INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
October
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CONTENTS
October 2021 VOL. 15 • ISSUE 2
28 LUIS RODRIGUEZ ROSADO EDUCATING FARMERS
PAGE 10 Scott Angle
PAGE 31 Hog Hunts
PAGE 11 Agvocating for youth
PAGE 32 PCSO
PAGE 12 Thoughts from the Heifer Pen PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 36 John Dicks PAGE 37 Tomato Trade PAGE 38 Peaches
PAGE 16 Business Upfront
PAGE 40
PAGE 18 State FFA Officer
Activity
PAGE 20 Dairy Academy
PAGE 41 A Closer Look
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 42 Farm Fence
PAGE 25 Shishito Peppers
PAGE 44 Irrigation Toolbox
PAGE 26 Endangered Species
PAGE 47 PCCW
PAGE 30 Strawberries
Hey Readers!
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL. 33831-9005 President – Dave Tomkow 3305 US Highway 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863) 665-5088 dave@cattlemens1.com Vice President – Ken Sherrouse 13475 Moore Rd Lakeland, FL 33809-9755 (863) 698-1834 kensherrouse@yahoo.com Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch PO Box 849 Highland City, FL 33846 (863) 425-1121 justin.bunch@cpsagu.com State Director - David Hunt 9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 287-1835 Dhunt285@aol.com Alternate SD – Orrin Webb PO Box 202 Bartow, FL 33831 (941) 916-5093 cwebbowebb@aol.com Ray Clark 4484 Swindell Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 640-0719 rclark@tampabay.rr.com Donald Conroy 3882 Wolfolk Rd Fort Meade, FL 33841 (863) 412-0790 Stuart Fitzgerald PO Box 1437 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (813) 478-8141 stuartcattlellc@yahoo.com Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876 Scott Shoupe 6130 Allen Lane Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 581-7593 Scott_shoupe@hotmail.com Carlton Taylor 9875 Hancock Road Lakeland, FL 33810 (863) 858-1771 L2brangus@aol.com
Dr. Lujean Waters 8750 Shreck Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 537-1495 Lujean.waters@gmail.com Standing Committee Chairs: Membership Events- Kevin Fussell Trade Show- Bridget Stice Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863) 559-7808 Website – Adam Norman 2115 West Pipkin Rd Lakeland, FL 33811 (863) 944-9293 Adamnorman1977@gmail. com Leslie Buchanon P.O. Box 1212 Bartow, FL 33831 863-581-2711 Buckld96@gmail.com Extension – Bridget Stice PO Box 9005, Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831 (863) 519-1048 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. – Lt. Paul Wright 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org Sgt. Tim Sanders 1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 656-6119 brusso@polksheriff.org Warner University – Casey Wingate 7155 Wauchula Rd Myakka City, FL 34251 (941) 600-5772 Casey.wingate@warner.edu
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STAFF
Letter from the Editor October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This annual campaign from The National Breast Cancer Foundation is to increase awareness of the disease with a mission to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, and support services.
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez
Here are just a few of the statistics from the website www.breastcancer.org. • About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. • In 2021, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. • About 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2021. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 833. • About 43,600 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2021 from breast cancer. Death rates have been steady in women under 50 since 2007 but have continued to drop in women over 50. The overall death rate from breast cancer decreased by 1% per year from 2013 to 2018. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances and earlier detection through screening. • For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer. • As of January 2021, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment.
Photography Karen Berry Melissa Nichols Blair Buchanon Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders
• Breast cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. • A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it. • About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations. Be vigilant about breast cancer detection. There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. But you can certainly reduce the risk by making healthier choices.
Sarah Holt PAGE
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc.
Until Next Month
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In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Polk County Catllemen’s Association.
October
2021
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Here we are in October already, 2020 has definitely been one for the record books. We started the summer off mostly dry, with plenty of grass, now we have got plenty of water and are looking forward to cooler and drier days to come. Due to the pandemic, we have had to cancel the fall dinner, but we are working on member meetings to follow our bylaws. We will be getting a letter out to all paid members as soon we have confirmation on a date and time. Don’t forget that our Cattle Industry Organization Informational Meeting is Thursday Oct 29. This will be a great opportunity for all to receive some information on what is going on in the industry at the producer level. The tickets to this will be available online with a limited number available and will be held by a zoom meeting for those who can’t make it. The link to register is https://www.event-
brite.com/e/cattle-industry-organizations-informational-meeting-tickets-122561559925?utmmedium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utmcontent=attendeeshare&aff=escb&utmsource=cp&utm-term=listing And again, don’t forget, let’s all do just a little more to produce a healthier calf so we can offer our best to the buyers. Even one round of shots and being dewormed goes a long way. I hope the end of the year brings more good to us all. We have to stick together, and we will get through it. We miss seeing all of our members and look forward to the day that life resumes as normal. As always, I am here to help in any way possible and just a phone call away.
Dave Tomkow
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Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
By J. Scott Angle
At the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural take on leadership of yet another, and he joked, “Because Jack Sciences, we’ve got plenty of experts to find solutions for your asked me to.” His affectionate response indicates the level of groves, ranches and fields in Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk trust Rechcigl has earned. counties. We need experts on problems. That’s you. Rechcigl fortified the Council’s membership with industry repThat’s why I visited earlier this year with some of Hillsborough resentatives such as Mary Hartney and Sonia Tighe, an agriculCounty’s agricultural leaders. Kenneth Parker, Tony DiMare, tural economic development official and even a state legislaCarl Grooms, David Carson, Gary Wishnatski and Chip and tor. State Rep. Lawrence McClure was already one of our 2019 Jemy Hinton know all about the challenges of producing food legislators of the year and one of the great champions for the for a living. They’re among those who serve on the Gulf Coast UF/IFAS budget in this year’s session. Advisory Council, the voice of the grower inside the research Representative McClure offered his support for an AI/robotics station. center in Balm. This is part of what makes the Council more Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Director Jack Rech- than an advisory board. They are in leadership positions to accigl and UF/IFAS horticulturalist Nathan Boyd were presenting tually implement what they recommend. to the Council a proposed new direction for the center. The vision: a Silicon-Valley-meets-Cultivation-Corridor cradle of arti- Rechcigl and the GCREC faculty have become adept interficial intelligence and robotics innovation to retool the Florida preters of grower input. Feedback from growers helped guide several research endeavors at the GCREC, including Boyd’s refarms we need to feed the world. search that resulted in a prototype that can tell the difference The Council dove into a brass-tacks discussion of what needed between crop and weed and to spray herbicide only on the to happen to convert the vision into brick-and-mortar reality: latter. How much would such a center cost? What equipment would the scientists need? Would kind of faculty would we need to The overall vision is to develop an artificial intelligence center at GCREC that would develop new tools and technologies hire? What can we do to help? How do we fast-track this? that could easily be integrated into agricultural practices for all The Council also discussed what would make this tech hub commodity groups across the state of Florida. The Council’s relevant. DiMare brought up labor shortages and the compar- input and support makes this vision of accelerating ag tech so ative advantage low-wage global competitors enjoy. Grooms much more likely to become a reality. talked of the ongoing battle against pests. Wishnatski noted the need to further foster private sector-public science part- This is how the land-grant mission is supposed to work. A scientist brings a “What if?” to producers at its beginning stages, nerships to accelerate mechanization. not as a fait accompli. Producers identify what’s relevant and Parker used his prerogative as Council chair to advance the what needs to be refined. Together, they chart a course for scidiscussion toward next steps. He called for the Center to de- ence that serves agriculture, not just the academy. velop a written proposal, and the Council unanimously agreed. That’s why I’ll be back for the FloriIn 2017, Rechcigl revamped what had been an advisory board da Ag Expo at Gulf Coast REC next and reconstituted it as the Council. Rechcigl saw the advisory month. It’s an opportunity for you to board model as one that often resulted in commodity-specific learn more about Boyd and Rechcigl’s vision for artificial intelligence recommendations proffered on a project-by-project basis. at the research station. And for me Now, the Council addresses the big picture. Parker says the it’s an opportunity to learn from you Council’s job is to “look around the corner and see 10 years about what challenges we can apply this technology to. out.” One of the things that make Rechcigl an effective leader is how hard he works to bring the real world into the lab. He cultivates relationships with growers so that they’ll devote the time and talent to making GCREC relevant.
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The strength of those relationships is exemplified when you ask Parker, who is on so many committees, why he agreed to
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Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Agvocating for Youth
by Payge Dupre
As we roll into October, we are now deeper in the heart of show season and contests. This past month we held our first in-person county FFA contest of the year – Opening and Closing Ceremonies – where the Haines City Senior FFA chapter placed 1st, Frostproof Senior was 2nd and Bartow Senior was 3rd, and for middle school, Southwest Middle was 1st, Frostproof Middle was 2nd, and Westwood Middle was 3rd. We also held our first portion of the Spirit contest at OCC, where chapters had a blast creating their own chant! This coming month, on October 19, we will hold the County Creed Speaking contest at Auburndale High School. This contest will consist of 7th-9th grade members who have memorized and recite the five paragraph FFA creed written by E.M. Tiffany as well as answer questions regarding it. At this contest, we will hold the second portion of the Spirit contest, where chapters will be presenting spirit sticks that they have designed and created for themselves. We can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity! Beyond October, we also have many other contests quickly approaching. The Tool Identification and Citrus Judging Contest will be held November 18 at 3 PM at Frostproof Middle/ High School. The Livestock Judging Contest will be January 6 at Bartow High starting at 3 PM. The Nursery and Landscape Contest will be at Hollis Gardens on February 28 at 3 PM. The Land Judging Contest will be March 3 at 3 PM with the location to be announced at a later date. March 10 will be the Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration and Greenhand Contests at Haines City High School. Rounding out the year we will have our Federation Banquet on May 3, 6 PM at the Polk County Youth Fair Stuart Center. At the Federation Banquet, one of the things we will announce is our Spirit Award winner! If you like to plan ahead, beyond the Creed Speaking contest, our schedule for the Spirit Contest will be as follows: At Citrus and Tool Identification, we will be using our Advisors to compete with the most school spirit. At Livestock Judging chapters will have to design a noise maker, and the loudest
We also have many Youth Fair deadlines still approaching. Beef breeding, commercial heifer, breeding goat, horse, poultry & eggs, and rabbit entries are due November 1 but accepted November 2-30 with a late fee (excluding horses which are accepted November 2-8 with a late fee). Mandatory market goat tagging, and goat and lamb clinic will be held November 13. December 1 all Chili Cook Off entries are due as well as vegetable ownership deadline and entries, bedding plants, hanging baskets ownership deadline, and dog entry deadline. Vegetable and dog late entries will be accepted December 2-6 with a late fee. December 10 copies of buyer letters to 2 potential buyers are due to the PCYF office for cake auction, blueberry, citrus, peach, ornamental plants, market hogs, market steers and commercial heifers. If you are showing blueberries, citrus, peach, or ornamental plants and miss the December 10 deadline, you can still send in your letters from December 11-January 1 with a late fee. Whip Popping entries are due January 3. Scrap off entries are due January 7. January 17 is the final date for online entries to Family & Consumer Sciences with no paper entries allowed and January 23 is the registration deadline for the Top Ranch Hand contest. Good luck to everyone travelling to shows and competing in contests in the coming month! You always represent Polk County well! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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one will win. At the Nursery and Landscape Contest, chapters should design a “silly” photoshop photo with their chapter to showcase their spirit. The Land Judging contest will hold an FFA Spirit Shirt contest. Lastly, at the Ornamental Horticulture and Greenhand Contests, we will have an FFA Rap Battle. Make sure to coordinate with your chapters to help make sure your school can win the Spirit Stick at the end!
By Marisol Tarango
THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN If you know me for any amount of time, you will soon find that I have a strong aversion to the kitchen. I don’t know why I don’t particularly like to cook. I don’t hate cooking, but I will gladly volunteer to do other chores instead. I’m a decent cook, but no one is going to be dazzled by my cooking unless it has been a long (long) time since they have had a homecooked meal. While I enjoy eating great food that other people cook, I only cook for survival. One of my sisters loves to cook. One time, on a particularly stressful day, I offered to do the cooking, but she said no, that it calmed her down. For me on the other hand, for cooking to not cause me stress, I require the whole kitchen to myself (preferably the whole house), an entirely clean kitchen, and my favorite music playing. One thing that baffles everyone is that I have a knack for loosely following a recipe and it still comes out fine. Sometimes I think this is a skill that I was just born with, but when my mom says she has to leave the kitchen because watching me cook is stressing her out, I begin to think that God is just protecting my family from a bad meal. Nevertheless, my little sisters can very quickly make me feel incompetent in the kitchen to the extent that I just bow out and let them do their thing.
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Does my cooking, or lack thereof, inspire jokes? Yes. We joke that my brother would know right away if I had to pack his lunch. We joke that no one can make coffee like I can (I do make good coffee), and that I am great at making sandwiches. We joke that my kids will ask their aunts to come bring dinner because I burnt it again. A lot of times I ask one of my sisters to make my lunch because it just tastes better when she does it. One of the reasons that I am not as good as cooking as my sisters is because I never bothered or cared to learn. One day, far away when I was grown up, I would learn to cook really good for my husband. Now, as an adult that is not the fairytale reality that it seemed when I was 12, I’m not married yet, but I could be before I am ready.
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My generation is known for joking about inadequacy. It’s funny to say how horrible you are at doing something. Sometimes a person’s (or your) inadequacy is hilarious because no matter how hard they try they just can’t get it. But I have noticed that sometimes we almost celebrate inadequacy. Sometimes we joke that we never could have survived what our ancestors did at our age. That they were better at being an adult at our age then we are currently doing. Sometimes I think this stops some people in their tracks and sometimes people laugh and roll on. Since when does anybody, let alone the hard-working people of the United States, celebrate inadequacy? I am a firm believer in admitting weaknesses and acknowledging when someone has better skill than you do. I think that humor is a good way to deal with the obstacles in life, but we still have to go about the unpleasant business of overcoming obstacles. We can’t rely on our excuses forever. I am the first to admit that I am the least cook in the house among my sisters. I will probably never rival my sisters in my cooking, and I don’t care to. But that doesn’t mean that I can just say I’m not a great cook to my family, who is looking to me as the mother and wife to make them a meal at dinner time. Just because I don’t know how to solve a problem doesn’t mean I can’t figure it out. And just because I have to ask for help doesn’t mean that I am not being responsible. That is something else that I think that my generation doesn’t realize. A lot of people don’t think that its okay to lean on family. We were never meant to do life by ourselves. I know I will be calling my mother often for cooking advice (emergency counseling) for a long time to come, and that’s great. I know that I will be calling my dad because I don’t think a horse is shod right for the rest of my life, and that’s awesome. While I am the first to acknowledge my inadequacies (deep down to myself) and I am not above looking up a video on how to do something, I have a hard time admitting that I will never be totally independent. That there are some situations where I will have to have help. But then again, no one is independent enough to not have help in every situation that they face. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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WAKE UP – DO YOU KNOW WHAT M.P.A. MEANS Capt. Woody Gore IN OUR AREA, IT'S ALREADY BECOMING A REALITY. M.P.A'S = NO ENTRY, NO FISHING, AND NO BOATING ZONES.
In early 2000, President Clinton signed an executive order directing the departments of Commerce and Interior to develop science-based Marine Protected Areas known as M.P.A’s. While the order did not establish specific funding, it did call for citizen input. As usual, the evervigilant environmental watchdogs immediately took the meaning of citizen input as giving them full authority. They immediately began pushing for closures of all recreational and commercial fishing in coastal areas around the country. Knowing how fast specific issues become law, as anglers, we must understand how political and environmental groups often band together to accomplish self-interest agendas. Although M.P.A.’s only currently affects only marine waters. However, freshwater anglers are not home-free. It does not require much stretch of the imagination to see the concept of fishing bans applied to troubled freshwater fisheries. Marine Protection Area plans are in discussion for several states, including Florida. They can be unfavorably affecting the lives of millions of recreational anglers and the economy. Taking the monetary impact or lack thereof by an estimated 44 million anglers, one can easily see the adverse and economic impact. For example, the projected 12 million saltwater anglers spend an estimated 20 Billion dollars on fishing annually. If the politicians we send to Washington are unaware of the tremendous combined voice recreational anglers represent, they should be. Every angler’s responsibility is to be heard when it comes to protecting our rights and the rights of generations to come. To demonstrate the significance of congressional appointments, you must know your candidates and what they stand for.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Most anglers agree and advocate scientifically based management of our resources. Further, agreeing that protecting our fish and environment is vital to providing healthy fisheries and clean water. However, it should not surprise anyone that it should not come at the expense of restricting public access to engage in fishing. Advocates of no-fishing zones 2021
often overlook the significant difference between a family fishing on holiday and commercial fleets hauling millions of tons daily from our oceans. Recreational anglers are required to follow strict rules and regulations, which for most, have proven effective in protecting our fishery. There are always those with uncontrolled self intentions who disregard the rules and regulations. Consequently, it becomes our responsibility to police ourselves reporting those individuals to the proper authorities. Anglers usually support and respect scientifically based closures involving seasons or specified time-frames. However, they will not stand for unreliable data closures, mainly when less drastic and equally effective options exist. Perhaps it is time to take our freedoms seriously, speaking up for what we consider essential. Hunters took up arms in speaking and fought the gun lobbyist for their right to hunt and bear arms. While the main topic is not blatantly receiving major headlines, many anti-fishing groups work silently behind the scenes preparing to strike without warning. We must not become blinded by good intentions, remaining vigilant about the future of M.P.A.’s in Florida. Similar to never surrendering our firearms. We certainly should not give up our rods and reels, either. Because someone without the correct data or political aspiWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
they closed the MacDill grass flats, restricted access to waters around many long-time fishing locations. i.e., Tampa Electric and other Electric Power facilities and marine ports, I am all for security. However, some common sense goes a long way in determining whether someone is fishing or planning to attack an installation. While in the military, I surrendered many hours of guard duty. Protecting many governmental installations and security areas. Perhaps the ports and power plants could spend some of our money on extra security, primarily to determine if someone was fishing or planning an attack. Get involved and protect your “Rights to Fish.”
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
rations thinks recreational anglers are the problem facing diminishing fish populations. An M.P.A. seems redundant, primarily when the National Marine Fisheries Service reports that only 8 percent of marine fish stocks are actively overfished. And many species are on the road to recovery, according to recent commercial fishing studies. This indicates that commercial fishing is responsible for 97 percent of all marine fish landed, while recreational anglers land only 3 percent.
Guiding and fishing Florida waters for over 50 years, Capt. Woody offers charters in Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. For more information: see his ad, call 813-477-3814 or visit his website at
WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM
If you do not think it’s not coming, look around the next time you’re on the water. Since 9/11, someone may be young enough and might not know what happened; here you go. On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the attacks, often referred to as 9/11, were a series of four organized terrorist attacks by the militant Islamist terrorist al-Qaeda against the United States of America. Shortly afterward, in Tampa Bay,
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endly
Business Up Front
Vestaron:
The Power of Peptides
By Tiffany Dale ®
THE POWER OF PEPTIDES
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vestaron.com
Vestaron, a USA based crop protection company, is taking the market by storm with the power of peptides and continues ©2021 Vestaron All Rights Reserved. to expand registrations with theirCorporation. SPEAR family of products. Read Follow Labelcompany Directions. Vestaron originated as a Always research andand development 4717 Campus Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008 and recognized an opportunity to bring their chemistry of solutions to growers. Since entering the crop protection market with their innovative solutions, the impacts and results have gained global recognition. Vestaron’s success is built on their value points which include: effective, non-toxic, flexible, and revolutionary, their efforts are gaining global recognition and traction. ●Effective: proven efficacy of a synthetic with the sustainability and benefits of a biological ●Non-Toxic: designed to be safe on honeybees, fish and mammals, and to work in coordination with natural enemies and biological control agents ●Flexible: unique mode of action on the insect nervous system (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor), showing no cross-resistance with other insecticides, rotational partner for resistance management with 4-hour re-entry interval and 0-day preharvest interval ●Revolutionary: proprietary platform and approach to generate peptide-based bioinsecticides that are yielding novel modes of action and a rich pipeline of new products for tools against major classes of insect and mite pests Vestaron’s SPEAR ® brand family of products, provides new technology with a unique mode of action in a biological solution, which often yields greater results than that of a synthetic option. New products include, Spear-Lep and Spear-T which have been granted approval for use in tobacco and hemp. Spear T was approved for field use on soft bodied insects such as mites, thrips, aphids, whiteflies and spotted wing drosophila. The SPEAR family is IRAC Group 32, a group of its own due to its unique mode of action, with a 4-hour re-entry interval (REI), 0 day preharvest interval (PHI), and also a beneficial and pollinator safe with no maximum residue limit (MRLs). Additionally, Vestaron will be launching its second active ingredient named BASIN late 2022 and like SPEAR, BASIN is active on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) at yet another new site, allowing it to be added to integrated pest management programs to fight insects and resistance. Basin will serve as a rotation tool, to combine with SPEAR, not as a replacement.
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The science behind the power of peptides produces the power of synthetics and the safety and sustainability of biologi-
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cals. Vestaron’s peptides overcome existing resistance issues while offering a desired safety profile for workers, beneficials and the environment. Vestaron selects peptides that are potent against well validated modes of insecticidal action, and are not inherently cross-resistant from synthetic insecticides. Through synthesis of genes and a fermentation production system, they yield an active ingredient that formulates a bioinsecticide for use in fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and other high-value crops. Additionally, these same genes can be put directly into plants to create plant-incorporated pesticides, which efficiently delivers insecticides to pest targets. Vestaron is a USA based company with R&D in Kalamazoo, MI and corporate headquarters in RTP, North Carolina, and has pending registrations in Canada and Mexico. Vestaron works with growers across the country to prioritize efficacy, the environment, and sustainability all through the power of peptides and the results that supersede those of synthetic products. Vestaron believes in sustainability. The peptide-based crop protection is effective and addresses proven targets while also bringing health and viability to the environment. The Vestaron pipeline is full of effective, peptide-based insecticides designed to fight troublesome insects and resistance with high safety profiles for workers and the environment. The success of this peptide-based science has brought global recognition and accolades to Vestaron. In 2021 Vestaron was included in the 2021 Global Cleantech 100 Company list, and previous to that, they were recognized for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program, the Thrive Top 50 Growth-Stage, the 2020 Global Cleantech 100, and the 2015 Bernard Blum Award for novel biocontrol solutions. Vestaron’s team of 50+ employees work together to continue to provide effective solutions for agriculture while prioritizing sustainability. Eric Hammons, Southeast Manager for Vestaron, is the local contact, and a resident of Hillsborough County. Eric attained a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture, a Masters of Science in Innovation Management, and served in the U.S. Navy as a Sonar Technician/Search and Rescue Swimmer during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns. To learn more about Vestaron and the SPEAR family of products, contact Eric Hammons or visit Vestaron online.
ERIC S HAMMONS
Southeast Territory Manager
EHammons@vestaron.com (813)9 67-4284
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With every generation,
we get better at protecting our environment. Reclamation ecologists like Ashlee work to return mined lands to productive use as wildlife habitats, public parks and more—so future generations can enjoy these lands for years to come.
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®
EXPANDING OUR HORIZONS Tyler Brannan Florida FFA Area IV State Vice President
The framework of Florida agriculture is a complex structure of over three hundred commodities. Something that is not common in the United States and can become a competitive playing ground for agriculturalists and agriculture opportunities. This concept that has been ingrained in our head about multiple commodities in a state with a bolstering population was not the experience the Florida FFA State Officer Team was introduced to this past month. The Florida FFA Association has developed a thriving relationship with the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) over the past decade and continues this relationship through advocacy of the pork industry and working with local sectors of IPPA, such as the Tama County Pork Producers. Our connections with Tama County Pork Producers are held strongly through members, such as Dennis Gienger, who has partnered with our organization to work the Florida FFA Pork Bar-B-Q truck at various fairs and events throughout the year. Most notably at the Florida State Fair, where you will see the State Officer Team and State Staff working with our partners from Iowa to ensure a healthy addition of pork to our diets for that evening. This relationship has been utilized for the further education of the pork industry and domestic agriculture through a weeklong trip to Iowa for the Florida FFA State Officers.
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Through the collaborative efforts of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Tama County Pork Producers, our organization has been able to visit the agricultural state of Iowa and their interconnecting agriculture practices. Iowa is known for being the top pork, corn, soybean, and egg producers in the nation. Producing nearly fifty-million pigs a year, one-third of the nation’s pork production, Iowa is utilizing ninety percent of their land to create an outstanding example of some of the best production facilities in the nation. They hold nutrient rich soils to grow corn and soybeans during growing seasons, in which one-fourth of the production is used for silage and feed mills throughout the year. This sustainability under their primary agriculture sectors is something we strive for in the industry.
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As for our experience in Iowa, the Tama County Pork Producers put together tours of the various stages of Iowa agriculture. We began our week with a visit to the IPPA headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa to discuss the overall condition and sectors of Iowa agriculture. They provided us with a wealth of knowledge to begin our week and discover the production of the Iowa agriculture industry. As we moved through our week, we met with various people involved in Iowa agriculture, some including Cookies BBQ, Stine Seed Company, and Brenneman Pork. Cookies BBQ was created in 1976 by a man named L.D Cook. With the help of Duane ``Speed” Herrig, the company has continued to run and Mr. Speed owns the company and continues to create some of the most well-known BBQ flavors in thirty-four states across the nations. We are blessed to have a connection with Mr. Speed and to have his help with supplying Cookies BBQ Sauce for our pork trailer here in Florida. As Mr. Speed always says “Smart Cookies use Cookies.” Stine Seed Company is a successful corn and soybean genetics corporation that was started by Harry Stine in 1979. With over fifteen-thousand acres in Iowa and nearly five-hundred workers globally, the Stine Seed Company works towards a better future in corn and soybean production through insertion of genetic traits into future commercialized seed production. Their genetics have taken over the market and cannot be compared to their competitors globally and domestically. They have some fastest turn around dates for new traits in the produce we desperately need. We had the chance to tour their facilities and learn about the process of their genetically modified produce. They have used global connections and strategic planning to utilize the time they can plant yearround. In this way, they can bring forth the best genetics to the ever-expanding market. Brenneman Pork is an outstanding company, located in Washington, Iowa, that produces over six-hundred-thousand WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
pigs from farrowing to finish per year. This is a phenomenal production rate and is due to their excellent practices and biosecurity. The company was started by Rob and Char Brenneman in 1980 after Mr. Brenneman experienced great debt from the economic recession that year. The pork industry is under many constraints with political and biological factors taking place on our producers. Diseases, such as the African Swine Fever, have devastated the pork industry around the world. America has not suffered the damage that many have globally due to our biosecurity and proper practices of facility management. Brenneman Pork is a shining example of this with some of the best management practices in the nation. This is an impressive feat with their eighty-six contractors that finish the pigs across the state of Iowa. They have many practices that limit the constraints that their competitors deal with, such as having their own feed mill and areas to farrow their piglets. They have above average rates of successful farrowing and finishing rates across their facilities. We were given the chance to farrow piglets and see the facility and their working production. It truly was an experience that we will never forget. Lastly, we finished our week with a tour of Tama County Pork Producers member, Dennis Gienger’s farm and swine facilities. He is one of the contracted swine farmers under the Brenneman Pork operations. He allowed us to drive some of the equipment and understand the finishing stages of pork production. After a day of touring his facilities, he hosted dinner with the Tama County Pork Producers at his home. We were given the opportunity to express our thanks to their organization for putting together and funding this American Agriculture Experience. During this trip we were enlightened on Iowa agriculture and the interconnecting factors globally and domestically for their industry sectors. The State Officer Team will be forever grateful for this experience and oppor-
Furthermore, our officer team has just recently hosted our Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) Conference for all chapter officers across the state of Florida. Using our theme Expedition: Advocacy, we were able to host five conferences across the state for all six areas of Florida FFA. Students had the opportunity to interact and learn about advocacy in their chapters as leaders. Primary lessons were on topics, such as online outreach, personal and professional relationships, and teamwork building amongst our chapter officers. This opportunity to facilitate and advocate for agriculture education amongst the youth is an amazing experience that I can say the entire State Officer Team is thankful for. With this being said, I want all of the agriculturists and youth members of FFA to remember that we are the future of sustainable agriculture, and we will only do this through open mindedness and innovation from the bright minds of the world. May we work towards a better future not only for ourselves, but for those around us as well.
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tunity, and we will share this with our members in the state of Florida.
LEARN THE LATEST IN DAIRY PRODUCTION, SCIENCE FROM UF EXPERTS By Sara Hettinger
The inaugural Florida International Dairy Academy (FIDA), a comprehensive online program from the University of Florida’s animal sciences department, will kick off in January 2022 and educate participants in the latest advances in dairy production and science. FIDA is designed to address food security through efficient, sustainable and profitable dairy production. The series of courses, led by expert UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) faculty from a few related disciplines, are designed to take students – veterinarians, consultants, industry workers and other dairy professionals – to the forefront of practical knowledge in dairy production. A small number of industry professionals have vetted the courses for relevance and importance to their peers in a recent pilot program. Participants can register for the individual course(s) that interest them, or enroll in the FIDA Professional Program for a capstone experience with 12 course units to complete. A minimum of three completed core courses are required for graduation from the FIDA Professional Program.
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Available coursework topics include: 2-Unit Courses/Core Courses (8 weeks duration) • Dairy Production Medicine • Genetics • Ruminant Nutrition • Reproduction Management 1-Unit Courses/Electives (4 weeks duration) • Business/Economics • Calf and Heifer Management • Facilities • Forages in Tropical/Subtropical Environments • Lactation Physiology • Milk Quality
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• Thermal Biology • Vitamins, Minerals, and Additives • Welfare and Behavior Courses will be offered at various times throughout the year, and a schedule of course start dates will be available on the FIDA website. Each course costs $1,000 per unit. This price includes the one-week capstone experience for FIDA Professional Program participants that covers lodging and meal expenses upon arrival in Gainesville, Florida, in addition to meeting with FIDA faculty and other dairy professionals. This capstone experience will occur upon completion of the program. Register for the inaugural FIDA cohort from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15. Registration for the FIDA professional program occurs once per year, so do not miss the chance to learn from experts, network with other industry professionals and gain knowledge that will set you apart from your peers. Sign up for the FIDA email list at https://tinyurl.com/5x8t65zf for the latest updates, plus you won’t want to miss an exclusive offer for this program’s registration. Learn more about this upcoming program at animal.ifas.ufl.edu/FIDA.
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• Life is simpler when you plow around the stump. • You should always drink upstream from the herd. • Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in. • A fool and his money are soon parted. The rest of us wait until income tax time. • The man or woman that invest all your money is called a BROKER. • In 1908 the average wage was 22 cents an hour. • If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment. • You should never test the depth of the water with both feet. • You can avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.
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Newspaper Since my daughter, Karen, has taken over as publisher of the Plant City Observer, I have gained an appreciation for those that put each edition together. You have to hand it to them. They have a small space to cram their huge attention grabbing headlines, and always being on a deadline, very little time to think about them.
I enjoy the way the Plant City Observer uses headlines in their police report each week. I wonder what heading they would have given this story if it had happen in Plant City?
Some headlines that slip past writers and editors are down right hilarious. For example, “Unopposed Candidates Win.” Well now, can you imagine? What else would be the outcome? I gave the writer a pass, as I am sure he was past deadline for printing. Let me share some of the headlines I have collected over the years. “Enraged Cow Injures Farmer With Ax” “Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over” “Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years In Checkout Counter” “Milk Drinkers Are Turning to Powder” “Include Your Children When Baking Cookies” From a police report in Georgia, “Crack Found In Man’s Buttocks.” Some of the stories are beyond belief too; “Super-rats are being genetically modified to sniff out land mines for the Army.” There’s the story of a guy that saw red and in a road rage attacked victims by squirting them with ketchup. He doused both a driver and cyclist. The judge gave him 220 hours of “high level” community unpaid work.
“There’s definitely someone going to get shot. Please, please,” a man says on the 911 call released by officials. “There’s a man with a gun. I see him looking at me, but I don’t think he sees I am on a cell phone. I swear I am so scared I might get myself killed!” Police officers were sent to the scene, but the officer who originally pulled the man over stayed put. The 911 dispatchers had, in the meantime, tracked down the name of the caller and announced it over the police radio, which alerted the officer standing next to the man. Now, instead of a $150 speeding ticket he got a year in jail!
There’s a story going around that many world leaders will reveal before the end-of-the year that aliens are visiting us. (I think they are already in Washington) Some activists are stepping up calls now for governments around the world to formally acknowledge that extraterrestrials are contacting the human race. You can expect Washington to hold “World Disclosure Day” to raise the awareness of the so-called Roswell incident more than 70 years ago. They claim an alien spaceship crashed on a remote ranch in New Mexico in the first week of July 1947. The Roswell Army Air Force issued a press release saying the military had recovered the remains of a “flying disc” which made front page news around the world. A few days later General Roger Ramey made the announcement at a press conference that the found object was just a weather balloon. His report started claims of a cover-up. “World Disclosure Day” will be designated as a day to draw focus on the issue. However, on that day the nations will comes forward to finally and formally acknowledge the alien presence. Paul Hellyer, a former deputy Prime Minister and ex-defense of Canada, spoke out at the first Canadian National Inquiry into UFOs a few months back, claiming that a bunch of bankers, oil cartels, industrial corporations and military intelligence agencies were behind the cover-up. Many believe an alien craft did crash at Roswell and the US and Canadian governments signed a deal not to tell the public about the visitation. PAGE
Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the October 2016 issue
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A south Florida man pulled over for speeding called 911 to report a potential murder in hopes of avoiding a ticket. He was stopped by a police officer in Melbourne for driving over the limit. When the officer who cited him turned his back the man dialed 911.
Then there’s the story of the man that goes to see the Rabbi. “Rabbi, something terrible is happening and I have to talk with you about it.” The Rabbi asked, “What’s wrong?” The man replied, “My wife is going to poison me.” The Rabbi being very surprised, asks, “How can that be?” The man then pleads, “I’m telling you, I am certain she’s going to poison me. What should I do?” The Rabbi replies, “Let me talk to her, I’ll see what I can find out and I’ll let you know.” A week later the Rabbi calls the man. He says, “I spoke with your wife on the phone for three hours. You want my advice?” The man said, “Yes” and the Rabbi replied, “Take the poison.” I’ll close with this story. An old farmer in Paso County had owned a large farm for many years. He had a huge man-made pond out back with a beautiful picnic area. For years it was the perfect place to unwind or hold a family get together. As the farmer grew older, his oasis was used less and less. It eventually became the local swimming hole and while his neighbors occasionally took advantage of the pond, he rarely made an appearance. One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond. He hadn’t been there in a while and felt the urge to pay a visit to check things out. As he neared the pond, he heard loud playful voices giggling and laughing. He came closer and was astonished to see that a bunch of young women had decided to skinny dip in his pond. He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of the pond. One of the women shouted to him, “We’re not coming out until you leave!” The old man replied, “I didn’t come down here to watch you ladies swim or make you get out of the pond naked. I’m here to feed the alligator.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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for a FREE On-Farm Readiness Review The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) inspections have begun. Sign up now to request a free On-Farm Readiness Review (OFRR), offered in partnership by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University of Florida IFAS. The OFRR is an educational opportunity to help individual farms align practices with the PSR regulatory requirements in preparation for inspections.
For more information on FSMA and to sign up for an OFRR, visit FDACS.gov/FSMA or call (863) 578-1900. To take full advantage of the OFRR and for PSR compliance, one farm representative should first attend a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training. Upcoming trainings can be found at: crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/events
This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,179,719 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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FLORIDA SHISHITO PEPPERS By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Shishito peppers have been featured on many trendy restaurant menus lately. What are these peppers? Originating from Japan, shishito peppers are prized for their mildly spicy flavor and ease of preparation. These peppers can grow easily in your home garden or can be found in many farmers markets and grocery stores. The pepper is slender, about the length of your fingers, and thin-skinned. Their name shishito means “lion’s head,” named for the shape of the bumpy blunt tip of the pepper. They are green when unripe and turn to red when ripe, although most commonly they are harvested when still green. They are prized for their sweet and mildly spicy flavor. Shishito peppers are much milder than jalapeno peppers. They are often served pan fried or roasted with olive oil and salt for a quick appetizer. Unlike most other vegetables, shishito peppers grow well year-round in Florida.
Nutritional Profile Fresh shishito peppers are highly nutritious and very low in calories. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 100 gram serving of dried red chili powder (about eight fresh peppers) contains 20 calories, 1.9 g of protein, 0.09 g of fat, 5g of carbohydrate, and 3 g of fiber. One serving also provides 135% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for vitamin C, 80% for vitamin A, and substantial amounts of carotene, of iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, choline, folate, and vitamin E. Since hot peppers pack such a potent punch, the serving size is small, but contains a large range of important vitamins and minerals. They can add a ton of flavor and nutrition with very few calories.
A Natural Anti-inflammatory Capsaicin, which gives hot peppers their pungency, is a compound that fights inflammation and lessens pain from conditions such as headaches, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and psoriasis. The hottest peppers contain the most of this compound. Capsaicin works by inhibiting substance P, a neuropeptide involved in pain perception and the inflammatory process. Capsaicin can be found in topical creams and patches as an over-the-counter pain-reliever.
Help Your Heart Fresh Florida shishito peppers provide not only flavor, but also cardiovascular benefits. They can reduce blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and platelet clumping. Additionally, compounds in peppers help dissolve fibrin, a substance involved in the formation of blood clots. Shishito peppers contain vitamins A and C, which also act as antioxidants, sweeping away
Increase your Metabolism Eating shishito and other spicy peppers can increase calorie burn for several hours after eating them. The heat you may feel after eating hot peppers and other spicy foods is a rise in body temperature as your body digests them. This increased heat production increases your calorie expenditure. Several research studies have shown a modest (about 100 calories) increase energy expenditure and fat burn following ingestion of capsaicin from raw, cooked, dried, or canned hot peppers. In addition to increased calorie burn, people who consumed hot peppers reported fewer cravings and suppressed appetite, which can also contribute to weight loss.
How to select and store Choose fresh shishito peppers that have glossy, deep colors, firm skin, and fresh stems. Unripe peppers are green and will turn to red when ripe. Avoid those that are wrinkled, have cracks near the stem, or have soft spots. Store unwashed peppers in a paper bag in the refrigerator for up to several weeks. Fresh peppers can also be dried by hanging in the sunlight or in a home dehydrator. Once dried, they can be ground into a powder and used as seasoning.
How to Enjoy Shishito peppers are delicious simply roasted or grilled with olive oil and salt. They can be used in a stir-fry or fried in a tempura. Ripe red peppers are sweet and can be sliced and eaten raw in salads or on sandwiches. Additional ways to enjoy shishito peppers include: • Roasted with olive oil and used to flavor dishes • Chopped and added to a stir-fry • Chopped and added to cornbread • Minced and added to yogurt for a spicy and cool dip • Diced and added to omelets, tuna salad or chicken salad • Roasted and used to top tacos or eggs • Roasted and mixed into a salsa Enjoy fresh Florida shishito peppers today!
Selected References http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.org INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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free radicals which can damage cells and start the cascade of atherosclerosis (the accumulation of fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides on the artery wall). Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks and stroke.
E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Enduring Florida: Four-Petal Paw Paw
Florida is the only state where you'll find the Four-petal Paw Paw, or its scientific name, the Asimina tetramera. The Fourpetal Paw Paw is an aromatic shrub belonging to the Annonaceae or custard apple family. It is found in coastal sand pine scrub habitats in Martin and Palm Beach counties in southeast Florida. The Paw Paw is a one to three foot tall, aromatic shrub that has one to several stems arising from a deep taproot. Leaves are oblong to oblanceolate, five to 10 inches long, arranged alternately on the stem, and are yellow-green to deep green. The leaves are narrow at the base and have broadly acute or blunt tips and lack stipules. The flowers are maroon and smelly. They occur singly in the leaf axil; however, if the plant is burned or damaged, two or three flowers may develop. Perianth parts are typically in coils of three but may vary. The petals usually form coils. The stamens are spirally arranged on an elevated torus or ball shaped receptacle, surrounding one to many separate carpels. It will survive when other plants overshadow it, but it puts more energy into growing bigger leaves needed for photosynthesis and less into flowering and fruiting.
By Libby Hopkins
ers open before all the parts are fully developed and mature from the base of the stem toward the developing tip. They are protogynous, meaning that the stigmatic surface becomes receptive before anther maturation and pollen release. The petals fall from the flowers within one day of pollen release, and carpel development and receptacle enlargement follow successful pollination and fertilization. Flowers that are not pollinated fall soon after pollen is released. Beetles are the most likely pollinators, although flies, wasps and other insects have been observed visiting flowers. Most Four-petal Paw Paw populations currently exist on protected sites. In Martin County these include Jonathan Dickinson SP and Savannas State Reserve. In Palm Beach County it is found in Carlin Park, Juno Beach Park, Juno Hills and Jupiter Ridge, Jupiter Inlet tract and the Florida Power and Light headquarters office grounds. Although many of the known localities for this species are protected, the species may not be adequately preserved in the northern part of its range, as only four plants in this region lie on protected land. Of the protected areas, Jonathan Dickinson SP is the largest site in Martin County, with 220 plants. The proposed park with 224 plants is the largest site in Palm Beach County.
The four-petal pawpaw was discovered at Rio, Florida, in 1924 and subsequently named Pityothamnus tetramerus. This plant is extremely rare. So rare that the number of living plants has been counted, numbered and regularly monitored. The Paw Paw is so rare that both the federal government and the state list it as endangered in 1988. The problem is that it exists only in the coastal sand pine ridges of the two counties, land that is also extremely rare these days in an undeveloped state. The only chance for the Fourpetal Paw Paw's survival, really, is preservation of as much of this land as is practical.
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Four-petal pawpaw flowers as early as February, peaking in May and June, but continuing through the summer. The flow-
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If you would like to learn more about the Four-petal Paw Paw, you can visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at www.fdacs.gov.
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EDUCATING FARMERS By Libby Hopkins
Luis Rodriguez Rosado has only been at his new position of Extension Agent I for Small Farms and Pesticide Education for a few months, but he has hit the ground running. His position is part of the UF/IFAS Extension in Polk County. “I’m originally from Puerto Rico and while I was there, I was working for the extension service in Puerto Rico,” Luis said. “I wanted to move to Florida to be closer to my family because my sister and brother live here. I started looking for a job with the extension services here, so when the position opened up I applied for it. I was thrilled when I got the position here in Polk County, but I had to wait a whole year because of COVID before I could start my new position.” While living in Puerto Rico, Luis studied animal sciences and got his BA and Master’s degrees in animal sciences. His position consists of educating farmers on better farming practices and educating clients who want to start a farming business through the extension services Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Program.
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“The goal of this program is to provide education and resources to Polk County small farms to develop their potential
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and increase local access to safe, quality, Polk grown products,” Luis said. “A small farm is defined by USDA as one producing products for sale with revenue less than $250,000 annually. State and national trends show an increasing number of citizens exploring small scale fruit and vegetable production and alternative crops for local consumption. Meanwhile, consumers are on the lookout for locally grown, quality foods and seeking a connection to the farm. I can also take soil samples for them and offer them research data to help with their farms.” Florida’s number one industry is tourism, followed by agriculture. Agritourism represents a business opportunity for Florida farms as well as an agricultural awareness experience for the public. The 2012 Agriculture Census statistics show the number of farms offering recreational services jumped from 281 statewide in 2007 to 724 in 2012. Agritourism helps U.S. farmers and ranchers generate revenue from recreational or educational activities, such as tours of a working farm or “pick-your-own fruits and vegetables” programs. Beginning and small and mid-size farms WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
are increasingly exploring agritourism as a strategy to remain competitive. Agritourism also has the potential to help revitalize rural economies, educate the public about agriculture and preserve agricultural heritage. In addition, communityfocused farms may find agritourism an attractive option because it provides more labor opportunities for local residents. Researchers found several farm-level factors associated with agritourism enterprises. Female operators were more likely to participate in agritourism, particularly on larger agritourism farms. Older operators were slightly more likely to adopt agritourism than younger farmers, all else being equal. In addition, farms and ranches that processed or sold food for human consumption, such as participating in local or regional food systems, were also more likely to adopt agritourism. Direct-to-consumer marketing, such as farmers markets and direct-to-retail food sales, such as selling to restaurants, provide free marketing for agritourism enterprises through word of mouth. Lastly, farms and ranches with cattle and horses had a greater likelihood of implementing agritourism. Horses in particular are associated with higher value agritourism enterprises, such as dude ranches or ranches specializing in tourist activities, including camping and horseback riding. Florida has been experiencing record tourism, nearly 96 million visitors in 2014. In close proximity to major highways and tourist destinations, with vigorous agriculture to share, Polk County is well positioned to benefit from these trends. “Polk County is getting more urbanized and more than likely in the next 10 years, Polk is going to have a lot more urban farms or starting to grow their crops vertically,” Luis said. “So instead of having big acreage they will have green houses or vertical gardens. Agritourism will definitely raise new revenue in the agriculture business. Especially in Polk County because we have so many U-pick farms and small farms they allow customers to come and buy produce on their farms.” Another part of Luis’ job is pesticide education. “Both federal and state laws require licensing of pesticide applicators and this program provides the training to meet those requirements,” Luis said. “The use of pesticides is a requirement in many occupations including controlling invasive species in natural areas, pests in agricultural production and maintaining visually appealing landscapes.” According to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) records, Polk County has more than 1,000 pesticide applicator licenses registered and nearly 4,000 pest control technicians. The impact of non-point source pollution on water quality has been the subject of increasing concern in Florida, as many water bodies, including several water bodies in Polk County, are considered impaired by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and U.S. EPA standards. The landscape maintenance industry has a significant impact on Florida’s natural resources, as incorrect cultural and chemical application practices can lead to non-point source pollution. This program provides training for landscape professionals in the proper application of fertilizers and pesticides in order to protect Florida’s natural resources and meet Florida fertilizer licensing requirements. Florida is home to one of the most diverse agricultural powerhouses in the nation. All the crops are affected by different pests. Farmers, as well as private applicators, need to understand how to effectively manage pest populations. Along with cultural, mechanical, and biological pest management strat-
Another program that Luis assists with is UF/IFAS Extension’s Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP). GIBMPs teach environmentally safe landscaping practices that help conserve and protect Florida’s ground and surface waters and natural resources. This science-based educational program for Green Industry professionals is offered by the UF/ IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping program and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. “Florida law states that all commercial fertilizer applicators must have a Limited Certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,” Luis said. “To get this certification, each commercial applicator must be trained in the GI-BMPs and receive a certificate of completion from UF/IFAS and FDEP. Local ordinances may require that non-commercial fertilizer applicators also be trained.” If you ask Luis what he likes most about his new position at UF/IFAS Extension in Polk County, he’ll tell you it’s interacting with his clients. “I love educating our clients on best practices and how to grow or produce the best products,” Luis said. “My favorite part of my job is getting to work with our farmers. I love to go into the field and work with our farmers. I like to see their farm and what they have on their farm. It gets me out of the office. I love nature and being outside. I can see how their crops are growing. I also like learning from our farmers. They have a lot of knowledge to offer, which I can use to help other farmers. Even though I’ve only been with the extension service for a little over five months, I’ve learn a lot from our farmers during my visits.” “Keeping things local is very important because I work a lot with people who are just beginning to farm,” Luis said. “They are small local growers who want to grow produce to sell locally or out of county. I recommend they grow their produce for local use. This keeps products local and gives their customers the opportunity to get to know who is growing their food and where their food is grown. A lot of consumers now are looking for locally produced or grown food. They want fresh, good quality products. It also helps to increase the local economy.” Luis is currently working on new programs that can be offered through UF/IFAS Extension in Polk County. I have many new things I’m working on and I hope they will become available through the extension service in the upcoming months,” Luis said. “Keep an eye on our website to find out what I have in store.” If you would like to learn more about the services offered at UF/IFAS Extension in Polk County or if you would like to read Luis’ blogs, you can visit the extension’s website at http://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/polk/ or call Luis at 863-519-1049.
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egies, pesticide applicators use chemical methods. There are pesticides that are known as restricted use pesticides (RUP), and applicators need to have a pesticide license to use them. The General Certification Standards Core Exam is required for any person that wants to become certified as a licensed pesticide applicator, to control pests under the Florida Pesticide Law and its rules. “Before someone can apply for any of the license’s categories under Pesticide Certification Section Chapter 487, the person most have evidence that they have passed the Standards Core Exam,” Luis said. “Exams are offered on the first Monday of the month.”
FALL: A TIME TO GROW AND EAT YOUR OWN STRAWBERRIES AT HOME By Brad Buck
photo shows strawberries in a garden. Credit: "Courtesy, UF/IFAS photography. While Florida is known as the winter strawberry capital of the world, you can plant strawberries at home now. Yes, fall is officially here – even if the temperatures don’t always match the calendar date. That means the air is soon going to get a little drier and maybe a tad cooler in much of Florida. Specifically, the temperature should be between 50 and 80 degrees for best strawberry growth. Vance Whitaker, a strawberry breeder at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, co-authored a newly revised UF/IFAS Extension document (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS403) that gives tips on how to plant and grow strawberries at home, including suggestions for fertilizer, pest control, harvesting and storage. “It’s important to remember that strawberries grow best during the winter in Florida,” said Whitaker, an associate professor of horticultural sciences. “In central Florida and west-central Florida, gardeners should plant them in mid- to late-October and they will start fruiting in late November or December.” If you live in North Florida, where it’s getting a bit chillier, you can start planting earlier, Whitaker said. But the time to plant home-grown strawberries varies widely, depending on where you are in Florida. Gardeners should time their planting to mirror the local commercial growers’ planting schedule. Among the recommendations from UF/IFAS experts:
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• Plant ‘Florida Brilliance’ and Sweet Sensation™ (‘Florida 127’), both bred by UF/IFAS, in Central Florida, and consider trying ‘Camarosa’ in North Florida. These varieties produce attractive, flavorful berries suitable for eating fresh or for freezing. They produce one to two pints of fruit per plant per season.
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• Grow where the plants can get at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day. If that’s not possible, pick a spot that’s sunny in the morning and early afternoon. • Pile the soil into raised beds for best growth. • If the temperatures are going to dip below 32 degrees, cover the plants with sheets or blankets – the same advice meteorologists give you when freezing weather is nearing. Garden-grown strawberries will taste just as delightful as those you buy at the grocery store, Whitaker said. That’s because you’re planting largely the same varieties as commercial growers. “But because the home gardener can eat the fruit right away, they can let the fruit get riper before harvesting, which will enhance the flavor,” Whitaker said. Because we’re talking about gardening, Wendy Wilber, statewide coordinator for the UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteer program, offered these tips for a successful strawberry garden: Select the most appropriate varieties, get healthy plants, make sure the plants get plenty of sunshine, use moist soil and appropriate fertilizer -- and keep the birds away. Whitaker adds: “Spend plenty of time in your garden – strawberries need a lot of TLC. Seek the help of your county Extension agents as questions arise.” For more tips on what to plant in your garden in the Fall visit https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/vegetable-gardens-by-season.html. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
DISTRICT TO HOLD SERIES OF HOG HUNTS IN 2021-2022, PERMITS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE
by Susanna Martinez Tarokh Public Information Officer Southwest Florida Water Management District District land managers plan to hold a series of hog hunts on District lands throughout the year to help reduce the feral hog population. Feral hogs, which are not native to Florida, can cause damage with their broad snouts and can leave an area looking like a plowed field. They also prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread of exotic plant species by transporting seeds and/or providing germination sites through rooting. The District has a three-phased hunting system. The first two phases of hunts will have separate registration processes. The single top producer from each Phase 1 and Phase 2 hunt will be asked to participate in hog management activities for Phase 3. All hunts will adhere to the hog-dog format. No still hunts will be available. The program works like this: PHASE 1 HUNTS • Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 5, 2021. • Includes six hunts that occur November through December 2021. • A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit. • Permits are transferable. • The top producer of each Phase 1 hunt will be placed on the District’s “top producer” list and will be awarded participation in the District’s Phase 3 hunts, free of charge. PHASE 2 HUNTS • Registration will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 14, 2021.
PHASE 3 “AS-NEEDED” MANAGEMENT HUNTS • Includes management hunts that may occur March through October 2022. • Only those registrants that qualify as “top producers” following the Phase 1 and 2 hunts will be contacted to take part in management hunts during this period. • Management hunts offered to “top producers” will be free of charge and non-transferable. • All Phase 1 and Phase 2 top producers, without rule violations, will be offered participation on a minimum of four management hunts occurring March through October 2022. The District-managed properties will be temporarily closed to the public during the hog hunts. Only permitted hunters will be allowed access. Prospective hunters can purchase permits for Phase I hunts beginning at 9 a.m. Oct. 5 on the District’s WaterMatters.org/ HogHunts. Permits will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis until they are sold out. The cost is $75 for each permit. A complete list of hunts with locations and dates is also available online. This is the 13th consecutive year for the hunts. Last year’s hunts removed 560 hogs on nine different tracts of land throughout the District. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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• Includes six hunts that occur January and February 2022. • A $75 nonrefundable fee must be paid for each permit. • Permits are transferable. • The single top producer of each hunt of Phase 2 will be placed on the District’s “top producer” list and will be awarded participation in the District’s Phase 3 hunts, free of charge.
By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
FREE ADOPTION SATURDAYS AT ANIMAL CONTROL IN THE FIELD – OCTOBER 2021
There are so many unknown things about Polk County Animal Control – for example, some people don’t realize that it operates under the wing of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Some don’t know where it’s located (on DeCastro Road, just off of Hwy 540, near the county landfill in Winter Haven). And some think the people who work at our facility are little more than “dogcatchers,” with a mission to catch stray animals and impound them. A lot of very compassionate people work at Animal Control, some of whom are paid, while some volunteer their services. Their mission is to care for each animal that arrives, whether it’s a stray, an owner-surrendered pet, or a rescue, and then to successfully adopt out the healthy pet to a happy home. We’re always looking for volunteers – please call 863-5771762 if you’re interested.
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Here’s something else you may not know - in 2021, we began a new campaign to adopt out more cats and dogs. We call it “Free Adoption Saturdays” and that’s exactly what it means. All our pet adoption fees are waived on Saturdays. The fees include spaying/neutering, first shots, worming, heartworm testing & preventative, rabies vaccinations, tags, flea prevention treatment, and microchipping. Where else can you go for a deal like that?
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We don’t have a huge advertising budget, so we’re doing everything we can to spread the word. When it comes to adoptions of dogs and cats, we handle more than the Humane Society and SPCA. Plus, we work with over 100 different rescue groups to help get these animals to loving families. All that adds up to this – we have lots and lots of pets FREE for you to adopt on any given Saturday. Animal Control Officers respond to a variety of calls across the county. They handle domesticated animal calls, but also some non-domesticated animal calls if it involves bites or attacks, especially when rabies may be a concern (such as with raccoons, bats, and foxes). You can get them to respond the same way you would request a deputy---911 for emergencies, or 863-298-6200 for non-emergencies. They do not respond to nuisance wildlife calls (alligators, snakes, bears). For those type of situations, you will need to contact Florida Fish and Wildlife or legal trappers. Please remember that adopting a pet is a long-term commitment. When you bring home your new fur-ever friend, please exercise patience and good judgement. Everyone in the house will go through an adjustment period, but we promise you that if you take the time to learn how to care for and love a dog or a cat, they will return your kindness tenfold with unconditional love and lots of tail wags and kisses. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
NOW LOCATED IN HOMESTEAD
HOMESTEAD
Our team has expanded into the Miami-Dade area with a store location in Homestead, making this our 18th location. Homestead native, Bobby Doyle, will serve as the site manager. This move will bring a new level of customer service and equipment excellence to the area! “We are ready to serve the Miami-Dade community and show you the Everglades difference!” -Mike Schlechter, President INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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POWER UP YOUR IPM IN 2021 NEW IRAC GROUP 32 MRL-Exempt 0-day PHI
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CITRUS NUTRITION DAY SEMINAR
to be Offered October 26 at UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred
By Ruth Borger Proper nutrition for disease damaged citrus trees is critical to extending their productivity. Growers can learn more about recent research into citrus nutrition and strategies for successfully applying nutrients in a grove management plan at Citrus Nutrition Day, October 26 at the University of Florida Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. The half-day program begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs through lunch sponsored by Harrell’s Fertilizer. Presentations include updates on HLB nutrition research and field trials, strategies to improve nutrient uptake efficiency and what growers need to know about how to follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) and how to use EDIS document SL253 efficiently. Those interested in attending are asked to pre-register by October 21st here. The programs will be held at Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Hall at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred, Florida. For more information, please contact Jamie Burrow at jdyates@ufl.edu or (863) 956-8648.
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A Walk In The Woods Florida Style!
by John Dicks Sometimes, it seems, you just need a reset on life. I’ve been hearing that a lot from people these days as this pandemic wears on and on. For many, including me, a trip back to nature is what best clears the air. Often, though, when you tell someone you’re going for a “walk in the woods,” it likely conjures the image of a journey to the mountains. Admittedly, that’s not at all a bad choice to make. Not long ago, there was even a book published, and, of course, a resulting movie, entitled A Walk In The Woods, which recanted a delightful and soul searching ramble with a trek along the Appalachian Trail. It inspired many to see how far they, too, could make it through the hills and mountains the AT covers from its relatively gentle start in Georgia before ending far, far north in the rugged and rocky part of Maine. Lucky for us, though, we’ve got many, many opportunities to hit the trail right here in Florida. It’s rather amazing to recognize that our lovely state has more than 17 million acres of forest land. That means the undeveloped land we all long for still encompasses about 50% of Florida’s total land area! Sometimes that number is hard to imagine when driving along the interstate from one megapolis to the next. It’s true, though, and just the thought of that much nature remaining in the Sunshine State should put a smile on your face. Granted, that some of those millions of forestry acres are being used commercially for a wide variety of building materials, paper and other items harvested from trees. Still, though, it’s a renewable and resilient source that by its very being adds to the betterment and quality of life. About a third of Florida’s forestry lands are publicly owned. Most fall under the protection of the federal government. A big chunk, though, rests in the hands of the state, making up its 38 state forests (and one ranch), totaling some 1,153,693 acres.
Fortunately, that makes for plenty of room to roam, and most times, if you want to, can be done with nary seeing a single sole along the way. The responsibility for all this largess of land is done by the Florida Forest Service. The agency has been in the business of playing public lands watchdog for more than 80 years. It lists its primary mission as one “to protect and maintain the forests’ biological diversity while integrating public use of the resources.” The good news, as it should be noted, is that Florida’s 38 state forests, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, are in addition to the adventure we can enjoy with Florida’s “175 award winning state parks, trails, and historic sites,” all being managed by Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection. It all adds up to plenty of places and lots of land for hiking, paddling, camping, and/or just convening with nature. Not to be outdone, the USDA Forest Service is busy in Florida with its administration of the ambitious project, successfully developed over time, known as the Florida National Scenic Trail which it boasts as including “some of the most beautiful, unique landscapes in the entire country.” While it’s probably better known as simply the Florida Trail, it was officially recognized in 1983 as a National Scenic Trail. It stretches more than 1,500 miles across Florida, running through both public and some 100 private “partner land management units.” It’s an ecological diverse route, stretching from the beaches along Pensacola in the Gulf Islands National Seashore all the way down south to the Big Cypress National Preserve. As you might suspect, very few people hike it all the way through as one long journey. Break it up, though, into sections, and it’s a doable adventure that will give you vivid, real world glimpses into the parts of Florida most people never experience, nor even imagine. It makes you hum while you wander, just as the song sings, “Happy Trails To You!”
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a Blueberry Farm and have Agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!”. John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
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TOMATO TRADE WITH MEXICO COULD COST U.S. GROWERS $250M A YEAR, UF STUDY SHOWS
By Brad Buck PHOTO: DR. ZHENGFEI GUAN, THE UF/IFAS ECONOMIST WHO LED TIHS STUDY. "COURTESY, UF/IFAS PHOTOGRAPHY."
As Mexico increases tomato exports across the world, including to the United States, prices plummet for American growers, including those in Florida. That practice could cost American growers as much as $252 million per year -- or 27% in revenue -- if imports from Mexico increase by 50% in coming years, based on historical trends, new University of Florida research shows. That’s a huge loss for American farmers, who produced 1.3 billion pounds of fresh tomatoes in 2020, less than one-third the harvest from the year 2000. That decline is due to competition from Mexico and other challenges, said Zhengfei Guan, an associate professor of food and resource economics at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Guan just published a study on the consequences of intensifying Mexican competition for American growers. The market positions of Mexican and domestic tomato industries completely reversed over the past 20 years. Mexico now dominates the U.S. market, with three times more market share than the domestic industry. That change sparked Guan’s interest in pursuing the new study. “The two countries had a series of trade disputes over fruit and vegetables recently,” he said. “One reason is that surging imports from Mexico boosted by subsidies have depressed prices, and American growers are quickly losing market shares.”
In his study, Guan measured the potential losses the U.S. industry will sustain as a result of the increasing imports from Mexico, given the steep growth over the years. As a frame of reference, the volume of imported tomatoes from Mexico increased by about 60% over the years 2009-2019. Results of Guan’s research show that prices of domestic tomatoes are particularly sensitive to imports from Mexico in an increasingly saturated market. The imports are especially damaging to the Florida tomato industry which has about $400 million in sales and has the same harvest seasons as Mexico. Westcentral, southwest and southeast Florida are the biggest tomato-producing areas in the Sunshine State. The trade deficit complicates matters for farmers in several commodities – not just tomatoes. Specifically, fruit and vegetables -- such as tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, cucumbers and melons – accounted for 50% of the total U.S. agricultural imports from Mexico in 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “But all may not be lost, if the U.S. fruit and vegetable industry could revolutionize the production technology,” said Guan. “Mechanization or automation will be a game changer and is the future for this labor-intensive industry.” INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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“The findings from our study will provide tomato producers and policy makers with important insights on the challenges and the sustainability of the U.S. tomato industry,” Guan said.
FLORIDA PEACHES By Libby Hopkins
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Charles and Alyce Voigt are the owners of Hilltop Peaches in Bartow. The couple planted University of Florida-developed peaches in 2011 as a way to utilize their nine acres of former citrus land. “The land of Hilltop Peaches has been in the Voigt family close to 100 years,” Alyce said. “It had always grown citrus until we planted peaches in 2011. It was never my dream to be a peach grower. What a wild and crazy love-hate relationship it has been. Peaches are a lot of work compared to citrus. Greening was the main reason for the change.”
‘when’ being the question. The largest peaches are the first blooms.”
The couple chose peaches because you could have a sellable crop in two years. “We have a total of nine acres,” Alyce said. “Four acres of UF Sun and five acres of Tropic Beauty all developed by UF for our Florida weather. Both varieties require the least amount of chill units, although some years we have not reached the minimum, but still have a crop. Chill units are determined by the amount of time at 45 degrees or below. 2020-2021 fall and winter were very cold, resulting in a bumper crop. Weather is such a factor in growing peaches.”
Hilltop Peaches is not certified organic, but if a problem comes up, they look for OMRI-approved solutions. “Sometimes that means doing nothing and letting the problem take care of itself,” Alyce said. “We use a granular fertilizer, but we don’t spray for bugs. Sounds ridiculous, I know. For many years we went to peach meetings from Citra to Balm, Dade City to Lake Alfred, wherever there was a peach meeting, in order to get all the information on peaches and their problems. My husband was about ready to take the pesticide-licensing test when we realized we would not be spraying our peaches. Whether we spray or paid someone else to spray, spraying would be required every two weeks. All this expense goes into the cost of the produce. Then, customers at the markets would ask if we sprayed. Many said they would rather have the bug than the spray. I listened and asked questions, so it just made sense to give the customers what they want.”
Peaches start blooming in January with a new flush of blooms about every two weeks. “In previous years, we’ve had cold January and hot February resulting in bloom/fruit drop thus losing the first bloom and delaying the harvest dates,” Alyce said. “We have had four to five successive blooms so, we usually have a crop with
Hilltop Peaches used to be a part of the Lakeland Downtown Farmers’ Curb Market, but when COVID hit, they made their peach farm a U-Pick farm. “When COVID shut the market down in 2020, we got the okay for upick and a lot of our market customers found us,” Alyce said. “So now they come out and pick their own.”
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“Buying local is so very important to us,” Alyce said. “We support free enterprise. We buy as much local as we can. I’m always happy to learn of a new local product someone has that I might need. Think of it as helping your neighbor whose help you may need some day.” If you would like to learn more about Hilltop Peaches or if you’d like to visit Voigt farm during U-pick peach season, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Hilltoppeaches or call (863) 287-1980. Hilltop Peaches is located at 7455 Cox Road Bartow. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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A Closer LookAmazing Activities Naturally
by Sean Green | Photos by April Green
Bamboo Frog Gig This month we are featuring a project that can be made very quickly and if used correctly can mean the difference between a miserable night of camping and a great night. Were talking about frog gigging, an activity that dates to the earliest use of tools. A frog gig is a tool used to hunt frogs as a food source. Let’s face it, despite our best effort, there will be days that the fishing is a bust. If you are camping and your family is relying on your skills for a warm and healthy meal, the trusty ole frog gig rarely fails. Frogs are indeed usually easier to catch than fish where populations are abundant, like in Florida. Now you could go out to the local hardware store and for under 20 bucks purchase a set of metal frog gig spikes and a sturdy rod and be ready to go in as long as it takes to hammer the spikes to the top of the rod, but that kind of takes the romance out of the art. The gig we are making this month can be made with stuff you would either already have with you or materials that can be found in the wild. Bamboo is a good choice of wood because it is light weight and naturally more resistant to water than other woods, after all it grows in or very near water. We wrapped ours in leather because, well, I had some laying around and the cats have plenty more to play with. Besides, leather is sturdy and a bit more weather resistant than cloth or twine. I did not have the time to coat the leather, but it can be have been coated in wax or pine resin, by heating the substance up and coating it to provide a water resistant coating that will last years.
Materials:
Natural methods italicized
Staff Cane or Bamboo at least 1” diameter Spacers Cane or Bamboo at about 1/8” diameter Wrap Leather, Twine, plant fibres. Knife Commercial (or chipped from rock if you’re going all out) Coating (Pine Pitch Glue, Hide Glue, Starch Glue, Wax) * natural recipes not included in this tutorial
Directions: Split the bamboo into four equal quadrants with a knife Tap small diameter piece of bamboo in between the tines to spread them apart Weave leather lace through the tines of the bamboo staff and around the spacers to secure them. Wrap an outer layer of leather lace neatly from bottom to top and back for two layers of leather wrap. Tie the wrap off Coat with wax or pitch is desired (waterproofing) Sharpen each twine to a point. (short angles are sturdier)
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This is not a tool that can be used for capturing frogs for observation or pets. One of the values that my family instilled in me from a very young age is “You kill it, You eat it,” maybe that’s why us Cajuns have a reputation of eating anything that does not eat them first, it is a culture and a lifestyle, and one that I hope our readers share. All frogs, (except for Pine Barrens tree-frogs, gopher frogs and Florida bog frogs), may be taken throughout the year by gigs without a bag limit. Take your fill but nothing more. Enjoy!
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ANaturally Closer Look Amazing
by Sean Green
Harlequin Bug (Murgantia historica) I am very glad the Halloween season is here again. It’s one of my favorite holidays because I like role playing and dressing up in costumes. In the natural world there are many animals that also participate in role playing and dressing up in costumes. It’s not in a literal sense of course but for the sake of this article, close enough. When animals look or act or act like something other than what they really are, it’s called mimicry, because they are mimicking something else. For those of us that dress up to mimic, it’s all in fun. However, for animals to do this, it’s no game, it’s survival. This month to honor the Halloween season we are featuring an insect that looks like a tribal mask one might wear for Halloween. Lets take a closer look at an insect commonly known as the Harlequin bug. This bug has one of the coolest costumes of the insect world but may not be one you want to invite to the party. The Harlequin bug has many common names including the Harlequin cabbage bug, the calico bug, and the fire bug. It is a native of Mexico and Central America and was first identified in 1864 from a Texas specimen and began to spread throughout North America shortly after the American Civil War. Scientifically it is known as Murgantia histrionica, and it’s a member if the stinkbug family (Pentatomidae). Many introduced species are potentially devastating pest to local crops. The Harlequin bug is especially threatening to U.S. cruciferous crops (Brassicaceae) that include various staple crops of our Florida pioneers such as cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, mustard greens, kale, broccoli, and radishes. These insects are difficult to manage because they have few natural predators in the United States. Our Florida climate provides the ideal environment for this species to feed and reproduce all year long, making it especially challenging for Florida farmers. The spectacular coloration of the Harlequin bug resembles a tribal mask and may contribute to the insect’s survival by tricking (or scaring) a predator into choosing another treat. The Harlequin bug is a member of the stinkbug family (Pentatomidae). Most North American species in the Pentatomidae family are drab green or brown in color. The flamboyant colors of the Harlequin bug, however, make this species distinctive among other stink bugs in North America. It is well known that the bright color pattern of the insect is often a means of deterring predators. Consider the Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) or the Eastern Lubber (Romalea microptera), both species sport similar bright colors to warn predators of their toxicity. Aposematism is the behavior of presenting warning colors that a species is honestly toxic or distasteful to a predator. Mullerian mimicry is when two or more species evolve to display a common color pattern, such as orange, black and yellow, to advertise an honest warning of their toxicity. The Harlequin bug, like the lubber and monarch, feed on toxic plants to become toxic to their predators, for the Harlequin bug, its host plants are those in the Brassicaceae family. Brassicaceae have evolved a fascinating defense mechanism. The sap within the plant contains enzymes and other substances that are separated by cell walls and harmless on their own, however, when the plant is attacked and the cell walls break, the compounds mix to produce a noxious repellent with insecticidal properties. This strategy works well to protect the plant from many predators, but the Harlequin bug is a pest of another color, and like the 16th century character that gives this bug it’s namesake, the Harlequin bug attempts to thwart the plans of the master in pursuit of its own hunger. The chemicals that are intended to protect the plant from insect predators are instead sequestered from the plant and stored within the Harlequin bugs body as a toxic response to its own predators. Ironically, when the Harlequin bug damages the plant, the chemicals released during the attack attract parasitoid wasps of the (Encyrtidae) and (Platigastridae) fam-
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ily both of which attack Harlequin bugs eggs. Formal studies have documented up to 50% control with parasitoid wasps. Spiders such as the crab spider and wolf spider have been shown to reduce crop damage up to 60% when mulch is provided as a spider habitat. In Mexico, where the Harlequin bug is native, people are effective predators of any bug in the stink bug (Pentatomidae) or leaf footed bug (Coreidae) family. This variety of bug as a food is called Jumiles. I have tasted several types of insects and have not yet tried Jumiles. They are typically roasted or fried but can be eaten raw and are reported to have a bitter cinnamon taste and odor because of the iodine content. Salsa and taco filling is often made with Jumiles. It should not be hard to find the Harlequin bug if you want to take a closer look.
FARM FENCE FIELD DAY UF/IFAS EXTENSION POLK – LIVESTOCK
Location: 4115 East Gaskins Road Bartow, FL 33830 A Farm Fence Field Day will be held Wednesday Nov 17 in Bartow. Learn about the latest in livestock fencing technologies with discussions on various farm fence types, construction, and repairs. There will also be construction demonstrations. The tentative agenda is as follows: 8:30 AM Registration 9:00 Welcome and Introductions 9:15 Farm Fence Planning, Standards and NRCS Cost Share Programs 9:45 Farm Fence Types 10:15 Break 10:30 Fence construction
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12:00 Lunch INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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2:30 Evaluation/Wrap up/ questions/door prizes Registration is $25 and includes lunch and printed materials. Refunds will be offered up to 7 days before the event. Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/farmfence-field-day-tickets-175706040497 to register. In light of recent CDC recommendations, face coverings, though not required, are EXPECTED IN ALL UF FACILITIES & UF/IFAS EXTENSION PROGRAMS, even if you are vaccinated. If you are expressing coronavirus symptoms or dealing with conditions that lend themselves to frequent sneezing or coughing (this includes cold virus, influenza, seasonal allergies, and the like), you are encouraged to stay home. If any accommodations are needed, please contact Bridget Stice at (863) 588-2697 and bccarlis@ufl.edu. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 8 days prior to the scheduled meeting.
11:45 Repairing Farm Fence
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12:30 Fence construction demonstrations Bracing Post selection and placement Wire installation Electric fence Woven wire High tensile wire
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YOUR IRRIGATION “TOOLBOX”
Julie Schelb Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Coordinator UF/IFAS Extension Polk County With over 50 percent of water being used outdoors, it is important that we do our part to minimize our water use. With just a few “tools” from our irrigation “toolbox,” we can easily use water efficiently. Your irrigation “toolbox” consists of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, that when put in practice will help reduce the amount of water you use and help use it in a more effective manor to keep your lawn and landscape healthy.
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A few tools in the irrigation toolbox to help you save water:
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• Automatic rain shut-off devices are designed to skip water use if sufficient rain or soil moisture determine irrigation is not needed. Depending on whether you have a rain sensor or soil moisture sensor, these devices help prevent overwatering. Florida law requires a rain shut of device to be installed and functioning for automatic landscape irrigation systems (Florida Statute 373.62). • Calibrating your irrigation system is another way to ensure you are using an appropriate amount of water to keep your lawn healthy. For most yards, you should apply ½ to ¾ inches of water per irrigation application. To figure out how long to run your system to apply this amount of water you can perform a catch can test, also known as calibrating your irrigation system. For details on how to perform your own catch can test, visit the UF/IFAS site on “Calibrating Your Irrigation System”. • Microirrigation is great way to water perennials, shrubs, and even newly installed trees in your landscape. Microirrigation uses lower flowrates and lower pressure to deliver water efficiently at the ground level to plant roots. It can reduce loss of water to evaporation in high winds and may even help reduce weed and disease occurrences. There are several styles of microirrigation whether you need to water plant beds, pots, or even vegetable gardens. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
• Adhering to local watering restrictions (number of days you are allowed to water and which days) will help ensure water is conserved for us to use now and in the future. Watering restrictions are enforced year-round. They are set by our local water management district (SWFMWD for Polk County). You should always check with your local water utility to confirm, as they may set more strict water conservation parameters. Remember, regardless of your water source, all of our water is ultimately connected and should be used wisely to help conserve and protect this natural resource in Florida. • Regular irrigation maintenance will help prevent and correct any broken, missing, or misdirected sprinkler heads. Add a reminder to check your irrigation periodically for any of these possible malfunctions with your irrigation system. You can try it yourself or contact an irrigation professional for help. Check out this video from UF/IFAS on “Basic Irrigation System Maintenance” for more tips on irrigation maintenance and repairs.
landscaping questions. Give us a call, or email us at polkmg@ifas.ufl.edu. If you are not in Polk County, Contact your local UF/ IFAS Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic. The Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a volunteer-driven program that benefits UF/IFAS Extension and the citizens of Florida. The program extends the vision of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, all the while protecting and sustaining natural resources and environmental systems, enhancing the development of human resources, and improving the quality of human life through the development of knowledge in agricultural, human and natural resources and making that knowledge accessible. An Equal Opportunity Institution.
So, grab your toolbox and pull out these helpful and water saving practices when needed! For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/polk. The Plant Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm to answer your gardening and
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FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722 24 HOUR SERVICE FORD 4610 TRACTOR Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded 2wd, 60hp. Very good condition • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com $6,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 813-643-7173 FARM BUREAU INSURANCE FOR SALE We have you covered! Call us today. MARDEN CHOPPERS 813-752-5577 1-8' Pasture chopper $2500.00, 1-double LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? section 8' pasture chopper $2000.00 and 1-6' Call Rhonda Wetherington, P.A. tapered grove chopper $1250.00. Call Alvie Realtor, GRI. 813-933-1761 813-759-8722 ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & ReBread warmer, chrome trim. pair. Legendary service for over 20 years! You have got to see it to believe it! 813-752-0821 Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378 FOR RENT DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. PTO drive need at least a 30hp Many standard sizes in stock. tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
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MILL CREEK ARENA SPIN GROOM Mill Creek arena spin groom grader. $1,000 Ask for Alive 813-759-8722
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Polk County Cattle Women
F
ellow cattle producers, we’ve made it to November! I pray this month finds you with barns full of hay and healthy, prosperous herds. This time of year can be quite challenging, especially with the shorter days and increased workload of tending to your herd. If you’re anything like me, I’m already looking forward to Daylight Savings Time in March. Thank you so much to all the ladies who attended our October meeting either in person or virtually. We are truly blessed with amazing technologies that allow us to be together safely and effectively. Thank you to those who have purchased t-shirts from us over the past few weeks. The money we raise through our fundraisers goes directly back into our communities through donations to local youth organizations, college scholarships, and much more. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of others. We pride ourselves on being a hard-working group of ladies whose passion is to both promote and educate others about Polk County’s beef cattle industry. We’d love to have you join us each month! If you share this love and passion, then you’ve found a home with us. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, November 2nd in the Valencia Room at the UF/IFAS building in Bartow. Shoot me an email if you have any questions at all! I’d love to meet you and share about our amazing organization with you. Buckld96@ gmail.com. Till next month,
Leslie Buchanon Polk County Cattlewomen President
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