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CONTENTS
April 2022 VOL. 15 • ISSUE 8
BUILDING A BRAND TYSON WARD
28 Cover Photo by Melissa Nichols PAGE 10 Scott Angle
PAGE 30 Freezre Relief
PAGE 11 AgVocating
PAGE 31 Leadership Awards PAGE 32 PCSO
PAGE 12 Thoughts from the Heifer Pen
PAGE 35 News Briefs
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 16 Endangered Species
PAGE 40 Activity
PAGE 18 CFYIA Results
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 42 Wish Farms
PAGE 24 Water
PAGE 43 Produce Safety
PAGE 27 Mint
PAGE 44 Berry Picking
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
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 Vice President – Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com
James Stice PO Box 460 Highland City, FL 33846 (813) 714-2333 jstice@verizon.net Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch Alternate PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846-0849 Standing Committee Chairs: Membership (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com Events Trade Show- Bridget Stice State Director – David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Rodeo- Fred Waters Bartow, FL 33830 PO Box 463 (863) 287-1835 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 Dhunt285@aol.com (863) 559-7808 Alternate SD – Orrin Webb Website PO Box 202 Cattlewomen – President, Leslie Bartow, FL 33831 Buchanon (941) 916-5093 8444 Tom Costine Rd cwebbowebb@aol.com Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 581-2711 Ray Clark Buckld96@gmail.com 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 Extension – Bridget Stice (863) 640-0719 PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 Donald Conroy bccarlis@ufl.edu 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright (863) 412-0790 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 Stuart Fitzgerald (863) 557-1741 PO Box 1437 pw5281@polksheriff.org Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 206-5021 Sgt. Tim Sanders stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 Ken Sherrouse (863) 656-6119 13475 Moore Rd brusso@polksheriff.org Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 Warner University – kensherrouse@yahoo.com Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com
Abby Crawford 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 638-7248 Abby.crawford@warner.edu
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STAFF
Letter from the Editor We talk about what an impact agriculture has on our state with some frequency. And it’s absolutely true. But when you see the real numbers, it is still shocking to see just how large that impact is. Statistics from the Feeding the Economy study show that: In Florida, agriculture accounts for:
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 Blair Buchanon
Total Jobs: 2,689,121 Total Wages: $121.7 billion Total Taxes: $42.3 billion Exports: $4.7 billion Total Food and Industry Economic Impact: $360 billion If you want to take a look at the entire country, the Feeding the Economy study shows that the food and agriculture industry is responsible for 43,464,211 jobs, $2.3 trillion in wages, $718.2 billion in taxes, $182.9 billion in exports. According to their press release, “30 food and agriculture groups released the sixth annual Feeding the Economy report, a historic farmto-fork economic analysis revealing how these sectors influence the local and broader United States economies. Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s study highlights how the industries remained resilient to provide Americans with jobs, economic opportunity and safe food.” As always, remember when shopping for yourself or your family, look for the Fresh From Florida logo. Support our farmers and ranchers who do so much for us. Their contributions to us are innumerable. Thank you to our farmers and ranchers! We appreciate you so much!
Sarah Holt PAGE
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Catllemen’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 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. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Hello to everyone. April is getting off to a good start with bringing us some much-needed showers. Hope this message finds you well and these showers bring you all some green grass. We are preparing to cook steaks for the Ag Deputy Appreciation Luncheon being held on April 14 at the Starling’s Barn on Lake Buffum. Be sure to let our Ag Deputies know how much we appreciate them working with us and being just a phone call away when needed.
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Bridget Stice is putting together a herd health seminar on April 21. I would like to thank Merck Animal Health for agreeing to sponsor the event and Mike Tomkow with Superior Livestock for coming to talk about the different options they have for vaccination programs to help market your calves. If you are interested in a vaccination program, but aren’t able to put a load together, you can talk to Dave Tomkow about the new LMA vaccine program they are doing at the Market. This is the same vaccine programs as on Superior, and the calves would be tagged and sold on a special sale day at Cattlemen’s Livestock Market to hopefully bring a premium to the producer for being in a health program.
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Work has been underway with the Trade Show and Rodeo Committee planning for this year’s event. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for May 7th. Trade show is at noon, followed by the Rodeo at 3. We will be setting up the panels the day before if anyone would like to come by and give a hand, the help would be appreciated. Hope these nice rains keep coming along from time to time, and this good weather continues. Take Care,
Kevin Fussell Polk County Cattlemen’s Association
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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
By J. Scott Angle
was looking for an agriculture economic development director. McQuillen quickly responded that she knew just the guy for the job, her then-boyfriend Stephen Gran. Gran got the job and served in it for 14 years. He became the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County director in 2012. Incidentally, he got the girl, too: Stephen and Belinda married in 1998. When you are connected to Whitson, you are connected to a vast community of Florida agriculturalists. She served all needs for the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board, but she clearly had a passion for one area in particular. “I educate third-graders and legislators,” she says. I’ll let you fill in the punchline there. Third-graders she reached through Ag-Venture, a three-hourlong battery of educational stations set up at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The Florida Farm Bureau, UF/IFAS Extension, and the Florida State Fair set up a total of 15 stations where students learned about soil, insects, plants and cows. More importantly, they learned about where their food comes from. Whitson tells a story about a moment when a tantrum taught her what happens when a child’s understanding of the food supply fails to go beyond the fridge or the school cafeteria. Whitson was in a grocery store, and an extended power outage had left the produce section depleted. When a boy realized that he would not be going home with his favorite fruit, he threw himself on the floor in a fit of frustration. That’s the hard way to learn about your food supply, Whitson thought, and it reminded her of how important her work in classrooms and the state fairgrounds was. As for legislators, she educated them through farm tours, visits When Judi Whitson became the Hillsborough County Farm to the Capitol and frequent phone calls. Hinton recalls looking Bureau executive director in 1991, she was told, she remem- over at Whitson during meetings and seeing her texting county bers, “to get in touch with Jemy Hinton and make something commissioners and state legislators. happen.” Whitson says the job she bequeaths to Kaylee Poppell is even Whitson and Hinton, the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough more challenging now. Each succeeding generation—and County 4-H agent at the time, and others made Ag-Venture Whitson’s been through a couple—is further removed from a happen. Whitson lost count at about 200,000 on how many direct connection to a farm. Ag-Venture is more needed than children have learned about Florida agriculture through the ever, she said, but it’s not enough. program. That’s why for the past two years she’s tried to introduce agriJudi worked with public school educators to write the curricu- culture into the classroom curriculum. Whitson at first pushed lum for the Ag-Abilities program, designed to teach students for legislation that would put a nine-week agriculture curricuwith disabilities about agriculture and prepare them for ca- lum into all of the state’s fourth-grade classrooms that would explore the world of agriculture through math, art, English and reers in the industry. even physical education. Whitson retires on April 29, leaving a legacy as one of the state’s premier agriculture educators over the past three de- But even Whitson can’t make things happen in Tallahassee cades. I feel fortunate to have met Whitson on a couple of my overnight. The legislators want to see it in action before they many visits to Hillsborough County and gained an apprecia- introduce a new curriculum statewide, so Whitson says a pilot tion for what a giant in the industry she has been: Florida Ag project will soon start in select public schools. Woman of the Year in 2016, the ag educator of the year award from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce in 2021, a It’s the logical culmination of her profession and passion. It will, public service award from Florida Strawberry Growers Asso- at least in a few schools, educate fourth-graders ciation, an honorary degree from the Hillsborough County FFA and legislators. Federation. She has also supported agriculture by supporting UF/IFAS as a collaborator on education programs and a member of the advisory board for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County. In a way, she helped launch the career of the county Extension director.
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It was on a road trip to a conference in the 1990s with her friend Belinda McQuillen, that Whitson mentioned that the county
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Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Agvocating for Youth
by Payge Dupre
April is a busy month for all between testing and planning end-of-year banquets. Our county FFA contests are always a blast for everyone. Rounding out the year we will have our Federation Banquet on May 3, at 6 PM at the Polk County Youth Fair Stuart Center. At the Federation Banquet, one of the things we will announce is our Spirit Award winner. Chapters across the county have participated in several different spirit contests and our winners will finally be announced and awarded at this banquet. We will also install our new officer team and retire our previous one. Each year, FFA members around the state look forward to the Florida FFA State Convention & Expo. This year, a lot of us are finally returning to normal since Covid and will be able to attend. The convention is open to all FFA members who should be accompanied by an appointed school district representative/ advisor. All firstplace state-winning Career Development Event team members and all high individuals will be recognized on stage. One individual and one advisor from the second through fifth place teams will also be recognized on stage. ALL award winners and finalists need to report to the award line-up room 30 minutes before the session in which you will receive your award. FFA members and advisors who are award winners that are recognized on stage will also be asked to visit the convention media room after their award announcement or during a scheduled time. Members will participate in interviews
Convention will be hosted June 13-17 this year at the Caribe Royale in Orlando. I think all members are excited to be back to normal and experience convention again!
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that will be used to create press releases, videos, feature stories, and more. There should be two delegates from each chapter in the appropriate place whenever official business is being conducted at the convention. This includes delegate committee meetings, district meetings, business sessions, and campaign sessions as well as the general sessions. Delegate business sessions will be announced well in advance of convention. Advisors will be required to assign each of their delegates to one of the delegate committees during registration. The Florida FFA Emergency Medical Form, Waiver of Liability, Personal Conduct Agreement, and Promotional Release (Permission Form) is the only form required for students to attend. This form must be completed and must be presented at the event registration. Prices for attendance are as follows: $85 online per person, $95 onsite per person, $20 for a single session per person, and $30 per person for a single day.
By Marisol Tarango
THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN Relationships are a fascinating thing. To observe how two or more beings interact with each other, with or without words, is like watching a spider build a web. As children, we never really think about relationships from the outside; we only think about how they affect us. That kid is my friend, that kid is mean, I’m sad and want my mom, I’m scared and want my dad. Often when we were really little, we probably didn’t even think these words, we just knew how we felt about certain people. When we get older, we still have those feelings but are able to put them into words. I really like to hang out with that person, that person is a jerk, I’m having a bad day and need a hug from my mom, I wish my dad was here because I have no idea what to do. And just as many different types of feelings there are associated with relationships, there are also just as many different kinds of relationships. Parent to child, sibling to sibling, spouse to spouse, peer to peer, elder to junior, good relationships, bad relationships, and the list goes on. Your relationship doesn’t even have to be with a human!
ed as I grew and entered each stage of life. Every time that I have welcomed a new baby sibling into the family, I always felt like I had known them forever and had a hard time imagining the family without them. But what about the relationships that don’t start at birth. One of my oldest friends and I met in third grade at ballet class. We both had a love for obscure historical fact and an affinity for sarcasm. Because we grew up together, we don’t have to really learn each other’s personalities anymore, we can just take up where we left off the last time we saw each other. The most interesting relationships to me are the ones started as adults because we can become just as close to these people as family or childhood friends, but we start from scratch as fully grown people. Childhood friendships are almost like grafting plants when they are young, but adult friendships are like transplanting two different species next to each other. There was no growing up into the relationship, just growing into it. We owe these people nothing but common human decency, yet they end up very dear to our hearts.
Forming deep relationships is how God created humans to be. He created us to interact with each other and share ideas and experiences, but also to just enjoy each other’s presence. Being alone can be nice for a while, but there comes a time when the company of even an animal isn’t enough, and we begin to crave real life human interaction. Please keep in mind that all of this is coming from a not-so-much-of-a-people-person person. Humans are sticky and complicated companions that can cause hurt intentionally or non-intentionally. They can leave scars deeper than the eyes can see and leave us never wanting to see another human again. When I was about 14, my dad and I were working a colt together and I told him that it almost seemed better to just stick with animals. Once you make them your friend, they are always loyal and even if they do hurt you, you can always be sure that it was not intended. My dad replied that this was true, but that humans can give you so much more than animals and that the fruit of a human relationship is What is really interesting is how relationships start. Some rela- worth the risk. We all have to face the moments in life when tionships we have no choice in starting, like those with our fam- love opens her hand to us, and we have to decide to accept ily. As we grow up with those people and we also grow close. the risk or not. My parents and siblings never had to learn my quirks and preferences and I never had to learn theirs. They were just accept- Marisol can be reached at mtranchersdaughter@gmail.com PAGE
Some relationships do not last our whole lives, but they impact us for the rest of our lives. I remember looking at pictures with my great grandpa one time. He was struggling with dementia and a lot of times remembered who we were, but not our names. With recent pictures, I would have to tell him who the little kids were in the pictures or whose wedding we were at, but when we got to the older pictures, he knew exactly what was going on. He would tell me things like, “I forgot how red your grandma’s hair was.” When we looked at his album from the army, he would tell me all the stories behind the pictures, and the stories of who was in them and what happened to them later in life. On the other hand, my family has a picture of my other great grandpa in uniform with him and his army buddy from WWII. We are not really sure who that man was, but he was obviously important enough for my grandpa and him to have their picture taken together.
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Advertisement or Fishing Report? Capt. Woody Gore
Treat Everything You Read or Hear with a grain of salt. Because what happened in a particular area yesterday may not happen today, tomorrow, or maybe ever again. IS IT AN ADVERTISEMENT OR A FISHING REPORT?
Creative fishing reports are found everywhere and unless you feel confident in the author, never trust its truthfulness. It’s essential to recognize that many reports are produced by fishing guides, while others might come from recreational anglers.
A Good Fishing Report: Only a handful of writers in fishing communities like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater operate a fishing guide service. They spend 15 or more days each month on the water, allowing them to know what’s happening in the fishing community. Fishing multiple days each month, these professionals understand how to pattern fish and their behavior. They have gained the ability to consistently guide clients to fish, thereby duplicating previous fishing days. So, a report about the Where, What, When, and How might be worth reading. However, don’t be so naïve as to think a guide or anyone else will tell you where they fish. How to recognize an advertisement instead of a fishing report? Although
it might start like a report, many fishing reports are often produced solely as advertisements. Frequently, guides or other folks that fish one, two, three, or fewer days a month might be looking for free advertising exposure. These reports start with written commentary about the guide/writer’s ability to catch fish, their greatness, and their ability to guide you to fish. Then comes the extensive fish photographs (some might be older or non-current photos) taken to support their report, which may or may not be current. Suddenly, when reading the reports, you quickly discover that a high percentage of what you are or have read is designed as an advertisement. Therefore, it’s important to remember that what’s written or said is only a guide of one person recalling a period of time when it comes to fishing reports. And you must understand that there are many variables, and what happened yesterday may not happen today, tomorrow, or ever again.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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A Fishing Report Should Offer Guidance:
Fishing reports should guide the reader to a general location. A good fishing report guides the reader to what’s biting in the past, present, and future. It also helps them understand the Where, What, When, and How. These things will undoubtedly increase your success.
Might Include Weather Patterns: the writer should explain how the current weather conditions might affect fish and what to expect as weather scenarios change. Moon Phases: A good report should in-
dicate the best fishing days and where to find that information. It should offer guidelines on Solunar Theory predicting the best feeding times for fish and wildlife, based on the position of the moon. Usually, there are four (4) feeding periods during the day, two (2) primary and two (2) minors. You can purchase a copy of John Alden Knight’s Solunar Tables.
Tides & Currents: Reports should ex-
pose readers to tides and currents. Experienced saltwater anglers agree that tides and currents play a significant part in fish feeding behavior. Whether inshore or offshore, fish tend to feed on moving tides.
Temperature: Fish, amphibians, and reptiles are ectotherms, meaning their bodies do not produce ample internal heat, unlike endotherms (warm-blooded animals) that produce metabolic heat. A fish’s body temperature depends almost entirely on the water temperature. In warm water, its temperature is warm, and in cold water, it’s cold. Like other animals, fish need a specific body temperature to function correctly. For example, the Ideal Temperature Range of three popular species follows: Redfish - Ideal Temperature Range 70° – 90°, Snook - Ideal Temperature Range 70° – 82°, Spotted Sea Trout - Ideal Temperature Range 68° – 78° And Barometric Pressure: Most anglers fish when they can, but it could change their game plan if you understand pressure changes. You can count on good fishing during cloudy, stormy weather conditions and not-so-great during beautiful, sunny, bluebird sky weather. Dropping Pressure = Good Fishing Rising Pressure = Poor Fishing
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WHAT’S BITING IN TAMPA BAY
CAPT. GEORGE JONAH PUTS A NICE ONE BACK
Snook, Redfish & Spotted Sea Trout: Good
action this month as the water temperatures heat up. It’s not likely you’ll find Redfish, Trout, or Snook in skinny water, except perhaps early in the mornings. Instead, they are probably suspended at different levels depending on the Thermoclines. If you find them shallow, you’ll see them heading into the mangroves’ shade line. Check around passes separating the Mangrove Islands. Artificial lures and early mornings work well this time of year—MirrOLure’s - Top-Dog Series or the MirrOMullet Surface Walker. The color selection is white, silver with black, green with white, and redhead and white are good choices.
813-477-3814
Cobia is found around markers and deep water channel marker buoys, especially those holding bait. Occasionally, some are cruising, the grass flats following giant rays or manatees. When you fish markers, keep a chum bag over the side. If fish are in the area, this should attract them. Toss them a pinfish, greenback, or threadfin, and hold on.
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Mackerel fishing in Tampa Bay is “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishsemi-strong (good days – bad days), ing” and there are some big drag screamers chasing schools of threadfins. Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s These are some exciting fish to catch #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guidon light tackle, with the larger ones ing and fishing in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and averaging from 3 to 5 pounds. Try Clearwater areas for over sixty years. He offers to find the hard bottom, and you’ll first-class customer service, family-oriented charters, and a lifetime of memories. usually find vast schools of threadfins. Hang a couple of bags of chum over the side and use greenbacks Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all or threadfins with small wire lead- the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the area’s most experiers and long shank hooks. I use 50# enced captains, Capt. Woody can arrange and Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader using coordinate any outing or tournament. Website Daiichi long shank hooks. at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, email wgore@ix.netcom.com, or call at 813-477-3814. Mangrove Snapper, You can find them on every rock pile, marker, Member: FOWA-Florida Outdoor Writers structure, and bridge pilings around Assoc., Member-SEOPA Southeastern Outdoor Press Assoc. CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Tampa Bay. A light line and smaller hooks should produce a nice meal. Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer & Speaker They’re partial to the new hatch of greenbacks or Threadfins but always take shrimp.
E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Anastasia Island Beach Mouse By Libby Hopkins
The Anastasia Island beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus phasma) is a subspecies of the old-field mouse of the southeastern United States. It lives in the sand dunes of Florida and Alabama beaches. It has been classified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as an endangered species due to the specificity of its habitat and the natural and humaninduced destruction thereof. “As you might imagine, mouse conservation is not high on everybody’s priority list,” said Stephen Humphrey, a researcher at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. But, if people do not concern themselves with the Anastasia beach mouse, this tiny, timid, and endangered critter of the beach dunes will be gone.” The Atlantic coast of Florida originally supported three subspecies of beach mouse - the pallid beach mouse of Flagler and Volusia Counties (already extinct by 1978), the southeastern beach mouse of the central Florida coast, and the Anastasia Island beach mouse of St. Johns County beaches.
the eating and burrowing habits of this special mouse, much of the vegetation on our beach’s dune can be credited to this animal. This includes the protected dune-stabilizing plant, sea oats. The Anastasia Island beach mouse promotes the park’s biodiversity and natural resources, as the park’s “engineer of the dunes.” There are a few ways to help keep beach mice from being extinct. You can keep your cats indoors. Not only does this protect beach mice, but it also protects your pets. Stay off the dunes and stick to established boardwalks and crossovers. Do not drive in the dunes or on the upper beach near dunes and dune vegetation. Keep outdoor lighting to a minimum. Don’t use rodenticides in or near dunes. Do not feed stray cats. Plant native plants around residences and businesses. Properly dispose of trash to keep predators away.
These are all related to the old-field mouse of the southeastern United States, but they, like similar beach mice along the Gulf coast, became trapped on barrier islands as the sea level rose at the end of the last ice age (10,000 - 12,000 years ago) and thus were genetically cut off from other old-field mice. Gradually, each of these isolated populations became its own subspecies with specific genetic makeup and characteristics. The beach mouse has also become the unofficial mascot of Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine. Looking like balls of cotton with big, dark eyes, with a light buff-colored back, pure white underside, and indistinct white markings on their face, make them absolutely adorable. The beach mice inhabit the edges of the dunes, spending their days in burrows and nights roaming the dune area looking for food. Increased development in recent years has fragmented their habitat. Intense use by vehicles and pedestrians as well as storms has damaged or destroyed many of the sand dunes where the grasses, whose seeds the mice depend upon for food, grow. Increased population has also brought with it free roaming house cats and house mice that invade the remaining habitat and prey on the beach mice. Although it is nearly impossible to view this animal in action, you can most certainly view their work along the dunes.
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The diet of the Anastasia Island beach mouse consists of insects and the seeds and fruits of dune vegetation. Thanks to
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CENTRAL FLORIDA YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE LIVESTOCK SHOWCASE & SALE Photos by Supreme Champion Heifer & Best of Barn Cattle Champion - Carlie Shenefield Supreme Champion Bull - Sara Clanton Supreme Champion Steer - Layne Walker Central Florida Youth In Agriculture Livestock Showcase & Sale Quick Facts: Organization established June 2020 www.youthinagriculture.com www.facebook.com/CFYIAgriculture Why: To create a new opportunity for youth focused on raising and showing livestock in Polk County 2022 Show Facts: 230 Exhibitors and more 515 entries registered Location: Koren’s Quarters Show Facility
Carlie Shenefield
Layne Walker
Swine Show Results: Grand Champion – Tobey Price Reserve Grand Champion – Dalaney Price 3rd Overall - Rilee Bennett 4th Overall – Allyson Keim 5th Overall – Haylie Stephens Heavy Weight Division – Top 5 Champion – Dallas Stephens Reserve – Laney Cash 3rd Place - Audrie Bailey 4th Place - Brendon Turcios 5th Place - Carter Price
Light Weight Division – Top 5 Champion – Dalaney Price Reserve – Dayton Cristofaro 3rd Place - Camdyn Herman 4th Place - Cason Herman 5th Place - Addison Hill
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Swine Showmanship Overall Supreme Showman – Haylie Stephens Reserve Supreme Showman – Camdyn Herman INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
April
SWINE – JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP Junior Champion – Camdyn Herman Reserve Champion – Cason Herman 3rd Place – Dallas Stephens 4th Place – Addison Hill 5th Place – Addison Kinney SWINE – INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP Intermediate Champion – Haylie Stephens Reserve Champion – Max Keen 3rd Place – Rilee Bennett 4th Place - Delaney Price 5th Place – Charleigh Wood
Middle Weight Division – Top 5 Champion – Tobey Price Reserve – Rilee Bennett 3rd Place - Allyson Keim 4th Place - Haylie Stephens 5th Place - Aubrey Hill
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SWINE – NOVICE SHOWMANSHIP Novice Champion – Carter Price Reserve Champion – Dayton Cristofaro 3rd Place – Ansley Hill 4th Place – Braxton Tucker 5th Place – Easton Smith
2022
SWINE – SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP Senior Champion – Madison Carlton Reserve Champion – Tobey Price 3rd Place – Allyson Keim 4th Place - Luke Kinard 5th Place – Taija Santos Cattle Showmanship Overall Supreme Showman – Carlie Shenefield, Intermediate Division Reserve Supreme Showman – Payge Dupre, Senior Division
Novice Champion – Addison Pilla Reserve Champion – Garrett Harrison 3rd Place – Cash Walker 4th Place - Bryton Cranor 5th Place – Bud Keller Junior Champion – Adalyn Compton Reserve Champion – Ansley Bryant 3rd Place – Madilyn Nichols 4th Place – Hoyt Keller 5th Place – Brentley West Intermediate Champion – Carlie Shenefield Reserve Champion – Raelan Sherouse 3rd Place – Lily Harwell 4th Place – Lillie Myers 5th Place – Carlee Taylor Senior Champion – Payge Dupre Reserve Champion – Alexia Trujillo 3rd Place – Sara Clanton 4th Place – Emily Cason 5th Place – Mattisen Keeble Best of Barn Cattle Champion: Carlie Shenefield, Supreme Heifer Division Top 5 Supreme Steers Overall Supreme Champion – Layne Walker, Market Division Reserve Supreme Champion – Rilee Bennett, Market Division 3rd Overall – Adalyn Compton, Market Division WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Sara Clanton 4th Overall – Sara Clanton, Prospect Division 5th Overall – Lily Harwell, Prospect Division Market Steer Grand Champion – Layne Walker Reserve Grand Champion – Rilee Bennett Prospect Steer Grand Champion – Sara Clanton Reserve Grand Champion – Lily Harwell Brahman Influence Steer Grand Champion – Wyatt Renfro Reserve Grand Champion – Katelynn Monohan Bred & Owned Steer Grand Champion – Brayden Cranor Reserve Grand Champion – Brayden Cranor Top 5 Supreme Heifers Overall Supreme Champion – Carlie Shenefield, Commercial Division Reserve Supreme Champion – Payge Dupre, Brangus Division Champion 3rd Overall – Lily Harwell 4th Overall – Adalyn Compton 5th Overall - Raelan Sherouse Beef Breeding Division Champions Zebu Grand Champion Female – Dustina Garcia Reserve Grand Champion Female – Evangelina Garcia Grand Champion Bull – Evangelina Garcia Reserve Grand Champion Bull – Dustina Garcia Commercial Bull Top 5 Grand Champion – Sara Clanton Reserve Grand Champion – Kyleigh Criswell 3rd Overall - Kyleigh Criswell
Female Division Angus Grand Champion – Raelan Sherouse Reserve Grand Champion – Emily Cason Brahman Grand Champion – Hubble Keller, Jr. Reserve Grand Champion – Madison Keller Brangus Grand Champion – Payge Dupre Reserve Grand Champion – Madison Stokes Ultra Brangus Grand Champion – Madilyn Nichols Reserve Grand Champion – Carlee Taylor
Bred & Owned Brahman Influence Heifer Grand Champion – Madilyn Nichols Reserve Grand Champion – Carlee Taylor Bred & Owned European Influence Heifer Grand Champion – Raelan Sherouse Reserve Grand Champion – Lily Harwell Photo Contest Winners Novice Swine: Addison Pilla Junior Swine: Addison Kinney Intermediate Swine: Mikayla Lampp Senior Swine: Dustina Garcia Novice Beef: RD Kiddey Junior Beef: Madilyn Nichols Intermediate Beef: Lily Harwell Senior Beef: Katie Clark
Simmental Grand Champion – Adalyn Compton Reserve Grand Champion – Raelan Sherouse European Influence Registered Grand Champion – Lily Harwell Reserve Grand Champion – Carlie Shenefield
PREMIER SPONSORS
Commercial Heifer Division Brahman Influence Grand Champion – Payge Dupre Reserve Grand Champion – Dustina Garcia
• Anonymous Donors
European Influence Grand Champion – Carlie Shenefield Reserve Grand Champion – Lily Harwell Cow/Calf Commercial Grand Champion – Nolan Ballard Reserve Grand Champion – Harvey
• MOSAIC • TECO Tampa Electric An Emera Company • Wood Mulch Products • Bern Kinard Auctioneer, Inc. • Clearview Land Design, P.L. • Hancock Environmental Seeding • Kearney Companies • Land South Management
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4th Overall - Madison Keller 5th Overall - Hoyt Keller
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• One pound of wool can make 10 miles of yarn. There are 150 yards (450 feet) of wool yarn in a baseball. • There are 350 squirts in a gallon of milk. Elevators in the Statue of Liberty use a soybean-based hydraulic fluid. • The chicken is the closest living relative to the T-Rex. • Cows can sense a storm coming and will lie down. • George Washington liked ice cream so much he reportedly had a bill for $200 for ice cream one summer. • Onions contain a mild antibiotic that fights infections, soothes burns, tames bee stings and relieves the itch of athletes foot. • Americans eat about 125 pounds of potatoes a year, about half from fresh potatoes and half in processed foods.
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Dead Deer
This past winter during the holiday season we spent a few days at our cottage in the mountains near Blairsville, Georgia. One morning I got up early and went in to town to eat breakfast around the square in downtown Blairsville across from the old courthouse at The Hole In The Wall restaurant. All the “old timers” were already there around the table in the back of the restaurant. They invited me to sit with them. This turned out to be the best source for new Rock’n Chair Chatter material. Bruce came in, sat down, ordered his coffee, and said, “Where’s Charlie? I followed him into town but stopped by Ware Chevrolet to get an estimate on repairing a hole in the roof of my cab. I figured he would already have been here.” They all started laughing, and Fred said, “You just missed all the excitement, the Game Warden hauled him off to jail for killing a deer out of season.” “What happened? You know Charlie doesn’t have a gun,” Bruce said. “Well, the Game Warden pulled in next to Charlie’s pickup out front a few minutes ago and saw a dead deer in the bed of his truck.” “Oh my goodness, Charlie didn’t shoot that deer! When we were coming in town about five miles out on highway 129 a deer ran in front of my truck, hit the grill, came over my hood, broke my windshield and flew over the top of my truck. When I hit the brakes my 30-06 rifle went off, and blew a hole in the roof of the truck about the time the deer sailed over the cab. I’ll bet that deer landed in the bed of Charlie’s truck. He was following pretty close to me at the time.” Bruce took off to the police station. When he pulled in the Game Warden was just getting into his truck, and a tow truck had started to haul off Charlie’s pickup. I hollered, “Hold everything officer, there’s been a big mistake. Charlie didn’t shoot that deer, let me explain.” Bruce told the story how the deer his truck, and when it went over his truck his rifle went off and blew a hole in the roof of his cab hitting the deer.
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The officer laughingly said, well I have heard a lot of stories but this one tops it off. “Do you expect me to believe a cock and bull story like that”? After Bruce showed him the hole in the roof of his truck, and they looked over the dead deer, and saw where the deer had been shot in the top of his spine, the officer said, “Well, I guess you’re telling the truth, he would
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Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the April 2017 issue have had to be in an airplane to shoot the deer in the back! Come on lets go back to the jail and let old Charlie out.” Then there’s the story of two guys are out hunting deer. The first guy says, “Did you see that?” “No,” the second guy says. “Well, a bald eagle just flew overhead,” the first guy, says. “Oh,” says the second guy. A couple of minutes later, the first guy says, “Did you see that?” “See what?” the second guy asks. “Are you blind? There was a big, black bear walking on that hill, over there.” A few minutes later the first guy says: “Did you see that?” By now, the second guy is getting aggravated, so he says, “Yes, I did!” And the first guy says: “Then why did you step in it?” Two new deer hunters that decided to separate to increases their chances. “What if we get lost?” says one of them. “Fire three shots up in the air, every hour on the hour,” says the other. “I saw it on TV.” Sure enough, one of the hunters gets lost, so he fires three shots up into the air every hour on the hour. The next day the other hunter finds his friend with the help of the Forest Ranger. “Did you do what I said?” asked the hunter. “Yes, I fired three shots up into the air every hour on the hour, until I ran out of arrows.” Then there’s the story of two lawyers who were out hunting when they came upon a pair of tracks. They stopped and examined the tracks closely. The first lawyer said, “Those are deer tracks. It’s deer season, so we should follow the tracks and find our prey.” The second lawyer responded, “Those are clearly elk tracks, and elk are out of season. If we follow your advice, we’ll waste the day.” Each attorney believed himself to be the superior woodsman, and they both bitterly stuck to their guns. They were still arguing when the train hit them. One night during the local deer-hunting season a police officer was staking out a particularly rowdy country bar for possible DUI violations. At closing time, he saw a deer hunter tumble out of the bar, trip on the curb, then try his keys in five different cars before he found his. He sat in the front seat fumbling around with his keys for several minutes. All the other deer hunters left the bar and drove off. Finally he started his engine and began to pull away. The police officer was waiting for him. He stopped the driver, read him his rights and administered the Breathalyzer test. The results showed a reading of 0.00. The puzzle officer demanded to know how that could be. The deer hunter replied, “Tonight I’m the designated decoy.”
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Salt Springs in the Ocala National Forest. Photo by Beth Robertson
Work Water Day and Conserving Water Beth Robertson Water Conservation Program Coordinator UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
March 22nd was World Water Day and April is Water Conservation Month, which begs the question – what’s going on with all these water observances? Why should we care? World Water Day was first celebrated in 1993 after the United Nations created it to spread consciousness of the critical nature of freshwater and the billions of people who don’t have regular access. April has been declared Water Conservation Month across many entities in Florida over the years, but this month was chosen because it is typically toward the end of the dry season.
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Although 71% of the Earth’s surface is water, 96.5% of our planet’s water is in the oceans, with only 2.5% fresh. Sixty-eight percent of freshwater is bound up in ice and glaciers, making it unusable to humans. Of the remaining, 30% is groundwater while slightly over 1% is surface or other freshwater. Then, more than half of groundwater is too salty to drink, leaving only 45% fresh. In large part to accessibility, rivers provide the drinking water
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for most of the world’s population, though this is not the case here. Florida is known for its water – 18.5% of our land surface is covered in it! Combined with our average annual precipitation of 55 inches, more than 8,000 miles of coastline, 1,700 streams and rivers, and 11 million acres of wetlands, perhaps it might be more aptly names the water state. Karst topography is responsible for many of our 7,800 lakes. As the limestone bedrock dissolves with percolating water, sink holes form that then fill with rain or groundwater. Florida is also the spring capital of the world with more than 700 springs, 33 of which are first magnitude, meaning they have an average discharge of more than 64.6 million gallons per day. The most recent United State Geological Survey, from 2015, says Florida withdrew more than 15 billion gallons of water per day. Roughly one third was freshwater with the other two thirds saWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
line. Groundwater provides drinking water for 92% of the population, with 62% of withdraws coming from the Floridan Aquifer and the remaining from the Biscayne and surficial aquifers. The Floridan is one of the most productive aquifer systems in the world and covers about 100,000 square miles of the Southeast. In Polk County specifically, more than 200 million gallons of groundwater are used each day with only a meager 16 million gallons per day of surface water. Agricultural and public supply are the primary uses here and the demand for each is approximately equal. Despite our growing population, gross public supply and domestic per capita use have declined since 2000. This is due in part to increased efficiency of household fixtures and appliances and public education. The trend must continue for the foreseeable future since our anticipated growth is expected to leave the state with a shortfall of 337 million gallons a day by 2040.
Switching to a low-flow shower head like this one will help save water at home. Photo by Beth Robertson
For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. An Equal Opportunity Institution.
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FLORIDA MINT By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Fresh Florida mint is a refreshing green herb that is used in beverages, desserts, salads, and jellies. Mint thrives in the heat and humidity of Florida. Mint, along with other herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and sage belong to the Labiatae family. There are many types of mint including peppermint and spearmint, apple mint, chocolate mint, and English mint. Mint can be enjoyed in salads or with fruit or made into mint tea or mint water. It can also be added to fresh juice, iced tea, or cocktails. Mint grows easily and rapidly in Florida and prefers moist soil and partial shade. The United States produces 70% of the world’s peppermint. A hybrid of spearmint and watermint, peppermint was initially cultivated in England and used to treat nausea, vomiting, morning sickness and respiratory illnesses. Peppermint is well known for its use in treating digestive symptoms including bloating, indigestion, and flatulence. The menthol in mint can also soothe throat and nasal congestion and is a common ingredient in cough drops. Similarly, spearmint was initially grown in Europe and grows more aggressively than peppermints. Both types of mint are prized for their volatile oils which gives mints its distinctive aroma and taste.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Fresh Florida mint is high in nutrients including iron, manganese, folate, and vitamin A. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a one-third cup serving of fresh mint (14 g) contains 6 calories, 1 g of dietary fiber. One serving also contains 12% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for vitamin A, 9% for iron, 8% for manganese, and 4% for folate.
Manganese Fresh Florida mint is considered a great source of manganese, an important mineral that plays a role in a variety of physiological functions throughout the body. Manganese is needed for glucose, protein, lipid, and cholesterol metabolism from the foods we consume, as well as for pancreatic function and development. The mineral is important in normal skeletal growth and development, prevention of sterility, and synthesis of thyroid hormone.
Mint is high in vitamin A, which plays a role in vision health and also acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds with the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful byproducts of metabolism that can lead to disease. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of some diseases, including several forms of cancer.
How to Select and Store Choose mint leaves that are crisp and perky with even coloring and a fragrant smell. Avoid any leaves with wilting or yellowing. The leaves and stems should look fresh and tender, and be dry to the touch. To store, pat leaves dry with a paper towel, place in a tightly wrapped plastic bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. Keep refrigerated for up to three weeks. Rinse well immediately before use. Alternatively, place mint stems in a glass of water and store on the countertop for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Mint can also be frozen. Chop into small pieces and fill ice cube trays with mint and water, then freeze. You can then use the mint ice cubes in any beverage such as iced tea or lemonade or water. Mint can also be dried for future use.
How to Enjoy Fresh mint has many delicious uses. It can be used as a garnish or a refreshing addition to cold or warm beverages or salads.
Other uses of mint include: • Mix into fresh vegetable or fruit salad or yogurt • Steep in hot water to make peppermint tea • Use fresh mint as a garnish to top any dish • Dip in chocolate and eat chocolate mint leaves as dessert • Mix into mojitos, lemonade, or fresh cocktails or juice • Add to hot chocolate or any chocolate dessert Enjoy fresh Florida mint today. Eat more of this refreshing green herb and enjoy the health benefits.
SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Vitamin A
TYSON WARD BUILDING A BRAND
By Melissa Nichols As a young boy this month’s feature story had a love for the agriculture industry as a youth. He showed swine, steers and heifers and enjoyed being involved in 4-H and FFA. However, it wasn’t until he was an adult and had kids of his own that he truly turned his love of agriculture into a passion about the future. Tyson Ward says now as he looks back, he truly wonders what he used to do with his free time and what kept him pushing forward because his Registered Brahman cattle (and his children) are his driving force in life. Tyson said when you wake up in the night and immediately start planning how you are flushing your donor cows and who to breed to what bull, you know you’re headed in the right direction, and you are right where you should be.
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Tyson is from Haines City originally, where, unlike many, he didn’t live on a family ranch or have a good amount of land. In fact there were times he kept his steers and heifers at a family friend’s house because he didn’t have a place to keep them. This did not stop him from being involved. It made him work harder and truly could be one of the things that has made him into the successful and humble man he is today. After working his way up the ladder in life and being a successful businessman, Tyson knew he missed being involved in agriculture and wanted to produce cattle that others would look at and admire. Several years back he purchased some commercial Brangus type cows from Clyde Fussell. They did a phenomenal job doing what he wanted them to do but they just didn’t completely fit his view of what he wanted to create and build. He reached out to Joel Beverly and was able to buy some commercial Brahman cattle. He had a vision that he would breed for some F-1 type cattle and make a name for himself as a breeder of good quality replacement heifers and bulls.
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After a few years playing with the commercial Brahman cattle, he knew that Brahmans were his future. He said they were just “regal” and when he saw a good one, he stopped and admired it. This feeling pushed Tyson to research and find a way to grow his herd of Registered Brahman cattle. After attending a few shows, he was able to meet up with Kelvin Moreno of the Moreno Ranches. Kelvin is known to be the largest breeder of Brahman cattle in the state of Florida and his genetics are top quality. Tyson and Kelvin developed a relationship and, under his mentoring, Tyson and Ward Cattle Company, with the TW brand, have quickly started to make their mark not only on the show world but on the Brahman world as a whole. Tyson said he focuses on “quality not quantity, he would rather have a few amazing donor cows than a pasture full of mediocre cattle.” And that is exactly what he has done. Over the past few years Tyson has focused on improving his genetics and working hard to not only have good cattle but to have some of the best around. His breeding focuses on both red and grey Brahman cattle that are polled and horned. His one goal is to breed cattle that can compete on a national level, yet make them affordable for kids who may not be able to afford a Brahman otherwise. Tyson credits the assistance and advice of Kelvin Moreno for helping him go to a whole new level. He is proud of the pedigrees he is using. “We have a heavy influence of Mr. V8 380/6 sired donors in our herd along with Suva Bob and Moreno Mr. Rockstar,” said Tyson. Tyson has used bloodlines from some of the largest Brahman breeders in the nation to build his herd and he is proud to WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
have genetics that go back to V8 ranch, Moreno, Tic Tac Toe, and Hudgins. If you know Brahman cattle you know these genetics are top of the line. Along with having donor cows and putting embryos in recipiant cows, Tyson is proud of the herd sires that he has for his breedings. He has JDH Mr. Manso 122/1 who is sired by Sir Richard. Moreno Mr. Bob (a full brother to Suva Bob.) and Moreno Mr. Michael Jackson who is sired by Capital Gains and out of JDH Lady Babette (who is an Elmo daughter). One thing that sets Tyson apart from a lot of breeders is he isn’t doing this for his children to necessarily show, he is truly doing this for them to be involved in something he is passionate about. Tyson’s own children love the cattle, but at this point they are not showing. However, his cousin’s kids are able to show his cattle. This group of kids works hard at breaking the cattle and representing Tyson very well. He is grateful for his show team which consists of Jackson, Wyatt, Isabelle, Chloe and Ashlin Oakes as well as their parents Justin and Brittney Oakes, who invest a lot of time caring for the show string. It brings Tyson great joy to see his cattle doing well in the very competitive Brahman show world. Upon meeting Tyson about four years ago I must say the one thing that sticks with me is his sportsmanlike attitude, he is competitive, he loves to win but you never hear a negative thing come out of his mouth regarding a judge, a placing or the outcome. He is positive, uplifting and humble. He always has kind words for his kids that show for him and a level of patience and understanding that is rare. Those are characteristics that young people should look up to and be inspired by. Tyson makes me proud to call him a friend and is truly an inspiration to me. He proves that you don’t have to own hundreds of head of registered cattle to make a name for yourself, find a few good ones and build from there. If you are interested in the Brahma breed, Tyson is your man, he will fascinate you with his knowledge about the Brahman and you will make a friend you will be glad you have!
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Hillsborough and Polk Counties Among 17 in Florida USDA has Designated Natural Disaster Areas By Jim Frankowiak
Freeze images from Bob McDowell The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 17 Florida counties, including Hillsborough and Polk counties, as The application deadline is November 21, 2022. More resourcNatural Disaster Areas impacted by freeze, frost and ice that es are available online at farmers.gov, Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool (https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/ occurred from January 23 through January 31 of this year. disaster-tool), Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet This designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) (https://www.farmers.gov/sites/default/files/2021-09/fsato extend emergency credit to producers recovering from disasterassistance-at-a-glance-sept.-2021.pdf) and Farm natural disasters, such as those that occurred in January, Loan Discovery Tool (https://www.farmers.gov/loans/farmthrough emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to loan-discovery-tool ) can help producers determine program meet various recovery needs including the replacement of or loan options. To file a Notice of Loss or for more information essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganiza- about available options, contact the local USDA Service Cention of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. ter, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 201, Plant City, FL 33563. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, secu- Telephone: 813/752-1474, Extension 2. rity available and repayment ability.
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To learn more, visit: www.usda.gov
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FDACS SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR AG ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP AWARD By Jim Frankowiak
Lisa Meredith and Lynn Barber
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has opened the nomination period for the 2022 Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award. This award program seeks to recognize the Florida agriculturalists who are at the forefront of developing and adopting environmentally innovative farming practices. Since 1994, this program has helped highlight the efforts of the state’s growers and ranchers. Publicly acknowledging the efforts of these award winners showcases Florida agriculture’s dedication to preserving the environment and conserving natural resources while helping ensure a continuing supply of food and fiber. These are the environmental practices that will be considered in judging nominations: • Wildlife Protection and Habitat Conservation: Provide a safe, viable habitat for wildlife within an agricultural operation. • Pesticide/Nutrient Management: Use pesticides/nutrients responsibly, maximizing benefits and minimizing potential adverse environmental effects. • Water Quality: Preserve or improve water quality within or adjacent to an agricultural operation. • Soil and Water Conservation: Reduce soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and water consumption; and enhance water recharge. • Waste Management/Recycling: Reduce waste by recycling agricultural by-products and waste products on site.
The nomination for can be found at
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
SAFE BOATING TIPS
If you’ve been in a boat on one of the 554 lakes here in Polk County, the odds are you’ve seen one of our Marine Unit deputies patrolling the waterways. Our Marine Unit is out all year long enforcing laws and promoting safe boating, and when they’re not proactively patrolling, they’re responding to unique calls such as boats capsizing, helping locate missing people in or near water, and giving rides to our Dive Team when they train or search for evidence. You may already know the state boating laws, but it wouldn’t hurt to review a few of the biggies, just to make sure. In other words, check yourself, before you wreck yourself.
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The minimum age to operate personal watercraft in Florida is 14. Photo ID should also be carried by anyone 21 years of age or younger who is controlling the vessel. To ensure safe boating, make sure your passengers are aware of the guidelines and agree to follow them.
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In case of emergency (and by state law), make sure your boat is prepared with supplies such as fire extinguishers, flares, and life vests of multiple sizes to accommodate all passengers. Any child under the age of 13 is required to wear a flotation device while they are on the boat. Of course, it is our preference that everyone in a boat wear a personal flotation device at all times. Unfortunately, we have seen firsthand the dangers of not wearing one. Even the strongest swimmers can become a drowning victim after falling overboard. If you interact with one of our marine deputies, it’s likely because he or she simply wants to ensure everyone on board your vessel is safe, and that you have all of the required items on hand. Not only is operating a boat while drinking alcohol illegal, it’s just not a good idea. Alcohol will reduce your reaction time, endangering you, your passengers, and other watercraft. And let’s be real, alcohol tends to affect the ability to make sound decisions. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
If you decide to go for a swim while boating, be attentive to younger kids as they swim. They should have constant adult supervision. Do not allow yourself to become distracted while watching over children - it only takes a few seconds to lose sight of a child. Finally, make sure to take care of yourself and the other passengers on the boat. Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently, avoid the excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, and use sun protection. The PCSO Marine Unit will be out and about on our many beautiful lakes every weekend this spring and summer, checking vessels for safety and being available to assist boaters in need. Our Marine Unit is dedicated to keeping our waterways safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 863-534-7205. For more information about boating laws, or to sign up for a boating safety class, our friends at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are the experts – visit their website www.myfwc.com.
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WISH FARMS 100 YEARS OF SWEETNESS SINCE 1922 WITH GARY WISHNATSKI
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NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
Florida Pesticide Applicators Now Able to Take Licensing Exams Online
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Pesticide Information Office has announced the state’s approximately 70,000 pesticide applicators now have the option of taking licensing exams online. Applicators can apply for an in-person or online test by following the steps listed on the UF/IFAS Pesticide Exam website, pesticideexam.ifas.ufl.edu. The online test fee is $26.
USDA Gathering Data on Certified Organic Production The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting an organic survey to gather new data on certified organic crops and livestock commodities in the U.S. USDA sys the effort is critical to help determine the economic impact of certified agriculture production on the nation. NASS is mailing the survey to all known certified organic farms and ranches in the U.S. and asks producers to provide information on acreage, production and sales, as well as production and marketing practices.
District Suggests Checking Irrigation Timers The Southwest Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers since we are now on daylight saving time. Additionally, residents should be familiar with local watering rules and don’t water simply because it’s their day to do so. Water when needed and that means recognizing water stressed grass blades folded in half over at least one-third of a lawn, grass blades appearing blue gray and grass blades that do not spring back but leave footprints for several minutes after being walked on. Farm Bureau Members Save 15% on Grasshopper Products Florida Farm Bureau members can save up to 15% off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price on Grasshopper mowers (all makes and models), accessories and implements. Proof of Farm Bureau membership is required and must be presented to the member’s local dealer.
USDA Announces Multi-million Dollar Gift for Students from Diverse Backgrounds The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced a $15 million investment in agricultural education and workforce development for students from diverse backgrounds. This investment will ensure that all students, including underrepresented and underserved students, in community colleges and universities are prepared and have a fair opportunity to compete for professional jobs in science and agricultural fields. This investment is part of the Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates Program, which promotes learning experiences for undergraduate students so they are ready to enter the agricultural workforce.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from Florida producers for Urban Agricultural and Innovation Production (UAIP) projects. These projects are under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which offers producers technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns on their land. More information is available at the Plant City USDA office, 1001 East Baker Street, Suite 403. Telephone: 813/759-6450. Exclusive Offers for Farm Bureau Members from TicketsatWork Florida Farm Bureau is partnering with TicketsAtWork.com to provide members with exclusive discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie, hotels and more. To order tickets, members should visit TicketAtWork.com and create a free account using the Florida Farm Bureau Company Code – FFBC – or by calling: 800-331-6483.
UF Animal Scientists Receive Grant for Increasing Beef Cattle Reproduction The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded a $650,000 grant to a team of University of Florida (UF) researchers to help ranchers produce beef more consistently by assisting them improve their herds’ reproductive performance.
UF Scientists Receive $850,000 Grant to Study Fumigation Impacts on Soil Health University of Florida (UF) soil microbiologist Sarah Strauss has received an $850,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study how fumigation impacts soil health. Strauss will be assisted on this project with help from researchers at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) where research will be conducted along with commercial tomato and strawberry farms. GCREC researchers include Nathan Boyd, a professor of horticultural sciences, Gary Vallad, a professor of plant pathology, and Mary Lusk, an assistant professor of soil and water sciences.
FDACS Offers Free Pesticide Pick-Up
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is offering free pick-up of pesticides up to l,000 pounds through “Operation Cleansweep.” This is a mobile pesticide collection program that provides a safe way to dispose of cancelled, suspended and unusable pesticides. This program is available to farms, groves, greenhouses, nurseries, golf courses and pest control services. It is supported by FDACS and a broad range of related organizations. For additional information and to sign up for “Operation Cleansweep.” Call 877/851-5285. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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USDA Now Accepting Applications for Urban Agriculture Projects
Run For The Roses! by John Dicks It’s iconic! American Classic they say. Or surely you’ve heard an announcer proclaim it’s “the most exciting two minutes in sports!” I’m referring, of course, to the Kentucky Derby. It’s the annual affair at Churchill Downs in Louisville, where the locals simply refer to it as the “run for the roses.” Always held on the first Saturday in May, it’s the “riders’ up” race, smartly said by some in reference to the starter’s command, just before he blares “and they’re off”. What an interesting, if not amazing, event it is. There’s so much silliness and phrases passed around the track, you can’t help but hear someone say, teasingly, “talk Derby to me,” right before expressing “May the Horse be with you!” Glib and giddy (up) I suppose, but likely it’s just the prelude to the silliness of such fancy hats seen nowhere else on earth, yet adorned by those who want to look nothing but their best … at a horse race! Full disclosure: I really like watching the Kentucky Derby! I’m not so serious, though, that I can’t chuckle at some of the shenanigans. NBC, for one, somehow turns that blazing 1 1/4 mile run around the track into a solid 5 hour marathon television blitz! We’re talking tv time that so saturates the airwaves that it’s equivalent to game day coverage of the Super Bowl. Except of course, the Super Bowl includes a game (and a very long half time show) that fills about three hours of the broadcast. The Derby race takes just slightly more than two minutes!
Everyone, it seems, gets into the action. The track stadium seats (or stands) about 150,000 and millions around the world are glued to their screens watching, betting, and hoping for personal successful results. Granted that while Kentucky is where everything about the race is live and in realtime, the state also takes pride in noting that it’s produced or bred more winners than any others. No real surprise there, but it’s worth noting, and satisfying to know that Florida has produced its share of Derby winners, too. Last year was one of them. The winner and star of the race was Medina Spirit, which became an instant fan favorite as the winning horse that next to no-one believed in. Odds makers made him a long shot, but he took the lead almost from the start and kept it, essentially, all the way home. This fine Florida thoroughbred was born and bred just up the road in Ocala. This year may well see similar results. Already the top four running horses from the recent Florida Derby have snagged enough qualifying points to be posted at the gate in Kentucky. The field in Florida was so strong, that even Classic Causeway, the horse finishing in last place, is also set to go. My personal favorite is White Abarrio. He won the Florida Derby, making his record a total of four victories in five career starts. He’s a good looking horse, too; a chalky gray, which will make him stand out from the rest. Maybe he’s no Secretariat, but he sure looks and runs like a contender for the Triple Crown!
The five hour stamina of the tv anchors is quite remarkable. They’ll focus not only on the horses, and their odds, but also the jockeys, the trainers, owners, veterinarians, nutritionists, groomers, and even the folks that shovel the stuff from the stalls! It’s a lot of tv time to fill, but my theory is that is structured around the precise time allotment for the perfect household or neighborhood party.
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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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Join Hillsborough County Ag PAC and M&B Products for an evening of Bluegrass and Barbecue honoring
Senate President
Wilton Simpson Candidate for
Commissioner of Agriculture
Hosts Danny and Angela Aprile, Mike and Rebecca Bays, Senator Danny Burgess and Courtney Burgess, Dennis and SaraBeth Carlton, Hilda Castillo, Reed Fischbach, Hollinswood Ranch- Dixie and Robyn Hollins, Lykes Bros. Inc,Daniel and Andrea McClellan, Leon and Jessica McClellan, Mary and Dale McClellan, Representative Lawrence McClure, M&B of Tampa, Inc., Michael Owen, Representative Jake Raburn, Stepp's Towing, Michelle Williamson, Art and Mary Wood Co-Hosts The Ciaccio Family, Alan Geer, Dennis Langston, Tina and Gary Pike, Gary and Rhonda Tuttle
Thursday, April 28, 2022 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Florida Strawberry Growers Association 13138 Lewis Gallagher Rd Dover, FL 33527 $50 per individual Please make contributions payable to: Wilton Simpson Campaign Limit $3,000 Per Person/Entity
Friends of Wilton Simpson Unlimited Contributions
If unable to attend, you may send checks to: Wilton Simpson Campaign or Friends of Wilton Simpson 1103 Hays Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301 or you may contribute at: www.WiltonSimpson.com
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Isabelle Garbarino at Isabelle@WiltonSimpson.com or 407.412.4405. Paid by Wilton Simpson, Republican, for Commissioner of Agriculture. Contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. The maximum contribution is $3,000 per individual or business, per election.
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Paid political advertisement paid for by Friends of Wilton Simpson. 1103 Hays Street Tallahassee, FL 32301
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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
This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
With every generation,
we get better at protecting our environment. Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
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®
A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green
Bamboo Trellis
Bamboo is not only beautifully exotic, but is one of the easiest woods to work with. This month we will use bamboo to make an attractive trellis for any vining plant. Arundinaria is the only bamboo (cane) native to the United States and North America. Prior to European colonization of the Americas, cane was a vital resource for indigenous Native Americans. River cane (Arundinaria) was used to make houses, weapons, jewelry, medicines, fuel, and food. Early explorers in the U.S. described vast stands of River cane called canebrakes in river lowlands that provided ideal land for crops, habitat for wild game, and year-round forage for livestock. After colonization, cane lost its importance due to the destruction and decline of canebrakes, forced relocation of indigenous people, and the availability of superior technology from abroad. Today, Asian species of bamboo have become a popular ornamental in the United States but can quickly become invasive, many scientific articles on bamboo claim it can grow up to two feet a day. I mention this because many unwary homeowners have a stand of invasive Asian bamboo that has grown out of control and would probably welcome an offer to harvest some of it. Out of control bamboo stands are a free source of bamboo if you are willing to cut the stalks yourself.
Materials: • Bamboo • Wood planks (2 x 4 for support) • Saw • Power Drill • Forstner Drill Bits
• Dremel Tool • Dremel Cutting Bit • Wood glue
Cut the support structure
• Determine the dimensions of your trellis • Cut two thick pieces of bamboo to the height of your trellis • Cut a wood plank (2x4) about 6 inches wider than your trellis (3 inch allowance on each side) • With a power drill and forstner bit, drill two opposing holes the approximate diameter of the outer bamboo support pieces. For a tight fit, drill smaller than needed and shave the diameter of the bamboo with dremel and cutting bit.
Fit the vertical support structure
Fit the thicker outer bamboo poles into the holes in the wooden support plank. * bamboo may need to be shaved for a tight fit. Glue optional
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Fit the horizontal lattice Bamboo does not grow in a perfectly straight line, though the
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outer pieces may appear parallel, there will be variation in the width of the trellis; for this reason, it is suggested that each horizontal lattice is cut to fit while assembling rather than to a consistent size before assembling. • With a power drill and forstner bit, drill holes in the outer support pieces at a slightly smaller diameter than that of the bamboo that will be inserted to create the horizontal lattice. Shave the bamboo end at a slight bevel to create a fit that tightens as it is forced into the hole in the outer support pieces . • Insert the horizontal lattice piece into one side of the outer support pieces. • Measure the length of the lattice piece to reach about half way into the outer support pieces. • Cut to length, and then insert both ends of the horizontal lattice piece to span the outer support pieces. Glue optional WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) Lycosidae by April Green
wolf spider babies by Noppadol Paothong The wolf spider (Lycosidae) is a family of large ground spiders that hunt their prey by stalking or ambush. The scientific name Lycosidae stems from lúkos the Ancient Greek word for wolf. In Greek Mythology it was Lycaon, king of Arcadia, whom Zeus turned into a wolf. Some sources claim these spiders are so named because they were once thought to hunt in packs. We know now that these spiders do not hunt in groups but they are known to live in dense populations. The Wolf Spider (Lycosidae) is one of the most abundant spiders in the world, it is estimated that there are over 2000 described species worldwide ranging from the Arctic to the subtropics and 250 species in the continental United States. The wolf spider (Lycosidae) is regarded as a beneficial insect both in the field and in the home. With a closer look at this remarkable spider you can decide for yourself the extent of which you will welcome this species into your home or garden. Wolf spiders are opportunistic hunters that feed on anything they can capture or subdue. They are nocturnal hunters and typically prey on other spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, roaches, and many insects that are considered agricultural pests; for this reason, wolf spiders are considered beneficial. One of the most fascinating characteristics of the Wolf spider is that they will prey on animals much larger than it, such as frogs, lizards, mice and even small birds. They are able to do so because the wolf spider has a flexible abdomen that can expand to accommodate a large meal when the opportunity presents itself. When feeding opportunities are scarce, the wolf spider can slow its metabolism to conserve energy until the food supply provides more opportunity to feed. The wolf spider has a bit of an advantage over other spiders in finding food. Web building spiders, such as the Orb Weavers, are nearly blind and at best can detect simple changes in light and dark. For the most part, they rely on a sense of touch, vibration or chemical cues to find their prey. Hunting spiders, like the wolf spider, on the other hand, build traps in the ground, construct nets, or actively stalk to capture their prey, pouncing on them when they get close enough. Hunting spiders have amazing visual characteristics such as detecting polarized and ultraviolet light, and most have binocular vision. Most wolf spiders (Lycosidae) hunt at night and their eyes are specialized to enable them to do so very well. Like other nocturnal
animals, especially carnivores, the wolf spider has a well developed tapeta; a reflective layer of tissue behind the retina that amplifies the light reaching the photoreceptors. The wolf spiders eyes are among the best in the animal kingdom, second only to the jumping spiders (Salticidae). The sensitivity to light in the eyes of these spiders can be compared to that of a camera lens with an aperture of about (f/0.58). The light sensitivity of this spider is more efficient than a cat (f/0.90), an owl (f/1.10) and the human eye (f/2.10). Animals that have this tapeta layer have eyes that seem to glow when a light is shined into their eyes at night. A simple flashlight is all that’s needed for spotlighting; a technique used by hunters and naturalists to search for animals at night. The wolf spiders eyes reflect a silvery eyeshine that can be seen with a standard flashlight. When shined into a field of grass, what looks like tiny droplets of dew is actually the glistening eyes of the hundreds of spiders dispersed in the grass looking back at you. I love demonstrating this characteristic on night hikes and camping trips. If you get close enough, Lycosidae can be recognized by their unique eye arrangement. There is a row of four small anterior (front) eyes, two large forward facing posterior median eyes (PME) set further back on the head, and two large posterior lateral(side) eyes (PLE) facing sideways or backwards. The eye arrangement of Lycosidae enable these spiders to see in a 360° view. You may also notice that they have fangs that appose each other and cross in a pinching action; this is characteristic of what scientists call araneomorph spiders. If you are lucky enough to find a female with young, you will notice one of the characteristics of this spider that sets it apart from most other spiders. Wolf spiders are actually very nurturing toward their young. The female spider will carry her egg sack with her, securing it in her fangs, she protects her clutch of eggs until they hatch. Once her eggs hatch, the spiderlings crawl on to the top of her abdomen and are protected through their first instars. Until 1990, wolf spiders were thought to be dangerous and bites from this spider were treated with an antivenin. The practice of using antivenin for Lycosidae was stopped when a study showed these spiders were not venomous enough to inflict serious damage to human beings. These spiders are abundant, beneficial, and safe, and are fascinating creatures if you take a closer look. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Wolf Spider Eyeshine by Jim Frazer
Wish Farms Donates to World Central Kitchen Plant City based, international grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and pineberries, Wish Farms, is donating $5,000 to Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen. The funds will be used to support the dire humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe.
“My grandfather came to America because he was escaping Russian aggression and oppression in Kyiv in 1904,” said Wish Farms owner, Gary Wishnatzki. “Unfortunately, some things never change. Our roots run deep in that region, and our family feels a strong connection with the Ukrainian people’s fight for freedom and the devastation they’re experiencing.” “I was looking for the most impactful way we could help, then I saw an article with Walt Dasher of G&R Farms calling on the produce industry to step up and donate to WCK,” said PR Manager, Nick WIshnatzki. “I watched the videos of Andres’ and his team working around the clock to feed so many fleeing refugees and was heartened by the humanity of their mission. There is no more basic need than having food to eat.” The funds will be sent via The Wish Farms Family Foundation. Established to support food insecurity, youth education and community, it has made over $325,000 in grants since 2019. “This horrific manmade crisis continues to deepen, so Wish Farms would like to echo Walt’s call to the rest of our generous produce industry colleagues and companies to step up and help,” said Nick Wishnatzki.
About Wish Farms: Feel Good. Eat Berries. Make A Difference. It isn’t just a catchy phrase, giving back is engrained in the company culture. Through the Wish Farms Family Foundation, a portion of profits are dedicated to their three pillars of giving: Food Insecurity, Youth Education and Community. With a defined mission, they hope to make the world a better place. Founded in 1922, Wish Farms is a fourth-generation, family operated company. As a year-round supplier of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and now Pink-A-Boo Pineberries®, it grows both conventional and organic varieties. Nationally recognized for innovation, Wish Farms utilizes patented traceability technology to ensure quality and safety by tying consumer feedback to specific information from each day’s harvest. For more information, please visit www.wishfarms.com.
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Donations can be made through the WCK website at: https:// wck.org/
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Who is Covered by the Produce Safety Rule?
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was initially signed into law in 2011, and the final Produce Safety Rule (PSR) was published in 2015. Now several years after its passing, the question still persists, who is covered by the PSR? The FSMA PSR established, for the first time, minimum standards for growing, harvesting, packing and holding fresh fruit and vegetables. Not all fruit and vegetables, however, are covered under the rule. The PSR was created as a measure of prevention for public health risks, and there are certain foods and processes that pose a relatively low risk of causing foodborne illnesses. There are three such conditions under which produce may not be covered by the PSR. The first condition under which produce is not covered by the rule is in the case of fruit and vegetables that are rarely consumed raw. FDA has compiled an exhaustive list of commodities that fall into this category. The list is based on survey data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, “What We Eat in America.” Any produce that is not on this list is covered by the PSR. Produce on the exhaustive rarely consumed raw list includes: asparagus; black beans; great northern beans; kidney beans; lima beans; navy beans; pinto beans; garden beets (roots and tops); sugar beets; cashews; sour cherries; chickpeas; cocoa beans; coffee beans; collards; sweet corn; cranberries; dates; dill (seeds and weed); eggplants; figs; ginger; hazelnuts; horseradish; lentils; okra; peanuts; pecans; peppermint; potatoes; pumpkins; winter squash; sweet potatoes; and water chestnuts. The second condition under which fruit and vegetables are not covered by the rule is if the produce undergoes a processing step that adequately reduces the number of potential pathogens. These processes include refining, distilling, pasteurizing, fermenting and other commercial processing steps. Some examples of these would be tomatoes that are processed into tomato paste or shelf-stable tomatoes as well as oranges that are used to make juice. If this condition applies, farms are required to keep written assurance records from their buyers that state what processes are being used.
In fact, even farms with up to $500,000 in annual food sales** may still be eligible for a qualified exemption to the PSR depending on who and where their buyers are. For this type of exemption farms must sell produce directly to the consumer of the food, a restaurant, or a retail food store. For Florida farms, these “qualified end-users” must be located in Florida or within 275 miles of the farm. In these cases, however, farms will need to keep records to demonstrate their eligibility and discuss their exemption status with a PSR inspector. Clear as mud? If a farm is not sure whether they are covered by the Produce Safety Rule or not, they are encouraged to contact the FDACS PSR team by calling (863) 578-1900. Farms are also encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities FDACS offers in partnership with University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/ IFAS). Together, FDACS and UF/IFAS provide produce safety training for growers and industry professionals as well as onsite farm reviews to help farms align their practices with the regulatory requirements. Farms covered by the rule are required to send at least one representative from the farm to attend the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. This training helps growers to understand each part of the regulation and how to comply. Additionally, the On-Farm Readiness Review program allows growers the opportunity to walk through their operation with produce safety experts and discuss how the FSMA requirements may apply to their farm. To sign-up for these offerings or to find additional resources, including all required records for Florida farms and growers, visit www.FDACS.gov/FSMA.
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Finally, the third condition that would exempt produce from the PSR is any fruit or vegetables that are grown for personal consumption or consumption on the farm. To be covered by the rule, a farm’s annual produce sales must be greater than $25,000*.
Berry Picking By Libby Hopkins
Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm is a family effort between John and Jacqueline Whitehead. John has a background in the nursery business and before becoming a blueberry farm the property was a plant nursery for 21 years. “In 2000, John decided to switch to farming and planted his first blueberry plants,” said Jacqueline. “I’m responsible for running the upick, social media for the farm and the venue located on the farm. John and I have been married for 33 years and enjoy working together on the farm.” The property the farmhouse and the farm are located on was originally purchased in the 1970s and 1980s. “It started out as a plant nursery which was run by John and his parents Dale and Betty Whitehead,” Jacqueline said. “The blueberries were planted and started producing fruit and that is when the commercial harvesting and u-pick began. This was around 2002.”
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With over 30,000 blueberry plants across 15 acres, the Whiteheads are ready for your family to visit their U-Pick blueberry Farm in central Florida. “We are conveniently located just minutes off of Hwy 17 in the home of Legoland in Winter Haven,” Jacqueline said. “During the season, which typically runs from the first Wednesday of April through mid-May, you can pick all the fresh blueberries you want for only $4 a pound!” The Whitehead’s goal with their u-pick blueberry farm is to create memories. “Our blueberry u-pick is designed to help families create memories and help children learn where
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their food comes from,” Jaqueline said. “We offer field trips for school groups and these include information about how blueberries grow throughout the year. There’s a lot of fun to be had as well on the farm. We have hayride wagons, food trucks, a playground and games for the children. We also sell honey, jam and jewelry. Overall, it is a great way to spend the day and leave with some yummy blueberries!” You’ll want to get the Whitehead Farm as soon as the season starts, because there is huge demand for their blueberries when they are ripe and ready. “We love seeing all our repeat customers who come year after year to pick the blueberries and bring their families to enjoy the farm,” Jacqueline said. “It’s great fun to see people outside enjoying the sunshine and each other. Our whole family participates in our u-pick by helping our customers and that’s a lot of fun as well.” Their customers love coming back to the farm each season. “We’ve received a lot of reviews on social media and comments from customers who come to u-pick,” Jacqueline said. “They tell us that they feel welcome, and they enjoy being able to spend a day on a real farm. Parents tell us that their children beg to come back and really enjoy all the activities available. They also mention how delicious our blueberries are compared to what you would get at a store.” The Whitehead’s look forward to growing their business in the future. “We hope to continue to be able to provide fresh WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
blueberries for people to come and pick for years to come,” Jaqueline said. “In 2018 we added a wedding venue to our farm, and it has been very popular as well. Many of our couples come back for u-pick and some of our couples have found us because of coming to u-pick. We are big fans of the agritourism industry in Florida that has really started to increase in the last few years.” “We believe it is very important for local communities to have farms to provide fresh food,” Jaqueline said. “Farming has
If you’d like to learn more about Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm, you can visit their website at www.whiteheadsblueberryfarm.com. If you’d like to learn more about their rental venue, you can visit its website at www. blueviewbarn.com.
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always been a big part of the Florida economy. We think it’s very important for the United States to be able to supply the food needed for Americans in America. We hope to always be an important part of our community.”
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PRODUCE
MISC.
FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722 24 HOUR SERVICE Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com Bread warmer, chrome trim. 813-643-7173 You have got to see it to believe it! FARM BUREAU INSURANCE Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378 We have you covered! Call us today. DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER 813-752-5577 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING Many standard sizes in stock. Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & ReAsk for Blake. (813) 752-3378 pair. Legendary service for over 20 years! 813-752-0821 KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the SHOWER STALLS - FIBERGLASS BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Scratch and dent shower stalls - fiberglass Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 perfect for hunting camps. $150 you pick! Call us! 813-752-3378 JOBS
I4 POWER EQUIPMENT Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Plant City 813-752-4459 2019 MAHINDRA 5555 55hp, 4x4 tractor with loader, 550 hours, Warranty. $26,500. Call today! Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
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GRIBALDI-SALVIA SB3947 Sickle bar mower. Good condition and ready to work. $1,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FRESH PRODUCE Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from USED BALDOR-RELIANCE 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Used 7.5 HP pump motor and 119 gal. hold- Come out and see us! ing-tank. Call LLCA 813-382-8382
PARTS COUNTER HELP Wanted for parts look up and sales. Experience in the agriculture equipment service. Speak with Alvie. 813-759-8722
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
USED SCAG ZTR 2016 MASSEY FERGUSON 2606H 65hp, 2wd grading tractor with Bush Hog 52” Liberty zero turn with Kaw engine. RBX780 box blade. 178 hours. $29,500 Call $3,500. Call Jeff 813-752-1066 Avie 813-759-8722 USED ZERO TURN MOWERS Prices begin at $1,750 FARM EQUIPMENT Massey Ferguson 362 tractor $6,000; 42 ft Call Alive 813-759-8722 gooseneck trailer $6,000; regular pull-behind trailer 20 ft $1,500, all as is. Call Maryann 813-297-4130
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Tel: 813.759.6909
FOR RENT Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
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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Polk County Cattle Women
W
ell y’all, it’s that time of year. Time to pay our taxes, plant our gardens, and finally put those winter coats back in the closet. I am extremely thankful for the recent rainfall which has helped contain wildfires across the state. Since my last letter some of our members had the opportunity to spend their day volunteering at Polk City Elementary for the Great American Teach-In. They worked alongside Kevin Fussell, PCCA President, and his family to educate our next generation about the beef cattle industry. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with and getting to know so many exhibitors and their families while working the concession stand at the Central Florida Youth in Ag Show in March. It was a great event that has become of the best shows in Central Florida. I’d like to personally invite all ladies across all walks of life to join us for our monthly meetings. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the UF/IFAS Ag Complex in Bartow at 6:30 p.m. We have a virtual option for those who feel more comfortable joining from home. Our next meeting will be on May 3, 2022. Contact me anytime with questions or for more information at BuckLD96@gmail. com. Till next month,
Leslie Buchanon Polk County Cattlewomen President
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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2022
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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2022
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM