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CONTENTS
July 2021 VOL. 14 • ISSUE 11
28 KEITH MCMAHAN DEDICATED TO THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE Cover Image by Blair PAGE 10 Scott Angle
PAGE 34 More Profit
PAGE 11 Agvocating for youth
PAGE 35 News Briefs PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 12 Ranchers Daughter
PAGE 37 State Officers
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 16 The Stories I Heard
PAGE 38 Endangered Species
PAGE 18 Innovation Challenge
PAGE 40
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 24 AG Grants
PAGE 42 Winter Haven Market
PAGE 25 Mango
PAGE 44 Cult of Plants
PAGE 26 Mosquito
PAGE 47 PCCW
Activity
PAGE 30 Recipes PAGE 32 PCSO
Hey Readers!
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com Vice President – Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com State Director - David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 287-1835 Dhunt285@aol.com Alternate SD – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (941) 916-5093 cwebbowebb@aol.com Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (813) 478-8141 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com
Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Leslie Buchanon P.O. Box 1212 Bartow, FL 33831 863-581-2711 Buckld96@gmail.com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Sgt. Tim Sanders 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 656-6119 brusso@polksheriff.org Warner University – Casey Wingate 7155 Wauchula Rd Myakka City, FL 34251 (941) 600-5772 Casey.wingate@warner.edu
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STAFF
Letter from the Editor I do love mosquito season. Not that it’s never “non mosquito season” in Florida. Maybe the hottest June on record, followed by Elsa’s rain, ramped up, at least in my neck of the woods. I got bit this morning as I walked out the door. These critters just love me. In this issue of In The Field, you will learn how to identify “container mosquitos.” These are the lovely little blood suckers that can live and breed basically anywhere water “collects.” Plants, a large leaf, a hole in a tree, these are all possible locations. So, check out the article for more information. Why do mosquito bites itch? Well, as if they aren’t annoying enough buzzing by your head, when they do get you, they inject a small amount of saliva to keep the blood from clotting. Our bodies react to the foreign substance by producing a protein called histamine, which can trigger inflammation and itching. On another note (see what I did there?) this song has been going through my head lately
I’m in a hurry to get things done Oh I rush and rush until life’s no fun All I really gotta do is live and die But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why. ~Alabama
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols Veronica Opitz Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols Blair Buchanon Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders
It seems to describe my life in 2021. I always seem to be in a hurry to do things, getting anxious about getting everything done that I need to do. But guess what? I don’t actually need to be in such a hurry. So the second half of the year is going to be about slowing down a bit and enjoying life.
Who’s with me?
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Catllemen’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909
Until Next Month
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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It’s July again and like in years past, we were praying for rain in June and now we have more than we need in some places. But this is Polk County and its nothing we haven’t experienced before. Hopefully we will miss out on the hurricanes and only have to deal with our regular summer weather.
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The cow market has stayed pretty good through June and into July with high-yielding cows in the upper 70s and Bulls in the high 90s. The calf market has been slowly climbing also. Don’t forget if you need a market report or just have a question, please feel free to call Cattlemen’s Livestock Market. We will help you if we can.
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Be looking for information on the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Fall dinner and meeting. We are in the process of planning a special dinner to celebrate our 75th anniversary and Veteran’s Day. And don’t forget, herd health and management, a little goes a long way. .
Dave Tomkow
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
Blue tangs at the Tropical Aquaculture Lab
By J. Scott Angle
Geomatics students and faculty at Sign at entrance to UF/IFAS Gulf Coast UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Plant City Research and Education Center
Growing food means growing Florida’s economy. Science The university launched a $100 million AI initiative last year. UF/IFAS is already tapping it to hire the first of its allotment helps grow them both. of faculty from the 100 university-wide who will help us make At the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultur- courses and experiences in AI available to all undergraduates. al Sciences we hear it from farmers and ranchers again and Recently, we jumped on one of the state’s biggest challengagain: Without UF/IFAS, I wouldn’t be in business. es—determining the right fertilizer rates for your crops, starting The 2,265 farms in Hillsborough County and the 2,080 in Polk with tomatoes and potatoes—with experiments at dozens of County succeed in part through innovation supplied by UF/ farms across the state powered by AI. IFAS scientists: labor-saving mechanization, techniques that lower farmers’ water and fertilizer bills, and new better-tasting The next generation of UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences AI-literate graduates—including those from our and easier-to-grow varieties of fruits and vegetables. program in Plant City--will help address a talent shortage Those new varieties can launch job-creating Florida industries. providing high-tech, high-paying jobs. A recent study reports For example, UF/IFAS plant breeders have for decades devel- 59,400 annual job openings in food, agriculture, and the enoped strawberry cultivars that are the foundation for a $300 vironment nationally, but only 36,000 new college graduates million industry, much of it in Hillsborough County. About 85 with degrees in those fields. percent of Florida’s strawberry acreage is planted in UF/IFAS The value of UF/IFAS degrees is also boosted by our concultivars. sistently high rankings—4th in the nation among ag schools The nation’s ornamental fish industry is centered around Tam- as measured by U.S. News and World Report, and first in the pa Bay, and UF/IFAS science is right there in the middle of it. world in entomology by one ranking. The Tropical Aquaculture Lab in Ruskin has demonstrated a 16-to-1 return on investment in its research and science, which Taken together, the agriculture, natural resources and food innot only helps area producers but makes the case for pub- dustries account for more than 120,000 Hillsborough County lic support for the science that makes production agriculture jobs, nearly 19 percent of all county employment. In Polk, it’s nearly 52,000 jobs—more than 26 percent of all jobs in the profitable. county. We know this because UF/IFAS economists issue a We reach so many farmers because we’re their neighbors. report documenting your economic Farmers lend their land for experiments. They volunteer as 4-H impact. leaders. They serve on advisory councils to guide research. This farmer-scientist relationship ensures that state funding is As I travel the state, I often tell producers, my job is to help keep agriput to use solving relevant problems. culture profitable. That’s a big part The state’s consistent and impactful investment in agricultural of what sustainability is. Support for science helped UF/IFAS attract $141 million in research fund- publicly funded science pays off in ing to Florida last fiscal year, much of it from the federal gov- healthy food and a healthy econoernment and other out-of-state sources. Millions of dollars of my. that goes to the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma to support research.
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UF/IFAS is on the cusp of helping usher in an era of growing even more food with even less environmental impact through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
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Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Agvocating for Youth
by Payge Dupre
It is hard to believe that our summer is already halfway over. Not that much longer and we will be heading back into the start of the school year. This past month many of our Polk County FFA members travelled to Orlando for the 93rd Florida FFA State Convention & Expo to represent us and support other members who represented us. Above all, Tyler Brannen from Auburndale Senior FFA was elected Area 4 State Vice President! This is a huge accomplishment, and we are all so proud of Tyler! We know this will be a great year. Our District Officers were also announced at convention. This year, our District 8 President will be Reanna Brown of Haines City Senior FFA, and our District Secretary will be Mykaela Billingsley of Auburndale Senior FFA. At the Florida Cattlemen’s Convention, we were also represented very well. In the Junior Quiz Bowl contest, the Polk 1 team consisting of Raelan Sherouse, Carlie Shenefield, Lily Harwell and Weslee Howell placed 1st. Bellamy Howell placed 2nd in Junior Speech. Peyton Chandley and Mackenzie Hollie both placed 1st in their photography divisions and were able to have their photos put in the silent auction. Our Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, Blair Buchanon, also placed 1st in the Sweetheart wreath decorating contest. Congratulations everyone and thank you for representing us so well. More deadlines for the 2022 Polk County Youth Fair are approaching. July 30 all Open Market Steer entries are due, then accepted July 31-August 6 with a late fee. August 14 is the mandatory Open Market Steer initial weigh in and tagging day from 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM. August 16 is the Market Lamb entry deadline along with the one-time lamb purchase fee. Market Lamb entries are by paper only this year. Lamb Lottery Selection and Tagging Day is September 4 at 10:00 AM. Market Hog entries are due September 13 but accepted September 14-17 with a late fee. Market Hog manda-
Good luck to everyone competing at National contests over the remainder of the summer and enjoy it while it lasts! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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tory meetings will be either September 16 at 7:00 PM or September 18 at 9:00 AM. Blueberry, Citrus, Ornamental Plants, and Plants for Display entries are due October 1 but accepted October 2-7 with a late fee. Horses must be owned/leased or cared for by October 1. The mandatory horse exhibitor meetings will be either October 2 at 10:00 AM or October 14 at 7:00 PM. There will be a mandatory horticulture workshop for Ornamental Plants on October 2 at 10:00 AM. Market Hog Tagging day will be October 2 from 6:30-10:00 AM. Archery Competition entries are due October 8 but accepted October 9-15 with a late fee. There will be two archery safety and training sessions with a date to be determined and attendance mandatory to one of the two sessions. Beef breeding, commercial heifer, breeding goat, horse, poultry & eggs, and rabbit entries are due November 1, but accepted November 2-30 with a late fee (excluding horses which are accepted November 2-8 with a late fee). Mandatory market goat tagging, and goat and lamb clinic will be held November 13. December 1 all Chili Cook Off entries are due as well as vegetable ownership deadline and entries, bedding plants, hanging baskets ownership deadline, and dog entry deadline. Vegetable and dog late entries will be accepted December 2-6 with a late fee. December 10 copies of buyer letters to two potential buyers are due to the PCYF office for cake auction, blueberry, citrus, peach, ornamental plants, market hogs, market steers and commercial heifers. If you are showing blueberries, citrus, peach, or ornamental plants and miss the December 10 deadline, you can still send in your letters from December 11-January 1 with a late fee. Whip Popping entries are due January 3. Scrap off entries are due January 7. January 17 is the final date for online entries to Family & Consumer Sciences with no paper entries allowed and January 23 is the registration deadline for the Top Ranch Hand contest.
By Marisol Tarango
CONFESSION OF A RANCHER’S DAUGHTER As the sun peaks up over the horizon, the rancher’s daughter steps out onto the back porch to watch the morning light show while she sips her freshly brewed coffee. Days may be busy on the ranch, but a quiet moment to savor the beauty of nature waking up is just what the rancher’s daughter needs before she starts her hectic day. Pretty soon the cows will begin lowing for their feed, and the scramble to get chores done, people fed, and everyone on the same page and off to work will begin.
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But what does it really matter? I still have the evening to enjoy, don’t I? There are the beautiful sunsets and the quiet rhythm of the world falling asleep. There is wholeness that I feel as I brush down my horse after a good ride while she grazes on the thick summer grass. There is the togetherness of everyone laughing at dinner talking about what they did and learned that day. There is time to finish up the last of my to-do list and still enjoy the stillness of the coming night, which is a slow, long drink after a day of hard work. The evening is a break from the CONFESSION # 25: What idyllic morning scene? cares of the world where we can still enjoy our waking hours I don’t know how old I was when I realized the quiet peaceful before we escape entirely for a brief moment in our sleep. scene so typical of ranching movies was not quite the reality that I saw. On the days that we were up before the sun there Why, if we can drink slowly from the calming cup of evening, was no time to sit around and slowly sip coffee. There were does our day not seem entirely fulfilled if we do not drink at horses to be caught and saddled, dogs to be loaded, and the least a quick sip from the beaty of the morning? What is it truck ready to go work cows. Breakfast on these days was eat- about morning that renews us, that gives us that little whisper en while hauling the trailer down the road to wherever we were of confidence and peace that we need to get through another working that day. Even on the days that we were doing routine hectic day? What is it about watching the world waking up ranching, there wasn’t much time to sit around. We were up that makes us wake up, not only in our bodies, but in our soul? and out to get the animals fed, inside to eat breakfast, and then Maybe it is that just as we get to enjoy a few waking hours in started our school and whatever inside chores we had that day. the evening, without the cares of the world, in the morning we The only lingering that I did over my coffee was when I was can steal a few more precious moments of enjoying life withfinishing my last cup while staring uncomprehendingly at my out troubles. Only in the morning, though, can we experience that brief moment of life how it was meant to be, without the math work. shadows of a bad day, because there has not yet been a day Now as an adult with a town job, my mornings are even busier for something bad to happen in. as I rush to get the cows fed, myself fed, and my hair corralled into a respectable braid before I head out the door to work. The morning is our reminder that one day things will be how There is little time to stop and watch the squirrels play or lis- they should be. That even though there is a lot of bad in the ten to the sound and silence blend together in the morning air. world, there is still hope for good. The morning is a new beginSometimes I feel a twinge of regret when my horse comes up ning, a glimpse of the world as God created it originally. A mirfor affection, but I don’t have time to give it, and a lot of times ror of what we want our souls to look like, and a reminder that I have to peel myself away from watching the heifers eat their just as the morning is new, so are God’s mercies. breakfast. Sometimes, when I see my sisters settle down to do their school, I want to stay home and work with them. And yes, I do get a little jealous when I hear everyone talking about what their plans are for the next day and I know exactly where I am going to be for the rest of the week.
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Tampa Bay Fishing Report Capt. Woody Gore
Snook, Redfish & Spotted Sea Trout: Good action this month as the water tempera-
tures heat up. It’s not likely you’ll find Redfish, Trout, or Snook in skinny water, except perhaps early in the mornings. Instead, you’ll find them probably suspending at different levels depending on the thermoclines. If you do find them shallow, you’ll see them heading into the mangroves’ shade line.
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Check around passes separating the Mangrove Islands. Artificial lures and early mornings work well this time of year. MirrOLure’s - Top-Dog Series or the MirrOMullet Surface Walker. The color selection is white, silver with black, green with white, and redhead and white are good choices.
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Mackerel fishing in Tampa Bay is semi-strong (good days – bad days), and there are some big drag screamers chasing schools of threadfins. These are some exciting fish to catch on light tackle, with the larger ones average from 3 to 5 pounds. Try to find the hard bottom, and you’ll usually find vast schools of threadfins. Hang a couple of bags of chum over the side and use greenbacks or threadfins with small wire leaders and long shank hooks. I use 50# Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader, with Daiichi long shank hooks.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas for over fifty years, he offers first-class customer service, family-oriented charters, and a lifetime of memories.
Visit his website at www.captainwoodygore.com or send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore. com or give him a call at 813-477-3814. Member: FOWA-Florida Outdoor Writers Assoc., MemberSEOPA Southeastern Outdoor Press Assoc. CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer & Speaker
Mangrove Snapper, You can find them on every rock pile, marker, structure, and bridge pilings around Tampa Bay. A light line and smaller hooks should produce a nice meal. They’re really partial to the new hatch greenbacks or Threadfins but always take shrimp. Cobia are being seen around markers, especially those holding bait. Occasionally, some are cruising, the grass flats following giant rays or manatees. When you fish markers, keep a chum bag over the side. If fish are in the area, this should attract them. Toss them a pinfish, greenback, or threadfin and hold on.
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The Stories I Heard
By Marisol Tarango
Marty Higgenbotham Like most kids who grew up in the Polk County Youth Fair, I was very familiar with the name, or rather the voice, of Marty Higgenbotham. His auction chant was the background music to many big moments at the Polk County Youth Fair, not only for me, but for hundreds of kids in both navy-blue jackets and green bowties. When I was not selling something, it was nice to just be walking through the Hayman Arena and hear a familiar voice in a crowd of strangers. Even though I had never met Marty Higgenbotham formally, I felt like he was an old friend who had watched me grow up. And in reality, he did watch me grow up at the Youth Fair, just as he watched hundreds of other kids grow up while auctioning off their awardwinning projects that they had worked hard on all year.
Growing up in Missouri: I was born and raised in a little town in central Missouri, 75 miles from St. Louis, on a grain and livestock farm. Corn and beans and wheat were our primary crops, and when I was a kid, we did it with draft horses and mules. We didn’t have a tractor and that’s a whole different plan. So, it was get up early in the morning, feed the horses, get them harnessed, get in the wagon, and go do whatever you had to do. We coon hunted and we would take the pelts and dry ’em, and then once a year we would take them down to the auction. We had buyers come out of St. Louis and they would buy the coon pelts. Occasionally we would have a fox or a opossum, and that would be our spending money. I had a favorite dog, his name was Joe, his mother was registered and his dad came from a nice neighborhood, he was half birddog and half coon hound. He made the best coon dog in the world because he had a great nose, being a bird dog, and he could run a coon at a speed [that] the hounds couldn’t keep up with him, and [he] would always tree first.
Auctioneering:
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When I was four years old my Uncle Herman lived down on a lake (Little Luter) which was about a mile and a half from our house. Uncle Herman would walk up on Sunday to eat
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dinner. He was our favorite uncle because he would get out and play with us. I would beg him to let me go to town with him to the auction on Wednesday. [This was] before I was in school, and in that time, there was no Kindergarten, so you didn’t go to school until you were six years old. I remember walking down to meet with Uncle Herman and we would walk to town, which was five miles, to the auction. It was a livestock auction. They sold guineas, chickens, ducks, fenceposts… they sold everything. And I would lay in the arena and listen to the auctioneer and see the people, and it was just so exciting to me. I always said I’m gonna be an auctioneer, that’s what I’m gonna be, an auctioneer. So, when I finished my formal education, I went to auction college, came home, and sold my first sale the day after I got home. The first week of December [2021] will be 63 years that I’ve been selling. I went to an auction college in Mason City, Iowa, and it was called Reisch’s Auction College. A gentleman by the name of Reisch started it, we had about 130 kids in class and were on site live, [learning] the auction method of marketing. The first thing in auction school is to learn to chant. You have to create a chant that is, number one, plain so everyone can understand what you are saying. Number two, it needs to have a rhythm. And number three, it needs to be pleasing to listen to. If you go to an auction and the guy is rough and it sounds like he’s shouting at you, then it beats on your head, and you get up and go home pretty quick. So, you learn really quick [as an auctioneer] that you’re basically an entertainer.
What I heard: When I got to know the man behind the voice I had heard all my life, I heard someone who loved to learn. I discovered that Marty Higgenbotham was someone who did not let not knowing something get in the way. If he wanted to know something he learned how to do it himself or went to someone who had the knowledge he needed. I learned that no matter how much you know about your trade or field of interest, you shouldn’t let your pride hinder you from admiring someone else’s expertise. It would be a shame to let your pride keep you from new knowledge. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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EXCELLENCE IN CROP ADVISING AWARD
FARM BUREAU AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 20
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
By Jim Frankowiak
The Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge is accepting applications from U.S. startups developing innovative solutions that address challenges facing America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities. American Farm Bureau Federation in partnership with Farm Credit, is looking to identify top entrepreneurs who are addressing traditional challenges farmers face on their operations, such as access to labor, optimizing yield and reducing operating costs, to entrepreneurs who are addressing new challenges facing farmers and rural communities. Farm Bureau will award $165,000 in startup funds to 10 businesses, culminating at a live pitch competition and networking event at the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Atlanta in January of 2022. The winner will be awarded $50,000 in startup funds provided by Farm Credit, Bayer Crop Science, John Deere, Farm Bureau Bank, Farm Bureau Financial Services and FMC Corporation. More information regarding the application and
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timeline is available at: https://www.fb.org/related/Ag+Innovation+Challenge The Application deadline is August 20, 2021.
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Florida Farm Bureau, in partnership with the Florida Certified Crop Advisors Board of Directors, is seeking nominations for the 2021 Excellence in Crop Advising Award. The award recognizes an individual Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) who has performed outstanding service for farmer clients in nutrient, soil and water and integrated pest management, as well as crop production. Nominated CCAs must meet the standards set by the American Society of Agronomy and maintain their Crop Advising Certification through continuing education. He or she must also sign a Code of Ethics pledging to work in the best interests of their clients. The award winner will receive a $500 cash prize and plaque that will be presented at Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. Nominations are due September 3. Questions may be directed to Scot Eubanks by phone: 352/374-2633 or via email: Scot.Eubanks@ffbf.org.
The nomination form can be accessed at https://floridafarnbureau.formstack.com/forms/2020_excellence_in_crop_advising_award_nomination_form_copy. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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THE
AMERICAN
TRACTOR
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www.EFE1963 www.EFE 1963.com .com 20
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We are eating 900% more broccoli than we did 20 years ago. The most popular sweet pepper in the United States is the bell pepper. Pancakes have become so popular, that people don’t just eat them for breakfast anymore. Many people like to eat pancakes for dinner! Darker Green lettuce leaves are more nutritious than lighter green leaves. Americans eat about 30 pounds of lettuce every year. That’s about five times more than what we ate in the early 1900s. In the United States, lettuce is the second most popular fresh vegetable. The name asparagus comes from the Greek language and means “sprout” or “shoot.” Peaches are the third most popular fruit grown in America.
With every generation,
we get better at protecting our environment. Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
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®
Quiz
Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the July 2016 issue
I have always enjoyed putting together puzzles and solving riddles. They say it keeps your brain alert. Guess it first goes back to the time when I was a child and my dad asked me if there were five blackbirds sitting on a telephone wire, and two decided to fly off, how many would be left? My answer was three, but he said I was wrong. There would still be five because they just decided to fly, but had not flown off the wire. His favorite was one I still have not been able to solve. Three men go into a motel. The man behind the desk said the room would cost $30.00. So each man paid $10.00 and went to the room. A while later the man behind the desk realized the room was only $25.00, so he sent the bellboy to the three guys room with five $1.00 bills. On the way the bellboy couldn’t figure out how to split $5.00 evenly between three men, so he gave each man a $1.00 bill and kept the other two dollars for himself. This meant that the three men each paid nine dollars for the room, which is a total of $27.00. Add the two dollars that the bellboy kept and you have $29.00. The question is, ‘Where is the other dollar?’ Now, try this one! Think of a number from 1 to 10. Multiply that number by 9. If the number is a 2-digit number, add the digits together. Now subtract 5. Determine which letter in the alphabet corresponds to the number you ended up with. (Example: 1=a, 2=b, 3=c, etc.)
In closing let me tell you the story of the little old Christian lady living next door to an atheist. One morning the lady came out on her front porch and shouted, “Praise the Lord!” The atheist yelled back, “There is no God.”
Think of a country that starts with that letter. Remember the last letter of the name of that country. Think of the name of an animal that starts with that letter. Remember the last letter in the name of that animal. Now, think of the name of a fruit that starts with that letter.
She does this every morning with the same result. As time goes by the lady runs into financial difficulties and trouble buying food. She goes out on the porch and asks God for help with groceries, then say’s “Praise the Lord.”
Are you thinking of a Kangaroo in Denmark eating oranges? If you didn’t, you are among the 2% of the population whose minds are different enough to think of something else. About 98% of people will answer with kangaroos in Denmark when doing this exercise.
The next morning she goes out onto the porch and there’s the groceries she asked for, and of course she says “Praise the Lord.”
Now a quiz for people who know everything! (Don’t peek-answers at end of article)
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ANSWERS TO “BRAIN TEASERS” #1 - The third. The lions that haven’t eaten for three years are dead! #2 – The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry. #3 – Sure you can name them: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
3 – Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday?
The lady looks at him and smiles. She shouts “Praise the Lord…not only did you provide for me Lord, you made Satan pay for them!” 3 - Asparagus and rhubarb. 4 - How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems. 5 - Dwarf, dwell and dwindle. 6 - Lettuce. 7 – Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings and stilts. 8 - Six. 9 - Eight. 10 - One. 11 - Three.
2 – In 1958 a woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over five minutes. Finally, she hangs him. Two minutes later they both go out together and enjoy wonderful dinner. How can this be?
The atheist jumps out from behind a bush and says, “Ha, I brought those groceries – there is no God.”
ANSWERS FOR THOSE WHO KNOW EVERYTHING 1 - Boxing. 2 - Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.)
Now lets do some “Brain teasers”! (Answers at the end of this article) 1 - A man is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven’t eaten in three years. Which room is safest for him?
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1 – Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends. 2 – What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward? 3 – Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables? 4 - In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn’t been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle? 5 - Only three words in English begin with the letters ”dw” and they are all common words. Name two of them? 6 - Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh. 7 - Name six or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with letter “S.” 8 - How many sides are there on a standard pencil? 9 - How many hot dog buns are in a standard package? 10 - On the back of a $1 bill, what is in the center? 11 - How many curves are in a standard paper clip?
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USDA SETS JULY 30 DEADLINE
By Jim Frankowiak
FOR URBAN AG GRANTS The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting grant applications for Urban Agriculture and Production (UAIP), a grant that is designed to allow community organizations to plan for and implement urban agriculture strategies. The deadline for grant applications is July 30. Urban Ag projects are ways to build community, food security and nutrition efforts. The grant also supports production efforts, including high-yield hydroponics, shipping containers and vertical growing. There are two categories under the UAIP competitive opportunity: Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. Planning projects initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools and other stakeholders in urban and suburban areas. Projects may target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, urban agroforestry or food forests and development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production.
Implementation projects accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor and other agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers. Projects will improve local food access and collaborate with partner organizations and may support infrastructure needs, emerging technologies, educational endeavors and urban farming policy implementation. This grant opportunity does not require a cash match. Planning grant awards range from $50,000 to $100,000, while Implementation grant awards can range from $50,000 to $300,000.
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FLorida ATAULFO MANGO
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Summertime in Florida means fresh, sweet, delicious mangos. There are many different types of mangos. Some of the most well-known ones include Haden, Kent, Tommy Atkins, and Ataulfo. According to the Tropical Plant Society, mangos are the most popular fruit in the world and over 20 million tons of this fruit is grown each year. One of the newest varieties is the Ataulfo mango, also called honey, champagne, or yellow mango. This type of mango is flatter and smaller than other mango varieties. The exterior is green-yellow in color when unripe, and deep golden yellow when fully ripe. The flesh is sweet, a little spicy, and contains notes of citrus. The flesh is golden yellow and very smooth and soft with a buttery consistency and no stringy fibers. The interior pit is very thin.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Fresh Florida Ataulfo mango is not only juicy and delicious, but also quite nutritious. Compared with other types of mangos, the Ataulfo type contains almost five times more vitamin C. This fruit is also high in vitamins A and B6, as well as folate. According to the USDA, a one cup (140g) serving of fresh mango contains 110 calories, 27 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of fiber, 0.1 g fat and 0.2 g protein. It also contains 320% of your daily requirement for vitamin C, 50% for vitamin A, 70% for folate, and 10% for vitamin B6.
Vitamin C A single serving of Ataulfo mango contains over three times your daily needs for vitamin C! This vitamin is needed for growth and repair of all tissues in your body, including skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It helps your body maintain healthy cartilage, bones, and teeth, as well as promotes wound healing. Vitamin C also helps you absorb iron better. There is some research to support that vitamin C may also reduce the duration and severity of the common cold.
Antioxidants Fresh Florida mangos are full of antioxidants in many forms, including flavonoids and carotenoids. These compounds help provide anti-inflammatory effects, which is beneficial in warding off many major diseases. Other antioxidant nutrients high in mangos include vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A. These antioxidants are particularly beneficial in protecting blood vessels from oxidative stress, which results in atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Vitamin A and the carotenoids are especially important for good eye health, offering protection to the retina and macula.
How to Select and Store Select fresh Ataulfo mangos that are yellow in color if you desire a ripe fruit. Those that are green are unripe but can ripen on the counter at room temperature over a few days. Choose mangos that are heavy for their size and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Once mangos are ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several days. Wash immediately before use.
How to Enjoy
Mangos can be peeled from top to bottom or sliced with a knife and scooped out with a spoon. Discard the outer peel and the inner pit. Fresh Ataulfo mangos are delicious eaten out-of-hand. They can also be sliced and added to fruit salads or blended into smoothies or cooked into chutneys. Other ways to enjoy this nutritious fruit include: • Slice thin and toss into salad • Dice and make mango salsa to accompany fish or meat • Chop into pieces and add to cake or muffin batter • Puree and make into sorbet or ice cream Fresh Florida Ataulfo mango is a spectacular summertime treat. Enjoy more of this nutritious and delicious tropical fruit today.
SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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CONTAINER MOSQUITOES ON YOUR PROPERTY? UF/IFAS SCIENTISTS HELP YOU IDENTIFY
By Lourdes Mederos A water fountain to decorate a garden, a cluster of colorful plant pots and saucers on a patio, and a bird bath on a terrace can each delight the eye. However, if these simple yard accessories hold standing water, they may also be habitats for the immature stages of mosquitoes. Scientists at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have released “Florida Container Mosquitoes1 (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1315), a guide designed to bring awareness to container mosquitoes and the types of habitats and water-holding vessels where mosquito aquatic stages can occur. To the unsuspecting, a discarded tire left unattended behind a garage, a large fallen palm leaf that collects rainwater on a lawn, an unchecked tree hole, and even an ornamental bromeliad plant can hold water. Such vessels may be attractive for mosquitoes specialized to occupy such habitats and serve as the perfect home for their developing stages.
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Known as container mosquitoes because of the small aquatic habitats they dwell in until adulthood, they include several invasive species that may transmit viruses such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika. Published in the UF/IFAS Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), which hosts peerreviewed publications by faculty and Extension professionals, the document lists and illustrates 15 species of mosquitoes, 11 native and four exotic, that scientists classify as preferring to occupy containers.
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“We hope that readers of this guide will appreciate the types and breadth of containers that Florida mosquitoes may occupy and, where appropriate, reduce the potential for mosquito pests and disease vectors by emptying or draining manmade containers in their yards,” said Philip Lounibos, a distinguished professor emeritus of ecology and behavior at UF/ IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach.
Adult female container mosquitoes lay their eggs in small vessels that hold water. After the larvae hatch, they spend their aquatic stages in these containers until they emerge as adults. According to the document, container mosquitoes represent approximately 20 percent of the 90 mosquito species currently known to occur in Florida. “It is only relatively recently, following the increased prevalence of exotic viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, vectored by the invasive container species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, that mosquito control efforts in Florida have begun to focus intensively on mitigating the impact of these two species, especially in densely populated areas of the state,” said Lounibos.“On the other hand, many of Florida’s native container mosquitoes such as the pitcher plant specialist Wyeomyia smithii are not interested in biting humans and carry no known pathogens.”
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A closer look at your property may also reveal natural container habitats used by mosquitoes which include plant cavities such as bromeliad tanks and axils, tree holes and flower bracts of tropical plants, or decorative rocks with depressions that hold rain or irrigation water.
medical entomology UF/IFAS Extension specialist at the research center in Vero Beach, also detail how to control container mosquito pests at a time when the rainy season provides the optimal environment for filling their small aquatic habitats.
The document also considers which species are identified as “true” container mosquitoes in contrast to species that may occasionally seek these water vessels to lay eggs in, said Lounibos.
The document carefully distinguishes between mosquito control methods that can be used by homeowners and property owners versus large-scale control methods reserved for governmental
“True container mosquitoes are those that use this habitat faithfully and should be differentiated from other species of Florida mosquitoes, such as Culex quinquefasciatus, the Southern House Mosquito, which may occasionally be found in large containers, such as discarded auto tires, but do not favor such habitats,” said Lounibous.
or nongovernmental organizations potentially requiring scientific oversight and community participation.
THE
Lounibos and co-author Eva Buckner, an assistant professor and
In the guide, Lounibos and Buckner explain that among control methods that can be easily applied by homeowners, the most efficacious is the reduction of container mosquito numbers by eliminating their aquatic habitats, such as by draining plant trivets or bird baths, favorable for mosquito growth.
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KEITH MCMAHAN Dedicated to the Future of Agriculture
This month we are going to be featuring someone that most of the youth in Polk County are very familiar with. Mr. Keith McMahan serves on the Polk County Youth Fair Board of Directors. Each year, he helps oversee all Commercial, Beef Breeding and Steer committees to make sure everything is running smoothly. Aside from that, he also owns and runs his family’s business, Bartow Mattress and Upholstery. Growing up, Keith’s family was not as involved in the agriculture industry as he would have liked. However, before he turned 12, he helped on his uncle’s farm in Tennessee. His uncle grew tobacco, hay, and raised cattle. He was able to help with everything including the dairy cattle before they moved to Florida. Keith had another uncle who raised Angus cattle but spent most of his time in the tobacco and hay fields. Throughout his school years, Keith would visit the Polk County Youth Fair each year because he enjoyed the atmosphere. However, he never had the time to raise livestock to show or any land to keep them on. But about 35 years ago, after he got married, he was able to purchase horses.
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Keith’s son, Robert, decided he wanted to show rabbits at the Polk County Youth Fair. After a short run with rabbits, they switched to Registered Brahman cattle in
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By Payge Dupre | Photo Courtesy of Keith McMahan
1999. At first, they only showed once a year, at the Youth Fair, but it did not take long before their love and passion for the industry grew and they found themselves travelling to more shows across the country. Each year, when they would attend the Polk County Youth Fair, Keith saw that they needed help and decided to volunteer. Now, about 20 years later, he oversees all beef committees and even gets to watch his own grandkids as they make their way through the barns each year. They continued to grow their herd with the Brahman cattle, just for fun. Then grew to have commercial Brahman cattle and now raise primarily Sim Angus cattle as a cow/calf operation. As his grandkids grow up, they will also have the opportunity to show these cattle. It’s no secret that Mr. Keith has big goals and plans for the Polk County Youth Fair. As this year will be the 75th anniversary, he is very excited for what he has planned and what will be announced soon. Keith would like to thank all buyers, sponsors, supporters, and parents for what they have done to invest in the future of the agriculture industry and growing these kids. He would like to thank all current and past exhibitors for the passion they each show and he would especially like to thank the PCYF board and all committee members for everything they do to make the shows happen. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
As exhibitors, we only see the work put in during our fair, and often fail to see everything behind the scenes. However, leading up to the fair, the committee and board members are working 12 months out of the year just for our one week to shine. Keith, along with all committee members are working hard just for kids to do what they love for one week.
investment we make. Our exhibitors go above and beyond also exhibiting across the state and even nation. On top of their livestock projects, they also do their 4-H and FFA projects throughout the year statewide all while maintaining superior grades. It is safe to say that our future is in good hands with this group of kids, and I could not be more thankful to have a small part in their lives. The 2021 fair was definitely a challenge for us all through Covid, but with the help of you all, we had the biggest turnout yet. I am very humbled that I was chosen to be in this magazine, and I am very excited for the coming year and all of our ideas to come to life,” said Keith. He stated that he would like to grow the current and future committee members to be able to take his place when the time comes. He strives to make sure everyone is involved for the right reasons.
One of Keith’s biggest goals for the Polk County Youth Fair is to find a new facility and find it soon. He feels very strongly that we have outgrown our current facility and would like to push for everyone to helps find somewhere new that can be the location for the Polk County Youth Fair and all Polk County agricultural events. This facility would need a larger arena space, more seating for spectators, more tie spaces, wash spaces, and most importantly, parking! This year will have horses, dogs, swine, commercial cattle, purebred beef breeding, steers, rabbits, poultry, goats, and lambs. In addition there will be horticulture and Family and Consumer Sciences. He is open to any suggestions so this facility can be found quickly as the Polk County Youth Fair & agricultural youth continue to grow each year.
As an exhibitor at the Polk County Youth Fair and on behalf of all exhibitors, I would like to thank Mr. Keith for his dedication to this program and for investing in our futures – the future of agriculture!
Keith is extremely proud of the youth and states that he continues to do what he does all for the kids as they are the future. “I think everyone at the Polk County Youth Fair believes that the dividends are far greater than the INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
Melon Muffins Ingredients 1 watermelon 8 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened 3 ounces low-fat lime yogurt 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime zest
DIRECTIONS Slice watermelon into 1-inch thick cross sections. Using a 1 ½ wide biscuit cutter, cut watermelon sections into circles. In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese and yogurt; mix well. Arrange melon circles on a plate and top each with a teaspoon of yogurt sauce and pinch of lime zest. Serve immediately.
Watermelon and Shrimp Cocktail Skewers INGREDIENTS 1/2 medium-sized watermelon, peeled, seeded and cubed (about 32 cubes) 32 large shrimp, cleaned, poached and chilled 1/2 bunch fresh basil leaves 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/4 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or mild-flavored vinegar) 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce kosher salt to taste fresh ground pepper to taste 8 (6-inch) bamboo skewers
DIRECTIONS
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In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar and the peanut butter until completely blended. Add in the garlic, ginger and soy sauce until fully combined. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour most of the dressing over the shrimp, reserving some sauce for dipping. Chill marinated shrimp for 1 hour. To assemble, alternate shrimp, watermelon cubes and torn basil leaves on 8 skewers. Serve skewers with leftover sauce.
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WATCH THE WEATHER, WAIT TO WATER
By Jim Frankowiak
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is encouraging residents who irrigate their lawns to take advantage of the summer rainy season and “watch the weather, wait to water.” During the summer months of June, July, August and September, yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every two to three days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off the irrigation system and turn it back on when needed. The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues: • Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard. • Grass blades appear blue-gray. • Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it. Follow these tips when you “watch the weather, wait to water”: • If your yard is showing signs that it needs water, check your local forecast to see if rain is on the way. • Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain your yard has received. • If you have a rain sensor, make sure that it is working properly. • Take full advantage of the rain. Make sure gutter downspouts are directed into landscaped areas or lawn. • Install a rain barrel to capture excess rainwater.
For more information, please visit: WaterMatters.org/WatchTheWeather. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
GATORS – THEY’RE EVERYWHERE
What would you do if you looked on your patio and saw an alligator? There are a lot of people in Polk who call the Sheriff’s Office, even though the gator isn’t actually committing a crime. It’s probably because they know that A. We will always answer the call and B. Deputies are looking for any reason not to write reports. They also love to pose for pics holding the rogue reptiles – and you can see evidence of that on our social media pages. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (the ones you probably should call instead of us, but we’re happy to assist if they’re not available), gators begin courting in early April, and mating commences in May or June. And now we know why we’ve gotten such an increase in gator sightings lately.
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As cute at they may be, we want you to know that it’s illegal in Florida to feed an alligator or entice an alligator with food, unless of course you are licensed to handle alligators. The laws are meant to protect the gators, as well as people. There are lots of tragic examples of what happens when gators that are being fed by humans get a bit too comfortable wandering into populated areas, and even attacking pets and people. It’s also very important to keep in mind that, because alligators are ectothermic (cold blooded), they regulate their body
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temperature by basking in the sun or moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water temperatures. They are most active when temperatures are between 82° to 92° F. Unless you are licensed or permitted for doing so, do not move alligators. If you have one basking in the sun on your property, don’t attempt to pick it up, throw it in your truck, and let it go somewhere else. Nuisance alligators should only be handled by professional, licensed people. If you have a nuisance alligator, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) toll-free nuisance hotline at 866-392-4286, or a licensed trapper. Alligator hunting is legal, and popular. If you are interested in hunting alligators, the hunting season runs from August 15 to November 1 each year. Again, check with the FWC about how to obtain a license. And if you’re new to Florida, and you just want to see real live gators, there are plenty of licensed alligator farms that you and your family can visit. Or, you can always drive to Gainesville.
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HELPING SMALLER FARMS MAKE MORE PROFITABLE HIRING DECISIONS By Kristen Romaguera
Over 90% of Florida farms are considered “small farms,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s $250,000 revenue benchmark, and owners often face unique operational decisions. Regardless of farm size, hired labor is among the most consequential choices for farmers each season, with lower-budget operations facing tighter profit margins. A new University of Florida project, awarded $499,660 in a three-year USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) grant, aims to help navigate this decision-making process for small- and medium-sized fruit and vegetable farms. The project team includes UF/IFAS faculty members Gulcan Onel and Jaclyn Kropp, both with the UF/IFAS food and resource economics department, and Glenn Israel, who’s with the department of agricultural education and communication.
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“Think of it like a ‘Turbo Tax’ for labor and hiring decisions,” Onel analogized, referencing the tax-preparation software’s calculator-like adjustments to information the user inputs. The project’s decision-making tool – called “LaBOR,” for Labor and Business Operation Risks – will use benchmark data on Florida’s tomato, pepper, strawberry and blueberry operations.
gram. Higher initial costs are also a factor for those considering hiring H-2A workers, she added. “A grower who downloads LaBOR will be able to privately input their own information to see the short- and long-term operational value each labor scenario presents,” Onel explained, adding that the downloadable, offline component – as opposed to an online app – is intended to eliminate concerns about any sharing of individual operations’ budget data. “Large farms usually have the resources to help decide what kind of labor risks they have and can incur; small- and medium-sized farms don’t have that flexibility as much.” The project will begin with a research component to identify the needs of those smaller farm operations and owners’ perspectives on labor options – including hiring guest workers versus domestic workers. That process would inform the software development, along with existing Extension network-collected data to most effectively test its functionality. Once the “under-the-hood” coding is complete, Onel said, a computer scientist would enhance the program’s userfriendly look and feel. The LaBOR assessment tool would then be disseminated, and users’ feedback collected.
“Our software will incorporate underlying labor market risks to calculate the profitability of hiring from domestic versus H-2A (migrant) labor pools under various labor availability and policy change scenarios, allowing users to determine what’s best for their operation,” she added.
The project includes an additional Extension component, as well, to ensure users can make the most informed decision for their individual needs. Unforeseeable circumstances, like policy changes that may affect the H-2A guest workers program, for example, may require additional outreach to keep users apprised of the latest information.
Onel said the need for this software was exacerbated during the pandemic, when an already diminishing supply of domestic workers coincided with increased complexities in the regulations on the H-2A temporary agricultural worker pro-
“This customized, grower-directed software is going to be particularly helpful for labor management decisions when a significant policy or demographics shift is faced in the labor market,” Onel said.
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NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
DISTRICT SCHEDULES PRESCRIBED BURNS FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns through September on the Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area (LHFDA) in Hillsborough County. The Area is located south of Cross Creek Boulevard between U.S. Highway 301 and Morris Bridge Road near Thonotosassa. Approximately 100 acres will be burned in small, manageable units to reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control.
FLORIDA AG EXPO THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 The 2021 Florida Ag Expo will take place Thursday, November 18, at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Wimauma. More information, including registration, will soon be available on this one-day event for Florida’s Ag community.
LIVESTROCK EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION COURSE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AND STATE AGENCY STAFFERS SET FOR DECEMBER 6-10
Law enforcement and state agency personnel have an opportunity to receive training needed to make sound decisions in the field and during litigation proceedings during a weeklong session at the University of Florida December 6 – 10. Training is provided by industry experts with an emphasis on species specific production practices. Classroom instruction and hands-on experiences will be featured. Registration information is available at: https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/courses/lecale). The fee is $350.
FARM BUREAU MEMBERS ELIGIBLE FOR FORD BONUS CASH
GCREC Returns to Full-time Operational Hours The UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Wimauma is back to pre-pandemic hours of operation for faculty and staff.
FARM BUREAU SEEKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS Florida Farm Bureau Federation is seeking nominations for its advisory committees that play a vital role in policy development and implementation process. Fifteen different committees are seeking nominees from Apicultre and Equine through water and natural resources. Nominations may be submitted online. The deadline is August 27. Visit: www.floridafarmburea. org for more information.
Farm Bureau members are eligible for $500 Bonus Cash on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2020/2021/2022 Ford Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase or lease and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford dealer stock by January 3, 2022. Visit: FordFarmBureauAdvantage. com or your Ford dealer for more details.
HELP FOSTER AG LABOR REFORM
UF Offers New Weed Video ID Series
Florida Farm Bureau is encouraging its members to help support Ag labor reform by contacting U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, seeking their help in having Congress address this need. Visit this link to send a personalized message: https://www.floridafarmbureau.org/legislative-actioncenter/
COVID-19 Resources on Florida Farm Bureau Website Florida Farm Bureau has developed a COVID-19 resources website page that includes a variety of agricultural and state and federal links related to the pandemic. The site is continually updated and can be accessed at: floridafarmbureau.org/ covid-19-resources/.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) has introduced a new video series to help hobby gardeners and professional horticulturalists identify weeds in their gardens and greenhouses. Proper identification helps lower herbicide use and more successful weed management. Once identified, growers can utilize askIFAS to find management strategies for whatever weeds plague their gardens or greenhouses. The free, on-demand video series consists of 25 videos and is accessible by visiting the Landscape Weed I.D. for Florida Yards You Tube page.
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What’s Wrong With Florida?! by John Dicks
What’s wrong with Florida?! Well, not much, really, is wrong with Florida. At least not so much as far as I am concerned. Can you think of any other place you’d rather live? Sure, there’s lot’s of amazing spots in this world that are wonderful to visit, but are they so great that you’d rather switch places? Granted you might be longing for the cooler temps of the mountains right about now, especially during our annual blistering summer heat. The view of those majestic peaks is stunning, too. The question, though, is whether you’d be willing to make an even exchange. Particularly so when you remind yourself that the pleasant mountain summer weather will soon give way to cold, wintry and dreary days, noted for days short on sunshine and nights too long to enjoy. One of the many fine things about travel is that it is gives you a great perspective on how things are “back home.” It lets us look at life and where we live without the jaded lens of daily living. We begin to appreciate things rather than taking them for granted. Consider, for example, warm water beaches. We’re surrounded by them. Our pretty little peninsula of Florida just dangles in the seas of our gulf and ocean. Head in any direction from where you start and within just a couple of hours you’ll be dipping your toes in water precisely the temperature for pleasure. Try that anywhere else! The water’s not warm in the ocean off of Georgia, or the Carolinas. Even beautiful California, where my son flies fighter jets in and out of San Diego, the Pacific ocean water feels to me to be about 45º! OK, I’m exaggerating; but only a bit! The point is, all things considered, Florida is great, and there’s just not much wrong with it! Thank goodness, of course, but it’s the very reason why each year I am astounded at the thousands of proposed
pieces of legislation offered up as new laws needed to solve problems here in our Sunshine State! Yes, literally thousands of bills are filed each year for consideration by the 160 member collective body of Legislators in Florida’s Senate and House of Representatives. Some sneak through and get passed, most of which become effective July 1st, as we begin the last half of the year. Here’s a few worth noting. Right to Farm - A measure was passed to expand Florida’s “Right to Farm” law by including additional legal protections to farmers. Its goal is to reduce “nuisance” lawsuits by creating new, stronger liability protections for farm operations that comply with best practices. “Nuisance” is defined in the law as “any interference with the reasonable use and enjoyment of land, including, but not limited to, noise, smoke, odors, dust, fumes, particle emissions, or vibration.” Vaccination Passports: One perceived priority of the Governor was to convince lawmakers to approve legislation which would prevent businesses, schools and government agencies from requiring people to show documentation certifying COVID-19 vaccinations before gaining entrance. It’s a concept referred to as requiring “Vaccination Passports.” Likely it will be fought in the courts since many businesses, including the cruise lines, had taken steps to implement the practice in an effort to provide a level of safety to consumers. Tax Collections for Online Sales: This proposal, which had been discussed for many years, found a majority of lawmakers ready to require out-of-state online retailers collect sales taxes on purchases made by Floridians. It’s estimated that more than $1 billion will be paid by Florida purchasers on online transactions. The additional revenue is earmarked to be used in replenishing an unemployment trust fund, with future collections being applied to reduce a commercial rent tax. As you would imagine, it’s still a controversial topic amongst consumers. Regardless, legislators still sought to appease taxpayers by once again offering a “Back-to-School Tax Holiday.” The popular tax savings event was scheduled to run this year from July 31 until August 9.
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a Blueberry Farm and have Agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!”. John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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July State Officer Column
By Emma Poole and Christian Bentrovato
And just like that, it’s over. I cannot believe that my time as a State FFA Officer has come to an end. This year has allowed me so many amazing opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. I have learned more about myself and the members of Florida FFA than I thought I would ever know, and more importantly, I have been able to learn about agriculture and demonstrate my passion for the industry. I think it is so amazing just how far the reaches of Florida FFA can go and I hope that this year, I was able to encourage or inspire someone to write their own chapter in our organization’s history. There is so much that I could say about the FFA, but I will just expand on two of the things that made our state convention so special to me. The first of which was so fulfilling and an amazing way to round out my competition career. Those of you who know me personally know just how passionate about and in love I am with the Parliamentary Procedure competition, something I started competing in way back in 2014 at Tomlin Middle School. We finally won the state competition my senior year, only for the national contest to be cancelled. So, in order to have a chance to qualify for nationals again, the Board of Directors reinstated my competition eligibility and I once again set out to compete in Parliamentary Procedure, except this time, as a state officer. After hard, diligent work, we were crowned the state champions the Thursday night of Convention. A special shoutout goes to my teammates Will Haxton, Carter Howell, David Ferrell, Lisee Griffin, and Casey Lane. You guys have shown me what passion and determination truly is, and I’m so thankful for each of you. The other thing that was truly special about convention was being able to pass down the title of State Secretary to one of my best friends and someone who I have served and competed alongside for many years, Carter Howell. Carter, I wish you nothing but the best during your year of service. I am proud of you! Of course, I’ll miss this chapter of my life, but I’m excited to begin a new journey at Florida Southern College this fall to major in Multimedia Journalism. So, who knows, maybe writing for a magazine isn’t a far cry from what I’ll be doing for the rest of my life. Thank you all for reading along this year and for always supporting us!
Signing off for the final time, Emma Lauren Poole 2020-2021 Florida FFA State Secretary
Now that state convention has ended, the stage and lights have been taken down, us past state officers have gone home and the new state officers have zipped up their new jacket, there is a sense of calmness. For a short period of time everyone in Florida FFA can relax (especially after this not so average year). Us retired state officers are allowed to take a breather before college starts and the new state officers can spend some time on vacation before their non-stop year of service begins in a few short weeks. It was a great sight to watch so many of our Hillsborough County chapters walk across that stage after their year of hard work! Just as some of us are preparing for college and the new state officers are preparing for their year, our chapters and advisors are already working hard to make this next year a success and I know I can’t thank them enough for all that they do each day! I would like to give the best of luck to our new state officers. This journey you have already embarked on will be the best year of your life. You all have worked so hard throughout your FFA career to be in that jacket today, so don’t ever underestimate yourself and think you can’t do something because you can. It’s hard to sum up eight years of being in an organization that has shown me and given me so much. When I first joined FFA in the 6th grade at Tomlin Middle School, I knew I wanted to be active and participate, but I had no idea how far I would eventually go. I can remember being on that first officer team and how much fun I had and journeys I went on, I remember going to my first competition, and I definitely remember going to my first state convention. If it weren’t for this organization so much would have never happened. To everyone that has helped me along the way thank you, thank you, thank you. I know I wouldn’t have ever become a state officer if it wasn’t for the support of everyone that surrounded me. Now it’s onto the next journey. -Christian Bentrovato Area V State Vice President
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
WEE BIRDS BIG VOCAL CORDS: CHIMNEY SWIFTS By Ginny Mink
June was a whirlwind on this end of the page! Your endangered species writer got to see so many amazing things as she traveled through the Midwest all the way to the Badlands of South Dakota. So, when she got home, she was enthusiastically looking forward to the peace and quiet there while the kids were still gone with their dad. Sadly, this is not what she found. Ever heard of a Chimney Swift? She hadn’t either. But now she can definitely tell you when she hears them because while she was off traveling 7000+ miles in June, they swooped in and took up residence in her chimney. She asked a neighbor about the now-built-in, chirping, alarm system. She was told something about them being protected and thusly she was introduced, personally, to Chimney Swifts. Are they endangered? Not yet. But they are really close to being listed as threatened in much of their migration areas. And, since Florida happens to be one of their stop-off points, just ask this writer, it seemed pretty worthwhile to inform everyone else about the plight of these kind-of-cool-though-annoyingly-loud birds. So, without further ado, let us learn a little about these wee things with seemingly big vocal cords.
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Chimney Swifts are small birds averaging about five inches in length. Some people have called them “cigars with wings” due to their physical appearance. Since the cat in this writer’s home happened to catch one of these lovelies during their time in her chimney, she can testify that they are indeed stubby with short, blunted tails, and brown or black bodies with giant black eyes. A cigar with wings is a fairly accurate description. Also, their wings are curved, long, and narrow.¹ They are strange looking birds.
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Audubon reveals that Chimney Swifts are the only kind of swift that occurs in the East. Historically, these swifts nested in hollow trees but because mankind has been rapidly destroying the forests they call home, the swifts have been forced to adapt and therefore found that the inside of a chimney is very much like the inside of a hollow tree. It is this adaptation that has allowed the Chimney Swift to be one of the most thoroughly studied neotropical avians. Shockingly, in the summer thousands of these birds can roost inside a large chimney.² Imagine that noise! Maybe you are thinking that this writer is “geeking out” a little too much about a tiny bird that hangs out inside chimneys. But this bird and its habits here are even interesting in Chicago, as proven by a 2019 article in the Chicago Tribune. In this article, Nancy Moreland, the author, talks about a seasonal show that happens every summer in Wakulla Springs State Park. Apparently, the swifts put on quite a show as they spiral in the air down into the chimney at the lodge there.³ Since these precious birds eat our beloved mosquitoes, among other insects, we should be very supportive of their existence. They capture the insects midflight and according to the FWC they are, “one of the fastest birds in the world and are entertaining to watch as they fly out of structures in large, chattering flocks to hunt insects and skim surfaces of ponds, lakes or streams.”¹ It’s that chattering in the chimney that ends up being far less entertaining. When the swifts decide to court there are a lot of aerial antics. In one of these displays of affection and interest, they will fly close together following one another as they glide with their wings in a V. The breeding pairs often have an adult helper as they nest inside a chimney fairly far away from the opening. Both the male and female WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
will help construct the nest which is shaped like half a saucer that consists of saliva glued twigs. The birds will break off small dead sticks while they are outside flying around. Their eggs are white and there’s usually 3 to 6 of them. Both parents will incubate the eggs for 19-21 days. Twenty days after birth the babies will explore by creeping up vertical walls and will make their first flights at about 28-30 days old.² That’s a bad time to be in a chimney in a house where a cat lives. Poor baby! Probably would have been better for the Chimney Swifts that found their way into this writer’s chimney to have remained on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. This network of more than 500 sites is designed to preserve wild places and Wakulla Springs State Park is one of the locations on the trail. The Chimney Swifts are there now and will provide you quite a sight as well as respite from the mosquitoes you would expect to encounter. Apparently, two adults and their babies can eat 12,000 flying bugs every single day!³ Maybe this writer should reassess the presence of these birds!
Resources: ¹Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Chimney Swift. https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/ profiles/birds/chimney-swift/ ²Audubon. Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica. https:// www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/chimney-swift ³Moreland, Nancy. (2019). Spiraling swifts put on a seasonal show at Florida state park. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/sc-trav-chimney-swifts-wakulla-springs-0326-story.html Photo Credits: McFarland, Kent. (2011). Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica). (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/9JTVqD -Three birdsSchechter, Greg. (2010). Chimney Swifts. (Flickr). https:// flic.kr/p/8H1Hg4 -Birds in chimneySchipul, Ed. (2007). Chimney swift. Houston, TX. (Flickr). https://flic.kr/p/KwG9L -Bird in hands-
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Chimney Swifts may not be endangered, yet, but they are still protected. It is illegal to kill them. Should you be so fortunate as to have them visit inside your chimney, it’s suggested that you wait for them to leave and then screen around the top of your chimney to prevent reentry. However, the reality is, their habitats are dwindling, they eat mosquitoes, and though they might be noisy while they are around, you could be doing something to actively prevent the decline of a species that visits Florida every summer. Think on that as you consider your role on the planet our Maker entrusted into our hands.
Naturally A Closer Look Amazing Activities
by Sean Green
DIY Portable Air Cooler Summertime has only just begun and it’s HOT! This is the time of year the AC unit is most likely to fail and I can tell you from personal experience that it does not take long for the temperature and humidity to rise to “uncomfortable” in the middle of a summer day. If you have access to ice, a simple and fairly effective portable air cooler can be made for less than $20 and can be used as a back to cool a small room when the main AC goes out, keep the car cool in the heat of the day, or keep the tent cool for summertime camping. With ordinary ice, the cooler will output air temperatures of around 40°F for several hours. It is well known that adding salt to ice will not only melt the ice, but actually lower the temperature of the resulting slurry to well below freezing (32°F), more salt results in colder temperatures.
Materials:
Fan (4 to 6 inch) Water Salt Ice
Utility Knife Styrofoam Cooler PVC Elbow (2” or 3”)
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Trace the circumference of the PVC elbow onto the top lid of the cooler.
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Cut a hole for the fan in the top lid of the cooler Cut at 45° angle to create a smaller interior diameter and provide a better seal.
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Cut a hole for the PVC elbow (exhaust) in the top lid of the cooler. Cut at 45° angle to create a smaller interior diameter and provide a better seal.
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Fill 1/3 of the cooler with tap water
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Fill another 1/3 of the cooler with ice * leaving 1/3 air space for circulation *
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Add at least 1 pound of salt to the tap water *more is better* (table salt works better than rock salt)
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Plug the fan in to circulate air through the cooler, cold air should exit the exhaust PVC
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As an alternative to an AC powered fan, consider looking for fans that can be powered with batteries or solar panels, so it can be used for camping or power outages.
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ANaturally Closer Look Amazing
by Sean Green
Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata) by Ann Pettigrew
by Andreas Kay
by insect.org
I am not a gambling man, but I bet some of our readers have a little gold hidden in or around their gardens. Please forgive my “Dad Joke” play on words, but the statement is true enough for our part in describing this month’s featured insect. The gold we are discussing is a small beetle in the leaf miner family (Chrysomelidae) and is commonly known as the Golden Tortoise Beetle. It’s charming name alone hints at how special it really is. This beetle can change its color from metallic gold to red and black depending on its mood. Fortunately, these beetles do not damage plants enough to be considered a pest, therefore, if you can find them in your garden, let them stay so you can enjoy a closer look, I hope you will find them as fascinating as I do. The taxonomic name Charidotella sexpunctata comes from the Latin “Sex” (six) and “Punctum” (spots) to describe the six black spots found on adults. The adult beetle has a hard shell shaped like that of a tortoise shell and when undisturbed and happy, its shell has a metallic gold coloration. It is these physical characteristics that give it the common name of Golden Tortoise Beetle. When disturbed however, the brilliant golden color changes to warning colors of red with 6 black spots. The color change is a form of Bastian Mimicry in which a harmless species (the beetle) mimics a harmful species (ladybug). Predators such as birds know to avoid ladybugs because these insects produce toxins in their body that get the bird that eats them sick. When the Golden Tortoise Beetle changes its color to red and black, it looks like a ladybug and birds are less likely to choose it as a meal. The Golden Tortoise Beetle has a couple of cool superpowers, the ability to change colors is only one of their tricks. They change colors with a stealth like technology that scientists are only beginning to understand. Researchers call the ability “Hydrochrome” (water color) and the way it works is nothing short of brilliant. In simple terms, the beetle, like many insects, has an exoskeleton made of hard plates. The protective exoskeleton of the beetle is made of layers of clear plates, the thickest of which are on the bottom. This arrangement of clear plates creates a broadband reflector capable of reflecting the visible spectrum as well as the Ultraviolet and Infrared spectrum. The beetle can pump fluid in between the layers of clear plates and this fluid refracts visible light to give the clear
The shell is just as functional as it is beautiful and the Golden Tortoise Beetle has another card to play if mimicry is not enough. Its feet have rings of ridges, like that of the Gecko, that look like a soft honey dipper. This structure creates enough friction for it to climb smooth surfaces. The feet can also distribute a glue-like oil that is released when a predator, such as an ant, is on the attack. Once the oil is released from the feet, the beetle lowers its shell into the oil to glue itself to the ground and remains glued into its protective shell fortress until the threat is gone. This strategy is effective for many, but not all predators. The wheel bug, for example, would simply pierce the beetles shell with its powerful proboscis to quickly make a meal of the beetle right through its shell. The larvae of this beetle are just as creative in their defenses as the adults. At their rear end, the larvae have what is called a fecal fork and it is of course used to collect its own fecal matter and debris. The fecal fork can be moved to a position over its back, like that of a scorpion. The beetle larvae collect their own dung and mix it with leaf litter. Allowing this concoction time to dry results in a hardened shell that is above its body like a helmet to serve as both a deterrent and hard-shell protection. The sporty helmet this critter creates is not just a fashion statement, but is also used to intimidate any would be attackers. The larvae will flap its dung helmet around in a feigned attack to throw the assailant off long enough to make a quick escape. I cannot help but giggle at the thought of shaking a collection of dung at an attacker as a means of self-defense. It seems to work for these beetles and who knows, it may work for humans too; if nothing else, it certainly makes for an entertaining observation. Adult beetles are active in Florida all year but will be particularly abundant this month and can be found on the underside of Morning Glory leaves. If you get the chance, take a closer look, I think you will be amazed.
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shell a metallic gold appearance. When threatened or stressed, the beetle pumps the fluid out of the shell to reveal the base colors of red and black. In this way, the beetle can change its color without pigment, but rather by reflecting and refracting light waves at will.
MARKET WATCH: WINTER HAVEN MARKET By Libby Hopkins
The Winter Haven Market has only been a part of the Winter Haven community for a few years, but it is definitely making its mark. “The market started in January 2019,” said market manager, Chris Sexson. “Perfect pandemic timing, who knew? We had approached a few different groups in an effort to get the market off the ground. The SixTen Development Group in Winter Haven shared our desire to get a market started. They helped us connect with former mayor Rick Baker of St Pete and he, in turn, connected us with Mark Johnson from the St Petersburg Farmers Market, which is ranked one of the best markets in the country. After some consulting and insights from Mark and Rick, we used our love of farmer’s markets and began curating our own market. Soon after the Winter Haven Farmers Market was born.”
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Sexson and his wife Amy moved to the Winter Haven area about five years ago. They missed their local farmer’s market. “We’d say, ‘the best way to spend a Saturday morning is fresh foods, vegetables and local, local, local’,” Sexson said. “We are just fans of farmers’ markets. Winter Haven did not have a weekly food-focused farmers’ market. We live and work in the downtown Winter Haven area and thought we need a farmers’ market. We may have said it out loud a few too many times, long story short, we found a few like-minded supporters and went for it. Careful what you wish for
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you may end up with a farmers market! I joke we really love the community and the opportunity to create a hyper-local gathering place.” The Winter Haven Market is a pet-friendly market and it is held every Saturday from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. rain or shine. The market is located across from Grove Roots Brewery in the BB&T Bank lot on the N.E. corner of 3rd St. and Ave C S.W. in downtown Winter Haven. “We strive to be an authentic community farmers’ market,” Sexson said. “The idea of the market was to support local and create a healthy foodie destination every Saturday morning in Winter Haven.” During the months of June-August the market’s hours are 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. The Market is designed using the key features of the St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market. The features include live music, a strong selection of unusual high quality ‘ready-to-eat’ food, tables to eat and socialize, as many locally grown farmers and producers Sexson and his team can find in the area, as well as being petfriendly. Our fur babies love markets too! “We really work at being food-focused,” Sexson said. “That being said we do curate and limit the vendors that participate. We love makers and crafters but wanted a market that was a farmers’ market first. Farmers are rock stars and we wanted them to be the focus. We are always on the lookout for local farms. If you are a local farmer or food WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
producer you are in, call us! We then set out to have a few categories covered from coffee, fresh bread, pasta, desserts, teas, jams, jellies, honey, citrus, fresh-cut Flowers, seafood and beef. Sexson’s goal has been to keep the percentage of food vendors high to lead the market’s overall experience. “Add some live music, a seating area in the shade and high-quality food trucks and we are ready to go,” Sexson said. “The market is a great way to spend your Saturday morning. With a seating area, the variety of vendors, live music, food…it’s more than a market. We wanted to create a great vibe and market community. I think we have done that. It’s kind of chill.” If you ask Sexson what he like most about what he does, he’ll tell you its connecting with the Winter Haven community. “Supporting local and connecting with people is it for me,” Sexson said. “Seeing each vendor every week, they have quickly become our farmers’ market family. We’re grateful to share and grow with them. There is nothing more local than a farmer’s market. I definitely get a feeling of being part of the greater good starting and operating a farmers’ market. It’s a great way to give back to the community.”
The City of Winter Haven has a lot of great things happening. From the free ski show on the third Saturday of every month to Grove Roots Brewery, Downtown Winter Haven has a lot to offer its visitors and residents. “They seem to be adding new restaurants and shops every month,” Sexson said. “I invite your readers to join us on Saturdays at the market, grab some lunch, visit the brewery, take in the ski show, which is the coolest thing ever and come see all the great stuff happing in Wint er Haven. And again, if you are a local farmer or food producer contact us. We want to hear from you!” If you’d like to learn more about the Winter Haven Market or if you’d like to become a vendor at the market, you can visit the market’s website at www.winterhavenfarmersmarket.com.
The Winter Haven Market’s goal is to be completely local in every way. “We love local,” Sexson said. “From supporting local restaurants, markets and businesses, we always go out of our way to support and celebrate local. Shopping local is being community-connected, mindful of your neighbors and more often than not a much higher quality experience or product.”
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THE CULT OF PLANTS By Libby Hopkins
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Michelle Crawford and her husband, Jarrett Benavides, have started a cult. Their cult is on a mission to help their followers eat healthier and feel better. “Well, we all know that veganism and other types of plant-centric diets are on the rise, but still remain somewhat fringe,” Crawford said.
ing better. “We are proud to represent the positive side of this movement, one that respects all dietary choices while urging our neighbors to choose more plants for health, the environment and animal welfare,” Crawford said.
No, Crawford and Benavides are not crazy cult leaders. They are the owners of a plant-based food company called Cult Legume. “Early on, we were jokingly accused by some of our family and friends of joining up with a ‘cult’ when we switched our diet,” Crawford said. “It’s true, especially here in the South, that we sometimes get funny looks when we ask to leave off the butter, sour cream, bacon, and eggs!”
About seven years ago, Crawford was starting to experience some health issues. “My cholesterol was getting higher and higher, as was my weight and I was struggling with significant back pain,” Crawford said. “I wanted to start living a healthier lifestyle and improve my diet in hopes of enhancing my well-being. An Internet search led me down the rabbit hole of information and it didn’t take long until I was convinced that a plant-based diet would revolutionize my health.”
Their little bean-loving cult is growing, and they are proud that their customers are eating healthy and feel-
Crawford admitted it was very hard switching to a plantbased diet. “I wish I could say that was all it took, that I
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wanted to have lots of variety in our packaged products and we commit to donating all our profit to charity,” Crawford said. “Typical Millennials, I guess!” Cult Legume was born. So, what makes Cult Legume different from other plant-based food companies? “One big differentiator is our use of only whole, unprocessed or minimally processed foods,” Crawford said. “We don’t use any highly processed ingredients like refined oils, not even olive or coconut oils, refined sugars because we sweeten our food with dates. We also do not use refined salts. We use miso for a slightly salty flavor while adding probiotics to balance the health benefits. We like to say that our food is lovingly handcrafted in a kitchen, not formulated in a lab or processed through a machine.”
transformed my lifestyle overnight, but that wasn’t the case. It was hard,” Crawford said. “I was living at home with my parents at the time, meaning all my childhood favorites were on the menu. Fried venison, mashed potatoes, peas with pork, home-grilled steaks and fried green tomatoes topped with loads of sour cream! I did great during the day, while I was away at work with my packed lunch, but when it was suppertime, I couldn’t say no to those southern classics.” Crawford struggled along for about a year, but in 2015 she met my now-husband, Jarrett. “I shared with him what I’d learned about plant-based eating, and he was 100 percent on board,” Crawford said. “We embarked on the journey together and never looked back. We cooked together and figured out how to structure our diet to optimize our health. We have stellar blood work and easily keep trim and active!”
Another important differentiator is their commitment to community investment. “We have pledged to give all our profit to charity, meaning the money you spend with us stays here and is put to great use,” Crawford said. “We have established our own 501c3 to launch later this year and hope to eventually create a foundation to fund other organizations. We want to be a model of the future of business and entrepreneurship, showing that you can succeed by helping others.” Keeping thing local is important to the couple, too. “As our production increases, using local suppliers will be a key focus for us,” Crawford said. “We have placed an emphasis on partnering with local retail locations to direct our growing following to them.” If you’d like to learn more about Cult Legume or if you’d like to try any of their products, you can visit their website at www.cultlegume.com.
Last year, during the pandemic, the couple knew they needed to get creative about sharing the virtues of a plant-based diet to help other people revitalize their health. They also knew, from personal experience, just how difficult it was to make the switch. “So, we thought, what if we make the food we eat at home, all our personal favorites, packaged and ready to eat, and sell that to our community,” Crawford said. “We’d be eliminating the biggest obstacles to healthy eating, not knowing what ingredients to use or how to cook with them, as well as not having the time to prepare food. The need for convenient, on-the-go options in our busy world was paramount. We became obsessed with the idea and worked hard on the business model.” The coupled decided that they wanted to become the “Newman’s Own of whole, plant-based foods.” “We
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Classifieds BUILDING SUPPLIES METAL ROOFING Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris. ALUMINUM We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378 WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378 CABINETS All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Chris 813-752-3378 VINYL SIDING Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378 NEW, USED & ABUSED.
FARM EQUIPMENT I4 POWER EQUIPMENT Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Plant City 813-752-4459 TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
OWER UNIT JOHN DEERE Power unit John Deere, 500 hp pump gear. Turbin complete set for 16" well Excellent condition. Will sell separate. Selling Property, MUST SELL. Call 813-361-2806 LUCAS METAL WORKS DRAG Ground hog arena drag. $1,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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MILL CREEK ARENA SPIN GROOM Mill Creek arena spin groom grader. $1,000 Ask for Alive 813-759-8722
july
CITRUS PACKING HOUSE Citrus packing house equipment for sale. Mikey Fertilizer Spreader, two wind machines. Call 863-324-2833 BAD BOY ROGUE 61” cut with 35hp Kawasaki engine. 58 hours. Warranty. Sold new 6/2020. Equipped with lights and canopy. Comes with trailer. $11,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 2002 GMC (Isuzu) 16 ft flat bed, diesel, 142,174 miles. $5,500. Call Tony at 813-205-6145 ALLUMINUM SKINS Staring at $30.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378 MILLCREEK SPIN GROOMER Millcreek arena spin groomer. $1,000 Call 813-759-8722 ask for Alvie.
MAHINDRA 1635HL Mahindra 2020, 95 hours, with warranty. $17,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
WANTED WANTED If you need a place to dump clean wood chips/leaves from your tree trimming business etc. I need about 10 loads. Located on Dorman Rd near Fishhawk, no gate. Call John at 239-821-1253
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES USED SCAG ZTR 52” Liberty zero turn with Kaw engine. $3,500. Call Jeff 813-752-1066 USED BAD BOY OUTLAW XP Zero turn mower. 61” cut, kawasaki engine. $4,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
MISC. FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722 24 HOUR SERVICE Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173 FARM BUREAU INSURANCE We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? Call Rhonda Wetherington, P.A. Realtor, GRI. 813-933-1761 ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & Repair. Legendary service for over 20 years! 813-752-0821 FOR RENT Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
FOR SALE
JOHN DEERE Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660 OVERSTOCK SPECIAL Barn doors starting at $80.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Tel: 813.759.6909
2014 MAHINDRA 4530 Mahindra 4530, 44hp, 4x4 tractor loader with 900 hrs, for $16,500. 813-759-8722 ask for Alvie.
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
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OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE Bread warmer, chrome trim. You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378 DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
JOBS MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
TRADE • BUY • SELL? Since 2004 In The Field has been Hillsborough and Polk Countys #1 Agriculture Magazine. Call Us at 813-759-6909 to place your Ad Today!
PARTS COUNTER HELP Wanted for parts look up and sales. Experience in the agriculture equipment service. Speak with Alvie. 813-759-8722
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Polk County Cattle Women
S
ummer is here! The grass needs mowing, the weeds are flourishing, and we’ve all received some welcoming rain thanks to Tropical Storm/ Hurricane Elsa. Hopefully y’all fared well during the storm and the wet areas are receding. Last month was Convention month and there’s lots to share! First off, I’d like to thank Blair Buchanon, current PCCA Sweetheart, for representing Polk County so well in the Florida Cattlemen’s Association Sweetheart contest. Your enthusiasm and passion for the beef cattle industry do not go unnoticed by others and we are so proud of you. At Convention we were honored to have won the County Pride Display Board contest sponsored by the Florida CattleWomen. In this contest, county associations were tasked with the job of creating a display board showcasing the ways they have promoted the Beef Cattle industry over the past 12 months. The display boards were divided into four categories: Beef Promotion, Community Service, Youth Involvement/ Legacy, and CarrleWomen Fellowship (social events). Our very own Bailey Buchanon created our board and did an outstanding job! The Polk Jr. Cattlemen’s Association also represented Polk County well at Convention. We would like to congratulate the following members for their accomplishments: • Bellamy Howell: 2nd place in Jr. Speech contest • Carlie Shenefield, Raelan Sherouse, Lily Harwell, and
We are so proud to have you represent Polk County! School will be back in before we know it and the lazy days of Summer will once again be nothing but a memory. As we all get back on a regular schedule, we would like to welcome any and all ladies interested in attending our meetings and joining our organization to head on down to Bartow! If you’d like information about meetings and membership don’t hesitate to reach out to me at BuckLD96@gmail.com. Till next month, Leslie Buchanon Polk County CattleWomen’s Association President
Leslie Buchanon Polk County Cattlewomen President
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Weslee Howell: 1st place in Jr. Quiz Bowl • Carlie Shenefield, Raelan Sherouse, and Lily Harwell: 2nd place Sr. Team Marketing • Peyton Chandley and Mackenzie Hollie for their winning photos in the Photography contest • Kylee McMullen for winning the Florida Premier Grey Brahman Exhibitor award and Premier Grey Brahman Female award
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