In The Field magazine Polk edition by Berry Publications, Inc

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

GROWERS, RESEARCHERS AND ALLIED GROUPS GATHER FOR FALL BLUEBERRY SHORT COURSE By Jim Frankowiak The berries in Plant City turned “blue” for the better part of October 7 as the Florida Blueberry Growers Association held its semiannual meeting and Fall Short Course at the Trinkle Center on the campus of Hillsborough Community College (HCC). The day- long event blended educational presentations with exhibits for allied industry members and the opportunity for the estimated 400 attendees to network. Following welcome remarks by HCC Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Bonnie Finsley Satterfield, the morning session, entitled “Blueberry Fundamentals – Updates on Timely Topics, began with a presentation by Dr. Peter Dittmar, Horticultural Sciences Departments, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida (UF) on winter weed management. His comments covered topics such as application methods, proper pacing for both pre and post emergence herbicide. Dittmar also discussed advantages and disadvantages of the use of landscape fabrics, as well as available resources in instances of herbicide resistance. They included county Extension offices and direct contact with him via email: pdittmar@ufl.edu. Dittmar also suggested the UF/IFAS site, Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS), as another information repository available at no cost to interested parties. He specifically suggested the topic, Weed Management in Blueberries once on the EDIS site. Dittmar’s presentation outline, as well as those of others given during the meeting, is available online at www.floridablueberrygrowers.com. “Update on Bud Mites and Other Troublesome Pests in 2014” was the title of Dr. Oscar Liburd’s presentation. He is with the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology and discussed blueberry bud mites, blueberry gall midge and chilli thrips. Liburd presented signs of the pests, suggested controls, management and monitoring steps that could be taken and variables related to each, as well as the effectiveness of various treatment options presented. During a break in presentations, Florida Blueberry Growers Association President Dudley Calfee expressed his thanks to the City of Brooksville, which is home to the annual Blueberry Festival, for its donation of office space to the association and the shared services of an Administrative Assistant. The dates for the 2015 festival are April 11-12, 2015. UF Plant Pathologist Dr. Phil Harmon then shared “Recent Observation on Diseases in Florida Blueberry Fields.” His comments reflected samples received by the UF Plant Disease Clinic during this year and noted Anthracnose and Algal Stem Blotch, telltale signs of related disease,

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

management recommendations and suggestions for application and sanitation. Growers were given a dose of good news and marketers a challenge in brief remarks by FBGA Board Member Michael Hill regarding his recent participation in a trade association visit to Bogota, Colombia during which “we saw significant opportunities for our products in Columbia and elsewhere around the world,” he said. “Those are new markets for us, but we need the assistance of our marketers to take advantage.” Attendees were then introduced to the Blueberry Family Health Foundation and its mission by Executive Director Kari Rosenfeld who noted the ultimate goal of this new foundation is “to end type 2 diabetes in children.” The foundation, which was founded by families heavily involved in the blueberry industry, plans to kick off its national outreach program at the Blueberry Festival in Brooksville next year. She encouraged attendees to learn more about the foundation join and support its efforts. The foundation’s website is www. bbbfamilyhealth.org. and the blueberry industry is a primary partner. Dr. Jeff Williamson reviewed hydrogen cyanamide practices in Florida blueberries relating to both traditional/dormant and nondormant/evergreen production systems. His remarks covered variable considerations related to each system, recommendations and factors leading to both advantages and disadvantages to growers. The afternoon sessions included: • Update on Blueberry Cultivar Performance in Florida by Dr. Jim Olmstead of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department • Review of the 2014 Florida Blueberry Festival by Festival Coordinator Michael Heard Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and cost-sharing opportunities for blueberry growers by Jemy Hinton, BMP Implementation Team , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services • The Four R’s for nutrient management practices – David Royal, nutrient stewardship director of the Nature Conservancy • Freeze protection practices for Florida blueberries by Gary England, Lake County Extension In addition to the educational presentations, the meeting incorporated a trade show of varied blueberry industry equipment and service providers plus public sector resources. Additional association information, including access to presentations given at the Fall Short Course, is available at www.floridablueberrygrowers.com. The FBGA’s next semiannual meeting will take place in February, 2015. An official meeting announcement will be released before the end of this year. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

POLK COU NTY

Contents

CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

V O L . 7 • IS S U E 7

Contents

P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 Bartow, FL 33831 -9005

President – J. B. Wynn OFFICERSDave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 (863) 581-3255 & B OARD OF DIRECTORS cattlemenslivestock@ jbwynn29@gmail.com P resident - C harlesearthlink.net C lark Senior High School Agriculture Program ( 863) 528-8537 Vice President – David Gaining Momentum Mike Facente McCullerscclark@ expoco.com 697-9419 (863) 635-2821crookedlaV ice P resident - Dave(863) Tomkow keranch@verizon.net ( 863) 6 6 5-50 88 cattlemanslivetock@ earthlink.net Standing Committee Chairs: Pictured on the Cover: cover photo by Melissa Nichols Doug Harwell, Keitha Hall, Kyle Carlton, Erica Morse Secretary/Treasurer - Justin S ecretary/ Treasurer - J ustin B unch Membership- J.B. Wynn Bunch ( 863) 4 25-1121 jbunch@ agriumretail.com (863) 425-1121 Master Gardner Land Grant A l B ellotto - ( 863) 581-5515Events- Kevin Fussell jbunch@agriumretail.com President for UF R ay C lark - ( 863) 6 83-819 6 (863) 412-5876 rclark@ tampabay.rr.com State Director – Ray Clark L .B .(863) F landers, DV M - ( 863) 6 4 Trade 4 -5974 Show640-0719 Fishing Hot Spots rclark@tampabay.rr.com Dewey F ussell - ( 863) 9 84 -3782 Literary Time Machine Rodeo- Fred Waters Mike F ussell - ( 863) 69 8-8314 Al Bellotto fussell.flafarm@ verizon.net (863) 559-7808 (863) 581-5515 David McC ullers - ( 863) 528-1195 Adam H. Putnam Website – Chris Nelson MobyCharles Persing Recipes (863) 533-1020 Clark- ( 863) 528-4 379 Ned W aters - ( 863) 69 8-1597 RChrisnelson@gmail.com watersn@ doacs.state.fl.us (863) 528-8537 Rocking Chair Chatter J .B . W ynn - ( 863) 581-3255 cclarkc4@yahoo.com Cattlewomen – Vice Presijbwynn29 @ gmail.com dent, Laura Slocumb Chayote Squash L.B. Flanders, DVMFacente - ( 863) (863)697-9419 660-7000 A lternate - Mike (863) 644-5974 laura@higgenbotham.com

VOL. 8 • ISSUE 3

F eature S tory

Rob Kathleen Krieger Page 34

Page

Page 10

Page 34

Page 14

Page 35

Page 18

Page 38

Page 22

Page 39

Green Turtles

S tanding C ommittee C hairs:

Page 26

Natuarlly Amazing

Page 42

Crime Trend Alert

Page 28

Closer Look

Benson’s Canine Cookies

Page 30

Page 43

Membership - J .B . W ynnExtension – Bridget Carlisle Dewey Fussell

(863)- 984-3782 PO Box4 12-5876 9005, Drawer HS03 E vents K evin F ussell ( 863) Bartow, FL 33831

R odeo - F red W aters ( 863) 559 -780 8 Mike Fussell (863) 519-1048 watersf@ doacs.state.fl.us (863) 698-8314 bccarlis@ufl.edu Website - Chris Nelson

fussell.flafarm@verizon.net C attlewomen - P resident Sheriff’s Dept. – Sgt. Marjorie W ood ( 863) 6 6 0 -4 137 Moby Persing Tommy Dixon onnie397@ aol.com 863-528-4567 (863) 534-7205 E xtension - B ridget C arlisle ( 863) 519 -8677 tdixon@polksheriff.org bccarlis@ ufl.edu

S heriff’s Dept. - S gt. Tommy Dixon

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Letter from the Publisher Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Patsy Berry, Lori DeMello, Kellie Corry, Karen Berry, Al Berry

10th Anniversary It’s hard to believe that In The Field Magazine is celebrating 10 years in business. I have to say I couldn’t be more proud of what we have accomplished. September 2004 I decided to embrace a niche market to promote agriculture and the idea was endorsed by Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. Together we continue to tell many stories of our farmers and ranchers who work day and night to provide food for our tables. And in 2008 the Polk County edition was born and endorsed by the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. Over the years many of you have written in or personally shared with us your thoughts and compliments, giving us numerous ideas on stories and reading our publications every month. A huge thanks goes out to each of our advertisers and contributors for making us a success. Because of your continued support, we have been able to grow through out the years, enabling us to have interesting, educational editorial content. So when you get your magazine by mail or pick one up or purchase advertising, you become a part of our team. I want to mention a few names of those who have made In The Field a continued success. The Hillsborough County Farm Bureau has been supportive in every aspect. Thank you to all the officers, Executive Committee and the Directors, with a special thank you to Judi Whitson. We are proud to be endorsed by the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. It’s an honor to be affiliated with these incredible groups who continue to make a difference in the agriculture community. Thank You! Next on the agenda, Thank You’s go out to my team! To Al Berry (Dad), who has been with In The Field since it started, Sarah Holt our Senior Managing Editor has been with In The Field for eight years now and continues to work closely with our writers in gathering information for article content. Bob Hughens, our Office Manager, has been with In The Field seven years, Danny Crampton, our Sales Manager, has been with In The Field for four and a half years, Juan Alvarez our Creative Director has been with In The Field six years, Gordon Johnston our Distribution Manager has been with In The Field eight years. Also thank you to Tina Richmond, Melissa Nichols, Stephanie Humphrey, Jim Frankowiak, Libby Hopkins, Ginny Mink, Sean Green, Sandy Kaster, Woody Gore, and Les McDowell. This last thank you goes to some very special people. Thanks to my Dad and Mom, Al and Patsy Berry, they have continued being encouragers throughout this journey. To my sisters and their families…..thank you! Keep reading and don’t forget to support our farmers and ranchers. So, in this Thanksgiving season, I want to say “Thanks” to all of you as we celebrate 10 years. Remember No Farmers No Food!

Karen Berry

Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry Office Manager Bob Hughens Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator

Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Melissa Nichols Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Melissa Nichols Contributing Writers Woody Gore

Acadian Seaplants Limited.........20 Alan’s Air Conditioning....................2 Ball Clover/Fairlie Seed Co............7 Bankers South.................................31 Broke & Poor..................................44 Cattleman’s Livestock Auction.......7 Cecil Breeding Farm.......................12 Country Village...............................21 Ellison RBM Inc...............................36 Everglades Farm Equipment........48 Exo Creative...................................37 Fancy Farms.....................................17 Farm Credit.....................................32 Florida Farm & Ranch...................31 Florida Fence Post..........................15 Fl Mineral, Salt & AG.....................44 Fountain Farm Services................23 Fran Haasch.......................................5 Fred’s Market Restaurant..............23 Grove Equipment Service.............19 Grove Equipment Service............36 Grove Equipment Service............49 Gulf Coast Tractor..........................33 Helena Chemical-Tampa...............21 International Market World.........20 Jason Grimes Contracting............13 Key Plex............................................41 Lightsey Cattle Co.........................37 Little Hands Ranch.........................23 Mosaic................................................17 Pathway Biologic...........................29 Pig Jam.............................................16 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association...................4 Prevatte Enterprises.....................27 S Bar S..............................................13 Seedway............................................7 Southwestern Produce..................32 Southeastern Septic......................27 Southside.........................................40 Stephanie Humphrey.....................42 Stoller................................................45 Tailgates & Hotrods......................37 The Bug Man..................................37 The Southern Barn........................47

Publisher, In The Field Magazin 6

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Well, it looks like we made it through another Florida “Winter.” Fall welcome has quickly come upon us and I can’t believe it’s We the Spring on March 20 with green grasses and highNovember. cattle prices. this letter, I am already ThisAsis I’m one writing of my favorite times of reflecting is to beainslight the cattle the year, on wehow are good finallyit getting bit ofbusiness cooler and how thankful I ambeautiful to get toworking work with such a good conditions and some weather. group of people. We are well into football season for the sports fans Speaking of good people, the for PolktheCounty Cattlemen’s and beginning hunting season outdoorsmen and Ranch Rodeo & Trade Show was a big success once women. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, again. Held on February 15 at the Agricultural Center thisBartow, is a time to slow down and attendees count our came blessings in approximately 1,500 out as to farmerscowboys and ranchers and stewards land. events watch and girls compete ofinthe various including Wild Cow Milking and the Wild Horse Race. I welve am soteams thankful to live and work in a greatest nation T competed tried their hardest to win aincoveted eventI’mbuckle first placewhere prize the world. proudortoespecially work in the an industry of trophy First place and and saddles went weatruly are saddle. a close family wheretitle friends neighbors to Lightsey Cattle Company. Congrats to Clint and Cliff are always willing to lend a helping hand. I am proud Lightsey, Dusty and Charity Crosby and Michael Grimalto be a rancher and work among such a trusting group di. This team will represent Polk County well in the of people. 2014 Ranch Rodeo State Finals in Kissimmee this Fall. November is thewould Polk County Cattlemen’s Annual Dinner The committee never be able to pull off this rodeo event without the help of volunteers who provide their time, trucks, trailers, stock and equipment. A big thank you as well to all of the sponsors! These companies and individuals donate their money, so make sure to remember these companies when it comes time to doing business. The CattleWomen provide the food at

88 88

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

M March arch 2014 2014 N November ovember 2014 2014

andconcession meeting instand Bartow on the at disappoint! 6:30. You won’t the - and they20th never Fred Waters chaired this committee yearstate - socattlethank want tohas miss this one! We’ll hear every from our him when you seeHenry him. Without event men’s president Kempfer these on thepeople, issues this facing our would never happen. industry on the state level. Please bring your family for good food and fellowship and a chance to be involved March is the monthonforin the County Agri-Fest in what is going ourPolk association. Also, the which board takes place in Bartow at the Agricultural Center. Running has been putting together some great door prizes, so from March 10-14 and 17-21, this program teaches Polk don’t miss your chance to win one! The CattleWomen County 4th graders the importance of agriculture in our are collecting kids toys for on theour Salvation Army, so if you state and it’s huge impact economy. Volunteers can,always pleaseneeded. bring an unwrapped for a childLegislato the are Also, the Floridagift Cattlemen’s dinner. tive Quarterly takes place in Tallahassee on March 11-13. This gives the cattlemen and women an opportunity to meet with legislators facing I know lifestate can get a little regarding hectic andissues busy but at our this industry. If you have a chance to attend the FFA’s 11th time of year, but don’t forget to slow down and count Annual Beast Feast & Auction on March 22 it’s always a your blessings and thank the Lord. great time (especially to try new wild food). Hope to see you at any of these well-organized events!

JB Wynn JB Wynn JB Wynn Polk County Catlemen’s Association President Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President

WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

Cats spend 66% of their life asleep Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs All insects have 6 legs An ostrich’s eye is bigger than it’s brain Birds need gravity to swallow A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21 inch tongue Camel’s milk doesn’t curdle Fire usually moves faster uphill than downhill Frogs can’t swallow with their eyes open Elephants are the only mammal that can’t jump A hummingbird’s heart beats at over a 1,000 times a minute Cows don’t have upper front teeth Apples are more effective at waking you up in the morning than coffee It’s physically impossible for pigs to look up at the sky A group of frogs is called an army The only animals that purr are cats Small dogs usually live longer than larger breeds

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Mum’s

the Word

MA ST ER G A R D EN ER By Debra Howell

The popular chrysanthemum is a spectacular perennial which is stimulated to flower as the days of early fall begin to shorten. We owe this fall beauty to the Japanese and Chinese for their hybridization of thousands of years of experimentation with the chrysanthemum. The name chrysanthemum derives from the Greek words for “gold” and “flower.” The color palette now ranges from white, yellow, red, pink and lavender. These colorful petals may occur in single, semi-double or double and are attractive to butterflies. Chrysanthemums have appeared in hundreds of Chinese poems and occur regularly in artwork. Indeed, they not only show up in paintings and needlework, but have been prevalent as a motif in antique glassware, as well. Chrysanthemum items are available through antique dealers in such items as bowls, butter dishes, compotes, condiment trays, pitchers, shakers, tumblers and toothpick holders. In fact, the very gold color established as “Chrysanthemum” was used extensively as a color scheme in the beloved carnival glassware. Chrysanthemums are steeped in symbolism. Mums as large as a baby moon hubcap were always on hand at the Homecoming football game. And in Fort Meade, they were adorned with the black and gold color theme of the Fort Meade Fighting Miner football team. 10

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Grown in the Far East for over two thousand years, these plants were introduced to the United Kingdom in 1789 and later to the United States to draw attention to the area of Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey. In many European countries such as Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary and Poland, they are a symbol of death, and consequently are only pressed into service for gravesites or funerals. The white form also represents grief in Korea, China and Japan. Because these plants carry so much meaning, they are always in stock at florist shops. The chrysanthemum flower has been known to symbolize joy, optimism, fidelity and long life. On Mother’s Day in Australia, people often give these flowers to honor mothers. In the past, this practice was an annual habit as a way to recognize churchgoing moms on their special day. Normally in the United States, chrysanthemums are deemed cheerful, positive flowers. Aside from the obvious economic uses from the sales of plants and cut flowers, the chrysanthemum has other uses. Some types are used in culinary applications. The yellow or white flowers of species C. morifolium can be boiled to make a sweet drink in Asia. A rice wine flavored with chrysanthemums is available in Korea. In some Chinese cuisine, the leaves may be boiled or steamed and WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

used as greens. Now this is my favorite: the flowers can be used as an addition to thick snake meat soup to enhance the aroma of the dish. Something tells me almost anything would improve the aroma. If you have ever used insecticides containing pyrethrins, you have used a product containing chrysanthemums. After the flowers have been pulverized, the pyrethrins are extracted and sold as something called oleoresin. When applied suspended in oil or water or as a powder, pyrethrins attack the nervous system of insects and inhibit bites from female mosquitoes. And according to a Clean Air Study conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution. One caveat about your potential use of chrysanthemums concerns your pets. According to the ASPCA, the plants are toxic to cats, fish, dogs and horses, and toxicity will be manifested as diarrhea, vomiting, uncoordination, dermatitis and hyper salivation.

is a good time to accomplish this chore. You may also propagate mums by rooting cuttings in the spring. Mums also benefit from a 2-3 inch deep layer of mulch from a renewable resource such as pine chips, pine straw or melaleuca. These plants will greatly appreciate any wind protection you may afford them. Occasional problems that you may encounter are stem rot, leaf spots or leaf miners. The name Chrysanthemum is used to describe a type of firework display, the trailing sparks of which make a pattern depicting the chrysanthemum flower. These displays trigger some of the most boisterous oohs and ahs at the fireworks show. This fall, make a point to procure some chrysanthemums for your landscape and create a fireworks display in your own yard.

The majority of mum sales are seasonal. You will see them show up in fall municipal landscapes and for temporary color in large containers. They go really well with pumpkins, gourds, or in conjunction with hay bales or rustic wood to provide a harvest ambience. In the landscape, they are very eye catching when grouped in mass plantings of several colors. If you opt to plant them in your yard, plant in the spring to allow them to develop a good root system before winter arrives. Your garden mum will do well in full sun to partial shade and likes well drained soils. They prefer to be grown in soils that have been amended with some organic matter. They prosper in soils that are either sand, loam or clay with an acidic to slightly alkaline type pH. Chrysanthemums thrive in hardiness zones 5B through 9. Late spring through the middle of August you will need to prune budless stems over six inches tall by trimming the top two inches of growth. Your garden mums will multiply and will require division. Every couple of years they may be lifted from the ground and divided. Spring WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

12 12

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

N November ovember 2014 2014

WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Moon Phase - Does It Help Catch Fish? Every fisherman dreams of catching more fish! Is it possible to know in advance when you should go fishing so you can catch more than usual and maybe come home with dinner? Having fished for most of my life I’ve kept journals of how, what, when, and where concerning the best fishing and catching times. When I first started this fishing thing as a small boy, the best fishing times for me was what ever time happened to suit me. I tried different lures, baits and techniques until I’d spent a small fortune in my quest to improve my fishing catch ratio. Then one summer weekend, up on the Withlacoochee River my Aunt Fanny, an awesome bass angler herself, introduced me to this thing called the “Solunar Theory” or fishing by moon phases, and like most young anglers I had no idea what she was talking about. She gave me some information and an old book she had and told me to read it. What I was reading sounded way too complicated for me. All sorts of factors needed to be checked and I had to be at the water’s edge at exactly the right time, in fact: “To The Minute,” in order to improve on my catch. Basically, what I read was exactly what my aunt told me, that everything eats on a cycle. If the cows are lying down in the pasture, the rabbits are not looking for food and the squirrels are not scurrying around looking for acorns they are not eating, so guess what, the fish are not eating either. Man, was I really willing to take my hobby this seriously? Let’s just say that after a while, curiosity finally got the better of me.

So understanding this, and choosing times when sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset coincide with new or full moon phases, you’ll increase you chance of catching instead of fishing. However, if you’re going to catch fish you must, of course, assume there are fish in the area.

Choosing the Best Fishing Times

It’s actually fairly simple when you think about it. It’s just a matter of knowing exactly when the sun and moon will rise and set. Fish, much like other animals, are most active during 90-minute windows surrounding each of these four daily periods. You get 45 minutes before and after these four daily periods. Your catch ratio should increase during these four periods. However make sure you’re at the water’s edge on the days of new or full moon. That gives you a window of opportunity to catch fish like you’ve never done before. If you have to choose between sunrise or sunset and moonrise or moonset, always go with the moon since it’s the stronger influence.

To help determine whether there was any truth in the moon’s effect on the best fishing times, I kept a record of every trip I made over a period of 20 months. I recorded as much information as possible as it related to moon phases, weather conditions and what I caught. What I discovered convinced me that taking the moon into consideration, especially as it related to the tides, really worked. But, I also found it wasn’t nearly as complicated as folks would have us believe.

Now that you know moon phase fishing works, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t apply this information to help you catch more fish. Below are a few websites that offer good tidal information:

How Does Moon Phase Fishing Work?

Tampa Bay Fishing Report November 2014

Hunters for example, have always known that fish and game are most active at dawn and dusk -- sunrise and sunset -- but their activity surrounding moonrise and moonset is less noticeable since these events are likely to occur without effecting any change in perceived light. The rise and set of a new moon is invisible anyway, and overcast weather often hides a moon. Without prior knowledge of setting and rising times, two of the best fishing times could be missed every day! Almost every angler understands the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding. This tends to be during dawn and dusk, but what often goes unnoticed are the two periods elsewhere in the day, which are moonrise and moonset. These are important because these moon phases also have an effect on a variety of factors when they trigger a feeding pattern during these periods.

14 14

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

N November ovember 2014 2014

http://www.tides4fishing.com/us/florida-gulf-coast/st-petersburg http://www.ezfshn.com/tides/usa/florida/st.%20petersburg#WF

Snook bite is going strong and with cooling water temper-

atures they should become even more active as they become more comfortable and not as lethargic. Having maintained decent snook action all summer, November should continue nicely with plenty of action. We’ve been catching exciting amounts of fish on both half and three-quarter day trips with most averaging in the 25-29 inch range with several over 30 inches. Our big fish for October was 36 inches. WWW. WWW. ININ THE THE FIELD FIELD MM AGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

Redfish action was active last month and should continue

into November. Good redfish action should continue with catches around oyster bars, mangroves and grass flats. We’re catching plenty of redfish with many in the 29 to 35 inch range and these big fish can really wear you out. We’re using mostly cut pinfish and cut ladyfish or really large threadfins or greenbacks with the tails cutoff.

The Sea Trout bite continues getting stronger right into and through the winter months, so be prepared for some decent winter trout action on strong incoming and outgoing tides. Try fishing the grass flats with both artificial, live greenbacks and shrimp. Free line your baits, sometimes with a small split shot or sometimes with a popping cork and a small split shot to keep it away from the birds.

“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore has been guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his level of customer service, experience and attention to detail allows him to offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.

Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814

Mackerel should still be hanging around the bay and near the beaches feeding on bait schools. If you’re interested in some extra excitement check out the mackerel bite. Live greenbacks or a silver spoon and if you’re really looking for some exciting action, try a topwater lure. Mangrove Snapper are found on every rock pile or structure around Tampa Bay and are fairly easy to catch. A small (knocker or Carolina rig) with a #1 or 1/0 hook should produce a nice dinner meal. They’re really partial to the small greenbacks and shrimp. When you find them and get a good bite going. It seems like they wise up shortly after you start catching them using one bait or the other. I always take both with me and when that happens I’ll switch around. Pompano are showing up around the bridges. I’m see-

ing some nice catches coming to the boat dock. Bridge pilings are a great place to find pompano, because the barnacles have grown up over the years and now attract small crabs, shrimp and other sources of food. Other places to fish are around the mouths of passes, mainly those with a drop off near the mouth of the pass. These are ideal spots to fish an incoming tide as pompano will be in the deeper water waiting for the tide to flush sand fleas, crabs, and other tasty morsels over the drop off. On the outgoing tide you can regularly find them on the top of the spoils foraging around looking for sand fleas

Cobia are

often found around range markers, channel markers and bridges during November. Toss them a pinfish, greenback or artificial eel bait and hold on.

WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

NN ovember ovember 2014 2014

15 15

2014 PLANT CITY, FL 12TH ANNUAL NEW

2 DAYS! H O U R S

PIG JAM

FRIDAY NIGHT FEATURES

CLEMONS ROAD Concert Starts @ 7:30 pm

3 PRIZES!!

1500 South Park Road

LARGE BIG GREEN EGG OR YETI COOLER

For More Information Contact the

Plant City Chamber of Commerce SPONSORED BY: 800-760-2315 or 813-754-3707 www.plantcity.org OR $1500 SHOPPING SPREE amy@plantcity.org SPONSORED BY: All items to be awarded 11/22/14

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Thanksgiving traditions start from the ground up. Thanksgiving is both a national holiday and a cherished tradition for families across Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the Mosaic family. So as we give thanks for the many blessings of our great country, we also salute the farmers who produce the bountiful harvest that is too often taken for granted. It is our honor and our business to provide farmers across America the crop nutrients they need to bring food to all of us. We help the world grow the food it needs.

ÂŽ

mosaicco.com/florida

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam It has been a great privilege to represent Florida as Commissioner of Agriculture for the last four years, and I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish together, not only for our $100 billion agriculture industry, but also for all of our state’s 19 million residents. We have worked hard to grow and protect Florida agriculture, safeguard our residents, foster academic success for our next generation and honor American veterans. To grow our agriculture industry, I launched the first-ever statewide television advertising campaign for “Fresh From Florida” products, featuring local products in simple recipes. We also established 52 retail partnerships to provide Florida-grown products to more than 12,000 stores worldwide. Consumers in more than 170 countries now enjoy “Fresh From Florida” products. In addition, we have worked to identify and eliminate threats to our industry like citrus greening and water supply issues so that this industry, and its 2 million jobs, continues to thrive. I also recognized an opportunity to improve the nutritional value of school meals by directing more wholesome, locally grown produce to Florida schools. We connected schools with local growers so they can access more fresh products at more affordable prices. With direct connections to growers, schools can save taxpayer dollars on transportation and processing of food purchases, and the produce they serve is fresher and more nutritious – giving students the fuel they need to succeed in the classroom. Safeguarding consumers from fraud is one of my most important responsibilities, so we worked to protect residents, particularly our

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

most vulnerable, from charitable fraud, identity theft and telemarketing scams, among other threats. To honor the sacrifices of America’s wounded veterans, I established Operation Outdoor Freedom. Through this program, we dedicated areas of Florida State Forests for use by wounded veterans and installed equipment to accommodate special needs. Since 2011, more than 700 wounded veterans have enjoyed Florida’s great outdoors as part of Operation Outdoor Freedom events. For many of them, this was their first experience spending time with their peers outdoors after returning home from duty. While I’m proud of our accomplishments, I recognize our work is not done. Just five years ago, at the height of the global economic recession, the New York Times and TIME Magazine all but wrote Florida’s obituary. Since then, Florida has cut unemployment nearly in half, paid off $4 billion in debt and put another $3 billion in the bank. We were able to help Florida get back on the right track because we have fiercely defended a culture of problem-solving that has long been forgotten in places like Washington D.C., New York, Illinois and California. We must not relent. Florida can be the model for fighting the big problems that need solving for our children, grandchildren and all the generations to come who deserve a better version of the Florida we already love. Thank you for your continued support. I’m thrilled to serve as your Commissioner of Agriculture for another four years.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

IN BUSINESS NOW FOR OVER 15 YEARS

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

NEW, USED and ABUSED!

HOME & MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES • Code Approved Windows • Window Rooms • Screen Rooms • Carports • Awnings • Wood Paneling • Steps • Alcoa® Vinyl Siding • Skirting • Doors (Interior & Exterior) ake We M w Windo s n Scree

WW W . IIN HF EIELD F I EM L AGAZINE.COM DMAGAZINE.COM WWW. NT THE

813

752-3378

• Roof Overs • Metal Roofing • Shower Stalls • Complete Line of Plumbing • Trim Moulding • Vanities • Kitchen Cabinets • Antiques • Stepping Stones/Pavers

2670 Hwy. 92 E Plant City, FL (Between Lakeland and Plant City)

OPEN SATURDAYS: 8:30-5:00 www.brokeandpoorpc@aol.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2013 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE November 2014

21 21

Elderly People A few months back I was having breakfast at the Hole-In-TheWall restaurant on the square in downtown Blairsville, Georgia. Now eating at the Hole-In-The-Wall is an experience all in itself, but to visit with the hometown folks is something else. I was eating some of their famous thick country fried ham, eggs and grits and overheard the old folks next to me talking about why it takes older folks longer to answer a question. Gafford, as he is known to his friends, hit the nail on the head when he said, “Us old folks have so much information in our brain that it takes longer for us to access it. Older peoples brains don’t get weak, the problem is, they simply know more, and it takes more time to figure out what to say.” From there the conversation went on to what they did last week. Fred spoke up with a brilliant thought, “Last week I got to thinking about when I grew up. I drank my bottled water out of a garden hose. And that’s not all. I think this recession is just dragging on. I don’t give a rip what they say on TV, it’s still rough as a cob out there. I always ask if they have a senior discount.” Zeke jumped in with full agreement. He said, “As a rule, I try to avoid all the fast-food restaurants because I’m not a real big fan of explosive diarrhea or clogged arteries, but I have to admit some of them kick out a good breakfast real cheap.” “Did you hear Clovis’ wife left him?” Zeke said. “He told me the other day he asked his wife what she would do if he won the lottery!” She said, “I’d take half, then leave you.” “That’s good,” he replied. “I won $20.00, here’s $10.00…I’ll see ya.” If you’re ever passing through Blairsville, stop in at the “HoleIn-The-Wall” for breakfast downtown at the square around the historic courthouse. These guys are usually there for a couple of hours. Have you heard the story of the man that could never find the time to fix his lawnmower? His wife kept hinting to him that he should have it fixed. But, somehow he always had something else to do first, the boat, working in the shed, playing golf…he always had more important things to do. Finally, she thought of a clever way to make her point. When he arrived home one day from playing golf with his buddies, he found her seated in the tall grass busily snipping away with a tiny pair of scissors. He watched for a minute, and then went into the house, and came back and handed her a toothbrush. He said, “When you finish cutting the grass, you might as well sweep the driveway.” The last I heard the doctors say he will walk again, but most likely will have a limp. 22

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

I enjoy those clean and simple jokes, like George, the farmer, that had so many children he ran out of names. To solve the problem he started calling his kids after something around his farm. It was the first day of school and the teacher asked each child their name. When he got to farmer Georges’ son, the boy replied, “Wagon Wheel.” The teacher said, “I need your real name boy.” The boy replied, “Sir, my name is Wagon Wheel.” The teacher, rather annoyed replied, “Okay young man, take yourself right down to the Principal’s office this minute.” The young man pushed himself out of his chair, turned to his sister and said, “C’mon ‘Chicken Feed’, he ain’t gonna believe you either!” Have you ever wondered why men are seldom depressed? Think about it. Men are happier people. Your last name stays put. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to the water park. The world is your urinal. People never stare at your chest when you’re talking to them. Phone conversations are over in 30-seconds flat. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. The same hairstyle lasts for years. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can do your nails with a pocketknife. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives on December 24th in 25 minutes. If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah. If Mike, Dave and Chuck go out, they will refer to each other as Fatboy, Bubba and Wildman. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn’t. A man marries a woman expecting that she won’t change, but she does. I remember my mother telling me she was taught in a very small school, where several grades were often in the same classroom. There was no indoor plumbing in the building and the bathroom was an outhouse behind the school. There was one thing she said she could not figure out. She said, “We had to raise our hand and speak when called upon. But the funny part was when we wanted to go to the out-house, we raised our hand with one finger up for #1, and two for #2. For the life of me I never could figure out why the teacher wanted to know which bodily function was necessary, but that was the way it was!” In closing remember you don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Slides, Obstacle Courses, Bouncers Horse & Pony Parties, Photography, Horse & Carriage

(863) 409-8129

The Bulloch Family proudly presents “Lily & the Carriage’

Come see us at the Holiday Walkabout downtown Lakeland Dec 2, 2014 WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Kathleen Senior High School Agriculture Program Gaining Momentum One Student at a Time By Melissa Nichols

In a location that is very much urban and surrounded by mostly homes and industry, is a school that is leading the county when it comes to the Agriculture Education program. This school is Kathleen Senior High School, located not far from Interstate 4, off Memorial Boulevard, in an unlikely location for a successful Agriculture Education program. But despite their location, Kathleen Senior has become a well-established and competitive program. With the largest number of students enrolled in Agriculture Education in the county, Kathleen is not only breaking records, but also gaining momentum. At the start of this school year Kathleen Senior welcomed a fourth teacher to the team of existing teachers. “Over the years that I have been a teacher in Polk County, I have seen Kathleen FFA grow and get stronger. They have excelled, not only in Career Development Event competitions, but also in promoting a positive image of the students at Kathleen and in Polk County. They have our county’s largest department of teachers with three and a half advisors dedicated to the program. They are dedicated not only to the FFA and Agriculture program but also to seeking out and developing students, who may not seem to be the typical agriculture type, into leaders and strong competitors” says Paul Webb, Teacher Resource Training Specialist for Workforce Education Polk County School Board. These teachers are Kyle Carlton, Keitha Hall, Erica Morse and Doug Harwell and together they lead the Kathleen Senior Agriculture Education department. In order to compete in contests, students in middle school and high school must be enrolled in Agriculture Education and join FFA. FFA is the largest youth organization in America with over 600,000 members. Through the FFA organization, students are able to participate in Career Development Events (CDEs), which are competitive events where students compete in a given area against other teams, and Supervised Agriculture Experience programs (SAEs), which are experienced based activities including working in an agricultural area or raising market animals for show. In the CDE category, teams must win at the district level to advance to compete at the state level. In 2014 Kathleen Senior competed at the state level in Forestry, Aquaculture, Land Judging, Citrus, Environmental Science, Nursery and Landscape, Vegetable ID, Tractor Driving and Ag Mechanics, winning six of the state CDEs they participated in. The team of teachers work with specific CDEs and SAEs resulting in numerous opportunities for students. Kathleen FFA definitely has an impressive record of success in terms of CDE and SAE participation within the state. Kyle Carlton is the Ag teacher who has been at Kathleen as an Ag 24

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

teacher the longest, his career started there in 1995 teaching History, when the job became available, Kyle applied for the Agriculture Education position. Kyle was involved in 4-H when he was in school, showing market steers at the Polk County Youth Fair. Kyle is the son of Charles and Geraldyne Carlton of Lakeland. Kyle and his wife Tammy have three daughters, Morgan a Kathleen Senior graduate who is attending the University of Florida, Shelby who attends Kathleen Senior and Madison who is in elementary school. All of the Carlton daughters have been actively involved in FFA and 4H and show market hogs at the Polk County Youth Fair. Kyle is the Ag Mechanics and Forestry teacher. His classes are able to get the hands on experience with learning to weld, do wood working and to drive a tractor. Kyle coaches the Forestry CDE, Poultry CDE, Nursery and Landscaping CDE, Ag Mechanics CDE and Tractor Driving CDE. Last week Kyle’s Forestry team won the National Forestry CDE, producing the first national championship title for the department. Keitha Hall is a University of Florida graduate, with a BS in Horticulture and a MS in Agriculture Communications and Education. Keitha is a graduate of Haines City High School and has been at Kathleen Senior for six years now. She is a the daughter of Larry and Janet Hall, and although Keitha doesn’t have any kids of her own, she has two nephews she is very close to, Kyle and Keith Smith, who attend Auburndale Senior. Both of her nephews are actively involved in FFA and show Market Hogs. Keitha also teaches in a hands on manner. In her Ag Communications class she works with students to complete articles that have been published in many media outlets, as well as developing a year book for the Kathleen FFA chapter. She coaches the following CDEs: Aquaculture, Citrus Judging, Land Judging, Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Public Speaking and Parliamentary Procedure. Her teams have all competed and won at the state level and had great success at national events. Parliamentary Procedure placed third in nation last October and the Land Judging team was named Reserved National Champions last April. Keitha also helps the students with proficiencies applications and FFA degree applications, including the coveted American FFA Degree. Erica Morse is the newest teacher to Kathleen Senior, joining the team midyear last year. However she has been teaching Agriculture since 2010 at Lake Gibson Middle. Erica is the daughter of Jeff and Jane Sohn. Erica grew up on a farm and was actively involved in 4-H. Erica is the wife of Burton Morse. She graduated from Webber International University with a MBA. Erica has been a great asset to WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

the team of Agriculture teachers, bringing her experiences with Food Sciences and Environmental Science with her. She teaches primarily foundations where students get the core and background of the agriculture industry to take more advanced classes. She also teaches Animal Sciences 2. Erica coaches the Environmental Sciences CDE which is competing at the National Convention this year, Vegetable Identification CDE which placed second in the state last year and Food Science CDE. Doug Harwell became the fourth Ag teacher at Kathleen Senior with the start of the 2014-2015 school year. Doug has been teaching drafting for 10 years at Kathleen Senior. He saw the Ag program continue to grow and with his lengthy background in agriculture, decided to attain his Agriculture and Communications degree from the University of Florida. Doug is the son of D.K. and Sandra Harwell of Lakeland. He and his wife Teresa Harwell have two daughters, Katie and Kimberly, who are both actively involved within the ag industry showing beef breed cattle, steers, pigs and horses. The Harwell name is well recognized in the cattle industry for producing high quality club calves and their involvement with show cattle. Doug is a great asset to the existing team. He has been coaching the Horse Judging CDE, Livestock Judging CDE and assisting with the schools herd of beef cattle they have on site. Doug teaches three ag classes per day. The program at Kathleen Senior was recently named the “Ag Program of the Year” by the Polk County Farm Bureau. This was quite an honor after many years of hard work. At the State Convention this year Keitha Hall was named the inaugural “FFA Advisor of the Year” and she was also named the “Teacher of the Year” by Kathleen High School, an honor Kyle Carlton earned a few years ago as well. It takes dedication and commitment to have a successful Agriculture Education program, traits all four of these teachers exhibit. David Byrd, a retired educator with over 30 years in Polk County said, “All four of the agriscience teachers at Kathleen High School started their careers with something else in mind. However, as the Ag Teacher’s Creed states, today they are agricultural educators by choice and not by chance. The success of any agriscience program is dependent primarily upon the dedication of the teachers. Kyle Carlton, Keitha Hall, Erica Morse, and Doug Harwell are to be commended for the dedication, preparation, long hours, and hard work that they put in to making a quality program at Kathleen High School. And they do it with passion!” Their jobs don’t end when the bell rings, each of them spend their afternoons coaching teams, organizing fundraisers, helping prepare WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

animals for shows, or simply tutoring students to make sure they’re on track for graduation. Kathleen FFA Alumni is the financial backbone of Kathleen Senior. They have multiple fundraisers each year to raise the funds needed to provide for the students, such as per diem for National Convention, scholarships for graduating seniors, and scholarships for underclassmen to various leadership programs. They host two BBQs per year, a golf tournament, discount card sales and this year they will have a gala with a sit down dinner and live auction. The Kathleen FFA Alumni received the Outstanding Alumni Affiliate at the State FFA Convention this year. Dedication and commitment is shared by the supportive alumni group as well, creating an environment where students thrive. At the 2014 FFA National Convention held in Louisville, KY, Kathleen FFA had five students receive the prestigious American Degree; Morgan Carlton, Thomas Farris, Michael Gary, Nicole Green, and Ashley Meredith. At the Florida FFA Convention, Kathleen had seven proficiency finalists and four state winners. Kathleen had three teams competing at the National Convention this year. The Ag Mechanics team, made up of Joseph Julian, Dallas Stillings and Kyle Fleming received a bronze award. The Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource team, made up of Cody Clark, Dylan Jackson, Missy Shipley and Alex Yelvington, earned a silver award, with Cody Clark being a Gold individual. The Forestry Team made up of Taeler Dupre, Emmett Lee, Brevyn Foreman and Lexi Sanchez, was the National Champion Forestry team. Taeler Dupre was National High Individual, Brevyn Foreman placed second individually in the Nation and Emmett Lee placed third overall in the Nation. It has been an amazing year for Kathleen Senior FFA to say the least. It takes hours of dedication from the teachers and students to have teams that are able to compete and place on the National level. The entire Polk county agricultural community should be very proud of these amazing accomplishments. Parents from around the county are opting to send their high school students to Kathleen Senior for them to be a part of the Natural Resources Academy, which is part of the Agricultural program. The academy even allows students who live outside of the schools zoned area to attend Kathleen Senior. The author Baxter Black quotes “Only 2% of the population are actively involved in production Agriculture, our culture expends a great deal of effort on Astronauts, MBA Stars, Environmental Lawyers and Political Science majors, but for every hundred rock stars, road scholars and Heisman trophy winners our country produces, we better make sure we spend enough to train at least two future farmers so the rest of them can eat.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

The Endangered

Green Sea TURTLES:

Don’t Crush!

Maybe I’m not the only one who thinks about Finding Nemo whenever someone mentions sea turtles (if I am suppose a number of these references will be lost on you). I guess there was just something about those surfer sounding reptiles that resounded within me. Perhaps it was the ease with which they just rode the current and quietly lived their lives without complaint. I can only presume I’ve a certain affinity for sea turtles (and Finding Nemo, but don’t tell anyone). In fact, when I was in my senior year of high school a friend of mine, whose mom was a Science teacher in Fort Lauderdale, took the two of us to see the turtles come lay their eggs. It was incredible, Finding Nemo quotable incredible, “Oh, it’s awesome, Jellyman. The little dudes are just eggs, we leave ‘em on a beach to hatch, and then, coocoo-cachoo, they find their way back to the big ol’ blue,” (Crush – Finding Nemo). Unfortunately, they aren’t all so lucky! Childish memories and various other nonsense aside, the Green Sea Turtle is on the endangered species list. In fact, it came dangerously close to joining the dinosaurs. As close as 1979, there were only 62 nests located throughout the entire state. Last year, almost to the day, there were over 30,000 nests! This is a direct result of conservation efforts started some 30+ years ago. One of the first steps taken was to outlaw egg harvesting and the preparation of turtle meat based delicacies. The thought of eating sea turtles is slightly revolting to me, in fact, I can hear Crush say, “Oh, man. Hey, no hurling on the shell, dude, ok? Just waxed it.” However, since they grow up to 350 pounds they were easy targets on the fishing docket until their inclusion on the federal list of endangered species. Therefore, since they take thirty years to mature, it shouldn’t be that surprising that we are just now starting to see an increase in turtle activity along our shores. Though that doesn’t mean turtle is what’s for dinner!

Because the majority of turtle nests in the continental US are found on Florida’s shores it is our responsibility to remain focused on their protection. They can lay up to 200 eggs which will hatch a short two months from the day they are left behind. By the way, their nesting season runs from spring to early fall and therefore we should be cognizant of the potential for their presence and keep our lights off when on the beach at night. This is because the hatching wee-ones will go into the light as if their names were Caroline (that’s a Poltergeist reference – hey, from childish to horror, I’m versatile). 26

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

By Ginny Mink

Efforts are also being made to restrict beach development because some seawalls are hindering the nesting habits of these precious creatures. Seawalls enable beaches to be covered in saltwater during high tides and this could erode the sandy protective covering over nests, or drown the wee-babies hoping to make it to the big ol’ blue. Having seen a sea turtle lay its eggs, makes me more supportive of attempts to protect those hardworking creatures! Certainly there are other hazards that are hard to eradicate. We’ve still got to deal with pollution, styrofoam and fishing line, nets, soda can plastics and unconscientious boaters. In fact, there are actually veterinarians out there who specialize in turtle shell repair! They utilize rods to fix shells cracked by boaters. The rods keep the shell in place until it heals and then the rehabilitated turtles are returned to their own habitats. While there is great excitement over the influx of turtle nests, there is apparently another problem for them. That’s in the form of disease. It’s called fibropapillomatosis (FP) virus and is similar to herpes, causing numerous tumors to sprout up all over their bodies. Though the origin of the disease is, as of yet, unknown, there are suspicions that it’s tied to run off, and other hazardous pollutants strengthened by the presence of warmer waters. According to the FWC, “Turtles with FP have external tumors that may grow so large and hanging as to hamper swimming, vision, feeding, and potential escape from predators.” Thankfully, the FWC says that the survival rate for turtles who undergo tumor removal surgery is 90%! Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of vets specializing in this type of treatment but those that do reside here in Florida! So, there is hope for these amazing creatures! Thusly, I’ll leave you praying that these wonderful animals will realize their full potential, like Crush when asked his age, “Hundred and fifty, and still young, dude. Rock on.” That’s a little farfetched (though some turtles have been known to live that long). In actuality, Green Sea Turtles can live to be 80-100 years old, or more, according to the National Wildlife Federation. That’s just some of the reasons these beings are incredible. In closing, I hope that the reality of this information will instill this thought within you, “… we were like, “woaaaah.”, and I was like, “woaaaah.” and you were like, “woaaahh...” Indeed! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

All Of Ser ving orida Fl Central

• • • •

New Installations Septic Pumping Drain Field Repairs Lift Stations

863-668-7264

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Septic

Lic#SR0890218

FREE ESTIMATES

Re s i d e n tia Commer l & cial

• • • •

Grease Traps Fill Dirt Culvert Pipes Septic Inspections

“Your Septic Specialists”

www.southeasternseptic.com

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Crime Trend Alert – Trailers Stolen Throughout County by Sheriff Grady Judd

Since September, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies have worked 21 cases where suspects have stolen trailers. There have been 14 incidents in the southeast area of the county. The thefts include utility style trailers as well as enclosed trailers. Victims in Haines City, Lakeland, Fort Meade, Poinciana, Lake Wales, Babson Park, and Frostproof have reported these thefts. And while many of the thefts were crimes of opportunity, some of the trailers were taken during burglaries and in broad daylight. Though detectives have recovered several trailers and made multiple arrests, several cases remain open and we need your help in locating the stolen property and identifying the thieves. But you may ask, why trailers? What we are learning about this crime seems consistent with many crime trends. The stolen property is taken, altered, and sold for drugs. Some trailers are sold to unsuspecting buyers looking for a trailer, some are simply stolen and pawned. Suspects remove the property, alter the VIN numbers if the trailers are manufactured, and haul them to the first place they can get the trailer sold. But Polk County Florida isn’t the only place this is happening. Increased trailer thefts have been reported in Illinois, Mississippi, West Virginia, and South Carolina to name a few. So, what can you do to protect your property?

Here are a few tips: Detectives have reports of locks being cut and trailer tongues being removed and replaced. Locks are still recommended, but detectives also suggest lacing a cable lock through the wheels and axles of the trailer. This will prevent the thief’s ability to “roll” your trailer off your property. And wheel boots are an additional deterrent. Be sure to engrave your identification in multiple locations on the trailer. Detectives note the determined criminal’s ability to alter VIN numbers is quick and easy. Register your trailer, even if it’s homemade. It will cost you only a few dollars to get the property registered, but it could cost you more if it is stolen. Also, paint your trailers. Most are plain, black, or white, especially homemade trailers. Use brightly colored paints or decals to easily identify your trailer if it is noticed being pulled down the road. Insure your property. If there is valuable equipment being hauled in the trailers, you’ll want to take the proper steps to insure your investments. Detectives are also asking recyclers to ensure they photograph trailers brought in for weight slips; and that proof of identification be presented and documented each time. Be suspicious of “lost registrations,” altered VINs, or unassigned tags which may be present. Crimestoppers is offering up to a $3,000 reward for information for anyone having information about these thefts. Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact Detective Rickey Daugherty at 863.678.4115 or 863-298-6200.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

For Greater Performance And Profit!

High Yield Fruit and Vegetables To BioCharge Traditional Programs

AT PLANTING Power Coat impregnated on bulk dry fertilizer • Banded • Broadcast

PowerCoat™

Enhancing Bulk Dry Rate - 1 gal/ton Fertilizer 3-4 times per year

• In furrow PowerBlend™ • Drip Blending With • Injection Bulk Liquid • 16-32 oz/acre Fertilizer Every 2-4 weeks in soil thereafter (not less than 16 oz/acre/month)

Tomato - Holden Research & Consulting Gavilan tomato variety This graph reflects that the Pathway Biologic treatment had an increase in yield even with a 25% reduction in fertilizer usage. The benefit is two-fold - Environmental (best management practices) and lowered cost to grower.

80.5 80 79.5 79 78.5 78 77.5 77 76.5 76

AT PLANTING Manage stand alone

AT PLANTING Power Blend with bulk liquid fertilizer

80.23 tons/acre

77.61 tons/acre

Control Std fertilizer protocol

Treated 25% fertilizer reduction

• In furrow • Drip • Injection • 1/2 lb/acre Every 2-4 weeks in soil - ¼ lbs/acre Every 2-4 weeks foliar - ¼ lbs/acre

Pathway’s microbial products & solutions function to create bio-chemical pathways to convert nutrients like only bacteria can. Bacteria can enable a plant to achieve its genetic potential, optimizing the performance of fertilizer. Key benefits from Pathway’s microbial products for Agriculture include: • Increase yields and decreased production loses • Uniform plant growth and fruiting for increased product marketability • Enhanced color, better taste and longer shelf life • Increase plant tolerance to the damaging affects of environmental extremes, disease and other plant pressures • BMP compliance with balanced soil biology

Pathway BioLogic | 111 E. Tever Street, Plant City, Florida | 813.719.7284 www.PathwayBioLogic.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Benson’ s Canine Cookies Treats Filled with Love

By Libby Hopkins Society is becoming more and more health conscious. We eat organic, gluten-free foods, drink lots of water and try to get in at least 30 minAfter many years of caring deeply about what the dogs and cats of utes of exercise a day. We do all these things to live longer, healthier Lakeland were eating, Merritt decided to retire this past June. She and happy lives, but what about our pets? Are we as health-conscious sold the business to Debbie Lange, a long time customer of Benson’s about what we put into their bodies as we are ours? Not all the time, Canine Cookies. “As the new owner, I am proud to have worked with but we need to be because we love them and they are a part of our Suzanne, learning about her products, the recipes, and the preparafamilies. tion cooking of them,” Lange said. Suzanne Merritt realized more than 18 years ago that feeding your pet healthy food was a must. Her dog Benson became deathly ill at age 11 with pancreatitis and jaundice. Merritt began to give Benson a regiment of vitamin and herbal supplements along with cooking him healthy food. He rallied and got better. Merritt started making healthy cookies and treats for Benson as well as friends, neighbors and co-workers. Merritt’s treats were such a success that she opened Benson’s Canine Cookies of Lakeland in 1997. Merritt’s beloved Benson lived to the ripe old age of 18 ½. He passed away in Dec. of 2003. She said he lived so long because he was eating healthy.

Lange is originally from South Carolina, but grew up in Alabama and Tampa, FL. She has owned pets her whole life. “I have owned cats and dogs since I was a child and have always had a love and compassion for animals,” Lange said. “I have four dogs and one cat. They were all strays picked up as puppies from the woods or on the side of the road, where they had been abandoned.” She loves the phrase, “Who rescued who?” All of her pets are a part of her family. Lange became a customer of Merritt after one of her dogs developed a skin problem. Her dog was biting herself and creating sores. The

Ron and Debbie Lange became the new owners of Benson’s Canine Cookies in Lakeland this past July. Debbie believes that offering your pet a better quality food doesn’t have to be expensive. Benson’s Canine Cookies tries to be very competitive and fair in their pricing and offers a wide range of choice as far as pricing for their customers. dog was an indoor dog, and Lange knew it wasn’t fleas. “Someone mentioned to me that it might be the food I was buying,” Lange said. “I was buying a top brand off the shelf at my local supermarket, so I didn’t see how that could be the problem, but I was willing to try anything.” She found a brand that didn’t contain dyes and additives like the brand she was using. Within a few days her dog stopped itching and biting. “As I began reading the ingredient labels on my dog foods, I became more aware of what was in or not in the foods I was feeding my dog,” Lange said. “Since so many dogs develop allergies from certain things, we carry lines that have no wheat, corn, soy or animal by-products.” Benson’s carries pet food brands that are not sold to big box stores. They are manufactured in plants that are family owned with one or few manufacturing plants so that quality control remains high. “Brands manufactured by companies that manufacture multiple lines of food have more issues with quality control and cross contamination from different lines,” Lange said. “We specialize in brands that are sourced and manufactured in the U.S.A.” The store’s baked treats are supplied by a local restaurant supplier and are made completely from human-grade ingredients. They have no added artificial flavorings, dyes or preservatives. “We taste every treat we make in our kitchen,” Lange said. 30

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Benson’s Canine Cookies’ customers have happy and healthy pets, not only from their healthy products but also from the knowledgeable staff that work in the store. “The team of employees that work with us in the store are top notch and are equally enthusiastic about meeting and helping our customers,” Lange said. “We would like everyone who walks through our door to leave with a smile and a special treat for their pet.” The most popular treat in the store next to the cookies are the ChicLicks, which are made from chicken gizzards. They are popular with both dogs and cats. Lange and her business are huge supporters of shopping local and keeping things local. “The ingredients for our in store bakery that do not come from the local restaurants supplier come from highly reputable locally owned supermarkets,” Lange said. “Our sweet potatoes, apples and bananas come from the local produce stand. We make every attempt to support other local businesses because if we don’t support our own economy, who will?” If you would like to learn more about the different products offered at

Benson’ s Canine Cookies, you can visit their website at www.bensonscaninecookies.com or

visit their Facebook page. The store is located at 2928 S. Florida Ave. in Lakeland and the phone number is 863-688-9249. “Come see us!”

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

We Now Have a Lender in Your Area

Contact AgAmerica Lending today for a low interest, long term land loan, refinance or line of credit.

(855) 898-2265 | info@AgAmerica.com www.AgAmerica.com

Work For Your Farm, Not For Your Lender AgAmerica lending understands the needs of farmers and ranchers, because we are farmers and ranchers. AgAmerica Lending, LLC - 4030 S. Pipkin Road Lakeland, FL 33811 | Please call for current rates.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

deed restrictions dealing with landscape issues; pruning practices; problem plants such as invasive, non-native plants; pesticide and fertilization practices; plant nutritional deficiencies; mulch application; and irrigation system issues including frequency and timing of applications. Other frequent areas of interest cited by communities participating in the FFL Community Association Outreach Program have included stormwater pond best management practices, dealing with erosion caused by stormwater runoff and questions involving reclaimed water. Evaluations and recommendations are based on science-based research from UF/IFAS. In addition to site evaluations, the Community Association Outreach Program offers onsite presentations about the FFL principles. The FFL Community Association Outreach Program is a free resource for HOAs and other community associations to provide for guidance in instituting sustainable landscape practices, reviewing landscaperelated covenants and working with landscape maintenance contractors. FFL has had several success stories with communities that adopted FFL practices from which they were able to see reduced water consumption and water utility and maintenance costs. Contact me at the Hillsborough County Extension Service, 813-744-5519 x 54142, if these services would benefit your homeowner or condominium association. For more information on environmental horticulture topics, contact your local County Extension Service. Additional information on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ can be accessed at http:/ /floridayards.org, http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu and WaterMatters.org. The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Association Outreach Program is sponsored by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, the Hillsborough and Polk Boards of County Commissioners and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE November W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M

2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2013 27

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

WWW. WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM

IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE

N November ovember 2014 2014

33 33

A land-grant president for UF By Jack Payne

The selection of Dr. W. Kent Fuchs (pronounced “Fox”) as the next president of the University of Florida should be cause for celebration for anyone who cares about Florida agriculture and natural resources. I’ll confess, I had some initial apprehension about whether an electrical engineer would be properly attuned to the importance of UF’s land-grant mission. But I had the chance to take the measure of the man one-onone over a 2½-hour dinner as part of UF’s efforts to recruit top leaders to apply for the presidency, and I’m convinced he will support university research, extension and teaching that improve the lives of all Floridians. I endorse Fuchs, who still has to be confirmed by the State University System Board of Governors. Fuchs was born into a hardscrabble existence on an Oklahoma farm. It was such a tough life that his dad decided Alaska would be more forgiving, and it’s where Fuchs grew up until the family moved to Miami, where he attended high school. And let’s remember, he’s provost at one of the most venerable of land-grant universities, Cornell. It’s the only Ivy League school with a horticultural department, much less a School of Integrative Plant Science like the one Fuchs helped launch. Before Cornell, he was a leader at Purdue, also a land-grant university, and taught and researched at a third, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With his Florida, agriculture, and land-grant bona fides, he sold me on being the right person for the job when he told me that if hired he would go on a statewide tour of stakeholder meetings. Not just to meet donors and alumni, but growers, commodity leaders, natural resource managers and UF/IFAS Extension agents. That’s a promising sign that he intends to honor the publicservice ethic of the land-grant university. He sees his new job the same way I see mine -- that his office is not a room in Gainesville, but it’s the entire state. He’s walking the walk in New York with the recently announced Engaged Cornell, a $150 million initiative that aims to institutionalize a mandatory public-service component in undergraduate education so students contribute to solving problems outside the university gates. UF’s land-grant mission is supposed to apply university wide. Traditionally, though, UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has more demonstrably implemented it than many other branches of the university. There’s potential for real change in this area as our medical center leaders see in Extension the opportunity to do so much more to promote public health. Similarly, our engineering administrators have approached IFAS about working through Extension to bring technical assistance to businesses and communities. There are also opportunities for IFAS to do more to serve Florida’s $142-billion-a-year agriculture and natural resource 34

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

industries, particularly after six years of flat or declining state funding. Support from UF’s leader is essential to IFAS’s quest to provide solutions to citrus greening, efforts to tackle the state’s water quality and water supply challenges, ambitious plans to expand the work of our agricultural leadership institute and work in helping Florida prepare for climate change and sealevel rise. The land-grant system was founded more than 150 years ago on the noble proposition of democratizing higher education. Today we have an opportunity to define the 21st century landgrant institution that is true to its mission while responding to the pressing problems of today. Today IFAS seeks support from the UF administration to expand four-year online degree programs. We offer these at a discounted tuition to students who by choice or circumstance need a UF education to come to them instead of having to move to Gainesville. Appalled by anecdotes of students going hungry or even scrounging from garbage bins, we at IFAS have begun formally assessing the extent of food security on campus as the first step toward establishing a food pantry for students in need. We’re hiring more bilingual 4-H agents and partnering with organizations that serve minority populations as we seek to better serve people who have traditionally been underrepresented in our youth development programs. It’ll take a commitment from the top to secure the resources needed to realize IFAS’s potential. That commitment starts with an appreciation of the land-grant mission. Fuchs has looked me in the eye and shown me he has it. Over salad, I began probing the extent to which this man intended to honor the land-grant mission with action. By decafs and dessert, I was presenting him with the Gator pin right off my own lapel and letting him know he’d be receiving a copy of A Land Remembered from me. The presidential search committee on which I served declared a strong academic background an essential criteria for our next leader. The distinguished research background Fuchs has and his Ivy League experience more than satisfy that. Some of us on the search committee – which also included IFAS plant breeder Harry Klee -also championed an appreciation for the land-grant mission as an important consideration in the search for a new president. We’re gratified to see we have it in Kent Fuchs, and we hope you’ll get to see it when he visits your region. Jack Payne is the senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.

The Literary Time Machine: Ornamental Gardening in Florida

By Ginny Mink

Part 2 Previously we discussed how incredible it was that Charles Torrey Simpson, back in 1926, had a wonderful concept of natural preservation and conservation. This month we’d like to continue our voyage through this classic piece of literature. While we are still in the first chapter, there are some quite relevant, and probably even wholly useful things to consider herein.

ing leaved plants carpet the floor of the forest and an orgy of vines and creepers sprawls and clambers over all.”¹

The first thing that stood out to us in this reading is how different the Florida of the 1920s must have been compared to the obnoxiously bustling metropolis it has become. In fact, one of the references to its natural habitat, found on page 2, took us quite by surprise. So much so, we’d like to present this historic piece of truth to you. Mr. Simpson revealed, “Most of the homes in Florida must be located in pineland for there is but little hammock in the state and it is not advisable to build in the lowland if it can be avoided. It is getting to be the fashion in some places – and a good fashion it is – to allow most of the clean, healthy pine tree to stand when preparing land for a home.”¹

We wonder how many today are so busy in their fast-paced worlds that their views of Florida’s regal magnificence has been obscured. We are so saddened by the change in times, the depreciation of appreciation. Seriously, how many people would ever think to describe Spanish moss as wonderful festoons? Instead we’d rather pull it down!

Pinelands? Really? Did we sacrifice them all to Christmas and door wreaths (as is quite the fashion)? On top of that, how many of us are living on property replete with Cypress knees? We love his continued thoughts about preserving the pinelands, “They furnish some shade and shelter and blend well with the planted vegetation. They do not rob the ground to any great extent and they relieve the place of the dreadful appearance of bleakness and nakedness it would have if everything was cleared away.”¹ We wonder what he’d have to say about the fields of today. We wondered also what cattle ranches were like in his time. In fact, we wondered enough to look it up. Apparently, the first barbed wire fence for a cattle ranch didn’t happen until 1910 and that was in Osceola County. An even more amazing historic fact is that in the 1920s Texas tick fever had entered the state and therefore the Livestock Board of the time ordered all ranchers to dip their cattle every two weeks in an arsenic solution for the purpose of eradicating the infestation. This led to an increase in fencing on ranches to separate the infected from the healthy cattle*. Pictures that we looked at from that time show a lot of trees compared to what we’re used to today. Though we didn’t note that they were pines! Simpson continues his recommendations to preserve the natural flora and fauna by describing, specifically, some native species he says, “…should be left standing wherever possible.”¹ These indigenous species include: the saw palmetto, a dwarf cabbage palm (Sabal adansoni), the needle palm (Rhapidophyllum) and a low growing palm (Coccothrinax). Though he was certainly enthralled by the palms, he wrote the following that for us just summed up the awe and splendor that is Florida, “No word picture can give the faintest idea of the bewildering beauty of many of our hammocks. The live oaks and some other trees are draped with wonderful festoons of Spanish moss, the strange and startling cabbage palmettos are everywhere in evidence, wild coffee and other handsome, shinWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Simpson wasn’t a stranger to such attitudes. He reveals a time he had a visitor, whom he says claimed to be an artist. Yet, he records the man’s comments about his property with great irritation. According to Simpson, the man announced after spending a good time in his hammocks, “If this timber were mine I would take my ax and cut out all the underbrush, the crooked and small trees and I would pull off and burn all that long moss and clean up all the rubbish you have lying around then it would look as though somebody had been here and done something.”¹ These comments deeply affected Simpson who adds, “That is just what the average person wants to do, he wants to clear up and improve, he wants to do something, he is sure nature hasn’t properly finished up her work.”¹ Surely he was right in his assessment, how many of us want to leave our marks and in so doing we are scarring the very land that provides for us daily? Why have we this overwhelming pride that convinces us we can somehow make God’s creation better than He did? Thusly, we shall conclude this segment of the literary time machine with yet another consideration for us all. Simpson admits, “I wish it were in my power to persuade my readers who come into possession of such land to leave this glorious vegetation essentially as nature made it. The small remnant of this untouched beauty is fast disappearing before the settler’s fire and ax and especially the onslaughts of the real estate developer. Mankind everywhere has an insane desire to waste the good and beautiful things nature has lavished on him.”¹ Indeed. Notes: *http://www.floridamemory.com/photographiccollection/ photo_exhibits/ranching/ranching2.php ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 2-4).

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting

1401 Sam Keen Road Lake, Wales, FL 33853 863.692.1013 We Support Agriculture.

Now Hiring Experienced Painters

We Help Your Business

GROW.

Tigertown at Joker Marchant Stadium 1 pm - 5 pm Lakeland, FL TRUCK & CAR SHOW

Web Design Graphic Design Lead Generation Online Marketing Content Development Branding exocreative.com 929.500.1396 301 S. Collins Street, Plant City WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Inflatables, Face Painting, Live & Silent Auction, Food Trucks, Live Music

Come join Opie (Opielicious Mud Racing) Brodie & The Bulloch Family (The Bulloch Family Ranch TV Show) Admission is: a toy, gift card OR Chef Boyardee microvable bowl For more info call: 863.409.8129 863.581.2404 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

s e p i c e R These recipesipes come from WWW.STRAWBERRYSUE.COM

Florida Strawberry Black Forest Cheesecake Topping INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups crushed Oreos 1/4 cup melted butter 24 oz cream cheese 3/4 cup sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup melted dark chocolate chips DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Use a food processor to mix crushed Oreos and butter together. Once evenly mixed, press into a springform pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Blend the cream cheese and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Add vanilla followed by the melted chocolate chips. Once crust is cooked, remove from oven and add cheesecake mixture. Bake at 425ºF for 10 minutes and then lower the temperature to 250º for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, combine mashed strawberries and water in a saucepan;

1 cup mashed strawberries 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 cups sliced strawberries 1/2 cup chocolate shavings Whipped cream

bring to a boil and simmer for about 3 minutes. Strain juice from cooked strawberries and add enough water to make 1 cup of juice. Discard pulp. Combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt in a saucepan; stir strawberry juice into sugar mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until clear and thick, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Stir sliced strawberries into strawberry sauce. Remove cake from oven and top with strawberry topping. Place cheesecake in a refrigerator overnight to cool before serving. Garnish with chocolate shavings and/or whipped cream just before serving.

Easy Strawberry Cobbler INGREDIENTS 16 oz strawberries 1 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar 1 stick butter 1 cup flour 1 cup milk 1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring strawberries to room temperature. Wash, drain and remove caps. Slice strawberries and toss with 1 tbsp of sugar. Place the stick of butter in a 9×13″ baking dish, or for a thicker cobbler use a 8×8″ baking dish. Put the baking dish in the oven to melt the butter. Meanwhile, in medium bowl combine sugar, flour, milk and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Remove baking dish from the oven and pour cobbler base into the middle of the pan. Next pour the prepared strawberries down the middle of the cobbler. Avoid your temptation to stir! Bake at 350°F for one hour. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious and easy treat!

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Florida

Chayote Squash By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science

The chayote squash is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with cucumbers, melons, squash, and gourds. Also called vegetable pear, gayota, Madeira marrow, chocho, and papa del aire, chayote squash is most commonly available as a pear-shaped, light green squash. Some varieties have deep grooves in the skin, but those grown in Florida tend to have smooth skin. Native to Latin America, chayotes are grown in Florida, Louisiana, California, Mexico, and Guatemala. The chayote squash contains a single, edible seed, surrounded by a white flesh and thin, edible green skin. Its flesh is very crisp and juicy, much like a pear, and has a very mild, slight sweet and nutty flavor. Its mildness makes it an easy addition to any dish, as it adapts to other flavors easily and adds a light, crisp texture. It can be enjoyed raw or lightly cooked. Peak harvest for this vegetable is now, from fall through spring. NUTRITIONAL PROFILE According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one 3.5 ounce serving of raw chayote (100 g) contains 19 calories, 0.82 g protein, 0.13 g fat, 4.5 g carbohydrate, and 1.7 g of dietary fiber. It also provides 23% of the Daily Recommended Value (%DV) for folate, 13% for vitamin C, 8% for manganese, 7% for zinc, 6% for pyroxidine, 5% for dietary fiber, 4% for iron and vitamin K, and significant amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and B vitamins. As with many other fresh vegetables, chayote squash contains a lot of nutrients for very few calories. HEALTH BENEFITS Vitamin C: For immunity and heart health Chayote squash is a great source of vitamin C, which helps to support the immune system. This vitamin is important for a healthy immune system, cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing. Chayotes and other foods high in vitamin C may help reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. This vitamin also acts as a potent antioxidant in the body, neutralizing harmful free radicals and preventing its damaging effects in cells. As a result, vitamin C has been associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Several large scientific studies have shown that a high consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of death from all causes including heart disease, stroke and cancer. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Fiber: For digestive and cardiovascular health Research has shown that dietary fiber has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases, by lowering blood cholesterol levels and slowing the progression of heart disease in high-risk individuals. Fiber also assists with digestion and prevents constipation. As with many other vegetables, chayote squash contains a significant amount of dietary fiber, which can help with weight loss by helping you stay full with very few calories. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a diet high in fiber may decrease the risk of several types of cancer including colon, rectum, breast, and pancreas. HOW TO SELECT AND STORE Choose fresh, firm squash with a bright green color that is free of bruises, brown spots or soft spots. Medium sized squash are preferred over larger ones for their thinner skin and more tender pulp. Store in a paper bag or wrapped in newspaper in the refrigerator for best quality. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Chayote squash should not be stored at room temperature, where they might sprout. HOW TO ENJOY Chayote squash is delicious eaten raw or cooked. Raw chayote is very crisp and somewhat juicy with a mild, subtly sweet, nutty flavor. It can be shredded and added to salads or top sandwiches. Other ways to enjoy chayote squash include: • Add diced chayote to any egg, tuna, or chicken salad recipe. • Dip chayote slices in peanut butter, hummus, nacho cheese, or your favorite dip. • Add to fresh juices, such as carrot or tomato juice. • Grill with other vegetables • Chop and add to soups, stews, and casseroles • Roast in the oven as a side dish • Chayote can also be eaten boiled, mashed, or pickled Enjoy flavorful, delicious Florida chayote squash today. With its great crunchiness and low calories, chayote makes a nutritious and delicious addition to any raw or cooked dish. SELECTED REFERENCES http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mv046 http://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Chayote_Squash_538. php#sthash.MR302tMk.dpuf INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

813-752-2379

Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • www.southsidestores.com

40 40

HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE IINNTTHE

November ovember 2014 2014 N

WWW.IIN NTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Naturally Amazing Activities

By Sean Green Photo by Jennifer Pohlhaus

Craft Stick Hot Pad Thanksgiving is nearly here and I’m sure many of our readers are preparing for festive gatherings, good cheer, and hopefully plenty of food. It’s this time of year that the term “Home Made” is most often associated with food. If you like the idea of “Home Made” and could use some unique and functional additions for the dinner table, then we have the perfect craft for you. I ran across this craft while looking for weaving ideas and was so overwhelmed with its elegant simplicity I could not resist sharing harmonicmamma’s (Jennifer Pohlhaus) rendition of this craft. A hot pad is always a handy kitchen accessory to have around, even better if it’s one the kids have made for you. This craft is fairly simple but does require assistance or at least preparation from a teen or adult. The project consists of stringing popsicle sticks and wooden beads together to make a hot pad.

Suggested Material: 5/8” Wooden Beads (at least 32 beads) Craft Sticks / Popsicle Stick (at least 32) 3/8” wooden dowel (optional center plug)

Directions:

Drill or Dremel Tool Drill bit (1/16” suggested) 100% Hemp or Cotton twine (1mm diameter)

Drill holes in each of the craft sticks at 3/8” (hole A) , 2”(hole B) and 4” (hole C)

Cut three lengths of twine at about 10”, 20” and 30”.

Tie a knot in the end of each of the lengths of twine and string it through a single craft stick. 10” through (hole A), 2” through (hole B), 30” through (hole C)

Thread a wooden bead onto the twine for the two holes that are at 2”(hole B) and 4” (hole C) Do not put beads on the twine close to the edge (hole A), this one is the center .

5 6

Thread another craft stick onto the twine.

Tighten the twine as much as possible around the wooden dowel (optional) and tie the loose ends together.

Repeat step 4 and 5 until the hot pad forms a circle. (about 32 sticks)

813-767-4703 301 South Collins Street, Suite 101, Plant City, Florida 33563

• 42

P o rtrait P h o tograp h er Spe c ializ ing in H igh Sc hool Se niors

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

•

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

A Closer Look

by Sean Green

Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis)

Picture credits: Photo: Sean Green I hope you all had a terrific October, filled with the Halloween traditions of costumes, masks and sweet treats. I can tell you I have and this month, I want to share with you, a curious little creature that I have run into (often with my face) along our beautiful hiking trails. There are many insects that have really cool patterns, it’s always a bonus when nature reflects deeper truths. A smile is the best natural defense we can have; that is the lesson. The tiny native spider that gifts us with such wisdom is the spinybacked orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) and chances are, you have seen this masked spider in greater numbers recently. Hopefully, a closer look will illustrate why this particular spider is considered one of Florida’s most beautiful spiders. In Florida, the spinyback orbweaver is most common in October and November but can be found throughout the year with the exception of December and January. Its native habitat spans the United States as well as many temperate, tropical regions that include rainforests, scrub forests, agriculture and suburban regions throughout the world. Much of what we know about the spinybacked orbweaver result from studies that were conducted in our own Florida citrus groves. The spinyback orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) is an “Old World” species, meaning that is found in the “Old World” continents of Europe, Africa, and Asia as well as the “New World” of the Americas. Although other species in the Gasteracantha genus are pantropical, (found in tropical regions of major continents), our species, Gasteracantha cancriformis is the only species of its genus with known distributions in the New World. This species looks like no other spider in Florida, making it very easy to identify. It has six pointed abdominal “spikes” along the parameter of the abdomen that have the potential to puncture human skin if touched at the wrong angle with sufficient force. The spikes themselves do not produce any venom and their function is not yet well understood. Some researchers speculate that the spikes could function to deter predators from attempting to swallow them. Like all spiders, the spinyback orbweaver produces venom that is injected into prey through the use of fangs. These spiders are generally harmless to humans, bites are reported to feel about like the burn of a fire ant bite and are frequently encountered by citrus workers but are also common around the house and in nurseries. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Photo: Alexander Gabrysch The Gasteracantha genus consists of a number of species with significant color variation. Such variation may not seem unique at first glance, after all, many spiders have evolved to sport bright colors as a function of luring prey into the web, Agriope is a common example of such color function. As a genus however, Gasteracantha does not follow suit, its color variation seems to be more related to its geographic location than the attraction of any insect. Studies have revealed that most members of the Gasteracantha genus have a black body and legs regardless of their geographic location. Female spiders typically have white spots on the bottom of a spiked abdomen and males are generally similar but have a gray abdomen and nubs where the spikes would be on a female spider. It’s the spike coloration that associates the spider with a specific location ranging in hues of red, orange, and yellow. Because this species displays regional color variations, researchers are able to study genetic adaptations to specific environments making this species in particular, a valuable scientific resource. Our Florida species is typically white with black spots and red spikes or nubs. The female spider constructs a new web at a slight angle each night and rest facing down near the bottom of the web. Male spiders hang around from a single strand nearby. Mating behavior is initiated with the rhythmic 4 beat tempo of a male spider drumming on the female spiders web. This courtship continues with a dance and shimmy along silk lines, if the male is successful, he will be strapped down by the female for copulation. Once the females eggs are fertilized an egg case is secured to nearby leaves and hundreds of eggs deposited along the underside in an oval mass. She protects the eggs with several layers of special silk, first a tangled layer of coarse silk reinforced with a thick line of rigid dark silk, and finally, an external layer of golden silk. Construction of the egg sack will conclude her life and the spiderlings are left to fend for themselves. As you can see, despite beginning life with parental abandonment and struggling to reach adulthood only to manifest an identity crisis, the Spinybacked Orbweaver manages to keep a perpetual smile through it all. Anyone that tells you we have nothing to learn from animals should have taken a closer look.

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family to Yours Fresh from Florida Mineral for your Fall Supplement Needs:

Super-Mol 25% Molasses Block or Tub for Cattle Super-Mol 20% All Natural Molasses Block or Tub for Cattle Super-Mol 30-5 30% High Density Cattle Tub for Cattle Super-Mol 16% Molasses Block for Horses Super-Pro 40% Hard Block for Cattle Super-Pro 39% Protein Block for Cattle Super-Pro 30% All Natural Protein Block for Cattle Super-Pro 20% All Natural Sheep and Goat Block Horn-Max 20% Deer Block Horn-Max Deer Block with Corn

Winter is just around the corner. Make sure you are prepared with our Specialty Blocks made for this coming season.

Florida Mineral Salt

& Agricultural Products, LLC. Call our oﬃce for informaaon on a dealer near you. (813) 623-5449 or Toll Free (800) 741-5450 44

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

Florida Mineral Salt and Agricultural Products SUPER-MIN™ SUPER-MOL™ SUPER-PRO™ LIVESTOCK SUPPLEMENTS www. floridamineralonline.net

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

Yield Enhancer

IMPROVE Fruit Set and Tree Vigor

GET MORE from your citrus trees by enhancing tree development and stimulating cell differentiation, enlargement and division. Stimulateâ&#x201E;˘ is an EPA-registered product to help manage proper hormone balance for improved citrus yield. Add Stimulate to the spray or foliar fertilizer tank and apply at first bloom and at each flush of new growth to: n

Improve flower retention and fruit load

Enhance fruit size and quality

Maximize root growth

Boost marketable yield

Increase tree vigor and resistance to stress

Visit StollerUSA.com or contact John Fisher at 814-323-0163 for more information.

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

INTHEFIELD MUnleashing AGAZINE

the Power2014 of Plants45 November

Classifieds

Tel: 813.759.6909 Info@inthefieldmagazine.com 2002 EXISS

ANIMALS & NEEDS CECIL BREEDING FARM

Full service thoroughbred farm from foaling to the track. Broodmare care. Investment opportunities. (863) 899-9620

3H Slant w/Mid Tack and full living quarters, $31,500. Email brie1936@gmail.com for more information.

REAL ESTATE

ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES

Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813) 752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com Swaps November 30, 2014.

CHICKEN MANUIRE FOR SALE

MOVE IN READY

HUSTLER RAPTOR

2905 Laurel Meadow 1941 SF, 3 bedroom, 2 bath. $219.000 Call Malissa Crawford 813-967-0168

42” cut, 21 hp Kawasaki engine. Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford 3 year warranty. $2,799 or Danny Thibodeau (863) 439-3232 Call Alvie (813) 759-8722

MASSEY FERGUSON 1100

BUILDING SUPPLIES METAL ROOFING

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

Tractor 93 pto hp, 2wd with 6 cylinder. Needs TLC. $3,950 Call Alvie (813) 759-8722

HOME FOR SALE

10129 Bryant Road 2150 SF, 3 bedroom, 2 bath. 5 Acres. $285,000 KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the Call Malissa Crawford REPLACE DOOR 813-967-0168 BIG Box STORES! Call Today! We have all your aluminum needs! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 Screen Room, carports & awnings. FOR SALE - 45 ACRES VACAT LAND Call Blake (813) 752-3378 (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ALUMINUM No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. ground, A great setting for residential develWe have all your aluminum needs! Many standard sizes in stock. opment. To the east of the property is a 60 Screen Room, carports & awnings. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds signifiCall Blake (813) 752-3378 cant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. JOBS Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi WINDOW SCREENS Cecil for more information (863) 899-9620 We make window screens of all sizes available CONTRIBUTING WRITER in different frame colors. Write about events in your community. LOOKING TO LEASE Call Ted(813) 752-3378 immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk 10 Plus acres prefer North Lakeland for Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities cattle. Will maintain fences and mowing. T1-11 4X8 SHEET 5/8 INCH THICK include covering community events and taking Call Reggie 863-698-2967 B-grade $22.95. Call Ted (813) 752-3378 pictures. Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com SERVICES

FOR SALE

MOBILE HOME TUBS

Metal brand new in bo 54” Mobile Home Tubs Call Ted (813) 752-3378 $175.00

LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR

FARM EQUIPMENT

Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kawasaki engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

MAHINDRA 8560

40 actual hrs., 2wd, diesel, 83hp, shuttle shift, warranty. $22,500 Call Alvie (813) 759-8722

RUBBER MULCH

All Colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378

KUBOTA B7500

4X4 With loader, 21hp. 11045 hours. $7,950 Call Alvie. 813-759-8722

PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE

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

MASSEY FERGUSON 210 2wd, diesel tractor $3,750 Call Alvie. (813) 759-8722

KUBOTA B7100

CALLER ON HOLD

A low cost service that enables you to communicate important information about your business to customers while they are on hold. No monthly payments or annual payments. Call today and ask for Al (813) 763-2220

MISC. FOR INFORMATION on the first and

only patented organic doctor approved Gentlemen’s Blend coffee contact Al (813) 763-2220

KING 9’ OFFSET DISK

Off-set Grove Disk. Good condition. $2,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

4X4 Tractor, Good Condition. $2,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722

HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL?

Call us today! 813-759-6909 or email us: info@inthefieldmagazine.com Let us help you get rid of it!

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

◆

ELEGANT

◆

UNIQUE WEDDINGS

TheSouthernBarn.com 813.316.5774

VINTAGE

Southern Charm, Rustic Elegance WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM

AT LONESOME G RANCH

Florida’s All-Inclusive, Unforgettable Wedding Venue INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014

YOU CAN CUT ROADS WHILE YOU LAY ROWS

Photo Credits Rebecca Handley Photography LLC

Technology from Everglades Farm Equipment and John Deere Integrated Solutions allows you to control your gas flow. We can show you how to save time and money with John Deere. Everglades Farm Equipment has support for the John Deere AMS systems and other row crop systems in: • Plant City • Belle Glade • Fort Myers • Immokalee • Okeechobee • Palmetto www.EvergladesFarmEquipment.com 48

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE

November 2014