jeeps registered that are ready to hit the trails for an action packed weekend – February 26-28! Jeepin’ with Judd is a great family event and even if you don’t have a Jeep – or missed pre-registering your Jeep – you can still come and check it out, as there is no admission fee for spectators. We will have a power wheels course for the Jeepers in training, a dunk tank where you can try your luck, and a ton of great food trucks and merchandise vendors. For those who did register, there will be about ten trails to choose from that range from scenic to advanced and each one will be led by a Trail Guide. Most of the trails require 4WD, but there are a couple of stock trails for those who are just getting started in the “Jeep-Life.” Those trails are also great for just taking a leisurely ride and enjoying the beauty of the Clear Springs Ranch.
draw the winning ticket on the last day of the event, and you don’t even have to be present to win…but why wouldn’t you be? All proceeds from Jeepin’ with Judd go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., which benefits the community associated with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. None of this would be possible without our partnership with The Orlando Jeep Club, Clear Springs Ranch, and the many sponsors who work hard to provide the best event possible. To learn more, please visit www.jeepinwithjudd.com or check out the Jeepin’ with Judd Facebook page @jeepinwithjudd for any questions you may have regarding rules, regulations, requirements, and fees. I hope to see you there as we kick up a little dirt with some great fun for a great cause.
There are camp sites 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.
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One of the biggest draws is the “Cheep” Jeep raffle. This year, Kelly Buick GMC of Bartow has worked with me to donate my personal previously owned Jeep, a 2005 Jeep Wrangler Utility Sport, as this year’s official “Cheep” Jeep. Only 3,000 raffle tickets will be sold, and a ticket is available for a $20 donation. You can still grab yours at www.jeepinwithjudd.com. I will
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UF/IFAS RESEARCHERS SEEKING RESISTANCE TO POWDERLY MILDEW ON GERBERA DAISIES
Mandatory E-Verify Law Updates
By Jim Frankowiak Gerbera daisy plants are popular worldwide for their array of brightly colored flowers. They make great garden plants and their blooms yield longlasting cut flowers, particularly popular for decorating wedding ceremonies. Gerbera daisies are also increasingly used as garden, bedding, patio and indoor plants. Many greenhouse growers and nurseries grow gerberas as part of their business. This growing popularity of gerbera daisy plants has led University of Florida scientists on a quest to determine how to breed gerbera daisies that can resist the plant’s most common and devastating disease: powdery mildew. “When gerbera plants and flowers contract powdery mildew, growers usually rely on repeatedly spraying pesticides to suppress the disease,” said Zhanao Deng, an environmental horticulture professor and plant breeder at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) located at Balm, Florida. “But there are few options for gardeners and consumers seeing their beautiful gerbera flowers rapidly becoming unsightly.” Deng and former UF/IFAS doctoral student Krishna Bhattarai led a study on the topic that has recently been published. The research team used RNA sequencing to find genes that scientists believe will help breed more resistance to powdery mildew in gerbera daisies. Scientists believe their findings ease their ability to develop new molecular tools such as DNA markers and genetic maps, enabling them to clone disease-resistance genes. Deng considers it as an important first step to thwart a disease that can devastate gerbera daisies. The study, which was supported by a grant from the UF/IFAS Plant Breeding Graduate Initiative, is the first analysis of the gerbera leaf transcriptomes that gives scientists, growers and the ornamental plant industry insight into how the gerbera daisy plant might resist powdery mildew. “That is a crucial yet complex genetic trait in a globally important floral crop,” said Deng. Powdery mildew strikes gerbera daisies in high humidity and moderate temperatures, ranging from 68 to 82 degrees. Shade can also foster this fungal disease. When the fungus ravages gerbera, patches of white mildew form on leaves and flowers and spread quickly. Affected plant parts lose their visual appeal, leaves and flowers and may die. Local UF/IFAS Extension offices can recommend pesticides and strategies for managing this problem as it occurs.
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In the meantime, the work begun by Deng and his research time will hopefully lead to a time when powdery mildew no longer damages gerbera daisy plants. “New molecular tools and disease-resistance genes from this study and future research of a similar nature will help breeders develop better gerbera varieties for growers, packers, shippers, florists and ultimately customers,” said Deng.
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By Jim Frankowiak
Florida’s new “Verification of Employ Eligibility” statute requires many employers to use the federal E-Verify system before hiri8ng any new employees. The new law compares information from I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification forms to other federal databases to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. The new law requires private employers to use the E-Verify system or alternatively, use the I-9 Form and maintain copies every three years. Private employers who do not comply are at risk of losing the business licenses and possibly limit their ability to do business with the state of Florida. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) will no longer fund projects that do not comply with the new law. Failure to provide the proper eligibility information may result in an employer having to repay all money received by the DEO. No public contract can be entered into without an E-Verify certificate. For more information, visit: https://www.fisherphillips.com/ resources-alerts-floirdas-newmandatory-e-verify-law-will.
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NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak PHOTO BY TIM FRITZ
AG HALL OF FAME BANQUET RESCHEDULED PHOTO BY TIM FRITZ The Florida Ag Hall of Fame Banquet has been postponed until April due to postponement of the Florida State Fair, also until April. Added details and rescheduled dates for both the Fair and Banquet will be available in the weeks ahead. COVID-19 Resource on FloridaFarmBureau.org Florida Farm Bureau has developed a COVID-19 resources website page that includes a variety of agricultural and state and federal links related to the pandemic. The site is continually updated and can be accessed at: floridafarmbureau.org/ covid-19-resources/. Farm Bureau Members Can Purchase Child Safety Seats at Reduced Cost Florida Farm Bureau members have the exclusive opportunity to purchase approved Cosco child safety car seats and child booster seats for one-third the retail price. Safety seats are $25 each and booster seats are $15. The limit is three seats per member. Order forms are available through county Farm Bureau offices. USDA Rural Development State Director Bids Farewell The Florida Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), Philip L. Leary, has left program now under Acting State Director Jason Brower. During his time as state director, Leary worked with communities of rural Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
search and Education Center and his team. Both include references for identifying hundreds of common trees in Florida and contain detailed photographs that show leaves, bark, flowers and full trees, as well as clear descriptions and tools like a diagnostic key and glossary. The books are $24.95 each with quantity discounts. Orders may be placed and additional information is available via ifasbookstore.ifas.ufl.edu, or phone: 800-226-1764. New UF/IFAS Vegetable Production Handbook Available The latest edition of the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida is now available at University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research and education centers and county Extension offices. The free handbook is designed to provide Florida growers with the latest information on crop cultivars, cultural practices and pest management.
RD is a mission area within the USDA which runs programs intended to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
USDA Issues Final Rule for Domestic Hemp Production The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the final rule regulating the production of hemp in the United States. Key provisions of the rule include licensing requirements; record keeping requirements for maintaining information about the land where hemp is produced; procedures for testing the THC concentration levels for hemp; procedures for disposing of non-compliant plants, compliance provisions; and procedures for handling violations. More information on the final rule is available at https://www. ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp. UF/IFAS Extension Bookstore Featuring Pair of Tree Guides The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Bookstore is offering a pair of tree guides – Trees: North and Central Florida and Trees: South Florida and the Keys – authored by Dr. Andrew Koeser, Associate Professor of Environmental Horticulture at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast ReINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Calendar Conundrums by John Dicks
One of the many great things about living in Florida is that springtime arrives early, just like it should! Certainly that revelation was made evident when recently I received an unsolicited email promoting an unnecessary product with a link to an article on “how to prevent and thaw frozen pipes.” Seriously? Yep, frozen pipes are a worrisome concern for folks living up north, but you’ll be glad to know that there is a gizmo that you can buy to help solve the problem.
Granted, there are plenty of cold days still ahead of us. That always happens; yet they are short lived and tantalizing, energizing us for stoking the last few flames in the fireplace or the outdoor stove before cleaning and setting them aside for next season. Still, springtime this year, as it sneaks in upon us, will be a bit bizarre. Just look at your calendar of upcoming events. Things seem a bit out of whack.
Basically, it’s an overpriced, super deluxe hair dryer with which its use can help you avoid the dreaded words of, if all else fails, “call a plumber!”
Consider, for example, the dates for our annual fairs and festivals. How can it be that this year’s Florida State Fair will follow after the Strawberry Festival? That seems so strange. It’s like messing with nature!
I find it remarkable, really, that somehow a giant and powerful computer lofting in the cloud somewhere, armed with an array of analytics and algorithms, had deciphered my profile as someone prime to be promoted to with this pitch to purchase a frozen pipe heater.
Of course, unlike dates on a calendar, not everything in nature can be so simply changed with the stroke of a pen. The steer and swine shows are a good example. They are set to go on as planned, still to be held in February. Seems like you sort of have to do that.
I did experience the horror of a frozen pipe onetime; but it wasn’t my fault, I promise! Who knows why the gyration of that computer algorithm determined I’d be just the guy with frozen pipes?!
The Fair itself, though, will be in April, which begs to ask the question, “does that mean that the ‘Fresh from Florida’ OJ get squeezed then, too? There are, indeed, some things that nature won’t wait for.
The only real effect this email pitch had on me, other than amusement, was that of convincing me to click the delete button while day dreaming of the delights that spring will soon be bringing.
The new dates for the State Fair this year have it running April 22 - May 2. Worth noting is that the change, at least for 2021, forces the Fair to give up its mantle of being our nation’s first State Fair of the year.
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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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2020
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Since 1992
E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
BEAUTIFUL BUGS: MIAMI TIGER BEETLE By Ginny Mink
It has been quite some time since we focused our thoughts on an endangered insect. So, this month we are going to learn all about the plight of the Miami tiger beetle in hopes of being able to make some difference in its future on this planet. Like many other tiger beetles, the Miami tiger beetle is an active daytime predator. These beetles have incredible eyesight and can detect the movement of their prey. And, thanks to their well developed jaws, they are able to quickly run to capture it.¹ First discovered in the 1930s, the Miami tiger beetle disappeared for six decades before being seen again in 2007. At that time, the Miami tiger beetles were found in the Richmond Heights area of Miami. And to this day, they are only found in the pine rockland habitats, in small sandy pockets, of MiamiDade County.² A 2016 article published in the Miami Herald, revealed that then lead biologist for the Fish and Wildlife Service, Emily Bauer, stated, “We have roughly two percent of pine rockland remaining and what remains is highly fragmented… We have just two populations and they’re thought to be really small and isolated from one another.”³ The article also records, then US Fish and Wildlife spokesman, Ken Warren, as saying, “That particular type of landscaping is vanishing and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back…What it comes down to is the people of Florida are going to have to make difficult choices about what’s important.”³ Known as one of the rarest tiger beetles in the US, the Miami tiger beetle has only been located in three sites. Visual counts by researchers suggest there may be four to 38 adult beetles at each of these sites. And, those seen were restricted to small patches of sand that were scattered amongst all the other dense vegetation at these sites.⁴ So, what do these rare beetles look like? Well, they are oval shaped with bulging eyes. They don’t even get as big as half an inch in length, so about the size of a fingernail. And, their abdomens are an orange or orange-brown color while their dorsal surfaces are a shiny, dark green.¹ Thanks to the work of those at the Center for Biological Diversity, this seemingly Lazarus bug, was added to the Federal Endangered Species List in the fall of 2016. That was a two year process, having started with a petition filed in 2014. It is truly unfortunate that this beetle wasn’t afforded significant protections when it seemed to be resurrected from more than 60 years of considered extinction!²
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In truth, when it was discovered for the first time in 1934 by an insect collector, Frank Young, entomologists just kind of presumed it wasn’t more than a cousin to other local beetles. However, when they realized these beetles were different, they went back to the site where they had been discovered only to find it was too late! This led entomologists to conclude,
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by 2006, that the Miami tiger beetle had been totally wiped out by development.³ While you may be thinking, “It’s still just a bug,” the reality is, tiger beetles (in general) have been an important focal point in insect conservation efforts for decades. This is because they are only found in specific habitats and as such provide useful indicators of disturbances in their rare and distinct locales. These insects help researchers assess biodiversity!⁴ Quartz sand is necessary for these beetles and is one of the unique features found in the pine rocklands. Generally, these areas are characterized by the presence of limestone substrate, a diverse palm and hardwood canopy, a very rich layer of herbaceous contents, and of course, a notable South Florida slash pine canopy. Unfortunately, these areas are best maintained by periodic fires, or prescribed burns. Which is an area of contention for many people.¹ These, “aggressive ant-eating insects,” deserve a fighting chance. And they are truly in a battle for their lives. Thankfully, federal wildlife managers are contemplating the designation of critical habitat for the benefit of the Miami tiger beetle. Such a designation would create boundaries and provide other measures to protect their pineland homes.³ We know that these insects are severely endangered due to development, but the reality is, they were prized parts of insect collector accumulations. So, they were basically hunted down for their pretty, green, iridescent dorsal area. Humanity needs to see that our purpose in this stewardship is to protect the earth and the creations put here. God had a reason for every inclusion! Even, the Miami tiger beetle. Resources: ¹US Fish and Wildlife Services. Miami tiger beetle Cicindela floridana. https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/insects/ miami-tiger-beetle/#:~:text=The%20Miami%20tiger%20beetle%20is,in%20Big%20Cypress%20National%20Preserve. ²Center for Biological Diversity. Miami Tiger Beetle. https:// www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/invertebrates/Miami_tiger_beetle/index.html ³Staletovich, Jenny. (2016). What happens when a rare beetle comes back from the dead. Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article112658798.html ⁴Knisley, B. & Brzoska, D. (2018). Habitat, Distribution, Biology, and Conservation of the Miami Tiger Beetle, Cicindelidia floridana (Cartwright). The Coleopterists Bulletin 72(1):1-8. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/323973420_Habitat_Distribution_Biology_and_Conservation_of_the_Miami_Tiger_ Beetle_Cicindelidia_floridana_Cartwright_Coleoptera_Carabidae_Cicindelinae Photo Credits: Mays, J. (2015). For the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Miami tiger beetle. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/BEwwVZ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
CENTRAL FLORIDA YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
LIVESTOCK SHOWCASE & SALE March 25-27, 2021
Koren’s Quarters Show Facility - Plant City, FL 1120 Swilley Rd, Plant City, FL 33567 On Site Concession Available Thursday-Saturday
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Optional Swine and Beef Check-in/Weigh-in THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021 SWINE 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. - Swine Check-in/Weigh-in 8:30 a.m - Exhibitor Meeting & Showmanship Clinic 10 a.m. - Showmanship Swine Show Immediately Following Showmanship BEEF 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Beef Check-in/Weigh-in BEEF & SWINE EXHIBITORS 6 p.m. - Exhibitors Social FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 BEEF 10 a.m. - Cattle Show Showmanship Zebus, Bulls, Registered Females, Commercial Heifers, Bred & Owned Steer Show Supreme Champion Drives
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SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 SALE DAY 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Buyers Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - Champion’s Row Showcase 10:00 a.m. - Steer & Swine Sale *LIVE AND BROADCASTED online at www.cattleinmotion.com
ANaturally Closer Look Amazing
by Sean Green
Coyote (Canis latrans) As you all know, I typically write about insects. This past month, I saw a lot of reports of coyote sightings and some of my neighbors expressed concern and asked for my intervention. Most homeowners asked about the potential to safely relocate the animal; however, others spoke of traps and shotguns. I do not like hearing from anyone that the first solution that comes to mind is to kill the wild animal. I understand that the coyote can become problematic for not only small livestock, but also small family pets. A default policy of “kill on sight” is usually based in fear or misunderstanding. Those of us living and working in rural areas may not be alarmed by the site of a coyote, as wild animals are a common occurrence. In an urban environment however, the site of a wild animal can be unnerving. Wild animals are not as common, nor are they expected in an urban environment. The management of any animal, wild or domestic, requires an understanding of the animal, its behavioral tendencies, and the environmental factors that influence its behavior. This month we will take a closer look at the coyote (Canis latrans) to understand why we are seeing this wild animal in unexpected settings and what can be done when you do see coyote. The coyote (Canis latrans) is one of North Americas native canine species. It is smaller than its closest relative, the wolf (Canis lupus). It was first formally described by Thomas Say, a self-taught naturalist, in 1819 while accompanying U.S. Army Colonel Henry Atkinson and Major Stephen H. Long in the Yellowstone expedition which sought to establish military forts to protect and maintain the northwestern frontier and its prosperous fur trade. This species was, however, referenced centuries earlier by the Spanish naturalist Francisco Hernández in Plantas y Animales de la Nueva España (1651). From the long history of written descriptions of this animal, we can find specific characteristics that help us differentiate the coyote from other canine species and more importantly, understand and predict behavior patterns. Adult coyotes (Canis latrans) have maintained the same physical appearance that was described by Thomas Say more than 200 years ago. Say provides a very detailed description in his account of the expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains. If you are interested in the full text description, it can be found at: https://archive.org/stream/accountofexpedit01jame#page/168/ mode/2up According to a report published by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), coyotes have been documented in all 67 counties in Florida and are a result of natural expansion from the western states. They are a close relative of the domestic dog and often mistaken as such. Because coyotes can easily adapt to a variety of environments, there have been increasing encounters of coyotes in urban settings and it is important to know how to differentiate a coyote from someone’s stray pet.
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Some main physical characteristics that will differentiate the coyote from a domestic breed are as follows: • Coat: gray varied with black on top and dull cinnamon in the middle. Black dorsal stripe forms a cross on the shoulders. • Ears: erect, large for head size, rounded at tip, cinnamon in back, gray inside. • Eyelids: edged with black • Iris: yellow with black-blue pupil • Lips: white, edged with black, • Nose: Black, small (less than 1” diameter) • Head: between the ears intermixed with gray, and dull cinnamon, • Legs: cinnamon on the outer side, • Tail: Bushy, Wide in the middle, tapered at both ends (fusiform).
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courtesy wvxu.org
courtesy FWC Half the length of the body. Gray and cinnamon in color on top. immaculate white on the underside. Dark spot near the base (scent glands). Tip of the tail is black. Tail droops below the body when running. • Paw prints: posterior (back) feet four toed, anterior (front) five toed • Size: Medium build, Avg 15-45 lbs. (Half the size of a standard German Sheppard) Coyotes (Canis latrans) superficially resemble the domestic German Sheppard (Canis lupus familiaris) but are much smaller. The German Sheppard is a domestic breed that is inferred as a subspecies of the wolf (Canis Lupus). One of the behavioral characteristics that distinguish a coyote from every other canine is their vocalization. Coyotes are the most vocal of any North American mammal and have a variety of calls. The scientific name for the coyote (Canis latrans) means “barking dog.” Many hunters leverage this behavioral to lure coyotes in for an easy kill. Coyotes are carnivores, but not obligate carnivores, which means they are meat eaters, but not obligated to eat ONLY meat. Coyotes fill an important niche in the ecosystem, 90 percent of their diet consists of small rodents, rabbits, squirrels, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and even insects. They are capable of hunting larger prey such as deer, but only when attacking the deer as a pack. Coyotes have been known to eat produce on occasion, favorites being strawberry and apple and the leaves of some trees. Some coyotes have adapted to the urban life and lost their instinctual fear of human beings. These coyotes will scavenge through trash because they have learned to associate human beings with an easy source of food. One of the most fascinating behaviors of the coyote is the hunting partnership they form with badgers (Mustelidae). Both hunt rodents but neither is 100 percent effective. The coyote is fast and can easily catch a rodent in the field, however, if the rodent escapes into an underground burrow, the coyote will lose its meal because coyote do not dig very well. The badger is not as fast as the coyote, but if the rodent is scared into an underground burrow, the badger can easily dig the rodent out for a meal. These two wild animals have co-evolved to hunt together. Though they do not share the catch, they sometimes WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
hunt together taking dibs on the opportunity at which they are best. When the rodent is out in the open, the coyote gets it, when it scampers into a burrow, the coyote will look for one of the rodents many exits and wait to ambush the rodent if the badgers digging scares it out, otherwise, the coyote will patiently watch the badger dig for the rodent, only taking over the hunt if the rodent escapes the grasp of the badger. Unfortunately, we do not have a native population of badgers in Florida and will not be able to witness such a natural fascination. One of the reasons so many coyotes have been reported in the past 30 days is because this is the time of year male coyote become sexually mature and reproduction begins. The female will settle into a den for a two-month gestation period. When the pups are born, they are fed regurgitated food provided by both male and female adults and weaned to emerge from the den about a month later. The males will disperse between six and nine months while the females tend to remain to form a pack and help care for the next generation of pups. Hunting typically takes place near the den and can be done either singly or in a small family pack. It is important to remember that the coyotes’ range in the wild is vastly different than ranges established in urban environments. In the wild a pack coyote’s range is measured in thousands of acres. Urban pack coyotes have smaller ranges usually less than five square miles. I specify “pack” coyotes to characterize family packs. Solitary coyotes are young males that do not yet belong to a pack and tend to wander around in a much larger territory that includes the smaller territories of established family packs. Coyotes are here to stay. Eradication is ineffective because nature has a keen way of filling voids in ecolo3gical niches. If coyotes are eradicated from a specific area, new coyotes move in when the habitat is not defended and replace the coyotes that were eradicated. Hunting the coyotes will eliminate individual pests but will certainly not rid the area of the rest of the pack. If you are looking for ways to reduce exposure to coyotes near your home or livestock, consider the solutions below: • Mark the territory. Both coyotes and wolves mark and defend their territory and are natural competitors. Wolves are a coyote’s natural predator and coyotes will avoid areas marked by wolves. Wolf urine will deter coyotes and scare them out of the area. I have not tested the hypothesis, but the Domestic German Sheppard (Canis lupus familiaris) is biologically a wolf and its urine may work as a deterrent. I would like feedback from anyone that tries. • Secure garbage cans to prevent scavenging of food. • Remove fallen fruit from the ground. Coyotes eat fruit. • Provide secure shelter for outside pets or livestock. • Motion sensing lights or sprinklers may help deter coyotes. However, urban coyotes will get used to lights, water will always deter the coyote. • Clear dense vegetation from the area. It provides not only a hiding place for the coyote, but a home for the rodents it hunts. • Make noise. If the coyote is near you or is threatening, make a loud noise by yelling or shaking a can of rocks (coyote shaker). Make yourself look big by raising your arms or opening an umbrella towards the coyote.
Naturally Amazing Activities
By Sean Green
Coyote Shaker
Coyotes are usually timid animals that avoid encounters with human beings. There are times that we might run across a coyote, or any animal for that matter, that we want to scare away. This craft is great for general safety both at home and while camping. We are making a noise maker that we are calling a “Coyote Shaker.” It can be carried around in a backpack, or even a pocket in cargo pants depending on how big your shaker is. This will be a fun craft for creative children that want to decorate their “Coyote Shaker” and a practical craft to help keep parents at ease about wild animal encounters. Though there are many different components that can be used for this craft, we are presenting it with materials you would most likely have (or find) on a camping trip.
Supplies: • Metal container (soda can, soup can) • Hard objects (rocks, bottle caps, coins) • Tape *OPTIONAL (FOR DECORATING) *White Glue *Decoration (leaves, craft sticks, moss, yarn)
Gather rocks or seashells that are small enough to fit inside a soda can. Carefully push the rocks through the opening of the soda can (adult supervision – cutting hazard) Tape the top of the can to seal the rocks inside. Decorate the outside of the can with things you find around the camp. Leaves, shells, pebbles, etc. Important note: Before relying on this in a real situation. Practice scaring your parents by shaking the finished can. If your parents get scared,.. you are good to go!
Understanding the animal is your best protection from any undesirable encounters with wildlife. We hope the information and suggestions we have provided will help our readers effectively identify and respond to an encounter with a coyote. Before choosing a violent or deadly response, please take a closer look, your neighbors’ pet may superficially resemble a coyote. courtesy City of Tampa INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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UF SCIENTISTS STUDY HOW TO BREED FASTER-GROWING PLANTS
By Brad Buck Photo courtesy, UF/IFAS photography
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In order to improve photosynthesis in plant leaves, two University of Florida scientists will study their roots and stems. More specifically, Christopher Vincent and Fred Gmitter hope to find the optimal relationship between citrus tree “sources” and “sinks” so that plant breeders can select varieties -- and growers can use practices -- that lead to faster-growing plants. Some crops that grow faster yield better food and get to market earlier, rather than later. So, what are these “sources” and “sinks” the researchers are talking about? In this case, “sources” are the leaves where photosynthesis takes place to make carbohydrates – such as sugars, starches and cellulose – that are needed for all aspects of plant growth. “Sinks” are the places those carbohydrates are used – think fruits, roots and newly growing stems. A new UF/IFAS project aims to improve plant performance and productivity by providing breeders with traits to enhance the photosynthetic ability of cultivated citrus. By understanding and quantifying the relationships between the “pull” of the sinks for carbohydrates and the “push” from their production sources, the researchers hope to find ways to speed up the growing cycles. Vincent, an assistant professor and Gmitter, a professor, both in horticultural sciences – have received a $495,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, an arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to study the relationships between sinks and sources within plants and hopefully use that information to improve the speed of plant growth. They will study how this works in citrus, but their findings will apply to plants of all kinds. “If we know the optimal relationship between leaves and sinks, breeders can select varieties and growers can select practices that lead to faster-growing plants,” said Vincent, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Citrus
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Research and Education Center, where Gmitter also works. Plants can only photosynthesize as much sugar as they can move out of their leaves to be used in tissues that don’t photosynthesize, said Vincent. These are called sink tissues. They include roots, fruits and new sprouts from a bud on a stem, Vincent said. If leaves have excess sugar, they reduce their photosynthetic activity, which would otherwise conserve water and nutrients. If the sinks on the plant are large, sugar moves faster and plants photosynthesize more, enabling plants to grow more rapidly. “We plan to identify the effect of the size of sinks on how quickly sugars move out of leaves and through the phloem,” he said. “We expect plants to grow faster when this relationship is optimal.” To do this, Vincent and Gmitter will use pairs of plants that have exactly the same genes, but one will have exactly twice the number of copies of those genes. Previous research demonstrates that these differences in gene copy number can have a big impact on growth habit and other differences caused not by specific genes themselves, but by how much each gene is expressed relative to other genes. “As far as our project goes, this is just a fortunate scenario that we will use to assess how differences in allocation affect sugar transport and photosynthesis,” Vincent said. The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
UF RESEARCHERS HELP EXPAND INDOOR GARDENING photo shows plants that can be grown TREND TRIGGERED BY PANDEMIC Attached indoors. "Courtesy, UF/IFAS."
By Brad Buck COVID-19 led many people to start gardening, and it’s no passing fancy. Recent research shows that about 80 percent of those who took up gardening since the beginning of COVID-19 will continue the pastime in 2021. Growing in the outdoor garden is one thing. Tending to plants indoors at home presents other challenges and opportunities. As they recognized the increasing popularity of growing indoors, University of Florida scientists Celina Gómez and Paul Fisher, UF/IFAS faculty members in environmental horticulture, co-hosted a virtual webinar recently. There, they introduced new plant varieties and how home gardeners can grow them indoors. Their program focuses on developing and producing edible plants for gardening. Home growers can eat these crops, but the plants likely won’t produce enough fruits or vegetables for an entire family, said Gómez, a UF/IFAS assistant professor. “I think of them as both ornamental and edible crops, as they are typically grown for the pleasure of growing a plant -- like most ornamentals -- with the added benefit that they will produce a fruit or vegetable to be harvested and consumed, like most edible crops,” Gómez said. Several factors have driven the increase in home gardening: Food insecurity and the pandemic are two of them. “People are gardening in part to make sure that there is enough food on the table during times of so much uncertainty,” Gómez said. “Mental and physical well-being are also important drivers of the ‘pandemic gardening’ movement, as people seem to experience positive health benefits when gardening indoors and outdoors. During lockdown, people had more time to spend at home and many turned to gardening to keep themselves occupied.” Many people who want to start growing fruits and vegetables indoors at home turn to social media. So, Gómez conducted research recently that shows about half of the people who used the platform Reddit received misinformation about how to grow hydroponic plants indoors. She and her team looked at Reddit because those who use the platform and it’s “subreddits,” topic- or community-focused discussions, are hob-
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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byists, most with no formal training in horticulture. “A lot of the advice given to consumers via Reddit is based on experiences that may not be enough to educate someone on how to grow plants hydroponically,” she said. “Another big reason is that because indoor gardening is a relatively new horticultural trend, there is not a lot of easy-to-understand information available to consumers.” To truly educate home indoor gardeners, UF/IFAS researchers will continue to give seminars and webinars, upload YouTube videos and provide research-based recommendations to help consumers interested in learning more about home gardening. Here is a link to their recorded presentations from a recent field day. “We can also use social media platforms like Reddit to connect with consumers, in subreddits like AMA (“Ask Me Anything”), where it is not uncommon for scientists to connect with Reddit users to answer questions within a pre-defined window of time,” Gómez said. “We are writing updated UF/ IFAS Extension documents about these new, growing gardening trends, which can also be helpful.” For now, Gómez and Fisher, a UF/IFAS professor, will continue to test new cultivars for vegetables that are compact. That is, they’re bred for urban agriculture. “We will also expand our research in hydroponics and indoor gardening to evaluate different light qualities and quantities that can help maximize yield and quality of fruiting vegetables,” she said. “Our hope is to host another field day in 2022 and make this an annual event.” For more information on the indoor gardening efforts at UF/ IFAS, contact Gómez at cgomezv@ufl.edu.
Pet Alpacas
Jamie Flores of Lakeland is a nurse. She is a nurse who, in her wildest dreams, never thought she’d become an alpaca ranch owner. “I’m a registered nurse and I’ve worked in hospitals for more than 25 years,” Flores said. “It’s very, very stressful work.” She is the owner of Shi’Lo Alpacas in Lakeland. Flores was on vacation in Arizona with her former husband, when her life was changed by a newspaper article. “We were in Flagstaff, Arizona and we were sitting in this small mom and pop restaurant,” Flores said. “I saw a newspaper article about a farm called ‘Cloud Dancer Alpacas.’ They had these pictures of the cuties little animals we had ever seen. We took a side trip to the farm and that was it. I was hooked.” These gentle, shy creatures captured Flores’ heart. “I remember thinking I just have to have one of these little guys in my backyard,” Flores said. “It took 10 years to actually make it happen, but after much research, preparation and planning, we had our first three boys. They were Benedict, Desert Storm and Desperado.”
By Libby Hopkins
ing or playing with pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels. Pets can help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship. Most households in the United States have at least one pet. (www. cdc.gov) “Alpacas are very calm, very relaxing animals,” Flores said. “They hum when they are happy too.” Many people assume alpacas and Llamas are the same. They are not. Alpacas’ have short spear-shaped ears while llamas have much longer, banana-shaped ears. Alpacas generally weigh in at around 150 pounds while llamas can get as heavy as 400 pounds. At the shoulder, an average alpaca stands between 34 and 36 inches, while a llama generally ranges between 42 and 46 inches. Alpacas also don’t spit. Llamas have a longer face; an alpaca’s face is a bit more blunt, giving them a “pushed in” look. Finally, alpaca produces a much finer fiber than the llama. The alpaca also produces more fleece than
Her original plan was just to have these three boys as her pets in her backyard. “Alpacas are contagious,” Flores said. “I started out with three, I now have 42. I am completely involved in all aspects of my alpacas, but the real reason I wanted them was to relieve my stress from working as a nurse. There is nothing like coming home from work and going out into the pasture and being with your animals.”
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Many pet owners and physicians would agree with Flores. Studies have shown that having a pet can increase opportunities to exercise, get outside and socialize. Regular walk-
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llamas and in a much greater variety of colors. Llamas also generally do not have as much hair on their head and face as alpacas.
is no charge; we have a donation jar if they’d like to leave a donation, but it’s not required. We want them to just enjoy the alpacas as much as I do.”
Flores loved her herd so much that she wanted to let others see how wonderful alpacas are and to educate people about them. “You will hear about ‘the alpaca lifestyle’ when you talk to any alpaca rancher,” Flores said. “It's that unique bonding and appreciation you have for these gentle creatures that make going into the busy world a little more bearable knowing that at the end of a long day, they are there waiting for you. Life can't get any better. Our mission is to always educate. We promise to be fair and honest in all business transactions because we believe honesty plus integrity equals success.”
If you’d like to learn more about Shi’Lo Alpacas or if you’d like to visit Flores’ ranch, you can visit her website at www. shilo-alpaca.com or call Flores at 727-515-4456. The ranch is located at 2720 Ranchland Acres Rd. in Lakeland. Due to COVID-19, please contact Flores before visiting Shi’Lo Alpacas.
Flores opens her ranch to the public every other weekend. “In the winter I will do it more often because the weather is nicer,” Flores said. “I also do private tours, birthdays and private events. Anyone who wants to come, they can come. There
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Polk County Cattle Women
F
air season has begun! I hope everybody has recovered from the Polk County Youth Fair and are gearing up for the upcoming market animal shows at the Florida State Fair. I would like to express a huge thank you to all of the Polk County Youth Fair committee members and other volunteers who made the fair run so smoothly this year, despite the changes that had to be made for the safety of us all. Also, thank you to the sponsors and buyers that supported the exhibitors. Your support does not go unnoticed. I was able to spend some time in the beef barn this year and it was great to see the exhibitors so excited to show their projects. Barn kids are truly the best kids! We would like to congratulate the winners of our 2021 Polk County Youth Fair Market Steer Record Book contest. In the Junior Division placings were: 1st: Landon Donley, 2nd: William Dykes, and 3rd: Elizabeth McDowell. In the Senior Division we had: 1st: Caitlynn Robertson, 2nd: Brooke Dykes, and 3rd: Bailey Dykes. Congratulations on a job well done! Accurate record keeping is an important of a market steer project and these six individuals have outdone themselves! I hope each of you had a chance to tune into the Beef It’s What’s For Dinner 300 NASCAR Infinity series race on February 13, 2021. Florida Beef Council’s Director of Beef Marketing and Promotion shared, “Showcasing the Beef It’s What’s for Dinner brand on broadcast television allows us to reach even
I encourage all FFA members to attend FFA Day at Little Flock Church on Rockridge Road in Polk City on February 21. This is a great opportunity for FFA members, both past and present, to mingle with others and honor agriculture and the Creator, all while kicking off National FFA Week. I invite all ladies to come on down to Bartow and join us for our March meeting that will be held on March 2 at the UF/ IFAS Polk Extension Office in the Valencia Room beginning at 6:30 pm. We are working hard to have a virtual option for past, present, and future members to attend meetings via Zoom. If you’d like more information about attending meetings or joining our amazing organization, please email me at BuckLD96@gmail.com. Till Next Month,
Leslie Buchanon Polk County Cattlewomen President
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more consumers at home and gives beef farmers and ranchers something to celebrate on a nation stage.” Thank you, Florida Beef Council, for all you do to promote Florida Beef!
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