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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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By Melissa Nichols
Business Up Front ACAR of Winter Haven
A Complete Auto Repair Facility ACAR of Winter Haven is this month’s business spotlight. ACAR recently celebrated the one year anniversary of being in business, however, I quickly realized upon sitting down with the owners Matt and Misty McCall, that their knowledge of the industry is vast and much more experienced than their one year in business. Matt, with 20 years in the collision repair business, is a certified I-CAR (industry standards in collision repair training) trainer, meaning he facilitates the continuing education training for technicians and adjusters to stay up to date on the always evolving repair methodologies. What does their name stand for? ACAR is A Complete Auto Repair facility. This includes paint, body and collision repair in a manner back to OEM, pre-accident condition backed by a Lifetime Warranty no matter what insurance company is involved or if you pay for the repairs yourself. ACAR is a preferred repair facility for many major insurance companies yet wants all consumers to know that in Florida you have the right to choose who or what shop repairs your vehicle. “Your car, your choice,” says Matt. ACAR also does mechanical work and repairs on all makes and models from oil changes to tune up, brakes, A/C and suspension, they are equipped and ready to handle any job. Their mechanical motto is “No up sale, No pressure.” They will provide the service you need and advise you of any potential problems there might be. ACAR also has tow trucks ready to work 24 hours a day 7 days a week in case of breakdowns, accidents/recovery or equipment moved. This is a huge benefit for the Fleet market who does not have the man power or time to have their fleet serviced or repaired. ACAR has added a full detail department to their lineup of services which include hand washes to complete detail packages. They do hand waxing, buffing, interior cleaning and a hot water upholstery extractor for those stubborn stains for carpets and seats. A true family business Matt, Misty and their son Clayton all graduWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ated from Kathleen Senior High and participated in FFA, Matt as a Parliamentarian and Clayton, who raised and showed hogs, heifers and steers with one Reserve Champion Steer win along with Senior Showmanship the same night. “Those were some great times with great people, many life lessons were learned,” says Matt. Matt and Clayton use many of the values they learned in FFA in developing and running ACAR. When you walk thru the doors at ACAR you no longer feel like you are in a body/repair shop, instead you feel like you are in your living room with a comfortable waiting area with a TV, seats and vintage decor making you reminisce back a few years. The decor is not the only thing ACAR does the old fashioned way, their customer service is much like something you would have experienced many years ago where the customer comes first and you are met with genuine warmth and respect. So let’s face the facts, ACAR does it all with state of the art equipment, up to date training, uses the highest quality parts and materials and a staff that puts themselves in your shoes to provide the highest quality repair and customer service along with a lifetime warranty. Not all of us are used to or want to deal with insurance companies so choose ACAR and let Matt, Misty, Clayton and the entire ACAR staff help make the experience something you will remember as good out of a bad situation. Located behind Sonny’s BBQ on Recker Highway, ACAR is centrally located. You can visit them at 4400 Ave G NW Winter Haven, FL 33880, give them a call at 863-293-6644 or look them up on the web at www.acarautobody.com or check them out on Facebook or Instagram ACAR AUTO Body. You will be glad you did. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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VOL. 9 • ISSUE 11
Keith Sumner
page 24
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Ray Clark (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay. rr.com
Cover Photo by Melissa Nichols
Contents JULY 2016
AG by the Numbers
Master Gardener
Page 34
Page 10
New Laws
Jack Payne
Page 12
Page 36
Fishing Hot Spots
Recipes
Page 14
Page 38
Operation Outdoor Freedom
Passing The Torch
Page 40
Page 16
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
A Bear Of A Tale
Page 42
Literary Time Machine Activity
Page 26
Page 44
Endangered Species
A Closer Look
Page 28
Page 45
Florida Malanga
earthlink.net Mike Facente (863) 697-9419
Vice President Carlton Taylor 863-781-1146 Carlton.Taylor@boehringer-ingelheim.com
Standing Committee Chairs:
Secretary/Treasurer Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail. com
Events & Director Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876
State Director – David McCullers (863) 635-2821crookedlakeranch@verizon. net
Rodeo- Fred Waters (863) 559-7808
Director – J. B. Wynn (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com Charles Clark (863) 528-8537 cclarkc4@yahoo.com L.B. Flanders, DVM (863) 644-5974 Mike Fussell (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon. net Moby Persing 863-528-4567 Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 cattlemenslivestock@
Membership- J.B. Wynn
Trade Show-
Website – Adam Norman 863-944-9293 Adam.norman@gmfind. com Cattlewomen – Vice President, Laura Slocumb (863) 660-7000 laura@higgenbotham. com Extension – Bridget Carlisle PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Tommy Dixon (863) 534-7205 tdixon@polksheriff.org
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July 2016
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Letter from the Editor
STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry
The freshest, safest, best tasting food is just around the corner. Buying local is easy. Find a farmers market near you and encourage your local grocery stores and area restaurants to purchase more products from local farmers. This small step will help boost your local economy and get you exceptional flavor from fruits and vegetables that are recently harvested and packed with nutrients. Check out what is in season in Florida and plan your meals around it. We are lucky to have something fresh and nutritious available in Florida all year. Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture’s website at www.freshfromflorida.com for a chart of what’s in season. I can’ stress enough the importance of supporting your local farmer and rancher. It takes hard work to get the food used to prepare your meals from the field to the point of purchase. It is our duty to ensure that we continue to keep our food as close to our homes as possible. We are always looking for new article ideas. If you know someone you think has an interesting story, let us know. Thank you to our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing.
Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Melissa Nichols Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Melissa Nichols Leslie Buchanon Contributing Writers Woody Gore
Sarah The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
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 and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. 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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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 Cattlemen’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Summer heat and rain is here
As I am writing this, the temperature outside is 95, with a heat index of around 110. Not really good cow working or fence building weather. Although the rain is a blessing, our grass is green and growing and our cattle are getting fat. We just finished our annual Cattlemen’s Convention at Champions Gate, and once again it was a great convention. Many awards were given out and many issues that we are facing were discussed. The trade show was also a great success with the most vendors that we’ve ever had at a convention. Our Cattlemen’s Sweetheart representative, Moriah McCullers, did an excellent job, being the first runner-up in the State competition. Our Jr. Cattlemen’s quiz bowl team placed fourth over all in their competition, which was real competitive this year. Over all is was great fun and fellowship with Cattlemen and Cattlewomen across the State and many Jr. Cattle people attending. Let me remind you that next years convention will move back to Marco, so start making your plans now. Also, I hear the Cattlemen’s Convention and the State FFA Convention will be different dates next year. I know many of us were running back in forth from the Cattlemen’s to the FFA Conventions this year. It was a ten mile spread from one to the other. Since my last article, the Polk County Youth Fair also had their annual Commercial Steer selection, held down at the Lightsey Ranch. There was a great group of calves that several Polk County Cattlemen had put together for exhibitor selection. Calves were produced by, Grape Hammock Ranch, G7 Ranch, Lightsey Cattle Ranch and Fussell Farms. I would like to thank these producers and also DC Cattle for their support in this program. Good Luck at the 2017 Polk County Youth Fair Commercial Steer Show to all exhibitors.
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As you read this, we will have had our annual summer Cattlemen’s meeting and dinner at the Stuart Center in Bartow. As usual, we will also have had our Cattlewomen’s annual cake auction, plus the heifer give away to a Jr. Cattle person. I hope all of you, Polk County Cattlemen’s members and families, had a great time and a steak dinner at the meeting. Also, you will have heard from our new State Cattlemen’s President, our own Ned Waters, and you will have heard about our black Hereford bull to be auctioned off at our Fall Meeting and dinner, donated by the Crooked Lake Ranch. It’s hard to believe this year is half over already, but God continues to bless all of us. He also blessed a wonderful couple, with a brand new baby boy. Congratulations to Leigh Ann Lightsey Wynn and JB Wynn on our newest Jr. Cattleman. May God Bless this family. In closing, talking with Dave Tomkow, butcher cows seem to be holding steady, maybe a little higher, but our calf market continues to slip. We are hoping maybe it has about bottomed out. But there are many issues going on in our world right now. We are in a different season and we all know seasons change. Be Careful Working Those Cows May our Trails cross
Ray Clark
Ray Clark Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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We are eating 900% more broccoli than we did 20 years ago. The most popular sweet pepper in the United States is the bell pepper. Pancakes have become so popular, that people don’t just eat them for breakfast anymore. Many people like to eat pancakes for dinner! Darker Green lettuce leaves are more nutritious than lighter green leaves. Americans eat about 30 pounds of lettuce every year. That’s about five times more than what we ate in the early 1900s. In the United States, lettuce is the second most popular fresh vegetable. The name asparagus comes from the Greek language and means “sprout” or “shoot.” Peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in America.
Giving back to our communities is
As a training specialist for our Florida phosphate operations, I help ensure the safety of our employees and the environment while producing top-quality crop nutrients for our farmers in America and all over the world. At Mosaic, we’re proud to share our passion for agriculture and environmental stewardship with the next generation. In fact, I’m one of hundreds of Mosaic employees who volunteer annually — whether it’s at youth fairs, Junior Achievement or backpack food-packing events. For me, giving back is more than a job. It’s about nourishing the communities where we all live, work and play. We help the world grow the food it needs.
®
Tiffany Wengyn, Environmental Health & Safety Training Specialist Florida phosphate operations WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
mosaicco.com/florida © 2016 The Mosaic Company
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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The Learning Landscape
Florida Master Gardener By Debra Howell Florida Master Gardener UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Polk County is home to five Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM demonstration gardens. The University of Florida/IFAS is all about education and extending that education to the public, in this case, in the form of educational gardens. According to UF/IFAS, these demonstration gardens “showcase plants and sustainable gardening techniques appropriate to local areas and provide learning opportunities for home gardeners and landscape professionals on design, planting and maintenance procedures.” The end-game in this educational process is to create environmentally friendly, attractive landscapes. In addition, assistance is available to help residents apply all this knowledge developed at the University of Florida. And, of course, you are already savvy about the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles which are: 1. Right plant/right place 2. Water, efficiently 3. Fertilize appropriately 4. Mulch 5. Attract wildlife 6. Manage yard pests responsibly 7. Recycle yard waste 8. Reduce stormwater runoff 9. Protect the waterfront. Florida Master Gardeners in Polk County plant and tend these gardens under the auspices of Residential Horticulture Agent, Anne Yasalonis, according to specifications set forth by the University of Florida. These gardens, which are open and free to the public, are: UF/IFAS Extension Polk County 1702 Highway 17 South, Bartow (Hwy. 17 is also known as Spessard Holland Parkway) 10
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Polk Training Center for Handicapped Citizens Nursery 111 Creek Road, Lake Alfred *Open during business hours (Wednesday – Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and 1st and 3rd Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM) (off of County Road 557) Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve 900 MacKay Boulevard, Lake Alfred (off of Highway 17-92)SPCA of Florida 5850 Brannen Road, Lakeland Fort Fraser Trail, Flutterby Lane 4620 US Highway 98, South, Lakeland (City of Lakeland Nursery, use Oak Lawn Burial Park entrance) You may schedule guided tours at http://polkffl.com. These gardens are all different in regard to plants and layout, while still adhering to the Florida- Friendly principles. As an example, Flutterby Trail, adjacent to the City of Lakeland Nursery, is a monarch way station. Basically it is a butterfly garden with a focus on providing milkweed and nectar plants for monarchs and other butterflies. Whereas, the gardens at the Extension Service in Bartow run the horticultural gamut: roses, a tropical garden, container gardens, hydroponics, butterfly garden and bog garden, to name just a few. These gardens provide examples of Florida-Friendly plants and mulches, micro-irrigation and signage for easy identification of plants. They also provide a look at applications for garden features such as gazebos, pergolas, benches, rocks and stones. The Extension Service gardens serve as a training tool, where potential Master Gardeners are schooled and tested on as many as 40 plant types. Students must study and memorize these plants and be able to identify them on their final exams. This knowledge will benefit the Master Gardeners as they attempt to identify homeowner’s plants when asked for assistance, and they will be asked. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The demo gardens at the Extension Service are expansive and bear testimony to the commitment of Florida’s Master Gardeners and the Residential Horticulture Agent to impart proper gardening information to the public. Among the plants you will see are verbena, gaillardia, dusty miller, sun hosta, chaste tree, bulbine, rudbeckia, crossandra, zinnia, cycads, arboricola, crotons, red sister ti, pentas, roses, dutchman’s pipevine, sweet almond shrub, Chickasaw plum, caladium, rain lily, numerous palm types and a plethora of bog plants. Also, showcased are benches, rocks and stones, as well as a pergola and gazebo and their garden applications. Gardens may be installed for purposes such as research, demonstration, teaching, recreation or as a way to memorialize someone, or recognize their contributions to the community. Such a garden was recently unveiled at the Extension Service in Bartow to pay homage to our recently retired Urban Horticulture Agent, Dr. David B. Shibles. Anne Yasalonis is the current Residential Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator who took his place. This garden contains such sun-loving plants as verbena, sun hosta, dusty miller and rudbeckia. Now, the Extension Service demo gardens are worth a visit, if for no other reason than to see the bog garden. The bog garden is in the same area as the chaste tree and pollinator garden, creating a wild critter-friendly spot of both sun and dappled shade. You may sit on a bench beneath the lacey branches of the gorgeous river birch tree and listen to the burbling water while tuning out the rest of the world. This restful garden offers a look at plant types appropriate for installation around bogs and ponds, and along the littoral zones of lake WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
shorelines. The bog garden allows us a look at a healthy, functioning wetland and the obligate wetland plants present in such a biome. Some plants which thrive in such an environment as a marshy depression, swamp, shoreline or wet woodland include duck potato, also known as lanceleaf arrowhead and pickerelweed. Also, in evidence is arrow arum, which is an herbaceous aquatic perennial and is capable of growing easily in boggy soils and standing water up to six feet deep. Then there is the striking river birch, whose most attractive feature is its reddish brown bark which peels off in papery strips. Some flower gardens contain rain barrels to catch and recycle rain water. Should you be interested in obtaining a rain barrel, you need to know that the Extension Service does not sell rain barrels. However, rain barrels are available for sale to those attending Rain Barrel Educational Workshops. You may also find a barrel dealer through the yellow pages to purchase and make your own rain barrel. If you purchase a barrel through a dealer, make sure you purchase a plastic food-grade container. Then download the rain barrel guide for making your own or contact the Extension Service office for a copy of “Rain Barrels a Homeowner’s Guide” which gives you directions. For your information, your 50 gallon rain barrel will be filled to the top with the rain water from just a typical, fifteen minute (1/2 inch) rain event when placed under a gutter or a valley in your roof. There are working rain barrels set up at most demo gardens including the Extension Service. If you have questions regarding your landscape, you may call your local Extension Service office for help finding the answer. The Plant Clinic at UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information contact us at 863-519-1041. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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Have License Will Travel By Jack Payne
Leaders are change agents, but the new Extension boss for Southwest Florida, Brenda Rogers, sees a big part of her job as preservation of agriculture. That means saving citrus. Extension must continue to do all it can to help growers survive greening until the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences delivers a long-term solution. Rogers also sees stemming the tide of concrete that continues to wash over farmland as part of her mission. That can probably only happen if Extension can help make it as profitable to grow food as it is to grow subdivisions. It’s a tall order. I’m optimistic that Rogers will succeed, though. When Dean of Extension Nick Place and I looked for the first new Extension district director in 14 years for the area that includes Hillsborough, Polk and nine other counties, we wanted a few things. First, a deep appreciation for agriculture and Extension tradition. Also, a record of improving communities. And finally, a valid driver’s license. More on that one later. Rogers has agriculture and Extension in her blood. She grew up the daughter of a third-generation Florida dairy farmer. Her dad’s operation was in Manatee County, and her grandfather and great-grandfather farmed in Pinellas County. She’s a proud member of the Manatee County Agriculture Hall of Fame, inducted as Agriculturalist of the Year in 2009. She was honored in 2006 as a Friend of the Manatee County Farm Bureau. As a child she participated in 4-H, showing dairy cows, learning about horticulture, leadership, and how to cook and sew. When she grew up, she trained in home economics and became an Extension agent. For years she worked for UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension teaching nutrition, public policy and consensus building, leadership development, consumer skills, and resource management (water conservation, recycling, and cutting back on energy use). She loved the work and was dedicated to the organization. But she saw an opportunity to help her community on a broader level. Rogers became director of the Manatee County Community Services Department in 2010. That put her in charge of county agriculture, the Extension service, probation services, veterans’ services, transit, and other government functions essential to making Manatee County a great place to live. She led discussions on agricultural land stewardship programs and agricultural awareness education. Among the projects she’ll continue is leading Leadership Manatee’s Agriculture Day and serving on the Manatee County Farm City Week Committee. Rogers saw the opportunity to help all of Southwest Florida when Charlie Vavrina retired after 14 years as the area’s Extension district director. The years she put in making Manatee better convinced Nick and me that she would do the same for the entire region. So all that was left was the license. She’s going to need it. Extension district directors put in lots of windshield time. They’re not armchair administrators. Rogers logged almost 11,000 miles in her first four months.
Rogers has an office in Plant City, but she has already crisscrossed her territory from Dade City to Naples in her Toyota Camry hybrid. In just a few months she has visited 67 of her Extension agents, whether they work in Immokalee, Bartow, Seffner, Palmetto or points between. That kind of face-to-face contact will be essential to her success. Rogers leads 11 county Extension directors, who are in turn the bosses of the agents who directly serve you. Rogers’s job is to learn what it is you need and then equip her agents to provide you with it. Her firm footing in the region’s agricultural traditions notwithstanding, part of Rogers’s job will be to lead change as well. After all, Florida is changing, and so are the needs of its 20 million residents. So she’ll continue to support Extension’s work in helping struggling growers come up with a Plan B that allows them to stay in agriculture and not have to sell their land to developers. Through field days, workshops, field visits, and an expanding Web library of how-to documents, her district will continue to educate farmers on possibilities. UF/IFAS scientists are working on developing alternative crops – peaches, pomegranates, olives, even hops – for those looking for relief from the incessant battle against psyllids and the disease they spread in groves. I’m also counting on Rogers to play an active role in bringing more of the University of Florida to Hillsborough, Polk and the surrounding area. It doesn’t even have to be an IFAS-controlled part of UF. Rogers sees great promise in the kind of outreach that’s begun in Sarasota through the UF College of Engineering’s Innovation Station to support and direct students into the classes and internships to guide them toward a UF engineering degree. Rogers will be talking to commissioners and community members about how science can improve their lives. Then she’ll help connect them to those in Gainesville who can provide that science. It could be that what you need is found in the College of Engineering, the College of Public Health and Health Professions, or the College of Veterinary Medicine. The common denominator is Extension carrying out the land-grant mission of bringing university-produced knowledge to the people. That knowledge is ever evolving as our scientists continually expand what we know. But the Extension dedication to sharing that knowledge with you, the people who can benefit most from it – that will never change. Please wish Rogers well in her new job, which is a lot like her old job. That is, improving the lives of Southwest Floridians. You can wave at her through her windshield. Or, if you need to talk, she needs to listen. You can reach her at bgrogers@ufl.edu or 813-757-2195.
Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS 12
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Mike Big Mac
Fishing Report Tampa Bay July 2016 Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
Snook – Snook fishing will continue strong this month with larger fish still on the beaches. Expect to see them bunching up near passes and deeper holes. They often appear to have lockjaw, but patience seems to pay off when looking for larger fish. We always seem to get some really large fish using dead bait, like cut ladyfish or chunk pinfish tossed out and left sitting on the bottom. Of course artificial lures usually produce some awesome early morning action and if you’ve passed the learning curve you can have a great time tossing plastics around an incoming our outgoing tidal grass flat. Who knows you might even pick up a nice redfish or big yellow mouth sea trout. Redfish - July should see more redfish action around the Tampa Bay area. This past month we could find some fish, but getting them to bite with any consistency was sometimes difficult. Those we did catch we got on dead baits. Occasionally we’d catch one or two on a cut pinfish, sardine, threadfin or ladyfish, but not with the action we are used to seeing. With tons of bait around its likely the fish are not that hungry, but at least they’re out there. The bay area notoriously produces good catches of redfish. You just need to find the ones ready to eat. Like snook early morning top-water artificial lures on the grass flats offers some good visual excitement as well. Work both incoming and outgoing tides. Spotted Sea Trout
- Trout fishing can always be fun, especially when you find some larger fish willing to eat. I’ve been getting into some good action in deeper water and around the fish attractors using free-lined greenbacks. Also check out the deep grass flats (3-4 ft.) using a popping cork with greenbacks, small pinfish (the flats are full of them) or shrimp. If you are into artificial lures, trout love to hit plastic lures, especially those with lots of actions. Jig heads and soft plastic with action tails will always do the trick.
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Cobia - Markers and sandy flats equal Cobia. These fish
frequent markers especially those holding threadfins. They also cruise the flats following rays and manatees. When marker fishing, keep a chum bag out, you just never know what might show up. When we mackerel fish, especially with a chum bag or when we’re cutting bait to attract the mac’s, it usually brings in a cobia or two. Keep a larger rig ready just in case one comes cruising by.
Mackerel & Bluefish
- Tampa Bay is loaded with big Spanish mackerel and bluefish and fishing this month, as in the past couple of months, should be great. Just look for schools of threadfins, put out a chum bag and hold onto your rod and reel. I’m seeing mackerel catches up to three and four pounds and some of the biggest blues ever. This is some real excitement on light tackle but you need to use small wire leaders or heavy 60# leader and inexpensive 2/0 long shank silver hooks. For some exciting top water action try tail hooking your bait and let it work against the current. This forces the bait to the top resulting in some great top water strikes. You can bet that when mackerel fishing there’s always a chance of catching a nice shark or two, or a cobia, which certainly adds to the excitement. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep a fresh chum bag over the side.
Tarpon - Tarpon fishing at the bridge and the beach has its good and bad days. Recently we’ve been seeing nice pods along the beach. Threadfins, crabs and larger sardines should do nicely. I’m seeing a few rolling in upper Tampa Bay while Mackerel fishing, especially if I’m cutting chunks of bait and feeding it over the side. They should start to show around the upper bay bridges. If you’re a night fishing person try fishing bridge light lines. WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM WWW. ININ THE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM
Trout
snook Snapper – Grey Snapper seem to be showing up every-
where. Pieces of live shrimp or cut sardines on a ¼ oz. or heaver (depending on the current) knocker rig usually works great. Just find a bridge, rock pile, dock or just about any structure and its fish-on.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” 813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give me a call at 813-477-3814 WWW.IIN NTTHE HEF FIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
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from left to right is : Lacey Waters, Kurt Parlier, Stanley Barton(Vet), Carlos Gonzalez(Vet), Daniel Northsea(Vet), Ronnie Hunter, Austin Fuller and Brandon Bates.
Wounded Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Recreational Activities at No Cost to Them
site to learn more about this outstanding program. operationoutdoorfreedom.com
Polk County Cattlemen David Hunt and Ned Waters recently lead a group hosting wounded military veterans on an alligator egg hunt in east Polk County on behalf of Operation Outdoor Freedom. Now retired, Waters was the original State Program Coordinator and Hunt is his successor. “Hosting outdoor activities for our American heroes allows them to enjoy the outdoors, relax, and meet other veterans,” Hunt said. “The alligator eggs are sold with the profits being used to offset administrative costs of the program,” Florida Cattlemen’s Association President, Waters said. The 5O1c3 nonprofit organization, Wounded Warrior Sportsmen Fund, volunteers staff and financially supports this and other OOF events throughout the year. For more information on this organization they can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/Wounded-Warrior-Sportsmen-Fund-128668877174313/
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or greater from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs and Purple Heart recipients are eligible to participate. If you, or a veteran you know, qualify and would like to participate, contact State Program Coordinator, David Hunt at (863) 578-1894 or via E-Mail at david.hunt@freshfromflorida.com.
Sponsored by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, “Operation Outdoor Freedom” provides wounded veterans with the outdoor activities they enjoy at no cost. Designated state and agricultural lands throughout Florida grant these veterans unique opportunities for recreation and rehabilitation. The Florida Forest Service, within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has provided hundreds of veterans with the “Operation Outdoor Freedom” experience, and Commissioner Putnam encourages veterans who qualify to register for upcoming events. Explore the web16
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Seeing the smiles on their faces and glint in their eyes, it was clear the vets were really enjoying themselves. Kent said, “It reminded me of Ranger School at Eglin Air Force Base near Pensacola and was a totally new experience for me.” Richard said, “We learned a lot about alligators and were able to bond with other veterans. I am looking forward to hunting alligators later on.” The egg gathering portion of the event is only one segment. Later, veterans will have the opportunity to go to the alligator farm and actually witness the eggs hatching as well as seeing in person how the reptiles’ meat and hides are utilized. Interested veterans can participate in a plethora of outdoor activities including, fishing, hunting, canoeing, and scalloping. Freedom is Decidedly Sweeter to Those Who Have Defended it, Than to Those Who Were Defended -Anonymous Viet Nam Veteran WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Ned Waters, Patrick Ramey(Vet), Richard Johnson(Vet) and David Hunt
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Central Florida Farm Plugs Customer Service and Environmental Stewardship In 1958, Walter H. Bethel started a small cattle and poultry operation in Central Florida. Today, the family-run business has grown into a leading agricultural company that produces cattle, citrus, sod and grass plugs on over 4000 acres throughout the Southeastern United States.
we can be is beneficial to everyone.”
Twice named one of the “Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Florida” in the late 90’s, the company that started with poultry as its main focus was creative enough to use established relationships with grocery stores like Winn-Dixie in the early 80’s to develop a market for their growing sod and turf products. This new venture ultimately resulted in vendor numbers with big box stores nationwide.
Established 15 years ago, the CARES program was founded by Florida Farm Bureau as a way to thank farmers who go above and beyond taking care of the land they farm. Its mission is to promote environmentally sound farming practices while educating the public on agriculture’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.
From the beginning, Bethel Farms has been committed to servicing their customer’s needs through a wide variety of products. Their planning and development process focuses on new products that address industry and customer issues. “We’re constantly searching for new ways to solve old problems,” said Will Nugent, Bethel Farm’s President. “ We focus on doing our job well and anticipating trends and our customers have come to appreciate that.” Bethel Farm’s forward thinking has not been limited to production and service. The company has been a longstanding advocate for environmental stewardship in agriculture. They helped develop Best Management Practices (BMP) for the Peace River and Manasota Basin in 2003 and 2004, and began implementing BMPs for citrus and sod once the manuals were completed. BMPs are science and research-based field-tested practices that have been determined to be the most effective and practical means for improving water quality and conservation. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), over 12 billion gallons of water is conserved each year through the implementation of BMPs “Through the implementation of advanced water management practices, we’ve been able to save as much as 40 percent on irrigation water,” said Nugent. “Being as environmentally sensitive and friendly as
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As a result of their dedication to the preservation of Florida’s natural resources, Bethel Farms was recognized by the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program in 2013.
The CARES program is a voluntary program requires farmers and ranchers to implement BMPs on their farms. Producers that implement BMPs highlight agriculture’s commitment to fostering water conservation and land protection through their continued efforts. “We want to show where we can save water, save chemicals, save fertilizer, and only put out what we need,” Nugent said. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is highlighted through the utilization of some of the latest technologies in agriculture. Bethel Farms uses a computer program that enables farm managers to plan all aspects of production. By combining the software with GPS guided applicators, they are able to avoid nutrient run-off and nutrient leaching on the farm. Bethel Farms has also implemented water management programs that consist of capturing surface water and water retention areas for irrigation, and the use of telemetry systems that monitor weather and irrigation along with other parameters critical to resource management. “It’s our obligation to protect the environment that provides us with the ability to produce agricultural products,” said Nugent. “ This is our heritage, and we will continue to search for new ways to promote the legacy of agriculture in Florida.” To find out about more farmers and ranchers who are doing their part to conserve our natural resources, visit www.thisfarmcares.org.
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Quiz I have always enjoyed putting together puzzles and solving riddles. They say it keeps your brain alert. Guess it first goes back to the time when I was a child and my dad asked me if there were five blackbirds sitting on a telephone wire, and two decided to fly off, how many would be left? My answer was three, but he said I was wrong. There would still be five because they just decided to fly, but had not flown off the wire. His favorite was one I still have not been able to solve. Three men go into a motel. The man behind the desk said the room would cost $30.00. So each man paid $10.00 and went to the room. A while later the man behind the desk realized the room was only $25.00, so he sent the bellboy to the three guys room with five $1.00 bills. On the way the bellboy couldn’t figure out how to split $5.00 evenly between three men, so he gave each man a $1.00 bill and kept the other two dollars for himself. This meant that the three men each paid nine dollars for the room, which is a total of $27.00. Add the two dollars that the bellboy kept and you have $29.00. The question is, ‘Where is the other dollar?’ Now, try this one! Think of a number from 1 to 10. Multiply that number by 9. If the number is a 2-digit number, add the digits together. Now subtract 5. Determine which letter in the alphabet corresponds to the number you ended up with. (Example: 1=a, 2=b, 3=c, etc.) Think of a country that starts with that letter. Remember the last letter of the name of that country. Think of the name of an animal that starts with that letter. Remember the last letter in the name of that animal. Now, think of the name of a fruit that starts with that letter. Are you thinking of a Kangaroo in Denmark eating oranges? If you didn’t, you are among the 2% of the population whose minds are different enough to think of something else. About 98% of people will answer with kangaroos in Denmark when doing this exercise.
year. What are the only two perennial vegetables? 4 - In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn’t been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle? 5 - Only three words in English begin with the letters ”dw” and they are all common words. Name two of them? 6 - Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh. 7 - Name six or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with letter “S.” 8 - How many sides are there on a standard pencil? 9 - How many hot dog buns are in a standard package? 10 - On the back of a $1 bill, what is in the center? 11 - How many curves are in a standard paper clip? In closing let me tell you the story of the little old Christian lady living next door to an atheist. One morning the lady came out on her front porch and shouted, “Praise the Lord!” The atheist yelled back, “There is no God.” She does this every morning with the same result. As time goes by the lady runs into financial difficulties and trouble buying food. She goes out on the porch and asks God for help with groceries, then say’s “Praise the Lord.” The next morning she goes out onto the porch and there’s the groceries she asked for, and of course she says “Praise the Lord.”
Now lets do some “Brain teasers”! (Answers at the end of this article) 1 - A man is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven’t eaten in three years. Which room is safest for him?
The atheist jumps out from behind a bush and says, “Ha, I brought those groceries – there is no God.”
2 – In 1958 a woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over five minutes. Finally, she hangs him. Two minutes later they both go out together and enjoy wonderful dinner. How can this be?
ANSWERS FOR THOSE WHO KNOW EVERYTHING 1 - Boxing. 2 - Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.)
1 – Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends. 2 – What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward? 3 – Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every 22
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ANSWERS TO “BRAIN TEASERS” #1 - The third. The lions that haven’t eaten for three years are dead! #2 – The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry. #3 – Sure you can name them: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
Now a quiz for people who know everything! (Don’t peek-answers at end of article)
3 - Asparagus and rhubarb. 4 - How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems. 5 - Dwarf, dwell and dwindle. 6 - Lettuce. 7 – Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings and stilts. 8 - Six. 9 - Eight. 10 - One. 11 - Three.
3 – Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday?
The lady looks at him and smiles. She shouts “Praise the Lord…not only did you provide for me Lord, you made Satan pay for them!”
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The Good Old Days By Melissa Nichols
It would be very easy to write an entire book about the life of this month’s feature story, not only because of who he is and all that he has done in his lifetime, but also because he probably has more relatives than anyone else in Polk County. On just about any morning, you can find Keith Sumner out in his cook shack built under an oak hammock, enjoying life as it is today. But you won’t be around him long before he is sure to tell you about the “good old days.” You see Keith Sumner is a lot of things and he has lots of stories to tell about life before popula24
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tion took over North Polk County, about farming, cattle ranching, hunting and history. Keith comes from a long line of farmers, born and raised on the same exact property where he lives today. He is no stranger to hard work and living off the land. Keith is the son of Felton and Nancy (Adams) Sumner, and Keith, along with his two siblings Michael and Patricia, grew up helping with the family dairy. Adams Dairy was owned by Keith’s Granddaddy Cecil Adams (GrandWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
mother Thelma) and it was on Socrum Loop Road near the corner of modern day Park Byrd Road. You could say the Sumner kids were baptized in fresh milk and soil because in a sense they were. “Hard work was just a way of life those days,” Keith said. “You didn’t think anything about it, there wasn’t a child labor law, we farmed and we worked, what Daddy and Granddaddy said, we did.” These ethics are the backbone that made Keith Sumner into a successful man at all he has done over the years. The eldest of the Sumner family these days is Bob Sumner, he is Keith’s great uncle and very precious to Keith. Bob said, “In our family we teach the young ones to hunt before they are school age, we teach them to live off the land and what the good Lord has provided, Keith has done pretty well doing that. Keith could teach just about anyone a thing or two about farming peas, he could grow more on an acre than some men could in large fields, he is a family man, much like his late father, my nephew, Felton, he is a tough man who has a huge soft spot for his family. Keith is honest, loving, and loyal and makes me very proud to call him my nephew. He has been a blessing to the Sumner family both in the field and in his uniform as a deputy, everything he has done has made us proud.” As Keith reminisces about the good old days many stories involved the fun times, which didn’t include theme parks or spending money, it was hunting, fishing, and outdoors. One of his favorite stories of growing up was when his Daddy sent him hunting and Keith was riding down the side of Old Dade City Road, which was then a very lightly paved road, on his bicycle with his Winchester .410 pump rifle and a man stopped beside him, he said, “Boy, you out doing some hunting?” Keith said, “Why yes sir I am.” The man responded, “You are Felton’s son and Novell Costine’s nephew aren’t you?” Keith said, “Yes sir.” The man responded, “Well, cross that creek over there and go back in there and hunt.” Keith said, “No sir that’s private property.” The man respondWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ed, “do you know who I am?” Keith said, “No sir I sure don’t.” The man responded, “I am Monroe Brannen the Sheriff of this county and that’s my property, now you go hunt.” That was the start of something much bigger for Keith Sumner and their paths would cross again one day many years down the road. When Keith graduated from Kathleen Senior High, he immediately got busy with a few of his good friends Earlow and Elwin Costine at CP Ranch, where they worked cows, built fences and cut hay and did just about anything you could think of. Longtime friend Earlow Costine said, “I have been around Keith Sumner just about all my life, and we have spent a lot of time together, we have worked a lot of cows together. We both served our country and stayed right here in Polk County. Keith always liked to farm and he was good at it.” Earlow, Elwin and Keith took care of over 10,000 acres of land, improved and unimproved that was owned by Costine Ranch. Keith knew about growing crops and we knew about cattle, it was a great blend Earlow said. After a few years of working cattle, Keith decided he was going to enlist in the military and serve his country, which he did, from 1977 until 1983. Keith, to this day, still proudly wears his dog tags and keeps close to his heart the adventures he had while serving this Nation. After he was done with his term in the military, Keith came home and picked up where he left off, working cattle. This time at Willow Ranch, where his boss was Dwayne Myers. Keith said there wasn’t much about cattle Dwayne didn’t know. He taught him a lot about cattle which led him to helping out at the Cow Palace then owned by Murray Edwards. When Keith worked for Murray, he would help with loading cattle at the lease ranches, sorting cattle, and getting them ready to ship. Keith recalls sometimes that Murray Edwards would send 50-60 trucks full of cattle out west from right here in Polk County and Central Florida. During this time in the late 70’s much of Central Florida was cattle or citrus. Keith said, “You could drive for miles on dirt roads seeing nobody, just Continues on Pg. 32
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Ornamental Gardening in Florida By Ginny Mink Last month we learned a lot about native ornamental shrubs thanks to Mr. Charles Torrey Simpson’s tutelage in his 1926 book, Ornamental Gardening in Florida. This month we are voyaging forward on the Literary Time Machine to his chapter entitled: Native Ornamental Vines. One of the coolest things about the Literary Time Machine is that you never know what you’ll learn. We are excited to find out. Join us! There’s no introduction for this chapter of the book. He simply begins his list of vines starting with the Ampelopsis arborea, which he later tells us is the Peppervine.¹ We’ve no clue what it is. So, why not find out? One site informed us that it’s a close cousin of grapes and will quickly take over your garden.² Another, more intensely informative site, shared that some people have experienced stomach upsets and throat issues after eating the colorful berries. It explained that the peppervine utilizes something called calcium oxalate as a defense mechanism. It’s a crystal that can burn your throat (probably where the vine got its name).³
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According to the United States Department of Agriculture, “Crossvine gets its name from the cross-shaped pith, as seen from a transverse section of the stem.”⁴ Unfortunately, that did little to help us in the visual department and we were unable to locate pictures to assist in that endeavor. However, we did discover that Native Americans had quite an affinity for the crossvine because they used it for medicinal purposes including: rheumatism, headaches and diphtheria.⁴ Sometimes we wonder if Mr. Simpson picked the vines on his list due to their beauty or their inherent value. His next choice probably answers that question. He writes, “Calonyction aculeatum and C. tuba, Moon vines. Two species that grow in southern Florida and in places form a considerable element of beauty as they scramble over thickets or climb the outer trees of hammocks.”¹ Yep, just as we suspected, it’s all about the aesthetics for him. We, however, like the added value in some of his other suggestions. But we will admit the moon vine’s flowers are quite pretty.
Unless you intend to read more about how to remove the calcium oxalate, that site advised only eating a few of the grape flavored berries, which are ripe when they are black. If you do your research though, you can make wine, jam, and juice from these berries!³ This could be a worthwhile endeavor since these vines love warm weather and the berries show up right around the beginning of school.
Nicker beans, or guilandina, were the next vines on his list. Once again we were confronted with something we’d never heard of. His description left us wanting more information. He wrote, “A couple of striking, tropical vines, very thorny and having pinnate leaves. Both grow in Lower Florida, the one having the well-known gray nicker beans; in the less known species they are yellow.” We wondered how he arrived at his “well-known” label since the names were foreign to us.
Next on Mr. Simpson’s list is the Crossvine, or Bignonia crucigera. He describes it as, “A tall growing vine clinging by branched tendrils that end in small disks…It bears large, dull red, trumpet-shaped flowers and is often cultivated.”¹ Of course, his description doesn’t do well to answer our question: Why is it called the crossvine with a Latin name that sounds a lot like crucifix to us?
Nicker beans were discovered by a Prussian naturalist who was later captured by pirates. Which is interesting because the seeds within the spiky pods of the nicker beans are capable of traveling across the ocean! They’ve been used as coffee substitutes, to make buttons, and for the sake of medicinal purposes. Also, in the Caribbean they are sometimes used to replace marbles.⁵
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One other totally notable aspect of the nicker bean, and its value to the earth, is that it’s a food source for the rare Miami Blue Butterfly! It grows in coastal areas, mangroves, tropical scrubs and hammocks.⁶ Mr. Simpson wasn’t joking when he called it a thorny bush. A few pictures can verify that description (just go look for yourself). The longest section of this chapter is Mr. Simpson’s obvious affinity for the Morning Glory. He expounds, “An immense genus of some four hundred species scattered over the world but mostly in tropical countries…Here in Florida are a number of fine species, some that are cultivated and others that should be…There are several others found wild in Florida that are well worthy of cultivation.”¹ He names one specifically, “One of these is called Ipomaea microdactylum but now put in another genus grows in the South part of Dade County in ragged limestone rock. It bears an abundance of very handsome crimson flowers and should, if possible, be introduced into cultivation.”¹ The Atlas of Florida Plants says that this particular morning glory is on Florida’s endangered list. Maybe we should see if it’s capable of growing further north? There’s more to this chapter, but we’ve run out of room in the article. As is always our goal, we hope you learned something (or a couple of somethings). Until next month, keep gardening and growing (in vegetation and knowledge). Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 109-111). ² Kimbrough, Marian, MG. (2007). Peppervine (Ampelopsis arborea) Galveston County Master Gardeners Magazine. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/newsletters/hortupdate/2008/ jan08/Peppervine.html ³Merriwether’s Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Texas and the Southwest. http://www.foragingtexas.com/2008/09/peppervine.html ⁴ USDA. Plant Guide. Crossvine. http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/ pdf/pg_bica.pdf ⁵KEW Royal Botanic Gardens - http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/research-data/resources/legumes-of-the-world/genus/ guilandina ⁶University of Florida IFAS extension, Lee County: http://lee.ifas.ufl. edu/Hort/GardenPubsAZ/Nickerbean_Caesalpinia_bonduc.pdf Photo Credits: Cross Vine- Bobistraveling- https://flic.kr/p/eZKCWG Moon Vine- Eran Finkle - https://flic.kr/p/5Ek2BB Morning Glory- Lisa Ann Yount- https://flic.kr/p/Ga7E7N WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Ginny Mink
Nowhere Else in the World: Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
Last month we learned about sea turtles. If you have read these articles for any length of time then you know that we are particularly interested in endangered species that are strictly attached to Florida. So, when we discovered the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow, we got excited! According to the National Audubon Society, “The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is a federally endangered bird found nowhere else in the world.”¹ When those words come across in our research, there’s a greater sense of urgency for us to convey to you the value of God’s creation. If these birds are indeed found nowhere else in the world, we need to help them survive! Therefore, let’s learn enough about them to actually be helpful in the midst of their plight. The Florida Grasshopper Sparrows are found in Central and South Florida, but only on the dry prairie areas of those locales and they don’t migrate. Apparently, these birds are so rare very few people have ever seen them or even know they exist. They get their names from the sound of their calls. We would have assumed it was based on their diet. However, they make a buzz sound that reminds you of a grasshopper’s signature wing rub. These birds are ingeniously designed to blend well with their prairie habitats. They are white, black and brown with intricate designs on their feathers. Almost hand-painted to camouflage. An interesting point is that the males only sing a couple months out of the year and even then it’s only for a few hours a day during their nesting season (April-July). Rarely seen, these wee birds lay 3-5 eggs on the ground because they are a ground dwelling bird.² They use grass lumps and palmettos as nesting material to create dome-like structures. The male sings for the sake of protecting his territory and he helps raise the kids (nice). They eat bugs and seeds. Apparently they don’t generally go too far from their birthplaces over the entire course of their lives. Herein lies the problem, 85% of Florida’s prairie ecosystems have been destroyed by our desire to provide more pasture land for cattle. This wouldn’t be too bad if those modernized or “improved” pastures were able to support the lives of these little birds. Unfortunately, that is not the case. These wee birds are in need of a nearly perfect, just as God originally designed it, prairie. They need the cycle of burning every two years which will leave prairies with very little (hardly any) trees or brush. The news only gets worse! This year’s numbers are the worst they have ever been, and that’s with three conservation areas in place and 28
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plenty of understanding as to what the Florida Grasshopper Sparrows need. Researchers are still trying to figure out what’s going wrong. The list of potential problems includes: predators, bad burning, genetic issues, fire ants, and disease. The three designated sites are: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Avon Park Air Force Range, and Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. The decline in population numbers is significant enough to lead to genetic troubles if that hasn’t already been an issue. We’re talking about previous numbers of over a hundred birds (singing males, which is how they track them) in each area and now we’re down to 60, 10 and a couple. This is a for real species in peril! More bad news, in May of 2016, heavy rains flooded the prairies and destroyed a vast number of the known nests (all in one day). Thankfully, there is a crew of people who love these birds and are devoted to their well-being. These sweet people went out and rescued babies and unhatched eggs. They sent the rescued individuals to the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation where many of them lived and that increased the number of captive species to 30. This was a light in the dark tunnel of these birds’ lives. Additionally, subpopulations of these birds are located on private lands. This means that there is at least a bit of hope that the birds have found homes elsewhere. The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow was declared federally endangered in 1986, although Florida gave it that designation in 1977. If the number of sites as homes for the birds increased to 25, or if 50 breeding pairs (on 10 sites) could be verified, the birds could be removed from the endangered list. Research shows that habitat restoration appears to be a positive factor for the Florida Grasshopper Sparrows when it comes to rehabilitation and increasing numbers. What can we do? It would appear that the best option is to help support the sites that are homes to these birds. If there’s a way to assist in funding for them that would probably be the best first move. Aside from that, if you own pasture in the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow’s home range, perhaps you can consider learning a little bit more about proper burning and preparations for their well-being. You can make a difference for them, if you really want to. Resources: ¹National Audubon Society- http://fl.audubon.org/birds/floridagrasshopper-sparrow ²Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission- http://myfwc. com/research/wildlife/birds/florida-grasshopper-sparrow/information/ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Florida
Malanga
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Mashed, fried, boiled, sautéed, and roasted, malanga is a versatile and delicious root vegetable that can be eaten much like you would eat a potato. Popular in the tropics and South America, this tuber is also grown in Florida. Malanga is very similar to its cousin taro. Cormels are edible tubers formed in the soil at the base of the malanga plant, which surrounds a central tuber, the corm. Malanga are about the size and shape of a white potato, covered with a brown, textured skin. This tuber ranges in size from half a pound to over two pounds. The flavor is nutty, unlike other root vegetables. Much like a potato, the inside of the malanga is very crisp and ranges in color from yellow, cream, or pink. Its texture is also like that of a potato, and it adds flavor, thickness, and creaminess to soups. Interestingly, malanga is often milled into flour and is one of the most hypoallergenic and easily digested foods in the world. Malanga flour can be substituted for wheat flour to make cookies or bread, which is especially useful for those who are allergic to gluten in wheat or other grains.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Malanga are jam-packed with a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols. Compared with potatoes, the malanga is higher in fiber, calories, and vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 2/3 cup serving of cooked malanga (85g) contains 90 calories, 1 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 23 g carbohydrate, and 2 g of dietary fiber. Malanga is a great source of riboflavin, folate, iron, and vitamin C.
VITAMIN C: FOR COLD AND CANCER PREVENTION
Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer as well as the common cold. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron when eaten together. It also plays an important role in the development of strong bones and teeth. Current research findings support that vitamin C’s benefits come from consumption of whole fruits and vegetables. A high intake of produce, including malanga, is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Taking supplements does not seem to provide the same protective benefits as eating malanga.
FIBER: FOR REGULARITY AND HEART-HEALTH
Malanga, as well as the other root vegetables, contain a significant WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is best known for preventing constipation and assisting with digestion. Another important function is its ability to lower cholesterol, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerosis. Eating fiber-rich foods is a delicious way to help keep your arteries clear of plaque. Fiber can also help maintain steady blood sugar levels by preventing spikes in blood sugar followed by low levels. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
Choose tubers that are firm and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with bruising, soft spots, or excess moisture. Fresh malanga root should be stored at room temperature and should be used within a week. Malanga can also be refrigerated for longer storage. Immediately before using, scrub the root with a brush under running water, trim ends and remove the skin. Rinse each piece after peeling and cover in cold water. The root can also be dried and ground into flour. Malanga flour is a good substitute for wheat flour for those who are intolerant to wheat or gluten.
HOW TO ENJOY
Malanga root can be prepared the way you would a potato, yam or other root vegetable. It should be cooked prior to consuming. Malanga can be peeled, sliced and fried as chips, or boiled and pureed for a creamy soup. When it is overcooked it acts as a natural gluten-free thickener for stews and other dishes. Boiled or steamed malanga can be mashed with butter and cream to use as a side dish much like mashed potatoes, or cut into pieces and roast with salt and pepper like home fries. Malanga fritters, a delicious side dish, is made by grating the root, mixing with flour, egg and herbs, and pan-frying in small spoonfuls or patties. The leaves are also edible and nutritious.
HERE ARE SOME MORE SERVING IDEAS:
• Mash boiled malanga with milk, yogurt, or chicken broth • Saute sliced malanga with sliced carrots, rutabaga or parsnips for a mixed root vegetable dish • Roast cubed malanga with olive oil and salt • Grate and use for hash browns, dumplings, or potato pancakes • Combine with tuna fish and steamed green beans in a salad nicoise • Use the flour as a wheat flour substitute in quick breads and cakes Enjoy fresh Florida Malanga today! Try it instead of potatoes for a delicious and nutritious twist.
SELECTED REFERENCES http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/FCS/FlaFoodFare/Malanga.pdf http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv090 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Continued from Pg. 25
cows and citrus, before development took over.” One day a few years after he got out of the service his Uncle Novell sat Keith down and said, “You need to quit fooling with these cows and go be a deputy.” Keith said the following Monday he started his career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he recently retired after 25 years of serving and protecting. Keith served as a Patrol Deputy, Burglary Detective, Undercover Detective, and his favorite position, as an Ag Deputy, where he served for six wonderful years. Keith said “I truly found my place as an Ag Deputy.” He got to be surrounded by agriculture and help serve an area so near and dear to his heart. Keith retired from the Sheriff’s office in 2013 with many stories to tell about the days of being a PSCO Deputy under Sheriff Lawrence Crow, and his friend and colleague Sheriff Grady Judd. Keith received a commendation for his time at the Sheriff’s office and still serves as an Alumni for them today. During his years as a Deputy, Keith also kept active with his farming. People drove from miles around town to come to North Lakeland to buy Zipper, Conk, Blackeye or Pinkeye Peas from him every spring/summer. At one point Keith had as many as three field of peas growing at one time all while still working full time. Keith said, “It was a family venture, my wife and boys helped me. I wanted them to love this land as much as I do.” Following in his father’s footsteps Keith farmed much of the same land his Dad did many years before, keeping the family tradition going. Keith said he misses many of the people he worked with but is enjoying his life after being a deputy. Since retirement Keith has had a lot more time to spend with his children Jesse, Wyatt, Michael, Matthew and Jacob, along with his grandsons Landon and Owen. Keith went back to working part time for a longtime friend Bobby Walker at his ranch on Moore Road, and helping with things at the old Cow Palace now owned by Bobby. Keith has slowed down on farming and cutting hay and found a place that reminds him much of the “Good 32
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Old Days” with the exception of it being in Georgia not Historic Socrum. Keith and his wife of 27 years, Teresa, are spending lots of time at his new hunting grounds. Keith plans on kicking his retirement into full gear and leaving this all behind before long. He said, “It’s been a good run, and this will always be my home, but when I look across the road and see a subdivision where my Daddy used to grow Charleston Gray Watermelons, and every aspect of what used to be is now gone. Where six lane road have replaced old dirt roads and houses are now built one on top of another, where you can drive for miles and miles and not see a citrus grove or a cattle ranch, I long for the simple life again. One where I can walk out back and shoot a squirrel or a dove and have it for supper, where I can grow peas and live off the land, that’s where I want to be again.” As I interviewed a man I have known for many, many years, a new admiration grew for him, when so much of the life we live today is surrounded by technology and hurry up and get where we are going, Keith is driving is 1980’s model reconditioned GMC Truck that he bought brand new, riding around with his window down waving at you as you pass by. This man who knows more about this land than many of us could ever fathom, and could sit for days telling you stories of the times before our county was street lights and supermarkets, days when the highlight of the summer was going to the motel in town to go swimming after you worked all day in the sun, because nobody had a pool in their back yard. Today the value of the land seems to be in the eyes of the developer, in a land where you rarely saw a house on less than a few acres, they are packed in as close as they can be. The true value of this land is the history, the rich soil, the crops it can grow and the cattle it can feed. Polk County in some people’s opinion is in its prime today because houses are being built and the latest chain food restaurants are going in, in Keith’s opinion many of us never knew the real Polk County, and never experienced the “Good Old Days.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Florida Ag: By the Numbers
Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam
Florida’s farmers and ranchers take enormous entrepreneurial risk multiple times per year every single year knowing that they could lose it all. Florida’s farmers, ranchers, foresters and fishermen deal with international competition, disastrous weather events and threats from pest and disease. Despite all of this, and because of the industry’s innovation, Florida agriculture remains strong and resilient. Nearly 48,000 farms on 9.5 million acres in Florida grow around 300 different products. Our agricultural industries contribute more than $120 billion to our state’s economy, support 2 million jobs and rival the economic impact of tourism and construction in Florida. The annual “Florida Agriculture: By the Numbers” report gives an in-depth analysis of Florida agriculture and reflects the impact and importance of agriculture in Florida. Some of the highlights from the most recent report, released in July, include: Florida ranked first in the nation for the value of production of oranges, grapefruit, fresh market snap beans, cucumbers, squash, fresh market tomatoes, watermelon and sugarcane. In addition, Florida’s livestock industry performed very well; sales of livestock and products increased to $1.8 billion, up from $1.5 billion the previous year. Sales of cattle increased to nearly $870 million, an almost $200 million increase from the previous year, and Florida now ranks 10th in the nation or beef cows. 34
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In terms of total value of production, Florida accounted for: · 60 percent of the total U.S. value for oranges ($1.17 billion) · 58 percent of the total U.S. value for grapefruit ($117 million) · 39 percent of the total U.S. value for fresh tomatoes ($437 million) · 39 percent of the total U.S. value for fresh cucumbers ($65.3 million) · 35 percent of the total U.S. value for snap beans ($77.4 million) · 27 percent of the total U.S. value for bell peppers ($164 million) In the 500 years since cattle, citrus and other crops were introduced to Florida by the Europeans, our state’s farmers and ranchers have helped pave the way for the United States to become a world leader in agricultural production. Florida’s agriculture industry continues to responsibly provide food and jobs for Floridians, while maintaining our state’s rich cultural history. On the whole, last year was a successful year for many of Florida’s farmers and ranchers - let us hope that next year proves to be even more prosperous. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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July Marks Mid Summer With Many New Laws In Florida by John Dicks
It seems that for most people in Florida, July marks the middle of summer. What often slips by unnoticed is that it’s also the month that many new laws go into effect.
some free-market changes pushed by the Legislature this year. One allows advanced registered nurse practitioners and physician assistants to prescribe controlled substances.
This year there’s 159 of them, that while our Legislature passed the measures just a few months ago during the session that ended in March, they didn’t actually become law until July.
Also health related is a new law which will allow the beginnings of telemedicine in Florida. This will enable practitioners using technology to provide healthcare from elsewhere including even from other states.
One that has garnered much conversation and debate affects school choice. Parents will now gain greater access to schools with available classroom space. Parents will have the ability to transfer their children to any public school in the state that isn’t at capacity. The law gives preference to students living in the district, students moving because their parents are active-duty military personnel or students moving because of foster care placement or court-ordered custody arrangements. Probably to give school boards around the state time to implement the new opportunity, the school choice provision which is now effective new law, won’t actually allow parents to use the benefit until the school year 2017-18.
In an effort focusing on environmental protection, the Legislature passed a measure which provides funding for water resource projects and land acquisition in the Florida Keys. Also tucked into legislation this year was an allocation of $204 million for Everglades restoration. Concerned with the ever growing costs of higher education, a new law was implemented with the goal of understanding and planning for college costs so as to prevent financial surprises which lead to significant student loan debt. Included in the measure are mandates to provide tuition and fee transparency, textbook cost predictability and overall accountability.
Also new is a change in the use of EBT (often referred to as food stamps). Now people who are eligible for the EBT cards will be able to use them to make purchases at fresh produce markets.
Seeking to provide more safety to motorists is a new directive for the Department of Transportation to install roadside barriers where state roads are next to lakes and ponds. The bill that created this provision was called “Chloe’s law” and is named after a UCF student who died last summer when she crashed into a retention pond and drowned in Orlando.
Taking a giant leap in the direction of solving some growing technological quagmires, guardians or trustees of estates can now gain legal authority to manage digital assets and electronic communications. This should enable heirs to gain access to passwords for such things as social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.
Showing particular disdain for local police speed traps, the Legislature made it clear that local law-enforcement agencies cannot use ticket quotas. Specifically the law requires individual local governments to submit reports to the Legislature if traffic-ticket revenues cover more than 33 percent of the costs of operating their police departments.
In an attempt to stave off “Big Brother” government intrusion, any food contests or cook-offs lasting no more than three days and hosted by a school, church, religious organization or nonprofit will not be subject to the rules of “public food service establishments.” That will eliminate the need to pay licensing fees or being subject to inspections.
While most of the new laws which became effective in July were general in scope to our entire state population, there were a few which focused on farms and the Ag industry.
Legislators showed some love to taxpayers again this year. There is now a new exemption from sales taxes on food and drinks sold by veterans’ organizations and an exemption for manufacturing equipment and machinery. Also, the ever popular back-to-school sales tax holiday will be around again this year. The date is set for August 5-7.
We now have an official state honey. Tupelo got the nod. It’s harvested from the Ogeechee Tupelo tree found mostly only in northwest Florida. The Legislature further usurped the power of local governments by prohibiting them from enforcing local ordinances or policies which restrict or regulate agritourism activity on land classified as agricultural land. Also becoming law this summer was one that exempts drivers of certain farm vehicles from having to have a commercial driver’s license.
There were some notable healthcare bills that were part of
John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own 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. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor. 36
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Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Melon Muffins Ingredients 1 watermelon 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened 3 ounces low-fat lime yogurt 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime zest
DIRECTIONS Slice watermelon into 1-inch thick cross sections. Using a 1 ½ wide biscuit cutter, cut watermelon sections into circles. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese and yogurt; mix well. Arrange melon circles on a plate and top each with a teaspoon of yogurt sauce and pinch of lime zest. Serve immediately.
Watermelon and Shrimp Cocktail Skewers INGREDIENTS 1/2 medium-sized watermelon, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 32 cubes) 32 large shrimp, cleaned, poached and chilled 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/4 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or mild-flavored vinegar) 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce kosher salt to taste fresh ground pepper to taste 8 (6-inch) bamboo skewers
DIRECTIONS In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and the peanut butter until completely blended. Add in the garlic, ginger and soy sauce until fully combined. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour most of the dressing over the shrimp, reserving some sauce for dipping. Chill marinated shrimp for 1 hour. To assemble, alternate shrimp, watermelon cubes and torn basil leaves on 8 skewers. Serve skewers with leftover sauce. 38
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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Passing the Torch
By Leslie Buchanon
As Polk County Youth Fair (PCYF) exhibitors prepare their projects for the 2017 PCYF, Janice Jackson is busily preparing for a new chapter in her life. After 30 ½ years of serving as the PCYF Coordinator, Janice has decided to pass the proverbial torch and turn off the alarm clock. A little over 30 years ago Janice decided to leave her position at an accounting firm and accept the first official position of employment with the PCYF. Throughout her years of service, Janice helped bring computers into the PCYF office to assist with the tremendous amount of record keeping that occurs with this county-wide week-long event. Janice believes her many years of dedicated service couldn’t have run as smoothly as they have without the many faithful volunteers that donate their time and talents to this annual event. These volunteers come from all walks of life and devote their knowledge and experience to the 4-H, FFA, and Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students of Polk County. The PCYF is unique in the fact that the fair has an office which is housed within the UF/IFAS Extension Office and there is no midway to provide funds to support the fair. Donations from community members, local business owners, and the annual Polk County Youth Fair Fundraising Dinner help to make the PCYF an event that stretches back some 70 years. With categories ranging from livestock and horticulture projects to educational exhibits, and from food and home furnishing projects to photography exhibits, there truly is something for every student who wishes to participate.
by donating the pavilion site and made a financial investment into the building fund. These donations were met with more monetary donations from Polk County, local cattlemen, business owners, citrus producers, and individual citizens. After overcoming many years of obstacles, Gardenhire Brothers was awarded the basic contract to build the barn and arena. Paul Hayman, a member of the building and planning committee for the inaugural PCYF, who also served as the County Extension Agent at that time, played an instrumental role in the development of the facilities we enjoy today. The efforts of W.H. Stuart and Paul Hayman in the creation of the PCYF did not go unnoticed, as there are portions of the facilities named after each of them; the Hayman Arena and the Stuart Center.
The PCYF originated in 1947 as a one-day event for 4-H, FFA, and FCCLA students to have an opportunity to display their agricultural and home economics projects. It was held at the Hughes Field National Guard Armory on North Broadway in Bartow and was called “The Polk County Youth Agricultural Show.” Many years of planning and advocating occurred before the PCYF dream became a reality. According to the Polk County Youth Fair website, in 1944 G.W. “Buck” Mann, Jr. approached L.H. Lewis, a representative of Nathan Mayo, the Commissioner of Agriculture at that time. They shared a vision of an agricultural show pavilion in the local area that would eventually turn into the PCYF we know today. W.H. Stuart, the then Chairman of the Livestock Committee of the Bartow Chamber of Commerce, met with Nathan Mayo where Mr. Mayo asked the committee to bring the project to life. The City of Bartow responded
Janice’s last day on the job is July 15. She believes her successor will need to be someone who is organized, fair, honest, has good people skills, and has experience with various computer programs. In addition to a new face at the helm of the PCYF, Janice’s replacement will have responsibilities that entail some UF/IFAS Extension Office duties, as the position will be split between the Polk County Youth Fair and the UF/IFAS Extension Office. We would like to thank Janice for her many dedicated years of service working behind the scenes and for being a vital part of the PCYF.
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Having served as Coordinator for so many years, Janice has seen many changes occur at the PCYF. Janice feels one of the most notable changes over the years has been the tremendous increase in the number of exhibitors that participate in the PCYF each year. That said, she believes the economy affects exhibitor participation at the PCYF, which she explains has been evident in recent years with the participation in the market steer program declining each year. Janice explained the highlight of her job has been, “seeing first-time exhibitors enter projects into the fair, grow up exhibiting projects at the fair, and then return to the Youth Fair with their own children as PCYF exhibitors.”
In 2017 the PCYF will celebrate its 70th anniversary. The 2017 Polk County Youth Fair is scheduled for January 21-27, 2017. For information about the rules, regulations, divisions, and competitions available at the PCYF check out the website at www.pcyf.net. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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A Bear of a Tale
By Leslie Buchanon
When it comes to Florida’s wildlife, the Florida Black Bear is the largest land mammal you are likely to see. The only mammal larger than the Florida Black Bear is the Florida Manatee. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) estimates the statewide population of black bears to be approximately 4,350. The Florida black bear is a unique subspecies of the American black bear, the only species of bear found in Florida. While the leading cause of bear mortality in Florida is vehicle collisions, there has been a surge of black bear coverage in the media in recent years as they leave their habitats and venture into urban areas searching for food. For most folks, the sighting of a black bear can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. However, when black bears are spotted stalking the livestock on your property, the experience can become one of dismay and fear. Jesse Bibby of J & L Farms in Bartow knows all too well the dangers that can occur when black bears come into contact with humans and their livestock. On the morning of June 11, while Jesse was sitting on a gate on his property in Bartow, he spotted a black bear walking towards him. Unbeknownst to Jesse, PCSO Deputy Sheriff Phillips had previously observed a black bear cross S.R. 60 in Alturas and make its way to 80 Foot Road heading towards Wells Road. D.S. Phillips decided to follow the bear to assure there was no danger to humans in the rural, but residential area. D.S. Phillips then called the FWC and requested assistance. Jesse was able to flag down D.S. Phillips and notify him of the bear on his property. For his own safety, D.S. Phillips asked Jesse to wait inside while he surveyed the property for the bear. The deputy then watched as the six foot tall, 328 pound bear climbed the fence and entered the pig pen where Jesse’s pet pot-bellied-pig named Lucy lived. The bear chased Lucy around the pen before picking her up by the sides and biting her on the back of the neck. Since FWC had not yet arrived at the scene, D.S. Phillips was forced to take matters into his own hands. Fearing for the life of 42
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the pig, D.S. Sheriff rushed in and shot the bear once in the rear. His attempt to save the pig’s life was successful, however the bear then turned on the deputy and began charging straight towards him ready to attack. In order to protect his own life, the deputy shot two more times striking the bear in the side and the neck, killing the bear and saving the life of the pig, in addition to his own. FWC was not at the farm when the incident occurred, but they took the bear to perform tests. Lucy has recovered from the ordeal and is doing well. This was the first time a bear has been spotted on Jesse’s property, and he hopes it will be the last. Jesse said he is very thankful the deputy put his life in danger to save his pig. Jesse explains, “That was a big bear. It could have done a lot of damage, not only to a pig, but to a kid.” According to Dawn McDuffie, Jesse’s mother, an FWC biologist informed her the male bear was an older bear and his teeth were dull, which saved Lucy’s life or she would have been shredded from the bite to the back of her neck. While the population of Florida increases, so does the population of bears in Florida. The increase in these populations has also increased the number of bear-related issues reported to the FWC each year. Due to their daily caloric requirements, bears are constantly searching for food. Black bears are opportunistic feeders and possess the ability to smell food from one to two miles away. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, “Black bears are omnivorous. About 80 percent of their diet comes from plants (e.g. acorns, nuts, berries, and other vegetation). Another 15 percent of their diet is made up of insects (e.g. termites and ants). The rest of their diet (5 percent) is made up of meat (e.g. opossums, armadillos, and carrion), most of which they find by scavenging.” Florida Black Bears are protected under the Bear Conservation Rule which states it is illegal to, “take, possess, injure, shoot, collect, or sell black bears or their parts or to attempt to engage in such conduct except as authorized by Commission rule or by permit from the Commission.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
FLORIDA BLACK BEAR RANGE
If you see a black bear threatening the safety of humans, pets or livestock, or causing property damage, the FWC would like to be contacted. The Southwest Region office is located in Lakeland and can be reached at 863-648-3200. In referencing the incident at J & L Farm, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is quoted as saying, “There is no such thing as a routine call in law enforcement. I’m proud of this deputy, who saw a potential threat by a wild animal, immediately took action, and placed himself in a position not only to protect human life, but also someone’s livestock. Because he was in the right place at the right time, the bear did not kill or maim anyone or anything.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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Naturally A Closer Look Amazing Activities
by Sean Green
DIY Portable Air Cooler Summertime has only just begun and it’s HOT! This is the time of year the AC unit is most likely to fail and I can tell you from personal experience that it does not take long for the temperature and humidity to rise to “uncomfortable” in the middle of a summer day. If you have access to ice, a simple and fairly effective portable air cooler can be made for less than $20 and can be used as a back to cool a small room when the main AC goes out, keep the car cool in the heat of the day, or keep the tent cool for summertime camping. With ordinary ice, the cooler will output air temperatures of around 40°F for several hours. It is well known that adding salt to ice will not only melt the ice, but actually lower the temperature of the resulting slurry to well below freezing (32°F), more salt results in colder temperatures.
Materials: Utility Knife Styrofoam Cooler PVC Elbow (2” or 3”)
Fan (4 to 6 inch) Water Salt Ice
1
Trace the circumference of the PVC elbow onto the top lid of the cooler.
3
Cut a hole for the fan in the top lid of the cooler Cut at 45° angle to create a smaller interior diameter and provide a better seal.
2
Cut a hole for the PVC elbow (exhaust) in the top lid of the cooler. Cut at 45° angle to create a smaller interior diameter and provide a better seal.
4
Fill 1/3 of the cooler with tap water
5
Add at least 1 pound of salt to the tap water *more is better* (table salt works better than rock salt)
6
Fill another 1/3 of the cooler with ice * leaving 1/3 air space for circulation *
7
Plug the fan in to circulate air through the cooler, cold air should exit the exhaust PVC
As an alternative to an AC powered fan, consider looking for fans that can be powered with batteries or solar panels, so it can be used for camping or power outages.
813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563
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P o rtrait P h o tograp h er Spe c ializ ing in H igh Sc hool Se niors
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
July 2016
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A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Land Planarians (Bipaliinae) only on snails and slugs. Bipalium adventitium, an earthworm eater, is found in the northern states and only grows to about 4 inches. It is identified by its single narrow stripe running down its back side. This species finds its prey by following a chemical trail left by the earthworm through the soil. Bipalium pennsylvanicum, also an earthworm eater, is known as the three lined land planarian and has a dark brown head and three stripes running the length of its body. This species was only known to be found in Pennsylvania when it was first described by Robert E. Ogren in 1987 but in 2014 populations were confirmed in coastal South Carolina. Bipalium vagum is the mollusk eater (snails and slugs) and one of the two that are likely to be found in Florida. They are throughout the southeastern US. Bipalium vagum can be identified by its three thick dark stripes running the length of its body, and two dark spots on its head, but it’s most defining characteristic is that it is the only species with a full neck collar. Bipalium kewense, another earthworm eater, is common in the southern states and can grow to more than 10 inches. This species is characterized by five distinct dark stripes running the length of its body, the middle stripe being thin, and the stripes terminate at the head to create a partial collar. Bipalium kewense is perhaps the most studied of the four species. So far though there is still very little understanding of any species.
North America is home to a growing number of invasive species that are introduced through transcontinental shipping of agriculture. Some are welcome, some simply tolerated, and some violently despised. During the rainy season each year, my fascination with a particular resident is renewed as I watch it make its way across my front porch. The critter is a predatory land planarian (flatworm). It looks like a long skinny worm with a head resembling that of a hammerhead shark, a characteristic that has inspired it’s common name “hammerhead worm.” This invasive species, and it’s relatives thrive in our Florida climate and will probably become naturalized. For some, this worm is a hero, for others a villain, with a closer look, you can decide for yourself if it’s friend or foe. Planarians or flatworms are common in salt water, fresh water, and terrestrial environments. These animals are known for their ability to regenerate body parts and are often a featured high school biology experiment that demonstrates regeneration. When split properly, both halves will regenerate into two separate individuals. Planarians that live on land (land planarians) comprise the family Geoplanidae, “Geo” (earth). Within the Geoplanidae family, there are some flatworms that are characterized by a half moon or pickaxe shaped head they comprise a subfamily of flatworms commonly called “hammerhead worms” or Bipaliinae “bi” (two) + “pala” (spade). The genus Bipalium is endemic to India, Indochina, Indonesia and Japan. In the United States there are four introduced species of Bipalium, three of them prey only on earthworms, and the forth, prey WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Though we know very little about these species, the two species that are known to exist in Florida are being well studied and there have been some interesting discoveries. Florida fisherman are well aware of the dangers associated with Tetraodontiformes, an order of fish associated with the powerful neurotoxin Tetrodotoxin (TTX) such as pufferfish and porcupinefish. The neurotoxin (TTX) is approximately 25 times more toxic than potassium cyanide for oral lethal dose according to its MSDS sheet and can enter the body through ingestion, injection, inhalation or abrasion. The neurotoxin (TTX) common in these fish were previously unknown in land dwelling invertebrates, however, recent studies have confirmed that TTX is distributed through the body of both Bipalium adventitium and Bipalium kewense paralyzing prey several times the size of the planarian. The toxin TTX has also been found on egg capsules of Bipalium adventitium and is thought to be a means of protecting the eggs from predators. Once its prey is subdued by the neurotoxin, the Planarian will push it’s pharynx out of its mouth to secrete enzymes that dissolve its preys flesh allowing the Planarian to suck the liquefied tissue into its body in much the same way a spider would consume its prey. Bipalium are not known to have any natural predators in the United States. In feeding trials, two snake species and six salamander species were tested as potential predators. Only a few salamanders (2%) struck and ate the planarian the other potential predators would not even recognize the planarian as potential prey. The mechanics for the production of TTX in marine animals is not fully understood and is currently the only model that exists for attempts to understand similar terrestrial systems. More research will need to take place before any reasonable conclusions can be made about this species. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909 Info@inthefieldmagazine.com 2015 MAHINDRA EMAX TRACTOR
ANIMALS & NEEDS ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813) 752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com July 17, 2016, Nov. 27, 2016
4wd with 60” mid mount mower. 39 hours, warranty. $9,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
HUSTLER RAPTOR
42” cut, 21 hp Kohler engine. 3 year warranty. $2,799 Call Alvie (813) 759-8722
FOR RENT
CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mullcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
Dry and available IMMEDIATELY! Call Tim Ford (863) 439-3232
BUILDING SUPPLIES METAL ROOFING
RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
BRAND NEW BUSH HOG ES2052 zero turn mower. Price reduced from $5,425 to $5,000 Call Alvie 813-750-8722
BRAND NEW HUSTLER X1
60” cut price was $10,356 buy now for $8,800. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
REAL ESTATE
ALUMINUM
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
1976 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 674
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. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Blake 813-752-3378
SIDING
Ext. Siding 4’X7’ sheets stucco texture & 12” on center. $14.95 Call Blake 813-752-3378 Metal brand new in bo 54” Mobile Home Tubs Call Ted (813) 752-3378 $199.00
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We are a Simonton/MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
FARM EQUIPMENT John Deer Tractor 655 FOR SALE! Call 813-323-3791
FMC 352
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
7X15 LAWN TRAILER
Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool box. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 Call us today! 813-759-6909 or email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com Let us help you get rid of it!
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Priced to sale. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FORD 6700 TRACTOR
$3,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 ROSSI CADDY 8 HAY RAKE Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FOR SALE
17 acre blueberry farm, turn-key operation. Located near hwy 98 & 54. Polk & Pasco line. Over 24,000 plants, 12” well. equipKITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the ment, everything you need. $285,000 Call 863-604-2526 or 863-689-5458 BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
PROPERTY AVAILABLE DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER 10 - 30 acres of property available No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
JOBS GROVE EQUIPMENT SERVICE
JOHN DEERE 655
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HESSTON 3710 TEDDER
FOR SALE
MOBILE HOME TUBS
HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?
2wd, very good condition. $8,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
for farming in Pasco County. Call Nick 813-967-3858
FOR RENT
Irrigated farmland 230 acres located in Wimauma. 2 locations in Ruskin 150 & 135 acres. Contact Daniel Skousen 813-331-3942
is looking for agriculture/tractor mechanics at both the Bartow & Plant City locations. HavSERVICES ing own tools is a plus. Pay based on skill and exCALLER ON HOLD perience. Call Bartow at 863-537-1345 or A low cost service that enables you to Plant City at 813-759-8722 communicate important information about Now Hiring Experienced Barn Builders”. your business to customers while they are on hold. No monthly payments or annual 813-754-1766 payments. Call today and ask for LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES Al (813) 763-2220
MISC.
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,799 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
July 2016
FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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