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CONTENTS
March 2020 VOL. 13 • ISSUE 5
28 BLAIR BUCHANON
Cover Photo by: Dee Dee Wheeler with Berry Sweet Memories by Dee Dee PAGE 10 State Fair Results
PAGE 35 Jack Payne
PAGE 12 Ranchers Daughter
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 38 Endangered Species
PAGE 18 US Ag Secretary
PAGE 39 State Officers
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 40 Ranchers Daughter
PAGE 24 Rutabaga
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 25 News Briefs
PAGE 42 Bathology
PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine PAGE 31 Recipe
PAGE 44 American grown
PAGE 32 PCSO
PAGE 47 PCCW
PAGE 33 Payge Dupre
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com Vice President – Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com State Director – David McCullers 1000 Hwy 630 W Frostproof, FL 33843 (863) 635-3821 crookedlakeranch57@gmail. com Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (813) 478-8141 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 287-1835 Dhunt285@aol.com Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810
(863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Cattlewomen – President, Missy Raney PO Box 453 Homeland, FL 33847 (863) 205-3977 Raney747@gmail.com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Sgt. Tim Sanders 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 656-6119 brusso@polksheriff.org Warner University – Casey Wingate 7155 Wauchula Rd Myakka City, FL 34251 (941) 600-5772 Casey.wingate@warner.edu
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STAFF
Letter from the Editor “Fair season” just wrapped up and FFA and 4-H students, along with their parents and guardians, are breathing a sigh of relief. Congratulations to each of you! It will be a short-lived break, however, as these hard working youth jump right in to next year’s projects. When the season starts again, plan on visiting the agriculture areas of any of the local fairs. Let exhibitors know you recognize the hard work they have put in to these projects.
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols
Ask participants about their project. They will more than likely have a story to tell. So many things go into these projects. And one things is certain, life lessons are learned that carry into the future. It doesn’t matter what your project is, the one character trait that transcends all, is responsibility. Another valuable lesson is entrepreneurship. FFA and 4-H members must learn to budget, spend and save money. Other things these projects teach are communicating, developing relationship, decision making, organization and setting and achieving goals.
Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Anita Todd
One more thing. Confidence. These projects provide the opportunity to gain confidence in themselves by caring for something that is 100% dependent on them. So again, go check out the agriculture area of whatever fair you are visiting. Get a first hand look at the culmination of their hard work. Win or lose, the lessons are the same.
Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders
Please remember to look for the Fresh From Florida logo when shopping. You will get the freshest food available and support your local farmers and ranchers. Also, a very special thank you to our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing. 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.
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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WE GOT THIS. www.EvergladesEquipmentGroup.com
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Dear members and friends, February went by and it looks like we missed another hard winter which is something that we need to be thankful for as we look at our neighboring states that have not only been hit by hard winters but also floods, tornadoes and lots of rain. As we roll into Spring, let’s continue to do our best countywide to focus on a herd health program. We are working hard statewide to provide calves that are healthy and able to make the trip west to the feedlots that rely on Florida. Although not everyone is able to provide two full rounds of vaccines and wormer, it is still important to do everything that you can to ensure that your calves are able to successfully thrive after getting off a truck.
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The markets continue to maintain a steady price. The demand is there and its a good time to work your calves and bring them if you have any. On average, across-the-board, we have started off this year much better than we did last year. I’m sure many of you are aware, several groups have started to push legislation to begin requiring labeling. Regardless of which group you support, it is important that we rally together and take a stand to ensure that beef being imported from Brazil is not labeled as if it is a product of the US. One group is pushing to make COOL labeling mandatory(country of origin labeling). Labeling will help secure prices and demand for beef that is produced in the US and meets USDA regulations More info on one program can be found here https:// www.r-calfusa.com/ranch-group-we-are-in-a-crisis-but-no-
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one-is-listening-in-wake-of-impending-brazilian-beef-imports-group-delivers-solution-to-congress/ and additional information can be found online by researching COOL labeling USDA beef. The 2020 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Rodeo and Trade Show was a success, attendance was good. We would like to thank everyone who came out to support the ranch rodeo, the teams that participated, the sponsors, the help behind the scenes, and the volunteers. Without all of the help, the ranch rodeo would not be possible and would not be successful. We would also like to thank the Polk County Cattlewomen for once again having the concession stand and for the hard work they put into that stand.
Dave Tomkow Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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2020
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS “The Best of the Best” 1ST Place - $1500 Cash Award
4th place Senior Champion – Burlynne Mejeris from Old Town
BAILEY LAVENDER FROM ORLANDO 2nd Place Champion of Champions Isabel Perdomo from San Antonio
2nd place Senior Champion – Ethan Cates from Brooksville Champion Youth for Dog Show – Samantha Carr from Auburndale
3rd Place Champion of Champions Austin Holcomb from Lithia
Youth Llama Junior Champion – Aviva Blatt from Lutz Intermediate Champion – Raina Ishak from Lutz
4th Place Champion of Champions Charles Phillips from Morriston
4th place Senior Champion – Miranda Holder from Riverview
5th Place Champion of Champions Mary Babione from Brooksville
3rd place Senior Champion – Karly Jameison from Wesley Chapel
6th Place Champion of Champions Payton Davis from Ocala
2nd place Senior Champion – Ryan Swartz from Sarasota
Mosaic Scholarship Winners
Champion Youth for Llama Show – Maggie Jordan from Nokomis
The winner of the $1,500 Scholarship is:
Youth Rabbit Junior Champion – Shelby Lawrence from Plant City
Daniela Ruiz from Seffner
Intermediate Champion – Layla Henson from Winter Haven
Florida State Fair Foundation Scholarship Winners The winners of the $1,000 Scholarship are: Callie Cramer from Oakland
4th place Senior Champion – Joslyn Hui from Winter Garden 3rd place Senior Champion – Kally Henson from Winter Haven 2nd place Senior Champion – Mary Babione from Brooksville
Shelbie Davis from Bradenton
Champion Youth for Rabbit Show – Kelly Anne Swain from Belle Isle
Camryn Farquhar from Zephyrhills
Sierra Graham from Lake City
Youth Steer Intermediate Champion – Gabe Mitchell from Trenton
Jan Dillard Memorial Scholarship Winner
4th place Senior Champion – Madi Lefler from Dover
The winner of the $1,000 Scholarship is:
3rd place Senior Champion – Charles Phillips from Morriston
Emmalyn Dunn from Land O Lakes
2nd place Senior Champion – Bailey Lavender from Orlando
Jeanette Barthle Memorial Scholarship Winner The winner of the $1,000 Scholarship is: Mason Knowlton from Riverview
Champion Youth for Steer Show – Kylie Phillips from Orlando
Charles Phillips from Morriston
CHAMPION YOUTH WINNERS
4th place Senior Champion – Mason Knowlton from Riverview
Junior Champion – Isabelle Muir from Lakeland Intermediate Champion – Michelle Faith Lightsey from Winter Haven
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Youth Dairy Junior Champion – Hannah Butler from Lorida Intermediate Champion – Logan Shoop from Wimauma
Youth Dog
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3rd place Senior Champion – Miranda Holder from Riverview
March
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3rd place Senior Champion –Daniela Ruiz from Seffner 2nd place Senior Champion – Austin Holcomb from Lithia WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
2nd place Senior Champion – Melina Perdomo from San Antonio Champion Youth for Goat Show – Rachel Morris from DeLeon Springs Youth Swine Junior Champion – Maggie Mosley from Green Cove Springs Intermediate Champion – Emily Shvetzoft from Zephyrhills 4th place Senior Champion – David Austin from Deland 3rd place Senior Champion – Jade Parrish from Parrish 2nd place Senior Champion – Megan Christopher from Deland Champion Youth for Swine Show – Madyson Keim from Lakeland
Youth Beef Junior Champion – Carlee Taylor from Lakeland Champion Youth for Dairy Show – Cole Verano from Okeechobee Youth Poultry Junior Champion – Amelia Zeleznock from Wesley Chapel
Intermediate Champion – Gabe Mitchell from Trenton 4th place Senior Champion – Payge Dupre from Kathleen 3rd place Senior Champion – Payton Davis from Ocala
Intermediate Champion – Caroline Evans from Brooksville
2nd place Senior Champion – Camryn Farquhar from Zephyrhills
4th place Senior Champion – Ellie Huffman from Lithia
Champion Youth for Beef Show – Callie Cramer from Oakland
3rd place Senior Champion – Juliette Young from Lithia 2nd place Senior Champion – Nathanael Monroe from Floral City
Youth Sheep Junior Champion – Mia Portillo from Deltona
Champion Youth for Poultry Show – Connor Harper from Sorrento Youth Goat Junior Champion – Aleigha Walden from Dade City Intermediate Champion – Dylan Walden from Dade City 4th place Senior Champion –Amelia Sauls from Winter Garden 3rd place Senior Champion – Tyler Watson from Lake Helen
3rd place Senior Champion – Caitlin Wise from Deleon Springs 2nd place Senior Champion – Tyler Getzloff from Ocala Champion Youth for Sheep Show – Knatasha Beck from Deland
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Intermediate Champion – Isabella Moss from Deleon Springs 4th place Senior Champion – Isabel Perdomo from San Antonio
CONFESSION OF A RANCHER’S DAUGHTER By Marisol Tarango The world that a rancher’s daughter grows up in is seen as very prestigious to the rest of the world. Ranchers nobly do their best to feed the world and carry on traditions despite the hardships they must endure. Each day they rise with the sun to check on the creatures that have been entrusted to their care, along with the help of their noble companion, the horse. Leisurely riding through the woods and over hills or flying across a pasture in pursuit of a rogue bovine. Yes, ranchers have a prestigious occupation from the back of their loyal steed and friend.
