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Put the Power of “Fresh From Florida” Behind Your Product. Join the program that will maximize your marketing efforts. The Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign (FAPC) provides the marketing resources and advertising awareness of a well established brand. Put “Fresh From Florida” to work for you.
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®
Contents
VOL. VOL.7 7• •ISSUE ISSUE78
Feature Story
The Bulloch Rob Krieger
Family PageRanch 34 Page 34 Cover Photo by Dani Bauer Photo by Dani Bauer
DARN Spring Celebration
Page 7
Master Gardener
Page 10
Tampa Bay’s Fishing Report
Page 14
Winner’s Ahead - Be a 4H Champ
Page 16
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Polk County Sheriff’s office
Page 26
Farmer Credit Union - Patronage Refund
Page 27 Get the buzz - Sadler Honey Farm, LLC
Page 30
Ambitious Sweetheart: Harley Zoeckler
Page 32
Florida Sapodilla: A Fruit and a Dessert
Page 38
POLK COU NTY
CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 Bartow, FL 33831 -9005 OFFICERS & B OARD OF DIRECTORS President - Charles Clark (863) 528-8537 cclark@expoco.com Vice President - Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 cattlemanslivetock@earthlink.net Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail.com Al Bellotto - (863) 581-5515 Ray Clark - (863) 683-8196 rclark@tampabay.rr.com L.B. Flanders, DVM - (863) 644-5974 Dewey Fussell - (863) 984-3782 Mike Fussell - (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net David McCullers - (863) 528-1195 Moby Persing - (863) 528-4379 Ned Waters - (863) 698-1597 watersn@doacs.state.fl.us J.B. Wynn - (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com Alternate - Mike Facente - (863) 697-9419 Standing Committee Chairs: Membership - J.B. Wynn Events - Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876 Rodeo - Fred Waters (863) 559-7808 watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Cattlewomen - President Marjorie Wood (863) 660-4137 onnie397@aol.com Extension - Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. - Sgt. Howard Martin
Naturally Amazing - Dyed Seashells
Page 40
A Closer Look - A Jest of Nature
Page 41
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We are always looking for a better, more economical way of doing things. Life changes, the way of doing things evolves, and often times the old ways are lost. While I have read it before, I just saw “Take a little good advice from an old farmer,” and thought, here are some things that are not going to change. You know the old adage if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it? Well, here you go. I hope you enjoy the few jewels I selected to share with you. Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bullstrong. Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. A bumble bee is considerably faster than a tractor. Forgive your enemies; it messes up their heads. Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you. It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge. You cannot unsay a cruel word. Every path has a few puddles. When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty. The best sermons are lived, not preached. Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway. Don’t judge folks by their relatives. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time. Don‘t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t bothering you none. If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’. Always drink upstream from the herd. Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in. If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. _ Numbers 6:25
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Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Lacey Water Melissa Nichols
Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers.......................29 All Florida Ag Show...................12 Arrington Body Shop, Inc..........39 Boots ‘n Buckles........................37 Broke & poor............................21 Carlton & Carlton, PA..............42 Cecil Breeding Farm..................20 Country Village Power Equipment.......................42 Darn Grills & Ranch Supply.......7 Day Dreams Day Spa.................15 Ellison RBM Inc........................39 Fancy Farms...............................5 Farm Credit...............................27 Fields Equiptment Co. Inc..........28 Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer services..................2 Florida Farm & Ranch Supply....39 Fred’s Market Restaurant............9 Gibbs Custom Home Repair......37 Grove Equipment Service...........17 Grove Equipment Service...........30 Grove Equipment Service...........48 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply........23 Helena Chemical-Tampa............21 Hinton Farms Produce, Inc........19 International Market World.......29 Jeff Walden Painting..................39 Key Plex....................................45 Lacey Waters..............................33 Lightsey Cattle Co.....................39 Mosaic.......................................9 Parkesdale Farms.......................13 Pathway Biologic.......................43 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association..............4 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo..........18 Seedway.....................................33 Southeast Trophy Deer Association, Inc...........................3 Southeastern Septic, LLc............19 Southern Excavation, Inc...........23 Southside Store, LLC.................24 Southside Store, LLC.................25 Southwestern Produce................44 Squeal Deal Animal Control........5 Stephanie Humphrey..................40 Stingray Chevrolet.....................47 The Bug Man............................39
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Spring Celebration
The DARN Spring Celebration was held Saturday, March 23. The mission of the store is “A small DARN business on a mission to make a big difference!” And they make a difference by raising awareness of farming and agriculture. There is a DARN clothing line with a dollar from each shirt sold going to Farm Aid and local farmers, FFA and 4H kids through their non-profit “Give A DARN.” These advocates of FFA and 4H are trying to get things back to the way small businesses used to be with community involvement, educational clinics and events to bring everyone together. At the DARN Spring Celebration, Dundee Ridge Middle School FFA had a BBQ fundraiser and Haines City High School was on hand selling plants as a fundraiser. There was a petting zoo and craft vendors as well as a visit from the new Polk County Sweetheart, Harlely Zoeckler.
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Implementation of an animal identification program is moving forward. After much discussion, the federal program could not come up with an acceptable tracking program or a database for storing the information. This process has been turned over to the individual states and is currently being discussed as to what will be the simplest and most effective way to ID animals and trace their movement. Preliminary plans found on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services web site under the Division of Animal Industry states that the ID tags can be applied by the cattle owner, veterinarian or other person employed or contracted by an owner, on an owners premise, or at an approved tagging site by approved tagging manager or a person employed by such manager.
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Currently affected animals are: cattle 18 months or older moving within Florida must have individual ID unless the cattle are: 1. Being moved directly to a recognized slaughtering establishment 2. Being moved directly to an approved tagging site; or 3. Being moved from one premise to another premise under common ownership as part of normal farm or ranching operations. There will be meetings announced during April to gather input and finalize the rules of implementation. It is unclear what type of ID will be required, (bangs type tags, flap tags or electronic tags) where they can be obtained and who pays for them.
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The was notinwidely appreciated for the first 15 years •• A cattelephone has 32 muscles each ear. because people did not see a use forbrain. it. In fact, in the British • An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its parliament it was mentioned there was no need • Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur. for telephones have enough the messengers here.” Western Union •because In most“we advertisements, time displayed on a believed it could never replace the telegraph. In 1876, an watch isthat 10:10. •internal A dragonfly a life span of 24 hours. memohas read: “This telephone has too many shortcomings •toAbe goldfish hasconsidered a memoryas span of three seconds. seriously a means of communication.” Even •Mark A dime hasupon 118 ridges aroundbythe edge. Graham Bell to Twain, being invited Alexander •invest The giant squid hasnew theinvention, largest eyes in not the see world. $5,000 in the could a future in the •telephone. In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak. • The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a • President said that,bar “everything be invented radar tubeMcKinley and a chocolate melted inthat his can pocket. •has Mr.already Rogersbeen is aninvented.” ordained minister. •• The average person falls asleep in seven minutes. When Alexander Graham Bell passed away in 1922, every • There are 336 dimples on a regulation golf ball. telephone served by the Bell system in the USA and Canada • “Stewardesses” is the longest word that is typed with only was silent for one minute. the left hand. •• In Greene,Graham New York, cannot walk and eat Alexander Bell you never phoned his backwards wife the sidewalk during orpeanuts mother on because they were deaf.a concert. • In Hartford, Conn., you may not, under any circumstances, • “Ahoy” was the original cross the street walkingtelephone on your greeting. hands. Alexander Graham ʻahoyʼ (as used in ships), but was later superceded Bell suggested • In ancient Egypt, killing a cat was a crime punishable byby Thomas Edison, who suggested ʻhelloʼ instead. death. •• In 1925, fifty-percent of the peoplenumbers married to were men. phone The concept of allocating telephone individual lines was invented by a doctor
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INTHEFIELD AGAZINE April JANUARY 2013 2013 INTMHE FIELD MAGAZINE
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By Debra Howell
Embracing the Forgotten Forty-Percent
Over on the Ridge, at an idyllic place decreed by Edward Bok in the year 1921, there toils a small group of people who are impassioned for the cause of the Forgotten Forty-percent.
In Florida, from the Keys to the Panhandle, imperiled plants comprise 40 percent of the imperiled species statewide. These plants are losing ground due to threat from housing and road construction and maintenance, encroachment by invasive exotics and by off-road vehicular, pedestrian, cattle and horse traffic. Fortunately for those 40 percent, there are people committed daily to the cause of Rare Plant Conservation. Under the aegis of Bok Tower Garden’s President (and sculptor) David Price, the Rare Plant Conservation team, consisting of Cheryl Peterson, Juliet Rynear and Glen Bupp, perform their tasks with the ardent enthusiasm intrinsic in professionals who truly believe in the work they do. It is, in the purest sense, a labor of love. Indeed, Bok Tower Gardens is home to state-of-the-art germplasm research, intended to study and conserve the rare and endangered flora of Florida, specifically Federal and state listed plants. The end goal of this exacting research is to eventually be able to de-list plants of the “forgotten 40 percent.” Their efforts are vital, considering that Florida is home to more rare species than any other continental state except California. These professionals work with the USDA, Archbold Biological Station, scientists, local, county, state and federal agencies, as well as private landowners, private and public universities, and research facilities worldwide in an attempt to preserve
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these highly threatened species. When a species is deemed to be endangered, a recovery plan will be formulated by biologists that will outline guidelines necessary for the recovery of that species. One example is the Scrub lupine, which by 2008 had declined to only eight sites. Sadly, this plant was found historically in 40 known locations. It is under close scrutiny by the folks at Bok Tower Gardens. It is prudent to stress that when we protect a plant species, we also protect the animal species that derive benefit from the plants. It is for this reason that they partner in protecting the germplasm of the plants themselves with the Center for Plant Conservation. Also referred to as the “Noah’s Ark of Plant Conservation.” Bok Tower Gardens is one of 38 participating institutions in the Center for Plant Conservation (CPS). Each institution manages part of the CPC National Collection of rare plants. Bok Tower Gardens curates germplasm from species found in central and northern Florida. At Bok, work is done in plant germplasm and preservation research. They are working in cooperation with the USDA National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation toward successful seed storage, and have sophisticated seed germination, desiccation and storage facilities on hand. An example of the exciting equipment available to Cheryl, Juliet and Glenn is the seed germinator, which may be set to winter or summer conditions (temperature, day length and humidity), depending on the germination and propagation trials being performed. At one time, the term scrub was used as a derogatory term for any scrubby plot of land. We now know the importance of the real “scrub.” [There are scrub habitats throughout the world, however, there are numerous plant species found in the Florida scrub that are found nowhere else in the world. This is because the scrub habitats are found on the high ridges in Florida that were once islands surrounded by water. This geographical isolation is responsible for the high degree of endemism that we find in Florida in both the natural communities of the scrub and sandhill habitats.] This is where Bok Tower Gardens and the talented people of the Rare Plant Conservation Program come into play. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Bok Tower
The exquisite tower seems to emerge from the surrounding lush environs as naturally as the landscape itself. Today, as in the early years, Bok Tower Gardens reigns from it’s lofty heights, just as Edward W. Bok intended, as it continues to preach the Gospel of nature. The Singing Tower’s original construction is a hexagonal shaft consisting of a steel frame wrapped in four-foot thick brick walls. It was faced with coquina rock, pink Etowah and gray Creole marble. Above the tower windows, carved marble grills depict a youth feeding flamingos and cranes out of a basket, as well as a man planting a garden. Envisioned by Ladies Home Journal Editor Edward W. Bok, and assisted by Architect Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr., Bok Tower Gardens was placed upon Iron Mountain, the highest point of altitude in peninsular Florida, eclipsed only by Britton Hill in Florida’s Panhandle at 345 feet. Edward Bok was drawn to this site, which in an earlier time was used by central Florida Native American people to celebrate the ceremony of the Rising Sun each spring. The Pulitzer Prize winning Bok, already in love with central Florida, claimed to establish the sanctuary as a “retreat for man, refuge for birds, and a calming setting out of time and place.” The tract of land was initially publicized as a 3,000 acre Flamingo jungle. Historian Dr. Canter Brown, Jr. pens that, “Bok’s yearning for the most beautiful natural park in Florida came to encompass a wonderful tower equipped with a magnificent carillon.” This spectacular carillon is now played by relative new-comer Geert D’hollander, who, believe it or not, is only the fourth carillonneur in 83 years. The job appears to come with some degree of job satisfaction. If you’ve never heard this instrument, you’ve no idea of the ethereal quality produced by striking the console with ones fists. Bok Tower Gardens is such a serene environment that you will lose track of time, the hourly chiming of the Singing Tower notwithstanding. Incredible beauty awaits around every bend, and the vista from atop Iron Mountain is almost intoxicating. The Pine Ridge Nature Preserve is a 3/4 mile trail situated at 298 feet above sea level and contains rare plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Of these species, 19 are on the federal endangered list, many of which are cultivated in Bok’s Endangered Plant Garden. We have six state and federally listed plant species on the Preserve. Points of interest along the trail are numbered, affording the hiker a look at a true Florida Longleaf pineTurkey oak ecosystem and it’s resident plants such as Winged Sumac, Native Mallow and Wiregrass. Other places of interest are the Window by the Pond, where you may sit and view wildlife through a one-way picture window, and the Pinewood Estate and grounds. And then there’s simply the magnificent view from the top of Iron Mountain. Edward W. Bok loved the area on which he placed his beloved sanctuary and carillon. His intent was to protect this spot for posterity, and created and endowed the non-profit American Foundation for this purpose, then presented his prize to the American people for visitation. In other words, he was an insightful environmentalist way ahead of his time.When you arrive at Bok Tower Gardens, you will find air a little cleaner, the color pallet more charming and the shadows more profound. And then you will understand the importance of embracing and protecting such a place as this.
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Hot new ag products. Bold new ideas. Time-critical issues! Welcome to the event that pulls ’em all together. The All Florida Ag Show It’s the only event dedicated to bringing ag decision makers from across the Sunshine State together to exchange ideas, share best practices, see new products and services, and get up-to-date on the latest technology.
The All Florida Ag Show includes more than 100 exhibits and an educational program featuring industry thought leaders who will share their insights into the issues that affect your business every day –
Register NOW at AllFloridaAg.com
■ Citrus: Pests, disease (greening) and fruit drop
■ Healthcare: The impacts of the Affordable Care Act on your employees and your bottom line ■ Water: Regulations, BMPs, BMAPs and mitigating bicarbonates in well water ■ Labor: Farm labor and immigration reform ■ Emerging Trends & Technology: • Fruits and vegetables that look, smell, taste better • The future of protected ag, featuring William “Skeeter” Bethea • Bio-AG: Beyond biofuels PLUS An exclusive video message from Senator Marco Rubio
April 24-25 Highlands Today Center, Sebring
Presented by:
AllFloridaAg.com Highlands County
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Redfish Cassie with Her
CIVILITY & CONSIDERATION Simple Words to Understand… Civility - ci·vil·i·ty
1. Courteous behavior; politeness: 2. Courteous act or utterance.
Consideration - con·sid·er·a·tion
1. Process of giving careful thought to something. 2. Kind and considerate regard for others.
Occassionally, when anglers get together, the sharing of fishing and adventure stories results in hours of companionship that could lead to quality friendships. However the pressure to catch fish, inexperience, and often overcrowded fishing areas can and often does increase the strain on people’s tensions. This crazy behavior often undermines what otherwise should be a relaxing and fun day on the water. Everyone is guilty! It’s called our tempers and unless you’re an extremely patient person, on daily doses of Valium, you’re likely to lose yours at some time or another. Although not deliberately we’ve all done it, we unintentionally cut someone off, take a little too long getting our boat into or out of the water, or getting a little too close to another angler. And when we do, we must brace ourselves for that all familiar “hey idiot stare” or an oratory of verbal repartee often including profanity regardless of who is near. When this occurs it’s often difficult to maintain a nonconfrontational attitude, especially when someone’s calling you every name in the book and your nine year daughter, son and sometimes wife are with you. However, it’s to your emotional and often physical advantage to totally ignore their future attempts at provocation. Very often as you venture out for a relaxing day 14
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on the water, you will encounter folks with the mental and emotional capacity below the age of three and lack the ability to comprehend everyday logic. Nevertheless, there they are in a boat, fishing, and guess what? All the water around them for a square mile belongs only to them and you or no one else should dare get too close. Whenever you find yourself in this situation, here’s the deal, if you offend some dim-witted individual, just wait till they’re finished with the insults and yelling, simply say you’re sorry and continue your day by totally ignoring them. However, should you engage the situation, more times than not, you will lose your composure, become emotionally involved, and give the other person control of your emotional state. When actions and tempers flare, the possibilities exist for that situation to escalate, often to a point of physical confrontation or violence. Whenever that happens… no one wins. Always remember… “Never give anyone control over your emotions.” Common sense, on the other hand, what the world refers to as wisdom, requires little education, but does require the ability to think and reason. Common sense combined with everyday civility and consideration makes our lives much brighter and more fun. In closing let me say that fishing is a great individual and family pastime offering a source of relaxation, entertainment, and most of all fun. Nothing will ruin the day more than getting upset with someone or having them upset with you. Be courteous, use common sense and think before you act. Don’t let an insignificant nothing turn a fishing trip into water rage… after all “It’s only fishing - not life or death.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Tampa Bay’s Fishing Report April 2013 Inshore: April fishing is hot and the fishing should be off the wall. The weather will be cooperating and we’re anticipating a good bite to kick off the summer. Snook - Depending on tides and lunar phases, snook fishing is going gangbusters with nice fish caught on both live bait and artificial lures, which should continue through the summer. Snook are still closed so revive them quickly and return them gently to the water. Redfish - Redfish are found almost everywhere in the bay area. Search for them around oyster bars and early grass morning flats. Expect good early morning topwater action on the flats and along mangrove shores. Work both incoming and outgoing tides.
