GM IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH FARM BUREAU速 TO BRING YOU THIS VALUABLE OFFER1. Farm Bureau members can get a $5001 private offer toward the purchase or lease of most new GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD lineup. Visit fbverify.com for more details. They get tough jobs done with a maximum payload of up to 6,635 lbs.2 and a conventional towing capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.3 And through the GM Business Choice Program4, business owners receive even more when purchasing or leasing an eligible Chevrolet or GMC truck or van for business use. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com for details. 1Offer valid toward the purchase of new 2011 and 2012 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models, excluding Chevrolet Volt. 2Requires Regular Cab model and gas engine. Maximum payload capacity includes weight of driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo. 3Requires available 6.6L Duramax速 diesel engine. Maximum trailer ratings assume a properly-equipped base vehicle plus drive. See dealer for details. 4To qualify, vehicles must be used in the day-to-day operation of the business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. This program may not be compatible with other offers or incentive programs. Consult your local Chevrolet or GMC dealer or visit gmbusinesschoice.com for program compatibility and other restrictions. Take delivery by 9/30/2012. Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation速 are registered service marks owned by the American Farm Bureau Federation, and are used herein (or by GM) under license. 息2011 General Motors LLC
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Contents
VOL. 6 • ISSUE 11
POLK COUNTY
CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831-9005 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cover Story Chris Wynn
Page 34 Master Gardener
Page 10 An Amazing Ride
Page 13 Tampa Bay’s Fishing Report
Page 14 Polk County Sheriff’s Office
President - Charles Clark (863) 412-8349 cclark@expoco.com Vice President - Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 cattlemanslivetock@earthlink.net Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail.com Al Bellotto - (863) 581-5515 Ray Clark - (863) 683-8196 rclark@tampabay.rr.com L.B. Flanders, DVM - (863) 644-5974 Dewey Fussell - (863) 984-3782 Mike Fussell - (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net David McCullers - (863) 528-1195 Moby Persing - (863) 528-4379 Ned Waters - (863) 698-1597 watersn@doacs.state.fl.us
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J.B. Wynn - (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com
Abandoned Groves
Alternate - Howard Yates 2501 Arbuckle Lane Frostproof, FL 33843-9647
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Standing Committee Chairs:
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22 Recipes
Page 38 Passionfruit
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Membership - J.B. Wynn Events - Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876 Rodeo - Fred Waters (863) 559-7808 watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Cattlewomen - President Marjorie Wood (863) 660-4137 onnie397@aol.com Extension - Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. - Sgt. Howard Martin
The Qualm After The Storm
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From the Editor
ITFM Staff PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Al Berry SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR/ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sarah Holt
Let me start this by saying, I am not a nutritionist. Nor am I an exercise expert. I don’t pretend to be either. What I do know is, that when I started paying attention to my nutrition, notice I didn’t say diet because that is a four letter word to many, and started exercising, something amazing happened. Yes, I lost weight, but more importantly I feel better. I had more energy, my mind is more clear and I feel better about myself. I will be the first to say it’s not easy, far from it. You must have the right mind set and be ready to get serious about getting healthy before you start. Fad diets and “miracle pills” are not the answer. What is the answer? Good, nutritious, fresh from Florida food! That’s right! Eat nutritious fruits and vegetables, grown right here in your back yard, check the label to make sure your meats are not a product of another country, look for the Fresh From Florida label. That’s what you need to do. Of course portion control is important, but again, I am not a nutritionist. There is an abundance of information on web sites and you can work with a nutritionist to figure out what best suites you to become the healthiest happiest individual you can. As far as exercise goes, each individual is different. What works for one, may not work for another. Find something you enjoy so you will continue doing it. I have taken up running and enjoy it very much, but I know it is not for everyone. Walk your dog, ride a bike, whatever you are capable of doing, I promise you will feel better for it. Keeping active and eating right are keys to a healthy lifestyle. It’s always best to check with your physician before you start to exercise. While moderate physical activity is safe for most people, experts suggest you talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any health concerns.
Until Next Month,
Sarah
EDITOR Patsy Berry OFFICE MANAGER Bob Hughens SALES MANAGER Danny Crampton SALES Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton José Mendoza CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mona Jackson PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Lacey Waters STAFF WRITERS Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankwoiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Woody Gore Les McDowell
Index of Advertisers Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers ........................29 Arrington Body Shop, Inc. .........23 Brenda Simmons ........................29 Broke & Poor ............................44 Carlton & Carlton, PA ..............39 Cecil Breeding Farms .................41 Chemical Containers....................9 Choo Choo Lawn Equipment ....24 Circle “R”..................................39 Circle Bar J Feed & Tack...........19 County Line Road Auction ........40 Discount Metals.........................40 Ellison RBM Inc. .........................7 Farm Credit ...............................15 Fields Equipment Co. Inc...........42 Florida Farm & Ranch Supply.............................16 Florida Dept. of Agriculture.......12 Florida Strawberry Growers Association ................................37 Fred’s Market...............................9 Grove Equipment .............31 & 36 Helena Chemical-Tampa............23 Hinton Farms Produce, Inc. .......36 International Market World.........5 Jeff Sumner/Georgia Camp ........19 John Locke Painting, Inc............48 Key Plex.....................................26 Lightsey Cattle Co. ......................7 Mosaic .......................................44 Pathway BioLogic ......................32 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association ...............4 Payne Air-Conditioning................7 Precision Safe & Lock................17 Purina ..........................................2 Rhino Linings ............................28 Ring Power Corporation............47 Roadrunner Veterinary Clinic ......5 Seedway .....................................17 Southeastern Hay, Inc. ...............21 Southeastern Septic, LLC ...........42 Southwestern Produce................27 Spurlow’s Outdoor Outfitters ....16 Stephanie Humphrey..................40 Stingray Chevrolet .......................3 The Bug Man.............................23 The Catering Company..............47
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. –Numbers 6:25
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 & Florida Citrus Mutual. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com, or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In The Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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The summer dinner meeting for the Polk County Cattlemen's Association will be held on July 19. The Polk County Cattlewomen will present their scholarship winners and have their annual cake auction. A presentation by Ashley Hughes, Director of Beef Marketing and Production for The Florida Beef Council will give us an update on their programs. A drawing will be held to determine the winner of a commercial heifer, donated by Bill and Ann Adkinson. Participants will be limited to sons and daughters of Polk County Cattlemen's Association members and be eligible to show the animal in the 2013 Polk County Youth Fair commercial heifer show. Special thanks go out to Bill and Ann for their continued support of the County Association and its youth. Most of you know that Bill and Ann donated a bull to the association for years, which was one of our main fund raisers. Bill and Ann cut down on the size of their operation, but not their generosity, and began supporting the heifer program. This will be the third heifer donated to this program in support of our youth. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Charles Clark Charles Clark Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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• There are about 3800 lizard species found all over the world. • Lizards have the ability to shed their tail to run away from predators. • Some Horned lizards are able to squirt blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism. • Snakes have no eyelids. • Snakes, like all reptiles, are incapable of learning. • Snakes are completely deaf. They pickup vibrations in their jawbones and on their scent molecules located on their tongue. • Most snakes have over 200 teeth. • A female flea can lay up to 27 eggs a day, and produce up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime. • The flea is a host for a certain tapeworm, so if your animal has fleas it will often have tapeworms. • The flea can jump to a height of roughly 6 feet. • For the purpose of mating, male mosquitoes are attracted to female mosquitoes by the whine of the femaleʼs wings. • A female mosquito only takes about 5 millionths of a gallon of blood per bite. At this rate it would take over 750,000 bites to make a gallon of blood. • In 1802, Napoleon lost 23,000 out of 29,000 men to mosquitoborne yellow fever in Haiti. • Under ideal conditions, mosquitoes can go from egg to adult in as little as 4 days.
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By Debra Howell o you have a spot in your landscape you would like to cultivate and forget? If your turfgrass languishes and refuses to thrive, a ground cover with appropriate horticultural requirements is just the prescription you need.
D
The gardening term “ground cover” indicates plants that provide a blanket for the soil, and may range from Ivy to Bromeliads to Perennial peanut. Any plant that is ground hugging or covering and grows in close proximity to effectively cover a bare or problem spot may be utilized as a ground cover. Ground covers may assist in the landscape if soil erosion or a steep slope is a problem. Imagine a tough slope abounding with a hardy ground cover becoming a pleasant little patch. Requiring a fraction of the upkeep of turf, and conforming well to areas difficult to mow, ground covers may assist in reducing gasoline consumption. Keeping turfgrass in great condition requires regular mowing and irrigation, as well as pest, disease and weed control. A quarter-acre lawn is four times the energy cost of a yard of the same size with a one-sixteenth acre lawn and the remaining part planted with low-maintenance vegetation. With water quality in Florida becoming a priority, it may interest you to know that over eight million Btu’s (British Thermal
Units) are necessary to water a one-half acre lawn in central Florida. Over four million Btu’s may be saved annually, as well as 224,000 gallons of water, when you make the decision to use ground covers. Turfgrass, however, is still the best fit for outdoor areas devoted to heavy recreational use. But for instances where there’s no practical reason for turf, ground covers perform well at a fraction of the energy required by a lawn. As with the rest of the planting in your yard, ground cover plants will vary in color, growth habit and texture. Some careful thought should be given to the effect they’ll provide in your landscape. Before planting, you need to obtain a soil pH test for acidity or alkalinity in your soil. Then loosen the soil in the intended planting area and amend with organic matter (such as compost, peat moss, animal manure, etc.) to a depth of 6-12 inches. Planting holes should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball and as deep as the root ball is tall. Water consistently during time of establishment and commence fertilizing four to six weeks after planting. While in the establishment period, rapid growth depends on irrigation, fertilization and weed control. Florida-friendly mulch helps with water retention and makes weed control easier. Many ground covers need only an occasional trimming once estab-
lished, and some take very little water after establishment. Most of us are aware of common ground covers such as Ivies or Asiatic Jasmine, plants that are widely used by landscapers. But what about other, more diverse plants that are equally appropriate but not so broadly used? When I began to research ground covers, I had an idea of some plants I would mention. I was quite surprised to find that they were covered in the IFAS bulletin Ground Covers for Florida Homes (ENH 30). Have you given any thought to using plants like Bromeliads, Aloes, Matchweed, or bulbs such as Crinums, Caladiums and Daylillies? The idea of using Bromeliads came to me at Bok Tower upon viewing a prodigious display of them used as ground cover under an Oak tree. This thought was reinforced at a recent Master Gardener field trip to my cousin Rhonda’s (new Master Gardener) where she uses them as a border ground cover around her patio, as well as throughout her backyard. I also have several “patches” of Bromeliads, one of which incorporates plants purchased at the Florida State Fair horticulture exhibit in years that my centenarian mother felt like attending. She’s never let me push her in a wheelchair, preferring to walk to the Zoo, poultry, rabbit, dairy, beef and horse shows, as well as the horticulture exhibit, of course. Bromeliads are loved for their unusual and colorful foliage and flowers that are pretty wild or just plain pretty. In my yard, I have Bilgergia, Aechmea, Neoregelia, Vriesea and others for which I don’t know the name and possibly can’t pronounce it. I won’t go into Bromeliads any further, because I plan to write about them soon. Aloes are easy, medicinal and attract Hummingbirds. I’ve seen my female Rubythroat three times just today. I have the aloe with the salmon-colored flowers and two yellow bloomers which have yet to flower. The salmon ones seem to fill in an
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area lots faster than the yellow cultivar. These plants will help you with the problem spot in your yard and the “ouchy” spot on your person. Granted, Caladiums are only visible part of the year, but they’re up now and worth of mention. I’ve lately seen them banked in layers, beautiful whites and reds, used as ground cover in front of Boxwood. Lilies such as Milk and Wine have lovely, covering foliage even when not in bloom. And I can attest to the success of Crinums, as my very large white Crinums are advancing quite inexorably toward the street and the obstruction of my view of approaching traffic as I attempt to back out of my driveway. I’ve included Phyla nodiflora (Matchweed) because of it’s effectiveness as a ground cover and because I’ve seen Buckeye and White Peacock butterflies thereon. It’s tiny flowers resemble a matchweed, hence the name Matchweed.
UF/IFAS Reproductive Management School Offered October 8-11, 2012 The UF/IFAS South Florida Beef Forage Team will be offering an intensive course in cow herd reproductive management designed for owners and operators of the beef cow herd on October 8-11 in Lake Placid at Buck Island Ranch. Participants will improve their understanding of the broad subject of breeding herd management and will be better equipped to work with their veterinarians in accomplishing breeding program objectives. Topics Include: • Pregnancy Testing • Quiet Handling of Beef Cattle • Heifer Development and Management of Young Cows • Coping with Calving Problems • Genetic Management for Efficient Reproduction
Now here’s the Mack Daddy of all ground covers, but only if you’re committed to removing unwanted baby plants. It’s the Caribbean agave. Several years ago I attempted to grow a “living fence,” and in just a short while I’ll have been too successful. Absolutely no one will attempt to cross this boundary with it’s beautiful variegated swordlike leaves of green and white. Other plants to consider are purple or yellow Lantana, Coontie cycads, Ferns, Kalanchoes, Confederate jasmine, Carolina yellow jessamine, Perennial peanut, Beach morning glory, Beach sunflower, Sunshine Mimosa and Gaillardia. All of the plants mentioned should be properly placed to aid in covering an area as rapidly as possible. When you choose to reduce your area of turfgrass by introducing some innovative ground covers to your landscape, you’ll reduce water use, pesticide and herbicide use, as well as cutting down on mowing time and wear and tear on the mower (that’s you). It’s a win-win situation for you and the environment! •
• Training with the Drost Project • Roundtable: Management Practices for Success • Breeding Season Management • Health ManagementVaccination Program for Reproduction • Reproductive Implications of Body Condition and Nutritional Management • Utilizing Performance Records • The Role of Artificial Insemination in Beef Cattle • Herd Bull Selection • Estrus Synchronization and Heat Detection • Nutrition for Reproduction • The Role of Ultrasound in a Beef Cattle Herd Hands-On Labs: • Intact Tracts • Pregnancy Testing • Obstetrics/Calf Presentation • Breeding Soundness Lab
DeSoto County Ken Johnson (863) 993-4846 Glades County Tycee Prevatt (863) 946-0244 Hendry County Sonja Crawford (863) 674-4092 Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, Lee & Collier Counties Les Baucum (863) 674-4092 Lindsey Wiggins Highlands Co. Randy Gornto (863) 402-6540 Manatee County Christa Kirby (941) 722-4524 Okeechobee Co. Pat Hogue (863) 763-6469 Courtney Davis Polk County Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677
The fee for this three-day course is $350. For more information and registration forms, please contact your nearest participating South Florida Beef Forage Program Extension Agent listed below. Registration deadline is Friday, September 21st.
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Vincent Collura
An Amazing Ride By Libby Hopkins
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eing a Florida resident for over 31 years has not taken away Vincent Collura’s New York accent or demeanor. He is the owner of the 7 Acres School of Horsemanship in Lakeland. Collura is 85-years-young and has never worked a day in his life, or at least that’s what he’ll tell you. “I can honestly say I’ve never worked a day in my life because I enjoy what I do,” Collura said. What he enjoys are horses. He’s been around them almost his entire life. He started riding horses when he was 7-years-old. He grew up in Manhattan were he claims horses originated because of Central Park. There was a stable just a few blocks away from his home. Everyday he would go and walk the horses up and down the floors of the stable. At the time he was earning 50 cents a week delivering papers for a newsstand owner named “Lefty.” Collura realized he could make a dollar a week if he got the newspapers to Lefty’s newsstand before the other newsstands had the newspapers. “I had to get down to 86th Street and get the newspapers and bring them to Lefty so he was ahead of the other newsstands,” Collura said. This situation is what got Collura into the horse business as he calls it. He started delivering the newspapers using a horse and wagon from the stable owner near his home. Collura said he has always been business minded and it has paid off over the years. There isn’t much he hasn’t done. He’s been a cab driver, insurance salesman, a jockey, rodeo contender, horse trainer, you name it, and he’s done it. Horses have always been his passion and his business. His mother didn’t know he was in the horse business until he took her to one of his rodeos.