CONFESSION #9: Sometimes ranching means getting off your horse.
A rancher’s favorite place to be is on the back of his horse, but that is not always a reality. This thought came to me recently as I was trudging through chest high brush, trying to check a fence line for holes. Some heifers that we were weaning decided to embrace their brahman roots when they spooked and cleared the cowpen fence. Earlier that day, when I had gotten home from classes and had been briefed on the situation, I headed out to check the fence line without even bothering to saddle a horse. If I had saddled a horse, by the time I had ridden an eighth of a mile, I would have had to get off and tie my horse to the fence, because where I was going, even I would have a hard time getting through. After I had located all the possible routes of escape, it was time to bring out the horses and start a search and rope operation.
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Even when ranchers are horseback, there are plenty of times they have to dismount and get a little dirty. There might be an ancient wire gap that is covered in years of vines and grass, and the rancher has to pull and hack his way through to open it. Or, in the situation of having to rope cattle, there is only one lucky cowboy who gets the glory and stays on his horse. While
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it falls to the other, less fortunate, cowboys to get the cow on the ground, tie its feet, and when the trailer comes, help guide it into the trailer (hopefully without getting kicked, or caked in dirt… and other stuff). The most common place for a rancher to be working on foot is in the cowpens. Once all the cattle are gathered into the pens and the horses are tied up, it is time for the hard work to begin. A few elite cowboys might get to sort and push up cattle on their horses, depending on the design of the pens, but these spots must be earned, and are usually reserved for the oldest and most experienced on the crew. The younger and less experienced members of the crew form the ground crew, which means pushing cattle up the into the squeeze chute, giving medicine, and holding down calves while they are given shots and earmarks. The people on the ground crew are often the dirtiest and sweatiest when the job is done, but the throne of a saddle is worth the dirt. Even work that is not on a horse, but still involves cattle, is more bearable to the rancher than work without anything associated with the cowboy name, like tractor work. Plodding along on a machine all day, mowing pass after pass through the field, in the sun with no change in scenery, where lunch time is the most exciting part of the day, is time spent in purgatory for a rancher. Yes, there is a feeling of power and control when driving a machine that has the ability to manipulate thousands of pounds, but metal does not offer companionship and a tractor is not conducive to high speed chases. Yes, a mowed field gives the satisfaction of a job well done after hours of hard work, but stories of wild cow chases or bucking horses are more exciting and easier to embellish than the fact that you spooked up a pod of quail. But there are some things on a ranch that just have to get done, even if they aren’t very ranchy. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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WHY CHANGE TO “LED LIGHTS” Capt. Woody Gore
Brighter and Longer Lasting
What is an LED? As lighting technology improves, almost everyone has seen or will see this small bright light. They are an electronic light source created from a light-emitting-diode, and so the name LED. Invented in the early 20th century and introduced as a practical electronic component in 1962, these first devices emitted a low-intensity red light, but modern LEDs are now available across the color spectrum and capable of producing a very high brilliance. Applications of LEDs are widely diverse, often used as new equipment or as low-energy replacements for traditional lighting. Without getting into the process, manufacturing LEDs is simple but sophisticated. Although small in comparison, LEDs produce a brighter light source with advantages over traditional lighting. Some of these advantages include longer life, improved brightness, more modest size lower amperage draw, and instant-on capability. They hermetically seal LEDs for protection to work in the marine environment and other corrosive elements. The most reliable sealing method is encapsulating the circuit board and LEDs in a material that is impervious to the outside industrial, road, and marine environments. The most common application for LEDs in the boating industry is trailer lighting. However, boat manufacturers around the world are quickly jumping on the LED bandwagon. Primarily because of improved intensity, color combinations, and low operating amperage draws. Boat and utility trailers, for example, take a tremendous amount of misuse. Elements, including fresh and saltwater, rough roads, and rougher boat ramps, continually expose them to abuse. Therefore, producing a long-life light source like LEDs requires more exceptional care during design and manufacture. While this translates to a higher principle cost, it also means lower replacement costs over the life of the trailer. With some research, you can find an excellent LED trailer lighting kit priced somewhere between $50 and 75 dollars. So when replacing those old worn out filament bulbs,
Tampa Bay Fishing Report April 2020 Capt. Woody Gore
why not do it with a set of new LEDs and move into the 20th century.
Snook-Redfish-Trout - Closure Extended Through March 30, 2021 For you folks, that haven’t realized it yet we have four seasons in Florida – Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer, and Christmas. But thanks goodness it’s almost summer and fishing is looking great for April. It’s always nice not having to throw the cast net unless you want to be a glutton for punishment. We’ve had an excellent last three months catching nice spotted sea trout using shrimp and artificial lures. We had some great days with trout measuring in the low to mid-20-inch range along with a few redfish, bluefish, some pompano and plenty of sheepsheads. Coming in April,
Snook (Closure Extended Through March 30, 2021) Look for snook can around docks, bridges, mangrove islands, oyster bars, or any other ambush spot structure. You often hear me talk about topwater action, well, this is a great month to get an excellent topwater lure punched out of the water by a big snook. It’s also a great time to fish docks and bridge fenders at night. Any good lipped lure tossed at a lighted structure and ripped through the light line will produce everything from snook, redfish, trout, to the occasional grouper. Trout Expect the trout fishing on any decent grass flat to be healthy through the rest of
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the summer. Small jig heads with plastic tails or shrimp free-lined or under a popping cork will do the trick. And don’t be surprised if you might pull up a nice pompano off some the edges of the sandy flats.
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Redfish (Closure Extended Through March 30, 2021) Redfish
are a staple of the TBA, and you can expect to catch plenty from now right through the summer. Live baits, dead baits or artificial lures, it’s all fun tussling these fighters. Target areas along the flats, edges of grass breaks, mangrove edges, and oyster bars should produce some nice catches.
Sheepshead, Snapper, Grunts, Sea Bass – Find one of the many rock piles or artificial reefs in Tampa Bay, and you’ll have yourself plenty of fish catching fun. These species are in the bay and easy to find. While sheeps take more time to clean, they are excellent table fare. When fishing for sheepsheads and others try using natural baits, like fiddler crabs, shrimps, oysters, mussels, and clams.
erel right out of the smoker, you’re in for a real treat. They are much better than smoked mullet and make tremendous fish spread. All you need is some garlic salt and the new non-stick aluminum foil. Smoke the fillets on medium heat until they flake; remove, and they’re ready to eat. Eat them while they are warm and the rest. Pull the meat away from the skin, missing the bloodline, and make a fish spread. Or you can vacuum seal the meat and put it in the freezer for later. Bluefish: Also, don’t forget those delicious bluefish fillets with the bloodline removed. Cut those bad boys into fingers and fry them up in your favorite batter. They go great with hush puppies and coleslaw. Or make up a batch of your favorite taco sides and shut the door.
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, bluefish, jacks, and ladyfish. Drift the bait schools or anchor around markers tossing out white baits or threadfins, and hang on. Shiny silver spoons or fast action artificial lures also do the trick. Since Trout, Redfish, and Snook closed for another year. And if you have to take a fish home but can’t make yourself stop by Cox’s Seafood Market on Dale Mabry for a deepwater fillet, how about trying this instead.
Spanish mackerel: How about taking home
a few mackerel fillets and putting them on the smoker. If you’ve never tried smoked mack-
With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment. Ashlee, seen here with her father, Bud, is a secondgeneration employee. As a reclamation ecologist, she works to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, agriculture, restored streams, and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
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Sign up
for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events
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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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U.S. Ag Secretary
Sonny Perdue
visits Florida Strawberry Festival
After three years of trying to make it happen, the Florida Strawberry Festival was finally able to host Sonny Perdue, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, on March 6.
other topic was suggested by Spano — but he gave in-depth answers and explaining what he and his department hope to do to address the issues.
Perdue was joined by Representative Ross Spano (FL-15) and Representative Greg Pence (IN-6) of Indiana. Though Perdue’s visit wasn’t announced until the last minute, strawberry growers and other stakeholders were able to pack the festival’s directors’ box late that morning for a steak luncheon that led to a roundtable discussion.
Perdue was asked about topics like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, H-2A-related losses and immigration issues, school lunch options and more. The hottest topic of the day was about negative effects imports from central Mexico have had on Florida’s berry market, which has led local growers to feel they operate at a disadvantage despite being based in the United States.
“If we can hear these things, if I can hear them, I can take them back and it empowers us to go back to our colleagues both in Congress and in the administration and advocate for those policies that make sense for you all,” Perdue said. The room was anxious to hear Perdue’s thoughts on issues impacting their work, and they seemed pleased with what the secretary had to say as early as he finished his opening statement prior to taking questions. The stakeholders didn’t have many questions for Perdue — three asked questions and anPAGE
By Justin Kline
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“That’s where this investigation has to come about,” Perdue told stakeholders. “We’ve got to prove a case there. President Trump has demonstrated his willingness to use leverage that way. But when you’re in a free trade environment, you’ve got to have facts when they’re not playing fair.” Spano said having Perdue come in to personally talk to growers will help give them confidence that the government is there to advocate for them. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
“Our growers still have an incredibly positive attitude,” Spano said. “They support the President, they’ve supported USMCA but they are excited and optimistic about what, hopefully, we can achieve through this investigation and hoping we can have some relief for the problems we feel like we’ve experienced here in our area.” Perdue said he tries to make similar appearances around the country as often as he can to meet with farmers and hear their concerns for himself. “This is where real agriculture takes place,” Perdue said. “We’re traveling over 50 percent of the time and this is my favorite part of the job, getting out with members of Congress and their constituents, because what we try to do in administration is meet the needs of what they’re hearing from their constituents.”
from St. Clement and got one of their signature stickers to wear at his next few stops for the day. He visited some of the FFA booths to talk to students and teachers and pose for photos, then visited the Smithfield Entertainment Tent and chatted with members of Transforming Life Church before leaving Plant City around 12:30 p.m. Perdue said the USDA will host a public hearing regarding USMCA seasonal provisions in Plant City on April 7 at a location and time to be determined, though he won’t be there. “We want to continue to make sure you all are in a fair trading environment going forward,” Perdue told stakeholders.
After finishing the roundtable discussion and posing for photos with many who attended the luncheon, Spano and Florida Strawberry Festival directors led Perdue and his group on a quick tour of the festival grounds. Perdue visited the Florida Strawberry Growers Association’s display and sat on their iconic porch. He chowed down on a strawberry shortcake
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Charity Events Benefiting the Florida FFA Foundation
SATURDAY • MARCH 21
FOURTH ANNUAL
FUTURE FARMER CLASSIC
REGISTRATION - 8:00 AM SHOTGUN START - 8:30 AM
$125 PER INDIVIDUAL SHOOTER $450 PER TEAM OF FOUR SHOOTERS 50 Bird Tournament. Carts are $125 each. Limited Quantities Available.
and stick around for the 17 TH A NNUA L
BEAST FEAST & AUCTION FOOD & SILENT AUCTION - 11:00 AM LIVE AUCTION - 1:30 PM
Wild Game Dinner to include Gator, Venison, Swamp Cabbage and more! Silent & Live Auctions include Hunting & Fishing Trips, Travel Packages and much more!
$25
DONATION
$100
5 TICKETS
Florida FFA Leadership Training Center • 5000 Firetower Road Haines City, Florida 33844
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For more information, visit FlaFFA.org • Sponsorship Opportunities are available.
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• Spanish moss used to be used for stuffing mattresses. • Coriander/cilantro has been around since biblical times. • Pineapples are the only bromeliad fruits that are sold commercially throughout the world • The ancient Egyptians believed coriander could be used in the afterlife as a food for the departed. • Because of the shape of the leaves, most Bromeliads are able to hold a lot of rainfall. • Because of the constant moisture, a food chain is created with the growth of algae, making them a small self-contained ecosystem. • Bromeliads include about 2,700 species, with the most well-known the pineapple. • Flowers are red, orange, purple or blue. • A bromeliad can grow in soil, on rocks and in other plants and trees. Because the plant can gather nutrients and moisture from its surrounding atmosphere, the plan has the nickname “air plant.”
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The first of December me and my wife, Patsy, went to Doctor Salvato’s office in Plant City for our annual flu shot. No problem, In and out in about ten-minutes. Three months later, no flu. They must be working for both of us. Ferris Waller, owner of the Flea Market north of Plant City, sent me an email from a friend of his on how to avoid the flu without taking a flu shot. In case you don’t want to take a shot next year you might want to follow his instructions. Ferris says the first step is to eat right. Take your vitamins and bump up your vitamin C. Get plenty of exercise because it builds your immune system. Walk for at least an hour a day, go for a swim, and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Wash your hands often. If you can’t, keep a bottle of antibacterial stuff around. Get lots of fresh air. Open doors and windows whenever possible. Try to eliminate as much stress from your life as you can. Get plenty of rest. OR, take the doctor’s approach. Think about it… When you go for a flu shot, what do they do first? They clean your arm with alcohol… Why? Because alcohol kills germs! So, why not walk to the bar (exercise) put lime in your vodka (fruit), Celery in your Bloody Mary (veggies). Drink outdoors on the patio…(fresh air)! Tell jokes and laugh…(eliminate stress), then pass out (rest). Ferris’ friend said, “The way I see it, is, if you keep your alcohol levels up, flu germs can’t get you!” If you’re hard of hearing, you will enjoy this story. An old man went to the Doctor complaining that his wife could hardly hear. The Doctor suggested a test to find out the extent of the problem. “Stand far behind her and ask her a question, and the slowly move up and see how farm away you are when she first responds.” The old man excited to finally be working on a solution for the hearing problem, runs home and sees his wife preparing supper. “Honey” the man asks standing around 20 feet away, “what’s for supper?” After receiving no response he tried it again 15 feet away, and again no response. Again at 10 feet, still no response. Finally he was 5 feet away “Honey what’s for supper?” She replies, “For the fourth time its lasagna!”
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Did you hear the story about Fred, who was in the hospital on his death bed? The family called Fred’s preacher to be with him in his final moments. As the Preacher stood by Fred’s bed, his condition seemed to deteriorate, and Fred motioned for someone to quickly give him a pen and paper. The Preacher quickly got a pen and paper
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and lovingly hand it to Fred. But before he had a chance to read the note, Fred died. The Preacher feeling that now was not the right time to read the note he, so he put it in his shirt pocket. It was at the funeral while speaking that the Preacher suddenly remembered the note. Reaching deep into his pocket the Preacher said, “You know what, I suddenly remembered that right before Fred died he handed me a note, and knowing Fred I am sure it was something inspiring that we can all gain from. With that introduction the Preacher unfolded the note that read “HEY PREACHER, YOU ARE STANDING ON MY OXYGEN TUBE!” Gertrude suddenly realized she was alone. For years she had been taking her husband to the doctor, then one day she realized she was all alone. Her husband had passed and she felt she could no longer move on. “Listen here Gertrude”, said her good friend Barbara, “Maybe you should go see a psychic. One of my friends did it after her husband died and it made her feel so much better knowing that her loved one was happy.” A few days later Gertrude found herself in a dim room with a crystal ball and a psychic talking in a calm voice. “Is he here?” Gertrude asked. “Yes, I sense him,” was her reply. “Please ask him if he is happy?” Gertrude hesitantly asked. “He’s putting his hand to his mouth like he wants to smoke,” said the psychic. “Oh, of course,” Gertrude said, “He wants a cigar. Fred can never last more than a few hours without a cigar. I guess they don’t have cigars up there. Did he say where he is or how I could get one to him?” Gertrude asked. “Hmm,” said the psychic. “I can’t seem to get that question across to him. But then again,” said the psychic after a short pause, “he didn’t say anything about needing a lighter.” I am sure most all of you have heard of John Hoki, the inventor of the Hoki Poki. While John’s life is well known, what’s not so well known is the story that happened at his funeral in the early 40s. Being that John was quite a popular fellow, mostly due to the Hoki Poki, which spread like wildfire through his small Alabama town, thousands showed up for his funeral, all coming to bid him farewell. Well it happened right before the ceremony was about to begin, when the undertake gently lifted John up to place him in the coffin. The problem that arose was that as soon as they put his right foot in….. (I’m sure you can figure out the rest.) Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the March 2016 issue WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
THE SEASON IS COMING TO AN END, SO DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR DELICIOUS STRAWBERRIES. STOP BY OUR STAND TODAY!
Produce Stand: 5204 Drane Field Rd. | 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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FLorida
Rutabaga By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Rutabaga is a cruciferous root vegetable that is a cross between cabbage and turnips. Also called yellow turnips, white turnips, neeps, or swedes, rutabagas are native to Scandinavia and Russia. Both the leaves and the root are edible. The peel is generally not eaten, since it is waxy. The root is similar to a potato and can be mashed, roasted, fried, boiled, or sautéed. The main rutabaga season in Florida is October through March. The root is denser than that of a turnip and ranges in color from yellow-tan to deep purple.
Additionally, this important vitamin is involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, helping the body use the fats and carbohydrates eaten, as well as synthesis of neurotransmitters, which include serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and GABA. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are hormones that play a key role in responding to stress; GABA is essential for healthy brain function; and serotonin contributes to feelings of wellbeing. Conversely, a lack of serotonin and norepinephrine is linked with depression.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
An important contributor to heart health, vitamin B6 also lowers homocysteine levels, a dangerous molecule that causes damage to the blood vessel wall and subsequent atherosclerosis. High homocysteine levels have been associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Eating rutabaga and other foods high in vitamin B6 is good for your heart.