If you’re interested in booking a trip, please visit my website or give me a call: “GIVE ME A CALL & LET’S GO FISHING” Guiding and fishing Florida waters for over 50 year’s and the results are always the same “Memorable Fishing Adventures”. For information on booking single or multi-boat charters, or organizing company or corporate events call: Visit his website at:
WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at
813-477-3814.
Spotted Sea Trout - Trout fishing has been exceptional all year and unless something drastic happens we can expect it to continue all summer. Look for really nice size trout on Tampa Bay grass flats especially deeper edges on outgoing tides.
Celebrate
Mom
Cobia - Cobia should start traveling the flats and open water, sometimes as singles or groups and normally always behind large Rays. Keep your eyes peeled, toss your bait close and the battle begins.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12
Tarpon - Tarpon anglers should check the beaches and bridges. Threadfins, crabs and larger sardines should do nicely. Toss them directly into the path of rolling tarpon and hang on. Bridge Tarpon are always fun. Be ready to cast off your anchor line and buoy and give chase.
Give her the gift of
Relaxation
Offshore: Expecting the weather to remain stable, the winds should stay fairly calm for some warm water offshore action. While temperatures will often affect the near-shore bite, cooler offshore temperatures turn fish on. If it’s a snapper you’re after… it’s a great time to go fishing for these tasty fish. Also expect large Mangrove Snapper action at night around the full moon. Expect good catches of grouper, amber jacks, triggerfish, sharks, sea bass, and dolphin (mahi-mahi). There is also some pompano still hanging around the wrecks and as always goliath’s ready to eat anything you catch. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
License #MM0009071
Mackerel & Bluefish - If you are looking for some great light-tackle action, look no further than Tampa Bay. It usually gets full of threadfins and that means Mackerel and Bluefish. Drift the bait schools or anchor around markers tossing out a white baits or threadfins, and hang on. Shinny artificial lures like silver spoons also work.
Ask about our specials!
Lakeland • 863-686-5859
Brandon • 813-657-2992
www.DayDreamsDaySpa.com
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by Ginny Mink
Winner’s Ahead: Agriculture is an interesting topic to write about. It appears that those in the agriculture industry often are following family lines and traditions. We find multiple generation farmers and ranchers and what’s perhaps even more intriguing is that some of the Ag associated organizations find their ways into family lineages. Tiffany Walling’s mom led the 4H club that she was involved in as a kid and now Tiffany is doing the same for her own children. Tiffany says, “I was an active 4H member in Polk County for six years. I showed livestock for thirteen years. I showed horses, lamb, cattle, and rabbits. I participated in public speaking and parliamentary procedure in both 4H and FFA. I’m the oldest of four children, we all showed livestock and we attended a camp each summer for showing livestock called: Be a Champ Show Cattle and Lamb Camp in Warner, Oklahoma at Connors State College. And that’s where I got the name for my club.” Tiffany tells us that she grew up on a rural ranch area in Lakeland and attended school in both Bartow and South Lakeland. Having been an active 4H member as a child led her towards continued involvement as an adult. She explains, “I started three years ago and we formed Be a Champ 4H. We’re a small club, we meet the second Sunday of each month at 2 o’clock on my back porch. We meet August to May. We currently have 17 members, two of which are Clover Buds. I have a co-leader that helps me at my meetings, Brandy Stevens, and she’s a school resource officer for Polk County, currently at Poinciana Elementary.” She claims that their club is probably one of the smallest in the county, but that doesn’t seem to bother her. She’s proud of her members and thusly she describes the clubs make-up and objectives. “Each one of our children are in the age range from 6-14. They are very active in sports at their schools so we try to meet on our back porch for an hour and a half. Our club works on learning by doing with a craft, sometimes a guest speaker and a take home work project. Each one of our kids have participated, this last year and prior years, in table setting, public speaking, cooking and food preparation, and services within our community. Each year we visit Southland Suites Residents Home in South Lakeland. Our kids decorate cookies at Christmas there with the elderly, sing songs, and write letters to the residents. Then we return for Easter and we make Easter baskets with the elderly.” Certainly the residents enjoy the presence of these lovely children. Undoubtedly the service projects 4H kids get involved in are a big focus for us, but there are other things that Tiffany wanted the readers to know. She says, “Some of our children show livestock, market pigs, rabbits, chickens, and cattle. Some of our members show plants and citrus. At each one of our 4H meetings we work with the motto, to make the best better; each one of our officers has a helper which is under the age of ten to 16
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Be a Champ 4H train them so they’re ready for the responsibility of their offices in the upcoming years. Our club’s so young. Eight of our members are under the age of ten. We’ve had numerous guest speakers come and talk to our kids about handicap dogs and animal care. We had a member from the National Pigeon Association, they do the carrier pigeons that deliver messages to the capital.” According to Tiffany the pigeon demonstration is always a big hit with the kids and one that they do each year. Tiffany believes that her club is different, not just because the kids involved are so young, but because she feels she had a unique reason to begin it. She explains, “One of the reasons I formed my club was that I felt like my experience was that our club (when I was a kid) was geared toward each one of us, but after I visited some of the other clubs, I found they were so goal driven that I wanted a club that focused on each kid’s interests. We use the Polk Youth County Guide to let the kids choose what they want to do. So if they want to do the chili cook-off then I bring in a professional griller to teach us and we decide if it’s what we want to do.” Keeping in mind the age issue Tiffany is faced with she adds, “Even the little kids that are from 6-9, they get to participate and live 4H. We keep it small, we don’t call roll, each kid introduces themselves to the entire room. Our meetings aren’t mundane; I like that the kids enjoy coming to 4H and I love for visitors to come. Jimmy Sweeney, the Ag teacher at George Jenkins and one of the directors at the Vet Academy at George Jenkins, his kids are in our club and he comes and tells the kids about what FFA’s doing. Lots of our kids got market hogs from him last year. Our kids run the meeting from the beginning to the end, all procedures are voted on so they’re learning parliamentary procedure and each kid practices public speaking at the meeting.” When it comes to accomplishments, Tiffany reveals, “My daughter, Tristen, has won first place in her class in hog showing. Our club has had numerous champion rabbits at youth fair and state fair over the past three years. We’ve had a champion every year. Our club participated in hog showing at the Polk County Youth Fair this year with three of our members showing in the Grand Champion Ring. Eight members placed in each one of their market classes. Each one sold their market hogs at the Polk County Youth Fair and four of our children showed at the state fair rabbits division.” Quite a list of accomplishments for such a new and young group of kids, they are obviously taking the club’s name seriously! Tiffany says she likes the size of her club and thusly isn’t seeking out any new members. However, she welcomes visitors to the meetings and would love it if you chose to like her club on facebook. Just look for Be a Champ 4H! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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of my long-time Plant Elston. havene noticed that the friends older Iinget theCity less isI Dick remember. Evergoodness since high weTimer have enjoyed ourbefriendship Thank forschool my Day or I would in deep and telling trouble. Now jokes. it’s different with my wife. She remembers everything. Patsy can tell you where and when she bought evI recall when Dick was in high school he was hired by A.P. Cooke, ery piece of clothing in her closet. Not only that, but she has owner of the Plant City Courier, as a part-time type setter. Dick another she the wakes up in ads. the mornwas laterremarkable delegated theability. job of When laying out classified He was ings and her joints aches, she says the humidity is high and it’sto pretty good at what he did, although at first he was known going rain.slip Ninety percent of the time she isheright. make atofew ups. On his first publication had an ad for Barwick’s Drug Store, which should have read, “Wanted: Part-
for married girl to work When the Itime hadjob lunch at the Whistle Stopour in soda downfountain.” Plant City a few Courierago came outover it read, “Wanted: Part-time married girlchatting to work weeks and heard a couple of old fellas chit our soda fountain.” Thegoing only other one I can remember an about how things were in their lives. One of themwas said, ad for Carlos Cone. It read, “Wanted, man to take care of cows “I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement, new knees, at Cones ranch that does not smoke or drink.” fought prostate cancer, diabetes, can’t hear worth a flip and I can’t remember anything.” The other guy spoke up and said, Last month Dick gave me a copy of his new book entitled, “Life “I know how you feel.inI the take 20 different medications that and Times of Plant City 1940s” (copies are available at the make me dizzy, winded, and have blackouts. I have poor cirPlant City Photo Archives). Reading through the pages brought culation hardlyHe feelrecalled my hands andgood feet ole anymore. On back a lotand of can memories. in the days, when top of allwas thatlow I can’t remember I am 90because or 93. of I’verationing. lost all everyone on money, they ifsuffered He writes gas being rationed War my II, you were my friendsabout but you. But, praise theduring Lord, World I still have driver’s given a sticker to put on your windshield for gas. Either “A,” “B” license!” or “C”. Usually, as I remember, you were allowed only five gallons of gas at aspoke time. up. “My wife said her body was totally The other fellow
out of shape, so her doctor gave her permission to join the One day I went to Bell’s restaurant for lunch and sat next to Anytime Fitness in Dick’s dad. I toldClub him on we south were Jim goodRedman friends, Parkway and werehere always Plant City where she joined an aerobics class for seniors. It telling stories on each other. He laughed and said, “Did you ever didn’t last long. On the first trip she said she twisted, gyrated, hear the story of Dick leaving home?” jumped up and down, and perspired for a half-hour. And by “No,” I replied. me about the time she got “Tell her leotards on,it.” the class was over.” He laughed and said, “When Dick was seven yearsstories. old he decidThe conversation continued as they swapped One ed to run away from home. I recall he packed his little suitcase said, “I can’t remember how to work a lot of these new fan22
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with a few clothes and a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As he The started for morning the front Idoor his to mother gled gadgets. other wanted warmasked a cuphim of where he was going. ‘I’m leaving home,’ he said. ‘And what are coffee and caught myself trying to enter my PIN number on you carrying?’ she asked. ‘Some clothes and food,’ was his reply. the microwave.” ‘Dick, if you want to run away, that’s alright,’ his mother said. ‘But you came into this home without anything and you can leave Then there’s story of An 80 year on oldthe couple were having the same way.’ the He put down his suitcase floor defiantly and problems remembering things, so they decided to to their started for the door again. ‘Wait a minute,’ his mothergosaid. ‘You doctorhave to get outwhen to make nothing didn’t anychecked clothes on you sure arrived, and Iwas wantwrong them back.’ Turning red as a beet he quickly took off his clothes, shoes, with them. socks, underwear and all, and hollered, ‘Now Mom, can I go now?’ her at answer, ‘but once youexplained close thatto door, When‘Yes’, they was arrived the doctors, they the don’t docever expect the to come back.’” tor about problems they were having with their memory.
After checking them over, the doctor told them that they were
Dick’s dad said his son was so angry he slammed the door and physically okay but might want to start writing things down stepped out on the front porch. She peeked through the window andthere makehenotes help themnaked. remember things. The coming couple and stoodtocompletely He saw two girls thanked the doctor and left. down the street and immediately jumped in the shrubbery.
Laterthe thatgirls night whilebywatching man got and up from his After passed he ran toTV, thethe front door knocked loudly. chair and his wife asked, “Where are you going?” He replied, “To the kitchen.” She asked, “Will you get me a bowl of ice
“Who’s there?” his mother cream?” said. He replied, “Sure.” She
then asked him, “Don’t you think you should write it down so you canshe remember “Dick doesn’t live here any more!” replied. it?” He said, “No, I can remem“Aw, c’mom, I’m still your son. Pleaseber let that.” me in!”She then said, “Well I would also like Dick’s father concluded, “I watched her slowly open the door some strawberries on with a smile on her face, and say, “Did you change your write mind top. You had better about running away?” Dick walked grinned, and said, thatin, down because I know “What’s for supper?” you’ll forget that.” He said, “I can remember that, you want Dick pointed out a lot of things I had forgotten about the 40s. a bowl of ice cream with strawber“It’s me, Dick, let me in!”
Blind Charlie was the peanut vendor. We had inner tubes inside of
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ries.” She replied, “Well I also would like whipped cream on top. I know you will forget that so you better write it down.” With irritation in his voice, he said, “I don’t need to write that down! I can remember that.” He then fumes into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes he returned from the kitchen and handed her a plate of bacon and eggs. She stared at the plate for a moment and said angrily: “I TOLD you to write it down! You forgot my toast!” I read recently where doctors have discovered a chemical found in high concentrations in celery and in peppers that could halt memory loss as we get older, but the problem seems to be that people are forgetting to eat them. They are working on a special guide for the over 55 to read pointing out their daily dose of celery. It is hoped that those with the most severe memory loss will forget to wake up. Maybe it is good to have memory loss every once in a while. It would have been for the guy who went to the supermarket and noticed an attractive woman waving at him. She says hello. He’s rather taken back because he can’t place her. He says, “Do you know me?” To which she replies, “I think you’re father of one of my kids.”Now his mind travels back to the only time he has ever been unfaithful to his wife and says, “My goodness you’re the stripper from my bachelor party. Now I remember. She looks into his eyes and says calmly, “No, I’m your son’s teacher.”
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Then there’s story of Mr. and Mrs. Cornwall having dinner with long time friends, George and Mary Willis. The two women go into the kitchen for a moment, leaving the men to talk. One of the men says to the other, “The Mrs. And I went to the nicest restaurant last night.” “Is that right?” the other inquires, “What was the name of it?” “That’s just it,” he replies, “I can’t recall.” “Say, what’s the name of that red flower that has thorns all over it?” “A rose?” he responds. “YEAH, THAT’S IT!” he says energetically. Then he whirls around and yells into the kitchen, “Hey, Rose, what was the name of that restaurant we went to last night?” In closing it was Mark Twain that said, “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
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“Meet Your Ag Deputies” By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
The Polk County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Unit (or Ag Crimes) falls within the Support Services Section, in the PCSO Bureau of Support Operations. The main Ag Crimes building is located at the Bartow Airbase, 4200 Ben Durrance Road in Bartow, and includes the PCSO hangar, where all our aircraft are stored, and the PCSO pole barn, where all our specialty equipment, trailers, and mobile command centers are stored.
who is 44 years old and lives in Lake Wales, is a 22-year-veteran of PCSO. He was hired as a deputy sheriff in October 1990, and transferred to the Ag Unit in September 1998. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in January 2005. As a Sergeant he has supervised the Southeast District COPS (Community Oriented Policing) Unit, Southeast District patrol, Southeast District General Crimes Unit, Southwest District patrol, the Robbery Unit, and the Ag Unit.
With Polk County being the second leading citrus producing county in the nation, and one of the top counties for beef cattle production, we are committed to preventing and solving crimes that occur within our agricultural community. We have programs such as “Agricultural Watch,” where we partner with property owners to be our eyes and ears in the community, as well as provide you with “No Trespassing By Order Of the Sheriff” signs (visit our website www. polksheriff.org for more information).
The full-time deputies within the Ag Unit are Ricky Anderson, Murray “Dave” Butler, Don Carter, Robert Keen, Andy McKee, Jay Scarborough, Laurie Smith, Doug Tanner, and John Wyant. The part-time deputies are Charlie Fountain and Perry Hendrick. Together these deputies have decades’ worth of experience in investigating agricultural-related crimes, including crimes against livestock, ag thefts, criminal mischief, trespassing, metal thefts, etc. They work hand-in-hand with the smaller Environmental Crimes Unit, supervised by Sergeant Harry Seymour, a 13-year veteran of the agency. Sergeant Seymour has been the Environmental Crimes supervisor since August 2010. Together, he and full-time deputies Mike Burdette, Bob Clayton, Brian Cogswell, Lee Hardee, and Jeff Jones, patrol the over 500 lakes in Polk County, assist other agencies with their waterways, and focus on environmental issues such as illegal dumping and littering. If you have ever been in the water or in the woods, you have likely seen one of these deputies patrolling in a boat, or in a four-wheeled drive vehicle.
Our Agricultural Crimes Unit includes a Sergeant, nine full-time Ag Crimes deputies, two part-time Ag Crimes deputies, and the support of the clerical staff – a full-time secretary and part-time clerical assistant. The Unit, along with the entire Support Section, falls under the command of Lieutenant Steve Horstman. These dedicated members are responsible for serving the citizens of Polk County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are the subject matter experts on crimes that are committed in rural areas, and are responsible for the upkeep and the operation of our specialty equipment, which includes: four Rangers, four ATV’s, four specialty vans, two golf carts, several trailers and generators, three mobile command centers, two center console boats, two airboats, two pontoon boats, and a swamp buggy. All of these vehicles are essential tools we need to navigate Polk’s rural areas and waterways, and to keep Polk County safe. Sergeant Shawn Stephenson recently returned to the unit upon the retirement of Sergeant Howard Martin. Sergeant Stephenson, 26
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Our deputies are the best in the business. They are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – just give us a call at 863-298-6200 or 863-534-7205, and request an Ag Crimes deputy if you need assistance with a crime that is unique to the agricultural community. And rest assured that while you are sleeping peaceably at night, we are out there looking for the bad guys and preventing them from hurting you, your families, your property, and your livelihood. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
deed restrictions dealing with landscape issues; pruning practices; Farm Credit Central Directors, John Langford, of Lakeland problem plantsofsuch as Florida invasive, non-native plants; pesticide andand ferRon Wetherington (Right) of Dover display an oversized check depicting tilization practices; plant nutritional deficiencies; mulch application; the $141,000,000 million in patronage refunds the board of directors has anddeclared irrigation issues including frequency andcost timing of applisincesystem 1988, significantly lowering its Members’ of funds. cations. Other frequent areas of interest cited by communities participating in the FFL Community Association Outreach Program have included stormwater pond best management practices, dealing with erosion caused by stormwater runoff and questions involving reclaimed water. Evaluations and recommendations are based on science-based research from UF/IFAS. In addition to site evaluations, the Community Association Outreach Program offers onsite presentations about the FFL principles. Farm Credit of Central Florida’s Board of Directors has declared a patronage refund exceeding $2.4 million,Program allowingisits eligible The FFL Community Association Outreach a free resource to significantly lower their of funds. “The forMember-Borrowers HOAs and other community associations to cost provide for guidance is a form of profit practices, sharing distinguishing Farm inpatronage institutingrefund sustainable landscape reviewing landscapeCreditcovenants from otherand lenders,” said Chairman of the Board, David J. related working with landscape maintenance contracStanford, a Winter Garden citrus grower. tors. FFL has had several success stories with communities that adoptedFarm FFL practices which they were able see reduced water conCredit from of Central Florida is atoCustomer-Owned sumption and water utility and maintenance costs. Contact meand at the lender providing funds to agricultural operations, Hillsborough Extension Service, 813-744-5519 x 54142, if residentialCounty Customers for financing, new construction, these services would The benefit your homeowner condominium associor refinancing. cooperative also or offers crop insuration. ance to area farmers and ranchers. Part of the nationwide Farm Credit System created in 1916, Farm Credit of Central For more on environmental horticulture topics, Florida servesinformation 13 central Florida counties including, Orange, contact your local County Extension Service. Osceola, Lake, Sumter, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Polk, HillsborAdditional information on Florida-Friendly ough, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas. Landscaping™ can be accessed at http:/ /floridayards.org, http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu and WaterMatters.org. As a cooperative, Farm Credit of Central Florida Member-BorThe Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Association rowers share in the association’s profits,Community lowering their effective Outreach is sponsored the University of Florida’s rate of funds.Program Since 1988, Farmby Credit of Central Florida Institute of Food Agricultural Sciences, the Hillsboroughofand Members haveand benefitted from over $141,000,000 Polk Boards of County or Commissioners and the Southwest patronage refunds, profit sharing, declared byFlorida the Water Management District. Board of Directors.
Farm Credit of Central Florida Members Share in Patronage Refund Exceeding $2.4 Million
“Farm Credit of Central Florida services 2,100 loans and approximately $850 million in outstanding loan volume. Eligible Members will share in profits of more than $2.4 million with a return of 60% in cash of their earned interest from 2012. This is tangible evidence of the power of cooperative principles at work,” said Reginald T. Holt, President and CEO of the association. “Agriculture is the second largest industry in the state, ranking behind only tourism. Ranchers, growers, and farmers provide green space, and water recharge areas to the state in the normal course of producing the world’s safest, most affordable, and abundant supply of food and fiber. Farm Credit of Central Florida is proud to provide a stable, reliable, source of credit to Florida agriculture,” said David J. Stanford.
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Agricultural Studies Program Warner University is excited to announce
that the official launch of its Agricultural Studies Program is just six months away. With preparations well underway, there are many new developments and exciting changes taking place on campus. Enrollment for the Ag Studies major is open, and the response has been tremendous. Current Ag Studies students are already beginning to show strong leadership across campus. Ten students have formed a committee to complete the chartering process for the Warner University Collegiate FFA Chapter. The WU CFFA will serve as a professional development and service organization for Ag Studies majors and students supporting agricultural education. Warner University will be well represented and focused on student recruitment in the coming months at many conventions: Florida FFA State Convention in Orlando, Florida Cattlemen’s Annual Convention in Marco Island, and the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. The capital campaign to raise $2 million for the 38,000 square foot Ag Complex has begun. The facility, designed by Scott Crews Architecture and contracted by SEMCO, will house classrooms, laboratories, and livestock barns necessary for student learning in Ag, including fenced pasture and greenhouses. More information about the complex can be found on Warner’s website at www.warner.edu. Within the next few weeks, brochures will be sent out highlighting the current donors towards the Ag Complex. If you are interested in receiving a brochure, please send your mailing address to doris.gukich@warner.edu. A huge congratulation is in order for Ms. Harley Zoeckler, a freshman at Warner University majoring in Agricultural Studies. Harley was named the 2013 Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. Responsibilities for Sweetheart include organizing educational events and displays throughout the county about beef, and attending various functions and events throughout the year. “The university is committed to the success of the Ag Studies Program, and is proud of the quick progress we have already experienced. We are counting down the days until August and are ready to see the program grow on campus year after year!” said Lauren Lewis, Director of Ag Studies. For more information on the Agricultural Studies Program or to discuss partnership opportunities and the capital campaign, please contact Lauren Lewis, Director of Agricultural Studies, at lauren.lewis@warner.edu or 863-638-7116. For more information about Warner University, please visit
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Get the Buzz:
Sadler Honey Farm, LLC by Ginny Mink
Anyone who has ever dabbled in the bee industry has massive respect for those who utilize this specialized field as their main income source. I can remember watching my dad get all dressed up in his white bee-keeping suit in our backyard in Fort Lauderdale. I recall watching him smoke the hives so that he could remove the comb, but I also recollect the fact that swimming in the pool became a study in staying underwater for significant periods of time as the bees, whose hives were less than six feet away, constantly dive bombed us. My dad was an amateur and we didn’t have property, so raising hives in the middle of the city was quite an endeavor. While I enjoyed the homegrown honey production, I didn’t really miss the hives once they’d stung us all for the last time.
a truck driver and on the side he raised bees. It was in 1967 that my dad, Michael Sadler, was born. He grew up and spent his whole life working the bees with my grandfather. That’s when he got interested. When my grandfather retired from Publix he kept around 600 hives. Him and my dad worked them together. In 2000, my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer and in 2003 he died from that. At that time my dad was working at Publix. He had about 18 years in the warehouse but he decided to retire from Publix and take the bee business my grandfather left him and do it full time. He created BeeHaven Honey Farm, Inc. in 2003. In 2005, we had 1200 hives. At that time my dad and I moved to North Lakeland and that’s where our operation is today. That’s where we live and have the honey house.”
Honey is an incredible product, one that is used for foods and physical well-being and those who strive to procure it for the rest of us are deserving of applause. Therefore, we should clap loudly for Colby Sadler of Sadler Honey Farm. Colby says, “My family lived in Perry, Florida since the late 1800s; the first one that kept bees was my great grandfather, A.Y. Sadler. They used to keep some bees on the edge of the farm. They were mullet fisherman, that was their main source of income.” Undoubtedly the concept of being a mullet fisherman, mixed with a bee-keeper is quite an odd one. Yet, the Sadler’s were innovative people, and thereby grabbed hold of the opportunities that presented themselves. In this case, Colby explains, “They called ‘em a Florida black bee which they trapped out of the trees there. I think they had 10-20 hives, they just did it for a little bit of honey and that was about it.”
While it is sad that it took a painful loss to get the Sadler family fully engrossed in their secret passion, bees, it is certain that those of us who love honey are glad they chose to do so. Having revealed the family history, the seemingly shy Colby, begins to share pieces of his own story, “I was born in 1991. In 2009, I graduated high school at Lake Gibson and I decided to go to Polk State College for engineering. In 2011, I finished up with a two year degree in general engineering. Back in 2009, my dad gave me eleven hives of my own and I was raising them at the time while I was in school. By 2011, I had 225 hives. That’s when I had to make the decision to go to USF for engineering or become a beekeeper. I decided to keep bees for a living. In 2010, on Valentine’s Day actually, I started Sadler Honey Farm, LLC, 2012 was my first full year as a beekeeper. At the end of 2012 I had 400 hives. I currently have 400. On December 14, 2012 I got married to Kaitlyn. I make my sole living from the bees and I plan on expanding to 800 hives.”Colby was able to educate us a little better as to how he manages that many bees. He elaborated, “In late February, early March, we move all the beehives to East Polk County for the orange blossom; there we make orange blossom honey. Then the second or third week in April, after we’ve got all the honey off the orange blossom, we move the bees to Osceola National Forest,
Later though, the family love of bees expanded. Colby continues, “My grandfather, Stoney Sadler, A.Y.’s son, as well as my great uncle, Hubert Sadler, they kind of took care of the bees. My grandfather got interested in keeping bees and he did that on the side. In the late ‘50s they moved from Perry to Lakeland. When they moved here, my grandfather started to work for Publix warehouse, he was 30
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and while we’re there we make wild flower honey, or like we call it, gall berry honey, because most of it comes from our native gall berry bush. Then we move all the bees back to Polk and Hillsborough County and at that time we split our bees and prepare for the fall honey crop which begins in September and on into October, which is the Brazilian pepper tree. That’s our final crop of the year. We’ll spend the winter feeding our bees, taking care of them and doing different things. We have three honey crops a year; we sell honey in mostly commercial avenues. We sell it in 55 gallon drums.” Certainly the rapidity of hive expansion surprised us, but according to Colby the vigor of the bees is not as intense as they’d like it to be. He says, “Right now we have a huge shortage of bees in the nation. It’s very difficult to keep bees alive. We usually lose 30% of our hives every year. We have a lot of natural enemies and also the pesticides people are spraying, plus the development of the areas where we used to have orange groves, forests and other natural floras. The biggest problem we face is the varroa mite, which is a pest which gets in our hives and raises the cost of taking care of our bees quite a bit higher than it used to be. It destroys brood in the hives and causes the bees to get susceptible to other diseases. It’s a hard way to make a living but there’s a love and a passion to keep the bees because I thoroughly do love doing what I do! I never could get the satisfaction out of engineering that I do with the way I live my life now.” The enthusiasm present in his voice as he makes his last two statements is enough to make you want to do some online research about beekeeping, though the challenges he mentioned are probably enough to keep most of us from becoming competition. If you’d like to find out how to get a bottle of Sadler Honey Farm or Bee-Haven honey, like them on facebook as they do a little bit of non-commercial sales. If you’d rather just pick up a jar at Publix, then look for the Leighton Honey label as that’s one of the companies they sell a large portion of honey to. By the way, Colby wanted you to know that his great uncle, Hubert, still keeps bees to this day!
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Ambitious : t r a e h t e e w S
By Ginny Mink
z y o e e l c r k le R a H Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart
Valentine’s Day has passed, but Sweethearts are still popping up everywhere. Therefore we’d like to introduce to you the latest Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, Harley Zoeckler. She’s quite an interesting young lady and we hope you will enjoy getting to know her as much as we did. Harley provides some background for us, she says, “My granddad, Mack Padgett, he has been a cattle rancher in Lake Wales for over 40 years and I just grew up around it. Everyone in my family has been involved in cattle. I started showing cows when I was eight years old when I was in 4H. Then in middle school, I joined the FFA and I’ve just continued to show since then. I started my own little herd using my show cattle.” There’s something to be said about the drive and ambition one finds in young people who are associated with agriculture. She continues, “The first heifer I showed was a pure bred Brahma heifer and after that I started showing commercial cattle. My junior year of high school I won Senior Showmanship at the Polk County Youth Fair. Then my senior year, I won Grand Champion Two Year Old and I won Senior Showmanship again that year. So, I won it two years in a row. Showing cattle was a big part of high school for me.” Though she comes from a line of cattle ranchers, there were other aspects of agriculture and FFA involvement that garnered her attention as well. She explains, “Other than that, I was heavily involved in FFA. Throughout my FFA career, I was president, vice president, secretary and chaplain. I competed in many CDE’s and my favorite two were prepared public speaking and livestock judging. At the end of my FFA career I was picked as a candidate for Florida FFA State Office for Area 4. I was also involved in Polk Junior Cattlemen’s and the Florida Junior Cattlemen’s.” It is Harley’s involvement with the different cattlemen’s organizations that has led to her current standing as Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. However, running for that position is not all she’s done therein. She tells us, “Within the Polk Junior Cattlemen’s, I was president three years in a row and I competed in quiz bowl and 32
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team marketing. Right now I am currently serving as one of the advisors for the Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s.” In addition to her experience with the Polk County section of Junior Cattlemen’s, she’s an active participant in the state junior cattlemen’s. She says, “For the Florida Junior Cattlemen’s, I was vice president, treasurer and ex-officio and I competed in public speaking at the National Cattlemen’s Convention and got fifth place the first year I did it.” She’s obviously pleased with that accomplishment though she tosses two more in before switching gears, “One other thing I did in high school was National Honor Society and I graduated thirteenth in my class!” She’s moved on to bigger and better things now that she’s a high school graduate though. She says, “Now I’m a student at Warner University in Lake Wales and I’m majoring in diversified agriculture and minoring in education. We’re also starting a collegiate FFA chapter that I’m getting involved with. I work two jobs; I work at Eli’s Western Wear and the movie theatre in Lake Wales at Eagle Ridge Mall.” Harley is certainly a busy girl, but that’s not all she’s busy with as her Sweetheart position comes with its own realm of responsibilities. Harley reveals, “For our county I had to write a five hundred word essay on how I would promote the beef industry. I wanted to run for Sweetheart because of my background and because I wanted to continue to promote the beef industry because I love working with the cattlemen and cattlewomen and I love being in the industry. The first time I went to the Cattlemen’s Convention in Marco I saw all the girls wearing their sashes that were competing for the State Sweetheart Contest and that’s when I became interested in the Sweetheart position and role.” This role is something that Harley takes seriously. She says, “One of the roles as Sweetheart, to me, is to promote the industry in a positive way and that’s what I plan on doing. The school that I go to has a lot of city kids that aren’t familiar with agriculture and we’re surrounded by it, especially in Lake Wales! So one thing that I plan on doing is seminars at the college to get the college students and the WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
professors familiar with the industry. To me, educating the youth is very important so I plan on going to different elementary schools as well and doing different programs.” Harley has no intentions of settling for her county position alone. In fact, this June she will join other county Sweethearts as they compete for the Florida Junior Cattlemen’s Sweetheart crown. She says, “I’m very excited that I got picked for the position. American ranchers help feed the world and I think it’s important that we educate the public about the industry because it’s one of the biggest agricultural industries right now and we need food to continue to feed people. Without beef, things would be a lot different right now because beef is a great product, it has nutrients that we need to live and the cattle industry was one of the first industries in the state
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of Florida. It’s also important that we keep the heritage of raising cattle alive!” Certainly her Sweetheart achievement is not the end all be all for Harley’s agricultural endeavors. Truth be told, she has every intention of becoming an Ag teacher like her aunt. She says, “She’s my main motivation. She loves her job and is good at it. She really enjoys being a teacher and because of what I’ve seen and since I’m in the industry it’s what I’d like to do as well.” We wish her much success both in June, at the state competition, but also as she continues moving towards her degree and her goal of becoming an educator. If she is able to maintain her enthusiasm for the field, she will definitely touch many lives.
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By Melissa Nichols This Photo by Dani Bauer
A
cross the nation, over the years there have been many families who have opened their doors to a friend of their own child. Some have even taken in a teenager or young adult in need to live with them, but few have opened their doors to over 25. Meet the Bulloch family, Rusty and Julie Bulloch are not the average “mom and dad,” but that makes their journey even more amazing. They have the policy that “everyone is welcome” and it doesn’t matter where you come from or what your story is. All that matters to the Bulloch’s is where you want to end up. They have welcomed young adults from every walk of life to their ranch in order to surround them with love, nurturing, rules, consequences and most of all God! Their story goes back 30 years or so with a chance meeting at Lakeland High School that changed their lives forever. Although it wasn’t love at first sight (actually far from it) Rusty literally swept Julie off her feet. Julie previously met Rusty and wasn’t overly impressed with his arrogant high school football player attitude. What she didn’t know is that attitude was hiding a heart of gold. Rusty was also an avid wrestler and in his tradition of being a prankster,
Rusty decided to literally knock Julie off her feet with a wrestling move. This bold move to get her attention led to a friendship, a relationship, and ultimately true and honest love. Anyone who knows the Bulloch’s has no doubt they are soul mates. Rusty and Julie were married after several years of dating and that where this story begins. The Bulloch’s have both always had a deep love for agriculture that comes from their farming “roots.” Rusty says the farm life was just in their blood. Rusty took a job as a ranch hand at Rogers Citrus and Cattle in high school and Julie was raised working in the fields farming watermelon, corn, peas and anything else they could grow to make extra money. Her family had fish farms in Plant City and Polk County. After high school they managed the fish farms together for many years. They also both have always shared a love for horses. Rusty became an equine farrier and Julie has been involved with horses her whole life. Julie and Rusty became involved in the local rodeo circuits. Julie grew up competing in the local barrel races and felt the need to stay involved in the sport, even if it meant working the concession stand. Rusty spent many years as a bull-
Mom & Dad Drawdy. 82 and 84 years old and still gardening
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Amanda B u now 26 yrs lloch, old.
fighter at the rodeos until age caught up to him and the bulls could out run him, at which time he decided he could entertain the crowd from the announcer’s booth. Little did they know that everything they had been involved in was leading up what God had planned for them. Rusty and Julie have two biological children, Amanda who is the oldest and a “Daddy’s Girl,” a loyal Alabama football fan, and everything they dreamed their daughter would be and Brodie, who is Rusty’s best friend, hunting buddy, and (although he looks just like Julie) he is Rusty made over with his personality and jokes. They witnessed how raising their kids in a Christian home that was filled with the farm life and everything that came with it, was proving to teach their own children the benefit of hard work and values. The kids were involved in the rodeos at a young age. Amanda followed her mom’s footsteps with barrel racing and Brodie did a little of everything. The kids could be seen riding the tractor with their daddy before they were even stable enough to walk on their own. Amanda and Brodie really give meaning to the term “raised on a farm.” There isn’t anything they didn’t do. In 1994 the dynamic duo also became very involved in their church. Rusty started out leading the children’s ministry and as their kids grew he found his calling as a youth Pastor. Their youth group was known to be very unconventional. They often took trips horseback riding, on ATV’s and doing activities such as their own twist on “fear factor.” The youth group drew a lot of kids to knowing and liking Rusty, who was in return often called “Coach Bulloch.” Over the years they touched hundreds of kids’ lives through the rodeo WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
circuit, cowboy church, and sporting events. The non-conventional way of reaching kids was by showing them through actions not words. Rusty would show kids a sermon not let them hear one. This is when the journey with “kids” really began. The Bulloch’s didn’t wake up one day and said “Hey I think we want to open our doors to countless young adults.” It was one of those things that just happened. Rusty and Julie say it was never their goal to have their story told in a public platform. A majority of their friends didn’t even know the whole story. When they would see them with a “kid” other than their own two children they just assumed they were friends of their children. The “kids” all come from different walks of life, some needed a place to stay, some needed to get away from their neighborhoods, and some just needed additional guidance. Julie says, “We never intended nor tried to take the place of their parents, we just surrounded them with love, guidance and we were their mentors and friends.” Their love for the “kids” show in the relationships they continue to have with each and every one who has passed through their doors over the years. The Bulloch’s have rules and expectations that are not always easy for kids to follow, who may have come from a situation where they may have not had a curfew or ever done chores. In order to stay at the Bulloch’s house you have to follow the rules which are pretty simple: earn good grades, do your chores, keep your room and bathroom cleaned, and be respectful. Rusty often gives the kids opportunities to earn money by working around the ranch and with Julie’s pony ride/bounce house business. Rusty is the patriarch of this family. He rules the castle with love and encouragement, but INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Dwight (back),Devon and Shawndell will put the hammer down if he needs to. Julie is the one who is the friend. She is a shoulder to cry on and will help you put the pieces of a puzzle back together when they seem to fall apart. Julie is also known to keep their bellies full. Together they both encourage kids to strengthen their relationship with God. They both say they have only given the kids the platform to flourish; the rest is up to them. When asked why they call them their “kids” when some were already adults when they come to stay with them, they responded, “They are not our children, but they have a place in our hearts.” Most of their “kids” are now adults and have gone far with the help and support they have provided them. Several have gone on to play professional sports, others are in the military, have successful jobs, others are homemakers, and a few have even gone into the ministry. The Bulloch family home isn’t a huge mansion like people may picture but a modest home on a few acres. The Bulloch’s were never financially helped with this journey. They never legally adopted any of the “kids.” At times the grocery bills were very high feeding large numbers at a time. Rusty would simply say, “Let’s pray about this, God will provide,” and he would always end up with an extra job and Julie would always stretch the dollar a little farther. Not to say that this didn’t come without sacrifices, but no one ever did without. Amanda and Brodie, not being the only kids any more, were definitely affected at Christmas and other holidays when everything had to be spread out evenly between everyone in the house. The Bulloch’s decided to do something a little different and they began adopting a family every Christmas and secretly deliver gifts to them on Christmas Eve. These families never knew who they were. This taught that giving was much more rewarding than receiving. Still to this day they tell stories about those Christmases.
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Their biological kids are now grown up, Amanda is in her midtwenties and married to Steven Masek and has a daughter of her own, Raylee. Amanda’s life revolves around her daughter, her family and her instilled faith in God. Brodie is a hardworking, loyal young man who would give you the shirt off his back. Brodie spends a lot of time working on his truck or anything that is 4-wheel drive. When asked about their childhood and how many siblings they have they say “around 20 brothers and 6 sisters.” They love all the “kids” their parents have taken in. They never look back and wish it was any different. Several years ago a Canadian TV producer, Ian Wisniewski, contacted Julie through her pony party business “Little Hands Ranch” and asked to rent a horse for a promotional video. Once Ian met the Bulloch’s he saw something that he thought America would love. He took a video clip of the family and after showing it to the network GMC TV, they were convinced they did love the family and America would too. They just finished filming the first season of the show, which is set to air in early July of this year. When asked about the show Rusty said what makes him most proud is that this is a show the whole family can watch. Julie says that “although we see our lives as normal we are grateful for this opportunity.” In the end, I asked them both why they have given so much time to helping “kids” that weren’t theirs biologically, they said “the reward is to know that we have shown these young adults to pass it on, to be mentors, and to lead by example.”
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Coming in July on Is this journey over now that they are grandparents and don’t have any “children” of their own to raise? No it has just begun, because, at the Bulloch Ranch, the door is always open and everyone is welcome. You can follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ BullochFamilyRanch Twitter at www.twitter.com/Bullochsranch or watch them on GMC TV (soon to be UP TV).
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Florida
cording to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas.
Magnesium Sapodillas are a great source of magnesium, the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. Magnesium is essential for hundreds of biochemical reactions. Among its important functions are regulating heart rhythm, supporting bone health, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and maintaining normal blood pressure and normal functioning of muscles and nerves.
A Fruit and a Dessert
How to Select & Store It can take some skill to pick the perfect sapodilla. Choose one that has smooth, brown skin and can easily separate from the stem without leaking latex. Immature, unripe fruit will have green, rough, sandpapery skin. However, sapodillas can be picked while immature and will ripen and soften at room temperature in five to seven days. The perfect time to eat the fruit is when it feels firm, with some give, when squeezed. Ripe fruit can also be refrigerated for up to one week. If the sapodilla feels soft, it’ll be mushy inside.
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
F
resh Florida sapodilla is a sweet, delicious fruit that tastes like a mixture of pear, cinnamon and brown sugar. Native to Central America, the sapodilla was introduced to Florida in the 1800s and thrives in our warm and sunny weather. Florida sapodillas bear the most fruit from late April to September. Many cultivars of this tropical fruit exist and range in size, shape, and sweetness.
sert, sapodillas contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.
How to Enjoy
Vitamin C
Sapodillas are juicy and delicious when eaten out of hand. Simply wash, slice in halves or quarters with a knife, remove the large seeds, scoop out the flesh with a spoon and eat.
The outside of a sapodilla resembles a potato, with brown leathery skin and a small, roundish shape. Inside, the flesh is a yellow to brown color with a grainy texture much like that of a pear. There are multiple hard, black seeds in the flesh. Interestingly, the bark of the sapodilla tree is rich in a gummy latex substance called “chicle” that is used to make chewing gum.
Florida sapodillas are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, providing almost half of your daily needs in one fruit. Regular consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the body fight off infections, resulting in fewer colds, or colds of shorter duration. This antioxidant also neutralizes harmful free radicals from the body. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of some diseases, including several forms of cancer. Additionally, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Dietary Fiber
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one medium sapodilla (170 g) contains 141 calories, 0.75 g of protein, 1.87 g of fat, 33.9 g of carbohydrate, and 9 g of fiber. It provides 40% of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin C, 14% for dietary fiber, 10% for potassium, 8% for iron, 4% for calcium, and significant amounts of vitamin A, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and folate. For a fruit that tastes like a des-
Amazingly, one serving of this dessertlike fruit provides over one third of your daily needs for dietary fiber. Fiber has several important roles in the body. It helps your digestive system run smoothly and prevents constipation. Fiber also helps protect the membrane of your large intestine from cancer and other conditions by speeding up transit time through the gut. Fiber can also help lower LDL (the “bad type”) cholesterol, increase feelings of fullness, and stabilize blood sugar levels. Ac-
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Other ways to enjoy this tropical fruit include: • Slice and toss into salad, cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt • Puree and freeze for a sorbet • Boil and strain to make jam, jelly, sauce, or syrup • Mash fruit and add to cake batter, pancake batter, or pie filling • Use sapodilla chunks in a crisp or cobbler • Slice in half, mix flesh with cottage cheese and serve in the shells • Slice and fill a shortcake shell for a twist on strawberry shortcake Enjoy fresh Florida sapodillas today. This sweet, delicious fruit is the perfect dessert and is bursting with nutrients.
Selected References
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/sapodilla.html http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/ FLmameysapoteandsapodilla.pdf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.fairchildgarden.org
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To hold in moisture around your roses, and hopefully thwart the proBy Sean Green
Roses have graced gardens literally for centuries, being used as covers, shrubs, vines, container and specimen plants, flowering almost year-round in central Florida.
liferation of weeds, an organic mulch is recommended. As it decompos- ground Activities Naturally Amazing Photo Credit: April McDonald es, you'll replace the mulch, bearing in mind that even when your mulch disappears, you're building nutritious soil. Mulch makes weeding much easier, too.
Dyed Seashells
If you plan to use your roses as cut flowers, think about your intended arrangement and trim the roses length accordingly. Use larger blooms low in the container and use smaller blooms and buds at the top for height. Also, try to use odd numbers of flowers in your arrangement, as florists do. If you cut buds when they are too tight they'll probably refuse to open. Always make a clean cut with a sharp knife or cutting shears, trying to avoid a ragged cut for the sake of the plant.
Roses appear in a plethora of colors and scents. They also come with a wide range of implications and situations. You may give them on the occasion of a sweetheart, the Prom, a proposal, an acceptance, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparents Day, Boss' Day, Employees Day, Good Grades Day, Apology Day, the Kentucky Derby (Run for the Roses)...well, let's just say from birth to death, there's an occasion for roses. Now that you know that there's no need for an excuse to give this beautiful flower, plan a garden plot for roses and bestow the splendor of the rose on some unsuspecting soul soon and often. These roses are in memory of my precious dad Nelson Lunn, athlete and great golfer, now playing through with his good friend Art, both having gone home on December 18th, 2012. You've got all my love and respect, dad.
Are you looking for something to do with Directions: the seashells with water and an old toothbrush. Someleft rosesover will require the egg weekly dye? fungicidal or insecticidal spraying to•• Clean In a small pot, Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar and salt per cup of
qualitytossed of the it plant. aspectenough of rose care Ifmaintain you havethealready out, An youimportant may be lucky to is the some properin management of fungal black This disease not bewater and dye (enough to cover the shells) find the clearance section of spot. the stores. Thatwould old egg near prevalent in statesseashells. which lackThe our colors wet, humid Begin to• Bring dye to a soft boil, reduce heat, and simmer until you dye is as great for coloring are aclimate. nice pastel treat roses when new growth emerges, continuing through the growinghave the color you want. and look much more natural than paint. Any kind of dye can season. One asset associated with shrub roses is that these low-maintebenance used.roses I have triedto it black yet, but dye has are not resistant spotfabric with very few a orreputation no sprays. Red will be the fastest, easiest, and darkest of the dyes. The of working better than food dye. I can attest that fabric dye has other colors will vary in their ability to soak into the seashell. colored things I never intended it didornot Yet another fungal disease which to is acolor threatand in spring lateseem fall istopow-If the seashell is not accepting the color very well, try adding matter that it which was not made of leaves fabric.and buds with a powdery white dery mildew, covers new more Vinegar. Seashells are made of mostly calcium carbonate substance. This disease rarely kills the plant but will damage leaves and layered over a protein and mineral base. Vinegar dissolves calblooms. Materials: cium allowing more of the dye to soak in. Most shells are thick Seashells Other pests which you might encounter include caterpillars, aphids,enough that you don’t have to watch the clock and worry about Dye (egg dye, food dye, fabric dye) thrips or spider mites. The best hedge of protection for your roses isit. It is perfectly safe to let them soak for a day or two. Thinner Vinegar early detection of infestations. But that should be easy considering theshells may become translucent which looks really cool. Salt close scrutiny you'll afford your beauties once you fall in love with Water them. You may contact the extension office for BMP's (best management pot practices) for is these and other pest problems you may encounter. Small (smaller better)
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INIT HE FF IELD AGAZINE 2013 NT HE IELDMM AGAZINE JANUARY April M arch 2013 2013
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A Closer Look
By Sean Green
A Jest of Nature (lusus naturae)
Aedes aegypti ~ “the yellow fever mosquito” The Internet and other media sources have become flooded with grave warnings that Florida is the target of an invasion of giant mosquitoes this year. Headlines herald a fanciful fate; “Residents and visitors will be swatting a new ‘’giant’’ mosquito.” (ABC), “Gallinippers! Monster mosquitoes poised to strike Florida” (NBC), “Mega mosquito could invade Florida this summer”. (FOX) Some Internet sources are even warning potential vacationers to “think twice about your beach vacation this year.” (RT USA) Evolving from little more than speculation, embellished stories have become a catalyst for widespread fear and, coincidentally, an ally in the promotion of the large scale release of genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in Florida. The insect referenced by these sources is Psorophora ciliata, a native to Florida and indeed one of the largest bloodsucking mosquitoes in the United States. Public account of this mosquito sounds like great science fiction; “it’s mean, and it goes after people, and it bites, and it hurts,” says Anthony Pelaez, Director of Education at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. This mosquito is reported to have “emptied entire schoolyards of screaming children” according to West Palm Beach investigative reporter Terri Parker. The collection of accounts that augment this otherwise moderate species include stories of these mosquitoes swooping down on a man pulling him off a bridge and 200 ft into the air before dropping him into a creek. Another story describes a voodoo princess that kept a swarm of these mosquitoes as pets that would go after the tax collectors, leaving nothing of them but shoes and a satchel in less than five minutes. These stories make it clear that the “Gallinippers” are dangerous indeed, some sources claim they will attack fish, wild animals, and pets and DEET will not even stop them from inflicting wounds that “feels like you’re being stabbed.” Phil Kaufman, an entomologist with the University of Florida cautions Floridians that such accounts are usually exaggerated. “Don’t believe everything you read,” Kaufman said. “There is a lot of misinformation out there. The fact is, Psorophora ciliata is a common species that we see every year in Florida. Because they are a floodwater mosquito, they will be more abundant in areas prone to flooding. An event that would cause long standing flooding of a couple of weeks, such as a tropical storm or hurricane, would be needed to trigger the population explosion described in many of WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Gallinippers these warnings. These mosquitoes are no more aggressive than any other mosquito, they will bite only when they encounter a human, and there are rarely significant populations in urban environments. The insect is bigger than most mosquitoes and although its bite hurts more, its sheer size reduces the chances of successful blood meals, you see and hear them coming and they are nowhere near as fast as smaller species. Carlos Fernandes, Director of Hillsborough County Mosquito Control, chuckled as he told a Tampa Tribune reporter that these rumors surface every year. Shelly Redovan, spokeswoman for the Lee County Mosquito Control District explains, “We actually have fewer psorophora mosquitoes than we used to.” In part, because pastureland has given way to development. Of greater concern is the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), a native to Africa and established in the Americas. Unlike Gallinippers, it is a known vector for human illness such as yellow fever, dengue fever, and Chikungunya. It has evolved to depend on human environments and its adaptations distinguish it from others. Aedes aegypti are not typically found more than 300 feet from dwellings and can tolerate chlorinated water that would be inhospitable for forest dwelling species. It’s wing beat is not as audible to human beings as other mosquito species and it’s tendency is to attack lower portions of the body such as the ankles that are more difficult to defend. In fact, it is this species that forms the foundation from which the world’s first genetically modified (GM) mosquito has been created. Oxitec, based in the United Kingdom, is the biotech company responsible for the development and controversial release of millions of GM mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands, Malaysia, and Brazil and hopes to provoke similar releases in Florida. Although there have been few cases of dengue fever since October of 2010, mosquito control officials are considering the use of GM Mosquitoes to reduce populations of Aedes aegypti. Trials were to begin in Key West but the city commission has a non-binding resolution against the release until further research, demonstrable and measurable outcomes and federal approval are provided. A closer look and greater understanding of the 80 or so mosquito species in Florida may help our residence and visitors uphold a more candid alternative to speculative and hasty conclusions that are parroted in popular opinion.
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ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813) 752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com Swaps July 14, 2013 and December 1, 2013. CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau 863-439-3232
SHAVER 5O STUMP GRINDER 3pt. lift. Excellent condition. $2,950 Call Alvie 813-8722
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14KT GOLD AMMOLITE RING Unique Multi-colored fossil gem with unique mounting. Size 8 $250 or best offer. Call 863-370-8891 TOP GRADE TANZANITE RING 18KT GOLD Top grade, 18kt. Beautiful piece of jewelry. 1.05kt round nice blue gem with channel side diamonds. Size 7-1/2 $1,100 Call 863-370-8891
JOBS
NEW DOORS CLOSEOUT SPECIAL!!! $75 to $295. Call Ted today 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME TUBS Metal brand new in box 54” Mobile Home Tubs. Call Ted 813-752-3378 $145.00
FARM EQUIPMENT MAHINDRA 8560 40 actual hrs., 2wd, diesel, 83hp, shuttle shift, warranty. $22,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Write about events in your community. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures. Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com INDEPENDENT ACCOUNT MANAGER In The Field Magazine is looking for independent account managers to join our team! Please contact Danny@inthefieldmagazazine.com or call 813-759-6909.
YANMAR 186 2WD, diesel, belly mower. $2,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY HARRIS FERGUSON NO. 16 PACER With belly mower $1950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 KUBOTA L345 TRACTOR 34hp, 2wd. $4,250 Call Alvie (813)759-8722
MASSEY FERGUSON 210 2wd., diesel tractor. $3,750 Call Alvie. 813-759-8722
LAND WANTED 30 to 100 acres, no improvements. Hillsborough, Polk or East Pasco. Call H. Lee 813-986-9141 WALDEN LAKE EAST Desirable Walden Lake home! 3/2, NEW Kitchen all stainless steel appliance’s. Ready to sell. Call Malissa Crawford @ 813-967-0168 FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620 FOR LEASE 24 Acre Farm 5" Well Gulf City & Willis Road. Ruskin FL. Call or email Lee@leepallardyinc.com 813-355-6274 WANTED TO BUY Problem real estate mortgages. Will consider any situation, defaults, delinquencies. Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk County. CASH OUT! Call H. Lee 813-986-9141 2.66 ACRE NURSERY FOR SALE OR LEASE N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq ft frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout. Call Bruce 863-698-0019 FOR LEASE 15 acre for hay. State Road 70 & Vernon Road. Manatee County. Call or email Lee@leepallardyinc.com 813-355-6274 FOR LEASE Barn conveniently located off of highway 60 E. 4,000 sq. ft. $600.00 per month. Call 863-5332579 or 863-221-4047 MOUNTAIN HOME Located in Blairsville Georgia! Private home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, unfurnished basement, nice kitchen, sunroom, back deck for cooking out. Nestled in the trees, cool enough that there is no AC. Lots of outbuildings. A must see! MLS#212679, $180,000. 2.47 acres wooded, low maintenance. Call Jane Baer with Jane Baer Realty 1-800-820-7829
RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378
MISC. PRIVATE INVESTOR Will consider any situation. 813-986-9141
MASSEY FERGUSON GC2300 4 X 4 hydro stat transmission, 2702 hrs. $4,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
BUSINESS OWNERS Unpaid invoices dragging you down? Get your cash now! Factor your way out. Call H. Lee 913-986-9141
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
REAL ESTATE
LAWN EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
FORD 3400 INDUSTRIAL TRACTOR With loader, skid steer attached. $6,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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