“I came down here to retire and do nothing,” Collura said. “I was going to buy one or two horses and steal from Uncle Sam.” One or two horses turned into 10-12 horses, one of which is named Cool and he is the son of the famous Storm Cat. Although he hasn’t ridden a horse in a few months because of his diabetes, Collura still is up at dawn and works until sundown. He’s a confessed workaholic and he refuses to let his diabetes slow him down. “I said to heck with diabetes stuff,” Collura said. “I started wearing my boots again, whether they like it or not and I’m going to get back on a horse.” He gave me a mischievous wink as he pulled up the leg of his pants to show me he was wearing his favorite cowboy boots. There is still a lot of fire left in him. He has a new student he is training to be a jockey and he’s not sure if she will make it because he is very strict when it comes to training. “I don’t play games,” Collura said. “She’s either going to like me or hate me.” All of his student must follow his 14 commandments. He didn’t tell me what his commandment were but he assured me he had them all memorized in his head. On any given day at his ranch, you may hear him shout, “You’re looking he wrong way!” “Arch your shoulders!” “Don’t bend your head!” He is a perfectionist. I asked him if he would ever retire for real and just take it easy. He said, “When you retire you die and I’m not ready to die just yet.” The 7 Acres School of Horsemanship is located at 3420 Youngs Ridge Road in Lakeland. For more information on the classes offered at the facility, you can contact Collura at 863-858-7710 or visit his website at www.7acres.net
“She wanted me to be a professional and settle down with a nice girl and get married,” Collura said. He had different plans for his life. He used his rodeo skills to raise money for muscular dystrophy and Jerry Lewis. If you ask him what it was like to work with Lewis, he’ll tell you, “He was a nice kid.” During our interview, Collura brought out an old briefcase full of old newspaper articles and rodeo programs. His stage name was “Vin Laura” and he has the social security card to prove it. “My agent made me change my name because he said it sounded better than my real one, so I did it,” Collura said. He still uses his stage name to this day. He had his first ranch in Long Island, NY but sold it and moved to Florida in 1981. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
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by Captain Woody Gore
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ummer is here and with it plenty of daylight hours to spend on the water fishing or boating. But while summer brings with it visions of sunshine and warm temperatures, it can also bring in the chaotic weather that often puts a swift end to our water time fun. Thunderstorms, especially those associated with lightning and wind, are all bad news if you’re caught unprepared on the water. The good news is that with a little basic knowledge you can learn to predict when these storms are coming, and get yourself out of the water before you’re in danger. Seasoned boaters and anglers have learned to watch to the skies for impending storms and if things don’t look promising they head for safety. Here are a few tips for keeping your eye on the sky: • Bad weather is often forecast before you ever leave shore, so make certain you check your local weather stations or local marine forecast, paying careful attention to all marine warnings that may be posted for your area or the area you may be heading. • Look for the telltale signs of a forming thunderstorm such as clumps of thick cumulous clouds (the puffy, cotton-ball type) darkening into a towering, cumulonimbus cloud (think cumulous growing vertically, with an anvil-like shape at the top). Begin heading for safety whenever you see clouds in this formation. Severe winds, lighting, rain or worse can occur in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. • The severity of a storm can often be predicted by the shape and color of a cloud’s front edge. The darker, sharper, and lower the edge, the more severe the storm. A storm cloud’s anvil-shaped top
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also will typically point in the direction the storm is traveling. • During the summer, thunderstorms will often build over the water when the humidity and temperature on land are high. As hot air radiates upward, it absorbs moisture from nearby water, ultimately rising to begin forming a thunderhead. The telltale sign of these storms are fast moving black clouds, often approaching from the southwest, south, or west. • How long do you have before a storm arrives? Try this trick. When you first see a lighting flash, count how many seconds pass before you hear the accompanying clap of thunder, then divide by five. The result is the number of miles you are away from the storm. • Even if a storm is still several miles away, the lightning it generates can easily reach you. Lighting often strikes well before a storm, as well as once the storm has seemingly passed. Watch for the “coppery” haze and building cumulonimbus clouds that indicate a thunderstorm, and seek shelter well in advance. • If you can’t outrun a storm or find some kind of shelter, point your craft into the wind, and try to take approaching waves at a 90-degree angle. This will keep your pump in the water, and lessen the chance of your craft getting rolled over. It’s also best to stay as low as possible, so that your body is not the tallest target on the water.
Atmospheric Association (NOAA) broadcast continual weather bulletins on designated “WX’ channels, which are updated every six hours. SNOOK (Snook Season Closed) Seems like snook is all people want to target and catch and while there are plenty around, perhaps when you catch one you will take a moment to look at its mouth and you’ll see why I’m suggesting targeting something different. Their mouths are in terrible shape from being hooked and released so many times. I imagine if my mouth had that many holes in it I’d be reluctant to eat anything. So, you might want to think about giving them a rest during the closed season and try one of the other 200 plus species throughout Tampa Bay. In saying this there are still good reports coming in from the north end down past the Skyway. Weedon Island is a favorite spot for many anglers and it gets plenty of pressure throughout the week and especially on the weekends. However, if you’re tired of the same old scenery and crowded fishing pressure, why not venture away from your favorite spots and find some new areas.
Chad Payne with Redfish
• Remember, whenever you’re venturing farther than just your local bay or shore, a handheld VHF radio can be a lifesaver. Many include a weather alert feature to warn of approaching storms. In addition, the National Oceanographic and W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
REDFISH We’re seeing plenty of singles and doubles around the usual haunts. If you’re lucky enough to come across a large school of mullet before the mullet skiffs bust them up, you’ll usually find a redfish noising around inside the school. Live or dead bait works, but I’m finding dead bait and a rod holder is working the best. For those that like pitching soft plastics and topwater’s around the mangroves you can expect some great action on incoming tides. SPOT T ED SEA T ROU T You might try suspending a shrimp under popping cork with a medium split-shot about 8” about a 1/0 circle hook and work the cork by popping it, letting it set a moment, then popping it again. If there are fish in the area it won’t take long before you are hooked up. If that’s not working, remove the cork and freeline a greenback or shrimp over some deep grass and its usually trout for dinner. Topwater popping plugs or soft plastic jerk baits over any broken bottom grass flat can offer artificial anglers some nice action. SILVER SEA T ROU T Tampa Bay has an unusually large population of silver trout scatters all over the 6 to 12 foot depth, usually on fairly hard lime rock bottom and spotty grass. We’ve been catching them up into the 2 to 2 ½ pound range and if you’ve never had a silver trout meal it’s delicious. MACKEREL & SHARKS I can’t say enough about the big Mackerel showing up. They’re all over the Bay feeding on Anchovies, and Threadfins. Hang a chum block over the side throw out some cut chunks of Threadfins or Greenbacks and get ready. I’m getting reports of big fish ranging in the four to seven pound range caught using a long shank 2/0 hooks and 60 pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader. COB IA I’ve seen a few Cobias around the Bay, most are cruising markers or following large rays or manatees around the flats. When Mackerel fishing with a chum block keep you eyes open, as Cobia like to hang around your boat. If you net your bait, keep a few smaller pinfish and use them for the Cobia. TARPON Plenty of Tarpon at the Skyway and on the beaches. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, or a crab should do the trick. If you’re casting to them use a rod and reel combo that allow for a longer distance cast.
Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing 813-477-3817 Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, 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 him a call at 813-477-3814.
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MOSAIC MINE FACILITIES RECEIVE NATIONAL MINE SAFETY AWARDS Four Corners, Wingate and South Fort Meade Mines Celebrate Safety Records
The Mosaic Company
announced that three of the company’s Florida mining facilities were recognized with national mine safety awards from the International Society of Mine Safety Professionals (ISMSP). Mosaic’s Four Corners, Wingate and South Fort Meade mines received the awards for each achieving more than a million safe work hours without a lost time injury. The three mines were among only 29 mine facilities nationwide that received the award that recognizes excellence and leadership in mine safety. “If not conducted with care and diligence, mining can be a dangerous activity. Our facilities work hard to instill a culture of safety and embrace Mosaic’s commitment to the relentless pursuit of an injury-free workplace,” said Gary N. “Bo” Davis, Senior Vice President, Mosaic Phosphate Operations. “This recognition honors the success of the employees at these facilities as they continue to operate with the diligence that led to these impressive safety records. Our company deeply appreciates their efforts to remain safe while responsibly extracting a resource that is vital to feeding the world.” The ISMSP was founded to promote the development of health and safety professionals throughout the international mining community. Saving lives and reducing injuries through better leadership, planning, and practice are primary goals of the Society. The awards were presented at the 2012 ISMSP Critical Issues Conference held May 21-24, 2012 in Reno, NV. The conference provides a valuable opportunity to educate and inform attendees on critical safety issues facing mining companies today. The gathering is an annual venue for mine safety professionals to network with other companies and share best practices with the goal of improving mine safety across all mining industries.
the borders of Polk, Hillsborough, Manatee and Hardee counties. Using seven operating draglines, the mine produces more than 6 million tons of phosphate rock annually, representing 21% of annual U.S. phosphate rock production. The facility was recognized for achieving 1,894,564 Safe Work Hours since their last lost time injury. “The size of the Four Corners mine operation creates unique challenges in building a culture that embraces safety, but our employees time and again have risen to the challenge and continually reinforce the awareness that is necessary for Mosaic to maintain Four Corners’ status as a world class facility,” said Bruce Bodine, Four Corners Mine Manager. “We’re proud to receive this recognition, which reaffirms the value we place in our relentless pursuit for an injury-free workplace.” SOU T H FORT MEADE MINE Mosaic’s South Fort Meade mine is one of the most efficient phosphate mining operations in the world. The mining operations overlap the Polk and Hardee County line near Bowling Green. The mine recently returned to full production after 18 months of
Mosaic facilities receiving recognition at the conference were: FOU R CORNERS MINE Mosaic’s Four Corners mine is the largest phosphate mine in North America, employing more than 400 Central Floridians. Named for its geographic location, the mine property straddles
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litigation that limited access to reserves and greatly reduced the facility’s operating capacity. Utilizing four draglines at full production, the facility is capable of producing up to 6 million tons of phosphate rock annually and directly employs more than
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220 Central Floridians. The facility was recognized for achieving 1,550,440 safe work hours without a lost time injury. With all contractor hours included, the facility has amassed 2,302,840 hours without a lost time injury. “Despite the challenges our operation faced in recent years as our permits were litigated, the employees never lost sight of the importance of ensuring the constant safety of every person at our facility. Through thick and thin the South Fort Meade team demonstrated their resilience and dedication to our relentless pursuit of an injury free workplace,” said Alan Lulf, South Fort Meade Mine Manager. “Being recognized for this safety accomplishment is particularly meaningful to us as we now look forward to the next 10 years of mining at South Fort Meade. I’m confident the South Fort Meade team will continue to grow their commitment to safety.”
WINGAT E MINE Mosaic’s Wingate mine is the only phosphate operation in Florida utilizing floating dredges to mine. Located in Manatee County between Duette and Myakka City, the facility employs more than 150 Central Floridians from Manatee, Hillsborough, Polk and Hardee counties. Mosaic recently committed significant investments in the facility, upgrading the washer and beneficiation plant and purchasing two new dredges to replace the existing 30-yearold equipment. The facility produces approximately 1.2 million tons of phosphate rock per year. Wingate was recognized for achieving a full year without a lost time injury. “The Wingate mine serves as a great example as to why safety awareness must be a cultural value to be effective. Our unique mining methods mean our employees must be aware of different hazards than might exist within our other operations,” said Karen Swager, Wingate Mine Manager. “Because Mosaic has developed a safety culture, our employees adapt their safety practices to any environment, always remaining conscious of and avoiding hazards by doing the job right. We’re proud of this achievement, but fully intend to keep building on our safety record.” •
About The Mosaic Company The Mosaic Company is one of the world’s leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single-source provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at: www.mosai cco.com
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Teamwork During Tragedy Sheriff Grady Judd
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round 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, tragedy struck in Lake Wales, Florida. A single-turboprop fixed wing Pilatus airplane crashed in a wooded area near the Tiger Creek Preserve. Six people were on board – the pilot, Ron Bramlage, his wife Becky, and their four children: Brandon, Boston, Beau, and Roxanne. The whole family perished in the crash. The Bramlage family lived in Kansas, and had just gone to the Bahamas to visit Becky’s parents. They were returning home when they experienced a catastrophic event in the air at around 25,000 feet.
Two 911 calls came in to the Polk County Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center from witnesses who saw and heard a plane in distress in the area. One of the witnesses heard the impact and saw black smoke in the area, and was able to give dispatchers a detailed description of where it went down. PCSO deputies were the first ones on the scene, and quickly located five deceased people inside the plane. It wasn’t until hours later, when deputies were able to track down the owner of the plane and who its passengers were, that they realized one of the children, 13-year-old Boston, was missing. An extensive search and recovery effort began. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has vast experience in the area of search and recovery. We have two mobile command centers, outfitted with the latest technology, and valuable partnerships with many other agencies on whom we call for assistance when we have an investigation of this magnitude. The search and recovery for the missing teenaged boy is 18
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just one example of many we have conducted in our large, rural county. It often involves the entire PCSO Special Operations Division, with specialized deputies who work in Agricultural Crimes, the Marine Unit, the Environmental Unit, and the Mounted Enforcement Unit. First responders and volunteers found plane debris spread across four miles – but that didn’t deter anyone. Although they realized searching for the boy would very much be like looking for a needle in a haystack, the searchers put forth every effort they had to bring some sort of closure to this Kansas family. Deputies, officers, horses, dogs, 4-wheelers, and swamp buggies – all were utilized, and all were very vital in order to navigate through this difficult terrain.
Around 2:30 p.m. on the day after the crash, Friday, June 8, a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer, patrolling his assigned grid during the search, found the body of Boston Bramlage lying among some underbrush. Although tragic and sad, finding Boston lifted the spirits of everyone involved in the search – Ron and Becky’s loved ones arrived at the mobile command center just one hour later, having flown to Polk County from Kansas and the Bahamas to bring home their family and prepare for their funerals. When they arrived, we were able to tell them first hand that we had all of their loved ones accounted for, and were able to answer any questions that they had. Although the cause of this fatal crash is still under investigation by the FAA and the NTSB, one thing is clear – a well-loved and well-respected family from a state many miles
away was treated with the respect and the dignity that they deserved. Oftentimes when people interact with law enforcement, it is their worst day. It is always our goal to help make someone’s worst day, bearable. We treat others the way we would want to be treated, and it is through valuable partnerships and community support that we are able to do so. We would like to thank the community for all their support during this trying time, and the following agencies for sending men and women and valuable resources to assist us: Polk County Fire Rescue, FWC, Polk Correctional Institute, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Forestry, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Avon Park Correctional Institute. • W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
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An Important Option for Abandoned Groves CITRUS HEALTH RESPONSE PROGRAM By Jim Frankowiak
In 2007 The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) introduced the Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) with the goal of sustaining the nation’s citrus industry, maintaining grower’s continued access to export parts while safeguarding the other citrus growing states against a variety of citrus diseases and pests. CHRP is a collaborative effort involving growers, federal and state regulatory personnel and researchers. Here in Florida the lead agency is the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and its Division of Plant Industry (DPI). One very important – and too often overlooked – aspect of CHRP is the Abandoned Grove Initiative. This is a comprehensive plan for the removal and destruction of abandoned groves designed to help mitigate the impact of exotic citrus pests and diseases by identifying abandoned groves and working cooperatively with county property appraisers and property owners regarding abatement options and tax incentives which will foster removal of these problematical trees. The components of the initiative involved cataloging of all abandoned groves in the state; mapping of all high-risk abandoned groves; contacting abandoned grove owners regarding their intentions for the properties; inform owners if their groves are not kept in production, they will not be considered part of CHRP; advise owners if they eliminate live citrus trees in abandoned groves, it is considered a bona fide agricultural practice and remains in compliance with CHRP guidelines, thus maintaining their agriculture exempt status. The initiative defines abandoned groves as follows: • No commercial fruit harvest during the last two seasons • No production care during the past two years, including weed control and mowing • Grove use transferred to other uses (pine or livestock) In Hillsborough County “the Property Appraiser’s Office recognizes, supports and promotes the CHRP initiative,” said Paul DeGuenther, Director of Tangible & Agriculture. “When a grove owner in Hillsborough County enrolls in the program, the 20
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policy of this office is to value the land at a de minimus value of $50/acre for up to two years after all of the trees are successfully destroyed. This is in accordance with a submitted compliance agreement (DACS-08316) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and continued compliance with the CHRP guidelines. A new application for agricultural classification (greenbelt) is required after the trees have been destroyed on or before January 1 of that year if the agricultural classification of the property has been removed in prior years. Hillsborough County has had no participants in the CHRP initiative to date that we are aware of,” DeGuenther concluded. Marsh Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser, stated, “Polk’s policy is the same as Hillsborough. Currently, Polk has 38 parcels totaling 664.83 acres of citrus under the CHRP program.” Grover owners in Polk County are encouraged to visit the Polk County Property Appraiser’s website, www.polkpa.org, for additional information by scrolling to Announcements and clicking on CHRP. “That will give you all of the details of our policy and a link to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the CHRP application. The FDACS website is www.freshfromflorida.com/ pi/ chrp and the toll free number is 1-800-282-5153. Photos from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
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have always been amused at the way people use words with different meanings. For instance, his insurance was invalid for the invalid. They were to close to the door to close it. I did not object to the object! Same words, different meanings. No wonder the world is having trouble understanding us Americans. Some time back a friend of mine was on a speaking trip in Japan. His first stop was Tokyo. As they left the restaurant he asked his interpreter how to pronounce the words on the distant signs for “Ladies” and “Gentlemen.” After practicing the next morning he began his speech with “Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen” in Japanese. The audience broke out in laughter. When he sat down he felt good about his speech but wondered about the opening laughter. During the reception that followed, one of the hosts who spoke fluent English inquired why he had started his talk with “Good Morning, toilets and urinals.” Ever confuse “Principal and Principle?” Both words sound the same. Principal could mean the head of the school, or the amount of money you invest in a bank to earn interest. As for principle it could be a moral standard or a basic rule or idea. What about the meaning of “Kit and Caboodle,” or, a “Lick and a Promise?” I can still hear my mother saying, “I’ll take the entire Kit and Caboodle,” meaning I’ll
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take it all. One time she spilled something on the floor and said, “Don’t worry about it, I’ll give it a lick and a promise.” Now just what was that supposed mean? I asked in my young mind. Somehow I thought at first she would lick the floor with her tongue. In her mind it meant I’m real busy canning okra, so I’ll give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later. I recall other memorable phrases such as, “A bee in your bonnet,” which is to have an idea you just can’t forget. Remember “Barking at a knot?” Old timers would use that phrase meaning your efforts were as useless as a dog barking at a knot. “Hold your horses,” meant just be patient. “Tuckered out” was frequently used after a hard day’s work. I still hear folks using the old phrase “Too many irons in the fire,” meaning you are involved in too many things. “Persnickety,” when you are overly particular or a little snobbish. A few years back me, my wife Patsy, and our close friends Ron and Faye Wetherington went to Holland and Belgium for a week. I still remember some of their converted signs into English. In the lobby of our hotel in Belgium a sign at the elevator read “Do not enter the lift backwards, and only when lit up.” Another sign inside the elevator read, “To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor. If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor. Driving is then going alphabetically by
national order.” Duh? We took one of their horse-driven tours. A sign on the carriage written in big letters; “Enjoy your ride-we guarantee no miscarriages.” In a Japanese hotel, a sign read, “You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.” Bruce Rodwell of Plant City said he was in Hong Kong a few years back and noticed a sign in a tailor shop that read, “Ladies may have a fit upstairs.” For some reason I remember a few unusual signs written for American tourists. At a zoo in Ireland, “Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food, give it to the guard on duty.” Sign on a doctor’s office, “Specialist in women and other diseases.” In an Acapulco hotel, “the manager has personally passed all the water served here.” Our crazy language…why do we make it so confusing? Why does fat chance and slim chance mean the same thing? Why do we say something is out of whack? What is a whack? If a word is misspelled in a dictionary, how would we ever know? Why don’t we say “why” instead of “how come?” Why is “crazy man” an insult, while to insert a comma and say “crazy, man” is a compliment? Why is it that we recite at a play and play at a recital? Why do we say something’s out-of-order when its broken, but we never say in order when it works? Have you ever wondered why the alphabet is in the order it’s in? Could it be because of that song? W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Let me put it another way and maybe you’ll understand. If you’ll hold your horses I will get this whole kit and caboodle written. Just don’t be persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet, because I’ve been pretty tuckered out working late. You know I’m no spring chicken. After all, I am not the only duck in the pond, but I do have too many irons in the fire. I might be barking at a knot, but I have tried to give this article more than just a lick and promise. It would not be right to finish this article without calling attention to some headlines
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in the newspaper, so here we go:
HOSPITALS
IRAQI HEAD SEEKS ARMS ENRAGED COW INJURES FARMER
WITH
AX
TEACHER STRIKES IDLE KIDS RED TAPE HOLDS UP NEW BRIDGE NEW STUDY OF OBESITY LOOKS LARGER TEST GROUP
FOR
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL DROPOUTS CUT IN HALF WAR DIMS HOPE FOR PEACE IF STRIKE ISN’T SETTLED SOON, IT MAY LAST AWHILE
ARE
SUED
BY
7 FOOT DOCTORS
TYPHOON RIPS THROUGH CEMETERY HUNDREDS DEAD ASTRONAUT TAKES BLAME SPACECRAFT.
FOR
GAS
IN
You have now come to the end of this article. Please read the rest of the magazine. You may learn something worthwhile! •
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*** All Items Are 8 lbs. Unless Otherwise Noted.*** Foodhooks.........................................$22 Baby Butter Beans ............................$14 Green Beans.......................................$14 Pole Beans .........................................$14 Speckled Butter Beans.....................$14 Blackeye Peas....................................$14 Butter Peas ........................................$14 Conk Peas .........................................$22 Crowder Peas ....................................$14 Pinkeye Peas......................................$14 White Acre Peas................................$14 Sugar Snap Peas ...............................$15 Zipper Peas........................................$14 Green Peas .........................................$14 GEORGIA PECANS HALVES 1 lb bag . . . . . . . . . . $10 2.5 lbs bag . . . . . . . $25 5 lbs bag . . . . . . . . . $49 10 lbs bag . . . . . . . . $97
White Corn .........................................$13 Yellow Corn ........................................$13 Cream White Corn 4#........................$6 Cream Yellow Corn 4#.......................$6 Collard Greens ...................................$13 Mustard Greens..................................$13
Turnip Greens ....................................$13 Spinach ...............................................$13 Cut Okra .............................................$13 Breaded Okra.....................................$13 Whole Okra ........................................$13 Sliced Yellow Squash........................$13 Sliced Zucchini ..................................$13 Brussel Sprouts..................................$13 Baby Carrots ......................................$13 Broccoli...............................................$13 Cauliflower .........................................$13 Mixed Vegetables..............................$13 Soup Blend.........................................$13 Blueberries 5# ...................................$15 Blackberries 5# .................................$15 Mango Chunks 5# .............................$15 Pineapple Chunks 5#........................$15 Whole Strawberries 5# ....................$15 Rhubarb 5# ........................................$13 Peaches...............................................$15
WALK-INS WELCOME Call – or go on-line to place your order today and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up!
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Florida Agriculture in the Classroom Awards 18 Volunteer Grants for 2012
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tudents from select schools in Florida will learn about tropical fish farming, the life cycle of chickens and vertical gardening when they participate in some of the 2012 Volunteer Grant projects funded by Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. The Gainesville based non-profit organization provided $20,000 in funding to 18 grant projects that will reach students in kindergarten through 12th grade from around the state. Organizations that will receive funding for these projects include county extension offices, 4H offices, Master Gardeners, and other non-profit associations. “Providing students with hands-on agriculture related activities and lessons not only teaches them valuable life-skills, it also helps them gain an appreciation for all that agriculture does for us,” Florida Agriculture in the Classroom Chairwoman Jennifer W. Sills said. Florida Agriculture in the Classroom uses proceeds from the sale of the agriculture specialty license plate, or the Ag Tag, to fund its teacher and volunteer grants programs, among other Florida Agriculture in the Classroom programs. The projects funded this year are:
1. “AGRICU LT U RE: FU N AND LEARNING GO T OGETHER II” – Bradford County Extension and other volunteer groups in the county will expand school gardens from one elementary school to all four elementary schools in their counties. 2. “VERTICAL GARDENING” – The Old Davie School Foundation will educate students on how to grow vegetables and the importance of eating them to good health by using a vertical growing system.
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3. “U NIQU E AGRICU LTU RE OF FLORIDA: T ROPICAL FISH FARMING” – Columbia County Extension will provide each middle school in the county with tropical fish tanks to help them learn about that industry in Florida. 4. “DESOT O COU NTY AGVENTU RE PROGRAM” – DeSoto County 4-H will organize an AgVenture program to educate fourth graders about the commodities grown in their area, and it will provide teachers with related classroom materials beforehand. 5. “GROWING B RU NCH” – Escambia County 4-H will educate local students about commodity production in their area by growing produce in a garden that will be used to prepare brunch. 6. “SOLOMON B OOK AND T EACHER GU IDE” – Brevard County Farm Bureau will provide teachers with 25 “Solomon” student novels and teacher guides to go with them to educate students about turn-of-the century agriculture in Florida. 7. “JACKSON COU NTY 4-H AG ADVENTU RES” – Jackson County 4-H will organize and execute its annual AgVenture program for the county’s first graders and will use the grant money to expand its existing commodity stations. 8. “4-H EMB RYOLOGY: LEARNING B Y DOING ONE DAY AT A T IME” – Nassau County Extension will expand its embryology project to include a calendar to educate 1,000 local students on the life cycle of the chicken. 9. “CHAMB ERS PARK COMMU NIT Y U NIT Y GARDEN” – Osceola County Extension will develop a community to educate students on how to grow their own food. 10. “OKALOOSA PEEPS” – Okaloosa County Extension will assemble an incubator system to educate local students in pre-kindergarten through third grade about how to rear chickens. 11. “SOU T H FLORIDA FAIR’S EMB RYOLOGY PROGRAM” – The South Florida Fair will set up incubators in local classrooms and invite local poultry breeders to visit classrooms and educate students about raising chickens. 12. “T HE B EEF COW IS A WINNER” – Polk County Cattlewomen will develop a plywood game board to educate local students about beef and its byproducts. 13. “PU T NAM-ST. JOHNS AG-VENT URES” – Putnam-St. Johns County Farm Bureau will develop an Ag-Ventures program in which local fourth graders will visit an agriculture center and visit stations to learn about local commodity production. 14. “HIGHLAND CITY GARDENS” – Highland City Garden Club in Polk County will put in a garden at a local elementary school to educate students about how to grow plants. 15. “4-H AGRICU LT URE DAY” – Taylor County 4-H will host its annual AgVenure program to educate local fifth graders about commodity production in their area. 16. “FLORIDA AGRICU LTU RE DU RING ANNU AL 4-H YOU TH FAIR” – Washington County 4-H will create educational displays to educate students about Florida agriculture during its annual 4-H Youth Fair. 17. “WHAT ’S COOKING IN FLORIDA’S KIT CHENS” – Wakulla County Extension will learn about Florida commodities and their nutritional value during a food preparation and preservation activities. 18. “CAT CH THE B U ZZ ON B EES IN WAKU LLA COU NT Y” – Wakulla County 4-H will educate students about the importance of bees to Florida agriculture in Wakulla, Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Gulf, Calhoun, Liberty and Taylor counties by developing educational units beekeepers will use in local classroom presentations. •
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Naturally Amazing Activities
Berlese Funnel By Sean Green Soil health is dependent on the organisms that live in the soil. The number of insects that can be found in a handful of soil is surprising. Antonio Berlese, an Italian entomologist invented the Berlese funnel in the early 1900s as a means to extract insects from soil. The Berlese funnel is still widely used by professional entomologists today. This month we will modify another soda bottle to make a homemade Berlese funnel with which you can see how many insects there really are in just a handful of soil. Soil organisms prefer a moist environment. As soil dries, these organisms crawl deeper into the soil to seek moisture. The Berlese funnel works by funneling the insects into the base as they seek refuge from the drying soil under the lamp.
Step 3 Invert the top half of the bottle snugly into the bottom half.
Step 4 Fit the hardware cloth to nest in the bottom of the funnel.
Materials Needed: A A A A
liter pop bottle bit of hardware cloth (3� square) light source (20-40W) small dish with alcohol (optional)
Step 1
Step 5
Cut the bottle in two.
Step 2 Place the small dish of alcohol at the bottom of the bottle.
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Remove the funnel top from the base and fill it with litter or soil, letting loose litter fall through before placing the funnel back over the base..
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Not Your Typical 4H Club: The Polk County Sea Stars By Ginny Mink
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arine life is really quite incredible. People have definitely started focusing more on the concepts of salt water tanks and the ability to view the majestic colors in their own homes. However, marine life isn’t relegated simply to salt water aquariums or even coral reefs. In fact, the subject is a broad one that encompasses both salt and fresh water habitats and those that reside within them. Polk County Sea Stars 4H and the children involved therein are learning a great deal about this topic. Bernadette Murray is the coordinator of the group though she has tremendous assistance from its former leader, Trisha King, and her son, Jeremy. Interestingly enough, Bernadette doesn’t have the typical 4H leader’s agricultural background. In fact, her first experiences in agriculture occurred when her daughter entered third grade. She explains, “We’re a home school family, I just have one daughter. I started home schooling her in third grade and we just wanted to do some group activities so I got involved in a home school 4H group. One of the members of that group was also involved in the Polk County Sea Stars and she started telling us all the things that group did and my daughter was really interested but she was also in dance and so the meetings didn’t work out. We waited two years before we were able to join.” Apparently, new members to the group are inundated with tremendous amounts of information and things they need to learn if they ever hope to participate in competitions. Bernadette says, “Our first year we just wanted to absorb everything we could. We had a very knowledgeable leader and also her son had been involved in marine ecology so he was very knowledgeable, too. On field trips we’d always be close to them so that they could tell us information about different fish. I hardly knew anything. It was a lot to learn. We used the 4H marine ecology website to study. My daughter started as an intermediate so there were 94 vertebrates, 78 invertebrates and 43 plants and trees. Out of the 94, fifty-seven are fish which, at first, is overwhelming.” Indeed memorizing 215 different species is a lot to attempt, but Bernadette and her daughter made a marine ecology study book. They used the book when they went on field trips to assist them in recall. Actually, field trips are a big part of the Polk County Sea Stars agenda. Bernadette says, “We went to the Smithsonian, in Fort Pierce, and they did a plant class with us and then they have quite a few aquarium tanks so we would use our lists and try to see what species we could find. They also have seine netting; it’s when you have a six to eight foot net that has weights on the bottom and floaters on the top and poles on the side. You go about waist high into the water and drag the net along the sea bed where the grasses are. Then, when we pulled the net up, we would collect the species in a glass jar with water and carry them to buckets with aerators. We’d go around and look in the buckets and talk about them and then return them to the water. Except a couple of times we found some species the Smithsonian wanted so they took them and put them in their aquariums.” No doubt the kids thought that discovering species for the Smithsonian was pretty cool. While the Smithsonian trip is undoubtedly a wonderful experience, one the kids choose to include each year, there are other pretty incredible places to explore as well. Bernadette explained that the marine ecology side of 4H is divided into two areas of focus and they alternate each year. One year the focus is the coral reef and the open ocean and then the next is coastal eco sysW W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
tems (which includes beaches, estuaries, marshes and swamps). Thusly, every other year the group goes snorkeling in Key Largo. However, they let the kids pick the field trips they want to go on each year and so there are some, like the Smithsonian, that get unanimous votes. Those include the Florida Aquarium and the Sebastian Inlet. Apparently the Sebastian Inlet is a big hit. Bernadette explains, “We arrange to have a tour with the ranger, he usually does a beach walk and then we do a mangrove walk, it’s nice and mucky. Then we do seine netting with them also. It’s more real and up close opportunities with nature. They have a lagoon there that we swim in and sometimes we see manatees and that’s always exciting. They also have a pier that we walk out to see what fish the anglers have caught.” This year they added an extra special trip, “Since the movie Winter was coming out, we went to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium since that’s where Winter is, and the Suncoast Seabirds Sanctuary.” They actively participate in the “Stow It Don’t Throw It” campaign to encourage anglers to recycle their monofilament. Sometimes they clean up on the beach and this year they participated in a car wash to raise money for 4H Over 37 Years members in Hackleburg, Alabama due to tornado damage there. In addition, they Selling Agricultural Land. participate in the marine ecology event For listings below, Text to: 85377 each year. Bernadette elaborates, “Last and subject is T number beside listing. year it was at the Orange County Extension Office in Orlando. The event • 24 a/c Lakefront property. has five stations: marine and coastal plant “Ag” use. Will divide. Reduced to identification, marine invertebrate animal $ 575,000. Owner terms. T427247 identification, marine vertebrate animal • 2270 a/c Lakefront Ranch identification, a natural history scavenger with inventory. T427152 hunt and a multiple choice test that is • 100 a/c Ranch with 5BR home, about marine ecosystems and concepts hunting, fish ponds. $895,000. and the special topic for the year. This T461457 year it was lionfish, they’re invasive.”
ADSIT CO., INC
The Polk County Sea Stars usually do very well at these events. In fact, their junior team won second place, as did their intermediate team. However, their senior team won first. Trinity Boothe won third place for junior individual, Erica Curtis (Bernadette’s daughter) won first place for senior individual and Amber Thomas won second place for senior individual. Obviously all that studying is paying off for these talented young ladies and their rather unique 4H club, the Polk County Sea Stars. If you’d like more information you can contact Bernadette Murray via email at pbjmurray@verizon.net
• 474 a/c Ranch/pasture Pkg. Will divide. $ 5000. a/c T461441 • 20 a/c Citrus package $ 195,000. Owner terms. T511407 • 29 a/c with 8” well. Great citrus land. $ 252,025. Firm T427372
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Mary L. Adsit, Realtor “The Landlady” 5757 Trask Rd. • Ft. Meade • 333841 Extensive details & pictures on
www.maryadsit.com
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Landowner’s Liaison
Chris Wynn FWC’s Southwest Regional Director By Ginny Mink
ome people are blessed with really cool jobs. Of course, we all have our own ideas about what makes a job fit that label. However, anyone with even the slightest inclination towards nature or animals would find that Chris Wynn has an extremely desirable position.
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the property and that plan helped us design different features on the farm including a fish pond that also served to provide water for the horses. That’s when I started to learn about habitat management for wildlife.” This is something he is especially enthusiastic about now.
Chris has had a long time love of agricultural endeavors. He says, “It all started on a farm in Illinois, and I must say that I am extremely fortunate to have two loving parents who gave, and continue to give me many opportunities. One of those was growing up on this farm which was about an hour and a half south of Chicago in this little town called Peotone.” Actually, research shows that the Village of Peotone has only 3,385 residents. Thusly it seems like “small” might be a slight understatement; even Plant City has a population of 34,721 according to the 2010 census, but we digress.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency designed to assist private landowners and farmers. Chris says, “They worked with us in providing cost shares and financial incentive, and this is critical, through the Farm Bill, to better manage our crops, as well as create habitat for Bobwhite quail and pheasants. That to me is a critical part of my life growing up on the farm and learning about the Farm Bill and assistance that’s available to landowners and farmers.” In fact, part of what he does currently is a direct result of that experience.
To further explain his farm upbringing, Chris says, “It was primarily a horse farm that I grew up on. We raised a breed of horse called Haflingers and we also produced corn, soybean and wheat rotation.” He adds that Boy Scouts and 4H were a big part of his life then and in fact he says, “We showed the Haflingers in 4H in western saddle as well as buggy classes.” Horses may have been his initial introduction to agriculture, but there was another event on the farm that really inspired him.
Chris remembers getting his first shotgun for his thirteenth birthday. This is an important memory because he learned to hunt pheasant with that Winchester 1300 pump. Later as he continued in 4H he and his dad tried to raise Bobwhite quail on the property. He says, “We probably raised and released close to a thousand quail but none of the quail survived. With the Bobwhite quail problem we, unfortunately, thought it was over predation by coyotes and declared war on the coyotes.” No doubt that shotgun was utilized.
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Yet, they were wrong. Chris explains, “Later that year we called a wildlife biologist and that’s where I started learning about wildlife management and that to have good wildlife you have to have good habitat. The wildlife biologist taught us that the problem W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
was lack of habitat. He asked us if we could only cut our hayfields two times instead of three and that really helped because we didn’t harvest hay during the quail nesting season.” Again, Chris took this knowledge with him and has utilized that experience in his own career. One of his first jobs off the farm was working with the State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This job was at the Kankakee River State Park where he was a wildlife technician. He was a recent high school graduate at the time and from there he went off to college at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Undoubtedly that was a bit of a culture shock for him. However, he attained his degree in wildlife biology while there. Upon reception of that degree he got his first wildlife based position in Tallahassee. He says, “I worked with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) assisting with black bear research. I helped collect hair samples from over fifty bait sites in order to analyze the DNA so that we could better estimate the black bear population in Florida. In that study, which began ten years ago, is when we began to find out that the bear population was doing better.” Believe it or not, he was actually in the middle of helping relocate a black bear in the midst of this interview. In fact, the black bear had been stranded on Sanibel Island. They were literally on their way to the Chassahowitzka wildlife management area to release the bear. Chris later told us that the release went well. Back to the topic, Chris then had an opportunity within the agency to work with the private land section as a biologist assisting private landowners with wildlife habitat management and technical support. He says, “I worked there for three years in the Tallahassee area, the northern part of the state, as a biologist before moving to Lake W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
City for about three years. I continued assisting private landowners while also supervising five other biologists and taking forestry classes at Lake City Community College. It was there that I really started to learn more about silviculture as an agriculture operation.” For those that don’t know, the IFAS website says that silviculture is, “The art of producing and tending forest stands, or the application of the knowledge of silvics (the branch of forestry that provides the scientific basis for the cultural treatment of forest stands); bringing together biological and economic concepts to prescribe and apply treatments to help us reach our land management objectives.” In layman’s terms, it is the scientific application of methods to control forests. After furthering his education there, he moved back to Tallahassee to coordinate the FWC’s landowner assistance program statewide. While he in that position he says he became very passionate about getting youth outdoors. He adds, “It was there that I became a hunter-safety instructor and started to help with a new iniative to get kids active and outdoors called, Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network (www.fyccn.org). That is an iniative that the FWC is partnering to create outdoor centers around the state where kids can come learn how to do four things including: wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting and boating.” Given the percentages of obesity in kids these days, this is probably an excellent initiative to support. Surely, it’s worthy of further consideration. Then, Chris moved again, this time to Lakeland, for the purpose of serving as FWC’s Southwest Regional Director. He explains, “This region covers a 12 county area starting at Hernando County going over to Polk County and the Kissimmee River and down to Lee County. I’ve been here for approximately a year and a half.” Interestingly enough, shortly after the interview he attended a meeting of the commissioners for the purpose of discussing the black bear situation. He came
back with great news, the FWC voted to “delist” the black bear! Basically that means that the results of that research he participated in ten years ago helped to prove that the black bear population is doing well enough not to be considered concerning. Like we said in the beginning, Chris Wynn has a really cool job! Chris says that there are two things he’s really passionate about, the first is assisting landowners with wildlife habitat management. He explains, “I have seen some really interesting operations on private land, a landowner near Gainesville had received a grant to build a biocompactor to produce biofuels. In the pandhandle, I met a landowner who was running a ‘natural’ burial ground and building caskets out of cypress from the property.” He has a long list of additional stories like this. The second he says, “is getting more youth involved in outdoor activities because the average kid today spends 60 hours a week indoors playing video games or watching TV.” He adds, “There’s a great book called, Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Luv, and in the book he coins a term, nature deficit disorder and what he’s saying is that the lack of kids getting outdoors today is really the root cause of many of the physical and mental problems we have in youth today. We need to work together to create the next generation that cares about our environment and our farms because many of the farms in Florida provide some of the best wildlife habitat there is.” He’s definitely in the right position to do both. A few final tidbits about Mr. Wynn. He admits that his hobbies include: hunting, fishing, team roping and playing the six string guitar. Apparently his roping and rodeo background assisted him in successfully founding the first equestrian club at Grand Valley State University. Now it’s a team that competes with other universities. This is just one more thing to chalk up to a man with ambition and an amazing career.• INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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RECIPES Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agricluture
PREPARATION SautĂŠ plantain, peppers and onion in one tablespoon of butter for five to six minutes; add brown sugar and curry powder, stirring constantly. Add cornstarch to chicken broth and stir until smooth. Add this cornstarch mixture to pan and simmer for five minutes. While sauce is simmering add lime juice, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and two tablespoons of butter in a heavy skillet. When ingredients in skillet are hot, add pork chops. Cook chops about four minutes on each side or until chops are done; add sauce. Simmer all ingredients until heated thoroughly and serve over plantain mash, potatoes or rice.
Plantain Mash INGREDIENTS
Sunshine Pork Chops with Plantain Mash
1 pound plantains, green 1 garlic clove 2 tablespoons lime juice 1/2 to 1 cup chicken stock 1 teaspoon salt pepper to taste
INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup plantain, ripe, diced 1/3 cup peppers, diced
PREPARATION
1 tablespoon lime juice
Peel plantains by running a knife down vertically. Cut into two-inch pieces; place in large pot. Cover completely with water. Bring to a boil and cook approximately 30 minutes until very soft. Drain and place cooked plantains in food processor with garlic, lime juice and 1/2 cup of chicken stock (add more stock for desired consistency), salt and pepper. Puree' quickly as not to overwork the plantains (they will become starchy).
1/2 teaspoon salt
Yield – 4 servings
1/4 cup onion, diced 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 pounds boneless pork chops
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OUR SERVICES • Social Security Disability • Supplemental Security Income: Children and Adults • Initial Applications Reconsideration • Hearing with Judge
• Wills • Power of Attorney • Estate Planning • Trusts • Guardianships • Adoptions Charles L. Carlton
Florida Native B.A. University of South Florida J.D. Florida State University Law School
Geraldyne H. Carlton
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TOLL FREE 1. 800.315.4590 863. 688.5700 *The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisments. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualifications and experience.
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Located at Plant City Farm & Flea Market One mile north of I-4, corner of SR 39 and Sam Allen , easy access to I-4
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FLORIDA
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science
F
resh, ripe Florida passionfruit is in its peak season today. Florida is one of few states in the country that cultivates this subtropical fruit, as well as California and Hawaii. Worldwide, this fruit is also grown in the Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, India, and New Zealand. There are two main types of passionfruit, the smaller purple type and the larger yellow kind. The purple passion fruit bears round or egg-shaped fruit that is about the size of a lemon or smaller and is less acidic than the yellow type. The flavor has been described as a combination of lemon and pineapple. The yellow passionfruit is larger and can grow up to the size of a grapefruit with a milder aroma and flavor than the purple type. Passionfruits contain numerous small, black seeds surrounded by orange-colored sacs that contain the juice. They can be enjoyed eaten out-ofhand or juiced.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 100 gram portion of fresh passionfruit contains 97 calories, 2.2 g of protein, 0.7 g of fat, 23.4 g of carbohydrate, and 10.4 g of fiber. It provides 50% of the Daily Reference Intake for vitamin C, 42% for dietary fiber, 25% for Vitamin A, and 9% for iron. Passionfruit also contains high concentrations of other important nutrients including potassium, copper, magnesium, and phosphorus.
DIETARY FIBER A 100g serving (about 3 oz or several whole fruits) of passionfruit is a delicious way to get almost half of your daily fiber
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needs. Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Fiber binds to the cholesterol-containing bile salts, excreting them out of the body. It also promotes bowel regularity and increases satiety levels, which can aid in weight control.
ANTIOXIDANTS Florida passionfruit are bursting with disease-fighting antioxidants, which neutralize destructive free radicals in the body. Passionfruit is very high in vitamins A and C as well as other compounds with antioxidant properties. Diets that contain fruits high in antioxidants, including passionfruit and other fruits and vegetables, are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and multiple types of cancer.
VITAMIN C Florida passionfruit is bursting with vitamin C, which has many important functions in the body in addition to being an antioxidant. Eating foods high in vitamin C significantly raises the amount of iron your body absorbs, which is a good way to prevent anemia. For example, if you toss chopped passionfruit on top of a leafy green salad, the vitamin C in the fruit would help you absorb more of the iron from the salad.
HOW
TO SELECT AND STORE Choose passionfruits that are heavy for their size with a more wrinkled surface. Look for fruits that are deep in color without bruises or discolored areas. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flesh can be scooped out and frozen for months.
HOW
TO ENJOY Immediately before eating, rinse off the fruit in water and cut lengthwise in half. Scoop out the juicy, sweet pulp and discard the outer shell. Other ways to enjoy Florida passionfruit include: • Squeeze the sacs to release the juice for a refreshing summer drink. • Add passionfruit seeds to fruit or veggie salads or to top a cake. • Use to make sauces, jellies, or syrups. • Use in desserts such as mousse, ice cream, pudding, or cake. • Chop and add to yogurt or cereal. • Mash pulp with water and sugar and freeze for a fruit popsicle. With so many ways to enjoy this sweet, delicious fruit, try fresh Florida passionfruit today! Selected References http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/ passionfruit.html
Vitamin C also supports the body’s immune system in its ability to fight infections and viruses, and may possibly shorten the duration and intensity of a cold. Additionally, this vitamin is involved in keeping capillaries, gums, and skin healthy and supple.
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A Closer Look
By Sean Green
Looking for us?
The Qualm After the Storm
L
ast month tropical storm Debbie gave us all a reminder of the toll we pay to live in a tropical environment. For some, the storms are exciting and exhilarating, I say this with conviction because I am one of them. There is something about a good storm that just makes me feel good inside. Any of our readers that may have suffered the aftermath of flooding, may conclude that my fascination with storms may have something to do with the abundance of insects they tend to bring. I can honestly say, it’s not the insects that inspire my affinity for storms, however, it’s the insects that storms bring that will be the topic of this month’s closer look. I considered a gentle reminder of mosquitoes, but suspected there would be enough coverage on mosquitoes following the media attention the flooding produced to warrant giving the other insects that follow a flood a fair shake at being the villain. Understanding the Florida environment sheds some light on the behavior of the insects that share it with us. On the most elementary level, we live on sand, and it’s a good thing, because we get a lot of rain. In central Florida, rainfall averages range from 46 inches per year in Tampa to 55 inches per year in Lakeland. When we get enough rain to saturate the upper layers of our soil, it forces all the insects that live in the top layers of soil to rise to the surface. You have probably noticed hordes of White Ibis probing the soil and pulling up grubs that are as big as your thumb, these are most likely the larvae of African Black Beetles that not only establish themselves in our lawns, but also feed on strawberries, pineapples, potatoes and grape vines. The good news is the flooding will draw the grubs closer to the surface for the White Ibis to feed on. White Ibis, also known as the garden friend, are not as abundant in other places as they are in the Tampa Bay. In fact, Tampa Bay is part of a critical breeding stronghold for this species and can boast one of the largest populations in Florida. There are four large breeding colonies in the bay itself including Clearwater Harbor. Ibis will travel up to 20 miles inland to find crayfish, frogs, grubs, mole crickets, and an array of other garden pests to feed their young. Storms like Debby W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
fill retention ponds providing freshwater food sources for young ibis chicks that have not yet matured to tolerate high saltwater diet typical of adults. In addition to the grubs that seek refuge from saturated soil, you may see fire ants attempting to move their eggs to a higher, dryer location and in doing so, create the tall mounds characteristic of the fire ant. It’s important to be wary of this behavior especially when clearing fallen trees or debris caused by a storm. Beetles will be more abundant after flooding as well. Fallen trees will soak up water making the wood much easier for them to bore into as the additional moisture promotes decay. Live trees that have split are no longer protected by their bark and are vulnerable to phloem feeding insects such as a variety of bark beetles, weevils, and earwigs. A newly split tree is known to attract some wasps, especially yellow jackets. Not only is the sugar rich phloem a opportunistic treat, but caterpillars, spiders, and other soft bodied insects make it ideal hunting grounds for wasps. Flooding contributes to a chain reaction of events ranging from the growth of fungus and mold to attracting a variety of insects that assist in the decay process. Where there is decay, there will be a variety of flies, most notably the blow fly. Easily recognized by their shiny metallic coloration, blow flies feed on high carbohydrate foods such as nectar and seek high protein food sources such as carrion or dung in which to lay their eggs. Layers of loose, moist soil and litter are an ideal environment for the larva to pupate and develop into their adult stage. Fortunately, nature has a keen way of balancing things so they never really get out of hand for long. During floods, ground dwelling spiders such as the wolf spider or grass spider must seek higher ground to survive. This unfortunate turn of events leads hundreds of spiders directly into the path of less received insects, on which of course they will eagerly feed. In March, this type of spider behavior became international news after flooding in Australia caused portions of Wagga Wagga in New South Wales Australia to become literally blanketed in spider silk. Knowing what to expect is the best pest control. •
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MAGAZINE
Find us in your neighborhood... Circle R Ranch & Livestock Eq. 16490 U.S. Hwy. 27 Lake Wales, FL Phone: 888.693.4283
Day Dreams Spa Lakeland & Brandon Locations Lakeland Phone: 863.686.5859 Brandon Phone: 813.657.2992
Arrington’s Body Shop, Inc. 301 Sixth St.. S.W. Winter Haven, FL Phone: 863.293.4192
Fields Equipment Company 3203 Havendale Blvd. Winter Haven, FL Phone: 863.967.0602
Chemical Containers, Inc. 413 ABC Road Lake Wales, FL Phone: 800.346.7867
Lay’s Western Wear & Feed, Inc. 5530 Old Hwy. 37 Lakeland, FL Phone: 863.646.1003
Fred’s Southern Kitchen 2120 Harden Blvd. Lakeland, FL Phone: 863.603.7080 Note: This is just a sample of our distribution points. We’ll list different locations each month. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909
ANIMALS & NEEDS ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES Add living microbes to improve your soil, equipment serving the fur-bearing and exotic bird industry. Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. 813-752-2230 • www.ammermans.com Swap July 15, 2012 and Nov. 25, 2012 HORSE BOARDING Stalls and individual turnout, lighted arena and round pen. Owners on property. $325 full care. Call 813-610-4416 1998 HART HORSE TRAILER All aluminum gooseneck trailer. Two horse slant load with dressing room. Original one owner. Call Today 813-650-3173! $9,500 CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau 863-439-3232
WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted 813-752-3378
MASSEY FERGUSON GC2300 4 X 4 hydro stat transmission, 2702 hrs. $4,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
TILL 4 X 8 SHEET B-grade $17.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378
1984 MASSEY FERGUSON 240 tractor, 42 pto hp, 2wd, works great! $5,950. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
NEW DOORS CLOSEOUT SPECIAL!!! $75 to $295. Call Ted today 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME TUBS Metal brand new in box 54” Mobile Home Tubs. Call Ted 813-752-3378
COUPONS SAVICH & LEE/STALNAKER Horse Fence 200’x4’, Sheep & Goat Fence 330’ x 4’ 1 to 3 rolls - $2.50 off, 4 or more $5 off, 10 piece limit. Field fence 47” 1-8 $2.50 off, 9 or more - $5 off, 10 piece limit. Barbed Wire - 5 or more - $1 off 10 piece limit. Pick up ONLY while supplies last.
AUTOMOTIVE 1999 JEEP WRANGLER 4x4, 5 speed with cold AC, Xtra Clean, New Soft Top, Low Miles, Back Seat, CD Player, Deep Rubber and more. Solid Black. Low Payments & Easy Financing. Reduced to: $8650.00 O'Connor Automotive, Plant City, 813-650-0535 2002 MERCURY DAKOTA 4 Door Quad Cab Pickup. V8,AT,PB, PS, PDL, PW. Family Size 4 Door Pickup. Very Clean. Low Payments and Easy FInancing $5950.00 O'Connor Automotive, Plant CIty 813-650-0535 2000 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER Montery Edition, 6 CYL, AT, AC, Leather Loaded, Very Nice, Easy Financing and Low Payments. Only $4950.00 O'Connor Automotive, Plant City 813-650-0535 2000 OLDS BRAVADA AWD 4 Door SUV. Family Size, Gas Saving 6 Cyl, Leather Interior, Loaded,Very Nice, Easy Financing and Low Monthly Payments. $4950.00 O'Connor Automotive, Plant City 813-650-0535 2002 FORD F150 Four-Door, Super Crew Family Size Pickup. Loaded 4 WD, Power Everything, Very Sharp. Low Payments and Easy Financing $8950.00 O'Connor Automotive 813-650-0535 1997 FORD F-250 4X2 Lariat Super Cab. This is a very low mileage (83,000) original one owner (non smoker) vehicle that has been professionally maintained and garage kept since new! Call 813-650-3173 $7,000
BUILDING SUPPLIES
DOUBLE INSULATED THERMO PANE Starting at $55. Call Ted 813-752-3378
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FARM EQUIPMENT MAHINDRA 4505D Tractor with loader, 2wd, 45hp., 407 actual hours. $7,500, Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON 245 W/ STRAWBERRY WHEEL KIT Diesel tractor. Good condition. $6,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 KUBOTA L345 TRACTOR 34hp, 2wd. $4,250 Call Alvie (813)759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR 1980 Massey Ferguson 230. 34pto hp, power steering. $4,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 HEAVY DUTY TRAILER 14’ Shop built, heavy duty trailer, 2 axel with ramps. $750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 FORD NAA TRACTOR Good condition, gas engine. $1,950. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 3PT LIFT 3 row hole punch. Very good condition. $500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 BUSH HOG 2615 15' Batwing mower $3,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 BUSH HOG 950 Backhoe attachment, 9.5 digging depth. Like NEW condition. $4,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON 255 Grove Tractor with 6’ mower $7,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722.
DECKING BRDS. & TILL SIDING Call Ted 813-752-3378
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FOR SALE TRAILER FOR SALE 44x12 single wide trailer in Winters Mobile Home Park. Zephyrhills 5k or best offer. Call (813)967-4515 ALL A BLOOM FLORIST Carnations 75¢ each, 813-567-5735 116 N. Collins – Downtown Plant City. www.allabloomtampa.com
LAWN EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378 TSG50 WOODS 3pt. stump grinder. Clearance Sale! $3,381. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
REAL ESTATE BEAUTIFUL PLANT CITY 1 ACRE LOT With well. Private one street subdivision frontage 290 x 145 depth. 4521 Highland Creek Drive. $45,900. Call Today! 813-655-6769 FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620 2.66 ACRE NURSERY FOR SALE OR LEASE N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq ft frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout. Call Bruce 863-698-0019 A SLICE OF HEAVEN 2.03 acres lot on Hare Mtn. Estates in Franklin NC. Breath-taking views. Purchased 10/08 for $73,400. Yours today for $32,900 GREAT INVESTMENT! Call 813-655-6769
JOBS CONTRIBUTING WRITER Write about events in your community. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures. Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com
KUBOTA L275 With shuttle shift. Ready to work! $3,500. Call 813-759-8722 JULY 2012
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
JULY 2012
47