As a root vegetable, the rutabaga is packed with a wide variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup raw, cubed rutabaga (140 g) contains 52 calories, 1.5 g protein, 0.2 g fat, 12 g carbohydrate, and 3.2 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 160% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin C, 20% for vitamin B6, 19% for magnesium, and 16% for calcium, 12% for dietary fiber and plentiful amounts of phosphorus, potassium, manganese and the B vitamins.
Fiber & Resistant Starch One cup of rutabaga provides 12% of your daily requirements for fiber. Fiber has many beneficial functions, including lowering cholesterol, preventing colon cancer, and improving bowel regularity. Rutabaga is a great source of complex carbohydrates, including fiber and resistant starch. Resistant starch is a type of fiber, along with soluble and insoluble types, and has beneficial physiological actions in the body. Resistant to digestion in the stomach and small intestine, it reaches the large intestine intact. It improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, increases satiety, and provides bulk. In the bowel, resistant starch also supports the growth of healthy bacteria and inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria. The amount of resistant starch can be maximized by cooking and then cooling the rutabaga before consuming, such as in a salad.
Building Cells with Vitamin B6
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A one cup serving of rutabaga contains 20% of your daily requirement for vitamin B6. As a water-soluble vitamin, B6 is not stored in the body, and needs to be consumed in adequate amounts on a regular basis to replenish the body’s supply. Vitamin B6 is involved as a coenzyme in many enzymatic reactions and is essential for the formation of new cells in the body. This nutrient is required for the synthesis of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, as well as nucleic acids, which are used to make DNA. Phospholipids, which make up the cell membrane, and heme, the protein component of red blood cells, are also dependent on vitamin B6.
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How to Select and Store Choose root vegetables that are firm, smooth, and free of decay or wet spots. Avoid those that have sprouts or discoloration. Smaller rutabagas tend to have a sweeter flavor than larger varieties. You can store rutabagas for up to 1 week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Rinse well under running water and peel the waxy skin before cooking.
How to Enjoy Rutabaga can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiled, baked, or roasted. It can be used to thicken soup or even sliced thin and eaten raw in a salad. It is also delicious when cooked with other root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots and mashed or sautéed. Since rutabaga has a neutral flavor, it can fit easily into any dish. Additionally, rutabaga can serve as a gluten-free thickener in soups and stews. Here are some more serving ideas: • Mash boiled rutabaga with milk, yogurt, or chicken broth • Scoop the flesh out of the peel, mix with cheese and spices, and refill the shells for baked rutabaga • Sautee sliced potatoes with sliced carrots, rutabaga or parsnips for a mixed root vegetable dish • Add sliced, cooked rutabaga to egg omelets • Roast with olive oil and salt for an easy side dish • Grate and use for hash browns, dumplings, or potato pancakes • Grate and add to soups or stews • Cook, mash, and add to cake and muffin recipes Enjoy more fresh Florida rutabaga today.
SELECTED REFERENCES http://www.whfoods.com http://www.florida-agriculture.com http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
UF RANKED BEST PUBLIC COLLEGE FOR AG SCIENCES; 2ND OVERALL The University of Florida has been ranked the top public college for Agricultural Sciences and the #2 overall U.S. school as compiled by Niche, a data science company based in Pittsburgh. Cornell University took top honors. The findings are based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews from students and alumni. To be included, schools must confer at least 20 bachelor’s degrees in the field annually or have the major represent at least 2.5 per cent of all bachelor’s degrees conferred by the school. Statistics obtained from the U.S. Department of Education represent the most recent data available, as selfreported by the colleges. USDA Invites Comment on Regional Conservation Partnership Program Rule The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which helps partners develop and implement unique conservation solutions that engage farmers, rangers and forest landowners. Comments will be received through April 13 on the Federal Register. Electronic comments must be submitted through regulations.gov under Docket ID NRCS-2019-0012. More information is available at nrcs.usda.gov. Click on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program once on the NRCS landing page. FARM BUREAU HELPS KICK OFF STATE FAIR Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board members once again helped kick-off the Florida State Fair as cooking participants in the traditional “Fresh from Florida” breakfast. Guests were welcomed with the aroma of biscuit and sausage treats prepared by members of the board. Florida Secretary of Agriculture Nikki Fried and other cabinet members participated in the event, which marks the beginning of the Fair. It’s also an opportunity for attendees to network and learn about Florida Agriculture and the industry’s importance to the state and residents. The breakfast and Fair showcase many of the industry’s stars such as the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 4-H and FFA members who demonstrate some of their current projects.
More information is available by visiting: usda.gov. USDA Announces Updates ELAP Program Updates The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced updates to the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) designed to improve program administration and clarify existing program requirements. The USDA is encouraging producers to become familiar with program changes with information available able at farmers.gov/recover or by contacting their local FSA office at 201 South Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563, Telephone: 813/752-1474. Farmers Join Forces for Sustainability and Responsible Climate Policy The American Farm Bureau Federation is one of 21 farm and ranch groups, representing millions of U.S. farmers and ranchers that have launched Farmers for a Sustainable Future (FSF), a coalition committed to environmental and economic stability. This coalition is to serve as a primary resource for lawmakers and policymakers as they consider climate policies. More information about coalition members, guiding principles and sustainability achievements can be found at www. SustainableFarming.us. Florida NRCS Accepting Conservation Easement Applications The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida is reminding landowners they are accepting applications to fund agricultural easements in the state. Agricultural Land Easements and Wetland Reserve Easements are accepted throughout the year and funding selections are made annually. NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through both programs. More information is available at nrcs.usda.gov.
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USDA ANNOUNCES INNOVATION INITIATIVE The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the Agriculture Innovation Agenda, a department-wide initiative to align resources, programs and research to position American agriculture to better meet future global demand. Specifically, the USDA will stimulate innovation so that American agriculture can achieve the goal of increasing production by 40 per cent while cutting the environmental footprint of U.S. agriculture in half by 2050.
By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Part 66 Traveling on the Literary Time Machine has certainly been an interesting journey and so we look forward to this next voyage. What will Mr. Torrey Simpson advise us of this month? What new plants will we be introduced to? What might we learn from this nearly one hundred year old book? These are the questions that drive us forward on this adventure each month. Join us as we hop on, once again!
We’ll start this month’s trip taking a look at Tricholaena rosea. Mr. Simpson says it’s also known as Natal grass, “…and has become naturalized almost throughout Florida.”¹ He continues to describe it as, “A delicate grass, three feet high, with a panicle of silky spikelets which may be rose color, wine color or purple, even varying to rich coppery red.”¹ He adds, “In places this grass has taken possession of large fields and the effect of the waving plumes under the wind is wonderful. It is used for hay and for pasture.”¹ Photos of the grass agree with his description. It is quite pretty, but we suppose it probably would only serve as an ornamental plant in a large space. So, we move on to Vinca rosea, or Madagascar periwinkle. Mr. Simpson writes, “Nearly everywhere in South Florida the first flower that greets the northerner is the bright, happy periwinkle for it has run rampant in gardens and sandy waste places throughout the country. Perhaps the commonest is the rosy purple form, next the pure white and here and there will be found the variety that is white with a red eye.”¹ Then he gets a little upset as he states, “Now Hubbard tells us that this plant is probably neither a native of Madagascar or the Old World. Thus are our cherished ideas destroyed.”¹ But he advises, “If these plants are given good soil or are well fertilized the bloom will be much larger and finer.”¹ We tried to figure out who this “Hubbard” was that got him so riled up about the periwinkle but to no avail. However, he obviously took the revelation quite hard and was very disappointed.
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At this point Mr. Simpson summarizes his section titled Exotic Herbaceous Plants. He pens, “There are many other plants which might well be placed in this list but in a single small volume there is not room for any detailed notice of them. Some of these have been tried in the state while others have not so far as I know. In such a list there might be mentioned a number of the Aloes which are excellent for rockeries; the Alternantheras with richly variegated leaves and fine for borders in the warmer part of the state; Amomum, which has been sold by the Reasoners and is allied to ginger; Amorphophallus, strange Aroids with compound leaves and great, Calla-like flowers from the tropics of Asia; Calceolarias, pretty flowered plants mostly for house culture; Crotus, one of the gingers with spirally arranged flowers; Crassulas which are fine succulents and useful for rock work; Echeverias, closely related
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to the last and used in a similar way; Euphorbia splendens, a fine old succulent which blooms all the year but most profusely in winter; Hemigraphis, an elegant plant with finely colored foliage but very tender; Nierembergia with dainty white and blue flowers; Othonna, a charming succulent well adapted to basket culture; some of the fine Pentstemons; Pitcairnia moritziana, a plant with a rosette of linear leaves and branching spikes of bright red flowers; Stromanthe with handsome, often blood colored leaves and many others.”¹ With a list that long of other ornamental exotic herbaceous plants it seems obvious that he was disheartened that he didn’t have the space to include them all. We find this an interesting thing to consider since it was his book, which he self-published, and could very readily have written about whatever he wished. So, either those plants were not as valuable to him as he intimates, or he simply didn’t have enough information about them to include them in this publication. The last one he listed, the Stromanthe, caught our attention. And, with a little bit of research we recognized the plant. One site stated that it was a “…strikingly beautiful houseplant that never fails to catch the eye.”² However, it did not mention that the plant had blood colored leaves. Rather just that the backsides of the leaves were a pinkish-purple. Which we found quite disappointing, but because this plant is one we recognized, we have to admit that it is popular still! We are always amazed that the plants Mr. Simpson tells us about are often those that people still find valuable today. Of course, there have been other instances in which the ones he suggested have turned out to be considered invasive species. So, the greatest thing about this book is that it always brings us things to consider. Next month, in fact, we will begin looking at Exotic Bulbous and Tuberous Plants. That should be an exciting trip! We hope you’ll join us again then for another journey on the Literary Time Machine. 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. 200-201). ²Costa Farms. Stromanthe. http://www.costafarms.com/ plants/stromanthe Photo Credits: Alejandro, Javier. (2015). ‘Triostar’ Stromanthe (stromanthe sanguinea). (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/APnAvP Aidras. (2010). Madagascar Periwinkle. (Flickr). https://flic. kr/p/8Zfa6R Rose, Harry. (2010). Melinis repens plant NC7. (Flickr). https:// flic.kr/p/bWXX2M WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Blair Buchanon By Erica Der Hall
Florida is one of our nation’s top cattle producing states and right smack dab in the middle of this important industry is Polk County, both literally and figuratively. Polk County represents the third largest cattle county in Florida and the largest county Cattlemen’s Association. As the largest county association, Polk has a rich history of selecting quality ambassadors who represent the interest of both Polk County beef and the Florida beef industry statewide. One of the most prominent voices for Polk County beef is the Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. This year, the young lady who has the honor of wearing the sparkling crown and famous leather sash is Blair Buchanon, 2020 Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. Blair is a 2018 graduate of Kathleen High School and is currently enrolled as a junior at the University of Florida-Plant City Campus, studying agricultural education and communication. Blair is a native Polk County resident and is no stranger to the agriculture industry. Her parents, Danny and Leslie Buchanon, raised their two daughters with a deep appreciation for the land and taught them the values of production agriculture.
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Blair started honing her skills in the beef industry as a young girl exhibiting commercial cattle at the Polk County Youth Fair and her involvement in the industry began to blossom. “Our family has owned and worked cattle long before I was even born. At the age of 10 I started showing commercial heifers and then began to add purebred Angus heifers and market steers to my show string,” Blair said.
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For nearly ten years, she showed cattle across the state of Florida, traveling from Polk County to the Florida State Fair in Tampa, the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City and to jackpot shows from coast to coast. In 2019, her showmanship skills were highly recognized as she was selected as one of only two exhibitors who represented Florida at the National Junior Angus Show. Blair said, “This was such an honor and it was my first experience being able to show on the world famous green shavings.” In addition to her show cattle, Blair’s family owns and operates a herd of commercial cattle in Polk City that was started many years ago by Blair’s grandfather, Marcus Buchanon. The Buchanons manage this herd as a family and are working to continue to expand in the years to come. Blair’s family encourages her involvement in the beef industry and supported her decision to run for Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. Through an essay competition, in which Blair had to identify how she would represent the beef industry in Polk County, she was chosen to serve as the county’s sweetheart. And while the crown and leather sash are a coveted prize, the position also comes with a great deal of responsibility. While serving as sweetheart, Blair will represent the county beef industry in a variety of ways, from riding flags in the ranch rodeo, to serving up delicious samples of beef at the Florida WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
FFA Beast Feast. She can be spotted educating guests about beef at the Florida State Fair and handing out prize ribbons to beef exhibitors at the Polk County Youth Fair, Florida Strawberry Festival and beef shows all around Central Florida. “The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association is proud to have Blair Buchanon serving as our 2020 Sweetheart. She is a dedicated and talented young lady who will represent the interests of our Polk County ranchers with excellence,” said Ray Clark, former President of Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. Not only does Blair have the unique opportunity to represent Polk County beef as sweetheart of her county, she has also earned the chance to compete for the title of Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. The Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart is a long standing tradition in the state that dates back more than 50 years. The Cattlemen’s Sweetheart travels the entire state representing the Cattlemen’s Association and speaking on behalf of the industry. The Sweetheart competition is held each summer at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention where young ladies 18 and older represent their county. The competition includes an in depth presentation on how each contestant will advocate for the industry and educate the public about Florida beef, as well as a written test, formal attire segment and an impromptu onstage question. “The Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart competition brings together bright young ladies from across the state who have invested their time and effort to learn all about Florida Beef. Serving as a county sweetheart brings great responsibility as well as opportunity to grow and learn,” said Sorrell Fields, 2005 Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart. Blair will travel to the Omni Orlando resort at Champions Gate in June to represent Polk County in the Sweetheart com-
Royalty runs in the Buchanon family as Blair’s sister, Bailey, served as the 2015 Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart and will no doubt be cheering her sister on as she completes her yearlong reign. Bailey will not only be able to offer advice, but being sister Sweethearts gives them a unique bond that not many share. No matter what happens in June, Blair is committed to serving Polk County diligently and working to share the message of Polk County beef, not just in 2020, but throughout her entire life. When she is not busy with Sweetheart responsibilities, Blair enjoys photographing images of the Old Florida lifestyle, saltwater fishing and hunting with her dad. She is also busy with her studies at UF and, upon graduation, plans to utilize her degree to pursue a career in the area of agricultural extension. As she looks toward the future, Blair has big plans for the years ahead. “I see myself staying very involved in the beef industry throughout the rest of my life. I would like to continue to grow our commercial herd,” Blair said. Scripture says in Psalm 50 that the Lord “…owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” If the Lord has that many head, you can be confident that cattle are a special creature and to have the opportunity to represent the cattle industry is truly a gift. As Blair travels around the county and state, promoting Florida cattle, she has the treasured opportunity to represent the cattle industry and the Lord who owns them all. It does not get much sweeter than that!
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petition. The last Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart from Polk County was in 2013 when Harley Zoeckler captured the state title.
Recipes These recipes come from WWW.STRAWBERRYSUE.COM
Florida Strawberry Nutella Pizza Filling
Pizza dough for one pizza 1 jar of Nutella 8 oz bittersweet chocolate bar 4 cups of sliced Florida strawberries
DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 450°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it preheats. This will give you an extra crispy crust just like a traditional stone pizza oven!
and carefully place the pizza dough on the stone. Place back into the oven and bake for around 10 minutes or until its edges are puffy and the crust begins to turn golden brown.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Pressing from the center out in a circular motion, start forming your pizza. It’s important to keep the dough density consistent so flip the dough and re-flour from time to time.
Once the pizza is ready, remove from the oven and the pizza stone. Now spread the Nutella and don’t be afraid to be as generous as you like! Grate the dark chocolate bar over the Nutella.
Evenly distribute the sliced strawberries, Take your pizza stone out of the oven. slice and enjoy! Dust the top of the pizza stone with flour
Florida Strawberry Dream Ice Cream INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole milk 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup white sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups mashed fresh strawberries
DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, combine the milk, cream, sugar, salt and vanilla. Pour the mixture into the frozen freezer bowl and let mix for 20-30 minutes until it begins to thicken.
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Add strawberries and process for 10-15 more minutes. The ice cream
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will have a soft, creamy texture. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and place in freezer for 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving. Add a sprig of mint or basil for an even more beautiful display. Chef’s note: If your ice cream maker is as noisy as most, or if it tends to lose its cool a little early in the process, have I got a trick for you! Simply clear out some space in your refrigerator or freezer and let the magic happen in the cold, quiet darkness of your freezer or fridge. This also means you can make more than one batch a day since your freezer bowl won’t thaw out as quickly!
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
LET’S TALK ABOUT FENCING (NOT THE KIND WITH SWORDS)
On occasion, our Agriculture Crimes detectives will encounter someone who has livestock that has escaped from a pasture due to inadequate fencing. And sometimes, those livestock owners are surprised to hear that Florida law actually provides legal guidelines for proper fencing for livestock.
Section 588.09 discusses the posting of notices along the boundary of the property. The fences and posted notices are meant to serve as a notice to the public that the enclosed property is private. That serves as the warning to those who shouldn’t be there.
The Florida State Statutes has an entire chapter dedicated to legal fences and livestock at large. In fact, the title of the chapter is Legal Fences and Livestock at Large. If you want to read the entire chapter, a simple internet search of “FSS 588” will give you the link to it.
Section 588.10 lays out the requirements for the posted notices. The signs should appear prominently, and display the word “posted” in letters of not less than two inches in height. The sign should also mention the name of the property owner, lessee, or occupant. Each sign needs to be posted along, on, or just inside the boundary line, so as to be seen by people outside of the property, and they need to be posted every 500 feet along the perimeter, at each corner and gateways/ openings. If you have any bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, streams, or a river that runs through or adjacent to your boundary lines, you will need to have posted signs there as well.
As it stands now, the chapter is made up of about eighteen sections. There are three main sections that are worth singling out to highlight: 588.011 – Legal fence (requirements), 588.09 – regarding legally enclosed land (fenced and posted), and 588.10 – Posted notices (requirements). Let’s start with 588.011. The section goes into detail, laying out specs for legal fences for livestock. Your fence must be at least three feet high and made of barbed or other soft wire consisting of at least three strands of wire, secured to some type of post or support that are no more than twenty feet apart. The use of battens will allow the distance between supports to increase to 60 feet for non-electric and 150 feet for electric. Fence opening must have a cattle or livestock guard of at least six feet in width and cover the distance of the opening.
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What I just mentioned is the minimum requirements, so anything better than that is legal fencing.
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By following these guidelines, it enables the Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to be able to enforce the law against trespassers. It could also aid in the prosecution of trespassers and others who have committed a crime within your property. We want to make sure people stay off your property, and the livestock stays on it. Like one of the Ag-deputies said once, “It’s that time of year when the grass is always greener on the side of the highway, and good fencing is imperative.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Agvocating for Youth
by Payge Dupre
I would like to start by introducing myself, my name is Payge Dupre. I am 15 years old, a Freshman at Lake Gibson High School and currently serve as a Director and the Reporter for the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association, Secretary for the Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s Association, and Treasurer for the Lake Gibson Sr. FFA Chapter. At a recent meeting with Sarah and Karen at the Champion of Champions dinner at the Florida State Fair, I expressed an interest in wanting to use In The Field Magazine as a platform to get information and updates out to juniors countywide. February was a very busy month for many of us in Polk County. From State Fair, to Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show and more, our juniors definitely worked hard, and it showed! But they don’t stop there! Recently, many FFA members from Polk County had to submit their State Degree, State Officer, American Degree, and Star Award applications in hopes to receive an award at the State FFA Convention & Expo, this June 15-19! We also held our County Land Judging CDE on March 3, as well as the Middle School State Livestock Evaluation CDE, March 6 at the Florida Strawberry Festival! March 10 held State Preliminary testing for Ag Communications, Vegetable Evaluation, Poultry Evaluation, and Conduct of Chapter Meetings. March 12, the State Floriculture and Nursery & Landscape at the Leadership Training Center. March 14 was the State Veterinary Assisting CDE at Hillsborough Community College. Every year, 4th graders around the county look forward to the opportunity of learning about agriculture and how it fits into their everyday life. This event is called Agri-fest. Agri-fest took place March 9-20 at the Polk County Agricultural Complex. Aside from these 4th graders getting the opportunity of learning all about agriculture, they also get the opportunity to speak with FFA and 4-H members from around the county who help them throughout the day! March will again be a very busy month for our Polk County Juniors! March 15, the Ag Communications CDE Portfolio, National Chapter Applications, and Proficiency Award Applications are all due with the District Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration the following day. March 21 will hold Beast
The month of April will hold various events and deadlines as we round out the year and prepare for State Convention. April 1, all award applications for Alumni Awards, Gary Lee Alumni Scholarship, Chapter Co-Op, Chapter Advocacy Award, Outstanding District Officer, FFA Advisor of the Year, Alumni Essay, Feeder Steer & Feeder Swine Proficiency Applications are due. April 4 will hold the State Horse Judging CDE in Gainesville, with the State Aquaculture CDE April 9, in Ruskin, and the State Livestock Evaluation CDE April 11, in Gainesville. April 15 will be the deadline for the State Convention Talent applications and State Convention Courtesy Corps applications. I look forward to updating you each month of the upcoming events and the events that have recently taken place in the youth of our agriculture!
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Feast at the Leadership Training Center where FFA Chapters from all around the state will meet and bring a food item of their choice, some items from the past include homemade ice cream, swamp cabbage, venison, gator, and more. Businesses and FFA Chapters also donate items to be auctioned off either in the silent or live auction, to raise money for Florida FFA. This is a great opportunity to get out and meet our state officers and support Florida FFA. After Beast Feast, they will hold the State Leadership Summit, also at the Leadership Training Center from March 21-23. March 27, teams from around the state will compete in the State Land Judging CDE in hopes of walking the stage at state convention by making it to the top 5.
“free” services can point the way toward establishing programs that can help farmers provide even more of them. Yes, we want to cast greater shade, protect you from bigger floods, host wildlife on our properties, support rural economies, and do more for the health of bees and butterflies that pollinate food and non-food plants alike. By Lynetta Usher Griner, Jim Strickland, and Jack Payne As your farmers, foresters, ranchers, and agricultural scientists, we know you’re buying based on more than price. We see it when you spend extra for grass-fed beef, organic produce, or cage-free eggs. We believe there’s a market for food that fights climate change. Your tomatoes already take carbon from the air and lock it in the soil. Your steaks come from pastures that keep the planet a lot cooler than subdivisions do. We want to do a lot more. With the right tools and incentives, farmers can be leaders in finding solutions to the climate crisis. We’re your green infrastructure. Traditional infrastructure such as roads and sewers and fire stations get funded by taxpayers. The green infrastructure of farms, pastures, and forests provide critical services, too, such as clean water and air and preserving land for future generations. But you don’t pay for those – we do. We’re talking millions of acres of living air filters, for example, that can slow the warming of the planet. While they’re at it, they might even reduce asthma rates. About a year ago a group of us started meeting as the Florida Climate Smart Ag Working Group to look for ways to make us even better climate citizens. What we’ve discovered is that even we don’t fully appreciate what we’re providing now. That’s why our producer-led group will be the first of what we expect will be many agricultural organizations to get behind an idea developing at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences to take an inventory of the environmental benefits provided by Florida agriculture. In science, they’re called ecosystems services. This inventory will help us identify what agriculture provides in addition to food, fiber, and fuel. Such cataloguing of these
We also want to do more to fight climate change. We need science to show how farms can capture more carbon, how forests and pastures can clean more air. We don’t deny that there’s a carbon footprint from running irrigation systems, fueling tractors, and unspooling acres of plastic sheeting over our plant beds. No matter what we do on this planet, though, we leave our footprints. Dinner for 7.8 billion can get messy. We’re in this climate crisis together. Almost no one stands to lose more than farmers as temperatures rise, stronger hurricanes lash crops, and new pests ride in on heat waves. Traditionally, farmers have not wanted to listen to scientists’ hand-wringing over a planet in peril. This is especially true when it involves farmers needing to change the way we manage our land. We have come to understand and appreciate climate solutions we can deliver from the land. We’re now asking university researchers to help us help mitigate climate change. Some of these scientists are showing interest in analyzing agriculture’s costs and benefits to inform policy that will tilt that balance in the right direction. We haven’t much talked about farming’s aesthetics, cooling, carbon sequestration and other intangibles because we haven’t identified them all. Nor have we measured them. It’s time for that to change. If we want to acknowledge farmers who score high in offering these intangibles and encourage others to do so, we need scientists. They have the tools to figure out what it is of value that farms produce beyond food. Your purchases of climate-smart food and your votes for representatives interested in incentivizing climate mitigation will strengthen our efforts. We’re all in this together. We want our land to provide solutions to the climate crisis. In the long run, if we don’t, it won’t provide as much food.
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Lynetta Usher Griner is the 2018 Florida Farmer of the Year and a generational forest landowner and logger. Jim Strickland is the 2019 Audubon Florida Sustainable Rancher of the Year. They are the co-chairs of the Florida Climate Smart Agriculture Steering Committee. 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.
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ZOOM INTO SPRING!
Yes! Finally! Spring is here!
There were those times, last month, when I really wondered whether Spring would get here. Granted, February gave us some crazy weather. One day it would be in the 80’s, and you’d think we just had skipped right into summer. Then, just as suddenly, it was back into the 40’s; and maybe even the 30’s if you lived in the right (or wrong) place. Really, though, isn’t that one of those things that’s just great about Florida? Variety is the spice of life is what the old saying says; and we certainly get our share. Whenever someone from up north tells me how great things are back home with their four seasons, I just smile and point out that February often gives us four seasons over the course of just one month!
by John Dicks
and answer questions, letting you get a close hand look of what and who it takes to fly these amazing machines, including the ones that zoom faster than the speed of sound and pull 8 g’s while flipping inverted at the end of a simulated bombing run. Topping off each day is the exhilarating demonstration show of the world famous Blue Angels, flown by the team of expert naval aviators from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Hearing the “Sound of Freedom” emanating from the engines of the F/A 18 Fighter Jets is simply amazing, but to literally feel their power thundering low over the audience is an experience few will ever forget. The AirFest will stir your feelings of patriotism and make you proud of the men and women with such special skills, talents, and expertise, who willingly defend our nation. Don’t think about going to AirFest, just do it!
Now all of that crazy weather is behind us. It is, isn’t it? Sort of. Let’s at least enjoy it until August and the dreaded hurricane season starts in earnest. After that will be “Campaign Season,” with probably the stormiest of all winds imaginable. It should be a wild one. So for now, enjoy the glorious springtime. Here, are some things I’m looking forward to this “season”
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo - March 31 - April 5 So as not to let Tampa have all the aeronautical fun, Lakeland likes to showcase every spring all it has for flying fanatics. It’s time for the grand event, formerly known as the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In. Since 1974, aviation enthusiasts have flown in from some 80 countries for a week of events including airshows, seminars, forums, and workshops. By some estimates, upwards to 250,000 people will check-out some or all the activities.
Tampa Bay AirFest 2020, March 28-29 Certainly not to be overlooked, nor missed, is this year’s AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. If you’ve never been to this extravaganza of aerial things, put it high on your list of todo’s. The whole thing is free, including parking, and over the course of two days you can really get up close and personal with both current and vintage military aircraft. There are static displays where you can pose with supersonic fighter jets, checkout the cockpit of helicopters, and even walk through the belly of giant transport planes. Generally, the pilots and maintainers of the aircraft will be standing by to chat
It’s grown so much, and looked forward to by so many, that the official name has morphed from the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, to the grandiose moniker of SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. The Blue Angels won’t be there this year (probably because they’ll be performing in Tampa just a few days earlier), but the Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Expo. Granted that while I am admittedly partial to the Blue Angels (particularly since they fly the same plane as does my Marine Corps Fighter Pilot son), the Thunderbirds also put on a grand show and are exciting to watch. They are aptly named, too, as all will witness when the massive engine of the F16 thunders through the sky.
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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
Elusive and Incredible: The South Florida Rainbow Snake By Ginny Mink
This month we are excited to write about an animal that has an elusive history and an incredible story! Had we not come across this recent news we would have never even heard of this interesting reptile. So, now, let us introduce you to the South Florida Rainbow Snake. Don’t let the name give you a false view of this snake’s appearance. In fact, some say that it looks more like a rainbow’s shadow that an actual rainbow. Yet, it is still beautiful and colorful though very few people have ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on this creature.¹ The truth is, “virtually nothing is known about this snake…”² This is why it is considered one of the rarest snakes in the country. Between the years of 1949 and 1952 there were only three snakes found. Since the 1950s there were many attempts to locate this secretive snake, but none of these searches were successful!² However, a rainbow snake was recently seen in north Florida. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently revealed, literally this year, that a hiker, Tracey Cauthen, saw a four foot long rainbow snake while she was hiking in the Ocala National Forest.³ What makes this so incredible is that the Center for Biological Diversity had petitioned the government to include the South Florida Rainbow Snake in the Endangered Species Act. They petitioned in 2010, but the federal government decided, in 2011, that the snake was actually extinct and therefore was not eligible for protection.¹ Apparently, they didn’t even investigate the situation since the last time anyone saw one was in 1969.³ Thankfully, the Center for Biological Diversity was not ready to give up on this cryptic snake. They even set a reward of $500 for hard evidence that the snake still existed. In 2012, there was a reported sighting that set the Center, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service back on the mission to locate this creature. But, they didn’t locate any at that time.¹ Now, with the discovery in Marion County, there is hope that this cool reptile can actually be placed under protection!
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According to the Florida Museum, the record size for these snakes is just over four feet long. The adults are thick bodied. They have red and yellow areas on their chins, throats, and bellies and reddish-pink stripes on their sides. They are an iridescent blue-black with stripes or spots down the middle of their backs. And their babies are thought to look quite similar.² Rainbow Snakes are aquatic, for the most part. They are believed to spend the majority of their lives hidden under and in the midst of aquatic vegetation. They burrow in tidal mudflats, and near marshes, creeks, and lakes. These snakes feast
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mainly on eels and have sometimes been known as eel moccasins even though they are non-venomous.³ Historically, the snakes were only observed in one population found in Glades County. This was in Fish Eating Creek which flows “into the western side of Lake Okeechobee…”² which is located in the southern peninsula.² So, the hiker’s sighting in Marion County is an incredible breakthrough that is definitely worthy of excitement for those of us that care about creatures purposely placed on earth. Some believe that the main reason we haven’t seen this snake in over 50 years is because it lives a secretive life in subterranean areas. And, the rationale behind this most recent sighting is due to the fact the Rodman Reservoir has been getting low causing the snake to seek more appropriate habitat.³ Regardless of the reason the snake was on the move, we are just so thrilled that the federal government was proven wrong! We love that this snake is still in existence and we are sure that Tracey Cauthen is enjoying her reward for having been able to provide proof that this snake is still alive! Now, perhaps, there will be hope for protection and further investigation. We would love to know more about a snake that has proven to be one of the least understood and under-studied in our country! Photos of the snake prove that it is really quite gorgeous. God’s ability to make creatures that are unusual and secretive always excites us. His creativity is an example of how amazing He is. And, since He deemed this snake worthy of life, we think it is equally worthy of our protection as stewards of this planet. With 2020 just barely underway we look forward, in hope, that other previously thought-to-be-extinct animals will be sighted here in Florida! Resources: ¹Center for Biological Diversity. Saving the South Florida Rainbow Snake. https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/reptiles/South_Florida_rainbow_snake/index.html ²Florida Museum. University of Florida. Southern Florida Rain bow Snake. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-snakes/list/farancia-erytrogramma-seminola/ ³Clarkson, B. (2020). ‘Cryptic’ rainbow snake spotted in Florida county for first time in over 50 years. Sun Sentinel. https:// www.sun-sentinel.com/news/florida/fl-ne-rainbow-snakeflorida-20200226-ffxswz6bezct5cnnyr5vhqwgg4-story.html Photo Credits: Enge, Kevin. (2013). Rainbow Snake. FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/ERRUiE Biodiversity Heritage Library. (2011). n169_w1150. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/adgDU2 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
State Officers
Wow has these past six months have flown by. It seems like just yesterday I had the amazing opportunity of being elected to serve as the area V State Vice President. Over this half of a year, I’ve been given the experience of a lifetime. Whether that be visiting some of the amazing FFA chapters in the area I represent, or traveling within the country for various events like the national FFA convention, I am truly blessed to have this opportunity. If I had to choose my favorite part It would have to be the opportunity to facilitate the outstanding FFA members in our state during the leadership conferences like COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training) and CPC (Chapter Presidents Conference). I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
My favorite part of this journey has been meeting people from across the country, as well as people right here at home. Seeing everyone come together for one purpose, despite different backgrounds, is amazing and really inspires me to be my best self. It’s been extremely rewarding to make friends with people from different states and territories while also strengthening bonds made with those in Florida. We all fight for the agricultural industry and want to make a difference in the world.
My favorite part of the journey has simply been working with the students. They always make me smile and laugh and I have so many wonderful memories with them. Every school visit I feel so blessed to spend a little bit of their day getting to know them and inspiring them to follow their dreams. I hope that i can inspire them to get more involved in our organization and strive for success. -Sydney Swartman, State Secretary
-Jp Prescott, State President
-Cole Hanson, Area V Vice President
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Naturally Amazing Activities
By Sean Green Photo by Jennifer Pohlhaus
April Fools Prank: Lamp Shade Insects Remember the notion that seeing is not always believing. We explored the function of biologic mimicry in this month’s article: “A Closer Look.” Human beings are similarly programmed to respond to visual cues, this month we will exploit that characteristic by making a simple but hopefully effective April Fool’s Day prank that leverages the natural fear of large ugly insects. Simply print out or trace and shade the insect silhouette and fasten it to the inside of a table lamp. We have provided a couple samples, but more can easily be found on the Internet by searching “insect silhouettes.”
Supplies: Printable contact paper (if printing) Permanent Marker (if tracing and coloring) Spray adhesive (that will not harm the lamp shade) Scissors (or craft knife)
Directions: Print or trace image onto contact paper Color image black (if tracing) Carefully cut out the silhouette
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Adhere the image to the inside of a lampshade
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Biological mimicry Synemosyna formica by Katja Schultz
Giant swallowtail caterpillar by April Green
If seeing were believing, most of us would find ourselves in a hopeless state of delusion. With 3D modeling and photo manipulation tools, it’s fairly easy to create a convincing image for a hoax. However, there are creatures in our natural world that have mastered the art of illusion for millions of years. In the spirit of the upcoming April Fool’s Day, we will celebrate mimicry in nature by taking a closer look at its biologic function and feature examples of Florida insects that may fool you should you come across it in the coming weeks. In evolutionary biology, mimicry is the outcome of a group of organisms evolving to share common characteristics with other organisms; an adaptation that benefits one or both groups involved in the mimicry. The species doing the imitating is called the mimic and typically imitates a separate species that has evolved to have a real biologic defense against would be predators such as toxicity, foul taste, or venom. The species that is imitated by the mimic is called the model. The predatory species is usually a common predator of both the mimic and the model and is known as the dupe, and is the species that gets fooled by the mimicry. There are many types of mimicry, each is influenced by the behavior of the dupe and classified by the evolution of a biological function of the mimic through natural selection, or survival of the fittest (eg., avoiding harm, finding food). Batesian mimicry is when harmless species mimics a harmful species, these are the sheep in wolves clothing. An example of a reptile species of Florida that leverage Batesian mimicry is the harmless Florida scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea coccinea) that mimics the venomous Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius), in which case, the Florida scarlet snake (mimic) displays Batesian mimicry of the Eastern coral snake (model). Müllerian mimicry is expressed when two or more harmful species share similar “Warning Colors” that advertises to potential predator that both species have real defense mechanisms such as a foul taste, toxic body fluids or noxious odors. In Müllerian mimicry, a predator may attack an unfamiliar harmful species at some point in its life but will soon thereafter associates the bad experience with the coloration of the mimic and avoid all species with similar coloration in the future. This mimicry is unique in the sense that it is benefits all species involved. The predator species benefits by learning to avoid specific coloration and thus avoids harmful encounters. Likewise, any mimic
species with similar colors benefit from the lesson learned by the predators earlier bad encounter. Many butterfly species of Florida leverage Müllerian mimicry, for example the Monarch (Danaus plexippus), the Viceroy (Limenitis archippus), and the Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) all share common “Warning Colors” to signal a potential of the toxicity it derives from its milkweed host plant. Mertensian mimicry is characterized by the unusual instance of deadly species imitating the “Warning Colors” of a less dangerous species. If a predator attacks dangerous prey and dies as a result, the learning opportunity for the predator species is lost; the predator species does not live to teach other predator members not to mess with the dangerous prey and attacks will persist with the same results. A better strategy for the dangerous prey would be to mimic an unpleasant, (but not deadly) species so after an attack, the predator species has the opportunity to pass the information on to the next generation of predators. Aggressive mimicry describes predators that imitate their prey, the preys host, or a neutral or beneficial species of which, allow the predator to get close to its prey without detection. This is the polar opposite of Batesian mimicry, and a classic example of the wolf in sheep’s clothing. This form of mimicry is common in spiders, for example, the Ant-mimicking Jumping Spider (Synemosyna formica ) disguises itself as Twig Ants (Pseudomyrmex gracilis). Mimicry is associated with camouflage in that it renders a species difficult to recognize among other similar species. When the mimic imitates a specific object or organism to which the dupe is indifferent it is loosely termed mimesis and is one of the most fascinating forms of mimicry. For example, the all familiar Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila clavipes), is thought to spin a web with a golden (yellow) hue to discourage bees from avoiding the web. Bees associate the color yellow with nectar bearing flowers, it would be unproductive for a bee to avoid the color yellow, therefore, bees would have a hard time associating the Yellow web with danger. The larva of the Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes) is the most fun, as it mimics bird droppings. With a closer look, you may actually find one of these caterpillars in the coming weeks, imagine the April Fools jokes you could pull off with one of these caterpillars (but please bring no harm to the caterpillar). INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Batesian mimicry by Brenda Arnold
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The Local Slice
By Libby Hopkins
Lakeland has recently acquired a new food hall called The Joinery. This new food hall celebrates the diversity of the Lakeland community, as well as, highlights and elevates its local food culture. The Joinery adds a fresh, modern culinary experience to Lakeland’s growing legacy as a central Florida destination city.
pasta, and Neapolitan pizza cooked at 900 degrees in our Italian-made Acunto pizza oven. Our ingredients will be fresh, seasonal, and local whenever possible. We have plenty to offer at Ava’s from our modern and relaxing atmosphere, deliciously refreshing cocktails and our house made desserts. Much care is put into our food, it’s a daily ritual for us.”
One of the featured restaurants at The Joinery is Ava Neapolitan Pizzeria. It’s part of the Ava restaurant in Tampa and it offers some delicious pizza in the Lakeland area. “Ava’s menu features inspired Italian cuisine prepared in a simple and rustic fashion,” said owner and partner Michael Stewart. “Central to our vision, we have house cured salami, fresh handmade
Ava was named after Stewart’s daughter, Ava Grace Stewar,t and becoming a part of The Joinery in Lakeland seemed like a perfect fit to Stewart. “I heard about the Joinery through a mutual friend,” Stewart said. “I met with the owners and loved it. We first opened Ava on Howard Avenue in Tampa and then at the Armature in Tampa. The next one was at the Optimist in
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Charlotte, North Carolina, so Lakeland was a natural fit. Even now, we are looking to continue to expand to more food halls in Florida.” So what makes Ava’s pizza so unique? “We make Neapolitan pizza using authentic Caputo flour sourced from Italy along with using fresh local produce,” Stewart said. “I was born in Florida. I live in Tampa and I have several restaurants in Florida. Keeping it local, hiring local, using local vendors has always been a priority. More importantly, pairing local ingredients with local offerings, always taste better in my opinion.” The majority of the ingredients in Ava’s pizza are locally sourced. “We get our strawberries and blueberries from Driscoll Farms,” Stewart said. “J & K in Plant City, Florida grows our grape tomatoes and we use tomatoes from Ruskin, Florida, as well. Sun Fresh Produce Inglewood grows our mixed greens. B&W in Fellsmere Florida grows our baby arugula. We also use local free-range eggs and Mozzarita is the producer of our mozzarella from Pompano Beach Florida.”
this need. These early pizzas consumed by Naples’ poor featured the tasty garnishes beloved today, such as tomatoes, cheese, oil, anchovies and garlic. One of the first documented United States pizzerias was G. Lombardi’s on Spring Street in Manhattan, licensed to sell pizza in 1905. Prior to that, the dish was homemade or purveyed by unlicensed vendors. Lombardi’s, still in operation today though no longer at its former 1905 location.” Stewart hopes the Lakeland community welcomes Ava and brings their hungry appetites to The Joinery to taste all it has to offer. “To be recognized for our handmade pizzas and delicious dishes,” Stewart said. “We also serve Gluten-Free and vegan pizza at Ava.”
Along with being absolutely delicious, pizza has a pretty unique history. You may think pizza has its origins in Italy, but it actually was first created in Egypt. According to the website, History.com (www.history.com) “Flatbreads with toppings were consumed by the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks, but the modern birthplace of pizza is southwestern Italy’s Campania region, home to the city of Naples. Neapolitans required inexpensive food that could be consumed quickly. Pizza flatbreads with various toppings, eaten for any meal and sold by street vendors or informal restaurants, met
If you’d like to learn more about The Joinery, you can visit its website www.thejoinerylkld.com. If you’d like to learn more about Ava and the amazing food it has to offer, you can visit their website at www.avatampa.com. The Joinery is located at 640 E. Main Street in Lakeland, Fla. It’s hours of operation at Monday-Thursday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday and Saturdays 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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2020 POLK COUNTY CATTLEMEN’S RANCH RODEO Photos by Lacey Waters McClenithan
Calf Branding - CF Bar Ranch Wild Cow Milking - Facente Cattle Double Mugging - Facente Cattle Team Sorting - KH Cattle Colt Riding - Gizmo Ranch Senior Sorting - Donald Conroy, Dave Tomkow and Phil Anderson
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1st Place Team - Facente Cattle 2nd Place Team - Raney Cattle 3rd Place Team - T6 Ranch
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2002 MASSEY FERGUSON 1260 Tractor with loader. 40hp, power shuttle, 1040 hours. $10,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 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
FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722 24 HOUR SERVICE Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173 FARM BUREAU INSURANCE We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577 LOOKING TO BUY OR SALE? Call Rhonda Wetherington, P.A. Realtor, GRI. 813-933-1761
ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & Repair. Legendary service for over 20 years! DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER 813-752-0821 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. FOR RENT Many standard sizes in stock. Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details. BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
VINYL SIDING Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378 CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. CROSSBOW Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378 Barnett Squad 300 w/Rhino 4x32mm Crossbow Scope, Case And Arrows. FARM EQUIPMENT Great Condition! Call 813-376-9320 2015 MAHINDRA 100S JOBS 100hp, 4x4, Cab tractor for $23,000.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits I4 POWER EQUIPMENT based on experience. Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Call David 863-537-1345 Plant City 813-752-4459 TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
MISC.
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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2011 MASSEY FERFUSON 1529 With loader, 29hp, shuttle, 4x4. 171 hours. $11,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March
2020
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Polk County Cattle Women
I
may be prejudice, but in my opinion, Polk County is the BEST. We had such a wonderful turnout for the 14th Annual Cattlemen’s RANCH RODEO & Trade Show. The weather cooperated and everything ran smoothly. There were smiles everywhere, laughter and good times had by all. I would like to give a big shout out to all that volunteered to help with the planning and execution of this event. Job well done!! So grateful to be among these folks that give and give tirelessly to see reach the goal. As spring approaches, so does Agri Fest, approximately 6000 Fourth graders and their teachers from all of Polk County come to the extension office for an Agriculture Field day of sorts. Numerous volunteers are on hand to assist with this event to educate our youth of tomorrow. Upcoming Events/Mark your Calendars (Some Dates have changed): • Polk County Cattlemen’s Summer Meeting, Dinner & Cake auction – Thursday, April 23, 2020. The dinner will be a DERBY DAYS themed event. Please come dressed in your best Kentucky Derby attire. Ladies there will be a BIG Hat contest, an Ugly Jacket contest for the Gents, as well as a Best Dressed Couples contest. There is sure to be a lot of fun and laughs had. We will have a photo booth for your social media posting pleasure. Please plan on attending. • June 23 - 25, 2020 - Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention and Trade Show at Omni Orlando Resort, Champions Gate, FL. Make your reservations now.
As always, PCCW welcome new members. If you are interested in joining, we would love to meet you, and welcome you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, #863-205-397
Missy McLaughlin-Raney
Polk County Cattlewomen President
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March
2020
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March
2020
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM