WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COMINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 20222PAGE Cover withGroundMoreCKPLetCKPHelpYouProtectYourPRF Our PRF specialists are trained to help you analyze complicated insurance data so you: • Protect your land and livelihood against potential losses during times of drought. • Make the most informed decision for your business. Why now? • Very affordable – Government subsidized • Premiums are not due until October 1 • No adjusters needed • No claim forms • Protects your cash flow “Anyone can sell you a policy. But CKP invests the time to understand your individual needs and develop a strategy that will produce the best coverage results.” The USDA Risk Management Agency helps protect your Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) from the elements. 877-CKP-INS1 ( 877-257-4671 ) ckpinsurance.com CONTACT YOUR CKP PRF SPECIALIST TODAY
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E Lakeland, FL 33801-9623 (863)
1891 Jim Keen Blvd. Winter Haven, FL 33880 (863) 557-1741 pw5281@polksheriff.org
Scott_shoupe@hotmail.comLakeland,AlternateDhunt285@aol.com287-1835SD–OrrinWebbPOBox202Bartow,FL33831(941)916-5093cwebbowebb@aol.comRayClark4484SwindellRoadLakeland,FL33810(863)640-0719rclark@tampabay.rr.comDonaldConroy3882WolfolkRdFortMeade,FL33841(863)412-0790StuartFitzgeraldPOBox1437LakeWales,FL33859(863)206-5021stuartcattlellc@yahoo.comKenSherrouse13475MooreRdFL33809-9755(863)698-1834kensherrouse@yahoo.comScottShoupe6130AllenLaneLakeland,FL33811(863)581-7593
James Stice
Rodeo- Fred Waters PO Box 463 Alturas, FL 33820-0463 (863)
Trade Show- Bridget Stice
9699 Alt Bab Pk Cut-Off Rd Bartow, FL 33830 (863)
28 September 2022 VOL. 15 • ISSUE 12
Highland City, FL 33846 (813)
Warner University –Abby Crawford 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) Abby.crawford@warner.edu638-7248
Sheriff’sbccarlis@ufl.eduDept.–Lt.Paul Wright
FIELD DREAMSOF
SHERROUSEKENDAL
Standing Committee Chairs: MembershipEvents
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COMINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 20224PAGE PAGE 10 Scott Angle PAGE 12 Thoughts from the Heifer Pen PAGE 14 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 16 Endangered Species PAGE 18 Veterans Ranch PAGE 20 Water Sense PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter PAGE 27 Garlic Scapes PAGE 30 USDA Programs PAGE 32 Gov. DeSantis PAGE 35 News Briefs PAGE 36 John Dicks PAGE 38 Equine Institute PAGE 40 PCSO PAGE 41 A Closer Look PAGE 42 Grove Equipment CONTENTS Hey Readers! Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! Polk P.O.Cattlemen’sCountyAssociationBox9005•DrawerHS03Bartow,FL.33831-9005
President – Kevin Fussell 4523 Fussell Rd Polk City, FL 33868-9676 (863) 412-5876
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Cover Photo by Images By Blair
CattlewomenWebsite559-7808–President, Leslie Buchanon 8444 Tom Costine Rd Lakeland, FL 33809 (863) POExtensionBuckld96@gmail.com581-2711–BridgetSticeBox9005,DrawerHS03Bartow,FL33831(863)519-1048
Secretary/TreasurerLujean.waters@gmail.com537-1495-JustinBunchPOBox849HighlandCity,FL33846-0849(863)425-1121justin.bunch@cpsagu.comStateDirector–DavidHunt
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In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is avail able 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 Catlle men’s Letters,Association.comments
Sarah Holt
Once again I’ve been checking out The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Do you ever read it? I find it fascinating!
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The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
In the Folklore, Fun Facts & Traditions section of the 2022 Old Farmer’s Almanac, the question is asked, “Can Animals Predict The Weather.” Let’s see what they have to say.
As always, check out our advertisers. They allow us to continue to cover what is growing.
I’m sure everyone knows about the woolly bear caterpillars as weather predictors. You know, the caterpillars that are brownish in the middle and black on both ends? The more brown they have on their bodies the milder winter will be!
That’s just a small sampling from the latest Old Farmer’s Almanac. Hope you enjoyed it!
First up, can cows predict the weather? If a cow stands with its tail to the west, the weather is said to be fair. If a cow grazes with its tail to the east, the weather is likely to turn sour. If a bull leads the cows to pasture, expect rain; if the cows precede the bull, the weather will be uncertain. Interesting. I’m going to need some of you ranchers to check this out for
Thisme.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
Letter from the Editor
is an interesting one for sure. Did you know that you can tell the temperature by counting the chirps of a cricket? A scientist by the name of Amos Dolbear published an article in 1897 that noted the correlation between the ambient temperature and the rate of cricket chirps. Accord ing to Dolbear’s Law the conversion is to count the number of chirps in 14 seconds and add the number 40 to get the temperature. By this formula, the crickets in our neck of the woods must be exhausted from chirping so many times in 14 seconds.
STAFF
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
CreativeSeniorPublisher/PhotographyKarenBerryManagingEditor/AssociatePublisherSarahHoltEditorPatsyBerrySalesKarenBerrySarahHoltMelissaNicholsGeorgeDomedionDirector/IllustratorJuanAlvarezPhotographyKarenBerryStaffWritersAlBerrySandyKasterJamesFrankowiakSeanGreenGinnyMinkContributingWritersWoodyGoreJohnDicksSocialMediaVictoriaSaunders
Until Next Month
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Hello to everyone. If you weren’t getting enough rain the last time you read this let ter, I would presume you are now. Hopefully it doesn’t get too wet for you. Remember those cows can’t seem to get enough mineral this time of year.
We’re looking forward to seeing all of you members at the annual dinner November 10. If you are not a member, come on and join our association, we would be happy to see you Untilthere.next time,
Hope you all are getting good prices on your calves and that the market holds up for every one through the fall months.
Polk County Cattlemen’s Association Kevin Fussell
Farming is OrCallHelpstressfulisavailable211Text‘FarmFL’to898-211
Working on a farm can be physically and emotionally demanding. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, you’re not alone.
Call 211 to speak to someone who will listen and provide the resources you need to get through tough times. Calls are confidential and can be anonymous. more at 211.org
Learn
Nine in ten farmers cite financial issues, farm business concerns and fear of losing their farms as mental health stressors.
Raymond still wants for her kids what she saw in that 14-yearold at the beginning of her 4-H journey. That county council president went to UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sci ences and into a career in politics.
Between 4-Hers like SarahGrace, who adopted Raymond as their grandmother, and the children of Raymond’s own chil dren, about 20 youth knew Raymond as “Grandma Judy.”
SarahGraceyears.
He’s no longer in office, but he’s still a great speaker. His name is Adam Putnam.
Raymond didn’t answer right away. She took grandmothering seriously. If she was going to be a grandma, she was going to be at the birthday parties, drive to the movies, invite her over for snacks—all the things “real” grandmas do. And in Sarah Grace’s case, it would mean nurturing a child so shy that she’d cry when she had to say her name publicly.
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For her 35-plus years serving the youth of Polk County, Ray mond was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in July. UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Director Nicole Walker and 4-H agent Shreemoyee Ghosh nominated Raymond, support ed by letters from several 4-H parents, including SarahGrace’s.
Home Grown member SarahGrace O’Leary spent so much time with the club that that one day when she was about 12 years old, she asked Raymond, “Will you be my grandma?”
So, it was a couple of days before she told SarahGrace yes. Then she encouraged her new granddaughter to participate in Home Grown’s public speaking program. SarahGrace started small, talking about what she knew and loved, her puppy. One of her first presentations was on intestinal parasites in dogs.
With Raymond, “my kids” soon became a lot more than the ones under her roof. She started the Polk County Home Grown 4-H Club and it grew to 120 members. She got a 15-passenger Ford Club Wagon.
Judy Raymond remembers, back in the late ‘80s, the way the 14-year-old commanded the room and spoke with such poise. She left the Polk County 4-H Council meeting thinking, “I want that for my kids.”
After two decades, Raymond handed over direction of Home Grown to a parent whose kids had been club members. Ray mond then started a second club, the Clover Buds Club, for the very youngest 4-Hers. She led it for more than a generation, and the oldest club alumni now have college degrees.
got what Raymond wanted for her kids. Through years of practice in 4-H, SarahGrace went from fear of say ing her name before an audience to confidently delivering a speech at her high school graduation.
Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natu ral Resources and leader of the UF Insti tute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD
As the Clover Buds in Raymond’s second club grew up, she had to rename the club to reflect the age range. She was told she could not name the club “Grandma’s Kids,” so she settled for All-Stars. They meet in North Lakeland, and Raymond still drives members around in her fourth Ford Club Wagon in 35
That van still brings 4-Hers to nursing homes with companion animals, to county fairs to win archery ribbons, and, of course to public speaking competitions.
By J. Scott Angle
But then there was also my seven-year-old self who re fused to wear pants and always had her baby doll with her. Why should I wear pants when they never wore pants in “Little House on the Prairie?” Plus, you nev er knew when your prince was going to spy on you in the woods, so it was always good to look your best. No prince ever fell in love with a princess in pants. Well, my parents thought otherwise. My mom banned me from riding my bike in a skirt after the third one I shredded in the bike chain. My dad did not allow us girls to wear dresses or skirts when we were working with him, to pro tect our legs and so nothing got caught on our skirts. Now, I would never imagine of working in a dress out side. I have heard to many horror stories of clothing get ting caught in machinery and have experienced get ting caught going through barbwire too many times. My prince is going to have to just get over himself because this princess is wearing pants most of the time.
Sometimes we forget our self-appointed acceptable behaviors. Not that we cannot outgrow preferences, but the core ones that do not change and make us happy deep down. The ones that are almost a part of who we are, or rather an expression of who we are. Over the past few years, I have been so busy with college and further ing my career that I have forgotten to pay attention to my behaviors. Sometimes I have forgotten that I love to read and the pleasure that I get from going on an ad venture with new friends. There are times where I have been so busy with everything else that I forgot how good it feels to have a horse underneath you. And sometimes you take for granted the safe feeling of your own bed. But when you start to do the things that you love, it feels refreshing, like waking up groggy, but walking outside and suddenly feeling alive.
Sometimes we feel pressured to leave behind what we like, to start liking something new.
THOUGHTS FROM THE HEIFER PEN
By Marisol Tarango
change over time, some things don’t change. All of my past selves would agree that reading is amazing, and a day spent with a book no matter where I was at was a pretty good day. My favorite thing was to run errands with my mom or dad so that I could just read in the car, especially if it was raining, the rain makes everything feel cozy. My favorite sodas will always be Dr Pepper and Barq’s Root beer, I can still remember my dad introduc ing me to Dr Pepper. And of course, the best feeling is waking up in the middle of the night while the storm is pounding on the roof and then rolling over because you know that you are safe.
Our perspective on what is acceptable behavior can change as we get older. For example, my twelve-yearold self only thought it was acceptable to wear jeans and either moccasins or boots everywhere, every day, except on Sunday, then you had wear a dress to church. My twelve-year-old self also thought that coffee shops were silly and that coffee only needed cream and sugar, or should be just straight black. Well, my twelve-yearold self is just going to have to get over herself because I am currently sitting in a coffee shop wearing tennis shoes drinking a vanilla latte.
Even though our perspectives about certain things
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Here are some thoughts for keeping your eye on the weather:
• Storm severity can often be predicted by the shape and color of a cloud’s front edge. The darker, sharper, and lower the edge, the more severe. The anvil-shaped top of storm clouds will typically point in the direction of travel.
For example, cumulus clouds often re semble puffy pieces of floating cotton. And they also have a flat base, usu ally reaching only 3300 feet above the ground, with rounded towers in the shape of a cauliflower. They also grow upward, developing into a giant cumulo nimbus or thunderstorm cloud. And with that, mariners should have some basic maritime-weather knowledge. Should you be unprepared and aboard a sailing vessel, motorboat, or kayak? The good news is you can predict storms and get to safety.
• If you can’t outrun a storm or find pro tection, navigate your craft into the wind taking approaching waves at a 90-de gree angle. If you’re on a PWC (personal watercraft), keep your pump in the wa ter, lessening the chance of a rollover. It’s also best to stay as low as possible so your body is not the tallest target on the water. Once on shore, take shelter near lower buildings or trees and away from the trunk.
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Summer is here, and so are the daily thunderstorms plaguing our summer outings. But while summer brings visual izations of warm temperature and water fun, it also brings those windy weather conditions that can end all our summer fun. Thunderstorms, lightning, and higher winds are indications of an approaching thunderstorm. Inclement weather is fore cast before you ever leave the shore.
• Look for telltale signs of a forming thun derstorm. Such as clumps of thick cumu lous clouds (the puffy cotton-ball type) darkening into a towering, cumulonim bus cloud (think of cumulous as growing vertically, with an anvil-like shape at the top.) when you see this formation start ing, head for shore. Wind, lighting, and rain often occur within 30 minutes of de veloping clouds.
Tampa Bay Fishing Report August 2022
Fortunately, for those brave enough to get out on the water catching fish has been a plus. Everything seems to coop erate and eat just about anything on a line and hook. Live, greenbacks, thread fins, small pinfish, Spanish sardines, and the old standby, shrimp, work well. Fished under a cork or free-lined, they’re sure bets to catching fish.
• How long do you have before a storm arrives? Try this trick. When you first see a flash of lightning, count how many seconds pass before you hear the ac companying thunder, then divide by five. The result is the number of miles you are away from the storm.
Summer Thunderstorms
• Inclement weather is often forecast be fore you ever leave the shore. Check the television, newspaper, Internet, or cell phone for marine forecasts. Pay careful attention to any posted marine weather warnings for areas you intend to boat.
• Even if a storm is still several miles away, the lightning it generates can reach you with ease. Lighting can strike well be fore and after the storm has seemingly passed. Watch for the “coppery” haze and building cumulonimbus clouds that indicate a thunderstorm. Seek shelter well in advance.
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
• A handheld VHF radio can be a lifesav er, with many radios featuring a weather alert to warn of approaching storms. In addition, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) broadcasts continual weather bulletins on designated “WX’ channels, which are updated every six hours. Here are some NOAA Weather Radio stations: MHz 162.400, MHz, 162.425 MHz, 162.450, MHz 162.475, MHz 162.500, MHz 162.525, MHz 162.550; you can find others on the Internet under the N.O.A.A (https://www.weather.gov/nwr/station_Website listing)
• Thunderstorms build over the water in the summertime when the humidity and temperature on land are high. Hot air radiates upward from the sun-heated ground and absorbs moisture from the nearby water, ultimately rising to begin forming a thunderhead. The telltale sign of these storms is fast-moving black clouds, often approaching from the southwest, south, or west.
Well, guess what? It’s still hot, and we probably can’t expect any relief for an other couple of months. Mid-mornings show water temperatures in the eighties, and I wonder if the heat will ever ease up.
Snook fishing will continue strong this month, with larger fish on the beaches. Expect to see snook bunching up near passes and deeper holes. Sometimes they seem to have lockjaw, but patience pays off. Anglers report catching good fish using dead bait left on the bottom. But remember, dead bait on the bottom is often a tempting morsel for mister stingray. Night fishing around bridges can pro duce some good catches.
Markers and sandy flats often equal Cobia, and they also cruise the flats following rays looking for a quick snack. When marker fishing, keep a chum bag out; you never know what might show up following the scent.
Tarpon
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
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813-477-3814
Snook
Spotted Sea Trout
Cobia
Captain Woody Gore owns and oper ates the area’s Number One OutdoorFishing and Environmental Guide Ser vice. Capt. Woody’s associate captains have guided and fished the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tarpon Springs areas for over fifty years. He offers world-class fishing and adven tures with a lifetime of memories. Single or Group Charters are all the same. Just tell him what you need, and he will make it happen. Visit his website at www.captainwoodygore. com, send an email to fishing@cap tainwoodygore.com, or give him a call at 813-477-3814. Professional Fishing Guide and Environmentalist, Outdoor Writer, Speaker, and Photo, Journalist. Capt. Woody Gore
Trout fishing continues but is not as strong as the cooler temps. Look for fairsized trout on the deeper edges of grass flats all over Tampa Bay. Live shrimp and greenbacks under popping corks should fit the bill nicely. But free-lined shrimp in sandy potholes might produce larger fish, not to mention the occasional flounder.
Redfish
We should see more redfish ac tion around the flats and back country mangroves. Reds should push into the Mangroves and around oyster bars on incoming tides. Live bait should produce good catches.
Tarpon fishing should continue this month and many will move into the upper parts of Tampa Bay. Threadfin Hearing are abundant throughout Tampa Bay and works very well for tarpon. If fishing around the Skyway, set up so your baits drift back with the current. Also, be prepared to release your anchor onto a buoy. Fish ing around the Skyway is an added attraction; you might catch Grouper, Snapper, or large Mackerel.
E ndang E r
E d S p E ci ES The Blue-Tailed Mole Skink
By Libby Hopkins
The Blue-Tailed Mole Skink is endemic to central Florida and was probably fairly widespread before the large-scale con version of its habitat for agriculture.
The larger habitat of the Blue-Tailed Mole Skink is sand pine scrub communities. Dominant vegetation includes sand pine and rosemary, or longleaf pine and turkey oak associations. Loose sand, vital for burrowing, is the primary habitat require ment. This species is more common in early successional for est stages and may not persist in mature sand pine scrub due to this requirement.
The Florida Natural Areas Inventory lists 20 population sites for the Blue-Tailed Skink. In 1965, there were an estimated 50,000 acres of available habitat. Within 20 years, roughly 65 percent of the skink’s habitat had been lost.
The Blue-Tailed Mole Skink or Eumeces egregius lividus, has short, stubby legs and a thin, cylindrical body measuring from 3.6-5.2 inches. The tail, blue in juveniles and pinkish with age, is a little more than half the body length. Breeding males may develop orange sides in late winter.
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The Blue-Tailed Mole Skink is found in suitable habitat in Polk and Highlands counties. North of Polk County, the Blue-Tailed Skink is replaced by the peninsula mole skink or by hybrids of the two subspecies.
Within scrub areas, skinks occupy only localized pockets of sufficient leaf litter and moisture to provide abundant food and nesting sites.
pine scrub is unable to renew itself through fire, encroaching vegetation eventually replaces the scrub. Within protected areas, managed fires may be used to remove much of the successional growth, benefitting the skink and other flora and fauna threatened by fire suppression.
Little is known of the biology of the Blue-Tailed Mole Skink, but it is presumed to be similar to the peninsular mole skink. The mole skink forages on the surface or digs into the soil to find insects, feeding mostly on cockroaches, spiders and crickets. It mates during the winter, and females lay under ground clutches of three to seven eggs in the spring. Skinks become sexually mature during the first year.
Moisture retained by litter is important for internal heat reg ulation in this species. Unlike the endangered sand skink, which forages underneath the sandy soil, the mole skink for ages mostly on the surface. Therefore, the two skinks occupy different niches and do not compete for food, even though they are occasionally seen together.
Much of the Blue-Tailed Skink’s habitat is privately owned land that is being rapidly converted to citrus groves or rezoned for housing tracts. In remaining sand pine and longleaf pine areas, naturally occurring fires, necessary for the habitat’s maintenance, have been suppressed. When sand
The main recovery need for the Blue-Tailed Mole Skink is the protection and management of habitat to ensure its contin ued survival. This would entail not only preserving sufficient habitat from development, but ensuring that required habi tat adaptations are maintained. The Blue-Tailed Mole Skink is found at a few protected sites such as Archibald Biological Station, Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Arbuckle, Saddle Blanket Lakes and Tiger Creek. The State of Florida through the Florida Natural Areas Inventory and private organizations such as the Nature Conservancy are engaged in aggressive campaigns to acquire pine scrub habitat in the central portion of the state.
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Photo by: Adam Strang Bass
Goat & sheep Sale STARTING: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21 AT 1 PM Animals can be checked in on Thursday: 2 PM - 7 PM Friday: 7 AM - 11 AM FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 863-665-5088 3305 Hwy 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH ST
The Veterans Ranch was born and by December of 2017. We want to assist these great Americans to come full circle, lay down any heavy coats of burden and begin to walk off as new and improved versions of themselves.”
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Horses Helping Veterans
Smith and his team have also done a lot of liberty training with Veterans and have had Veterans break down in tears because the horse finally came up and put its nose in the person’s chest. “That bond of trust that gets built between
Smith was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo to a Veteran family. His dad is a Vietnam Veteran of The United States Navy, his brother is a Vietnam era Veteran of The United States Navy, and their father was part of the Big Red 1 during WWII. “So, needless to say, I was brought up in a very patriotic, respect your elders and your Veterans kind of family,” Smith said. “I loved where I grew up in the county.”
The Veterans Ranch in Lakeland, Fla. is a local nonprofit that is Veteran ran and owned.
When Smith moved to Florida in 1999 and he met his fu ture wife, Pam. They were married in 2000. They both have a passion for horses and their country. “We were looking for something to do regarding the Veteran community,” Smith said. “We were pretty sure that we wanted it to be wrapped around an equine theme, but didn’t know how at that time.
By Libby Hopkins
The ranch was formed in 2017 with mission is to assist Veter ans and their families through horses known as equine ther apy. “It is our sole purpose in life to assist these great Ameri cans and their families to lay down heavy coats of burden and walk off as a new and improved version of themselves,” said J.R. Smith, Vice President of The Veterans Ranch.
A benefit of working with horses is the fact that humans and animals require no words to communicate. This opens up a line of communication that may not be breached were the Veteran trying to reach a traditional therapist. One unique aspect about working with horses is the way that these ani mals intuitively mirror feelings that a Veteran may be experi encing, whether or not they are aware of it. Horses are very empathetic and they may reflect sadness, angst, or discom fort back towards the person they that is working with them. “Equine therapy is an absolutely amazing thing to teach and watch,” Smith said. “It honestly is as therapeutic for us as it is the people that we are helping. We have taken Veterans who were from the Bronx and scared to death to even stand near a horse and have them go on multiple trail rides.”
Currently, Smith and his team use other people’s horses and facilities for their program. “It is a blessing to be able to be mobile right now and reach so many Veterans in and around Polk County,” Smith said. “We are working on getting our own ‘piece of dirt’ as we call it. If anyone is in a position to donate some land to the non-profit we would be eternally grateful and there would be a tax deduction in that for you as well.”
They have also just launched their affiliate ranch program. “What this does is instead of being a brand new nonprofit and one of the 50,000 plus that deal with Veterans, you can come under our umbrella and take advantage of all of the work that we have put in and the relationships that we have built over the last five years,” Smith said. “Within 10 counties counting Polk County is a little more than one third of the state’s 1.5 Million plus Veterans. We could place a lot of affiliates around here and be able to reach and assist even more Veterans on their journey of coming full circle.”
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If you would like to learn more about The Veterans’ Ranch, you can visit their website at www.theveteransranch.org or call 863-815-5896.
you and a horse is something that you will remember for a lifetime,” Smith said. Then you can take those lessons learned and apply them to your everyday life. We do all of this to do our part to help put an end to Veteran suicide.”
using bricks anymore unless they are first placed in a sealed plastic bag. Otherwise, your toilet will become filled with tiny brick fragments as it breaks down in the water. Some people use plastic bottles filled with water, rocks, or sand instead. In any case, the object must not obstruct the flushing or filling mechanisms and must displace water between the high and low fill lines.
WaterSense® is an EPA administered program to educate the public on water conservation and promote water saving prod ucts. A variety of products are certified by WaterSense®, in cluding toilets, urinals, showerheads, faucets, sprinklers, and irrigation system controllers. All products that have a Water Sense® label have been independently evaluated to ensure they use a minimum of 20% less water than the industry stan dard and yet still effectively operate.
By Beth Robertson Water Conservation Program Coordinator UF/IFAS Extension Polk County
Your utility can help Florida is facing a water shortage and the utilities of Polk Coun ty are working with their customers to make saving water eas ier. They are offering rebates up to $100 on new WaterSense® toilets to replace old toilets from before 1994 that use at least 3.5 gallons per flush. Your toilet should have the gallons used printed on it, sometimes inside the tank. If you can only find the toilet model number, this can often help determine the water used per flush.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.
An alternative to switching out your toilet for a more efficient one is to put something inside the tank to displace the wa ter. People have been putting bricks in their toilets for years to save water and money on utilities. We don’t recommend
Utilities are also offering free water conservation kits to their customers. WaterSense® certifies other products as well, including shower heads and aerators for sinks. These kits in clude one or two shower heads, two bathroom sink aerators, one kitchen sink aerator and toilet leak detection tablets. Used together, these can save more than twenty gallons per day. Other water saving programs utilities are providing include free rain sensors, landscape and irrigation evaluations, and rebates on smart irrigation controllers. To find out which programs your utility is participating in and your eligibility, contact them di rectly or go to SavePolkWater.org or contact UF/IFAS Exten sion Polk County at (863) 519-1041 or visit us online at http:// sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk.
YOU COULD BE FLUSHING MONEY DOWN THE TOILET
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Older homes have their charm, and they can often be pur chased for less than a newer one. However, maintaining them can be expensive, particularly when it comes to upgrading to today’s standards. A new toilet is one investment that will pay for itself quickly. If your home was built prior to 1994 and your toilets have not been replaced, they likely use between three and six gallons per flush. In comparison, new WaterSense® certified toilets, which comprise most of the market, use 1.28 gallons per flush.
Another way to waste considerable water is a leak between the toilet tank and the bowl. Curious if that’s the source of a leak in your home? Put a few drops of food coloring into your toilet tank. Wait about ten minutes and come back to see if there is any food coloring in the bowl. If so, you have a leak and will need to replace your toilet flapper. Be sure you flush away the food coloring to avoid staining your toilet.
Concerned about how well these new toilets work? Low-flow toilets have come a long way since the 90s, but you can verify that a toilet will remove solids well by looking at the MaP score. MaP is short for “maximum performance” and is a voluntary program in which toilets are tested to see how many grams of simulated waste - soybean paste and toilet paper - can be completely expelled in one flush. It is independent of any man ufacturer, so you can be assured that results are not biased towards one versus another. On the whole, MaP scores have been going up over time, averaging two and half times as high in 2017 as in the early 2000s. You can check out your prospec tive toilets at www.map-testing.com.
Think about how many times you use the toilet each day. Now multiply that over the course of a year. You can easily save thousands of gallons of water each year simply by changing out your toilet. Those gallons can add up to noticeable savings on your water and sewer bill over the long haul.
• Willard Scott was the first Ronald McDonald, in 1963.
• The “real” name of The Riddler in “Batman” is Edward Nigma (E. Nigma, get it?).
• President Rutherford B. Hayes had the first telephone put in the White House in 1877. It was installed by Alexander Graham Bell.
•A trip around the bases on a baseball diamond is the exact same distance as running the length of a football field, includ ing the end zones - 360 feet.
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• Lt. Thomas Selfridge, 26, was the first person killed in a plane crash (1908). Orville Wright was the pilot.
• In 1881, the United States had three different presidents: Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield and Chester A. Arthur.
“You dern fool,” said the 94 year old. “I’ll come up and see.” When she got half way up the stairs she paused. “Was I going up the stairs or down?”
I love the story of three elderly sisters, ages 92, 94 and 96, who shared a house together. One evening, the 96-year old sister went upstairs to take a bath. As she put her foot into the tub, she paused. Then she yelled down to the other two sisters and asked, “Was I getting in the tub or out?”
Some 15-year old girls decided to meet for dinner. They dis cussed where to eat and finally agreed on McDonald’s next to the Sea Side Restaurant because they only had $6.50 between them and Bobby Bruce, the cute boy in science class, lived on that street.Ten years later, the same girls, now 25-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because it had free snacks, there was no cover charge, the beer was cheap, the band was good and there were lots of cute guys.
Ten years later, the same girls, now 65-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because they had an Early Bird Special and the lighting was good.
There are signs that appear once you reach age 65. It takes longer to rest than it did to get tired. Your night out is sitting on the patio. Your back goes out more than you do.
Ten years later, the same girls, now 75-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the food wasn’t too spicy and it was handicapped accessible.
Ten years later, the same girlfriends, now 85, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the
Ten years later, the same girls, now 35, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the combos were good, it was near the gym and if they went late enough, there wouldn’t be many whiny little kids.
Ten years later, the same girls, now 45, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the martinis were big and the waiters wore tight pants and had nice buns.
Age 65
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The 92-year old sister was sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of tea and thought, “I hope I never get that forgetful, knock on wood.” She shook her head and called out, “I’ll be up to help you both as soon as I see who’s at the door.”
Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the September 2018 issue
Ten years later, the same girls, now 55-year-olds, discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally they agreed to meet at the Sea Side Restaurant because the prices were reasonable, it had windows which opened (in case of hot flashes), the wine list was good and fish was good for their cholesterol.
See ya’ later, alligator!
Sea Side Restaurant because they’d never been there before.
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We wake up from what surely has been just a short nap, and before we can say, well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle! or, this is a fine kettle of fish! We discover that the words we grew up with have vanished with scarcely a notice from our tongues and our pens and our keyboards.
Long gone: Pshaw, The milkman did it. Hey! It’s your nickel. Don’t forget to pull the chain. Knee high to a grasshopper. Well, Fiddlesticks! I’ll see you in the funny papers, and don’t take any wooden nickels.
We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley, and even a regular guy couldn’t accuse us of being a knucklehead, a nincompoop or a pill. Not for all the tea in China!
At this age we lose words of our youth. How long has it been since you have heard or used the phrase; “Heavens to Murg Wordsatroyd?”are gone as fast as the buggy ship. It’s really sad! The other day an elderly lady said something to her son about driving a Jalopy, and he looked at her and said, “What the heck is a Jalopy?”
Oh, my aching back. Kilroy was here, but he isn’t anymore.
Poof go the words of our youth, the words we’ve forgotten all left behind. We blink, and they’re gone. Where have all those phrases gone?
“You sound like a broken record” “Hung out to dry”
some expressions that have become obsolete be cause of the fast march of technology. These phrases include: “Don’t touch that dial” “Carbon copy”
Back in the olden days we had a lot of moxie. We’d put on our best bib and tucker to straighten up and fly right. Heavens to Betsy! Gee whillikers! Jumping Jehoshaphat! Holy moly!
Back in the olden days, life used to be swell, but when’s the last time anything was swell? Swell has gone the way of pageboys, knickers, fedoras, poodle skirts, saddle shoes and pedal pushers.
It turns out there are more of these lost words and expres sions than Carter has liver pills. To me this can be disturbing stuff!
Well, I trust that you will be “Hunky Dory” after you read this Herearticle.are
We of a certain age have been blessed to live in changing times. For a child each new word is like a shiny toy, a toy that has no age. We are at the other end of the page and have the advantage of remembering words that once did not exist and there were words that once were part of our vocabulary, and now are heard no more except in our memory. It’s one of the greatest advantages of aging.
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FDACS Signs Local Food Cooperative Agreement with USDA to Support Underserved Florida
By Jim Florida’sFrankowiakDepartment
of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has signed a $24.8 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Lo cal Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Pro gram (LFPA). The program provides grant funds to the FDACS Division of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness (FNW) to purchase and distribute locally grown, produced and processed food from underserved producers.
FDACS will use the $24.8 million grant to maintain and im prove Florida’s food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. The new program will focus on fostering long-term and instate relationships with an emphasis on small and under served producers to create sustainable market opportuni
ties for state producers and increase the amount of product distributed to underserved populations outside the normal food distribution network. By empowering local producers, the program will connect food banks, food pantries and other hunger-based organizations with new food sources to ad dress the unique food insecurity issues in their communities.
The LFPA program, authorized by the American Rescue Plan and administered by the USDA, is awarding funding through non-competitive cooperative agreements with state and trib al governments to support local, regional, and underserved producers through the purchase of food produced within the state or within 400 miles of delivery destination.
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SELECTED REFERENCES
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Vitamin A
How to Select and Store
• Sauté in butter or olive oil over low heat
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.whfoods.com https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/veg etables/
Choose fresh garlic scapes that are younger, green, curly, and free of soft spots or yellowing. Older scapes will be less tender with a spicier flavor, and will be tougher and straighter than younger stems. Scapes can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wash very well immedi ately before use. Cooked scapes can be refrigerated for up to two days. They may also be blanched and then frozen for later use.
Eating garlic scapes and other foods high in fiber can help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and help prevent atherosclerosis. Additionally, scapes contain both insoluble fiber that adds bulk and decreases constipation, and soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol levels.
Garlic is widely known as a popular, nutritious vegetable to add flavor to any dish. Did you know that garlic scapes, the green stems that grow from garlic bulbs, are also edible and delicious? Garlic scapes can be found at farmers markets and some grocery stores. They are thin and curly green stems that look a lot like chives or grass, and young stems are ten der and mild in flavor, resembling the flavor of onions. Some describe the taste as mildly spicy and fresh, a mellow garlic flavor. On top of each scape is a bulging bud that is the un opened flower of the plant, and this is also edible. They can be eaten raw or sautéed in olive oil to add flavor to any dish. Use in salads, soups, dips, stir fries, and entrees. It’s beneficial to harvest garlic scapes if you are growing garlic, because cutting off the stems will allow more nutrition and resources to go towards growing big, flavorful bulbs.
• Add finely chopped scapes to salads or soups
• Add diced scapes to your favorite omelet or frittata recipe Enjoy the mellow, sweet flavor of Florida garlic scapes today.
How to enjoy
Fiber
More ways to enjoy garlic scapes:
Garlic scapes are very high in vitamin A, which plays a role in vision health and also acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds with the ability to neutralize free radicals, which are harmful by-products of metabolism that can lead to dis ease. Antioxidants may reduce the risk of some diseases, in cluding several forms of cancer.
Wash well under running water immediately before use. Gar lic scapes can be cut into two inch pieces and sautéed. They can also be finely chopped and added to cream cheese, but ter, mayonnaise for topping bread or bagels. Raw scapes are also delicious in salads or pureed to make pesto. Scapes can be added to soup or stew and pairs well with eggs, fish, pota toes, and casseroles.
• Use finely chopped scapes and sea salt to top buttered toast or bagels
By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
FLORIDA GARLIC SCAPES
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Garlic scapes, much like the garlic bulb, are highly nutritious and can help prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. They are low in calories and high in di etary fiber and vitamins A and C. They are loaded with vita mins and minerals and also contain antioxidant properties for only 30 calories per 100 gram serving.
By Tiffany Dale
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FIELD OF DREAMS KENDAL SHERROUSE
While Sherrouse always possessed an interest in agri culture and especially ranching, he also became inter ested in sports at a young age. He attended Lake Gib son High School and played baseball and soccer. He excelled in baseball and was offered a scholarship to play baseball at Warner University in 2005. “My career path or the path that I had planned for myself involved athletics, I was always into sports along with agricul ture,” said Sherrouse.
“Field of Dreams” is a term that can be used when thinking of Polk County native, Kendal Sherrouse. His Florida roots date back to 1834 in agriculture, and he is still in agriculture today. Sherrouse, a fifth generation Floridian, and fourth generation native in Polk County, is no stranger to a field. Beginning his life in pastures and fields with cattle and crops, to his success on the base ball field, and ultimately being led to a career in minis try, Sherrouse’s dreams and roots always lead back to his history being in the field of agriculture.
A Florida agriculture heritage dating back to the mid1800s, a college sports career, a career in sports infor mation, a love for the Lord that has carried him through the years, and a role managing KS Cattle LLC., are all things that will carry on the Sherrouse family legacy into the next generation. As Sherrouse and his family raise the next generation with an active role in the cattle operation, and as the kids spend their days at “Grandma Daycare” on the ranch, Sherrouse reflects on the love and appreciation of what was left from the genera tions before him. “The ranch is where we will be until the good Lord calls us home. Cattlemen are caretakers and stewards of the land; taking care of God’s creation is a privilege we take seriously. I hope my kids and their kids can continue that legacy and further that vision for generations to come.”
Sherrouse believes the calling to ministry is lifelong, whether you’re being paid or not. “I love where I am and love what I get to do! I tell people all the time, it’s the greatest job I never knew I wanted,” said Sherrouse. He enjoys helping teenagers and young people navi gate life in today’s world with all that is going on around them and feels as if he serves in a vital role. “Pointing people to Jesus and watching them make much of Him with their life will always be one of the greatest joys I have ever experienced, and I don’t think you can just move on from that. I’d like to think I’ll be doing it for ever,” said Sherrouse.
While life was good with a career in sports and be ing part of the cattle operation, there was something in Sherrouse’s life that has always been a constant. His love for the Lord. Growing up in the church as a child, attending a Christian university, and being active in his church, it is evident that his faith is important to him. “In 2015, I felt the Lord really begin working on my heart, calling me in a different direction from my career as the Sports Information Director at Warner,” said Sherrouse.
Over a century later, the Sherrouse family is still living the ranch way of life. In May of 1987, Sherrouse was born on the family ranch, KS Cattle LLC., in Lakeland, Florida, and resides there today with his wife and three chil dren. “I grew up in the cow pens working cattle learning how to hold the leg of a young bull calf alongside my grandma, Joyce. My dad also grew watermelons for the majority of my middle school and high school years. To day, it’s all cattle as I work alongside my dad and broth er managing our cow/calf operation,” said Sherrouse.
While working at Warner University, Sherrouse and his wife Jennifer got married. Sherrouse and Jennifer met as students at Warner. The Sherrouse family has grown to include three beautiful children: Karson (7), Kolson (5), and Kamryn (1) and Sherrouse takes great pride in providing his children with the same opportunity to be raised on the ranch as he and those before him were. “My kids love the ranch life,” said Sherrouse. “If it’s a cow working day, you can bet those boys will be up and dressed well before me with their boots on and cowboy hats in hand.”
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The Sherrouse family has been involved in agriculture since the mid-1800s. “My great grandfathers began mi grating south into Florida and purchasing land to raise their families, raise cattle and grow vegetables. My great, great, great grandfather bought 40 acres of land in the Kathleen area of Polk County near Ross Creek in 1870. Then, in 1878, he moved his homestead to a 40acre piece of land he purchased on what is now Sher rouse Road in North Lakeland,” said Sherrouse.
Sherrouse has possessed a lifelong passion for helping youth. While in his mind he thought it would be through the coaching world, but with his background in agricul ture, and pastoral position, he has been asked to speak at various ag functions whether it be giving the invoca tion before a steer show or handling announcing du ties at different livestock shows in our area. Therefore, bringing his life full circle to a field of dreams connect ing agriculture, his faith, sports, and youth.
Since Sherrouse and Jennifer were married in 2011, they were attending and actively involved with the student ministry at Bethel Baptist Church. They decided this would be where they would attend and serve. In 2015, the youth pastor at the church left, and Sherrouse was asked to step into a more consistent role volunteering with the youth. “That was where the Lord really got my attention, and it has led to one of the greatest adven tures of my life,” said Sherrouse. He joined the staff at Bethel Baptist Church in January 2016 and will begin his eighth year in 2023.
Upon graduating from Warner University with a Bach elor of Arts in Sport Management, Sherrouse was of fered a position at Warner University in the athletics department, specifically the sports communication de partment. During that time, Sherrouse was completing his Master of Business Administration through Warner University and was hired as the Sports Information Di rector at Warner University. Sherrouse felt as if he had landed a dream job being able to study athletics and then discuss them.
U.S. DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE
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By Jim Frankowiak
The announcement includes up to $300 million for “Increasing Land, Capital and Market Access” Projects aimed at helping underserved producers. This Notice of Funding Opportunity is seeking partner organizations for projects that increase access to land, capital and markets. Projects should be innovative and help move underserved producers from surviving to thriving. Projects must focus on strengthening land access with at least one of the following related areas of concern: capital access concerns that affect the ability to access land; market access concerns that affect the ability to access land; or a combination of one or more of land, capital and market access concerns. The deadline for applications is October 28, 2022. More infor mation is available at: grants.gov.
USDA Announces New Program forUnderserved, Minority Farmers
Also, $250 million has been designated for the “From Learn ing to Leading Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals” program to create career devel opment opportunities for next gen scholars at minority-serving Institutions. USDA is committed to not only hiring, developing and advancing a workforce that truly reflects America’s rich and diverse characteristics, but also to creating a workplace environment that is inclusive so that everyone can rise to their highest potential and flourish in supporting our mission. The need for growing the next generation of professionals is timely and important. This competitive funding opportunity is aimed at attracting, inspiring, and retaining diverse and talented stu dents at eligible minority-serving institutions for careers in food, agriculture and related disciplines, with an emphasis on federal government sector employment. Eligible applicants are 1890 land-grant institutions, 1994 land-grant institutions, Alaska Native-serving institutions, Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, certified Hispanic-serving institutions and Insular Area institutions of higher education located in the U.S. terri tories. The deadline for applications is October 25, 2022. Visit: grants.gov for full details.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced up to $550 million in funding to support projects that enable un derserved producers to access land, capital and markets and train the next, diverse generation of agricultural professionals.
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Over 150 Farm Bureau members and agriculture industry sup porters gathered as Governor Ron DeSantis visited Dover to ac cept the endorsement of the Florida Farm Bureau FarmPAC. The event opened with a welcome from Dennis Carlton Jr. who serves as the President of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. Steve Johnson, Vice President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation also spoke before Jeb Smith, President of Florida Farm Bureau introduced Governor DeSanitis and shared numerous stories of the Governor’s support for Florida’s agriculture industry.
GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS VISITS DOVER
Governor DeSantis spoke to not only what his team has achieved, but their commitment to the state of Florida during his race for a second term. DeSantis also commented on how proud he is of our agriculture industry and the diversity in the crops produced. Governor DeSantis stated that agriculture is a “huge part of the lifeblood of our state and the character of our state.”
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“Governor DeSanitis recognizes that agriculture is a pillar, a cor nerstone of our state’s economy and we appreciate all he does for our industry” said Carlton Jr. “We are truly appreciative to know that Governor DeSantis stands by Farmers and Ranchers.”
By Kaylee Poppell
For those not familiar, the Florida FarmPAC is Florida Farm Bu reau Federation’s political action committee. Funded exclusively by Farm Bureau members, FarmPAC provides support for proagriculture candidates who value Florida Agriculture and will support Farm Bureau’s legislative agenda. Each FarmPAC contri bution is approved by the Florida Farm Bureau Board.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 2022 33 PAGE In 2021, investedMosaicover $3.56MinNorthAmericatoaddressfoodinsecurityandhunger.MONTHHUNGERSEPTEMBERwww.mosaicfloridaphosphate.comISACTION
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COMINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 202234PAGE Pre Registration Required by October 11th. Overview & Benefits of BQA CattleCertificationBehavior & Handling Injection Site Techniques & TransportationHandling Safety Record EnvironmentalKeepingStewardship Register online at https://2022bqafieldday.eventbrite.com or scan the QR code CERTIFICATION FIELD DAY Thoughtful, responsible cattle management Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) does more than just help beef producers capture more value from their market cattle: BQA also reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they assure their market steers, heifers, cows, and bulls are the best they can be SUNNY ACRES LODGE 7290 HACIENDA TRL POLK CITY, FL Saturday, October 15, 2022 9AM-3PM Topics: EARN BQA CERTIFICATION Registration by October 11, $10 Late registration (after October 11 and at the door) $20. Registration includes lunch and print materials. Attendees must attend the entire program to receive BQA Certification (included in registration) An Equal Opportunity Institution For more information, contact Bridget Stice at (863) 588-2697 or bccarlis@ufl.edu
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Mar keting Service (AMS) has awarded more than $4 million for administration by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for 23 projects under the AMS Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). This funding supports farmers growing specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts and nursery crops.
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $25 million for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Trials program.
in most USDA programs, agricultural producers agree to comply with wetland conservation provisions, which means producers will not farm converted wetlands or convert wetlands to enable agricultural production. In situations where avoidance or on-site mitigation is challenging, the Farm Bill al lows for off-site mitigation through the purchase of mitigation banking credits. Proposals are being accepted from eligible entities through Grants.gov by Oct. 10, 2022.
UF Ranked #4Ag Sciences Schoolin America
NEWS BRIEFS
The grants will be used to fund projects that support the spe cialty crop industry by enhancing food safety, investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on con servation and environmental outcomes, developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops and improving strategies for pest and disease control. In addition, some proj ects will focus on increasing child and adult nutrition knowl edge and consumption of specialty crops and improving ef ficiency and reducing costs of produce distribution systems.
FDACS Receives More Than $4 Million for Specialty Crop Block Grants
Toprograms.participate
Niche, a Pittsburgh-based data science company that serves as a review and search platform for education recently up dates its statistics and compiled a list of “2023 Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America.” The University of Florida was ranked No. 4.
The National FFA Organization has an nounced a record-high student mem bership of 850,823, an increase of 15 percent from last year. In addition, the number of chapters has increased by 178, resulting in a total of 8,995 chap ters in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
PLANT CITY GARDEN LAUNCHES WEEKLY PETITE MARKET
The ranking compares the top agricultural science degree programs in the U.S. including animal sciences, horticulture, aquaculture, agronomy, crop science and turf management.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) im plements the program in which partners work to address wa ter quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. The On-Farm Trials initiative supports widespread adoption an evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partner ship with agricultural producers. More information is available on the NRCS website: nrcs.usda.gov.
AG-VENTURE AWARD RECOGNIZED IN AFBF NEWS
FFA Sets Record-High Membership
The organization currently has more than 132,700 Latino members, over 47,000 Black members and more than 13,000 American Indian and Alaskan native members.
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau’s Ag-Venture in a Box was featured as one of 18 County Activities of Excellence Award recipients in the American Farm Bureaus “News” distributed nationally. Ag-Venture in a Box was created and implemented due to COVID-19 and the cancellation of in-person field trips to the Florida State Fair, a learning event that had been tak ing place for more than 20 years prior to the pandemic. HCFB filmed eight stations that featured presenters teaching about commodities. Videos featured a tropical aquaculture lab, a tree farm, strawberry field and dairy farm. In addition to the videos, Ag-Venture in a Box provided hands-on classroom ac tivities for each video.
USDA Accepting Grant Applications for CIG On-Farm Trials
The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $5 million in the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP), supporting the development of mitigation banks for use by agricultural producers seeking to maintain eligibility for USDA
The Plant City Garden is launching its Saturday morning su per-fresh, petite market at the garden September 24th from 8 – 11 a.m. and Saturdays thereafter. Initially, the Garden will offer Choose-Your-Own Aquaponic lettuce, freshly snipped herbs, microgreens, longevity spinach, eggplant, smoked salt and possibly papaya and other local vegetables grown using organic methods. The Garden is located at 2001 East Cherry Street in Plant City.
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USDA Invests $5 Million in Wetland Mitigation Banking Program
There’s lots of history to soak in around Cedar Key. It’s rec ognized as Florida’s second oldest town, and President Her bert Hoover created the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge, which you generally can’t visit, but are allowed to on the Sat urday of the Festival. There’s a shuttle boat from downtown to take you there, and you can even tour the lighthouse, still standing but not shining since it was turned off in 1915. For information, updates and more details search online a •www.cedarkey.orgOctober28-31
While it’s called the Sarasota Chalk Festival, it’s actually held at the Venice Airport Fairgrounds. For information and FAQ’s, you’ll find them at www.chalkfestival.org
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“When are you coming back?” I asked. “I’m not,” he said!
For many people around here, those are three of the most welcome words they hear all year. There’s excitement in the air when temperatures start dipping.
ticketed experiences as well. You can find the details at •www.island-hopper.fortmyers-sanibel.comOctober1-2
He was kidding (I think), but his temptation was real. Then again, he knows how good things can be around here this time of year; and later in the conversation he admitted as Here’ssuch.
Music lovers of all ages and genres will revel at this popular event. It runs over 10 days so that the musical goodness can spill over into three separate locations.
• September 16-25 - As good as even the thought of fall feels to many, some seem to hate parting with the “chill” of sum mer. If you long to stretch out the sizzling season just a bit longer, the annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is where you should head.
Still it’s a marked change, and you can just feel it in the air.
- Cyclists love to spin through the hilly area of central Florida. One of the biggest draws this time of year is found in Mount Dora, where for the 48th year bicycle riders will converge on this quaint Florida community near Orlando for the Cycle Mount Dora Festival.
some Fall Festivals you might ponder and plan on. All are relatively close by, too, which means you can get there and back all in the same day.
- If you love seafood, and particularly stone crab, tackle your appetite with a special Fall Festival com bined with a seafood feast. There’s likely none better than Cedar Key Seafood Festival. Planned for the start of stone crab season makes it the middle of October, which means it should also have some of that much anticipated chill in the air and otherwise perfect weather.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, just get out there and enjoy it. After all, it’s Fall y’all!
The festival scatters from Captiva Island on the first weekend, serenades around downtown Fort My ers during the week, and wraps up with a weekend on Fort Myers Beach. Most of the music is free, but there are some
It’s Fall Y’all!
At the end of August, I called a friend just to check on him and he answered his traveling cellphone in Cashiers, North Carolina. There, the weather had already turned to pre-fall, reportedly feeling then just like it does now here in Florida.
You can check it out for more information at •www.www.cyclemountdora.comOctober16-17
Okay, so the thermometer screams that it’s sliding only to the low 70’s; but still that’s a dip!
by John Dicks | Photo by iStock
- For an experience that’s totally unique, head south to the Sarasota Chalk Festival. It promotes itself as featuring the most 3D pavement paintings ever created in one location! These 3D illusions make the road surface ap pear to dip inward and rise upward as the artists paint intri cate, interactive designs. Generally, they range in size from 12 to 100 feet, and take an average 3-8 days to finish.
John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned a Blue berry 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.
When Fall slips in, the calendar counts down to a return of routine; kids back in school, vacations are over, shorter days and longer nights.
It’s expected to attract more than 1,000 cyclists or all ages and abilities who will converge to take part in various rides of all manner and skill sets. Thousands more will congregate in the area just to watch and mingle and enjoy being outdoors in this picturesque town.
Then, too, there’s the fall foliage, painting its pictures filled with vivid reds, orange, and yellows. Even if a trip to the moun tains to the see the autumn colors is out of the cards, an early morning walk feels a bit cooler and makes the air somehow seem a little lighter.
THE Annual Termite & Pest Control Frank Favuzza Jr. Owner Operator Free Inspections • Free Estimates (863) 968-0292 (863) 422-0881 (863) 802-0550 (863) 298-0666 (813) 752-7775 Cattle • Truck Farming • Citrus • Game Hunting We Support Agriculture. 1401 Sam Keen Road Lake, Wales, FL 33853 863.692.1013 Yelson 813-753-7296Sanchez(TTY:711) Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. YSanchez17@careplus-hp.com Questions about MEDICARE? I can help! Call your licensed CarePlus sales agent TODAY!
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Horse owners from around the state are invited to learn the latest science-based information on horse care at the Flor ida Equine Institute and Allied Trade Show. The event of fers seminars with hands-on demonstrations from UF/IFAS equine science experts.
WHERE: Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, 2232 Northeast Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470
are available for students and Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association members. Vendors interested in the tradeshow should contact Caitlin Bainum at cbainum@ufl.edu.
WHAT: UF/IFAS Florida Equine Institute and Allied Trade Show, a full-day, in-person event with educational seminars, live animal demonstrations and a trade show
WHO: UF/IFAS Extension Central Florida Livestock Agents Group and equine industry partners from around the state
For the full event schedule or to purchase tickets, visit the event website at equine-institute-allied-trade-show-tickets-309901462617.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/floridaCapacity is limited, so interested attendees are encouraged to register Discountedearly.tickets
By Tory Moore
WHEN: Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HORSE NUTRITION, ulcer care and more hot topics at annual UF/IFAS Florida Equine Institute and Allied Trade Show
This publication is supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award U2FFD007446 totaling $1,166,732 with 100 percent funded by FDA/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by FDA/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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Ag-Crimes often works alongside of the Aviation Unit, con sisting of an aviation supervisor and seven pilots, and the En vironmental and Marine Unit, which is made up of a sergeant, two Marine Patrols, and three Environmental Officers.
That’s the wide-angle view… so let’s take a closer look at the team.
For this program, we partner with property owners to be our eyes and ears in the community, as well as provide you with “No Trespassing By Order Of the Sheriff” signs which assist deputies in locating property owners during investigations and to help ward-off would-be trespassers.
298-6200 or 863-534-7205, and request an Ag Crimes deputy if you need assistance with a crime that is unique to the agri cultural community.
rural areas, and are respon sible for the upkeep and the operation of our specialty equipment, all of which are essential tools needed to navigate Polk’s rural areas and waterways, and to keep Polk County safe.
If you’d like to participate, call one of those numbers men tioned above, and we’ll get things rolling.
Their main office is located at the Bartow Airbase at the PCSO hangar. That of course is where we keep our aircraft.
The sergeant over Ag-Crimes is Tim Sanders. He’s been the sergeant there for nearly three years, but he has served as a detective in several different units over a span of about 15
We also house our water craft, specialty and heavyduty equipment, trailers, and mobile command units there.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PCSO AG-CRIMES UNIT
Our Ag-Deputies are the best in the business. They possess many years of ex perience in –wheneverTheythefts,mischief,livestock,including:agricultural-relatedinvestigatingcrimes,crimesagainstag-thefts,criminaltrespassing,metaletc.areavailabletoyouyouneedthemjustgiveusacallat863-
The lieutenant over Ag-Crimes is Paul Wright. He’s led the team for about three years now, but has served in the unit as an Ag-Crimes deputy for about six years and then spent another three years as a sergeant with the team, so he’s had plenty of experience there.
Rest assured that while you are sleeping at night, we are out there looking for the bad guys and preventing them from hurting you, your family, your property, and your livelihood.
Tim Sanders
Many of you are quite fa miliar with the Polk County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Unit (or Ag Crimes if you want to be a little less for mal). The team is a part of the Support Services Sec tion, in the PCSO Bureau of Support Operations.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COMINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 202240PAGE
By Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff
These dedicated members are responsible for serving the cit izens of Polk County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are the subject matter experts on crimes that are committed in
While Polk County doesn’t have nearly as much agricultural land and businesses that it once had, we still have a large role in citrus and beef cattle production, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to preventing and solving crimes that occur within our agricultural community.
If you don’t already participate in our “Agricultural Watch” pro gram, I highly recommend you consider it.
Paul Wright Jr.
Theyears.rest of the unit is made up of nine full-time Ag Crimes deputies, a part-time Ag Crimes deputy, a Sheriff’s Service Of ficer, and the support of the clerical staff – a full-time secre tary and part-time clerical assistant.
A Closer Look by Sean Green | Photos by April Green
The Latin name Rana catesbeiana has been around for a long time and is what scientist call the American bullfrog. In 2006 it was determined that the genus Rana was a collection of several genera and it was proposed that the American bull frog be moved into the genus Lithobates, a subgenus of Rani dae, the true frogs. The name proposed is derived from litho(stone) and the Greek bates (to tread), means one who treads on stone. The subdivisions of the Ranidae are still a matter of dispute but gaining acceptance and will remain volatile until the results of more investigation can refine taxonomic de scription. For most of us, we can get by just calling it a bullfrog and most people understand what we are talking about. The bullfrog is North America’s largest frog and can reach lengths of eight inches and close to two pounds. A frog of this size folks can and HAS been known to eat young snakes, crawfish, other frogs, and even small birds.
Although the native range is the eastern United States, there are now thousands of natural occurrences of the bullfrog
worldwide that continue to spread. Exportation of live frogs began early in the 20th century for their commercial value to biological supply houses, fish bait suppliers, the pet trade, and pond landscapers and even as a human food source. Un fortunately, when introduced to environments outside their natural range, the bullfrog can quickly become invasive, even in North America. In fact, bullfrogs are listed on the IUCN’s list of 100 worst invasive species (Lowe et al. 2000). Conse quently, there are no initiatives required to conserve this spe cies; eradication is in now the greater conservation concern. The good news is, these frogs are very good to eat. It may sound cliché, but the texture and flavor of well done frog legs is much like tiny chicken wings of white meat. Considered fine dining in many parts of the world, frog legs are typically as sociated with French cuisine, but quickly became a southern tradition in North America. If you have never experienced eat ing frog legs, look for local restaurants that typically serve up southern cuisine and seafood and treat yourself to a meal you will never forget.
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Frogs and children have a long and endearing history togeth er. Games in which our children mimic frogs have endured thousands of years. Classic literature is filled with fantastic stories of stately and magical frogs. For many children, the frog was one of our first pets, welcomed or not. Catching frogs was a natural transition from lizards that preceded snakes. If you were anything like me, you already knew a few of them by name before they offered them up in school biology class es. Now as many of us have gotten older, the fascination with frogs may have turned to their value for fishing, or perhaps an appreciation for the distinct biological characteristics of both native and exotic species. For many of us here in the south, the nighttime song of frogs has a romantic appeal. You may think it sounds funny, but it’s no secret that frog legs make a delicious meal, and if you are lucky enough to find a mate that will go trudging through the swamps at night with you to gather enough frogs for a home cooked meal, well, rest assured, you found the right one. But enough of the details, the point is, frogs are important to all of us in so many ways, it’s time we took a closer look. This month we will feature the classic American Bullfrog, a frog that truly brings “Joy to the World” …. Despite an occasional Three Dog Night.
If you are adventurous, bullfrogs are abundant, and easy to catch. You will find these beauties in permanent ponds lakes, rivers, ditches, and swamps. They can be found in small quan tities during the day, but the bullfrog is a nocturnal species and that is where the fun begins. There are few hiking trips you will ever take that equal the excitement of sloshing through knee high swamp at night with little more than a frog gig and a headlamp. You tolerate the mosquitoes for the adventure and the reward is delicious. Even if you do not eat frog legs, there are ways to capture the frogs without injuring it for an equally satisfying educational experience and release to the wild. Through September will be when metamorphosis can be witnessed in the wild. Those that are in their final stages of metamorphosis are going on two years old and have survived tremendous odds. Regardless of where your interest may lie in your frog adventure, one thing you can honestly say if you do go out looking for frogs is that you spent the night chas ing an army through the swamp. A group of frogs is called an “army” of frogs, just some silly trivia fun. Go ahead, take a closer look, and enjoy yourself out there.
American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Two years later, the fabrication skills present at Grove Equip ment Manufacturing led to the formation of 4D, a company which created artistic signage for shopping malls. “We were fortunate to sell our signs to malls as far away as Hawaii and Vermont, as well as other locations,” said David. In 2002, the McKeeman’s sold their holdings in Alturas and moved to their current location on State Road 60 east of Bartow. They pur chased that location in 2005.
David and his wife Patty’s son Robby graduated from Flagler College with a business degree in 2010. He agreed to join the family business and has been instrumental in its growth. Mar ried to Morgan, Robby and his wife have two children, Layla, 12; and Rowan, 5. “They, hopefully, represent the fourth gen eration of the McKeeman family to be involved in the busi ness,” said Robby.
“FMCService.”had
GROVE EQUPMENT SERVICE CELEBRATING 50 YEARS
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Bartow 5905 State Rd. 60 East
Theing.”
By Jim Frankowiak
Plant City 908 E. Baker St.
Throughout the history of Grove Equipment, the constant fo cus of the company has been its simple mission statement “to make a fair profit by providing high quality products and ser vice in an ethical, friendly, honest and helpful manner.” That
“Robby has been primarily responsible for the exponential growth of our company since he joined us,” said David. “He bought the company in January of this year and that has en abled me to reduce my involvement and bring my retirement so much closer.”
McKeeman family moved to Florida from Ft. Wayne, In diana. “My dad worked various auto mechanic jobs until the late 1960s when he took a job as field after sales support for FMC/John Bean based out of the Orlando/Winter Park area,” said David. FMC had been factory direct with sales and ser vice, but in 1972 they started a dealer network. Dad had es tablished a good relationship with most citrus growers and leveraged that as he formed and began Grove Equipment
In the late 1980s, the McKeeman family began Grove Equip ment Manufacturing for the production of specialized citrus equipment used for the application of herbicides, fertilizer, topping and hedging. Grove Equipment began its presence in Plant City in 1992. “A dealership was closing and I visited the location to see about purchasing assets for our Polk County store,” said David. “That led to the opening of our Plant City store as I saw the potential beyond the purchase of assets from the closing dealership.”
Old Alturas Facilities from 1972-2002
Grove Equipment Service Inc. is celebrating its 50th year of “superior service and selection” with a strong outlook for the future. Founded in Alturas, Florida in 1972, the company was established by Robert “Bob” McKeeman, his wife Erma, their son David and a mechanic. “Dad started dabbling in FMC/ John Bean sprayer parts sales and service about the time I graduated from high school in 1971,” said David. “He officially started Grove Equipment Service in 1972 as he saw the po tential in becoming part of a dealer network FMC was start
over 80 percent market share of the sprayers in the citrus industry at that time and Grove Equipment quickly had 80 percent of that 80 percent,” noted David. While the citrus industry represented the majority of Grove Equipment’s busi ness initially, it has gradually evolved and now includes road side mowing contractors, cattle ranchers, strawberry grow ers, land management companies and entities involved in site preparation, as well as citrus growers. The Grove Equipment mix of products now includes tractors, Bobcat utility vehicles, Bad Boy and Bobcat zero turn lawn mowers, Durand Way land and John Bean Sprayers, Ansung/Terra Force, Athens, Bush Hog, Mahindra, Trail Blazer, Titan, Lane Shark and Bob cat implements and Triple Crown and Bigfoot trailers. The mix of tractors includes the brands Mahindra, Massey Fergusson, Bobcat and Antonio Carraro. The company also offers rental equipment such as tractors, material handling equipment, mowers and various attachments/implements.
coupled with loyal customers and employees have been keys to our success,” said David. While each Grove Equipment em ployee is valued by David and Robby, they are particularly ap preciative of the service of Plant City Manager Alvie Still and his wife, Ann.
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As a token of its appreciation, Grove Equipment is a strong supporter of various community initiatives such as youth sports teams, FFA chapters, the Orange Blossom Revue, youth fairs, “Jeepin with Judd” (the Polk County Sheriff’s Of fice event) and judging various tractor driving competitions to name a few.
Three Generations of Ownership David, Bob and Robby McKeeman
Both David and Robby feel good about the future. “We be lieve the market will stay strong, especially in the rural lifestyle segment,” they said. “We will continue to invest in providing top quality service. eCommerce is a major threat to any re tail dealership/storefront. The thing they will never be able to provide is service. We feel this is where we can separate ourselves from the competition. New school ideas with old school Congratulationsvalues.”
“The Still’s are a wonderful couple that is very important to us,” noted David. “Ann is not an employee, but she devotes so much of her time to us both during and outside of business hours, we can’t thank her enough.”
Grove Equipment!
MANAGEMENT SEMINAR PASTURE & GRAZING management strategies to help utilize pastures more efficiently thursday, September 29, 2022 6 pm - 8 pm hillsborough county cattlemen's association building 6404 S County Rd 39 plant city, fl 33567 r$10 egistraton includes educational materials and supper Join us! register Now at https://bit.ly/pastureseminar
AGAZINE.COM INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 2022 45 PAGE For More Information Please Contact Dave: 863-559-3266 Office: 863-665-5088 cattlemenslivestockauction.com Fall Heifer & Cow Sale October 28, 2022 at 1 pm Expecting 300 +/EHD xpecting 300 +/- HD Quality Crossbred Replacement Cattle (Bred-Open-Pairs) Located at 3305 Hwy 92 E Lakeland, FL 33801 CONSIGNMENTS ONLY (FOR CONSIGNMENT INFORMATION PLEASE CALL!)
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WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COMINTHEFIELD MAGAZINE September 202246PAGE TRADE • BUY • SELL? Since 2004 In The Field has andHillsboroughbeenPolkCountys #1 Agriculture Magazine. Call Us at 813-759-6909 to place your Ad Today!
Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today!
Prices begin at $1,750 Call Alive 813-759-8722
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Scratch and dent shower stalls - fiberglass perfect for hunting camps. $150 you pick! Call us! 813-752-3378
Sickle bar mower. Good condition and ready to work. $1,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
GC1723EB tractor-loader-backhoe. 22.5hp, 4x4, 83 hours, warranty. Very good condition. $17,500 Call today and ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
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No upcharge. House & Mobile Home.
Citrus packing house equipment for sale. Mikey Fertilizer Spreader, two wind machines. Call 863-324-2833
Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. For blueberry farms, six yard, PTO drive need at least a 30hp tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details.
FARM EQUIPMENT
FIVE GOATS FOR SALES
Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378
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I4 POWER EQUIPMENT
770 2 wd tractor with 5' mid mount mower. $5,650 ask for Alvie. 813-759-8722
2015 MAHINDRA 3016
PARTS COUNTER HELP
Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. Plant City 813-752-4459
We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.
Bread warmer, chrome trim. You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378
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Tractor with loader, 30hp,4x4, HST transmission. 180 hours. $15,500 Call Alvie today! 813-759-8722
All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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2016 MASSEY FERGUSON 2606H 65hp, 2wd grading tractor with Bush Hog RBX780 box blade. 178 hours. $29,500 Call Avie 813-759-8722
CABINETS
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. 813-643-7173www.cogginsplumbing.com
MECHANIC NEEDED
NEW, USED & ABUSED.
Wanted for parts look up and sales. Experience in the agriculture equipment service. Speak with Alvie. 813-759-8722
Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
USED BALDOR-RELIANCE
Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES
1 older billy. 1 billy less than a year old. 3 breeding females. Selling altogether. Price negotiable. Call John 813-295-1216
FOR RENT
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All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Custom made to your size. Call Chris 813-752-3378
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. 813-737-16602805evergladesfarmequipment.comSR60West,PlantCity
42" cut. Good condition! $900.00 Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
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Info@inthefieldmagazine.comClassifieds Tel: 813.759.6909
Used 7.5 HP pump motor and 119 gal. hold ing-tank. Call LLCA 813-382-8382
Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345 or Alvie 813-759-8722
FREE Wooden Shipping Pallets
SHOWER STALLS - FIBERGLASS
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We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & Repair. Legendary service for over20 years! 813-752-0821
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
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We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577
METAL ROOFING
Barn doors starting at $80.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378
OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE
Many standard sizes in stock.
USED ZERO TURN MOWERS
Lawn tractor with 48" deck. Bagging system included. In good con $995.00dition. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
Tillcom.next month, Buchanon
Leslie
appy Fall y’all! With summer slowly coming to an end and the kids getting back in the school routine, we know it’s time to get ready for the next season. Whether you’re baling hay, mending fence, or getting those cull cows ready to go to the market in a few months, we know all too well that even though the days are getting shorter, the to-do list is getting longer.
Polk CattlewomenCounty President
Our meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 in the Valencia Room at the Bartow Ag Complex. We continue to have a virtual option for those who would like to attend virtually. Be sure and check us out on Facebook and Instagram for more updates. If you’d like information about meetings, membership, or upcoming events don’t hesitate to reach out to me at BuckLD96@gmail.
• October 20: UF/IFAS Extension Cattle Management for Women
Polk County Cattle Women
Here are some upcoming events to keep in mind as we enter this busy time of year.
• September 15 & 16: FCA Fall Quarterly Meeting
If you haven’t already heard, UF/IFAS, in partnership with Cattlemen’s Livestock Market, is offering a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Field Day on Saturday, October 15 at Sunny Acres Lodge. Certification through the BQA program helps you to learn more about thoughtful, responsible cattle management. I am not aware of this certification opportunity being held lo cally in quite some time, so this is a perfect time to get certified!
• October 1: FCW Ranch Tour
H
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It was so great to see everyone at our September meeting! It felt so good to see so many smiling faces ready to carry-on the work of our organization.
• September 23 & 24: 2022 Ranch Rodeo Finals & Cowboy Heritage Festival
• October 15: Beef Quality Assurance Certification Field Day
• October 22: Polk County Youth Fair Fundraiser
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