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January 2024 VOL. 17 • ISSUE 5
CONTENTS
DR. LUJEAN WATERS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF PCCA
28 Cover Photos by Images By Blair
PAGE 10 From The Scientific Field
PAGE 34 A Different Walk
PAGE 12 Methane Emissions
PAGE 35 News Briefs
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 16 Endangered Species
PAGE 37 Eliminating Taxation
PAGE 18 Lily Hill Farm
PAGE 38 Armyworm
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 40
PAGE 24 Citrus Flower Bud
PAGE 42
PAGE 27 Golden Berries
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Recipes Activity
A Closer Look
PAGE 30 Sleepy Dragon Green
PAGE 44
PAGE 32 Farm Loans
PCSO
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005
President – Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com
James Stice PO Box 460 Highland City, FL 33846 (813) 714-2333 jstice@verizon.net
Vice President – Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com
Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch Alternate PO Box 849 Standing Committee Chairs: Highland City, FL 33846-0849 Membership (863) 425-112 Justin.bunch@nutrien.com Events- Scott Shoupe State Director – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 634-6029 owebb@wandwsupply.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 206-5021 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com Kevin Fussell 5125 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868 (863) 412-5876 drfussellranch@gmail.com Wes Fussell 5010 Barush Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 838-1594 g.wesfussell@gmail.com Det. Jay Scarborough 1575 Mountt Pisgah Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 860-7731 Jayscarborough5581@outlook. com Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com
Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Blair Buchanon Cattlewomen – President, Blair Buchanon 8444 Tom Costine Rd Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 581-2711 Buckld96@gmail.com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Sgt. Tim Sanders 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 656-6119 brusso@polksheriff.org Warner University – Abby Crawford 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 638-7248 Abby.crawford@warner.edu
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With every generation,
we get better at protecting our environment. Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
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®
STAFF
Letter from the Editor
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor Patsy Berry Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt De De Floyd Melissa Nichols
Guess what time it is!!! It’s fair season! The season kicks off for Polk County Youth with the Polk County Youth Fair, held January 20 – 27 in Bartow. Right on its heels is the Florida State Fair, which kicks off on February 8 and runs through February 19 in Tampa. February 29 is the first day of the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. It runs through March 10. Polk County youth are up once again at the Central Florida Youth in Agriculture show held March 20 – 23. I encourage you to attend at least one, if not all these shows. It’s amazing the work the youth put into their various projects and they certainly enjoy the support. Maybe give an encouraging word to the show parents. It’s a tough span of time for many of them! I hope your 2024 is going well so far. We are barely into it and the weather is keeping us on our toes. Once again, I skipped the resolutionmaking. I’ve decided if I want to do or change something, there is no need to wait for a special day, just do it. Let’s make 2024 a great year!
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Images By Blair Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green
Contributing Writers Wade Osborne John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Catllemen’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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Hello, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Dr. LuJean Waters, and I was born and raised in Bartow, Florida. I have been attending Polk County Cattlemen’s Meetings as far back as I can remember. I grew up pushing-up cattle in the Bombing Range and several pastures throughout Bartow, Ft Meade and Homeland as well as tagging along as a “day worker” and drinking Yoo-hoo out of my canteen! I grew up in the saddle and have always felt raising and working cattle was in my blood. Through hard work and mostly my parents not letting me give up nor come home I was able to get through vet school and become a Large Animal Veterinarian in 2012. I am beyond blessed to do what I love and move back within a couple miles of where I was raised to start my own Veterinary Practice in 2013.
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Throughout my years in the industry from a little girl asking way too many annoying questions in the cowpens to an opinionated member of the Junior Cattlemens and U.F.’s Block and Bridle Cattlemen’s Association to getting the amazing opportunities to serve on our Florida Cattlemen’s Animal Health Committee and then the Florida Beef Council, it is with the utmost honor that I was invited to serve on the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors. I am so
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very excited to have the opportunity to serve as your President in the upcoming term and can only hope that I can make a difference in our community and fill these giant boots that our past presidents have worn! I know this is not going to be an easy feat in today’s agriculture environment. Although we are all excited to see market prices on the rise, the reality is that hay, fertilizer, feed and even equipment have tripled in price over the last two years which is a far cry from the economic standpoint our cattle market is currently at. I want you all to know I have and will continue to be a voice and advocate for our industry and continue to “show up” anytime I can to attend meetings and conferences to make sure the voice of our local members is herd (pun intended). I look forward to the upcoming year and hope to see you all at our first event of the year, the PCCA Annual Ranch Rodeo and Trade Show February 17! Dr. LuJean Waters
Dr. LuJean Waters Heartland Large Animal Services
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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
By Brad Buck
Full steam ahead: Warm vapor and a low-dose herbicide control harmful citrus weed
Weeds have the potential to reduce Florida’s citrus crop by up to 30% annually. They compete with citrus trees for resources like water, light, and nutrients, which can significantly reduce yield and fruit quality.
For the experiment, scientists aimed to weaken goat weed with steam and enhance the impact by applying a contact herbicide like paraquat—what Kanissery called a “double whammy” approach.
Goat weed, a native perennial, is found throughout the Southeast, from Texas east to South Carolina and south to Florida. It poses major challenges for citrus.
“This approach can control weeds in citrus orchards. It reduces the chemical footprint on soil and groundwater, provides effective weed control and reduces the probability of developing resistance in goat weed against high dosages of paraquat use in the future,” he said.
“It produces many seeds and is relatively tolerant to many of the herbicides utilized in citrus production,” said Ramdas Kanissery, the lead University of Florida researcher on a new study that shows farmers a two-pronged approach to control goat weed. The study found that using steam and a low dose of herbicide helped control goat weed better than a higher dose. Normally, growers use herbicides to keep the weed under control. Some are more effective than others, depending on the timing of their use. Further, scientists are looking for herbicide alternatives to help preserve the environment. “To put things into perspective, it takes three to four times the usual herbicide dose to control goat weed in citrus groves compared to other weeds,” Kanissery said. “Our previous research has shown that steam application can weaken even tough weeds.” The intense heat from steam makes the water inside the cells of weeds turn into vapor fast. This rapid change builds up pressure, causing the cells to burst and disrupt their normal functions. This weakens the weed, making it more susceptible to further damage, he said.
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Kanissery, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of horticultural sciences at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center teamed up with Yiannis Ampatzidis, a UF/IFAS associate professor of precision agriculture engineering, to build a machine at the facility and sprayed steam, followed by paraquat, on goat weeds growing in citrus tree rows. The results were encouraging.
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CELEBRATE FLORIDA’S YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE THIS FEBRUARY! Join us for 12 days of family fun at a friendly price showcasing the very best in livestock competitions, exhibits and learning activities.
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UF/IFAS researchers to work to reduce livestock methane emissions as part of climate change mitigation efforts by Meredith Bauer The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences awarded Nicolas DiLorenzo one of two grants totaling $10 million to reduce livestock methane emissions. DiLorenzo’s grant is for $5 million and focuses on reducing the amount of methane cows produce. DiLorenzo, Animal Sciences professor at North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, is heading a multidisciplinary team including livestock nutritionists, chemists, and microbiologists. Their work will create livestock feed additives to reduce the amount of methane produced during the digestive process. These researchers hope to reduce a minimum of 25% of U.S. methane emissions, an amount equivalent to the total annual emissions produced by the state of Nebraska. “We are very excited about this opportunity to work at the forefront of one of the greatest challenges that animal agriculture is facing: decreasing the carbon footprint of livestock systems,” DiLorenzo said. “This project stems from years of work, where many former graduate students from our team were instrumental in developing the preliminary data needed to move forward.” DiLorenzo and team plan to identify and produce molecules that will work against the methane-producing microorganisms present in cattle digestive tracts. These molecules will then be tested as additives to the diets of research cattle herds at the University of Florida, Auburn University, and Clemson University. Researchers will assess how these additives affect cattle digestion and methane production.
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With the looming challenge of feeding nine billion people by 2050, this project is an imperative piece of the climate-smart agriculture solution.
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The projects are part of a priority mission from the federal government for the 2023 fiscal year as part of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the nation’s flagship competitive grants program in the food and agricultural sciences. The goal of decreasing methane emissions from cows and other ruminants was funding as part of the U.S. government’s response in alignment with the Global Methane
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Pledge, which President Joe Biden made in September 2021 as a part of tackling the sources of climate change.
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Constitutional Amendment Proposed to Support Florida Agriculture by Eliminating Multiple Taxation of Agricultural Production
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senator Jay Collins, and Representative Danny Alvarez announced the filing of a joint resolution, HJR 1251 and SJR 1560, to amend the Florida Constitution to eliminate multiple taxation of agricultural production by annual local property taxes. The proposed constitutional amendment creates a total tax exemption of tangible personal property – such as farm machinery, equipment, and implements – on property classified as agricultural. If adopted, the constitutional amendment will help alleviate the financial burden on Florida’s agriculture producers, help incentivize the growth of agricultural production in the state, and ease increasing food costs to consumers by lowering the cost of production. “Food security is a national security issue, and this proposed constitutional amendment represents a pivotal step towards securing the permanent future of agriculture in Florida," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. "By eliminating the burdensome multiple taxation of agricultural production, we can pave the way for sustained growth and resilience within our agricultural sector, strengthen and secure our food supply chain, support our hardworking farmers, and safeguard our state and nation's well-being.” “As a retired Army Green Beret, I know the complexities of today’s hyper-competitive world and it is imperative we stabilize, revitalize, and grow agriculture to ensure Florida’s footprint on the world stage," said Senator Jay Collins. "I am proud to work alongside Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Representative Alvarez to provide meaningful support to Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers.” "The tax we are eliminating is flat-out wrong," said Representative Danny Alvarez. “Florida agriculture is the backbone of our state’s culture and economy, and in light of un-
The proposal is being filed as a joint resolution in both the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate and requires support by three-fifths of the membership of each chamber. If adopted by 60 percent of the electors voting on the measure in the 2024 general election, the amendment will go into effect. Currently, Article VII, Section 3(e)(1) provides an exemption from ad valorem taxation of up to $25,000 on all property subject to tangible personal property taxes. Tangible personal property is defined as all goods, property other than real estate, and other articles of value that the owner can physically possess and have intrinsic value. Examples of what is included when filing a tangible personal property tax return include: Goods, chattels, and other articles of value, except certain vehicles Inventory held for lease Equipment on some vehicles Personally owned property used in the business Fully depreciated items Florida agriculture – and its over 47,000 farms and ranches – produces more than 300 commodities, contributes more than $180 billion to the state’s economy, and helps employ more than 2.5 million people. For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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precedented attacks against our proud farmers, ranchers, and growers, we must do all that we can to defend agriculture and its future in Florida. This proposed constitutional amendment will support this vital industry and send a clear signal that Florida will stand with our farmers.”
Shrimp, the “Sara Lee” of bait! Capt. Wade Osborne
The reason I say this is because, during the winter months there’s nothing that doesn’t like a shrimp in Tampa Bay. With the water temperature in the bay right now in the upper 50s, the fish are lethargic. Their slow response to attacking bait is the ideal time to use live shrimp. Shrimp are slow-moving, unlike white bait, and take more effort to eat. If you’re like me and usually spend an hour or more each morning catching your own bait, do yourself a favor and don’t. For the most part, this time of year it’s a waste of time. Save the extra effort for next month when the water warms up. On the way to the boat ramp just stop at a bait shop and buy some shrimp. How much you need depends on the number of anglers and the amount of time you’ll be actually fishing. I figure in a dozen a person, times the number of hours fishing. Typically, on a four-hour charter with two people, I’ll buy 10 dozen. That way I won’t run out. You never want to be on a really good bite and run out of shrimp.
Sheepshead has been one of my targeted species of late and that will only increase as their spawning season begins this month and runs through April. Sheepshead love shrimp, even pieces of shrimp. Let’s say you get a bite and reel in to check if you still have a bait and it’s only half a shrimp. Toss it back out there and you very well may catch that fish on the next bite. Sheepshead can be caught on mangrove crabs, fiddler crabs, and pieces of barnacles. Redfish have also been plentiful throughout Tampa Bay. Even though I’m not catching them on every outing, on the days that I do, there have been numerous hookups. These aren’t your typical slot-size redfish that you catch other times of the year, they’re rat reds. Usually only 12-17 inches, but they’re still fun to catch.
At the end of the day don’t do what I see many people doing, throwing out their leftover shrimp. To quote Sheriff Grady Judd, “What are you Thinking?” Don’t toss it, keep it. If you’re going back out the next day, keep them alive with an aerator. If you won’t be going fishing again for a while, bag them and stick them in the freezer. Frozen shrimp catch and attract fish. I freeze shrimp all of the time and take it with me the next time I hit the water. If it’s whole thawed-out shrimp, I sometimes will put one on the hook just to see if the fish notices a difference. I don’t think they do! Now that you know I’m using shrimp for bait, here’s what I’m catching.
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Seatrout and sand trout are two fish that are very cold water tolerant and fairly easy to catch right now. Both species of trout spend their winters in deeper water than other times of the year, with sand trout being in the deepest. Seatrout tend to be in water in the three-to-ten-foot range, while sand trout can be found in water as deep as 20 to 40 feet. They also school up in large numbers, so catch one and you’ll reel in more. If you’re wondering about the snook bite, I’m catching a few, I’m just not targeting them much right now. They’re very
26-Year Veteran Fishing Guide, Captain Wade Osborne. Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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The key to finding a school of rats is to fish along mangrove shorelines next to some oysters. They like to hang out just under the branches, so bait placement is critical. A low sidearm cast is preferred and helps to keep you out of the trees.
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finicky when the water temperature is in the 50’s and there are just too many other species eager to bite. Of course, this time of year you’re always going to catch ladyfish and jack crevalle, it’s a given. So, if you should encounter a school of either, just enjoy the battle. They’re fun to catch, especially when you have kids on board. Most kids don’t care what they catch as long as they’re catching fish. As for tackle, I like to downsize my leader material and hook size in the winter due to water clarity. I go with a 25-pound fluorocarbon leader and a size one hook. Most of the time I’m freelining my bait. If I’m fishing in deep water, I add just enough weight to get the bait to the bottom. As for that frozen shrimp, I like to use it for chum. Just like broadcasting live white bait around your boat attracts fish,
so does frozen shrimp. So, when I Power Pole down on a fishing spot looking for sheepshead, redfish, and seatrout, I blanket the area with pieces of frozen shrimp. Try it, you’ll be amazed at how many fish the smell of shrimp in the water attracts. What if you have guests in town and they don’t like to fish? Well, this is a great time of year to view manatees, dolphins, sea birds, and other wildlife at one of the two power plant outflows located on either side of the bay. Just remember both have slow speed and no entry zones. Cruising Tampa Bay provides a great opportunity to enjoy nature and capture some impressive photographs. Don’t forget to pack a real camera and not just rely on your mobile phone. You’ll be glad you did! Afishionado, “Always an Adventure.”
Tampa fishing guide, Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain since 1997. Osborne has been featured on numerous TV shows and has written for multiple publications. Osborne offers inshore fishing on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram.
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
AMERICAN CHAFFSEED
The American chaffseed, or Schwalbea Americana as it’s known by its scientific name, is a federally endangered hemiparasitic herb that requires a high fire-return interval, or fire surrogate to persist across the landscape. Due to extirpation of the species from 10 states, or more than half of its range, and a decline in known occurrences, American chaffseed was listed as an endangered species on September 29, 1992. Historically, this species occurred along the coast from Massachusetts to Louisiana and inland states Kentucky and Tennessee. Currently, this species occurs in seven states along the coast: New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana. American chaffseed has continued to decline since it was listed due to the persistent threat of fire suppression that results in vegetative succession or woody encroachment. American chaffseed occurs in fire-maintained longleaf pine flatwoods and savannas. Often it is found in ecotonal areas between peaty wetlands and xeric sandy soil. Its habitat is an open grass-sedge system in moist acidic sandy loams or sandy peat loams. Chaffseed is dependent on factors like fire, mowing, or fluctuating water tables to maintain the open to partly open conditions that it requires. Traditionally, the species probably existed on savannas and pinelands throughout the coastal plain and on sandstone knobs and plains inland where frequent, naturally occurring fires maintained these sub-climax communities. Under these conditions, herbaceous plants like American chaffseed were favored over trees and shrubs.
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Most of the surviving populations, and all of the most vigorous populations, are in areas that are still subject to frequent fire. These fire-maintained habitats include plantations where prescribed fire is part of a management regime for quail and other game species, army base impact zones that burn regularly because of artillery shelling, and forest management areas that are burned to maintain habitat for wildlife like the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. This species also finds suitable habitats on various private lands that are burned to maintain open fields. Fire may be important to the species in ways that are not yet understood, such as for germination of seed or in the formation of the connection to the host plant. American chaffseed is an erect perennial herb with stems
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By Libby Hopkins
that branch only at the base. The leaves are alternate, estipulate, sessile and ascend in an overlapping spiral. The leaves, stems and flowers are villous-puberulent, meaning hairy throughout. The five-lobed flowers are reddish-purple and mature into dehiscent capsules that contain numerous linear, yellowish-tan seeds. The showy flowers have a high degree of bilateral symmetry, elaborated for pollination by bees. Flowering occurs from April to June in the southern part of its range, and from June to mid-July in the northern part of its range. Fruits start to mature in early summer in the south and October in the north. In the field, germination and seedling recruitment appear dependent upon microsite soil disturbances such as earthworm castings, pocket gopher activity, as well as old fire plow lines, and old logging roads. Other minor disturbances, like prescribed fire, that expose bare soil, aid in germination and seedling recruitment. American chaffseed does not reproduce asexually via vegetative storage organs, like rhizomes, bulbs, and corms, therefore recruitment is solely dependent upon sexual reproduction. In controlled conditions, germination is high, with roughly 90 percent of all seeds sown immediately after collection, or within 24 hours, and one to two years after collection. Due to American chaffseed’s hemiparasitic nature, seedlings have to be given additional nutrients or grown with host species, like narrowleaf silkgrass, to survive off-site conservation safeguarding efforts. Because American chaffseed does not reproduce asexually and seeds do not survive long in the soil seedbank, soil disturbance via prescribed fire or other disturbances that expose bare soil is critical to the recruitment and survival of this species. American chaffseed seed will persist in the soil and remain viable for at least one year. American chaffseed does not appear capable of long-term dormancy within the soil. The morphology of American chaffseed seed, somewhat flattened and compressed and enclosed in a loose-fitting sac-like structure, suggests wind dispersal. However, no information is available to support this hypothesis. Information is lacking on both the mechanism and distance of seed dispersal. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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A HISTORY OF FARMING
Kristy Muir is the owner of Lily Hill Farms in Lakeland “We are a small dairy goat farm, focusing on show and production quality Nigerian Dwarf goats,” Muir said. “The first time I saw our farm I knew it was meant to be. In an area of continued urbanization, it remains a workable piece of land with a history.” Muir’s grandparents were dairy farmers, and she grew up in a farming community. Even as a child, she knew she wanted to preserve the farming lifestyle and raise her own family this way. “After college I worked in animal care for a large zoological institution, learning hands-on about animal husbandry with a range of animals from tigers to giraffes,” Muir said. “My graduate degree is in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus on animal behavior. This has helped me immensely with working with our herd for daily husbandry, shows, etc.”
ning Grand Champion Nigerian Dwarf doe in the youth show at the Florida State Fair. This show has very strong and beautiful competition and it was an honor for one of our goats to win. One of our young farmers also won her showmanship class with the same goat at the State Fair. It was extra special to see her hard work rewarded.”
Local records suggest that Muir’s area has a long history of farming. “We have found artifacts to support this throughout the property,” Muir said. “It makes us happy to think that the land is still being used for farming after all these years.”
In addition to showing their goats, Muir is also proud of the goat’s milk soap products. “Our soap is goat milk soap and making soap is a family activity,” Muir said. “We work together to plan, create, and wrap all of our soaps. The recipe we use takes more time, but it makes a stable product that the kids can work with safely. Our most popular product is an oat milk and honey soap. We make a range of soaps for fall events but we will also do custom orders throughout the year.”
Muir and her family love showing their Nigerian Dwarf goats in local completions. “Over the last year, we have been fortunate to be in the ribbons pretty consistently and to have a season of healthy, beautiful goat kids,” Muir said. “It has been a true joy to see our goat kids go to new farms and be successful. One of our greatest achievements in 2023 was winPAGE
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Muir hopes to continue the family’s winning streak in 2024. “You can see us in the show ring at a handful of local shows,” Muir said. “We will also most likely be attending the next Meet Florida Meat event in the fall. Although we won’t be attending the American Dairy Goat Association’s national show, some of our goats will. We will be cheering them on from home and are eager to see how they do.”
If you ask Muir what makes Lily Hill Farm different from other goat farms she’ll let you it’s the quality of her goats. “Our farm WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
focuses on quality Nigerian Dwarf goats,” Muir said. “We are active in the American Dairy Goat Association. We have brought in animals with top genetics from as far away as California to build upon our foundation stock. We also participate in Dairy Herd Improvement programs. We conduct monthly milk tests on our herd and participate in annual appraisals of our does in milk.” Muir’s favorite thing to do at her farm is milking her goats. “My favorite time of day is the morning milking,” Muir said. “There is nothing quite like sitting in a quiet barn at sunrise milking a goat and listening to the farm wake up. It’s a rare moment of quiet reflection and thankfulness.” Her other favorite thing to do on her farm is playing with the baby goats. “Of course, playing with babies is another favorite around the farm,” Muir said. “You can’t help but smile when a baby goat runs and jumps in the air to greet you.” Muir and her family are also big believers in supporting their local community and local agriculture in any way possible. “We are active in 4-H and work with families to mentor them on dairy goats and showmanship,” Muir said. “We are very fortunate to have a strong community of dairy goat farmers in Florida. We all help each other at shows and in life. If one farm is succeeding we all are! We stay busy attending events and educating the community on dairy goats, how to milk, and where our dairy products come from. Even beyond the farm-to-table movement, our future depends on people understanding where their food comes from. Small farms like ours can’t compete with a commercial operation without the support of our community.” If you would like to learn more about Lily Hill Farms, you can visit their website at www.lilyhillfl.com.
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In the 1890s Henry B. Plant originally held what was to become the Florida State Fair to promote his Tampa Bay Hotel. In 1904, Tampa Bay Hotel manager T.J. Laud-Brown revived the fair concept when he, city founders, and railroad officials put on what is considered the first-ever Florida State Fair. The event—called the South Florida Fair—was held on 27 acres next to the Tampa Bay Hotel, at a site that is now home to the University of Tampa. The event included five races for betting and a building housing agricultural exhibits. In 1915 the Florida State Mid-Winter Festival officially became known as The Florida State Fair. In 1975, Florida State Legislature created the Florida State Fair Authority and designated the Tampa event as the official Florida State Fair. In 1977, the fair was held at its current location at Interstate 4 and U.S Highway 301 in eastern Hillsborough County for the first time.
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Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the January 2019 issue
When you take your marriage vows it is supposed to be until “Death Do Us Part,” however many marriages end up in divorce. There’s nothing like divorce to bring out the worst in people. Attorneys who specialize in family law share the craziest antics they’ve had the pleasure of witnessing over the years. (Out of respect for their clients, they’ve requested to remain anonymous.) “One of my clients had a chemical peel before her deposition so she could look good in front of her husband. Instead, her skin turned bright red and began falling off of her face during the meeting!” After a lengthy and harshly contested divorce case, the wife looked out her window on the day after the trial ended and saw a moving van at the house next door. It was her ex moving in. He had purchased their neighbor’s house secretly during the trial. One attorney said, “The only thing my client wanted from the house were her son’s bar mitzvah pictures. We agreed that her husband would keep the album and she would get all the prints. When the prints were delivered to her, she realized that her image had been cut out of all the photos. When she confronted her ex about this he claimed, ‘Oops, your sister must have done it to make me look bad.’” One Attorney in Texas said, “I find it funny when a client is ordered to provide a hair follicle drug test, then shows up for the test having shaved their head, not realizing hair follicle tests can be achieved with leg hair, hair from the armpit or pubic hair; it’s even better when the client realizes that any hair can be used, so waxes their whole body and calls it a ‘lifestyle choice.’”
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The story is told, “One night my client was leaning on the kitchen counter, shooting the breeze with his wife and she said to him, ‘Do you want chicken or fish tonight for dinner? I need to know what to take out of the freezer. Oh, and by the
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way, I’m having an affair with the next door neighbor so I want a divorce.’ Her nonchalance really threw him into a tailspin; if she could break that kind of news to him as easily as ‘chicken or fish,’ what else did she have up her sleeve? He became convinced she was trying to kill him to expedite her love plans with the neighbor and that she’d accomplish this by poisoning his food. He installed a deadbolt on his bedroom, bought himself a mini-fridge and a hotplate and he didn’t leave his room until the mandatory waiting period to finalize the divorce expired.” This is a good one! “This was a hotly contested divorce. The husband (who had been having an affair) agreed to buy out the wife’s interest in their home for more money than the wife would have received if she had kept the home and sold it herself. When the couple appeared in court to finalize the divorce, the wife, who had previously agreed to everything, refused to sign the papers unless the husband gave her every last landscaping rock surrounding the house. She didn’t want to be paid for the value of the rocks. She wanted the husband to agree to rip out those exact rocks from the front yard and give them back to her because she claimed they were a gift from her father. At the time, she lived in an apartment.” A Florida attorney said “My client hated his wife so much that the mere idea of her having his toolbox was special to him. He asked for temporary use and possession in a $3,000 hearing (actual cost of attorney’s fees) for tools that were worth $500. By the time we drafted the motion for his use and possession of tools, I advised him that I could have bought him a top-ofthe-line new set at my hourly rate — and without looking so petty in front of the judge. Opposing counsel was in the same boat, arguing over the same, silly tools. The judge called us into her office mid-hearing, and literally laughed out loud for a solid minute before she told us to get out of her courtroom and make our clients behave.” During a very heated divorce, it came as somewhat of a surprise when the wife, who had been fighting for the contents WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
of the house, quickly agreed to give up the living room furniture set to her husband, who had moved to a new place. When the movers delivered the furniture, the husband started wheezing and sneezing within minutes. He was allergic to cats, something his former wife knew. Turns out that right after he moved out, she bought three longhaired Persian kitties. Their favorite place to sleep and shed? You guessed it... all over the velvety, soft living room furniture. “I represented a woman in a divorce. When I told her that she would receive over $300,000 per month in support she said to me, ‘How am I going to live on that?’ I guess the husband couldn’t live with that, either; he died of a heart attack before the divorce was finalized.” A dietitian was addressing a large audience in Chicago: “The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous to some and none of us realize the long-term harm caused by the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have eaten or will eat it. Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?” A 75-year-old man in the front row stood up and said, “Wedding cake.”
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CITRUS FLOWER BUD ADVISORIES RESTARTING By Brad Buck
As the critical time for citrus grove management begins this winter, the University of Florida is providing growers regular flower bud advisories. Such alerts provide critical information about the intensity and timing of citrus flowering. Tripti Vashisth, a UF/IFAS associate professor of horticultural sciences, restarted the advisories Nov. 21 and will continue providing them every other week through the early spring. Growers use this information to determine when to spray for Asian citrus psyllid control and when to stop using pesticides. This is so pollinating bees can be moved out of a sprayed area. The psyllid can transmit Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, to citrus trees.
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You can find the flower bud advisories on the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC) website at Flower Bud Induction — Uni-
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versity of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “This year is predicted to be an El Niño winter, which means more rain and possibly cooler temperatures,” said Vashisth, a faculty member at CREC who manages flower bud advisories. “All of this will affect flowering. So, we will have advisories every 15 days to provide accurate information on floral bud induction.” Flower bud advisories are driven by the Citrus Flowering Monitor webapp which predicts date(s) when citrus trees will bloom based on observed and predicted weather patterns and other parameters (variety, expected yield, tree age and soil type). Growers can enter parameters that are specific to their grove on their cell phone via the mobile version or computer to get a prediction. Knowing the bloom date is important for managing bloom and other related events. The Citrus Flowering Monitor WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
also gives specific recommendations on how to manage flowering. Growers should keep track of induction hours in their area and watch for projected warm periods from the weather services. Normal healthy trees could have their induction boosted by applying some drought stress. Unfortunately, with HLB making root systems vulnerable, growers shouldn’t risk heavier preharvest fruit drop of the current crop by using water stress to prevent unwanted early vegetative growth and enhance induction of flowers. Based on weather predictions, growers concerned about early flowering can apply gibberellic acid (GA) to prevent some early flowering. There are many things to consider when using GA. Please see the flower bud website for additional information before using GA.
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GOLDEN BERRIES By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science While most of us are familiar with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, a lesser-known berry is the golden berry. Golden berries are also known as Inca berry, Peruvian groundcherry, poha berry, goldenberry, husk cherry, and cape gooseberry. Interestingly though, goldenberries are not a true berry. They are related to tomatillos and are also encased in a paper husk. Golden berries originated in South America and the Andes and are produced in New Zealand, Ecuador, South Africa, and Australia, as well as in some parts of the United States. They are known to be able to grow wherever tomatoes can grow. Fresh golden berries have a sweet and mildly tart tropical flavor and are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Golden yellow on the outside, golden berries have a bright yellow flesh that is full of small seeds, much like a tomato. The fruit can be eaten out-of-hand or mixed into a fruit salad or baked into entrees or desserts.
Nutritional Profile The golden berry is high in vitamins A, C, and E. These same vitamins also act as antioxidants in the body, protecting cells from oxidative stress. One cup of fresh golden berries (140 g) contains 74 calories, 16 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 3 g protein, 1 g fat, as well as 28% of your daily requirements for niacin, 21% for vitamin C, 14% for thiamin, 8% for iron and phosphorus, 7% for vitamin A, and 5% for riboflavin.
Vitamin C Fresh golden berries are very rich in vitamin C, which has many important functions in the body. It plays a vital role in forming collagen, skin, blood vessels, and muscles. Additionally, it helps heal wounds and keeps bones and teeth healthy. The National Institutes of Health recommends regularly consuming foods high in vitamin C content since it is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in the body.
Antioxidant Properties Golden berries are full of health-promoting antioxidants, powerful compounds that help fight free-radical damage. Free radicals damage healthy cells, which leads to problems such as inflammation and heart disease. Vitamins C and A
How to select and store Choose ripe golden berries that have a deep yellow-orange color. They should have a slight give when squeezed. Consume them as soon as possible or refrigerate for up to several days. Immediately before use, remove the papery husk and rinse under running water.
How to enjoy Ripe golden berries are delicious eaten out-of-hand or squeezed into juice. They can also be stewed, or made into juice, puree, or fruit sorbet. The puree can be used as a delicious topping for cake, waffles, oatmeal, or yogurt. Golden berries can also be tossed into any fruit or vegetable salad. Additionally, these berries may also be made into syrup, jelly, jam, and other preserves. Here are some ways you can incorporate golden berries into your diet: • Blend with other fruits into a smoothie • Dip them in chocolate sauce for dessert • Turn them into a sauce to enjoy with meat, fish, or a vegetarian dish • Cook with sugar and pectin into a jam • Stir them into a grain salad • Use them on top of oatmeal, yogurt, and cereal Enjoy this beautiful, nutritious fruit during its peak season today. Eat fresh golden berries out of hand or combine them with other fruits for a healthy treat.
Selected References https://health.clevelandclinic.org/golden-berries http://www.hort.purdue.edu http://www.healthline.net
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are well-known antioxidants, both of which are abundant in golden berries. Additionally, this fruit contains compounds called anthocyanins, which also have antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins may help lower the risk of heart disease, enhance memory function, protect developing fetal brain tissue, and have anti-inflammatory effects.
DR. LUJEAN WATERS
Elected President of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association By Jim Frankowiak | Photos by Images by Blair
The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association (PCCA) has a new president – Dr. LuJean Waters, DVM, and she is the first female to head the 218-member PCCA. The PCCA, according to its Articles of Incorporation, was formed for its members “to meet together and discuss the problems of the cattle industry for Polk County and elsewhere, and arrive at solutions: to promote cooperation, understanding and goodwill among those engaged in the producing of cattle and livestock in Polk County, Florida, and elsewhere: to aid, foster and promote ideas and carry out such ideas as will tend to a better development of the cattle industry.” The PCCA is also “to affiliate with the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Inc.; to hold, foster, and promote cattle shows, rodeos, cattle sales, and other public events relating to cattle; and to receive donations, gifts and other property to be used to pursue the foregoing purposes.”
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A 7th generation Floridian whose family has long been involved in the cattle industry, Dr. Waters is very familiar with and a participant in the various activities of the PCCA and allied groups. “I literally grew up attending meetings, rodeos, and other events with my parents,” she said. A lifelong resident of the Lake Garfield area east of Bartow, Dr. Waters practices veterinarian medicine on large animals, including cattle, horses, sheep and goats. Her practice, Heartland Large Animal Services, is located on the ranch where she lives with her
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husband, Ike Stein, and stepson, Zibe Stein, 13, just two miles from her family’s old homestead. In addition to her practice, the location is also the home of Stein Cattle Co., a cow-calf operation. Zibe is carrying on the family legacy, serving most recently as president of the Bok Academy North FFA. He also shows Brahman cattle and purebreds. Growing up, Dr. Waters was involved in both 4-H and FFA, participating in both shows and other activities. “I showed cattle, horses, and dairy cattle,” she said. “Looking back, I grew up in the saddle working cows,” she said. “I think the cattle industry is in our blood. That’s what we’re supposed to do. It’s just been such a big part of our family life for so long.” That is evidenced in a variety of ways. Dr. Waters’ father, Fred Waters, has been the Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s Ranch Rodeo Chairman for the county and state for more than a decade. Her uncle, Ned Waters, served as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and her aunt, Rhonda Waters, is a past president of the Florida Cattlewomen’s Association. As a youngster, Dr. Waters’ career path was set the first time she met the family’s veterinarian. “I knew then that was what I wanted to do,” she said. After graduating from Bartow High School, she attended Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville where she received her Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Zoology. She went on to receive a Bachelor WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
of Science degree in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida and then she went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from St. Matthew’s University on Grand Cayman Island. With an ultimate goal to establish her own veterinarian practice, which she calls her ‘dream job’; Dr. Waters received a Master of Business Degree from Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan in preparation for her goal. The practice was established in 2013 and serves Polk and surrounding counties. As has been the tradition with her family, Dr. Waters has a long and varied involvement with the cattle industry through active membership in not only the PCCA, but Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and Florida Beef Council. She has served as chair of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association State Animal Health Committee along with a host of other educational outreach activities. Most recently, Dr. Waters was elected to serve a three-year term on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board. “That’s my first national appointment, and I am very proud to have been selected,” said Dr. Waters. “I have deep respect for the efforts of past PCCA presidents and recognize that those are big shoes to fill,” she said. “I was never on a mission to become the first female president of the association, but I do recognize that diversity often brings progress. In addition to continuing to address the challenges and issues facing our industry, educational outreach is one of my personal priorities and it has broad goals, from sharing advances in technology with cattlemen to helping small animal vets transition to the care of large animals and encouraging and supporting youth to further our industry.”
“I love teaching, and I find it is a way for me to show my appreciation to the many mentors I have had in my life,” said Dr. Waters. “It is a way for me to pay back and forward so our industry can continue to help feed America.” In addition to Dr. Waters, the PCCA officers and board include: • Vice President – Ken Sherrouse • Secretary/Treasurer – Justin Bunch • State Director Orrin Webb • Board Members – Donald Conroy, Stuart Fitzgerald, Kevin Fussell, Wes Fussell, Det. Jay Scarborough, Scott Shoupe, James Stice and Dave Tomkow Congratulations Dr. Waters and best of luck!
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Attesting to that commitment is Dr. Waters’ role as an adjunct member of the Warner University faculty in Lake Wales where she teaches animal sciences and her once-a-semester lecture visits to the University of Florida. “I also support local 4-H and FFA members by teaching them proper animal care and providing services for their animals at no or reduced cost,” she noted. Dr. Waters also has an ongoing internship program for students at her practice.
Business Up Front Sleepy Dragon Greens Grows Microgreens Business
By Michelle Caceres
THE COMPANY DELIVERS FRESH, NUTRITION-PACKED MICROGREENS TO YOUR DOORSTEP.
Last August, Chris Shaw opened Sleepy Dragon Greens, offering quick home delivery (within 24 hours of harvesting) of locally-grown microgreens to health-conscious Seffner-area residents.
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His business is “growing.” Mcrogreens, under three inches tall (smaller than baby greens but larger than sprouts), are young seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs that are usually harvested between one and three weeks after planting, just after the cotyledon leaves have developed. While they have become increasingly popular in the culinary world as a garnish adorning plates at fancy upscale restaurants, they pack a nutritious punch. According to a study published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,” microgreens generally have higher nutrient levels than their mature counterparts. The study found they can contain up to 40 times more nutrients by weight compared to the fully-grown plant. The study also found them to be a rich source of antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body, which may contribute to a lower risk of chronic diseases. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals. For Shaw, microgreens, with their fast growth and the small space needed for cultivating, were the perfect choice to reach
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his dream of owning a farm with organic and environmentally friendly practices. “People want to know where their food comes from and to know there’s not a lot of things pumped into it,” he said. “The microgreens are nutrient-packed and a healthier option than what you can find in stores.” Shaw’s own health history inspired a passion for clean eating. After taking horticulture classes at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, he honed his agricultural knowledge and opened Sleepy Dragon Greens. Right now, he grows four varieties of microgreens: broccoli, sunflower, pea and radish. The greens can be added to salads and sandwiches or blended into pesto or smoothies. His personal favorites are pea and his “crunchy mix,” a combination of a couple of his most popular microgreens. “It has a slightly sweet taste but is still crunchy,’ he said. “Microgreens are really the best utility vegetable in my fridge.” The business has quickly gained a loyal customer base. Customer Rob Pratt, who’s been on the company’s subscription service for three months, has made microgreens a part of his daily health regimen. A vegan and exercise enthusiast, he WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
adds the greens to his morning smoothie. “I’ve tried them all and pea and sunflower go great in smoothies with pea protein, a little almond or cashew milk, chia seeds and spinach,” he said. “They’re always delivered on time, are very fresh, and taste great.” With everyone making New Year resolutions, Shaw said Sleepy Dragon Greens can help local residents reach their health goals. “Sign up for a weekly subscription for five sets of crunchy mix, grill up five chicken breasts on Sunday, package them in the fridge and you have five lunches ready to go,’ he said. Shaw envisions a future where Sleepy Dragon Greens expands to include other products, including farm-fresh eggs and other fruits and vegetables. He also hopes to sell harvest kits in the future and hold classes so residents can learn to make their own microgreens. “Getting started with microgreens is just an entry point that allowed us to get our foot in the ground and make a name for ourselves,” said Shaw. “When we’re ready to expand, we’ll have that jumping-off point so we can continue to grow.” For more information about Sleepy Dragon Greens or to learn more about ordering visit sleepydragongreens.com or call (813) 797-6177.
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USDA NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FARM LOANS ONLINE
By Jim Frankowiak The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan. This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, improve customer service, and expand credit access.
USDA customer account and a USDA Level 2 eAuthentication (“eAuth”) account or a Login.gov account. For the initial stage, the online application tool is only available for producers who will be or are currently, operating their farm as an individual. FSA is expanding the tools availability to married couples applying jointly and other legal entities in 2024.
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FARM LOAN IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS FSA has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate Farm Loan Program customer-facing business processes. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a Direct The online farm loan application replicates the support an Loan application to FSA annually and its 85,000 Direct Loan applicant would receive when completing a loan application borrowers, FSA has made improvements this year, including: in person with an FSA Farm Loan Officer while continuing to provide customers with one-on-one assistance as needed. • A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 This tool and other process improvements allow farmers and pages to 13 pages. ranchers to submit complete loan applications and reduce the • The Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov that provides cusnumber of incomplete and withdrawn applications. tomers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to idenThrough a personalized dashboard, borrowers can track the tifying the Direct Loan products that may be a fit for their busiprogress of their loan application. It can be accessed on farm- ness needs and to understanding the application process. ers.gov or by completing FSA’s Loan Assistance Tool. To use the online loan application tool, producers must establish a
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A DIFFERENT WALK
By Maggie Fussell
If you’re reading this you survived 2023, and I hope it was a good year for you. After Thanksgiving and Christmas, the new year is celebrated with family, fireworks, and resolutions. The new year is about a fresh start, forgetting the past, and focusing on the future, right? For many years my new year’s resolution has been to lose weight. It sounded wonderful in my head but never played out right. I would start my no-carb diet in the morning and by supper time I was eating mashed potatoes. Every year it was the same. I would start the year with a great goal in mind, then reality set in. I made a decision but never acted upon it. I chose to stick with the comfortable rather than live in the awkwardness of change.
ferent way because they choose to do so. The cattle rancher chooses to use knowledge gained from years of experience to be successful in the new year.
Recently, I heard a sermon about a clearly different way to walk. Since that sermon, I have learned that a resolution is a decision. A clearly different way to walk is an action. The decision turns into action only if I choose to make the change. As I think about a different way to walk, I think of my family. Living on a cattle ranch is very different from living in the suburbs. Each lifestyle represents a different way to walk. A cattle rancher’s job is not from nine to five, it is dawn to dark. The rancher does not sit in front of a computer, they sit in a tractor giving hay to the yearlings or planting grass. The rancher does not meet in a conference room, they ride alongside each other on the back of a horse getting ready to work cows. The rancher does not make the short commute, they make the long drive to town to buy feed and get staples to fix the fence. The rancher does not go shopping on Saturdays, they spend the day in the cow pen. The rancher clearly walks a dif-
Walking takes practice. For example, a newborn calf doesn’t immediately stand up and run. They stand up on shaky legs and wobble around next to their mom. A baby crawls around on the floor, pulling themselves up and trying to balance on two legs. Their parents hold their hands and take small steps with them until they can walk on their own. You have to learn how to walk, you are not born knowing how. Therefore, when you clearly walk a different way you cannot just jump in expecting perfection. Like a baby, you take one unsteady step at a time. When you feel like you are about to fall down Jesus will be there holding your hand and pushing you forward to take the next step.
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A clearly different way to walk does not mean forgetting the past but learning from it to change your path. You can walk a clearly different way mentally, physically, or spiritually. Walking a clearly different way with Jesus to live worthy of His grace. Walking in a clearly different way where others see Jesus in you. A decision to change your behavior, attitude, or lifestyle and act upon that decision. As you try to walk in a different way it will be like those resolutions. Easy to make the decision, but hard to put it in action.
In this new year as you make the decision to walk a clearly different way, take your time and lean on Jesus’ everlasting arms to take action. This is the year to walk a clearly different way with Jesus. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
Farmers can Apply for Florida TEAM Card Online Farmers can now apply for the Florida Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) Card to use for sales-tax-exempt purchases of agricultural materials. The Florida Department of Revenue is accepting applications for the card online. Farmers who wish to apply for or learn more about the Florida Farm TEAM Card may visit fdacs.gov/FarmTEAM. Free Extension Webinar Series: Understanding and Taking Control of Your Federal Income Taxes Extension is offering a series of four, free webinars to help learn about free tax preparation tools, tax rates, deductions, credits, and much more! All are 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST. The seminar dates and subjects are: Jan 23, Webinar: Free Income Tax Software & Filing - Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $79,000 can access free online tax filing software for their tax returns. (AGI does not include tax-deferred income.) The webinar will demonstrate how the software works and answer common tax filing questions. Registration: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtcuqprzgrHNX5daV52vpmgCOSu7-qHPwq Feb 1, Webinar: Federal Income Tax Updates - will discuss tax policy changes for this tax filing season. (These are tax laws that apply to the 2023 return that is due April 15, 2023.) Registration: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEscuihrj4pG9cg5ue1Tvk5blmRC_T4PaT6 February 8, Webinar: Federal Income Tax Deductions and Credits - will discuss federal income tax deductions and credits. Registration: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJ0rf-mhqzIoEtc9vJmkiZXwVFy8xUrS-LQ2 February 15, Webinar: What’s Your Tax Rate? - Participants will learn how to calculate their personal income tax rates. Topics include tax brackets, effective tax rates, and capital gains rates. Registration: https://ufl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlf-uhrzkiHdV4Oqq5G38SSy7M83enCYzq Florida Farm Bureau Accepting Applications for Intern Program The Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) Internship Program is available to students enrolled in graduate or undergraduate education
These internships have been created to provide students with educational opportunities to gain experience from hands-on involvement in day-to-day ag business situations. Students seeking practical experience in a dynamic professional office environment should apply to the program. Internships will be between eight and 12 weeks in length and based on a maximum of 240 hours worked throughout the internship. The rate of pay is $12 per hour. Please check each track carefully and make sure you are available to fulfill all position requirements during the stated period of the internship. Qualified applicants will be selected through an application and interview process with Farm Bureau’s division managers and the Intern Program Coordinator . For more information on Internship Track Descriptions, visit https://floridafarmbureau.org/Florida-Farm-Bureau-Internship-Program/. Internship applications will close Sunday, February 11 at 11:59 p.m. USDA Now Accepting Applications for Climate Change Fellow in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is hiring a Climate Change Fellow in Florida to help with the record numbers of applications from farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses seeking funding for clean energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The position is part of the USDA Climate Change Fellows Program, which hires new staff with a range of skills to carry out USDA’s activities to address climate change and find solutions to agricultural challenges, enhance economic growth, and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, and producers. The program brings expertise and fresh perspectives to the federal workforce and expands the climate consciousness of state offices around the country. Initial appointments may be for up to two years. Additional one-year extensions may be made up to four years. To apply, visit: usajobs.gov. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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majoring in agriculture and related disciplines. Internships are related to FFB’s eight departments: Member Services, Ag Policy, Local Government Affairs, Legislative Affairs/National Affairs, Public Relations, Ag Education Services Technology (AEST), Florida Ag Marketing and Field Services.
A Vote For The White Pelican!
by John Dicks
Having digressed, though, the time is now for this year’s consideration of the serious work at hand for lawmakers.
The new year seems like it’s gotten off to a fast start. No doubt the ringing-in parties of New Year’s Eve brought many people lots of eager excitement and optimism for great things to come.
Nonetheless, even-numbered years in Florida have special significance for our state Senators and Representatives since the calendar forces them into session several months earlier than do the odd-numbered years. Most cynics (count me included) suggest that the rationale for rushing to work in January (as opposed to March) gives them more time to fundraise before Fall’s election.
Artificial Intelligence - Last year was one in which we were in awe at what brilliant computers could research, write, and report in seconds that otherwise might take years for us mere humans to prepare. This year will have legislators debating whether to require disclaimers on political ads that include AI-generated content depicting people taking actions that did not really occur. Really?! That’s most amazing, and rather disconcerting all at once!
Of course, whether or not that’s the case solely depends upon the ambitious nature of the particular elected officials, and their determination for donations to help ward off serious competitors.
The Budget - An eye-popping $114.4 billion budget has been proposed by the Governor. It was only a few years ago that the $100,000,000,000 threshold was crossed. Likely, though, they’ll blame it on inflation!
Regardless, it’s a bit of a shame that the legislative session starts so soon since as much as I love Tallahassee (having endured there the rigors of law school), I can vouch for January and February as being the two months you would pick to avoid the place.
Taxes - Then again, some of that expected revenue increase will be earmarked for tax relief. About $1 billion has been proposed for tax breaks including holding six of the ever-popular sales-tax “holidays,” timed to fall on dates benefitting such things as back-to-school items.
Instead, it’s springtime that you want to be there. If you’ve never been to our state capital in April, mark it down as a “must do,” and go!
Red-light cameras - Bills have been introduced that would prevent local governments from using red-light cameras. Apparently, many communities have already banned them.
Just to experience the “wow” factor of the amazing azaleas in full bloom is simply something to behold. Nature puts on a show that is simply stunning, and spreads the love all throughout the place.
Congressional term limits - A resolution has been proposed imploring Congress to call a Constitutional Convention to limit terms for members of Congress. It’s a nice idea, which has nearly zero odds of ever taking effect.
Granted it also means that there’s plenty of pollen popping around, too. April churns out several days of golden “snow” so prolific as to make every car in town lose its color, caked in a yellow mass of pollen. Sneeze you will, but that’s what antihistamines are for! Frankly, it’s a wondrous sight to see.
A new State Bird - Rounding out the items for serious consideration is a proposal to replace the mockingbird as Florida’s official State Bird. Receiving the most attention (thus far) is the American Flamingo. Personally, I think this should be up for a state-wide vote. I very much prefer the honor going to the American White Pelican!
Along with it, since it’s an even-numbered year, 2024 also means that election season is upon us, and it started precisely when the crystal ball dropped on Times Square in New York. Well, actually, for state and federal matters, it seems these days that we’re in a constant state of elections!
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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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POLK COUNTY ALLIED TRADE SHOW & RANCH RODEO SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 17TH The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association and UF/IFAS Extension Service will host their 18th annual Allied Trade Show and 16th annual Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, February 17th in the Bartow Horse Arena at the Agri-Civic Center on Highway 17 South in Bartow. The Trade Show begins at 10:00 am followed by the Ranch Rodeo at 1:00 pm. As in past years, the Trade Show will feature a host of exhibitors showcasing the “latest and greatest” in the livestock industry. Both cattle producers as well as the general public will benefit by participating in this event. To find out more about exhibiting a product or service, contact Livestock Agent Bridget Stice by calling (863) 588-2697 or sending an e-mail to bccarlis@ufl.edu. Trade Show sponsors included BioZyme Inc., Brenda's Western Bling, FL Farm and Feed, Florida Mineral, Salt & Ag Products, Land South Realty, Merck Animal Health, Multimin USA, Inc., Ridley Block Operations and W & W Supply Co. of Florida, Inc.
Co, Merck Animal Health, Other Side Sod Co. LLC, Putnam Groves, Inc., Quality Liquid Feeds, and Zoetis. “We thank our sponsors for their past support and look forward to their involvement again in 2024,” said Stice. This year’s Ranch Rodeo will feature a wide range of exciting activities including wild cow milking, colt riding, calf branding, double mugging, team sorting, boot scramble and “Senior Sorting” for participants 55 and up. “We invite everyone with an interest in agriculture and livestock to join us for this year’s trade show and ranch rodeo on February 17. This promises to be an informative and entertaining event that the entire family will enjoy,” said Hailey Tomkow, spokesperson for the event, noting that admission is free for Polk County Cattlemen’s Association members and children under the age of eight. Tickets are $10 for non-members and only $8 for veterans. Tickets may be purchased at the event.
Our 2023 First Place Saddle sponsors included Cattlemen’s Livestock Market, Everglades Equipment Group., KH Cattle Co, Organic Matters, Inc. and Saunders Real Estate. The Second Place Team Award Sponsor was Premium Power Bull Sale and Third Place Team Award Sponsor was Mosaic . Event sponsors included Greenwood Chevrolet, KH Cattle
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2024
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IT’S NOT FALL, BUT THE FALL ARMYWORM IS HERE Anne Yasalonis UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
In the southeastern United States, the fall armyworm is a pest that is found…in the winter (as well as other parts of the year, lucky us). Right now, yards around central Florida may be experiencing the fall armyworm. The fall armyworm is a moth (Spodoptera frugiperda) that causes plant damage during the larval phase. Armyworm eggs are small (about 0.4 mm in diameter, 0.3 mm in height) and typically laid in a layer on the surface of leaves. The eggs may exhibit a fuzzy appearance due to the deposits of grayish scales that the female fall armyworm deposits when laying eggs. This stage only lasts a couple of days. There are six instars (see the photos of the different phases of the fall armyworm here: https://entnemdept. ufl.edu/creatures/field/fall_armyworm.htm) and this larval stage will last from about 14 days during the summer to 30 days in the winter/colder months. The pupal stage takes place in the soil and is affected by soil temperature. Prolonged cold periods will result in less survival. This stage can last from about eight days in the summer months to about 30 days in the winter/colder months. Finally, the adults fall armyworm will emerge as a tan moth (measuring about 32-40 mm) with mottled gray and brown forewings. The adult fall armyworm is nocturnal and is most active during warm and humid temperatures. But what about the damage that fall armyworms cause in the landscape? Unfortunately, fall armyworms affect a wide range of plant species ranging from field crops to grasses to vegetables and cause chewing damage to leaves. All larvae (caterpillars) have chewing mouthparts, so the damage is obvious. They can defoliate plants and cause damage to growing points (buds) and burrow into plant parts (such as in ears of corn). WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU SEE DAMAGE FROM FALL ARMYWORM?
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1. Make sure you have damage from fall armyworm! This means that you should be able to find a caterpillar
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and make a positive ID. If you are not sure, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Plant Clinic. 2. Proper plant management is important. Plant early and select vegetable crops that mature early. Scout your garden and be ready to apply a pest management product if needed. 3. There are insecticides labeled for fall armyworms. Bacillus thuringiensis products are effective and luckily there are numerous natural enemies of the fall armyworm that may help with management in the home garden. For more information on the fall armyworm: https:// edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN255 For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open MondayFriday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu. If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/ IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Florida Shrimp Boil with Sweet Corn and New Potatoes
DIRECTIONS
q Ingredients q
Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat. Fill with water until about 2/3 full and add 3/4 cup seafood seasoning. Add sausage and potatoes, bring to a slight boil and cook for 8-10 minutes. Next add corn and simmer for 5 minutes. Lastly add shrimp and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through. Drain the liquid and pour shrimp boil onto a large platter. Lightly season with the remaining seafood seasoning and drizzle with olive oil. Garnish the shrimp boil platter with the diced tomato and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges, melted butter and hot sauce, if desired.
1 ½ pounds large Florida shrimp (peeled and deveined, if desired) 5 ears Florida sweet corn, husked and cut in half 1 large Florida tomato, diced small 1 pound Florida potatoes (peeled, if desired) 1 pound cooked smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup seafood boil seasoning mix 3 lemons, cut into wedges 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped fine Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Florida Strawberry Smoothie q Ingredients q 2 cups fresh Florida strawberries 1 cup low-fat milk
2 cups vanilla frozen low-fat yogurt 8 ice cubes
DIRECTIONS
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Wash and hull strawberries. Place strawberries in a blender with half of milk. Make sure lid is on tight. Blend on high speed until smooth. Add frozen yogurt, remaining milk and ice cubes and continue to blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour any leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use.
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Is your farm FSMA ready? Sign up today for a free On-Farm Readiness Review
www.FDACS.gov/FSMA 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 $1,166,732 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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A Closer LookAmazing Activities by Sean Green Naturally
Epoxy Casting
I found a new hobby and absolutely love the possibilities. This month we will cast trinkets with epoxy. There are different types of epoxy and the stuff you get from an art store that they call “casting resin” is about three times more expensive than it should be. For this project I got some two-part epoxy from the hardware store that is marketed as a floor and table coating. It’s basically the same stuff casting resin is made of (polyurethane). For the mold, I tried different things, such as clay, cookie cutters, and shallow dishes, and discovered quickly that some materials need a good coat of release before pouring the epoxy or you will lose your mold to the epoxy sticking to it.
Materials:
Two-Part polyurethane epoxy resin Petroleum Jelly Modeling Clay (option) Cookie Cutter (option) Shallow plastic container (option)
Model Objects (to squish into the clay) Objects to embed into the epoxy (sea shells, foliage, coins, etc.)
DESIGN: For Clay molds:
Roll the clay out onto a slab twice as thick as you want your finished cast piece to be Press a model object (sea shells, Fancy Key, Bark, Rock, Pendent, etc..) into the clay to make a deep recess.
For Cookie Cutter molds:
Spread wax paper on a flat surface Coat the cookie cutter with petroleum jelly (to prevent the epoxy from sticking)
For Shallow Container molds:
Coat the container with petroleum jelly (to prevent the epoxy from sticking)
Production:
Once your set up, it’s time to mix the epoxy resin. Follow the directions from the manufacturer as a starting point. For soft flexible finished pieces, reduce the amount of hardener / for stiff (but brittle) pieces, add hardener. Pour the mixed epoxy into the mold
Add the second layer of epoxy and let it dry overnight. After the casting is dry, it can be sanded, painted, and polished or even drilled to make Christmas ornaments or pendants.
** Note ** if you are embedding objects into the epoxy, pour only half thick and let it dry enough to support a toothpick without sinking. (about 30 minutes) Carefully lay object on top of the tacky epoxy, gently poke at the objects with a toothpick to get them to stick evenly to the base layer of epoxy.
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While drying, food coloring or paint can be added and swilled into the thick epoxy for fun designs.
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boar are found in every county in Florida. With population estimates exceeding 500,000 wild boar, Florida populations are exceeded only by Texas. Florida’s highest populations are in large forested regions north and west of Lake Okeechobee. These animals are described as Hogs, Boar, Pig, and Swine; they are essentially the same animal with certain characteristics that distinguish the name. The term Hog describes domestic pigs that weighs more than 120 lbs. Boar technically describe uncastrated male domestic pigs, however, the term is also used to describe wild pigs of any gender. Pigs, also known as swine, were among the first animals to be domesticated; earliest records date back 9,000 years in an area of ancient China that is now known as Turkey. Wild boar belongs to the family Suidae (true wild pigs), and are an old-world species that are not native to the Americas. MtDNA (Mitochondrial DNA) studies indicate that the wild boar originated on islands in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia and the Philippines, and later spread to mainland Eurasia and North Africa. Most authorities suggest the first pigs introduced to North America may have come from domestic stock (Sus scrofa domesticus) brought to North America with Ponce de Leon as early as 1521, but more likely not established until 1539 when Hernando de Soto brought pigs with him to provision the early settlements of Charlotte Harbor in Lee County. During the next few centuries, European settlers brought domestic pigs with them to Florida and ranched them on the open range for food. Native American communities soon expanded this new resource by gift or theft. The pigs roamed freely through the forests and swamps and were hunted only when needed for food. By the early 20th century, hunting large swine became a popular sport and the larger Eurisian or Russian wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) became a popular release on for hunting. Feral populations grew and expanded through Florida providing food and sport for many early Florida settlers. Senate Bill No. 34 in 1949 made open range ranching illegal in an effort to prevent animals from “running at large or straying upon public roads.” This was the beginning of fence laws that were more effective at keeping cattle at bay than boar. By the time the Bill was enacted, feral pig populations were already well established in Florida and continued to grow with every pig that escaped captivity and gave rise to the commercialization of hunting wild boar on private fenced land. For a time, the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission trapped and relocated feral populations and hybrids from problem areas to appropriate hunting properties as a means of control (although the state no longer does this).
In Florida, peak breeding seasons are in the spring and fall, however, wild hogs breed year-round in Florida and begin as early as one year old provided they are healthy. Sows can produce two litters of one to 13 piglets per year. The average lifespan for a wild hog is only four to five years. Although prey animals such as panthers, alligators, crocodiles and bears can take an adult wild boar, human beings are the boars primary predator. Younger piglets frequently fall prey to smaller predators such as bobcat, foxes, coyotes, and several birds of prey. Wild hogs reproduce faster than potential predators in North America can balance populations. “Natural predators” such as the Gray wolf, Leopards, Tigers, and Komodo dragon that keep wild hog populations balanced are across the ocean where this introduced species originated. Hunting wild boar has a rich history seeded by Florida’s earliest European settlers. It has not only become an American pastime but is an important control method for limiting this invasive species impact on our native fauna and flora.
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Although technically the term “feral” originally referred to free-ranging decedents of domesticated stock, all wild swine in Florida are considered feral whether descendants of wild boar or domesticated stock. Likewise, all wild swine in Florida are considered the same species, Sus scrofa. These wild boars share common characteristics that are notable. They have four self-sharpening tusks that are continually growing, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. Males have larger tusks than females, and thus greater trophy value for hunters. Males also have an upper mantle shoulder hide that can be as thick as ¾” that protects them in fights. Boar have an excellent sense of smell with which they find areas to dig up the soil in search of roots, insects or mast such as acorns or nuts. They have good hearing, but relatively poor vision and rely on a variety of vocalizations to communicate to the rest of the group, ironically called a sounder. For example, the first hog to see a threat will sound a warning call causing a flight response in the entire sounder of swine. A more destructive form of communication is a boars “tusking” behavior in which they rub their scent on trees along frequently used paths, territory, or wallows and sometimes damage the tree in the process. Wallows are a critical environmental resource for boar. Although they have both aprocrine (hair) and eccrine (skin) sweat glands, these glands are not used for cooling. Human beings are the only mammals that rely on sweat as a cooling mechanism. Boar, like other hairless mammals such as elephants, rhino, etc., must wallow in water or mud to cool.
By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
LIVE 911 IS A GAME CHANGER
TM
In the first 30 days we saved 3 lives. We saved a child who was choking because we got there before fire or EMS. We also saved two people with our AED who were having cardiac arrests. Live911 is a remarkable tool that has helped us to arrive at emergencies quicker and saves lives. It’s a game changer! – Sheriff Grady Judd
When I began my career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office 51 years ago, I worked in what was then called the “radio room” before I became a deputy sheriff. The few calls we received each day that got dispatched to one of about four or five deputies working the entire county are laughable when you compare the volume of calls and the population of our county today. Back then, as each call was received, a deputy was immediately sent and often arrived within minutes. Today, our agency handles call-taking and dispatching for not just the Sheriff’s Office, but for Polk County Fire Rescue and the city police departments (with the exception of the Lakeland Police), and on a normal day, we handle about 200 calls for service. We manage that with advanced computer software and mandatory protocols that enable us to get help to people in need in a consistent, step-by-step process. The one negative thing modernization has done is to slow down response times. It can take several minutes for information to be collected, then typed into a computer dispatching system, and then relayed to deputies in the field.
what I saw in that small radio room back in the 1970s. And their answer back in 2021, was the Live 911 system – and it’s a game changer! Live 911 is a web-based software that allows our patrol deputies to listen in on 911 calls – as they are happening – in their patrol cars on the way to the incident. Not only do our deputies hear critical details in real-time, deputies are also self-deploying to a scene before the details are dispatched to them over the radio and through their in-car computers. For the past two years, we have saved dozens of lives thanks to this system – our deputies oftentimes are able to get to someone in need quicker than Fire or EMS. Our deputies have AEDs and Narcan in their patrol
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With that in mind, I challenged my team to find a way to have the best of both worlds – manage a modern, high-tech 911 center, while also being able to dispatch calls with the same speed as
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cars – and they are using these life-saving measures on a weekly basis. Another huge benefit of Live 911 is the fact that deputies are hearing suspect descriptions and the vehicles they’re using, while they’re still enroute – and we have often caught suspects while they’re still in the midst
of a crime spree, or while they’re attempting to drive away from one. We also respond to traffic crashes more quickly. Live 911 is proving to be a valuable law enforcement tool, and allows our members to better serve the citizens and communities they love.
FLORIDA Strawberries & Pineberries
now In SEasoN! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Polk County Cattle Women
P
hew, the holidays are finally over and now it is back in full swing for Polk County CattleWomen. The first event of the year for us is the Florida CattleWomen Fun Shoot held in Sumterville, FL. PCCW sponsors the Operation Outdoor Freedom Veterans Team for this event. By now, the Florida Cattlemen’s Legislative Quarterly in Tallahassee will have come and gone, and I am hoping for this event to be an informative one.
Feel free to join us at our next meeting in person or on Zoom. We understand that not everyone can drive to Bartow for a meeting, so we have been making Zoom an option for these ladies. If you need assistance with operating Zoom, please feel free to email me before the meeting starts and I would love to help you. To receive the next meeting information, and to be added to our email list, please email blairbuchanon@gmail.com.
Finally, our women help in various ways during the Polk County Youth Fair. Whether it is passing out t-shirts, judging record books, or being a parent to an exhibitor, our women can be seen around these fairgrounds the entire week. If you happen to see one, feel free to tell them thank you or give them a hug for all their hard work and time dedicated to promoting the beef industry.
Thank you and I hope that you had a wonderful holiday season. Blair Buchanon
Blair Buchanon blairbuchanon@gmail.com
Polk County Cattlewomen President
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