In The Field magazine Polk edition

CONTENTS

Polk County Cattlemen’s Association

P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005

President – Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876

Vice President – Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com

Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846-0849 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com

PAGE 10

From The Scientific Field

PAGE 12

Thoughts from the Heifer Pen

PAGE 14

Fishing Hot Spots

PAGE 16

Endangered Species

PAGE 18 Reduce Calves Stress

PAGE 22

Rocking Chair Chatter

PAGE 24

Land Protection Program

PAGE 27 June Plum

PAGE 32 Recipes

Hey

PAGE 33

FB District Rep

PAGE 34

FFA State Officers

PAGE 35

News Briefs

PAGE 36

John Dicks

PAGE 38

PCSO

PAGE 40 Activity

PAGE 41 A Closer Look

PAGE 42 Creating A Legacy

PAGE 44 Cattle and Greenhouse Gases

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 (863) 206-5021 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com

Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com

Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com

James Stice PO Box 460 Highland City, FL 33846 (813) 714-2333 jstice@verizon.net

Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com

Alternate Standing Committee Chairs: Membership

Events Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808

Website Cattlewomen – President, Leslie Buchanon 8444 Tom Costine Rd Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 581-2711 Buckld96@gmail.com

Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu

Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org

Sgt. Tim Sanders 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 656-6119 brusso@polksheriff.org

Warner University –Abby Crawford 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 638-7248 Abby.crawford@warner.edu

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from the Editor

Florida is really outdoing itself this year. I guess the entire world is jumping on the heat bandwagon since we have had record-breaking heat in cities around the world. We’ve reached the hottest day on earth since records began. No surprise to those who work in the outdoors.

So how do we keep our cool when the temperatures are so high? It’s nearly impossible for us here in Florida but we do get acclimated to it. You still need to take care not to overheat. When the humidity is high (when isn’t it?) sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly and can keep you from releasing heat the way you need to.

Other things to consider when the heat and humidity are oppressive include trying to get your outdoor work done in the morning and evening. Yes, it’s still hot, but midday is typically when the temps are at their peak. Hydrate more than usual. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Wear light-colored, lose fitting clothes. Pace yourself. Also, it doesn’t hurt to check on your friends and neighbors to make sure they are weathering the weather.

As for pets, limit their activity. Don’t walk them on hot pavement. Dogs with short noses, like bulldogs, are especially prone to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and they may be unable to get up. To cool them down use a water hose and take them to a veterinarian. Heat stroke can lead to organ damage.

Stay cool when you can and have a great Summer!

Until Next Month

Sarah Holt

In

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt

Editor

Patsy Berry

Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

Melissa Nichols

George Domedion

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Karen Berry

Melissa Nichols

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

Contributing Writers

Woody Gore

John Dicks

Social Media

Victoria Saunders

Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909

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

Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

Hope you all had a good Fourth of July.  At the time of this writing, we have all gotten some rain, and we have dried back out here at the first of this month. Hope you all got some hay up while we had these dry and hot days. By the time you read this we may back under water, as that can change in a day or two. One rain can change that in some places.

The market has been really good and seems to be getting stronger on all classes. If you’re not already, might want to look at things to add some extra value to your calves, vaccine and wormer and implants, as those pounds are worth quite a bit more than they have been in the past

few years. A good thing to see considering the high inputs we get tied up in them these days.

As always if there’s anything we can do for you don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the directors.

Until next time,

Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Kevin Fussell

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

FLORIDA SMALL FARMS FACTS AND THE UF/IFAS EXTENSION POLK COUNTY SMALL FARMS PROGRAM

By Luis Rodriguez, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

A Small Farm

When we think about a small farm, immediately we think about the size of the farm. Although size often plays a factor in how much a farmer can produce, a small farm is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as one producing products for sale with revenue of less than $250,000 annually. Approximately 90% of all farms in Florida are classified as small farms.

State Agricultural Facts

According to Florida’s Agriculture and Food System Fast Facts 2022, Florida has a total of 47,5000 farm operations; 9,700,000 acres in farms, and 204 acres is the average farm size. In 2019, agriculture and food systems contribute to the state economy with $11.28 billion in sales revenue in production, $39.48 billion in sales revenue in processing and manufacturing, and $106.01 billion in sales revenue in distribution. For more information about Florida agriculture access Florida’s Agriculture and Food System Fast Facts 2022 here: https://branding.ifas.ufl.edu/downloads/uploads/Extension%20Brochures/IFAS/Florida-Agriculture-Food-SystemFast-Facts.pdf

State Trends

State and national trends show an increasing number of citizens exploring small-scale fruit and vegetable production and alternative crops for local consumption. Meanwhile, consumers are on the lookout for locally grown, quality foods and seeking a connection to the farm. Polk County also has approximately 26% Hispanics, creating an additional need for other agricultural commodities such as tropical fruits and vegetables and resources available in Spanish. Because of this, it is important to have a reliable source with science-based information to help new or beginner farmers and small farmers succeed in their agricultural operations and break language barriers.

The UF/IFAS Small Farms Program Polk County

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Polk County, translates research to help the people, businesses, and neighborhoods of Polk County solve problems, develop solutions, and build a better future through youth development, nutrition and agriculture and natural resources education. The Small Farms Program aims to provide education and resources to Polk County small farmers to develop their potential and increase local access to safe, quality, Polk-grown products. The program teaches topics such as:

• Farm best management practices

• Sustainable agriculture

• Row Crops

• Agribusiness

• Agritourism

• Backyard chickens

• Beekeeping

• Other agricultural topics relevant to small farmers. The program promotes practice adoption among farmers to increase their product yield, quality, and food safety practices while minimizing production costs and increasing ag awareness.

We offer services such as:

• Agricultural workshops covering multiple topics under agricultural commodities, agritourism, and agribusiness.

• Site visits and phone or office consultations.

• Teaching and resources to farmers about best management practices.

• Soil sampling

• Pest identification

• Other services related to small farm production systems.

UF/IFAS Small Farm and Pesticide Education Polk County Agent

Luis O. Rodriguez is the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Pesticide Education Extension Agent, Polk County. The agent has a master’s and a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus. The agent is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs for UF/IFAS Polk County Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises and Pesticide Applicators Training programs. Some of the agent areas of specialization are animal science, small farms crop production, beekeeping, farm safety, small farms business development, agritourism, pesticide applicator training, Integrated Pest Management (IPMs), and Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs). The agent is bilingual in both English and Spanish and provides science-based information in these two languages. The agent’s contact information is as follows:

Luis O. Rodriguez Rosado, Extension Agent I

Small Farms and Pesticide Education

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu

863-519-1049

http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ www.facebook.com/PolkExtension

Resources of the UF/IFAS Small Farms and Pesticide Program in Polk County:

• The Agent has a blogpost page and can be accessed here: https:// blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/author/luisrodriguezrosado/

• The agent had developed, in conjunction with other agents, a series of videos for pesticide applicators called The Right Dose in English and Spanish as a resource guide for their studies for the General Standard Core Test. The links can be found here: English: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2022/11/15/the-rightdose-video-series/ Spanish: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2022/11/15/la-dosiscorrecta-serie-de-videos/

• UF IFAS Polk County YouTube Small Farms playlist: https://www. youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2H6GdrW22sumg3ePrVQdGUavkbJB 8ODV

• The agent has developed, in conjunction with Jonael Bosques (UF/ IFAS Hardee County) a Spanish Backyard Chicken online workshop titled “Manejo de Aves de Corral en Florida”: https://ifas-cafelatino. catalog.instructure.com/courses/manejo-de-aves-de-corral-enflorida

Upcoming events for UF/IFAS Small Farms and Pesticide Programs Polk County:

Small Farms:

• Pasture Management for Small Farms: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pasture-management-for-small-farms-tickets-647061447207 (Multiple dates)

• 2023 Summer Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network Meeting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-summer-southwest-floridasmall-farmer-network-meeting-tickets-626241454047 (July 19, 2023)

• Basic Backyard Chicken Workshop: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/basic-backyard-chicken-workshop-tickets-601451827607 (October 12, 2023)

Pesticide Training:

• General Standards Pesticide Core Exam Prep. Training and CEU's Training: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/general-standardspesticide-core-exam-prep-training-and-ceus-training-tickets-632702388877 (June 28, 2023)

• 2023 South Central Florida CEU’s Days:

• July 7, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-south-central-floridaceus-days-day-1-tickets-598640970257

• July 13, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-south-central-floridaceus-days-day-2-tickets-598665934927

• July 21, 2023: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-south-central-floridaceus-daysday-3-tickets-598678873627

By Marisol Tarango

THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN

I do not have a high trust for small dogs. Being raised on a ranch, the only small animals that we interact with on a regular basis are chickens or other creatures when they are first born. Animals that are smaller than 40 pounds are usually varmints or other pests that we actively try to avoid interaction with. In general, I will trust an animal hundreds of pounds heavier than myself before I trust a small dog. There are a few exceptions to my distrust of small dogs, but those are very hard-earned spots.

I have a legitimate reason for my feelings toward small dogs. They have less warning than large animals when they are upset. They seem to go from zero to bite in a short amount of time. And sometimes, there is no telling what sets them off. With larger animals, you can see the build-up happen in them, and there is usually a good reason why they are upset in the first place. In all my experience working with various large animal species, I have been kicked at, bitten, bucked off, charged at, and rolled over on top of. But most of those things happened while just doing general ranch work. If you were to ask me how many times I felt like my general well-being was threatened by a large animal, I really couldn’t tell you; it’s just an occupational hazard. However, I can tell you specifically that I was almost trampled to death as a child because of a miniature dachshund.

This tragic tale of my distrust of small dogs starts with my dad leaving for a few days to work cows in the Green Swamp. With my dad gone, it was my job to take care of Patron, a 17.3-hand tall, three-year-old, Appaloosa stud. Patron was as gentle and tame as you could ask for a three-year-old stud to be, which only fed my eleven-year-old, 4-foot eleven-inch tall, cowboygirl ego. Besides making sure Patron had feed and water, every evening I had to walk him from the barn to a small pasture in our backyard, and every morning I had to walk him back to his stall at the barn. I was never afraid that Patron would rear with me or try to pull away from me even though I knew he could. But as things go, nothing ever goes quite right when the boss man is absent. One evening, not long after my dad had left,

my mom had to run into town to get a few things for dinner. You can imagine my surprise when after the parade of grocery bags one of my sisters walked in with a chocolate-colored miniature dachshund gyp - that they had found abandoned in the parking lot. She was named Hershey, but quickly earned the nickname, Houdini because she could escape from anywhere. The first night we had her, we kept her in the bathtub. The next day we managed to get a dog crate from somewhere, but during the day we tied her on a long leash to the porch. We tried every collar and every way to keep her tied to the porch, but she still managed to escape.

A few days after bringing home the chicken-eating imp, I was taking my nightly walk with Patron from the barn to the house. Halfway to the house Houdini came happily flying around the corner, and when she saw Patron, she suddenly wasn’t happy anymore. I tried to yell at her to go away, while at the same time trying to keep Patron calm, but neither party felt inclined to hear my peace negotiations. Houdini rushed up to Patron barking while Patron started pawing and rearing up, with me caught in the middle of the hostile interaction. At first, I didn’t know what to do, and while I was more angry at the dog than scared, I knew my mom wouldn’t be happy if I got trampled. So, after taking a brief moment to pause and think with a stallion waving his hooves above my head and an overgrown hotdog barking at my feet, I suddenly realized that all I had to do was to pick the dog up. After I scooped up Hershey in my arms, she continued barking at the horse, but Patron calmed down. My little sister came and grabbed the dog from me, and Patron and I shakily finished the walk to his pasture (it may have only been me who was actually shaking).

After that event we always made sure that someone had eyes on Houdini while we were moving Patron. Houdini went on to find a loving forever home, and Patron went on to finish his training with us, unphased by the interaction. I, however, came out with my suspicion of small dogs confirmed and forever scarred by this event.

SPOTTED SEA TROUT- June 2023

Capt. Woody Gore

Always A Tampa Bay Favorite

If you’re a trout enthusiast like me, here are a few tips for catching these Tampa Bay favorites as they appear on the coastal Tampa Bay flats.

Trout fishing improves significantly during the summer. Here are some tips for fishing these all-time favorites.

Since trout are semi-territorial, they tend to school together, often returning to the same areas. So, a good rule of thumb is locating grass flats with sandy, rocky bottoms or a combination of both. Since trout are notorious bait chasers, they typically chase their next meal and trap it on the surface. This form of surface-trapping food works in their favor. And could be attributed to Ivan Pavlov’s learned conditional behavior.

You are approaching likely trout fishing areas when you find lush grass flats with bait darting around. Continually scope the water, looking for feeding fish. When you find them watch closely to determine if they’re randomly feeding or chasing bait schools.

Fishing topwater lures is a hoot, especially when working with a group of actively feeding fish. Check weather conditions because trout fishing and a robust stormy cloud cover seem better.

On the other hand, schooling fish feeding over specific areas usually represents a consistent bait-feeding pattern. And even though they might be getting full, they may still want a nibble for dessert. That being the case, it’s time to rethink your presentation.

Keep reminding yourself trout get highly selective. Instead of fast and irregular, it’s time to slow down, which is difficult and often frustrates anglers. Therefore, you must make your lure look more tempting. For this reason, strikes often come

when the lure moves slightly after sitting idle or wobbles slowly across the surface. Another method uses rigged soft plastic lures. Remember, when using soft plastics. Almost every strike happens as the lures fall toward the bottom.

Like many other species, trout stop feeding or scatter when pressured by boats, anglers, or predators. If spooked badly enough, they are done for the day. With the number of boats and anglers racing around our waters, you’d think fish would become familiar with the sound of enormous engines; however, it depends on the whereabouts, water clarity, and depth. The most common error happens when someone carelessly roars into a good trout fishing area, shuts down, and throws out a 15 lb. anchor. Then they sit and wonder where the fish went.

Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

Regardless of the circumstances, it doesn’t mean the party is over when the bite slows. Some fish are there, just recovering from their last big feed. Kind of like us, after a large meal. So, enjoy the fact you’re on the water, slow down, relax, and pay attention to nature and what you’re doing. Often the bite continues after a few minutes. Remember, it’s called Fishing, not catching, so have fun.

813-477-3814

Captain Woody Gore’s Number One Guide Service - Give him a Call & Let’s Go Fishing. He’s guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg areas for over Sixty years. And he offers world-class fishing adventures and memories lasting a lifetime.

Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience, Capt. Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Visit his website at:

WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM, send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore.com, or call him at 813-477-3814.

Member: CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer, Photojournalist & Speaker

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”

The Okeechobee Gourd

By Libby Hopkins

The Okeechobee Gourd, or Cucurbita okeechobeensis, as it’s known by its scientific name is a species of gourd in the family Cucurbitaceae, native to Mexico and the United States. There are two subspecies; one is endemic to Florida, primarily in the region around Lake Okeechobee, the other to the State of Veracruz in eastern Mexico.

Once abundant, it has state and federal listing as an endangered species. One of its peculiarities is the yellow corolla not so common in other Cucurbita species.

A climbing vine, the Okeechobee Gourd is a wetland gourd, growing fairly commonly as a vine in the bottomlands of the St. John’s River and the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee. It grew and reproduced in perfect sync with the natural hydrologic cycle of its habitat.

Over the summer, the heart-shaped leaves and cream-colored flowers covered the pond apple trees, which were natural trellises for wild gourds. The vines continued to climb during the wet season.

Protected above the rising water level, the flowers developed into orange-sized gourds, light green with faint stripes. These gourds contained the seeds for future generations. The vines dried, and the gourds fell to the water below.

The gourds floated on the receding waters of the winter dry season until they came to rest on exposed soil. And the cycle started again.

Okeechobee gourd is usually associated with pond apple trees on which it climbs and alligator nests which provide suitably elevated soil berms in full sun, with no competition from other plants.

Pieces of gourds have been found in rabbit nests, suggesting that the rabbits feed on and possibly disperse the seeds. The Okeechobee Gourd is dependent on the fluctuating water levels of Lake Okeechobee, with seeds germinating and sprouting during the low water levels.

Flowers open at dawn, but specific pollinators haven’t been identified. Likely pollinators include bees, flies, and squash beetles. Preliminary information indicates that pollination may be a problem for the species, especially in smaller populations. In one collection, hand-pollination is necessary to ensure a viable seed-set.

The fruit of this species, a gourd, is very bitter and potentially poisonous, and so is not used for food. While this species of gourd is not edible, it is particularly important to study and maintain it in the wild, as it is resistant to many of the diseases that affect economically important crops, including the cucumber mosaic virus, powdery mildew, and squash mosaic virus.

Interestingly, the Okeechobee Gourd’s seeds are edible and nutritious, and the flesh of the gourd can be used as a soap. It is also thought that the outer part of the gourd was historically used as a ball, rattle, or ceremonial cup.

As of 1930, at least 95 percent of the pond apple forests where this species once commonly occurred had been destroyed for agriculture and water-level regulation. This species is now found only in two disjunctive populations, threatened with continued water-level regulation practices and invasion of its habitat by non-native invasive species.

NEW STUDY DISCOVERS HUMAN INTERACTION MAY REDUCE CALVES’ STRESS DURING IMPORTANT LIFE STAGE

By Stella Canfield

In a new study published in the journal “JDS Communications,” scientists at the University of Florida have discovered that human interaction with calves helps to reduce abnormal oral behaviors and increase rest during early life.

As part of an ongoing effort to enhance dairy cows’ lifelong welfare, this research is related to a previous study looking at how housing young calves in pairs and larger social groups may allow them to develop better social skills and produce more milk as a cow later in life. Building off these aims, this latest study sought to learn whether human contact provided additional complexities and enrichment in dairy calves’ environment during weaning.

The weaning period is a stage in which calves’ milk intake is decreased to encourage them to start eating more solid foods like grain and hay. However, for most calves, the weaning period is very stressful as they’re limited in their milk consumption. As a result, many calves start to exhibit abnormal oral behaviors like sucking on pen fixtures or other calves.

“Calves are naturally motivated to suck because it’s how they consume their milk. However, calves can start doing this a lot if their environment is restrictive or if they’re hungry and stressed. When this happens, we call that behavior abnormal,” said Emily Miller-Cushon, lead investigator of the study and an associate professor in the UF/IFAS department of animal sciences.

In the study, 14 individual calves and 14 pairs of calves were followed for the first eight weeks of life until the weaning period began. Once weaning started, a human would enter the pen and spend five minutes scratching the calf on certain days following feeding.

After six months of data collection, the study found individually housed calves performed more abnormal oral behavior than pair housed calves, but human contact reduced it. The results also showed that, regardless of whether the calves were housed individually or in pairs, human presence increased the amount of time calves laid down after feeding -- suggesting a calming effect.

“It could be some effect of scratching and tactile stimulation, or it could just be the novelty and interest the calf had,” said Miller-Cushon. “But either way, having a human in the pen redirected calves from some of these abnormal oral behaviors.” With this knowledge, researchers can better understand the role human interaction plays in calves’ overall well-being.

“These findings indicate that more complex environments and calf stimulation are beneficial when it comes to reducing abnormal behaviors and enhancing their lifelong welfare, including their health, performance, emotional state and socialization,” Miller-Cushon explained.

In other words, a little bit of social contact, whether from humans or other calves, goes a long way to reducing stress in these animals.

These insights may also help dairy farmers. Protocols for reducing milk gradually are the most important consideration for calf welfare during weaning. However, dairy farmers may also be able to devote a few extra minutes to scratch a calf’s neck or provide extra stimulation to reduce stress during weaning.

FLOAT ‘GATORBYTE’

down a stream and find pollutants – and their sources

by Brad Buck

Water resource managers can now put a buoy in a lake or stream and find locations of pollutants and other problems –as well as their sources – all for about $1,000, say University of Florida researchers.

Because the device is a result of UF research, the buoy is part of a technology platform fittingly called GatorByte. It’s far less expensive than conventional water-monitoring systems, which cost between $15,000 and $20,000.

The GatorByte platform includes the buoy and stations, which monitor rain and water level. They also trigger a technology that takes samples at set intervals after storms, said Piyush Agade, a doctoral student in the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Beavers have transparent eyelids so they can see underwater with their eyes shut.

In 2008, Usain Bolt set the 100 meters world record with one shoelace undone.

Two-thirds of the people in the world have never seen snow. A squirrel can remember the hiding places of up to 10,000 nuts. Construction on the Pentagon began on September 11, 1941, 60 years to the day before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

A flea expert is a pullicologist.

Baboons cannot throw overhand.

Vincent van Gogh didn’t begin to draw until he was 27.

GRITS

Last year I went to my wife’s family reunion in Alabama. I decided to do a little “Southern Survey” on grits, since most everyone in attendance were true southerners. I know I have written about “God’s Manna From Heaven” before, but I thought you might be interested in the results of my survey.

My first question was, “What Are Grits?”

John “Greg” Davidson was a walking encyclopedia on grits. When posed the question he said, “I did an essay in college on the origin of grits. What do you want to know?”

“Well, John” I asked, “If a Yankee asked you what grits were, what would you say?” He replied, “First off, Yankees have attempted to create synthetic grits. They call it ”Cream of Wheat.” The main ingredient, as far as I can tell, is Elmer’s Glue mixed with shredded Styrofoam.”

I asked Jerry Davidson, Patsy’s uncle, “When they ask how grits are formed, what do you tell them?”

“No problem, I just tell them grits are formed deep and underground with intense heat and pressure much like a volcano. Then I give them the full story! I tell them it takes more than a thousand years to form a single Grit.

Most of the world’s grit mines are in the south, mainly Alabama and Georgia, and are guarded by armed guards with dogs. Harvesting the grit is a dangerous occupation, and many grit miners lose their lives each year so that grits can continue to be served morning after morning with the correct amount of butter.”

I asked Kim Strother, my wife’s cousin, about the best way to cook grits. She said, “There’s nothing to it. You boil a cup and a half of water with salt and a little butter, dump in about five tablespoons of grits. Let the grits soak up all the water, then put the heat to it. When you stick a pencil in the grits and it stands alone, the grits are done.”

Aunt Babs jumped into the conversations and said, “Do you know how to tell if the grits are buttered enough to eat?”

“What is your answer, Aunt Babs?” I asked.

She replied, “You hold an un-pealed ripe banana next to the bowl of grits. If the colors match, the grits are ready to eat.”

Those Alabama people know how to cook grits and make red eye gravy. Grits, homemade buttermilk bis-

Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the July 2019 issue

cuits and red-eyed gravy will beat a T-bone steak and baked potato every time. My mother made the best biscuits in the world, and always said you never ever substitute canned or store bought biscuits for the real thing because they cause rotten teeth and impotence.

Now I have some questions for you to help me answer. Does pushing the elevator button more that once make it arrive faster? If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, then what is baby oil made from? Why doesn’t glue stick to the inside of the bottle? How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire? Do illiterate people get the full effect of Alphabet soup? Why is it that now everyone has a cell phone, no one talks about seeing UFOs like they used to? Who decided “Hotpoint” would be a good name for a company that sells refrigerators? Who took the bite out of the Apple logo? Do Victor the Dog’s relatives still receive royalties from RCA Victor when they use his picture on their label? Why isn’t there a period after Dr on the Dr Pepper label? Can you knock the stuffing out of the Pillsbury Dough Boy? Was Betty Crocker ever a flour child? Why do people spend twice as much money on a shirt just because it has popular logo on it? And men, when you’re working on the car and your hands become coated in grease, why is it your nose begins to itch, and you have to tinkle?

I am not sure I have a firm grip on the situation we are in today! If you cross the Cuban border illegally you will be thrown into political prison to rot. If you cross the Venezuelan border illegally you will be branded a spy and

your fate will be sealed. If you across the Iranian border illegally you are detained indefinitely. If you cross the Afghan border illegally, you get shot. If you cross the Saudi Arabian border illegally you will be jailed. If you cross the Chinese border illegally you may never be heard from again. If you cross the border into the United States you can get a job, drivers license, welfare, food stamps, credit cards, subsidized rent or a loan to buy a house, free cell phone, free education and free health care. I think I’ll change my name and get caught sneaking across the border into the United States.

Did you hear the story of the Florida senior citizen that was driving his brand new Corvette convertible on I-75 at 90 miles an hour? He looked in his rear view mirror and saw a FHP Trouper, blue lights flashing and siren blaring. The old sport floored it to 100 mph, then 110, and on to 120. Suddenly he thought, “What am I doing? I am too old for this,” and pulled over to await the trooper’s arrival. Pulling in behind him, the trooper got out of his vehicle and walked up to the Corvette. He looked at his watch, and said, “Sir, my shift ends in 15 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a good reason for speeding---a reason I’ve never heard before, I’ll let you go!” The old gentleman thought for a second and said, “Three years ago, my wife ran off with a Florida State Trooper. I thought you were bringing her back.”

“Have a good sir, Sir,” replied the trooper.

And in closing, don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia!

COMMISSIONER WILTON SIMPSON ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATION CYCLE FOR RURAL AND FAMILY LANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program, which partners with farmers and ranchers through conservation easements, aims to safeguard working agricultural operations that contribute significantly to Florida’s economy and the production of food and fiber. After Commissioner Wilton Simpson helped secure $400 million in funding for the program over the last two years, landowners can now submit their application online to the department through July 27, 2023. The department will then review the applications for eligibility. More information on the program and the application process can be found at: FDACS.gov/RFLPP.

“Food security is national security, and Florida’s agricultural lands are the backbone of our economy and the foundation of our food and fiber production. The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program plays a crucial role in preserving these vital resources for future generations,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I am proud to announce the opening of the program’s application cycle, which provides an opportunity for landowners to partner with us in conserving and protecting our working agricultural operations. Together, we will continue to support our farmers, ranchers, and producers in their efforts to safeguard Florida’s natural resources and sustain our agricultural heritage.”

Established in 2001 with the passage of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Act, the program has successfully acquired conservation easements on nearly 69,000 acres of working agricultural land to date. The program recognizes that working agricultural lands are essential to Florida’s economic future. Agricultural lands are being increasingly threatened by urban development. To counter this trend, the RFLPP coordinates with farmers and ranchers to ensure sustainable production practices while protecting natural resources.

Recently, the Governor and Cabinet approved the preservation of approximately 18,279 acres of working agricultural land through cost-effective conservation easements totaling $57,600,705. These easements serve as safeguards against future development, allowing agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity of Florida. The nine conservation easements marked the most acquisitions in the history of the program to be approved at

a meeting of the Governor and Cabinet. The Governor and Cabinet also voted to adopt an amendment to Rule 5I-7, F.A.C. to refine the rules that outline the procedures of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program which will make the process more streamlined and user-friendly for both applicants to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and management of the program. Additionally, participants will now be required to enroll in the department’s agricultural Best Management Practices program.

Commissioner Simpson has been involved in Florida’s land conservation policy issues long before becoming Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture. As Senate President, Simpson worked on legislation and budget issues to protect our precious natural resources. For the 2022-2023 fiscal year, Simpson secured more than $300 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit

A story map of all completed Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects can be viewed here: FDACS.gov/ RFLPPMap.

FDACS.gov.

FLORIDA JUNE PLUMS

By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science

Fresh Florida June plums grow in June and throughout the year. Also called Jew plum, golden apple, Jamaican plum, Polynesian plum, and great hog plum, the June plum thrives in frost-free places and is native to islands from New Guinea to Tahiti. In the United States, June plums are produced in South Florida, California, and Puerto Rico.

This small round fruit has green skin and a central pit that is high in vitamins and minerals. The fruit is both sweet and tangy and tastes like a cross between pineapple, apple, and mango. It is typically eaten out-of-hand but can also be used to make jams and jellies. The leaves of the June plum tree are also edible and are delicious as part of a fresh salad. The tree grows fast and fruits when it is young and can be grown in a pot or in any type of soil.

Nutritional Profile

Fresh June plums are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. In addition to its antioxidants, June plums are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber and a host of other vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and thiamine.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) is essential for optimal eye health and can help prevent night blindness. This antioxidant also plays a role in immunity by supporting the white blood cells in fighting infections. This vitamin is also involved in hearing, taste, and normal fetal development. Zucchini is considered a very good source of this important nutrient.

Both vitamin A and vitamin C also have anti-inflammatory properties that make them helpful for protecting against conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation plays a big role.

Vitamin C

June plums are high in vitamin C, which contributes to a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation, and wound healing. This vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. This vitamin also enhances iron absorption from other foods, which reduces the risk of anemia. Additionally, it aids in the development and maintenance of healthy capillaries, gums, and skin, as well as strong bones and teeth.

Ways to Enjoy

Fresh June plums can be enjoyed raw and cooked at any stage of ripeness. Green, unripe fruits can be peeled and sliced, and then tossed into salads or sprinkled with salt or sugar and eaten out-of-hand. The fruit can also be juiced or cooked into jams, jellies, or chutneys, or boiled in soups and stews for savory and sweet applications. The fruit is ripe when the peel turns golden yellow and is most sweet then. June plums can be stored at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Enjoy fresh Florida June plums in their peak season today. They’re delicious and they’re good for you!

Selected References

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ https://www.specialtyproduce.com

EVERGLADES EQUIPMENT

“CELEBRATING A 60-YEAR COMMITMENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS’

By Jim Frankowiak

SUCCESS”

Everglades Equipment Group is celebrating its 60th anniversary and continues its commitment to integrity and assisting its customers to achieve success in their businesses. The company traces its beginnings in Florida to the early 1900s when Emanuel and Mary Schlechter, with their seven children, left the Upper Midwest after reading about the vast agricultural opportunities in Florida.

Third-generation family member Mike Schlechter, who is President and Managing Partner of Everglades Equipment Group, recounts how Emanuel, Mary, and their younger children remained in Belle Glade after traveling from North Dakota, while their older children moved to different areas of the country for work. “Those that stayed in Belle Glade were devastated by a hurricane that wiped out the community in 1928,” he said. “The older siblings returned and laid those who had passed in the storm to rest. An overturned tractor was the only item that remained on the Belle Glade homesite.”

The family continued its commitment to farming in the Belle Glade area, primarily growing sugar cane, which continues today. Walter Schlechter, his cousin Fritz Stein, and a local businessman Don Williams began a tractor repair shop in the late 1950’s. “John Deere approached the group a short time later and asked if they would be interested in selling their equipment in addition to the repair services. They accepted Deere’s offer and Everglades Farm Equipment was founded in 1963. Walter, my grandfather, then bought out his two partners in the early 1970s,” said Schlechter. “Since 1963, we have become one of John Deere’s premier dealers in Florida.” The original store in Belle Glade is still in operation today, and three generations of the Schlechter family are engaged in Everglades’ daily operations as well as the family farm.

Since 1963, Everglades Equipment Group has been at the forefront of innovation, bringing reliable, efficient, high-performance machines to farmers, ranchers, landscapers, and homeowners. “Our product range includes large and small

Photos Courtesy RodeoBum.com

tractors, combines, hay tools, tillage and seeding equipment, compact construction equipment, lawnmowers, and more. We focus on delivering superior value to our customers through quality service in every aspect of our business. From making sure our customers find the most suitable equipment for their needs to helping maintain that equipment throughout its lifecycle, we are committed to their success. As a farming family, we understand what it takes to make a business successful,” said Schlechter.

Everglades Equipment Group has 18 dealership locations in Florida. They include the original operation in Belle Glade along with facilities in Boynton Beach, Brooksville, Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Homestead, Immokalee, Largo, Leesburg, Loxahatchee, Naples, North Port, Odessa, Okeechobee, Orlando, Palmettto, Plant City and St. Cloud. Each site manager is expected to operate their location as though it was their own. Gary Noel, the Plant City site manager oversees all aspects of his location. He and his counterparts are also involved in their communities. “Community involvement includes everything from local shows and industry events as well as youth organizations such as 4-H, FFA, and athletic leagues,” said Noel. “If something is important to our customers, it’s important to us.”

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping equipment running at peak performance. “That is why

our service department is staffed with certified John Deere technicians who are trained to diagnose and repair all types of equipment,” said Schlechter. “Our team is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify issues quickly and accurately, so our customers can trust their equipment is repaired correctly the first time.” Schlechter noted Everglades assembled a group of their best service technicians and has them operate from a call center for prompt and efficient service diagnosis. “We understand the need to diagnose and repair equipment problems as quickly and as costeffectively as possible,” he said.

Everglades also carries a wide variety of high-quality landscape supplies, including sod, rock, mulch and soil to help customers achieve the outdoor landscape of their dreams. Sod options include St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bermuda varieties available on sod pallets for easy installation. The company also stocks a range of decorative and functional rocks, from river rock to granite enhancing any garden or landscaping project.

“Our selection of mulch options, including pine bark and cypress, provides an attractive and low- maintenance way to conserve moister and suppress weeds,” said Schlechter. “We are also a reliable source of sand and soil for landscaping projects from sand leveling to organic soil for planting.”

As to the future, Everglades Equipment Group will continue its commitment to customers, while staying cutting edge on technological advances and incorporating those advances into the equipment and services they offer. “Should growth opportunities present themselves to us, we will certainly take advantage of them,” Schlechter said.

Congratulations Everglades Equipment Group on 60 years of service! For more information, visit: www.evergladesfarmequipment.com.

Recipes

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Florida Chicken, Avocado and Swiss Wrap

Ingredients q q

3 Florida chicken breasts

1 large Florida avocado, peeled and sliced

4 slices Swiss cheese

4 whole-wheat wraps

¼ cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 lemon, juiced

1 lime, juiced

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

In a small bowl combine the yogurt, mustard, and lemon juice; season with sea salt and pepper, to taste. Place two slices of cheese on top of each wrap, place on a cookie sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese melts. Remove from the oven and add chicken slices to each wrap. Add sliced avocado, sprinkle with lime juice, and top with yogurt sauce. Fold the wrap to create a sandwich.

Florida Avocado Crostini

Ingredients q q

2 Florida avocados, halved, pitted and peeled

4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, torn into 3-inch pieces

1 medium baguette, sliced into ½-inch-thick rounds

Extra-virgin olive oil for brushing

2 cloves garlic

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange prosciutto in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp; let cool. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush with oil. Bake until light golden brown around edges. Rub bread with garlic cloves. Mash avocados with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Spread avocado on baguette slices. Top each with a piece of prosciutto and serve.

Chef Justin Timineri

LAUREN PHILIPPS NAMED FARM BUREAU DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

By Jim Frankowiak

Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) has named Lauren Philipps as the new District 6 Field Representative with responsibility for serving Citrus, Lake, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter counties.

As the district representative, Philipps works closely with county Farm Bureaus, regularly attending county events, representing the organization at activities and engaging with county Farm Bureau leaders, and members, as well as serving as liaison with FFBF.

Prior to her appointment as District 6 Field Representative, Philipps was FFBF Member Benefits Marketing Representative, working with various external organizations that serve FFBF members, the largest Ag organization in Florida with more than 132,000 members.

A native of Inverness in Citrus County, Philipps is the daughter of Tim and Stephanie Philipps. Growing up she was actively involved in 4-H and FFA, showing pigs and heifers. Philipps is an alumna of Central Florida College with an undergraduate degree in business management.

“I have a lifelong passion for agriculture,” she noted. “As a FFBF Field representative, I have the opportunity to develop relationships with farmers and ranchers leading to their long-term trust and confidence in me as someone they can count on for support.”

Philipps is engaged to Clay Cooper and they plan to marry in early 2024. They met during Ag competitions. “Clay went on to serve as the Citrus County Ag Extension Agent and through that experience, he was intro-

duced to FFBF and made me aware of the organization and its importance,” she said. Cooper is now manager of Fenco Farms, a Brangus cattle operation in Citrus County. “We travel together to Brangus sales across the country and also enjoy hunting,” she said. “Clay and I also look forward to raising a family.”

As Florida’s largest agricultural organization, FFBF represents farm owners who produce all 300 of the state’s agricultural commodities. The vision of the organization is “to be the most effective, influential and respected Farm Bureau in the nation, and to be truly recognized as Florida’s Voice of Agriculture.”

THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE ELECTION OF THE 2023-2024 STATE FFA OFFICERS

Each year, the delegates at the annual state FFA convention elect a team of student officers to lead the organization for the coming year. Serving as a state officer is a distinguished honor held by only a small group of students each year. State Officers travel more than 300 days per year visiting more than 70,000 students in nearly 350 FFA chapters throughout Florida. Additionally, the officers represent Florida at the National FFA Convention, attend the American Agriculture Experience and have the opportunity to interact with elected officials and business and industry leaders throughout the country.

The following students were elected by their peers at the 95th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo, held June 19-23, 2023, in Orlando, Florida.

State FFA President: Kayelee Ehrisman, Belleview FFA

State FFA Secretary: Jenna Larson, Okeechobee Brahman FFA

Area I State Vice President: Makenleigh Bledsoe, Jay FFA

Area II State Vice President: Hunter Sharp, Chiefland FFA

Area III State Vice President: Mackenzie Cunningham, DeLand FFA

Area IV State Vice President: Emma Self, Bartow FFA

Area V State Vice President: Spencer Baylor, Strawberry Crest FFA

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest Accepting Entries

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau is accepting entries for its annual Youth Speech Contest which takes place August 15. This year’s topic is “How have supply chain issues impacted Florida agriculture?”

The contest is open to students aged 14 – 18. For more information, email: Kaylee.poppell@ffbf.org.

District Aims to Reduce Risk of Wildfires; Schedules Prescribed Fires for Hillsborough County

Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, and that is why the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will be conducting prescribed burns from June through September on the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve and Chito Branch Reserve in Hillsborough County.

The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is located south of Cross Creek Boulevard between U.S. Highway 301 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard near Thonotosassa. Approximately 700 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Chito Branch Reserve is located west of County Road 39 and east of Boyette Road near Lithia. Approximately 500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

• Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

• Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants.

• Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat.

• Maintaining access for public recreation.

The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

Livestock Antibiotics Now Require a Veterinarian's Prescription

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented changes to how antimicrobials (antibiotics) will be sold for livestock production through the Guidance for Industry (GFI) #263. None of the standard antibiotic products have been banned for use; they just will not be sold over the counter (OTC) and will require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. The intent of the FDA rule is to reduce antibiotic resistance in animal and human medicine. Examples of antibiotics that will no longer be sold OTC include Oxytetracyclines (LA 200, Scour tablets), Penicillin (injectable and mastitis tubes), Sulfa-based antibiotics (injectable and boluses), Tylosin (injectable), and Cephapirin (mastitis tubes).

More information is available at: www.fda.gov.

Landowners Encouraged to Apply for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has opened the 2023 cycle for landowners to apply for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP), an agricultural land preservation program designed to protect important agricultural lands through the acquisition of permanent conservation easements.

Landowners can submit online applications until July 27 via https://www.fdacs.govhttps://fdacs/gov/rflppapplication.

Online CORE Training Now Available for Nursery and Greenhouse Employees

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in CORE training for nursery and greenhouse workers is now available online 24/7, 365 days a year at a cost of $30. The 50-minute course covers information on pesticide application, safety, storage, mixing and loading, and principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The class can be found at CORE Training for Nurseries and Greenhouses – Nursery Scout Training (instructure.com).

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Fast First Half of 2023!

by John Dicks

About this time of year, every year, if you’re like me, you sit up with a start and realization that half the year has already come and gone!

Crazy, ain’t it?! We’re now officially closer to Christmas ahead of us than we are to New Year’s Day behind us!

That proverbial, annual trip around the sun has us now headed back toward home. Already the summer solstice is over and our sunsets are done drifting to the north. As if drawn by a Milky Way magnet, the Sun is marching back to the left and sizzling into the Gulf of Mexico a bit more southwest than we would otherwise imagine that it should be.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that summer is over. We’ve still got plenty of sweatin’ left to do. Hanging out at the beach, or fishing in a placid lake still makes many a memory for one to grasp and hold onto. It’s just that when that yearly halfway mark gets hit, it tends to jumpstart the notions of things you’ve got to get done, sooner than later.

There are only a few more weeks until school starts, about the same number of days before football season kicks off, and then those big holidays start lining up encouraging us to celebrate the season by spending even more (though not necessarily in that order)!

Frankly, this year of 2023 was one that I stared at on the calendar with excitement as its first few days got started. I figured it had to be better than 2022, if for no other reason than there were no major elections staring at us, and screaming straight in our face!

When the incessant inundation of crazy campaign commercials starts hitting repeatedly from any and all directions, safely avoiding them is the one thing we strive for and can all be thankful about. That’s part of the joy that the odd-numbered years (like 2023) bring us, and it’s true even if our respite

from election politics is providing a joyous bliss only until the year end.

So what shall we make of this second half of the year? Perhaps a vow to make is in order. It should be one that encourages, if not directs us to get out more often and enjoy fully what’s left of the year.

Granted it’s as “hot as blue blazes” out there. That’s what my Mother always called it, and she was right about everything and first to let you know it! So that’s certainly one thing we all have to deal with.

Fortunately, Florida has plenty of places to cool off since we are, naturally, surrounded by water. One of my favorite ways to do so, and allow us to genuinely enjoy it all, is by visiting our state parks. An easy drive of only an hour or two will get you into some of the world’s best (and most gorgeous) places for cooling off including so many of the wonderful springs we are blessed with like the Weeki Wachee, Rainbow, Homosassa, Ichetucknee, and Silver Springs, just to name a few.

We Floridians are fortunate to enjoy one of the largest state park systems in the country with 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites spanning nearly 800,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beaches. The great thing is that none are really that far to drive to, and the price is right when you can score an exceptional bargain by getting free entrance to all of them through an annual Florida State Park Pass for just $60, or a Family Pass for only $120.

Here’s a link for info on all of our Florida state parks, with details on what each park offers (including camping in many of them) and where you can purchase an Annual Pass: www.floridastateparks.org.

However you decide to best spend the remaining half of the year, make it and all of 2023 one really to remember!

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.

• Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting

By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

SMALL TECHNOLOGY MAKING A HUGE DIFFERENCE

Polk County has over 550 lakes, so it stands to reason that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has its fair share of water-related investigations, from boating accidents, to searching for evidence related to a crime. Our Marine Unit has several different types of watercraft that can maneuver through the ponds and lakes, as well as scuba-certified deputies. Tragically, in just the first six months of 2023, we have responded to two planes that collided in midair and crashed into Lake Hartridge, and two men who jumped off a boat into Lake Eloise, resulting in six deaths in Winter Haven.

In an effort to enhance our search and rescue capabilities, we partnered with other central Florida law enforcement agencies to use advanced equipment—an underwater drone and a high-tech side-scan sonar—to supplement our current equipment and methods. We found that by using these state of the art pieces of equipment, we significantly improved our ability to find and locate victims quickly. This reduces anxiety of family members of the victims and significantly reduces the length and cost of our investigations.

In April 2023, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit acquired both of these state-of-the-art, specialized pieces of equipment.

The Deep Trekker Underwater ROV DGT3, commonly referred to as an underwater drone, is designed with cutting-edge features, such as an ultra-high definition camera, Blueprint Oculus multi-beam sonar, powerful LED floodlights, a grabber arm, and a maximum tether length of 250 feet. Deploying the drone is remarkably simple, offering unprecedented speed in underwater surveillance. Operators control the device remotely, accessing a live camera feed. The grabber arm enables the retrieval of drowning victims, objects, and evidence. The Blueprint Oculus Sonar enhances visibility in murky waters, for precise imaging and searching capabilities.

The JW Fishers Side Scan Sonar 600K, also known as the TowFish, is renowned for its efficiency in underwater searches. This tool swiftly covers extensive areas, generating detailed

images regardless of water clarity. With the ability to search up to 150 meters of water in a single pass, the TowFish proves invaluable for law enforcement and dive operations. Utilizing a grid-search pattern, it is towed behind a vessel until a target is identified, facilitating rapid target acquisition.

On the night of Sunday, June 18, 2023, the Marine Unit swiftly deployed both the TowFish and underwater drone on Lake Clinch in Frostproof, Florida. That evening, two friends were on a personal watercraft when the 17-year-old operator of the craft, made a turn, throwing both boys off and into the water. His passenger, just 15 years old, was able to swim to the craft and get back on. Unfortunately, the 17-year-old was not able to get back to it.

Spanning an area of over 1,219 acres with depths exceeding 20 feet in certain sections, Lake Clinch presented a challenging search environment. The TowFish initiated a methodical grid search, and within a remarkable three-hour timeframe, located an object at a depth of 20 feet. Subsequently, the underwater drone was deployed into the water and confirmed the object as the missing jet skier. Utilizing the grabber arm, the victim was promptly and successfully recovered, bringing closure to the grieving family.

While the outcome of this operation was tragic, the use of these state-of-the-art tools, coupled with the unwavering dedication of the Marine Unit’s deputies, resulted in the swift location of the victim. Such enhanced capabilities contribute significantly to efficient search and recovery efforts, providing solace to affected families during distressing times.

While some might say by the time a “recovery” team is called out, it’s clearly too late for a “rescue,” so time is no longer of

the essence. But we believe that every family suffering from a water-related tragedy deserves a rapid response, regardless of the known outcome. To be able to provide some sort of closure sooner rather than later is something that is very important to us. It only takes one awful, tragic situation where a family is standing on a lake shore for days, waiting for their loved one to be found, to further our resolve that we should invest in technology that shortens the suffering of the survivors.

Of course, the most important and least expensive item in which to invest is a personal floatation device that, when properly worn, prevents many waterborne tragedies from occurring in the first place.

A Closer Look Leather Bookmark

Naturally Amazing Activities

by Sean Green

When you mention bookmarks these days many will assume you’re talking about a web browser. Bookmarks, like the books they belong in, are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Digi tal copies of a book cannot replace the personal connection the printed version offers. Likewise, there is nothing quite like a book mark that has acquired its character through countless pages of beloved literature. This month we are making a magnetized leather bookmark that will not only endure, but will gain charac ter the more it’s used.

Supplies:

Thin Leather Scrap (1-2 oz)

Felt

Strong Magnetic Strip (Ideally Neodymium)

Fabric Glue

Cutting Tool (Leather knife, Scissors, Razor)

Leather sewing needles (optional)

Production:

Waxed Cord (optional) Leather Stamp (optional)

Your bookmark design should be symmetrical and double the length you want sticking in the book. The finished piece will be folded in half over the page.

Lightly draw the shape of your bookmark onto leather with a sewing needle.

Cut the leather and felt to shape

Cut magnetic strips to fit within both sides of the bookmark leaving a couple mm space on each side and space to fold the bookmark in the middle.

Sew an outer seam of 2 mm to secure the leather and felt (optional)

The fabric glue will likely hold well enough, but hand stitching will certainly make the bookmark more durable and attractive.

Stamp or decorate the leather bookmark

Spread fabric glue onto the leather

Sandwich the magnetic strip between the glued leather and felt, allow to dry.

Closer Look

Scrub Palmetto Scarab Beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus)

Florida is the only state in the continental United States in which a truly tropical ecozone occurs naturally. For us, this zone is called the “Neotropic ecozone” and although it begins just south of the Tampa Bay area, we are in a transition zone between the Neotropics and the Nearctic ecozones. Being in a transition zone means that we get to see some very interesting wildlife, plants and insects that are rare or nonexistent in the rest of the United States. This month were featuring the Scrub Palmetto Scarab Beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus); a rare insect found only in our endangered Florida scrub habitat. This beautiful insect is a Florida treasure that may not be around much longer if our Florida scrub habitats are not protected from loss at the hands of residential, commercial, and agricultural development.

Trigonopeltastes is a genus of fruit and flower chafers in the beetle family Scarabaeidae. The taxonomic name comes from the Greek “trigno” (Triangular) and “peltast” (an ancient type of shield). There are more than 20 described species within the genus with populations in both North America and Central America, only two however, in the United States. The most common of the two species is the delta flower scarab (Trigonopeltastes delta) so named for the distinguishing pattern resembling the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet “delta” (Δ). The least common of the two species is the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus), long considered one of the rarest beetles in the United States. The palmetto scarab beetle is distinguished from the delta flower beetle by the “V-shaped pattern rather than the “delta” pattern.

Flower chafers as a group are known to feed on nectar, pollen, sap, and soft rotting fruit. The larvae feed on decaying plant matter and serve a role as a detrivore. Not much is known about the specific habits of scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus), however, it is known that some of the species in Africa and India are known to be predacious. In a 2014 study conducted at the Archbold Biological Station and along the Lake Wales Ridge, University of MissouriColumbia biologist James Carrel discovered something very interesting about our endemic scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus). His finding revealed that anoth-

er species endemic to Florida’s scrub habitat, the red widow spider (Latrodectus bishopi) preys on five species of scarab beetle that are also endemic to scrub habitat, the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus) being one of them. This study suggests that the red widow spider (L. bishopi) and the palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) coevolved in scrub habitat and the red widow has evolved as a specialized predator of scarab beetle, depending on it almost entirely as a primary food source.

The bright coloration of both the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) and the delta flower scarab (T. delta) are thought to be a function of bastesian mimicry in which they resemble the coloration of less palatable meals. Two examples of insects advertising an honest warning are the Red Widow spider (L. bishopi) and the Dark Paper Wasp (Polistes fuscatus), both of which are venomous and common predators know to avoid them and continue searching for an easier meal. Such coloration is a defense mechanism that deters some predators such as birds, but is not so effective in deterring predators such as wasps and spiders.

The scrub palmetto (Sabel etonia) is the primary host plant for which the scrub palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) gets its name, and the host plant is just as rare as the insect being found only in Florida, and only in specific regions in Florida. The scrub palmetto is often cultivated and used in Florida landscaping as an accent plant. Because this plant is endemic to Florida and evolved to withstand periods of drought, it is an amazingly easy plant to maintain in a Florida landscape. One of the things our readers can do to help preserve Florida’s rare and endangered species is to include them at home. The scrub palmetto (S. etonia) and scrub palmetto scarab beetle (T. floridanus) will thrive in well-drained sandy soil common through central Florida. I am of course encouraging our readers to add endemic plants to their landscape and if that is not an option, I hope our readers will at least make a trip to some of Florida’s scrub habitats to take a closer look at the rare insects and plants that can be found nowhere else such as the Scrub Palmetto Scarab Beetle (Trigonopeltastes floridanus).

A

by Sean Green | Photograph by Tim Lethbridge

CREATING A LEGACY

By Maggie Fussell

This month we celebrate our independence. We celebrate men and women that started a new life in a new land. America’s founding fathers turned land into a nation through paper, war, and perseverance. Our ancestors made America their home. They plowed fields, they raised livestock, they built churches, they established towns and they were caretakers of the land we call home today. There were challenges in creating a new nation. The hardships humbled, strengthened and moved the people forward to form one nation under God.

When our ancestors settled the land agriculture was a lifeline. They had no other choice but to grow crops or raise livestock to support their family and surrounding communities. Today America has more choices. We do not have to grow a garden, hook mules up to a plow to get the soil ready for planting, or go hunting each evening to have meat for supper. We can go to the grocery store. We can import and export meat and produce. New technology and equipment have made it possible for us to have more choices.

However, we still need farmers to grow produce and ranchers to raise meat. We need someone who will roll up their sleeves to get the work done in the heat of summer and cold of winter. We must have farmers and ranchers to grow the food we need to survive.

Since its birth 247 years ago America has changed. Our way of life has changed. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation farmers and ranchers make up less than 2% of the U.S. population of 336 million people. Agriculture is a small group that makes a large impact. Their work is critical to the American population and economy. Without the hard work of American farmers and ranchers, the nation would suffer.

If you are a farmer or rancher in America today, you are creating a legacy. You are extending the legacy that began over 247 years ago. You are supporting the na tion, the people, and the world with your work. I want to eat meat and produce that is grown in America. My family’s work to raise beef has forced me to see the work of others in agriculture. It is humbling to see fami lies working to create a legacy and make it last for gen erations.

If you are a farmer or rancher thank you for the work that you do to grow food for America. The legacy you’re creating is appreciated, acknowledged, and admired.

This month as you celebrate America’s independence, think about the work you are doing to create a legacy. Are you proud of the legacy you are creating?

CATTLE AND GREENHOUSE GASES: SEPARATING HYPE FROM SCIENTIFIC REALITY

In the struggle to combat climate change, the arrow of blame has frequently been aimed at cattle production. However, claims that methane emissions from cattle are major contributors to climate change must be critically examined and questioned. A closer look at the scientific data behind greenhouse gases will shed light on the complex relationship between cattle and greenhouse gas emissions, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting factors that play a more significant role in our changing climate.

Greenhouse gases blanketing earth’s atmosphere trap heat creating the “greenhouse effect.” Since the beginning of time, greenhouse gases like car-

bon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxides (N2O), methane (CH4) and water vapor have created a ceiling of sorts that traps heat from the sun and blankets our planet with it. If not for this greenhouse effect, Earth would be uninhabitable. Many greenhouse gases occur naturally but some are the result of human behavior. As greenhouse gas emissions have increased and continue to trap heat, they are causing the planet to overheat, what is referred to as global warming or climate change.

However, not all greenhouse gases are created equal. According to Dr. Frank Mitloehner, a UC Davis professor who studies animal agriculture and its relationship to air quality and the climate,

Bridget Stice, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

we must look at them individually and understand that they don’t all behave or warm in the same way. For example, scientists have assigned a “global warming potential (GWP100)” score to various greenhouse gases over a 100-year period. According to GWP100, carbon dioxide has a score of 1; methane, 28; and nitrous oxide, 265. In other words, 1 kilo of methane is 28 times more potent than 1 kilo of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Sounds bad for methane, right? But what we also need to consider is methane that is released into the atmosphere hangs around for about 12 years, whereas carbon dioxide can remain in the atmosphere anywhere between 300 and 1,000 years. It makes comparing the greenhouse gas effect of the two gases kind of like comparing apples to oranges.

When discussing greenhouse gases, it is also important to differentiate gases that are “fossil” gases and those that are “biogenic” gases. Fossil gases result from the burning of fossil fuels from deep in the earth, where they have been stored for millions of years, away from the atmosphere. Once burned, they remain in the atmosphere for centuries.

Whereas biogenic gases like methane produced by cattle, begin as carbon dioxide that is already in the atmosphere. Biogenic gases have been cycling through the atmosphere since time began. In the biogenic carbon cycle, plants absorb carbon dioxide, and through the process of photosynthesis, they harness the energy of the sun to produce

carbohydrates, like cellulose that is inedible to humans. Cattle and other ruminant animals can digest cellulose in their rumens. Some of the carbon in the cellulose is converted to methane (CH4) and released into the atmosphere. After about 12 years, the methane is converted back into carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Biogenic gases, like methane emitted by cattle, is recycled carbon. As long as herd emissions remain the same for more than 12 years, no additional methane – or warming – is being added to the atmosphere.

Because beef production has become more efficient, the US cow herd size has been shrinking over the past 50 years, while beef production has remained nearly constant. In 1975, there were approximately 46 million beef cows in the US. As of January 1, 2023, the beef cow herd is estimated to be around 29 million head. Yet in 1975 about 25 billion pounds of beef was produced in the US and in 2022, about 28.5 billion pounds of beef was produced, from a much smaller herd of cattle.

Advanced research and technologies are finding even more new ways to reduce and mitigate the impact of cattle on the environment. It is important that we be conscious and respectful to our planet. However, if we are ever able to change the warming trend from greenhouse gases, it is critical that we understand the facts and work together to find lasting solutions. Beef production, and its consumption, is not a major driver in climate change, it might even be part of the solution.

The Polk County Livestock Extension Program is designed to provide educational programs and assistance for livestock producers, and promote agricultural awareness and its importance to our food system and economy. This agent is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating these livestock Extension programs in Polk County. The agent delivers educational programs in livestock production and management, forages and pastures, plant science, farm management, and agricultural awareness. Contact Bridget Stice via email at bccarlis@ufl.edu or (863) 519-1048

Bridget Stice

BUILDING SUPPLIES

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FARM EQUIPMENT

I4 POWER EQUIPMENT

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JOHN DEERE

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OVERSTOCK SPECIAL

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2021 MASSEY FERGUSON 1725MB

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MALETTI ROTARY TILLER

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1989 JOHN DEERE

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2008 MAHINDRA 4110

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CITRUS PACKING HOUSE

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USED BALDOR-RELIANCE

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FRESH PRODUCE

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24 HOUR SERVICE

Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173

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ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING

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SHOWER STALLS - FIBERGLASS

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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.

Polk County Cattle Women

As Kenny Chesney says it best, “Summertime is finally here.” I think during the months of May to September, everyone should have a free pass to say, “Dang it’s hot today!” at least once a day.

Polk County CattleWomen were represented well at the 2023 Florida Cattlemen’s Association Annual Convention in Marco Island, FL. We were awarded 1st place Florida CattleWomen’s County Pride Board, our new Florida CattleWomen’s President this year is Mrs. Becky Finley, and Hailey Tomkow was added to the FCW Executive Board this year. CONGRATULATIONS ladies, I look forward to working with you and the Executive Board!

Our 2023-2024 Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, Marissa Dawes, represented our associations well last week, she was even the winner of a drawing for a BEEF AN’. Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s won 1st place in the Senior Quiz Bowl contest, and there were many speech participants and team marketing teams that placed in the top 3! CONGRATULATIONS to all these amazing, intelligent people!!!

Our next meeting will be in August, the date is TBD, please check our social media or your inbox as I will be emailing this date out when it is decided. We also offer an option for Zoom if you do not want to drive to Bartow. We meet at the UF/IFAS Extension office in Bartow, FL at 6:30 in the Valencia Room. Bring your friends, daughter, granddaughters, nieces, mothers, grandmothers, or anyone who has an interest in sharing Florida’s cattle and beef industries with the public. All are welcome, and it would put a smile on my face to see your smiling face. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions at blairbuchanon@gmail. com.

Polk County Cattlewomen President

blairbuchanon@gmail.com

Blair Buchanon