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May 2015
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Growing Submission by Commissioner Adam H. Putnam
More than 47,000 farms in Florida work day in and day out to produce the food and fiber that Florida – and the world – depend on. Florida agriculture produces a variety of products -- nearly 300 different commodities – and generates more than $120 billion in annual economic impact. As Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, one of my most important missions is to strengthen and grow Florida’s agriculture industry. Through the “Fresh From Florida” brand, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services raises awareness for the high-quality products we produce in Florida and promotes the sale of Florida commodities. From TV commercials and digital advertisings to in-store promotions and so much more, we’re showing that it’s possible to cook quick, easy meals with fresh Florida ingredients. This year, we launched the second statewide TV and online marketing campaign in as many years to highlight “Fresh From Florida” produce, seafood and more. The ads play across the state during strategic programming and feature new recipes that consumers can use to make quick, healthy meals for themselves and their families. We also continue to promote “Fresh From Florida” products directly to consumers through retail campaigns. We’ve partnered with 65 retail partners with more than 12,000 stores worldwide to market Florida products at point-of-purchase, giving Florida-grown products a competitive advantage over others. In fact, we recently announced that Publix, the largest supermarket chain in Florida, produced its one-millionth “Fresh From Florida” in-store promotion. Also, Kroger, the country’s largest supermarket chain, recently announced 2
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“Fresh From Florida” online coupons and in-store advertising in more than 300 Kroger stores in seven states. Florida growers who participate in the “Fresh From Florida” program benefit from more than the advertisements and partnerships. Members of the “Fresh From Florida” program can also display the widely recognized, eye-catching logo on product packaging and signage. The logo associates the products with Florida agriculture’s world-wide image of high quality and freshness. Many point-of-purchase and retail display materials to promote Florida products are available for free to “Fresh From Florida” program members. In addition, members are eligible for incentives to offset a portion of consumer packaging and carton printing costs if the “Fresh From Florida” message is included. I am excited about the success and momentum of the “Fresh From Florida” campaign, and I know that we’re having a positive impact on Florida’s entire agriculture industry. I encourage Florida’s farmers, growers and ranchers to join the “Fresh From Florida” program to support our efforts, as well as reap the benefits of these recharged and exciting new programs. I value your partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and your continued support for our efforts. To learn more about the “Fresh From Florida” program and view the latest advertisements, visit FreshFromFlorida.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
JOIN THE “FRESH
FROM FLORIDA”
PROGRAM “Fresh From Florida” is a program administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It is designed to connect distributors and retail buyers with Florida growers to increase sales of Florida products. To learn more about the program benefits, visit FreshFromFlorida.com/Join or call 850-617-7399.
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May 2015
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POLK COU NTY
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Contents
CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
V O L . 7 • IS S U E 7
Contents
VOL. 8 • ISSUE 9
F eature S tory
Rob Krieger
PPolk a g eCounty 34 Cattle Women Page
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Cover Photo By: Melissa Nichols
Growing Fresh From Florida
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Page 2
Recipes
Page 26
Master Gardener
Page 10
GMO Discussion
Page 28
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 14
Endangered Species
Page 30
Deere Day
Page 16
Florida Asparagus
Page 39
Fresh From Florida
Page 18
Activity
Page 42
Signature Florida Crop
Page 19
A Closer Look
Page 43
Laura Slocumb
Page 20
P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 Bartow, FL 33831 -9005 President – J. B. Wynn OFFICERS 581-3255 OF DIRECTORS Dave Tomkow &(863) B OARD jbwynn29@gmail.com (863) 665-5088 cattlemenslivestock@ P resident - C harles C lark ( 863) 528-8537earthlink.net Vice President – David McCullerscclark@ expoco.com (863) 635-2821crookedlaMike Facente V ice P resident - Dave Tomkow keranch@verizon.net (863) 697-9419 ( 863) 6 6 5-50 88 cattlemanslivetock@ earthlink.net
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Standing Committee Chairs: S ecretary/ Treasurer - J ustin B unch Bunch ( 863) 4 25-1121 (863) 425-1121jbunch@ agriumretail.com Membership- J.B. Wynn A l B ellotto - ( 863) 581-5515 jbunch@agriumretail.com R ay C lark - ( 863) 6 83-819 6Events- Kevin Fussell State Director – Ray Clark (863) 412-5876 rclark@ tampabay.rr.com 640-0719 L .B .(863) F landers, DV M - ( 863) 6 4 4 -5974 Trade Showrclark@tampabay.rr.com Dewey F ussell - ( 863) 9 84 -3782
MikeCarlton F ussell - ( 863) 69 8-8314 Rodeo- Fred Waters Taylor fussell.flafarm@ verizon.net
(863) 559-7808 863-781-1146 David McC ullers - ( 863) 528-1195 Carlton.Taylor@boehringeringelheim.com Website Moby Persing - ( 863) 528-4 379 – Adam Norman Ned W aters - ( 863) 69 8-1597863-944-9293 Adam.norman@gmfind. Charlesdoacs.state.fl.us Clark watersn@ com J .B . W ynn - ( 863) 581-3255 (863) 528-8537 jbwynn29 @ gmail.com cclarkc4@yahoo.com Cattlewomen – Vice PresiA lternate - Mike Facente - ( 863) 697-9419 dent, Laura Slocumb 660-7000 L.B. Flanders, DVM C ommittee(863) S tanding C hairs: laura@higgenbotham.com (863) 644-5974 Membership - J .B . W ynn E vents - KFussell evin F ussell ( 863) 4 12-5876 Extension – Bridget Carlisle Dewey R odeo F red W aters ( 863) 559 -780Drawer 8 PO Box 9005, HS03 (863)- 984-3782 watersf@ doacs.state.fl.us Bartow, FL 33831 Website (863) 519-1048 Mike- Chris FussellNelson C attlewomen - P resident bccarlis@ufl.edu (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net Marjorie W ood ( 863) 6 6 0 -4 137 Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. onnie397@ aol.com Tommy519 Dixon Moby Persing E xtension - B ridget C arlisle ( 863) -8677 863-528-4567 (863) 534-7205 bccarlis@ ufl.edu tdixon@polksheriff.org S heriff’s Dept. - S gt. Tommy Dixon
Madison Dvorak
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Letter from the Editor Publisher/Photography Karen Berry It is heating up Florida! Just because the weather is hot doesn’t mean the work stops, or play for that matter. So be cautious, drink plenty of fluids, wear light weight, light colored clothes, avoid sunburn and find a cool spot when you can. The inside of an air-conditioned building is ideal, but even the shade will help. Some of the signs of heat exhaustion include confusion, dizziness, fainting, fatigue , headache, muscle or abdominal cramps, nausea, pale skin and rapid heartbeat. If you, or anyone around you, have these symptoms, get out of the heat! If left untreated it can progress to heat stroke. Heatstroke symptoms include high body temperature, altered mental state, alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing and racing heart and headache. If you suspect heat stroke, seek immediate medical help. Don’t forget about your pets. Heat stroke is also a real issue for them. Make sure they have plenty of fresh clean water and a shady place. Do not over exercise them and keep them indoors when it is extremely hot. Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. And while I shouldn’t have to give this reminder, here it goes, NEVER leave your animal in a parked car! Temperatures inside a car, even with the windows down, escalate rapidly. Enjoy fun in the sun and all that Florida has to offer, but do it safely and responsibly. Until Next Month
Sarah The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Office Manager Bob Hughens Sales Manager Danny Crampton
May 2015
Cattleman’s Livestock Auction....23 Cecil Breeding Farm........................5 Country Village..............................40 Ellison RBM Inc................................37 Everglades Farm Equipment........48 Exo Creative....................................45
Fl Ag in the classroom..................27 Fl Dpt of Ag & Consumer Svcs.....2 Florida Fence Post...........................9 Florida Propane..............................21 Florida Mineral.................................21
Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols
Fran Haasch......................................13 Fred’s Market Restaurant..............23 Grove Equipment Servicez......... 27 Grove Equipment Servicez......... 47 Gulf Coast Tractor.........................33
Creative Director/Illustrator
Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Melissa Nichols
Contributing Writers Woody Gore
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Broke & Poor..................................29
Farm Credit.....................................45
Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Melissa Nichols
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Alan’s Air Conditioning..................36
Jason Grimes Contracting.............7 Kelley Buick.....................................40 Key Plex............................................41 Lightsey Cattle Co.........................37 Mosaic.................................................9 MST Sod..........................................37 Pathway Biologic..............................7 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association...................4 Seedway...........................................45 Southeastern Septic.......................47 Southwestern Produce..................31 Stephanie Humphrey.....................42 The Bug Man..................................37 The Southern Barn.......................38
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I never let a day go by that I don’t thank the Lord for letting me be a part of the cattle industry. It’s hard to call it work when you love what you do so much. Last week we helped some friends who are new in the cattle business to work their cows. It was a pleasure to teach them some of the things that I probably take for granted in my everyday life. They have three young sons and they wanted us to expose them to as much of the gritty and dirty parts of the work as possible. We had a good time letting them try different jobs from catching calves to giving shots to working the parting gates. I think it is a great thing to involve the youth in our industry every chance we get. Instead of being in a hurry to make money and get the calves to the market, slow down and take the time to explain what you’re doing with the kids. Explain why you have to do each activity throughout the day and what it takes to make better cows in order to have better calves.
Last month, the Polk County Farm Bureau oversaw Agri-Fest at the Ag Center in Bartow. Agri-Fest is a cooperative venture between Polk County Public Schools and the local agriculture industry. Annually, more than 300 teachers and 6,000 Polk County fourth graders learn about the area’s major agriculture commodities. I’ve enjoyed helping our beef extension agent Bridget Stice over the last few years, teaching fourth graders about beef and what a cattle man does every day. My wife Leigh Ann and I don’t have any children yet, but we are going through the long adoption process. We talk often about how we can’t wait to raise some cowboys and cowgirls on the ranch and expose them to such a wonderful lifestyle.
JB Wynn
JB Wynn Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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One dollar in cattle sales generates approximately five dollars in additional business activity. Almost 60% of all burgers are purchased in a restaurant. However, 65% of all burgers/cheeseburgers are consumed off-premise (take-out) vs. on-premise (35%). Beef is the #1 food source for Protein, Vitamin B12 and Zinc! Beef is also the #3 food source of iron behind fortified cereal and grains. America’s Beef Producers spend an average of $2 million on food safety research and technology each year. Gelatin, made from bones and horns, is used in making candies, marshmallows, ice cream and photographic film. Beef fat, called tallow, is an ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, candles, shortenings, and chewing gum. Worldwide there are more than 250 breeds of cattle. Over 60 of these breeds are present in the United States. The hide from one beef animal can be made into 20 footballs or 12 basketballs or 18 soccerballs or 12 baseball gloves or 18 volleyballs or144 baseballs. Cattle are descended from a wild ancestor called the aurochs. The aurochs were huge animals which originated on the subcontinent of India and then spread into China, the Middle East, and eventually northern Africa and Europe.
Reclaiming the land for future generations is
Ashlee Harrison, Reclamation Ecologist South Pasture Mine, Hardee County
As an ecologist, I am part of a dedicated team that oversees the reclamation of Mosaic’s mined lands. Before phosphate operations begin, I work with scientists, engineers and environmental specialists to carefully plan for reclaimed land uses. Last year, those plans included planting more than 2 million trees — and reclaiming land for wildlife habitats, parks, agriculture and other productive uses. There’s a reason Mosaic’s 4,000 Florida employees are so passionate about reclamation: we know our kids and grandkids will enjoy these lands for generations to come.
mosaicco.com/florida
We help the world grow the food it needs.
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M ASTER G A R D EN ER
By Debra Howell
Popular Options
Nothing is more iconic in the Deep South than Quercus virginiana or live oak. But, the reality is these oaks may attain a canopy spread of 120 feet. So, what choices do you have if you dwell on a quarter of an acre lot and wish to incorporate a tree into your landscape? A number of small and medium trees are available to you with which to grace your yard.
Some issues you may have with your maple are gall mites, aphids, cottony maple scale and borers. From personal experience, the cambium borer has been the bane of my maple. This creature carves a trough through the bark’s cambium layer, thereby preventing food and water from travelling up the tree. This condition may present itself as large brown spots of dead leaves.
For those who long for a spark of color in the fall, your best bet is Acer Barbatum, the Florida maple. This tree will don a fall display of yellow and orange foliage before releasing the leaves to create an understory carpet. The trunk will grow to resemble the gray bark on a northern sugar maple. Although the average height of a mature specimen is about 30 feet tall, the maple in our front yard is over 40 feet in height.
A nice native you might consider is the Chickasaw plum. This thick small tree may grow to 20 feet tall and is a favorite nesting spot for cardinals. During the early spring and winter, these wind-resistant trees are awash with white flowers. Once established in your landscape, rainwater will suffice. In its natural habitat, it aids in soil stabilization and prevents erosion by virtue of its tendency to create a thicket.
Maples are drought tolerant, but they really respond to irrigation during the hot, dry days of our Florida summers. They like a wide range of soil types and are hardy in zones 6B through 9. Potential uses are as a shade tree on a street that lacks a sidewalk and in a highway median. They also make a statement in a park-like setting or along a forest border.
Japanese blueberry is not a blueberry bush, but a tree that has gained popularity in commercial landscaping and municipal applications. This classy tree is an evergreen that may reach 40 feet by 40 feet and bears flowers spring through summer. Also, it provides food for wildlife.The Japanese blueberry has real potential in the downtown landscape, being much better suited than live oaks.
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Unless you suffer from allergies, a cultivar selected from the Callistemon group, such as the bottlebrush, would be a good choice. Callistemon derives from the Greek words “stemon” which means having stamens and “callos” meaning beautiful. The term bottlebrush refers to the arrangement of flowers on the stems. Hummingbirds just love the flowers, which are followed by small woody capsules resembling the melaleuca. It is for this reason that it has been monitored by the Florida Division of Plant Industry (FDPI) due to Callistemon’s close relation to the invasive melaluca. As yet, it is not documented in undisturbed areas in Florida. In order to keep bottlebrush from having problems such as root and crown fungi, you will need to provide air circulation and ensure well-drained soil, a little on the dry side. Fertilize for good flower production. Not only can bottlebrush be trained as a tree, but it can provide a great screen or espaliered into a wall cover. You will need to remove the suckers from the trunk to maintain its shape as a tree. Now the Southern magnolia is another iconic southern staple. This tree can grow to 80 feet in height, with an upright growth habit. They have already responded to our early on-set of summer by beginning to flower profusely. The specimen I photographed was a living buzz of honeybees attracted to the huge creamy white blooms. The red seeds that follow are a food source for wildlife, but require frequent cleanup. However, if you like the looks of the Southern magnolia but lack the room, then you may consider trying a little gem magnolia. These “little gems” are a scaled down model which do not get much over 30 feet tall and possess similar blooms. Both trees will tolerate damp soil, but don’t like wet feet, which will cause root rot. They are also susceptible to scale insects as is readily evident by the scales present on the little gems in my curb appeal project in downtown Fort Meade. The colorful tabebulia, also known as a trumpet tree, is a native of South and Central America and produces bloom colors of pink, purple, white and two shades of yellow. The yellow trumpet tree seems to draw the most oohs and ahs, as well as eliciting the question, “What is that gorgeous tree with the bright yellow blooms?” The yellow color phase blooms from late winter to early spring, whereas the pink, purple and white blooms occur in the spring and summer. The term trumpet tree refers to the trumpet-shaped blooms. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The name tabebuia is Tupian which translates to “ant” and “wood” in reference to a supposed symbiotic relationship between the tree and ant colonies. In its native Brazil, it is utilized in the construction of railway sleepers, homes and bridges due to its durable characteristics. The tabebuia caraiba is a smaller form between 15 to 25 feet tall with lemon yellow blooms and a more diminutive growth habit. These trees are briefly deciduous, then the buds begin to open and BOOYAH! Tabebuias are drought tolerant and take little care except maybe the cleanup of the many seedpods which follow the big, beautiful blooms. According to the University of Florida’s bulletin ENH250, Bauhinia spp.: Orchid Tree, the orchid tree is invasive and not recommended for use in South Florida. In addition, the purple orchid tree is not recommended in any area of Florida. But, who doesn’t love the big, showy flowers? Orchid trees, known for their orchid-like flowers, belong to the family Leguminosae. So, they are related to the pea and prove this fact by producing long flat peapods which can generate a mess. However, the Hong Kong orchid tree is said to be sterile and will not set seed or drop the seed pods and become a pest in your landscape. The blooms occur in shades of white, yellow, purple, pink or red. An orchid tree provides an impressive specimen for a shade tree. A really fun tree that has always been one of my favorites is the venerable camphor tree. This tree provides a great amount of shade and possess a beautiful rugged trunk. The branch and trunk structure of the camphor tree resembles that of a mature live oak. It is a member of the Lauraceae family and has a wonderful scent when you crush the leaves. Were you aware that the dried bark of the camphor tree, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, is the source of cinnamon? So, now you are armed with information on small and large trees with which to replace or supplement your live oak. Although we have not had a hurricane in a while, we still have windy, rainy weather events which may damage our old oaks. There are many examples of small, medium and large trees available to you that are listed and described in “The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design.” A copy of this book may be picked up at the Polk County Extension Service office at 1702 Highway 17 South in Bartow, Florida. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Aubrey Hankins (VP & COO American Surveying) fished the Tampa Bay Crew Tournament with Capt. Woody Gore and her team mates Shawn Savage owner of (ABC Paving & Sealcoating) and Mike Darden (Account Mgr. Consolidated Service Group); They had a banner day catching snook after snook, plus redfish and topping it off with a small tarpon Aubrey is shown with a nice 27 inch snook
Summertime Means Hot & Humid Fishing Good fishing will continue in June, but you can expect to pay the price for enjoying a day on the water. That price, if you’re not careful, could be SUNBURN, or possibly worse, HEAT EXHAUSTION OR STROKE. Although everything will be biting try planning your trips in advance to take advantage of good summertime fishing, especially during the cooler parts of the day to avoid the high price of summer time fishing.
What are SUNBURN, HEAT EXHAUSTION and HEAT STROKE?
ing dehydration. So, remember to drink plenty of fluids especially water and sports drinks to re-hydrate the body. On the other hand, fluids containing alcohol impair your decisionmaking process. It also imposes safety issues to yourself and others. Therefore, if you drink… do it “Responsibly.” Operating a watercraft and drinking alcohol always equates to trouble for yourself and others. Remember… BUI or Boating under the influence carries stiff fines, confinement or both.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report June 2015 By Captain Woody Gore
Know the Signs: unconsciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, confusion, vomiting and diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, and hot, dry flushed skin without sweating. These are all symptoms of one of the most common problems facing boaters and anglers during the summer. If you or someone close to you exhibits, any of these symptoms take immediate action. Cooling and rehydration are the cornerstones of treatment. The affected individual must stop their activity and try to move to a cooler environment. The person may be placed in the shade or if in a boat it can be started and driven to create a breeze. Clothes may be removed to help with air circulation across the body. Misting the skin with cool water helps by stimulating evaporation and cooling. Rehydration is the next important step in treating heat exhaustion. This may be a challenge if the person begins to suffer from nausea and vomiting. Small sips of water, a mouthful at a time, might be tolerated even if some vomiting persists. Water, sports drink and other electrolyte replacement drinks are reasonable options. Keep in mind hot humid days can dehydrate your body quickly, often to the danger point before you realize what is happening. Most heatrelated illnesses are preventable by keeping the body cool and avoid14 14
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Shawn Savage owner of (ABC Paving & Sealcoating from the Tampa Bay Crew Tournament with Capt. Woody Gore shown hold the prize of the day a 37” snook, Shawn also caught the tarpon.
Snook
(Season Closed) 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’s a wonder they bite at all. Practically any mangrove shoreline holds snook provided there are bait and structure. Terrific ambush feeders Snook love lying in wait along shady mangrove root systems. Rocky shores and adjacent sand bars WWW. THE FIELD AGAZINE.COM WWW. ININ THE FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM
Mike Darden (Account Mgr. Consolidated Service Group); from the Tampa Bay Crew Tournament with Capt. Woody Gore shown with his 29½ snook, Mike also caught a 26” redfish.
are also good places to investigate. Also early morning broken bottom grass flats produce well using topwater lures and soft plastic jerk baits, but remember live greenbacks always seem to do the trick.
Redfish
June produces some good redfish days around the grass flats. Heavy pushes and mullet schools are key factors in finding moving or feeding redfish. Finding redfish means covering plenty of water, but once located they do not venture too far if there is food present. Keep in mind as long as there is food there are fish. Although with the weekend fishing pressure, once a school is located it seems the general practice of most recreational anglers is pursuing the school up and down the grass flats. Sometimes there will be 10 to 20 boats hot on the trail of a school of redfish. Little do they understand, if they will not chase the fish they will stop and go back to feeding. Live greenbacks and dollar-size pinfish are good choices. Do not forget the old standby… live shrimp and cut pinfish and ladyfish.
Spotted Sea Trout
Trout fishing remains strong through the summer. Search out deeper grass flats looking for grass beds with plenty of broken bottom or potholes. Tampa Bay offers good fishing areas using live shrimp and greenbacks free lined or under popping corks. The many broken-bottom flats with potholes produce larger fish and an occasional flounder. We’re also catching plenty of silver trout, some topping the scale at a pound and a half to two pounds. These are great eating and awesome fun for the kids to catch.
Cobia
On April 27, 2015 Andy Boynton the Dean of Business at Boston College with Captain Woody Gore and had a good day on redfish and snook Andy is pictured with a 29” snook caught just as we were leaving to end our trip. Talk about terrific timing.
quent markers especially those holding bait and cruise the flats usually following large rays.
Tarpon
Tarpon fishing really comes alive in June. They are everywhere and they are hungry, from the beach to the bay, these fish offer the catch of a lifetime. Large Greenbacks, Threadfins, and crabs, found abundantly throughout the bay and gulf, are excellent bait choices. Tarpon fishing around the Tampa area is good through the summer from the beaches all the way to the causeway. Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, and Ladyfish offer diversity during the summer and continue to be strong on moving tides. Fishing around structure or fish attractors are good starting places. “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore has been guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his level of customer service, experience and attention to detail allows him to offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814
Markers and sandy flats are good places for Cobia. They freWWW.IIN NT THE HEF FIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
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Deere Day By Melissa Nichols
On April 10th Everglades Farm Equipment hosted their annual Deere Day (Customer Appreciation Lunch) & Drive Green Event. The day began with tractor demonstrations, a full staff of trained John Deere Specialists, a DJ playing music, and Everglades customers from all around Central Florida. This year Everglades reached out to three local FFA Chapters, Tomlin Middle School FFA, Kathleen Senior FFA and Warner Colligate FFA. The three chapters sold raffle tickets to pieces of Stihl handheld equipment that Everglades provided. Mr. J.O. Schlechter, owner of Everglades Farm Equipment, blessed the meal and then Dan Inglima, Site Manager, led the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. Then a wonderful lunch of Prime Rib, BBQ chicken, Rice and tomato gravy, and green beans was served. After lunch three flavors of ice cream, made by a PTO driven ice cream churn, provided a delicious cold dessert to the guests and the door prizes were given out. In addition the FFA Chapters prizes were also given out. At the end of the Deere Day Event each FFA Chapter 16 16
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left with close to $300 each to help their chapter with future expenses. The existing customers left feeling appreciated and Everglade’s employees felt blessed to work for a company that cares so much about their customers. In the afternoon the gears changed to the Drive Green Event where potential customers come in and compare John Deere to the “other guys.” Guests are invited to drive a John Deere tractor side by side with a competitor’s tractor. Everglades is confident John Deere equipment is the best built tractor in America so they have been offering this opportunity for the last few years. Everglades stands by the products they sell from “ice cold” YETI coolers to the “hottest” tractors and lawn maintenance equipment available on the market. Whether you are looking for a new John Deere product, Krone hay mower or a new piece of Stihl handheld, Everglades is your place. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
Kathleen Middle School with FFA Advisor Bucky Day
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“Fresh From Florida” … Where Farmers and their Fans connect!
by John Dicks Whether you’re a farmer looking to promote your farm, or just a fan of one (meaning that you like to eat what farmers produce), it makes sense to use some of the free fine services provided by our Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Did you know, for example, that the Ag Department maintains an interactive list, including maps, of U-Pick Farms? Neither did I. One of the questions we frequently get is where you can go to find farms that allow people to pick for themselves some of the fruits or vegetables, which they know will be fresh, and maybe save a bit of money in the process. Farmers, too, have wondered how they might promote their farms to a wider audience than those who just happen to see a U-Pick sign planted beside the road somewhere. One great online source for both the farmer and the consumer can be found on the Ag Department’s Consumer Resources website. The only problem is, it’s difficult to find exactly where on the website you can find how to “Buy Fresh From Florida.” You’d think that the Ag Department would want to make that simple, quick and easy to do, but apparently it does not!
ing 850-617-7350. They’ll ask you to send by email some information about your farm, including its name and contact numbers, what kind of fruits or vegetables you want listed and a general time frame for your harvest. It’s simple, quick and easy to do, and best of all, costs you nothing. Despite it being more difficult than is desired to find where to “Buy Fresh From Florida,” once you’re there, it’s interesting to click through and learn about the other items listed. I was surprised to see, for example, how many wineries and vineyards are listed, including about a dozen in the Tampa Bay area. Among other things, you can also find where to buy hay, should you need any, and learn the prime time to enjoy various fresh Florida seafood, including alligator. I know not why alligator is listed as a seafood, but it will surprise you none to learn that the peak months of availability for Florida alligator is … every single one of them, January through December!
Here’s what you do. First go to the Ag Department’s Consumer Resources website at www.FreshFromFlorida.com. Once you’re on the main website, look to the left and click “Consumer Resources.” It will take you to another page where you’ll want to find and click on the link for “Buy Fresh From Florida.” From there, you’ll find a variety of options, many of which you’ll likely find interesting (such as “Christmas Tree Farms”), but navigate down to “U-Pick Farms” and you’ll see your sought after info. While the Ag Department makes no recommendations nor gives rankings on the farms that it lists, this section of the website is easy to navigate and has an interactive map to let you zoom in on the various locations. The individual listings include, naturally, the name of the farm and its address and phone number, but also links to any particular farm website that might be maintained so that consumers can get a closer and more detailed look. As you would imagine, the site includes listings for farms which allow visitors to pick their own blueberries and strawberries, but there are also other listings of opportunities to, as the website says, “pick more unusual items, everything from persimmons and chestnuts to star fruit and avocados.” If you are a farmer and wondering why your own farm isn’t listed, you can get included for free by contacting the AG Department’s Bureau of Education and Communication. The simplest way is by call18
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John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own 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. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor. WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM
Leaders must be a signature crop for Florida ag
By Jack Payne We know how to grow things in Florida – oranges, blueberries, coleus, you name it. Fortunately, we also know how to grow leaders in our agriculture and natural resources industries. Their vision will be essential in how successful we are in feeding Florida and the world, in adapting to climate change, in protecting the natural resources that make agriculture possible and Florida a continuing magnet for visitors. Just throwing money at challenges isn’t feasible. The challenges are too grand and complex. We have to throw talent at them. It’s a lot more cost-effective to produce homegrown talent than to bid at auction in a national job market. And it assures us that Floridians will lead Florida. Our leadership programs might produce the most important crop in our state because they help all other crops thrive. It’s the development of visionary, bold, honest, earnest, get-it-done people whose talent multiplies itself by bringing out the talent in others. Well-executed leadership training also helps grow the economy. That’s why the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has developed leadership training with an agriculture and natural resources focus. We can demonstrate an effect. A recent study done by our Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources indicates that each person who goes through the yearlong program contributes to creating an average of three jobs. With more nearly 250 alumni, that starts to add up. We know we need to grow Florida leaders faster. We have people clamoring for the tools they need to be better Floridians. After all, it’s never a good time to delay job creation. Programs such as those of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute are at capacity, though. The legislature has the opportunity to grow leaders faster. For less than $900,000, our leadership programs would provide new programming or additional support to an average of 125 students a year and as many as 30 additional graduate degrees in the next decade. The investment would also provide more slots for an additional 100 leadership program participants in training such as the Legacy Leadership program that has helped cultivate a new generation of visionaries in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Don’t take my word for it. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam gives Legacy the ultimate endorsement.
When he’s seeking to fill an important position in a department that is key to Florida’s economy, public health and consumer protection, he turns to his chief of staff and asks, “Do we have a Legacy?” That question led him to Michael Short. Until last year, Short had served nine years in the same job, a midlevel operative in the FDACS animal division as an equine programs manager. During his year in Legacy, he got promoted to bureau chief and then to state veterinarian, the job his boss’s boss used to have. Legacy wasn’t the only reason for Short’s sudden rise. But he got the training at just the right time. Short says he couldn’t have developed the skills he got in Legacy from any other program, and certainly not anything so tailored to a career in FDACS. Here’s the other thing Short says. At first he was hesitant about taking the state veterinarian position. It’s a huge responsibility. I give half the credit to Commissioner Putnam for helping Short get past his hesitancy. The commissioner is persuasive. It’s tough to sit across a table from him and say no. But Legacy changed Short’s image of himself. The Legacy training provided by UF/IFAS gave him the confidence to say yes to the state veterinarian job offer and to lead 114 program managers, field inspectors and veterinarians and other staff as director of the FDACS Division of Animal Industry. He’s now in a position to use his skills to help hundreds of veterinarians, protect animal health, and support an equine industry, for example, in a state with more horses than Kentucky. He might even grow some jobs. UF/IFAS wants the chance to help produce more Michael Shorts. Reorganizing our various leadership programs under a single umbrella would help us speed the flow of our homegrown talent pipeline. We start identifying and training leaders as young as 5 years old through 4-H and making sure people well into their careers continue through their entire working years to bequeath a better Florida. Leaders are a perennial crop. Like citrus and vegetables, though, they don’t grow without being cultivated. So let’s make sure we have a steady hand on the plow to keep Florida agriculture growing.
Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. jackpayne@ufl.edu • @JackPayneIFAS WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Laura Slocumb
Polk County Cattlewomen has a new president.
This year the Polk County Cattlewomen has a new president. Laura Slocumb, formerly the Cattlewomen’s Vice President, was elected for the 2015 term. Laura joined Polk County Cattlewomen in 2009 because of her interest in the beef industry. She feels that it is important to promote the cattle industry in every way possible. Her goal for this year is to attend as many functions as possible and get the word out about the Polk County Cattlewomen and their mission in the beef industry. Laura is in charge of Business Development at Higgenbotham Auctioneers. She has been with the company since 2005. “My title is Business Development. I am also Marty Higgenbotham’s personal assistant, and wear many other hats! I love the auction business and being able to travel all over the country selling real estate.” Laura is married to Sid Slocumb. They have two children.
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Over the years Laura’s daughter, Kelsey, has been very active with 4-H. She has shown hogs and horses since the age of eight. Laura is no stranger to the Polk County Youth Fair. “In addition to our auction business, Marty Higgenbotham does a lot for charities. One of his big charities is helping out with the Polk County Youth Fair. He has done this for the last 35 years. We really enjoy being able to help the kids and sell the pigs and steers.” Laura believes it is important to foster good relationships with the community, especially among youth who aspire to become leaders and workers in the agricultural industry. When she finds time, in her busy schedule, Laura enjoys horseback riding and caring for cow/calf operation of Angus cattle.
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Fuel your growing season with propane. Irrigation Incentives Available Now
Florida Propane Gas Safety Education & Research Council For more information, visit www.oridapropane.org/peff-incentives/irrigation/ or email info@FloridaGas.org
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Weird Stories
Over the years I have collected numerous funny, weird and strange stories about people. This story is wild. Two men were seriously injured when their pick-up truck left the road and struck a tree near Cotton Patch on State Road 38 in Arkansas. The accident occurred as the two men were returning from a frog-gigging trip. On an overcast Sunday night, the boy’s pick-up truck headlights malfunctioned. The men concluded that the headlight fuse on the older model truck had burned out. As a replacement fuse was not available, they noticed that the .22 caliber bullet from a pistol fit perfectly into the fuse box next to the steering wheel column. Upon inserting the bullet, the headlights again began to operate properly and the two men proceeded on east bound toward the White River Bridge. After traveling approximately 20 miles and just before crossing the river, the bullet apparently overheated, discharged and struck one of the men in the right testicle. The vehicle swerved sharply to the right exiting the pavement and hitting a tree. The man that was struck by the bullet suffered only minor cuts and abrasions from the accident, but will require surgery to repair the other wound. The other man in the truck had a broken clavicle and was treated and released from the hospital. The wives laughed about it, and wanted to know if anyone got the frogs out of the back of the truck. A 47 year-old man shot himself to death in Newton, N. C., when, awakening to the sound of a ringing telephone beside his bed, he reached for the phone but grabbed a Smith and Wesson .38 Special, which discharged when he drew it to his ear. Scientists at NASA developed a gun for the purpose of launching dead chickens. It is used to shoot a dead chicken at the windshield of airline, military jets or the space shuttle, at the vehicles maximum speed. The idea being, that is would simulate the frequent incidents of collisions with airborne birds, and therefore determine if the windshields are strong enough to endure high-speed bird strikes. British engineers, upon hearing of the gun, were eager to test the gun out on the windshield of their new high-speed trains. However, upon the firing of the gun, the engineers watched in shock as the chicken shattered the windshield, smashed through the control console, snapped the engineer’s backrest in two, and embedded itself into the back wall of the cabin. Horrified, the engineers sent NASA the results of the experiment, along with the designs of the windshield, and asked the NASA scientists for any suggestions. The NASA scientists sent back a one-sentence response: “Thaw the chicken before you shoot it.”
near Naples, Italy in 1983. He managed to break out a window, climb out, and swim to shore -- where a tree blew over and killed him. Frank Stewart, 31, of Dallas was filming a public service movie in 1983 on “The Dangers of Low-Level Bridges” when the truck he was standing on passed under a low-level bridge -- killing him. Walter Jones, a 26-year-old store clerk in Leeds, England was so afraid of dentists that in 1979 he asked a fellow worker to try to cure his toothache by punching him in the jaw. The punch caused Hallas to fall down, hitting his head, and he died of a fractured skull.
George Snow, owner of a factory in Providence, Rhode Island, narrowly escaped death when a 1987 blast flattened his factory except for one wall. After treatment for minor injuries, he returned to the scene to search for his files. The remaining wall then collapsed on him, killing him instantly. Depressed since he couldn’t find a job, 42-year-old Romolo Ribolla sat in his kitchen near Pisa, Italy with a gun in his hand, threatening to kill himself in 1981. His wife pleaded for him not to do it, and after about an hour, he burst into tears and threw the gun to the floor. It went off and killed his wife. In 1990, a woman of Lake Winston, N.J. was laid out in her coffin, presumed dead of heart disease. As mourners watched, she suddenly sat up. Her daughter dropped dead of fright. A man hit by a car in New York City in 1971 got up injured, but laid back down in front of the car when a bystander told him to pretend he was hurt so he could collect insurance money. The car then rolled forward and crushed him to death. Surprised while robbing a house in Antwerp, Belgium, a thief fled out the back door, clambered over a nine-foot wall, dropped down, and found himself in the city prison. I am on the “No Call List,” but I still get calls. The other day a telemarketer called and asked to speak to Rhonda Jones. I replied, “She doesn’t live here any more, but I have her number!” “Thank you,” He replied.
Did you read about a man using a shotgun like a club to break a former girlfriend’s windshield, accidentally shooting himself to death when the gun discharged, blowing a hole in his stomach?
I gave him the number of the Oaklawn Cemetary in Plant City. A few minutes later he called back and said I must have given him a wrong number, as that was the number of a cemetery. I said, “No, she is there, Mrs. Jones passed away last week.”
A fierce gust of wind blew 45-year-old Vittorio Luise’s car into a river
That ended that call.
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Polk County CattleWomen By Melissa Nichols
There is an ageless saying, “behind every great man is a great woman.” This saying proves to be true when it comes to this month’s feature story, “behind all great cattlemen are great cattlewomen.” These women come from many different walks of life. Educating the community about Beef, promoting agriculture, and supporting the youth involved in agriculture. This month we are proud to feature the Polk County CattleWomen. Many of you who are not familiar with the Polk County CattleWomen may wonder what the requirements are to be a member. That is pretty simple. Have a desire to learn about the cattle industry, and the passion to promote it. The Polk County CattleWomen (PCCW) is the largest group of its kind in the state of Florida, and they serve the largest cattle producing county in Florida. The current number of active members is 54. These women come from north Lakeland, to Lake Wales and everywhere in between. Many of them own ranches with their husbands or families. Cattlewomen are some of the hardest working, most dedicated women in the world. Their jobs are not limited to caring for their families, but also many often help work cattle, maintain record keeping, and deal with the logistic side of 24
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cattle ranching. The Polk County CattleWomen assists the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association with fundraising events such as the Ranch Rodeo, which is held every February at the Polk County Youth Fair arena in Bartow. The PCCW set up a booth in the trade show and work the concession’s stand. The PCCW has established scholarships that are given to two graduating seniors each year to help pay for college or vocational training and they educate consumers and the youth about Beef and all aspects of raising cattle. PCCW member Marcia Lightsey said, “Our mission has always been to promote the beef industry and educate consumers.” The idea is to help young people understand that meat comes from an agricultural process and not just from the grocery store. Education continues through PCCW’s instrumental involvement with community events. They volunteer at events such as Agrifest, which is held each April at the Extension Office in Bartow. Agrifest is a program that educates nearly six thousand 4th graders from around the county about agriculture. The program is planned in a fun and interactive way WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
for the students. The PCCW takes part in a series of demonstrations each year, such as the Florida Beef booth at the Florida State Fair located in the Ag Hall of Fame. In conjunction with the Florida CattleWomen, they volunteer and samples of beef are given out along with informational brochures, all in an effort to educate and advocate for the beef industry. Over the years PCCW has worked alongside the Polk County Farm Bureau during Farm City Week. They are able to provide beef themed place mats for elementary school kids to color and learn about cattle, beef, and agriculture. The PCCW volunteer many hours and raise an impressive amount of money. A portion of the money raised assists with the purchase and design of educational materials and supports youth programs. An example of these programs are the 4-H clubs, FFA, and scholarships. The PCCW judge the Steer record books during the Polk County Youth Fair and award cash prizes. The PCCW also has a collection of recipe books that is still being sold at events and to this day are all time favorite cookbooks. The PCCW is a nonprofit organization made up of all volunteers. The cattlewomen have a great working relationship. They have a camaraderie that few groups these days have, and they all share the same desire to educate, advocate, and promote the beef industry. The PCCW know that the youth are the future of agriculture, which is why they are involved in so many youth activities. Many of the members got involved in the cattlewomen when they were in high school and continue to be involved today, passing their knowledge and involvement on to their children, the next generation of agriculturists. The current officers are Laura Slocumb of Lakeland, who began her term in January as president after serving as vice president in 2014. Megan Atkinson is vice president, secretary is Kim Carter of Haines City, and the treasurer is Marcia Lightsey of Lake Wales. These Officers have the responsibility to call meetings, to orchestrate the fundWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
raising events, and to promote the organization. The members work closely with the Officers giving suggestions and volunteering their time. In addition to the Officers, there are committee chairs. I asked Marcia Lightsey, Treasurer, what do you see for the future of the Polk County CattleWomen? She responded, “As CattleWomen, it is an exciting time. For many of us our daughters and granddaughters are becoming members, which is a great feeling. They will continue to serve this county with the knowledge they have learned from the hard working cattle businesses. These children will tell the Beef Story to all the civic and non-agricultural people as our cities grow away from the rural way of life. I feel confident that PCCW will continue because of the determination of our members to educate. There will always be a student, a consumer, or an environmentalist out there who wants to know more about our way of life.” In summary, the mission of the PCCW is to educate and promote the safety and nutritional value of the beef industry to the public. The next time you see someone out representing the PCCW, whether it is Ellen Bryan, at an event educating the youth on Beef, or Donna Smith working with the youth at Agrifest, stop and talk to them, ask some questions and see how important the number one agriculture industry is in Polk County. If you are interested in joining the cattlewomen, please contact Megan Atkinson. She can be reached via email at megamess007@aol. com or by phone at (863) 559-1228. The 2015 Florida Cattlemen’s convention and Allied Trade Show will be held June 16-18 at The Omni locate 1500 Masters Blvd, Champions Gate. It is just off I-4 at the Champions Gate exit. This year’s convention is “Circling the Herd.” You can visit the website and register for tickets and book a room at www.floridacattlemens.org we hope to see a lot of Polk County Cattlemen, CattleWomen and future cattlemen there. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Rustic Tomato Spread
Chef Justin Timineri
DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine tomatoes and their juices, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a heavy pot and cook covered for 1 hour. Remove the lid and cook for 1 more hour, or until the juice has thickened. Stir occasionally and scrape down the tomatoes from the edges to prevent burning. Cool and puree finely to a paste-like consistency. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve on toasted baguettes.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
2 medium Florida bell peppers (your color choice), seeds and stem removed, sliced into 1/4inch strips 1 pound top sirloin or your favorite cut of beef, excess fat trimmed Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 pounds cherry tomatoes, halved 6 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese freshly ground black pepper extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, chopped 4 tablespoons olive oil, separated 1/2 Spanish onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (to match peppers) 1 large Florida tomato, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
DIRECTIONS Trim any visible excess fat from the beef. Cut the beef across the grain into ¼ inch wide strips that are as long as the peppers and onions. Season the steak strips with kosher salt and pepper. Add chopped garlic to seasoned steak and let sit in the refrigerator for around 10 minutes. While the steak is sitting, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large sauté pan on medium high to high heat. When the oil starts to smoke, add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cook wile stirring, until the peppers and onions are just barely starting to become tender, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute. Remove the vegetables from the sauté pan to a bowl and set aside for the moment. In the same sauté pan, heat an additional 2 tablespoons of oil on medium high to high heat, until the oil is almost smoking. Carefully add the strips of beef and let the beef brown on both without much stirring. As soon as the beef reaches the desired doneness, add the vegetables and Worcestershire and cook quickly. Remove from heat and serve with seasoned brown rice or rice noodles.
Florida Sweet Bell Peppers with Beef 26 26
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Eight Basic Facts in the
GMO Discussion
by: Kevin M. Folta
From reputable news outlets to the Internet’s informationallybankrupt cesspools, there is tremendous interest and focus on agricultural biotechnology, the topic referred to in familiar terms as “GMO” technology. The term “Genetically Modified Organism” was conjured as a pejorative term representing a modern means of crop genetic improvement. Like any new technology, it has risks and benefits, strengths and limitations. But also like any new technology, “GMO”-based plant improvements have attracted a significant number of critics. Many claim significant health risks, environmental perils, and economic catastrophe related to these products. These claims, typically promoted by television doctors, celebrity chefs and the internet’s endless experts, do not agree with the massive scientific data accumulated from 30 years of study and almost 20 years of use in food production. There is a substantial difference between the activist claims and the scientific reality — and a concerned public seeks reliable answers. The purpose of this summary is to provide a primer on the state of the science, noting the important trends, risks and benefits as distilled strictly from the scientific literature.
Ten fundamental facts:
1. There are currently only eight commercially-available crops containing transgenic modifications. While the common belief is that everything in the produce section is a GMO, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and most other produce items have only been improved using traditional breeding. Biotech improvements have only been developed in corn, soy, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets, and canola, with a small amount 28
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of Hawaiian papaya and squash. 2. Transgenic plants make an insecticide. That’s true, at least some of them do. It is a natural protein that is toxic to certain caterpillars, particularly those that feast on corn and cotton. The integrated gene allows the plant to make its own protection. This technology is a good thing because it has cut insecticide applications by 50-80%, so it costs less for farmers, less insecticide ends up in the environment, and on-target insects remain unaffected. 3. No connection to health problems. After eighteen years of intense use, there has not been a single case of illness or death attributed to these products. Products derived from these plants have a perfect safety record. 4. There are basically three main traits. Aside from plants that make their own insect protection, others have been produced that cannot be killed with a common herbicide. This allows farmers to use an environmentally-low-impact chemical to control weeds while not harming the crops. This technology has decreased tilling for weed control, and saves valuable top soil. Papayas and squash are resistant to relevant viruses. 5. The downside is resistance. Like any one-sided solution, pockets of insects are developing resistance to the crop’s genetically engineered insect protection. Similarly, weeds resistant to the herbicide have become a major problem in some areas. New solutions are need to control these pests, and will be introduced in the near future. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
6. Regulation is rigorous and expensive. Deregulation requires tremendous amounts of data to be presented to the FDA, the EPA and USDA. This regulatory maze takes a lot of time, money and expertise to navigate, which is why only the big companies attempt to deregulate crops. 7. The scientific consensus recognizes safety. The world’s major scientific organizations acknowledge a deep scientific consensus that states these crops are no more risky than those produced through traditional breeding. 8. Future technologies are slow to emerge. Proven solutions exist but are not likely to be implemented commercially, at least in the foreseeable future. Crop varieties have been developed that use less water, are more efficient with fertilizer, and produce important vitamins. Plants that protect themselves from nematodes, fungi and bacteria have been developed and tested. Fortified plants that provide the needy with desperately needed nutrients exist, but have not been deployed. The slow progression of sound technology is directly related to poor public perception, fear mongering, and lax communication from scientists. These eight points represent important starting points for any conversation on GMO crops. They encompass the known scientific consensus, the central misconceptions and well-known limitations. An honest dialog will be necessary to speed the integration of these technologies into useful venues, while ensuring safety to humans and sensitivity to the environment.
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About the Author:
Kevin M. Folta, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida. In addition to his internationally-recognized programs in strawberry genomics and light regulation of plant traits, he has recently gained national visibility in relating science to public audiences, particularly in the area of genetically modified organisms, also known as GMOs. Dr. Folta seeks to separate the myth from fact regarding agricultural genetics that is typified by public confusion regarding GMOs and fear mongering by its critics.
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Carnivorous Plants: You Hungry?
By Ginny Mink
This month’s endangered species article is going to be a little bit different because we’d like to alert you to an entire group of endangered plants. There are various forms, of course, but we want you to wrap your mind around the concept of carnivorous plants. Yes, those plants that eat bugs. We’re certain you’re singing the lyrics to Little Shop of Horrors. No doubt, “Feed me Seymour,” is playing on repeat in your head. Now that you’ve got a theme song, let’s talk about these endangered elements of God’s great creation. Interestingly enough, Florida is home to more carnivorous plants than any other state! We are well known for our pitcher plants which are native to this great state. However, there are a number of other carnivorous plants residing on our soil. There are butterworts, bladderworts, bromeliads, water wheels, oyster mushrooms and sundews (plus a slew of fungi). We cannot fail to mention the infamous Venus flytrap here, but you should know that’s mostly found in North Carolina. So which ones are endangered here? That’s a great question and the answer required a good deal of research. First though, we wanted you to understand the difference between these plants. Obviously, carnivorous plants eat bugs. They digest them through the use of naturally occurring enzymes and then they utilize the nutrients retrieved to supplement that which is missing from the boggy soils from which they like to grow. The super neat difference is found in their methods of attack. The pitcher plant has a body that’s shaped like a tube (or vase). It’s decorated beautifully and its patterns catch the light drawing bugs near. Inside, there’s a coating of sweet smelling serum, compelling the bug to enter the long, narrow tube (imagine crawling into the plant’s throat and you get the idea). The sidewalls are very slippery, and the bottom of the vase 30
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like cavity is full of water. The curious bug loses its grip and slips and slides down to its death: drowned and then devoured! Recall that these are really what Florida is known for when it comes to carnivorous plants. Pretty cool when you think about it. Sundews and butterworts kind of act in similar ways when they’re hunting. Their leaf surfaces are covered with sticky glands that basically act like fly paper. The sticky glands usually create droplets that sparkle in the sunlight attracting bugs who are thirsty. Once a bug lands in the sticky secretions, the leaf surfaces roll up around it and digestive enzymes go to work. Think of a creepy hand beckoning you into its grasp, that seductive roll of the fingers draws you in and you’re ensnared. Yep, then the life’s dissolved out of you. What a way to go. Notice that we only explained the methodology of three of the carnivorous plant styles we listed in the second paragraph. That’s because we really just wanted to call your attention to the crimson pitcher plant, the violet (Godfrey’s) butterwort and the threadleaf sundew. All of which are endangered and can be found in our great state (though obviously in very limited quantities). Sadly, their boggy, pinewoods and swampy, Florida Panhandle habitats are quickly being destroyed. There’s an increase in greed that has initiated the destruction of a number of habitats. These, specifically, are being affected by a desire to harvest timber on the lands they so love and need. The human desire to expand, build, own and consume is readily eradicating some of the most innovative, and astounding representations of the Almighty’s creativity. Here are plants that actually eat meat and we’re waving goodbye to them as we restrict natural burns and applaud industrial development. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
We’re not tree huggers here, and really, these aren’t trees to hug anyway, but when we sit idly by watching the destruction of nature, we have to wonder what the ramifications will really be. That carnivorous plant that we’re ignoring eats mosquitoes! We’d much rather secure the butterworts’, pitcher plants’ and sundews’ lives than feed the mosquitoes with our own! So, what can we do? That’s a great question and sometimes it’s really hard to make suggestions to enable you to take action. The first thing would be to learn to recognize the plants we’re discussing. The crimson pitcher plant has some dark red (sometimes purple) veins along the top opening of its vase like structure and can be 4-20 inches tall. The violet butterwort has thick green leaves with curved edges (the better to roll up on a bug with) and the whole plant is shaped a little like a rose. Finally, the threadleaf sundew has leaves (which look a lot more like stems) that are covered by little tentacle-esque extensions that form tiny (very sticky) droplets. These are by far, our favorites. All of these carnivorous plants are dependent upon natural fires for survival. Too much shade created by the overgrowth of shrubbery is causing them great harm. If natural fires occurred, there wouldn’t be that overgrowth. In addition, if we’d be more mindful of their indigenous habitats then we could do a great deal to protect them and the other small creatures who are dependent upon the pinewood bogs and other swampy areas. We really must learn to respect this planet before we destroy the things that protect us from ourselves (and the mosquitoes).
Sources:
http://www.carnivorousplantnursery.com/info/cptypes.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinguicula_ionantha http://www.goldendelighthoney.com/tes/SARU4/saru_text.html http://www.growsundews.com/sundews/sundew_drosera_information.html WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Farm Credit of Central Florida Director, Keith Mixon (L), Les Dunson, Jerry Mixon and Dave Aplin celebrate the cooperative’s patronage refunds declared since 1988 totaling over $148 million
Sally & Dudley Putnam of Bartow won a picnic table
Robbie Roberson
Elected Chairman of Farm Credit of Central Florida Board
Farm Credit of Central Florida (FCCF) President and CEO, Reggie Holt announced the cooperative’s Board of Directors has elected Zellwood Nursery grower, Robert R. “Robbie” Roberson as chairman, succeeding, David J. Stanford. “Robbie brings great wisdom, and statesmanship to the board. FCCF has been blessed with astute and visionary leadership in the chairman’s position for over 40 years with Al Bellotto, Sr., David J. Stanford and now Robbie,” Holt said.
Retired Farm Credit of Central Florida Director, Lewis Stidham (L) is recognized for his service to the association by FCCF Chairman of the Board, David Stanford (Right). Bettye Sykes of Ft. Meade won a Green Egg grill
Roberson is a nurseryman who has lived and grown plants in the Apopka area for over 40 years. He was appointed to the FCCF board to fill a vacant seat in 1997 and has successfully been re-elected to three year terms ever since. Ben Bolusky, CEO of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, said, “A natural business leader, Robbie Roberson is a highly respected pillar of Florida’s tropical foliage and houseplant industry. He is a gifted bridge-builder as the business community often turns to Robbie whenever an issue needs engagement with state legislators and elected local officials.” Farm Credit of Central Florida is a MemberOwned cooperative serving 13 Central Florida counties, including, Polk, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Volusia and Brevard. Part of the nationwide Farm Credit System established in 1916, Farm Credit of Central Florida provides loans, leases and crop insurance to over 1,000 farmers, ranchers, growers and rural homeowners. 32
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Farm Credit of Central Florida Members Fred (L) and Sylvia Bohde (Right) attended the stockholder’s meeting.
Farm Credit of Central Florida Members David & Frances Hardy shared in the cooperative’s patronage refund.
FCCF Members Bobby & Renata Walker were happy to receive their portion of the association’s patronage refund which can significantly lower the Borrower’s effective rate of funds. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Heritage Roses At first blush it may be difficult to consider a linkage of roses, Lakeland and the Harlem area in New York City. But there is and it is an interesting story. The starting point is the Heritage Rose Foundation (HRF), a 501c3 non-profit foundation dedicated to: • The collection of roses originating in the nineteenth century or earlier and roses with particular historic, education or genetic value. • The establishment of one or more gardens wherein heritage roses may be grown and displayed. • The advancement of research and investigations into heritage roses, including history, identification, genetics and breeding, propagation, diseases and pests and suitability for landscape use. • The publishing and dissemination of information about heritage roses, including any and all research that emanates from the foundation. • The establishment and maintenance of a library of books, periodicals, research papers, manuscripts, catalogues and other items to facilitate further research and investigation into heritage roses. • The establishment of public knowledge of heritage roses through seminars, meetings, forums, panels, lectures, tours and exhibits designed to encourage and increase the public’s perception of heritage roses. Add to that ‘Harison’s Yellow’, a famous old rose, introduced in 1824 in New York by George Folliott Harison, who had a nursery in what is now midtown Manhattan. It traveled west with the wagon trains and is found all over the continent now. Some call it the Yellow Rose of Texas. In 2009 HRF President Stephen Scanniello and HRF Secretary Betty Vickers were in New York looking for Harison’s grave in 34
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An Interesting Link Between Harlem and Lakeland Service – Learning for Florida Southern Students
By Jim Frankowiak
the Trinity Wall Street church cemetery in Harlem. That’s right, the church had been on Wall Street while its cemetery was in Harlem, some distance away. They found the grave and planted roses around it, an event that came to the attention of the NEW YORK TIMES which then published an article. Manhattan Borough President - at the time - Scott Stringer, read the article and contacted Scanniello with an idea of beautifying Harlem with gardens appropriate to the periods in which neighborhoods were settled and developed, initially the Old Dutch colony through the Jazz era. The HRF ran with the idea and since more than 1,200 roses have been planted in more than 20 sites throughout Harlem and Washington Heights. The Lakeland connection came by way of Malcolm M. Manners, Ph. D., John and Ruth Tyndall Professor of Citrus Science and Horticulture Program Director at Florida Southern College (FSC). He is also a charter member and trustee of the HRF. Dr. Manners has been teaching at FSC since 1981. “Since 1983, we have had a rose mosaic virus heat therapy program at the college,” he said. “Nurseries and private growers send us infected roses, we cure them and return them, keeping interesting varieties for our collection which is now approaching 400 varieties. Probably the most diverse collection of roses, many of them antique, in the South.” The HRF asked Dr. Manners to provide historically important roses to the Harlem project. “My classes learn plant propagation using roses as their working material,” said Dr. Manners. “Two of those classes made it a project to produce the roses needed for the New York Heritage Rose District. The first year, we produced 300 and since then have produced several hundred more. Several nurseries have also conWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
tributed to the project, but FSC is the primary source for the roses.” But there’s more. “Once we started propagating the roses, we got the idea – why not do a service-learning trip to New York – to participate in the planting,” said Dr. Manners. “We have now done that on four occasions, always in March or April, departing on a Thursday evening and returning the next Sunday night.” Participants are typically Dr. Manners’ students and brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity at FSC where he is advisor. Groups have ranged in size from four to 14. The groups work on Friday and Saturday and then do some sightseeing on Sunday before taking a late flight back to Florida. Trip takers typically check luggage with 25-30 roses packed and carry-on their personal belongings. Mitchell Varnum, now an alumnus of FSC currently attending Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, was a member of the first FSC group to make the trip. His family resides in Lithia. Mitchell’s brother Claybo (the nickname he has been given for Clayton), an FSC senior majoring in recreational turf management, has made the trip the last three years. “I participated in the trip my first year as a whim,” he said. “I knew my brother had gone on the trip before and that he’d had a good time so I decided to go. I immediately fell in love with the experience and the work we did in Harlem. So much so that I recently returned from my third trip to Harlem. My father, Scott, has been on the last two trips. “One of the biggest things I learned is how blessed we are to live in an agricultural community. Many of the people we work with in Harlem have never had the opportunity to plant something much less know anything about the importance of horticulture. Being able to assist WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
them in propagating roses is a sheer delight. It really is amazing to see someone’s eyes light up when you tell them the rose they just planted will blossom into something beautiful one day.” Some of the gardens are planted where residents have agreed to help maintain the apartments and common areas where they reside as part of their low cost housing leases. Sugar Hill Apartments, which is comprised of 30-units, now has a rooftop rose garden of 18 planters thanks to the heritage rose program. “Claybo asked me to join him the second time he went on the trip,” said his father, Scott. “It was a great experience. We met some good people, got some work done and had the opportunity to see parts of New York from the perspective of a resident, Steve Scanniello, a good man and very special tour guide. All of that plus the opportunity to spend time with my son. I was also happy to help Dr. Manners keep an eye on these college students.” Scott has been on the last two trips with his son. In addition to planting new gardens, the groups “do some clean-up and pruning of the existing gardens,” said Dr. Manners. “We have also conducted workshops on propagation and planting for children in the neighborhoods and Girl Scout troops. Funding for the trips comes from donations, “but mostly, we earn the money through plant sales at the college,” said Dr. Manners. “For someone who was born and raised in Lithia, New York was a different world for me, Mitchell and Dad,” said Claybo. “The speed at which that city moves is insane! Although I could never see myself living there, I will always jump at an opportunity to visit the city in the future. And to know I had a hand in beautifying the most famous city in the world is something I will always cherish.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
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Florida Asparagus By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science With its elegant, long, green stems and delicate flavor, asparagus is synonymous with springtime. A perennial vegetable, asparagus is most abundant during its prime season in April to May. Also called sparagrass or sparrowgrass, this vegetable grows in Florida, as well as California, New Jersey, Washington, and Massachusetts. Stem thickness is related to the age of the plant. The younger shoots are thinner, while older plants have thicker stems. While most people think of asparagus as green, this vegetable also comes in white or purple varieties. Fresh asparagus is crisp and juicy with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, and is delicious eaten out-of-hand or cooked. NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Asparagus is a nutrition superstar, and is bursting with a wide range of vitamins and minerals while containing very few calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of cooked asparagus (180 g) contains 40 calories, 4.3 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 7.4 g carbohydrate, and 3.6 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 101% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for Vitamin K, 67% for folate, 33% for copper, 24% for vitamin B1, 20% for selenium, 18% for vitamins C and E, and 14% for manganese, phosphorus and dietary fiber. One serving also contains plentiful amounts of other nutrients, including potassium, zinc, iron, protein, magnesium, and calcium! Bone up on Vitamin K A one cup serving of Florida asparagus provides a whopping 101% of your daily vitamin K requirements. This vitamin is crucial in the blood clotting process and plays an extremely important role in bone health. Vitamin K is required to synthesize multiple clotting factors in the body, which is necessary to prevent excess bleeding. Several large research studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study and the Framingham Heart Study have found that lower intakes of vitamin K were correlated to a higher risk of hip fracture in both men and women. WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEART-HEALTH Asparagus is high in a variety of heart-healthy nutrients that work together to promote a healthy cardiovascular system. This vegetable boasts high levels of the antioxidants vitamin A, C, and E, which work to reduce the amount of free radicals in the body and prevent its damaging effects in cells. By fighting cell and tissue damage, Vitamin C protects against cancer and other diseases, such as the common cold. Vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. This vitamin also helps the body absorb more iron, and aids in the development of strong bones and teeth. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
As a very good source of dietary fiber, asparagus provides 14% of your daily requirements in a one-cup serving. Fiber has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels, which in turn helps prevent atherosclerosis. It can also help stabilize blood glucose levels. 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. Folate, a water-soluble B vitamin, plays an important role in converting homocysteine into less harmful compounds. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been shown to damage blood vessel walls and are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Research studies have linked folate deficiency with elevated homocysteine levels, and conversely, folate supplementation with decreased homocysteine levels and improved blood vessel function. One serving of asparagus contains two-thirds of your daily folate requirement as well as a significant amount of many of the other B vitamins. HOW TO SELECT AND STORE Choose firm, brightly colored asparagus stems that snap crisply when bent. Examine the pointy ends; look for closed tips and avoid those that are wrinkly or shriveled. The stalks should be rounded and not too thick. Asparagus is best eaten as soon as possible, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. The stalks can also be blanched and frozen or canned to enjoy for later use. HOW TO ENJOY Fresh Florida asparagus is delicate, crisp and delicious eaten straight out-of-hand. It can also be cooked, pickled, or frozen. Any sauce or simply a pinch of salt and fresh herbs can enhance their flavor. Here are some more ideas: Stir-fry with shrimp or chicken in teriyaki sauce Steam or blanch stems and add to salad or a crudité platter Toss into soups and stews Dunk raw or steamed asparagus into any dipping sauce—salsa, ranch dressing, cheese sauce, hummus, or hot sauce Grill with olive oil and garlic Oven roast and top with parmesan cheese Enjoy fresh Florida asparagus in its peak season today. With its subtly sweet flavor and versatile uses, asparagus can boost your health in a very delicious way. SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp http://www.whfoods.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Naturally Amazing Activities
By Sean Green
Stone Trivet Have you ever thrown away used CD’s or DVD’s? They do not decay very fast in the environment where they ultimately end up. This month we are featuring a cool way to repurpose old CD’s DVD’s or even vinyl records (if you still have any that are not worth keeping). Trivets can be made from a number of materials and stone is a good choice for hot items. In this example, we made a decorative trivet with glass beads purchased at an art
supply store. Glass beads work especially well with the refraction of the CD. Stone pieces can be used for a more rustic appeal, as can small irregular chips of wood for that matter. Regardless of the material that is used for the project, this will be a fun, safe, activity that will put good use to those CD’s that may have otherwise just been tossed in the garbage.
Suggested Material: Stones CD Clear Glue Dispensable Brush Cork
(Natural or Glass) (Preferably used) (Gorilla Glue, Epoxy Glue) (Inexpensive foam brush) (from empty wine bottles, cork roll, scraps from old corkboard)
Step 1 Organize your stones by size and color Step 2 Starting from the center, arrange the stones WITHOUT glue to try different layouts. Step 3 When you are happy with the layout, apply glue to the center of the stone and attach it to the CD. Step 4 Continue gluing bands of stone to the CD to reach the edge, let it
Air dry for 2 or 3 hours
Step 5 Glue small pieces of cork to the bottom of the trivet to protect the table from getting scratched by the CD.
Natural rocks will absorb heat and can be used with any hot pan, pot, or skillet in your kitchen. Glass stones or beads will also absorb heat but will be more prone to shattering and chipping than natural stone. Glass beads can be used for decoration or for cold items like drink pitchers.
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A Closer Look
By Sean Green
The Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis)
David Albaugh
hotograph by Clemson University www.insectimages.org
If you have ever happened upon one of the larger species of butterfly or moth we have in Florida, you have hopefully shared my excitement in seeing one of these majestic creatures. Some of our native moth species can have wing spans comparable to that of a small bird and are every bit as exciting as the exotic species you may have seen on wildlife documentaries. Adult moths in the Saturniidae family are the largest in the world and include the cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), the largest in North America and the atlas moth (Attacus atlas), the Asian species that is generally acknowledged as the largest moth species in the world. The name Saturniidae itself is derived from satu (sowing) and honors the agriculture arts of sowing, tilling and pruning as a god given gift delivered by the Roman god Saturn. This month we will take a closer look at the regal moth (Citheronia regalis); a species of Saturniidae that produces the largest caterpillars in North America affectionatly known as the Hickory Horned Devil. The regal moth (Citheronia regalis) is one of Florida’s largest moths and is typically found in deciduous forests (trees that shed their leaves). It’s habitat range includes New Jersey to Missouri and south to eastern Texas and Florida, but its largest populations are in the southern ranges. Although the regal moth is not the largest adult moth in North America, it does produce the largest caterpillars. The larvae of this moth are commonly known as Hickory Horned Devil caterpillars, a common name that accurately describes the caterpillars daunting appearance. Cloaked in bright green or turquoise and flaunting huge red horns tipped in black this caterpillar looks extremely dangerous but is actually completely harmless. Many dangerous insects advertise their potential to inflict harm with colors of red, black and yellow. The Hickory Horned Devil mimics (or imitates) the appearance of a dangerous caterpillar to fool predators into thinking twice about attacking, one look at the caterpillar and you might think twice about picking it up yourself if you had no knowledge of it’s true nature. Regal moths produce one generation per year throughout most of its range. In Florida, two generations per year are common. Adults can be collected as early as this month and populations will increase through the summer months. Adults mate on the second evening after emerging from their pupa stage and adult females lay yellow eggs on an appropriate host plant at dusk on the third evening to begin WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
© Edith Smith Shady Oak Butterfly Farm
the lifecycle for the next generation. Ideal host plants are trees in the walnut family (Juglandaceae) such as walnut, butternut, and hickory; however, newly hatched caterpillars are also known to feed on species of ash, sumac, sweet gum, beech, lilac, and persimmon. The eggs are laid on the top side of leaves either singly or in clusters of up to six. The larvae hatch from the eggs within ten days and the small yellow caterpillars emerge to begin feeding. In the earliest stages of the caterpillars life they feed alone at night. During the day the young caterpillars curl up in a “J” shape to mimic bird droppings. The larval stage (as a caterpillar) will last 37 to 42 days and the caterpillar will shed its skin several times (instars). As the caterpillar develops through the first four instars it will change appearance and begin feeding during the daytime. The fifth and final instar of this caterpillar is the most spectacular and befitting of its name Hickory Horned Devil. By the time the caterpillar has reached the fifth instar, it has grown to nearly six inches long, about the size of a hot dog, and become bright green in color. The most spectacular feature of the late instar caterpillar is the appearance of red spiked horns tipped in black, sometimes as long as 3/4 inch growing near the caterpillars head. The projections are not actually horn or thorns that can sting but are a tubercle called scoli, which is a fleshy tentacle like projection. Venomous caterpillars have tubercles that bear stinging spines, other caterpillars use tubercles release chemicals that are part of its defense system. For the Hickory Horned Devil, it’s defense strategy consists of looking very dangerous and thrashing it’s head around when disturbed in an attempt to intimidate would be predators. The tubercles of the Hickory Horned Devil do not actually sting but the combination of coloring and dramatic head movements would make most predators think twice about messing with this caterpillar. At the end of the larvae stage, the caterpillar crawls down the tree to burrow underground and construct a pupation chamber to pupate through the winter. The following summer, newly emerging adults climb out of the ground to begin the lifecycle of the next generation. If you are fortunate enough to find one of these caterpillars this summer, observe it, enjoy it, but please do not harm it, they do not occur in populations great enough to be an agricultural concern and are in no way harmful to human beings or their food supply. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Madison Dvorak
By Melissa NIchols
Last year a cooperative program between Polk County FFA chapters and Fellowship of Christian Athletes started a program in an attempt to help middle school and high school students who otherwise would have not been able to raise a market animal. One recipient of this mentorship was Lake Gibson Middle School student Madison Dvorak. Maddie has been a devoted FFA member ever since joining FFA in 6th grade. Over the years she has raised and exhibited rabbits, poultry, plants, and shown horses, as well as competed in various FFA Career Development Events. Maddie has a passion for horses she picked up from her mother Lori Bruckheim, who also grew up around horses. At the beginning of the year Maddie was approached about participating in the Steer Inc. program through FCA. She had always wanted to do a market animal but has not been able to because of her other FFA projects. These projects require not only a financial commitment but also a time commitment. “Maddie showed an incredible amount of dedication to her project,” her Ag teacher and FFA Advisor Jessica Kennedy explains. She went on to say “that market pig probably had a better life than most market animals ever had.” Jessica said that, “Watching Maddie grow through this project has been amazing to say the least.” Maddie said she was successful in this market hog project thanks to her Advisor, Mr. Buddy Walls a member of the Lake Gibson FFA Alumni, the help of FCA and her mom Lori, who works at “Disney’s Animal Kingdom” as a zoological manager. Lori has a vast knowledge of animals and was willing to take on the commitment of a market hog with her daughter. Together as a team Madison’s hog made weight, made it to auction, won first in its class and was bought by Nettles Sausage, a supporter of the Polk County Youth Fair. Maddie’s mother Lori said, “I am so proud and have been so impressed with the tremendous growth and devel44
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opment Maddie has shown by participating in the Steering Inc. program and the Agriculture Education program at Lake Gibson Middle School. Her success is due to the tireless efforts of her mentor, her FFA Advisor Jessica Kennedy has invested in Maddie.” It is always so rewarding as a former educator myself, to hear stories about programs that are established to help the youth, because they are the future agriculturists. Maddie looks forward to doing more market projects in the years to come. Although Maddie has been very active in the FFA this was an exciting and a major learning experience for the Lake Gibson Middle School 8th grader. Maddie is looking forward to going to high school next year. She has applied and been accepted to the Natural Resources Academy at Kathleen Senior. Madison said she cannot wait to hit the ground running. She has big plans for trying out for the forestry team, food sciences, and horse judging team just to name a few. I asked Maddie about her favorite part of FFA. She said it is definitely, “The diversity, she has met people from Trenton to Okeechobee, and even the Panhandle of Florida. So many different people from so many different walks of life, some like myself who don’t come from major agriculture backgrounds, to those who have been raised on a farm or ranch.” Maddie said, “It is so diverse because there is literally something for everyone within the Future Farmers of America.” Maddie will be representing not only Lake Gibson Middle School, and Polk County but also District VIII at the State FFA Convention coming up in June where she is competing in the Creed Speaking contest and Prepared Public Speaking contest. I have a feeling this is not the last time I will get to write about Madison Dvorak, she has a bright future and the ambition needed to succeed.
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deed restrictions dealing with landscape issues; pruning practices; problem plants such as invasive, non-native plants; pesticide and fertilization practices; plant nutritional deficiencies; mulch application; and irrigation system issues including frequency and timing of applications. Other frequent areas of interest cited by communities participating in the FFL Community Association Outreach Program have included stormwater pond best management practices, dealing with erosion caused by stormwater runoff and questions involving reclaimed water. Evaluations and recommendations are based on science-based research from UF/IFAS. In addition to site evaluations, the Community Association Outreach Program offers onsite presentations about the FFL principles. The FFL Community Association Outreach Program is a free resource for HOAs and other community associations to provide for guidance in instituting sustainable landscape practices, reviewing landscaperelated covenants and working with landscape maintenance contractors. FFL has had several success stories with communities that adopted FFL practices from which they were able to see reduced water consumption and water utility and maintenance costs. Contact me at the Hillsborough County Extension Service, 813-744-5519 x 54142, if these services would benefit your homeowner or condominium association.
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For more information on environmental horticulture topics, contact your local County Extension Service. Additional information on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ can be accessed at http:/ /floridayards.org, http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu and WaterMatters.org. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Association Outreach Program is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Hillsborough and Polk Boards of County Commissioners and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
47
John Deere Quality your wallet will find them irresistible...
5075M Tractor
Serving our customers with 12 Locations At Everglades Farm Equipment we take pride in working with those who work with the land. With superior customer support through leasing, rentals, in-field service support, technology, the best parts availability, and loyalty programs just to name a few, we’re ready to be your equipment partner for the long haul.
Plant City
2805 SR. 60 West Plant City, FL 33567
Leesburg
1800 US HWY. 441 Leesburg, FL 34748
813-737-1660
352-315-1016
Odessa
2240 Success Drive Odessa, FL 33556
Okeechobee
727-842-8618
820 US Hwy. 98, North Okeechobee, FL 34972
Clearwater
863-763-1921
5090 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL 33760
727-828-8200
Fort Pierce
6150 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce, FL 34947
Palmetto
772-461-5568
906 US HWY 301 North Palmetto, FL 34221
941-722-3281
Loxahatchee
13295 Southern Blvd. Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Fort Myers
Give us a call today.
561-784-4000
9501 State Road 82 Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-332-5045
Belle Glade
Corporate Headquarters
Immokalee
775 E. Main St. Immokalee , FL 34142
239-657-4413
2017 N. W. 16TH Belle Glade, FL 33430
Naples
561-996-6531
1945 Pine Ridge Road Naples , FL 34109
239-260-8800
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www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
May 2015
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