Cover More Ground with CKP
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President – Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com
Vice President – Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846-0849 (863) 425-112 Justin.bunch@nutrien.com
State Director – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 634-6029 owebb@wandwsupply.com
Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790
Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 206-5021 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com
Kevin Fussell 5125 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868 (863) 412-5876 drfussellranch@gmail.com
Wes Fussell 5010 Barush Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 838-1594 g.wesfussell@gmail.com
Det. Jay Scarborough 1575 Mountt Pisgah Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 860-7731 Jayscarborough5581@outlook. com
Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.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
Alternate Standing Committee Chairs: Membership
Events- Scott Shoupe
Trade Show- Bridget Stice
Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808
Website – Blair Buchanon
Cattlewomen – President, Blair Buchanon 8444 Tom Costine Rd Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 581-2711 Buckld96@gmail.com
Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu
Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org
Sgt. Tim Sanders 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 656-6119 brusso@polksheriff.org
Warner University –
Abby Crawford 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 638-7248 Abby.crawford@warner.edu
Cover Photos Courtesy of Melissa Nichols
Letter from the Editor
Here we are in mid-August and the kids are back in school. Take care on the roads as the future of our country heads to the bus stop and school. Your phone calls and texts can wait until you arrive at your destination.
We hope students are enjoying the benefits of agriculture education. These courses educate youth on the importance of this time-honored tradition. Classes range from agriculture economics, and animal science, to horticulture, leadership development, and much more. Instructors help students understand the importance of agriculture and maybe ignite a spark of interest, opening the door for potential future careers.
We need agriculture to survive. If you eat, wear clothes, take medications, live in a house, write with a pencil, drive a car, and so many more things, you need agriculture.
Also, I feel the need to point out something about drinking raw milk. I know many places sell raw milk as “pet quality” when in reality, people are ingesting it. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Raw milk can carry dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and others that cause foodborne illnesses, often called “food poisoning. These germs can seriously injure the health of anyone who drinks raw milk or eats products made from raw milk.”
I’m curious as to your thoughts on the raw milk debate. Contact me at sarah@ inthefieldmagazine and let me know what you think.
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt
STAFF
Publisher/Photography
Karen Berry
Senior Managing Editor/
Associate Publisher
Sarah Holt
Sales
Karen Berry
Sarah Holt
De De Floyd
Melissa Nichols
Creative Director/Illustrator
Juan Alvarez
Photography
Karen Berry
Melissa Nichols
Images By Blair
Staff Writers
Al Berry
Sandy Kaster
James Frankowiak
Sean Green
Intern
Autum Miller
Contributing Writers
Wade Osborne
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.
Welcome to summer everyone, it is HOT!
Every year I think it is hotter than the year before, perhaps I am just less tolerant! Either way, with shipping season in full swing and palpation season around the corner, it is certainly a good time to think about upgrades to your cattle handling facilities. Misters are a very inexpensive way to cool down hoppers and alleys for both cattle and hands. And despite lumbar being at an all-time high, building cover over the chute is a great investment; one that you and your day workers will be thankful for!
The only way to truly beat the heat is to stay indoors, so treat yourself to some educational events next month and soak up the bought air!
September 5 kicks off the 3-part UF/IFAS series, Managing Cattle Enterprises for Success. This UF/IFAS Extension seminar series is specifically designed for small cattle ranchers. The goal of the series is to provide participants with practical knowledge of cattle management practices that can be easily applied to their operations.
The first event in this three part series will be held in Hillsborough County and is titled “Planning You Cattle Management Calendar.” The next will be held here in Polk County at the Stuart Center and will center around “Strategizing Cattle Nutrition” on October 24.
Additionally, UF/IFAS will also have a “Wildlife Management on Working Rangelands” Field Day on September 24 in Polk City.
Pre-registration is required. More details on that may be found on UF/IFAS website via Eventbrite or contact Bridget Stice, Polk County’s UF/IFAS Beef Cattle Extension Agent.
Dr. LuJean Waters
Polk County Cattlemens President Heartland Large Animal Services
FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
When we need new plant cultivars, we look to Zhanao Deng. When we need to know more about how to grow existing cultivars, we turn to Deng. When we need to address invasive species challenges, we look to… well you get the picture.
You know Deng as a presence at Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) field days. Or as a collaborator in producing the next great Florida beer. Or as the scientist who took a best-selling plant that’s an invasive species and inventing a non-invasive version of it.
The university now knows him as one of its top scientists. He was recently named University of Florida Research Foundation (UFRF) Professor. The title goes to faculty members based on their past five years’ research record and on their future research agenda.
UF/IFAS Research is allowed to nominate only five faculty members for this high honor. In the last five years, Deng has:
• published more than 40 articles
• produced 13 caladium and lantana cultivars
• secured 16 licensing agreements with major companies and growers
The recognition signals that Deng has an outstanding scientific reputation and UF/IFAS stands behind his published work, his new cultivars, and the licensing deals we negotiate to get his innovation into commercial fields and greenhouses.
That’s why we spotlighted his status as a UFRF professor at our recent UF/IFAS research awards. Every year, we hold this ceremony to celebrate excellence in discovery and innovation. Deng is a regular honoree, but this year we had help from the university in elevating him as a scientist.
The research awards feature an All-Star lineup with distinguished faculty from all over the state. For example, faculty members at the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) – Fred Gmitter, Manjul Dutt, Jude Grosser, Nian Wang,
By Rob Gilbert ragilber@ufl.edu @IFAS_VP
John Chater, and Yu Wang, were also recognized on awards night.
But so are faculty from Homestead, Jay, Immokalee, and, of course, Gainesville. This matters in Hillsborough and Polk, too, because Deng and other GCREC and CREC faculty are collaborating with colleagues from all over the state, increasing the power and speed of their discoveries.
Deng embodies the approach that makes scientists so essential to the success of Florida agriculture. He is developing solutions to right-now problems even as he works to create what you’ll be growing in five years, 10 years and beyond.
He’s also expert-entrepreneur-emissary rolled up into one. The expert part is there in his amazing non-invasive lantana or promising blackberry cultivars.
The entrepreneur is in the licensing figures. His creations don’t stay on the shelf. As entrepreneur, he works with our team at the Florida Foundation Seed Producers to get products out to the marketplace so you can grow it on your land. The licensing money not only funds his continuing work, but our aggressive reinvestment of this income stream helps us improve our research operation for all faculty.
As emissary, he’s a regular presence even at events that promote UF/IFAS with non-technical audiences. He is a smiling and enthusiastic presence at events where I have sipped his “Deng Good Beer,” produced by Florida craft breweries with hops that come out of the hop yard at GCREC he runs with Shinsuke Agehara and other team members.
The university’s designation of Deng as a UFRF professor signals that it expects more to come from Deng. I expect it, too. For example, with his expertise in breeding, biotechnology and his early embrace of AI through exploratory work with colleagues, he’s in a prime position to benefit from our coming Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture at GCREC.
He never forgets who he’s working for – you. And that, in my book, is an essential trait for a Deng good scientist.
Rob Gilbert is the University of Florida’s interim senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN
Sometimes I have heard people say that you should romanticize your everyday life to make it more entertaining and to change your perspective. When we read books or watch movies, even if it is about mundane or harrowing things that people do to survive, it sounds interesting even though it may be hard in reality. Like those movies where the family works really hard all summer to save the family farm. Summer is not quite the opportune time to try to save the family farm, the heat and humidity aren’t really great for morale, but you don’t think about that when sitting on your couch in the air conditioning. It is actually kind of hard to romanticize things in your life when it’s you who has to be in heat and humidity.
Some things are easier to romanticize than others. It’s easy to pretend you are a young maiden working hard to help support your peasant family when you are hanging out laundry for fifteen minutes, the breeze is blowing, and the birds are singing. It makes hanging out laundry a little bit more than just making sure that you have clean clothes for tomorrow. Carrying water can also be easy to romanticize, too. You are working hard to haul water to the garden so that you have some food to survive the drought. Even though you are probably just hauling water to an ungrateful cow who will dump it. Even cleaning the house by yourself when nobody is home is okay because you are taking care of and protecting the homestead while everyone else has gone to town for supplies.
Some things you don’t have to romanticize to make interesting, but sometimes you have to so that you actually want to do it. Like putting that first ride on a snorty colt. It’s scary, and uncomfortable, and you could probably convince your dad to do it for you, but when you become the heroine of the story being the only one to tame the wild stallion, it has its charms. Or when your dad has to shoe the afore mentioned snorty colt and it wants to rear up, you are just the brave daughter helping to capture a fire-breathing dragon, so it stops terrorizing the villagers. There are times when I have to dig really deep for
By Marisol Tarango
certain jobs, like the off chance that I have to haul a trailer, and then I become a WWII pilot carrying a vital load to the front lines in turbulent weather.
While some things may be easy to romanticize or even necessary, there are others that you really have to stretch your imagination for. Fixing fence for the umpteenth time because that one cow keeps getting out is one of those. Your mental story may start out as a dutiful maiden herder taking care of her livestock patiently so that when the market is this fall, she can afford to buy books. But if said livestock keeps getting out repeatedly that story can change drastically to a dinosaur caretaker who is ready to go velociraptor hunting because she is tired of them getting out and terrorizing the neighborhood and she didn’t think it was a good idea to breed them in the first place. Building fence from scratch is another one of those scenarios where you have to engage your imagination. What starts as expanding the railway to connect the two coasts or building a wall to protect the kingdom from enemy invaders can quickly turn into digging the Panama Canal or building the pyramids in Egypt. (If you sink to the level that you feel like you are a Hebrew slave in Egypt while building fence you should probably drink some water before you see Moses coming to take you to the Promised Land.)
Sometimes though, there are just things you can’t romanticize or imagine your way out of, sometimes you have to dig deep and push through until you are done. Like when you have to go to work sick and you are focusing on making home and into bed. Or when the days are so hot or so cold you wonder what you are doing outside, but you remember your reason for being out there (be it your spouse, kids, or even the animals that are in your charge.) I think that is what truly inspires us in the movies and stories. The people faced their realities with grit and determination no matter how hard and pushed through with their trust in God.
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
District Schedules Prescribed Fires for Hillsborough County
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is conducting prescribed burns now through September on the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and Chito Branch Reserve.
The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is located south of Cross Creek Boulevard between U.S. Highway 301 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard near Thonotosassa. Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Chito Branch Reserve is located west of County Road 39 and east of Boyette Road near Lithia. Approximately 100 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:
• Reducing overgrown plants decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.
• Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.
• Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.
• Maintaining access for public recreation.
The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.
Year-round Water Conservation Recommended
The Southwest Florida Water Management District urges year-round water conservation. Water levels may rise and fall, but our water resources remain limited. The District encourages efficient, non-wasteful uses of water to sustain our high quality of life. For more information about ways to conserve water, contact the District at 1-800-423-1476 or visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org.
FSREF Scholarship Application Approaching
Interested students have until September 13 to apply for a Florida Strawberry Research and Education Foundation (FSREF) scholarship. FSREF is a sister company of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA). More information, including the application form, is available by visiting: https: floridaystrawberry.com/association/sister-organizations/ research-and-education-foundation/.
The Fishing Remains the Same
Capt. Wade Osborne
Not much has changed since last month regarding the best areas to fish and the species being caught. The most exciting addition that I’ve mixed into my charters of late has been blacktip sharks.
Now, when I target blacktips, I just put out one shark rig for them. The notable reason is because I’m usually fishing in an area that’s loaded with seatrout, weakfish, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, and the occasional jack crevalle. So, I have my clients catching other species while we wait for a shark bite. Besides, hooking up with two blacktips over five feet long and battling them while going in different directions, isn’t easy to navigate.
wouldn’t get too excited. I’ve learned over the years that snook fishing is much better toward the end of September once the water starts to cool down. Not only that, but the redfish activity picks up as well. Many times, you can catch snook and redfish in the same location.
Meanwhile, I’ll be treating the next month or so like the last, not much is going to change.
My main focus has been and will remain mangrove snapper. This has been a banner year. Their spawning season runs through the end of the month, so there’s no better time to catch your five-perperson limit. They are stacked up around most structures throughout Tampa Bay, are very aggressive, and ready to eat.
The first thing I do upon arrival at my shark spot is start chumming. I like cutting up my own fresh chum and broadcasting it down current of my boat. I also toss in a few live bait chummers every now and then. This really gets the action going. Then I have everyone cast out a nose-hooked, free-lined bait on a 2/0 long shank hook and wait for a strike. The long shank hook helps prevent cutoffs. I like to plan ahead by keeping some ladyfish and jack crevalle from previous charters to freeze for future shark bait. As everyone is fishing for other species, I cast out a chunk of shark bait using a sixfoot steel leader, 6500 series Penn reel, on an eight-foot G-Loomis rod, place it in a rod holder, and wait for a bite.
When a shark takes the bait, I have everyone reel up, and I pursue the hooked shark with my boat. Once I have the shark boatside, I get pictures while it’s still in the water and remove the hook with a long de-hooker.
For all you snook lovers out there: Snook open to harvest on September 1, but I
I’d have to say the other species that’s been the easiest to catch has been seatrout. Seatrout are turning up everywhere, even out in the middle of the bay on some of my Spanish Mackerel spots. I imagine this is due to the fact that bait is everywhere. The bay is loaded with probably the most bait that I’ve ever seen. There have been at least two, maybe three hatches of scaled sardines since the end of June. As an added bonus, threadfin herring are everywhere too.
I’m still encountering some cobia, but fewer and smaller ones than were being caught last month. By now most of the larger ones have been harvested. During the fall, Tampa Bay should get another influx of cobia as they migrate from the panhandle south for the winter.
Tampa Bay is a huge estuary with many creeks and rivers dumping freshwater runoff into the bay. Portions of the upper bay regions have had so much freshwa-
26-Year Veteran Fishing Guide, Captain Wade Osborne.
ter runoff from all of the recent daily thunderstorms, the fishing ranks from unpredictable to horrible. Other than fishing around the Howard Frankland bridge occasionally for some black drum, I’ve mainly been staying southward.
I’ll close with a Spanish mackerel update. There was roughly a month when my clients didn’t catch many mackerel. But since bait is so plentiful now, they are abundant, large, and in charge!
Some people have the misconception that Spanish mackerel aren’t good table fare. Not so! It’s important to ice them down immediately. Once you’re at the cleaning table, remove the skin by filleting them, and make sure to remove the bloodline that runs down the center of the fillet on both sides. Do not freeze Spanish mackerel unless you smoke them first, they turn to mush once thawed. It’s best to eat them within a couple of days but, if you keep them refrigerated, they will stay fresh for about a week. Battered and fried mackerel taste pretty good, however, I prefer mine blackened.
Afishionado, “Always an Adventure.”
Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Osborne has been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and writes for multiple publications. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474
TELEPHUS SPURGE
By Libby Hopkins
The Telephus Spurge or, Euphorbia telephioides as it’s known by its scientific name, is a rare species of euphorb, which is a very large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is endemic to Florida where it is known only from three counties in the Panhandle. It is a federally listed threatened species of the United States.
The Telephus Spurge is a denizen of dry, sandy soils. Its fleshy leaves and deep, tuberous taproot not only allow it to handle drought via the storage of water and nutrients, but its root system also allows it to live a long time.
This spurge grows in coastal areas in Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties. It is present at about 38 known locations, with some locations newly discovered and some recently eliminated. The habitat is scrub and forest where it often grows alongside slash (Pinus elliottii) and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) or oaks. The plant can be common to abundant in many locations, but it is short-lived and can disappear from an area quickly.
This is a perennial herb growing up to 30 or 40 centimeters in maximum height. The leaves are lance-shaped to oval and green to red in color, measuring up to six centimeters long. They are fleshy and succulent, and the roots are tuberous, helping the plant survive in dry seasons and in sandy soils that retain little water. The species is dioecious, with female plants bearing wider leaves and few flowers and male plants having narrower leaves and many clusters of flowers. The flower is a maroon or red and green cymatium. The fruit is explosively dehiscent, releasing silver, gray or brown seeds. This plant is now found in a habitat that is fragmented as the region undergoes development. This part of
the Gulf Coast is valuable for conversion to residential communities, and with the construction of houses comes the construction of roads, utilities, and commercial tracts. Other parts of the region have been consumed for civilian culture, particularly pine plantations. The area was formerly a center of pulp wood production.
One of the most important aspects of Telephus Spurge ecology is fire. Without regular fires, the entire habitat of the Telephus Spurge would gradually close in with woody shrubs and trees and disappear. Even though most of the top parts of these plants are killed by fires, their large tuberous root system allows them to readily regrow what was lost. That is not to say that individuals regularly regrow after fires. In fact, plants have been known to disappear for years at a time following top-killing events, only to re-sprout at some point in the future when favorable conditions return.
It is obvious that for this species to persist, its habitat needs to be maintained via fire. Management for this species is very important given its narrow distribution and sporadic occurrence on the landscape.
There are still many hurdles in the way of effective Telephus Spurge conservation. For starters, though it once likely enjoyed a more contiguous distribution throughout the Apalachicola region, habitat destruction from logging, ditching and development have highly fragmented its populations into tiny clusters. The smaller these clusters become, the more vulnerable they are to destruction.
Another factor complicating the conservation of this species is its aforementioned sexual fluidity. Because we still don’t know what triggers a change
in sexual expression among the Telephus Spurge from one year to the next, populations can fluctuate greatly in terms of their reproductive capacity. For instance, if a population comprised of many Telephus Spurge with bisexual cyathia one year suddenly switches to producing mostly male cyathia the following year, seed production can decrease greatly.
Until we know more about the reproductive ecology of this species, maintaining populations with regular fire while limiting the amount of logging and development is the best chance we have at ensuring this extremely rare spurge has a future on this planet.
Telephus Spurge can reach high abundance. With a little bit of effort, these populations are relatively easy to map and seeds can be collected and maintained to preserve valuable genetic material. Still, without proper management and land conservation/ restoration efforts, the future of this tiny spurge and many of its botanical neighbors hangs in the balance.
Business Up Front Send It Fabrication
By Jim Frankowiak
FAMILY STRUGGLE AND FAITH LEADS TO OPENING OF
The impact of the Covid pandemic was widespread; deeply affecting some, while others were barely touched. In the case of the Patterson family, husband and father Billy (BJ) suffered from three strokes, and “it is only by the Grace of God is he still with us and able to continue to work,” said his spouse, Christa. BJ and Christa are proud parents of Macie and Walker.
“He realized tomorrow is not promised and he needed to be more accessible to his family,” she added. “So, we stepped out on faith and opened Send It Fabrication, a company that enables us to handle any commercial or residential steel work such as handrails, mower decks, and equipment repair, to small structural construction. We can also install metal buildings and barns.”
The path leading to the opening of Patterson’s company is noted in their advertising via bible verse 1Peter 5:10, which states: “May the God of all Grace, who called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, Perfect, Establish, Strengthen and Settle you.”
“Through the trial and suffering we went through with BJ’s health we leaned on our faith to get through it all,” said Christa. “Out of the struggle came the strength to open Send It Fabrication. All the Glory goes to God.”
“The joy of owning our own business is, we can work on anything we can think we can do,” said Christa. “If someone has an idea for a livestock trailer or hunting stand, we can help them bring it to life. Give us your ideas and we will design and build it in-house.” Send It Fabrication is based in Mulberry and serves Central Florida. “We are able to ship any steel to our customers and install, as well as onsite repairs for equipment and structures,” said BJ, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the steel industry to the Patterson’s new company. “I started work with my father, Billy Patterson, and Jay Strickland at B & J Steel when I was 16,” said BJ. “I became a foreman/lead 10 years later, installing metal buildings throughout Central Florida. In 2012, I began my career in the structural steel industry and became a Steel Plant Superintendent, in charge of building structures such as bridges, hospitals, schools, hotels, stadiums and theme parks.”
“It is a running joke in our family that when we drive by something we know he built, we have to acknowledge it, every time,” said Christa. “Honestly, it is more than a joke; it’s a sense of pride to know that he had a part in
so many projects that are an important part of so many people’s lives.”
“We are so excited to be able to serve and give back to our community,” said the Patterson’s. “We are members at Welcome Baptist Church and serve in the youth program. As a family, we enjoy time out on the water fishing and in the woods hunting. We spend most of our weekends at the softball and football fields, cheering on our kids as they make memories. They are also involved in both FFA and 4-H where they show their animals at local fairs. We enjoy spending our time together as a family during these important times of our children’s lives,” they said.
If you have an idea for a project, or need help with a structure or repair, contact Send It Fabrication by calling 813-763-5722. You can also find out more by visiting Facebook under Send It Fabrication.
The Cowboy Hat
By Maggie Fussell
The sun rises, bringing light to foggy pastures and illuminating the silhouettes of grazing cows. The cowboy prepares for a new day and the work it will bring. By the door, there are two hats hanging on a rack. The first is a silver belly Stetson. The second is a straw hat. Both hats fit the cowboy’s head snugly, but comfortably. After years of wear, the Stetson is no longer a pristine silver. The brim is spotted with dust from the cow pen and grease from the tractor. This hat has kept the cowboy’s head warm on a frosty morning while feeding the yearlings and dry while riding the horse in the rain. The hat is worn by the cowboy to church, work, and events. Next to it the straw hat is bent and torn. The straw is browned by the dirt and sweat from hot summer days. The straw hat has been through the wear and tear of days on the ranch. It has sheltered the cowboy’s head from the bright Florida sun. It has been with the cowboy through long days of weaning calves. It has been with the cowboy as he moved all the equipment under the barn before the hurricane. It has been with the cowboy after the hurricane as he checks on the fences with the wind and rain blowing into his face. It has been with the cowboy through the seasons and storms of life.
The cowboy hat is a symbol of the cowboy. It is a symbol of the profession, the labor, and the work that men and women do every day to ensure that beef is served
at the dinner table of American citizens. The cowboy hat should be treated with respect because of the meaning it holds. The cowboy hat holds the memories of long days, riding horses, working cows, building fences, attending family reunions, church services, weddings, and the whispered prayers that got the cowboy through the storms of life. Each cowboy hat holds a story. It is a story about the cowboy.
The cowboy hat represents the way of the cowboy from the 1800s to now. The cowboy hat has stood the test of time to become a symbol of the progression of the cowboy. From open ranges and cattle drives on the land created by God to fenced pastures and cattle trucks on the highways made by men. The cowboy hat has been through it all resting upon the cowboy’s head, providing shelter and distinction. The cowboy hat is how people recognize the cowboy.
Not everyone who owns a cowboy hat is a cowboy and that’s okay. The work of the cowboy is what made the hat a symbol of the cowboy. The cowboy hat does not make someone a cowboy. To the cowboy, the hat offers protection, and when in public, people can recognize what his job is without asking. The cowboy hat is a symbol of the cowboy culture that built America and keeps it standing.
On a major league baseball diamond, the distance across the infield from the back top of home plate to second base is 127 feet, 3 3/8 inches.
In springtime, a wild male turkey’s head can turn a brilliant red, white or blue in a matter of moments.
A ten-gallon hat does not hold ten gallons. It holds about three quarts.
Squid is the number one pizza topping in Japan.
President Thomas Jefferson despised formal affairs and would often greet foreign dignitaries while wearing pajamas.
Zenith created the first TV remote control in 1950. It was called “Lazy Bones.”
Yahoo! Is an acronym which stands for “Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle.”
Left Handed People
I have always been a southpaw, and my handwriting is terrible. Thank goodness for the typewriter. My left-handed writing is used mostly to pay our monthly bills.
On a more positive note, right-handed people use the left side of their brains. Left-handed people use the right sides of their brains. I guess that means only left-handed people are in their right mind.
There’s no denying it, left-handers are the odd men out. Sure, lefties make up about 10 percent of the population, but, frankly, it seems like society has forgotten about them with right-handed gadgets, awkwardly designed desks, cooking tools that fit comfortably in your right hand (now that’s just wrong!).
What causes someone to become a southpaw? Scientists aren’t exactly sure, but research points to a complex collaboration between genes and environment. While no exact set of “leftie genes” have been discovered, people who dominantly use their left hands do have more left-handed family members. And researchers have found different brain wirings in righties vs. lefties.
But no matter what it is that drives someone to use their left paw, science has also uncovered a particular set of personal-
Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair
was originally printed in the August 2019 issue
ity traits that left-handed people tend to have. So for all of you lefties, leftie-loving righties and ambidextrous folks out there it’s time to brush up on your left-handed knowledge and help put an end to leftie discrimination once and for all.
Being left-handed puts me in the minority, but at least I am in good company. Famous people and celebrities such as Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Dr. Albert Schweitzer, Jay Leno, Mark Twain, Natalie Cole and Whoopie Goldberg were/are left-handed. Men are one-and-half-times more likely to be southpaws than women.
I found some interesting facts about being left-handed. The nails on the left hand tend to grow faster than on the right hand. The Egyptians thought is was good luck to enter a house left foot first. Of the five people that designed the Macintosh computer, four were left-handed. Benjamin Franklin signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution with his left hand.
A few years back Burger King published a full page advertisement in the April 1st edition of USA Today announcing the introduction of a new item to their menu: a “Left-Handed Whopper” specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new whopper included the same ingredients as the original Whopper, but all the condiments were rotated 180 degrees for the benefit of their left-handed customers. The following day Burger King issued a follow-up release revealing that the Left-Hand-
Chatter
ed Whopper was a hoax, and thousands of customers had gone into their restaurants to request the new sandwich. At the same time, according to the press release, “many others requested their own ‘right-handed’ version.”
Believe it or not the farming industry has a lot of left-handed equipment. Left-handed plows, hoes, and many more. They even make a left-handed sawmill!
Have you ever noticed while sitting on the pot that 95% of the time the toilet roll holder is on the right side of you and so close you can barely unwind it?
Not sure who named it, but there is a town in West Virginia named Left Hand. It has only one service station and more than 200 graveyards within 20 miles. Looney Cemetery is one of the oldest on the side of a mountain. Over the years some of the land has eroded away sending some of the buried down the side of the mountain.
According to ABC News, lefties “are more likely to be schizophrenic, alcoholic, delinquent, dyslexic, and have Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as mental disabilities. They’re also more likely to die young and get into accidents.” An indirect consequence of that fun little tidbit is that lefties are also far more qualified to make a joke about all those things. And doesn’t who a good dyslexia joke love?
Getting out of bed with the left foot first means that you will have a bad day and be bad tempered, i.e. getting out of bed on the wrong side. A ringing in the right ear means that someone is praising you, in the left ear it means that someone is cursing or maligning you. An itchy right palm means that you will receive money. An itchy left palm means you will have to give money. Wedding rings worn on the third finger of the left hand originated with the Greeks and Romans who wore them to fend of evil associated with the left-hand. The right hand often symbolises ‘male’ while the left hand is ‘female.’ If you hear the sound of a cuckoo from the right it will be a lucky year. If the sound comes from the left it will be unlucky. If your right eye twitches you will see a friend, if it’s your left eye that twitches you’ll see an enemy. When dressmaking, it’s believed to be bad luck to sew the left sleeve onto a garment before the right sleeve. It is thought to be bad luck to pass a drink to another person with your left-hand or anti-clockwise around a table. If you apply an ointment with the forefinger of the right hand the sore will not heal. This is because this finger is said to be the ‘poison’ finger. Passing or pouring wine with the left hand leads to bad luck. Driving on the left started so that horse riders could use their whips in the right-hand to fend off other road users.
The left hand does worst in the parable of the sheep and goats. The sheep are set on Christ’s right hand and the goats on the left. Those on the right inherit the kingdom of god while those on the left depart into everlasting fire (to quote Matthew 25: verse 41: “Then he will say unto those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Studies have shown that left-handers are more likely to have allergies than right-handers.
There you have it. That’s all I know about being left-handed.
PALM TREE SURVIVAL AFTER HURRICANES: UF/IFAS TIPS AND INSIGHTS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
By Lourdes Mederos
In the aftermath of a hurricane, some palm tree owners may worry about the survival of their beloved palms.
With more than 2,600 species, the iconic palm seen across Florida landscapes is heartier than one may think, even when those lush green palm fronds are suddenly wilted and thinned out due to extreme winds and rains from a storm.
Palm trees are important to consumers, not only because they provide a pleasing aesthetic to the landscape, but they add a source of food and serve as habitats for wildlife, said Brian Bahder, associate professor at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.
“They are ubiquitous in the tropics and being able to imbue that tropic vibe here at home can allow people to semi-experience tropical vibes without the high cost and stress of going international,” he said. “Some species are natives and are important food and nesting sources for our native wildlife. Meanwhile, other palm species are critical crops worldwide, with coconut and oil palms being the most important.
Some trendy health foods like acai also come from palms, making them a beautiful and sometimes nutri-
tious addition to their landscape. In a UF/IFAS Extension publication, Hurricane-Damaged Palms in the Landscape: Care after the Storm, experts at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences provide detailed instructions for dealing with broken and uprooted palms, including the necessity of proper water management during the re-establishment period.
Additionally, Bahder addresses consumer questions for the peak of hurricane season.
Q: How sturdy are palm trees against a tropical storm or hurricane?
An established healthy palm will withstand a storm like Hurricane Debby without serious problems. Depending on the palm, the leaves might shred or bend at the petiole, but not sustain significant damage that would require replanting. Palms have hundreds of fibrous roots that anchor them in the group, nicely, and the trunks of palms have their vascular tissue randomly distributed throughout the trunk. They don’t run perfectly straight up and down, they “snake” their way through the trunk, and give the palm trunk high flexibility and more resistance to breaking when compared to typical trees, like oak trees.
Q: What are the signs that your palm tree has survived or not survived? What should homeowners look for?
In this case, unless the canopy falls off, it should be fine if the palm looks similar to its appearance before the storm. It may be possible for fungal pathogens to make their way into the canopy, combined with excess rainfall, but this likely won’t manifest for a while. In an extreme event -- let’s say the canopy is completely shredded -- if you see the spear leaf expanding in the following month, the palm is fine; it just needs time to recover.
Q: If you must remove the palm tree, is it possible to replant any part of it?
No, you will have to replant.
Q: What does science tell us about recovery time for palm trees after a storm?
The main point to note is that it will be at least six months (and probably longer) before it is apparent that a palm will recover. This depends heavily on the palm species and the extent of damage. Palms that grow slowly naturally can recover rapidly if they need to. Some palm species could fully recover in six months, while others could take years. Regardless, palms are slower growers than typical trees, and they only have one growth point -palms with a single trunk, that is -- so it will take longer to know if it is recovering compared to other plants. Patience is important with palms.
To learn more about palm varieties, palm care and more, check out these other AskIFAS Extension documents at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/ palms.
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings sciencebased solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS
Schedule
8:00 a.m. Check-in
Oct. 10, 2024 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 3401 Experiment Station
Visit sponsor booths, student poster displays, and enjoy light refreshments
9:30 a.m. Opening Assembly
Welcome, IFAS and FCA Updates
10:00 a.m. Morning Presentations
Cattle Market Outlook, Hannah Baker
Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and Water Management, Dr. Golmar Golmohammadi
Coyote Ecology in Florida’s Rangelands, Dr. Hance Ellington
Benefits of Probiotic Supplementation in Cow-Calf Herds, Dr. Philipe Moriel
12:00 p.m. Steak Lunch / Visit Sponsor Booths
1:00 p.m. Field Tour
What is the Feed Value of Fall Fertilized Forage in South Florida?, Dr. Joao Vendramini
Smutgrass Management Techniques: Broadcast and Spot-treatment Applications, Dr. Brent Sellers
Pasture Management Strategies to Increase Soil Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation, Dr. Maria Silveira
FLORIDA ELDERBERRY
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Elderberry has become well known in recent years because of its purported benefits in providing an immune boost to help relieve symptoms of cold, flu, and COVID-19. However, there have not been any strong research studies to substantiate these claims. We know elderberry is high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which may help decrease inflammation and promote a healthy immune system. Both the flowers and the berries of the elderberry plant are edible. The berries should be cooked before consuming, as raw berries can be toxic, causing gastrointestinal side effects if consumed. Elderberry is also used in jams, wine, supplements, and food coloring. The taste has been described as tangy and earthy and becomes sweeter after cooking. A member of the Honeysuckle family, elderberry grows throughout Florida. The plant can grow more than 10 feet tall, producing hanging clusters of blue-black berries.
Nutritional Profile
The elderberry is high in vitamins A, C, and B6. These nutrients are important for a strong immune system, a healthy digestive system, and lowering cholesterol levels. The darkerpigmented varieties also provide a rich source of antioxidants. The outer peel is edible and concentrated in fiber. A one-half cup serving of elderberries contains 53 calories, 0.2 g of protein, 0.4 g of fat, 13 g of carbohydrate, and 5 g of fiber. It also provides 106% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for vitamin C, 25% for vitamin K, 7% for vitamin E, 6% for potassium, 5% for folate, 3% for magnesium, and 2% for calcium.
Vitamin C
Elderberry is high in disease-fighting antioxidants, which work to neutralize destructive free radicals in the body. When healthy cells are damaged, they are more susceptible to disease and certain types of cancer, and antioxidants may help slow the progression of conditions like asthma, arthritis, and colon cancer. Diets that contain fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Vitamin C also has other important functions in the body. Eating elderberry and other foods high in vitamin C can significantly raise the amount of iron your body absorbs. Adequate intake and absorption of iron is necessary to prevent anemia. Vitamin C also supports the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple.
Fiber
Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Fiber also promotes bowel regularity and increases satiety levels, which can aid in weight control.
In addition to the effects of fiber on regularity, other compounds in elderberry make this fruit especially effective in promoting healthy digestive functioning. Eating elderberry can be helpful in treating and preventing constipation without the side effects or risks of medication.
How to select and store
Fresh elderberries are ripe when they start to droop downwards from their weight. Choose ripe elderberries that are soft, yield slightly to gentle pressure, and are heavy, plump, and juicy for their size. Once ripe, refrigerate for up to one week if kept away from other fruits. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing. Elderberries can also be frozen for later use, although their taste and texture is superior when fresh.
How to enjoy
Fresh elderberries have a sweet and tart taste. They can be cooked and then eaten, or made into jam or jelly. Other ways to enjoy elderberries include:
• Make elderberry syrup with fresh berries, water, and sugar, then drizzle over pancakes or yogurt
• Mix elderberry syrup with olive oil and apple cider vinegar for a salad vinaigrette
• Combine with apples and bake into a pie or cake
Fresh elderberry can also be baked, roasted, sauteed, pureed, or made into jams, compotes, ice creams, and syrup. The flavor is delicious when combined with vanilla or chocolate, lemon, and other fruit flavors. Enjoy fresh elderberry today.
Selected References
http://www.uga.edu http://www.whfoods.com
MARK OVERSTREET
2024 FLORIDA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD
By Melissa Nichols
Every year cattle ranchers from around Florida are nominated to represent their county in various areas at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention. One of these awards is one that is near and dear to the hearts of cattle ranchers who are conservationists. This award is the Environmental Stewardship Award. According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, “The Environmental Stewardship Award Program provides an opportunity for the beef industry to showcase the stewardship, conservation, and business practices that work together on farms and ranches.” One crucial part of this award is being actively involved in Best Management Practices. Following BMPs is not an easy task but is essential for the future of the industry. Environmental Stewardship is often looked at as a way for fellow ranchers to see what each other is doing to provide a sustainable yet environmentally sound future for the industry.
The story of this year’s recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award is one that has been told before and even had a book written about the history of the family, yet this time we will touch on another side of his story.
Chad “Cracker” Johnson served as the emcee for the Cattlemen’s Banquet at the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention and had the following to say to those in attendance regarding the 2024 award.
“In the 1920’s Mack Overstreet of Osceola County founded the town of Lumberton, Florida, on the Pasco/Polk County Line on the Western Edge of the Green Swamp. An area that’s surrounding land was used extensively for the harvest of turpentine. In 1940 two of his sons, 16-year-old Charlie Mack and 18-year-old Chick, would purchase and begin to turn this raw land into a cattle ranch. In 1948 Charlie Mack would buy his brother out, on hand the day they split the cattle up was a 13-year-old cowboy and family friend named Earli Sullivan.
Mark Overstreet, born in 1951, the third generation to be on this ground, would grow up on this developing ranch. He spent countless hours on the family land, learning every inch of it, and developing a true love of its creeks, swamps, hammocks, palmetto flats, and improved pastures. An impressive high school athlete, Mark was paralyzed in an accident in 1970, a tragic event that almost ended the ranch.
Mark, with encouragement and help from the nowadult Earli Sullivan, who would become his mentor, convinced his father that he could, despite his disability, fulfill his goal of continuing the Overstreet Ranching Legacy.
He and Earli went to work, and despite the challenges of ranching in the Florida Flatwoods, righted the ship. Over the next 40 years, through hard work, knowledge of the land, and keeping the goal of working WITH the natural resources at hand as a guiding principle, Mark would see his vision come to fruition as the Overstreet Ranch, flush with wildlife, a mix of productive pastures, and native ranch land, would become a true gem of ranching environmental stewardship.
Over the years, the vast majority of the Overstreet Ranch has been conserved, in perpetuity, by the State of Florida, with 5,100 acres becoming Colt Creek State Park in 2007. Mark and his wife Debbie continue to ranch on the portion of the Overstreet Ranch that they still own, while also leasing back portions of the now state-owned land, as well as other leased ranches in Central Florida. Mark has overcome much adversity to carry on the legacy his grandfather set forth for him, whether it was using a specially equipped ATV like a horse, or the hand controls on tractors, graders, and other equipment, Mark was right there with the rest of the crew always working, and doing his best to “Leave it better than he found it.”
The 2024 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Environmental Stewardship Award winner is the M&D Overstreet Ranch.“
The M&D Overstreet Ranch has one full-time employee, ranch manager Steven “Buddy” Fussell, who is much like a son to Mark and has proven to be a loyal and remarkable asset to Overstreet Ranch for the last 15 years. Buddy oversees the daily upkeep and responsibility of animal health and nutrition, and fence maintenance, and is a key part of the environmental stewardship that is taking place. Buddy is the son of S.L. Fussell, he was also born into a ranching family and, much like Mark, knows all aspects of cattle ranching. Buddy and Mark come up with plans that are crucial to maintain a level of stewardship such as rotational grazing and never overgrazing any of the pastures. Mark and Debbie’s children, Heather and Jennifer, as well as their grandchildren Parker Mark, Everly Alice and Emma Grace, all enjoy visiting and helping at the ranch when they can. Mark has a dedicated cow crew that helps him frequently as he is very much on top of his cattle’s health and wellbeing, one of these members of the cow crew is Mike Facente and his daughters who are great-granddaughters of the late Earli Sullivan. His entire life Mark has been right there with the rest of the crew and even has a platform he can ride his 4-wheeler up on to see the cattle in the sorting pen and make decisions on “keepers and sellers.” His use of natural waterways that are crystal clear is an indication of just how much work has been put into this land. Mark learned to
plant and use the low-lying areas as places to put forages in the droughts knowing it took less precipitation to make these areas useful, the same areas that hold water in above normal times of the year. Mark has developed a mineral program that includes adding protein, this helps the cattle flourish in the winter months and consume less of the slow-growing forage as well as preserves the native plants the cattle would feed on when grass runs out. Mark and Buddy are proud of their efforts to leave the ranch as “untouched” as they can all while improving its usability.
M&D Overstreet Ranch will now represent Florida for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Region II Environmental Stewardship Award. Mark, Debbie, and Buddy would like to thank Jay Scarborough and the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association for their nomination and help with this award.
Agricultural Losses and Damages from Hurricane Debby
The purpose of this research study is to rapidly estimate the agricultural impacts resulting from Hurricane Debby in the state of Florida. Survey results will be combined with a detailed baseline database on agricultural assets in Florida to estimate and communicate production losses in support of informed local, state, and federal decision-making processes related to disaster declaration, response, and relief.
How do producers access the survey?
Use the web link or QR code at the bottom of this flyer or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension county office to report by phone, receive a paper copy, or request an in-person assessment, where available.
What does the survey ask for?
The disaster assessment survey requests the general location of the operation (county/ZIP code), commodity-specific details including total acreage, affected acreage, and estimated production losses. In addition, there is an option to supply additional information on infrastructural assets, stored products, or stored agricultural inputs that might have been damaged or destroyed. Respondents are also able to share additional experiences and photos, if they desire.
How does this effort benefit producers and the agricultural industry in Florida?
This assessment supports informed decision-making at the local, state, and federal levels related to disaster declaration, response, and recovery. More specifically, survey responses and subsequent analyses provide data and insights to industry associations, government agencies, policy makers, and emergency management personnel.
Other agencies and organizations collect this kind of information. Should producers still complete the UF/IFAS survey along with the others?
Yes. Several agencies and organizations collect much of the same information, but each is using it for a different purpose. The different agencies and organizations often do share insights from the data they are collecting to support the various efforts related to disaster declaration, response, and relief. These efforts are seen as complementary.
See go.ufl.edu/damage-assessment-faqs for more FAQs.
MEDIA ALERT: FLORIDA AGRICULTURAL SECTOR ASKED TO SHARE ADVERSE IMPACTS OF HURRICANE DEBBY
What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Debby.
Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension county office by calling or visiting in person.
About: UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected by Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 storm that came ashore near Steinhatchee on Aug. 5, to complete the UF/IFAS EIAP survey on agricultural losses and damages.
The survey is part of on-going UF/IFAS research tracking the effects of severe weather and other hazards on the state’s agricultural industry. Participants are asked to assess their production losses and asset damages due to Hurricane Debby.
Responses will be used to improve estimations of the state’s collective agricultural losses from such events and inform decision-making related to disaster declaration, response and relief.
Survey participation should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Answers are confidential.
For additional information, visit the UF/IFAS EIAP frequently asked questions webpage.
Contact: Megan Winslow, UF/IFAS public relations specialist, 352-294-3313 or winslow@ufl.edu.
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. ifas.ufl.edu | @UF_IFAS
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FAMILY COWS
By Libby Hopkins
Kenny Raney grew up ranching. He started feeding calves when he was a little boy and then worked at a stock yard when he was 12 years old. “I showed cattle and worked with them until I graduated,” Raney said. “Then I started raising my own cattle to feed my family and sell for business.”
Raney and his family are the owners of Pine Lake Beef Company in Lakeland. They operate a generational cow-calf operation that saw a need to provide local quality beef to consumers. The family started out selling wholes and halves, then as the need to provide local beef grew, began supplying local restaurants and direct to consumers and Pine Lake Beef Company was created. “We chose the name Pine Lake Beef Company because of one of our ranches, named Pine Lake, that is very dear to our family,” Raney said. “It is the place we come together to relax, fish, and simply enjoy being together as a family. It is a very special place to us, and we could not think of a better name to put on the label of our beef.”
Raney was a meat inspector with the State of Florida for 15 years prior to going into the cattle business full-time, so you can trust he knows what the quality of meat should look and taste. Currently, Raney is an auctioneer at two cattle auctions in Central Florida. Being in the cattle industry for over 40 years, Raney has the knowledge consumers can count on when making decisions about their cattle and buying quality beef.
His daughter Kateland Raney was also raised in the cattle business. She prides herself in her work of giving back to the community. Kateland, who owns a cow-calf operation of her own, has no problem sitting in a board room or getting her hands dirty working in the pasture to get the job done. Kateland serves on the board of many agricultural organizations throughout the county and state all while working full time and helping her dad to run the business. “She is a hard worker, just like her dad and I’m proud of all she has accomplished,” Raney said.
A cow-calf operation is a method of raising beef cattle in which a permanent herd of cows is maintained by a farmer or rancher to produce calves for later sale. These operations are widespread in beef-producing countries, including the United States.
Some of the characteristics of a cow-calf operation are, that the herd primarily consists of adult female cows, their calves, and young females (heifers) that will produce calves once they reach breeding age. Some operations raise steers until slaughter weight, while others sell them as weaned calves. Herd bulls may be present for natural mating, but artificial insemination is also used.
The goal of a cow-calf operation is to produce young beef cattle for sale. Calves can be sold after weaning or raised to near-slaughter weight.
Keeping things local is extremely important to the Raney Family. “We buy our cattle from local individuals or stockyards,” Raney said. “I like to see our customers eat good quality, grain-fed, local beef. When they eat it, they marvel at the difference. There is a sense of pride and happiness we get when one of our customers gives us feed back on our beef products.”
Pine Lake Beef Company offers a variety of beef products. “Our cattle are grain fed for a minimum of 200 days on our own custom blend of feed to ensure highquality beef,” Raney said. “All beef is then processed in a USDA facility in central Florida and dry-aged for 21 days before the cuts are individually packaged and cryovaced (a food packaging technique that involves wrapping food in impermeable plastic and removing most of the air inside the package). Dry aging allows the natural enzymes to tenderize the meat while dehydration concentrates the meat’s natural flavors giving you a tender, favor-packed cut of beef.”
If you would like to learn more about Pine Lake Beef Company and the beef products they offer, you can visit their website at https://www.pinelakebeefcompany. com or call Kenny Raney at 863- 559-2769 or Kateland Raney at 863- 712-6922.
KNOW YOUR BEEF
THE MANY USEFUL BYPRODUCTS OF BEEF PRODUCTION
By Bridget Stice,
When people think of beef production, they usually envision steaks, hamburgers, and roasts. But did you know that beef production is responsible for many of the everyday products you use at home, at work, and in recreational activities? The beef industry provides much more than just meat. From cosmetics to musical instruments, beef byproducts contribute to our daily lives in surprising ways. Here are just some examples:
At Home
• Soaps, Candles, and Cosmetics - Tallow, the rendered fat from beef, is used in making soaps and candles. It creates a long-lasting bar of soap with a rich lather and is a key ingredient in candles. Gelatin, collagen, estradiol, and retinol are also found in cosmetics, anti-aging skincare, and perfumes.
• Toothpaste and Laundry Detergent - Glycerin, a byproduct from beef, keeps toothpaste moist and smooth. Enzymes derived from beef are used in laundry detergents to break down tough stains.
• Ceramic Tiles, Laminate Flooring, and Drywall - Bone ash adds strength to ceramic tiles, while animal proteins are used in adhesives for laminate flooring. Tallow-derived stearic acid is also used in drywall to increase durability.
At Work & School
• Adhesives and PaintsProteins from cattle are used in adhesives for woodworking and bookbinding. Stearic acid improves the durability of paints.
• Glass for WindowsBone ash is used in glass production, helping to produce strong, clear windows for buildings and structures.
At Play
UF/IFAS Livestock Extension Agent
• Musical Instruments and Sporting Equipment - Animal glues are used in crafting musical instruments like violins and guitars, while leather is used in sporting equipment such as gloves and balls. Beef casings are used in making strings for musical instruments like violins and cellos, enhancing their resilience and sound quality.
• Game Controllers and Fishing Lines - Stearic acid stabilizes plastic parts in video game controllers and toys, and collagen is used in fishing lines for strength and flexibility.
On the Go
• Tires and Asphalt - Stearic acid strengthens rubber in tires, while tallow is used in asphalt to make roads more durable.
• Brake Fluid and Hydraulic Fluid - Cattle-derived glycerin is a base component in brake and hydraulic fluids providing lubrication and heat resistance.
• Anti-Freeze – glycerol is derived from fatty acids to keep engines running cool and from freezing.
• Jet Fuel – Beef tallow is used to make biodiesel, a renewable energy alternative, to fuel airplanes.
Medical and Health Care
• Insulin and Medical Products - Insulin for diabetics can be made from the pancreas of cattle, and bovine collagen is used in wound dressings and bone grafts to aid healing.
• Sutures and Gelatin Capsules - Collagen is used to make sutures for surgeries, providing strength and flexibility. Gelatin is used in capsules and tablets, ensuring proper dosage and absorption of medications.
Using beef byproducts helps reduce waste and improves sustainability. By finding value in parts of the animal that might otherwise go to waste, the beef industry reduces its environmental impact and increases economic efficiency. Additionally, beef byproducts support various industries, creating jobs and contributing to the economy.
These are just a few examples of how the beef industry impacts our lives far beyond the dinner table. From household items to medical products and industrial applications, beef byproducts enhance our quality of life while supporting sustainability and economic growth. Understanding these contributions helps us appreciate the important role that beef production plays in our world.
In future articles, we will continue to explore the various facets of the beef industry, delving deeper into topics such as sustainability practices, global trade, and nutritional benefits. We welcome your feedback and topic suggestions at bccarlis@ufl.edu. Stay tuned for more insights in our “Know Your Beef” series!
FLORIDA STORMS SOUND ADVICE
by John Dicks
There’s a silly little saying about the weather: “The best way to make certain you won’t need to use an umbrella is to carry one with you!” Silly, yes, but innately, it rings true, doesn’t it?
It goes along with the adage, “better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!” Or likewise, it’s along the lines of that proverbial Scouts adage of always, “be prepared.”
To the uninitiated, all this might sound like just wasted effort. To us Floridians, though, particularly at this time of year, such dictums come as wise and sage advice.
If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m referring to reflections on annual hurricane and tropical storm warnings. Indeed, it is that time of year, lest we get unduly distracted by political banter gearing up for the elections.
When a storm does come, and they always do, we naturally know the normal words of wisdom that will be dispensed from TV anchors and out-on-the-beach reporters. Stock up on bottled water, they will say, along with, fill your tanks with gas, buy some non-perishable food, and load up on batteries, and more batteries, and even more batteries!
You know the drill. Everyone heads to Walmart and fills their carts with essentials. Soon the shelves are nearly empty, as shown by the overload of Facebook page postings, and traffic is filling the streets turning the Google Maps street views from green to gridlock, deep red.
Cars and trucks are heading in every direction. Many are heading north to escape the storm. Others are heading east, or west, hoping to get away just a little bit, while still others are heading south to see what’s going on and how much of a fuss should be made of it all.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be like this. We can, and should, start planning now, while the skies are blue, the roads are dry, and Walmart has good air conditioning and plenty of stuff on the shelves begging to be bought during Labor Day sales.
That should be the relatively easy part. The harder matter is the decision of whether to stay or go and where it is you might head to.
Probably, like you, I have friends who have opinions and made decisions in total opposite directions regarding hurricanes. Some who live on or near the beach (or at least used to) determined that their home was strong and sound and, last year, decided to weather the storms. They have since moved away.
Other friends in Florida, even the ones further inland, have made the conscious and determined decision to head out once a storm is designated and properly named a hurricane. They treat it like a mini-vacation and just drive to where it looks on a weather app that the sun is shining.
They’ve been known to leave a week before the storm slams into Florida, but they also enjoyed the luxury of driving well ahead of the traffic jams and gas lines, often in two separate cars so as to solve the dilemma of handling things if one happened to break down along the journey.
Some have questioned, even criticized, their super planning. Nonetheless, they have always returned healthy, happy, and very well rested; which no doubt helped greatly with their cleanup of the storm debris strewed everywhere.
Obviously, there is no perfect solution as to weathering Florida storms and hurricanes. The point is, no matter how you decide to handle things, whether it’s evacuation, or riding it out, just don’t let things sneak up on you.
Make a plan. Do it now, if not yesterday!
PS - Just in case you need a few extra tips or specific suggestions, here’s where you can get more information and very some sound advice.
FEMA - www.fema.gov/press-release/20210318/properemergency-kit-essential-hurricane-preparedness
CDC - www.cdc.gov/hurricanes/safety/index.html
Red Cross - www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/gethelp/pdfs/hurricane/EN_Hurricane-Safety-Checklist.pdf
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.
TOP TIPS FOR PLANNING AND PLANTING YOUR FALL VEGETABLE GARDEN
By Anne Yasalonis, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
It may be in the 90s and the air conditioning is working overtime, but it is time to think about cooler weather and planting your fall vegetable garden. Time to plan, prepare, and plant your fall vegetable garden starts in July and August for gardeners in central Florida and it is important to start with a plan for the vegetables and herbs you will be growing this season. We always suggest that gardeners take the time to create a plan, prepare the garden area (particularly if you let it sit all summer), and then start your seeds in a protected location. Let’s dig into these top tips!
1. Create a plan for how you will grow your vegetables
If you are new to vegetable gardening, figure out how much space you plan to allocate to your garden, so you know what to grow. Determine if you will grow in the ground, in raised beds or in containers—or consider a combination of these methods. It is best to select
a location in full sun for at least six hours, close to a water source, and easy to access for maintenance and harvesting. It can be helpful to draw a plan to map out your space. You can also incorporate edible plants into your ornamental landscape, many have great aesthetic qualities in addition to being edible. It’s easy to get excited and want to start big, but we suggest starting small and growing each season to prevent frustration. Vegetable gardening can be hard work!
2. Prepare your garden area
If you have an existing garden that you need to get ready for the next growing season, remove all dead or dying plant material and weeds. Submit a soil sample to your local UF/IFAS Extension Service Plant Clinic so you know if any adjustments should be made to the pH prior to planting. Vegetable gardens should have a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Till in organic matter just before you are ready to plant and follow recommenda-
tions for compost and manure applications. If you are creating a new garden, purchase, or create your own, well-drained potting mix. Find a recipe to mix your own here: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/homemade-potting-mix/.
3. Plant your fall crops
There are so many vegetables and herbs that you can start now from either seed or starter plant (transplant). Argula, beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbages, lettuces, collards, kale, swiss chard, mustard, onions, radish, spinach, fennel, dill, cilantro, garlic, parsley, mint, and sweet potatoes grow well in a fall garden in central Florida. A more extensive list of vegetables by planting dates can be found here: https:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021.
Use a garden journal or calendar (consider the Your Polk Yard Garden Guide and Journal available at UF/ IFAS Extension Polk County) to record what vegetables were planted in each area of your garden so that you can rotate out of that plant family in the next gardening season. Crop rotation means that plants from the same family are not planted in the same location each season. This is important to minimize pests. These records can also be helpful in recording successes (and failures) each season.
The Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide is a great resource for all gardeners and provides planting times, recommended varieties, and pest management resources. Of course, the local UF/IFAS Extension Plant
Clinic is always here to answer your gardening questions.
For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at 863-519-1041 or visit us online at http:// sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer your gardening and landscaping questions.
If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/ IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. The Florida Master Gardener Program is a volunteerdriven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution.
Anne Yasalonis is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Polk County. Please contact her at anneanne@ufl.edu.
Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida Guacamole
Chef Justin Timineri
PREPARATION
Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ingredients q q
2 Florida avocados, pit removed and mashed
1 Florida tomato, diced small
2 Florida Key limes, juiced
¼ red onion, diced small
2 tablespoon fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
½ teaspoon cumin
Several dashes hot sauce (optional)
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Veggie Stuffed Florida Mushrooms
Ingredients q q
24 medium-sized Florida mushroom caps, rinsed and stems removed
1 cup Florida zucchini, finely diced
½ cup Florida onion, finely diced
½ cup radish, finely chopped
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients except mushrooms; mix well. Stuff mixture into mushroom caps and place stuffed mushrooms on a large baking pan. Bake until mushrooms soften and mixture begins to brown, approximately 15 minutes.
Collaborative project funded by Southern Extension Risk Management Education Center
Join us for an educational workshop this fall to learn more about how to evaluate & mitigate forage risk on your operation! Workshop
Dates
• September 12 th
• September 26th
• October 1 st
• October 3rd
• October 24th
• October 29th
• November 7th
Find more information online about the upcoming workshops at prfinsurance.caes.uga.edu
Locations
• Perry, GA
• Live Oak, FL
• Statesboro, GA
• Atmore, AL
• Ona, FL
• Calhoun, GA
• Russellville, AL
Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How of PRF Insurance
Learn... ; who qualifies for ... ; why I should use ... ; how I can use ... ; where & when to enroll in ... ...PRF Insurance
Evaluate... ; what is at risk ... ; when it is at risk ... ; how to cover the risk ... ...on my operation
By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME ARRESTS
One of the things that makes Polk County such a wonderful place to live is the pride we all take in our community. We cherish our home and strive to maintain its natural beauty, from Bok Tower to Circle B Bar Reserve. At the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to protecting our environment by apprehending those who commit environmental crimes.
Recently, our Agricultural (Ag) Crimes detectives arrested three individuals for such crimes and managed to save a missing dog in the process!
The incident began when our Ag Crimes detectives responded to a call in Fort Meade. The caller reported three strangers camping in the woods on his property, who had accumulated a significant amount of trash. They then decided to burn plastics and household items in the woods. Our detectives quickly apprehended the suspects, who were charged with Felony Illegal Dumping, Illegal Burning, and Possession of Methamphetamine/Drug Paraphernalia.
During the arrest, a Cur Mix dog was found with the suspects.
Our detectives contacted PCSO Animal Control, who scanned the dog for a microchip. It turned out that the dog had been reported missing over a year ago. Not only did we help prevent further pollution, but we also managed to reunite the dog with its owner.
Click the link below for a list of legal dump sites maintained by the county, which adhere to strict environmental standards. Let’s work together to keep our community beautiful.
https://www.polk-county.net/services/waste-and-recycling/landfill/
“The suspects had no permission to be on the victim’s property; they were trashing it and creating a nuisance to public health. Now they’ve been removed, and the property owner is happy, the dog is happy, and the owner of the dog is happy. That makes me happy.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff.
10 WAYS YOU CAN SAVE WATER AND HELP NOW
By Jim Frankowiak
Tampa Bay Water is urging residents to follow these ten essential tips to save water inside and outside their homes. These measures not only address the current water shortage but also contribute to long-term sustainability and lower utility costs.
1. Know Your Watering Days: Regional watering restrictions are set by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and enforced by local water utilities. Residents and businesses in the Tampa Bay region should follow their local watering restrictions and only water when needed and allowed. Visit MyWaterDay.org.
2. Smart Lawn Watering: By skipping an irrigation cycle when it rains or has rained, you can save between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of water.
3. Leak Detection: According to the U.S. EPA, the average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks.
4. Toilet Flapper Check: Depending on the extent of the leak, a warped or poorly fitting flapper can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day and may cost you hundreds of dollars a year.
5. Conserve for Dormant Grass: According to UF/IFAS Extension, lawn, and landscape plants are dormant this time of the year and need minimal irrigation. Watering every 10-14 days should be sufficient for most landscapes in winter.
6. Turn Off the Tap: According to the U.S. EPA, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day.
7. Maximize Dishwasher and Laundry Loads According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, running dishwashers only when it’s full can save the average family nearly 320 gallons of water annually.
8. Hose Nozzle Usage: Using a hose nozzle saves about 8 gallons per minute by keeping the water from running constantly.
9. Fix Broken Sprinklers: According to the U.S. EPA, a broken sprinkler can waste 25,000 gallons of water in six months.
10. Get rebates for water-efficient upgrades: Install waterefficient fixtures and technology and receive rebates through the Tampa Bay Water Wise program.
A Closer Look Portable Toilet
Naturally Amazing Activities
by Sean Green
Camping is a great experience for many of us. The challenge of surviving even a few nights without our modern creature comforts is part of the thrill. There are certain creature comforts for which there is simply no compromise, the most common of which is a toilet. Many campgrounds have facilities to accommodate our urban conditioning to make the camping experience more agreeable, but there are situations in which urban comforts will not be available. National forests for example, or worse, a natural disaster like a strong storm or hurricane. In these situations, it is good to have backup plan. This month we are making a very simple portable toilet that can be used to make backwoods primitive camping a little more comfortable and can be kept for use if any of our Florida storms force us out of our comfort zone.
Supplies:
5-gallon bucket
Small trash bag
Cat Litter (recommended but not required)
Toilet paper
Knife
Swim Noodle
Production:
• Cut a small wedge out of the noodle so it will clamp onto the side of the 5-gallon bucket.
• Cut a slit out of the bucket handle bracket (so toilet paper roll can easily be changed.)
• Pop one side of the bucket handle out and thread a toilet paper onto the handle, replace handle to the bracket.
• Place a small garbage bag into the 5-gallon bucket and add a little bit of cat litter.
• Press the swimming noodle onto the edge of the bucket for a comfortable cushiony seat.
If you are camping, remember to pack your waste out with you just as if were trash. Human feces takes about a year to biodegrade, can be an environmental hazard. If the trash bag is tied tightly, it will be sanitary and will not produce foul odors.
A Closer Look by Sean Green Azalea Caterpillar (Datana major)
I went hiking in the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area in Hernando County recently to check out some of central Florida’s caves. In hopes of discovering new caves, we got off the beaten path and saw quite a lot of wildlife. Though our trip was not centered upon finding any specific species, we had hoped to find a Hickory Horned Devil caterpillar (Citheronia regalis) or at least a Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio cresphontes) because…. well, the larvae look like bird droppings and adults are the largest butterfly in North America, two cool factors that make finding these caterpillars worth the effort. Though we did not find any of the caterpillars we would have liked to see, we were a little surprised to find what appeared to be Azalea caterpillars (Datana major). When I hear talk of Azalea, it’s usually in terms of a prized ornamental plant someone is trying to keep alive. I do not know much about the plants, but caterpillars in the Datana genus are easily recognized and kind of a big deal. This month we will take a closer look at the Datana caterpillar, commonly known as the Azalea caterpillar. You might find them in your own back yard if you grow Azalea, or any of the alternative host plants these critters like to eat.
The Azalea caterpillar is a member of the Notodontidae family of moths, commonly known as “Prominent” or “Back Tooth” moths; a family that consists of around 3,500 species. These moths are medium-sized nocturnal moths and are generally pretty drab in color, typically shades of gray, olive green, tan or brown. Some may have black spots or streaks, but moths in this family are not particularly visually stunning. These moths can be found worldwide but most are found in the new world tropics. This species scientific name Notodontidae translates to back(not) tooth (odont), the back-tooth moth because of a prominent tuft of hair on the back edge of the four wings that tends to stick up, resembling a tooth when the adult moth is at rest with its wings in a tent shape.
The adult moths do not feed and remain alive only long enough to mate. Once mated adult female moths lay their eggs on the underside of the host plants leaves in clutches of up to 100 eggs. For most of the United States the species has only one generation per year, however, in Florida’s tropical climate we can see two or more generations per year, the most prominent populations occur throughout North America between July and October. The caterpillars, rather than the adult moth, are what makes this species a big deal. When the eggs hatch the tiny caterpillars emerge and immediately begin to feed on the leaves of their host plant Azalia and it is their eating habits that make this species so remarkable. For the first few instars, the young caterpillars only skeletonized the leaves, but as they grow, they will need more nutrition to prepare for pupation and begin to eat the entire leaf. This may not seem like a big deal if you are imagining a few caterpillars on your plant, however, unlike many other caterpillars, the azalea caterpillars do not wander around as individuals, but rather, feed on the host plant as a group and consequently
can strip the host plant clean of its leaves seemingly overnight. Although this rarely kills the host plant it can slow its growth and is certainly unsightly for anyone that cherishes azaleas.
Although these caterpillars prefer to feed on Azalea they are known to also feed on blueberries, apple trees, red oak, witch hazel, crabapple and sumac. The caterpillars are easy to recognize, though their appearance changes slightly as the caterpillar grows. The younger caterpillars are reddish brown in color and have yellow stripes along the length of its body. In the latter stages of the caterpillar’s development it will grow to be two inches long and its coloration will change to black with yellow or white stripes and a red head. A fun characteristic of these caterpillars that can easily be observed is their group defensive posture. When they feel threatened, they assume a defensive posture by arching their back into a c shape, not just one caterpillar, but the entire group of caterpillars will assume this defensive posture and it can be quite entertaining to watch. They do not sting and can safely be touched or handled for mechanical removal from the host plant.
Physically removing the caterpillars from the plant is always my preference over toxins, however this species feed in very large groups and hand removal may not be practical. It’s important to remember the natural enemies that help control these caterpillars in the wild live in the leaf litter and soil. When we grow the host plant in our gardens and homes we may inadvertently disturb the habitat these natural enemies need to survive when we mulch and rake the soil to keep our gardens neat. Again, natural enemies are not always a viable solution because when the food source (caterpillars) diminish, so do the natural enemies until the food source becomes abundant enough to repopulate the natural enemies. A popular alternative to just letting nature take its course is the use of the microbial insecticide BT which is the bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis), commonly marketed as a control agent for caterpillars because it is less likely to effect beneficial insects as much as popular toxins.
Another solution, (and one of my favorites) is the use of Diatomaceous Earth. It is non-toxic because it is little more than the fossilized exoskeletons of microscopic diatoms, a single cell algae that is distinguished as being the only organism on our planet with cell walls composed of silica. This is effective because silica is a quartz-like compound that is as sharp as glass. Diatomaceous earth works by literally cutting the insect from the bottom side as it walks across the tiny shards of silica.
Take a closer look at your garden this month, as we move into most active period for the Azalea caterpillar. If spotted in time you have a good chance of saving your Azalea during the next couple months that we should see large populations of this caterpillar.
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Polk County Cattle Women County Cattle Women
Now that the summer is coming to an end, that means that we are ramping back up for another exciting fall season for Polk County CattleWomen. In a few short months, we will be reining in a new President, so you will no longer have to read my monthly articles. In the next few months, we will be focusing on reviewing and selecting recipients for scholarships that we are giving out, getting ready for the Polk County Cattlemen’s membership dinner and preparing for the Polk County Youth Fair. A big thank you to Eden Yarborough as she gave us a wonderful Social Media/Consumer Relations training at our last meeting. I believe that this training will help our members in attendance have informational talks with consumers at different events that we attend throughout the year.
Just a few reminders and dates to look out for. Florida CattleWomen is putting on some ranch tours here soon and their Beef Short Course is August 17 in Brighton, FL. We will be attending the Florida
Cattlemen’s Association Quarterly in Melbourne, FL on September 12 and 13. I will be at the Public Relations Committee as a co-chair, so if you get a chance and would like to stop by our committee meeting, feel free! Our next meeting is September 10 in Bartow at the Extension Office in the Valencia room, and we also have a Zoom option for those who cannot join in person.
Blair Buchanon
Polk County Cattlewomen President
blairbuchanon@gmail.com
