In The Field magazine Polk edition

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LEARN MORE ABOUT MEAT QUALITY, ROBOTICS, INVASIVE REPTILES AND MORE – AND MAYBE WIN A PRIZE AT YOUTH FIELD DAY ON JUNE

By Brad Buck

You want to see cattle up close and find out how Florida ranchers bring beef to your dinner table? Come to the 15th Annual Youth Field Day at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center (RCREC) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 27.

Space is limited, so register (https://www.eventbrite. com/e/15th-annual-ufifas-range-cattle-rec-youth-fieldday-registration-870885852027) soon. Students, ages 8 and older — with their parents — and youth leaders are invited to attend.

The center is at 3401 Experiment Station Road, Ona, Fla. “As always, our goal is to excite students about agriculture and science, reveal future opportunities in those fields, and foster a love of learning, which will promote agriculture and good stewardship in this and future generations,” said Andrea Dunlap, marketing and communications specialist for the center.

Added RCREC Director Brent Sellers, “I view the field day as one of our most important outreach events at our center. I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to grow up on a farm, raise livestock and be involved in 4-H. Many youth in Florida don’t have that opportunity. Since our youth are our future, I think it is important to expose them to the many opportunities in agriculture and science that directly or indirectly impact our food production systems.”

The day begins with the Learning Expo. Attendees will have two hours to visit a multitude of educational booths with hands-on activities pertaining to topics such as farm safety, cattle nutrition, quail, beekeeping, ham radio operation, invisible fencing and more.

Representatives from the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) Plant City, the Florida Automated Weather Network and agricultural industry representatives will also be there, with informative stations.

During the Learning Expo, pasture tours will be offered for those who would like to see cattle in the field and learn about RCREC cattle from staff tour guides.

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Children learn about hay at the Youth Field Day at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center. Cat Wofford, UF/IFAS photography.

At 10 a.m., attendees will gather for a short welcome message, then divide into groups to rotate through five stations. At the class stations, attendees will learn about:

• Meat and the use of ultrasound to determine quality.

• Using artificial intelligence and robotics to control pests.

• Florida’s invasive reptiles.

• The importance of good nutrition to beef cattle reproduction.

• Sand to clay: Evaluating soil textures.

Lunch will be included as one of the stops in the rotation. Then, at 1:30 p.m., everyone will gather for a closing assembly, where the winner of the third annual T-shirt design contest and prize winners will be announced. Anyone can enter a design, one entry per person. All attendees will vote on their favorite T-shirt design at check-in that morning.

T-shirt design entries must be submitted by June 25. For details about the contest, visit the RCREC website calendar (https://rcrec-ona.ifas.ufl.edu/about/calendar/).

Not able to attend but still want a shirt? Order through the registration site above.

Questions, contact RCREC staff at ona@ifas.ufl.edu or (863) 735-1001.

ABOUT UF/IFAS

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

DEANNE MAPLES EXECUTIVE

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

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

Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846-0849 (863) 425-112 Justin.bunch@nutrien.com

State Director – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 634-6029 owebb@wandwsupply.com

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

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

Kevin Fussell 5125 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868 (863) 412-5876 drfussellranch@gmail.com

Wes Fussell 5010 Barush Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 838-1594 g.wesfussell@gmail.com

Det. Jay Scarborough 1575 Mountt Pisgah Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 860-7731 Jayscarborough5581@outlook. com

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

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

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

Alternate Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Scott Shoupe

Trade Show- Bridget Stice

Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808

Website – Blair Buchanon

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

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

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

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

Warner University –

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

Photos Courtesy of Images By Blair

Letter from the Editor

Boy Summer arrived with absolutely no warning! It certainly appears that we are in for another very long, hot summer. As usual this time of the year, I’m going to remind everyone to be careful when working outdoors in the Florida heat. Living here we are all familiar with the high temperatures in the summer. Not only the heat but the humidity can be stifling. The trickery those rain showers play is really disturbing as well. You think, oh look at the rain cooling things off. Nope. It’s just raising the humidity levels!

At any rate, if you are working outside in the Florida summer, here are a few tips to deal with the heat.

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing

• Protect against sunburn

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Take extra precautions with certain medications

• Use the buddy system

• Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day

• Get acclimated

It’s often difficult in the agriculture business to take it easy in the hottest part of the day so acclimation is the best route to take. But even if you think you can handle it, there are still things you need to be aware of. Look for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Once your body stops being able to regulate your core temperature, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur. Some of the symptoms to watch for include:

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Excessive sweating

• Nausea and vomiting

In its more severe form, heatstroke, confusion, irrational thoughts, or seizures may occur. If you experience these symptoms, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is when the buddy system is most helpful!

Stay safe out there!

Sarah Holt

STAFF

Publisher/Photography

Karen Berry

Senior Managing Editor/

Associate Publisher

Sarah Holt

Sales

Karen Berry

Sarah Holt De De Floyd

Melissa Nichols

Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez

Photography

Karen Berry

Melissa Nichols

Images By Blair

Staff Writers

Al Berry

Sandy Kaster

James Frankowiak

Sean Green

Contributing Writers

Wade Osborne

John Dicks

Social Media

Victoria Saunders

In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Catllemen’s Association.

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

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

Published by Berry Publications, Inc.

THURSDAY

Check-in

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Learning Expo

8:00 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.

Class Rotations & lunch

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location:

3401 Experiment Station Ona, FL

2024 CLASS TOPICS

Ultrasound Technology to Assess Carcass Quality

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Pest Control

Invasive Reptiles in Florida

Fetal Development of the Beef Calf & Cow Nutrition: Is Supplementation Profitable?

From Sand to Clay: Evaluating Soil Textures

Students, ages 8 and up, parents, & youth leaders, are invited to attend! The goal of this event is to excite students about agriculture and science, reveal future opportunities in those fields, and foster a love of learning which will promote agriculture and good stewardship in this and future generations. Register by 6/6 to pre-order a t-shirt!

Questions? Call 863-735-1001 or ona@ifas.ufl.edu

For more information & to register visit:

https://rcrec-2024yfd.eventbrite.com

Hello Summer! As we see increasing temperatures we can only pray for an increase in rainfall as we see increasing issues from dry pastures such as the need for increasing supplementation and fire risk. However, we did have a great Spring Supper this past month.

Thanks to the Starling Family (Johnny, Diane and Family) who hosted our event at their beautiful wedding barn as the Stuart Center was unavailable due to construction. Our supper was well attended and we had a wonderful meal thanks to Farm Credit that not only provided our steak supper but also gave our board the day off by fully preparing it! We are so thankful for the support of our local Farm Credit!

At our supper we reported a successful year for our ranch rodeo despite the weather and auctioned off delicious cakes made by our cattlewoman to raise money

for The Polk County Cattlewomen’s Youth Scholarships! Additionally, Eva Garcia was awarded the Cattlewomens Premier Exhibitor Award for the Polk County Youth Fair! Congrats Eva!

The Florida Cattlemen’s Association is also promoting their membership drive! Each member that recruits at least 10 new members will receive a belt buckle at the Florida Cattlemens Convention and the county with the most new members will receive a new squeeze chute! Let’s get some new cattlemen to join our awesome association!

Dr. LuJean Waters

Dr. LuJean Waters

Heartland Large Animal Services

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD

CROP IRRIGATION AND FERTILITY MANAGEMENT TOOLS:

The Soil Moisture Sensors Network

By Wael Elwakil, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

Mastering irrigation and fertility management in specialty crop production is an art— it requires time and expertise. In Florida’s unique agriculture, with its diverse soil compositions, unpredictable weather and varied production systems, this challenge is magnified. Growers aim to optimize irrigation to boost production, maximize fertilizer unitization and reduce waste while safeguarding our vital water resources for the enduring prosperity of our agricultural framework and surrounding communities.

Over the last decade or more, the soil moisture sensor technologies, alongside precision irrigation and fertilization instruments, have undergone significant evolution. These advancements are evidenced by more streamlined hardware, intuitive software interfaces and increasingly robust customer support from suppliers.

Looking at the environmental regulatory point of view, Florida water management districts and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) have been pivotal in promoting these technologies. Through incentives and costsharing programs, they offset the cost of these technologies, thus fostering higher adoption rates across Florida.

From the University of Florida side. in addition to the irrigation management research conducted, the Soil Moisture Sensors Network, in particular, works on increasing the adoption of these technologies in Florida to increase water savings and protect our water resources from potential fertilizer contaminants that may harm the environment. This network — comprising UF/IFAS Extension faculty across the state — works closely with Florida growers and many industry partners to teach more growers about the aspects of soil moisture sensor use and deriving data-driven decisions and recommendations.

With support from entities like the Florida water management districts, FDACS, and the Nature Conservancy, we offer demonstration sensor units for growers to test and try out closely. This hands-on approach aids growers in understanding data and refining their irrigation techniques, leading to a steady increase in sensor adoption each growing season. For many, these sensors have become an indispensable component of their irrigation and fertility strategies.

Moreover, some sensor systems offer added value, bundling features like compact weather stations and disease-forecast models. These tools may prove exceptionally beneficial for high-value crops, providing insights that go beyond moisture levels. Our ongoing evaluations aim to understand the full potential of these systems for Florida’s unique agricultural conditions.

We are continually seeking collaborations with growers interested in exploring these technologies at no cost. The potential benefits — improvements in crop production, cost savings and environmental conservation — are significant. Growers eager to

learn more and test these sensors closely are encouraged to contact their local county Extension agricultural agents.

While the market offers a myriad of brands and service providers, with systems varying in user-friendliness and data complexity, we offered an example of sensor field installation to showcase the practical applications of these tools (http://tiny.cc/ wtopwz or scan the QR code).

Contact Elwakil at wael.elwakil@ ufl.edu

THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN

This month I will hit the quarter century mark. Most of my readers will probably laugh when I say that it makes me feel old. Of course, I know that I more than likely have plenty of ablebodied years ahead of me. It’s just the fact that I am not really a “kid” anymore is what startles me. I am not a “baby” adult anymore either, I have made it halfway into my twenties and I have been out of college almost as long. My “I just need a job” job that I got after graduation has become my “real” job that I have been at happily for three years. My young adult friends that I plunged through early adulthood with are now my “adult” friends that I vent to and hang out with. I have friends that are my age and I have friends that are my parents’ age, I even have friends that are my grandparents’ age. Being 25 can be a bit confusing.

What is really weird about being in your mid-twenties is when you realize that you are close in age to some of the parents on TV shows. My sisters recently started watching Full House. I didn’t watch this show on a regular basis growing up, but I knew the premise, a dad trying to raise his three daughters with the help of his friends. Well, to my surprise when I came out of my room one day and saw this playing, I realized that the adults, even the dad, were just a few years older than me. It can also be a little odd when the reverse happens, and you realize that you are older than characters in movies that you grew up with. The Man from Snowy River was always a favorite movie in our house. The hero of the movie is a young adult man who has to survive by himself in the ranching world of Australia after his father dies. Of course, it’s a great adventure with impressive riding and lots of horses, and but when you realize in modern day America, he would be fresh out of high school, it lessens your childhood judgement. When I was little, I thought that he was kind of emotional and hot-headed for a grown man, when he wasn’t much more than a kid.

But just because you are technically an adult doesn’t mean you have all of the confidence or know-how of a real adult. It

By Marisol Tarango

makes me wonder sometimes if the young adults that were taking care of me when I was little were entirely confident or if there was a moment where they were not quite sure what to do and were trying to just keep the small human alive. I was entirely confident in their decisions and protection, but that is also the bliss of childhood. Even though I have been put in charge of my siblings and cousins since I was young, and have driven them to practices, games, and the movies for years, I sometimes feel like the paranoid teenager just making sure she gets the same amount of children home. (Preferably in the same condition that she left with them in.) It’s really bad when I catch myself doing a head count on younger siblings and cousins and realize that they are all old enough to vote.

What really gets me is that I don’t have a problem doing really important, sometimes complicated, adult things, but I struggle sometimes with the simple things that you learn in middle and high school. For example, I have filed my taxes by myself except for the first year that I had to file. Of course, it stresses me out every time and I am always slightly worried that the IRS may show up one day because I accidentally committed tax fraud. But guess who has to call her mom five times in the grocery store because she can’t find where something is? This same person may also have to call a couple times to make sure she has a recipe right when she has to cook dinner. This is also the same person who screamed so bad about the spider that crawled in her bed that her dad came running from across the house (in my defense it crawled across my hair and was hairy and as big as my hand).

I think that the conclusion that I am coming to as someone who is turning 25 is that you are never done “growing up” until you’re gone from this world. There are always things to learn and mature in, and when you are a kid, you believe in the delusion that adults are always confident and know exactly what to do.

The Mighty Jack is Back

Capt. Wade Osborne

Tampa Bay used to be loaded with jack crevalle, but for the past decade, their numbers had dwindled to the point that I might catch one every couple of weeks. Well, by what I’ve been seeing lately, the jack is back!

For the past six months, I’ve encountered three different school sizes of jack crevalle on a regular basis. One with fish ranging 8-10 inches, another school measuring roughly 16-18 inches, and the largest school of all, a whopping 28-30 inches. The two smaller school sizes go mostly unnoticed unless you happen to be chumming for other species with live bait. Not so with the larger school of jacks. You can see them devouring bait fish as they cruise across the grass flats a hundred yards away.

sound of the drag screaming as line rips off the spool is second to none. For tackle, I’m still using my 27-year-old, eight-foot medium mod-fast, G-Loomis, Surf Series rod. I have it paired with a Penn Spinfisher 6500 reel loaded with 200 yards of 50-pound braided line and the appropriate amount of backing. For terminal tackle, I use six feet of 60-pound fluorocarbon leader, with a 6/0 hook.

Since I’m mentioning hard-fighting fish, I’ve got to throw cobia in the mix.

Many times, when anchored and tarpon fishing, cobia will approach your boat, especially if you’re chumming while fishing. The same can be said if you’re anchored and cut bait chumming for mangrove snapper or other species. Cobia have a knack for showing up unexpectedly. The key to successfully catching one is being ready with the right tackle.

Should you be fishing and witness a school of these mammoth jacks heading your way, start broadcasting more live bait chum. As soon as they see the freebies, some will erupt on the bait, giving you time to cast towards them. Prior to making a cast, grab a rod slightly stiffer than you normally use on the flats if available because, pound for pound, large jacks are some of the hardest fighting fish in Tampa Bay.

Want to pick a bigger fight?

Tarpon are literally everywhere throughout Tampa Bay. They’re around every bridge from the Skyway to the Courtney Campbell, at every port, and in every main deep-water channel. There are many methods for catching tarpon, but my favorite is sight-casting live pass crabs or live bait to schools of daisy-chaining fish. The thrill of the thump as it picks up your bait and the

Tarpon tackle works fine for cobia, it’s a little overkill, but at least you shouldn’t lose any fish. For the unexpected encounter, I always keep a fake eel rigged on one of my rods. If I’m chumming and a cobia comes up in my slick, I will have someone cast a fake eel past it at an angle and work it back in front of it. While they’re doing that, I’ll hook up a live bait and have someone toss the live bait out in front of it, if it doesn’t take the eel.

Once you get a hookup, slow down and enjoy the ride. Cobia make long runs and do a lot of zig-zagging in an attempt to escape. It takes quite a while to wear cobia down before bringing them into the boat, so be patient.

Cobia’s minimum size for harvest is 33 inches to the fork, so be absolutely sure

26-Year Veteran Fishing Guide, Captain Wade Osborne.

it’s big enough before you stick it with a gaff. Once it’s brought on board, I always put it straight in my fish box and close the lid. If you don’t have that capacity on your boat, place it on the deck and step back. Large cobia can do significant damage while thrashing around until it expires.

There are many hot spots to target cobia around Tampa Bay. Start by checking out the channel marker buoys, range markers, or bridge pilings. Any of the bay’s deep water grass flats are ideal also. If you’re on the flats, pay particular attention if you see any manatees or large stingrays. Cobia love company. You will often see them swimming in pairs or groups. I’ve seen as many as 10 in one group before. It’s a sight to be seen!

Should you get lucky enough to boat two cobia, you’re done! There is a strict two-fish per-vessel limit on the Gulf Coast.

Tampa Bay fishing guide Wade Osborne of “Afishionado Guide Services” has been plying the waters of Tampa Bay as a professional full-time captain, since 1997. Osborne has been featured on numerous TV and radio shows and writes for multiple publications. Osborne offers inshore fishing charters on light tackle spin, fly or plug. He also offers eco-tours with an emphasis on photography. For more info visit Afishionado.com or find Afishionado Guide Services on Facebook and Instagram. Email: wade@afishionado.com Call/Text 813-286-3474

ES FROSTED FLATWOODS SALAMANDER

By Libby Hopkins

The Frosted Flatwoods Salamander, or the Ambystoma Cingulatum as it’s known by its scientific name, is an endangered salamander species native to the Apalachicola River in Franklin, Wakulla, Liberty, Jefferson and Baker counties. The Frosted Flatwoods Salamander inhabits slash and longleaf pine Flatwoods that have a wiregrass floor and scattered wetlands.

It is a small (9–13.5 cm total length), elongated species of mole salamander. It has a small, indistinct head, short legs, and a long, rounded tail. Typical coloration consists of a background of brownish to purplish-black overlaid with narrow gray or silvery-white reticulation bands, or diffuse spotting. The gilled aquatic larvae are distinctly colored, having a series of bold brown and yellow longitudinal stripes.

The diet of the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander primarily consists of earthworms and spiders. The Frosted Flatwoods Salamanders migrate to ponds or small puddles to breed from October to January during wet weather. Females lay clumps of eggs among vegetation such as twigs and pine needles. The maximum clutch size for the Flatwoods Salamander is 35 eggs, which hatch 48 hours after being laid. Larvae metamorphose in 90 days.

The salamander is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. One wicked hurricane could wipe the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander from the map. Due to some persistent acquisition and conservation work at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge near Tallahassee, the Frosted Flatwoods Salamander might just avoid the more perilous designation.

The Frosted Flatwoods Salamander once filled ponds across the longleaf pine forests of the Southeastern coastal plain. What was once 90 million acres of longleaf, though, has been reduced to about four million acres over the last three centuries. Woodcutters, farmers, and developers laid waste to the longleaf territory. In 2006, 52 ponds on St. Marks were occupied by salamander larvae. A decade later, only 11 ponds showed signs of the salamanders. Last year? Six ponds.

The changing climate doesn’t help. It’s often too hot, too wet, or too dry for the salamanders’ liking. Female salamanders

lay their eggs in the dry depressions alongside the ponds and wait for rainfall to fill the hollows so the eggs can hatch. But if the rains don’t come or come too late or too frequently, the larvae won’t survive. Climate-fueled hurricanes also push saltwater further into St. Marks’ forests and kill the grasses and forbs salamanders need to survive.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has restored some ponds in the north end, planted longleaf and laid down some beneficial fire on thousands of acres. Biologists and interns have also collected larvae and relocated them to cattle tanks where they metamorphose into baby salamanders before being returned to their ponds.

Last year, they collected 245 larvae and reintroduced more than 200 of them to different ponds to bolster genetic diversity. Twenty of the larvae were shipped to the Amphibian Foundation in Atlanta where, last year, a Frosted Flatwoods Salamander was bred in captivity for the first time. “There’s documentation that shows that head-starting increases salamander chances for survival in the wild,” said Amanda Bessler, wildlife biologist for St. Marks, St. Vincent, Lower Suwannee, and Cedar Keys refuges. “It seems we’re slowly moving, at least, in a positive direction, but much needs to yet be learned. I’m cautiously optimistic. I really hope they do better. There’s a lot of people who care about salamanders and fingers crossed, let’s hope we don’t get any more, big storms.”

LTC RECOLLECTIONS

By David Byrd

When I was in high school back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as an FFA officer, I was invited to attend an FFA Officer leadership training camp. My advisor loaded several of us boys up and carried us to Camp Byrd in Avon Park. Camp Byrd was a rustic two-story log cabin located on Lake Byrd. We spent the weekend learning about officer duties, leadership skills, and proper etiquette. Those leadership trainings helped develop me into who I am today.

After high school and a stint in the Air Force, I decided to attend college and become an agricultural education teacher. I started my teaching career in the spring of 1978 at Plant City High School. During that summer I transferred to Polk County and spent the next 35 years working for Polk County schools – first as a teacher and later as the agriculture and public service resource specialist.

In 1976, Gary Bartley, Joe Kirkland, Glenn Wade, O. T. Stoutamire, and Bob Croft attended the Southern Ag Ed Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. During that confer-

ence, the group visited the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center. They also visited facilities in Indiana, Ohio, Georgia, and Tennessee. Those visits inspired the idea of a Florida FFA Leadership Training Center.

Shortly after I started my teaching career, I heard conversations about the possibility of a leadership training facility being built in Polk County strictly for Florida FFA members. I was excited about this knowing how much the FFA officer’s trainings that I had attended impacted my life.

From 1980 to 1983, I taught at Lakeland High School. It was during these years that Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Doyle Conner started helping raise funds for the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center. He also asked Florida’s FFA chapters to assist. Each FFA chapter was challenged to raise $2000 toward the construction of the original lodge. During one of those years, LHS FFA members raised and sold broccoli, sweet corn, black-eyed peas, and ornamental plants to meet the challenge. There was a plaque displayed in the lodge bearing the names of LHS and other FFA chapters who fulfilled their obligation.

In 1981, IMC donated a tract of 200 acres of land outside of Lakeland. A kick-off gala was held at the Lakeland Civic Center on June 23, 1981. Eventually, the present-day site on Firetower Road was chosen to be the home of the LTC. Former County Commissioner Ernie Caldwell was instrumental in helping obtain permits and securing donors for the building campaign. Mr. Caldwell actually used his tractor to help clear the road going into the LTC property.

In 1985, my former Ag Teacher retired and I took his

place at Auburndale High School. The main lodge was completed in August 1989. My FFA officers participated in the first sub-district contest held at the LTC in December 1989 in the new lodge. Sadly, an arsonist burned the lodge to the ground the next month. With determination and a lot of hard work, the lodge was rebuilt where it stands today.

Over the next several years, six villas and a pool were added. Later on, the education building was built and then a few years later an additional villa, picnic pavilion, and maintenance shop were added.

The FFA Leadership Training Center has been used by thousands of students working to develop their leadership skills and abilities. Many, many students have attended Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT), Made for Excellence (MFE), Chapter Presidents Conference (CPC), and Advanced Leadership Development (ALD). As FFA advisors at Auburndale High School, we expected our FFA officers to attend as many leadership development programs as they could fit into their schedule.

During the summer months, the LTC offered students the opportunity to attend additional training camps. Many students attended on scholarships through funding that Mr. Gary Bartley obtained from business and industry supporters. My own daughter attended Florida Leadership Adventures (FLA) on a scholarship. Other FFA members attended Florida Outdoor Adventures (FOA) where they learned outdoor skills related to fishing, hunting, and boating laws and activities. FLA and FOA summer camps were held for many years at the LTC.

In addition, many FFA contests have been held at the LTC including sub-district, district, and state level competitions. When the LTC is not being used by FFA, other student groups such as Future Business Leaders of America, Skills-USA, and Future Builders of America hold conferences and competitions at the LTC. The LTC has been available for churches, family groups, weddings, school reunions, business meetings, and governmental agency seminars.

Each year in the spring, FFA members who wish to become State FFA Officers spend their time at the LTC undergoing rigorous State Officer screenings, demonstrating the skills, attitudes, and aptitudes they have developed in the FFA.

It takes a lot of money to keep the LTC operating. For many years, students were asked to help raise funds through the collection of pocket change. What started out as the “penny harvest” evolved into the “harvest of change.” Hundreds, maybe thousands of my students at Auburndale High School helped collect and donate funds to the LTC. I remember lugging a five-gallon bucket of change to the State FFA Convention. From then on, we had a school check issued.

a large trailer load of young trees that were grown in 20 to 40-gallon containers. I also remember looking at those same trees a few weeks later after the deer had chewed on them!

Each spring for several years, the LTC hosted an annual fundraising event called the Beast Feast. Mr. Dennis Der, from Plant City, gave the Foundation Board of Directors the idea and it became very successful. The event generated about $100,000.00 each year. Many FFA Chapter members and other supporters looked forward to the annual Beast Feast. The LTC also hosted an annual Run-a-Muck mud run for a few years.

As the supervisor for agricultural education in Polk County, we partnered with Mosaic to host the Polk County Summer Ag Tour each summer. The good folks at Mosaic were kind enough to pay for my students’ lodging at the LTC.

The LTC also hosted out of state chapters who travelled here during their spring breaks. I remember spending some time with the FFA members and Advisors from Union County, Kentucky. We gave them a tour of the citrus growing area (before HLB). I remember having an orange juice tasting activity for them. I added juice from sour oranges as one of the samples.

The FFA Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held at the LTC for several years. I understand it is now held in conjunction with the State FFA Convention in Orlando. I am very pleased to have been inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame.

In May of 2013, I was asked by my colleagues where I wished to have a retirement party. I chose the Florida FFA leadership Training Center.

Many events during my educational career happened at the LTC – from work days to fundraisers, from serving on the FFA Foundation Board to helping host events. When I read on Facebook that the LTC was listed for sale, I was deeply saddened. Angry? No, just sad and disappointed. It is my hope that some governmental agency or non-profit organization will purchase the facility and continue to offer leadership development to our young people.

My sincere appreciation to my friend and colleague, Mr. Gary Bartley, for having the vision and fortitude to direct the Florida FFA Foundation and the Leadership Training Center from 1979 to 2017.

RECOLLECTIONS OF THE FLORIDA FFA LEADERSHIP TRAINING CENTER

My students also spent time laying sod, planting shrubs, and planting trees. One Saturday we planted

The Florida FFA Leadership Training Center along the shore of Lake Pierce near Lake Wales has had a dramatic impact on the lives of many FFA members. David Byrd, a member of the FFA Hall of Fame and retired Supervisor for Agricultural Education in Polk County, shared his “Recollections of the LTC” as an example of just one person’s experiences.

Only one (1) entry per person, open to all ages. All entries must include "UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC Youth Field Day", "Ona, Florida" and the year "2025" in the design. Designs must be in black ink or pencil.

Approximate dimensions: 12" wide x 14" high. Submit a high-resolution scan or photo of your design as a jpg file with your t-shirt design release form to ona@ifas.ufl.edu by June 25.

This year’s Youth Field Day attendees will get to view all the entries and vote for their favorite during the morning check-in time and the winner will be announced at the end of the day. The Field Day Committee will choose the best t-shirt and imprint color for the winning design. Imprint will be in one color, either black, white, orange, or blue dependent upon the t-shirt color. Prizes: 1st place- Design will be featured on the 2025 Youth Field Day shirt and booklet, receive a free t-shirt in 2025, and a UF Block & Bridle Club cap. 2nd and 3rd place winners will also receive prizes.

Click here to register for the June 27th Youth Field Day: https://rcrec-2024-yfd.eventbrite.com Enter the t-shirt design contest! Scan the QR code below for the contest entry form.

This year’s t-shirt was designed by

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Institution

Mandolin Turner!

production. California, Florida and Oregon led the nation in sales, according to the 2014 USDA Census of Agriculture, Horticultural Specialties report.

• Florida ranks second in the United States regarding fresh vegetable production. It provides 80% of the fresh vegetables consumed in the whole of the United States during the months of January, February and March every year.

• More than half of the United States’ supply of cane sugar is produced in Florida.

• Florida is the No. 1 producer of at least eight major U.S. crops.

• Florida’s famed agriculture industry employs 2 million people and contributes more than $104 billion to the state’s economy each year.

Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the May 2018 issue

All of us do dumb things from time to time for no reason at all. I have often wondered what makes a person do things out of the ordinary. Even smart people do dumb things. We super-size our French fries and order a diet coke. Many famous people have done stupid things. Einstein could not remember his own address. Edgar Allen Poe split his pants playing leap- frog with his wife.

In 1992, Frank Perkins of Los Angeles made an attempt on the world flagpole-sitting record. Suffering from the flu he came down eight hours short of the 400-day record, his sponsor had gone bust, his girlfriend had left him and his phone and electricity had been cut off.

A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen, shaking frantically with what looked like a wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current she whacked him with a handy plank of wood by the back door, breaking his arm in two

places. Till that moment he had been happily listening to his Walkman.

Iraqi terrorist, Khay Rahnajet, didn’t pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with “return to sender” stamped on it. Forgetting it was the bomb he opened it and was blown to bits. John Bloor mistook a tube of superglue for his hemorrhoid cream and glued his buttocks together. Paul Monkton used a van with his name and phone number painted on the side as a getaway vehicle.

A bus carrying five passengers was hit by a car in St. Louis, but by the time police arrived on the scene, 14 pedestrians had boarded the bus and had begun to complain of whiplash injuries and back pain.

A man in Johannesburg, South Africa, shot his 49-year-old friend in the face, seriously wounding him, while the two practiced shooting beer cans off each other’s head. AT&T fired President John

Walter after nine months, saying he lacked “intellectual leadership.” He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it’s not Walter who’s lacking intelligence.

A man spoke frantically into the phone: “My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!”

“Is this her first child?” the doctor asked. “No, you idiot!” the man shouted. “This is her husband!”

In Ohio, an unidentified man in his late twenties walked into a police station with a 9-inch wire protruding from his forehead, and calmly asked officers to give him an X-ray to help him find his brain, which he claimed had been stolen. Police were shocked to learn that the man had drilled a deep hole in his skull with a Black & Decker power drill, and stuck the wire in to try and find the missing brain.

A 25-year-old Argentine man pushed his 20-yearold wife out of an eighth-floor window after an argument, but her fall was broken when her legs became entangled in power lines below. A police spokesperson told the state-run news agency that when the husband saw the woman dangling beneath him, he apparently tried to throw himself on top of her to finish her off. He missed, however, and fell to his death. Meanwhile, the woman managed to swing over to a nearby balcony and was saved.

Maybe I’m dumb, but there are some things I don’t understand. Why don’t we ever hear jokes about father-in-laws? When statistics claim that the sum of all the stars in the sky is about four billion, people believe it. But, when someone sees a sign on a park bench or board stating, “wet paint,” they must verify this? How many times will we keep coming back and opening the door to the fridge when we are hungry? Do we really think that food will appear there miraculously? Why did the Japanese pilots who were planning to crash into American ships wear helmets? Why do people move a vacuum cleaner over a small piece of thread again and again? Why do we pick it up, examine it and then place it back down and move the vacuum cleaner over it to give it a second chance? Why are soap bubbles always white no matter the color of the soap? Have you noticed that if it is summer we try and make the house as cold as it would be during winter, and if it is winter, we try and make the house as hot as it would be during summer?

Celebrating Memorial Day

By Maggie Fussell

This month we will celebrate Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is a day of remembrance and respect. Yes, it has become a day for BBQ’s, parties, camping trips, and store sales. I’m not sure how mattress sales support the true meaning of Memorial Day. But no matter how you celebrate the day, it is important to take action to honor the holiday.

As you prepare your meal, pray for those families who are mourning. As you enjoy your day off think about the sacrifices those soldiers made. As you shop the sales, give to a charity that supports the families of fallen soldiers. There are many different ways to respect Memorial Day without getting caught up in the commercialism of it.

Be genuine in your actions, prayers and gifts. Simply say thank you with a heart of gratitude. Do not ignore the real meaning of the holiday, instead celebrate it. Take a moment to reflect on the seriousness of the

holiday and decide how you will honor fallen soldiers. It does not have to be extravagant, but it needs to be authentic and thoughtful.

I challenge you this Memorial Day to do something different. To take action in support of those who have served the nation. To take action to support the families of those who have lost a loved one. To take action to remember, respect and honor soldiers who have given their lives to give us the freedom we have today.

Do not forget them. Do not ignore them. Do not be afraid to pray, give thanks and give. Be grateful for a day to pay tribute to those who have served. They gave their life. The sacrifices made by soldiers and their families deserve so much more than a day from us. That is why I ask you to be intentional in your actions on this day. Have a spirit of gratitude and a heart of respect to truly honor this Memorial Day.

FLORIDA SHALLOTS

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

If you enjoy garlic and onions, you should give shallots a try. A member of the allium family, shallots are closely related to onions, garlic, and chives, and are enjoyed both raw and cooked. Shallots are used to season savory dishes in many cuisines. Shallots taste like a mild onion and can easily be a substitute for onion in cooked recipes. Small in size, shallots have a light purple flesh that is covered by a thin, papery skin. While onions produce a single large bulb, shallots produce a compound bulb consisting of multiple cloves, much like garlic. In savory recipes, you can enjoy shallots raw, pickled, sautéed, roasted, or fried. Shallots are planted during the spring and fall months.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

Fresh shallots are high in vitamins, minerals, and a host of nutrition-boosting compounds, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Some of these compounds may help combat heart disease, strokes, and cancer, as well as lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Shallots are low in calories and have little to no fat, sodium or cholesterol. They contain a large number of active compounds that may help ward off cancer, heart disease, high blood glucose, and strokes. Shallots may also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and support the immune system. Like other alliums, shallots have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 100-gram serving of fresh shallot contains 75 calories, 2.5 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 17 g carbohydrate, and 3 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 9% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for folate, 7% for potassium and iron, 5% for phosphorus and magnesium, and significant amounts of calcium, iron, and zinc.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Shallots are flavorful, thanks to their sulfur-containing compounds. These include allicin and sulfoxides, which also give it most of its health-boosting properties. Hydrogen sulfide gas also keeps blood vessels dilated and relaxed and in turn, it keeps blood pressure lower.

Shallots promote cardiovascular health in other ways as well. This allium can lower blood triglycerides and total cholesterol. It also lowers inflammation from oxidative stress by neutralizing highly reactive oxygen molecules and preventing them from damaging blood vessel linings. This helps decrease the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis. Additionally, garlic reduces the risk of clots in blood vessels by preventing clumping of platelet cells.

Shallots have many compounds that help fight off disease. It has both antibacterial and antiviral properties. This allium may also help combat infection from other microbes including yeasts/fungi and worms.

HOW TO SELECT AND STORE

When shopping for shallots, avoid those that feel soft. Fresh shallots should feel firm to the touch, and are heavy for their size. Avoid any shallots with bruises or discoloration, as they may not be fresh. Instead, look for a purple or red exterior, similar to red onions.

Store fresh shallots uncovered in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight. Whole heads of shallot can be stored for up to a month in room temperature. When ready to use, take the whole shallot and separate into the individual cloves by applying firm pressure with your hand or a knife. Remove the skin from the individual cloves by smashing or tapping with a knife until the skin loosens. You can reap the most health benefits from shallots by letting it rest after chopping or crushing it. Although shallots are available powdered, minced, or dried, fresh shallots are the best for maximal flavor and nutrition.

HOW TO ENJOY

Shallots are very versatile and can be enjoyed raw or cooked and are used in almost any type of cuisine. There are countless ways to enjoy fresh Florida shallot. It can be used raw, sautéed, fried, or even pickled. Although commonly used in pasta sauces and meat dishes, garlic can be used in a variety of entrees in many different cuisines.

More ways to enjoy shallots include:

• Sliced into rings and fried

• Roasted whole

• Pickled

• Diced and added to salad dressings

• Infuse your favorite oil with shallots to drizzle over any dish

• Sauté minced shallot to add flavor to any pasta sauce, meat, or vegetable dish

• Cut a clove in half and rub onto sliced bread for a twist on garlic bread

• Mince and mix with herbs to create a crust for roasted meats

• Mince and add to marinades, salad dressings, dips, or cream cheese

• Slice or dice and use in any stir-fry

Enjoy the flavor and nutrition of fresh Florida shallots today while boosting your heart health.

SELECTED REFERENCES

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com

FLORIDA BEEF IS IN GOOD HANDS

By Blair Buchanon | Photo Courtesy of Images Byblair

May is National Beef Month and this month we are featuring someone very special to the beef industry, Executive Director of the Florida Beef Council (FBC), DeAnne Maples. Her story begins in Volusia County, but her work impacts each county in the state of Florida and beyond. Born and raised in a small, rural beach town, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, DeAnne spent her childhood showing animals in her local 4-H and FFA chapters. She started her fair days showing smaller animals and worked her way up to showing and loving, beef cattle. Her high school agriculture teachers influenced her love for the agriculture industry and to continue this passion through every aspect of her life. She shared that she always thought she would end up as the Commissioner of Agriculture or a rural broadcaster, but in my opinion, her current position puts her on a pedestal to influence some unique groups of individuals in many positive ways.

The Florida Beef Council is an arm of the cattle industry that focuses on beef marketing and promotion, education, and research. Beefboard.org states, cattle producers “…pay $1 per head of cattle at the time of sale. It’s something you may only do a few times a year or may-

be you do it several times a month.” When you pay your $1, half goes to the Florida Beef Council and the other half goes to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. The Florida Beef Council is economical with its funds, prioritizing a return on investment through careful spending. Getting the most bang for your buck is important in every aspect of this industry!

Before blessing the Beef Council with her presence, knowledge, and skills, DeAnne worked for SeaWorld Orlando and the Anheuser-Busch companies by making significant strides in media relations and brand building. In 2018 she applied for the position of “Director of Marketing” with the Florida Beef Council and she shared that it immediately felt like home. The Florida Beef Council is one of the oldest in the nation, established in 1955, long before the Beef Checkoff, which was started in 1985. DeAnne’s goal is to be the voice for Florida cattle ranchers and focus on beef marketing, promotion, education, and research to ensure that cattle ranchers can be cattle ranchers for a long time. Speaking on this, sustainability is a hot topic, and DeAnne says “We’ve been doing this (raising cattle) for 500 years, what is more sustainable?” According

to beefitswhatsfordinner.com, there are three pillars of sustainability, Social, Economic, and Environmental. The ways that cattle ranchers can balance these three pillars are social: animal welfare, economic: improving rural economics and livelihoods, and environmental: providing pastureland for cattle to graze. What’s more sustainable than some of God’s delicious creations that he has instructed us to eat!

The state of Florida is 65,758 square miles with almost 23 million residents. There are ample opportunities to teach one of the 1,000 people moving to the state each day about the beef industry and its benefits. It takes creativity to accomplish this goal, and one of the ways that DeAnne worked towards this was by spearheading the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 partnership with the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Daytona International Speedway. This event not only gained attention from Florida residents, but also billions of people from across the nation. Before this event, Beef had not been advertised on national television in 20 years! After three years in the NASCAR world, it was time to move on to other endeavors including attending the South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, Florida. This festival is one of, if not the largest, food and wine festivals in the country, and Beef made an appearance this year. IN February, 500 celebrity chefs and almost 70,000 people got to sample beef at four tastings. DeAnne has also been featured on “Cattlemen to Cattlemen” on RFDTV multiple times since becoming Director of the FBC.

We know that consumers love the flavor and versatility of beef, and it takes being dynamic and thinking outside of the box to keep it at the forefront of their minds when grocery shopping. They also love the symbolism

of the cattle industry and by sharing stories of protecting our unique environment in our beloved state, we can convince consumers to keep buying beef and not switching to an alternative. Moving into other sectors including sports nutrition programs and middle, high school, and college classrooms, we can ensure that these future leaders understand the importance of our industries in the Sunshine State.

I couldn’t resist from asking the question, “What is your favorite cut of beef?” She proceeded to tell me a cut of beef that I have never heard of…a teres major steak, better known as a petite tender or the poor man’s filet. This cut is from the shoulder area, resembles a pork tenderloin, and has a rich beefy flavor. To cook this, she cuts it into medallions and sears it quickly on both sides. To make this her dream meal, she said she would add a large, cold salad, field peas and rice, and brussels sprouts. Yummy!

When DeAnne is not promoting beef, her number 1 job is being a mother. Beau, 23, Kyle, 20, and Meridyth, 14, have an amazing role model to look up to and call mom. “I hope they see the work I do as a passion, and I hope they find the things that they are passionate about,” DeAnne said. Her family enjoys spending time outdoors whether that is camping and finding new wild places to explore or eating good food together. Beau, her oldest son, recently got married and she now has Madisen to call a daughter-in-law. Meridyth, her youngest, is following in her mother’s footsteps by showing beef cattle and being an active FFA member. DeAnne is an impactful individual who inspires everyone around her, and I am excited to see the future of the beef industry as it lies in her trusting hands.

KNOW YOUR BEEF

UNDERSTANDING THE LIMITATIONS OF LAB GROWN MEAT

By Bridget

Recently Florida proposed legislation to ban lab-grown meat, a topic of heated debate. There are concerns that should be considered as the technology of this new form of meat production is developed. This article discusses how lab-grown meat, despite the claims of its supporters, is likely not an ideal substitute for natural beef.

1. NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES: Lab-grown meat, also referred to as cultured meat, is produced by cultivating animal cells in a laboratory or controlled factory environment. While it aims to mimic the taste and texture of real meat, there are significant differences in nutritional content which are crucial for a balanced diet.

Studies suggest that cultured meat lacks the natural distribution of nutrients found in natural meat. For example, lab-grown meats lack the complete proteins found in natural meats, which contain complete proteins that offer all essential amino acids. Natural meat is a rich source of vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, iron, zinc and selenium. Cultured meat does not naturally contain these, or they are not bioavailable unless added during production. The balance of saturated and unsaturated fats, including beneficial omega-3 fatty acids found in natural meat, can differ in lab grown meat unless specifically adjusted. Finally, compounds such as creatine and taurine, which benefit muscle function and have antioxidant properties, might not be present in lab-grown meat depending on the cultivation methods. (Source: Journal of Food Science and Technology).

2. ECONOMIC IMPACT: The economic impact of cultured meat extends beyond its influence on traditional farming, also affecting broader market dynamics, investment patterns, and global trade. Economies reliant on livestock farming could face impacts as new technologies potentially reduce demand for naturally farmed meat. This shift could also affect local job markets and industries as they adapt. If cultured meat becomes a more viable option on the market, it could

Stice, UF/IFAS Livestock Extension Agent

alter international trade patterns in meat products, impacting economic relationships and trade dependencies globally. These considerations are important for understanding the full economic impact of introducing cultured meat into mainstream consumption (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization).

3. ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS AND REALITIES: Supporters of lab-grown meat argue that it reduces the environmental footprint of meat production, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and land use. However, the energy consumption required to produce cultured meat in lab conditions is substantial. The reliance on bioreactors and other technologies in a factory setting demands continuous electricity use, which negates the alleged environmental benefits (Source: Environmental Science & Technology).

4. CULTURAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Meat consumption is deeply embedded in many cultural traditions. The introduction of lab-grown meat challenges these long-standing traditions and raises ethical questions regarding the nature of what we consume. Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics and Appetite has explored how cultural practices influence dietary choices and found that there is considerable skepticism among the public about consuming lab-grown meat. Many view it as unnatural or akin to a science experiment rather than real food. These studies underscore the significant role that cultural and psychological factors play in the acceptance of new food technologies like cultured meat.

5. REGULATORY AND SAFETY CONCERNS: The production of lab-grown meat is still in its early stages, and comprehensive long-term studies on its safety are lacking. Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are grappling with how to classify and oversee these products effectively. The potential risks of consuming a product that has not been fully vetted through traditional agricultural practices and safety protocols are a major concern for consumers and lawmakers alike (Source: FDA).

While lab-grown meat offers a futuristic alternative to natural meat production, it is fraught with challenges and concerns that make it less than ideal as a substitute. The recent legislative moves in Florida reflect a broader desire to protect traditional agricultural practices and ensure the safety and integrity of what ends up on our plates.

Stay tuned for more insights into beef and the beef industry in the “Know Your Beef” series. If you have a topic that you would like to see addressed in this article series, please contact me at bccarlis@ufl.edu

GROWING THROUGH FFA

By Libby Hopkins

Kailey Mesmer is a senior at Tenoroc High School in Lakeland. She recently wrote a “Thank You” letter to the Publisher of In The Field magazine, Karen Berry, for the sponsorship of the Champion of Champions and to let her know what an important role FFA has played in her young life. “Growing up I was extremely shy to the point that many of my elementary teachers had to bribe me to speak,” Mesmer said. “Once I found out I could share my passions with others and even encourage them to join 4-H and FFA, nothing could stop me from talking.”

Mesmer’s FFA teacher/advisor at Tenoroc High School is Sumer Tackett and she is thrilled she got to be Mesmer’s teacher and see her come out of her shell over the years. “Kailey is an amazing young woman,” Tackett said. “I’ve had her in my class since she was in ninth grade. She was very shy and hardly spoke up in class, but once she found her voice through agriculture, she flourished. I’m so proud of her and she will accomplish great things in her future.”

Mesmer has always had a love for animals. From showing dogs to rabbits, Mesmer excelled in every competition. “I have always enjoyed caring for animals and through 4-H and FFA, I found my passion in agriculture education,” Mesmer said. “I’ve been showing for 10 years now and this was my final year as I have aged out of the program. I’ve shown many different projects over the years. This past year I showed my first steer. Looking back over the years, it’s hard to believe how much my confidence has grown. Without this amazing program, I wouldn’t have found my passion in education.”

Mesmer hasn’t picked which college she will attend after graduation but she is sure she wants to major in agriculture education. “I have visited many schools to educate other students on several agriculture-related topics,” Mesmer said. “I have enjoyed it so much that I want to become an agriculture teacher. Any of the money that I earned this year showing will go towards my college expenses.”

Robin Mesmer is Kailey’s mother and she is proud of all her children and their accomplishments in agriculture. “People ask me why Bill (Kailey’s father) and I have all these animals and do all this stuff with our kids,” Robin Mesmer said. “It’s because the girls love animals and it is teaching them so much, carrying for your animals, staying up all night watching over a baby goat even sleeping outside all night. Teaching and helping others is hard work that pays off. The best reward is seeing the smile on their faces when they are helping and winning is a plus.”

Mesmer is grateful for the experiences and friends she has made through FFA. “I truly believe this program has helped me develop into a better student and person,” Mesmer said. “Not only have I developed career skills, I’ve also developed a better understanding of sportsmanship and responsibilities at a young age. FFA has helped me grow into a better team member, leader and person. I’m truly grateful for the magazine’s sponsorship of the program.”

The Champion of Champions at the Florida State Fair is a program that recognizes and rewards champion animals, that were the original foundation of livestock competitions and fairs. The program also recognizes and rewards champion youth, based on the exhibitor’s participation and achievement. The Florida State Fair believes in the value and importance of exhibitor participation in all educational opportunities offered through their animal projects.

FLORIDA FFA LEADERSHIP TRAINING CENTER IS

BROADENING ITS HORIZON

The Florida Leadership Training Center (LTC) has long served as an extended classroom where FFA members from throughout Florida come together to further develop their leadership and career skills in an environment that is safe, affordable, and supportive of student and teacher development since the early 1990s.

Located on the shores of Lake Pierce in Haines City within approximately 114+ acres, the LTC is owned and operated by the Florida FFA Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 organization with the purpose of providing financial support and service to the educational activities of the FFA members and chapters in Florida. The Florida FFA Foundation has been fortunate to own and operate the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center (LTC), an asset that is unique to FFA in Florida. Over time, the LTC has attempted to support those efforts by marketing the use of this facility beyond FFA.

However, after years of financial burden the Foundation has incurred to facilitate day-to-day operations within the hospitality industry to properly maintain this asset, the Foundation Board of Directors recently determined that it would be in the best interest of the Foundation to explore opportunities to increase the leverage and performance of that asset, while also working to maintain the vision, mission, and purpose of the LTC.

The Florida FFA Foundation has partnered with industry professionals, SVN Saunders, Ralston & Dantzler, to help expose the property to the market through a request for proposals (RFPs).

“We are continuing to explore all available options; this could be but is not limited to, a joint venture, leased partnership, acquisition by a public or private entity, or obtaining conservation easements,” said Hilary Holley, Director of Develop-

ment for Florida FFA. “This unique approach for proposals and potential opportunities for the FFA Leadership Training Center (LTC) is being carefully and diligently executed by the board with representation from agricultural education and industry supporters, with special regard given to opportunities that ensure potential future use and honoring the intended purposes of the facility. The Board of Trustees is committed to making sound financial decisions that will fulfill the Foundation's mission of securing and managing resources in order to support agriculture education and the Florida FFA Association.”

The LTC is an ideal location to host workshops and seminars, camps, family reunions, weddings, meetings, and retreats throughout the year. The staff helps to provide facilities and services to make events a success, including lodging, meals, conference rooms, and recreation. On-site activities include canoeing and kayaking, basketball, volleyball, an athletic field for softball/baseball, horseshoes, hiking, bird watching, ropes course, sporting clays, paintball, fishing, swimming, and more. Guests can also just enjoy leisure time exploring the grounds. The main lodge of the LTC offers hotel-style accommodations with scenic views of Lake Pierce. Seven nearby villas feature distinct layouts, offering visitors a private getaway and areas for rest and gatherings. The outdoor pavilion and dock storage on Lake Pierce provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation from lakeside picnics to boating adventures. Those guests and groups seeking entertainment and team-building activities have a variety of options at the LTC both indoors and outside.

To learn more about this property, visit www.flaltc.org.

To obtain information regarding this listing with SVN Saunders Ralston & Dantzler, visit www.saundersrealestate.com.

To support the work of the Florida FFA Foundation, visit www. flaffa.org/foundation.

NEWS BRIEFS

Compiled by Jim Frankowiak

“Farm Dog of the Year” Nominations Open

Farm Bureau is seeking nominations for the 2025 Farm Bureau Dog of the Year” contest, now in its 7th year. Supported by Nestle’s Purina Pet Care, the competition celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers. The grand prize winner will receive a year’s worth of Purina Pro Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. For eligibility guidelines and submission requirements, visit fb.org. The entry deadline is July 12.

UF Ranked #21 Among Agriculture Colleges Worldwide

The United Kingdom-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) education and marketing networking company has ranked the University of Florida 21st among agriculture colleges worldwide in 2024. QS ranked UF 23rd last year. This ranking is based on a methodology that measures multiple indicators from universities across the globe covering 55 different disciplines.

Youth Speech Contest Winners Announced

The Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee has announced this year’s winners of the Youth Speech Contest. They are Ashlyn Demanovich – 1st Place. She is a member of the Newsome FFA and will now proceed to the District competition. Second Place went to Marlena Lott of the Durant FFA, and 3rd Place to Sarah Menendez of the Brandon High School FFA. The contest topic was “How does Florida Farm Bureau Federation help connect youth with the Agriculture industry?”

USDA Seeking Conservation Partnership Proposals; $1.5 Billion Available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of $1.5 billion to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnershp Program (RCCP). Proposals will be accepted through July that will help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while addressing the climate crisis. Project proposals for RCCP are being accepted through the RCCP portal with details on the funding opportunities available on Grants.gov.

FARM BUREAU FEDERATION SEEKING ENTRIES FOR AG INNOVATION CHALLENGE

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. This national business competition, now in its 11th year, showcases U.S. startup companies developing innovative solutions to challenges faced by America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will each receive $10,000.

Examples of successful Ag Innovation Challenge submissions, as well as detailed eligibility guidelines and the competition timeline, can be found at: fb.org/challenge.

by John Dicks

LOVEBUGS REDUX

They’re back!  Lovebugs, that is.

Yep, just like clockwork when May rolls around, at least in central Florida, the lovebugs make known their love-induced irritating presence at picnics, ball games, strolls in the parks, and most notably, splattered in an icky mess on the windshields of every car and truck innocently just trying to get somewhere.

Capistrano in California is noted for the annual migration of swallows.  Parts of America get an annual visit of Monarch butterflies. As for us, we get lovebugs; and are doubly blessed to get them twice a year!  Once in May, of course, and then to make sure we don’t forget them, we get their not-so-sweet reappearance in September!

I’ve tried about everything to keep them at bay so as to keep them from throwing a damper on an otherwise fine outdoor gathering. Insect repellants don’t seem to work, nor do those organic magic elixirs touted on Amazon.

My most effective deterrence is aiming high-speed fans facing outward from the picnic table! Lovebugs are tenacious, but flying into what must seem to them to be a Cat. 5 hurricane usually does the trick.

A few days ago, on a day of particular annoyance by the copious copulating of conjoined flying creatures, I had the bright idea to just head out, way offshore in a boat. That should work, right?!

Well no. Sadly, and mysteriously, it did not!

No sooner than about 30 seconds after cutting the engine, well away from any land, grass, trees, even seaweed where they might hide, a massive swarm appeared, flying, drifting in the wind and just floating in the air looking for a few humans to irritate!

How this is possible, I have no idea. It seems that there is just no way to avoid them.

To add further insult to injury, when I decided to crank up the motor and flee, thinking that they’d all blow away, somehow, miraculously for them, the majority of the lovebugs clung to the seats, and lines and canopy, and acted like they were just enjoying the ride!

In some respects, I suppose that they really were having a blast. Likely it was, after all, the highlight of their lives, considering that the lifespan of an adult lovebug is only three or four days. Really, it’s that short.

Think about how much they accomplish in their brief 96 hours of life. Barely do they breathe a few times before they find a mate, honeymoon in the air, and plan a family to pass on their legacy. Strange to think that in a week’s time their grandkids could be setting out on their own adventure!

It is nice to know that, according to the smart folks at the University of Florida, “lovebugs have no risk to human health whatsoever.” The University’s entomologist, Norman Leppla, has been quoted as saying, “they don’t transmit diseases. They couldn’t bite you if they wanted to.”

They just seem to be attracted to cars and trucks.  Apparently, it’s the exhaust fumes and heat that do it, which explains also why they tend to swarm anyone on or near a lawnmower.

In case you’re wondering, it’s their eggs in the white splatter that they leave behind when smashing into windshields and the front end of vehicles. There’s upwards to 400 eggs inside the female which had been planning on laying them in the grass somewhere.

Supposedly, according to the same UF expert, the best way to clean off a splattered lovebug windshield is to use dryer sheets. Moisten the dryer sheets, and you can “just lift them right off,” leaving a “finger painting on your car that is mushy and loose.”

Then again, since avoiding the distasteful windshield mess is far better than trying to clean it up, he also suggests that we should do our best to drive at night when the lovebugs tend not to be flying and are doing whatever else lovebugs tend to do!

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

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.

This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,166,732 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/ HHS, or the U.S. Government.

A HIDDEN GEM IN POLK COUNTY

By Libby Hopkins

Circle F Dude Ranch is a true hidden gem in Polk County. “When people or campers come out to ranch, their comment is usually, ‘I lived here all my life and I had no idea you’re here,’” said Circle F Dude Ranch Camp Director, Ben Moss. “We have been in operation since 1952.”

So what exactly is a Dude Ranch? To begin, you have to understand what a “Dude” means. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the word “Dude” had a very different meaning. Back then a “Dude” was a city dweller, someone the ranchers or cowboys viewed as a city slicker.

When those city dweller “Dudes” began to discover that ranches were a great escape from the city, ranches started hosting them as guests. These trips from the city grew into fun family-friendly Dude Ranch vacations. Over time, these ranches became known as Dude Ranches.

Dude ranches have always maintained a unique, authentic experience for their guests from the very start. “All ranches have deep histories and traditions, with hospitality being a focus,” Moss said. “Ranches become the country home for their guests, where they feel like family among the staff. In keeping with the tradition of entertaining their guests, each ranch offers its own type of fun and exciting activities during a stay. At our dude ranch horseback riding is one of our most popular camp activities. Kids love getting time out on the trail, ring work, as well as taking care of the horses.”

The Ranch was started in 1952 by the Fischbach family. The site was originally being prepared for a sand mine opera-

tion and the family stepped in to establish the Dude Ranch and sleep away camp. Years later it was purchased from the Fischbach family by Paul Wells, who became the operator of the ranch.

Circle F Dude Ranch ownership is currently back in the Fischbach family. “Paul Wells was the operator of Circle F and was ready to retire and sell the business,” said Reed Fischbach. “Our family wanted the chance to control Circle F’s future and looking forward to thriving for many years to come. My grandparents George and Catheryn Fischbach founded Circle F Dude Ranch Camp in 1952. In 1999 the property was sold to Florida Rock. I worked as a counselor at Circle F the summer of 1999 and learned of the pending sale when I came home from working that summer. This started me on the path to learn more about real estate and ultimately going into the real estate industry in 2004. I always wanted the opportunity to bring Circle F back into the family. It has been a dream come true to see it happen.”

Circle F Dude Ranch is truly special to the Fischbach family. “My parents meet at Circle F, I spent 10 summers as a camper and one as a counselor,” Fischbach said. “The fact that Circle F has fostered so many genuine, lifelong connections and friendships speaks volumes about the community and environment it provides. It’s these connections and relationships that make Circle F truly special.”

This summer will be the ranch’s 73rd summer camp. It is known as one of the best sleep away camps in Florida, a private group rental venue and an outdoor education center,

hosting kids, staff, and guests from all over the world. “It’s our mission to create authentic experiences for our guests,” Moss said. “We are doing horseback riding, archery and climbing. We are doing those hands-on sports and activities that are helping kids get out of their comfort zone and grow.”

Moss and his staff believe strongly in the values the campers learn during their stay at the ranch. “We create an environment where an individual can become the most genuine version of themselves,” Moss said. “We accomplish this through our core mission of respect, inspiration, positive thinking, play, leadership, and engagement. Our activities, ranch experiences, and programs embody our mission. Everything we do serves our purpose.”

Circle F has 21 bunkhouse cabins that can sleep up to 252 individuals. Their cabins are rustic but comfortable. Each cabin has six bunk beds and sleeps up to 12. Bunkhouses have tile floors, air conditioning, heat, and a full bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower. Air conditioners operate from

7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night in the summer, fall, and spring season.

The ranch is also a strong supporter of farm-to-table dining. Fresh, locally sourced, farm-to-table meals are an important part of any Dude Ranch experience. “We want everyone to enjoy a delicious meal when they sit down in the Lasso Lodge Dining Room,” Moss said. “The ranch provides a variety of healthy and fresh options to meet all personal preferences. Our focus is producing meals with safe, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients while supporting our local farms. The ranch sources much of our food locally through Florida farmers.”

If you would like to learn more about the Circle F Dude Ranch, you can visit their website at www.circlefduderanchcamp.com or call 863-676-4113. The ranch is located at 5301 Dude Ranch Road in Lake Wales.

Recipes

Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Florida Blueberry Lemon Corn Muffins

INGREDIENTS

Mar 16, 2017•Recipe

RECIPERecipe Content

Blueberry-Lemon Corn Muffins

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Florida blueberries

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

1/2 cup whole milk

2 large egg yolks

1/2 stick (¼ cup) unsalted butter

Paper muffin cup liners

For the shell:

In a bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add egg yolk mixture and blend until liquid is incorporated. Form dough into a ball, dust with flour and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, for 1 hour. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness on a floured surface. Fit dough into a 10-inch tart pan with a removable fluted rim, and chill covered for at least 30 minutes or overnight. After chilling line shell with foil, fill the foil with the rice and bake in the middle of a preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and rice, then bake the shell for 5 to 10 minutes more, or until pale golden. Let cool in the pan on a rack.

Chef Justin Timineri

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line six 1/3-cup muffin cups with paper liners. Melt butter and cool. Into a large bowl, sift together flour and baking powder and whisk in cornmeal, 1/2 cup sugar, lemon zest and a generous pinch salt. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk and yolks and add to flour mixture with half of blueberries, gently stirring until just combined. Divide batter evenly among cups (batter will fill cups) and press remaining blueberries into tops of muffins. Sprinkle tops of muffins evenly with remaining tablespoon sugar. Bake muffins in middle of oven about 15 minutes, or until tops are golden and a tester comes out clean. Remove muffins from cups and cool on a rack. Keep muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for two days.

Blueberry Buttermilk Tart

For the shell:

Ingredients

q q

1/4 cup Florida natural sugar

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into bits

1 large egg yolk, beaten with 2 tablespoons ice water

Raw rice for weighting the shell

For the filling:

2 cups fresh Florida blueberries, rinsed and dried

1 cup buttermilk

DIRECTIONS

For the filling:

3 large egg yolks

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Accompaniment: Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

In a blender or food processor blend together buttermilk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, zest, lemon juice, butter, vanilla, salt, and flour until smooth. Spread blueberries evenly over bottom of the shell and pour the buttermilk mixture over them. Bake the tart in the middle of a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until filling is set. Let the tart cool completely in the pan on the rack. Sprinkle with the confectioners’ sugar, and serve at room temperature or chilled with a topping of choice.

GREEN HORIZON LAND TRUST:

PRESERVING LANDS IN AND AROUND THE CENTRAL FLORIDA RIDGE

For the last 33 years, the Green Horizon Land Trust has been working both creatively and diligently to acquire and assist with the acquisition into conservation of more than 6,600 acres of natural central Florida.

Referred to as the Central Florida Ridge, the focus of the trust is the diversity of the central Florida habitat, such as the cutthroat seeps at the Lake Buffum site or terrestrial orchids at Lake Buffum and Lewis Arboretum. ,” said Rachelle Coleman Selser, Executive Director of the Green Horizon Land Trust. To better understand the Central Florida Ridge, Rachelle Coleman Selser, Executive Director of the Green Horizon Land Trust, suggests “envisioning a series of sand dunes at the beach. The ridges making up the ridge are ancient sand dunes. There are higher elevations along each ridge with lower elevations in between the ridges.

“Just as the ocean shapes and changes land today, it shaped and changed the land in the past. The ridges are a large scale representation of the ripple effect of moving water on the ocean floor or at the beach. The ridges that comprise the Central Florida Ridge are a larger scale of the same fluvial geomorphology, how water shapes and changes the land,” said Selser.

The Green Horizon Land Trust was established to preserve environmentally valuable or sensitive lands and open space areas in and around the Central Florida Ridge for the benefit of the general public and to educate the public as to the importance of such lands and their preservation.

Green Horizon uses a variety of methods to achieve its land conservation goals and to financially benefit donors. Conservation may be accomplished through outright purchases, bargain sales, donations, conservation easements, limited development agreements or similar techniques. It is a 501(C)

(3) Florida corporation, governed by a Board of Directors consisting of local individuals from such diverse fields as -business, law, banking, real estate, land planning and conservation. More information on the board is available at: https// greenhorizon.org.

These relic sand dunes created over thousands of years by the dynamic movements of sea, ice and wind now provide refuge for rare and endangered plants and animals. Although consisting of a variety of habitats from low and wet bayheads to high and dry sandhills, the ridge is most famous for its scrub habitat. Wildlife and plants once isolated on these islands evolved extremely unusual characteristics. This forest in miniature consists of clusters of shrubs scattered between patches of open sand. The lack of canopy cover and very deep porous sands create a hot, dry, desert-like habitat. Due primarily to a long period of isolation, plants and animals that live on the Ridge have developed ways to deal with their harsh environment.

One of the scrub's best known residents is Florida's only endemic bird, the Florida scrub-jay. When walking through scrub areas, small scrub lizards often race off in the distance — perhaps an adaptation for crossing the hot sand quickly. Many animals of the scrub spend much of their lives underground to escape the hot Florida sun as well as to avoid predators. The gopher tortoise digs a burrow underground that may be up to ten feet deep and up to 30 feet long. More than 360 species may share the gopher's burrow. Other small animals such as the sand skink leave only S-shaped tracks as it "swims" just beneath the surface of the sand. It is the only known sand-swimming skink in North America and occurs in only seven counties in Florida.

Most of the vegetation in the ridge consists of (or has evolved into) scrub plants with thick waxy coated leaves that are

drought tolerant. The leaves of the sand live oak are thick and leathery, rolled in at the edges to help retain as much water as possible during the blazing hot days of summer. Species of Yucca, Scrub plum, and scrub palm dot the landscape and are well-adapted to the hot sun and fast-draining soils.

In the early twentieth century parts of the ridge were converted to citrus groves. More recently, some of the citrus groves, particularly in the north of the ridge, have been redeveloped for residential housing

“Conservation of trust lands is a significant and ongoing responsibility,” said Selser. “We appreciate the involvement of our volunteers as they work to help us maintain the lands we have acquired and to educate the public about the overall importance of the Central Florida Ridge.”

Of recent note is the engagement of youth in the efforts of the trust. An example is Selser’s daughter River and her fascination with butterflies. A Girl Scout Cadet, working towards her Silver Award, River began a project called “Planting for Pollinators,” an initiative intended to educate visitors at the Michael V. Lewis Arboretum nature park in Winter Haven about the importance of pollinators and the kinds of plants they enjoy.

In addition to informational signage, the project included the installation of a small garden to show the pollinator-friendly practice at work.

“We have also met recently with a Scout troop leader to discuss ways in which aspiring Eagle Scouts could become involved with trust activities,” said Selser. “Overall, we welcome assistance with our overall goals to preserve sensitive lands and to educate the public about those lands and the importance to preserve them.”

This past Earth Day, the Barbara Pedersen Wildlife Preserve in Lake Wales received trail maintenance and restoration from the “Love the Earth Day” volunteers with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Myers Auto Group, Subaru - South Tampa, Subaru - Lakeland and Subaru - North Orlando. The preserve, which is open to the public, is a remnant of the ancient, long leaf pine forest that once existed along the entire length of the Lake Wales Ridge.

For more information about the Green Horizon Land Trust and ways to become involved fiscally and through volunteerism, visit https//greenhorizon.org.

By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

POLK SHERIFF’S CHARITIES DONATES 4X4 POLARIS WORKHORSE TO HOPE EQUINE RESCUE IN WINTER HAVEN

It was my pleasure to hand over the keys of a brand new Polaris 570 two-seater 4x4 ATV to Dani Horton at Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven. McKibben Powersports of Lake Wales provided the 4x4 at a great, discounted price.

Hope Equine Rescue works with our Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty, Abuse, and Neglect unit to help save and rehabilitate abused and neglected horses, mules, and donkeys. As many in the agricultural community know, our office has the largest agricultural crimes unit in Florida—our animal cruelty and abuse investigators are a part of that group.

These deputies investigate animal abuse and neglect complaints, including animal hoarders. Some of these cases involve large animals. It is such a relief and comfort to know that Hope Equine is there to help us treat and rehabilitate these animals. They are also great at finding them new homes, once our investigations are complete.

Dani Horton and the Hope Equine Rescue staff are literal lifesavers. They are one of the most amazing, loving, and hardworking non-profits we work with. They deserve our support and the community’s support. If you have not stopped by, volunteered, or donated to Hope Equine Rescue in Winter Haven, you really should.

Hope Equine has a couple of new programs that you should check out:

“Horse 101” is a 4-month series from June to September of educational clinics that will focus on new horse owners. The program will cover veterinarian care, farrier care, nutrition, tack fit, how to prepare for your first horse, basic horse handling skills, and more. It will be free for 4-H and FFA students.

Participants will be able to work hands on with Hope Equine’s horses to learn basic horse handling skills and how to read body language. Completion of the series will earn participants a new horse owner survival kit with all kinds of supplies, a certificate of completion, and discounts off adoption fees and any future clinics.

“Reading with Rescues” is a program for K-5th grade students to come to the rescue and read to a horse, donkey or mule, supervised, but unassisted, for approximately 20-25 minutes. Each month there are different themes and the students are welcome to dress up. Snacks, drinks and an activity station are included. Students are welcome to bring their own reading material or borrow some from the donated books on hand.

Sign-up is through online registration for a $5 donation and is limited to 25 students per session. After reading, students will have a “petting experience” where they will have the opportunity to pet a pony and get to ask our handler any horse questions they may have.

Benefits of this program for kids are: Build Literacy Skills; Strengthen confidence speaking out loud in a non-judgmental atmosphere; Develop a stronger vocabulary; Increase attention span; and promote empathy. Benefits for the horses are: Introduction to children in a safe, controlled environment; Exposure to multiple people and situations; Builds trust in humans; and brings attention and love! If you would like to volunteer to assist with this program or would like more information, please e-mail Hope Equine Rescue at readingwithrescues@hopeequinerescue.com

Hope Equine Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2008 near Winter Haven, Florida. To learn more about Hope Equine Rescue go to: https://hopeequinerescue.com/

A Closer Look

by Sean Green

A Closer Look Orchard Orbweaver (Leucauge argyra)

Do you remember when the world was wonderous? When most of what we saw was new? When beetles, spiders, and other insects were brilliantly colored creatures that inspired investigation rather than fear? This is the mindset of a naturalist, and our passport to a lifetime of adventure in the world around us if we choose to redeem it. This month we’ll take a closer look at a small spider that was described by Charles Darwin himself as having a brilliant abdomen with red color “like ruby with a bright light behind.” The Orchid Orbweaver (Leucauge) described by Darwin is a genus of the long-jawed orb weaver family (Tetragnathidae). In North America, we have only two species of this beneficial spider, the most common being the Orchard Orbweaver (Leucauge venusta). Less common is (Leucauge argyra), found only in Florida. Populations of these spider’s peak in May and will continue throughout the summer. This month we hope you will take a closer look at the orchard spiders that so fascinated Charles Darwin himself. It’s a treasure that will be abundant in the parks and wilderness areas right here in Florida.

In the early 19th century the HMS Beagle, a Cherokee class 10-gun warship of the royal Navy, took part in the coronation of King George IV of the United Kingdom and was later adapted to survey the maritime features of the coast of South America. On its second voyage, Charles Darwin, the renowned naturalist geologist and biologist best known for his contributions to the science of evolutionary biology joined the expedition. Darwin was only 22 at the time and had just completed his Bachelor of Arts degree as a prerequisite for his pursuits as a parson (priest). The young student had no sooner returned from a geology field trip with British priest and geologist Adam Sedwick, (the founder of modern geology), when Darwin’s esteemed tutor and mentor John Stevens Henslow proposed Darwin would be a fitting (yet unaccomplished) naturalist for the Beagles expedition. Darwin’s role would be that

of a gentleman, rather than a “mere collector,” keeping the ship’s captain Robert FitzRoy in company and conversation.

Darwin was at liberty to spend most of his time on land exploring the geology and originating his private natural history collections while the crew of the HMS Beagle set about their task of surveying and charting the coasts. Darwin took care to keep control over his collections for their intended scientific value rather than surrender them for use in the British Museum. He kept meticulous notes of his observations and regularly sent specimens, letters, and copies of his journals to Cambridge and his family. The expedition took Darwin through Rio de Janeiro in May of 1832, where Darwin collected the first specimen of what we now know as the Orchid Orb Weaver. It is obvious from his notes that Charles Darwin was impressed with the beauty of the spider; he described his specimen as having a brilliant abdomen with red color “like ruby with a bright light behind.” The young Charles Darwin suggested the genus name Leucauge and sent the specimens off to Cambridge.

In 1841, Scottish zoologist Adam White was tasked with identifying and publishing the spiders collected by Darwin on the Beagles expedition. The spiders genus was documented and published in Whites Description of new or littleknown Arachnida. (1841) where the type specimen was named (Leucauge argyrobapta). Unfortunately, Whites vague description of the single specimen did not include illustrations and inadequately confirmed the identity. To make matters worse, the only known specimen was lost after White published the description. Consequently, the genus (Leucauge) was lumped into a generic “wastebasket taxon” that included several hundred loosely related species. It has only been recently (2010) that research has confirmed that the type species Leucauge argyrobapta found by Darwin, is a synonym for the common North American species Leucauge ve-

nusta. The research also concluded that a second species Leucauge argyra, is distinct from Leucauge venusta and in North America, only found in Florida.

Only a hand full of orb weavers build horizontal webs, these are two of them. Each build webs only a few feet from the ground in shaded meadows, low shrubs, and forest understory. This web strategy is particularly effective for capturing mosquitoes, moths and flies that rise from the grasses for mating. These nocturnal spiders rest upside down, centered on the bottom of their web during the day unless disturbed. The Florida species Leucauge argyra is a colonial species, as are other Leucauge to a lesser extent. Colonial species build communal webs that are shared by many spiders. Individual territories are kept. Larger spiders up top, smaller juveniles closer to the ground. It is thought that this strategy allows the community of spiders to work together to subdue prey that would be too large for a solitary web and offers a measure of protection from common predators such as lizards, and other spiders. Some colonial colonies can grow large enough to trap birds and bats as well as large insects.

The colonial strategy is not failproof though, orchard spiders are parasitized by Ichneumonid wasps that invade the spiders body and control the spiders brain with the release of certain chemicals forcing the spider to redesign its web to function as a fortress for the pupating wasp rather than a trap for capturing food like it’s supposed to. (I know it’s another insect zombie story), but these things are quite common in nature and hard to avoid mention. Darwin was right on target when he proposed the genus name (Leucauge); the name comes from the Greek leukos, meaning “with bright gleam” or white and venusta is Latin for “beautiful.” If you get a chance to get out and take a closer look at this spider, take delight in knowing your looking at the only spider name that can be directly attributed to Charles Darwin.

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A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION

By Melissa Nichols

Cary Lightsey has one mission and that is to preserve “Old Florida” and his mission was recently recognized by Conservation Florida. Cary Lightsey was named Conservationist of the Year last month and recognized for being not only a pioneer for conserving land but also a spokesman for the cause. One of the quotes that Cary has said time and time again is, “I am preserving Old Florida for my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I want them to be able to drive and see the countryside. I want them to see wildlife and the creeks flowing. I want them to know agriculture and to know not only how something grows but where their water comes from.”

“As a young boy growing up, I was jealous of my friends who played baseball and had extra-curricular activities, as a grown man I am thankful to have spent all my days on a working cattle ranch. It has taught me to appreciate the sunrises and sunset on open land, it has taught me the value of conservation and the future land use,” Cary said.

Cary recalls driving a few hundred head of cows up when he was younger in an area of Riverview and for the first-time seeing houses being built in the fields where he once saw hay being cut. He recalls hearing the hammering of wood while driving cows to the pens. That 2000-acre ranch is no longer a ranch, it is a subdivision and the memories made there are all fading. As he drives around the county and state, Cary recalls countless large ranches now filled with hundreds of homes. He said it hurts seeing so much ranchland and farmland now become neighborhoods. Cary has received many awards over the last 30 years. In 2005 he was nominated by Florida Cattlemen for Environmental Stewardship; he won the state award and went on to win the National Award. In 2009 he was the Southern Sunbelt Farmer of the Year. In 2016 he received the Audubon Florida Sustainable Ranch Award. Cary said this award meant a lot to him as it was not only a reflection of his work but also of the future generations. With three kids who have the ability to care for the ranch and nine grandchildren, Lightsey Cattle Company has proven their sustainability. The award also encompassed conservation stewardship efforts, something that Cary takes very seriously.

Lightsey Cattle Company has been a pioneer in protecting wetlands, scrub, hammocks, and pine flatwoods as well as working hard to restore areas of Brahma Island that were destroyed by invasive weeds and erosion. The now sandy bank of the island looks much like the beach area from 50 years ago. Conservation Florida recently honored Cary and his wife Marcia at their inaugural Sunshine State Soirée with the Conservation Legacy Award for their years of commitment to conserving wild Florida and their dedication to our organization. A sixth-generation Florida rancher, Lightsey began partnering with Conservation Florida in 2020 and has since protected thousands of critical acres within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including XL Ranch Lightsey Cove. They’ve hosted events for Conservation Florida on Brahma Island, raising funds and awareness for our mission while also paving the way for conservation easement use among Florida ranchers statewide. “Years ago, Marcia and I created this award with Conservation Florida to bring awareness to not only landowners doing great things but to bring more public awareness and celebration to land protection. Receiving this award was an unbelievable surprise. It really does mean a lot to us, and we hope that others want to get involved, too,” Cary said.

“Cary and Marcia Lightsey’s long-standing commitment to land conservation has set an extraordinary example to us all,” said Conservation Florida CEO Traci Deen. “Beyond that, they are passionate and persistent about protecting this place we call home. They bring the agricultural and environmental worlds to the same table, pulling all hands on deck to conserve Florida.”

“If we don’t protect our future with conservation, we won’t have enough natural resources left for our children and grandchildren to enjoy what we all have,” said Cary.

On behalf of In The Field Magazine we congratulate the Lightsey family for their tireless efforts to continue the legacy they have created.