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CONTENTS
June 2022 VOL. 15 • ISSUE 10
FRESH FROM FLORIDA
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
28 PAGE 10 Scott Angle
PAGE 24 Florida Cracker
PAGE 11 AgVocating
PAGE 27 Mini Pepper PAGE 32 PCSO
PAGE 12 Thoughts from the Heifer Pen
PAGE 35 News Briefs
PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 36 John Dicks
PAGE 16 Endangered Species
PAGE 38 Continuing Traditions
PAGE 18 Pesticide Use
PAGE 40 Activity
PAGE 19 Chonky Alphabet
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 20 Stress Awareness
PAGE 42 Protect Water
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 44 Ag Deputy Luncheon
Hey Readers!
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch Alternate PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846-0849 Standing Committee Chairs: Membership (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com Events Trade Show- Bridget Stice State Director – David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Rodeo- Fred Waters Bartow, FL 33830 PO Box 463 (863) 287-1835 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 Dhunt285@aol.com (863) 559-7808 Alternate SD – Orrin Webb Website PO Box 202 Cattlewomen – President, Leslie Bartow, FL 33831 Buchanon (941) 916-5093 8444 Tom Costine Rd cwebbowebb@aol.com Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) 581-2711 Ray Clark Buckld96@gmail.com 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 Extension – Bridget Stice (863) 640-0719 PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 Donald Conroy bccarlis@ufl.edu 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright (863) 412-0790 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 Stuart Fitzgerald (863) 557-1741 PO Box 1437 pw5281@polksheriff.org Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 206-5021 Sgt. Tim Sanders stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 Ken Sherrouse (863) 656-6119 13475 Moore Rd brusso@polksheriff.org Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 Warner University – kensherrouse@yahoo.com Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com
Abby Crawford 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 638-7248 Abby.crawford@warner.edu
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STAFF
Letter from the Editor
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor Patsy Berry
June 21 brings us to the first official day of summer! And while we are blessed with cookout type weather almost every day here in Florida, I think some tips for food safety are in order. Nothing ruins a family gathering like spoiled food that causes illness. With the temps in Florida, food borne bacteria replicates faster than you can blink. These food related illnesses can be easily avoided by following a few tips found on the Florida Department of Agriculture’s web site. Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs should never be eaten raw. These foods should be maintained in a refrigerator at a temperature below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and cooked thoroughly before eating. A cooking temperature of 160 degrees is advised. When cooking, use a meat thermometer or follow these tips: • Poultry: Cook it until the meat is white and don’t eat it if you see blood or pink meat. • Hamburger: Cook it until there are no traces of pink in the center, or blood in the juices.
Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink
• Steaks: Can be safely cooked medium; that’s because harmful bacteria in beef are found on the surface of the steak, not the interior like in ground meats.
Intern Maggie Fussell
• Fish: Cook until it flakes easily and is no longer translucent in the center.
Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
• Eggs: Cook eggs and egg dishes thoroughly. Don’t sample anything containing raw eggs such as uncooked dough and cake batter. • Keep foods cold, below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or hot, above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods left out between those temperatures for more than two hours should be discarded.
Social Media Victoria Saunders
• Keep cooked foods separate from raw foods. Cross-contamination of foods could occur if bacteria-harboring raw food comes in contact with cooked foods. Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards and countertops after preparing or handling raw meats.
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.
• Avoid interrupted cooking. If you are partially cooking foods indoors to finish cooking on the grill, make sure the food goes directly from the oven to the hot grill. Don’t let the food stand partially cooked for any period of time.
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
And of course, remember to buy food that is Fresh From Florida for your cookout and every day.
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25 PAGE
Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols George Domedion
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Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Hope things are going good for all of you out there as June has brought the summer to us. It seems as though everyone has got some good rains now and the grass is looking good. We should be thankful for the moisture, until we get too much, and that we don’t have to survive the droughts like our friends out west have experienced this year.
As always if there is anything we can do for you or if you have any questions about our association, feel free to reach out to me or any of the directors and remind your neighbors this grilling season that Beef is what’s for dinner.
Hope you all enjoyed the Rodeo and Trade Show. Next year it is back on the normal schedule as the date has been set for February 18, 2023. We will be supporting a Polk 4-H Grilling Workshop this month and by the time you are reading this, the FCA Convention will have taken place at Marco Island. Also don’t forget to put the date on the calendar for our Annual Dinner that is going to be November 10.
Kevin Fussell
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Take care,
Kevin Fussell Polk County Cattlemen’s Association
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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
By J. Scott Angle
67 When I joined UF/IFAS in July 2020, I pledged to visit Extension hood. You donate food to the needy, raise money for scholaroffices in all 67 counties. I got to Hillsborough a little over a year ships and volunteer on civic boards and in schools. ago, and Polk in February and December 2021. You rely on science. Farmers repeatedly told me they would UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Director Stephen Gran not be in business were it not for the innovation to which got me back to his county by inviting me to accept an award agents gave them access and sometimes helped absorb the for UF/IFAS as the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s risk of trying something new. agribusiness of the year. Our future is bright. In numerous counties I met 4-Hers. All of The trip was also rewarding for the opportunity to visit with them were articulate, motivated, service-oriented, courteous then-Hillsborough County Farm Bureau executive director Judi and engaged. I could see the future leader in each of them and Whitson, as well as Jason Conrad, chairman of the Florida Beef the emerging intellect that will make them our next generation Council and a board member of the Hillsborough County Cat- of problem-solvers. tlemen’s Association and the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, I also shared laughs and enjoyed folk wisdom like that from a and Florida 4-H Hall of Famer Betty Jo Tompkins. Madison County farmer who told me that in his community, if a I fulfilled my 67-county pledge on April 8 in Lake City by break- porch rocker is in place and facing the street it means someone ing a ceremonial runner’s finish line tape at the Columbia is home. If it’s turned around and leaned against the wall, you can save yourself the trouble of going up the steps to knock. County Extension office.
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I embarked on what turned out to be a journey of tens of thou- I do not consider the fulfillment of my pledge to be mission sands of miles because that’s what it takes to meet the people accomplished. It is mission acknowledged. Food is our middle name, and it’s our job at UF/IFAS to help food producers stay I work for—you, the farmers and ranchers of Florida. profitable so they continue to feed the world and protect the I went to Chipley, Dade City, Jasper, Moore Haven, and, of planet. Extension is a crucial piece of how we do that. course, Seffner and Bartow, to learn from Extension agents about their important work and to demonstrate my support for You’re not done teaching me. I’ll continue to visit Hillsborough that work. I also went so I could learn from the farmers in those and Polk counties to remind myself who we work for—every communities. I asked Extension directors to invite local Farm citizen of Florida! Most of them don’t live here on campus. Bureau presidents, advisory board members and other farmer See you in Seffner, Bartow, Wimauma, Plant City and Ruskin, stakeholders to meet with me during my visits. where we have UF/IFAS facilities. Or maybe even on your farm From you, I learned about the incredible diversity of the state’s if you invite me. Like our Extension agents, I’ll do my best to crops, soils and climates. I came to appreciate more deeply come to you. that the needs are different everywhere. I couldn’t just get a J. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Senior Vice Presione-size-fits-all briefing in Gainesville and be done with it. dent for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural SciHere’s what else I learned: ences (UF/IFAS). Our relationships are strong. I heard stories of agent-farmer friendships that go back decades. In most counties there is a deep and abiding trust between UF/IFAS Extension faculty and the farmers they serve. Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and NatuYou want to do good while doing well. I heard repeatedly that ral Resources and leader of the UF Instiyou are committed to being good stewards of the environtute of Food and Agricultural Sciences ment, that you want to protect the land you rely on for a liveli(UF/IFAS).
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Agvocating for Youth
by Payge Dupre
We’ve made it to June and it is officially summer! School is out and that means it is time for summer shows and activities. One of the biggest events for our youth this summer will be the kickoff show for the Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association Point Series. This will be held July 21-23 in Tampa at the Florida State Fairgrounds. There have been many changes made to the rules and guidelines for the 2022 Point Series, make sure you read through the updated rules and stay on the lookout for entry deadlines. This year, our National FFA Officer candidate has been selected as Emma Poole! Emma served as the Florida FFA Secretary for the 2020-2021 year and will now go through several steps of the National Officer selection process in hopes of serving on the National team to represent Florida! We are so proud of you Emma and wish you the best of luck. Recently, several of our Polk County Junior Cattlemen’s Association members have competed in a variety of contests in hopes of doing well enough to be recognized at the 2022 Florida Cattlemen’s Convention & Allied Trade Show. Our Senior Quiz Bowl team consisting of Raelan Sherouse, Weslee Howell, Carlie Shenefield and Lily Harwell placed 1st! Our Junior Marketing team consisting of Car-
Lastly but certainly not least, our very own Peyton Chandley will be going through the steps of competing for Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart and will find out her standing at convention. This has been a very tedious task and takes a lot of work and responsibility. Peyton has done a great job representing Polk County already in the short time she has worn the sash. I am confident she will do a great job at convention and I am proud to call her a friend, no matter the outcome! We have a busy and competitive month ahead of us but are hopeful of a good outcome for all! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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lee Taylor, Ansley Bryant, and Lily Harwell as well as our Senior Marketing Team consisting of Mattisen Keeble, Raelan Sherouse and Weslee Howell both placed in the top three of their respective divisions and will find out at convention what they placed and be awarded. In the Junior Speech division, Bellamy Howell placed in the top three, as well as Raelan Sherouse in the Intermediate division. Both young ladies will also be awarded and find out their final placing at convention. We are so proud of all of you, thank you for representing us to the best of your abilities.
By Marisol Tarango
THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN Once a month I sit down with my computer; we have some coffee while I try to write something to turn in to the editor. Sometimes these coffee meetings are very productive and I can get an entire rough draft done in one sitting. This is usually when my imagination is at its peak and aided with the gateway drug of caffeine. (If you know someone struggling with a caffeine addiction, just make another pot of coffee.) But sometimes, a lot of times, I don’t know what to write and end up staring at a blank page while the coffee fuels my already high anxiety caused by writer’s block. After staring at a blank screen for 45 minutes and typing, deleting, and retyping I usually call it quits and come back the next day, while comforting myself with the fact that I at least tried. Sometimes I have a half-baked idea that I feel is going to be great; I just need to put it away for a little bit to finish maturing. This is about as risky as trying a new recipe for the first time before a party, sometimes it just needs five more minutes, sometimes it turns out alright, but you wouldn’t use the recipe again, and sometimes it is irredeemable, and you have to start from scratch wondering why you thought it was a good idea in the first place. Sometimes I am able to somehow patch it up into a presentable article and sometimes I have to start over last minute. Last minute writing is always surprising, either it is not your best, but ok enough, or it is some of your best work that you have done. Sometimes I think that last minute panic unlocks another faucet of creativity, just like necessity is the mother of invention.
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I have discovered that the best remedy for writer’s block is to put the idea of whatever I am stuck on in the crockpot of my brain and go do something. Taking a walk is an amazingly underrated thing to do, not only for writer’s block, but for any sort of mental fog that you are experiencing. It is like God saying, “Come child, see the world that I made and how small your problems are in comparison.” Even if you do not have a good idea for writing by the time you are done with your walk, you at least have a clean slate to start over with. Sometimes reading a book helps get my creative wheels turning, especially an old favorite. To me it is almost like taking my prob-
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lems to another author and using them as a sounding board. That leads to another great solution for writer’s block (and probably my best solution), talking to someone about where you are stuck. Getting someone’s opinion on what you are writing, or at least talking through it with them helps to unravel the mess of ideas that won’t come unknotted. My mom’s favorite method that I use to get over a bad case of writer’s block is when I start cleaning the house. You can tell that I am in a low spot with my writing when I start deep cleaning the house because I am either ruminating very hard on an idea that I am trying to put into words, or I am avoiding fixing an article that I know I can do, just that it is going to take a snowplow to put the words in the right order. Washing dishes leaves you a lot of time to think, not just about writing, it gives you time to mentally put your week in order, plan dinner and longterm goals, and question major life decisions that you have made, with dishes left over by the time you have completely thought through your life.’ My dad’s cure for writer’s block is to work cows. (Actually, that is his cure for a lot of things.) And I will admit I usually gather a lot of fodder for writing while working cows. I mean, when you write about a specific thing, actually doing the thing will make your writing better. All writing is, is putting our real-life experiences or observations on paper for other people to read. And nothing is more real life than working cows. Nobody is going to make up a story about a cow perfectly kicking the head of a hot shot and ramming it into your ribcage, while you are still sore from having your wisdom teeth taken out and it leaving the perfect outline of the butt end of a hotshot on your ribcage. A good flood of reality seems to be able to move a writer’s block with ease. Nothing is stranger and more unbelievable than reality, and when you have gathered enough to put down on paper, the hard part is deciding what you have to leave out.
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Business Principal & Fishing Logic Capt. Woody Gore
Florida’s “Fishing Capital of the World” features excellent inshore, nearshore, offshore, and freshwater fishing. Young and old alike take advantage of this famous fishery, often catching a few for dinner or relaxing with a rod and reel. In the 1930s, a quality management pioneer Dr. Juran redefined Pareto’s original concept and applied it to the science of management, which evolved into today’s basic concept for time, life, and business management. Dr. Juran explained that 20 percent of something is always responsible for 80 percent of the results, and this theory remains recognized as Pareto’s 80/20 Rule. The same rule we often use today, meaning concerning anything and everything of the minority (20 percent) is essential, and the majority (80 percent) are unimportant. To better grasp the concept, here are often used business examples: • Inventory: You do 20% of your business on 80% of your inventory. • Sales: 80% of your business equals 20% of your time. • Customers: 80% of your sales equals 20% of your customers. • Complaints: 80% of the complaints come from 20% of the customers. • Advertising: 80% of the business comes from 20% of your advertising. • Employees: 80% of the work by 20% of the employees. With this new awareness, how often have you heard someone mention the 80/20 rule or consider how it might relate to your fishing or fishing charter business? Considering the acceptably in business, you can see how it might relate to fishing. Consider the assumption that 20% of the anglers catch 80% of the fish. Consider that the same 20% consistently catch 80% of the fish, and you soon begin asking yourself how and why. The standard excuses for going fishless are luck, weather, tides, equipment, tackle, etc. Although good excuses, they only disguise the truth and are not the answer. Some suggest that the 20% that experience high catch ratios do so because they spend more time fishing. While this is partially true, it is not the total solution. Others rationalize those successful anglers will “fish where the fish are.” Ok, now we are getting to the point. Accurately predicting where and why fish congregate separates the 20% who consistently catch from the 80% who only fish.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Of the millions fishing, many will have the right equipment, tackle, and enthusiasm. However, their catching dilemma is not how but where and when to fish. Assuming because fish live in the water, all water has the species you’re trying to catch. People also assume that because “fish live in water, people believe if they fish there, they will catch fish.” Think about it, then ask yourself, do fish live in water with no food, little or no oxygen or protection? Of course not. So, where do they live? First, understand we are not dealing with superior intelligence. Fish are relatively simple creatures driven by instinct and exist on fundamental principles of survival. They require food, oxygen, protection, and an environment that supports their physiology. First, you must learn to fish using the proper equipment, ambition, and desire. So, what is next? Seventy percent of the earth’s surface is water, which gives us a significant starting point. Finding fish should be relatively simple with all the water, how-to magazine articles, and fishing seminars, yet anglers complicate the task. Just think about the best possible environmental conditions that make life easy, and you have 90% of the equation. Then reduce everything to its simplest form, and you will find fish. Here are four simple things to understand:
• Oxygen in the water is a priority for sustaining marine life, while stagnant, polluted, or hot water provides little or no oxygen.
• Food fish must have food, and the law of nature dictates that big fish eat little fish; therefore, no little fish, no big fish. • Shelter protects from predators and relief from relentless currents and tide movements.
• Always know that Tidal Flows bring clean oxygenated water and food. Reduce these things to their simplest form, and you understand why and how to recognize prime fishing locations. Fish traveling from location to location inevitably use the same routes; therefore, you must learn to locate and identify these routes. These routes are referred to as fish highways and usually created by tidal currents. These highways, creeks, rivers, canals, and old-river bottoms lead to and from saltwater grass flats, backcountry, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
mangrove islands, and shallow bays. Take these highways as roadmaps, add water movement, structure, and plenty of fish food (bait), and you understand why fish congregate in certain areas. Armed with much of the puzzle, you should now recognize primary and secondary locations. Most fish usually occupy primary locations by size, while smaller fish occupy the secondary. High ratio anglers do their homework. They investigate and study area charts and satellite imagery maps. They look for channels,
Tampa Fishing Report June - July 2022 Snook fishing in the summer is almost a given. Practically every angler is looking to catch them, and given the amount of fishing pressure, especially during weekends, it is a wonder they bite at all. Practically any mangrove shoreline holds Snook, provided there is bait and structure.
changes in depth, bottom contours, sand bars, grass flats, drop-offs, and tidal directions and take this information to the water. They use this information to explore and scout areas they intend to fish.
Tarpon
Tarpon fishing comes alive in June, and they are everywhere; greenbacks, threadfins, and crabs found abundantly in the bay are excellent choices for bait. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good through the summer, from the beaches to the causeway. If you are Professional anglers can instruct all into night fishing, almost any bridge holds fish day on how, when, and where, but along the light line; however, landing one presnothing suffices more than studying ents another problem. your fishing areas. Remembering, to keep it simple, you can study and “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” learn forever. But “thought substantiated by experience” allows for informed decisions. Capt. Woody Gore owns and operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good and Clearwater areas for the past sixty years. fishing check areas like the Pinellas He offers first-class customer service, familyFlats, Veterans Flats, Joes Island, oriented charters, and a lifetime of memories. Call 813-477-3814 or Visit our website, Bishops Harbor, Piney Point, Culwww.captainwoodygore.com, breath, and Cockroach using live or email us at shrimp and greenbacks free lining fishing@captainwoodygore.com or under popping corks. The many broken-bottom flats with potholes produce large fish and an occasional flounder.
813-477-3814
Redfish
There will be good redfish days around the Tampa Bay grass flats. Finding redfish means covering lots of water; once located, they do not venture too far if there is food. Bear in mind as long as there is food there are fish. Live greenbacks and dollar-size pinfish work and are good choices. Do not forget the old standby-live shrimp.
Spotted Sea Trout
Trout fishing continues to remain strong through the summer. Search deep grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of broken bottom INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
The Perdido Key Beach Mouse By Libby Hopkins
Perdido Key Beach is located on a narrow strip of snow-white beaches and crystal blue waters, in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida, between Pensacola, and Orange Beach, Alabama. No more than a few hundred yards wide in most places, Perdido Key Beach stretches some 16 miles, with almost 60 percent of it located in federal or state parks, making it one of the last remaining unblemished stretches of wilderness in the Florida Panhandle. It is also home to the endangered Perdido Key Beach Mouse. The critically endangered Perdido Key Beach Mouse is a rare yet important part of the dune communities of the national seashore. This small-bodied mouse has a hairy tail with large ears and eyes compared to their body. They are able to fit in the palm of your hand being between 2.7-3.3 inches long excluding the tail and weigh about 13 grams. Their back fur color is dependent on the coloration of the sand dune habitat and can range from grey to dark brown. Their stomach, feet and head are white and their tail is white/ grey. These mice inhabit beach dunes and coastal scrub habitats where they dig burrows to rest, raise young and store food. The Perdido Key Beach Mouse comes out of its burrows at night to feed on the seeds and fruit of beach plants as well as insects. Sea oats make up a large portion of their diet but they are also known to eat other dune plants such as bluestem, beach grass, ground cherry, evening primrose, beach pea and dune spurge. Sometimes they store seeds and when left uneaten, these seeds will grow into important plants that help stabilize dunes.
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Beach mice pair for life and breeding peaks during the winter months. The female can give birth to up to four pips per liter. The burrows they dig are around three feet below the
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sand with each burrow consisting of an entrance, a main nest chamber and an escape tunnel. These burrows provide habitat for many other species including gopher frogs, camel cricket and both the black widow and Carolina wolf spiders. Though the Perdido Key Beach Mouse once occupied the entire length of Perdido Key Beach, human activities, such as development, have fragmented their suitable habitat. Habitat fragmentation limits the area and availability with which this species can live, forage and even find a mate. From their historic range of 16.9 miles of coastal dune habitat, approximately nine fragmented miles of habitat remain. Other threats include large storms or hurricanes, sea level rise, artificial light as well as predation from foxes, raccoons, owls and coyotes. When human developments are near the habitat of this beach mouse, house cats and feral cats become predators as well. Perdido Key Beach Mice have been federally protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1985. The biologists at Gulf Islands National Seashore in partnership with FWC, track populations of beach mice every year to track the mouse population on park lands and to determine which specific areas are most frequented by the Perdido Key Beach Mouse. Some ways to help protect these mice are to stay off of dunes and be sure not to step on any plants because they are important sources of shelter and food for the Perdido Key Beach Mouse. Artificial light from beachfront properties, streetlights and automobiles cause a threat to beach mice behavior so regulations prohibit residents from having deck lights. While populations appear to be growing, the mouse will probably never be delisted because of continued habitat loss and degradation.
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Follow the Label
Using Pesticides Appropriately
Anne Yasalonis UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Have you heard the saying “the label is the law”? When applying pesticides in and around the home, the label provides all the information needed to make the correct application of the product. Reading and understanding the label on a product is important prior to use. Before you purchase a pesticide (or reach for one that you have in the garage), make sure it is the correct product for the job. How do you know? The pest that you are managing will be listed on the label. You will want to read the label prior to purchase and compare products to find which one is best for you. There may be certain applications that you are not comfortable making, may seem complicated, or expensive. The information on the label will help you make the decision. Pesticide labels all contain the information needed for proper use. On the label you will find the following information: Active ingredient(s) Pest(s) that the product can be used to manage (make sure your pest is listed) Site (lawn, landscape, etc. where the product can be used) Mixing instructions (if the product is ready-to-use, it will say that on the label) Protective equipment needed for safe application Application method(s) required, preferred, or prohibited Amount to apply Rate to apply Frequency of application Restrictions if there are any. Such as time of day, weather, season, non-target effects of the product Restricted entry intervals after the application Preharvest intervals for crops Storage and disposal information Signal words as to potential acute toxicity such as DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION Products should never be used “off label,” meaning, for a use other than that indicated on the label. For example, if you have heard that moth balls can be used to deter pests in the landscape, it is important to know that the label on moth balls specifies that outside use of the product is prohibited, and the product is limited to use in airtight or sealed containers. Moth balls contain Napthalene, and can be very harmful to children, pets, wildlife, and can cause contamination of water. Additionally, they do not work to deter pests in the landscape!
It may seem like a lot of information, but, to ensure the safety of the applicator, plants, and environment it is necessary. If the wording is difficult to read, you can download labels from the manufacturer’s website. For questions, or if you need assistance identifying the pest, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/ polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Visit us in person, give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu. The Florida Master Gardener Program is a volunteerdriven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution.
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If you are concerned about a product’s use, remember, the label is the law!
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PLANT CITY AUTHOR CELEBRATES RELEASE OF BEST-SELLING BOOK Plant City’s Victoria Smude released her new book “The Chonky Alphabet” earlier this month.
By Taylor Jenkins
What began as a life-long love of cats and a growing fascination with an online community that centered around their furry friends, Plant City native Victoria Smude recently released her new book, The Chonky Alphabet. The word “chonky” itself has become popularly synonymous with pleasantly plump felines across the internet, making it a perfect descriptor to grace the cover of her alphabet book for cat enthusiasts of any age. “It’s 26 words based off of a kind of cat subculture,” Smude said. “It’s different words that people use when talking about their cats, and there’s certain rules. You don’t say chunky, you say chonky. Then there’s words like N is for ‘nip nops’ and B is for ‘blep’ and when you’re in this community you just understand what these words mean. So it’s just a very colorful, playful window into this other world all about cats.” So from “nip nops” to “blep,” from “loaf” to “peeps,” The Chonky Alphabet serves as a guide to some of the most vital terms necessary in a cat-thusiasts daily vocabulary. Smude says that the idea for the book began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was furloughed from her primary occupation, giving her six weeks to teach herself a new skill in digital art. As she worked on creating new artwork while taking inspiration from a Facebook group, she challenged herself to find one piece of cat-centric slang for each letter of the alphabet. And as the ideas began rolling along, the possibility of putting it all together in one creative book blossomed.
“It was the No. 1 bestseller for Cat Breeds, so it’s been really well-received. There are some people that didn’t know anything about this ‘language’, much like myself a few years ago, and they were having to Google what ‘chonky’ even means, but now they’re learning all about it. Cat-lovers are loving it, but not only cat-lovers. While it’s a book for those cat-lovers out there, it’s also a fun alphabet book for kids or anyone who likes unique illustrations. I even had a couple of kids come up when I was taking pictures with the book at a coffee shop and a little girl wanted to read the book, she just enjoyed the illustrations and the colors and the funny words.” Smude will be holding a book signing at The Tipsy Bookwork in Plant City later in the summer and The Chonky Alphabet can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-AMillion and Walmart.com. All art from the book, along with additional information on the book and upcoming book signings, can be found by following The Chonky Collection on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. “So for anyone out there who doesn’t know whether they can publish a new book or learn a new skill or learn digital art, everything can be figured out,” Smude said. “There’s Google, there’s Facebook groups, there’s YouTube, there’s Skillshare. You can really learn to do anything at any age.”
Taking advice from friends who had recently released books of their own, Smude ultimately self-illustrated and self-published The Chonky Alphabet through IngramSpark and – upon its recent release on June 1 – it quickly became a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon in the Cat Breed category. “I’ve been posting about it throughout cat Facebook groups and people have been loving it people have even been ordering it to read to their cats before bed,” Smude said with a laugh. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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FDACS’ Farmer Stress Awareness Initiative Launched at Wish Farms By Jim Frankowiak
The formal launch of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Farmer Stress Awareness Initiative took place earlier this month at Wish Farms in Plant City as part of an outreach campaign to raise awareness of mental health challenges and resources for farmers and rural community members. “The pressures of keeping our food supply strong when so many factors are outside of a farmer’s control – from weather events to supply chain issues, unfair foreign trade practices and invasive pests – result in Florida’s agricultural community experiencing tremendous stress,” said FDACS Commissioner Nikki Fried. “Yet these communities are too often forgotten when it comes to mental health care. Thanks to our federal agency partners and the great work being done by Florida organizations, my hope is that with this initiative we can raise awareness and expand the impact of existing programs to help Florida’s producers, ranchers, farm workers and rural communities access the resources and support they need to thrive.”
In 2021, FDACS was awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to carry out a new Farm Stress Awareness and Reduction Initiative. For this initiative, FDACS is partnering with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to train public school agriculture teachers, 2-1-1 responders, 4-H and FFA Members and others to recognize the signs of farm stress in their communities and families. This program will also help create partnerships to help agriculture producers connect with mental health services in their communities and to expand the reach of new telehealth sites in rural counties. As part of this initiative, FDACS has produced multiple videos to raise awareness and promote existing resources that are airing digitally in all Florida media markets along with radio and print advertisements.
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• Sheep have very good memories. They can remember at least 50 individual sheep and humans for years. They do this by using a similar neural process and part of the brain that humans use to remember. • Sheep are known to self-medicate when they have some illnesses. They will eat specific plants when ill that can cure them. • Sheep have a field of vision of around 300 degrees, allowing them to see behind themselves without having to turn their head. • Their milk is used to produce gourmet cheeses. • Wild sheep tend to be larger than domesticated species, the largest (Argali) being 1.2m tall. They also have longer horns which they use to defend themselves from predators. • Cattle and sheep have what is known as a ‘ruminant’ stomach, consisting of four different chambers, each with a specified function. • Like various other species including humans, sheep make different vocalizations to communicate different emotions. They also display and recognize emotion by facial expressions.
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Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the June 2018 issue
I have written several times in this column about how confusing the English language can be. The following thesis describes it perfectly. We will begin with a box. The plural is boxes; but the plural of ox became oxen not oxes. One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, yet the plural of moose should never be meese. If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn’t the plural of pan be called pen? If I spoke of my foot and show you my feet, and I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet? If one is a tooth and whole set are teeth, why shouldn’t the plural of booth be called beeth? We speak of a brother and also of brethren, but though we say mother, we never say methren.
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To continue, I point out that a bandage was wound around the wound, and the farm was used to produce produce. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. In my home we had Polish furniture, and my mother asked me to polish the Polish furniture. Huh? While dove hunting I shot one and the dove dove into the bushes. And a buck does funny things when the does are present. Confusing, eh?
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In closing the thesis the student surmised that we have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which our house can burn up as it burns down and an alarm goes off by going on. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. I heard a story of a parish priest was being honored on the 25th anniversary of his arrival to the church he was serving. A leading local politician, who was member of the congregation, was chosen to make the presentation and give a little speech at the dinner, but was delayed in traffic, so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited. “You will understand,” he said, “the seal of the confessional can never be broken. However, I got my first impressions of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I can only hint vaguely about this, but when I came here 25 years ago I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first man who entered my confessional told me how he had stolen a television set and when stopped by the WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
police, had almost murdered the officer. Further, he told me he had stolen money from his parents, embezzled money from his place of business, fooled around on his wife and took illegal drugs.” “I must say,” He said, “I was appalled. But as the days went on I knew that my people were not all like that, and I had, indeed come to a fine parish full of understanding and loving people.” Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of apologies for being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and give his talk. “I’ll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived,” said the politician. “In fact, I had the honor of being the first one to him in confession.” Moral: DON’T EVER BE LATE When George Bush was president he went to Heathrow Airport in England. A red carpet was rolled out to Air Force One and the President strode to a warm but dignified handshake from the Queen. They rode in a 1934 Bentley to the edge of central London where they climbed in to an open 17th century coach hitched to six magnificent white horses. As they rode toward Buckingham Palace, each waving to the thousands of cheering people lining the streets, all was going well. This was indeed a glorious display of pageantry and dignity. Suddenly the scene was shattered when the right rear horse let rip the most horrendous, earth-shattering, eye-smarting blast of flatulence and the coach immediately filled with noxious fumes. Uncomfortable, yet maintaining control, the two dignitaries did their best to ignore the whole incident, but then the Queen decided that was a ridiculous manner with which to handle a most embarrassing situation. She turned to President Bush and explained, “Mr. President, please accept my regrets. I am sure you understand that there are some things even a Queen cannot control.” The President, ever the gentleman, replied, “Your Majesty, please don’t give the matter another thought. You know, if you hadn’t said something I would have assumed it was one of the horses.”
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The Florida Cracker
By Maggie Fussell
In 1521, the Spanish Conquistador Ponce De Leon brought cattle and horses to Florida. The cattle he brought were part of the Andalusian cattle breed. These cattle were heat-tolerant and resistant to parasites. Soon after this the Spaniards left America due to British expansion. As a result, the cattle were abandoned and they roamed freely on the open range and fed off what they could find in the palmetto scrubs or swamps. The cattle today are known as Florida Cracker Cattle because of their adaptation to Florida’s climate. According to the Livestock Conservancy they are a small breed of cattle that weigh between 600 to 1,200 pounds. During the Civil War Florida cattle were a primary source of meat, leather and hide for the Confederate Army. The Florida Cracker Cattle contributed to the 19th century economy and without them the cracker cowboy may not exist.
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The Florida Cracker, or cracker cowboy, refers to early pioneers who were farmers and ranchers. These early cowboys were also called cow hunters because they would search the flatwoods and swamps to find their cattle. To move the cattle the cowboys used whips and dogs. The cow whip was
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primarily used for cowboys to communicate with one another. Cow hunters would split up in the woods to search for their cattle on small horses called cracker ponies. Using the whip, they would pop it to let the other cowboys know they found cattle. The cow whip is braided leather or nylon that is attached to a handle. To pop the whip, throw it forward and pull it back to create the loud crack or tiny sonic boom. The nickname “cracker” came from the crack of the whip. Every July and August the cracker cowboys would take a 120-mile journey on the Florida Cracker Trail to deliver cattle to shipping ports or loading stations. There the cattle would be bought for $14 a head or less. With Florida’s changing weather, the cowboys would have thunderstorms one day and harsh heat the next day. The cracker cowboys had to watch for bears and panthers that could harm the herd. Cow dogs were an important source of protection for the cattle. Today the term “cracker” refers to anyone who is a true Florida native. The cow whip is still used by cattle ranchers to move cattle, but it has other WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
uses such as entertainment. There are expos, whip popping competitions and tricks that people have learned to entertain the world with the historic whip crack. An example of this is the Polk County Youth Fair Whip Popping Contest. At this event FFA and 4-H members of all ages gather around to show their traditional or trick whip popping. The Florida Cracker is a legacy that continues as the practice of whip popping is passed down to younger generations. Whether it is trick or traditional the loud crack of the crackers cow whips will continue to be heard.
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Farming is stressful Help is available Call 211 Or Text ‘FarmFL’ to 898-211 Working on a farm can be physically and emotionally demanding. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, you’re not alone. Nine in ten farmers cite financial issues, farm business concerns and fear of losing their farms as mental health stressors. Call 211 to speak to someone who will listen and provide the resources you need to get through tough times. Calls are confidential and can be anonymous.
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Learn more at 211.org
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FLORIDA MINI PEPPERS
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Mini peppers are small, sweet, and pack a big punch of flavor in a small package. These colorful, small peppers are sweeter than bell peppers and full of nutrition. They average seven centimeters in length and each pepper can be eaten in several bites, making them a perfect, portable snack. They come in different colors--- yellow, orange, and red, and have a thin, glossy skin and firm, crunchy, juicy texture with a sweet taste. They have an elongated, slender shape, and the interior contains small lobes and few seeds. Mini peppers, botanically known as Capsicum annuum, are members of the Solanaceae family. Originally from Central and South America, mini peppers are produced mainly in Florida, California, and Mexico. They can be found at farmer’s markets and many grocery stores and can also be grown in your home garden. They are prized for their sweet flavor, bright colors, and versatile use.
Nutritional Profile Fresh mini peppers are highly nutritious and very low in calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, an 85 gram serving of fresh mini peppers (about three to four fresh peppers) contains 25 calories, 1 g of protein, 0.02 g of fat, 5g of carbohydrate, and 2 g of fiber. One serving also provides 170% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for vitamin C, and substantial amounts of carotene, potassium, zinc, choline, and folate. These mini peppers can add a ton of flavor and nutrition with very few calories.
Antioxidants for Heart Health Fresh Florida mini peppers provide not only flavor, but also cardiovascular benefits. They can reduce blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and platelet clumping. Additionally, compounds in peppers help dissolve fibrin, a substance involved in the formation of blood clots. Fresh mini peppers contain vitamins A and C, which act as antioxidants, sweeping away free radicals which can damage cells and start the cascade of atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides on the artery wall). Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks and stroke.
Fiber: For regularity and heart health Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases, by lowering blood choles-
How to select and store Choose fresh mini peppers that have glossy, vivid colors, firm skin, and fresh stems. Avoid those that are wrinkled, have cracks near the stem, or have soft spots. Store unwashed peppers in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Fresh peppers can also be dried by hanging in the sunlight or in a home dehydrator.
How to Enjoy Mini sweet peppers are delicious eaten raw out-of-hand. They can be eaten sliced or whole, and added to vegetable trays or salads, or cooked in any dish. Mini sweet peppers pair well with olives, garlic, lentils, quinoa, onions, oregano, tomatoes, Greek yogurt, ground beef, cheddar, feta, garbanzo beans, and black beans. The peppers will keep up to one week in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Mini peppers are delicious simply roasted or grilled with olive oil and salt. They can be used in a stir-fry or eaten raw in salads or on sandwiches. Additional ways to enjoy fresh mini peppers include: • Roasted with olive oil and used to flavor dishes • Chopped and added to a stir-fry • Diced and added to omelets, tuna salad or chicken salad • Roasted and used to top tacos or eggs • Roasted and mixed into a salsa • Stuffed with ground meat or cheese and baked Enjoy fresh Florida mini peppers today!
Selected References http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.org INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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terol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Fiber also assists with digestion and prevents constipation. As with many other vegetables, mini peppers contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help with weight loss by helping you stay full with very few calories. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas.
FRESH FROM FLORIDA PUTS locally-grown products on the map
Since 1990, Fresh From Florida has served as an effective marketing tool for Florida’s growers and producers. By Taylor Jenkins
The state of Florida is home to over 47,000 farms and ranches that utilize 9.7 million acres of land to produce a wide variety of safe and dependable food products, in addition to serving as a massive driver of the state’s economy.
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Agriculture is the second-largest industry in Florida and provides more than 300 commodities from the citrus groves and nurseries in Central and South Florida to the vegetables grown and the cattle and calves raised throughout the state. In 2019, Florida ranked first in the United States in the value of production for bell peppers for fresh market, grapefruit, oranges, sugarcane, fresh market tomatoes. They ranked second in the value of production for bell peppers, fresh market sweet corn and strawberries. They ranked third in the value of production for fresh market cabbage, peanuts and squash. In total, agriculture and agribusiness employ more than 2.4 million people in Florida alone and contribute nearly $150 billion to the state’s economy each year.
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In 1990, the Florida Legislature introduced the “Fresh From Florida” program to help provide Florida’s agriculture industry with results-oriented marketing solutions, with programs developed to assist Florida growers and producers to increase awareness and promote the sale of Florida commodities all under the Fresh From Florida brand. Since then, the Fresh From Florida brand has evolved to broaden their ability to reach consumers, adapting their marketing efforts to include digital media, paid social media, online shopping platforms, coupon apps and more. Additionally, Fresh From Florida promotes their brand along with a wide-range of Florida-grown products through television, radio and print advertising. These campaigns promote Florida commodities during their peak seasons in an effort to encourage shoppers to both look for and purchase these products. Now Fresh From Florida has grown into a massively recognized brand with over 450,000 followers on FaceWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
CREATION EXPANSION INNOVATION
book, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, reaching nearly 60 million shoppers annually through their advertising. The brand then uses this following to implement strategic multi-media marketing campaigns, targeting consumers throughout the southeast and as far north as Canada to raise brand awareness and drive consumer loyalty, in turn continuing to increase the sales of Florida commodities. Fresh From Florida looks to increase out-of-state consumer participation through retail partnerships throughout the southeast, northeast and midwest that promote Florida-grown products in stores when in season. Out-of-state consumers can also follow Fresh From Florida social media channels to learn what products are in season, access recipes, sign up for giveaways and more.
Their campaigns are associated with more than 60 retail chains both domestically and internationally while having a brand presence in 10,000 domestic stores, 35 domestic chains, 4,400 international stores and 31 international chains. It also directly assists Florida companies in their exporting endeavors by working with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services sponsored activities. Some of these outreach initiatives include attending trade shows and conducting both outbound and in-bound trade missions to increase the international exposure of growers and producers under the Fresh From Florida umbrella. The department also coordinated export seminars presented to Florida companies aimed at increasing the number of exporters shipping
products from Florida in partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association. Most recently, Fresh From Florida has partnered with Instacart and Amazon Fresh along with implementing a marketing initiative with Ibotta, a coupon app, to promote digital coupons of Florida featured commodities. These efforts have built a relationship of trust with consumers as logo awareness remains at a high of 85 percent, nine of 10 consumers are more likely to buy a product labeled “Fresh From Florida” and 83 percent are willing to actually pay more for a Fresh From Florida product – an all-time high. For the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Fresh From Florida has a budget of $5 million with 100 different positions throughout their Division of Marketing and Development, including 41 positions at 12 state farmer’s markets. Throughout the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the Division plans to expand consumer advertising and retail campaigns in domestic markets, increase in-state advertising and expand online shopping initiatives.
THE BRAND STORY
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As a member of the Fresh From Florida Industry Membership Program, growers and producers can benefit from their widely recognized brand, marketing campaigns, retail partnerships and outreach conducted by the Division of Marketing and Development. With both paid and non-paid membership opportunities available to apply for, Fresh From Florida has a wide variety of
ways to help all different growers and producers across the state. Their full list of membership benefits includes: Use of widely recognized “Fresh From Florida” logo Opportunity to participate in the Logo Incentive Program Choice of customized “Fresh From Florida” business signage Graphic design services for logo development Training and technical assistance on marketing, exporting and grants Monthly email newsletter with industry updates and marketing opportunities Point-of-purchase materials to display with Floridagrown products Discounted industry tradeshow participation opportunities Co-op advertising and promotion opportunities Trade lead opportunities from industry tradeshows, retailers, etc. Subscription to the “Fresh From Florida” annual magazine Discounted advertising rates for “Fresh From Florida” magazine You may recognize several of the local farms partnered with Fresh From Florida, including Astin Farms in Plant City, Riverview Flower Farm in Riverview, Noble Citrus in
Winter Haven and Jones Potato Farm in Parrish, among others. For more information on how to join the program for yourself, visit www.FDACS.gov. Fresh From Florida encourages consumers to check them out at www.FollowFreshFromFlorida.com or follow them on Facebook (@FloridaAgriculture), Instagram (@FreshFromFlorida), Twitter (@FreshFromFL) and Pinterest (@FreshFromFlorida). Through these channels you can join the Fresh From Florida Club to gain access to additional content and tips from the “Fresh From Florida” state chef.
CREATION EXPANSION INNOVATION
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
ALLIGATORS APLENTY What would you do if you looked on your patio or outside your front door and saw an alligator? For many people in Polk County the answer is, “Call the Sheriff’s Office.” That’s probably because they know we will always answer the call and respond… even if the gator isn’t committing a crime. Plus, our deputies love posing for pictures holding those creepy crawly reptiles, as is evidenced by our social media pages. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (the ones you should really 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. We thought this would be a good time to let you know that you may see more alligator activity than normal this time of year. Here are a few things to keep in mind, it’s illegal in Florida to feed an alligator or entice an alligator with food, unless you are properly licensed. These laws are meant to protect the gators and people alike. There are lots of tragic examples of what happens when gators that are being fed by humans become comfortable with human interaction and wander into populated areas where they might attack pets and people. Unless you are licensed or permitted for doing so, do not move alligators. If one happens to be taking in the warm Florida sunshine on your property, leave it alone. Don’t attempt to pick it up, throw it in your truck, and let it go somewhere else.
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Nuisance alligators should only be handled by professional, licensed people. If you have a nuisance alligator, contact the Florida Fish and
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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. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing a real live gator up close and in person, check out one of the many licensed alligator farms in Florida you and your family can visit. Just don’t get too close to the ones in the wild. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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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NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
Harvest Awards Nominations Sought
SEA TOW OFFERS FFB MEMBERS TWO FREE MONTHS Sea Tow, the international marine assistance provider, is offering Florida Farm Bureau members two free months of services. Members receive 14 months of worry-free boating for the price of 12. To access the offer, visit: SeaTow.com/FFB.
USDA/NRCS Programs Offer Continuous Signups
Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s Harvest Awards. The Harvest Luncheon traditionally kicks off the Hillsborough County Fair and will be held November 3, 2022. Nomination forms (online or print) must be received at the fair office no later than July 15, 2022. The nomination form and list of previous recipients can be found at: 2022 HARVEST AWARDS - Hillsborough County Fair
Michelle Williamson Elected SWFWD Governing Board Secretary The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has elected Michelle Williamson Secretary of the Governing Board for the 2022-2023 term. A member of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Board, Williamson is operations manager of G&F Farms. She has represented Hillsborough County on the District Board since 2016.
Is Your Dog Top Dog?
Florida State Conservationist Juan Hernandez with the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is reminding producers and landowners that NRCS programs under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) have continuous signups. Through EQIP, assistance is available to help producers and landowners plan and implement conservation practices providing environmental benefits on cropland, pasture, forestland and associated agricultural land, including animal feeding operations. For more information, contact District Conservationist Leslie Diaz-Alvarez – Telephone: 813/7521474. Email: leslie.diazalvarez@usda.gov.
FARM BUREAU AND PARTNERS OFFER MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Farming is one of the most challenging ways to make a living and can take a toll on farmers and those close to them. Mental health can be a difficult topic to discuss in farm country where life is definitely a demanding and stressful way of living. There are often times farmers and ranchers struggle in isolation. There are resources available to those struggling to cope with the challenges of farming. American Farm Bureau via farmstateofmind.org offers a number of resources, including a national resource directory where interested parties can find information that is available in every state. These include hotlines, counseling services and other support materials and informational resources.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers
Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to submit their loyal pup’s application in American Farm Bureau’s 2023 Farm Dog of the Year contest, sponsored by Purina. The winning farm dog will receive one year’s worth of Purina Pro-Plan dry dog food, a trophy plate and $5,000 cash prize. Applications are due July 1, 2022. For other prizes and contest rules, visit: https://www.fb.org/land/fdoty.
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Agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due October 31, 2022. For more information, visit: usda.gov.
by John Dicks | Photo by iStock
Paddling in Florida!
It was just one of those days. You know the kind; a day we look back at with the fondest of memories.
supply/demand forces at work sending prices spiraling upwards towards absurdity.
The water was shimmering under a crystal clear blue sky, with only the slightest wisp of a breeze drifting in with the temperature posting a perfect 72º. Not too cool, and certainly not too hot for the best of times.
A prime example of such craziness is that prior to the pandemic you could fly to Europe for less than what it now requires for a ticket to Chicago; and seriously, who wants to go to Chicago?! (Ok, just kidding; sort of!).
Dipping a paddle into the gently flowing water, catching a quick feel of the drops it made, left the uncanny realization that both liquid and air were at equilibrium with their temps precisely in tune with each other.
Take heart, however; for fortunately, through sheer fate, or luck, or even pure genius, we live in Florida, the place that everyone really does want to go to.
Fish were jumping, playing games in school while gliding along. A manatee, swimming solitary this morning, snorted and surfaced, rolling over to catch a look at life above. Perhaps she caught sight of the barred owl which seemed to follow me, flitting from tree to tree and hooting with each landing. Perfect and picturesque it was; the kind that daydreams are made of. This day, though, was the real deal. It was just a few weeks ago; and really, not all that surprising when you know that it was in Florida. For as we all know, our Sunshine State can, this time of year, be absolutely amazing. Times like these are the ones which beckon us to get out and enjoy this place that we live! Every headline you read or newscast that fills our eyes or ears shouts that Americans are ready to travel again. It’s the number one item at the top of every list. We’ve been cooped up for so long through the pandemic, that we’re anxious to get going. Interesting, though, is that it appears people are scrambling for extremes, when much of the best is right at hand. Pent-up demand is through the roof for cruises and flights. Destinations don’t seem so important as is the internal urge to just “go!” There are, however, only so many seats on a plane, and ships won’t float with too many people. So it all adds up to
What others don’t know though, and that we sometimes need to remind ourselves, is that Florida at its best is far from the maddening crowds found at our mega-amusement and theme parks. Rather, the best of what we have is what I refer to as the real Florida. It’s experienced in those seldom spoken of wonders like Rainbow River, and Silver Springs, and Juniper Springs Run, and the Ichetucknee. The opportunity for paddling world class rivers is in abundance in Florida. Our government has done quite a remarkable job at preserving and protecting places of extraordinary beauty to enjoy and explore. Certainly you could visit one, or maybe a handful. The very adventurous souls could spend several years of a busy bucket list by checking out all 175 of the state parks, trails, and historic sites within the system. You can do it at a bargain, too, by purchasing from the state an annual pass. One for an individual costs $60, while a family pass is $120. You can find the details on the website: www. floridastateparks.org The place of my most recent paddling was the incomparable Weeki Wachee River. On that perfect morning, there were no crowds like those drawn to our beautiful beaches. While granted I started rather early, still, with all its serenity, by 10 am I had seen nary another soul. Certainly I hope you’ll enjoy Florida and all it has to offer. Just don’t tell anybody about it. Let’s keep it our secret!
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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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Continuing Our Fathers Tradition
By Maggie Fussell Fathers Day is a time to celebrate our fathers. Each family has a different way of honoring Fathers on this holiday. Some families fire up the grills, some go on a trip, some have a party, and some give gifts. At the D.R. Fussell Ranch we honor six generations of cattle ranchers and continue the tradition that our fathers established many years ago. In the 1870s George Fussell left Telfair County, Georgia, with a group of people, and traveled by wagon traveled to Florida. Some of the group stopped in Sumter County, some in DeSoto County. But George and his family settled north of what is now Polk City. George’s son, Lewis Fussell, had 17 children. Lewis’s sons purchased land for about $1.50 an acre or less. Lewis’s son Albert had a slaughter pen in the 1920s, where he quartered beef and took it to sell in Bartow and Lakeland. In the 1930s, Albert bought land and cleared it to plant watermelons and grass.
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Albert, with his son Dewey, expanded the cattle ranch. Dewey established the D.R. Fussell Ranch in northern Polk City. This ranch is a cow-calf operation that also backgrounds some feeder calves for market. Dewey and his family have seen many changes to the cattle industry and faced challenges. However, this is their passion, and they want to keep this tradition in the family.
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Dewey’s son Ray said “It is important to carry on the family tradition. We descended from farmers and ranchers. We are stewards of God’s creation, and it is my hope that we can leave the land in better condition than we found it,” said Dewey’s son Ray. Ray’s son Clay helps him on the ranch. “This is how I was raised, it is my way of life and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way,” said Clay. Ray is my father and Clay is my brother. When they are riding their horses, fixing fences, or driving the tractor I know that they want to be here on the ranch. In my family we say that God made the cowboy to be the caretaker of his creation. The cowboy gets up before sunrise to feed the motherless calf, he puts feed out in the winter season, he stacks rolls of hay in the barn before the rain hits, he unsaddles the horses in the dark after a long day, he looks at the blisters on his hands as he finishes digging the last post hole for the new fence and he loads the yearlings into the cattle truck to go to feedlots out west. My father and mother have worked hard to instill the significance of faith in myself and Clay’s life. God created the land, water, and cattle. The Lord has provided us with the resources we need to maintain his creation. Ranching is hard because it WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
requires time, hard work, and money. There is an endless number of things that have to be done. Each day brings a new task. But this is our home and we do not want to be anywhere else. This Fathers Day, as my family and I gather around the table for dinner and bow our heads to pray, I am thankful for my father and the other Fussell fathers before him who settled the land all those years ago to grow food for America’s table. I am thankful for how the Lord has blessed my family so that we can continue our ancestor’s legacy and preserve the land that God created. “He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth” Psalm 104:14.
Sign up
for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events
This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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STATE OFFICER Tyler Brannan Florida FFA Area IV State Vice President
WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED The season of vibrant colored shirts and warm sunny days is among us. Students across Florida are out of school for the Summer and that brings one question to mind; What will be next for the FFA? Well folks, I can assure you that there is no shortage of work for the Florida FFA Association this Summer. Of course, it wouldn’t be a traditional Summer without starting our time with the pumped-up celebration of the Florida FFA State Convention & Expo. Now to describe convention is no easy task. I’ve heard many put it simply as one wild, crazy movie. It is like no other and guarantees to keep all of our members and guest entertained while we celebrate the accomplishments of our organization. However, even though the convention hall stays radiating with energy, the grand idea of convention is not always fun and games. While you may be captivated by the flashing lightshow and electric convention playlist, the work behind these long-lasting moments is no easy feat. As my team and I reach the homestretch of our State Officer year, we have become quite accustomed to the dedication and duties of preparing for our convention. We have spent countless hours, creating the sessions and content that will entail the “magic” that people will see throughout convention week. The idea of celebrating our students starts with nothing more than a blank slate that we are tasked with turning into a spectacular moment. As I have seen the sessions come to life, I am truly amazed by how a small amount of teamwork and a lot of creativity can make these sessions a special experience.
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However, even with the work our team takes on, it would all be in vain without the planning of our outstanding state staff. The Association takes pride in holding a convention that is well known for quality production and high standards. All of this is possible through
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the many moving parts of our convention week. Luckily, it isn’t our state staff’s first rodeo. They have beautifully work out the details of convention for years. Whether it be contracting the lights for the week or planning with Dr. Kent, the head of filming and production, ensuring an outstanding performance throughout the sessions, our staff is always prepared and are an amazing and impressive group of individuals. We would not be here without their dedication and diligence for the Association and all of its members. Moreover, the work of convention season is understood by the advisors, members, and supporters throughout Florida. Our chapters works diligently to prepare their students for convention every year. Working to get rooms booked, planning meals for the week, and getting all of their students in tip top shape for one of the best experiences they will have is no easy task. Our advisors work in an outstanding manner to provide this opportunity to thousands of students each year. They bring funds to support the trip, work with parents to help supervise the events, and prepare a safe and enjoyable week for the members. While this week at convention may be a lot of work, those who put in hours to make it happen understand that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the members. Once being in their shoes, I understand the impact attending convention can have on a member. Moments like standing in the ocean of blue jackets before the sessions and meeting lifelong friends throughout convention hall is something not many get to experience. It can inspire you to reach higher levels of accomplishment and involvement in your life. Whether your first convention will be as a member or as a support, these moments will most certainly amaze you and have an impact on your life. So, don’t forget to start your summer right at 94 Florida FFA State Convention & Expo! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer Look A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Ghost Ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum)
The nesting adaptability of this species is an important factor in its pest status because it can nest nearly anywhere, including frequently disturbed areas that would be unsuitable for other species. As a home invader, the ghost ant can nest in small openings along the baseboards or within the homes foundation. They are also known to nest in bizarre locations such as between books, behind wall pictures, or in the wall itself if there is an opening to the void.
Every once in a while we get what seems like thousands of tiny ants in our kitchen that drive my wife crazy. They are so tiny they are hard to see and when disturbed, they scatter in all directions making it difficult to determine where they are coming from. Sometimes they appear to be coming in along the water pipes, other times along the baseboards. What we have discovered is that these ants are small enough to have more entrances than we could possibly plug so we simply accept them as a temporary visitor brushing them out of our way when necessary. These ants are commonly known as ghost ants (Tapinoma melanocephalum) and are so called because they seem to disappear at will. This month we will take a closer look at the ghost ant; an introduced species that may occasionally haunt your home. The Ghost Ant Tapinoma melanocephalum is thought to originate in either Africa or the Orient. There is some uncertainty about when and how this ant species was introduced to North America and through the late 1980s was only occasionally reported as a household pest. Some sources suggest that by 1995 the ghost ant had become a common household pest in central and southern Florida (Klotz et al 1995). The ghost ant is so named because its small size and light, translucent coloration make them difficult to see. These ants are also commonly known as Tramp Ants because they can make a home nearly anywhere and are widely distributed through the tropics worldwide. Small, isolated colonies can be established in habitats that would be unsuitable for a large colony; plant stems and clumps of dead moist grass for example. It is common to find thriving colonies within detritus, under rocks, and in potted plants. What may seem to be separate small colonies is actually a much larger multi queen colony subdivided into smaller units, each occupying a distinct nest site. Each of the smaller nest units share resources along scent trails that connect the subdivisions to create a large colony matrix. A study in 1990 revealed that the multi queen and subdivided nesting behavior enabled this ant species to quickly establish a nest even if only for a few days at a particular location (Hölldobler and Wilson 1990).
Ghost ants are known to have a symbiotic relationship with aphids that is often compared to dairy farming. A symbiotic relationship means both animals benefit from working together, in this case, the ant and the aphid. Aphids are a crop pest that suck the sugary fluids from plants. Excrement from these sap sucking insects is called honeydew and happens to be a sugar and nutrient rich meal for certain ant species such as the ghost ant crave. The ghost ants forage for sugars and the aphid is a natural producer of sugar. If the foraging ants find a population of aphids, they begin farming them for honeydew. This is the basis of the symbiotic relationship. The ants protect the aphids from natural enemies and diseases in return for a steady supply of honeydew. The ants will often herd the aphids into specific areas of their nest dedicated to aphid farming to help keep them safe. To encourage honeydew production, the ants stimulate the aphids by stroking them with their antennae and harvest the resulting honeydew much like we harvest milk from a cow. Ghost ants will certainly not be a beneficial insect for the control of aphids, and few other agriculture pests for that matter and not typically a welcome house guest. Infestations are best treated by leveraging the ant’s sweet tooth. Sweet bait traps are usually the most effective solution when used in conjunction with aphid control. Contact poisons will not work for ghost ants because these ants are highly mobile and have multi queen colonies. Contact poison will only kill a few on the top of the nest and the queens will remain safe and unaffected. Many pest control blogs suggest a mixture of up to 5% Boric acid in a sugar, honey, or syrup solution works well. This month, while you are inspecting your plants for aphids, take a closer look, you may have ghost ants farming the aphids and more to consider for a pest control strategy. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Its important to remember that although these ants are capable of nesting inside the house, home invasions are more often than not little more than foraging activity with several single file marches from the outside into your home. So far, the yearly invasions we have seen in our home seem to be temporary foraging and the ants dissipate within a day or two. I enjoy watching ants forage for food outside (where they should be) and for that reason I have never considered toxins inside my home to rid it of this temporary visitor. Lately, I have been watching them “milk” the aphids that my pepper plants are attracting.
PROTECT YOUR FRESH WATER:
A Q&A WITH A WATER QUALITY EXPERT By Jim Frankowiak
An estimated 2.5 million Floridians rely on private wells for home drinking water, according to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). These systems are sensitive to environmental changes, like flooding, and owners are responsible for the management, and therefore quality, of the water they drink. University of Florida water quality expert Andrea Albertin, a water resources regional specialized agent for the UF/IFAS Extension Northwest District, provided must-know information that private well owners can use to best manage this vital resource. Q. What should private well owners have their water tested for and how often should it be tested?
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A. At a minimum, FDOH recommends testing drinking water annually for bacteria (total coliform bacteria and fecal coliforms, usually E. coli). They also recommend testing for nitrate, especially if you have an infant or pregnant woman in the household. Nitrate levels at and above 10 milligrams per
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liter can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. Depending on where you live and current or past activities in your area, other contaminants may affect your well water quality. Call your local health department to see if they recommend any additional tests. It’s also important to reach out to them for testing recommendations when: • There is a change in the taste, appearance or odor of your water. • There is recurring gastrointestinal illness or other unexplained illness in the household. • Your well is flooded or damaged. • You have a spill of oil, liquid fuels, solvents or other chemicals into or near your well. • Any time services or repairs are done and the sanitary seal on your well is opened. Q. Where can I find testing services in my area? A. Some county health departments provide testing for bacWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
terial contamination, at a minimum. If they do not offer testing for a particular contaminant, they can help point you to certified commercial labs in the area for testing. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) also maintains a list of certified water testing labs, which are searchable by county: floridadep.gov/dear/florida-dep-laboratory/content/nelap-certified-laboratory-search. Q. What are some practices that can reduce the risk of contaminating well water? A. There are several basic care measures everyone should pay attention to year-round: •Make sure that the well is properly sealed at the surface to keep pollutants from getting directly into your well and groundwater. A sanitary seal or sanitary well cap keeps surface water, pathogens, insects and other animals, chemicals, liquid fuels and debris from getting directly into your well. Grout, which works as a sealant, is used when a well is drilled and installed to fill the space between the well casing and the edge of the borehole. It prevents surface water from flowing down along the outside of the well casing directly to the groundwater being drawn by the well. •Keep the area around your well clean and accessible. •Make sure there is at least 75 feet between your well and your septic system. (Note: This is required in Florida.) •A well shouldn’t be close to – at least 100 feet away – or downhill from an animal enclosure. •Don’t store any chemicals, fertilizers or fuel near your well or in a well house. • Don’t use a well as a chemical mixing station.
Q. Are there any special considerations private well owners should know about pre- or post-storm management of their water? A. For well care before a storm, the most important thing is to make sure your well is properly sealed at the surface so that flood water can’t have a direct conduit into your well (and well water). This means having a properly functioning well cap – a sanitary seal and grout that seals off the area between the bore hole and the outside of your well casing. This is something you should have all year round. If your well was flooded or damaged due to a storm, you should have your well water tested for bacteria to ensure it is safe for home consumption.
SUMMER SUPPLEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE WE HOPE TO SEE YOU! Florida Cattlemen's Convention June 14-16 at Marco Island Come see Greg, Steve and Gary at our Booths 117-118
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FESTIVAL STEER GRAND CHAMPION
Polk County Ag Deputy Luncheon By Melissa Nichols
On April 14th 2022 the Polk County Sheriff’s Department hosted their annual Ag Deputy Luncheon. This year the event was held at the Starling Ranch Barn on the Lake. Law Enforcement from around Central Florida were present. Sheriff Grady Judd opened the event by speaking about the complexity of the job agricultural crimes entails. He then handed the microphone off to Detective Jay Scarborough, who is in charge of organizing the event. Detective Scarborough thanked the sponsors for making the lunch possible.
ture community have been attending this yearly luncheon. The event was a great opportunity for those present to visit, ask questions, and discuss agriculture issues with the deputies not only from Polk County, but also surrounding counties. The event turned out wonderful and the host, Diane Starling has a beautiful barn and is now hosting a variety of events at the air-conditioned venue. If you would like to be a sponsor next year to help this event to continue to grow, please contact Deputy Scarborough at 863-860-7731
The sponsors for this event were Magnatronix, Lightsey Cattle Company, Wiregrass Ranch, Sandhill Flats, Kelley Buick GMC, Starling Ranch Barn on the Lake, Polk County Farm Bureau, Polk County Cattlemen’s Association and Crosby and Associates. Dr Katie Hennessy and Dr LuJean Waters were recognized and thanked foe their dedication to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department Agriculture Crimes. Items were donated that were raffled/ auctioned off to benefit a Warner University Scholarship fund for an agriculture student. Steaks were grilled by the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. Leigh Ann Wynn, who is serving as the President of the Polk County Farm Bureau, updated guests on upcoming Farm Bureau events.
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The number of guests has grown over the last few years as more and more members of the agricul-
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Home on the Ranch By Maggie Fussell
Growing up on a cattle ranch has been quite an adventure. In my family there is a difference between living on a ranch and working on a ranch. If you talked to my family, they would say I just live on a ranch because what I do really is not considered work. But I disagree. No, I am not outside all day following the cowboys, but I do clean up the mess they make and believe me that is work. I have learned a few things growing up on the ranch. For example, if you are walking with a bucket the cows expect feed to be in it. If the filly gets frisky watch out because you could be kicked. If a heifer gets angry in the pen, then climb the fence before you get caught. Just because the calf’s bottle is empty does not mean he is full. As a child I was always told to never go around the waterholes because there could be snakes, gators, or other creepy crawlers in the water. It is not uncommon to see the alligators swimming in the waterhole or sunbathing on the bank. I obeyed my parents and stayed away from the water. However, one thing they forgot to discuss was what happens when those creepy
Every evening my mom and I feed the animals. We have an order that we go in starting with the Jersey cow and ending with the horses. As my mom and I walked to the barn my dad called us over to look under the side by side. Laying under the side by side was an alligator. The gator was relaxing in the shade provided by the barn. He was not nervous by our presence and did not care that he was keeping us from feeding the hungry animals. As my parents marveled at the gator and tried taking photographs I was trying to remember if you are supposed to run away in a zig zag or straight line. In the two hours that we were at the barn the gator did not leave the side by side. My mom and I like to give animals a name, including the reptiles. As we left the barn, I said goodbye to Charlie who was still resting under the barn. Since that day I have seen several gators, but I am not sure if Charlie was one of them. Living on a cattle ranch there is never a dull moment. I am thankful for the animals that always keep life entertaining.
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crawlers are out of the water and in my space. Specifically, the gators.
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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!
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Polk County Cattle Women
I
t seems like 2022 just began and now it’s halfway over! While the rainy season seems to be upon us, I pray this hurricane season treats us well.
June also brings the Florida Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention & Allied Trade Show. We wish our Polk Jr Cattlemen’s Members the best of luck as they compete in various FJCA events while at Convention. Some competitions were held before Convention, and we would like to congratulate PJCA members Weslee Howell, Lily Harwell, Raelan Sherouse, and Carlie Shenefield for placing 1st in the FJCA Senior Quiz Bowl contest! In the Team Marketing contest both the PJCA Junior and Senior Teams are in the top 3! Additionally, Bellamy Howell is a finalist in the Junior Division and Raelan Sherouse is a finalist in the Intermediate Division of the Speech contest. Results of these contests will be announced at Convention. Best of luck to all of our PCJA members! We are also proud to congratulate Polk County’s Kaylee Mixon for being named the 2022 Jr. Florida Beef Ambassador and Bryanna Mixon for placing 2nd in the Intermediate Beef Ambassador competition. Way to go girls! We are proud to have you represent Polk County!
While the summer tends to be a slow time for us, it’s not too late join and be a part of the work of our organization. You can email me at Buckld96@gmail.com for a membership form or for more info about our mission. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all things PCCW related.
Till next month,
Leslie Buchanon Polk County Cattlewomen President
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Last but certainly not least, we wish our PCCA Sweetheart, Peyton Chandley, the best of luck at Convention in the FCA Sweetheart contest! You’re already a sweetheart in our book!
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WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM