In The Field magazine Polk edition by Berry Publications, Inc

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CONTENTS

January 2020 VOL. 13 • ISSUE 4 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association

28 POLK COUNTY JUNIOR CATTLEMEN

PAGE 10 State Fair Schedule

PAGE 33 Recipes

PAGE 14

PAGE 35 Jack Payne

Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 18 Ridge Youth Agriculture Foundation

PAGE 36 John Dicks PAGE 38 Endangered Species

PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter

PAGE 40 Activity

PAGE 23 PCYF Schedule PAGE 24 Sage

PAGE 41 A Closer Look

PAGE 25 News Briefs

PAGE 42 Stuffed

PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine

PAGE 45 PCCW

Hey Readers!

Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below

InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! PAGE

President – Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com Vice President – Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 338460849 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com State Director – David McCullers 1000 Hwy 630 W Frostproof, FL 33843 (863) 635-3821 crookedlakeranch57@ gmail.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 Mike Fussell 4520 Barush Rd Bartow, FL 33830-2629 (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@gmail.com Moby Persing 3380 Sam Keen Rd Lake Wales, FL 338989327 (863) 528-4567

PAGE 32 PCSO

P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005

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Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com

Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com Alternate – Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Cattlewomen – President, Missy Raney PO Box 453 Homeland, FL 33847 (863) 205-3977 Raney747@gmail.com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Warner University –

Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail. com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

HIGHER PERFORMANCE COMES AT A LOWER COST

Visit us at any of our 17 locations or on the web for Parts, Service, and Sales.

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Letter from the Editor

STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols

Happy New Year! We are so happy to continue to cover what’s growing in 2020. Now that the holidays are over it is time for fair season. The Polk County Youth Fair kicks things off in January. This true agriculture fair will be held the 25th through the 31st in Bartow. Students compete for ribbons in a wide range of events with livestock, plants, table settings and much more. Following the PCYF is the Florida State Fair. Held February 6 – 17, this fair hosts students from across the Sunshine State. FFA and 4-H students compete in a variety of events throughout the fair. Finally, the Florida Strawberry Festival is held February 27 – March 8. The 11-day event is held in Plant City and more than 500,000 visitors enjoy this celebration of the harvest of the strawberry. When attending these events, take time to take a closer look at some of the projects the FFA and 4-H students have been working on over the past year. The lessons they learn are invaluable and each participant should be proud of their hard work.

Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Anita Todd

See you at the fair! Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks

Sarah Holt

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

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25

Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.

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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

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Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

813-752-2379

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Dear Members and Friends, January 2020 is in full swing and there are a lot of activities happening. For many with children, the upcoming Polk County Youth Fair is approaching on January 25-31. I would encourage you to attend the commercial heifer show on Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. (January 28th) and the Beef Breeding Show on Thursday morning (January 30th) and the Market Steer Shows on Thursday evening. The Market Steer Auction is Friday evening, January 31. It is vital to come out and support these young people showing cattle and steers since it is a daily project with a lot of time and energy invested, not just for the exhibitor, but the entire family, which is why many of us love being involved in agriculture because it centers around the family.

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There are also several Ranch Rodeos happening all over the state. Polk County will host our Ranch Rodeo and Trade Show on Saturday, February 22. Come out and join us for a day of fun, family and action. These are our association’s biggest fundraisers, so bring a friend and spread the word. The Junior Cattlemen will be selling spots to put your brand on their Branded Table for $50.00. Please bring your brand and leave a mark on a beautiful table that will be raffled off at our April 23rdSpring Cattlemen’s Dinner in Bartow. Tickets for the table will be $10.00 and all proceeds benefit the Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s organization.

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The Florida Cattlemen’s Association will hold their quarterly business meeting and legislative Quarterly in Tallahassee in late January. We would like to encourage all cattlemen and cattlewomen to attend this since the work our state association does in Tallahassee is vital to the future of our industry. For more information, please check out the FCA website and magazine for details on hotels, agenda, etc. I wanted to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you the last two years, until next time, Eat More BEEF and I pray 2020 is a great year for the cattle industry and your operation. Kind regards,

Carlton Taylor Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President

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FLORIDA State Fair 2020 LIVESTOCK SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Open & Youth Beef Cattle Arrive Open – Angus, Grey & Red Brahman, Brangus, Hereford & Zebu Youth – Angus, Grey & Red Brahman & Brangus & Zebu 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Youth Rabbits Arrive 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Pre-Junior Rabbits Arrive 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Purebred Poultry Arrive 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Open & Youth Dairy Goat Early Arrival 7 p.m. Beef Exhibitor Meeting & Dinner THURSDAY, FEB. 6 8 a.m. - 12 noon Open & Youth Dairy Goats Arrive (Zone 4 & Out of State till 2 p.m.) 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Youth Swine Arrive 10 a.m. Purebred Poultry Judging 10 a.m. Youth Rabbit & Pre-Junior Rabbit Judging 10 a.m. Open Grey & Red Brahman Show 10 a.m. Open Brangus Show Following Brahman Open Hereford Show Following Brangus Open Angus Show Following Hereford Open Zebu Show 4 p.m. Youth Dairy Goat Fitting & Grooming Contest 5 p.m. Open Dairy Goat Show – Junior Show (Non Pay) 6:30 p.m. Youth Swine Dinner FRIDAY, FEB. 7 9 a.m. Youth Beef Showmanship (Angus, Grey & Red Brahman, Brangus & Zebu) After Beef Showmanship Youth Beef Show (Angus, Grey & Red Brahman, Brangus & Zebu) 10 a.m. Purebred Poultry Judging (as needed) 10 a.m. Youth Rabbit & Pre-Junior Rabbit Judging 11 a.m. Youth Dairy Goat Showmanship & Show 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Purebred Poultry Judges Q & A 6 p.m. Southeastern Miniature Zebu Classic

PHOTO BY TIM FRITZ

SUNDAY, FEB. 9 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open & Youth Beef Cattle Arrive Open – Limousin, Dexter, Simmental, Santa Gertrudis & Charolais Youth – Limousin, Simmental, Santa Gertrudis, Charolais & All Other Youth Beef Cattle 8 a.m. Youth Dog Arrive 8 a.m. Youth Dairy Goat Judging Contest (7:30 a.m. – Registration) After Judging Contest Open Dairy Goat Show – Senior Show (Pay) 9 a.m. Youth Dog Show (Showmanship, Rally, Agility, Obedience) 11:30 a.m. Youth Goat Judging Contest Awards 12 noon Youth Swine Show 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Purebred Poultry Released 5 p.m. Goats Released 5 p.m. Youth Swine Released (or at conclusion of Show) 7 p.m. Beef Exhibitor Meeting & Dinner

MONDAY, FEB. 10

SATURDAY, FEB. 8

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9 a.m. Open Dairy Goat Show – Senior Show Non Pay) & Junior Show (Pay) 9 a.m. 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contest (8 a.m. - Registration) 9 am - 12 noon Youth Rabbit Showmanship – Senior Division 9 am - 12 noon Youth Rabbit Showmanship –Intermediate Division 9 am – 12 noon Pre-Junior Rabbit Showmanship 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Youth Rabbit Showmanship – Senior Division 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Youth Rabbit Showmanship –Intermediate Division 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Youth Rabbit Showmanship – Junior Division 1:30 p.m. 4-H/FFA Horse Judging Contest (12:30 pm – Registration) 4 p.m. 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Awards 4 p.m. Youth Swine Showmanship 5:30 p.m. 4-H Horse Judging Contest Awards 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Beef Cattle Released

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9 a.m. Youth Beef Showmanship (Limousin, Simmental, Santa Gertrudis, Charolais & All Other Youth Beef Cattle) 1 p.m. Open Dexter Show Following Dexter Open Charolais Show Following Charolais Open Santa Gertrudis Show Following Santa Gertrudis Open Simmental Show Following Simmental Open Limousin Show 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Open & Youth Boer Goats Arrive 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Youth Steer Arrive 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Youth Rabbit & Pre-Junior Rabbit Released

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THURSDAY, FEB. 6

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

8 a.m. – 12 noon Youth & Open Boer Goats Arrive 10 a.m. Youth Beef Show (Limousin, Simmental, Santa Gertrudis, Charolais All Other Youth Beef Cattle) 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. Youth Poultry Arrive 1 p.m. – 9 p.m. Pre-Junior (Pee Wee) Poultry Arrive 3 p.m. Youth Steer Showmanship 6 p.m. Boer Goat Judging Contest 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Beef Cattle Released

7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Youth and Open Dairy Arrive Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein & Jersey 9 a.m. Youth Boer Goat Show After Youth Boer Goat Market Goat Show & Youth Boer Goat Showmanship 12 noon – 8 p.m. Open Rabbit Arrive 2 p.m. Open Boer Goat ABGA Show (Non Pay) 7 p.m. Youth Steer Show

7 a.m. Open Cavy Arrive 8 a.m. Open Cavy Judging 8 a.m. Open Llama Showmanship / Halter Classes 30 minutes after Open Llama Halter Classes is completed Open & Youth Llama Performance Classes / Obstacle & PR 9 a.m. Pygmy Goat Show (Pay) 9 a.m. 4-H/FFA Poultry Judging Contest (8:00 a.m. – Registration) 9:30 a.m. 4-H/FFA Dairy Judging Contest (8:00 a.m. – FFA Check-in, 8:30 a.m. – FFA Written Test) (9:00 a.m. – 4-H Registration) 10 a.m. Youth Market Lamb Show Following Market Lamb Wether Dam Show 1 p.m. Open Rabbit Judging 1 p.m. Youth Sheep Showmanship 3 p.m. Ranch Rodeo (New Location – Stampede Covered Arena) 4 p.m. Open Dairy Release 5:30 p.m. Youth Dairy Social Following Social 4-H Dairy Judging Contest Awards 6 p.m. Ranch Rodeo (New Location – Stampede Covered Arena)

THURSDAY, FEB. 13

SUNDAY, FEB. 16

10 a.m. Youth Poultry (Purebred) Judging 10 a.m. Pre-Junior (Pee Wee) Poultry Judging 10 a.m. Open Boer Goat ABGA Show 12 noon Youth Steer Awards Luncheon 2:30 p.m. Youth Steer Released 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Youth Llama Arrive 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Pygmy Goats Arrive 6 p.m. Boer Goats Released

9 a.m. Open & Youth Llama Performance/Pack 9 a.m. Pygmy Goat Show (Non Pay) 9:30 am Youth Dairy Showmanship 30 min. after Youth Dairy Showmanship is completed Youth Dairy Show - Heifer Classes 11 a.m. Youth Registered Sheep Show 4 p.m. Youth Sheep Released or end of show 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Open Rabbit Released 5 p.m. Open & Youth Llama Released 5 p.m. Pygmy Goat Released

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5

FRIDAY, FEB. 14

7:15 a.m. Old Timers Breakfast 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Youth Registered Sheep, Market MONDAY, FEB. 17 Lamb & Wether Dam Arrive 9:30 a.m. Youth Dairy Show - Cow Classes 8:30 a.m. Open Dairy Show 2:30 p.m. Champion of Champions Contest (Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein & Jersey) 3 p.m. Youth Poultry Show & 4-H Poultry Judging Contest Awards 8:30 a.m. Open Rabbit Judging 4 p.m. Youth Poultry Released 9 a.m. Youth Poultry (Purebred) Judging 4 p.m. Pre-Junior (Pee Wee) Poultry Released 9 a.m. Pre-Junior (Pee Wee) Poultry Judging 4 p.m. Youth Dairy Released 9 a.m. Pygmy Goat Club Sponsored Sanction Show 5:30 p.m. Champion of Champions Dinn with Costume & Obstacle Contest 12 noon – 6 p.m. Youth Poultry Showmanship 12 noon – 6 p.m. Pre-Junior (Pee Wee) Poultry Showmanship 12:30 p.m. Youth Llama Show Meet the Judge Following Meet the Judge Youth Llama Showmanship Youth Llama Halter Classes 30 minutes after Youth Llama Halter Classes is completed Youth Llama Public Relations Classes 2 p.m. Youth Poultry (Commercial) Judging After Open Dairy Show Open Dairy Supreme Champion 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Open Llama Arrive 6 p.m. Youth Sheep Fitting & Grooming Contest 7 p.m. Ranch Rodeo (New Location – Stampede Covered Arena)

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

For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events

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Funding for this statement was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services.

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Tampa Bay Area Let’s Go Fishing Report

Capt. Woody Gore

Snook: (Still Closed) There are

greenbacks at the Skyway if you want to travel that far to net bait. If you’re looking for bait, check the south skyway fishing pier. You usually don’t have to chum. Throw into the shadow line of the bridge, to get your bait. Then there’s a good chance you can find a snook willing to eat them. If you look hard enough, you might also find some bait hanging around a few Tampa Bay markers. Snook are starting to migrate up into the bay and the creeks and backcountry canals. They are showing up around docks in deeper water with muddy bottoms. Reports indicate good days are tossing diving or suspending lures around inshore canals, creeks, and rivers.

Triple Tail: Capt. Mike Gore Guid-

ed client Bruce Roberts to a nice tripletail bite recently. They caught several good-sized fish off crab traps in nearshore waters.

Redfish: (Still Closed) Good red-

fish days reported on the north and south end of the bay. Fish the grass flats and mangrove shorelines. Live or dead bait under a cork is a good bet for nice sized redfish. Artificial lures are still in play, provided you get going before the boat traffic starts chasing up and down the flats.

Spotted Sea Trout: (Still Closed) The trout bite has been on fire all winter and should continue through February. Some enormous fish are hanging around shallow water

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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

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potholes. And on negative winter tide, wading is the best bet with a floating bait bucket full of good size shrimp. An excellent incoming or outgoing tide is usually the trick as they seem to eat better on moving water. Don’t be surprised when trout fishing with jigs if you catch several pompanos, flounder, or redfish in the same potholes.

Cobia & Sharks – Reports last week of a few cobia cruising the warm water discharges near power plants and a couple on the flats around the manatees. One was swimming under the big mammal, and you could hardly see it. It seems there are always plenty of sharks, jacks, and ladyfish hanging around for some great rod bending wintertime action. Remember, power plants offer some first-class wintertime action. Sheepshead, Snapper, Flounder:

Capt. Mark Gore found a mess of flounder with client James Brown while fishing docks recently, on the south end of Tampa Bay. You never what’s under a boat dock when you toss in a piece of shrimp. If you’re after these tasty striped fish, the first places to look are bridges, pilings, docks, oyster bars, and artificial reef rock piles located throughout Tampa Bay. Rig up with a #1 hook, small weight, and a piece of shrimp, oyster, mussel, or some little crabs and you’re in the game. There is some nice sheepshead coming from around the most Tampa Bay bridges. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”

813-477-3814

Captain Woody Gore’s Guide Service: The area’s top-notch outdoor fishing guide service. He’s guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years and offers first-class customer service, outstanding fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single Boat, Multi-Boat and Group Charters: With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any size group, outing, or tournament.

Website www.captainwoodygore.com Email fishing@captainwoodygore.com

Wishing you a Berry Happy New Year

From our Family to Yours

NEW AND EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPING AT FANCY FARMS. STOP BY AND SEE US AND PICK UP SOME DELICIOUS STRAWBERRIES!

Produce Stand: 5204 Drane Field Rd. | 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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FLORIDA

agriculture. STATE FAIR

ROOTED IN

Witness the tradition of agriculture at the Florida State Fair with over 100 open and youth livestock competitions and shows, educational exhibits and hands-on animal experiences. Always in Tampa. Always in February.

www.FloridaStateFair.com/fair2020 PHOTO BY TIM FRITZ

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L-R Bryanna Mixon (Ridge 4H), Kyleigh Criswell ( Dundee Ridge Academy FFA), and Kaylee Mixon ( Ridge 4H) @ Rural King selling sno-cones.

RIDGE YOUTH AGRICULTURE FOUNDATION By Anita Todd Jennifer Williams and Bryan Mixon saw a need when their children were participating in local FFA and 4H programs. Just like so many others, their hearts went out to the kids who couldn’t afford to purchase, house or feed animals in order to participate. But, unlike the majority of people, they aren’t ignoring those kids’ needs – they are doing something to help. For the past few years, Williams and Mixon assisted students in their purchases of animals, provided the land for them to live, or purchased food for them. There wasn’t a formal company or organization – they just reached in their pockets and gave what they could. But, six months ago, they finally formed the Ridge Youth Agriculture Foundation, a non-profit organization, designed to provide grants and scholarships to kids interested (RYAF) in ag. Both Williams and Mixon are board members. “We decided to make things official so that we could help more kids,” Williams said. “There is such a need, but we also have supporters all over the county.”

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To create RYAF, the required paperwork including by-laws was completed and registered with the State of Florida.

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It’s not hard to find out which students need help even though Williams’ son and daughter have graduated from high school. Mixon has three children involved in ag. For the most part, they find out about children’s needs from FFA and 4H advisors and teachers. “They see the situations that we can’t, so we usually follow their suggestions,” she said. In the short time that RYAF has been organized, they have helped about 20 students: 12 from Haines City High School, three from Lake Wales High School, two from Dundee Ridge Academy, one from Dundee Elementary Academy and a few who are homeschooled. Additionally, students can complete applications for grants and scholarships on the organization’s website. At the end of this school year, the organization hopes to offer scholarships for one graduating senior from both Haines City and Lake Wales High Schools who are majoring in an agrelated field.

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Braylon Criswell (Cloverbud @ Ridge 4-H) @ carwash The group raises money the good old-fashioned way, by holding car washes, selling barbeque chicken and pulled pork meals, and yard sales. “We’ve done pretty good with our fundraisers,” Williams said. “Everyone is very supportive once they find out what the money is going to.” They hope that soon supporters will begin making contributions on the website. But, in the meantime, the students are extremely appreciative of the help they receive, according to Williams. “They are expected to help out when we have events and fundraisers,” she said. “The parents even stay to help too.” At a recent yard sale, students began arriving at 5:30 a.m. to help set up and price items. The organization wants to educate folks about the organization and, in the process, convert them into supporters and volunteers. “We want people to know about the needs of the kids,” she said. “And, we also want everyone to know that we love our animals and take good care of them. They are treated very well.”

Julissa Colvano and Nicole Forney ( Haines City Sr. FFA) @ the nativity scene at First Baptist Church of Davenport.

Other board members are Crystal Mixon and Amanda Shiver. For more information, visit the group’s website at ridgeyouthagfoundation.org. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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CONGRATULATIONS

In 1881, the United States had three different presidents: Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield and Chester A. Arthur. Lou Gehrig’s salary in 1927, as a member of the New York Yankees, was $8,000. Pablo Picasso painted “Picador” at eight years old. to Reanna and Christopher our No Farmers, No Food In The Field custom made rod by Fishgillz winners. Make sure to stay tuned for even more giveaways by signing up for our newsletter www.inthefieldmagazine.com and following our Facebook and Instagram!

The first minimum wage instituted in the U.S. in 1938 was 25 cents an hour. Harrison Ford has a species of spider, Calponia harissonfordi, named after him. Fairy tale writer Hans Christian Anderson was dyslexic. Others afflicted by dyslexia include Thomas Edison, Woodrow Wilson, Tom Cruise and Henry Winkler. Zenith created the first TV remote control in 1950. It was called “Lazy Bones.”

If you would like a custom built rod reach out to FishGillz at 813-836-9806.

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Grandma Said

As I child I often wondered why Grandma smiled all the time. Now in my later years of life I know why she smiled, because I have the same problem. She couldn’t hear a word people were saying. Grandma and Grandpa went to church. Halfway through the service, Grandpa leaned over to Grandma and said, “I just let out a silent fart. What do you think I should do?” Grandma leans over and replies, “Put a new battery in your hearing aid.”

My Grandmother had a lot of wise sayings. One day I was in the kitchen with her, she said, “I’ll just give this a lick and a promise,” as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving the kitchen table and chairs. “What is that supposed to mean?” I asked, as in my young mind I envisioned someone licking the floor with her tongue. “It means that I’m in a hurry and I’m busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later.” “A lick and a promise” was just one of the many old phrases that I remember my mother, grandmother and others using that they most likely heard from generations before them. Many old phrases have become obsolete or even totally forgotten. Below is a list that I have put together over the years: 1 – I have a bone to pick with you! 2 – Bee in your bonnet. (To have an idea that won’t let go) 3 – Cattywampus (Something that sits crooked such as a of piece furniture sitting at an angle. 4 - Been through the mill (had a rough time of it) 5 – Dicker (To barter or trade) 6 – Hold your horses (Be patient) 7 – Madder than an old wet hen (Really angry) 8 - No spring chicken (Not young anymore) 9 – Persnickety (Overly particular or snobbish) 10 – Straight from the horse’s mouth (privileged information from the one concerned) As Grandma said, “Hold your horses I reckon I’ll get this whole kit and caboodle done. Please don’t be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I am tuckered out. You know I ain’t no spring chicken!” And as for me as I write this column, I promise to give it more than just a lick and a promise. One late afternoon a police car pulled up in front of Grandma’s house, and Grandpa got out. The polite policeman explained that this elderly gentleman said that he was lost in the neighborhood park and could not find his way home. “Pop,” Grandma said, “You’ve been to that park for over thirty years! How could you get lost?” Leaning close to his wife’s ear so that the policeman could not hear, Grandpa whispered, “I wasn’t lost, I was just to tired to walk home.”

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Grandma had a missed to a few Sunday sermons so the preacher stopped by her house to visit. As he sat on the couch he noticed a

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large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table. “Mind if I have few”” he asked. “No, not at all.” Grandma said. They talked for a while and as the preacher stood to leave, he realized that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he almost emptied the bowl. “I’m terribly sorry for eating all of your peanuts. I really just meant to eat a few.” The preacher said. “Oh that’s alright,” Grandma said. “Ever since I lost my teeth, all I can do is suck the chocolate off them.” A concerned grandpa went to a doctor to talk about his wife. He said to the doctor, “I think my wife is almost deaf because she never hears me the first time and always asks me to repeat things.” “Well,” the doctor replied, “go home and tonight stand about 15 feet from her and say something. If she doesn’t reply, move about five feet closer and say it again. Keep doing this so that we’ll get an idea of her hearing loss.” Sure enough, the husband went home and did exactly as instructed. He started off about 15 feet from his wife in the kitchen as she was chopping some vegetables and said, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” He heard no response. He moved about five feet closer and asked again. No reply. He moved five feet closer, and still no reply. He got fed up and moved right behind her, and spoke into her ear, and asked again, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” She replied, “For the fourth time, vegetable stew!” I’ll leave you with Grandma’s nine important facts as you get older. 1 – Death is the number one killer in the world. 2 – Life is sexually transmitted. 3 – Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. 4 – Men have two motivations; hunger and hanky-panky, and they can’t tell them apart. If you see a gleam in his eyes, make him a sandwich. 5 – Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years. 6 – Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing. 7 – All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism. 8 – In the 60s people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal. 9 – Life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow. And Grandma’s favorite saying: “As you go through life one learns that if you don’t paddle your own canoe, you Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair don’t go anywhere. Chatter was originally printed in the January 2017 issue WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

POLK COUNTY YOUTH FAIR

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Agriculture Center

Open to public each day at 8:30 am and close after last event of the evening.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020

8:00 am Horse Show (Open Horse Arena)

Stuart Center WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2020 9:00 am Closed to public Judging of Non Perishable Exhibits

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020

8:00 am (first half)......................Market Hog Show(Hayman Arena) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm...................Intermission of Market Hog Show 12:00 pm (second half)..................................................Market Hog Show 5:00 pm...............................................................Market Hog Showmanship

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020

9:00 am- 12:00 pm.........................................Top Ranch Hand Contest 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm...........................................Goat Tying Skills Contest 3:00 pm.............................................Rabbit Showmanship(Rabbit Barn) 8:30 am - 4:00 pm.......Archery Competition(Open Horse Arena) 6:00 pm.........................................................................Whip Popping Contest x4:00 pm...........................Commercial Heifer Show/Showmanship 8:30am................Dog Show (under tent) / Showmanship Classes

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

9:00 am - 4:00 pm........................Market Hog Sale (Hayman Arena) 9:00 am............................Judging of all Horticulture Exhibits(Room/tent will be closed during judging) 10:00 am.........................Cake Auction(Hayman Arena)(first five of ten cakes to be auctioned) 12:00 pm.........................Cake Auction(Hayman Arena)(last five of ten cakes to be auctioned)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020

2:00 pm....................................Poultry Showmanship(Hayman Arena)  4:30 pm......................................................Breeding and Market Goat Show/ Showmanship

•

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

9:00 am - noon............................Poultry & Egg Judging Contest, Rabbit Skillathon (for 4-H Individuals and FFA teams)not held in the poultry barn -(in the Valencia / Clover Rooms) 8:30 am until judge is finished.........................................Poultry will be judged(Poultry Barn will be closed) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.................................Purebred Beef Show/Showmanship (Hayman Arena) 6:00 pm..............................................................................Market Steer Show/ Showmanship(Open and Commercial)(Hayman Arena)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

9:00 am - 9:45 am.............. Horticulture Judging Contest(for 4-H Individuals and FFA teams)(Hayman Arena) 10:30 am - 11:30 am.............Livestock Judging Contest(for 4-H Individuals and FFA teams)(Hayman Arena) 12:00 pm..................................................................Judging Contest Awards Presentation(Hayman Arena) 12:30 pm.............Horticulture Awards Presentation for Exhibitors 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm...........................................Blueberry, Citrus, Peach & Ornamental Plant Sale(Hayman Arena) 5:00 pm.....................................Parade of Champions(Hayman Arena)Line Up at Stuart Center 6:30 pm................................Commercial Heifer Sale(Hayman Arena) 6:30 pm.............................................Market Steer Sale(Hayman Arena)(immediately following Commercial Heifer Sale

10:00 am Closed to public Tri Color Judging of Non Perishable Exhibits

9:00 am Closed to public Judging of Perishables/Tri-Color Judging

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 Open to public 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 Open to public 8:30 am - 7:00 pm 8:30 am - 3:30 pm................................Table setting & Menu Planning Contest(See rules for details) 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm...........................................................Scrap Off Contest 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm................................................................Working Booths 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm....................................................Mannequin Modeling TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

Open to public 8:30 am - 7:00 pm 10:00 am - 12:00 pm..............................Sew Off Contest - Individual (pajama pant) 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.............................Sew Off Contest - Team(pillow) 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm........................................................Storytelling Contest

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020

Open to public 8:30 am - 12:00 pm 9:00 am - 10:00 am..........Decorative Food Centerpiece Contest 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.............Closed for Chili Cook Off teams preparing for Contest Reopen to public 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020

Open to public 8:30 am - 7:00 pm 9:00 am - 11:00 am...............................................................Demonstrations 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm..................................................................Illustrated Talks 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm....................................................Mannequin Modeling 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm................................................................Working Booths

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

Open to public 8:30 am - 5:00 pm 10:00 am - noon......................................................................Working Booths 10:00 am - noon.........................................................Mannequin Modeling 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm...................................................Tri-Color Presentation 5:00 pm...........................................................................Parade of Champions

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020

9:00 am - 11:00 am........................Stuart Center Exhibits Check Out

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020

•

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm........................Stuart Center Exhibits Check Out Denotes Changes from 2018 Rules & Regulations

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FLorida

SAGE

By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Fresh sage is prized for its culinary and medicinal properties. Native to the Mediterranean countries, sage grows easily in Florida. This perennial herb is sometimes grown for its beautiful small, silvery leaves and spikes of purple flowers on mature plants. The leaves are green-gray and silvery, up to 5” long, growing from a woody stem. It’s scientific name, Salvia officinalis, comes from the Latin word salvere, meaning, “to be saved.” This herb is also referenced as the herb of health, wisdom, and immortality. Fresh sage is available in Florida throughout the winter months, but dried sage can be found in grocery stores year-round.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Sage is a relative to rosemary in the mint family and contains a variety of antioxidants, flavonoids, and volatile oils, with many health benefits. It is a great source of vitamins A and K. A two-teaspoon serving of dried sage (1.4 grams) contains 4.4 calories, 0.2 g fat, 0.85 g carbohydrate, 0.6 g fiber, and 0.15 g protein. Sage is high in beneficial flavonoids and volatile oils which function like antioxidants in preventing diseases. It also contains notable amounts of vitamins A, E, and K, as well as calcium, iron, manganese, and magnesium.

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

Vitamin A

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Sage is also a very good source of vitamin A. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and is essential for optimum health. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Sage, and other foods rich in vitamin A, may also be beneficial for lung health. Researchers at

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Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A and increase the likelihood of developing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in smokers.

How to Select and Store Fresh Florida sage is delicious and flavorful and available most of the year. Choose fresh sage that has leaves that are vibrant gray in color and free of yellowing or dark spots. Fresh sage can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to several days. Wrap leaves in a damp paper towel. Dried sage can be stored for up to six months in a glass container in a cool, dark place. Sage can also be frozen for later use. Chop leaves and place in an ice cube tray, cover with water and freeze for later use. Sage can also be dried for later use. Tie in bundles and allow to dry. Once brittle, remove the leaves and store in a glass container.

How to Enjoy Fresh sage imparts a lot of flavor and is often paired with chicken, turkey, or poultry dishes. It can be used as part of a dry rub or marinade. The leaves can flavor butter or vinegar. The leaves and flowers are also fully edible. Other serving ideas include: • Use sage as a seasoning for tomato sauce or soup • Top chicken or fish dishes with fresh sage • Mix chopped sage into your favorite bread recipe • Use sage flowers in salads • Mix into bean dishes or hummus • Add fresh sage to omelets and frittatas. • Use to top your next slice of pizza or sandwich. • Combine sage leaves with other vegetables in a salad Enjoy fresh Florida sage today. With its fresh, vibrant flavor, sage can be a healthy addition to almost any dish.

SELECTED REFERENCES http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

(SNAP) rule. Able-bodied citizens between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents are now encouraged to work as they participate in SNAP. A three-month limit within a 36-month time period applies for benefits, unless the recipient works or participates in a work-training program for at least 20 hours. The agency can waive the time limit in areas of high unemployment. States can also enact exemptions. The new rule does not apply to older recipients, those who are disabled or pregnant women. The rule is accessible at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr120419.

Updated Weed Identification Guide Available The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension bookstore has released an updated version of “Identification of Weeds in Florida Citrus,” a pocketsized, quick reference guide to weeds commonly observed throughout the state, as well as frequently found in citrus groves. The cost of the publication is $10 and it can be purchased online at http://ifasbooks.ifas.ufl.edu/p-249-identification-ofweeds-in-florida-citrus.aspx NCBA Accepting Nominations for 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is accepting applications for its 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award, which recognizes the nation’s beef cattle and livestock operations and their stewardship and conservation efforts. The deadline for applications is March 5. For more information, visit: https://www.environmentalstewardship.org/ awards/application. USDA Opens Signup for Conservation Reserve Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Farmers and ranchers who enroll in CRP receive a yearly rental payment for voluntarily establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as “covers”) to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands. More information is available at fsa.usda.gov/crp . USDA Changes SNAP Rule The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Information on the new courier service and packaging is available by visiting www.fdacs.gov/baddl , and selecting the “create shipping labels” option. USDA Seeks Comments on EQIP Rule The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comments on its interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the program that gives farmers, ranchers and forest landowners tools to improve their agricultural operations while conserving natural resources. Comments can be made through February 17 through regulations.gov under Docket ID NRCS-2019-0009. “Field to the Hill” Set for April 28-30 Florida Farm Bureau will host members in Washington, D.C. April 28-30 for American Farm Bureau Federation briefings and engagement with policymakers in the nation’s capital as part of the annual “Field to the Hill” program. More information will be available soon, but mark your calendars now.

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Bronson Animal Disease Lab Offers Sample Shipping Service The Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (BADDL) in Kissimmee is now offering United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx as couriers for shipping samples to the lab.

By Ginny Mink

Ornamental Gardening in Florida Part 64 Welcome to a new year and a new adventure on the Literary Time Machine. Join us as we embark on a journey through Mr. Charles Torrey Simpson’s 1926 book entitled: Ornamental Gardening in Florida. As we do every month, we expect to learn a great deal from this well-versed plant-man. This month we will begin with Ravenala. He writes, “Two species of remarkable, strong growing plants are placed under this generic name. R. madagascariensis, Traveler’s tree and R. guyanensis from northern South America. I have a specimen of the latter which has gone through with many vicissitudes such as having to be moved twice, but is now doing well and promises to become a fine plant.”¹ He continues, “The former is rather common in cultivation in Dade County. On the high pineland it reaches a height of perhaps twelve feet, blooms and occasionally ripens seed. I have a very large specimen planted just at the juncture of the high hammock and the lowland and I have permitted it to freely throw up suckers. It reaches a height of thirty feet, the great leaf stems being fifteen feet long and the size of a man’s arm below, while the blades are fully three feet wide and nine feet long.”¹ As if those measurements don’t seem outrageous enough, he adds, “A single flower cluster is four feet across and weighs twenty pounds but none of these have ever produced seeds. It is possible that if the suckers were kept removed it would seed. This is one of the most tropical appearing growths we cultivate here and it seems to be perfectly at home though once or twice it has been temporarily injured by frost.”¹ Impressive in size, and according to him, well suited for Florida living. But what exactly is the Ravenala? The Missouri Botanical Garden raves about the Traveler’s tree being a great addition to parks and larger landscapes. They suggest that it is a showy specimen and is, “Best sited in areas where sky (rather than trees or buildings) is in the background so that the outstanding ornamental characteristics of this plant can be best observed.”² They suggest that it looks a little like a banana tree given its leaf shape and size and some refer to it as the traveler’s palm. Having looked at this unique growing ornamental tree, and doing a little research, it seems like it might make an amazing looking addition to the center of a pasture or a large yard. It would definitely draw attention and become the focal point of any landscape design. Truly a unique looking tree, but research suggests it gets a good deal larger than Mr. Simpson claimed!

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Given that interesting tree, we are forced to wonder what else Mr. Simpson might introduce us to this month. As we read on, he pens, “Russelia juncea, the Coral plant from Mexico was a

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greenhouse favorite when I was a boy. Here in Lower Florida it is apparently as much at home as it is in its native land for where it is planted it takes possession. However, if it is mowed down when in full growth it may be kept from spreading. It is always on a dress parade throwing out its long slender branches that are constantly full of its slender, tubular scarlet blossoms.”

While this plant might sound attractive, it also had our “spidey senses” wondering if today we would consider the Russelia juncea an invasive species. Oddly enough, our research revealed that it is still cultivated in Florida and has only escaped cultivation in the Grand Cayman Islands. And, pictures certainly reveal a plant that we are quite familiar with and have seen in a number of yards here in Plant City. So, if you are looking to add a splash of red to your landscape design, and perhaps attract some butterflies or hummingbirds, this might be the plant for you! As we wind down on this adventure, we will look at one last plant he recommends, the Sanseveria. He writes, “Strong growing plants with creeping rhizomes that send up long, thick leaves which have various patterns of variegation. Here if turned loose in the open they take possession unless they are grubbed back and they would better be planted in some restricted area…Useful for fiber and sometimes called Bowstring hemp. They rarely produce their very handsome flowers.” The idea of some acceptable “hemp” growing here is intriguing. Yet, we were sorely dismayed to discover that these plants are better known to the world as Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. So much for hopeful “hemp” enthusiasts. No doubt you have seen these plants all over the place. That said, we hope that you have enjoyed your time on the Literary Time Machine and that you will takes some of these plants into consideration as you continue happily gardening through 2020! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 193-196). ²Missouri Botanical Garden. (2019). Ravenala madagascariensis. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/ PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282805 Photo Credits: Cutler, Wendy. (2015). RavenalaMadagascariensis_ByodoinTemple. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/246Lppc gailhampshire. (2016). Coral or Fountain Plant. Russelia Juncea. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/F97Pxo Hornbeam Arts. (2014). Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/p2LSfH WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.

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Ashlee, seen here with her father, Bud, is a secondgeneration employee. As a reclamation ecologist, she works to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, agriculture, restored streams, and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.

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Oh The Places They Will Go:

Polk County Junior Cattlemen Are Raising the Steaks When It Comes to Leading the Next Generation of Beef Industry Leaders By: Laura Lee Taylor

When I think of the young and enthusiast members of the Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s Association, the famous book by Dr. Seuss, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go,” pops in my head and many of the inspiring and encouraging words from the famed author start to come alive. As Dr. Seuss would say, “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” The Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s Association (PCJCA) provides a platform and community to help train and develop the future leaders of the cattle and beef industry, where educational opportunities are available and ideas can be shared to help each other learn and make improvements to their individual cattle operations.

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The county junior association was established in the late 1990s and was active on and off until 2016, but the program became dormant for the last three years. I had the opportunity to serve as the first president of the PCJCA in 1997-1998 and myself and Christie Shirah Shenefield were members of the state winning Team Marketing contest in 1999.

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Therefore, in the spring of 2019, Joe and Laura Bennett, Trista Sherouse, Christie Shenefield and myself worked to reorganize the county JFCA chapter. We reached out to Summer and Jeremy Walker, the last advisors of the county association and we contacted the Florida Cattlemen’s Association to provide us with the membership list of the more than 60+ state members that lived in Polk County. Therefore, now as parents, we realized the need to help bring back an organization where kids in Polk County can get involved in the cattle and beef industry beyond their 4-H and FFA Chapters. Joe Bennett communicated through email to the 60 state members and we held our PCJCA first meeting in April 2019, where we discussed the state contests for juniors that are held in June of each year at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention and Trade Show. During our first meeting, we had several members express interest in participating in the state contests in Marco Island. Therefore, eleven Polk County’s junior members did an excellent job representing our county at the Annual Florida Cattlemen’s Convention in Marco Island in June 2019. Their hard work paid off and the following teams and individuals placed at the State Contests: WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

· 2nd Place Team Marketing with members: Jessie Bennett, Payge Dupre and Carlee Taylor · 2nd Place Junior Quiz Bowl with members: Jessie Bennett, Payge Dupre, Raelan Sherouse, Carlie Shenefield · 4th Place Senior Quiz Bowl with members: Jesse Bibby, Peyton Chandley, Taylor Gutmann, Charleigh Wood · 1st Photography: Carlie Shenefield · 1st Photography: Macie Shenefield · 1st Photography: Peyton Chandley · 1st Stockman’s Challenge – Graysie Sherouse, Pee Wee Division During the annual convention, PCJCA member Kylee McMullen of Polk City won Premier Brahman Bull, Premier Brahman Exhibitor and Premier Brahman Breeder for 2018-2019 for the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. The trip to Marco Island would have not been possible for many of these kids if it was not for the generosity of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, The Tomkows at Cattlemen’s Livestock Auction Market, Larry Locke, Kenny Raney and several order buyers at Cattlemen’s who gave donations and bought cakes made by several of our juniors and their contacts during one of the Tuesday sales during the summer of 2019. Since April, the PCJCA has held a September and November meeting, which included speakers Dusty Holley from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association about the benefits and reasons to get involved in the FCA and cattle industry and a Herd Health presentation from Carlton Taylor, President of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. The Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s Association (PCJCA) recently elected their 2020 officers on Friday, January 3rd after an application process and judge’s selection established by the President of the Polk County Cattlewomen’s Association, Missy McLaughlin-Raney. The following members will serve as officers for 2020: · President - Taylor Gutmann · Jr. President - Raelan Sherouse · Vice President North - Jessie Bennett · Vice President South - Karah Holt · Jr. Vice President - Carlee Taylor · Secretary - Payge Dupre · Jr. Secretary - Carlie Shenefield · Treasurer - Crystal Carlson · Jr. Treasurer - Weslee Howell · Reporter - Quentin Dickson

ing built and designed by Randy Skinner of Skinner Cabinetry. The juniors are also selling $10 raffle tickets for a chance to win this beautiful table that will be on display during the Polk County Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, February 22nd. Tickets will be sold until April 23rd and the drawing will be held during the April 23rd Cattlemen’s Meeting and Steak Supper in Bartow. Bring your brands on February 22nd and help support our juniors. As members of the Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association, many members from Polk County load their trailers each month and head out to shows around the state as they participate in the JFCA Points Series from July to December of each year. At the end of the show season, points are tallied, and a Champion is selected, and the Top 5 placings are recognized for each division area. Points are awarded based on class placings at each of the shows and these exhibitors are recognized during the July JFCA Hottest Show on Earth and Kick-Off Event. Exhibitors also can compete for showmanship points, or how well the exhibitor presents their animal in the ring. In July 2019, we had several juniors from Polk County recognized for their hard work in the 2018 JFCA Point Series: · Champion Brahman Influenced Female Division – Carlee Taylor · 3rd Overall Brahman Influenced Female – Carlee Taylor · Champion Bred & Owned Female Brahman Influenced – Kylee McMullen · Champion Registered Brahman Female Division – Kylee McMullen · Champion Registered Brahman Bull – Kylee McMullen · Reserve Champion Bred and Owned Steer – Payge Dupre · Champion Intermediate Showman – Kylee McMullen · Reserve Champion Collegiate Showman – Blair Buchanon The Polk County Junior Cattlemen members are an exceptional group of kids that work year-around dedicating their efforts to informing others about the beef industry. Our junior cattlemen exhibit and show cattle and livestock at the county, state and national level. In addition to showing

Upcoming events include: informational meetings about the Polk Junior Cattlemen’s Association during the Polk County Youth Fair Commercial Heifer, Steer and Beef Breeding shows during the fair. More information can be found on FACEBOOK in the next few weeks about times and stall locations of the meetings during the fair. Current members can pick up their PCJCA t-shirt and new members can join the County Association for $10 (T-Shirt included) and pay $10 to join the State JFCA. The PCJCA Fundraiser for 2020 is a Branded Table where members are selling $50 brands where ranchers can get their brand put on this unique table becontinues on 30 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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cattle, we have members who are working on reproduction programs that include advanced technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer, as well as members that just love the traditional ranching, where they love the lay of the land and have a passion for raising cattle. Never before have people had more access to information and technology at their fingertips than they do today in 2020. Therefore, it is vital that our young beef industry leaders utilize this power in a positive light and advocate for the beef industry in a world where Hollywood is out promoting a vegan lifestyle and advocating for plant based fake meats such as the Beyond Meat Burgers and the Impossible Burgers that are popping up at restaurants and fast-food locations across the USA. As beef producers, we should all be working together to improve and help each other make a better beef product for the end consumer versus trying to outdo each other. Your competition is the people around the world at organizations like PETA and Animals Rights Mission (ARM) who are constantly working to destroy our industry and are fueled by high-dollar budgets. So don’t view the kid that just won the show as your competition or create dislike towards them, but rather view them as someone you want to inspire to make your cattle look like, ask them and their family questions on how you can improve or what makes them successful, because remember, as farmer and ranchers we are the minority with less than 2 percent of the population having a connection to the farm now. So work to build others up and help each other make everyone’s cattle better, not for just yourself, but so ultimately the consumer will have the best experience when they taste your beef or genetic influence somewhere in the food chain, down the road. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12 Always remember these words, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

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If you have a child, a friend or know of someone that is 8-21 years of age that has an interest in cattle industry, please have them reach out and get involved in the Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s Association. I promise, it will be the best $10 you spend. We look forward to seeing you at the Polk County Youth Fair January 25-31st and the Polk County Cattlemen’s Ranch Rodeo on February 22nd.

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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

THE RISE OF RABIES IN 2019

Our year ends with an increase in the number of reported rabies cases, up from just three in 2018 to eleven in 2019. This isn’t the kind of statistic you would want your county to lead the state in, but as I write this, Polk County has had the most reported cases this year. That’s according to data from FloridaHealth.Gov.

In November, a 15-year-old Davenport boy was bitten by a raccoon that had rabies. The boy said the raccoon appeared sick, so he attempted to help it. This is why it’s very important to educate children about rabies. Instinctively, children want to help a sick looking animal, especially if it’s cute like a raccoon or fox.

This year, we had six raccoons and five bats that tested positive for rabies. In the state, 65 of the rabies cases involved raccoons, while the next most frequent infected animals were bats (22) and fox (15).

Fortunately, the boy survived the encounter. But that wasn’t the case in 2018 when a 6-year-old boy was bitten by a rabid bat and died near Orlando.

The cases we had this year were scattered all across the county and throughout the year. Rabies itself is considered a preventable viral disease. Vaccinations for domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets (four months or older) is mandatory in the state of Florida. Being vaccinated could save your pet’s life, or even yours. Let’s not forget that humans are capable of dying from a rabies infection. All mammals are, however it’s very rare for opossums to get infected due to their lower body temperature which makes it difficult for the virus to survive. As you might have guessed from the stats provided above, raccoons and bats are most frequently infected. Cats are the most frequently infected domestic animal.

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The rabies virus is typically spread from bites and scratches from infected animals, often by saliva.

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If you are bitten, scratched, or believe you may have been exposed some other way, take action quickly. If you are wounded by the animal, wash the area with soap and water immediately and get treatment. If you see an animal that you believe is rabid, contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control section at 863-5771762. Do not try to capture the animal yourself. If the animal is captured by Animal Control, it will be sent away for testing to determine if it was infected with rabies. The common belief is that a rabid animal will be aggressive and foaming at the mouth, which can be true, isn’t always the case. Some rabid animals do become aggressive and try to bite or scratch people or other animals. Some rabid animals may act far differently. They might act scared. And that’s where it gets dangerous for people, as they get closer to the animal, or reach for it. The best advice is to remember that wild animals are wild. Enjoy them from a distance, and don’t try to feed them. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

s e p i c e R These recipes come from WWW.STRAWBERRYSUE.COM

Florida Strawberry & Gorgonzola Salad INGREDIENTS 6 cups of fresh spinach 1 cup of fresh strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 1 apple, sliced thin 4 tbs of your favorite vinaigrette

DIRECTIONS Toss all ingredients and serve immediately.

Easy Strawberry Cobbler

DIRECTIONS

Meanwhile, in medium bowl combine sugar, flour, milk and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Remove baking dish from the oven and pour cobbler base into the middle of the pan. Next pour the prepared strawberries down the middle of the cobbler. Avoid your temptation to stir! Bake at 350°F for one hour.

Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious and easy treat! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Bring strawberries to room temperature. Wash, drain and remove caps. Slice strawberries and toss with 1 tbsp of sugar. Place the stick of butter in a 9×13” baking dish, or for a thicker cobbler use a 8×8” baking dish. Put the baking dish in the oven to melt the butter.

INGREDIENTS 16 oz strawberries 1 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar 1 stick butter 1 cup flour 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F.

By Jack Payne | UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones We’re bringing some of the best minds in the world – not to mention one of the leading ag visionaries in Hillsborough County -- to Gainesville to look into the future. Our goal is determine how to keep you, your children, and your grandchildren in the food business. The Future of Food Forum on Jan. 15 aims to give us direction on what researchers and farmers should be doing now to bring innovation to Florida fields. International experts will share the podium with Florida producers. For example, Hillsborough County strawberry grower and entrepreneur Gary Wishnatski will serve on a panel with captains of agribusiness from companies such as Syngenta. We’ll have a Gates Foundation executive and the Nigeria-based leader of a global tropical agriculture institute sharing the stage with the Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Committee chair, Sarah Carte. You can watch it from the Hillsborough-Polk area by clicking on the “Watch Live” button at https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ foodforum/ . The next day, Jan. 16, the techies are up. We’ll host “Pathways Towards the Next Generation of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Florida.” We’ll explore how we can harness huge amounts of data to improve your crops, as well as what policies we’ll need to make that happen. We’ll assemble the state’s leading water policy experts to hear what needs to happen to keep the taps running on farms even as cities get bigger and thirstier. You can watch it at: https://mediasite.video.ufl.edu/Mediasite/Play/f32c6708b4eb407082b602de78f757751d I know you’ve got plenty to deal with in the here and now. But if you don’t start considering drones, artificial intelligence, robots, and the like, you’ll be competing some day against growers who already are thinking about these things. One could dismiss this as all talk if we at UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences didn’t have the capacity to act on some of the vision that emerges. When we convene experts, we get A-listers. With UF/IFAS, Florida farmers have one of the best R&D shops anywhere on the planet. You’re going to need it. Your grandparents or great-grandparents fed about 18 people when they ran the farm. Today, you feed 164. You can expect to be feeding even more as we add 2.5 billion more mouths to the planet by mid-century.

FUTURE OF FOOD forum

JANUARY 15, 2020

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | GAINESVILLE, FL

ATTENTION academics, industry, innovators, policy makers and students, the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at the University of Florida is hosting this Forum to: • Explore the frontier of global food innovation • Highlight the potential for food innovations to improve human well-being • Provide guidance to the scientific community on the most important areas to make better functioning food systems and to improve global nutrition security. for more information

isfs.institute.ifas.ufl.edu

I don’t know how much harder you can work to keep up. You’re going to have to work smarter. We can help. Come to these campus events or watch on the web to get a glimpse of what lies ahead.

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If you can’t make it, reconnect with the closest UF/IFAS research and education center or Extension office. But start planning for that future now.

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2020

Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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75866-1

LAWMAKERS MAKE LAWS EARLY IN 2020

by John Dicks

The Florida Legislature starts cranking up its affairs early this year. Normally law-making things in Tallahassee get going about the same time as the Strawberry Festival. This year, though, the annual 60 day session gears up in January. Our state Constitution dictates the meeting dates. A couple of years ago, voters amended it to allow the session in even years to have an earlier start than the traditional springtime run, provided Legislators so decided. Of course “even years” also equates to “election years,” particularly for the 120 members of the House of Representatives, all of whom are elected every two years, consequently so in the even years. Likely, many of those legislators wanted an early start to the session in order to leave plenty of time for campaigning (and fundraising) as the year wears on. The official opening date for 2020 was marked on the calendar for January 14. Granted that’s a Tuesday, which may seem a bit odd, but I suppose that nobody really wanted to get to work on Monday. It sounds a bit silly, I know, but it is worth noting that it always has been such that the opening date is on a Tuesday. Probably that was first done back in the day when it took so long to get to Tallahassee, particularly by horseback, and by starting on Tuesday, Legislators had a long three day weekend to travel there. Things have changed, obviously, but not so for tradition. So a starting date of Tuesday it is. Making the opening day fall on the second Tuesday of the month (another tradition), means that Legislators arrive in the cold of Tallahassee, which it always most definitely is in January. There to greet them are thousands of proposed bills or legislation to consider. Most will never be passed. Probably fortunately so, too, since frankly, I always find it amazing, if not shocking, to note that our Legislators would suggest that there are so many things wrong with our beloved Sunshine State.

There will be several bills considered which may impact “home rule” authority of local jurisdictions. The “home rule” concept holds that leaders of cities and counties know better the needs, desires, and generally what works best on a local basis. Mayors and Commissioners certainly don’t want the State Government to dictate things. State Legislators, though, often get carried away with matters and want to mandate most everything from whether red-light cameras are allowed at stop lights to what day city elections shall be held. As a former Mayor and Commissioner myself, I can vouch for the frustration caused by such edicts from on high. One quick example of such meddling is that a few years ago, in the face of increased gun violence, some cities and counties (particularly in South Florida) enacted gun sales ordinances that were stricter than generally prevalent throughout the state. In 2011, the State preempted such actions, saying individual cities and counties were not permitted to do so. This year, bills have been filed to reverse the state’s mandate, thus allowing local jurisdictions to again adopt more strict ordinances. There are similar such proposals that will consider whether local governments can regulate all matters ranging from fireworks to sunscreen sales. Yes, really, sunscreen sales have become an issue because people in the Florida Keys are rightfully worried that certain sunscreens cause damage to coral reefs and don’t want the State Government to tell local governments what can and cannot be done about it! Since it is an election year, we can expect to see some posturing going on by Legislators who want to attract attention or otherwise create a statewide presence and name for themselves. There will also be a bit of nonessential stuff in the works, too. Already filed is a bill to have coconut patties declared Florida’s official candy. For what reason, I do not know, but I suppose that it is vitally important to some constituency group somewhere!

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

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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es

A Big Blow: North Atlantic Right Whale

By Ginny Mink

As we begin a new year, “Welcome 2020,” it is important to review some of the effects of the past year on Florida’s endangered and imperiled species. Though some species saw improvement in their numbers, namely manatees, one species continues to be on the verge of extinction. This is the North Atlantic Right Whale. The North Atlantic Right Whale has a distinct appearance that can be readily recognized thanks to the white calluses on its head. Its broad back is topped with the signature whale dorsal fin and its mouth is very long and arching, beginning just above the eye.¹ In 2018, the North Atlantic Right Whale population bore no calves. This was quite detrimental to the population increase hopes. At a population of only 399, the fact that 2019 saw the births of seven calves didn’t do much to improve their chances of continued existence. Florida Today claims that, “Right whales appear the worst off of all Florida’s endangered wildlife.”² These enormous creatures can weigh up to 70 tons and are known to live as long as 70 years. They can get to lengths of 52 feet. These whales have been included under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. And, of the almost 400 North Atlantic Right Whales alive today, less than 100 of them are known to be breeding females. Recent years have seen some serious mortality issues among these whales.³ Perhaps some of you recall a whale named Clipper that made headlines after swimming into the Sebastian Inlet near the Indian River Lagoon. This was about three years ago, and she had her calf with her at the time. She was roughly 45 feet long and her baby was 18 feet in length. They spent about a day in that location. Unfortunately, she was killed in June of this year after being hit by a ship in Canada. Ironically, her name was based on the fact that at some previous time a part of her tail had been ‘clipped’ off by a ship.² This was a big blow for whale lovers, especially those familiar with Clipper’s story. North Atlantic Right Whales are baleen whales. This means they feed by swimming with their mouths open through swarms of plankton. They keep their heads slightly above water when doing this.¹ Then, they filter out the tiny organisms through the baleen in their mouths. This traps the plankton and copepods they live off of.³ We cannot give up hope for saving the North Atlantic Right Whale even when things look bleak.

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The reality is, that in recent years more adult females than males have been killed. And, since it takes females ten years to reach sexual maturity this could cause serious problems. Pregnancies take a year and only produce one calf. Then there will be a three year break between the next pregnancy. Unfortunately, scientists have noticed that this length of time has increased from three years to somewhere between six and ten between pregnancies. These whales are reproducing at roughly a third of their average annual birth rate.³

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In the 1930s, whaling became a serious problem for whale populations and was therefore put to a stop. Unfortunately, that decimation has had lingering results. Though it is no longer legal to hunt what early whalers deemed the “right” whales, from whence they got their name, their ocean habitats are still not safe for them. The biggest threats to their existence are ship collisions, entanglements in fishing nets, and the separation of mother from calf due to shipping traffic. Even small threats seem to have significant impact when you are dealing with such a small population.¹ So, what is being done about it? Well, NOAA Fisheries says that they are committed to protecting and helping recover the severely diminished population. They have some methods and strategies in place to make that happen. These include protecting and designating critical habitats. They seek to rescue whales that are entangled in fishing nets and want to reduce the injuries and mortality caused by these things. Their scientists are investigating North Atlantic Right Whale deaths and they are tracking individual whales to monitor the population.³ Additionally, World Wildlife Federation was able to change the shipping lanes in Canada’s Bay of Fundy. This significant milestone occurred in 2003 and has been able to reduce the risk of ships striking these whales by up to 80 percent. In reality, it is up to the International Whaling Commission to regulate whaling and address the threats to this species.¹ If you are looking for ways to help, make sure you report North Atlantic Right Whale sightings. You can do that by calling 877-WHALE-HELP or by contacting the U.S. Coast Guard. Anytime you see distressed marine life you should report that as well. And, stay 500 yards away from any North Atlantic Right Whale you might come in contact with. This is rule is designed to protect the whales, and the distance from them includes drones, so don’t try to get “great footage.” As we tell you every month, these creatures are put here by God and serve a unique purpose in His plan. As stewards of this planet it is our job to keep these animals safe! Resources: ¹World Wildlife Federation. (2019). North Atlantic Right Whale. https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/north-atlantic-rightwhale# ²Waymer, J. (2019). Florida’s imperiled species see good news and bad news in 2019. Florida Today. https://www.floridatoday. com/story/news/local/environment/2019/12/06/someflorida-endangered-species-fared-better-2019-but-whalesstruggled/2606358001/ ³NOAA Fisheries. (2019). North Atlantic Right Whale. https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/north-atlantic-right-whale Photo Credit: Packard, Lauren. (2003). North Atlantic Right Whale. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/i2VSU1 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally

by Sean Green

Popsicle Stick Cooper This month we are featuring a quick but cute craft made with popsicle sticks. We are going to make an old fashion barrel to hold a glass fragrant candle. Up until the early 1900s, almost everything was stored or shipped in wooden barrels called coopers. White oak was used for casks that held liquids. Red oak, ash, chestnut, pine, and spruce were used for dried goods as well as salted meat, butter, oils, paint, white lead and even toxic chemicals. Our project is with popsicle sticks, which are traditionally made of white birch, which would have been a more common material in the northern states such as Maine. For our purpose, popsicle sticks are perfectly appropriate to give your candles a rustics theme.

Supplies: Popsicle Sticks (craft sticks) Hot Glue Fabric Glue Rubber Bands Toilet Paper Role Ribbon (optional) Jewelry Wire (optional)

Production:

gently roll the rubber band away from the ribbon band so it does not stick to the glue and your project. Allow to dry, the barrel can be lifted off the candle and reused for another candle.

Measure and cut a role of toilet paper to fit around the candle. It does not have to be full size; we will glue the craft sticks to the toilet paper rather than the candle so new candles can be placed inside the finished barrel Measure one stick to the desired size, cut enough sticks to size to go completely around the candle. Using a rubber band, position the toilet paper and craft sticks around the candle without glue.

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This will allow for adjustments before gluing.

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Add a line of hot glue between the craft stick and toilet paper (see below). One at a time, pry the craft stick away from the toilet paper, squirt a line of glue onto the toilet paper, release the craft stick back in place. Continue until all sticks are glued.

Options:

Adjust rubber bands as a guide for the banding of the barrel Draw a line of fabric glue alone the edge of the rubber band Tack ribbon to the wet fabric glue,

The banding can be done with any material that is handy. Consider using jewelry wire, folded foil, twine, even a painted rubber band.

For a more rustic look, the craft sticks can be dyed with any wood stain or painted.

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A Closer Look

by Sean Green

Red Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) (that feed on carrion) but also Old-World hawks and eagles. Buteo is a genus of raptors with broad wings that we associate with vultures circling high above in the thermal winds. In the Old World, members of this genus are called “buzzards,” In North America we call this genus “hawk.” There are 26 species worldwide and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Unlike vultures, birds in the Buteo genus are hunters, typically ambushing live prey from a perch but will scavenge a carcass if live food sources are scarce. The word raptor comes from the Latin word “rapio” which means to take by force, a fitting name for a hunter. The term “buzzard” is incorrectly used synonymously with the term “vulture” and the history of the confusion is a simple misunderstanding. When Europeans began exploring and colonizing North America, they gave familiar names to unfamiliar birds. The flight patterns of our own turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), black vultures (Coragyps atratus) soaring the thermal currents reminded early Europeans of birds they called the “buzzard” (Bueto) in Europe. The New World vultures, although not of the Buteo genus, were incorrectly called “buzzards” for their similar flight pattern. The mistake was perpetrated throughout our history and eventual cataloging of North American species; however, the common name stuck and remains a synonym for vulture, a bird that is more closely related to a stork than to an eagle. There are five subspecies of Bueto in North America, we have two right here in Florida that include: B. l. alleni (Ridgway, 1885) that ranges from parts of Oklahoma to South Carolina and N Florida and another, B. l. extimus (Bangs, 1920) that is limited to South and Central Florida through the Florida Keys. Our local species, commonly called I hope your holidays were safe and included some time spent Bangs Red Shouldered Hawk B. l. extimus is both beautiin nature. The cooler weather is a refreshing change to the ful and fascinating and I encourage you to enjoy the cooler sometimes-brutal heat of Florida hiking. For folks that avoid the weather and take a closer look. trails because of mosquitoes, spiders, and snakes, you will be pleased to discover such critters will shut down when temperatures drop below 50 °F. Lucky for us, we live in Florida and our winters are mild enough that we can see beautiful wild life on the trails year round. On a recent hike, I was thrilled to have come within 30 feet of one of my favorite raptors, the red shouldered hawk. Because the trails were lonely on a weekday and I did not have a dog with me, this majestic bird was not intimidated, and I got to take a closer look. For over an hour, we kept each other’s company as I watched this hawk fly from tree to tree but never out of my sight and was even treated to a demonstration of its hunting skills as it ambushed a small field mouse. Red-shouldered Hawks are raptors that belong to the genus buteo. It’s genus alone is topic for interesting discussion. The genus name buteo is the Greek word for buzzard and has long been described as medium to large raptor (bird of prey) characterized by having large wings with which to soar on thermal currents. This term can be troublesome in the United States because we often associate the word buzzard with animals that should be properly identified as vultures. Vultures are the large bald-headed scavenging birds that generally get a bad rap for eating dead things and are more often chased away than admired. This is not fair hospitality considering the critical importance of their carcass disposal service. Afterall, their work keeps both human and natural environments clean and disease free. There are 23 vulture species worldwide, only 7 of which are in the New World; these are part of the Cathartidae family of birds. The name originates from the Greek “cathartes” for “purifier” and include condors and vultures. The other 16 vulture species are found in the Old World and belong to the larger Accipitridae family from the Latin “accipiter” (“hawk”) and the Greek “idea” (eidos, “appearance”). It is important to note the Accipitridae family is a large family that includes not only vultures INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Food Is the Language of Love By Libby Hopkins

Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw once said, “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” Brooke Ernst is the owner of Stuffed, a catering/food prep company in Lakeland, and she would agree with Mr. Shaw. “Food is my love language and my passion is spreading that love to as many people possible through my food,” Ernst said. “As a working mom of three young kids, I know the struggle of getting a hot wholesome meal on the table every night and my goal with Stuffed is to make homemade easy with my meals.” Ernst’s passion for food comes from her family. The beginnings of Stuffed are rooted in her cultural heritage passed on by her Abuela Torres. “Hunger has no place at Abuela’s house and she is always ready at a moment’s notice to feed anyone and everyone who may show up at her door unexpectedly, as they often do,” Ernst said. “You can literally watch her face light up as her guests take their first bites and she never fails to ask if it tastes good, as if there is any question. She uses food to show love and it makes her heart happy. Food is powerful, and it makes a difference how we nourish our bodies”

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Ernst always knew she wanted to have a food business but wasn’t really interested in a restaurant. “I have always loved to cook but over the years I have heard from so many people

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that they either don’t have time or just flat out don’t like it or aren’t any good at it,” Ernst said. “They hated eating out so much, so I set out to find a solution to that problem.” Ernst created Stuffed because she believed everyone deserves a hot, home-cooked meal and made it her mission is to make that meal as easy and accessible as possible. “We want to reclaim dinnertime as quality time and offer wholesome options that cut down on prep without sacrificing flavor,” Ernst said “In today’s hustle and bustle it can be tough to fit in the time to cook dinner every night and let’s face it, take-out can become tiresome. You can feel good about eating any of our pies and pan dinners and have the satisfaction of baking it fresh at home.” Stuffed’s most popular dish is ‘The Traditional.’ “It’s our take on chicken pot pie with red potatoes and an extra creamy sauce,” Ernst said. “My favorite is our chicken enchilada. It has a blend of green chilies, sour cream, Monterey Jack cheese and black beans. It’s good!” Ernst believes strongly in supporting local. She used local vendors and local organizations to get Stuffed up and running. “I started my business with the help of Catapult, a loWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

cal non-profit that helps entrepreneurs flesh out their ideas and make them into a business,” Ernst said. “I hadn’t even launched yet when they invited me to be a part of an event at the Lakeland Curb Market and that was it. I do partner with other local businesses for some of my dishes. For example, I have a gluten-free/Keto line of dishes that uses No-Guilt Baking Company pie crust. I have also worked with Blue Dog Craft BBQ for my BBQ Mac ‘n’ Cheese Pie.” You can find Stuffed at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market almost every Saturday. “I loved the connection and conversations with customers, the feedback I received was invaluable and helped shape how I would move forward with my business,” Ernst said. “It is paramount that we keep things local. For our entrepreneurs and our economy, it is important to support these ventures. They enrich our communities and make it a better place to live. This little business has helped me support my family by do something that I truly love and for that I am forever grateful.”

If you would like to learn more about Stuffed and the different dishes they have to offer, you can visit their website at www.stuffedlakeland.com. You can also visit Stuffed’s booth at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market (www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org). INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Polk County Cattle Women

s we welcome 2020, let’s also welcome new opportunities for learning and listening to those who know more than we, and teaching those who thrive to learn about the Agriculture industry, and how very important it is for our very existence.

The Polk County Cattlewomen are gearing up for just that as we participate in numerous community events geared to teaching what we live and love. Some of these upcoming events include : • Polk County Youth Fair (PCYF) - Jan. 25 -31, 2020 – The Cattlewomen volunteer in numerous roles, from Record book judging, to volunteer check-ins, and so many other capacities. • The Florida Cattlemen’s and Cattlewomen’s Legislative Quarterly, January 21st thru 23rd, 2020 in Tallahassee, FL. All county cattlewomen are encouraged to participate, as we brainstorm on the upcoming activities. • Florida State Fair, Feb. 6 – 17, 2020, FCW and our county Cattlewomen are on hand to distribute beef samples, and speak on the importance of and nutritional value of beef. • Ranch Rodeo/Concession February 22, 2020 – This is our biggest fundraiser, and the means to fund our scholarships throughout the year. It is a lot of fun, although it is a lot of work. If you’ve never been, you definitely need to come join in the activities. You will be hooked. As always, PCCW welcome new members. If you are interested in joining, We’d love to see new faces. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, #863-205-3977.

Missy McLaughlin-Raney

Polk County Cattlewomen President

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I4 POWER EQUIPMENT Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Plant City 813-752-4459 CROSSBOW Barnett Squad 300 w/Rhino 4x32mm Crossbow Scope, Case And Arrows. TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Great Condition! Call 813-376-9320 Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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HESSTON 4550 Inline square baler. $7,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345

2018 MAHINDRA 4540 2wd tractor. Low hours with warranty. $8,750 Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722

LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES

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JOHN DEERE Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660 2018 Massey Ferguson 1526 Hydrostat transmission , 4x4 tractor with loader and 60” mid mount mower. 75 actual hours. Warranty. $16,500.00. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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

TRADE • BUY • SELL? Since 2004 In The Field has been Hillsborough and Polk Countys #1 Agriculture Magazine. Call Us at 813-759-6909 to place your Ad Today!

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