In The Field Polk edition

CONTENTS

Polk County Cattlemen’s Association

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

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

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

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

PAGE 10

From The Scientific Field

PAGE 12

Thoughts from the Heifer Pen

PAGE 14

Fishing Hot Spots

PAGE 16

Endangered Species

PAGE 18 Williamson Cases

PAGE 22

Rocking Chair Chatter

PAGE 24

Beef Economics Agent

PAGE 27

Cotton Candy Grapes

PAGE 32

See A Weed?

PAGE 34 Teaching Garden

PAGE 35

News Briefs

PAGE 36

John Dicks

PAGE 38

PCSO

PAGE 40 Activity

PAGE 41 A Closer Look

PAGE 42

Thank A Rancher

PAGE 44 Bio Solids

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

InTheField® Magazine

P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042

*Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!

State Director – David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 287-1835 Dhunt285@aol.com

Alternate SD – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (941) 916-5093 cwebbowebb@aol.com

Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com

Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790

Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 206-5021 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com

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

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

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

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

Alternate Standing Committee Chairs: Membership

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polk County Champion

Cover Photos by Images By Blair

from the Editor

It’s here! June 21 is the first official day of summer. What does that mean for us here in Florida? I guess it means hurricane season has been going on for 21 days. If a hurricane happens to head our way, there are things you can do to hopefully mitigate the damage.

• Clear your yard. Many things can become missiles when launched by hurricane-force winds.

• If you are in a direct path, cover up windows.

• Be prepared to turn off your electricity if the storm hasn’t already done it for you.

• Fill clean water containers for drinking water and bathtubs and sinks or other containers for washing.

• Fill up your gas tank.

• Have an emergency plan in place for your family and pets.

There are many other things you can do. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/ hurricanes/before.html to find out more.

As far as livestock is concerned, UF/IFAS has tips and tricks to help you prepare for and recover from disasters. For farm building they include:

• Securely close all doors and windows

• Nail doors and windows shut if necessary

• Cover large windows

• Brace large barn doors and weak walls

• Check that roof rafters are securely fastened to wall studding

There’s so much more to be done on a farm or ranch to prepare for hurricanes. Do some research ahead of time so you aren’t caught off guard.

Here’s hoping this hurricane season treats us well!

Until next month

Sarah Holt

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt

Editor

Patsy Berry

Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt

Melissa Nichols

George Domedion

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Karen Berry

Melissa Nichols

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

Contributing Writers

Woody Gore

John Dicks

Social Media

Victoria Saunders

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

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

Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

June has brought some much needed moisture to all of us and we all needed it. Now before too long, we’ll all want it to slow down. The cow and calf market is pretty strong and hopefully, we can have our turn for the next year or two. As the pounds on these calves become more valuable, we need to do what we can to get all the extra if you’re not already. Deworming and vaccinations and implants can go a long way for what they cost. But as most of you know the pasture is the most important thing that is often skimped on. With calves being quite a bit higher

this year, it may be a good time to catch up on some fertilizing or herbiciding that we might have got behind on the last year or two. As always if there’s anything we can do for you let us know.

Until next time,

Polk County Cattlemen’s Association

Kevin Fussell

ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS

FMS Super-Mol™, FMS Super-Min™ and FMS Super-Pro™ Blocks, Tubs, and Mineral provide the protein, energy and vital nutrition that your cattle need to stay in tip top shape during the spring and summer changes to your forages Proper nutrition matters for pregnancy rates, healthy calves, and high performing cattle throughout the year

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

The new president of the University of Florida has experienced corn rash, led an agriculture subcommittee of the U.S. Senate, and sent a daughter to a ranch to spend a month caring for cattle and driving a tractor.

So though I am not surprised that Dr. Ben Sasse is interested in agriculture, I saw it as a good sign that he accepted my invitation to visit Hillsborough County and Southwest Florida to learn about how UF supports Florida farming and how he can, too.

We got a preview of Sasse’s vision when he chose the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences for his very first UF commencement address. He told the graduates: “Our world needs a Silicon Valley of agriculture, and we want to make sure that that’s in Florida, built by you….”

I showed him where we at UF/IFAS are building it, at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm. We talked about our plan to build a Center for Applied AI in Agriculture. The visit to Hillsborough County confirmed his view that in agriculture, Florida is the future.

The future is now. New faculty members Dana Choi and Kevin Wang, hired for their expertise in artificial intelligence, demonstrated how they’re applying technology in ways that save growers labor, money and environmental impact. Nathan Boyd showed him a smart sprayer that applies chemicals only to weeds, not to the crop, and how he is helping drive an ethic among faculty that goes beyond innovation to commercialization—getting tech tools into growers’ hands.

We were also able to show Sasse that scientists, elected leaders and producers are allied in this quest to keep Florida farmers in business with innovation that gives them an edge in a competitive global market.

Sasse was accompanied by longtime Hillsborough County ag leader Kenneth Parker, who knows GCREC and its faculty so well that he was a de facto tour guide.

And a who’s who of Florida agriculture leadership converged on GCREC on that Saturday to show that even with 300 commodities, the Florida agriculture community speaks with remarkable coherence and consistency. Florida Farm Bureau

President Jeb Smith, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

President Mike Joyner, and Florida Cattlemen’s Association

Executive Vice President Jim Handley were among those from whom Sasse heard.

The Hillsborough visit also gave Sasse a chance to spend time

with an elected leader who is also a producer and is delivering some of the resources we need to provide the science that underpins the state’s second-largest industry. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson was with Sasse at GCREC and at a cattle ranch in Manatee County on a two-day tour that also included a visit to research fields in Immokalee.

Sasse has the mind and the heart for agriculture that I believe bodes well for Florida farmers.

For the past 10 years, Sasse has been a policy leader in the U.S. Senate, placing agriculture at the center of our national interests. He sees agriculture as a way to protect our sovereignty by growing our own food while also advancing our global interests through what he has called agricultural diplomacy.

He can connect with farmers as well as policy wonks. He doesn’t pretend to be a farmer, but he can talk about his first job as a 7-year-old “walking beans” (Nebraskans’ way of saying weeding a field) and later “graduating” to detasseling corn (and getting corn rash).

It’s not just nostalgia. The future hit close to home on this trip. Sasse brought his 12-year-old son Breck, who injected a citrus trunk, picked tomatoes and worked the controls of a robot. We have a president who thinks about tomorrow—and how we’ll feed people when it comes.

Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

By Marisol Tarango

THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN

Since I have been a little girl, I have been told countless times not to name or get attached to animals, because we will be either eating or selling them. And of course, being a little girl, I did the exact opposite. You can tell yourself you are not going to give an animal a name, but you are still probably going to get attached to it. When you are responsible for the well-being of a creature, you get to know it on a personal level.

When I was about eight years old, we got two wild boars that we fed out. One was red and one was black, so they were promptly named Rusty and Midnight before my dad even had a chance to tell us not to name them. We would collect acorns for Rusty and Midnight to eat, take them the kitchen scraps, and we even made a little mud pit for them. When we got the coolers back from the butcher’s you would think that this would deter us from mealtime, but it didn’t. The first night that we had pork, my youngest sister started crying, and my dad was afraid of the obvious, but apparently, she was upset because we all thought it was Midnight for dinner, but she said it was Rusty because she had seen a red hair on her plate. Around the same time, we were old enough to start raising bottle calves by ourselves. Our first one was a bull calf named Bullet. We looked after Bullet as well as any shepherd would an orphan lamb. We fed him his bottles, taught him how to eat grain, and followed him around the yard to make sure that he didn’t run off while he was grazing. He would even play tag with us in his little pen. Of course, he was probably our most spoiled calf because he was the first, but all bottle calves manage to steal your heart. One thing that used to aggravate us is the incessant urge a calf has to suck on anything and everything. If they were in the yard while our clothes were on the line, our bottle calves would only suck whoever’s clothes they belonged to. I have lost a lot of favorite skirts to bottle calves. When your dad is a horse trainer, you kind of get used to the stream of horses that come and go on the ranch. Some were here for so long, they felt like they belonged to us, and we

were sad to see them go. Then there were others where we were counting down the days before they could leave. Most of the time, the client’s horse would already come to our house with a name, but sometimes my dad did not get the name, or the client had not had a chance to name the horse yet. That meant that my siblings and I got to name the horse. If the clients had not named the horse yet, they would hear our name for it and sometimes would keep it. Other times my dad would find out the name at a later date and we would have to start calling the horse by its given name, no matter how much better we thought our name was (Occasionally we would still secretly call the horse by the name we gave it).

With a client’s horse, we always knew that it would have to go home one day, which was an easily accepted fact. But what was a little harder fact to accept was a horse that we had bought with the intention to train and sell it. Although, our dad was very upfront about his intentions with our horses, it was a little harder to let these horses go, because the decision to keep or sell the horse was in our hands. The goofy horses that we saw grow into savvy cow horses that were still a little goofy, the horses that would come when we called, and the horses that would follow us in the pasture like dogs, eventually stole our hearts. Of course, we knew that they were going to a good home (my dad would not allow one of our horses to go to a bad one) but in a way those horses would always be our horses.

So what is the point of all of these sentimental stories of animals from my child hood? I guess the point is to say, even though we knew these animals were not going to be with us forever, we still loved them and gave them a good home. And because we knew that they would not be with us forever, we were able to let them go. There are still days where I think, “I wish we would not have had to sell that horse” or “That was a fun bottle calf we had,” but I can rest easy knowing that during the time that they were in my care, they were cared for to the best of my ability.

Tampa Bay Fishing Report June 2023

Capt. Woody Gore

Summer means hot and humid days, and June is no exception. Expect good fishing this month, but good fishing has a price - heat. Everything will be biting this month, so plan your trips now and take advantage of good summertime fishing. Remember that these hot days can dehydrate you, often to the dangerous point, before you realize what is happening. Most heat-related illnesses are preventable by keeping the body cool and avoiding dehydration in hot environments. Here are the symptoms: unconsciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry, flushed skin without sweating.

Remember to drink plenty of fluids. Water and sports drinks do well in rehydrating bodily fluids. However, remember that some fluids containing alcohol will impair your decision-making while imposing safety issues on yourself and others. If you drink alcohol, do it "Responsibly" On the water, it is called BOI or Boating Under the Influence.

Snook

Snook fishing during the summer is almost a given. Practically every angler is looking to catch them, and given the amount of fishing pressure, especially on the weekends, it is a wonder they bite at all. Any mangrove shoreline will hold snook provided there is bait and structure because a snook is an ambush feeder. They find many meals from the shady mangrove root system lining Tampa Bay. Rocky shores and sandy bars also hold plenty of snook. Early morn-

ing flats produce well on topwater, and greenbacks always produce.

Redfish

June produces some good redfish days around the flats of Tampa Bay; look for heavy pushes and schools of mullet. To find redfish, you must cover lots of water. Once you find them, they do not venture too far from the bait they are chasing. And stay in the same area, especially while there is food. Bear in mind as long as there's food, there's fish. Live greenbacks and dollar-size pinfish work well and don't forget the old standby, shrimp.

Spotted Sea Trout

Trout fishing continues to remain strong through the summer along deep grass flats. Look for fair size fish on grass flats all over Tampa Bay. Live shrimp and greenbacks under a popping cork fit the bill nicely. But free-lined shrimp in sandy potholes might produce larger fish and an occasional flounder.

Cobia

Markers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia this month. They frequent markers, especially those holding bait. They also cruise the flats following a giant ray. When fishing markers, keep a chum bag over the side if they are in the area; they should come running, not to mention the giant Spanish Mackerel filling the bay this month. The large hidden dorsal fins can be dangerous if brought into the boat green. Anglers should always control the fish once boated.

Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)

Tarpon

Tarpon fishing comes alive in June. They are everywhere, from the beach to the bays, and they are hungry. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, and crabs are abundant in the bay, and Tarpon loves them. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is excellent, north to the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

Other

Sheephead, Mackerel, Kingfish, Amber Jacks, Permit, Grouper, and Snapper, are doing well and will continue. Fishing around structure or one of the many fish attractors is an excellent place to start or watch your bottom machine as you cruise. Tampa Bay has an excellent deep water structure throughout, and you need to find it.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”

813-477-3814

Fishing in Tampa Bay and Near Coastal Waters

Everything seems to be biting, depending on the tides. Snook, Redfish, Sea Trout, Mangrove snapper, Sheepshead, later season mackerel, and look for summer trout in deeper channels.

If you want to use my Charter Fishing Guide service, you can reach me or my son by calling our cell numbers Capt. Woody 813-477-3814 you can send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore.com

By Libby Hopkins

Cooley’s Water-willow

The Cooley’s Water-willow or the Justicia cooleyi as it’s known by its scientific name is an endangered plant.

Cooley’s water-willow is a rhizomatous perennial herb with upright stems that grow about 16 in tall. The lavender-rose flowers, which resemble small snapdragons, appear from August to December on forked, zigzag branches. The petals are fused into a two-lipped corolla. The slightly longer lower lip is mottled lavender and white; the upper lip is bright lavenderrose.

The species grows in a single Florida county, where it is found on moist, sand-to-clay soils in hardwood forests, often on limestone substrate. These forests include such trees as southern magnolia, black gum, sweet gum, live oak, pignut hickory, cabbage palm, and yaupon holly. The understory is mostly ferns, woodland grasses and sedge.

Cooley’s water-willow is only found on a portion of the Brooksville Ridge, an unusual region of the Florida peninsula noted for its extensive limestone outcrops and sinkholes. Surface streams are few, and most drainage is to ponds, prairies, and sinkholes. Some of the other rare Florida endemics occurring there are the federally Endangered Brooksville bellflower (Canpanula robinsiae) and two terrestrial nodding-cap orchids (Triphora latifolia and T. craigheadii), which also are candidates for federal listing.

Cooley’s water-willow was first collected in 1924 in a hardwood forest near Mascotte in Lake County. Until recently it was only found in Hernando County, Florida; one population was discovered in the early 1990s in Sumter County, Florida. The species is known to survive at ten sites, nine in northern Hernando County and one in Sumter County, Florida. Along with the Brooksville bell-flower, it occurs on federal property at an Agriculture Department research station. Other populations on public lands include those at the Chinsegut Nature Center, managed by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission; along a state highway right-of-way; and at a Soil Conservation Service plant materials center. The Nature Conservancy also manages a preserve for Cooley’s water-willow. Nine of the ten known Cooley’s water-willow populations are found in one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. From 1980 to 1986 Hernando County grew by 74.8%; the U.S. Census Bureau dubbed it the nation’s fastest growing county. Figures from the 1990 Census confirmed that the trend continues; the proposed Suncoast Corridor toll road, part of a Tampa-Jacksonville corridor, would pass near Brooksville and encourage further population growth in the county. This rapid development has brought about greatly increased con-

version of hardwood forest habitat to agricultural use, quarries, and residential housing.

A number of the known populations of Cooley’s water-willow are on protected federal and state lands. The agricultural research station, which conducts beef cattle research, has not harmed the plant with its pasture management. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will continue to monitor the station’s pasture management and consult on any proposal to clear additional forest.

Managers of all state and federal land with Cooley’s waterwillow populations have been notified of its presence. In addition, The Nature Conservancy operates a private landholder notification program for this and other rare Florida plants.

The 1994 recovery plan from the FWS, which describes necessary efforts to restore both the Cooley’s water-willow and the Brooksville Bellflower, notes that the primary objective for the plan is the eventual delisting of both species. The plan notes, however, that there is a fundamental lack of basic biological knowledge about these species, which makes it difficult to set criteria to determine the time frame or ultimate likelihood of delisting. Still, the plan states that delisting of both species should become feasible as habitat is protected and new populations are (re)established.

According to the 1994 plan, plausible criteria for recovery might include securing at least 15 viable and self-sustaining populations of Cooley’s water-willow, totaling at least 10,000 individuals. The major recovery actions outlined in the plan include the development of management and protection criteria for populations on currently managed areas; the acquisition of additional habitat, or protection of habitat through conservation easements and/or regulation; the completion of additional surveys to locate new populations; the augmentation of existing cultivated populations, including the establishment of a germ plasm bank; and the development of plans for possible (re)introduction of plants into sustainable habitat.

Williamson Cases

By Libby Hopkins

Alan Williamson is a fourth-generation Floridian who worked 40 years in the financial planning business. He was a wonderful financial planner but wanted something more out of life. “I could make a great financial portfolio for my clients and they would thank me and that was mostly it,” Williamson said.

When he retired from the financial world, it gave him time to work on his hobby which was leather working. “I bought a Winchester model 94, the famous gun that made the American West and I wanted a leather case that looked like it was from 1817s,” Williamson said. “So, I bought a piece of leather, hand-stitched it, made the buckles and the d-rings but heating and forging the metal myself, it really looked like it was made in the 1817s.”

Williamson showed a few of his buddies the case and they wanted one and then a few more friends wanted cases for their guns as well. Williamson Cases was born.

Leather making is an ancient art that has been practiced for more than 7,000 years. Fresh skins were dried in the sun, softened by pounding in animal fats and brains, and preserved by salting and smoking. Beginning with simple drying and curing techniques, the process of vegetable tanning was developed by the Egyptians and Hebrews about 400 BCE.

During the Middle Ages the Arabs preserved the art of leather making and so improved it that morocco and cordovan became highly prized leathers.

By the 15th century, leather tanning was once more widespread in Europe and by the mid-19th century, power-driven machines that performed such operations as splitting, fleshing, and dehairing were introduced. Toward the end of the 19th century, chemical tannage, which included the use of oak, sumac, and hemlock tanbark and chrome salts was introduced.

The modern commercial leather-making process involves three basic phases, preparation for tanning, tanning and processing tanned leather. As a preliminary step, a hide must be

carefully skinned and protected both in storage and transportation before reaching the tannery.

A hide will begin to decompose within hours of an animal’s death; to prevent this from happening, the hide is cured by a dehydrating process that involves either air-drying, wet or dry salting, or pickling with acids and salts before being shipped to a tannery. (www.britannica.com/topic/leather)

Williamson has learned a lot since his first leather creations. “I learned a lot since those early cases and I bought some equipment to help me make the cases faster as well,” Williamson said. “I’ve also got a lot better at the craft, too.”

Now, Williamson makes whatever his customers want. “I make long gun cases to pocket knife holders, as well as ammo bags,” Williamson said. “If someone wants a case for their gun, I make exactly what they want.”

Williamson has had the privilege of making a long gun case for the late Charlie Daniels. Williamson attends many events and clay shoots in the area and he was at an event hosted by Charlie Daniels. “Charlie came around to every vendor at the event and thanked them for coming,” Williamson said. “When he stopped my booth, he asked me if I could make a case for his gun and I said, ‘Absolutely.’ We connected via email and I made the gun case for him. He loved the case I made for him.”

Almost all of Williamson’s customers are like a kid on Christmas morning when they get their custom-made gun cases. “Like I said, I make my customers’ cases exactly the way they want them to look,” Williamson said. “It’s a great feeling to see the excitement and joy in my customer's eyes when they first see their custom gun case.”

Williamson wants his gun cases to be something that is handed down from generation to generation. “I make a quality case that will last,” Williamson said. “My hope is that my cases will be passed down through generations.”

Keeping things local is very important to Williamson. “It is important, and it should be important to any small business owner,” Williamson said. “In a world where things are made in China, mine is not. I make all of my leather pieces by hand so they will stand the test of time.”

If you would like to learn more about Williamson Cases, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100079874021995 or contact Williamson at 813-767-2918.

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In this episode get to know David & Robby McKeeman father and son duo and owners of Grove Equipment Service, Inc

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The top selling cereal in the United States is Cheerios, followed by Frosted Flakes.

First Lady Julia Tyler used the title “Mrs. Presidentress” when her husband, John, was the POTUS.

William Wrigley was in the baking powder business and gave a free pack of his gum with each box of his product. When he discovered that people were buying it just to get the gum, he decided to switch businesses.

If you take your age and multiply is by 7, then multiply it by 1,443 the answer repeats your age 3 times.

The nickname “john” for a toilet is in honor of Englishman John Harrington, who devised the first flush mechanism near the end of the 16th century.

The highest scoring word in Scrabble is oxyphenbutazone, with a potential total of 1,178 points.

The opening line to Jerome K. Jerome’s “Three Men in A Boat” starts: ‘There were four of us…’”

Most bees buzz in the key of A, but when tired they buzz in the key of E.

As I child I often wondered why Grandma smiled all the time. In my later years I figured out why she smiled, because I have the same problem. She couldn’t hear a word they were saying.

Grandma and Grandpa went to church. Halfway through the service, Grandpa leaned over to Grandma and said, “I just let out a silent fart. What do you think I should do?” Grandma leans over and replies, “Put a new battery in your hearing aid.”

My Grandmother had a lot of wise sayings. One day I was in the kitchen with her and she said, “I’ll just give this a lick and a promise,” as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving the kitchen table and chairs.

“What is that supposed to mean,” I asked, envisioning someone licking the floor. “It means that I’m in a hurry and I’m busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later.”

“A lick and a promise” was just one of the many old phrases that I remember my mother, grandmother, and others, using, that they most likely heard from generations before them. Many old phrases have become obsolete or even totally forgotten.

Below is a list that I have put together over the years:

• I have a bone to pick with you (a grievance to talk out)

• Bee in your bonnet. (focus on one thing)

• Cattywampus (Something that sits crooked such as a of piece furniture sitting at an angle.

• Been through the mill (had a rough time of it)

• Dicker (To barter or trade)

• Hold your horses (Be patient)

• Madder than an old wet hen (Really angry)

• No spring chicken (Not young anymore)

• Persnickety (Overly particular or snobbish)

• Straight from the horse’s mouth (privileged information from the one concerned)

• Kit and caboodle (the whole lot)

As Grandma said, “Hold your horses I reckon I’ll get this whole kit and caboodle done. Please don’t be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I am tuckered out. You know I ain’t no spring chicken!

And as for me as I write this column, I am going to give it more than just a lick and a promise.

One late afternoon a police car pulled up in front of Grandma’s house, and Grandpa got out. The polite policeman explained that this elderly gentleman said that he was lost in the neighborhood park and could not find his way home. “Pop,” Grandma said, “You’ve been to that park for over thirty years! How could you get lost?” Leaning close to his wife’s ear so that the policeman could not hear, Grandpa whispered, “I wasn’t lost, I was just to tired to walk home.”

Grandma had a missed to a few Sunday sermons so the preacher stopped by her house to visit. As he sat on the couch he noticed a large bowl of peanuts on the coffee table. “Mind if I have few”” he asked.

“No, not at all.” Grandma said.

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

They talked for a while and as the preacher stood to leave, he realized that instead of eating just a few peanuts, he almost emptied the bowl. “I’m terribly sorry for eating all of your peanuts. I really just meant to eat a few.” The preacher said.

“Oh that’s alright,” Grandma said. “Ever since I lost my teeth, all I can do is suck the chocolate off them.”

A concerned grandpa went to a doctor to talk about his wife. He said to the doctor, “I think my wife is almost deaf because she never hears me the first time and always asks me to repeat things.” “Well,” the doctor replied, “go home and tonight stand about 15 feet from her and say something. If she doesn’t reply, move about five feet closer and say it again. Keep doing this so that we’ll get an idea of her hearing loss.”

Sure enough, the husband went home and did exactly as instructed. He started off about 15 feet from his wife in the kitchen as she was chopping some vegetables and said, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” He heard no response. He moved about five feet closer and asked again. No reply. He moved five feet closer, and still no reply.

He got fed up and moved right behind her, and spoke into her ear, and asked again, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” She replied, “For the fourth time, vegetable stew!”

I’ll leave you with Grandma’s nine important facts as you get older.

• Death is the number 1 killer in the world.

• Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

• Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won’t bother you for weeks, months, maybe years.

• Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing.

• All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

• the 60’s people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal.

• Life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow.

And Grandma’s favorite saying: “As you go through life one learns that if you don’t paddle your own canoe, you don’t go anywhere.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH RANCHERS KEY FOR NEW STATE BEEF CATTLE ECONOMICS AGENT

By Brad Buck

Hannah Baker attributes her love of cattle to one moment as a child.

“My great-grandfather took us out to see twin calves that had been born from one of his mama cows,” said Baker, who was raised in Adel, Georgia. “That was when I knew I loved and wanted to be a part of the cattle industry. Starting with the twin calves, it was a series of moments that all played a part in placing me in this career.”

In early June, Baker started her new position as the UF/IFAS statewide specialized Extension agent for beef cattle economics, having just earned her master’s in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University.

She’s stationed at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center (RCREC) in Hardee County. In her new position, Baker will work with UF/IFAS scientists, Extension agents and ranchers across Florida.

Cattle are a major economic driver in Florida. Nearly half of Florida’s agricultural land is involved in cattle production, which contributes more than $670 million a year to Florida’s economy.

Baker is eager to convey science-based data to ranchers. She plans to use historical data to show producers what was done before and tell them what can be done now to potentially counter and prevent setbacks on their operations.

Ranchers need to know the state of the market because that tells them how to manage their operations to remain profitable. For example, ranchers need to know when to buy and sell cattle. Cattle prices and the cost to maintain them fluctuate, often unexpectedly.

“I will have the opportunity to relay research results to aid producers in decision-making processes that involve economical management practices,” Baker said. “If producers are aware of market changes and improved management practices, then consumers benefit from the beef products that cattle producers are able to provide.”

Producers are able to plan and prepare to adjust if they are aware of what is going on in the market, she said.

“Additionally, we’re always seeing new research on best management practices for producers to provide alternative methods to running a profitable operation,” Baker said.

She developed her interest in the business side of cattle working as a fast-food restaurant manager during high school. There, she learned the numbers and management side of a business. Her interest in business management grew as she worked with ranch managers during her summer internships on working-cattle operations.

Courtesy, UF/IFAS photography

It’s also why she pursued a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in Tifton, Georgia.

She envisions her new job as an opportunity to build relationships with cattle producers, UF/IFAS Extension agents and research faculty.

“With a trustworthy relationship with producers, I can do my job, which is to help them face issues affecting the industry,” she said. “Relationships and reputation are vital to the success of Extension work,” Baker said. “So, in my first year, I plan to start building a reputation that producers, agents and UF/ IFAS can count on.”

Courtesy, Hannah Baker.

Courtesy, Hannah Baker.

COTTON CANDY GRAPES

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

Have you heard of cotton candy grapes? Available in some farmers markets and grocery stores, this newer type of white table grape is known for its sweetness. Cotton candy grapes were created and produced in California by cross-breeding popular types of grapes to create a sweet, firm grape. Some types of grapes are also grown in Florida. Muscadine and bunch grapes are the most common kinds that grow in the state. These juicy, sweet-tart, bite-sized berries are good for eating raw, as well as making wine or jam. Other popular uses include grape jelly in peanut butter sandwiches, raisins, and grape juice.

Nutritional Profile

Fresh cotton candy grapes are full of all the same vitamins and minerals as green and red grapes. This sweet, juicy fruit is considered a very good source of vitamin C, and a good source of vitamin A, dietary fiber, riboflavin, and potassium. The outer peel is entirely edible and contains most of the fiber in the fruit. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of fresh grapes (92 g) contains 61.6 calories, 0.58 g of protein, 0.32 g of fat, 61.6 g of carbohydrate, and 2.9 g of fiber. It also provides 33% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for manganese, 6.1% for Vitamin C, 5.3% for thiamin, 5% for potassium, and 5% for niacin.

Full of disease-fighting antioxidants

Fresh grapes are bursting with antioxidants including vitamin C, manganese, carotenoids, resveratrol, and other phytonutrients. The highest concentration of these nutrients is found in the skin and seeds. Antioxidants help protect the body’s cell membranes from harmful free radical damage and lower markers of oxidative stress. Very importantly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of grapes offer protection against cancer.

Resveratrol is a special phytonutrient that is believed to play a role in longevity. This compound has been positively linked to inhibiting cancer, heart disease, and viral infections. Found in muscadine and other grape varieties, resveratrol may also have anti-microbial and anti-hypertensive properties.

Antioxidants protect cell membranes from potential oxygen damage and inflammation. This decreases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Grapes, as well as grape juice and red wine, have been shown to play a role in reducing high blood pressure, reducing total and LDL cholesterol levels, decreasing inflammation and decreasing clumping of platelets (which may help prevent blood clots).

Grapes are considered an excellent source of manganese, an antioxidant that plays many important roles in the body. It helps keep bones strong, maintain normal blood sugar levels, and proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Manganese also helps the body utilize other nutrients such as vitamin C, thiamin, choline, and biotin.

How to select and store

Choose plump, firm grapes that feel heavy for their size and are still attached to the stem. Look for richly colored skin that is free of blemishes. Store grapes in a shallow container in the refrigerator. Rinse under cool running water before eating or preparing.

How to enjoy

Fresh cotton candy grapes are delicious and juicy eaten out of hand. They can be juiced or cooked into jelly or jam. Add grapes to cereal, yogurt, or salad, or use them to garnish and top cakes and desserts.

Enjoy fresh grapes today. In every juicy, sweet-tart bite is a load of great nutrition. For a list of u-pick farms and wineries in the state, go to Florida Grape Growers’ Association: ttp:// www.fgga.org/index.html

Selected References

http://www.whfoods.com

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

http://www.fgga.org/index.html

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org

JESSIE BENNETT Achieve the Dream

By Melissa Nichols

Our feature story this month is a young lady from Lakeland who has been involved in the cattle industry working cows with her dad from a very young age. She is dedicated and hardworking. She had a vision and worked incredibly hard on a daily basis for the last five years to achieve that dream. Jessie Bennett is the only daughter of Joe and Laura Bennett of Lakeland. After having two sons already Joe recalls finding out they were having their third child and thinking, this is going to be awesome, three boys running around. He knew they would carry on his work as a cowboy and dayworker, what he didn’t know was that Jessie was very much going to do the same exact thing. The family has worked cattle for ranches all over the state of Florida. Jessie has worked

alongside her dad and brothers Zach and Keith Bennett since before she was old enough to attend school. She watched the work ethic and dedication of her dad and brothers and used it to motivate herself to work harder every day. Joe Bennett is an active member of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, where he can always be found helping at any event.

Jessie was homeschooled, which allowed her flexibility in helping her dad and brothers. Jessie was in 4H and Polk County Jr Cattlemen’s Association where she served as Vice President. She also started showing cattle at the age of 10 where she showed mostly bred and owned commercial heifers at the county fair, state

Photo Courtesy Images By Blair

fair and JFCA shows. She enjoyed showing cattle and started showing steers upon entering high school. She showed Florida State Fair steers for the past four years. In 2021 and 2023 her steer was Reserve Champion. This year she also received the Charlie Moore Scholarship from the fair. Jessie showed Commercial steers at the Polk County Youth Fair the last two years. It takes a lot of dedication to raise two market steers at one time. Jessie made it work and broke the steers herself.

In addition to dayworking and showing cattle, Jessie followed in her brothers’ footsteps by competing in local rodeos. At the age of eight Jessie started to train for barrel racing and poles. She was successful but truly wanted to be just like her two older brothers, so she picked up a rope and started roping and hasn’t stopped since. Jessie started roping in 8th grade, she has competed in the Little Britches Rodeo Association around the state of Florida for the last three years. Last year she qualified to compete in Guthrie, Oklahoma repre-

Photos Courtesy RodeoBum.com

senting Florida at Nationals, although Jessie didn’t win, she said it was the trip of a lifetime and a great experience.

This year Jessie is the 2022-2023 Breakaway Roping Champion and the Ribbon Running Champion. Ribbon roping is an event at youth rodeo that is a team event. This event is a team of two, a roper and a runner. The roper ropes the calf, and the runner runs to the calf gets the rope off its tail, and runs back to the starting location. Jessie’s partner in Ribbon Running is Hunter Taylor. Jessie and Hunter were the state Champions in 2021 and Reserve Champions in 2022 and 2023. This year Jessie will go back to Nationals and compete representing Florida once again and for the last time as she recently graduated high school.

“One of my favorite things about roping is that I do it on my family’s ranch horse,” said Jessie. A horse my dad and brothers have worked cattle on. She has trained a few roping horses now herself. Jessie hauls her horse all around the state of Florida, pulling a trailer as long as she has been driving. “I would not be where I am today without the help from my parents, brothers, and Mr. Gene Hinson,” she said.

Jessie hopes one day she has the opportunity to ride cutting horses and compete in cutting events as well. As she has prepared for graduation, she also started breakaway roping in PRCA to continue to expand her abilities and opportunities.

Jessie’s advice to the next generation of rodeo competitors or cattle showmen is this. “When you work hard and give it your all, you may not always win but you are still a winner.” Jessie is an active member of Bethel Baptist Church and attends youth group there as well. Jessie said before every event she finds comfort in

knowing that she always has God on her side watching over her. Her favorite bible verse is not a common one but helps her overcome hard days.

Photos Courtesy RodeoBum.com

“Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39.

She said this verse reminds her that her Lord and Savior is with her every single day. Jessie is not afraid to show her faith regardless of the situation she is in. She is grounded in her relationship with God. Jessie is a recent graduate of Classical Strands Community Homeschool. She is finishing her Associate degree at Polk State and then transferring to the University of Florida to major in Agriculture Communications with a minor in Agriculture Marketing.

Jessie is a young lady who is humble, hardworking and dedicated to all she does. I am proud to personally know Jessie, she is like a second daughter to me. Her actions and her heart make me proud of her every single day. She is a mentor to the younger generation. Jes-

sie has found her niche in breakaway roping and Ribbon Running, and we are proud to have her represent not only Florida but also Polk County at the National Rodeo. Way to go Jessie Bennett, or as we lovingly call her “The Bennett Girl.”

Photo Courtesy Images By Blair

See a Weed, Pull a Weed

Julie Schelb UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Coordinator

One important lesson that I have learned from the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Master Gardener Volunteers that work in the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Demonstration Garden is when you see a weed, pull a weed. It is simple and effective. Even just 10-15 minutes a day of pulling weeds will make quite an impact over time. That little bit of consistent effort will make managing weeds in your landscape less troublesome in the future.

So, what exactly is a weed? Well, it is basically any plant growing in an undesired location. More than likely, you are going to encounter some weeds in your garden or landscape. Check out these tips below for minimizing weeds in the landscape.

• Use mulch. The fourth principle of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, is using mulch. We recommend applying a 2-3inch layer of a mulch like pine bark, pine straw, eucalyptus, melaleuca, fallen leaves, or utility mulch. In addition to helping suppress weeds, mulch has other benefits. Mulch also helps retain soil moisture, moderates soil temperature, and reduces soil erosion.

• Remove weeds before seeds develop. Weeds are known for producing many, many seeds. With that in mind, removing weeds before the seeds develop will greatly reduce the spread. This can be accomplished by hand pulling plants, shallow cultivation, and/or mowing or trimming. When hand pulling, be sure to remove the roots as well. Shallow cultivation involves the use of a hoe (traditional, stirrup, or scuffle).

• Solarization. This is helpful prior to planting. Solarization uses a sheet of clear plastic that is at least 1.5 mm thick over the soil surface to heat the soil and kill weeds and other pests. The summer months are best for doing this. Remember to leave it for at least six weeks to be effective.

If these methods are not doing the trick, you may need to consider using herbicides. There are herbicides that prevent the weed seeds of some species from sprouting, called preemergence herbicides. There are also postemergence herbicides that affect sprouted plants. Some herbicides work on specific plants (selective herbicides) and others will kill any plant they contact (nonselective herbicides). Before selecting an herbicide, first identify the weed to be removed and choose the appropriate product. Remember:  THE LABEL IS THE LAW! You must read and follow all directions for mixing, application, and personal protective equipment (PPE). For more on the use of herbicides in the home landscape, check out the Florida Homeowner Herbicide Guide: Considerations, Applications, and Selection.

Don’t forget about invasive plants! It is important to learn to identify invasive plants in your landscape. They should be removed to prevent their spread and impact on our natural ecosystem where they often outcompete our native plant species. For information on identifying invasive plants, the UF/IFAS Assessment on Non-Native Plants is an excellent resource for invasive plant species in Florida.

So, I encourage you, next time you see a weed in your garden, pull that weed.

Additional resources on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™:

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Handbook for Home Landscapes

• Adopting a Florida-Friendly Landscape: Steps for Converting a Traditional Development Landscape to a FloridaFriendly Landscape

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Apps

For more information, 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 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and landscaping questions. Give us a call or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu.

If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. An Equal Opportunity Institution.

COMING TO FRUITION: Students reap real-life experience in Horticultural Sciences Teaching Garden

By Stella Canfield

Luminous yellow squash, bright red turnips and blooming artichokes are just a few of the crops that were grown this spring in the Horticultural Sciences Teaching Garden, an experiential learning garden for students. The flourishing fields sit south of Fifield Hall on Hull Road and reflect endless hours of science, dedication, and care.

In the field, students put knowledge into practice. Under the guidance of their professors, groups of students in the organic and sustainable crop production class design organic field systems to create their dream farm and later take home fresh, harvested produce to share with friends and family.

“The students really consider it their own farm. They design, monitor, and manage the plot themselves and respond to emerging problems by coming up with integrated and creative solutions,” said Xin Zhao, a professor in UF/IFAS horticultural sciences department who hosts her lab in the field as part of her organic and sustainable crop production class. But what’s unique about the student gardens is its proximity to UF/IFAS experts and facilities that allow students to dive deeper into the real-world practices of running a small farm. “Just the other day, we pulled a young, wilted watermelon seedling from our field and walked it over to the UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center where we were able to identify the infection,” said Zack Black, the farm manager of the student garden. “Within walking distance, students are able to seek answers to just about any plant-related problem and gain first-hand learning experiences.”

For example, students get hands-on experience with intercropping, or the practice of growing two or more crops in proximity to produce a greater yield. The practice also serves as a pest management tool and allows for less wasting of resources that otherwise wouldn’t be used by a single crop. Plants like buckwheat, sweet alyssum, and marigolds, for example, attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and pollinators. Not only does this invite predators of plant-eating

insects, but it also creates a sustainable, interdependent garden.

In the field, students also learn to create living ecosystems that mimic nature. Emma Turner, a student in Zhao’s class, recalled being surprised by random tomato plants growing in her group’s plot.

“I realized a lot of ‘volunteer’ plants, ones that grow on their own without intentional planting, were growing because of the remaining seeds from last fall’s plantings,” she said. However, Emma’s classmate, Ruby Noland, recognized that the garden’s decade-long usage of organic farming methods meant its soil had a lot of biodiversity and nutrition. The soil’s organic matter content has been boosted through years of intercropping and the use of compost, in addition to the planting of cover crops between seasons to maintain soil health.

“Right now, our soil has higher levels of organic matter content than conventional Florida soil,” she said. “The increased soil organic matter content helps overcome some major challenges associated with Florida’s sandy soils usually having less than 1% of organic matter content.”

While the gardens provide a safe space for students to experiment and put their knowledge to the test, the real charm is learning the story behind every fresh fruit and vegetable. “My favorite part is just seeing where food comes from,” Noland said. “I can see everything come to fruition.”

Stella Canfield

Stella is a public relations intern at UF/IFAS Communications and a senior at UF. She loves cats, gardening and writing. She can be contacted at stellacanfield@ufl.edu

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

FDACS Seeking Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award Nominees

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is accepting nominations for the Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award. The deadline for nominations is August 1. To be considered for the honor, nominees must be at least 25 years old; actively involved in agriculture and residents of Florida for the last consecutive 10 years; possess a minimum of 10 years of agricultural industry experience; have demonstrated community involvement through professional and/or civic contributions, and have made unique or outstanding contributions to the agriculture industry.

Nomination forms for the honor are available at FDACS.gov.

Farm Bureau Foundation Fellows Launch Digital Skills and Ag Literacy Lessons

The 2023 Farm Bureau Foundation Fellows have launched four free Applied Digital Skills lessons dedicated to helping students learn about food, fuel, and fiber. The lessons were developed with support from Grow with Google to make digital skills and agricultural literacy more accessible to students nationwide with a focus on rural classrooms. The lessons are part of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Collection, which are available for free to educators in the U.S.

For more information, visit: agfoundation.org.

2023 Hurricane Season Predicted to be Slightly Below Average

Colorado State University (CSU) is predicting a “slightly below average” Atlantic Hurricane season in 2023. CSU is predicting 13 named storms with six becoming hurricanes and two of the six reaching major hurricane strength with sustained winds of 111-miles-per-hour or greater.

USDA Has $11 Billion Available for Clean and Affordable Energy, New Jobs and Healthier Communities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has nearly $10 billion available to eligible rural electric cooperatives to deploy renewable energy systems; zero emission and carbon capture systems. USDA will also make $1 billion available in partially forgivable loans to renewable-energy developers and electric service providers to help finance large-scale solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower projects and energy storage in support of renewable energy systems. More information on both programs is available at: www.rd.usda.gov.

USDA Announces Funding for Organic Growers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new funding to strengthen the market for domestically grown organic goods, and to support producers seeking organic certification, both are part of the USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative. More information and application steps are available by contacting the USDA Plant City Service Center, 201 South Collins Street. Telephone: 813/752-1474.

How to Learn about GMOs

USDA NRCS Seeks Innovative Approaches to Urban Agriculture Proposals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida will invest up to $1 million for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for urban agriculture, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and soil health. The deadline for submitting proposals is July 14, 2023. For more information, visit: grants.gov and Conservation Innovation Grants – Florida Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov).

“Feed Your Mind” is an agricultural biotechnology education outreach initiative launched by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help consumers better understand genetically engineered foods, commonly called GMOs or genetically modified organism. Information in both English and Spanish is available at: fda.gov/food/consumers/agricultural-technology.

Farm Bureau Speech Contest Entries Welcomed

The Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is hosting the annual speech contest for students aged 14 –18. This year’s contest will be held on August 15th in Plant City at 6 p.m. This year’s topic is “How Have Supply Chain Issues Impacted Florida Agriculture.” Contact kayleepoppell@ffbf. org to register. More details on this competition are available at floridafarmbureau.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/ youth-speech-contest-packet-2923.pdf.

High Hopes For Hurricane Season

by John Dicks

When we’re lucky enough to live in our great State of Florida, one thing for certain is that we are always attuned to anything with the word “Hurricane” attached.

Whether it’s spoken on tv, printed online, or just overheard in conversation, the “H” word is one of those that just grabs you by the eyes and ears and demands that you pay attention.

That’s particularly so in June when the season technically starts.

Just when we’re warming up to the idea of some hot, humid, and sticky summer weather, the National Hurricane Center comes along with its official forecast of likely storms, all of which snaps us back into reality and bursts our bubble of beach time serenity.

So it was again when we recently learned the outlook, delivered with drab statistics which would otherwise disguise the dire warnings if a monster storm did develop and actually blow its fearsome breath our way.

The good news is that this season of storms is supposed to be better, and less intense than last year. It’s being called a “near normal” year.

Though that might sound good, it makes you wonder whether a sigh of relief is really warranted. After all, storm chances may be down this year, but if a hurricane hits home, we can find no solace by saying we were set for a just “near normal” year.

In case you missed the numbers, here’s what our friends at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) consider “near normal.” They predict that we have “a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an abovenormal season, and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

I don’t know about you, but as for me, such description fails to deliver on the “rose-colored glasses” that we’d like to wear to make certain our summer is a bit more carefree.

Delving deeper into the numbers, NOAA suggests that this season we could worry through a range of 12 - 17 named storms (with winds of 39 mph or higher), and that some five to nine will develop into hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher).

Of those, at least one, and as many as four, will be major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher).

The strange thing, though, is that NOAA admits to only a 70% confidence in these predicted ranges. It means, of course, that the odds are also 30% that forecasters could be absolutely and totally wrong!

It all sort of makes you want to say, “Thanks, NOAA, we appreciate that valuable insight!”

Nonetheless, and as an interesting side note, the folks at NOAA can say, and with total and complete confidence, that the name of the first 2023 Atlantic storm shall be Arlene.

How the list of names is created I have no idea. A whole alphabet of storm names gets produced each year, but strangely, the list includes only 21 names. I guess that’s fine if we really do have 17 or fewer storms as predicted.

Regardless though, and for some unknown reason, they assign no names to the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z. Hopefully we won’t need them for naming storms this year, but surely we could find suitable names to attach to the letters just so as not to leave them out.

Personally, I like Quintilla for a name in the first unclaimed spot. Quintilla Bruton did lots of great things for Plant City, including pioneering our library (which was later named after her). I understand, too, that she was a force to be reckoned with, making it perfectly suitable as a name for a hurricane.

Quintilla was also gracious and kind, which should make any hurricane so named one that would show the decency to leave all destruction behind and simply stay offshore.

Indeed, that’s what we’re hoping for the entire Hurricane Season.

John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a Blueberry Farm and have Agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!”. John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.

• Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting

By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

TO THE RESCUE OF HORSES

One of the saddest parts of being in law enforcement is seeing harm being done to those who are unable to protect themselves. This concern extends to animals. The Sheriff’s Office receives complaints of animal abuse and neglect each year with many of these cases being investigated by Animal Control and/or our Agricultural Crimes Unit.

In April of 2020, we received complaints regarding some malnourished horses at the Tianvica Riding Academy near Bartow.

Detectives went out and checked on the horses, and found some care and health issues regarding some of the horses. They met with Sara Montijo-Lopez, the owner of the horses, and gave her recommendations and guidelines to get the horses healthy again. Ms. Montijo-Lopez heeded those recommendations and things improved, but only temporarily.

The Ag-Crimes detectives learned that Montijo-Lopez euthanized one of the horses in December of 2022, because it was in poor condition, and she failed to dispose of the horse’s carcass properly.

On March 28th, detectives arrested Sara Montijo-Lopez and charged her with Felony Cruelty to an Animal (F3), Animal Neglect (M1, 7-counts), and Unlawful Disposal of a Domesticated Animal (M2).

The eight horses under Montijo-Lopez’s care were evaluated and determined to be malnourished. There were grooming issues as well, with several of the horses having overgrown hooves and sores. The horses had no access to shade and nothing to eat or drink.

One of the eight, a mini-horse, was in such poor condition that it needed to be euthanized.

The PCSO took the surviving seven horses away from Montijo-Lopez when she was arrested, and began to provide them proper care. Montijo-Lopez refused to surrender the horses to the PCSO.

An adversarial hearing was held on May 2nd, and Montijo-Lopez refused to show up for the hearing. The court awarded the custody of the seven horses to the PCSO, and ordered Montijo-Lopez to reimburse the PCSO about $7,000, to cover the cost of the care given to horses over 30 days.

In those 30 days, each horse showed great improvement in both health and appearance.

On May 8th, the PCSO loaded up the seven horses and took them to Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven.

These horses will continue to receive the proper care these beautiful animals deserve, and will hopefully be adopted by an individual or family who will give them a wonderful life.

Meanwhile, for those like Sara Montijo-Lopez, if you abuse or neglect animals, we’re going to make sure you too will get shelter and food—but it’s going to be in the county jail.

And that brings me to one of the most satisfying things in law enforcement: being able to come to the aid of a victim and making sure justice is served.

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.

With every generation, we get better at protecting our environment.

A Closer Look Leather Strop

Naturally Amazing Activities

by Sean Green

Father’s Day is almost here so this month we’re doing a project that might work as a quick Father’s Day gift. A leather strop is a traditional means of keeping his favorite knife or straight razor sharp. There are different styles of straps made; some have canvas or denim glued to the rough side of the leather, leaving the smooth side for a fine finish. In the interest of simplicity, our project will only use three pieces of leather. We are using a thick leather strap two and a half inches wide, but if you have an old belt lying around that is fairly wide, this is a great project for repurposing that old belt. The tools used for this activity are suggested to make things easier, but this project can certainly be done without special tools. In its simplest form, a leather strop can be little more then a strip of leather glued to a piece of wood or fashioned with a hole with which to hang it from a nail.

Supplies:

10 oz Leather Strap 2 ½ inches wide about 25 inches long

Leather scraps for a handle and ring

Fabric Glue (for leather)

C-Clamps

Scrap Wood (for clamping leather)

Production:

Leather Knife or utility razor

Edge Beveller or skive tool

Stitching Groover or Border tool

Steel Leather Stamp

Burnishing tool or wooden dowel

Sandpaper

Create a paper pattern for the handle and cut two matching pieces of leather (to be glued together)

Create a paper pattern for the ring holder and cut one piece of leather to be folded (to be glued together)

Spread glue on both the handle and the key ring, clamp leather between wood, let dry for at least an hour.

** (Leave about an inch unglued, it will later be glued to the leather strap) **

Dampen the sides of the leather, one item at a time (Handle, Key Ring holder, strap) and bevel the edge of the leather

with either an edge beveller, skive tool, or razor.

Dampen the sides of the leather and burnish with wood until the leather is smooth and shiny. Heat (more than pressure) is what we are after when burnishing. Wet and work in small sections.

When burnishing is complete, decorate the ends (not the main strap) by carving a grooved border with the stitching

Expensive leather conditioners are not necessary to maintain the leather strop, inexpensive shoe cream (not polish) will keep the strop in good shape for decades if used regularly (once or twice per year).

groover or use a stamp tool to stamp designs and edges into the leather. Glue and clamp the handle and key ring holder to the ends of the leather strap, allow at least an hour to dry.

Closer Look

Florida Intertidal Firefly (Micronaspis floridana)

Many of our readers are native Floridians or have lived here for decades and remember when fireflies were a common sight in the evening. I remember when they seemed nearly as abundant as love bugs and never having to “look” for them because they were always visible in the yard during the summer nights. It seems the days of finding them in my own yard will remain a fond memory. In Florida, we have over 50 species of fireflies, many of which can still be seen in areas that have not yet suffered the disturbing influx of people relocating to Florida and consequential light pollution that limits the natural range of the firefly. Unfortunately, we have some species that are likely to become extinct entirely. This month we will take a closer look at the intertidal firefly (Micronaspis floridana) while this rare Florida treasure still exists.

Fireflies are not actually flies, but rather, beetles. It is a beetle known as the Florida Intertidal Firefly. This species is special because it is the only known species in the New World that inhabits salt water. True to the common name, it is found only in the intertidal zones of a short list of coastal salt marshes of Florida and a few northern islands of the Bahamas. The ideal habitat for this species is the mangroves, mudflats, and salt marshes we would normally associate with fiddler crabs and for that reason, these beetles are sometimes known as Fiddler Crab Fireflies.

Micronaspis floridana is a nocturnal member of the Lampyridae family of beetles and is related to click beetles and soldier beetles. The scientific name for this family of beetles comes to us from the Greek word “lampein” which means “to shine.” It is not the only beetle that shines with bioluminescence; there are over 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide and about 60 species in Florida alone.

The larva of the M. Floridana beetle is often called glowworms because they glow with bioluminescence just like the adults do. Larva can be found foraging for snails and slugs, along the high tide mark.

As adults, the glow is used to attract mates. The fireflies begin signaling 45-90 minutes after sunset. Males will announce themselves with short flashes every few seconds and females will respond with a long glowing flash lasting up to a minute sometimes synchronizing their response in small groups of three or four females. Though adults are active all year, they are most active from March through May.

The flash of the firefly is what fascinated me most about them as a child. I was one of those kids that caught them in a jar and could spend hours looking at them before finally releasing them again. The flash of the firefly is without question, the most important behavioral feature of this awe-inspiring beetle and critical for its survival. If fireflies can not see the glow of a potential mate, mating will not occur; and if mating does not occur, extinction is an inevitable consequence.

Unfortunately, local extinction of this species has already occurred throughout its historic range and the population that

still remains has been fragmented to only seven known locations. There is reasonable concern that this fragmentation will not provide for the genetic biodiversity necessary for the species to survive. Coupled with the quality of the remaining locations suffering the impact of coastal development, light pollution, and increasing pesticide use, this species has been classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, an authoritative source of detailed extinction risk of animal, fungus, and plant species.

I used to casually wonder why we don’t see as many fireflies in our neck of the woods as we used to. I no longer have to wonder because recent published studies provide the explanation. According to the state’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research and the latest Census Bureau data, more than 300,000 residents per year have relocated to Florida from other states since 2020 breaking records that date back to the 1940s and 1950s and bringing our Florida population to over 22 million.

In 2021 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published an assessment of the Florida intertidal firefly (Micronaspis floridana) and acknowledged it is to be considered “Endangered” and acknowledged that increasing pesticide use and habitat destruction are a major factor in this species diminishing populations however, light pollution may be the biggest culprit and this species is expected to continually decline.

Light pollution is a consequence of human population increases. As more people relocate to Florida, more light pollution results. Demand increases exponentially with every new resident for lighted consumer resources such as roadways, shopping centers, night-time entertainment, and more. The firefly can not compete with the light we produce with modern technology and consequently, has no option other than to migrate to a locale with less light pollution or perish and that’s exactly what is happening.

Although this species is listed as a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan (FFWCC 2012), to date there are no known conservation regulatory actions in place for this species. In March of 2023, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation petitioned Deb Haaland, Secretary, US Department of Interior to list Micronaspis floridana as an endangered species under the US Endangered Species Act, and a response is expected by June. By the time we reach the projected consequence of extinction, it will be too late for change and the species will transition from a natural wonder to a chapter in a natural history lesson. When you are out and about along coastal Florida this month, take a closer look for the intertidal firefly and if you don’t mind lending a helping hand you can get involved in citizen science efforts to report and track sightings of the intertidal firefly through the Firefly Atlas, (https://www.fireflyatlas.org/).

A

by Sean Green PHOTO CREDIT: Richard Joyce / Xerces Society

THANK YOUR

By Maggie Fussell

“Slap some bacon on a biscuit and let’s go! We’re burning daylight!” These words from John Wayne represent the life of a rancher very well. The work is long and never done. There are cows to work, calves to feed, horses to ride, hay to bale, fences to fix, soda apples to spray, bills to pay, and prayers to pray. They put in time, sweat, blood, and strength into the land and livestock to make a living. In the words of Paul Harvey “And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker,’ so God made the farmer.” I believe that God also made the rancher. Someone that has faith, loves their family, does hard labor, respects the land and animals, as well as takes challenges with a roll of their shoulders and a new idea. Ranching is not a job for the selfish but for the selfless. The rancher has to give himself to the land and pray for the wisdom to make the right decisions.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, there were 47,500 farms and ranches last year in the state. These farms and ranches are a part of Florida’s economy, and they provide food for America. My family makes up one of the cattle ranches in Florida. My ancestors settled the flat-

lands many years ago. They established homes and raised families. Over 100 years later we are still here and raising cattle. Living on a ranch is hard and humbling. It is difficult to face the struggles that each season brings. To say goodbye to the calf you raised on a bottle. To watch the grass dry and die because there has been no rain. To feel the Florida sun beat down on the back of your neck. To hear the hurricane come through and push trees on the fences. These things make ranching hard. But it is also a humbling life. To taste the vegetables from your garden. To watch the rainfall turning the pastures green again. To feel the horse under you move in the right direction after all the training. To hear the newborn calf call for their mom. To smell the hay that has just been rolled. These small moments are humbling, and they are a reward for the work of the rancher.

My family and I have strong faith as well as respect for the land and animals that God has given us to care for. Every rancher has a job, a story, and a life different from your own. Remember to thank your local rancher for the work that they do to support America and provide us with the beef that we all love to see on our dinner plates.

| Photo Provided By Rachel Crane Photography

LOCAL RANCHER

The Rancher’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, I thank you for the blessings you have given me in this life. Thank you for good health, family, a home, land, animals, forgiveness, and salvation. I ask that you will guide me in this life. Help me to care for the land, to care for the animals, and to care for my family in a manner that pleases you.

Bless me with the strength to make it through the challenges that life will bring. Bless me with the humbleness to say thank you. Bless me with the wisdom to follow Your will.

Lead me through this life so that I may one day hear “well done, good and faithful servant.”

In Jesus Name, Amen

GROWING GREEN: EXPLORING THE ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF BIOSOLID LAND APPLICATIONS

Biosolids, which are nutrient-rich organic materials derived from sewage sludge, have been used as a fertilizer for agricultural purposes for several decades. I know what you are thinking, “So you’re saying farmers and ranchers are using sewage in the production of my food?!” Not exactly. Biosolids are derived from sewage sludge. The term “sewage sludge” refers to the solids separated during the treatment of municipal wastewater, including domestic septage. The term “biosolids” refers to high-quality, treated sewage sludge that meets the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pollutant and pathogen requirements for land application and surface disposal. Raw sewage sludge must be processed to meet US EPA

criteria before being called biosolids. Unlike other organic materials, such as animal manure, biosolids are subjected to strict regulations that control their use and disposal. Extensive research and regulatory frameworks have been developed to ensure the safe use of biosolids in agriculture while protecting public health and the environment. The treatment processes are designed to reduce or eliminate pathogens, harmful chemicals, and contaminants. The resulting biosolids undergo thorough testing to ensure they meet the strict EPA quality standards before being approved for land application. There are different classes of biosolids that are used in Florida, the most common are class AA

Bridget Stice, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County

and class B. Class AA biosolids are often labeled as fertilizer, marketed to the public and can be found in garden center stores. Class B biosolids are more restricted. When properly applied, both are safe and an economically and environmentally beneficial waste management alternative.

Land applications of biosolids provide an environmentally friendly solution for managing sewage sludge, turning it into a beneficial resource, instead of it being disposed of in landfills. Because the organic matter in biosolids improves soil’s ability to retain carbon, land applications of biosolids help to mitigate climate change by storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The organic matter in biosolids also helps improve soil structure and increase its ability to retain water and nutrients. This improves soil fertility, reduces erosion, and promotes overall soil health.

The majority of the biosolids recycled in Florida are currently applied to beef cattle pastures. In

addition to the environmental benefits, biosolids contain essential plant nutrients that can improve forage production and nutritive value. Biosolids typically act as “slow release” fertilizer sources by releasing nutrients more slowly than commercial fertilizers. This may also improve nutrient uptake efficiency by plants and, consequently, reduce the environmental risks associated with nutrient runoff into water bodies.

Biosolid land applications contribute to sustainable agriculture, improved soil health, and efficient waste management practices, offering a range of environmental and economic benefits. Embracing biosolid land applications is not only a step toward responsible waste management but also a leap toward a more sustainable and resilient future for our lands and agriculture. By harnessing the power of biosolids, we can unlock the potential of our soils, nurture our crops, and cultivate a greener world for generations to come.

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

Bridget Stice

BUILDING SUPPLIES

METAL ROOFING

Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris

ALUMINUM

We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378

WINDOW SCREENS

We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378

CABINETS

All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Custom made to your size. Call Chris 813-752-3378

VINYL SIDING

Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378

MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES

Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378 NEW, USED & ABUSED.

CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.

We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378

FARM EQUIPMENT

I4 POWER EQUIPMENT

Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department

Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Plant City 813-752-4459

JOHN DEERE

Looking for your new tractor?

Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com

2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660

OVERSTOCK SPECIAL

Barn doors starting at $80.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378

2005 JOHN DEERE 2210

23hp, 4x4 tractor with loader and 62" mid mount mower. 341 hours.

$12,500 Call Alvie today! 813-759-8722

MALETTI ROTARY TILLER

With 8’ roller. $10,000 or best offer. Call 813-634-1162

1989 JOHN DEERE

770 2 wd tractor with 5' mid mount mower. $3,750 ask for Alvie. 813-759-8722

2008 MAHINDRA 4110

41hp, 4x4 tractor with loader. 1100 hours. $13,500 Call today, ask for Alvie. 813-759-8722

CITRUS PACKING HOUSE

Citrus packing house equipment for sale. Mikey Fertilizer Spreader, two wind machines. Call 863-324-2833

USED BALDOR-RELIANCE

Used 7.5 HP pump motor and 119 gal. holding-tank. Call LLCA 813-382-8382

FOR SALE

OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE

Bread warmer, chrome trim. You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378

DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER

No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378

KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES

Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378

JOBS

MECHANIC NEEDED

Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345 or Alvie 813-759-8722

PARTS COUNTER HELP

Wanted for parts look up and sales. Experience in the agriculture equipment service. Speak with Alvie. 813-759-8722

LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES

USED HUSQVARNA

Lawn tractor with 48" deck. Bagging system included. In good condition.

$995.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

USED ZERO TURN

Zero turn mowers, several to choose from. Call Alvie 813-759-8722

WANTED

WANTED OLD FISHING TACKLE

Wood lures, Bamboo fly rods, Bagley lures. Any old fishing collectible stuff. Call 863-559-8520

PRODUCE

FRESH PRODUCE

Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!

MISC.

FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets

All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722

24 HOUR SERVICE

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

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577

ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING

Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & Repair. Legendary service for over 20 years! 813-752-0821

SHOWER STALLS - FIBERGLASS

Scratch and dent shower stalls - fiberglass perfect for hunting camps. $150 you pick! Call us! 813-752-3378

FOR RENT

Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.

Polk County Cattle Women

This time of the year just proves that Florida is more than beaches and Disney. I don’t know about you, but the sight of a green pasture full of grazing cattle is more beautiful than any building or structure I have ever seen. Although I am still young, I believe God’s creations will always be more beautiful than any man-made structure.

Polk County CattleWomen would like to wish luck to our 2023 Polk County Cattlemen’s Sweetheart, Marissa Dawes, as she competes for the title of Florida Cattlemen’s Sweetheart at this year’s Florida Cattlemen’s Convention in a few weeks. We would also like to wish luck to our Polk County Junior Cattlemen as they are competing in various contests over the next couple of weeks. We will also be competing in the Florida CattleWomen’s County Pride Board contest at convention, so be on the lookout for pictures on our Facebook and Instagram.

Our next meeting will be August 1 at 6 pm at the Polk County Extension office in Bartow, FL. Everyone of all shapes, size, ages, and colors are welcome at our meetings, so please feel free to come, I would be filled with joy to see some new faces. If you would like to learn more about Polk County CattleWomen, please feel free to reach out to me at blairbuchanon@gmail.com

Blair Buchanon

Polk County Cattlewomen President

blairbuchanon@gmail.com