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CONTENTS
SEPTEMBER 2019 VOL. 13 • ISSUE 1
HIGHLAND AG SOLUTIONS: HELPING FARMERS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
28 Cover Photo by Stephanie Humphrey PAGE 10 Find a Landscape Professional
PAGE 31 Op-Ed PAGE 32 PCSO
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 33 Recipes
PAGE 16 Riding in Step
PAGE 35 Jack Payne
PAGE 18 Rancher’s Daughter
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 38 Endangered Species
PAGE 24 Asian Guavas
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 25 News Briefs
PAGE 42 Sweet Treats
PAGE 26 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 45 CattleWomen
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 – Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com Vice President – Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 338460849 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com State Director – David McCullers 1000 Hwy 630 W Frostproof, FL 33843 (863) 635-3821 crookedlakeranch57@ gmail.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 Mike Fussell 4520 Barush Rd Bartow, FL 33830-2629 (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@gmail.com Moby Persing 3380 Sam Keen Rd Lake Wales, FL 338989327 (863) 528-4567 Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com
Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com Alternate – Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Cattlewomen – President, Missy Raney PO Box 453 Homeland, FL 33847 (863) 205-3977 Raney747@gmail.com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Warner University –
Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail. com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Kelley Automotive Group
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Letter from the Editor We were certainly lucky that Hurricane Dorian shifted direction and went up the coast. The forecast was definitely a bit offsetting for more than a few days as the storm stalled out before crawling up the east coast. The residents of the Bahamas were not so lucky. The damage there was catastrophic to Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands. It is estimated that 70,000 people are homeless and the death toll, 50 at the time of press with thousands missing, continues to rise. This powerful storm also caused significant damage to the southeastern United States, spawning several tornados in the Carolinas. The peak months of hurricane season are August through October. It pays to be prepared since NOAA forecasters now say conditions are more favorable for above normal hurricane activity with the end of El Nino. The media tends to focus on coastal areas but farmers and ranchers must have an emergency plan in place in the event that a major storm comes their way. In rural areas farmers and ranchers can expect extended power outages. UF/IFAS recommends ordering fuel to top off farm fuel tanks, fill family vehicles with gas, purchase batteries for flashlights and stock up on feed and supplements. Be prepared after the storm for cleanup. Watch for downed power lines, debris and flooding. There are so many things to consider, your best bet is to sit down well before a storm is brewing to lay out your plan. Waiting until the last minute could have disastrous consequences. We may not be so lucky the next time.
STAFF 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 Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Anita Todd Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Catllemen’s Association.
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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Dear PCCA, We are very blessed that Dorian did not have any major impacts on Polk County or Florida. Our prayers are with the Bahamas during this tragic time. Several groups from Polk County have rallied to help the people of the Abaco Islands. Eric Hardee’s family has been directly impact since his wife Taryn’s sister lived in Man-O-War with her husband whose family was missing on Man-O-War, but was recently found. Fishermen Lex Brown and Keith Bean and their groups have worked with the Hardee’s for direct communication to help gather the appropriate supplies for the people of the northern Bahama Islands. Eric Hardee has communicated that they will need groups to go and provide labor to help these islands rebuild in the coming weeks and months. Building supplies such as plywood, nails, and drills are most needed at this point. May God bless the Bahamas during this time of rebuilding. If you would like to help, please reach out Eric Hardee.
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On Thursday, September 26 UF/IFAS Extension Polk County will be holding their Managing Cattle
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Enterprises For Success Program Dinner at 6 p.m. The purpose is to assist cow-calf owners and operators in identifying and applying management tools for beef cattle operations that will maximize returns on investment and increase productivity in the cowherd. Tim Clark of Ridley Block will focus on Self Fed Supplement Research for Improving Forage Utilization and Cow/Calf Performance. Brent Lawrence of AllTech will focus on How to Maximize Your Herd’s Profitability Through Mineral Nutrition. Dinner will be provided and is sponsored by Ridley Block Operations. The cost to attend is $5 per person, payable at the door. To RSVP, please email Bridget Stice at bccarlis@ufl.edu or call 863-5882697 by Tuesday, September 24. Until next time, EAT MORE BEEF!
Carlton Taylor
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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TIPS FOR FINDING A LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL By Julie Schelb Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Coordinator UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Have you decided to include the help of a professional with the maintenance of your yard? While it might seem overwhelming on how to select someone and where to start in searching for a landscape professional, it doesn’t have to be. Below are some considerations and resources to help you find a licensed professional for the job.
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The first step is assessing your needs and deciding what you need help with. Maybe you are considering routine lawn care or just need to have a large tree assessed for safety and/or pruning. There are several areas of work within the landscape profession. Here a few areas you may be in need of assistance:
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• Lawn and landscape care: mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and pest control, if necessary • Irrigation: installation, maintenance, and repair • Tree care: pruning, risk assessment • Landscape design: plans for new landscapes or changes to the landscape Whatever your needs are, knowing how to find a licensed professional will help to ensure that you are selecting someone trained in their area of specialty. Remember to always ask for a quote. You may want to ask for a consultation so that they can evaluate the project before giving a quote. If the job is for fertilizing or pest management, find out if they routinely apply products or if it is based on scouting and a needs assessment along with WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
seasonal changes. This is your landscape, so you have the opportunity to select a professional that practices Florida-Friendly Landscaping maintenance techniques. Here is a list of a few professional associations that certify their members and require continuing education to keep up with industry standards and new research. FNGLA (Florida, Nursery, Growers, and Landscapers Association): You can find certified horticulture professionals, landscape maintenance technicians, landscape contractors, and landscape designers. http://www.fngla.org/certifications/find-a-certified-professional/ ISA (International Society of Arboriculture): A local listing of certified arborists for tree care and pruning. http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/arboristsearch.aspx?utm_ source=homepageclicks&utm_
GI-BMP (Green Industries Best Management Practices): A listing of county-by-county lawn care and landscape maintenance professionals certified in environmentally safe landscaping practices that help conserve and protect Florida’s ground and surface water. http://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/professionals/certification_ lists/cert_county_name.shtml Florida Water Star: List of accredited irrigation professionals to help with installation and repair of landscape watering needs. https://floridawaterstar.com/professionals.html If you live in a HOA, you may also want to consider hiring a licensed and/or accredited professional for meeting the needs of your neighborhood’s landscapes.
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Tampa Bay Fishing Report September 2019 Capt. Woody Gore
Snook, Redfish, Spotted Sea Trout, can be caught but not har-
vested because of the Red Tide earlier this year. From late September, or more likely mid-October, an early-season cold front pushes through, bringing drier air and somewhat more relaxed temperatures. The rainy season shuts down and the skies take on a more vibrant, blue color. As days grow shorter, the sun heads south, the angle of the light changes and shadows lengthen. It is time to get outdoors and get in some great fall fishing. This is the time of the year we have to put a jacket back in the boat for a morning ride to get bait; especially with a blowing early morning north wind. As the water starts cooling down, the fish should start getting a little more excited about being fish. The bites have been exceptional during the last weeks of September, and I expect it to continue right through Christmas. You can expect good catches all over Tampa Bay using live bait. But if you’re an artificial angler grab your tackle box because now is the time to fish plastics.
Snook: (Season Closed may be
caught but not harvested) Look for Snook on tidal flats, especially those with deep channels or cuts. Snook will forage the grass flats early and move toward the mangrove shade or deeper water as the sun heats up. Try using greenbacks or artificial lures on moving water.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Redfish: (Season Closed may be
caught but not harvested) Expect some good redfish days around the same areas. Look for tailing reds or that familiar rusty red color on low water tidal flats. They’ll also begin pushing into the mangroves and oyster bars on incoming tides.
Spotted Sea Trout: (Season Closed may be caught but not harvested) Normally you can always catch trout on Tampa Bay’s lush grass flats throughout the fall and winter. Look for fair-sized fish on the deeper grass flats with sandy potholes. Live shrimp or greenbacks under a popping cork should do nicely. Occasionally, free-lined baits in and around the sandy potholes produce more substantial fish and the occasional flounder. Don’t forget, with artificial lures like a small jig and rubber tail you can cover twice the area and usually catch twice the fish. Cobia: Check the markers and sandy flats, they are functional areas to find Cobia. Especially the markers holding bait and also the grass flats with larger stingrays or manatees. Mangrove Snappers: As for the others, expect some good-sized mangrove snapper at the bridges and rock piles with some topping out around 3 pounds. Don’t forget when taking kids fishing never turn your fishing nose up at ladyfish and jacks, especially when kids are involved; they can certainly make or break a trip. Most WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
children are not interested in fishing. However, what they are interested in is catching a fish. They usually don’t care what kind of fish, they just want their fishing pole to bend. When that happens you’ve got happy kids.
MirrOMullet
Top Dog Jr
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814
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RIDING IN STEP Kinley Hardee and McKenzie Hollie
By: Erica Der Hall
Scripture says in the Book of Proverbs, “A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” For the past four years, Kinley Hardee and McKenzie Hollie have been sharing their love of equine and forging a sweet bond of friendship. Kinley, a 7th grader at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, started her equine adventure at the age of three with her first pony, Danny. When she turned 8, she joined the Hoof-N-Horn 4-H club where she competed with her horse Crispy’s Love Spark, called Sparky, in speed events. However, she found her true calling after discovering a new equine category for 4-H, Ranch classes. Ranch classes offer 4-H members the opportunity to compete in competitions that simulate working on a real, operational ranch. The categories include Ranch Reining, Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, Ranch Roping, Ranch Ground Handling and Working Cow Horse. These competitions encourage the continuation of Florida’s ranching tradition and allow young people the chance to engage first hand with the agriculture industry.
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McKenzie, a 7th grader at Bok Academy, started her livestock experiences with her first horse, Miss Gunsmoke Silver, called Katie. As a member of Rocking Riders 4-H Club, McKenzie also began competing in speed events but has found her passion in the Ranch classes. She is also a volunteer for Spe-
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cial Olympics where she assists with riding competitions for young people with special needs. While Kinley and McKenzie are often times competing in the same classes, they are each other’s biggest fan. Kinley’s mom Taryn said, “Their friendship is amazing. They are usually competing against one another, but the winner does not matter. They high five, give each other tips on how to compete better and they are truly a team.” They girls travel around the state of Florida, Kinley competing with her horse SHEZSWEETERTHANHONEY, called YOLO, and McKenzie riding on Katie. From the State Fairgrounds to the Polk County Youth Fair, these two young ladies work hard, put in a tremendous amount of time and effort and give every competition their very best. However, they have learned a lesson early on that many people can take a lifetime to understand. These two young ladies understand that people are more important than placings and relationships last longer than ribbons. It is the people in life that truly make the difference. If you have a good friend who is willing to help you prepare for a horse show, encourage you when it does not turn out like you wanted and celebrate with you when it does, well, you have a true treasure. Their parents, Eric and Taryn Hardee and Richard and Sarah Hollie, have passed along not only a love for equine and the WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
agriculture industry but, more importantly, a love and respect for others. Their investment in their daughters is certainly evident as they are truly role models for other young people their age. In addition, Kinley and McKenzie are working hard to set a positive example for their siblings, Corbin and Maci, who are both excited to take part in their own horse projects in the future.
ship that is sure to stand the test of time. As they grow older, they can look back on these years, remember where their friendship started and be grateful that they still have a sweet friendship that refreshes the soul.
Not only are both girls busy with their Ranch classes, they raise and exhibit Ultrablack and Brangus cattle at the Polk County Youth Fair. From horses to cattle, they are experiencing a wide range of 4-H opportunities and are looking forward to even more experiences ahead, in Florida and beyond. “One of my main goals is to make it to the Southern Regional 4-H Show in Perry, Ga.,” Kinley said. Raising livestock and participating in 4-H competitions allows young people like Kinley and McKenzie to learn new skills, develop strong character and forge lasting relationships. “I really love being able to show the things that I have learned in 4-H and, most importantly, it is just so much fun! I would like to see Ranch classes become even bigger in Polk County. We have so much agriculture in our county and this is a great opportunity to show how important working horses are to the industry,” McKenzie said. Kinley and McKenzie can be found practicing their Ranch classes, working with their show cattle, and just hanging out as friends and teammates. No matter where life takes them, they are developing important skills and a lasting friend-
McKenzie Hollie
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Kinley Hardee
McKenzie Hollie
CONFESSION OF A RANCHER’S DAUGHTER By Marisol Tarango Growing up, a rancher’s daughter lives on a different schedule than most people. Her schedule does not revolve around morning commutes or clocking in and out. Instead, her schedule revolves around when the animals need to be fed and the weather. Her to-do list flows with the seasons rather than the set schedule of corporate America. Being raised this way, she has heard of poor souls who clock in and out of work, but that is a far away.
4-H projects and doing our outside chores trying to use up as much sunlight as we could. Because of this, there were times where we did school after dark. With this type of routine, we got the job done, we just had to work around some things. We did school work in the car while running errands, dodged rain to train horses, and learned how to drop plans and regroup. Growing up with this type of life schedule caused me to have a bit of an adjustment when I started college classes.
CONFESSION #4:
I took my first college classes when I was a senior in high school and having it set in stone that I was going to have classes every Tuesday and Thursday all day was a little hard to get used to. I couldn’t listen to lectures in the car or go on a different day. After 17 years of having my own schedule it felt like I had sold my birthright for a bowl of stew. But I found ways to have more flexibility. I tried to take mostly online classes, and when I did have on-campus classes, I tried to take them on days that the cattle markets were closed so that I could help with shipping cattle. This summer was my first time working a nine to five, five days a week job. It was a great experience in the working world, but it also took some adjustments. I was well acquainted with long hours and hard work, but having the same long hours, with the same hard work, in the same place every day, was very new to me. It was a very strange moment when I realized I could tell someone where I would be just about any given time of the week.
The 9-5 world was very foreign to me before I started college. Having been raised on a ranch, and also being homeschooled, my life revolved around a routine that could be easily interrupted (and often was) rather than an hour by hour schedule. My chores might start earlier or later because of the weather or get pushed back because a minor (or major) state of emergency arose and priorities had to be shifted. I remember one day that started off like any other morning, but within ten minutes of walking down to the barn that all changed drastically. As I was feeding one of the horses, Lucky, I realized that he had a decent flap of skin hanging over his left eye. About that time my sister came from feeding the goats to tell me that one of the babies looked like it was having seizures. One of us ran to get our mom while the other tried to deal with the situation the best they could. The vet ended up having to come out and stitch up Lucky, but there wasn’t anything he could do for the baby goat. These type of interruptions were not uncommon occurrences, so we learned to adapt. For example, on that day school started off with a field trip of watching the vet give Lucky stitches and the books didn’t get opened until later that afternoon.
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Even when the normal daily routine actually did happen, the routine that I grew up with was a lot different than most people’s routines. In the hotter months, we would get an early start and do outside work until around 10:00 a.m., do school and inside work in the heat of the afternoon, then would go out in the evening to finish whatever work needed to be done. Often, we wouldn’t be back in the house until after the sunset (which can be late during the summer). In the cooler months, we often were outside as much as possible working on our
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In the ranching community people with 9-5 jobs are often pitied and sometimes made fun of. Why would they choose to work inside for eight hours a day without seeing the sun or feeling the wind? This really puzzled me as a child and a lot of time I felt bad for my aunts and uncles who had 9-5 jobs. Then one day my dad pointed out that being in the office is not torture for everyone. That people actually enjoy what they do in the office or classroom; that an engineer or web designer can feel the same pleasure of their job that a cowboy can. Not only do they enjoy their job, but those with 9-5 jobs are as important to our society as the farmer and the rancher. Someone has to take the raw product and make it into something useful, someone has to keep the books, and someone has to organize it. So here’s to five o’clock. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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September
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The glabella is the space between your eyebrows In 1927 Morris Frank became the recipient of the first U.S. dog guide, a German Shepherd named “Buddy.” The term “couch potato” is the legal property of Robert Armstrong, who trademarked it in 1976. Willie Mosconi, “Mr. Pocket Billiards,” played against professionals at the age of six. You can use potato chips to start a fire. The human tooth has approximately 50 miles of canals in it. Smokey Bear has his own zip code – 20252. Ants do not sleep.
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Some things I don’t understand
The other day while in the local pharmacy to pick up a prescription, I passed by the area where they sold thermometers. There was one rectal thermometer that caught my eye. In bold print it stated, “PreTested, 99% Accurate.” Now tell me, who in their right mind would buy a pre-tested rectal thermometer? Or better yet, who would take the job to pre-test them? I was always taught that customer service is first and foremost to make a business successful. If that’s the case then a number of Plant City food chains need to shape up. The other day I stopped in for a bowl of chili and a drink. It was raining and I had to park far from the entrance, as all the parking spaces close to the door were full. When I got inside I noticed I was the only customer in the store. I asked the young lady taking my order whose cars were parked at the entrance. She replied cheerfully, “Oh, those belong to our employees.” A few days later I had an interesting experience buying some food at a popular fast-food chain. The total came to $10.15. Not wanting a lot of change I gave the cashier a twenty-dollar bill, and a quarter. She looked at the money. Then the cash register, scratched her head, and gave me back a dime. I called her attention to the fact that I had given her a $20.00 bill. She smiled and said, “Sir do you think I owe you more”? “Yes,” I said. “According to your cash register you owe me $10.10.” I took my change, and moved over to pickup my order and the man in back of me just rolled his eyes and shook his head, and said, “I’ve seen it all now!” Life goes on and I still wonder why we say “after dark” when it really is “after light.” Why is the third hand on a watch called the second hand? Why do we wash bath towels? Aren’t we clean when we use them? Why do they call it a TV set when you only have one? Why is it called a “building” when it is already built? And why do they advertise toilet paper? Everybody uses it! I stopped in for the Plant City Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” at Tim Lopez’s Southside Farm Supply. They really have a lot to offer, and Tim is as happy as if he just caught his limit of speckle perch at Lake Thonotosassa. Tim said, “Al, I ran across something for your Rock’n Chair Chatter.” I love it when my readers offer suggestions, so I said, “Tell me about it, Tim.” Here is his story: A psychiatrist visited a Georgia mental institution and asked a patient, “Tell me sir, how did you get here? What is your problem?”
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The old fella replied, “Well, it all started when I got married and I guess I should never had done it. I married a widow with a grown daughter who then became my stepdaughter. My dad came to visit
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us, fell in love with my lovely stepdaughter, and then married her. And so my stepdaughter was now my stepmother. Soon, my wife had a son who was, of course, my daddy’s brother-in-law since he is the half-brother of my stepdaughter, who is now, of course, my daddy’s wife. So, as I told you, when my stepdaughter married my daddy, she was at once my stepmother! Now, since my new son is brother to my stepmother, he also became my uncle. As you know, my wife is my stepgrandmother since she is my stepmother’s mother. Don’t forget that my stepmother is my stepdaughter. Remember, too, that I am my wife’s grandson.” “Wait just a minute,” he said, “You see, since I’m married to my stepgrandmother, I am not only the wife’s grandson and her hubby, but I am also my own grandfather. Now sir, can you understand how I got put in this place?” Tim told me buying Southside Farm & Pet Supply was the best thing his family has ever done. He said in his construction work he never meets as many people as he does at the store. Those farmers and ranchers always have a tall tale to tell. He recalled a farmer from Turkey Creek that came in the store and shared the story of a talking horse. As he tells it a jogger was running down Mud Lake road and was startled when a horse yells at him, “Hey buddy, come over to the fence, I want to talk with you.” Some what stunned the runner jogs over to the fence and says, “Were you talking to me?” The horse replies, “Yes I was, and man I have a problem. I won the Kentucky Derby a few years ago and this farmer bought me, and now all I do is watch joggers like you run up and down Mud Lake road. I am sick and tired of this daily routine. Why don’t you run up to the house and offer him $4000 to buy me? I promise you I can make you some money because I can still run.” The jogger thought to himself, ‘Good grief, a talking horse.’ Dollar signs started appearing in his head. He jogs over to the house and the old farmer is sitting on he porch. He tells the farmer, “If you’re interested in selling that old nag over by the road, I’ll give you $4000 cash her.” “Son, I go through this every day with that old horse. You can’t believe anything the horse says. She has never ever been to Kentucky.” If you have any good farming stories to tell, drop over and talk with Tim Lopez at Southside Farm & Pet Supply! Who knows, they may end up in this column. In closing, remember that the proper use of toiletries can forestall bathing for several days. However, if you live Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair alone, deodorant is a Chatter was originally printed in the waste of good money. September 2014 issue WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Florida
Asian Guavas
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science A tropical fruit with a mild, sweet flavor, the guava is considered a “superfruit” in terms of nutritional and health benefits. Guavas may have thick or thin skins, depending upon the variety. Skin color is light green to yellow and the flesh may be white, yellow, pink or red. The fruit is usually oval in shape with small edible seeds inside. Fresh guava is delicious out of hand, but is also commonly used in juice, jams, jellies, paste, marmalade, desserts, and pastries. In the United States, commercial guava production is found in Florida, California, and Hawaii. In Florida, guava is harvested year-round. Asian guavas look like a large textured pear, but its texture is hard and crisp like a combination between an apple and pear. The outer shell is light green and the inner fruit is a creamy white color. Asian guavas are delicious eaten either hard or soft, depending on how long you let it ripen. It tastes like a very sweet Granny Smith apple. Compared with other types of guava, Asian guavas are larger and harder. Asian guavas are sometimes called Bangkok guavas or southeast Asian white guavas.
Nutritional Profile
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 100g portion of fresh guava (about 1.5 medium fruits) contains 68 calories, 2.55g of protein, 0.95 g of fat, 14.3 g of carbohydrate, and 5.4 g of fiber. It provides a whopping 396% of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin C, 21% for vitamin A, 14% for dietary fiber, 12.5% for folate, 9% for potassium, and significant amounts of magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, calcium, B vitamins and iron. That’s a big mouthful of nutrients in this tropical treat!
Vitamin C
Guava is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, providing roughly four times the amount in an average orange. One serving of this fruit provides almost 400% of your daily needs! Most of the vitamin is concentrated in the outer rind. Scientific studies have shown that regular consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps fight off infectious agents, resulting in fewer colds, or colds of shorter duration. This antioxidant also neutralizes harmful free radicals from the body. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of some diseases, including several forms of cancer. Additionally, vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones.
Dietary Fiber
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One serving of guava provides 14% of your daily fiber needs, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. The fiber also helps to protect against colon cancer and other conditions by speeding up transit time through the gut. Fiber can also help lower cholesterol, assist with digestion, and prevent constipation. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and
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pancreas. A single serving of fresh guava provides 14% of the daily value for fiber, which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerosis. Fiber can also help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Vitamin A
Guava is also a very good source of vitamin A and beta carotene. Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant and is essential for optimum health. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Guava, and other foods rich in vitamin A, may also be beneficial for lung health. Researchers at Kansas State University discovered that carcinogens in cigarette smoke may deplete the body’s stores of vitamin A, and increase the likelihood of developing emphysema and lung cancer. They also discovered that a diet rich in vitamin A can reduce the risk of emphysema in smokers.
How to Select & Store
Choose fresh guava with smooth, intact skin free of cuts, bruises or patches. Ripe Asian guavas will have some yellow on its skin and have a fragrant aroma that is mild and pleasant. The shells of ripe fruit should yield to gentle pressure. Unripe guavas can be ripened at room temperature until they yield to gentle pressure. Ripe guavas can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Guava may also be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Guava is commonly found as a paste, juice, or nectar, which is used in recipes for desserts, syrups, sauces, or beverages. It can be used in pies, cakes, pastries, puddings, sauce, ice cream, sorbet, jam, marmalade, chutney, relish, and other products. While guavas are sweet and delicious eaten out of hand, other serving ideas include: • Cut guava in half. Remove seeds and fill the guava shells with cottage cheese. • Toss guava chunks into a fruit salad • Use guava chunks in a crisp or cobbler. • Make guava shortcake (in the same way as strawberry shortcake) • Use guava sauce to top pudding, cake, or ice cream. • Add guava juice or nectar to punch or carbonated water. • Use guava juice to make sorbet or popsicles. • Stew guava and serve with cream cheese. With so many ways to enjoy this delicious fruit, eat more fresh Florida Asian guavas. These locally grown treats are sweet and delicious, low in calories, and a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Selected References
http://www.whfoods.com http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/guava.html WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
NRCS Can Help with Flooding on your Property The U.S. Department of Agriculture Nature Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers assistance to landowners experiencing flooding issues on their property after devastating weather events. This assistance is offered through the Emergency Watershed Protection Programs (EWPP) Floodplain Easement Program (FWP). The FWP is a voluntary program that offers landowners the means and the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance lands subject to repeated flooding and flood damage. Eligible applicants agree to sell a permanent conservation easement to the U.S. through the NRCS. Compensation is based on the value of the easement as determined by an appraisal or market analysis. These easements can take place on public or private agricultural land or residential properties damaged by flooding and natural disasters. More information is available at the USDA Plant City Service Center, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 201. Plant City, FL 33563. Contact District Conservationist Diana AvellanetEchevarria, Telephone: 813/473-4882 or email: Diana.Avellanet@fl.usda.gov. UF Introduces Guide to Help ID Commonly Confused Animals, Plants Florida is home to a diverse array of animals, plants and insects, many of which may be difficult to tell apart. The new “This or That” identification deck from the University of Florida can help not only tell species apart, but also help conserve the state’s native and endangered species. “This or That” covers nearly 100 commonly misidentified animals, plants and insects, pairing side-by-side photos and descriptions of each species’ distinguishing features. “This or That? A Beginner’s Guide to Commonly Misidentified Plants & Animals in Florida’ is available through the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension bookstore at: ifasbooks.com or by calling 352/392-1764. Legislative Days/Taste of Florida Event December 10 The Florida Farm Bureau Federation will continue to host its annual Legislative Days event in Tallahassee with this year’s event to be held Tuesday, December 10, during the final committee week prior to the 2020 legislative session. The date change was prompted by scheduling issues at the Capitol court yard. More information will be forthcoming as the date draws near.
NRCS Continues to Promote Benefits & Importance of Soil Health The U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is continuing to promote the benefits and importance of soil health, also referred to as soil quality and defined as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital, living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals and humans. Understanding soil health means assessing and managing soil so that it functions optimally now and is not degraded for future use. More information is available at the local NRCS office, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, FL 33563. Telephone: 813/752-1474, Ext. 3, or email District Conservationist Diana Avellanet at Diana.Avellanet@usda.gov. NRCS is also inviting landowners to learn more about the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program that helps producers in a way that promotes Ag production and environmental quality. Through EQIP producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. This includes improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. More information about EQIP and the application process is available at the Plant City NRCS office. Registration Open for Florida Ag Expo November 21 Registration is now open for Florida Ag Expo Thursday, November 21, at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm. Florida Director of Cannabis, Holly Bell, will provide an overview of the growing hemp industry and there will be a hemp panel discussion and field tour. Educational sessions will focus on soil fumigation issues and pest management in vegetables. To register and/or learn more about the event, visit www.floridaagexpo.net. FBGA Announces Organizational Changes The Florida Blueberry Growers Association (FBGA) has announced several organizational changes. Brittany Lee has resigned as the acting FBGA present. Ryan Atwood has agreed to serve as interim president and Leonard Park has assumed the role of vice president. Lee has agreed to work part time as the FBGA’s Executive Director. More information about the FBGA is available at its Trade Website: www.floridablueberrygrowers.org or Consumer website: http://blueberriesfromflorida.com.
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By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Five years is a long time to be reading one book. And yet, we have been on this Literary Time Machine journey through Ornamental Gardening in Florida for exactly five years this month! It’s hard to believe so much time has passed since we first began to traverse the pages of this nearly one hundred year old text. Over time, the cover has become detached and some of the pages are trying to fall out. Still, though, we inevitably discover something new each month and so that’s what we are hoping will continue as we dive into our five-year anniversary. This month the Quisqualis indica, or Rangoon creeper, really grabbed our attention. Mr. Torrey-Simpson writes, “(It) is occasionally grown in South Florida, and it has a profusion of starry flowers that are white in the morning and change to dark red by night.”¹ The idea of a color-changing flower is certainly intriguing. Enough so, that we had to look it up. Southern Living had an incredibly informative article based on this plant. Apparently, the Latin meaning of the name is translated, “Who? And What?”² This is because early botanists were confused by the color changing flowers. In fact, its Transformer-like nature stumped many of them because it starts off like a shrub but eventually becomes an impressively sprawling vine capable of reaching heights of 30 feet. In case you’d like to invest in this plant, Southern Living suggests that it is easy to grow and can handle most soil varieties. So, if you’re even slightly interested, this might be a great plant to try out in the yard.² Moving along, another plant caught our eye, the S. seaforthianum. This plant has some unique qualities. He explains, “(It) has smaller and darker colored flowers followed by bright red berries which are much relished by mocking birds and which sometimes intoxicate them.”¹ Birds getting drunk off a plant’s seeds amused us and made us wonder what caused the intoxication he noticed. Better known as Brazilian Nightshade, the information we gathered from Dave’s Garden states that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. The flowers’ colors vary from pink to white, to dark purples. They bloom in the mid and late summer as well as early fall. And, Brazilian Nightshade grows in a variety of places in Florida, including: Tampa, Venice, Sarasota, Lakeland, Leesburg, Bartow, and quite a few others.³ So, while Mr. Torrey-Simpson may have assumed the birds were getting wasted off the seeds, they were possibly committing slow suicides.
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However, the Missouri Botanical Gardens revealed that the vine’s Latin name is translated to, “comfort, solace, or soothing in reference to the purported sedative and healing effects obtained from the application of the leaves…to cuts, wounds, inflammations or skin problems.”⁴ Elsewhere we read that this
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Part 60
plant is poisonous to cattle, sheep, pigs, children, and poultry.⁵ Perhaps then, the mocking birds were enjoying the sedative qualities more than the deadly ones. This would account for them appearing intoxicated upon eating them. Two extraordinarily odd plants on one trip is not unusual if you have been joining us regularly. But plants that stump botanists or get birds blasted is slightly off course for our normal adventures. Fearing that the next plants would be less exciting, we trekked on nonetheless and arrived at the end of the chapter. But before we got there, we discovered a couple of other nice sounding plants he recommended, specifically Zebrina pendula, which he says, “…cannot be spoiled by changing its name and everywhere that house plants are grown it is a favorite.”¹ Maybe you have heard of it by its common name, Wandering Jew? Though an attractive ornamental vine, it just can’t muster up to the previous two. So, having arrived at a new chapter, it seemed fitting to end this piece giving you a vision of what to hope for on our next trip on the Literary Time Machine. When we meet again, we will be delving into the world of Exotic Herbaceous Plants. We’re not sure what mysteries discoveries that chapter will hold but having spent the last five years with Mr. Torrey-Simpson, we are relatively certain that something of interest will grab our attention. Until then, dear friends, continue learning about the plants you seek to add to your landscape and as we always tell you, happy gardening! We’ll see you next month! 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. 187-188). ²Southern Living. Rangoon Creeper. https://www.southernliving.com/plants/rangoon-creeper ³Dave’s Garden. Brazilian Nightshade, St. Vincent Lilac, Italian Jasmine. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/ go/31445/#b ⁴Missouri Botanical Garden. Solanum seaforthianum. http:// www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287171&isprofile=0&= ⁵Rojas-Sandoval, J. & Acevedo-Rodriguez, P. (2014). CABI Invasive Species Compendium. Solanum seaforthianum (Brazilian nightshade). https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/50548 Photo Credits: Jennyhsu47. (2009). Rangoon Creeper. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/ p/6KHYVr Tatters. (2010). Brazilian Nightshade- flower and fruit. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/7HWY16 Culbert, Dick. (2015). Tradescantia zebrina. (Flickr). https://flic. kr/p/xD9fVe WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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HIGHLAND AG SOLUTIONS: HELPING FARMERS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
BY Jim Frankowiak
First in a series on the ways Highland Ag is meeting this commitment Farming – regardless of the size of the operation – is challenging at each step, from preparing the soil for crops, to getting the best price for what farmers have grown and beyond, to the most appropriate post-harvest practices. The family of companies that comprise Highland Ag Solutions is totally dedicated to helping farmers realize their full potential. Those companies – Highland Precision Ag, Highland Fresh Technologies and Coastal Ag Supply – assist farmers from “soil to sale” with tools they can all afford that optimize available and emerging technologies without comprising their attention to what they do best.
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“Precision ag, smart farming, or precision farming, are the terms frequently used to describe everything that helps a farmer reduce time, save money and increase production and profitability while preserving our natural resources,” said Steve Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer and company Cofounder. “A farmer may use imagery, a GPS-guided tractor, soil samples and moisture sensors to help make more informed decisions that result in more precision and sustain-
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able farming methods. And we make this possible for them by pushing an easy button on their smart phones. Highland Precision Ag (HPA) goes further than most precision ag companies. We focus on technology and software in the areas of regulation and marketing, as well.” “From predatory mites and parasitoids to biologically derived fungicides and insecticides, biological and biorational approaches can help provide effective pest control, while reducing harm to natural enemies and the ecosystem,” noted Chris Crockett, Business Systems Analyst and Technical Advisor at Highland Ag Solutions. “Highland Ag Solutions specializes in helping growers leverage these strategies in order to develop holistic and sustainable integrated pest management programs. To further enrich ecosystem services and help improve crop characteristics, Highland also helps manage on farm pollination service through the distribution and monitoring of bumblebee products.” Maxwell and his team achieve this by “getting their boots on the ground” with growers to learn first- hand what their spe-
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cific challenges and needs are. “That also helped us to learn that farmers wanted to do this from their devices because quite often, a cell phone and the front seat of their truck serve as their office,” he said. HPA provides solutions and assistance in every aspect of farming operations. Its online farm management system, Highland Hub, enables growers to study the past, see the present and plant for the future. Food safety programs and all record keeping are virtual while monitoring critical control points, crop protection usages and input costs. Thanks to Highland Ag’s newest tool, FS 365, farmers can now “stick a fork” in the old ways of collecting, saving and accessing all of the information needed for full compliance with Food Safety requirements. FS365 allows growers and packers to conduct real-time monitoring of their food safety programs, from any device, anywhere. Growers and packers can complete records, conduct internal audits and track corrective actions, helping maintain compliance with 3rd party, FDA and customer requirements, and more:
• Create, manage customized documentation including records and SOPs. • Receive notifications when a record is due or when a document needs approval. • Receive real-time notifications of CCP monitoring + activities occurring on the farm or in the packing house. • Create custom permissions for each user, restricting access throughout the system. • Complete internal audits and see real-time scores for your operation. • Manage all 3rd party, regulatory and customer requirements in one, user-friendly system. • Link your spray records and lab results right to your virtual food safety manual. • Add your own checklist for quality, sustainability or customer requirements • Manage supplier information and documentation, receiving notifications when new information is needed. HPA also offers weather and soil monitoring tools that are competitively priced, making them affordable for all growers no matter the size of their operation. Weather stations and soil probes accurately measure temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, heat index, dew point, wet bulb, wind speed,
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wind direction, rainfall, wind chill and more with all data delivered to growers in five-minute increments via Highland Hub. Growers can also view lab results, create work orders for crop protection and fertilizer applications, track inventory and manage their costs. HPA scouts and agronomists identify issues, analyze data and provide recommendations that are specific to the grower’s crop and land. HPA through its partnership with Waypoint Analytical has a nationwide lab presence and that means timely analysis and the provision of results. Coastal Ag Supply is a full-service distributor of crop protection products (herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) for conventional and organic growers with focus on specialty crops such as strawberries, blackberries, watermelon, squash and tomatoes. Fertilizers include liquid products, as well as bagged and bulk dry fertilizers. Coastal Ag also offers supplemental nutritionals for foliar deficiencies.
Crop consultations and recommendations are provided by a team of Certified Crop Advisors with highly competitive pricing and same-day delivery options. Highland Fresh Technologies features products specifically formulated to work under real-world condition in the fresh produce industry by way of its 4 Step Process. Step 1 covers product washing, cleaning and coatings; Step 2 addresses equipment cleaning and maintenance with verification the focus of Step 3 and facility sanitation the target of Step 4. Highland Fresh also offers OMRI certified products for use in organic processing. Our next article will take a close look at how Highland Ag Solutions is helping farmers make more informed decisions at the time of sales.
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Op-Ed: Hurricane Dorian Reminder that Preparation is Key by: Angie Lindsey Like many others last week, our team at UF/IFAS was preparing for the worst. For more than 10 days, we all watched and waited to see how Hurricane Dorian would impact Floridians and their livelihoods. In the end, we were very lucky. Just a small change in the storm’s track could have been catastrophic for our state. Our thoughts go out to our friends in the southeastern states, and our hearts break as we see the images coming out of Bahamas. Even though Hurricane Dorian has come and gone, there is much we can learn and do to prepare for the next disaster. Hurricane season is far from over, and other natural and manmade disasters can happen any time of year. Fortunately, our statewide network of UF faculty and staff works year-round to help communities with preparation, mitigation and recovery for all types of disasters. Our efforts help support the tireless work of the Florida Division of Emergency Management and each county’s emergency management department to prepare our state and to keep our citizens safe. UF/IFAS Extension is located in each of Florida’s 67 counties, where our people work with stakeholders in the agriculture and natural resources’ industries to help in preparations and assist in recovery. In addition, many of our faculty and staff work in their county Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs), food banks, local programs and county shelters. We are also a trusted source of information for residents facing disasters. From how to prepare your home for a hurricane, to resources on mental and physical health, we help families bounce back. We have information specialists in forestry and landscaping, animal agriculture, and coastal industries who help get Floridians back on their feet.
ing. These industries generated more than $4.22 billion in revenues and supported more than 63,000 jobs in 2017, according to economist Christa Court, director of UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program. A path to southern Florida would have impacted the state’s citrus industry with almost 70,000 acres in production, an industry that is still recovering from impacts from Hurricane Irma in 2017. UF/IFAS will continue to work to make our state’s agriculture and natural resources’ industries resilient for the next disaster, but we will not forget the lessons that Hurricane Dorian has taught us. Preparation is key. Early and proactive preparation can often lessen impacts and assist in recovery. Our UF/ IFAS team is here to help. With more than 350 faculty in all 67 counties and research specialists in many different areas, we are here to work with our state and community partners in agriculture and natural resources stakeholders to ensure that our state is prepared for the next disaster. I thank our faculty and staff throughout the state for the work they do all year to ensure preparedness for all disasters. I am also thankful for the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), a team of Extension faculty across the country that share resources and best management practices for all types of disasters. This network was in direct communication with us, provided resources and offered their help if needed. As the EDEN point-of-contact for UF/IFAS, my job is to ensure our faculty and staff have the resources and tools they need to assist their communities and stakeholders in disasters. Teachers like Hurricane Dorian help us to identify those needs and gaps in our communities. UF/IFAS will continue to work to fill those needs and gaps so that we are ready for the next disaster.
After the storm has passed, our team works with other state agencies including Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), State Agricultural Response Team (SART), and USDA to assess the impacts on agriculture and natural resource industries. The impacts from Hurricane Dorian could have been devastating. Hurricane Dorian’s early potential path to Central Florida included a 21-county region that includes crop and livestock production, forestry and fishAngie Lindsey is an assistant professor of family, youth and community sciences in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
Trespassers & Saw Palmetto Berries
Herbal medicine aficionados have been touting the health benefits of taking saw palmetto berry extract. I’m no expert on these benefits, and I don’t know if these treatments work, but I have heard that the extract could help treat low testosterone levels, hair loss, enlarged prostate, coughs, sore throats, and headaches. As is usually the case, whether true or not, whenever we hear of these miracle treatments, a lot of people flock to it. And because of this, the demand for saw palmetto berries has increased. Manufacturers of the extract needed the berries to produce the extract and that motivated some folks to go around harvesting the berries to sell. The problem is, a lot of the berries were being taken without due care to the saw palmettos. Also, many of those folks were doing this by trespassing on private property and stealing the berries off of palm trees. The trespassing led to the destruction of native Florida flora, and problems for the agriculture community, so legislation was passed to change that. In 2018, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Endangered Plant Advisory Council added the berries to the list of commercially exploited Florida plants. Because of that, the harvesting of the berries is now strictly regulated.
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To harvest the berries, you must have a permit. And of course, even with a permit, one can’t just go on someone else’s property and steal their berries.
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In August 2019, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office had two cases in the Frostproof area in which we arrested a total of six people for harvesting palmetto berries without a permit. The men were charged with misdemeanors for illegally harvesting the berries and for trespassing on private property. Last year wasn’t the first year that state of Florida made moves to protect the saw palmetto berries. In 2015, Florida prohibited harvesting on state lands. The reason at that time was due to the fact that the berries are a favorite meal for deer and bears. And panthers prey on deer, so if the deer aren’t getting enough food, then the panthers aren’t getting enough. It created a ripple effect in the food chain. Who knew of the importance of the saw palmetto berries? My guess is that a large portion of the general population never even knew that there is such a thing as saw palmetto berries. The law enacted last year will help protect one of our natural plants in Florida, it will help protect the natural food chain among Florida wildlife, and will help protect land owners from trespassers. Landowners in Polk County know that they can depend on the Sheriff’s Office to help protect their land. By participating in our Agricultural Watch Decal/Sign Program, you’ll not only get a sign to warn trespassers to stay away, but it will also allow deputies to better serve you should a trespasser be found on your property. If you’d like to participate, you can contact our Ag Unit at 863-298-7205. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
s e p i c e R
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Beef Vegetable and Pasta Casserole
q Ingredients q
PREPARATION Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare pasta shy of al dente, drain and set aside. In a saucepot add the milk, heavy cream, butter, and all-purpose seasoning. Bring to a simmer and add the Parmesan cheese, ½ cup cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
Remove from heat and set aside. Preheat a sauté pan on medium-high heat, season ground beef and brown, draining excess oil. Next, sauté the vegetables until crisp tender. In a large bowl combine the cooked beef, sautéed vegetables, cooked
pasta, fresh herbs, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and mix. Place into a buttered casserole dish and pour the cheese sauce over the mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
1 pound Florida lean ground beef 1 pint Florida mushrooms, slice thin 1 Florida zucchini, medium dice 1 Florida squash, medium dice 1 pound pasta (your favorite) 2 garlic cloves, chopped fine 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped fine 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped fine 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup milk ½ stick unsalted butter ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon oil, for cooking 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (your favorite) Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Florida Spinach and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms q Ingredients q 1-pound Florida mushrooms 4 cups fresh Florida spinach 5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled ½ onion, diced fine 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled 6 ounces cream cheese,
softened to room temperature 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Oil, for cooking Pinch of red pepper flakes Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
PREPARATION Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towel (reserve ¼ cup of bacon drippings). Coarsely crumble bacon. Heat 2 teaspoons reserved bacon drippings in skillet
rounded side down, on baking sheet and bake until centers fill with liquid (about 15 minutes). Turn mushrooms over and bake for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven, fill with spinach mixture, and return to oven for additional 7 minutes. Transfer to platter and serve warm.
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over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and allow to cool. Mix in bacon, spinach, feta, cream cheese and crushed red pepper. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss mushrooms and remaining bacon fat in large bowl to coat and season with salt and pepper. Place mushrooms,
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By Jack Payne
Jack Payne and Jim Strickland talk to US Rep Kathy Castor about climate change during a visit to Lynetta Usher’s Farm in Chiefland
A grower recently told me he wasn’t sure about the causes of climate change. But he said he’s seeing change happening in his fields that he needs to respond to. That has guided the approach I’ve taken in assembling the Florida Climate Smart Agriculture Working Group. It’s a producer-led discussion about how to respond to climate change, not to debate its causes. What started in a meeting early this year has grown into a movement to explore ideas on how to get ahead of higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes, and rising sea levels that put salt in the soil. More farmers are resolving to be a source of solutions to face this threat to their livelihoods and yours. Because the people who produce our food are a bit defensive about being labeled villains in the climate crisis, they have hesitated to come to the public policy table to discuss responses. But as a rancher told U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa, when we recently hosted her on a farm visit, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu!” Inviting a Hillsborough-area congresswoman to hear the real story of agriculture was one way we’ve begun taking the table to us. Castor is in a key public policy position as chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. Her committee will issue a report in March with recommendations on how to respond to climate change. We wanted to make sure she was acquainted with the ways Florida farms, ranches, and forests are already contributing to environmental stewardship and how we might do even more. Castor told the group at a kitchen table discussion, “We’re looking at ways to make sure producers who are contributing to climate solutions like that get credit for doing so.” We also hosted her at a forum that same day where she heard from ag producers that included talk of how to incentivize farmers to engage in climate smart agriculture instead of mandating that they do so. Much of the technology needed for a better farm of the future exists now. Climate-friendly practices could be more affordably adopted with the right incentives as part of a society
wide climate strategy. There are some programs that will pay producers not to pave. That’s a start. For the most part, though, farmers, foresters, and ranchers get paid for what they produce, not what they protect. Producers don’t get much credit – in public image nor in their bank accounts – for their land stewardship or methods of production that mitigate climate change. The Working Group aims to drive a deeper discussion about how to change the economics of land use in Florida. We as producers and scientists will continue to bring climate-conscious ideas as well as food to the table. Ideas include no-till farming that keeps carbon in the soil instead of released to the air. The use of soil sensors can tell us we can shut off water pumps – and emissions from the fuel that runs them. We can reduce carbon miles from field to fork by figuring out how to grow food here instead of importing it. Farmers can’t be expected to bear all the costs for this. Climate smart agriculture means producing more food with less water and fewer chemicals. It means getting started on research now instead of waiting for triple-digit temperatures to fry our fields. It means farming in a way that sequesters more carbon. In Florida, at least, we’re not content to talk. The leadership of visionary farmers, foresters, and ranchers, the science of solutions from UF/IFAS, and the support of the facilitating group, Solutions from the Land, will produce an action agenda. Farmers, foresters, and ranchers have too long let themselves be painted as the problem. This is our way of becoming part of the solution.
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. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Caster leads a kitchen table discussion at Usher Griner’s Farm
LOVEBUGS AGAIN ALREADY?!
by John Dicks
Splat!! There it was, along with another quick two or three; splat, splat, splat! After several months of a relatively clear and a blissfully bug free windshield, it was a more than subtle reminder that “nothing lasts forever” and that the scourge of the south is rising again.
Florida for introducing, or even genetically creating, the honeymooning flies (which is what they really are). The myth has it that they were unleashed as an attempt at mosquito control. It’s simply not so, says the folks at UF’s IFAS extension. They even maintain a fact-filled web page to dispel the “old wives’ tale.”
As regular as clockwork here they are again, ready to wreak havoc on windshields and the front ends of cars and trucks both big and small.
Lovebugs are, indeed, an invasive creature; but they migrated here on their own from Central America. They are certainly an annoyance, though harmless to humans. Supposedly they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. Nor are they known to be poisonous
Just like the Swallows of Capistrano which, as legend has it, make their annual return on March 19 to the Mission San Juan Capistrano in California, following their 6,000 mile migration from Argentina, we Floridians also have an annual tradition to “crow” about.
What they love (other than each other) is decomposing plant debris. They are attracted to and swarm towards such odors, and according to IFAS (and for some odd reason as we all well know), confuse the scent of chemicals in exhaust fumes with that of what they otherwise consider to be yummy treats!
Of course with the case of lovebugs, their emergence provides such fun that we get to enjoy their presence (or is it presents?) twice each year.
That’s why they so heartedly come out to greet you when you’re driving, or even more annoying, while you are hard at work with your lawn mower.
They don’t make much of a trip, though. Unlike the swallows with their 6,000 mile journey, lovebugs seem to just appear, hatching as they do from tiny eggs hidden last spring during their last romantic adventure.
One reason there seems to be so many of them is that they face few, if any, natural predators. Not even bats have a chance to eat them since lovebugs are hidden away at night, while “resting,” and really are only active during the day between 10 am and 6 pm, and only when it’s above 84 degrees.
I’m talking about Lovebugs!
Lovebugs proliferate in Florida during the months of May and September. Frankly, for me, they mark a rite of passage as I flash back each year to my drive many years ago to start school at the University of Florida. The swarms of lovebugs were so massive I still remember stopping before reaching Gainesville some four times just to smear the splattering bug guts from my windshield, then boldly pressing onward with my journey towards becoming a UF Gator. The memory still lingers vividly in my mind, stuck there as firmly as their flattened carcasses did to my bumper! There’s an Urban Legend that pops up each year blaming the University of
All of that seems to make them sound somewhat like “lazybugs” as well as lovebugs, but I suppose we should give them a bit of a break since their entire life cycle lasts only for about four days! Basically, it’s just long enough to eat, mate and lay eggs. They’re prolific at it, too. No doubt you’ll be thrilled to learn, as did I, that when it comes to the laying of eggs, the females are quite productive, depositing an average of some 350! Maybe when we transition from the end of summer September to the touch of autumn October we’ll look back at the month and be thankful that the lovebugs this fall didn’t bring quite the messy business they brought us this past spring. Indeed, hope springs eternal!
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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
Not a Flamingo:
ROSEATE SPOONBILL By Ginny Mink
Life has a way of keeping things interesting. So, when you and your three children end up staying in a borrowed camper while you await the purchase of your new house, it is quite possible that you’ll end up staying the night in a county park. Such was our situation last week. And, while there, we had the opportunity to view some pieces of wildlife that we probably wouldn’t have been as up close and personal with had we been anywhere else. One morning, on our way to school we saw a doe coming out of the brush. And there was a rather scary night confrontation with a very large racoon. But, multiple days, thanks to all the rain and flooding, we encountered Roseate spoonbills. Having seen their pink flamingo-like personages before, this wasn’t that awe inspiring. Yet, as we sat down to prepare for the monthly endangered species article, imagine the surprise to find that these seemingly fluorescent birds are actually on Florida’s Threatened Species list! While they are not listed nationally, our state has determined that they are worthy of some level of protection. The Roseate spoonbill is the only spoonbill that is native to the Western hemisphere. Like vultures and wood storks, they don’t have feathers on their heads, and are often mistaken for flamingos by those who don’t realize there are other pink birds out there. These are exceptionally large birds that have a tendency to hang out with other wading birds.¹ Their wings can span to nearly six foot in length, and their bodies are between three and three and a half feet long. Based on the name, it should be easy to determine that their bills are shaped liked spoons. They use these uniquely shaped appendages to sweep back and forth in shallow water hoping to capture their food. These bills are highly sensitized and enable them to find small fish, crayfish, crabs, and shrimp in the shallow waters. These foods contain carotenoids (organic pigments) that give them their dazzling pink hues.² The Audubon Magazine reveals some other interesting facts. Apparently, these birds have had many names over the years including: Flame Bird, and Rose-Coloured Curlew. Many people still think the Roseate spoonbill is one of the weirdest birds in the world. Scientists consider these birds mysterious and are currently studying their decline, specifically in the Everglades.³
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While there appears to be no visible difference between males and females, they do have separate jobs within their family units. The males are responsible for collecting all the materials necessary for the nests and the females build them. Their nests are quite deep and the female will lay up to five eggs. Both parents will take turns incubating the eggs for 24 days. Additionally, both parents will feed the young while they remain for the next 35-42 days. At six weeks old, the babies have enough strength and feathers to fly.¹
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Though Roseate spoonbills breed in South America and the Caribbean, they can also be found in coastal areas on the Gulf of Mexico. We see them most in Brevard County, Florida Bay, and Tampa Bay. Historically, they have been hunted for their feathers. This has been outlawed, of course, and now their issues include habitat loss, pesticides, illegal shootings, and other domestic disturbances.² The scientists we mentioned previously have noted that populations are shrinking due to salinity levels and altered water depths. It is believed that these spoonbills and their decline are indicators of the “overall health of the Everglades.”³ Scientists suggests that they are representatives of that entire ecosystem. So serious are these matters than they have stated, “As goes the spoonbills, so goes the bay.”³ Though many people might be inclined to believe that the Everglades is well protected thanks to all the conservation laws, fences, signs, etc., none of those things change the condition of the water there. Spoonbills feed on animals that feed on aquatic vegetation and that vegetation requires freshwater. This chain in the food cycle makes the condition all the more serious. We need to realize that biodiversity is important and that the decline of one animal, the Roseate spoonbill in this case, could be a significant indicator of the potential decline in other areas. Protecting birds may not seem like a top priority, but ensuring that we protect our waters is an absolutely critical endeavor. We are here, by the grace of God, and our jobs are to protect and provide for those creatures He has entrusted into our care. Roseate spoonbills and all they represent are valuable to Him. Therefore, they should be valuable to us as well. Resources: ¹Admin. (2019). Endangered Roseate Spoonbill. The Wildlife Center of Venice Inc. https://wildlifecenterofvenice.org/endangered-roseate-spoonbill/ ²Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterbirds/roseate-spoonbill/ ³Ebersole, R. (2013). Roseate Spoonbills Send Warning Signs about the Florida Everglades. Audubon Magazine. https:// www.audubon.org/magazine/may-june-2013/roseatespoonbills-send-warning-signs-about Photo Credits: McGann, Patty. (2017). Roseate Spoonbill. (Flickr). https://flic. kr/p/SiFdc5 Shell Game. (2009). Roseate Spoonbill. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/ p/6VSmef Rosenbaum, Michael. (2011). US Fish and Wildlife Services. Roseate Spoonbill Courtship Dance. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/ bsoz2V
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Greenhouse Frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris)
Take a look inside your potted plants, or front yard shrubbery for that matter; you never really know what you’ll find. I was standing outside on my front porch and casually look down at a pot of soil I had meant to populate. What I saw at first glance was potting soil and a few spherical objects on the surface of the soil. My mind initially registered the small globes in the soil as the supplement we know as perlite; but then I saw it move! I bent down to take a closer look and soon realized these small globes were not soil additives but were eggs of some sort. The round eggs were transparent with a golden hue and about the size of a salmon egg or a snail egg. I began considering the type of egg they could be. They were not leathery, so I ruled out a reptile egg. They did not have a hard shell, so I knew it was not a bird. This was not an egg of any insects that I know of. Snails lay eggs that are transparent at first, but they get harder and opaque as they age. These eggs were transparent enough that I could see it was no snail, then it wiggled again, and I was close enough to see that the wiggling was a tadpole like embryo inside the egg. I continue to think about it and entertained the thought that it might be a frog or a toad, but quickly dismissed the idea concluding the frogs and toads both lay their eggs in water. I asked around and many suggested a salamander egg. I had not even considered the possibility of a salamander because I am not close enough to water to have an appropriate habitat for a salamander. I posted a picture and video to a social media education group of reptile and amphibian enthusiast. Ashley Fiedler, a marine biology student at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, recognized the eggs as those of the Greenhouse frog and offered some enlightening information about the species that inspired a closer look. The greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris) is native to Cuba, the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. These frogs are members of the family Eleutherodactylidae, commonly known as “rain frogs.” This non-native species is thought to have been introduced to Florida and Georgia from Cuba; most likely in tropical plant shipments. The earliest Florida record of this species dates to 1875 in Dade County. Breeding populations that have exceeded 10 consecutive years or more are confirmed in more than 33 counties throughout Florida and are well on their way to becoming naturalized like other invasive species. This species is easily spread through the distribution of potted plants and isolated populations are established in the Florida Panhandle, Southern Alabama, Georgia, and New Orleans, Louisiana, all with relatively little environmental impact; at least compared to other invasive animal species. Populations in Hawaii, however, have become a real concern. Documented populations in Hawaii are as dense as tens of thousands per hectare. Studies have revealed the diets of these frogs and demonstrated that that
For an island ecosystem, the potential for an invasive species to consume an indigenous species into extinction could have a devastating chain reaction. The greenhouse frogs that were accidently imported to Hawaii could easily disrupt the balance of the island ecosystem and have become an important research priority. These frogs breed all year long in Florida and this time of year we see an increase in breeding activity that will continue through the wet season. Greenhouse frogs are a nocturnal species; males will sing their mating call late at night and tend to call more frequently during a rainstorm, which is why they have the common name of rain frog. Sprinkler systems will incite the mating choir, each singing male trying to outdo the other. The song of the greenhouse frog sounds a bit like a cricket or a child’s wet sneakers on a tile floor. The song is not as loud as other frogs, and if you really want to have fun, look up “greenhouse frog song” on the internet and play it late at night (after 9 or 10pm), you will get a kick out of hearing the surrounding frogs sing back to you. If your recording intimidates the other males in the field, they will leave; the territorial characteristics of this animal does not include violence, the weak singers just give up and go elsewhere. The characteristic of this frog that got my attention was that it is a terrestrial frog and lays its eggs on damp soil rather than in water like other frogs. This frog never goes through a tadpole stage, the metamorphosis occurs within the egg and when the frog emerges it does so as a tiny version of the adult with the exception of a tail end nub that will fall off soon after hatching. This method of development is called direct birth. Adult greenhouse frogs are generally good parents, often guarding the eggs and laboring to make sure the eggs stay moist until they hatch. Greenhouse frogs prefer damp habitats such as in leaf litter, under logs or other debris and have adapted well to Florida and can be found sharing the den of a gopher tortoise. These tiny little frogs can be a nuisance in some environments, and they are technically considered invasive, but in the Florida neotropics they have enough predators to prevent them from becoming problematic. They are adorable little frogs that can sometimes appear in populations so great that it is difficult to walk through them without stepping on them. Should you happen to find any wiggling globes of jelly looking eggs in your garden or your potted plants take a closer look and if you have a couple of weeks to watch them you may get to see the tiny frogs emerge. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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the frogs are proliferating with so little competition that they are consuming important invertebrates in greater portions that can be sustained. This is a problem when the main diet of the frogs includes indigenous keystone invertebrates such as ants in the family Formicidae.
INTERNATIONAL SWEET TREATS By Libby Hopkins Cheesecake, by far, has got to be the best dessert in the world. Foodies and cheesecake scholars have claimed cheesecake has been around for 4000 years. According to the website Cheesecake.com (www.cheesecake.com) “The first cheese cake may have been created on the Greek island of Samos. Physical anthropologists excavated cheese molds there which were dated circa 2,000 B.C. Cheese and cheese products had most likely been around for thousands of years before this, but earlier than this goes into prehistory. The writer Athenaeus is credited for writing the first Greek cheesecake recipe in 230 A.D. It was not until the 18th century, however, that cheesecake would start to look like something we recognize in the United States today. Around this time, Europeans began to use beaten eggs instead of yeast to make their breads and cakes rise. Removing the overpowering yeast flavor made cheesecake taste more like a dessert treat. When Europeans immigrated to America, some brought their cheesecake recipes along.”
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Roxana Peled is one of those Europeans who brought her cheesecake recipe with her to Florida when she moved from Romania. She is the owner of Almora Sweets in Lakeland. “Unlike the regular cheesecake, my cream cheesecake is not baked,” Peled said. “It is a fresh, light, cold set, whipped cream and cream cheese dessert that is not too sweet and definitely not dense and heavy like the baked ones. These all
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natural desserts are handmade in small batches, using only the highest quality ingredients.” Peled has a degree in philosophy, but she started her career in graphic design and marketing in Romania. “My first business was in graphic design and promotional materials,” Peled said. “It is a great business to start your career with just because in each and every other business after I had the knowhow and ability to create everything imagery related.” Peled designed all her images, posters, flyers and packaging for her cheesecakes, as well as her website and social media posts. “I had a business for 10 years in cosmetics, producing handmade products that sold all over the world, in addition to a catering company, a fashion accessory business, all in Almora, Romania,” Peled said. Her cheesecake business is named after her hometown in Romania. Almora Sweets started with Peled’s original recipe, The Cookie Crumbs, which celebrates a delightful, melt in your mouth butter cookie made from scratch in her kitchen. “I designed Almora Sweets in Romania as a mouse cake in individual portions concept, but I never got to open it there because I decided it would be much better to do it in the U.S.,” Peled said. “I sold everything I had in Romania and move here to open this business.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
In the U.S., the concept got slightly different. “It changed from chocolate mousse cakes to cream cheesecakes made with a French technique for mousse cakes,” Peled said. “The original cheesecake recipe, The Cookie Crumbs, was my favorite cake for many years and it's the base for all the rest of the flavors. All I initially wanted was to add a couple of all natural flavors to it to make it a bit more interesting.” Peled started experimenting with Belgian chocolate in her cheesecakes. “I was making the mousse cakes with Callebaut chocolate, they are officially the best Belgian chocolate producer in the world,” Peled said. “It came out so good! That one is still, until today, my best seller and my personal favorite.” This success encouraged Peled to try some more flavors, as well as adding some local fruits and nuts and even some flower flavors. “They all came out delicious and special so, I ended up with 25 different, all natural, super yummy recipes,” Peled said. “Everything is handmade in my own kitchen with a lot of hard work and attention put into it.” She uses fresh, local, seasonal fruits to make her jams for the toppings. Fresh locally sourced eggs are used in the making of her cheesecakes. “Our cheesecakes are light and refreshing, they are not baked but cold set so all the flavors and freshness of the ingredients is kept untouched,” Peled said. “All I am baking is the brownies and the butter cookies and those are made from scratch, again, from real ingredients.” Almora Sweets recently joined the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market. “I found out about the Farmers Market immediately after landing in Lakeland, everybody is talking about it,” Peled said. “It was obvious for me from the beginning that it’s a great platform to sell a special product like mine. I am bringing my smallest size portion to the market and selling them for only a $1. I want to give customers the chance to taste as many flavors as they wish. I also think that makes it fun and interesting.” If you’d like to learn more about Almora Sweets, you can visit its website at www.almorasweets.com or call Peled at 954-952-1732.
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Polk County Cattle Women Wow! I tell you what, if this last week hasn’t taught me anything, its taught me patience and that Mother Nature is not a force to reckon with. I hope that all of you, your families and animals are safe and have experienced minimal damage from Hurricane Dorian. That was truly the longest most stressful week of my life. My heart breaks for all who were in the Bahamas as Dorian just sat overtop for countless hours. Please lets all count our blessings and continue to pray for all impacted. Please mark your calendars, for these very informative, seminars and workshops: • Forage Management Tour & Workshop – Sept. 19, Seminole Tribe of FL, Sebring • Beef Cattle Winter Supplementation Seminar – Sept. 24, 5:30pm, Sarasota • Managing Cattle Enterprises for Success – Sept. 26, 6pm Bartow
For more information about these programs please visit the UF/IFAS South Florida Beef Forage Program’s Events page at http://sfbfp.ifas.ufl.edu/events%202019.shtml [sfbfp.ifas.ufl. edu] As always, PCCW welcome new members. If you are interested in joining, our next meeting will be at the Ag Complex in Bartow, Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at 6:30PM, We would love to see new faces. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, #863-205-3977.
Missy McLaughlin-Raney Polk County Cattlewomen President
• Cattlewomen’s College: Cattle Management for Women Trade show, October 11,2019 10am – 12pm. • Alvin C. Warnick Reproductive Management School – November 5-7, Longino Ranch, Sidell
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MASSEY FERGUSON 360 Grading Tractor. $6,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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TOP DOLLAR PAID FOR FIREARMS We Have 100+ Years Combined Experience. Estate Collections Welcome. No Collection is Too Big or Too Small. Cash or Consign. Pickup Available. Call 888-659-9909 or visit GunAuctionsUSA.com
2019
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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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
September
2019
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
September
2019
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM