In The Field magazine Polk edition

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CONTENTS

January 2022 VOL. 15 • ISSUE 5

MARSHAL SEWELL: CHOOSE OPPORTUNITY MENTAL HEALTH IN AGRICULTURE

Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com Vice President – Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com

PAGE 10 Scott Angle

PAGE 32 PCSO

PAGE 11 Agvocating for Youth

PAGE 35 News Briefs

PAGE 12 Thoughts from the Heifer Pen PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots

PAGE 36 John Dicks PAGE 38 Furrcessories

PAGE 40 Activity

PAGE 16 Endangered Species PAGE 18 Florida Arbor Day in January PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter PAGE 25 Cipollini Onion

PAGE 41 A Closer Look PAGE 42 Smart Spray PAGE 44 Vida Sana Grove

PAGE 26 Horse Import Regulations

Hey Readers!

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

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

January

Alternate SD – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (941) 916-5093 cwebbowebb@aol.com Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (813) 478-8141 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com

PAGE 30 FDA Food Safety

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State Director - David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 287-1835 Dhunt285@aol.com

2022

Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com

Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Leslie Buchanon P.O. Box 1212 Bartow, FL 33831 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 – Casey Wingate 7155 Wauchula Rd Myakka City, FL 34251 (941) 600-5772 Casey.wingate@warner.edu

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

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STAFF

Letter from the Editor

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

I’ve made it to mid-January without breaking any New Year’s resolutions! Mainly because I didn’t make any. It has just become a waste of time. We always seem to pick something unattainable that we know, deep down in, we aren’t going to be able to keep. Here’s an idea. Make smaller goals. Goals that are easier to reach. When you hit that goal, make another. Smaller, more attainable goals, when successful, will become a habit. You will feel much more successful and won’t have to worry about breaking that resolution before you flip the calendar page to February. For your first goal, if you aren’t already, strive to purchase as much food as possible that is Fresh From Florida. If you can’t find Fresh From Florida, ensure that it is from the U.S. Help support the farmers and ranchers that are the backbone of our country. It’s also an exciting time of year in our neck of the woods. It’s fair season! The Polk County Youth Fair, for Polk County youth, will kick things off, January 22-28, followed closely by the Florida State Fair, February 10-21. On the heels of the State Fair is the Florida Strawberry Festival, kicking off on March 3 and running through March 13. And while not technically a fair, Polk County Youth will once again have an opportunity to show their livestock at the Central Florida Youth in Agriculture show, March 23-26. Whew.

Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols Blair Buchanon Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders

If you don’t have family or friends participating in the agriculture competitions at these events, head on over anyway. They work very hard on their projects and welcome the support. 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.

Happy 2022 everyone! Until Next Month

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

Sarah Holt

Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.

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

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Hello everyone, this is Kevin Fussell, writing to you on behalf of the Polk County Cattlemens Association. I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. With the New Year comes new challenges, as we are facing prices like we have never seen before for everything needed for the cattle business. Fertilizer, feed, fence materials, just to name a few. Thankfully, so far we have had a warm winter, although I'm sure most of us would love to see a good rain, especially if you have any rye or ryegrass planted.

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The calf market seems to be getting a little stronger, but with corn now over $6 a bushel at the time of me writing this, we can only hope that optimism

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is here to stay. We have a long ways to go before we get our share of what we should be seeing compared to boxed beef prices. As always we encourage everyone to get involved with our association. Feel free to contact me or any other directors if there is anything we can do for you. Until we meet again,

Kevin Fussell Polk County Cattlemen’s Association

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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD We don’t have enough veterinarians, and yet we turn away 1,500 applicants a year from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dean Dana Zimmel and I want to fix this and UF has taken it on as part of its legislative agenda. A university legislative budget proposal would expand how many students we admit. That costs money—more space, more instructors, more of everything needed to produce the next generation of large animal veterinarians.

By J. Scott Angle

ing animals at ranches, racetracks and tourist attractions like manatee viewing areas. Keeping these animals physically healthy keeps Florida economically healthy.

We need more Kirchmans. She’s a 2015 graduate of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine. She entered UF as an undergraduate animal sciences major thinking she’d be an equine veterinarian. But her participation in Block and Bridle Club and Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen connected her with food animals, and when she crossed Shealy Drive to go to veterinary school she Dean Zimmel and I know the animal doctor dearth is felt entered the food animal medicine program. acutely on your farms and ranches. While we seek funding to educate more future veterinarians, we’re continuing to recruit The clincher was an industry that embraced her. She did an inexisting Vet Med students into our food animal medicine pro- ternship with Dr. John Yelvington and Dr. Liz Yelvington Steele. gram and other instruction geared toward careers focused on It showed her the need in cattle country, and she continued large animals, whether beef cattle, dairy cows, horses or other her real-world education with internships with three other large-animal veterinarians. livestock. Specifically, we’re: • Fine tuning outreach to undergraduates in our Department of Animal Sciences, which is filled with aspiring veterinarians. In fact, UF Vet Med spun out of that department more than 40 years ago. • Continuing to provide scholarships targeting students pursuing food animal medicine. Student debt for a doctorate in veterinary medicine can easily run into six figures. • Seeking mentors who can expose veterinary students to large animal opportunities in a state with 1.7 million head of cattle and more horses than Kentucky. • Advocating expansion of federal loan repayment programs for vet school graduates who work in rural areas.

Once she graduated, she wanted to work for the Yelvingtons and with you. Dr. Kirchman is currently chair of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Animal Health Committee. She’s been working in the industry for six years. As a new mother, she cannot work the constant late hours she once did getting to every farm that called in with a concern.

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She can still get to most of the large operations for which she provides services such as pregnancy checking cows and performing breeding soundness exams on bulls. However, during times she is booked up with large groups to work, such as pregnancy checking 300 head or more a day, she has to be Why the shortage of large animal veterinarians? It’s a national creative to try to squeeze in visits to smaller herds and farms problem. Some of the reasons include lower pay than small where a rancher or owner needs an individual animal seen for animal veterinarians as well as long and unpredictable hours an illness or emergency. making house calls on a population that often can’t come into Next month the FCA is scheduled the office. to make its Boots on the Hill pilThe shortage means the veterinarians cover huge territories. grimage to Tallahassee, and its Large animal veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Kirchman recently members have been among our treated an animal brought to her in Sebring all the way from Ft. staunchest allies in pursuing fundMyers because the owner could not find a closer veterinarian ing for animal science. This year we to help. She gets calls to see individual cows up to two hours need you to tell legislators about the need for large animal veterinaraway in areas where there are no cattle veterinarians. ians. “You can drive and drive, and still not get to all the calls some days because of the distances in these areas without other available veterinarians,” Kirchman said. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Our legislative ask isn’t to admit only additional students comAgriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Inmitted to large animal studies. But we’re emphasizing that a stitute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). big part of the state’s economy is built on the backs of work-

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Agvocating for Youth

by Payge Dupre

As we head into the new year, we enter the busy fair season for our agricultural youth. Coming up this month we have the Polk County Youth Fair, next month will be the Florida State Fair, and March will hold the Florida Strawberry Festival & Central Florida Youth in Agriculture Show. We will also have many of our youth heading to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in March. Our County FFA Contests are always a blast for everyone. The Nursery and Landscape Contest will be held at Hollis Gardens on February 28 at 3 PM. The Land Judging Contest will be March 3 at 3 PM with the location to be announced at a later date. March 10 will be the Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration and Greenhand Contests at Haines City High School. 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. If you like to plan ahead, at the Nursery and Landscape Contest chapters should design a “silly” photoshop photo with their chapter to showcase their spirit. The Land Judging contest will hold an FFA Spirit Shirt contest. Lastly, at the Ornamental Horticulture and Greenhand Contests, we will have an FFA Rap Battle. Coordinate with your chapters to help make sure your school can win the Spirit Stick at the end! The Polk County Youth Fair will be held January 22 – January 28, 2022. There are still a few entry deadlines coming up though. January 17 is the final date for online entries to Family & Consumer Sciences with no paper entries allowed and January 23 is the registration deadline for the Top Ranch Hand contest. Saturday, January 22 will be the Horse Show starting at 8 AM and Market Hog Showmanship from 7 – 9 PM. Sunday, January 23 will be the Market Hog Show starting at 8 AM. Mon-

The Central Florida Youth in Agriculture show is a newly added event for any of our youth enrolled in a Polk County School or with a Polk County address. The breeding cattle show will have a commercial heifer division, registered heifer division, bull division, prospect/ open steer show (steers not going to sale), and a bred and owned division. These entries are due January 17, 2022. This is another great opportunity to showcase your livestock and even market another project, separate from the Polk County Youth Fair. Good luck to everyone at their upcoming events, and make sure you’re getting your projects ready and marketing them enough to secure a buyer if that is needed.

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day, January 24 will be the Dog Show/Showmanship at 8:30, Top Ranch Hand Contest from 9 AM – 12 PM, Goat Tying Contest from 1 – 4 PM, Rabbit Showmanship at 3 PM, Archery Competitions from 8:30 AM – 4 PM, and Commercial Heifer Show starting at 4 PM. Tuesday, January 25 will be the Market Hog Sale starting at 9 AM, judging of all Horticulture exhibits at 9 AM, cake auction at 10 AM and 12 PM, and the Whip Popping Contest at 6 PM. Wednesday, January 26 will be Poultry Showmanship at 2 PM, Dairy Show/Showmanship at 11 AM, Breeding & Market Goat Shows/Showmanship at 4:30 PM and the Market Lamb Show immediately following. Thursday, January 27 will be the Poultry & Egg Judging Contest from 9 AM – 12 PM, Purebred Beef Show/ Showmanship from 10 AM – 4 PM, and Market Steer Show/Showmanship at 6 PM. Friday, January 28 will be Horticulture Judging Contest from 9 – 9:45 AM, Livestock Judging Contest from 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Parade of Champions at 5 PM and the Market Steer Sale at 6:30 PM. We can’t wait to see everyone.


By Marisol Tarango

THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN New Year’s is not my favorite holiday, and I would say that there are probably a few people who would agree with me. As a kid, New Year’s was always kind of a disappointment after the big event of Christmas day. I always tried to console myself that the holidays weren’t quite over, but who am I kidding? New Year’s Day just can’t compete with Christmas. I always had a great time on New Year’s Eve. We would always have family over and a bonfire, but it always meant the closing of the Christmas Season and back to boring regular life.

getting a colt ready to ride. You brush him down, saddle him up, and lunge him around a few times in the round pen. He may decide to buck when you get on him, but now you have a feel for him and have an idea of what you are dealing with. He might buck you off in the first three steps, but you have a better chance of hanging on if you did your groundwork right. Training different horses isn’t as hard as breaking in a new saddle. With your old trusty saddle, you can ride anything with it because it is familiar to you as your own bed. But with a new saddle, it can be hard to ride even a familiar horse because you feel like you are trying to learn how to ride your saddle, let alone a horse. Sometimes, that is how a new year feels, too. You know what horse you are riding on, but you just can’t get the saddle to feel right. With a new saddle, it can take several oilings, nights of leaving the stirrups twisted, and miles of riding to get it to feel as comfortable as your old saddle, but it will get there.

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As an adult, I am not so worried about going back to regular life (even though I would prefer not to); I am more concerned about going into a new year. I have a hard time accepting that a whole year just flew by and I am suddenly having to prepare for a new one. Going into a new year to me is like having to get up early on a frosty morning when you want to just stay in bed, but you have to get up and ride a colt. Now you have ridden this colt a few times, but it’s a cold frosty morning, so your colt is frisky. As you climb on you know that all you have to do is lope him out, he might crow hop a little bit, but once you push You have probably caught on by now that the main reason that I don’t like New Year’s is because it is new. I like things to stay him through it, he will be fine. the same because it is comfortable and that is what I know. When I started my first colt, I knew what to expect because It’s ok if I change and grow, but I like my surroundings to stay I had seen it done many times before, but I didn’t know if I the same. I don’t want my siblings to grow up or my parents to could handle what might happen. But as I trained my first colt, grow old. I want my mare to stay as agile as she was when I was and started my second colt, things became easier and easier. in high school, and I want to drive the same truck for the rest Physically because my skill improved each time, but mentally of my life. But as I change, so do things and people around me. because I knew what to expect and how to react. The signs of what a horse might do were familiar to me, and I could go As much as I hate change, it makes me more into the person through the motions. Even though I may know what to gener- that I was created to be. It makes me let go so that I can reach ally expect, every horse has a mind of its own, and you can out to something bigger. When a colt is started in training there never be sure exactly how it will react. It can be the same with is a lot of change that is uncomfortable and scary, but at the a new year. As you get older, you kind of know what to expect, end of its training, that colt has something to offer and has gained a friendship along the way. When it comes to riding the but you never quite know what each year will hold. colt of change, it is ok to be nervous, over prepare, and even I am not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I do like to plan dread it, but there comes a point where the only thing you can ahead for the year and get my things in order. It is exciting to do is put a foot in the stirrup and swing up. me, in a way, to get new notebooks and my calendar for the year and to start filling in dates and making lists of what needs to get done. Being prepared for the New Year is like mtranchersdaughter@gmail.com

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Tampa Bay Fishing Report

Tampa Bay is arguably one of the best saltwater fishing spots in the west-central Florida area. It's a great place to fish for snook, sheepshead, gray snapper, or some nice reds, especially in the early winter. With its many fishing piers and boat ramps, it's convenient and easy to access excellent fishing throughout the Tampa Bay area. This dynamic fishing area is greatly influenced by the tides, affecting what you'll catch and when. Fish are nearly everywhere, but if you know and use the tides to your advantage, you'll maximize your success. Depending on your species preferences, local anglers usually work the outside mangrove edges behind the mangrove islands during high tide and work inside and outside flats during low tides. There are lots of tackle dealers located around the bay area. So if you prefer, you can pack relatively light and just buy what you need once you're in the area. More and more Kayak enthusiasts have also begun frequenting the area, as there is plenty of shoreline areas to launch. Overall, Tampa Bay is an exciting spot that anglers will enjoy year-round. With the amount of fishing in the area, you're bound to catch something.

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February usually means cool weather, windy days and low, tides. Low tides are a good indicator of where you're going to fish. Just remember, when the tides are negative, and you're looking around and seeing nothing but sand; at least you know where you're not going to fish.

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Capt. Woody Gore

Snook: Snook fishing in January means

chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. Low tides around new or full moons mean fish should concentrate on potholes and the outside of bars. The season remains closed during January; however, as long as we do not get any extended, hard freezes catch and release should be ok. Search out deep-water canals, rivers, creeks with heat holding muddy bottoms. Bridges, pilings, and deep-water docks are good places to look. Try using baits like finger mullet, small ladyfish, pinfish, and jumbo shrimp. And don't forget about diving lures fished slowly along or near structure. Later in the day, look for sandy shoals and sunning snook. Often soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom should result in some nice fish. Do not forget docks, especially those with lights at night.

Redfish: Winter weather does typically

not bother redfish. However, reds, like other fish subjected to shallow water temperatures, can get lockjaw. There are usually plenty of good fish hanging around various areas like shallower grass flats, oyster bars, docks, and jetties. Reds are not fussy about eating artificial lures, especially soft plastic on a jig head. Try tipping each jig with a small piece of shrimp; it does wonders around docks. You will find reds around the flats near.

Spotted Sea Trout: Incoming or outgo-

ing tides, live shrimp, artificial shrimp, Popper Corks, and any good grass flat will produce nice trout. Seek out and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


target potholes on broken bottom flats because trout like to lay in and around potholes. Broken-bottoms mean grass flats dotted with sandy potholes or rocky bottoms. Try drifting flats and tossing artificial lures should produce plenty of fun and often larger fish. Remember, potholes hold large trout.

Cobia: If we get some good cold fronts dropping the water tem-

peratures, it should send the cobia looking for warmer water. The beaches and nearshore waters should start showing fish sunning themselves near the surface. Whenever fishing, sandy flats, keep an eye open for large rays since cobia often cruise with them, looking for a quick meal. Big shrimp, small crabs, large greenbacks, or pinfish will work.

Other: Sheepshead will be everywhere this time of year, espe-

cially around docks, bridges, rock piles, and oyster bars. Try using green mussels, shrimp, or oysters. Small jigs tipped with shrimp work well around docks and oysters. Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle, and bluefish are always fun to bend a rod.

813-477-3814

Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas for over fifty years, he offers first-class customer service, family-oriented charters, and a lifetime of memories.

Visit his website at www.captainwoodygore.com or send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore. com or give him a call at 813-477-3814. Member: ​FOWA-Florida Outdoor Writers Assoc., MemberSEOPA Southeastern Outdoor Press Assoc. CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer & Speaker

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“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”


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

Enduring Florida: Fragrant Prickly Apple

Harrisia fragrans is a rare species of cactus known by the common name Fragrant Prickly Apple. It is found in Florida, where it is known only from St. Lucie County. The plant’s habitat has been almost completely consumed by development, leading to its shortage. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. The plant is a columnar species of the cactus family. It has cane-like stems, measuring from three feet to as much as 16 feet. Stems sprawl over surrounding vegetation as they grow and use these plants for support. The cylindrical, succulent stems measure up to two inch in diameter and bear numerous spines. The large white or pink flowers, which appear in May, are nocturnal and heavily scented. It produces enormous tubular flowers which are sweet scented and white to pinkish in color. The fruit is spherical and red or orange in color, measuring up to two inches. The fruits are a favorite food of local birds, which likely help to disperse the seeds. The cactus has been noted to live at least 19 years and, in general, has low fecundity; older, larger plants are more likely to survive, and they have higher fecundity, as well. Fragrant prickly-apple is found among sand dunes along the coast. It typically grows a distance back from the water behind sheltering dunes in stabilized sands where other sandadapted plants have become established.

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The Fragrant Prickly Apple was first collected in 1917 from sand dunes south of Ft. Pierce and was considered prevalent to Brevard, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties in Florida. Based on recent field surveys by Florida botanists, the only remaining population is found along a short stretch of beach dunes in St. Lucie County.

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By Libby Hopkins

The fragrant prickly-apple has declined significantly because of the residential and commercial development of beachfront property. The few surviving cacti could be severely damaged or eliminated by a single catastrophic event, such as a strong hurricane. Because of its fragile stems, sprawling nature, and dependence on supporting vegetation, fragrant prickly-apple is particularly vulnerable to damage from high winds. The Florida Regional Comprehensive Plan sets policy for the protection of endangered species by local governments, requiring counties to examine the impact of zoning changes on rare plant species. This, completed in the late 1980s, helps preserve remaining habitat in St. Lucie County and provides sites where plants can be reintroduced. In the late 1980s, the state also acquired a tract of suitable habitat, containing several prickly-apple plants, for inclusion as a satellite of the Savannas State Reserve. Remaining populations of the cactus can now be found in sandy scrub habitat in St. Lucie County. The remaining habitat is degraded with the overgrowth of invasive plant species such as love vine. While the cactus does not like full sun, it also cannot tolerate being shaded out by brush. Other threats to the plant have been all-terrain vehicles, herbicides, feral pigs, and hurricane damage from wind and falling branches. The Fragrant Prickly Apples have died from being buried in sand and have been stolen by cactus enthusiasts and collectors. A scale insect, Diaspis echinocacti, sometimes eats the stems of the cactus, and some sort of caterpillar has been noted to inflict some damage. Woodpeckers have been observed poking holes in the stems, which injures the plants as well. Most of the remaining populations are within the bounds of a state park, so their habitat is safe from development.

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Happy New Year From the Clark Family

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Florida Arbor Day in January By Julie Schelb UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Coordinator

Happy New Year! The first month of the year is upon us and that means that we get to celebrate Florida Arbor Day. Every third Friday of January is designated for this special occasion. This year it falls on Friday, January 21, 2022.

make sure you plant it properly. One of the main causes of tree failure is planting too deep. Follow these steps to ensure your tree is planted properly: • Dig the hole wide and shallow. The hole should be 2-3 times the width of the root ball and only as deep as the root ball. • When removing the root ball from the pot, shave about one inch of the outer edge of the root ball to encourage roots to grow out and prevent circling roots from later strangling the trunk. • Use the native soil as backfill rather than adding a bag of compost or a different type of soil to the planting hole. • Finally, water or irrigate with light, frequent applications for establishment (https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/ irrigation/watering-to-establish-shrubs.html) .

Here are a few ways that trees in our landscapes and communities are helpful: • Trees help reduce soil erosion. • Trees produce food and shelter for wildlife. • Trees provide energy and cost savings (https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/landscaping-for-specific-sites/ planting-trees-for-energy-savings.html) when positioned correctly to lend shade during the summer and sunlight during the winter with deciduous trees. • Trees reduce air pollution and improve our air quality. For more information on selecting, planting, and establishing • Trees slow down and reduce stormwater runoff. trees: • Trees can increase property value. Selecting a Tree https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ With all of these benefits, think about whether you can in- plants/trees-and-shrubs/trees/selecting-a-tree.html clude another tree in your landscape or maybe just keep and Florida-Friendly plants for Polk County landscapes https:// maintain (https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/prun- www.dropbox.com/s/y5affys8jh4f3sp/Polk%20County%20 ing/pruning-and-maintaining-trees.html) those that already FFL%20Plant%20List%20-updated%20May%202018.pdf?dl=0. Planting and establishing trees http://gardeningsolutions.ifas. exist. ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-and-establishing-trees.html With any new addition to the landscape, including trees, remember to use the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principle of right plant, right place (https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/about-ffl/9principles/principle-1-right-plant-/). A few site conditions to consider when selecting any new plant for your landscape include: the amount of sunlight (full sun, part sun, shade), soil type (sand, organic, clay), soil pH, soil moisture (well drained, medium drained, wet), cold hardiness zone (9b in Polk County https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/resources/ffl-minute-radio/2021-archive/january-2021/plant-hardiness-zones/), and one that is often overlooked: space available for mature size.

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If you do decide to plant a new tree this Florida Arbor Day,

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Moving on to blackberries…. the ultimate cancer fighter!

Cheers to a Healthy 2022!

Welcome to the new year! 2022 is going to be YOUR year. Start off strong with a handle on your health! Many know berries to be a delicious snack or addition to any favorite recipe, but did you know how incredibly healthy berries are? We’re not talking one type of berry…we are talking all berries! Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and pineberries all provide many benefits to your health.

Let’s start out with the crowd favorite…strawberries! Aside from being an excellent diet choice, (only 83 calories for a cup) strawberries provide heart health benefits to pack a punch against heart disease. Today, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide! Consuming strawberries regularly can improve HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood platelets function significantly. Diabetics also benefit from strawberries. As we all know, carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars (glucose) and released into the bloodstream. For a diabetic with high blood sugar, this could be bad news; however, strawberries slow down glucose digestion and reduce spikes in both glucose and insulin following a carb-rich meal, compared to a carbrich meal without strawberries.

Blueberries are next! Hello, antioxidants! Blueberries are known to be one of the highest ranking antioxidant-containing fruits, satisfying your daily requirement in just a single cupful. In addition to the plethora of nutrients packed into these bite-sized treats, blueberries are linked to improved cognitive function. Take that Alzheimers and Dementia! Blueberries are known to be a fighter of age-related diseases such as high blood pressure, inflammation and memory issues.

Now…another crowd favorite… raspberries.

In addition to their Vitamin C richness, one of the greatest benefits of raspberries is their high fiber content. As you can see from the nutritional facts above, raspberries have an impressive 8 grams of fiber per cup. Almost twice as much as other berries! We can’t forget about the importance of gut health! Fiber assists our gut in allowing good bacteria to flourish and making us feel fuller for a longer period of time. Say goodbye to the days of over-eating.

Last but certainly not least, our new addition to our Wish Farms berry family, Pineberries. This new berry has certainly made a splash the past couple weeks and we understand why! A pineberry is like a strawberry, but different. Some people call them white strawberries, but Wish Farms calls them Pink-A-Boo Pineberries®, because they turn a pink blush when they get exposed to the sun and become fully ripe and ready to eat! Also…did you know that pineberries are naturally grown and non-GMO? The berry gets its unique color because it lacks the naturally occurring flavonoid compound called Anthocyanin that are ever present in red strawberries. In fact, health wise these berries are pretty darn similar to a strawberry. Nutritionally, pineberries are almost identical to a strawberry which is a good thing since strawberries are a superfood! So the next time you want to reach for a snack, do some good for your body and reach for those berries. Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/strawberries#bottom-line https://www.slashgear.com/blueberries-linked-to-major-blood-pressurememory-and-aging-benefits-29585602/ https://www.livestrong.com/article/231114-what-are-the-health-benefits-ofblackberries/ https://www.health.com/food/raspberries-nutrition

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Low in calories, high in fiber, and rich with vitamin C… you can’t beat it! Also, the rich, dark purple hue of blackberries is caused by the antioxidant, anthocyanin. This antioxidant in particular assists in blocking the genetic mutation of our cells that turn into cancer. Anthocyanin is also a natural protector from the sun, blocking harmful UV rays that could eventually turn into skin cancer.


Sign up

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

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

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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.

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Florida ranks 2nd in US production of fresh vegetables and provides 80% of the fresh vegetables consumed in the US during January, February, and March each year. Florida ranks 4th in the Southeast and 12th nationally in the production of beef calves. The second largest industry in the state is agriculture. Tourism is the largest industry within the state. The state flower is the orange blossom. Cattle were first introduced to North America in Florida in 1521 by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. If all the boxes of Florida tomatoes shipped in a crop year were laid end to end, they would stretch from Pensacola round-trip to Beijing, China – over 58 million boxes! Florida has 47,500 farms consisting of 9.25 million acres. The average farm size in Florida is 195 acres.

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Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the January 2018 issue

Have you ever thought about the things in this world that you can’t do? For instances, you can’t wash your eyes with soap. You can’t say the letter “P” without separating your lips. There you go, you tried to do it, and now you are laughing at yourself. Most people cannot raise one eyebrow at a time, or wiggle their ear. I’ll bet you can’t lick your elbow, sneeze with your eyes open, or touch your nose or chin with your tongue. We all have a ticklish spot or two, which are never a secret from the ones we love. Gentle tickling is fun - so one can be tempted to “auto-tickle” to amuse themselves. However, you can’t tickle yourself. Think you can multitask? Try this: While sitting on a chair, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. Then, while doing that, draw the number six with your right hand. You can’t help it: your foot will change direction. Similarly: move your right leg in anticlockwise circles and simultaneously draw the number eight with your right hand.

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Another tricky thing to do: simultaneously rotate the index fingers of both hands clockwise. Do it slowly at first, but then pick up speed. Try to go faster and faster, and pretty soon your two fingers will be going in opposite directions!

Call Pizza Hut and ask them for Domino’s phone number. Order a pizza five minutes before New Year’s, and when it arrives tell them you ordered it a year ago. Go to a pet shop and ask for a cow. Put up a “Lost Dog” poster with a picture of a cat on it. Super glue a quarter to the floor and see how many people try to pick it up. Go to Wal-Mart and walk around with a Hershey Bar next to your ear. When you pass someone start talking into it. I enjoy eating at Zaxby’s in Plant City. Most of the young ladies that wait on me know me by name, and we converse on just about thing, but any deviation from the normal throws them off. A couple of weeks back I told the clerk that I wanted only half of sandwich. She replied: “What am I going to do with the other half?” A week later, when I told the same clerk the same thing, she responded, “Do you want the top or the bottom?” Guess it serves me right! A lot of people don’t know that a two dollar bill is legal tender. I went to Hardee’s and gave the girl at the cash register a two dollar bill. She called over her manager, who quickly assured her it was real. I read the story below about a fellow that tried to pass a two dollar bill at a Taco Bell:

If you’re bored try not to think about ANYTHING, not even about not thinking, or, come up with something pointless, and submit it to Guinness Book of World Records.

On my way home from work, I stopped at Taco Bell for a quick bite to eat. In my billfold are a fifty dollar bill and a two dollar bill. I figure that with a two dollar bill, I can get something to eat and not have to worry about anyone getting irritated at me for trying to break a fifty.

Submit something to a website or contest that isn’t at all what they asked for, like if they have a photo contest, send in a poem. Become an expert on something that doesn’t exist.

Me: “Hi, I’d like one seven-layer burrito please, to go.” Server: “That’ll be $1.04. Eat in?” Me: “No, it’s to go.” At this point, I open my billfold and hand him the two dollar

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bill. He looks at it kind of funny. Server: “Uh, hang on a sec, I’ll be right back.” He goes to talk to his manager, who is still within my earshot. The following conversation occurs between the two of them: Server: “Hey, you ever see a two dollar bill?” Manager: “No. A what?” Server: “A two dollar bill. This guy just gave it to me.” Manager: “Ask for something else. There’s no such thing as a two dollar bill.” Server: “Yeah, thought so.” He comes back to me and says, “We don’t take these. Do you have anything else?” Me: “Just this fifty. You don’t take two dollar bills? Why?” Server: “I don’t know.” Me: “See here where it says legal tender?” Server: “Yeah.” Me: “So, why won’t you take it?” Server: “Well, hang on a sec.” He goes back to his manager, who has been watching me like I’m a shoplifter, and says to him, “He says I have to take it.” Manager: “Doesn’t he have anything else?” Server: “Yeah, a fifty. I’ll get it and you can open the safe and get change.” Manager: “I’m not opening the safe with him in here.” “Server: “What should I do?” Manager: “Tell him to come back later when he has real money.” Server: “I can’t tell him that! You tell him.” Manager: “Just tell him.” Server: “No way! This is weird. I’m going in back.” The manager approaches me and says, “I’m sorry, but we don’t take big bills this time of night.” Me: “It’s only seven o’clock! Well then, here’s a two dollar bill.” Manager: “We don’t take those, either.” Me: “Why not?” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


Manager: “I think you know why.” Me: “No really... tell me why.” Manager: “Please leave before I call mall security.” Me: “Excuse me?” Manager: “Please leave before I call mall security.” Me: “What on earth for?” Manager: “Please, sir.” Me: “Uh, go ahead, call them.” Manager: “Would you please just leave?” Me: “No.” Manager: “Fine -- have it your way then.” Me: “Hey, that’s Burger King, isn’t it?” At this point, he backs away from me and calls mall security on the phone around the corner. I have two people staring at me from the dining area, and I begin laughing out loud, just for effect. A few minutes later this 45-year-oldish guy comes in. Guard: “Yeah, Mike, what’s up?” Manager (whispering): “This guy is trying to give me some (pause) funny money.” Guard: “No kidding! What?” Manager: “Get this... a two dollar bill.” Guard (incredulous): “Why would a guy fake a two dollar bill?” Manager: “I don’t know. He’s kinda weird. He says the only other thing he has is a fifty.” Guard: “Oh, so the fifty’s fake!” Manager: “No, the two dollar bill is.” Guard: “Why would he fake a two dollar bill?” Manager: “I don’t know! Can you talk to him, and get him out of here?” Guard: “Yeah.” Security Guard walks over to me and... Guard: “Mike here tells me you have some fake bills you’re trying to use.” Me: “Uh, no.” Guard: “Lemme see ‘em.” Me: “Why?” Guard: “Do you want me to get the cops in here?” At this point I am ready to say, “Sure, please!” but I want to eat, so I say, “I’m just trying to buy a burrito and pay for it with this two dollar bill.” I put the bill up near his face, and he flinches like I’m taking a swing at him. He takes the bill, turns it over a few times in his hands, and says, “Hey, Mike, what’s wrong with this bill?” Manager: “It’s fake.” Guard: “It doesn’t look fake to me.” Manager: “But it’s a two dollar bill.” Guard: “Yeah... ?” Manager: “Well, there’s no such thing, is there?” The security guard and I both look at him like he’s an idiot, and it dawns on the guy that he has no clue. So, it turns out that my burrito was free, and he threw in a small drink and some of those cinnamon thingies, too. This all made me want to get a whole stack of two dollar bills just to see what happens when I try to buy stuff. If I got the right group of people, I could probably end up in jail. You get free food there, too!

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FLORIDA CIPOLLINI ONIONS By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Sweet, small, versatile Cipollini onions often make an appearance during the holiday season. The name Cipollini, which means “little onion” in Italian, describes the onion’s size, which is larger than a pearl onion and smaller than a regular onion. The bulbs are small, round and slightly flattened, with a white, flesh that is firm, juicy, and flavorful. These Italian heirloom onions are crisp and pungent when raw and become softer and sweeter when cooked. A member of the Amaryllidaceae family, Cipollini onions can be found in red, yellow, and white colors. While available yearround, fresh Cipollini onions are at their peak season during the fall and winter months. Cipollini onions originated from Boretto, Italy, and traditionally it is eaten braised in tomato sauce. Today, these onions are prized for their sweetness and tender texture and sold in gourmet shops and restaurants.

Nutritional Profile Cipollini onions are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one half cup of chopped cipollini onions (80 g) contains 35 calories, 1 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat, 8 g of carbohydrate, and 1 g of fiber. It also provides plentiful amounts of vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and folate.

Vitamin C Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is also involved in immune health, tissue repair, and iron absorption. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, harmful compounds associated with cancer, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and arthritis.

Folate

In conjunction with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, folate helps the body use and make new proteins, form red blood cells, support normal cell growth and division. Perhaps folate is more famous for its important role in preventing neural tube defects and other birth defects.

How to select and store Select fresh onions that are firm, with smooth, bright, unblemished skin. Avoid onions that have a dark powdery patch underneath the skin or have sprouts. Store in a cool, dry, wellventilated place for up to several months.

How to enjoy Cipollini onions are sweet and flavorful, and can be enjoyed picked, raw, or cooked. This type of onion is higher in sugar than other kinds, which makes it perfect for caramelization. These onions can be chopped and mixed into salads or sautéed, roasted, or baked. Other ways to enjoy these delicious onions include: • Roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper • Boiled or pan fried with potatoes and other root vegetables • Sauteed and added to quiche, pasta, or a casserole • Caramelized and eaten as a side dish • Grilled whole and seasoned with herbs Enjoy fresh, sweet Cipollini onions today. Full of nutrients, these super vegetables add delicious flavor, beauty, and nutrition to any meal.

Selected References http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.usda.gov http://www.whfoods.com

Cipollini onions are high in folate, one of the B vitamins. Folate plays a role in reducing levels of homocysteine, a compound associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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APHIS Seeking Public Comment on Amendments to Horse Import Regulations By Jim Frankowiak

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) wants public comments on proposed amendments to the import regulations for horses. These proposed amendments would better align U. S. regulations with international standards and allow both AHIS and the equine industry more flexibility for permitted imports, while continuing to mitigate the risk of bringing equine diseases, such as contagious equine metritis (CEM) into the U.S. The proposed regulations also provide APHIS with more regulatory authority to enforce standards for transporting horses.

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The proposed changes include: • Increasing the amount of time allowed for horses to be in a CEM-affected region without testing upon their return to the U.S. from 60 to 90 days. • Requiring an import for horses transiting through CEM-affected regions • Removing the requirement that horses permanently imported from Canada undergo inspection at the port of entry • Requiring that horses transiting from Central America or the West Indies comply with the same regulations that apply to horses directly imported from these regions, given the greater risk of equine diseases of concern from those areas • Adding requirements for shipping containers, including disinfection requirements and measures to ensure horses are transported safely

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• And miscellaneous clarifications and corrections Of particular concern is CEM, a venereal disease caused by the bacterium Taylorella equigenitalis. The disease only affects horses and it can have a significant impact on reproduction. The U.S. is considered CEM free and therefore horses imported into the U.S. must meet certain import criteria or undergo CEM quarantine procedures at an approved facility to demonstrate that CEM is not present. This proposed rule is on display on the Federal Register at https//www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2021-2563/import-regulations-for-horses. Comments from the public may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS-2016-0013 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, and then select the Comment button in the list of documents. Members of the public wishing to comment via mail or commercial delivery must send their comments to Docket No. APHIS-2016-0033, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8. 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.

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CHOOSE OPPORTUNITY MENTAL HEALTH IN AGRICULTURE By Tiffany Dale Welcome to 2022 – what seems to already be a time of unprecedented challenges. Pandemics are real; information (and misinformation) is more accessible than ever; and our workplace, economy, and society seem to be in a constant state of flux. We certainly do not have to look very far to find a heaping dose of anxiety. Mental health has become quite the hot topic as we enter this new year and a local leader in the agriculture industry is making waves in addressing the issue.

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Marshal Sewell, a fifth-generation agriculturist and Floridanative, has been at the forefront of the mental health con-

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versation over the last few years. While his story predates it, his outreach began in 2019 after being invited to provide keynote remarks at a Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference. To address the aftermath of Hurricane Michael and the high stress levels of local industry members, Sewell was simply asked to share his family’s story. Today, just a few years later, Sewell’s story and reach have grown and impacted countless individuals. Since that conference in Georgia, Sewell has represented farm mental health in such circles and organizations as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), American Farm Bureau Federation, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Georgia Farm Bureau Federation, University of Florida, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), University of Georgia, University of Georgia Extension, and various other organizations and trade associations. He has shared his message through presentations and podcasts and has been an ambassador for the farming community for mental health outreach planning and program building. Now, Sewell has become recognized as a reliable resource and leader in the rural mental health conversation. Sewell points out, “I never intended to be doing any of this. When considering whether I should participate, my decision to speak at that first event in Georgia mostly stemmed from one, simple concept my family and I discussed. We agreed, it would be worth it if it might positively impact one person or family.” The “story” he shares? The gripping details surrounding the tragic loss of his father to suicide while growing up. The tale of a farming family, with all members involved in the business, who were suddenly faced with managing their operation after losing their head of household. “The loss of my dad, and the subsequent challenges my family faced, always felt a bit like something that was generally known in the community but never really discussed. My family and I treated it that way for many years,” said Sewell. The Sewell family has continued to farm and remain involved in agriculture. Marshal and his family never gave up and, instead, continued to persevere. Sewell went on to complete his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Florida in Food and Resource Economics and is currently the U.S. Open Field Strategic Accounts & Partnerships Manager at Bayer Crop Science. While Marshal has dedicated a career to finding solutions for growers in the field, he has firsthand knowledge of the challenges growers face. Although the exact statistics can be difficult to pinpoint, we know that farm stress and farm suicide are a growing concern. It is estimated that, within the United States, suicide rates have increased by approximately 40 percent over the past two decades. In 2016, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a study indicating suicide rates were believed to be roughly 3.5 times higher among agriculturists than the general population. While the trend is alarming, the nature of our agricultural network still provides hope. “Within agriculture, we have a huge community of people dealing with similar stressors; that gives us an enormous network at our disposal when trying to tackle the issue,” said Sewell. This reality is gaining attention across organizations and Marshal has risen to the top as an advocate for awareness on the subject. While he never planned to seek out this role, he reflects on the journey thus far. “I never envisioned any of this, and I have been humbled

Sewell has been surprised by the amount of people who have approached him to share their own struggles and losses. As a result, it has confirmed to him that a vacuum exists when discussing and addressing mental health. We seem to have been conditioned to think we cannot openly discuss our obstacles and failures. “While I do not have an answer to these growers’ issues or some great, prescriptive recommendation for how to overcome their adversity, I share my story as a reminder there is always hope when overcoming loss and failure. And agriculture provides a fantastic network of support to do so.” As mental health awareness is on the rise, agricultural organizations have joined the charge. Sewell seems excited by one recent announcement in particular. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) was awarded a $500,000 grant from the USDA to implement a new Farm Stress Awareness and Reduction Initiative. The program, supported by American Farm Bureau, will be carried out across the state in partnership with UF/IFAS. Sewell says this is one of the first, large examples of funding he has seen specifically for local farm stress outreach. “The attention being given to mental health from agricultural organizations is positive. In the time I have been speaking and presenting, I have gradually seen more work and research on farm stress taking place,” said Sewell. When asked about the start of 2022, Sewell shares his insight on a new year - and new beginnings. “My mom always likes to say that each new morning is a new chance for opportunities. That construct is similar to how I am looking at the upcoming year. The thought of a new year approaching might bring positive thoughts to some while, to others, it might bring anxiety and stress over the unknown to come. And doesn’t it almost feel a bit cliché to talk about New Year’s resolutions? I would encourage readers to be intentional about what they want from the upcoming year and to apply some segmentation to their goals. A year, altogether, might be a bit overwhelming. Try to look at it as a series of shorter, more attainable goals. Just like a marathon runner would tick away one mile at a time, we could look at our year as months, weeks, and days – each one bringing their own opportunity for incremental progress.” So welcome, again, to 2022. Are you choosing anxiety or opportunity? INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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by the notion that such a difficult time in my family’s life could be used for some sort of good. I have never wanted any sort of sympathy or recognition for my family’s experience, my hope has just been that our loss could serve a bigger purpose for those around us.”


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. 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*. 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.

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Clear as mud? If a farm is not sure whether they are covered by the Produce Safety Rule or not, they are encouraged to

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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. What to Expect for your Produce Safety Rule Inspection Produce safety inspections are underway. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) may conduct an inspection of your farm for a variety of reasons. Inspections are one part of FDACS’ regulatory program related to produce safety, which also includes education, outreach, and technical assistance. This article will provide an overview of the steps the FDACS PSR inspectors will take when conducting routine Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections. Scheduling the Inspection An FDACS PSR inspector will call the farm to schedule the inspection with the farm manager. The person in charge of produce safety should also be a part of scheduling the inspection and should accompany the inspectors during the inspection. During the pre-inspection call, the inspector will ask questions to determine whether the PSR applies to the farm. The inspector will also ask if the farm has any biosecurity practices, hazards, safety protocols, and other requirements that inspectors need to be aware of and adhere to before the visit. During this call the inspector will explain the general flow of the inspection, what the inspection will cover, and discuss records that may be reviewed. If the produce grown on the farm is covered by the rule, the inspector will schedule an inspection date that works for both the inspector and the person in charge. In most cases the inspection will be scheduled within five business days of contact with the person in charge. Farms should plan to have a representative from the farm that is knowledgeable in the growing, harvesting, packing and holding activities, preferably the person responsible for produce safety, escort the inspection team around the farm. Most inspections will be announced but there are circumstances in which unannounced inspections may be conducted. The following are examples of when an unannounced WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


inspection may occur: • If the farm is unresponsive (no contact within five (5) business days after reasonable contact attempts have been made) or unwilling to set a date for the inspection; • If the farm has had produce safety issues in the past and the issue has not been corrected; • If a follow-up inspection is needed and an unannounced inspection may work best to observe the necessary changes being made; or • In response to a complaint, recall, or foodborne outbreak investigation. The Day of the Inspection When an inspector arrives on the farm, they will ask to speak to the owner or person in charge. The inspector will introduce themselves, give the reason for the visit, and provide identification. The inspector will also issue a written Notice of Inspection. Initial Interview The inspector will provide a brief description of the reason for and scope of the inspection. The amount of time an inspection will take depends on the type of inspection, farm activities, size of the farm, and what is observed during the inspection. The inspector will ask about the activities performed the day(s) of the inspection, such as whether the farm is planting, harvesting, packing or holding and about the farm’s organization. Walk-Through of the Farm During the inspection, the inspector will observe the farm operation, working to coordinate inspection activities with farm operations. The inspector may ask questions about farming practices and operations that they are not able to observe during the inspection. He or she will take notes, and may take pictures, collect samples, and review or copy records.

Exit Interview Finally, the inspector will go over any regulatory concerns and findings and provide information on resources and technical assistance. If the farm is able to make corrections during the inspection, the inspector will document the corrections implemented. If the deficiency cannot be corrected during the inspection, the inspector will work with the farm to determine a reasonable time frame to implement preventive measures and corrective actions. During the exit interview, the inspector will also identify preventive produce safety practices and conditions on the farm that align with the requirements of the PSR. The inspector will also answer any questions regarding the inspection. He or she will also provide an inspection sheet with agency contact information that will document the inspection. Now To determine if your operation is ready for an inspection, sign up for an On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR). This free, educational program offers farms the opportunity to walk through their operation with produce safety experts from FDACS and UF-IFAS before an inspection is scheduled and discuss how the FSMA requirements may apply. To sign-up for an OFRR or to find additional resources for Florida farms and growers, visit www.FDACS.gov/FSMA

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Throughout the inspection, the inspector will explain what is being looked at and why. If there are any regulatory concerns, the inspector will discuss them with you and explain the reason(s) for each regulatory concern and the public health significance.


By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

ANIMAL CONTROL FOR POLK COUNTY

The folks who operate the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control section do some great work. Most of what they are known for has to do with the care and adopting-out of dogs and cats. I can tell you they do a lot more than just that. One of the many functions performed by Animal Control includes the care for impounded animals. Sometimes these animals are seized due to crimes, most often they have been neglected or abused. Unfortunately, many of them are in such bad shape that they can’t be rehabilitated or saved, and they are humanely put down to stop their suffering. The ones which can be rehabilitated are provided great veterinarian treatment, followed by ongoing care from the Animal Control staff. Other impounded animals, such as livestock, are brought in to animal control after they are found roaming around, and there’s no way to determine where they came from. These types of impounds typically involve goats, pigs, donkeys, or horses.

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Let’s say one of our deputies captures a pig, and the deputy is unable to determine where it came from. The pig would be taken to Animal Control for safe keeping. Meanwhile, we will upload a photo of that pig onto our website, along with a description for it, and where it was found. The hope is, if

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someone realizes they’re missing their pig, they will go to our website or call Animal Control to be reunited with it. You can find current impounded livestock on our website (www.PolkSheriff.org) under the Animal Services heading. From there, simply click on the option titled Notices of Impounded Livestock. There you will see all (if any) livestock that we currently have impounded. It’s always great when we are able to return a missing animal to its home. Animal Control also plays a role in the rescue of some wild animals, too. Our officers have captured quite a few injured eagles and owls, then coordinated with rescue and rehabilitation organizations who specialize in nursing the birds back to health and eventually returned to the wild. I really can’t say enough good things about the people who work at Animal Control; they absolutely love animals, and sometimes the things they have to see and deal with can be heartbreaking. It’s a labor of love for them, and that really shows when you see them in action, and see how well the animals in their care react. If you’d be interested in joining the PCSO Animal Control section, we do have some available positions. We’re currently hiring to fill positions for: Full and part time Animal Control officers, and part-time Animal Control representatives. As is the case with all of our careers at PCSO, you can find the current job openings at www.PolkSheriff.org/about/become-amember. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


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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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NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

USDA Wants Land Owners and Producers to Know of QIP Program Scope

USDA Conducting Farm Producer Study

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants landowners and producers to become familiar with the scope of practices under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which accepts applications continuously.

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting the 2021 Farm Producer Study to gain knowledge and understanding of agricultural producers and help the USDA improve services to them. The voluntary survey was mailed to approximately 75.000 producers nationwide.

EQIP offers assistance to help landowners and producers plan and implement conservation practices, providing environmental on cropland, pasture, forestland and associated agricultural land, including animal feeding operations. The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) through EQIP seeks to improve eater quantity and quality, build healthier soil, improve grazing and forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations and establish or improve wildlife habitat. For more information about EQIP, call the Plant City USDA Service Center, 813/752-1474.

Study results will be posted on the NASS website, Education and Outreach Section, early this year.

Florida Ag Woman of the Year Named North Florida’s Angela TenBroeck has been named Woman of the Year in Agriculture in an award program sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS) with the Florida State Fair Authority. The award will be presented during the Florida State Fair. A fourth generation farmer, TenBroeck and her family have been hydroponic farmers in North Florida since the 1970s. She is also a middle and high school teacher with an emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and health curricula.

Water Management District Makes Major Land Purchase

FSU & UF Basketball Tickets Florida Farm Bureau members can receive up to two free tickets to University of Florida (UF) and/or Florida State University (FSU) basketball games this season. Tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability, weather cancellations and other unforeseen events. Not all home games are eligible for the promotion. Benefits and services are subject to change without notice. For tickets, visit: https://apps.floridafarmbureau.com/memberpromo/

USDA Conducting Commercial Floriculture Survey The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting a commercial floriculture survey through March 18, 2022. Growers are being asked to provide information on production area, sales of floriculture commodities and the number of agricultural workers in their operations. Grower responses will be kept confidential. The information gathered will help identify state and national trends in areas such as new product development and changing production practices so that growers can make vital business decisions and evaluate the results of the growing season. Survey results will be available online at: http//www.nass. usda.gov/Publications.

USDA’s 2022 Soils Planner is now Available

2022 Soils Planner

Agriculture and Beyond: Other Stories of the Soil

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced availability of its 2022 Soils Planner. It is a no cost educational tool that this year is focusing on non-agricultural uses of soils. Topics are forensics, archaeology, bioremediation, flood control, pollinator habitat, structural support, consumer products. Subaqueous soils, recreation, construction materials and wildlife habitat. Individual copies can be ordered at: nrcspad. sc.egov.usda.gov. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board has approved the purchase of the 589acre Southworth Tract located in Hernando County. This purchase will allow the District to substantially complete the Weekiwachee Preserve Project by connecting seven Districtowned parcels.


New Year, More Politics!

by John Dicks Certainly I hope that at the stroke of midnight, just a few weeks ago, you got things going in this new year with a rousing start!

on studies. The situation was perfectly described by the great poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, with his infamous line, In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love!

Cheers and fireworks and all of the accouterments associated with the greeting of January tend to motivate most everyone. No doubt we all hope for and aspire to great things as we turn a new page on the calendar.

True it is. For now, though, I digress.

Having crossed the threshold of 2022 with all of its many promises ahead, it is still worth noting that while we long for life’s best changes, some things seem to plod along just like usual. A case in point is with meetings of our Florida Legislature. This year, being one recognized by our state constitution as an even-numbered year, means that our Legislators kick into high gear early on our calendar. Specifically, it is stated that in such years (which are divisible by two) the regular session of the Legislature shall be gaveled into opening precisely on the second Tuesday after the first Monday in January. For this year, that meant January 11. Interesting, if not a bit odd, is that odd-numbered years are designated for sessions to be held starting, instead, in March rather than January. Naturally you might wonder why. What is the rationale for such bi-annual shifting of legislative meetings? The one word reply of Politics, surely should not surprise you. After all, it has not always been thus. Politics do tend to mix things up! Way back when, our Florida Legislature would meet in an annual session of 60 days starting each year in April. Gathering in Tallahassee during the springtime made all the sense in the world to me since it is, by far, the prettiest of the seasons in our state’s capitol. I remember fondly from my time there in law school that during spring, with everything outside being in such lovely full bloom, I could hardly concentrate

Regardless of how lovely April is in Tallahassee, legislators, over time, decided to change things. It would surprise me none to learn that is the reason for our current state of discord in politics! The first shift of the annual meeting dates of the legislature came without much fanfare, though it did require a constitutional amendment. It was in the early 1990s, and the 60 day session got moved to a starting date in February. That lasted only four years before Legislators moved it again, this time to March, all through the process of yet another constitutional amendment. Why the change, you might ask? Purely conjecture on my part, but I imagine that Legislators, after having been meeting in February, quickly realized how really cold winter in the the capitol can be. It is no time nor place that anyone really wanted to spend time debating policy. So, another shift it was, moving the starting date to March. There was some logic to that, I suppose, since with 60 days of meetings, they would once again spill into the resplendent springtime of April! Still, though, there is that question regarding the even-numbered years and the rationale for starting those sessions in the winter drizzle of January. Recall that the answer I suggested had to do with politics. It’s the simple recognition that these are the election years. Starting in January gives legislators longer to campaign for re-election, and raise money to do so. It also doesn’t hurt that it puts more distance between election day and decisions which were made last session. Voters it seems, sometimes have short memories!

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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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PETS NEED PRETTY THINGS TOO By Libby Hopkins

Those of us who are pet owners, love and treat our pets like they are our children. We buy them dog treats and cute little outfits. Christina Tabaretti is the owner of Furrcessories in Lakeland, and she helps people like me, who spoil our dogs just like children. “I have been in business with Furrcessories for more than five years now,” Tabaretti said. “My husband and I decided we wanted to settle down in Lakeland. I didn’t want to just find a job, I wanted to do something I enjoy. I started out by borrowing a sewing machine and some fabric from my mom and did an event selling collar covers for pets. It went pretty well so I continued.” Furrcessories was born.

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Tabaretti grew her business to include custom drinking tumblers as well. She decided to join the Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market. “I got into the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market and have loved it ever since,” Tabaretti said. “After two years I added the bandanas. They have been a huge hit. They are different from others as they are double sided, you can slide the collar through and they have adjustment

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snaps. We have four sizes, so we cover cats all the way up to large dogs.” Her customers at the market encouraged her to branch out even more and offer dog treats. “We were asked about treats, so I worked hard to find a bakery that uses all natural ingredients, so we decided to offer them as well to our customer at the market,” Tabaretti said. “They are the same recipes I use myself. We now have 25 plus varieties from soft cookies to large bones. I pride myself on telling customers that they are so natural you can eat them yourselves.” There are many benefits to natural treats for dogs. Natural dog treats are increasingly popular among conscientious pet owners who understand the importance of rewards that are both healthy and tasty.

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The sheer range of dog treats available can be difficult to navigate – there are dozens of shapes, sizes and flavors to choose from; you can narrow down this choice by considering which treats are made with the best ingredients and to safe processing standards to make sure that your furry family member receives a top quality treat. Natural dog treats are usually rich in ingredients derived from natural sources and free from artificial additives, chemicals and preservatives; combinations of good quality meats, vegetables and gentle grains are prepared and packaged to national regulations for a treat your dog can enjoy with no adverse after-effects. (www. wyldlifepets.com/8-benefits-of-natural-dog-treats/) The Tabaretti’s feel as if the Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market managers and their customers have become their extended family. “The Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market has become our family,” Tabaretti said. “When I’m not there I still have customers calling me for items. They are always willing to do pickup, too. You get to know everyone around you and your customers on a first name basis.” “I have made this my full time job,” Tabaretti said. “Furrcessories now has custom bandanas, all natural pet treats, customized dog bowls and tumblers. This is the fun creative side, it’s a joy to know that I can make a cute bowl with a pet’s name that everyone can enjoy seeing. They can also get a tumbler that shows the love for their pets.” If you would like to learn more about Furrcessories or if you’d like to order any of Tabaretti’s pet products, you can visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/furrcessories or contact her at furrcessories@gmail.com. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally

by Sean Green

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

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

Production:

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

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

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This will allow for adjustments before gluing.

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

Options:

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

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

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

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A Closer Look

by Sean Green

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

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UF AG ENGINEER DEVELOPS SMART-SPRAY TECHNOLOGY TO HELP REDUCE FERTILIZER, PESTICIDES

By: Brad Buck

Courtesy, Yiannis Ampatzidis, UF/IFAS Growers need to spray efficiently so they can apply pesticides and fertilizer only to crops – and minimize the chemicals that may contaminate natural resources. As they battle the economically devastating citrus greening disease, farmers must look to control costs wherever possible. With that in mind, Yiannis Ampatzidis is engaging artificial intelligence to develop a low-cost, smart tree-crop sprayer that can automatically detect citrus trees, calculate their height and leaf density and count fruit. That way, the farmers target their spray more efficiently, so it lands on trees and leaves – and reduces chemical use by about 30 percent, compared to traditional spray methods. “These smart technologies can save the fruit tree industry millions of dollars per year by optimizing chemical applications,” said Ampatzidis, a UF/IFAS associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center. Smart-spray technology lets the grower vary the amount applied based on tree size and leaf density, and it will not spray if there is no tree or if a tree appears dead. It also does not spray if it finds other objects, such as a water pump, a pole, or a person, as examples. “This new technology will further enhance the tree-profiling systems we have in place today, with the ability to detect and only spray the target foliage,” Ampatzidis said. “Our data, collected by smart sensors, can control the amount of spray applied to the tree, in real time, and is stored in the controller to be downloaded for further processing.”

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The system utilizes machine vision, GPS and LiDAR -- a light detection and ranging remote sensing system. Ampatzidis also developed algorithms to process the data as well as software to control the sensors.

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The technology, cited in new research published by Ampatzidis, can also help farmers predict their crop yields. To test the system, Ampatzidis conducted several experiments in citrus orchards at the center and in commercial farms and found they used less pesticide and fertilizer. Protecting citrus trees and their fruit makes up a significant chunk of any grower’s budget. In Southwest Florida orange orchards alone, plant protection product applications cost about 34 percent of the total production costs. An industry partner, Chemical Containers Inc, has evaluated the technology and entered an agreement with UF Innovate | Tech Licensing to license and commercialize the smart-spray technology. As they continue to evaluate the system’s efficiency, Ampatzidis and his team will study how well it detects and sprays trees in fields with tall weeds in more commercial groves. He and his team are also going to evaluate the system on other fruits, including peaches, apples and pecans to see how well it works on those tree crop systems. “We also plan to develop smart fertilizer spreader applicators to improve nutrient management,” he said. “Target-based management can help farmers apply nutrients as needed within the field, rather than applying fertilizers uniformly.” About AI at UF The University of Florida is making artificial intelligence the centerpiece of a major, long-term initiative that combines world-class research infrastructure, cutting-edge research and a transformational approach to curriculum. UF is home to the most powerful, university-owned supercomputer in the nation, according to 2021 rankings released by TOP500, contributing to innovative research and education opportunities. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


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A HEALTHY LIFE By Libby Hopkins

Vida Sana Grove is a family operated farm located in Bartow, owned by Sergio Moises and his family. The mission of the family business is to provide their local communities with healthy, clean, fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits and microgreens while promoting non-toxic and sustainable methods of production. “My wife and I are originally from El Salvador,” Moises said. “We have five children and one grandson, all boys. We both come from agricultural backgrounds, mostly coffee. In 2007 my work, back then was a CIO of a multinational manufacturing company that took me to Nicaragua where we spent 10 wonderful years. During our stay there, we were able to first rent land to grow vegetables, mostly tomatoes and green peppers which we sold in the local markets as well as exported to El Salvador. We continued to rent land but switched to planting rice and were successful in producing two crops per year. By 2014 an opportunity to buy a 400-acre rice property was presented and we decided to invest in it, which, together with the rental land, amounted to 750-acres of rice. By 2016, after three full crop cycles battling El Niño, lack of water, we decided to sell the land and return back to the United States.”

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In 2020, the family bought the property in Bartow and started Vida Sana Grove or Healthy-Life Grove. “Being partially

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disabled, both my wife and I, we have been blessed by the help of our youngest son, Sergio Alfonso, who is in charge of operations as well as marketing and sales,” Moises said. “To meet our mission statement goals, we embarked in searching for a solid, proven state of the art method of production and were lucky to find Verti-Gro, a nearby company that provides a hydroponic vertical growing system. This system uses soilless media, consumes less than 10 percent water than regular production methods and yields more production in less space. Our outdoors facility consists of four open greenhouses, a shaded area and a nursery capable of producing more than 3,000 plants within an 8,000 sq. ft. area. Depending on the product, we stack from three to five VG-Pots on each tower, each VG-Pot can have up to four plants. Each tower also has a five-gallon bucket on the ground that collects all the remaining nutrients that are poured from above. These buckets often serve for growing large root plants.” In addition to the outdoor area at their farm, they have a small indoor area for growing microgreens as well as any produce they can grow to extend the season. “Our business model includes selling through local farmers markets and direct delivery to our customers,” Moises said. “We currently serve the surrounding communities of Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM


and Lake Wales with future plans to serve the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas.” Vida Sana Grove is currently one of the vendors at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market. “After researching different farmers markets, we decided that Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market was the best alternative to our local offering,” Moises said. “The market has been our first public exposure and has been a great one. From our first Saturday we made clients that look for us every single Saturday or place orders through our website for delivery. We believe in the vibrant ambience of the market, the people are so welcoming and friendly, it is a family market, with excellent vendors and products.” Keeping things local is very important to the Moises Family. “We believe in local support 100 percent,” Moises said. “It is a give/give situation, it strengthens the community and it’s a way of helping each other. Our farm only sells what we produce, and this is in many ways hard as our offerings are weather dependent, many of our supporters understand the hardships of growing anything and appreciate our efforts as it is not easy to be a small farmer. The amount of time and dedication that the three of us place to produce our offerings are handsomely rewarded by a simple comment from our clients about how good our products are. Local farming is difficult and economically challenging; however, we believe that communities will prosper through local support efforts.” If you would like to learn more about Vida Sana Grove or if you’d like to order some of their produce, you can visit their website at www.vidasanagrove.com. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

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Classifieds BUILDING SUPPLIES

Tel: 813.759.6909

METAL ROOFING Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.

CITRUS PACKING HOUSE Citrus packing house equipment for sale. Mikey Fertilizer Spreader, two wind machines. Call 863-324-2833

ALUMINUM We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378

2017 MASSEY FURGASON GC1705L 90 hours 4x4 22.5 hp with loader. $9,450 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378 CABINETS All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Custom made to your size. Call Chris 813-752-3378 VINYL SIDING Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378 NEW, USED & ABUSED. CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378

FARM EQUIPMENT I4 POWER EQUIPMENT Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Plant City 813-752-4459 TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 JOHN DEERE Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660 OVERSTOCK SPECIAL Barn doors starting at $80.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378 FARM EQUIPMENT Massey Ferguson 261 60hp 2wd tractor, $6500.00. IH Farmall 140 tractor complete with cultivating and fertilize equipment, $5500.00. 2006 Bush Hog TH440C UTV, 4x4, Honda engine, $6000.00. All are in very good condition. Call JR at 813-997-6769 LUCAS METAL WORKS DRAG Ground hog arena drag. $1,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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FORD 4610 TRACTOR 2wd, 60hp. Very good condition $6,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

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

MISC.

FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722 24 HOUR SERVICE FOR SALE Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com MARDEN CHOPPERS 813-643-7173 1-8' Pasture chopper $2500.00, 1-double section 8' pasture chopper $2000.00 and 1-6' FARM BUREAU INSURANCE tapered grove chopper $1250.00. Call Alvie We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577 813-759-8722 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE Call Rhonda Wetherington, P.A. Bread warmer, chrome trim. Realtor, GRI. 813-933-1761 You have got to see it to believe it! ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378 Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & ReDOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER pair. Legendary service for over 20 years! No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. 813-752-0821 Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 SHOWER STALLS - FIBERGLASS Scratch and dent shower stalls - fiberglass KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES perfect for hunting camps. $150 you pick! Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the Call us! 813-752-3378 BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 FOR RENT Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. JOBS For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details. based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345 or Alvie 813-759-8722 PARTS COUNTER HELP Wanted for parts look up and sales. Experience in the agriculture equipment service. Speak with Alvie. 813-759-8722 SALES REPRESENTATIVE In The Field Magazine is looking for a team player who enjoys building relationships. Commission based position part-time or full-time! Email us info@inthefieldmagazine.com

LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES END OF SEASON SPECIAL $500 cash discount on all BOBCAT (in stock) Zero Turn Mowers. Call Grove Equipment Plant City 813-759-8722 Bartow 863-537-1345

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!

USED SCAG ZTR 52” Liberty zero turn with Kaw engine. $3,500. Call Jeff 813-752-1066

2022

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Polk County Cattle Women

H

appy New Year! I pray each of you had a blessed holiday season with the ones you hold near and dear. This time of year always allows me an opportunity to reflect on what’s really important in life and readjust my focus and priorities in order to better myself and those around me.

tion is fueled by a renewed passion to for agriculture advocacy. More than ever before, agriculture needs voices that are strong and extend beyond our fence lines into the mainstream population. As PCCW members, this is what we strive to do through our membership and involvement in the community.

The new year ushers in new opportunities for our members to do what they do best, promote and educate people about the importance of the beef cattle industry.

Our meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, February 1 at 6:30 in the Valencia Room at the Bartow Ag Complex on Highway 17 S. Ladies of all ages and walks of life are welcome to attend and join. Be sure and check us out on Facebook and Instagram for more updates! If you’d like information about meetings, membership, or upcoming events don’t hesitate to reach out to me at BuckLD96@gmail.com.

We are looking forward to supporting our youth at the Polk County Youth Fair from January 22-28. Many of our members volunteer throughout the fair from judging record books for our record book contest, check-in for various projects, sponsoring awards, and even judging events. Tallahassee will be the location of the 2022 FCA Legislative Quarterly from January 18-20. I am so thankful for those who are committed to representing our industry and sharing with our legislative leaders about the issues and policies that greatly affect our livelihoods. As we welcome 2022 there is an increased urgency for all of us to share our stories and our voices at the local, state, and national levels. Our active participa-

Till next month,

Leslie Buchanon Polk County Cattlewomen President

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Let’s all keep working for the future of agriculture together.


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