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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
November 2013
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Old School Agent: Bill Williams Insurance is a necessity these days. However, choosing the right provider is often a challenge. Sadly, this world has become inundated with robotic, distanced, completely sterile interactions. So much so that it is a rarity to find an insurance agent who is not only willing to chat with you, but is equally comfortable doing so in your own home! This is what we found when we conversed with Bill Williams of Farm Bureau Insurance. The truth is, Bill Williams is such an easy going, likable, regular guy that this interview actually occurred over the phone while he was in his tree stand hunting in Georgia. At that time he had seen a lot of deer but not any he was prepared to take home. He told us he prefers the ones with decent sized antlers. While Bill did not grow up on a farm, his family owns farmland in Georgia. He told us, “I don’t have a whole lot of history in agriculture. My grandparents were farmers, both sets of grandparents were farmers up in around the Vidalia area in Georgia, where they grow the onions. We still have the farm that my grandparents farmed on. I don’t do any agriculture, I’ve just been around it in that way. I still have a lot of relatives up there that farm, they grow onions and anything they can to make money.” Bill’s interests are varied and he’s a family man. He shared, “I love to deer hunt, I love to fish; I love shooting: sporting clay, pistols, rifles, anything of that nature. I’m very active at my church, the Rock Community Church. My wife, Carole, teaches in Polk County. I’ve got two beautiful daughters, a great son-in-law (Jimmy Painter) and a beautiful grandson (James William) that just turned eight months old two days ago. A lot of my interest is family now. My youngest daughter, Jessica, attends UCF, she’ll be graduating in two years. My oldest daughter, Heather, and her family, live in Maryland.” Where did Bill grow up and how did he get into insurance? He explained, “I grew up in the Jacksonville, Florida area, not on a farm. I spent four years in the Marine Corps working with nuclear weapons, guarding them, and doing all kinds of stuff with the Marine Corps. After I came out of the Marine Corps in 1979, I started in the insurance business. I got in the insurance business because my dad was in it up in Jacksonville. It’s a family thing, my father-in-law’s in the insurance business, I’m in the insurance business and my father was in the insurance business. So I’ve been doing insurance, in December it will be, 34 years. I did it in Jacksonville from 1979-2001 when I came down to Polk County. I took over as agency manager there. Then in 2007, I decided to go back into personal production and came over to Plant City at that time as an agent.” So why did Bill leave Jacksonville in the first place? He explained, “Well, I got promoted, but one reason was the lifestyle. Lakeland, and Polk County, are a little bit more laid back, it wasn’t so big, more of the rural feel. Jacksonville was just getting so busy, so big. I had a 16-year-old daughter who was starting to drive and I had an eight-year-old daughter who had been in school a couple of years. We just thought it would be better for them to come to a smaller community. I still live in South Lakeland, but I work in Plant City. Both areas are more laid back than Jacksonville is, they’re still rural areas. It seems to me that the people are a little bit easier going than in Jacksonville. I have a lot of insureds in Polk County and Hillsborough County; the people are great! You’re going to find out I’m just an easy going guy. I try to do my clients the best I can whether they’re in Polk County or Hillsborough County. I’m not some fancy, big, interesting guy, I’m just going to tell you that.”
What makes Bill such a great insurance agent? Bill’s both friendly and modest, he continues, “I started out in 1979 as a home service agent. I love going to see people, sitting down at their kitchen tables, talking with them in their houses. I’m not like a lot of agents, I enjoy going to see the people. A lot of them do come in the office, but I’m very lucky to be able to get out and see the people, go to appointments in their homes. Most agents don’t do that anymore, they want you to come into the office but I still enjoy going out. People are more comfortable with you when you can come out to the house, especially when they have kids. That’s the way I’ve always been, I’m a guy that deals with people and wherever I can go to deal with them, I’ll go. I’ve got insureds from Jacksonville all the way down to Sarasota and in between. A lot of times I’ll spend the day in Jacksonville, seeing clients, going to their houses. That’s just me! Also, most agents don’t want you to call them on the cell phone. Well, my cell phone is on from 7 o’clock in the morning until 10 o’clock at night and if somebody’s got a problem they call me and we take care of it on the phone. With all the iPads and so forth, I mean you can basically do all you need to do from the recliner at night sometimes right when people call you!” Bill takes his job seriously and is wholly devoted to his clientele. He adds, “I work with my clients, make sure that they’ve got the coverages they need. I make sure that we do what we can for everybody. That’s the big thing that drives me to still be in the insurance business after 34 years. I enjoy working with people! Plant City has been a great situation, Farm Bureau is a great place to work. It’s the best job I’ve probably ever had as far as working for a company. They’ve always been great to me. Farm Bureau has backed me 150%. Our products are great! We fit our products to the people and make sure they are covered like they need to be. I’ve got people insured since 1979, people that have been with me since I started. So watching them grow, watching their kids grow, I think that’s the interesting thing. The way people’s lives have changed over the years, making sure the coverages are the same. I just enjoy watching that more than anything else. I’ve got people that make millions of dollars a year down to people that make $20-$25,000 a year. It’s having the whole family insured from grandma and grandpa down to the great-grandchild, just watching a family develop is interesting.” Farm Bureau Insurance: He closes by explaining, “Farm Bureau sells all types of insurance. It’s just not agriculture. I mean they sell it all, it’s not just the farm. With Farm Bureau you can write the auto, the home; you can write the life, you can write the commercial insurance. You can write anything and everything. So it’s a different type of insurance company. You can add different coverages as they grow. You grow with them as they grow. Just like when businesses first start out, their needs change as they get bigger. We focus on service, it’s a big thing to me; we’re the old fashioned type agency, we give the service people need to help them out.” Therefore, whatever your insurance needs may be, personal or business, Bill Willliams has got you covered! You can reach him by phone: 863-860-8136 or via email: bill.williamszffbic.com.
Business Up Front Bill Williams of Farm Bureau Insurance By Ginny Mink
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November 2013
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CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Contents
POLK COU P.O. Box 9005POLK • Drawer HSNTY 0NTY 3 COU Bartow,CATTLEMEN’S FL 33831 -9005
® VOL. 7 • ISSUE 7 ®
CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION P.O.OF Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 B OARD DIRECTORS
7 • ISSUE 7 & Feature VOL. Story Contents VOL.7 8• •ISSUE ISSUE73 VOL. Contents
P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS0 3 Bartow, FL 33831 -9005 FLClark 33831 -9005 PresidentBartow, - Charles
Rob Krieger
Page 34 Story Feature Feature Story
(863) 528-8537 OFFICERS OFFICERS cclark@expoco.com
Rob Rob Krieger Krieger
& BBOARD OARD OF OFDIRECTORS DIRECTORS &
Vice President - Dave Tomkow President CharlesClark Clark President (863) 665-5088- -Charles (863) 528-8537 (863) 528-8537 cattlemanslivetock@earthlink.net cclark@expoco.com cclarkc4@yahoo.com cclark@expoco.com
The Page Taylor34 Family Page 34
Page 28
Cover Photo by Melissa Nichols Photo by Melissa Nichols
Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch VicePresident President- -Dave DaveTomkow Tomkow Vice (863) 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail.com (863)665-5088 665-5088 (863) Al Bellotto - (863) 581-5515 cattlemanslivetock@earthlink.net cattlemanslivetock@earthlink.net
Ray Clark - (863) 683-8196 Secretary/Treasurer Business Up Front: Bill Williams of Farm Bureau Insurance Secretary/Treasurer- -Justin JustinBunch Bunch rclark@tampabay.rr.com
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(863) (863) 425-1121 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail.com jbunch@agriumretail.com L.B. Flanders, DVM - (863) 644-5974 Al Bellotto (863) Al Bellotto - (863)581-5515 581-5515 Master Gardener: Granddaddy Oaks Dewey Fussell -Clark (863)- (863) 984-3782 Ray 683-8196 Ray Clark - (863) 683-8196 Mike Fussellrclark@tampabay.rr.com - (863) 698-8314 rclark@tampabay.rr.com 6th Annual Florida Ranch Rodeo State Finals fussell.flafarm@verizon.net L.B. Flanders, DVM - (863) 644-5974 L.B. Flanders, DVM - (863) 644-5974 David McCullers (863) 528-1195 Dewey- Fussell - (863) 984-3782 Dewey Fussell - (863) 984-3782 Moby Persing - (863) Mike Fussell528-4379 - (863) 698-8314 Tampa Bay’s Fishing Report Mike Fussell - (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net Ned Watersfussell.flafarm@verizon.net - (863) 698-1597 David McCullers - (863) 528-1195 watersn@doacs.state.fl.us David McCullers - (863) 528-1195 Rocking Chair Chatter - (863) 528-4379 J.B. Wynn -Moby (863)Persing 581-3255 Moby Persing - (863) 528-4379 jbwynn29@gmail.com Ned Waters - (863) 698-1597 Ned Mosaic is Honored - For it’s Commitment to Hunger-Relief in FloridaAlternate - watersn@doacs.state.fl.us Facente- -(863) (863)698-1597 697-9419 Mike Waters watersn@doacs.state.fl.us J.B. Wynn - (863) 581-3255 Standing Committee Chairs: jbwynn29@gmail.com J.B. Wynn - (863) 581-3255
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Market Watch: SugarBuzz
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jbwynn29@gmail.com Membership - J.B. Wynn Alternate - Mike Facente - (863) 697-9419 Alternate - (863) Mike Facente - (863) 697-9419 Events - Kevin Fussell 412-5876 Standing Committee Chairs:
Polk County Sheriff’s office - Protecting Cattle Investments Standing Committee Chairs: Rodeo - Fred Waters (863) 559-7808
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4-H Club Events 2013
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Florida Pomegranates
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RECIPES:
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Naturally Amazing - Mosquito Trap
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A Closer Look: DEET may be DEAD
Membership - J.B. Wynn
watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Membership J.B. Wynn Events - Kevin- Fussell (863) 412-5876 Cattlewomen - President Events--Fred Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876 Rodeo Waters (863) 559-7808 Marjorie Wood (863) 660-4137 watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Rodeo - Fred Waters (863) 559-7808 onnie397@aol.com Cattlewomen - President watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Extension -Marjorie BridgetWood Carlisle (863) 519-8677 (863) 660-4137 Cattlewomen - President bccarlis@ufl.edu onnie397@aol.com Marjorie (863) 660-4137 Sheriff’s Dept. - Sgt.Wood Howard Extension - BridgetMartin Carlisle (863) 519-8677 onnie397@aol.com bccarlis@ufl.edu
Extension - Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 bccarlis@ufl.edu
Sheriff’s Dept. - Sgt. Howard Martin
Sheriff’s Dept. - Sgt. Howard Martin
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AGRI-Tourism Florida
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IINNTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
N November ovember 2013 2013
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November 2013
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Be Thankful..
The month of November seems to be the time most people “give thanks.” Social media is loaded with posts of people coming up with something each day of the month to be thankful for. Wouldn’t this world be a much better place if we lived each day with a thankful heart? Today, it seems that “thanklessness” is the common bond, not thankfulness. I always hear “why me?” I’ve been guilty of it, I’m sure each of you has been as well. Next time a challenge is in front of you, why not try to look past it to the things you have that enrich your life. I don’t mean just material things. For instance, when you wake in the morning, instead of moaning and groaning, find something to be thankful for. Write it down the night before if you need to so you can read it as soon as you get up. Be especially thankful to our farmers and ranchers who continue to feed a growing nation on less land. Somehow they manage and believe me, they have not picked an easy way to make a living. Agriculture is part of everything we do from the food on the table to the clothes we wear and beyond. Don’t just give them thanks on the day we set aside as Thanksgiving, give thanks to them each and every day. Be thankful for what you have, whether it is a little or a lot. We seem to have created a culture that always asks for more. More isn’t necessary for thankfulness. Simplicity is the key to a thankful heart. As for me, I’m going to try to make Thanksgiving a 365 day a year event. Until next month, eat your fruits and vegetables!
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. _ Numbers 6:25
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November 2013
Melissa Nichols
Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Lacey Waters Melissa Nichols
Ace Air Conditioning & Electric.................16 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers..............................16 Ball Clover/Fairlie Seed.................15 Bankers South Group.....................19 Brook & Poor...................................12 Carlton & Carlton, PA....................44 Cattlemens Livestock Auction......21 Cecil Breeding Farm.......................13 Combee Youth Rodeo Assc...........39 Discount Metal Mart.......................43 Darn Grills & Ranch Supply........39 Eli’s Western Wear Inc....................5 Ellison RBM Inc...............................39 Everglades Farm Equipment........48 Fancy Farms.....................................43 Farm Credit......................................31 Farm Bureau Ins Bill William......33 Fields Equiptment Co. Inc............23 Fla Dpt of Ag & Consumer Svcs...........................18 Florida Ag in the Classroom.......30 Flordia Farm & Ranchers Supply........................34 Florida Fence Post Company..................................15 Fred’s Market Restaurant...............9 Frostproof Oil Company...............27 Gier Roofing, Inc............................39 Glarner Farms................................23 Grove Equipment Service.............17 Grove Equipment Service.............31 Grove Equipment Service............32 Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor............35 Harold’s Feed & Pet supply..........................................11 Harvest Holler Corn Maze..........................................5 Harvest Meat Market.....................33 Haystack Farms...............................44 Helena Chemical-Tampa...............21 International Market World.........20 Jason Grimes Contracting.............7 Key Plex............................................47 Kelley Buick.......................................2 Knights Station Feed......................37 Lightsey Cattle Co.........................39 Long Cattle Company...................34 Mosaic.................................................9 MST Sod Equipment, Inc..............27 Oglesby and Company.................20 Pathway Biologic............................36 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association...................4 QLF Specialty Products...................7 Seedway.............................................11 Shoot Stright...................................34 Southside Western Wear..............48 Southwestern Produce..................23 Stephanie Humphrey.....................42 Sqqueal Deal.................................39 The Bug Man..................................39 Wallenstein of Florida...................31
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SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
November 2013
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I
t’s time for the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Annual Meeting, Thursday, November 21 at 6:30PM. We will have our traditional steak dinner with desserts provided by the Cattlewomen. There will be two speakers, one to provide the most current information on the implementation of the state cattle identification rule and the other covering a proposal to create a State Beef Checkoff. Another event coming on January 18 is the 6th Annual Country Dinner-Live Auction and Barn Dance. This is a major fundraiser for the Polk County
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Youth Fair. The Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, Polk County Farm Bureau and the Polk County Cattlewomen provide and prepare the meal for the event. All funds collected from Corporate Sponsors and ticket purchases go into the Polk County Youth Fair treasury to defray costs of the annual student run fair. After the meal, Auctioneer, Marty Higgenbotham puts up donated items on the auction block to raise additional funds for this premier youth function. Early bird prices for the tickets are $25 and the at the door price is $50. Students/ children under 18 are $10. The barn dance follows the auction. Get your tickets early and support our Agriculture Youth Fair.
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INTERESTING FACTS
STUNNING FIGURES
It takes yard of sugarcane to make one sugar cube. It takes a half-gallon of water to cook macaroni and about a gallon to clean the pot. Two-thirds of the world’s eggplant is grown in New Jersey. It takes more than 500 peanuts to make one 12 ounce jar of peanut butter. It would take more than 150 years to drive a car to the sun. In Tokyo, they sell toupees for dogs. It is against the law to have a pet dog in Iceland. It costs $6,400 to raise a medium size dog to age eleven. Ireland is the only country where windmills turn clockwise. It is illegal to hunt camels in the state of Arizona. Jimmy Carter was the first US president to have been born in a hospital. It takes 8.5 minutes for light to get from the sun to the earth. It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open. Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur. The giant squid has the largest eye in the world. In ancient Egypt, killing a cat was a crime punishable by death. In Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart never said, “Play it again, Sam”. In 1980, a Las Vegas hospital suspended workers for betting on when patients would die. Mr. Rogers is an ordained minister. A dime has 118 ridges around the edge. Baby robins can eat 14 feet of earthworms every day. Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world combined. Catgut comes from sheep not cats. Children grow more in the springtime.
We help hardworking farmers nourish our growing world.
That’s our promise. As the world’s population increases, the demand for affordable food increases with it. The Mosaic Company helps the world grow the food it needs by providing farmers with essential crop nutrients. Today, more than half the phosphate fertilizer used by U.S. farmers is produced right here in Florida. Mosaic’s more than 3,000 Florida employees are honored to help farmers put food on the table for millions of families – including yours. Join in Mosaic’s promise at www.mosaicco.com/promise.
Tom Pospichal, Manager Mosaic Agricultural Operations, Florida
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November 2013
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Grandd addy Oaks By Debra Howell
M AS TE R Trees add so much to our lives that they become like old friends. When an arborist visited our yard and suggested removing two of the largest live oaks due to the “threat” to the house, I felt a sense of loss when I considered their absence. We opted to remove the limbs which posed the real threat and keep our oaks which, at twenty-three feet in diameter, were here during the Native American occupation of the Red Stick Creeks. In our old and historic town of Fort Meade, Florida, we have plenty of old oaks. In fact, we still have an oak within the city limits under which was convened the first school classes in Polk County’s oldest settlement. Our landscape can actually improve your environment. The trees in your yard can cool your home, reduce street noise, provide wind protection, anchor soil, support wildlife and freshen the air. As natural purifiers, they absorb pollutants, are responsible for dissolving nitrogen and sulfur, and for metabolizing compounds for use by the tree. After processing these chemicals, the trees release oxygen and water into the air. Although there are nineteen species of oaks native to Florida, here in Central Florida we usually see live oaks and laurel oaks in home landscapes. From the street, the most noticeable difference between live and laurel oaks would be trunk shape and size. The laurel oak has a straight, single trunk and may possibly form a single leader to the treetop. The live oak boasts its signature, “co-dominant” limbs, arising from low on the trunk. It is normal for oaks to drop their lower limbs as they age, and of course in Florida, storms may hasten this event. Branches of a mature live oak may spread for over 150 feet. The root system of the live oak is largely topical in Florida and extends farther than the drip line of the tree. The live oak’s acorn is edible for animals and humans, and was considered an “expensive” food for early indigenous peoples due to the difficulty of extracting the nut from the shell and the large amount necessary to prepare a dish. The live oak is considered a member of the white oak group of which there are eight types in Florida. The genus Quercus belongs to the beech family. 10
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GARDENE R Another difference between the laurel oak and the live oak is lifespan. The live oak may achieve 300-500 years, a laurel oak or a water oak will normally reach only about eighty years. Worldwide there are at least 300 species of oaks. They are grouped as white oaks or red (or black) oaks. The white oaks bear acorns during the fall of the same year they are formed. These are referred to as annual oaks. The acorns are more palatable and sweeter for use by humans and animals. Acorns on the red oak varieties are more bitter and ready in the second year and are called biennial. The acorn I consumed was obviously of the bitter variety and broke me from trying a second acorn. But, I guarantee if I was hungry enough I would recognize it as a source of food. Oak flowers are called catkins. I tell you this because I like the word catkins. Live oaks will retain leaves until new leaves appear, a growth habit known as evergreen. Oaks have an historic past. They provided angled branches necessary in the construction of the great wooden ships of the nineteenth century. As a result of this need, Florida’s panhandle area played host to America’s first forest reserves. Other uses for white oaks include construction of barrels and baskets, and for fuel. Native Americans used the acorns for food once they had removed the tannins. Now here is a fact I learned while presenting a Speaker’s Bureau program called “Landscaping for Wildlife.” Squirrels feast upon acorns during the acorn season. When acorns are not available, squirrels eat vegetative matter and bird eggs. A future gardening article will feature edible landscaping for humans and wildlife. The University of Florida IFAS bulletin, FOR51, lists the following white oaks: Chapman oak, chinkapin oak, bluff oak, live oak, overcup oak, post oak, swamp chestnut oak and white oak. All have alternately arranged leaves, usually with rounded tips. The red oak group consists of black oak, blackjack oak, turkey oak, myrtle oak, Shumard oak, southern red oak, swamp red oak, willow oak and water oak. All of this group exhibit alternate leaves with pointed and/or bristle tips. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Although some types of oaks, such as the Shumard or the new cathedral oaks, may be appropriate for municipal applications, the larger oaks like live oaks are not recommended for narrow, confined locations or for use on small lots. Forest Research fact sheet, FRC-40, includes recommendations of ways to reduce the potential of oak decline. It suggests considering areas with wider planting spaces where the trees won’t cause sidewalk, road, water main or driveway damage as has occurred in Lakeland and Arcadia. But, regardless of the caveat, the oak is still prized as an ornamental tree. We have already covered the issue of Spanish moss, which appeared in the issue with the bromeliads, so we know that moss is not parasitic. But, when moss is full of rain water, its weight may cause a rotting or weakened limb to come toppling to the ground with a thud. However, when oaks begin to decline, the defoliated condition becomes more desirable to the sun loving moss and it avails itself of the oaks absence of leaves. If you already have these lovely shade giving oaks, do your research as to the proper care. Are oaks in your future landscape plans? Remember the right plant/right place criteria for proper placement of your oaks and embrace your granddaddy oak, your new old friend, and enjoy it for years to come.
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November 2013
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6th Annual Florida Ranch Rodeo State Finals Overall Champion Team 1. Stevens Land and Cattle 2. Harvey Ranch 3. Rafter G Bar 4. Sullivan Ranch 5. Newsome Cattle
Bronc Riding
1. Coffee Cattle Company 2. Rafter G Bar 3. Newsome Cattle
Team Branding
1. Switch Ranch 2. Stevens Land and Cattle 3. Harvey Ranch
Stampede Race
1. Stevens Land and Cattle 2. Prairie Creek Cattle 3. Cummings Cattle
Team Doctoring
1. Rafter G Bar 2. Beville’s Circle H Ranch 3. Newsome Cattle
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Double Mugging
1. Harvey Ranch 2. Stevens Land and Cattle 3. Markham Ranch-Sponsored by Adena Springs
Colt Riding
1. J3 Cattle 2. Sullivan Ranch 3. Stevens Land and Cattle
Women’s Team Sorting 1. Prairie Creek Cattle 2. Harvey Ranch 3. J3 Cattle
Wild Cow Milking 1. Newsome Cattle 2. Grace AG 3. J3 Cattle
Florida Cattlemen’s Association Ranch Horse Competition Colt Division
Open Division
1. Frankie Chessler on Sugar Badger Two 2. Billy Adams on Joey 3. Lint Jerrels on Ray 4. Bobby Lines on Shrek 5. Sage Adams on Princess
Steak and Brisket Cook Off Steak Cook Off 1. Pasco County Junior Cattlemen 2. Hawk Ranch 3. Manatee County Cattlemen
Brisket Competition
1. Buckaroo BBQ 2. Barthle Brothers 3. Pasco County Junior Cattlemen 4. Manatee County Cattlemen
Best Contestant Area 1. Buckaroo BBQ 2. Barthle Brothers 3. Hawk Ranch
Showmanship
1. Buckaroo BBQ 2. Barthle Brothers 3. Pasco County Junior Cattlemen
People’s Choice Brisket 1. Barthle Brothers 2. Manatee County Cattlemen 3. Buckaroo BBQ
Whip Popping
1. Cameron Cato, 16, Summerfield, FL 2. Dalton Nall, 11, Lakeland, FL 3. Ryan Waldman The oldest contestant in the whip popping was 91 year old Gordie Peer of Okeechobee, youngest contestant was 4 year old Isaac Waldman
1st Annual Cow Dog Competition 1. Kyle Patterson 2. Wesley Markham 3. Alton Langford
1. Wesley Markham on Tabasco 2. Chris Barthle on Sugarsdoctorpepper 3. Cab Butts on Cee Bee Dual
November 2013
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Tampa Bay Fishing Report November 2013
Jamie Charlton- Jamie fishing with his wife Joanne caught several redfish on a recent Tampa Bay charter with Captain Woody Gore
In late September we entered our fall season and began noticing cooler temperatures with less humidity. This makes it a great time to go fishing, because as the water temperatures continue cooling, the bite will continue to improve. What this means is that November should be an excellent time to escape the chill of the north or the heat of our Florida summers and schedule a fishing trip with Captain Woody Gore.
and mangrove shorelines throughout the Bay hold hungry Redfish. Greenbacks, dollar size pins, cut bait and patience do the trick.
Having fished the Tampa West Coast waters for over 50 years, Captain Woody offers a true professional full-time guided charter fishing service, targeting some of our most sought after game fish including snook, and redfish, spotted sea trout, cobia snapper, flounder, sheepshead, mackerel, tarpon, and inshore grouper.
On the other hand, if you are interested in something different, perhaps it is time to try artificial lures. Fall and winter are Joanne Charlton-Bottom of Article also fishing with great times to use them. Captain Woody Gore and her husband Jamie caught Artificial’s give the fish a several redfish on a recent Tampa Bay charter look at something different, like color, shape and action, or any one, or combination of, might entice them to strike. Some lures float, dive or suspend and usually require a learning curve, but that is half the fun. Fishing artificial lures is a talent, but one you will surely enjoy once you have mastered the techniques. It’s always been my experience that the best way to learn to fish artificial lures is never take live bait along. This way you will not be tempted to switch if you do not catch something right away. It’s called fishing what you brought.
As the days become less humid and grow more pleasurable you will be able to experience some of the best fishing in the “Fishing Capital of the World”…Florida.
November 2013 Let’s Go Fishing In Tampa Bay Snook season is open and greenbacks seem the bait of choice. We have also been catching them on cut bait lying on the bottom. Anglers using live bait should have no problem finding plenty of greenbacks, threadfins, or pinfish. It’s not unusual for a juvenile snook to chase down a greenback, but the larger fish are usually disinterested in pursuing any fast swimming bait. Instead, they seem content to take damaged or dead bait off the bottom. A simple technique I have been using to slow down my live bait is to break its back or cut off the tail fins. If you’re an artificial lure angler, topwater lures do well on an early morning grass flat. Topwater lures are loads of fun, especially the unanticipated explosion when least expected. My topwater choice includes MirrOlure’s Top Dogs, or 7M’s, then later in the day switching over to soft plastics on a jig head. Redfish seem to be on every grass flat and are eating live and dead baits. We are catching plenty of nice size fish with many in the thirty plus range. Grass flats with broken bottom, submerged oyster bars 14
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Spotted Sea Trout action is on the upswing with good reports when fishing strong tide days around deepwater flats. They are eating shrimp, pinfish, and greenbacks. Deeper flats, good moving water, and a popper cork or free lined greenback or shrimp prove deadly in catching nice Trout. In addition, there is some great action on calm days with topwater artificial lures like the MirrOlure 7M or Top Dog Jr. Cobia can show up on the back of large Rays and Manatees. Check buoys and markers and keep an eye out when Mackerel fishing using a chum bag. Have a good rig ready because they tend to pop up at the most inopportune time… like when you are not ready. Many times, we have been fishing for mackerel and looked behind the boat to see one or two cobia hanging around the outboard. Mackerel action should remain strong as long as we have bait. Look for the diving birds and you have probably found a school of mackerel, jacks, or ladyfish, also look for schools of threadfins or WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Carmen Marquez-Vacation- Carmen was down on vacation with her husband Richie from Colorado and enjoyed a great day of fishing as a gift from her husband’s boss for a job well done. Must be nice to have a boss like that. Carmen caught this large snook and several big redfish on a recent Tampa Bay
glass minnows and you will usually find the same thing. Try using 40# to 50# SeaGuar Fluorocarbon Leader with long shank #2 or #3 hooks. No need to go expensive on the hooks, you loose plenty. Free line the baits in the current with a #3 split-shot weight. Black Tip Sharks are following the mackerel with schooling fish in the fifteen to twenty-five pound range willing to eat live bait. Rig like you would for mackerel and enjoy the fun on light tackle. Mangrove Snapper have flooded Tampa Bay grass flats, bridges, markers and docks. Fishing with small greenies and shrimp should produce some nice sized fish, often tipping the scales around the 1 to 3 pounds. Lighter Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, small slip sinker, a # 1 hook and you’re in business.
Gina-with one of several nice redfish caught while fishing with Captain Woody Gore in Tampa Bay Gina, her companion Rich and his friend Randy had a good day catching fish with Capt. Woody “Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years, he offers 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
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Smooth. Agile. Flexes its Smooth. Flexes its muscles Agile. for heavy lifting. muscles for heavy lifting.
Our Massey Ferguson© 4600 Series mid-range tractor features the new power shuttle transmission. During loader work, it displays the muscle and maneuverability to go forward to reverse andFerguson© back without clutching. Ideal for mixed operations, from hay to livestock to Our Massey 4600 Series mid-range tractorfarming features the new power shuttle poultry. Come by and see what we mean or visit masseyferguson.us. transmission. During loader work, it displays the muscle and maneuverability to go forward to reverse and back without clutching. Ideal for mixed farming operations, from hay to livestock to poultry. Come by and see what we mean or visit masseyferguson.us.
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The “Fresh From Florida” brand is a symbol of quality and the logo is recognized around the globe. Behind the logo is our dedicated team of marketing professionals with a proven track record of increasing sales of Florida agricultural products. We achieve this by establishing strong retail and distribution partnerships and through consumer marketing on television, in print and online. We also provide export assistance, trade leads, signage, point-of-purchase materials and more. Join today for a $50 membership fee and put the “Fresh From Florida” logo behind your business. Visit FreshFromFlorida.com or call us at (850) 617-7399.
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Cattlemen’s Livestock Market
IN BUSINESS NOW FOR OVER 15 YEARS
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2013 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE November 2013
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Possum and Rabbit I have fond memories of fishing and hunting with my WPLA Radio broadcast partner, Ercelle Smith. Ercie was full of tall tales. One of which I remember, we were turkey hunting at his farm just outside of Zephyrhills.
sum meat is golden brown and the juices are really sizzling after at least an hour…take it out of the oven and apply a honey glaze on it. Let it sit and cool for thirty minutes. After cooling, throw away the possum meat and eat the board.
While sitting in a make shift blind in his orange grove he told me the story of why possums play “possum.” I remember the ending, but have had trouble putting together the entire story, so I went to the Internet and found it. The Rabbit and the Possum each wanted a wife, but no one would marry either of them. They talked over the matter and the Rabbit said, “We can’t get wives here, let’s, go to the next settlement. I’m the messenger for the council, and I’ll tell the people that I bring an order that everybody must take a mate at once, and then we’ll be sure to get our wives.” The Possum thought this a fine plan, so they started off together to the next town. As the Rabbit traveled faster he got there first and waited outside until the people noticed him and took him into the townhouse. When the chief came to ask his business the Rabbit said he brought an important order from the council that everybody must get married without delay. So the chief called the people together and told them the message from the council. Every animal took a mate at once, and the Rabbit got a wife. The Possum traveled so slowly that he got there after all the animals had mated, leaving him still without a wife. The Rabbit pretended to feel sorry for him and said, “Never mind, I’ll carry the message to the people in the next settlement, and you hurry on as fast as you can, and this time you will get your wife.” So he went on to the next town, and the Possum followed close after him. But when the Rabbit got to the townhouse he sent out the word that, as there had been peace so long that everybody was getting lazy and the council had ordered that there must be war at once and they must begin right in the townhouse. So they all began fighting, but the Rabbit made four great leaps and got away just as the Possum came in. Everybody jumped on the Possum, who had not thought of bringing his weapons on a wedding trip, and so could not defend himself. They had nearly beaten the life out of him when he fell over and pretended to be dead until he saw a good chance to jump up and get away. The Possum never got a wife, but he remembers the lesson, and ever since he shuts his eyes and pretends to be dead when the hunter has him in a close corner.
Try backing a possum in a corner and he’ll give you a big smile. One thing for sure the possum has an excellent dental plan.
I remember one year when we were publishing one of our WPLA “Mercy Ercie What’s Cooking” cook books, Doretha Adams, our secretary and Dick Shiflett, who worked in sales, had a hard time talking him out of publishing his favorite recipe for cooking possum. Here it is. You be the judge. Skin the possum and cut the meat from the bone. Marinate the meat in whatever kind of rub you like. Then spread the possum meat out on a cooking board. Baste with the rub. Broil in the oven at 400 degrees for about an hour, turning it over and applying more rub every twenty minutes. When the pos22
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We had some great times at his farm. Over the years I think Ercelle ran a baby animal raise-and-release program out of his barn. At various times of the year he had a baby rabbit, raccoons, turkeys, and at one point a baby deer. Ercy had one squirrel he named Clovis that would actually eat out of his hand. Then there was “Dillo” his pet armadillo that got it between the eyes when he rooted out about half of his front yard one night. It happened when one morning he got up and noticed the front yard grass looked funny. He went out to find that his pet armadillo had eaten all the grass roots. I recall someone called in our radio show “This’n That” and offered Ercelle a high-class rooster, and two miniature Billy goats. He went out after the show and picked them up. He said they were so tame he let them run loose in the yard. I went out to see how they were doing one afternoon. As soon as I stepped out of the car both goats blindsided me, and I hit the ground. Ercelle, leaning against one of his orange trees, just stood there laughing. Right behind the goats here comes his rooster. Before I could jump on the hood of the car he caught me twice in the left leg with his spurs. To this day I honestly believe he had all this planned. I should have known as the day before he referred to his rooster and goats as his new watch dogs. One of the best armadillo and raccoon hunters to ever live in east Hillsborough County is John McLin. Gerald Beaty told me the story of the time he went along with John and Ercelle on a coon hunt south of Plant City. He said they drove down a long winding dirt road near the Alafia River. When they stopped, John had them to build a big bon fire before turning the dogs loose. With the fire ablaze, John jumps in the back of the pickup and starts singing and dancing what he called the “Raccoon Death” song. You could have heard him for a mile, bring down hellfire and brimstone on all the raccoons in the area. Holding his nose, he sang a song about how bad they stink, and how his song was the raccoon dance of death. We all doubled up with laughter as John went through his routine. As best I remember, the ‘coon dogs failed to tree the first raccoon. We surmised that John’s “Ritual Coon Dance” worked before we ever got started. Oh boy, those were the days…. Possum and Rabbit story take from the 19th annual report of the American Bureau of Ethnology 1897. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Auction Update: Horse Tales Farm
If you didn’t make it out to the Horse Tales Farm Auction last month, you missed a fun event. There were all kinds of crafts and goodies! Pamela and her husband, Jim Heaslip, worked very hard to herd up a number of incredible donations and vendors! The Sadler family joined them with their most marvelous Bee-Haven homegrown honey. Texas Roadhouse donated some incredible barbeque sandwiches (you seriously missed out if you didn’t get one of those)! Gelati Joes provided their infamous freezes and Anna’s Sweets added some delectable morsels to the mix (the cakes and other delicacies were probably a top seller at the event). Pamela is quite adept at rustling up some big name help, too. Lowe’s provided wood kits and assistance so that the kids could enjoy an opportunity to build. Both my children were enthralled by the opportunity to use a hammer. Lowe’s said it handed out over 200 building kits, to include fire trucks and Monster’s Inc. characters! Chick-Fil-A attended and TD Banks was a sponsor. In addition, Lonesome Dove Feed & Farm chose to partner with Horse Tales Farm and has now become their new feed supplier at a discounted price! Pamela and Jim are hugely thankful for that newly established relationship and add that they gained a few more volunteers thanks to the auction, which was run by Higgenbotham Auctioneers. While the auction aspect of the event did not prove as lucrative as anticipated, all that attended seemed to have a pleasant time. There were household décor booths (Joanie Lester), tatting tents, custom jewelry (Red Feather Designs), wood rockers, dog attire (Tweetz fer Dawgs), and gift baskets galore (Common Ground Coffee & Gifts). Owners of these businesses did what they could to support the event by donating a set amount, a percentage of sales, or items for the auction. Certainly they were all enthusiastic about assisting in the well-being of the horses that Pamela and Jim have rescued. Sadly, Horse Tales Farm is still in need. Unfortunately the rains in North Carolina have depleted the hay supply that they are used to acquiring. Therefore, these precious animals are in need of hay for the winter season. If you have the ability to donate hay, or the money to buy it, please get in touch with Pamela at (863) 255 7937. Or, if you’d rather just deposit a donation directly you can contact TD Bank and ask them about Horse Tales Farm. Pamela and Jim, not to mention the 29 horses on their property, appreciate all that you are willing to do! Hopefully we will see you next time! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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In Photo, left and center: Christine Smith & Heather Nedley, The Mosaic Company. Right: Rebecca Brislain, Florida Association of Food Banks
The Mosaic Company Foundation is Honored for Commitment to
Hunger-Relief in Florida
The annual Feeding Hope Award, presented by the Florida Association of Food Banks, honored The Mosaic Company Foundation on Thursday, October 3 at the annual Polk County Farm Bureau meeting in Bartow. Mosaic has shown unwavering support for the Florida Association of Food Banks’ (FAFB) Farmers Feeding Florida program. The Mosaic Company has operations in Central Florida and supports FAFB member food banks in its footprint through the company’s charitable foundation. For the past two years, The Mosaic Company Foundation has granted more than $100,000 annually to expand the amount of fresh produce delivered to the communities where their employee live and work. In past years, the foundation has also provided grants to food banks for new trucks, expansion of refrigeration and freezers as well as community programs operated by food banks to help deliver more fresh and nutritious food to people facing hunger. “This is a natural partnership,” said Brislain. “Mosaic’s mission to help the world grow the food it needs fits well with our goal to provide more nutritious produce to families in need. We are grateful for their generous funding of our Farmers Feeding Florida program.” This year’s additional recipients include: Long & Scott Farms, Society of St. Andrew, Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto, Representative Ben Albritton as well as Keith and Linda Monda. Recipients were selected based on their significant commitments to supporting FAFB’s statewide efforts to create a Hunger Free Florida 24
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The Florida Association of Food Banks (FAFB) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to ending hunger in Florida and is a Partner State Association of Feeding America, the nations’ largest hunger relief organization. Statewide, our 14 regional food banks provide food to 3,000 community- and faith-based non-profit agencies. More than 31,500 community volunteers support our food bank network. Together, our statewide network feeds more than 3.6 million hungry people every year – 1.1 million of whom are children. In 2012, we distributed 173 million pounds of food to Florida families in need.
About The Mosaic Company The Mosaic Company is the world’s largest combined producer and marketer of concentrated phosphate and potash, two essential crop nutrients. Driven by its mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic is committed to strengthening global food security and protecting critical water resources. The Mosaic Company and The Mosaic Company Foundation make investments in and partner with best-of-class leaders in the focus areas of food, water and local community investments. More information about Mosaic is available at www. mosaicco.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Market Watch:
By Libby Hopkins
Everyone has a sweet tooth. I’ve yet to meet anyone in my travels who didn’t like a good chocolate chip cookie or a slice of pie or cake. A sweet treat can be a great reward for a job well done or a soothing comfort after a rough day at work. For the folks who visit the Sugarbuzz Dezert Company booth at the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market on a Saturday afternoon, a chocolate chip cookie lightly sprinkled with sea salt is a little piece of Heaven on Earth. Ron James is the owner of Sugarbuzz Dezert Company and his sweet tooth fans wait for him to travel from his Orlando home to Lakeland for the market each Saturday. “I am a man with a true passion for baking and a lover and creator of all things sweet,” James said. He doesn’t come from a baking background. He studied management and worked in the business for over 25 years. He started baking as a way to relieve stress. “I needed a creative outlet so I started baking,” James said.
created on the Greek island of Samos. Physical anthropologists excavated cheese molds there which were dated circa 2,000 B.C. Cheese and cheese products had most likely been around for thousands of years before this, but earlier than this goes into prehistory (that period in human history before the invention of writing) so we will never really know.” Some friends of his that were vendors at the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market suggested to James that he try out the market so he could offer more of selection then just cheesecakes. He did and he has been at the Lakeland market ever since. “I love that the market has a sense of community and that’s very important to me,” James said. He also loves that he can buy his ingredients from some of the produce vendors at the market as well. “Shopping local is really important to me and I always try to get as many local products as I can to use in my creations,” James said. He would like to find a local dairy farm so he can buy fresh milk for his deserts.
He always liked baking and he started buying cookbooks. He’d read them cover to cover like he was reading a novel. “It just clicked with me and I couldn’t go to pastry school full-time, so I started taking weeklong enrichment courses at different pastry schools,” James said. He took classes in New York and Chicago but they only taught him how to make one or two cakes at a time. He wanted to learn how to massproduce pastries. He found a month long class at the San Francisco Baking Institute Sugarbuzz Dezert Company is doing so that taught him how to make 30 cakes at a well at the Lakeland market that James time. “I want to make deserts totally from needed to rent a commercial kitchen to Ron James is the creator and baker of Sugarbuzz keep up with the demand for his baked scratch that taste good,” James said. He Deserts. He brings his delicious deserts from Orlando goods. He is currently looking for a partdoesn’t do fondant and don’t ask him to to the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market because he will politely tell you “No.” He time person to help him with his bakevery Saturday. His best seller is his chocolate makes it his goal to make delicious deserts, ing. “I would like to retire from job in a chip cookies lightly sprinkled with sea salt. nothing crazy or wild, just the classics as year and get my baking business going he calls them. full-time,” he said. “I would also like to get involved with more community events.” He is looking for a When James started baking, he would share his treats with place to open a bakery in Orlando but he would still continue friends and co-workers. They started asking him to bake them to do the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market. “I would birthday cakes or different deserts for special occasions. All still do the market because if I didn’t show up every weekend of them encouraged him to open a business. He wasn’t quite with my cookies, my customers would hunt me down for their ready to do baking full-time so he decided he would become cookies,” James said. If you would like to learn more about the a vendor at the Celebration Farmer’s Market in Orlando. The different pastries Sugarbuzz Dezert Company offers, you can market already had bakers that did pies, cakes and cookies, so visit them on the web at www.sugarbuzzdezertcompany.com. James decided to do cheesecakes. They were a huge hit with For more information on the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb the market. Cheesecakes are a true classic with a history dating Market, you can visit them on the web at www.downtownfarmback to 2000 B.C. According to the website Cheesecake.com erscurbmarket.org. The market is located at 200 N. Kentucky (www.cheesecake.com), “The first cheese cake may have been Ave. in Lakeland. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELDM MAGAZINE AGAZINE
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By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
Protect Cattle Investments
As cattle prices increase, protecting herds from theft should be a top priority. Beef cattle is big business in Florida. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, “Florida’s annual beef cattle sales and sales of breeding stock easily push annual farm gate sales over a half-billion dollars.” And Polk County contributes significantly to this industry. According to the Polk County Cattleman’s Association, Polk ranks as one of the top counties for beef cattle production. Polk County ranchers raise purebreds, as well as commercial breeds and all are seen in pastures throughout the county. Polk County ranchers work hard to maintain a competitive market, but the cost of cattle is climbing. “Florida beef producers own over a million cows, heifers and bulls. Total breeding herd values exceed $847 million. Calves would be valued at an additional $200-350 million,” according to information posted by the Department of Agriculture. Prices can fluctuate. Market factors such as the price of shipping, grain costs, and other variables play a critical role in the rising cost of beef. But crime also plays a role. 26
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On October 20, 2013, the Longview Texas, News-Journal reported “Texas cattle thieves made off with more than 10,000 head of cattle this past year, a 35 percent increase from previous years.” And while Polk County Florida hasn’t experienced an increase in thefts, ranchers can proactively combat potential problems by taking a few steps to deter would be rustlers. • Ensure all fencing and gates are in good condition and locked. Check each gate and all fence lines frequently. • Use sturdy padlocks and chains on gates. • Frequently inventory livestock ensuring all animals are accounted for – tag or brand cattle for easy identification. • Remove gates from “cow pens” ensuring potential thieves don’t have an “on the spot” place to pen cattle for loading into trucks. • Report suspicious activity immediately – strange vehicles or even tire tracks in areas where there shouldn’t be tracks are signs someone has been on your property. • And join the Polk County Sheriff’s Office “Agricultural Watch” Program. This program was developed as a means to identify ownership of agriculture properties in Polk County. The program consists of a “No Trespassing by Order of the Sheriff” sign listing the property/business owner’s name and a code number. The code number displayed provides deputies on patrol instant access to owner information and agent agreements. The PCSO Agricultural Unit can be reached at 863-534-7205. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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The Taylor Family Christ Does Heal By Melissa Nichols
Carlton and Laura Lee live in north Lakeland and have been married for almost 10 years. Carlton is originally from Hardee County and Laura Lee from North Lakeland. They have a 5 year old Daughter Carlee and a 2 year old son Truman. They operate a commercial cow-calf operation where they breed their Brangus cattle to produce a high quality commercial breeding stock. Carlton is a Territory Manager for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. and Laura Lee is the Assistant Director for the Lakeland Economic Development Council. Both Carlton and Laura have the opportunity to work with great supportive and amazing people.
the sex of their expected child. That day was the day that changed their lives, and many other lives forever. You see just minutes after being told they were expecting a beautiful baby boy to carry on the Taylor name, they were told that something was seriously wrong. The thought never crossed their minds prior to that moment as Laura Lee was having a perfect pregnancy with no complications, normal morning sickness, etc. At 31 years old and having followed the pregnancy books perfectly, Laura Lee was left wondering “Why Lord?” Truman had a condition called Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). It was a congenital birth defect that, in every day terms, meant that his diaphragm did not form properly, leaving a hole in the middle. This hole allowed his intestines, stomach and spleen to invade the chest cavity. These major organs were causing the heart to be pushed to the wrong side and his lungs were not able to fully develop. The Taylors left that appointment feeling broken and unsure of a lot of things. They had dreams for their children, they both envisioned them being involved in church, learning about the cow-calf operation, raising market animals, and being active in 4H and FFA. At that moment their focus changed to doing everything they could do so that their child would survive.
This story is going to focus on faith, family and agriculture, in that exact order. When Laura Lee was pregnant with Truman, what seemed like the unthinkable struck them. At a scheduled ultrasound at around 20 weeks, Laura Lee and Carlton planned on finding out
After meeting with their parents and telling their families the news, Laura Lee sent some texts, emails and made some phone calls. Within hours a prayer chain was started and their entire church and agricultural community began to lift them up in prayer. I was nearly
This month’s feature story is no stranger to In the Field Magazine or the agricultural community. This family is very involved in every aspect of agriculture, and that involvement is something that recently was a reminder that agriculturists are not just a group of people with common interests, they are a family. Carlton and Laura Lee Taylor both have resumes of involvement that are quite impressive. They have both been involved in showing cattle, have a successful cow calf operation and served on many committees to assist with agriculture organizations.
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Truman and Dr. David Kays have a relationship built on trust and love, Dr. Kays is far beyond a surgeon, he is an answer to many prayers. eight months pregnant at the time and my husband and myself are good friends with the family. The way that the fellow agriculturists reached out to the Taylor family is something I will never forget. We all began researching options for Truman within days, and after researching the facilities at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Tampa General and several others, a friend and fellow agriculturist, Emily Locke, told Laura Lee about Dr. David Kays, the Chief Pediatric Surgeon at UF Health Shands Hospital for Children in Gainesville. Emily is married to a friend and fellow cattlemen, Dallas Locke, and worked with Dr. Kays at Shands. The Taylors quickly scheduled an appointment with Dr. Kays. He takes a very different approach to treating CDH patients. He comforted Laura Lee and Carlton. He took them on a tour of the facility and he answered many, many questions. The national average survival rate across the nation is less than 60 percent for CDH babies. Dr. Kays average survival rate is 88 percent of patients who do not have other underlying lethal anomalies. The Taylors immediately knew that God had provided Dr. Kays to them as an answer to many prayers for Truman. And God provided them all reassurance in his own way. One day Carlton’s father was getting molasses delivered to his farm and started talking to the delivery driver about children. This conversation led them to talking about his expectant grandson and how he had a condition called CDH. This man told Mr. Taylor that his daughter was born with CDH and Dr. Kays performed the lifesaving surgery on her. To Laura Lee and Carlton, this was a way for God to reassure them of their decision. Making the decision to deliver in Gainesville left them trying to find a place to stay for themselves and their family for six to eight weeks, a place close to the hospital where they and other family members could be with Truman. A friend of Laura Lee’s and a fellow agriculturist, Kelvin Moreno, of Moreno Ranches, offered his condo to them for an unlimited amount of time. Another friend, John and Emily Eubanks had an RV lot that they offered to Carlton’s parents to use and the Hanshaw and Moon Family’s of Wauchula offered their daughters’ apartment right next to Shands for use during the Christmas college break, this allowed Laura Lee and Carlton to be within walking distance of Truman. Luci Rogers Ketcham’s family of Circle R Ranch in Lake City took Carlton and Laura Lee in the week before Laura Lee delivered Truman at Shands since Laura Lee needed to be close to the hospital. Steven Watkins took care of their cattle, putting out hay during the winter while they were away in Gainesville. The outpouring of support was something that was honestly amazing. It was something that you would do for a family not just a friend, however, at this moment I realized agriculturists are not just a group of people who have a common interest, they are a family, united in a love of agriculture. On December 12, 2011 Laura Lee went into labor and the months of planning and decision-making were finally a reality. On this day, many friends and fellow agriculturists prayed and waited for news. Truman was born in front of more than 25 medical doctors and professionals and was quickly whisked away to the neonatal intensive care unit at Shands (NICU-3) and put on a ventilator since his lungs were only 30 percent developed. Two days later, Dr. David Kays and his team did surgery to move Truman’s major organs back in place and patch the hole in his diaphragm. Truman’s surgery went very WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
well and he had a relatively quick recovery. The Taylors were by his side the entire process and on January 3, 2012 Truman was able to go home to Lakeland. The Taylors spend 22 days in Gainesville and Truman tied the record for the shortest period a CDH baby would spent at UF Shands thanks to the great care of Dr. David Kays, who during the Christmas holidays was supposed to be on vacation, but rather spent his time getting Truman back on track to thrive as a normal baby. Dr. Kays approach focus with the care of his “kids” is gentler and kinder. He has a bedside manner that comforts the parents. He doesn’t jump to performing surgery until he knows the baby is ready. His love for his patients shows from the moment he sees them for the first time. Dr Kays will continue to see Truman until he is an adult and then some. I asked him why he follows up with his patients for such an extended period of time. He replied “How will we know the long term effects of CDH if I don’t follow up with them?” The relationship Truman has with Dr. Kays is one built on trust and love, and it shows when you see them together. As the family approaches Truman’s second birthday, they reflect on the last two and half years, the journey it has been, the lessons they have learned and how much they value every day with their children. Truman is now a happy, healthy, thriving normal toddler. He runs around, laughs and loves life, this is all thanks to God and Dr Kays. Laura and Carlton are forever grateful for the people who prayed for them, who offered places to stay, and helped them transition once home. They look forward to the future with pride and confidence, knowing that Carlee and Truman will be raised to be agriculturists, show cattle, be active in 4-H and FFA, have all the things they always dreamed they would have, and most of all have a strong faith in God. The Taylors were willing to let Truman’s story be told because they hope that it is an inspiration to people who may find themselves going through a similar situation, as birth defects can affect anyone. They hope that somewhere, somehow it is able to help someone going through a hard time and also remind people to get a second opinion, and to tell about the wonderful facilities at UF Shands. Shands has many other areas of specialties in addition to the pediatric surgical team of Dr Kays. Many often view University of Florida as the Agriculture college, and forget about the wonderful teaching hospital that has some of the very best surgeons and doctors on the globe. People often reach a point in life where they have something happen to them and they ask themselves “Why? Why Lord? Why Me?” This story was no different, no matter how strong your walk with Christ is, it is one of those things that comes to your mind. Laura Lee and Carlton do not ask themselves “Why” instead they praise God for Truman. They no longer look at CDH as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia they see CDH as Christ Does Heal. Many of the people who came forward and helped along the way are people that Laura Lee and Carlton were friends with during their years of being active showing animals and in FFA. This is a true testimony to the people of agriculture, as we truly are united as a family who will help one another just as we would family. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
November 2013
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4-H CLUB EVENTS 2013 Ridge Riders 4-H Hosts 2013 Charity Horse Show Report written by: Abby, Ridge Riders 4-H club member
On October 12, Ridge Riders 4-H club hosted their first Charity Horse Show, held at Ridgepoint Stables in Haines City. This event was to help raise money for Kids Pack, a charity organization that provides food for families by sending children home with backpacks full of food on the weekends. Ridge Riders 4-H was touched by this charity’s mission and wanted to be of assistance. With the help of our incredibly generous sponsors, Surgi-Care Center for Horses, Friends of Whizbang, and Summerlin Fence, Feed, and Garden Center, the 4-H club was able to raise $1,300. Children and adults were welcome to compete at this show. The turnout was fantastic. A total of about 25 riders competed in the variety of classes that were offered. Each of the club members of Ridge Riders 4-H had a job for the horse show when they were not competing. Hannah, 16, managed the barn, Emily, 16, regulated the in-gate, Emily, 14, announced the classes and assisted the judge, Paige, 12, gave out the ribbons and homemade candy bags to the winning competitors, and Abby, 17, designed the official jump courses for the show and controlled the jumps for each class. To sum it all up, according to Abby, the course designer and President of Ridge Riders 4-H Group, “The day was definitely a learning experience for all of us, we were so happy we were able to host a successful show and support such a worthy cause. We are looking forward to doing an even better show next time!!” After a long day of horse showing, just before the sun went down, Ridgepoint’s Spooky Halloween Party kicked off with an awesome horse-and-rider costume class. Ridgepoint students sported several fabulous costumes including Harry Potter and Hermione, 60’s hippies, SpongeBob Squarepants and Gary the snail, Romans, a fairy and her unicorn, Venelope Von Sweets and Wreck It Ralph, and the Phantom of the Opera and his Rose. Each costume was creative and unique. After the costume parade, was a scrumptious barbeque dinner prepared by the wonderful chef Mike Gallagher. The Ridge Riders 4-H was proud to announce during the meal that they had raised $1,300 dollars for the Kids Pack charity, $500 over their estimate! How awesome is that?! When everyone’s bellies were full of awesome food, it was time for everyone to get their spook on with the Haunted Hay Ride and to enjoy the blazing heat of the giant bonfire. From jumping horses to spooky ghouls, the day could not have been any more perfect. Ridge Riders 4-zH group would like to thank all of their sponsors for their support and Ridgepoint Stables for letting them use their facility for the show. The group is definitely looking forward to their next charity event on Saturday, May 17, 2014. So mark your calendars and come out in May to help support. 30
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Servapalooza Report written by: Shyla, Live and Learn 4-H club member
The Central Florida Visitors Bureau describes Servapalooza as “an interactive volunteer festival, where businesses, non-profit, faith-based and government organizations throughout Polk County will showcase their community outreach projects and participants learn about local volunteer opportunities. The event is sponsored by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ volunteer center, Volunteer Polk. Participating organizations share a commitment to making Polk County a great place to live, work and play! The event is part of a “National Day of Service & Remembrance” campaign.” Polk County 4-H was going to have a booth at Servapalooza. Miss Amanda Squitieri, our 4-H Agent, was thinking of a way that visitors to that event could interact and help with a 4-H service project. She knew about Live and Learn 4-H club’s nursing home project and that we always make a small, seasonal craft to take with us to give to the residents. She thought that if the 4-H display had a craft that people could do, the visitors could put together enough of that craft that everyone in the nursing home could get one. She wanted people to see that it didn’t take a lot to be able to have their own nursing home project or ministry with a nursing home of their choosing. Miss Amanda asked Mrs. Colston, Live and Learn 4-H club’s leader, to find a craft for the event that people could put together in a few minutes as they dropped by the booth at the Servapalooza Event. Mrs. Colston suggested an apple coaster craft. It was made of felt. If the pieces were already cut out and put together in a kit, visitors could glue it together in a couple of minutes. Because September is the beginning of fall and the apples become ready to harvest, it fit with the seasonal theme. Also, people always think of apples at back-to-school time. The felt colors were also very bright and would be cheery and easy-to-see. Also, the apple craft idea fit another requirement. Since many of the residents at Auburndale Oaks nursing home have lost much of their vision, we needed a craft that the residents would be able feel the textures and shapes to get a better picture in their minds of what it is. 4-H’ers cut out the craft pieces and assembled the kits ahead of time. At Servapalooza, Polk County 4-H was represented by members from Live and Learn 4-H club and the Polk County 4-H Youth Council. The kids talked to members of the public about 4-H, about our particular service projects, and showed them how to make their very own apple coaster to go to a resident at Auburndale Oaks nursing home. After the event, we had over 100 apples to hand out! On September 19, 2013, Live and Learn 4-H group visited Auburndale Oaks nursing home facility. We visited with most of the residents and handed out apple crafts made by visitors of the Servapalooza Event. We also sang the song “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin. We choose the song according to their time era of most of the residents living at the nursing home. The residents’ responses were positive and joyful. Many of the elderly thanked us for the crafts and enjoyed the song. Some of the residents even sang along! As always it’s an uplifting experience for Live and Learn 4-H club. It’s amazing to see the joyful response to our once-a-month visitations! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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 sciPhoto Courtesy of Ron – Farm Credit ence-based research fromO’Connor UF/IFAS. In addition to site evaluations, the Doug Ackerman, Executive Director of the Florida Department Community Association Outreach Program offers onsite presentations of Citrus and principles. Shannon Shepp, Deputy Executive Director of about the FFL Operations and Research at the Florida Department of Citrus, withFFL Governor Rick Association Scott at theOutreach Indian River Citrus The Community Program is a League’s free resource Annual Meeting in Vero Beach. associations to provide for guidance for HOAs and other community 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.
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For quick crop establishment & better stands.
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Integrate microbes with fertilizer at or before planting
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Available From: What Pathway IS
• A pure culture microbial science that is a dominating catalyst for nutrient cycling in soil and plants
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• A fertilizer enhancement to improve plant growth, plant • NOT a fertilizer, but fuels your fertilizer by health and yield increases improving nutrient efficiency to the plant • A healthy root/ healthy plant catalyst that maximizes plant resistance to disease & stress
• NOT a fungicide or nematicide, but a performing input to build plant immunity
• A performing microbial solution with specific roles in increasing the ROI of your crop fertility program
• NOT another under-performing ingredient
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FLORIDA
Pomegranates By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
F
resh Florida pomegranates are as nutritious as they are beautiful and delicious. A balance of sweetness and tartness, pomegranates are juicy and refreshing. They are available from July to December in the northern part of Florida and year-round in southern parts of the state. This reddish-purplish fruit is most commonly eaten raw or juiced, as well as used in beverages or in baking. A smooth, leathery skin encloses a round fruit. Inside are numerous edible seeds, surrounded by arils, the purplish, juicy pulp, and a white membrane. The arils are often part of a dish or used as a beautiful garnish.
Nutritional Profile Fresh Florida pomegranates are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a one-half cup serving of pomegranate arils (87 g) contains 72 calories, 1 g of protein, 1 g of fat, 16 g of carbohydrate, and 3 g of fiber. It also provides 18% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for vitamin K, 15% for vitamin C, 14% for dietary fiber, 8% for folate, 7% for copper, 6% for potassium, 5% for manganese, and significant amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Antioxidants: Promote Heart Health Pomegranates and pomegranate juice are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help improve heart health. Research studies have shown a decrease in blood cholesterol and blood pressure when pomegranate juice is added to the diet. These markers of heart health may be affected by the antioxidants and polyphenols found in pomegranates and other fruits and vegetables.
Decrease Cancer
Vitamin K: For Strong Bones and Blood Vitamin K is an essential component for clotting of blood in the body. This vitamin also helps maintain bone health by transporting calcium and metabolizes the mineral into your skeleton. Several research studies have found that vitamin K boosts bone mineral density and reduces fracture rates in people with osteoporosis. As a result, the Institute of Medicine increased its daily recommendation of vitamin K. Other bone-boosting nutrients are calcium and magnesium, both of which are found in pomegranates.
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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 binds to the cholesterol-containing bile salts, excreting them out of the body. It also promotes bowel regularity and increases satiety levels, which can aid in weight control. In addition to its effects on regularity, fiber also promotes healthy digestive functioning and offers protection from colon cancer. A single half-cup serving of pomegranate provides 14 percent of your daily fiber needs. Most of the fiber in this fruit is concentrated in the edible seeds.
How to select and store Ripe pomegranates have a soft, deep red skin and a slightly square shape. Feel for fruits that are heavy for their size. Unripe pomegranates tend to be rounder with a hard, tight skin. Though pomegranates stop ripening when picked, their flavor becomes sweet and juicier in storage. Pomegranates can be stored in the refrigerator for up to several months, depending on humidity level. The arils can also be frozen for up to one year.
How to Enjoy
Pomegranates may have a potential role in decreasing the risk of cancers of the prostate, breast, colon, and lung. The antioxidants in pomegranates and pomegranate juice may prevent mobility of cancer cells and may reduce blood supply to tumors. However, studies have only been done in mice, and whether the effects transfer to humans requires further research.
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Fiber: Promote a Healthy Heart and Gut
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Pomegranate arils are delicious eaten out-of-hand, and can also be used as a garnish in fruit cups, salads, or desserts. Pomegranate juice is frequently used to make beverages, jellies, and desserts. Other ways to enjoy this super-nutritious fruit include: • • • • • •
Sprinkle seeds into yogurt Garnish a holiday salad or dish Add arils to a smoothie Mix with dips and spread on bread or crackers Puree the fruit for a topping for cake or ice cream Use juice in a fruit sorbet or smoothie
Enjoy this beautiful, nutritious fruit during Florida’s peak season today.
Selected References http://www.floridagardener.com/ http://www.hort.purdue.edu http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/pomegranate WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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RECIPES
Florida Berry Snack Bars Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture
DIRECTIONS For crust: Combine 3/4 cup chopped pecans, whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar and salt in a food processor. Pulse ingredients together until the nuts are finely ground. Add the cold butter to the pecan mixture and pulse until well incorporated. In a small mixing bowl, whisk egg, oil, vanilla and almond extract together. With the motor running on the food processor, add the egg mixture to the pecan mixture. Continue to pulse mixture until it begins to clump, 30 to 45 seconds.
INGREDIENTS Crust 1 cup pecans, chopped, separated 3/4 cup natural whole-wheat pastry flour 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup natural sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 large egg 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon natural almond extract pan-release cooking spray Fruit Filing 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries 1/4 cup orange juice 1/2 cup natural sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Measure out 1/2 cup of the mixture and combine in a bowl with the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, and set it aside to be used for the topping. Set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 9-by13-inch baking dish with pan-release cooking spray. Combine 2 cups strawberries, 2 cups blueberries, orange juice, sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened (about 4 to 5 minutes). Stir in the remaining fresh fruit and add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Transfer the crust mixture to the sprayed baking dish. Spread evenly and press firmly into the bottom to form the crust. Evenly spread the fruit filling over the crust. Sprinkle the top of the fruit filling with the reserved topping mixture. Bake the bars for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bake until the crust and topping are lightly brown, 25 to 30 minutes more. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Serve with fresh fruit.
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FFA National Convention
IGNITED! By Melissa Nichols
Although I have been involved in agriculture in one way or another my entire life, I was never able to attend the FFA National Convention. It was an honor and privilege to attend the 86th Annual FFA National Convention held in Louisville from October 30 - November 2, 2013. The entire area around the convention looked like a sea of blue corduroy FFA official dress jackets. I spent a few moments in awe of more then 63,00 participants, advisors and parents who made up the attendance of this years convention. When I walked into the first session, I quickly realized what I had been missing all these years. The FFA National Convention was made up of the best of the best that FFA has to offer. Every contest that is recognized on a National level was held within the four day period of time. The National officers were the masters of ceremony of the entire convention and these young leaders were nothing short of amazing. On day one Reid Bigland, CEO of Ram Trucks, and Easton Corbin, made a $1 million dollar donation to National FFA President Clay Sapp for the National FFA Association as a result of the 10 million views of the “So God Made A Farmer” commercial that first aired during the 2013 Super Bowl. The theme of this convention was “Ignited” and WOW, this convention ignited those present. Each session included FFA members who were part of the talent competition performing, along with awards being given out or chapters being recognized and retirement addresses from various National officers. During several sessions a performer was there to entertain the crowd such as the painter Dan Dunn, who completed an actual painting during the length of a song. His FFA painting was later on display and it was amazing that he completed it in a matter of minutes. Keynote speakers gave speeches that “ignited the crowd.” The story of the FFA corduroy official dress jacket was told since this was the 80th year of wearing the “old blue” jacket. The FFA National Convention wasn’t limited to sessions and contests. Each day there were many opportunities for both students and advisors to attend leadership workshops. These workshops were another way to help ignite, empower, unite, connect and challenge the agriculturalist in all who attended. In between sessions, contests and workshops, attendees were invited to walk thru the college center, expo hall and FFA mall. This area of the Expo hall included displays and booths for every area of agriculture, including Agribusiness, Animal Science, Biotechnology Systems, Environmental Services, Food Products and Processing, Natural Resources, Plant Systems and Power, Structural and Technical Systems, were some of the highlights. Nearly 400 exhibitors were present to talk to attendees including the National Armed Forces. There was an area that was referred to as the college center; this area had colleges from around the Nation present with pamphlets and displays to talk to WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
students about their career path. Warner University and University of Florida were both present at the convention representing Florida. This gave students opportunities to talk about scholarships and requirements as well as programs offered. The FFA mall was definitely a sight to see, everything FFA was available in this area. Western wear displays were set up with boots, jeans, hats, shirts and jewelry, as well as custom boutiques. I myself fell victim to the need to buy in the FFA Mall because there were items I couldn’t live without. The highlight of the week was definitely watching our Polk County FFA members competing in various competitions. These events included Agri-science, Forestry, Parliamentary Procedures, Models of Excellence, and Models of Innovation. Polk County also had 2 proficiency finalists, Wes Fussell, Beef Production, Bartow Sr and Kevin Benitez, Speciality Animal Production, Kathleen Sr. The week kicked off with Kevin Benitez proficiency finalist for Kathleen Sr winning an Ag research trip to Costa Rica. Kevin and Wes Fussell were both recognized as proficiency finalists in their area of specialty. Later in the week, on Friday, Blair Buchanon and Katie Harwell placed 10th in the nation with their Agriscience fair project. Kathleen High School was recognized in the category of “Model of Excellence” and “Models of Innovation” as well as being a three star chapter. The forestry contest was cut short due to bad weather, but Bartow Senior still had three silver placing participants and one gold placing, our current district officer Brett Wasden being the Gold winner. The talk of the convention contest was definitely the Parliamentary Procedures contest, this contest is often called the “superbowl” of the FFA contests. This year Kathleen High School came in 3rd place in the nation. This team was made up of Morgan Carlton, Michael Gary, Thomas Farris, Lexi Sanchez, Jamie Garner and Taeler Dupre. This team also had the highest overall team average on the written test and highest team activity score, as well as all qualifying to be registered parliamentarians. One of their team members Jamie Garner had a perfect score on the written test. The week was wrapped up with the American Degree recipients being recognized, Polk County had two, Taylor Walker, Kathleen High School and Shelby Freeman, Lake Gibson High School. The American Degree is the highest degree you can receive within the FFA. FFA National Convention creates lifetime lasting memories for those who attend, it changes lives, it empowers and it ignites a fire within those present. A fire to help them succeed, to keep them focused on the ultimate goal and with what they have learned through FFA, the sky is the limit. As a whole, FFA kids are just an amazing group of kids. I am already looking forward to attending next year. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
November 2013
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ToNaturally hold in moisture around your roses, and hopefully thwart the proAmazing Activities By Sean Green liferation of weeds, an organic mulch is recommended. As it decomposes, you'll replace the mulch, bearing in mind that even when your mulch disappears, you're building nutritious soil. Mulch makes weeding much easier, too. Mosquitoes are here in Florida pretty much all year long, we can’t escape
Mosquito Trap
that fact. For some, it results in a lifestyle that excludes outdoor activiIf you to use your roses as cut flowers, think about your intended ties, or plan encourages a habit of bathing in pesticides, still others just deal arrangement andtraps trim can the roses length the accordingly. blooms with it. Mosquito help reduce populationUse of larger mosquitoes in in the container and usethem smaller blooms and budsthan at the topThis for alow limited area by attracting to something (other you). height.mosquito Also, try trap to use odd flowers in your as simple can be numbers made forof less than the cost arrangement, of a cheap meal and works enough to make time spent porch or camping a florists do.well If you cut buds when they areon toothetight they'll probably little more pleasant. refuse to open. Always make a clean cut with a sharp knife or cutting shears, trying to avoid a ragged cut for the sake of the plant. Mosquitoes seek out sources of CO2 because most vertebrates breath out CO2, so to a mosquito, a source of CO2 means there may be a blood meal. The science of Zymology is the study of the workings of fermentation. Fermentation is the conversion of carbohydrates (sugars) into alcohols and CO2 (carbon dioxide). It is the CO2 we are interested in because it will attract mosquitoes to our trap and away from us. This trap makes a camping project for the kids and good use of an empty 2 liter bottle.
Materials:
Roses have graced gardens literally for centuries, being used as ground covers, shrubs, vines, container and specimen plants, flowering almost year-round in central Florida. Roses appear in a plethora of colors and scents. They also come with a wide range of implications and situations. You may give them on the occasion of a sweetheart, the Prom, a proposal, an acceptance, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparents Day, Boss' Day, Employees Day, Good Grades Day, Apology Day, the Kentucky Derby (Run for the Roses)...well, let's just say from birth to death, there's an occasion for roses. Now that you know that there's no need for an excuse to give this beautiful flower, plan a garden plot for roses and bestow the splendor of the rose on some unsuspecting soul soon and often. These roses are in memory of my precious dad Nelson Lunn, athlete and great golfer, now playing through with his good friend Art, both having gone home on December 18th, 2012. You've got all my love and respect, dad.
1 cup of water 1/4 cup of brown sugar 1 gram of yeast 1 2-liter bottle Black Construction Paper (or black spray paint) mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
Some roses will require weekly fungicidal or insecticidal spraying to Directions: maintain the quality of the plant. An important aspect of rose care is management of fungal spot. This disease would not be •the Cutproper a 2-liter bottle at the top of black the label prevalent states wet,Water). humid climate. Begin to •near Mix as brown sugarinwith hotwhich waterlack (Notour Boiling roses whencool. new growth emerges, continuing through the growing •treat Let the water One asset water associated withbottom shrub half rosesofisthe that these low-mainte•season. Pour the sugary into the bottle. roses are resistant to black spot with very few or no sprays. •nance Add the yeast, (Do not mix) • Place the top half of the cut bottle upside down, into the bottom halfanother of the bottle, together Yet fungal tape disease which ifisdesired. a threat in spring or late fall is pow•dery Using tape sparingly will make it easier tobuds cleanwith and arefresh the white mildew, which covers new leaves and powdery trap attractant substance. This disease rarely kills the plant but will damage leaves and •blooms. Make the outside of the bottle black. (wrap it in construction paper, or paint the bottle black) Other pests which you might encounter include caterpillars, aphids, Place the trap at least 30 (but no more than 60) feet from the area you thrips or spider mites. The best hedge of protection for your roses is want to relax in. The idea is to attract the mosquitoes away from the earlywe detection infestations. But that should be easy considering the area want toofenjoy. close scrutiny you'll afford your beauties once you fall in love with them. You may contact the extension (best are manageChange the attractant solution every twooffice weeksfor (orBMP's when there more mentmosquitoes practices) for and other pest problems you may encounter. dead thanthese attractant).
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THE FIELDMMAGAZINE AGAZINE INTINHE FIELD
November JANUARY 2013 2013
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NEW ASSOCIATION FORMED TO AID FLORIDA AGRITOURISM Former Farm Bureau Legislative Official is Executive Director By Jim Frankowiak
Agritourism is a strategy for Florida’s two top industries – Agriculture and Tourism – to blend their respective strengths to attract even more visitors to the state for the purpose of education, enjoyment or active involvement in the activities of agriculture as a means for sustaining the rural culture. Agriculture is critical to Florida’s economy as was pointedly demonstrated during the recent economic downturn. The industry is also important to food security and our quality of life. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science in 2008 survey estimated Florida agriculture, natural resources and related industries provided more than 1.6 million jobs and $76.5 billion in value-added impacts every year. That same survey estimated that two-thirds of the state’s total land area – almost 24 million acres - is comprised of forests, croplands and ranches. In addition to our food, those lands provide conservation benefits including clean water and air and protection of our ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Florida’s farm and forest heritage and diverse terrain holds high potential for adventures and opportunity. “Agritourism, one of the state’s fast-growing new business ventures, allows small farms to survive and thrive,” said Ben Parks, formerly of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation where he served as Director, State Legislative Affairs and is now the executive director of the newly formed Florida Agritourism Association (FATA). “Florida Agritourism is the ultimate field trip where Floridians and visitors to our state want to return to their rural roots and experience the joys and benefits of farm life. Buying locally sourced produce, meats and dairy products is becoming increasingly important to many families. In addition, agritourism operators provide amazing recreational activities for families that are off the beaten path and affordable,” he said. These activities also offer landowners the opportunity to foster a deeper understanding of Florida agriculture through varied hands-on experiences that also enable them to earn supplemental income by offering visitors friendly fun. “FATA is the statewide organization formed to support the growing agritourism market in Florida,” said Parks. Agritourism includes working farms, U-pick fruit and vegetable operations, exotic and farm animal exhibitions, vineyards and wineries, specialty crops and products, and hunting outfitters. “Farms are really the ultimate playground, giving in and out of state visitors new places to play, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
provides a huge opportunity for additional adventure in the travel industry, creating a new source of appreciable income for land and water stewards all across Florida.” “A solution-oriented organization, FATA recognizes that agritourism is a business and can only survive as a business with markets and workable rules. We want to help farms realize value on every acre. We will help legislative leaders at the state and local levels better understand agritourism and the economic opportunities it provides to help sustain Florida’s rural communities,” said Parks. “The founders of our association were instrumental in passing the original ‘Agritourism Bill’ in 2007 and an updated version this year.” The new law stops a local government from prohibiting, restricting, regulating or otherwise limiting an agritourism activity on land that has been classified as agricultural by a property appraiser. The new law also establishes a limitation on legal liability from the inherent risks for the land owner, agritourism operator and employees if a notice of risk is posted on the land. “As more landowners embark on agritourism activities, there will be additional political, insurance, tax, zoning, planning and other issues that will arise,” noted Parks. “FATA is committed to acting as a clearinghouse for information and using our combined 75 years of legislative experience to advocate legal protection of Florida agritourism businesses. In addition to advocacy, the new association will be engaged in the promotion and expansion of agritourism in Florida. Among member benefits are: • An opportunity to earn the Accredited Florida Agritourism Attraction designation • Florida agritourism website and directory of destinations participation • Workshops and events for destination development and expansion • Insurance and signage Parks said the association currently has three membership options: Founder - $1,000, Associate - $250 and General Member - $100. For additional information email the association at visitfloridafarms@gmail.com or call Ben Parks at (850) 559-1155. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909
ANIMALS & NEEDS
MASSEY FERGUSON 210 2wd., diesel tractor. $3,750 Call Alvie. 813-759-8722
CECIL BREEDING FARM Full service thoroughbred farm from foaling to the track. Broodmare care. Investment opportunities. 863-899-9620
FOR SALE
ANIMAL CONTROL Complete Nuisance/Destructive Wildlife Removal & Management! Wild hogs, coyotes, raccoons, opossum, armadillo, squirrels, bobcats, etc. (licensed & insured professional Services) 863-287-2311 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 July 14, 2013 and December 1, 2013
BUILDING SUPPLIES WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted 813-752-3378
NEW DOORS CLOSEOUT SPECIAL!!! $75 to $295. Call Ted today 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME TUBS Metal brand new in box 54” Mobile Home Tubs. Call Ted 813-752-3378 $155.00
2012 MASSEY FERGUSON 2615-4L 4X4, shuttle shift, loader with skid, steer bucket. 94.5 hours, warranty. $22,900 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
REAL ESTATE LAND WANTED 10 to 100 acres, no improvements, Hillsborough, Polk or East Pasco. Call Lee 813-986-9141 WANTED TO BUY Problem real estate mortgages. Will consider any situation, defaults, delinquencies. Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk County. CASH OUT! Call H. Lee 813-986-9141 FOR LEASE Metal storage building. Conveniently located off Hwy. 60 East. 4,000 sq. ft. $600 a month. Call 863-533-2579 or 863-221-0986 FOR SALE 2.66 acres, Pless Road, Paved Road by owner. 65K, 10% down, owner financing. 813-986-9141 FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620 2.66 ACRE NURSERY FOR SALE OR LEASE N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq ft frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout. Call Bruce 863-698-0019 JANE BAER REALTY Looking for that mountain getaway home? We have what you are looking for. Check out our website at www.janebaerrealty.com or call us toll free 800-820-7829. We are located in Blairsville GA, North Georgia Mountains!
SERVICES 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. PRIVATE INVESTOR Will consider any situation 813-986-9141
MASSEY HARRIS FERGUSON NO. 16 PACER With belly mower $1950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
NTTHE HEF FIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE IIN
LAWN EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES
RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378
MAHINDRA 8560 40 actual hrs., 2wd, diesel, 83hp, shuttle shift, warranty. $22,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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CONTRIBUTING WRITER Write about events in your community. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures. Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com
BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR Zero Turn Mower. 52" cut, 23 hp. Kawasaki engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
FARM EQUIPMENT
USED EQUIPMENT Mowers, disk, box blades & disk plows. Call Alvie TODAY! 813-759-8722
HAY FOR SALE Clean fertilizer Bahia Cow Hay $40.00 a roll. Call Ross 813-363-2583 or Bill 813-763-0193 or Todd 813-523-0319
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNT MANAGER In The Field Magazine is looking for independent account managers to join our team! Please contact Danny@inthefieldmagazazine.com or call 813-759-6909.
T1-11 4 X 8 SHEET 5/8-INCH THICK B-grade $22.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378
BAD BOY CZT50 Zero turn 26hp Kawasaki. 138 hrs., Warranty. $4,995 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
DOORS AND WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER No upcharge. House & mobile home. Many standard sizes in stock. Call 813-752-3378 Ask for Blake
JOBS
CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau 863-439-3232
JOHN DEERE 650 TRACTOR 4X4, 48" Bush Hog 990 hours. Turf Tires, Great Price! $4,995 Call 813-650-0910
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG BOX STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. 813-752-3378
info@inthefieldmagazine.com
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
Happy Thanksgiving November ovember 2013 2013 N
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